JP2019025090A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible for a manger to recognize a replacement of a control board.SOLUTION: A game machine includes first control means (80) for holding identification information and second control means (90, 100) for holding reference information capable of discriminating specific first control means from the identification information. The first control means outputs the identification information to the second control means, and the second control means collates the identification information outputted from the first control means with the reference information to determine whether or not the first control means that outputted the identification information is the specific first control means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

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

  It is known that a gaming machine has a plurality of control boards such as a main control board, a sub control board, and an image control board (for example, see Patent Document 1). The gaming machine is controlled variously by the plurality of control boards. For example, the main control board makes a determination as to whether or not the start condition is satisfied, performs symbol variation control according to the result of the determination, and transmits various information such as the result of the determination to the sub-control board. . The sub control board determines execution of various effects based on information transmitted from the main control board, and controls the control board such as the image control control board to execute various effects.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-27902

  However, there is a possibility that the control board such as the main control board, the sub control board, or the image control board may be replaced without permission from the administrator. If the control board is exchanged in such a way that the administrator does not know, fraud may be executed and a disadvantage may be caused to the player, or a maintenance and management of the gaming machine may be troubled. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technique that enables an administrator to recognize the replacement when the control board is replaced in this way.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which an administrator can recognize replacement of a control board.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following application examples. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses and supplementary explanations in this column show the correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention at all. .

[Application Example 1]
First control means (80) for holding identification information;
Second control means (90, 100) for holding reference information capable of discriminating a specific first control means from the identification information;
With
The first control means outputs identification information to the second control means,
The second control unit compares the identification information output from the first control unit with reference information, and determines whether or not the first control unit that has output the identification information is the specific first control unit. ,
A gaming machine (1) characterized by that.

[Application Example 2]
If the second control means determines that the first control means that has output the identification information is not the specific first control means, a notification suggesting that the first control means or the second control means has been replaced A notification means (7) for executing
The gaming machine according to application example 1, wherein

[Application Example 3]
If the second control means determines that the first control means that has output the identification information is the specific first control means, it indicates that the first control means or the second control means has not been replaced. A notification means (7) for performing notification to
The gaming machine according to application example 1 or application example 2.

[Application Example 4]
The first control means outputs identification information to the second control means at power-on,
The second control unit executes the collation between the identification information output from the first control unit and the reference information when the power is turned on.
The gaming machine according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 3, which is characterized in that.

[Application Example 5]
The second control means can execute a predetermined effect based on an instruction from the first control means,
The second control unit is capable of executing the predetermined effect based on an instruction from the first processing unit that receives the identification information output from the first control unit and the first processing unit, and from the identification information Second processing means for holding reference information capable of discriminating a specific first control means,
The first processing means outputs the identification information received from the first control means to the second processing means,
The second processing means collates the identification information output from the first processing means with reference information, and determines whether or not the first control means that has output the identification information is the specific first control means. ,
The gaming machine according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 4, which is characterized in that.

[Application Example 6]
The first processing means holds first identification information that can identify the first processing means, and outputs the first identification information to the second processing means,
The second processing means holds first reference information, which is reference information capable of discriminating a specific first processing means from the identification information, and the first identification information output from the first processing means. And the first reference information to determine whether the first processing means that has output the identification information is the specific first processing means,
The gaming machine according to application example 5, wherein

  According to the present invention, the manager can recognize the replacement of the control board of the gaming machine.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a disassembled perspective view of a gaming machine frame. It is a front view of a game board. It is an enlarged view of the 1st big winning device and the 2nd big winning device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detail of a 1st big prize apparatus. It is an enlarged view of display devices. It is a front view of the game board which shows the state which the board movable body operated. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure by the side of the main control board of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure by the side of the sub control board of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure by the side of a frame relay board | substrate of a game machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining details of an EEP-ROM included in each of a main control board 80, a sub control board 90, and an image control board 100. It is a flowchart of a main control main process. It is a flowchart of a power-on process. It is a flowchart of a main side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of a power-off monitoring process. It is a flowchart of an abnormality process. It is a flowchart which shows a sub control main process. It is a flowchart which shows an identification information transmission / reception process. It is a flowchart of a sub-side timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. It is a flowchart of a power-on command reception process. It is a flowchart of a power recovery command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows an image control main process. It is a flowchart which shows a control board exchange determination process. It is a figure which shows the replacement | exchange determination table used by control board replacement | exchange determination. It is a figure for demonstrating the display based on a control board exchange determination result. It is a figure for demonstrating the display based on a control board exchange determination result.

1. Structure of gaming machine The structure of the gaming machine 1 as one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine frame 50. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the first big prize device 31 and the second big prize device 36. In the following description, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described in accordance with the left-right direction viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1. The forward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as a direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player, and the backward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as a direction from the player toward the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that launches a game ball based on a player's launch operation and pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the player when the game ball wins a specific winning device. is there. The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 50 and a gaming board 2, and the gaming board 2 is attached to the inside of the gaming machine frame 50 (FIGS. 1 to 3). The gaming machine frame 50 includes an outer frame 51, an inner frame 52, and a front frame 53 (FIG. 2). The outer frame (base frame portion) 51 is a vertical rectangular frame that forms the outer portion of the gaming machine. The inner frame 52 is a vertical rectangular unit arranged inside the outer frame 51, and the game board 2 is attached to a hollow area. The front frame (front frame portion) 53 is a vertical rectangular unit arranged on the front side of the outer frame 51 and the inner frame 52 and protects the game board 2.

  The gaming machine frame 50 includes a hinge portion 54 on the left end side (FIG. 2). By this hinge portion 54, the front frame 53 is configured to be rotatable with respect to each of the outer frame 51 and the inner frame 52, and the inner frame 52 is rotated with respect to each of the outer frame 51 and the front frame 53. It is configured to move freely. An opening 53a is formed at the center of the front frame 53, and a transparent glass plate 55 is attached to the opening 53a. The player can visually recognize the game area 3 of the game board 2 through a portion (window) of the glass plate 55 located inside the opening 53a. Instead of the glass plate 55, a transparent synthetic resin plate or the like may be used. That is, the window part should just be able to visually recognize the game area | region 3 from the front.

  The front frame 53 includes a base frame 56, an upper decoration unit 200, a left decoration unit 210, a right decoration unit 220, and an operation mechanism unit 230. The base frame 56 is a frame that detachably attaches the upper decorative unit 200, the left decorative unit 210, the right decorative unit 220, and the operation mechanism unit 230 on the front side (front side). As shown in FIG. 1, a speaker 67 is provided on the upper left and upper right of the base frame 56, and a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 61 for storing game balls is provided on the lower left of the base frame 56. Is provided. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a hitting ball launching mechanism 57 is provided at the lower end of the base frame 56 to launch a game ball into a game area 3 to be described later. The hitting ball supply tray 61 is attached to the base frame 56, but is integrated (unitized) with the operation mechanism unit 230. The operation mechanism unit 230 may be attached to the inner frame 52 and face the front surface of the gaming machine frame 50.

  The upper decoration unit 200 is arranged on the upper side of the base frame 56, and when all the units (upper decoration unit 200, left decoration unit 210, right decoration unit 220, operation mechanism unit 230) are attached to the base frame 56, Protrusively forward. That is, the upper decorative unit 200 has the longest dimension in the front-rear direction among all the units attached to the base frame 56. As a result, the front frame 53 has a higher impact than the conventional front frame because the upper decorative unit 200 is emphasized. The upper decorative unit 200 is configured to be detachable independently by screws (not shown) regardless of the attachment state of the left decorative unit 210 and the right decorative unit 220 to the base frame 56. As described above, the upper decoration unit 200 can be attached and detached without being linked (engaged) with other members, so that it can be easily replaced in the event of a failure or inspection. The upper decoration unit 200 includes a frame movable body 600 and a frame lamp 66. The movable frame body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper part of the upper decoration unit 200. The frame movable body 600 is configured to be displaceable from a stored state (FIG. 1) stored inside the upper decorative unit 200 to an exposed state (FIG. 7) protruding above the upper decorative unit 200. The frame lamp 66 is provided on the front wall portion of the upper decorative unit 200 so as to be particularly noticeable from a player or the like, and is directed from the left side to the right side with the first light emitting unit 341, the second light emitting unit 342, the third light emitting unit 343, Four light emitting units 344 are arranged in order. The light emitting units 341, 342, 343, and 344 emit light as the game progresses. The first light emitting unit 341 has an “O” shape in a front view, the second light emitting unit 342 has an “A” shape in a front view, and the third light emitting unit 343 has an “R” shape in a front view. The fourth light emitting unit 344 has an “O” shape in front view. By the light emitting units 341, 342, 343, and 344, the upper decoration unit 200 emits light as a series of meaningful characters composed of “OARO”. Here, “OARO” means a model name logo of the gaming machine 1. Note that the shape of the light emitting units 341, 342, 343, and 344 can be any shape other than “OARO”.

  The left decorative unit 210 is disposed on the left side of the base frame 56 and includes a left decorative member 211. The right decoration unit 220 is disposed on the right side of the base frame 56 and includes a right decoration member 221 and a sword member 222. The sword member 222 is an operation unit that imitates the shape of a sword, and can be pushed downward by the player when performing an effect that is performed as the game progresses.

  The operation mechanism unit 230 is disposed on the lower side of the base frame 56 and includes a handle 60, an extra ball tray (lower plate) 62, an effect button 63, and a select button (cross key) 68. The handle 60 is disposed at the lower right end of the operation mechanism unit 230 and fires a game ball with a firing strength corresponding to the rotation angle. The surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 is disposed on the left side of the handle 60 and stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 61. The effect button 63 and the select button (cross key) 68 are arranged on the upper side of the operation mechanism unit 230, and are operated by the player at the time of an effect executed as the game progresses.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 2 has a game area 3, a rail member 4, a board lamp 5, an image display device 7, a center decoration body 10, a fixed winning device (hews) 19, and a normally variable. Winning device (electrical chew) 22, gate (through chucker) 28, first big winning device (first attacker) 31, second big winning device (second attacker) 36, normal winning port 27, out A mouth 16 and indicators 40 are provided.

  The game area 3 is an area where game balls launched by the operation of the handle 60 flow down, and a plurality of game nails for guiding the game balls are provided. The rail member 4 is disposed at the left end of the game area 3 and guides the game ball launched by the operation of the handle 60 toward the upper side of the game area 3. The board lamp 5 is disposed on the back side of the game area 3 and emits light from the back side of the game area 3.

  The image display device 7 is provided near the center of the game area 3 and includes a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes an effect symbol display area in which the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are variably displayed (also referred to as variable display), a reserved image display area in which the reserved image groups 9A and 9B are displayed, A reserved digested image display area in which the reserved digested image 9C is displayed.

  The effect symbol display area includes three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. In the left symbol display area, the left effect symbol 8L is displayed. A middle effect symbol 8C is displayed in the middle symbol display area. In the right symbol display area, a right effect symbol 8R is displayed. The production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R each have a plurality of symbols representing numbers “1” to “8”. The variable display of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R is synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol which will be described later. The image display device 7 includes a first special symbol displayed by a first special symbol display 41a and a second special symbol display 41b, which will be described later, and a first special symbol and a combination of effects symbols displayed in the left, middle, and right symbol display areas. The result of variable display of the second special symbol (the jackpot lottery result) can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the player.

  For example, when winning a jackpot, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed with a doublet such as “777”. If it is out of place, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed with a variation such as “637”. This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. The player can grasp the jackpot lottery result by the image display device 7 in addition to the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b. The position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed. Moreover, the aspect of scrolling in the up-down direction can be illustrated as an aspect of the variable display of the effect symbol. Hereinafter, the effects for displaying the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are referred to as “effect symbol variation effect”, “decorative symbol variation effect”, or simply “variation effect”.

  The image display device 7 can display, on the display screen 7a, a jackpot effect performed in parallel with a jackpot game (an example of a special game), a demo effect for waiting for a customer, and the like in addition to the effect symbol variation effect. In the effect symbol variation effect, effect images such as background images and character images may be displayed in addition to the effect symbols. Further, the image display device 7 can identify that the special symbol is changing in addition to the effect symbol, or can indicate the lottery result of the special symbol (fourth symbol, not shown). Is displayed on the display screen 7a. In addition, instead of displaying the identification display (fourth symbol) on the display screen 7a, a light emitter such as a lamp (LED) provided in the game area 3 outside the display screen 7a is controlled in a predetermined manner ( For example, it may be turned on when the special symbol is varied, turned off when the special symbol is stopped, the first special symbol is blue, and the second special symbol is red). This identification display (fourth symbol) is displayed so as to be recognizable to the player at all times, and is provided so as not to be hidden when, for example, an accessory is operated. By providing such an identification display (fourth symbol), the player can appropriately determine the current gaming situation.

  The reserved image display area includes a first reserved display area for displaying a reserved image group 9A according to the number of stored first special figure reservations described later, and a reserved image group 9B according to the stored number of second special figure reserved described later. And a second hold display area for displaying. The stored number of first special figure hold displayed on the first special figure hold display 43a, which will be described later, and the second special figure displayed on the second special figure hold display 43b by displaying the hold image groups 9A and 9B. The number of stored memories can be displayed in an easily understandable manner to the player. The reserved digest image 9C is an effect image corresponding to the effect symbol (effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R) currently changing on the display screen 7a, and the reserved digest image display area displays the reserved digest image 9C. Includes a display area. By displaying the reserved digest image 9C, it can be displayed to the player in an easy-to-understand manner that the first special figure hold or the second special figure hold is digested (the “special figure hold digest” described later).

  The center decoration body 10 is arranged near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7. A stage portion 11 is formed at the lower portion of the center decorative body 10. The stage unit 11 has a shape capable of guiding a game ball rolling on the upper surface of the stage unit 11 to a first starting port 20 described later. A warp portion 12 is provided on the lower left side of the center decorative body 10. The warp unit 12 includes an inlet part through which game balls flow in and an outlet part through which game balls flow out, and causes the game balls that flow in from the inlet part to flow out from the outlet part to the stage unit 11. On the upper part of the center decorative body 10, a board movable body 15 in a retracted state and a base 17 to which the board movable body 15 is attached are arranged. The panel movable body 15 will be described in detail later.

  The fixed winning device (jaw) 19 is arranged below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, and the first starting port (first starting winning port, first winning ball) in which the ease of entering the game ball does not always change. Mouth, fixed start port) 20. The winning of the game ball to the first starting port 20 is an opportunity for the first special symbol lottery (big hit lottery). In other words, the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 20 is an opportunity for obtaining a jackpot random number and determining a jackpot.

  The normal variable winning device (electrical chew) 22 is disposed below the first starting port 20 in the game area 3 and includes a second starting port (second starting winning port, second winning port, variable starting port) 21. ing. The winning of the game ball to the second start port 21 is an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery (big hit lottery). The electric chew 22 includes a movable member 23 in front of the second starting port 21, and opens and closes the second starting port 21 by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by an electric chew solenoid 24 (FIG. 7). When the movable member 23 is in the open state, the second starting port 21 can enter a game ball. It should be noted that the electric chew 22 should be easier to enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in the open state than when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. It may be possible to enter the ball.

  The gate (through chucker) 28 is arranged above the first big winning device (first attacker) 31 in the game area 3 and is configured to allow a game ball to pass therethrough. The passing of the game ball to the gate 28 is an opportunity for a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not to open the electric chew 22. In other words, the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is an opportunity for obtaining a normal symbol random number (per random number) and determining a hit.

  Here, the “special symbol lottery” means that when a game ball wins the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21, a random number for determining a special symbol is acquired, and the acquired random number is determined in advance. In addition, it is a process of determining whether or not a big hit by comparing with a value corresponding to “big hit”. The jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and the special symbol display is performed on the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b, and a predetermined variation time has elapsed. The special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is fixedly displayed after the stop, and the player is notified of the lottery result. In the image display device 7, a symbol matching game is performed in which the effect symbols are variably displayed in synchronization with the special symbol variation display. This symbol matching game more effectively informs the player of the jackpot lottery result. The

  The “ordinary symbol lottery” means that when a game ball passes through the gate 28, a random number for determining a normal symbol is obtained, and the obtained random number is compared with a value corresponding to a predetermined “hit”. This is a process for determining whether or not it is a hit. The lottery result of the normal symbol is not notified immediately after the game ball passes through the gate 28, and the normal symbol display 42 (FIG. 6) to be described later displays a fluctuation display such as blinking of the normal symbol. When the predetermined variation time has elapsed, the normal symbol corresponding to the normal symbol lottery result is displayed after being stopped (lit or extinguished), and the player is notified of the lottery result.

  The first big winning device (first attacker, first special variable winning device) 31 is arranged on the upper right side of the first starting port 20 in the game area 3 and is attached to the game board 2 by the pedestal 13. The first grand prize winning device 31 includes a first grand prize winning opening (first special winning prize opening) 30, a V region 39, and a V opening / closing member 71 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The first big prize opening 30 includes an opening / closing member (first special prize opening opening / closing member) 32 that inhibits or allows the reception of the game ball by an opening / closing operation. The opening / closing member 32 is driven by a first big prize opening solenoid 33 (FIGS. 5 and 7). The first big prize opening 30 allows a game ball to enter when the opening / closing member 32 is in the open state. Further, 18 shown in FIG. 4 is provided above the V region (specific region) 39 (substantially above the V opening / closing member 71), and is used to display (suggest) that the V region (specific region) 39 is present. It is a V region (specific region) display unit. As shown in FIG. 4, the V region (specific region) display unit 18 is formed in a star shape, and is provided on the surface of the game board 2 by being printed or pasted (sealed). Note that the V region (specific region) display unit 18 may not be a star shape, and the position may be in the vicinity of the V region (specific region) 39.

  The second big winning device (second attacker, second special variable winning device) 36 is arranged at the upper right of the first big winning port 30 in the game area 3 and is attached to the game board 2 by the pedestal 14. The second grand prize winning device 36 includes a second grand prize winning opening (second special winning prize opening) 35 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 5). The second big prize opening 35 includes an opening / closing member (second special prize opening opening / closing member, blade member) 37 that obstructs or allows the reception of the game ball by an opening / closing operation. The opening / closing member 37 is driven by a second big prize opening solenoid 38 (FIGS. 5 and 7). The second grand prize opening 35 allows a game ball to enter when the opening / closing member 37 is in an open state.

  The normal winning opening 27 is provided in the lower part of the game area 3. In addition, you may make it provide multiple normal winning opening 27. FIG. The out port 16 is provided in the lower part of the game area 3, and discharges game balls that have not won any of the game holes 3 to the outside of the game area 3. The display devices 40 are arranged near the center on the right side of the game board 2. Details of the display devices 40 will be described later.

  The game area 3 includes a left game area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction and a right game area 3B on the right side. The method of hitting a game ball so that the game ball flows down in the left game area 3A is called “left-handed”. On the other hand, a method of hitting a game ball so that the game ball flows down in the right game area 3B is referred to as “right hit”. In the gaming machine 1, it is possible to aim for winning at the first start port 20 by left-handed. On the other hand, it is configured to be able to aim for passing to the gate 28 by right-handed, winning to the second starting port 21, the first big winning port 30, and the second big winning port 35.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the first big prize winning device 31. The first grand prize winning device 31 includes a V area (specific area) 39, a V area sensor 39a, a non-V area (non-specific area) 70, a non-V area sensor 70a, and a first big prize opening sensor 30a. And a V opening / closing member 71 and a V opening / closing member solenoid 73. The V region (specific region) 39 and the non-V region (non-specific region) 70 are configured as regions through which the game ball that has passed through the first big winning opening 30 can pass inside the first big winning device 31. . The first grand prize opening sensor 30 a is disposed upstream of the V area 39 and the non-V area 70 and detects the winning of a game ball to the first big prize opening 30. The V area sensor 39 a is arranged in the V area 39 and detects passage of a game ball to the V area 39. The non-V area sensor 70 a is disposed in the non-V area 70 and detects passage of a game ball to the non-V area 70. The V opening / closing member 71 distributes the game balls that have passed through the first big winning opening 30 to either the V region 39 or the non-V region 70. The V opening / closing member solenoid 73 drives the V opening / closing member 71. The V opening / closing member 71 is configured to rotate and rotate (clockwise and counterclockwise with respect to the game board 2). When the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is energized, the V opening / closing member 71 rotates counterclockwise from the origin position to play the game ball. When the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is de-energized, the first state is assigned to the V region 39 (rotation state), and the second state (stop state) is assigned to the non-V region 70 at the origin. . Note that the V opening / closing member 71 is not limited to rotational movement, and may have a function of distributing the game balls that have passed through the first grand prize opening 30 to either the V region 39 or the non-V region 70. You may comprise so that it may move to the left-right direction with respect to the game board 2. FIG. That is, when the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is energized, a retreating state (first state) in which the game balls are distributed to the V region 39 is brought into the retracted state (first state). You may comprise so that it may become (2nd state).

  FIG. 5A shows a state where the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is energized. When the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is energized, the V opening / closing member 71 enters a state (first state) that allows the game ball to pass through the V region 39. When the V opening / closing member 71 is in the first state, the game ball that has won the first big prize opening 30 passes through the V area 39 after passing through the first big prize opening sensor 30a. This game ball route is referred to as a “first route”. FIG. 5B shows a state where the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is not energized. When the V opening / closing member solenoid 73 is not energized, the V opening / closing member 71 is in a state (second state) that prevents passage of the game ball to the V region 39. When the V opening / closing member 71 is in the second state, the game ball that has won the first big winning opening 30 rolls on the upper surface of the V opening / closing member 71 after passing through the first big winning opening sensor 30a. Pass through region 70. This game ball route is referred to as a “second route”. In the gaming machine 1, the passing of the game ball to the V area 39 is an opportunity to shift to a high probability state described later. That is, the V region 39 is a probability changing operation port. On the other hand, the non-V region 70 is not a probability variation operating port. The first grand prize winning device 31 of the present embodiment further includes a first big prize winning device discharge sensor (not shown) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the first big prize winning device 31. The first grand prize winning device discharge sensor is provided at a point where the V region 39 and the non-V region 70 merge downstream, and counts the number of game balls that have passed the V region sensor 39a or the non-V region sensor 70a.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B show a route (route) through which a game ball won in the second big prize opening 35 passes. A second grand prize port sensor 35a is disposed in the passage route, and the second big prize port sensor 35a detects the winning of a game ball to the second major prize port 35. The second grand prize-winning device 36 does not have a V region as a probability changing operation port. That is, the second big prize winning device 36 has only a non-V region inside. In addition, the 2nd big winning device 36 may be provided with V area | region inside. The first grand prize device 31 of this embodiment further includes a second big prize device discharge sensor (not shown) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the second big prize device 36. The second big prize device discharge sensor is provided downstream of the second big prize port sensor 35a, and counts the number of game balls that have passed through the second big prize port sensor 35a.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the display device 40. The display devices 40 include a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special diagram hold indicator 43a, and a second special symbol hold indicator 43b. , A general-purpose hold display 44. The first special symbol display 41a variably displays the first special symbol. The second special symbol display 41b variably displays the second special symbol. The normal symbol display 42 variably displays the normal symbol. The first special figure hold indicator 43a displays the stored number of operation hold (first special figure hold) of the first special symbol indicator 41a. The second special figure hold indicator 43b displays the stored number of operation hold (second special figure hold) of the second special symbol display 41b. The general figure hold display 44 displays the number of stored operation hold (common figure hold) of the normal symbol display 42. The variable display of the first special symbol is performed in response to a winning of a game ball at the first start port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is performed in response to a winning of a game ball at the second start port 21. Hereinafter, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are also collectively referred to as “special symbols”. The first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b are also collectively referred to as “special symbol display 41”. Further, the first special figure hold indicator 43a and the second special figure hold indicator 43b are collectively referred to as a “special figure hold indicator 43”.

  The special symbol display 41 displays a special symbol (identification information) in a variable manner (variable display), and then stops and displays the lottery based on winning in the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 (special symbol lottery, Announce the results of the jackpot lottery). The special symbol that is stopped and displayed (the special symbol that is derived and displayed as the display result of the stop symbol and variable display) is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. When the stop symbol is a predetermined special symbol (a special symbol of a specific stop mode, that is, a jackpot symbol), the first big prize opening 30 or the opening pattern according to the type of the specific symbol that is stopped and displayed A special game (a jackpot game) is performed in which the second grand prize winning opening 35 is opened. In addition, the opening pattern of the special winning opening (the first big winning opening 30 and the second big winning opening 35) in the special game will be described later.

  The special symbol display 41 is composed of eight LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery depending on the lighting mode. For example, if you win a jackpot (one of multiple types of jackpots to be described later), 1, 2 from the left such as “○ ●●● ○○ ●●” (○: lit, ●: unlit) , The jackpot symbol in which the fifth and sixth LEDs are lit is displayed. In the case of losing, a losing pattern in which only the rightmost LED is lit, such as “●●●●●●● ○”, is displayed. You may employ | adopt the aspect which light-extinguishes all LED as a loss pattern. Note that the lost symbol is not a specific special symbol. Before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the special symbol is changed and displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time. For example, each LED may be lit so that light repeatedly flows from left to right. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode as long as each LED is not stopped (lighted display in a specific mode), and can be any lighting mode. For example, in the variation display mode, all the LEDs may blink simultaneously.

  In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball wins (wins) in the first start port 20 or the second start port 21, various random number values (numerical information) such as jackpot random numbers acquired for the win are obtained. Once stored in the special figure storage area. Specifically, if it is a prize to the first start opening 20, it is stored in the first special figure holding storage area as the first special figure hold, and if it is a prize to the second start opening 21, the second special figure is stored. As a hold, it is stored in the second special figure hold storage area. There is an upper limit to the number of special figure holds that can be stored in each special figure hold storage area, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is four. The special figure holding stored in the special figure holding storage area is digested when the variable display of the special symbol based on the special figure holding becomes possible. “Digestion of special figure hold” refers to determining a jackpot random number or the like corresponding to the special figure hold and executing variable display of a special symbol for indicating the determination result. Accordingly, in the gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, the execution of the variable symbol variable display is performed. Even if there is a win during the middle or the execution of the special game, it is possible to reserve the jackpot lottery right for the win up to a predetermined number. The number of special figure hold is displayed on the special figure hold display 43. The special figure hold indicator 43 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of special figure holds by turning on the LEDs by the number of special figure holds.

  The variable display of the normal symbol is performed with the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 as an opportunity. The normal symbol display 42 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 by variably displaying the normal symbol (variation display) and then displaying the stop symbol. A normal symbol that is stopped and displayed (a normal symbol that is derived and displayed as a variable display result) is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by a normal symbol lottery. When the normal stop symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol (a normal symbol of a predetermined stop mode, that is, a normal winning symbol), the second starting port 21 is opened with an opening pattern corresponding to the current gaming state. A game is performed. The opening pattern of the second start port 21 will be described later.

  The normal symbol display 42 is composed of two LEDs, and displays a normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery according to the lighting mode. For example, when the lottery result is a win, a normal winning symbol in which both LEDs are lit is displayed as “◯◯” (◯: lit, ●: unlit). When the lottery result is a loss, a normal lose symbol in which only the right LED is lit is displayed as “● ○”. You may employ | adopt the aspect which light-extinguishes all LED as a normal lose pattern. Note that the normal lose symbol is not a specific normal symbol. Before the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol is changed over a predetermined fluctuation time. For example, both LEDs may light up alternately. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode as long as each LED is not stopped (lighted display in a specific mode), and can be any lighting mode. For example, in the variation display mode, all the LEDs may blink simultaneously.

  In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes to the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) acquired for the passage is temporarily stored as a normal figure hold in the normal figure hold storage area. There is an upper limit to the number of pending map holds that can be stored in the saved map storage area, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is four. The general map reservation stored in the general map storage area is digested when the variable display of the normal symbol based on the general map storage becomes possible. The digestion of the general symbol hold means that a normal symbol random number (per random number) corresponding to the general symbol hold is determined and variable symbol display for displaying the determination result is executed. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the normal symbol based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, during the execution of the variable symbol display of the normal symbol or the auxiliary game. Even if there is, the right of the normal symbol lottery for the passage can be reserved up to the predetermined number. The number of the general map hold is displayed on the general map hold display 44. The common figure hold indicator 44 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of common figure holds by turning on the LEDs by the number of common figure holds.

2. Configuration of Panel Movable Body 15 The configuration of the panel movable body 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7. FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board 2 showing a state where the board movable body 15 is operated. As described above, the movable board 15 is a movable gimmick provided on the upper part of the center decorative body 10 and is configured to be movable within a predetermined range at a predetermined timing described later. That is, the panel movable body 15 is released from the storage state (FIG. 3) that is compactly folded and stored in the peripheral portion (here, the upper portion) of the display screen 7a, so that the central portion of the display screen 7a is removed. It is configured to be able to be displaced to an exposed state (FIG. 7) exposed in front of substantially the entire region including it. More specifically, the panel movable body 15 includes a movable portion 152, a fixed portion 153, and a pedestal 17. The movable portion 152 is rotatably attached to the fixed portion 153, and the fixed portion 153 is fixed to the pedestal 17. The pedestal 17 is attached to the center decorative body 10. When the movable part 152 reaches a predetermined timing such as when the power is turned on, when the power is restored (also referred to as power recovery), or when the effect is executed, the movable unit 152 is driven from the stored state (origin position) shown in FIG. It rotates counterclockwise substantially parallel to the game board 2 and rotates to an exposed state (open position) that is substantially linear with the fixed portion 153 shown in FIG. When reaching the open position, the movable portion 152 stops until the predetermined time elapses at the open position, and then rotates clockwise from the open position substantially parallel to the game board 2 to return to the original position. That is, the movable panel 15 performs a rotating operation in which the movable portion 152 reciprocates once between the origin position shown in FIG. 3 and the open position shown in FIG. 7 at a predetermined timing.

  FIG. 8 is a back view of the gaming machine 1. When the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the back side, as shown in FIG. 8, the main control board 80 is disposed in the vicinity of the center, and the sound control board 106 and the image control board 100 are disposed thereabove. Further, a sub-control board 90 is disposed above the audio control board 106 and the image control board 100. Further, a game information output terminal board 45 is disposed above the sub control board 90. On the other hand, below the main control board 80, a RAM clear switch 89, a payout control board 110, and a power supply board 150 are arranged. The power board 150 has a power switch 150a. A launch control circuit 111 and a launch device 112 are disposed below the payout control board 110. Details of these control boards or devices will be described later.

3. Electrical configuration of gaming machine The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration on the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 on the sub control board side. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration on the frame relay board side of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 80, a sub control board 90, a frame relay board 99, an image control board 100, a lamp control board 107, a sound control board 106, and a payout control board 110. Yes. The main control board 80 is a game control board that performs control related to game profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, and constitutes a main control unit. The sub-control board 90 is an effect control board that performs control related to effects executed as the game progresses, and constitutes a sub-control unit together with the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, and the sound control board 106. The main control means may be the main control board 80, for example. Further, the sub control unit may be configured by the sub control board 90 and the image control board 100, or may be configured by the sub control board 90 and a control board different from the image control board 100. Further, the sub-control unit may not include the sub-control board 90 but may be a control board other than the main control board 80 and may be configured from another control board such as the image control board 100.

  The main control board 80 includes a game control microcomputer 81, an input / output circuit 87, and a RAM clear switch 89 (FIG. 9). The game control microcomputer 81 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the main control board 80, and controls the progress of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a main ROM 83 that stores a program for controlling the progress of the game, a main RAM 84 that is used as a work memory, a main CPU 82 that executes a program stored in the main ROM 83, and a later-described program. Main EEP-ROM 85 in which identification information to be stored is stored. The main ROM 83 may be configured as an external ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits / receives data to / from other boards via an input / output circuit (I / O port unit) 87. The input / output circuit 87 may be built in the game control microcomputer 81. Details of the main EEP-ROM 85 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The RAM clear switch 89 is configured such that game information related to games such as gaming status and unpaid prize balls is erased (cleared) from the main RAM 84 by operating the RAM clear switch 89 when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. ing. The RAM clear switch 89 is exposed from a protective cover (main board case) (not shown) that protects the main control board 80. Therefore, the operation can be performed without removing the protective cover from the main control board 80. Since the RAM clear switch 89 is arranged on the back side (rear side, see FIG. 8) of the gaming machine 1, the player facing the front side cannot be operated. On the other hand, the hall manager can operate the RAM clear switch 89 by opening the front frame 53 and the inner frame 52 of the gaming machine 1 from the outer frame 51. As described above, the RAM clear switch 89 is disposed at a position that cannot be operated by the player and that can be operated by the hall manager.

  Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via an input / output circuit 87 and a relay board 88. The main control board 80 receives signals output from the sensors and outputs signals to the solenoids. Sensors connected via the relay board 88 include a first start port sensor 20a, a second start port sensor 21a, a gate sensor 28a, a first large winning port sensor 30a, a second large winning port sensor 35a, and a V region. The sensor 39a, the non-V area sensor 70a, and the normal prize opening sensor 27a are illustrated. Examples of solenoids connected via the relay board 88 include the electric Chu solenoid 24, the first big prize opening solenoid 33, the second big prize winning solenoid 38, and the V opening / closing member solenoid 73. The first start port sensor 20 a is provided inside the first start port 20 and detects a game ball that has won the first start port 20. The second start port sensor 21 a is provided inside the second start port 21 and detects a game ball that has won the second start port 21. The gate sensor 28 a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The first big prize opening sensor 30 a is provided inside the first big prize opening 30 and detects a game ball won in the first big prize opening 30. The second grand prize opening sensor 35 a is provided inside the second big prize opening 35 and detects a game ball that has won the second big prize opening 35. The V area sensor 39 a is provided in the V area 39 inside the first big winning opening 30 and detects a game ball that has passed through the V area 39. The non-V area sensor 70 a is provided in the non-V area 70 inside the first big winning opening 30 and detects a game ball that has passed through the non-V area 70. The normal winning port sensor 27 a is provided inside the normal winning port 27 and detects a game ball won in the normal winning port 27. The electric chew solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chew 22. The first big prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening / closing member 32 of the first big prize winning device 31. The second big prize opening solenoid 38 drives the opening / closing member 37 of the second big prize winning device 36. The V opening / closing member solenoid 73 drives the V opening / closing member 71 of the first big prize winning device 31.

  Indicators 40 are connected to the main control board 80 via an input / output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special figure hold display 43a, a second special figure hold display 43b, and a general figure hold. Display control for the display 44 is performed.

  A game information output terminal board 45 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input / output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 outputs information related to a predetermined game or abnormality to an external device such as an external hall computer via the game information output terminal board 45.

  A payout control board 110 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input / output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 110 is connected with a prize ball payout device 120, a lending payout device 130, a card unit 135, a front frame release switch 58, and an inner frame release switch 59. The launcher 112 is connected. The prize ball payout device 120 pays out a prize ball. Based on a signal from the game control microcomputer 81, the payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 to pay out the prize ball. The prize ball to be paid out is detected by the prize ball sensor 122 for counting. The rental ball payout device 130 pays out a rental ball. Based on the signal from the card unit 135 connected to the gaming machine 1, the payout control board 110 drives the ball rental motor 131 of the ball rental payout device 130 to pay out the balls. The paid-out ball rental is detected by the ball rental sensor 132 for counting. The card unit 135 is arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 1 and outputs information related to ball rental based on information such as the inserted prepaid card. The front frame opening switch 58 detects the opening of the front frame 53. When the front frame 53 is opened, a signal output from the front frame release switch 58 (a signal indicating the “ON” state of the front frame release switch 58) is input to the main control board 80 via the payout control board 110, Further, it is input from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. The inner frame opening switch 59 detects the opening of the inner frame 52. When the inner frame 52 is opened, a signal output from the inner frame opening switch 59 (a signal indicating the “ON” state of the inner frame opening switch 59) is input to the main control board 80 via the payout control board 110, Further, it is input from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. The firing device 112 includes a handle 60 (FIG. 1), a firing motor 113, a touch switch 114, and a firing volume 115. When the player operates the handle 60, the launch device 112 detects the touch of the handle 60 with the touch switch 114, and detects the rotation amount of the handle 60 with the launch volume 115. Then, the launch motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the launch volume 115.

  A sub control board 90 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input / output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that can only transmit signals from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90. That is, between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90, a unidirectional circuit (not shown) as a communication direction regulating means (for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sub-control board 90 includes an effect control microcomputer 91 and an input / output circuit 95. The effect control microcomputer 91 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the sub-control board 90, and controls the effect of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to the program. The effect control microcomputer 91 is a sub ROM 93 that stores a program for controlling an effect as the game progresses, a sub RAM 94 that is used as a work memory, and a sub ROM 93 that executes a program stored in the sub ROM 93. The CPU 92 and a sub EEP-ROM 98 in which identification information described later is stored. The sub ROM 93 may be configured as an external ROM. The effect control microcomputer 91 transmits / receives data to / from other boards via an input / output circuit (I / O port unit) 95. The input / output circuit 95 may be built in the effect control microcomputer 91. The sub-control board 90 is connected to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the frame relay board 99 (FIG. 11) via an input / output circuit 95. Details of the sub-EEP-ROM 98 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The image control board 100 includes an image control microcomputer 101, an input circuit 105a, and an output circuit 105b. The image control microcomputer 101 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the image control board 100 and controls display of the image display device 7 according to a program. The image control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, and an image control EEP-ROM 108 in which identification information described later is stored. In addition to a program for controlling display, the ROM 103 stores still image data and moving image data displayed on the image display device 7, specifically, characters, items, figures, characters, numbers, symbols, etc. And image data such as a background image are stored. Further, the ROM 103 stores a replacement determination table 103a used in a control board replacement determination process described later. The RAM 104 is used as a memory for developing image data. The CPU 102 executes a program stored in the ROM 103. The effect control microcomputer 91 causes the image control microcomputer 101 to perform display control of the image display device 7 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM 103 based on a command from the effect control microcomputer 91 and performs display control based on the read image data. Details of the image control EEP-ROM 108 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  A speaker 67 is connected to the sound control board 106 and controls the speaker 67. Based on the command received from the main control board 80, the effect control microcomputer 91 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the voice control board 106. Acoustic data such as voice output from the speaker 67 is stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90. The voice control board 106 may be mounted with a CPU, and may cause the CPU to execute voice control based on commands. Furthermore, the voice control board 106 may be mounted with a ROM, and may store acoustic data in the ROM. Further, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100, and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may execute sound control. Furthermore, acoustic data may be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

  The lamp control board 107 is connected to a frame lamp 66, a panel lamp 5, and a drive motor 15a (panel movable body 15), and controls them. The effect control microcomputer 91 performs lighting control of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on the command received from the main control board 80. In other words, the effect control microcomputer 91 creates light emission pattern data (also referred to as data for determining lighting / extinction, light emission color, or lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of the lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, and the light emission pattern. Light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 is controlled according to the data. The data stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90 is used to create the light emission pattern data. The effect control microcomputer 91 drives the drive motor 15 a based on the command received from the main control board 80 to control the operation of the movable portion 152 of the movable panel body 15. As described above, the movable platen body 15 performs a rotating operation in which the movable unit 152 reciprocates once between the origin position shown in FIG. 3 and the open position shown in FIG. 7 at a predetermined timing.

  As shown in FIG. 11, on the frame relay board 99, an effect button detection switch 63a, a select button detection switch 68a, a touch sensor 321, a role driving motor 641, and a photo are provided via an input / output circuit 96. A sensor 531 is connected. The effect button detection switch 63a detects that the effect button 63 (FIG. 1) has been pressed. When the effect button 63 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the effect button detection switch 63a to the sub-control board 90 via the frame relay board 99. The select button detection switch 68a detects that the select button 68 (FIG. 1) has been pressed. When the select button 68 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the select button detection switch 68a to the sub control board 90 via the frame relay board 99. The touch sensor 321 is provided on the front frame 53, and when a human body comes into contact, a detection signal is output to the sub control board 90 via the frame relay board 99. The accessory driving motor 641 drives the movable frame body 600 (FIG. 1). When a drive signal is output from the sub control board 90 to the accessory driving motor 641 via the frame relay board 99, the accessory driving motor 641 is driven. The photo sensor 531 detects the position of the movable frame body 600. The detection signal of the photosensor 531 is output to the sub-control board 90 via the frame relay board 99.

  The production control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of the movable panel body 15 and the movable frame body 600, and controls the operation of the movable panel body 15 and the movable frame body 600 according to the operational pattern data. . The data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. The lamp control board 107 may be mounted with a CPU, and the CPU may execute lamp lighting control based on a command. Further, the movable frame body 600 may be connected to the lamp control board 107 and controlled in operation by the lamp control board 107. In this case, the lamp control board 107 may be mounted with a ROM, and the ROM may store data relating to the light emission pattern and the operation pattern.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the details of the EEP-ROMs included in the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, the main EEP-ROM 85 is provided with a main identification information storage area 85a. The main identification information storage area 85a is an area for storing identification information. The identification information in the main identification information storage area 85a is stored in advance when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured. As the identification information, for example, numbers, symbols, and alphabets may be used, or a combination thereof may be used. The identification information in the main identification information storage area 85a is transmitted (output) to the sub-control board 90 by the identification information transmission process in the power-on process (FIG. 14) described later.

  The sub EEP-ROM 98 is provided with a main identification information storage area 98a and a sub identification information storage area 98b. The main identification information storage area 98a is an area for storing identification information transmitted (output) from the main control board 80 in a power-on process (FIG. 14) described later. The sub identification information storage area 98b is an area for storing identification information. The identification information stored in the sub-identification information storage area 98b is the same as the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured. The identification information in the sub-identification information storage area 98b is transmitted (output) to the image control board 100 by an identification information transmission / reception process (FIG. 19) described later.

  The image control EEP-ROM 108 is provided with a main identification information storage area 108a, a sub identification information storage area 108b, and an image control identification information storage area 108c. This main identification information storage area 108a is the identification information (identification information transmitted from the main control board 80) stored in the main identification information storage area 98a, and will be described later in the identification information transmission / reception process (FIG. 19). This is an area for storing identification information transmitted (output) from the sub-control board 90. The sub-identification information storage area 108b is identification information stored in the sub-identification information storage area 98b (identification information previously stored in the sub-identification information storage area 98b at the time of manufacture). This is an area for storing identification information transmitted (output) from the sub-control board 90 in the transmission / reception process (FIG. 19). The image control identification information storage area 108c is an area for storing identification information. The identification information stored in the image control identification information storage area 108c is the same as the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a and the sub identification information storage area 98b when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured. Yes.

  The identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a, the sub identification information storage area 98b, and the image control identification information storage area 108c can be read but is set to be non-rewritable.

4). Explanation of jackpot etc. Jackpot etc. in the gaming machine 1 will be explained. In the gaming machine 1, there are “big hit” and “losing” as a result of the big hit lottery (special symbol lottery). In the case of “hit”, the “hit symbol” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. In the case of “losing”, the special symbol display 41 stops and displays “losing symbol”. When winning a jackpot, the winning prize opening (the first winning prize opening 30 and the second winning prize opening 35) is opened with an opening pattern corresponding to the type of special symbol (the type of jackpot) that is stopped and displayed. Is executed. The jackpot game is an example of a special game. The jackpot game includes a plurality of round games (unit open game), an opening (OP) before the first round game is started, and an ending (ED) after the last round game is finished. Yes. Each round game starts at the end of the opening or at the end of the previous round game and ends at the start of the next round game. The closing time (interval time) of the big prize opening between round games is included in the open round game before the closing.

  There are several types of jackpots. Here, there are two types of jackpots: “V pass planned jackpot” and “V non-passed jackpot”. “V pass planned jackpot” operates the opening / closing member 32, the opening / closing member 37, and the V opening / closing member 71 in an opening pattern (a V passing scheduled opening pattern) in which a game ball can pass to the V region 39 during the jackpot game. It is a jackpot. “V non-passing expected jackpot” is an opening pattern in which a game ball cannot pass to the V area 39 during the jackpot game (V non-passing scheduled opening pattern), the opening / closing member 32, the opening / closing member 37 and the V opening / closing member 71. It is a jackpot that operates.

  “V-planned jackpot” includes “16RV-planned jackpot”, “16R (substantial 13R) V-planned jackpot” and “16R (substantial 15R) V-planned jackpot”. The “16RV expected jackpot” has a substantial total number of rounds of 16R. From 1R to 13R and 15R, the first grand prize opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R. 14R and 16R open the second grand prize opening 35 for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R. In 10R and 12R, the V opening / closing member 71 is opened long, and the passage to the V region 39 in the first big winning opening 30 is easily possible.

  “16R (substantial 13R) V passing expected jackpot” has a total round number of 16R, but a substantial total round number of 13R. In other words, from 1R to 13R, the first big prize opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R, but at 15R, the first big prize opening 30 is opened only for 0.1 seconds per 1R, and 14R and Even at 16R, the second grand prize opening 35 is opened only for 0.1 seconds per 1R. Accordingly, in this “16R (substantially 13R) V passing expected jackpot”, from 14R to 16R, the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely short, and it is a round in which no winning ball can be expected. That is, “16R (substantially 13R) V passing expected jackpot” is a jackpot of substantially 13R. In 2R and 6R, 4R and 8R, or 6R and 10R, the V opening / closing member 71 is opened long, and the passage to the V region 39 in the first big winning opening 30 is easily possible.

  “16R (substantially 15R) V passing expected jackpot” has a total number of rounds of 16R, but the total number of rounds is 15R. In other words, 1R to 13R and 15R open the first big prize opening 30 for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R, 16R opens the second big prize opening 35 for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R, but 14R The second grand prize opening 35 is opened only for 0.1 seconds per 1R. Therefore, in this “16R (substantially 15R) V passing expected jackpot”, 14R is a round in which the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely short and no winning ball can be expected. That is, “16R (substantially 15R) V passing expected jackpot” is a jackpot of substantially 15R. In 8R and 10R, the V opening / closing member 71 is opened long, and the passage to the V region 39 in the first big winning opening 30 is easily possible.

  “V non-passing jackpot” is an open pattern “16R (substantial 13R) V non-passing jackpot” of which the total number of rounds is 13, although the total number of rounds is 16R. In other words, from 1R to 13R, the first big prize opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R, but at 15R, the first big prize opening 30 is opened only for 0.1 seconds per 1R, and 14R and Even at 16R, the second grand prize opening 35 is opened only for 0.1 seconds per 1R. Therefore, in this “16R (substantially 13R) V non-passing expected jackpot”, the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely short from 14R to 16R, and it is a round in which no winning ball can be expected. That is, “16R (substantially 13R) V non-passing planned jackpot” is a jackpot of substantial 13R. In 2R, 4R, 6R, 8R, 10R, and 12R, the V opening / closing member 71 is opened, but the opening is short-circuited, and the game ball hardly passes through the V region 39 in the first big winning opening 30. It is impossible.

  As apparent from the above description, the “16R (substantially 13R) V non-passing expected jackpot” and the “16R (substantially 13R) V expected passing jackpot” are the first grand prize opening 30 and the second big prize opening 35 The opening patterns of the opening and closing member 32 and the opening and closing member 37) are the same, and only the opening pattern of the V opening and closing member 71 is different. That is, “16R (substantially 13R) V non-passing expected jackpot” is that it is almost impossible for a game ball to pass through the V area 39 in the first big winning opening 30 and the gaming state after the jackpot is Low accuracy time short state (low accuracy high base state). On the other hand, the “16R (substantially 13R) V passing planned jackpot” makes it easy to pass the game ball to the V area 39 in the first big winning opening 30 and the gaming state after the jackpot is highly accurate. It becomes a short time state (highly accurate high base state). This makes it difficult for the player to distinguish between “16R (substantial 13R) V non-passing jackpot” and “16R (substantial 13R) V expected jackpot”, and the gaming state after the jackpot is less probable. It becomes difficult to determine whether the time-short state (low-accuracy base state) or the high-accuracy time-short state (high-accuracy high-base state) is reached. That is, the game state after “16R (substantially 13R) V passing expected jackpot” is a high-probability time-short state (high-probability high-base state) when a game ball passes through the V region 39 in the first big winning opening 30 ) But a high probability is a latent state (latent probability variation state). With this configuration, the interest of the game is improved.

  Further, in the lottery of the first special symbol (Special Figure 1), the jackpot allocation rate is 68/128 (about 53%) for the V passing planned jackpot and 60/128 (about 47 for the V non-passing jackpot). %). On the other hand, the jackpots won in the lottery of the second special symbol (special map 2) are all the jackpots that are expected to pass V. In other words, when a big win is won by a lottery based on a winning to the second starting port 21 that can be entered by executing electric support control, which will be described later, the V passing planned jackpot is always made. As described above, in the gaming machine 1, the big hit that is performed by winning the game ball at the second start port 21 rather than the big win lottery (the lottery of the first special symbol) that is performed by winning the game ball at the first start port 20. The lottery (the second special symbol lottery) is set to be advantageous to the player.

5). Description of the gaming state The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The game control microcomputer 81 can execute “probability variation control” and “variation time reduction control” for the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 41 and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 42, respectively. It is. Here, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 is controlling the probability variation with respect to the special symbol of the special symbol display 41 is referred to as a “high probability state”, and the state in which the probability variation control is not performed is simply referred to as a “normal probability state ( Non-high probability state, low probability state) ”. The game control microcomputer 81 performs jackpot determination using a jackpot determination table in which the number of jackpot random numbers determined to be jackpots is higher in the high probability state than in the normal probability state as the probability variation control of the special symbol. Realize a high probability state. Accordingly, the high probability state has a higher probability of jackpot than the normal probability state. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing the probability variation control for the special symbol of the special symbol display 41, the special symbol display 41 is compared with the case where the probability variation control is not performed. The probability that the display result of the special symbol variable display (stop symbol) becomes a jackpot symbol becomes high.

  In addition, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 is performing the variable time reduction control with respect to the special symbol on the special symbol display 41 is referred to as a “short time state”, and the state in which the game time control is not being controlled is simply “a non-short time state”. That's it. The game control microcomputer 81 determines the short-time state by performing the variation pattern determination using the variation pattern determination table determined so that the variation pattern having a short variation time is selected more than the non-time-short state. Realize. Therefore, in the short-time state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of variation display to the time when the display result is derived and displayed) is shorter than that in the non-short-time state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing the variable time reduction control for the special symbol of the special symbol display 41, the special symbol is variable as compared with the case where the variable time reduction control is not executed. A short variation time is easily selected as the display variation time. As a result, in the short-time state, the special-patch holding pace is accelerated, and an effective winning (a winning that can be stored as a special-pending hold) at the starting port is likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a big hit with smooth progress of the game. Note that the game control microcomputer 81 may execute the probability variation control and the variation time reduction control on the special symbol of the special symbol display 41 at the same time, or may execute only one of them.

  The game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability variation control and the variation time reduction control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42 in synchronization with the variation time reduction control for the special symbol of the special symbol display 41. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability variation control and the variation time reduction control for the normal symbol in the time-short state and does not execute it in the non-time-short state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses, as the normal symbol probability variation control, a normal symbol per-determination determination table in which the number of normal symbol random values (per-random numbers) determined as winning is greater in the short-time state than in the non-short-time state. The hit determination (ordinary symbol determination) is performed. Therefore, in the short time state, the hit probability is higher than that in the normal symbol normal probability state. That is, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing the probability variation control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42, the normal symbol display 42 is used as compared with the case where the probability variation control is not performed. The probability that the display result (stopped symbol) of the variable symbol normal display will be a winning symbol increases. In the short-time state, the normal symbol variation time is shorter than in the non-short-time state. Here, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-short-time state, but is 1 second in the short-time state. Further, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 22 in the auxiliary game is longer than that in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes open time extension control for the electric chew 22. In addition, in the time saving state, the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened in the auxiliary game is larger than that in the non-time saving state. In other words, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the open count increase control for the electric chew 22. Under the situation where the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42, and opening time extension control and opening frequency increase control for the electric chew 22, Compared to the case where these controls are not executed, the electric chew 22 is frequently opened, and the game balls are frequently won at the second start port 21. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls, becomes high. Therefore, a state in which these controls are executed is referred to as a “high base state”, and a state in which these controls are not executed is referred to as a “low base state”. In the high base state, it is possible to aim for a big hit without greatly reducing the hand-held game balls. The high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control to support winning at the second starting port 21 by the electric chew 22) is executed. The high base state (electric support control state) may not execute all the controls described above. That is, among the probability variation control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42, the fluctuation time shortening control for the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 42, the open time extension control for the electric chew 22, and the open count increase control for the electric chew 22 It is only necessary that the electric chew 22 be opened more easily by executing one or more controls than when the control is not being executed. Further, the high base state (electric support control state) may be independently controlled without accompanying the time-short state.

  In the gaming machine 1, the gaming state after the jackpot game by winning the planned V passing jackpot is a high probability state, a short time state, and a high base state if the player has passed the V area 39 during the jackpot game. . This gaming state is particularly referred to as a “highly accurate base state”. The high-accuracy base state is ended when a special symbol variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (here, 160 times) or when the jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In addition, the game state after the jackpot game due to winning the V non-passing jackpot is the normal probability state (non-high probability) if the V region 39 is not passed during the jackpot game (almost never). State, ie, a low probability state), a short time state, and a high base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a “low-accuracy base state”. The low-accuracy base state is terminated when a special symbol variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times), or when the jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. When the gaming machine 1 is played for the first time, the gaming state after power-on is a normal probability state, a non-short-time state, and a low base state (non-electric support control state). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a “low probability low base state”. The low probability low base state may be referred to as “normal gaming state” or “low probability non-short state (also simply referred to as non-short state)”.

  In a high base state, such as a high-accuracy high-base state or a low-accuracy high-base state, it is possible to advance the game more advantageously when the game ball is advanced to the right game area 3B (FIGS. 3 and 7) by right-handed. The electric support control makes it easier for the electric chew 22 to be opened than in the low base state, and it is easier to win the second starting port 21 than to win the first starting port 20. is there. For this reason, in the high base state, the player makes a right turn to win the game ball to the second starting port 21 while passing the game ball to the gate 28 which is a trigger for the normal symbol lottery. As a result, it is possible to obtain a large number of start prizes (win prizes at the start opening) rather than left-handed. Note that the gaming machine 1 plays a right-handed game even during a big hit game. On the other hand, in the low base state, it is possible to advance the game more advantageously by making the game ball enter the left game area 3A (FIGS. 3 and 7) by left-handed. Since the electric support control is not executed, the electric chew 22 is less likely to be opened than in the high base state, and it is easier to win the first start port 20 than to win the second start port 21. It is because it has become. For this reason, in the low base state, the player makes a left turn to win the game ball at the first start port 20. As a result, it is possible to obtain a larger number of start prizes than right-handed.

6). Operation of Game Control Microcomputer 81 The operation of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[Main control main processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the main control main process. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 81 reads a program for executing main control main processing from the main ROM 83. In the main control main process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a power-on process (step S001). The power-on process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter. Details of the power-on process will be described later.

  After the power-on processing, the game control microcomputer 81 prohibits interruption of interruption processing (step S002) and performs normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing (step S003). In the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 adds 1 to various random number counter values and updates them. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to “0” and is added again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than “0” or may be changed randomly.

  After the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 permits an interrupt of the interrupt process (step S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (step S005) can be executed. The main-side timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the main CPU 82 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 4 msec cycle). That is, the main-side timer interrupt process is executed every predetermined cycle (for example, 4 msec cycle). Then, after the main timer interrupt process is completed, the counter value update process by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process is repeatedly executed until the main timer interrupt process is started next. . When an interrupt pulse is input to the main CPU 82 in the interrupt disabled state, the main timer interrupt processing is not started immediately but is started after the interrupt is permitted.

[Power-on processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the power-on process (FIG. 13: step S001). In the power-on process, the game control microcomputer 81 first sets the watchdog timer built in the main CPU 82 to be valid (step S011). The watchdog timer is for monitoring the operation of the main CPU 82, and outputs a reset signal to the main CPU 82 when a predetermined signal is not input from the main CPU 82 for a certain period. The main CPU 82 is reset by the reset signal.

  The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 89 of the main control board 80 is operated (step S012). This determination is made based on whether or not an operation signal (detection signal) for the RAM clear switch 89 is input to the main CPU 82. When the detection signal is input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 89 is operated. When the detection signal is not input, it is determined that the RAM clear switch 89 is not operated.

  When the operation of the RAM clear switch 89 is detected (step S012: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the RAM clear notification flag to ON (step S013). On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 89 does not detect an operation (step S012: NO), the RAM clear notification flag is set to OFF (step S014). This RAM clear notification flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game information stored in the main RAM 84 of the main control board 80 is to be erased, and is set to “ON” when the game information is erased, When not erasing, “OFF” is set. After the RAM clear notification flag is turned ON / OFF, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a setting for permitting access to the main RAM 84 (step S015). With this setting, the main RAM 84 can be accessed, for example, game information can be written or read.

  After the RAM access permission is set, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the RAM clear notification flag is OFF (step S016). When it is determined that the RAM clear notification flag is ON (step S016: NO), the process proceeds to step S023. When it is determined that the RAM clear notification flag is OFF (step S016: YES), that is, when the game information is not erased, the game control microcomputer 81 calculates a checksum (step S017). The checksum is a value calculated for checking the reliability of the data. Here, the data string of the game information stored in the main RAM 84 is regarded as an integer value string, and is obtained by the sum. . After calculating the checksum, the game control microcomputer 81 determines that the calculated checksum value is the checksum value in the main RAM 84 data at the time of power-off stored in step S1602 of the power-off monitoring process (FIG. 16) described later. It is determined whether or not they match (step S018). If they do not match (step S018: NO), the process proceeds to step S023. If they match (step S018: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the power-off flag is ON (step S019). The power-off flag is set to “ON” when a power-off signal is input in step S1603 of the power-off monitoring process (FIG. 16) described later. If the power-off flag is not ON (step S019: NO), the process proceeds to step S023. When the power-off flag is ON (step S019: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the power-off flag to OFF (step S020), and sets the work area of the main RAM 84 when power is restored (step S021). . For this setting, the power recovery time information is read from the main ROM 83 of the main control board 80 and the power recovery time information is set in the work area of the main RAM 84. Here, “when power is restored” includes a state where power is restored from a power failure or a momentary power failure state in addition to a state where the power source is turned on from a state where the power source is shut off. After setting the work area of the main RAM 84 at the time of power recovery, the game control microcomputer 81 creates a power supply restoration command and sets (stores) it as transmission information in the command set area (output buffer) (step S022). Note that when power is restored from the instantaneous power failure state, a power restoration command is not created.

  Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 81 executes identification information transmission processing (step S026). In this identification information transmission process, the game control microcomputer 81 transmits the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85 a of the main EEP-ROM 85 to the sub-control board 90.

  In step S023, the game control microcomputer 81 clears the entire area of the main RAM 84. After clearing, the work area of the main RAM 84 is initialized (step S024). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 sets initial information read from the main ROM 83 in the work area of the main RAM 84. After the initial setting of the main RAM 84, the game control microcomputer 81 creates a power-on command for notifying the sub-control board 90 that the main RAM 84 has been cleared and the initial setting has been performed, and the command set area is used as transmission information. It is set (stored) in (output buffer) (step S025). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S026 described above. In the present embodiment, based on the input of the power-on command, the effect control microcomputer 91 issues a RAM clear notification described later.

[Main timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the main-side timer interrupt process (FIG. 13: step S005). In the main-side timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, jackpot type random numbers, reach random numbers, variation pattern random numbers, normal symbol random numbers, and the like. This random number update processing is the same as the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update processing performed in the above-described main control main processing (FIG. 13). That is, the update processing of various random number counter values (including normal symbol random number counter values) is performed during the main timer interrupt processing execution period and other periods (after the main timer interrupt processing ends, the next main timer interrupt And the period until the processing is started).

  After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an input process (step S102). In the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 reads detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the gaming machine 1 and outputs payout data for paying out a winning ball according to the type of winning opening to the output of the main RAM 84. Set to buffer. The various sensors are, for example, the first big prize opening sensor 30a, the second big prize opening sensor 35a, and the normal prize opening sensor 27a (FIG. 9).

  After the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a start port sensor detection process (step S103). In the start port sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a game ball is detected by the gate sensor 28a, the first start port sensor 20a, and the second start port sensor 21a, and the game ball is detected. If it is, “1” is added to the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and the second special symbol. The number of held balls is a value of a counter that counts the number of each held ball provided in the main RAM 84. If the number of reserved balls is four or more, “1” is not added to the number of reserved balls. In the start port sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 acquires various random numbers at the timing when the game ball is detected by the gate sensor 28a, the first start port sensor 20a, and the second start port sensor 21a. This random number is a normal symbol random number, jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number, or the like. In addition, here, processing such as prior determination as to whether or not the acquired jackpot random number is a jackpot is also performed.

  After the start port sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a normal operation process (step S104). In the normal operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the winning is based on the acquired normal symbol random number, and when winning, the electric chew 22 as the ordinary electric accessory is determined for a predetermined time according to the gaming state. To open in a predetermined manner. In the normal operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines a normal symbol variation time according to the gaming state, and after changing the normal symbol for the determined time, stops the game and confirms the normal symbol. Do it.

  After the normal operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a special operation process (step S105). In the special operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the jackpot is based on the acquired jackpot random number. A round game is performed in which the big winning device 31 and the second big winning device 36) are opened in a predetermined manner. In the special operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the variation time of the special symbol based on the reach random number and the variation pattern random number, and the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) for the determined time. After changing, stop and perform the process of determining the special symbol. In the special operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines a variation pattern based on the acquired variation pattern random number, and issues a variation pattern command for causing the sub-control board 90 to execute an effect related to the determined variation pattern. set. Note that the variation pattern command includes a command for designating the content of the effect that drives the movable panel 15.

  After the special operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a V region sensor detection process (step S106). In the V area sensor detection processing, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the V area sensor 39a. It is determined whether it is during the period. When the V is valid, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the V flag and sets the V passing command. The V passing command is a command notified to the sub-control board 90 in order to execute an effect accompanying the passing of the game ball through the V region 39.

  After the V area sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a reserved ball number process (step S107). In the retained ball number processing, the game control microcomputer 81 reads the special figure 1 retained ball number, the special figure 2 retained ball number, and the normal symbol retained ball number, and sets a retained ball number command. The reserved ball number command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of the reserved ball number, and includes information on the special figure 1 reserved ball number, the special figure 2 reserved ball number, and the normal symbol reserved ball number. .

  After the reserved ball number processing, the game control microcomputer 81 performs power-off monitoring processing (step S108) and abnormality processing (step S109). Details of the power-off monitoring process (FIG. 15) and the abnormality process (FIG. 17) will be described later. After the abnormal process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an output process (step S110). In the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs the command set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 in each process described above to the sub-control board 90.

[Power-off monitoring processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the power-off monitoring process (FIG. 15: step S108). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not a power-off signal has been input (step S1601). If there is no input (step S1601: NO), this process ends. When there is an input (step S1601: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 stores data relating to the current state in the main RAM 84 (step S1602). At this time, the game control microcomputer 81 creates a checksum. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the power-off flag (step S1603), and then performs a loop process without returning to the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 13).

[Abnormal processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the abnormality process (FIG. 15: Step S109). The game control microcomputer 81 first performs an abnormal winning error process (step S1700). In the abnormal winning error process, the gaming control microcomputer 81 does not occur at various winning openings such as when the first large winning opening sensor 30a or the V area sensor 39a is turned on when the first large winning opening 30 is closed. When detection of a winning prize that does not occur occurs, a signal indicating that an abnormal winning error has occurred is output from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 45, and the occurrence of the abnormal winning error is indicated to the sub-control board 90. An abnormal winning error command for notifying and notifying that is set.

  After the abnormal winning error process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a door opening error process (step S1704). In the door opening error process, the game control microcomputer 81 detects the game information when the front frame opening switch 58 detects the opening of the front frame 53 or when the inner frame opening switch 59 detects the opening of the inner frame 52. A signal indicating that a door opening error has occurred is output from the output terminal board (external information terminal) 45, and a door opening for notifying the sub-control board 90 that a door opening error has occurred and informing the fact to that effect. Sets an error command.

  After the door opening error process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a payout state error process (step S1706). In the payout state error process, the game control microcomputer 81 causes the rotor to rotate when the prize ball motor 121 or the ball rental motor 131 is driven or when the rotor cannot rotate due to the ball biting or the like, or when the prize ball motor 121 or the ball rental motor 131 is driven. The fact that a payout state error has occurred from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 45 when the prize ball sensor 122 or the ball rental sensor 132 cannot detect the prize ball or the ball rental despite the normal rotation. And a payout state error command for notifying the sub-control board 90 that a payout state error has occurred and informing the fact to that effect.

  After the payout state error process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a switch abnormality error process (step S1708). In the switch abnormality error process, the game control microcomputer 81 has an abnormality such as disconnection (not connected) or short circuit in various sensors and switches (FIG. 9), and a switch abnormality detection signal is input to the game control microcomputer 81. In this case, the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 45 outputs a signal indicating that a switch abnormality error has occurred, and notifies the sub-control board 90 that a switch abnormality error has occurred. Set the switch error error command to

  After the switch abnormality error process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a discharge error process (step S1712). In the discharge error process, the game control microcomputer 81 calculates the number of prize balls calculated (the prize ball number counter provided in the main RAM 84) to be paid out based on the fact that each winning mouth sensor (FIG. 9) is turned on, and the prize balls. The number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the sensor 122 (payout ball number counter provided in the main RAM 84) is compared, and the difference between the value of the prize ball number counter and the payout ball number counter becomes a predetermined value or more. If a discharge error occurs, a signal indicating that a discharge error has occurred is output from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 45, and the sub-control board 90 is notified that a discharge error has occurred. Then, a discharge error command for informing that is set.

  After the discharge error process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a discharge ball check error process (step S1716). As shown in FIG. 5, in the first grand prize winning device 31, the path from when the game ball enters the ball to when it is discharged is long. Abnormalities such as clogging are more likely to occur than in the device. Therefore, when the game ball that has entered the ball causes clogging in the first big prize winning device 31 when the first big prize winning opening 30 is opened, the first big prize winning opening 30 detected by the first big winning prize sensor 30a. An insufficient discharge error occurs in which the number of balls discharged from the first big prize winning device 31 detected by the V region sensor 39a and the non-V region sensor 70a is smaller than the number of balls entered. On the other hand, when the clogging in the first big prize winning device 31 is resolved, the V area sensor 39a and the non-V area are more than the number of balls entered into the first big prize opening 30 detected by the first big prize opening sensor 30a. An excessive discharge error occurs in which the number of discharged balls from the first big winning device 31 detected by the sensor 70a is larger. The gaming control microcomputer 81 generates a discharge ball check error from the game information output terminal board (external information terminal) 45, assuming that a discharge ball check error occurs when such a shortage discharge error or excessive discharge error occurs. In addition to outputting a signal indicating that a discharge ball check error has occurred, a discharge ball check error command for notifying the sub-control board 90 that a discharge ball check error has occurred and informing the fact is set.

  After the discharged ball confirmation error process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an abnormal V winning error process (step S1722). In the abnormal V winning error process, the gaming control microcomputer 81 determines that an abnormal V winning error has occurred when the V area sensor 39a is turned on when the gaming state is not the big hit gaming state, and the gaming information output terminal board (External information terminal) 45 outputs a signal indicating that an abnormal V winning error has occurred, and notifies the sub-control board 90 that an abnormal V winning error has occurred and notifies the sub V control board 90 of the abnormal V winning error. Sets an error command.

7). Operation of Effect Control Microcomputer 91 The operation of the effect control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub-control board 90 (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to FIGS.
[Sub control main processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the sub-control main process. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the sub control main process is read from the sub ROM 93 and executed by the effect control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub control board 90. In step S4000, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs an initialization process. In the initialization process, initialization of the sub RAM 94 is performed such as various settings relating to the sub CPU 92 and resetting of counters and flags stored in the sub RAM 94.

  In step S4007, the effect control microcomputer 91 executes identification information transmission / reception processing. Details of this identification information transmission / reception processing will be described later. The initialization process and the identification information transmission / reception process are executed only once after the power is turned on or after the power is restored, and are not executed thereafter.

  In step S4015, the effect control microcomputer 91 prohibits interruption. In step S4020, the production control microcomputer 91 updates the random number. Here, various random values are updated. The random numbers include a chance-up random number, a scenario random number, a zone random number, a high-accuracy short-time effect rush random number, and a roaring effect determination random number. The random number value is updated by adding one by one. The random number value is returned to “0” when it reaches the upper limit value. The initial value may be a number other than “0”, or may be a number that is randomly changed. In addition to adding one by one, two or more random numbers may be added.

  In step S4025, the effect control microcomputer 91 permits interruption. While the interrupt is permitted, the sub timer interrupt process (step S4035) can be executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4015 and the process is repeated. That is, while the interrupt is permitted, the sub timer interrupt process tries to interrupt at a predetermined time interval.

[Identification information transmission / reception processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the identification information transmission / reception process (FIG. 18: step S4007). In the identification information transmission / reception process, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the identification information transmitted from the main control board 80 (game control microcomputer 81) has been received (S4210). When the presentation control microcomputer 91 receives the identification information transmitted from the main control board 80 (S4210: YES), the received identification information is stored in the main identification information storage area 98a of the sub-EEP-ROM 98 in step S4220. Is stored as main identification information, and the process proceeds to step S4250. On the other hand, if the production control microcomputer 91 has not received the identification information transmitted from the main control board 80 (S4210: NO), whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information transmission / reception process was started. Is determined (S4230). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the identification information transmission / reception process (S4230: NO), the effect control microcomputer 91 returns to the process of step S4210. When the predetermined time has elapsed after starting the identification information transmission / reception process (S4230: YES), the effect control microcomputer 91 identifies the main identification in the main identification information storage area 98a of the sub EEP-ROM 98 in step S4240. “NULL” is stored as information, and the process proceeds to step S4250. This “NULL” indicates that there is no identification information.

  In step S4250, the effect control microcomputer 91 identifies the identification information (main identification information) stored in the main identification information storage area 98a and the identification information (sub identification information stored in the sub identification information storage area 98b). ) Is transmitted to the sub-control board 90, and this identification information transmission / reception process is terminated.

[Sub timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the sub timer interruption process (FIG. 18: step S4035). In step S4300, the effect control microcomputer 91 executes a received command analysis process. Details of the received command analysis processing will be described later. In step S4305, the effect control microcomputer 91 executes a switch process. In the switch processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets the display content of the display screen 7a based on switch data (edge data and level data) output based on the detection signal from the effect button detection switch 63a. . In step S4310, the effect control microcomputer 91 executes command transmission processing. In the command transmission process, various commands set in the output buffer of the sub RAM 94 in the received command analysis process or the like are transmitted to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. The image control board 100 that has received the various commands uses the image display device 7 to execute a display effect according to the received command. In addition, the voice control board 106 that has received various commands executes a voice effect that outputs voice from the speaker 67 in accordance with the received commands. The lamp control board 107 that has received various commands controls the light emission of the panel lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 in accordance with the received commands, and controls the operation of the movable panel 15 by driving the drive motor 15a.

[Received command analysis processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the received command analysis process (FIG. 20: step 4300). In step S4400, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the power-on command (FIG. 14: step 025) transmitted from the main control board 80 upon power-on with the operation of the RAM clear switch 89 has been received. . If the power-on command has not been received (step S4400: NO), the process proceeds to step S4402. If a power-on command has been received (step S4400: YES), the process proceeds to step S4405.

  In step S4402, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the power-on flag is set to ON. The power-on flag is a flag indicating whether or not an execution period of a power-on command reception process, which will be described later, is executed on the sub-control board 90. “ON” is set if it is an execution period, and “OFF” if it is not an execution period. Is set. If the power-on flag is not set to ON (step S4402: NO), the process proceeds to step S4410. If the power-on flag is set to ON (step S4402: YES), the process proceeds to step S4405. In step S4405, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs power-on command reception processing. Details of the power-on command reception process will be described later.

  In step S4410, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the power supply restoration command (FIG. 13: step 022) transmitted from the main control board 80 at the time of power restoration without the operation of the RAM clear switch 89 has been received. Do it. If the power recovery command has not been received (step S4410: NO), the process proceeds to step S4412. If the power recovery command has been received (step S4410: YES), the process proceeds to step S4415.

  In step S4412, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the power recovery flag is set to ON. The power recovery flag is a flag indicating whether or not a power recovery command reception process, which will be described later, is executed in the sub-control board 90, and is set to “ON” if it is an execution period, and “OFF” if it is not an execution period. Is set. If the power recovery flag is not set to ON (step S4412: NO), the process proceeds to step S4420. If the power recovery flag is set to ON (step S4412: YES), the process proceeds to step S4415. In step S4415, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs power supply restoration command reception processing. Details of the power recovery command reception process will be described later.

  In step S4420, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the power-on flag and the power recovery flag are set to OFF. That is, in step S4420, it is determined whether or not the power-on process (power-on command reception process: S4405) and the power-on process (power recovery command reception process: S4415) have been completed. If the processing at power-on and power recovery has not been completed (step S4420: NO), this processing is terminated. If the processing at power-on and power recovery has been completed (step S4420: YES), the processing moves to step S4460.

  In step S4460, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs other command reception processing. As described above, various commands other than the power-on command and the power recovery command are transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90 as other commands. Step S4460 is processing performed by the effect control microcomputer 91 when the sub-control board 90 receives such other commands from the main control board 80. Examples of other command reception processing include, for example, a command indicating the result of the determination of validity, a variation pattern command indicating a variation pattern, or a variation start command indicating that variation starts.

[Power-on command reception processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of power-on command reception processing (FIG. 21: step S4405). When the power-on command is received, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the power-on flag to ON (step S4500). If the power-on flag is already set to ON, the process of step S4500 is bypassed. As described above, this power-on flag is a flag indicating whether or not the power-on command receiving process is in the execution period in the sub-control board 90, and is set to “ON” in the execution period. Otherwise, “OFF” is set. The power-on flag is turned off when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the power-on command and turned on (steps S4548 and S4550 described later).

  In step S4501, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs RAM clear notification based on the reception of the power-on command accompanied by the operation of the RAM clear switch 89. This RAM clear notification is a process realized by the production control microcomputer 91 controlling the sound control board 106, and a process for notifying a predetermined sound (for example, a sound such as “RAM cleared”) from the speaker 67. It is.

  In step S4502, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the RAM clear notification period has ended. If the RAM clear notification has not ended (step S4502: NO), this process ends. If the RAM clear notification has ended (step S4502: YES), the process proceeds to step S4548.

  In step S4548, effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the power-on command was received. For example, when the initial operation of the movable panel 15 and other driving devices is performed, the predetermined time can be set to a time enough to execute them. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S4548: NO), this process ends. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S4548: YES), the process proceeds to step S4550, and the effect control microcomputer 91 sets the power-on flag to OFF. Setting the power-on flag to OFF means that the power-on command reception process (FIG. 21: step S4405) has ended.

[Power recovery command reception processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of power recovery command reception processing (FIG. 21: step S4415). When the power recovery command is received, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the power recovery flag to ON (step S4600). If the power recovery flag is already set to ON, the process of step S4600 is bypassed. As described above, this power recovery flag is a flag indicating whether or not the power recovery command reception process is executed in the sub-control board 90, and is set to “ON” in the execution period. Otherwise, “OFF” is set. The power recovery flag is turned OFF when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the power recovery command and turned ON (steps S4638 and S4640 described later).

  In step S4602, the effect control microcomputer 91 notifies that the power supply is being restored based on the reception of the power supply restoration command. This notification during power restoration is a process realized by controlling the sound control board 106 by the effect control microcomputer 91 and is a process of notifying a predetermined sound from the speaker 67.

  In step S4604, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not the notification period during power restoration has ended. When the notification during the power recovery is not completed (step S4604: NO), this process is terminated. When the notification during the power recovery is finished (step S4604: YES), the process proceeds to step S4638.

  In step S4638, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the power recovery command. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S4638: NO), this process ends. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S4638: YES), the process proceeds to step S4640, and the production control microcomputer 91 sets the power supply restoration flag to OFF. Setting the power recovery flag to OFF means that the power recovery command reception process (FIG. 20: step S4415) has ended.

8). Operation of Image Control Microcomputer 101 The operation of the image control microcomputer 101 provided on the image control board 100 (FIG. 10) will be described with reference to FIG.
[Image control main processing]
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing image control main processing. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the image control main process is read from the ROM 103 and executed by the image control microcomputer 101 provided on the image control board 100. In step S5010, the image control microcomputer 101 performs an initialization process. In the initialization process, initialization of the RAM 104 is performed such as various settings relating to the CPU 102 and resetting of counters and flags stored in the RAM 104.

  In step S5020, the image control microcomputer 101 executes a control board replacement determination process. Details of the control board replacement determination process will be described later. The initialization process and the control board replacement determination process are executed only once after power is turned on or after power is restored, and are not executed thereafter.

  In step S5030, the image control microcomputer 101 permits interruption. While the interruption is permitted, the image control side timer interruption process (step S5040) can be executed. In the image control side timer interruption process, image data (moving image data) is generated based on an instruction from the sub-control board 90 (production control microcomputer 91), and various display effects are realized on the image display device 7. While the interruption is permitted, the image control side timer interruption process attempts interruption at a predetermined time interval.

[Control board replacement judgment processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 24: step S5020). In the control board replacement determination process, the image control microcomputer 101 determines whether or not the identification information transmitted from the sub control board 90 (the effect control microcomputer 91) has been received (step S5110). If the image control microcomputer 101 receives the identification information transmitted from the sub-control board 90 (S5110: YES), then in step S5120, among the received identification information, the main identification information (main The identification information stored in the identification information storage area 98a) is stored in the main identification information storage area 108a of the image control EEP-ROM 108, and is stored in the sub identification information (sub identification information storage area 98b). (Identification information) is stored in the sub-identification information storage area 108b of the image control EEP-ROM 108, and the process proceeds to step S5150.

  On the other hand, if the image control microcomputer 101 has not received the identification information transmitted from the sub control board 90 (S5110: NO), whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the control board replacement determination process. Is determined (S5130). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the control board replacement determination process (S5130: NO), the image control microcomputer 101 returns to the process of step S5110. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the control board replacement determination process (S5130: YES), the image control microcomputer 101 stores main identification information in the main identification information storage area 108a of the image control EEP-ROM 108. “NULL” is stored, “NULL” is stored as the sub-identification information in the sub-identification information storage area 108b, and the process proceeds to step S5150. This “NULL” indicates that there is no identification information.

  In step S5150, the image control microcomputer 101 refers to the replacement determination table 103a shown in FIG. Based on the identification information (sub-identification information) stored in 108b and the identification information stored in the image control identification information storage area 108c, whether or not these substrates have been replaced, and Control board replacement determination for determining which board has been replaced is executed.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a replacement determination table 103a used for control board replacement determination. In this exchange determination table 103a, a determination pattern, a determination condition, and a determination result are associated with each other. The determination conditions include identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 108a (hereinafter also referred to as identification information X) and identification information stored in the sub identification information storage area 108b (hereinafter also referred to as identification information Y). And conditions set using at least two pieces of identification information of the identification information stored in the image control identification information storage area 108c (hereinafter also referred to as identification information Z). The determination result includes a replacement presence / absence indicating whether or not the control board has been replaced, and an exchange subject representing the replaced control board. When the presence / absence of replacement is “◯”, it indicates that some control board has been replaced.

  In the control board replacement determination, if the identification information X, the identification information Y, and the identification information Z are the same and the identification information Y is not NULL in the control board replacement determination, the image control microcomputer 101 enters the replacement determination table 103a. Based on the determination pattern 1, it is determined that none of the control boards (the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100) has been replaced.

  In the image control microcomputer 101, in the control board replacement determination, the identification information Y and the identification information Z are the same, the identification information X is different from the identification information Y and the identification information Z, and the identification information Y is not NULL. On the basis of the replacement determination table 103a, it is determined as the determination pattern 2 that the main control board 80 (at least a part) has been replaced. The determination pattern 2 includes a case where the identification information X is NULL, but the identification information Y is not NULL, and the identification information Y and the identification information Z are the same.

  In the image control microcomputer 101, in the control board replacement determination, the identification information X and the identification information Z are the same, the identification information Y is different from the identification information X and the identification information Z, and the identification information X and the identification information Y are If neither is NULL, it is determined that the sub control board 90 (at least a part) has been replaced as the determination pattern 3 based on the replacement determination table 103a.

  In the image control microcomputer 101, in the control board replacement determination, the identification information X and the identification information Y are the same, the identification information Z is different from the identification information X and the identification information Y, and the identification information X and the identification information Y are If it is not NULL, it is determined that the image control board 100 (at least a part) has been replaced as the determination pattern 4 based on the replacement determination table 103a.

  In the image control microcomputer 101, in the control board replacement determination, the identification information X and the identification information Y are different, the identification information Y and the identification information Z are different, the identification information X and the identification information Z are different, and the identification information Y is NULL. If not, the determination pattern 5 is a determination that any control board (main control board 80, sub-control board 90, and image control board 100) (at least a part) has been replaced based on the replacement determination table 103a. To do.

  When the identification information X and the identification information Y are NULL in the control board replacement determination, the image control microcomputer 101 determines which control board (main control board) as the determination pattern 6 based on the replacement determination table 103a. 80, it is determined that the sub-control board 90 and the image control board 100) (at least a part) have been replaced.

  If the image control microcomputer 101 does not correspond to any of the above determination patterns 1 to 6 in the control board replacement determination, the image control microcomputer 101, based on the replacement determination table 103a, the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image It is determined that the replacement determination of the control board 100 is impossible. Further, in this case, the image control microcomputer 101 determines that some trouble has occurred in the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100.

  Subsequently, in step S5160, the image control microcomputer 101 executes display processing based on the determination result of the control board replacement determination. Details of this display processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. The image control microcomputer 101 ends the control board replacement determination process after the process of step s5160.

[Display processing]
27 and 28 are diagrams for explaining the display based on the control board replacement determination result (step S5160). In the control board replacement determination process, when it is determined as the determination pattern 1, the main display board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 are included in the image display device 7 as shown in FIG. Indicates that the board is assumed to be the same as that at the time of shipment, in other words, indicates that none of the control boards (main control board 80, sub control board 90, and image control board 100) has been replaced. Display.

  In the control board replacement determination process, when it is determined as the determination pattern 2, as shown in FIG. 27B, it is suggested that the main display board 80 (at least a part) is replaced in the image display device 7. Display.

  In the control board replacement determination process, when it is determined as the determination pattern 3, as shown in FIG. 27C, it is suggested that the sub control board 90 (at least a part) is replaced in the image display device 7. Display.

  In the control board replacement determination process, when it is determined as the determination pattern 4, as shown in FIG. 28A, it is suggested that the image display board 100 (at least a part) is replaced in the image display device 7. Display.

  In the control board replacement determination process, when it is determined as the determination pattern 5 or the determination pattern 6, as shown in FIG. 28 (B), the image display device 7 includes the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and A display indicating that at least a part of the image control board 100 has been replaced is performed.

  If the determination pattern 7 is determined in the control board replacement determination process, the main display board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 are added to the image display device 7 as shown in FIG. Is displayed to indicate that it was not possible to determine whether or not to replace the control board and that some sort of malfunction has occurred in these control boards.

9. Effect example of this embodiment [Effect 1]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 determines that the identification information X is different from the identification information Y or the identification information Z in step S5150 in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25) ( In the case of determination patterns 2 to 5, display processing (FIG. 27B, FIG. 27C) suggesting that at least part of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, or the image control board 100 has been replaced. ) And FIG. 28 (A) and (B)). According to this configuration, when the administrator of the gaming machine 1 replaces at least a part of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, or the image control board 100 with another person, the manager of the gaming machine 1 performs the replacement by display processing. Can be recognized. As a result, fraud can be suppressed and occurrence of problems in maintenance / management of the gaming machine 1 can be suppressed.

[Effect 2]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 determines that the identification information X, the identification information Y, and the identification information Z are the same in step S5150 in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25) ( In the case of determination pattern 1), a display process (see FIG. 27A) that indicates that none of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, or the image control board 100 has been replaced. Like to do. According to this configuration, the administrator of the gaming machine 1 performs the replacement by the display process when the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, or the image control board 100 has not been replaced by another person. It becomes possible to recognize that it is not.

[Effect 3]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the transmission processing of the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 108a by the main control board 80 (FIG. 14: S026), the main identification information storage area by the sub control board 90 98a and the identification information stored in the sub identification information storage area 98b (FIG. 19: S4250) and the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 24: S5020) by the image control microcomputer 101 are executed when the power is turned on. I am doing so. According to this configuration, since the administrator can recognize the replaced control board before the gaming machine 1 is operated, fraud can be suppressed in advance.

[Effect 4]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 determines that the identification information Y and the identification information Z are the same in step S5150 in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). When the identification information Y is different from the identification information Y and the identification information Z and the identification information Y is not NULL (in the case of the determination pattern 2), a display process (FIG. 5) suggesting that at least a part of the main control board 80 has been replaced. 27 (B)). According to this configuration, the administrator of the gaming machine 1 can recognize the replacement by display processing when at least a part of the main control board 80 is replaced by another person. As a result, fraud can be suppressed and occurrence of problems in maintenance / management of the gaming machine 1 can be suppressed.

[Effect 5]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 determines that the identification information X and the identification information Z are the same in step S5150 in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). When the identification information X and the identification information Y are different from the identification information X and the identification information Z and are not NULL (in the case of the determination pattern 3), it is suggested that at least a part of the sub-control board 90 has been replaced. Display processing (see FIG. 27C) is performed. According to this configuration, the administrator of the gaming machine 1 can recognize the replacement by the display process when at least a part of the sub-control board 90 is replaced by another person. As a result, fraud can be suppressed and occurrence of problems in maintenance / management of the gaming machine 1 can be suppressed.

[Effect 6]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 determines that the identification information X and the identification information Y are the same in step S5150 in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). When the identification information X and the identification information Y are different from the identification information X and the identification information Y and are not NULL (in the case of the determination pattern 4), it is suggested that at least a part of the image control board 100 has been replaced. Display processing (see FIG. 28A) is performed. According to this configuration, the administrator of the gaming machine 1 can recognize the replacement by display processing when at least a part of the image control board 100 is replaced by another person. As a result, fraud can be suppressed and occurrence of problems in maintenance / management of the gaming machine 1 can be suppressed.

[Effect 7]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 differs from the identification information X and the identification information Z in step S5150 in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). Are different, the identification information X is different from the identification information Z, and the identification information Y is not NULL (in the case of the determination pattern 5), or the identification information X and the identification information Y are each NULL (in the determination pattern 6). In the case), a display process (see FIG. 28B) indicating that at least a part of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 has been replaced is performed. According to this configuration, when the administrator of the gaming machine 1 replaces at least a part of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 with another person, the manager of the gaming machine 1 performs the replacement by display processing. Can be recognized. As a result, fraud can be suppressed and occurrence of problems in maintenance / management of the gaming machine 1 can be suppressed.

[Effect 8]
According to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 does not correspond to any of the determination patterns 1 to 6 in step S5150 in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25) (in the determination pattern 7). In the case), a display process (indicating that the replacement determination of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 could not be performed and that some malfunction occurred in these control boards ( (See FIG. 28C). According to this configuration, the administrator of the gaming machine 1 can suppress the occurrence of problems in maintenance / management of the gaming machine 1.

10. Modified example of the present embodiment [Modified example 1]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured, the same identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a is used as the sub-identification information storage area 98b and the image control identification information. The image control board 100 stores the main identification information and the sub identification information transmitted to the main identification information storage area 108a and the main identification information when stored in the storage area 108c and turned on after the gaming machine 1 is shipped. The identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 108a and stored in the main identification information storage area 108a and the identification information stored in the sub identification information storage area 108b in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). The control board replacement is determined by collating with the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 108a. The present invention is not limited to Les. For example, when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured, different identification information is stored in the main identification information storage area 85a and the sub identification information storage area 98b, and the main identification information storage area is stored in the image control EEP-ROM 108. The sub control board 90 is specified from the main discrimination reference information that is the reference information that can specify the main control board 80 from the identification information stored in the 85a and the identification information stored in the sub identification information storage area 98b. And sub-discrimination reference information that is reference information that can be stored. Next, in the control board replacement determination process, the image control microcomputer 101 compares the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 108a with the main determination reference information. Determines that neither the main control board 80 nor the image control board 100 has been replaced, and indicates that neither the main control board 80 nor the image control board 100 has been replaced in the display process. If the display is suggested, and if they do not match, it is determined that either the main control board 80 or the image control board 100 has been replaced, and the main control board 80 or the image control board 100 is displayed in the display process. You may make it perform the display which suggests that either is replaced | exchanged. Further, the image control microcomputer 101 collates the identification information stored in the sub identification information storage area 108b with the sub discrimination reference information in the control board replacement determination process. It is determined that neither the sub control board 90 nor the image control board 100 has been replaced, and it is suggested that neither the sub control board 90 nor the image control board 100 has been replaced in the display process. If there is a discrepancy, it is determined that either the sub control board 90 or the image control board 100 has been replaced, and the sub control board 90 or the image control board 100 is displayed in the display process. You may make it perform the display which suggests that either is replaced | exchanged. In this case, when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured, the main control board 80 holds the sub-identification information. After the gaming machine 1 is installed (after shipment), when the power is turned on for the first time, the main control board 80 The sub-identification information is output to the sub-control board 90, and the sub-control board 90 receives the sub-identification information and stores it in the sub-identification information storage area 98b so as to hold the sub-identification information. Also good. Further, when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured, the main control board 80 holds the main discrimination reference information and the sub discrimination reference information, and after the gaming machine 1 is installed (after shipment), when the power is turned on for the first time. The main control board 80 outputs the reference information to the image control board 100 via the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 receives the reference information and stores it in the image control EEP-ROM 108. Reference information and sub-discrimination reference information may be held.

[Modification 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when the gaming machine 1 is manufactured, the same identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a is used as the sub-identification information storage area 98b and the image control identification information. By storing the information in the storage area 108c, the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a, the sub identification information storage area 98b, and the image control identification information storage area 108c is made the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the gaming machine 1 is manufactured, the same identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a is stored in the sub identification information storage area 98b and the image control identification information storage area 108c. Also good. In this case, when the gaming machine 1 is first turned on after the gaming machine 1 is manufactured, the main control board 80 transmits the identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 85a to the sub-control board 90. The sub control board 90 transmits the identification information transmitted from the main control board 80 to the image control board 100 while storing it in the sub identification information storage area 98b, and the image control board 100 transmits from the sub control board 90. The identified identification information is stored in the image control identification information storage area 108c. However, after the storage, the identification information stored in the sub-identification information storage area 98b and the image control identification information storage area 108c can be read, but it is preferable that the identification information is not rewritten.

[Modification 3]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the image control board 100 determines whether or not the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90 have been replaced in the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sub control board 90 (the effect control microcomputer 91) may execute the control board replacement determination process. For example, the production control microcomputer 91 uses the main identification information stored in the main identification information storage area 98a and the sub use as the control board replacement determination process instead of step S4250 in the identification information transmission / reception process (FIG. 19). The sub-identification information stored in the identification information storage area 98b is compared, and if they are the same, it is determined that the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 have not been exchanged. May determine that at least a part of the main control board 80 or the sub control board 90 has been replaced. In this case, if it is determined that the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90 are not replaced, the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90 are not replaced using the image display device 7. If it is determined that at least a part of the main control board 80 or the sub control board 90 has been replaced, the image display device 7 is used to display the main control board 80 or the sub control board 90. A display indicating that at least a part of the substrate 90 has been replaced may be performed.

[Modification 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 determines that it has been replaced if it is determined to be any one of the determination patterns 2 to 4 in the process of step S5150 of the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is determined that any one of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 has been replaced. In the display process, display indicating that one of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 has been replaced may be performed. Also, with respect to the determination pattern 7, it is determined that one of the control boards has been replaced, and any one of the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 is replaced in the display process. You may make it perform the display which suggests. In addition, for the determination pattern 1, it is determined that the internal device including the main control board 80, the sub control board 90, and the image control board 100 has not been replaced, and the main control board 80 and the sub control are displayed in the display process. You may make it perform the display which suggests that the board | substrate 90 and the internal apparatus containing the image control board | substrate 100 are not exchanged.

[Modification 5]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the image control microcomputer 101 uses the image display device 7 as the result of the control board replacement determination in step S5150 in the process of step S5160 of the control board replacement determination process (FIG. 25). The notification is made by display processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image control microcomputer 101 determines the result of the control board replacement determination based on the sound or sound from the speaker 67, the way the panel lamp 5 or the frame lamp 66 shines, the way the panel movable body 15 or the frame movable body 600 moves. You may make it alert | report. If the image control microcomputer 101 determines that one of the control boards has been replaced as a result of the control board replacement determination, the image control microcomputer 101 stops the driving of the gaming machine 1 without notifying the result, and plays the game. You may make it perform the disabling process. In this case, as a measure for disabling the game, for example, turning off the power of the gaming machine 1, disabling the injection of the game ball, stopping the control of the sub control board 90 or the image control board 100, For example, measures such as stopping the driving of the display device 7 can be given.

[Other variations]
The gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment has been described by taking a pachinko gaming machine as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, instead of a pachinko gaming machine, the present invention may be applied to a swing-type gaming machine such as a slot machine, an arrange ball gaming machine, or a sparrow ball gaming machine.

  Moreover, although the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment is a gaming machine equipped with a payout device for paying out balls, the game machine 1 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the gaming machine 1, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that is not equipped with a payout device, such as a so-called enclosed gaming machine. Moreover, you may combine two or more modification examples among the some modification examples mentioned above. Further, the gaming machine 1 may include a sub display device in addition to the image display device 7. In this case, the display effect described above may be executed by the sub display device.

  In addition, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 and the operation mode of each member described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized with other configurations and operation modes. Further, the order of processing, the set value, the threshold value used for determination, etc. in the flowcharts described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized with other orders and values without departing from the scope of the present invention. be able to. Furthermore, the restricting member exemplified in the above embodiment is merely an example, and other restricting members can be employed.

11. Embodiment In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the following modes can be realized.

[Aspect 1]
First control means (80) for holding identification information;
Second control means (90, 100) for holding reference information capable of discriminating a specific first control means from the identification information;
With
The first control means outputs identification information to the second control means,
The second control unit compares the identification information output from the first control unit with reference information, and determines whether or not the first control unit that has output the identification information is the specific first control unit. ,
A gaming machine (1) characterized by that.

[Aspect 2]
If the second control means determines that the first control means that has output the identification information is not the specific first control means, a notification suggesting that the first control means or the second control means has been replaced A notification means (7) for executing
The gaming machine according to aspect 1, wherein

[Aspect 3]
If the second control means determines that the first control means that has output the identification information is the specific first control means, it indicates that the first control means or the second control means has not been replaced. A notification means (7) for performing notification to
The gaming machine according to aspect 1 or aspect 2.

[Aspect 4]
The first control means outputs identification information to the second control means at power-on,
The second control unit executes the collation between the identification information output from the first control unit and the reference information when the power is turned on.
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is characterized in that.

[Aspect 5]
The second control means can execute a predetermined effect based on an instruction from the first control means,
The second control unit is capable of executing the predetermined effect based on an instruction from the first processing unit that receives the identification information output from the first control unit and the first processing unit, and from the identification information Second processing means for holding reference information capable of discriminating a specific first control means,
The first processing means outputs the identification information received from the first control means to the second processing means,
The second processing means collates the identification information output from the first processing means with reference information, and determines whether or not the first control means that has output the identification information is the specific first control means. ,
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that:

[Aspect 6]
The first processing means holds first identification information that can identify the first processing means, and outputs the first identification information to the second processing means,
The second processing means holds first reference information, which is reference information capable of discriminating a specific first processing means from the identification information, and the first identification information output from the first processing means. And the first reference information to determine whether the first processing means that has output the identification information is the specific first processing means,
The gaming machine according to aspect 5, wherein

  As mentioned above, although this aspect was demonstrated based on embodiment and a modification, embodiment of an above-described aspect is for making an understanding of this aspect easy, and does not limit this aspect. This aspect can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents are included in this aspect.

  It should be understood that the terms used in this specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 7 ... Image display apparatus (notification means)
80 ... main control board (main control means)
85 ... main EEP-ROM (main storage means)
90 ... Sub-control board (sub-control means)
98 ... Sub-EEP-ROM (Sub-storage means)
100: Image control board (sub-control means)
108: Image control EEP-ROM (sub-storage means)

Claims (6)

First control means for holding identification information;
Second control means for holding reference information capable of determining a specific first control means from the identification information;
With
The first control means outputs identification information to the second control means,
The second control unit compares the identification information output from the first control unit with reference information, and determines whether or not the first control unit that has output the identification information is the specific first control unit. ,
A gaming machine characterized by that. If the second control means determines that the first control means that has output the identification information is not the specific first control means, a notification suggesting that the first control means or the second control means has been replaced Comprising notification means for executing
The gaming machine according to claim 1. If the second control means determines that the first control means that has output the identification information is the specific first control means, it indicates that the first control means or the second control means has not been replaced. Provided with a notification means for executing notification,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2. The first control means outputs identification information to the second control means at power-on,
The second control unit executes the collation between the identification information output from the first control unit and the reference information when the power is turned on.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that. The second control means can execute a predetermined effect based on an instruction from the first control means,
The second control unit is capable of executing the predetermined effect based on an instruction from the first processing unit that receives the identification information output from the first control unit and the first processing unit, and from the identification information Second processing means for holding reference information capable of discriminating a specific first control means,
The first processing means outputs the identification information received from the first control means to the second processing means,
The second processing means collates the identification information output from the first processing means with reference information, and determines whether or not the first control means that has output the identification information is the specific first control means. ,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by that. The first processing means holds first identification information that can identify the first processing means, and outputs the first identification information to the second processing means,
The second processing means holds first reference information, which is reference information capable of discriminating a specific first processing means from the identification information, and the first identification information output from the first processing means. And the first reference information to determine whether the first processing means that has output the identification information is the specific first processing means,
The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein:

Images