JP2019208884A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can identify whether the installed frame replacement unit is compatible or not.SOLUTION: In a game machine (e.g., Pachinko machine) including control means for performing control related to a performance, an opening/closing unit provided with a performance member capable of executing a performance operation on the basis of control information of the control means, and a replacement unit that is a part of the opening/closing unit and configured to be detachable for replacing in accordance with the control means, the replacement unit includes a serial communication IC (e.g., LED driver 3p), and a specific output terminal of one bit in the serial communication IC is allocated to an identification input bit. The control means repeats one operation command for the serial communication IC of the replacement unit attached to the game machine a plurality of times, and determines whether or not the replacement unit is compatible with the game machine by monitoring the change in output content of the identification input bit based on the one operation command repeated a plurality of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 68

Description

  The present invention includes a so-called ball-type game machine (hereinafter also referred to as “pachinko game machine” or “pachinko machine”), a revolving game machine (also referred to as “pachi-slot machine” or “slot machine”), etc. It relates to gaming machines.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine in which an outer frame and a front frame are used as common parts and a frame (or a part thereof) of the game board can be exchanged according to a control board for controlling a game or a game board to which the control board is attached It has been. Hereinafter, this exchangeable game board frame is referred to as a “frame exchange unit”. In such a conventional gaming machine, by using common parts, it can be expected not only to reduce the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine but also to improve the efficiency of the replacement work of the gaming machine.

  However, in such a conventional gaming machine, an incorrect frame replacement unit (non-conforming frame replacement unit) that can be physically attached at the time of replacement of the gaming machine but is not compatible in the internal processing by the control board. Could be attached. In a gaming machine to which an incompatible frame replacement unit is attached, for example, a control signal output from the control board may cause an erroneous operation on the frame replacement unit side, resulting in a failure.

  With respect to the above-described problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that allows one game board to be used with a plurality of types of frames, and that makes it easy to change other than the design of the effect device on the frame side. . In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, by outputting a signal for identifying the type of frame body from the frame body side to the game board side, the type of the frame body is determined on the game board side, and according to the type of the frame body Output the command. If it is possible to discriminate the type of the frame body in this way, it is considered possible to detect the attachment of the incompatible frame replacement unit.

JP 2017-113198 A

  However, in Patent Document 1 described above, frame information including a signal for identifying the type of the frame body is output from the frame type output circuit of the frame relay board during a period in which the main power source is on, and based on the frame information. Although it is described that the sub-control board identifies the type of the frame, there is no description of the signal identifying the type of the frame, and the sub-control board identifies the type of the frame The method was not clear.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reliably identify whether or not a mounted frame exchange unit is compatible with a gaming machine.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, opening / closing provided with control means (for example, the effect control board 200) that performs control related to effects, and effect members that can perform effect operations based on control information of the control means. And an exchange unit that is a part of the opening / closing part and is configured to be detachable for exchange according to the control means, and the exchange unit includes a serial communication IC (for example, LED driver 3p). A specific output terminal of 1 bit in the serial communication IC is assigned to the input bit for identification, and the control means is one operation command for the serial communication IC of the exchange unit attached to the gaming machine By monitoring the change in the output content of the identification input bit based on the one operation command repeated a plurality of times. The gaming machine to which the exchange unit and judging whether to conform to the gaming machine is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game machine which can identify the conformity / nonconformity of the mounted frame exchange unit can be provided.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a right view of a pachinko machine. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from back. It is the perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine in the state where the glass frame was opened from the front frame and the front frame was opened from the outer frame. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine decomposed | disassembled into the glass frame, the game board, the front frame, and the outer frame from the front. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine decomposed | disassembled into the glass frame, the game board, the front frame, and the outer frame from back. It is a front view of a game board. It is the perspective view which looked at the game board from the front right. It is a rear view of a game board. It is the perspective view which looked at the back of the game board from the left back. It is the perspective view which looked at the back of the game board from the right back. It is the disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the game board for every main structure and was seen from the front. It is the disassembled perspective view which decomposed | disassembled the game board for every main structure and was seen from back. It is a rear view (the 1) of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view (the 2) of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view (the 3) of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the opening / closing locus | trajectory of a back cover in the appropriate open state of a front frame. It is a figure which shows the opening-and-closing locus | trajectory of a back cover in the open state of the front frame improperly. It is the rear view at the time of removing a main control unit, and its enlarged view (the 1). It is the rear view at the time of removing a main control unit, and its enlarged view (the 2). It is a six-sided view of the main control case. It is the front view and perspective view of a mounting bracket of a main board control case. It is a perspective view of a harness cover. It is a control block diagram which shows the electrical structural example of a gaming machine. FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a main control board illustrated in FIG. 26. FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of an effect control board shown in FIG. 26. It is a figure which shows an example of a special symbol winning / losing lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol table per special symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of a special symbol fluctuation | variation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process by the main control side. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main control-side main processing following FIG. 32. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main process by the main control side following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a setting confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control side timer interruption process continuous in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start port monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the starting port monitoring control process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol fluctuation | variation start monitoring process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol control general-purpose process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol change start process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol change process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol display middle process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol display process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol stop symbol display process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special electric accessory control process. FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special electric accessory control process subsequent to FIG. 51. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special electrically-powered object control process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production control side main process. 56 is a flowchart showing an example of command analysis processing shown in FIG. 55. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production | presentation state transfer process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the change effect content determination process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the big hit effect content determination process shown in FIG. FIG. 60 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a big hit effect content determination process subsequent to FIG. 59. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a production control side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an image control command transmission interruption process. It is a front view of the pachinko machine before frame exchange. It is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine before frame exchange. It is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after frame replacement. It is a front view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after frame exchange. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of detection information and an identification code. It is a circuit diagram of an LED driver.

  Below, pachinko machine 1 concerning one embodiment of the present invention is explained, referring to drawings.

<Structure of pachinko machine>
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 and subsequent figures show the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the other direction, disassembled, and the like. 2 is a right side view of the pachinko machine, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine viewed from the rear. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in a state where the glass frame is opened from the front frame and the front frame is opened from the outer frame, and FIG. 6 is a front view of the pachinko machine. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko machine disassembled into a frame and an outer frame as viewed from the front, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine disassembled into a glass frame, a game board, a front frame, and an outer frame as viewed from the rear. It is.

  The pachinko machine 1 supports a frame-shaped outer frame 2 installed in an island facility of a game hall, a glass frame (door frame) 3 that closes the front of the outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and a glass frame 3 that can be opened and closed. And a front frame 4 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable, and a game board having a game area 5a attached to the front frame 4 so as to be detachable from the front and visible through the glass frame 3 and into which a game ball is driven. 5 is provided.

  The outer frame 2 has a rectangular shape that combines frames 2a and 2b extending left and right in the vertical direction and frames 2c and 2d extending vertically in the left and right, and includes hinge members 2e and 2f on the left and right edges from the front, The front frame 4 and the glass frame 3 are supported by the hinge member so as to be openable / closable and detachable.

  A glass frame 3 is attached to the front side of the front frame 4 so as to be opened and closed laterally and detachably by hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b at the left edge portion. The glass frame 3 is held in a closed state by a glass plate covering the front surface of the glass frame 3 using the locking device 3c. A game board 5 is detachably mounted on the upper half of the front frame 4 located behind the glass frame 3 from the front side of the front frame 4, and is closed as described above. The game area 5a in front of the game board 5 is visible through the layer glass.

  The glass frame 3 has a rectangular base unit 3e having a through-hole 3d penetrating in the front-rear direction, a dish unit 3f for storing game balls below the front surface thereof, and a game board 5 for storing game balls stored in the dish unit 3f. And an area 3g for accommodating a handle 4a that can be operated by the player to be driven into the game area. On the front side of the glass frame 3, a frame lamp (LED lamp) 3h that emits light according to the progress of the game and a speaker 3i that outputs sound according to the progress of the game are provided. In the center of the front of the dish unit 3f, an effect button 3j that is pressed by the player is provided.

  The front frame 4 can be inserted into the frame of the outer frame 2, and the frame 4b that supports the outer periphery of the game board 5, the hinges of the outer frame 2 above and below the left side of the frame 4b, and the door frame 3 Hinges 4c and 4d, which are rotatably mounted, a ball launcher 4e which is attached to the lower part of the front surface of the frame body 4b and for injecting a game ball into the game area 5a of the game board 5, and a frame body 4b, which is attached to the right side surface of the front view, and includes a locking unit 4f for locking between the outer frame 2, the front frame 4, and the glass frame 3, and a substrate unit 4g attached to the lower part of the rear surface of the frame 4b. And a back cover 4h that covers the rear side of the game board 5 attached to the frame body 4b on the rear side of the frame body 4b. The board unit 4g accommodates a speaker unit, a power supply board, an interface control board, and a payout control board that controls payout of game balls.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a player rotates the game ball launching device 4a, the game ball is driven into the game area 5a of the game board 5 with a strength according to the angle. Then, when the game balls that have been thrown into the game area 5a are received in the winning opening (entrance ball opening), a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out according to the received winning opening. The player's interest can be enhanced by paying out the game balls.

<Game board>
Next, the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 is a front view of the game board, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game board viewed from the front right, FIG. 10 is a rear view of the game board, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the back of the game board viewed from the left rear, and FIG. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the game board as viewed from the front after disassembling the game board according to main components, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the game board as viewed from the rear. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from.

  The game board 5 has a game area 5a into which game balls are to be shot. The game board 5 is configured by combining a front unit 100m, a back unit 200m, a liquid crystal base 300m, and a liquid crystal display device (effect display device) 70. The front unit 100m includes a front member 100a that defines the outer periphery of the game area 5a and has an outer shape that is substantially square when viewed from the front, and a plate-like member that is attached to the rear side of the front member 100a and defines the rear end of the game area 5a. And a plurality of obstacle nails are planted in a predetermined arrangement in the game area 5a on the front surface of the game panel 100b.

  The front member 100a includes a function display unit 100c in the lower right corner that makes it possible for the player to visually recognize the game status based on a control signal from the main control unit 5b (main control board 100 that controls the entire game). The liquid crystal display device 70 is arranged at the center of the game area 5a and displays a predetermined effect image. The peripheral control unit 5c (the effect control board 200 that controls the overall effect) is attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal display device 70. The liquid crystal base 300m is opened on the back unit 200m side, accommodates the back unit 200m, and the liquid crystal display device 70 is attached to the back of the liquid crystal base 300m.

  The gaming panel 100b is substantially the same as the front member 100a in outer periphery, and is made of a transparent flat panel plate. The gaming panel 100b is attached to the rear side of the front member 100a and further includes a holder to which the rear unit 200m is attached on the rear surface. The front member 100a is capable of receiving a plurality of general winning holes 66 that are always open so as to be able to receive game balls that have been struck into the game area 5a, and the general winning holes can receive game balls at different positions within the game area 5a. A first start port 61 that is always open, a gate 63 that is attached at a predetermined position in the game area 5a and detects the passage of a game ball (integrated with an attacker unit 500 described later), A second starting port 62 (integrated in an attacker unit 500 described later) that can receive a game ball according to a normal symbol lottery result that is selected by passing, and an acceptance of a game ball to the first starting port 61 In accordance with the result of the first special lottery drawn by the player or the second special lottery result drawn by the acceptance of the game ball to the second starting port, the winning prize port 64 (described later) can be received in any way Ata Comprises integrally formed) on mosquito unit 500. Note that the gate 63, the second starting port 62, and the big winning port 64 are not shown here because they are in the attacker unit 500.

  The second starting port is provided with an ordinary electric accessory composed of a movable piece and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid for driving the ordinary electric accessory to open and close. According to the energized state of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid, the ordinary electric accessory is in a closed state in which the game ball is less likely to enter the second starting port, and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the closed state. Can be alternately changed. The second starting port has a configuration in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter unless the ordinary electric accessory is in an open state, whereas it is easy for a game ball to enter when the ordinary electric accessory is in an open state. The front member 100a includes a first out port 29 directly below the first start port 61 at the center in the left-right direction. The attacker unit 500 is in the lower right of the front member 100a. The attacker unit 500 is a unit that mainly includes a movable piece as a special electric accessory 642 that opens and closes the grand prize winning opening 64, and a plurality of parts are integrated together.

  The back unit 200m has an opening 200a for visually recognizing a rear liquid crystal display screen. The back unit 200m has a sensor for detecting a game ball received in the general winning port 66, the first start port 61, etc., a lock mechanism for detachably mounting the liquid crystal base 300m, and a passage for discharging the game ball. Prepare.

  The front member 100a has a substantially square outer shape when viewed from the front, has an inner shape that penetrates in a front-rear direction in a substantially circular shape, and defines the outer periphery of the game area 5a by the inner periphery of the inner shape. This front member 100a extends in an arc shape from the lower left end toward the left side from the center in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, passes through the center upper end in the left-right direction when viewed from the front and extends to the diagonally upper right portion, and extends to the upper right side. An inner rail 100d that is arranged substantially inside 100f along the front member 100a and extends in a circular arc from the center lower part in the left-right direction in front view to the upper left part in front view, and the game area 5a on the right side in front view of the lower end of the inner rail 100d. And an out guiding path 100e that is formed at the lowest position and is inclined so as to become lower toward the rear.

  The gaming panel 100b includes a center ornament 22 that protrudes toward the front member 100a around an opening having the same shape as the opening of the front member 100a. When the gaming panel 100b is fixed to the front member 100a, the center ornament 22 is fitted into the opening so as to match the shape of the opening of the front member 100a, and is displayed around the opening 100h of the front unit 100m. The player can recognize the effect screen and the behavior of the effect device through the opening 100h. The center decoration 22 is a kind of decorative body and exhibits a decoration function that assists the screen of the effect display device 70 at the center of the game board 5. The center ornament 22 may be provided with a movable accessory (movable effect device) that performs an effect operation according to the progress of the game. The movable accessory is operated by a driving source such as a stepping motor or a solenoid. The center decoration 22 may be provided with a lamp that emits light according to the progress of the game.

  The main control unit 5b (see FIG. 7) is attached to the back of the liquid crystal display device 70 and below the peripheral control unit 5c. The main control unit 5b includes a main control board 100 that controls game contents, game ball payout, and the like, and a main control board box (main control board case) 100n that houses the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16). The main control unit 5b controls game contents, prize balls of game balls, and the like.

  The function display unit 100c controls the normal symbol by controlling the blinking of two LEDs based on the status indicator composed of one LED for displaying the gaming state and the normal symbol lottery result drawn by passing the game ball to the gate 63. After the variable display, the normal symbol display which displays these two LEDs in a lighting manner according to the normal symbol lottery result, and the start condition of the variable display among the normal symbol variation display related to the passing of the game ball with respect to the gate 63 The normal hold indicator composed of two LEDs for displaying the number of hold, which is the number of variable displays that are not established, and the first lottery drawn by receiving a game ball to the first start port 61 (occurrence of start winning) Based on the result of the special lottery, the eight LEDs are blinked and controlled, and after the first special symbol is variably displayed, these eight LEDs are changed according to the result of the first special lottery. Of the first special symbol display that is displayed in the lighting mode and the variation display of the first special symbol related to the acceptance of the game ball to the first starting port 61, the variation display start condition is not yet established Based on the first special hold number indicator composed of two LEDs for displaying the number of hold, which is the number, and the result of the second special lottery drawn by accepting a game ball to the second start port (generation of start prize) A second special symbol display that displays the eight special LEDs in a lighting manner in accordance with the second special lottery result after the second special symbols are displayed in a variable manner by controlling the blinking of the eight LEDs, and the second starting port. A second special hold number indicator composed of two LEDs for displaying a hold number, which is the number of change displays for which a change display start condition has not yet been established, among the change displays of the second special symbol relating to the acceptance of game balls; First lottery result Comprises a second special lottery when the result such as "big hit", the round indicator consisting of four LED for displaying the number of repetitions of opening and closing patterns of the special winning opening (round number). The function display unit 100c can display the number of holds, symbols, and the like by appropriately turning on, turning off, and blinking the LEDs.

  Peripheral control unit 5c is attached to the rear surface of liquid crystal display device 70, and effects control for controlling effects (light emission effects, sound effects, movable effects, etc.) to be presented to the player based on control signals from main control board 100. A board 200 and an image control board 300 for controlling image display and sound output according to game development are provided (see FIG. 26). The liquid crystal display device 70 is located at the center of the game area 5a and is detachably attached to the rear surface of the substantially center of the liquid crystal base 300m that houses the back unit 200m. The liquid crystal display device 70 can be seen from the front through the frame of the frame-shaped center ornament 22 in a state where the game board 5 is assembled. The liquid crystal display device 70 is a full-color display device using a white LED as a backlight, and displays still images and moving images. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300 are described as being divided into two boards. However, the functional configuration of the CPU of each board is not limited to that described above. It may be changed as appropriate (for example, sound control is performed by the CPU of the effect control board), or all effects may be controlled by the CPU on one board.

  The liquid crystal display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative symbol that is displayed in a variable manner or stopped in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, or a notice image, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, a decorative symbol display unit for executing a decorative symbol change display or a notice effect display is executed, and the first special symbol hold is synchronized with the first special symbol hold lamp. There are provided a first special figure hold display unit for executing display, and a second special figure hold display unit for executing hold display of the second special symbol in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp.

  The decorative symbol display section of the liquid crystal display screen is provided with three rows of display areas (left display area, middle display area, and right display area) serving as decorative display variable display areas on a predetermined effective line. The left symbol of the decorative symbol is displayed corresponding to the left display region, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the middle display region, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponding to the right display region are stopped. In the special figure hold display section, in a normal display mode, when an operation hold ball with a special symbol is generated, a hold image with a white circle is displayed, whereas when the operation hold ball is digested, the corresponding hold image is lost. The These reserved images are displayed in a predetermined order, such as the type of action-holding balls of special symbols and the order of occurrence (incoming order), and a maximum of four can be displayed on each special-drawing display section. is there.

<Change settings>
The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be provided with a setting change function for changing the degree of advantage of a game with respect to a player by setting values in a plurality of stages. Here, the set value is a value for designating the degree of advantage of the game with respect to the player, and is managed by the main control board 100 (see FIG. 26). In this example, it is assumed that six levels of setting values “setting 1”, “setting 2”,..., “Setting 5”, “setting 6” are prepared in order from the least advantageous degree. In order to vary the degree of advantage of the game with respect to the player depending on each set value, for example, it is conceivable to make a difference in the jackpot probability or probability fluctuation performance of the special symbol lottery for each set value. The main control board 100 controls the progress of the game based on the set value, and when the set value is changed by a setting change operation described later, the main control board 100 controls the progress of the game based on the changed set value.

  Therefore, hereinafter, features of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment when the setting change function is provided will be described in detail. In the following description, changing / setting a set value is referred to as “setting change”, and a series of operations related to setting change is referred to as “setting change operation”.

  In the setting change operation in the pachinko machine 1, first, an operation for shifting the internal state controlled by the main control board 100 (main control CPU 101) to a “setting change state” in which the setting value can be changed is performed. When an operation for selecting and setting a desired setting value is performed while being controlled in the setting change state (a known operation method in a conventional gaming machine can be used, and detailed description is omitted) The set value can be changed.

  The operation for shifting to the setting change state described above includes the first procedure for opening the front frame 4 (frame opening), and the second procedure for setting the setting key switch to the on state (setting key switch on). The third procedure for performing an initialization operation on the initialization switch (RAM clear switch on) and the fourth procedure for performing a power ON operation on the power switch (power switch on). However, the third procedure and the fourth procedure must be operated in parallel.

  The first to fourth procedures will be described in detail with reference to the characteristic structure of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the first procedure (frame opening), an operation of opening the front frame 4 from the outer frame 2 using a door key is performed. The door key is also called a common key. Generally, a key that can be shared with other types of gaming machines is used so that the door key is not unique to each manufacturer or model of the gaming machine and can be easily used in a gaming store.

  The procedure for opening the frame will be described in more detail. For example, the front frame 4 is moved forward while inserting a door key into a key hole (not shown) of a locking device that holds the closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 and turning it in a predetermined direction. The front frame 4 can be released from the outer frame 2 by pulling. The keyhole into which the door key is inserted in order to open the front frame 4 from the outer frame 2 may be configured to share the keyhole of the locking device 3c that holds the closed state of the glass frame 3 with respect to the front frame 4.

  In addition, although detailed reason etc. are mentioned later, in order to perform setting change operation with the pachinko machine 1 which concerns on this embodiment, in the 1st procedure, the outer frame 2 is on the rotation locus at the time of the back cover 4h opening. It is required to open the front frame 4 beyond a predetermined angle so as not to be positioned (see FIG. 19).

  In the pachinko machine 1, in order to detect the open / closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2, a door opening sensor 2p is provided in the curtain plate portion of the outer frame 2, and further corresponds to the door opening sensor 2p of the front frame 4. The door opening detection member 4p is provided at the position. For example, when the front frame 4 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the door open sensor 2p is engaged with the door open sensor 2p, so that the door open sensor 2p is in a closed state of the front frame 4 (door Closed) is detected. On the other hand, when the front frame 4 is open with respect to the outer frame 2, the door open sensor 2p is separated from the door open sensor 2p, so that the door open sensor 2p is in the open state of the front frame 4 (door open). Is detected. Information detected by the door opening sensor 2p is output to a predetermined substrate or the like, and is processed as an error as necessary. The above structure is an example of a mechanism for detecting the open / closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2, and may be realized by other known mechanisms.

  FIG. 15 is a rear view (part 1) of the pachinko machine. FIG. 15 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1 before the frame is opened, but when the outer frame 2 is removed from FIG. 15, the front frame 4 is opened to the outer frame 2 (the frame is opened). This corresponds to a rear view of the front frame 4. According to FIG. 15, on the back side of the front frame 4, the back cover 4 h that covers the rear side of the game board 5 is in a closed state. The back cover 4h is a covering member that normally covers the main control unit 5b (main control board 100) and the peripheral control unit 5c (effect control board 200). Therefore, even if the first procedure for opening the front frame 4 is performed, these covered units cannot be touched as long as the back cover 4h is in the closed state.

  In FIG. 15, the RAM clear switch cover 400p provided on the payout control board 400 (payout control unit) and covering the RAM clear switch 400q and the power supply board 600 (power supply unit) provided on the power supply switch 600q. A power switch cover 600p is shown, and details thereof will be described later.

  Next, in the second procedure (setting key switch on), an operation to turn on the setting key switch 100q using the setting key is performed. Unlike the door key described above, the setting key is a unique key for each manufacturer (or model) of the gaming machine from the viewpoint of security in order to prevent fraud related to “setting” that greatly affects the gaming machine performance. Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the setting key switch 100q is provided on the main control unit 5b (for example, the main control board 100). As described above with reference to FIG. 15, the main key unit 5b is covered with the back cover 4h only by opening the front frame 4 from the outer frame 2 in the first procedure. The setting key cannot be inserted. Therefore, when executing the second procedure, it is necessary to open the back cover 4h.

  FIG. 16 is a rear view (part 2) of the pachinko machine. 16 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1 with the back cover 4h removed from FIG. 15. When the outer frame 2 is removed from FIG. 16, the second procedure is executed (that is, the front frame 4 is opened). And corresponds to a rear view of the front frame 4 in a state where the back cover 4h is opened). According to FIG. 16, the main control unit 5b (main control board 100) and the peripheral control unit 5c (effect control board 200) covered with the back cover 4h are exposed. However, the setting key switch 100q has not yet appeared at a visible position.

  In the present embodiment, the back surface of the main control unit 5b is covered with a main control board case 100n, and the portion provided with the setting key switch 100q is normally covered with a harness cover 100p that can be opened and closed. That is, the setting key switch 100q is normally double-covered by the back cover 4h and the harness cover 100p, and when executing the second procedure, it is necessary to open the harness cover 100p after opening the back cover 4h. There is. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the back cover 4h has a structure that opens and closes in the left-right direction, whereas the harness cover 100p has a structure that opens and closes in the up-down direction. Thus, by making the opening and closing directions of both covers different, it is difficult to operate the setting key switch 100q from the gap with the front frame 4 being opened small, and crime prevention can be improved.

  FIG. 17 is a rear view (part 3) of the pachinko machine. FIG. 17 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1 with the harness cover 100p opened from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in the state of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the harness cover 100p is opened to the back side of the front frame 4, the setting key switch 100q provided at the back of the harness cover 100p is operably exposed.

  Therefore, at this time, an operator (for example, a hall manager) of the setting change operation inserts a corresponding setting key into the setting key switch 100q from the back side of the front frame 4 with the harness cover 100p opened, and is predetermined. By performing an operation such as turning in the direction, the second procedure for turning on the setting key switch 100q can be executed.

  17 and 18 also show that the RAM clear switch cover 400p provided in the payout control unit and the power switch cover 600p provided in the power supply unit are opened.

  The RAM clear switch cover 400p is a cover that swings in the vertical direction. For example, the RAM clear switch cover 400p has a lock mechanism in the closed state, and can be opened to the near side after the lock is released by moving the RAM clear switch cover 400p once downward. When the RAM clear switch cover 400p is opened, the RAM clear switch 400q is exposed to be operable.

  The RAM clear switch 400q corresponds to an initialization switch operated in the third procedure, and a predetermined initialization operation (for example, an ON operation by pressing the RAM clear switch 400q within a predetermined period after the power is turned on) is performed. In the case of a failure, a signal for initializing (clearing RAM) the control information stored in the main control RAM 103 is output. The initialization operation for clearing the RAM is not limited to the single operation of the RAM clear switch 400q. For clearing the RAM, for example, turning on the power switch 600q while pressing the RAM clear switch 400q. It may be an initialization operation. Further, the range of information that is initialized when the RAM is cleared is not limited to the control information stored in the main control RAM 103.

  Therefore, the operator of the setting change operation performs the initialization operation (for example, the RAM clear switch 400q from the back side of the front frame 4 with the RAM clear switch cover 400p opened after performing the second procedure). By performing the ON operation, the third procedure (RAM clear switch ON) can be executed.

  Similarly to the RAM clear switch cover 400p described above, the power switch cover 600p is a cover that swings in the vertical direction. The power switch cover 600p may also have a lock mechanism. When the power switch cover 600p is opened, the power switch 600q is exposed to be operable.

  The power switch 600q is a power switch that changes the power supply state in the gaming machine 1 (at least the main control board 100), and outputs a signal for switching the power on / off state when a power operation is performed. .

  Accordingly, after performing the second procedure, the operator of the setting change operation performs a predetermined power operation (power-on) on the power switch 600q from the back side of the front frame 4 with the power switch cover 600p opened. By performing the operation, the fourth procedure (power switch on) can be executed. As described above, the third procedure and the fourth procedure must be operated in parallel (in parallel). By performing the first to fourth procedures, the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 shifts to the setting change state, and the setting value can be selected and set.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the first procedure (frame opening) and the second procedure (setting key switch) among the first to fourth procedures for shifting to the setting change state described above. When the operation is executed with “ON” omitted, the initialization operation is performed. When the third procedure (RAM clear switch ON) is omitted, the current game setting (setting value) is checked. Transition to the confirmation state.

  As described above, in the setting change operation in the pachinko machine 1, the second to fourth procedures must be executed from the back side of the front frame 4 with the front frame 4 opened from the outer frame 2 by the first procedure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of changing the setting while the front door (front frame 4) of the gaming machine is closed.

  Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, regarding the opening of the back cover 4h which is essential before the execution of the second procedure (setting key switch on), the front frame 4 is removed in the first procedure (frame opening). If the back cover 4h is not opened more than a predetermined angle with respect to the frame 2, the structure is such that the back cover 4h cannot be opened largely (making the second procedure difficult to execute).

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing locus of the back cover when the front frame is appropriately opened, and FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an opening / closing locus of the back cover when the front frame is inappropriately opened. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the outer frame 2 supports the front frame 4 (and the glass frame 3) by swinging hinge members 2e and 2f so that the front frame 4 can swing open and close. The front frame 4 is a hinge member. The back cover 4h is supported by 4i and 4j so as to be able to swing open and close laterally (see also FIGS. 6 and 18). Here, the swing rotation shaft of the back cover 4h formed by the hinge members 4i and 4j is disposed at a position different from the swing rotation shaft of the front frame 4 formed by the hinge members 2e and 2f, and When the opening angle of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 does not reach a predetermined angle (preferably at least about 90 ° is ensured), the outer frame 2 is positioned on the rotation locus when the back cover 4h is opened and closed. To be arranged.

Specifically, in the case of FIG. 19, the condition that the opening angle θ ₁ of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined angle is satisfied. At this time, since the operator can freely open the back cover 4h without contacting or colliding with the outer frame 2, the harness cover 100p is opened and the setting key switch 100q is set from the rear side of the front frame 4. A key switch-on operation (second procedure) can be executed. In addition, since FIG. 19 is the state which opened the front frame 4 (and glass frame 3) largely ahead of the game machine island, it may be in the process of setting change operation from the circumference | surroundings (for example, a hall official). It is easily recognized and the security against fraud is improved.

On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 20, opening angle theta ₂ of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 does not meet the condition that said predetermined angle or more, the front frame 4 has remained on the opening of a small degree. At this time, even if the operator tries to open the back cover 4h, the back cover 4h cannot be greatly opened because the contact with the outer frame 2 is hindered, and the setting key switch on the setting key switch 100q is turned on. The operation (second procedure) cannot be executed. In the first place, it is even difficult to open the harness cover 100p covering the setting key switch 100q.

  Therefore, according to such a pachinko machine 1, when the opening angle of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 is not equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the operability of the setting key switch 100q is lowered to a level where it is substantially inoperable. It is possible to improve the crime prevention performance against fraudulent acts that are hidden from hall personnel and open the front door (front frame 4) to a small extent to change the setting.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a cover is provided for each of a plurality of input switches (setting key switch 100q, RAM clear switch 400q, power switch 600q) operated to shift to the setting change state. When the change operation is not performed, at least two or more input switches are covered with the cover. By covering with the cover in this way, the setting change operation is hidden and difficult to execute. In particular, with respect to the setting key switch 100q, in addition to the harness cover 100p which is a direct covering member, the back cover 4h is also a covering member, and the setting key switch 100q must be operated unless both covers are kept open. The setting key switch 100q is covered when the back cover 4h is closed, for example.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the RAM clear switch 400q and the power switch 600q are arranged so that they cannot be operated simultaneously (in parallel) with one hand. As a specific arrangement method, the arrangement interval of both switches may be a predetermined linear distance or more (for example, 30 cm or more). However, the arrangement of the front frame 4 and the game board 5 is considered in place of a simple linear distance. Thus, it is preferable to have an arrangement in which a predetermined spatial distance or more (a distance from the thumb of one hand to the little finger) is secured. For example, in the pachinko machine 1, the power switch 600q is disposed on the front side of the gaming machine from the payout control board 400, that is, at a position deeper when viewed from the back (see FIGS. 17, 18 and the like). By disposing the switch at a deep position in this way, a structure existing in the middle (such as a cover of the power supply board 600) becomes an obstacle, and the spatial distance between the RAM clear switch 400q and the power switch 600q is a straight line on the plane. It can be secured larger than the distance.

  In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the RAM clear switch 400q and the power switch 600q are arranged so that they cannot be operated simultaneously with one hand, so that the third procedure for setting change operation (RAM clear switch on) And the fourth procedure (power on) cannot be executed simultaneously with one hand, and operation with both hands is required. As a result, it is difficult to perform a series of operations for shifting to the setting change state while hiding from the surroundings, so that it can be expected to further improve the security against fraud related to the setting change.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the setting key for operating the setting key switch 100q is a unique key for each manufacturer (or model) of the gaming machine. By applying this design, it may be possible to easily distinguish the setting key from another manufacturer. By doing in this way, it becomes easy to search for a setting key corresponding to the pachinko machine 1 when a hall related person performs a regular setting changing operation, and it can be expected to have an effect of supporting the setting changing operation. In addition, the above-mentioned predetermined design applied to the setting key is also applied to the corresponding gaming machine side (for example, the periphery of the setting key switch 100q in the pachinko machine 1, the harness cover 100p, etc.) to further enhance the discrimination. You may do it.

  Moreover, in the example of the pachinko machine 1 described above, a plurality of input switches (setting key switch 100q, RAM clear switch 400q, power switch 600q) operated to shift to the setting change state are all on the gaming machine island side. However, it is provided on the side that can swing open and close (for example, the front frame 4 and the game board 5). In the pachinko machine 1 configured in this way, when shifting to the setting change state, it is only necessary to operate a plurality of input switches provided on the opened side, so the switches provided on the fixed gaming machine island side are operated. It can be expected that the operability of a series of setting change operations is improved as compared with the case where the user peepes and operates. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, not only the plurality of input switches described above, but also other switches operated in connection with the setting change operation (for example, a frame switch for opening the front frame 4 (non- Etc.) may also be provided on the side on which swinging can be opened and closed. In this case, the operability of a series of setting change operations can be further enhanced.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has high crime prevention properties against fraudulent actions related to setting changes. Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is also high in other illegal acts, specifically, illegal acts such as exchanging a part including the main control board 100 (for example, the main control unit 5b) with an illegal part. Has crime prevention. This will be described in detail below.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the back cover 4h cannot be largely opened when the opening angle of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 is not equal to or larger than a predetermined angle. It is difficult to remove and replace the substrate 100 (main control unit 5b). Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the main control unit 5b itself cannot be easily removed.

  21 and 22 are a rear view and an enlarged view (No. 1 and No. 2) when the main control unit is removed. In FIGS. 21 and 22, it is assumed that the back cover 4h (not shown) has already been opened largely.

  When removing the main control unit 5b from the game board 5, first, as shown in FIG. 21, the prize ball payout unit 34 disposed on the left side (right side in FIG. 22) of the main control board case 100n is removed. Although details will be described later, the harness cover 100p is not only a covering member for the setting key switch 100q but also a member for restricting removal of the main control unit 5b when closed. By removing the harness cover 100p from a mounting bracket 100s to be described later, the main control unit 5b (main control board case 100n) is tilted to the front (the back side of the front frame 4), and then the main control unit 5 b can be attached to and detached from the game board 5.

  Here, the detailed structure of the main control unit 5b (main control board case 100n) and the harness cover 100p will be supplemented.

  FIG. 23 is a six-sided view of the main board case. As shown in FIG. 23, in the main control unit 5b, the main control board case 100n disposed at a position facing the installation surface of the IC board (main control board 100) is substantially equivalent to a plane farthest from the IC board ( A setting key switch 100q (setting key insertion slot) is provided at a position slightly closer to the IC board or on the surface side of the main control board case 100n. When the harness cover 100p is closed by disposing the setting key switch 100q at the position, the surface of the main control board case 100n and the covering surface of the harness cover 100p are substantially flush with each other. Since the setting key switch 100q (setting key insertion port) is provided at such a position, it is difficult to close the harness cover 100p with the setting key remaining inserted. In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the back cover 4h and the like, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in security during operation of the game store.

  As shown in FIG. 23, on the main control board 100 inside the main control case 100n, a 7-segment display (setting display unit 197) capable of displaying set values is provided. Details of the setting display unit 197 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a front view and a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the main board control case. 24A and 24B show a mounting bracket 100s of the main control board case 100n arranged on the back side (the front side of the game board 5) of the main board control case 100n. In the pachinko machine 1, the mounting bracket 100s is fixed to the back surface of the game board 5, and the bearing portion of the main control board case 100n is moved in the horizontal direction with respect to the shaft portion 100t protruding left and right from the mounting bracket 100s. The main control board case 100n (main control unit 5b) is supported by the game board 5 by being slid and attached so that 100r (see FIG. 23) is guided. The bearing portion 100u formed coaxially with the shaft portion 100t is a bearing member that supports the harness cover 100p.

  FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the harness cover. FIG. 25 shows the back side (main control board 100 side) of the harness cover 100p. In the pachinko machine 1, the harness cover 100p is supported by the mounting bracket 100s by fitting the shaft portion 100v to the bearing portion 100u of the mounting bracket 100s. At this time, the end portion 100w fills (or hits) the space between the bearing portion 100u to the shaft portion 100t of the mounting bracket 100s, thereby restricting the main control board case 100n from being slidable in the direction of removal from the mounting bracket 100s.

  Thus, since the main control board case 100n (main control unit 5b) is restricted from being removed from the game board 5 by the harness cover 100p when closed, in order to be removed (up and down with respect to the game board 5) In the case of tilting in the direction), it is necessary to remove the harness cover 100p in advance.

  From the above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the operation of removing the main control unit 5b, the winning ball payout unit 34 and the harness cover 100p are removed while the back cover 4h is largely opened, and the main control unit 5b is removed. Since a plurality of procedures of tilting and sliding are required, it is not easy to quickly remove the main control unit 5b, and it can be expected to prevent illegal acts such as replacement with a unit containing an illegal board. Further, before these procedures, it is necessary to open the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 at a predetermined angle or more, and the main control unit prevents the surroundings from being noticed when the front frame 4 is largely opened. Since it is difficult to perform the work of removing 5b (main control board 100), it is possible to further improve the crime prevention property against the fraud.

<Control structure of gaming machine>
FIG. 26 is a control block diagram illustrating an example of a control configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

<Main control board>
As shown in FIG. 26, the main control board 100 includes a main control CPU 101, a main control ROM 102, a main control RAM 103, an I / O port circuit 104, and the like. The main control CPU 101 controls the operation of the main control program and executes various arithmetic processes related to games. The main control ROM 102 stores the main control program and various data in a nonvolatile manner. The main control RAM 103 functions as a work area and a buffer memory used as a temporary storage area (temporary area). The I / O port circuit 104 inputs and outputs signals between peripheral devices such as the effect control substrate 200 and the payout control substrate 400 and each device under the control of the main control CPU 101.

  The main control CPU 101 reads out the main control program from the main control ROM 102 and executes each command on the main control RAM 103, thereby controlling a gaming operation according to each command of the main control program.

  In addition, although not shown, the main control board 100 includes a clock circuit, a WDT circuit, a CTC circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like.

  The clock circuit divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock. The WDT circuit is reset to return to a normal state when the main control CPU 101 is malfunctioning or running out of control. The CTC circuit generates a real-time interrupt and measures time. The random number generation circuit operates as a system different from the program processing (software random number) by the main control CPU 101 and generates a predetermined random number (built-in random number). These are electrically connected to each other via an internal bus (not shown).

  The main control CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading out the main control program stored in the main control ROM 102 based on detection information from each switch 161 and the like and executing arithmetic processing.

  Further, the main control CPU 101 executes a game ball payout operation in addition to the effect command output port for outputting the effect control command for executing the effect operation associated with the main control of the game to the effect control board 200. The payout command output port for outputting the payout command is provided, and further, the strobe signal output port used when outputting the strobe signal for timing each of the transmission commands to be received by the target board is provided. . The main control CPU 101 includes various other output ports, and the strobe signal output port 101B actually exists as a port for outputting a plurality of data combined with other output data.

  The main control RAM 103 is volatile storage means in which at least a part of the area is backed up by a backup power generated in the power supply substrate 600. The backup area of the main control RAM 103 is an area in which data storage such as a stack pointer and each register held when the power is turned off when the power is cut off (hereinafter referred to as “power off”) should be held. When the power is turned on (when the power is turned off), the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power is turned off based on the information in the backup area.

  The main control board 100 includes a setting key switch 100q for changing a setting value, a first start port switch 161 provided in the first start port 61, a second start port switch 162 provided in the second start port 62, It is electrically connected to various switches such as an operation gate switch 163 provided in the gate 63, a big prize opening switch 164 provided in the big prize opening 64, and a general prize opening switch 166 provided in the general prize opening 66. ing. In the main control board 100, detection signals from these various switches are input to the main control CPU 101 via the I / O port circuit 104.

  In addition, the main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 171, a second special symbol display device 172, a first special symbol hold lamp 173, a second special figure hold lamp 174, a normal symbol display device 175, and a general figure hold lamp. It is electrically connected to various display means such as 176. The main control board 100 is electrically connected to various solenoids such as a normal electric combination solenoid 123 that operates the normal electric combination 622 and a special electric combination solenoid 124 that operates the special electric combination 642. The control signal from the main control CPU 101 is transmitted to these various display means and various solenoids via the I / O port circuit 104.

  The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are connected by, for example, eight parallel signal lines and one strobe signal line, and are directed in a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. It is only possible to communicate. That is, while it is allowed to transmit various effect control commands from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200, it is not permitted to transmit commands and data from the effect control board 200 to the main control board 100. .

  The I / O port circuit 104 is provided between the main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109 in the main control board 100. The main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109 are connected by a strobe signal bus 112 including strobe signal lines in addition to a data bus 111 including eight data lines. The command data transmitted from the I / O port circuit 104 is received by the effect control board 200 via the effect control board connection connector 109 under the control of the main control CPU 101 as will be described later.

<Production control board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, the effect control board 200 stores an effect control CPU 201 that executes various arithmetic processes related to game effects based on an effect control command from the main control board 100, an effect control program, and various data. Between the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203 functioning as a work area and buffer memory as a temporary work area (temporary area), peripheral substrates such as the main control board 100 and the image control board 300, and each device And an I / O port circuit 204 for inputting and outputting signals.

  The effect control CPU 201 reads out the effect control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 and executes it on the effect control RAM 203, thereby controlling the effect operation accompanying the progress of the game according to the effect control program. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the production control board 200 is reset when the production circuit CPU 201 malfunctions or runs out of control, the clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate the internal system clock. WDT circuit that returns to normal state, TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on system clock, interrupt controller that generates various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on signals from register settings and CTC circuit, etc., serial data input / output And a real-time clock circuit (hereinafter referred to as “RTC circuit”) having a timekeeping function, and the like, are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  The effect control board 200 generates an image control command for instructing the image control board 300 to output an image and sound in the effect control process according to the effect control command from the main control board 100, and in addition to the lamp connection A lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the substrate 91, a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so that bidirectional communication is possible. An image control command related to an image and sound is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300, and as a response, a response command (so-called ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been successfully received. Is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

  The effect control board 200 is connected to the speaker 11 that outputs sound, and the effect control CPU 201 performs control to output the sound data generated by the image control board 300 to the speaker 11.

  The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 on which a plurality of LED drivers are mounted, and receives a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 via a serial communication circuit. Send. In this embodiment, the production control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock synchronous serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. In synchronization with the clock signal, the ramp control signal is transmitted bit by bit through the data line.

  The lamp connection board 91 incorporates an LED driver that functions in response to the LED drive lamp control signal transmitted from the effect control board 200. The lamp connection board 91 supplies or cuts off the drive current to the effect lamps 10 and 25 by turning on / off the switches in the circuit based on the lamp control signal, and turns on or off the effect lamps 10 and 25. Control.

  Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of motor drivers 92, and a driving control signal (driving data) for driving an accessory is sent to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Output. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory by switching on / off the switch in the circuit based on the drive control signal for driving the accessory transmitted from the effect control board 200. Activating and deactivating each movable accessory. The data transmission to the motor driver 92 employs a parallel communication method. In addition to this embodiment, as long as the driving source of the accessory has a driving source other than the stepping motor, instead of the motor driver 92, a control signal or a control signal is sent to the driver IC corresponding to the driving source. Control data is transmitted.

  The image control board 300 includes an image control CPU 301, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, and an I / O port circuit 306. The image control CPU 301 executes various arithmetic processes related to the image effect based on the image control command from the effect control board 200. The ROM 304 stores an image control program and various data. The RAM 305 temporarily functions as a work area or buffer memory as a storage area (temporary area). The I / O port circuit 306 inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices.

  The image control CPU 301 reads an image control program from the ROM 304, loads it into the RAM 305 and executes it, thereby controlling the image display operation related to the effect according to the image control program. The ROM 304 corresponds to the ROM on the effect control ROM board.

  Further, the image control board 300 generates VDP 302 that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301, and sound data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301. A sound source IC 303 to be generated is mounted. The VDP 302 is a so-called graphic processor, reads image data stored in an image ROM (not shown) in response to an instruction from the image control CPU 301, and performs image processing on the image data to the effect display device 70. Output. The VDP 302 is connected to a high-speed VRAM (not shown) used for developing / processing image data read from the image ROM. The sound source IC 303 reads sound data stored in a sound ROM (not shown) in response to an instruction from the image control CPU 301 and synthesizes the sound data to generate sound data. The generated sound data is output to the speaker 11 via the effect control board 200 and the amplifier.

<Discharge control board>
The payout control board 400 includes a payout control CPU 401, a payout control ROM 402, and a payout control RAM 403. The payout control board 400 controls the game ball payout operation (prize ball action) by driving the prize ball payout unit 34 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100, while depending on the operation amount of the launch handle 12. The ball feeding mechanism 13 and the launching mechanism 14 are driven synchronously to control the launching operation of the game ball.

<Power supply board>
The power supply board 600 includes a normal power supply circuit, a backup power supply circuit, and a power-off monitoring circuit. The normal power supply circuit generates a normal power supply used by each control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the gaming machine island. The backup power supply circuit generates a backup power supply. The power-off monitoring circuit has a function of monitoring power-off due to a voltage drop.

  The power supply board 600 generates and supplies a power supply voltage necessary for electronic / electrical components such as each control board and game equipment. The power supply board 600 is connected to a power supply switch 600q for starting the power supply circuit. When the power supply switch 600q is turned on while the primary power supply is supplied from the power supply device of the gaming machine island, the power supply board 600 A predetermined power is supplied from the normal power supply circuit to each control board.

  The power supply board 600 has a function of detecting that the power supply from the power supply device of the gaming machine island is cut off (hereinafter also referred to as “power cut-off”). (NMI signal) is transmitted to the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the payout control board 400. Note that the backup power supply circuit is configured to be charged while power is supplied from the power supply device on the gaming machine island to the gaming machine. A RAM clear switch 400q and a door opening sensor 2q are connected to the power supply substrate 600. The RAM clear switch 400q is a switch for temporarily erasing stored contents of the main control RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value when the gaming machine is turned on. The door open sensor 2q is a sensor that detects an open / closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2. Note that the RAM clear switch 400q and the door opening sensor 2q may be connected to another board such as the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 600, for example.

<Example of basic operation of gaming machine>
In the gaming machine configured as described above, the game is started in a state where the game balls are stored in the upper ball tray 8. First, when the launch handle 12 is turned, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 8 are sent to the launch mechanism 14 one by one by the ball feed mechanism 13 provided on the back side of the glass frame 3. The launch mechanism 14 launches the game area 20A at a launch intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the launch handle 12.

  When a game ball rolling down in the game area 20A enters any of the general winning port 66, the first starting port 61, the second starting port 62, and the big winning port 64, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. Is done. In the main control board 100, the main control CPU 101 transmits to the payout control board 400 a payout control command for instructing a prize ball operation according to the type of the winning opening, and is stored by the control of the payout control board 400 that receives this. The game balls in the tank 31 are paid out to the upper ball tray 8 or the lower ball tray 9 by the prize ball payout unit 34.

  On the other hand, when the game ball enters the first start port 61 or the second start port 62, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. In the main control board 100, the main control CPU 101 acquires a lottery random number value of a special symbol when detecting a ball entering the first start port 61 or the second start port 62, and the random number value is obtained up to a predetermined upper limit number. Temporarily store as a reserved ball of special symbols. When the predetermined variation start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 101 then executes a special symbol determination and symbol determination for the lottery random number value related to the earliest holding ball, and also selects a variation pattern. And the special symbol is variably displayed using the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in a manner corresponding to the determination result. At the same time, the main control CPU 101 transmits an effect control command to the effect control board 200 to cause the image control board 300 to cause the effect display device 70 to execute the decorative symbol change display and the change effect display. The variation display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed synchronously after the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern has elapsed. Here, there is a ball entering the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 to acquire various lottery random number values, and furthermore, the acquired random number values are held and the variation start condition is satisfied. When the special symbol game is performed by the special symbol display device, the process in which the special symbol game is executed as a result is referred to as “start condition”.

  When the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 displays the first special symbol or the second special symbol in a stop mode indicating a big hit, the game state is more advantageous to the player than the normal game. The operation shifts to a special game, and the opening / closing operation of the special prize opening 64 is started in response to the operation of the special electric accessory 642. On the other hand, the stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit in the effect display device 70 is a mode in which, for example, three types of symbols match. In this embodiment, as a special game, a round game is set to 10 times (10 rounds), a 10R special game, a round game is set to 5 times (5 rounds), and a round game is 2 times. 2R special games set to (2 rounds) are prepared.

  In this embodiment, even if the game is shifted to any of the 10R special game, 5R special game, and 2R special game, the number of times the special symbol fluctuates after the end of the special game is set to a predetermined end number (also referred to as “ST number”). The probability variation function (also referred to as “probability variation”) of the special symbol operates over the period until it reaches (also referred to as “ST period”). That is, in this embodiment, the probability variation function of the special symbol is not continued until the next big hit, but is limited to the number of STs. In this way, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is activated, the probability of hitting the special symbol lottery shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state, so that the probability of reaching a new jackpot relatively early becomes high.

  On the other hand, after the special game is over, the main control CPU 101 may activate a special symbol variation time shortening function (hereinafter also referred to as “short time”) in addition to or separately from the special symbol probability variation function. When the special symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the average variation time of special symbols (and decorative symbols) tends to be shorter than usual, and the number of special symbol lotteries per unit time improves, and the previous jackpot ends. It will be easier to win the next jackpot in a shorter period of time.

  Further, when the special symbol variation time reduction function is activated, the main control CPU 101 also activates a so-called electric chew support function (ordinary electric accessory support function). In the electric Chu support function, a function of a probability variation function of a normal symbol, a variation variation time shortening function of a normal symbol, and an open extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 are activated. When the normal symbol probability changing function is activated, the normal symbol winning probability is higher than the normal state. When the normal symbol variation time shortening function is activated, the normal symbol variation time is shortened, and the normal electric accessory 622 is opened in the normal gaming state (when the electric chew support function is not activated). (For example, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is extended more than usual), it becomes a state where the game ball can easily enter the second start port 62 (also referred to as an “entry easy state”). When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 becomes longer than the normal state. In this easy-to-enter state, the normal symbol variation time reduction function increases the possibility that the number of variations of the regular symbol per fixed time will increase compared to the normal state, and the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is released. Since the ease of entering the second starting port 62 is improved by the operation of the time extension function, the possibility that the number of entering the second starting port 62 increases is increased. Therefore, the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function are activated, so that the chance to obtain a prize ball by entering the second starting port 62 increases during that period. The game can be continued in a state where it is difficult to reduce the number of balls as compared to the normal game state.

<Examples of major functional configurations of gaming machines>
The outline of the gaming operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is as described above. Next, main functions of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the main control board 100 mounted on the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  The main control board 100 includes an entry determination means 110, a game lottery random number generation means 120, a hold control means 130, a prior determination means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, a normal symbol lottery processing means 145, a special game control means 150, a symbol. It includes a display control means 155, an electric accessory control means 160, a gaming state control means 169, an error monitoring control means 170, a main information storage means 180, and a command transmission / reception means 190. The above-described means of the main control board 100 are the main control CPU 101, main control ROM 102, main control RAM 103, hardware such as an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 100, main control ROM 102, etc. Although it is configured by software such as a control program, it is expressed here as a functional block.

  The ball entry judging means 110 includes detection signals from the first start port switch 161, the second start port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the big winning port switch 164, the general winning port switch 166, the out ball detecting switch 167, and the like. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered each winning opening.

  The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated in the random number generation circuit described above and adds a soft random number per special symbol to be described later to the random number per special symbol used in the lottery determination of the special symbol. Is generated. The game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by program processing of the main control CPU 101. These random number counters function as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software.

  As this software random number, a soft random number per special symbol which is added to the above-mentioned built-in random number and constitutes a random number per special symbol, a soft random number per special symbol for determining an initial value and an end value of the soft random number per special symbol , The symbol random number per special symbol, the initial value and the end value of the symbol random per special symbol used to determine the winning symbol (the combination of symbols that will activate the condition device, the combination of the off symbol, etc.) as the stop symbol of the special symbol The initial symbol random number per symbol for determining the special symbol, the random number for the special symbol for use in selecting the variation pattern for the special symbol, the random number for the regular symbol for use in the lottery for the regular symbol, and the random number for the regular symbol Normal value for normal value used to select initial value random number for normal symbol, normal symbol variation pattern to determine initial value and end value of Such as dynamic pattern random number is included. In addition, the winning symbol mentioned above means a winning symbol.

  These software random numbers are updated once every time timer interrupt processing occurs, and the initial value random number uses the remaining interrupt period while timer interrupt processing is not being executed (during loop processing). And update.

  The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132. The special symbol hold control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to the special symbol game, which is a lottery random value for the special symbol game, when the game ball enters the first starting port 61 or the second starting port 62. The design random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation reserved ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol holding control means 131 stores main information so as to combine the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) with the order of entering the holding balls. The information is temporarily stored in the first special symbol reservation storage area or the second special symbol reservation storage area of the means 180.

  In the first special symbol reserved storage area and the second special symbol reserved storage area, a reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), a reserved 2 storage area (2 A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area). Each reserved storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random number per symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number as a set of operating reserved ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage. Digested according to the so-called first-in first-out principle in the order of the regions. When the hold ball information in the hold 1 storage area is digested, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower number storage areas, respectively, and the hold 4 information is stored. Clear the contents of the storage area to zero.

  The special symbol hold control means 131 is a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol hold for counting the number of active hold balls of the second special symbol. It has a ball counter. The special symbol hold control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special reserved action ball is acquired as an update process of the number of special reserved action balls. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  When the special symbol hold control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the number of active reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect control command (“symbol storage number command And is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This one command includes information on both the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In principle, the operation holding balls of each special symbol are digested in the order of entering, but in the present embodiment, the variation display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the first special symbol. In order to adopt so-called preferential digestion, while there is an operation reservation ball related to the second special symbol game, regardless of the presence of the operation reservation ball related to the first special symbol game, the operation reservation related to the second special symbol game It is configured to preferentially digest spheres. Note that, under this priority digestion, if there is an action holding ball of the second special symbol, even if there is an action holding ball of the first special symbol, the action holding ball of the first special symbol is digested. Will be put on hold.

  The normal symbol holding control means 132 is a lottery random number value related to a normal symbol game, a random value per normal symbol, a symbol per normal symbol, when a game ball rolling down the game area 20A passes through the gate 63. A random number value and a normal symbol variation pattern random value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as the operation holding ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control unit 132 stores the normal symbol hold storage area of the main information storage unit 180 so as to combine up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four pieces) of the reserved ball information of the normal symbols with the order of entering the hold balls. Memorize temporarily. The normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one normal reserved actuated ball is acquired as the update processing of the number of held normal symbols of the active normal symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

  The pre-determination means 135, when acquiring an operation reservation ball of a special symbol at a predetermined pre-determination timing, executes a pre-determination for pre-reading notice for the operation reservation ball. As an example of the pre-determination timing, (1) when waiting for hitting and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric support function is not operating, (2) waiting for hitting and When the support holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the support function is operating, (3) when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or the small hit, When you are satisfied. In addition, in main control board 100, even if it is a case where an operation reservation ball is acquired at any timing, prior judgment is performed and information is transmitted to presentation control board 200, and all about whether execution of pre-reading notice is possible in presentation control board 200 It is also possible to decide.

  Specifically, the pre-determining means 135 reads the random number value corresponding to the currently reserved working ball from the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of the main information storage means 180, and determines whether or not Pre-determination (pre-determined / unpredictable), symbol lottery pre-determination (design pre-determination), and variation pattern lottery pre-determination (variation pattern pre-determination) are sequentially executed. The pre-determination table used in each pre-determination is omitted in the figure, but corresponds to the total number of random numbers in the same manner as the lottery tables (special symbol success / failure lottery table, special symbol per symbol table, variation pattern table) described later. The area is divided into a plurality of areas, and a lottery ID is assigned to each area (number of determination values). In addition, if the preliminary determination by the preliminary determination means 135 corresponds to the random value used for the lottery when the fluctuation is actually started, the first special symbol reservation storage area or the second special symbol reservation storage area The data temporarily stored in the RAM or CPU register instead of the data stored in the memory may be determined in advance.

  As this lottery ID, a number indicating the result of prior determination (also referred to as “preliminary determination number”) is set. The prior determination unit 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as a “preliminary determination command”) including information on a prior determination result (preliminary determination number), and stores this in a command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. . Note that, as in the present embodiment, not only the case where the prior determination result belongs to which random value range belongs (lottery ID) but also the use determination lottery table used when actually starting the change is used. The result of lottery in advance may be transmitted.

  The special symbol lottery processing unit 140 includes a special symbol success / failure determination unit 141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 142, and a special symbol variation pattern determination unit 143. The special symbol lottery processing means 140, when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the random number value per special symbol stored in the first storage area (hold 1 storage area) of the special symbol hold storage area in the main information storage means 180 The special symbol random value per special symbol and the special symbol variation pattern random value are read out and stored in the special symbol success / failure determination region, special symbol determination region, and special symbol variation pattern determination region of the main information storage unit 180, respectively. Here, “the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied” means that, for example, when adopting the priority control of the second special symbol as in the present embodiment, (1) not being in big hit or small hit, (2) All conditions that both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, and (3) that the operation holding ball exists in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Satisfying. If all of these conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the special symbol can be changed.

  The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 reads a random value per special symbol from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage means 180 and executes the determination of the success / failure, and whether the determination result corresponds to a big hit, a small hit or a loss Decide. The result of this success / failure determination is temporarily stored in a special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data (eg “55H”), small hit data (eg “33H”), and outlier data (eg, “00H”), after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the special symbol is stopped.The special symbol success / failure determination means 141 refers to the special symbol success / failure lottery table at the time of this determination of success / failure. “H” shown after each of the above data is an acronym for “Hexadecimal (hexadecimal)”, which means that the data is expressed in hexadecimal. This indicates that the byte data is “01010101B (“ B ”is a binary number).” In particular, when a decimal number is expressed, no symbol is added or “D It is assumed that the description of those.

  FIG. 29A is a diagram illustrating an example of a special symbol win / fail lottery table that is referred to in a normal state as a so-called low probability state, and FIG. 29B is referred to in a probability variation state as a so-called high probability state. It is a figure which shows an example of the special symbol success / failure lottery table.

  In this special symbol win / fail lottery table, random numbers per special symbol are associated with determination results of big hits, small hits and out of play. The winning probabilities for the big hit and the small hit are determined according to the random number ranges associated in this way. As can be seen from FIG. 29 (A) and FIG. 29 (B), in the special symbol game winning / failing lottery, the big hit only when the random value falls within the range of “0 to 219” in the normal state (low probability state). It becomes. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the range of the jackpot is expanded, and not only when the random value falls within the range of “0 to 219” but also when it falls within the range of “220 to 2184”. A big hit. That is, when the probability changing function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability changes from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30).

  Thus, although the range corresponding to the jackpot changes according to the gaming state, the winning probability of the jackpot is the same in the winning lottery of the first special symbol and the winning lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not correspond to the big hit range, if it falls within the predetermined range, it is a small hit. In the present embodiment, it is configured so that only the winning / losing lottery of the first special symbol is present, but for example, the winning / losing lottery of the second special symbol is prepared and the winning / losing of the second special symbol is determined. The lottery may be configured to have a small win with a higher probability than the winning lottery of the first special symbol, or the small lottery may be prepared only for the winning lottery of the second special symbol.

  Note that, as described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be provided with a setting change function for changing the degree of advantage of the game with respect to the player by setting values in a plurality of stages. When the setting is changed in such a pachinko machine 1, the random value range that is a big hit is changed according to the setting (setting value). Therefore, a special symbol success / failure lottery table having different jackpot ranges according to the set values is prepared. However, in the pachinko machine 1, the ratio between the jackpot lottery probability in the low probability state and the jackpot lottery probability in the high probability state is constant regardless of the set value. Specifically, for example, regarding the jackpot lottery probability when the set value is “1”, if the low probability state is 1/300 and the high probability state is 1/30 (10 times the low probability state), The jackpot lottery probability when the set value is “6” is 1/25 (10 times the low probability state) in the high probability state when the low probability state is 1/250.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs based on the result of the first or second special symbol determination. To do. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 142 is a symbol table for each first special symbol that is referred to when determining the stop symbol and symbol group of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big hit. And a symbol table per second special symbol.

  In the first special symbol per symbol table, as shown in FIG. 30 (A), for a random symbol value per special symbol, the stop symbol, symbol group, jackpot content (probability variation function of special symbol and variation time reduction) The number of function operations and the operation pattern of the special winning opening 64 are associated with each other. The numerical value “100” in parentheses means the number of operations of the special symbol probability variation function and variation time shortening function, that is, the ST number. In this table, the stop symbols “1” to “8” of the first special symbol are classified into two types of symbol groups A and B according to the type of jackpot. In the present embodiment, the winning symbol table is not shown when the winning / losing lottery is out of place and small hit, but the winning symbol table should be used when the off or small hit is a single action. If you want to change the fluctuation pattern or change the control mode of the special electric accessory, you should decide the design of the out-of-place and the small hits, The symbol may be determined using a hit symbol table even in the case of detachment or small hit.

  Specifically, symbols “1”, “2”, “3”, and “4” include symbol group A (10R specified short time symbol), symbols “5” and “6” include symbol group B. (5R specified short-lived symbol) is associated with symbols “7” and “8”, respectively. In this embodiment, the “specific symbol” is a symbol that activates the probability variation function after the end of the special game, while the “normal symbol” is the probability variation function that operates after the end of the special game. This is a symbol that will not be made (the same applies to the second special symbol described later).

  Symbol groups A and B are specific symbols indicating so-called “probable hits” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to a probable change state (high probability state). Special symbol probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and electric chew support function are provided only until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs. The For the symbol group A, the specified number of rounds in the special game is 10 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. On the other hand, for the symbol group B, the specified number of rounds for the special game is 5 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  The symbol group C shifts the gaming state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state) of the special symbol, although the number of times and the opening time of the special winning opening 64 are different from the above “probability hit”. This is a specific symbol indicating a so-called “suddenly probable hit”, until the number of special symbol fluctuations ends without generating a big hit within the ST number, or until the next big hit occurs within the ST number. For a limited time, a special symbol probability variation function, a variation time shortening function, and an electric-chu support function are provided. The specified number of rounds in the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 1.8 seconds.

  On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “9” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. The symbol “9” is associated with the symbol group F (special electric operation symbol 1). In the case of small hits, the game state (probability variation function, variation time shortening function, electronic chew support function) and variation pattern selection state will not be triggered, and the game state will be maintained before and after the winning lottery. Is done. If the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “0” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  On the other hand, in the symbol table per second special symbol described above, as shown in FIG. 30 (B), with respect to the symbol random value per special symbol, the contents of the stop symbol, symbol group, jackpot (the probability variation function of the special symbol) And the number of times of operation of the variable time shortening function and the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642. In the second special symbol per symbol table, stop symbols “11” to “18” of the second special symbol are displayed. Depending on the type of jackpot, it is classified into two types of symbol groups D and E. Specifically, symbols “11”, “12”, “13” and “14” include symbol group D ( 10R specific time short symbol) is associated with symbols “15”, “16”, “17”, and “18”, respectively, with the symbol group E (5R specific short time symbol).

  The symbol groups D and E are specific symbols indicating so-called “probable hits” in which the gaming state after the end of the special game is shifted to a probable change state (high probability state). Special symbol probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and electric chew support function are given only until the end of the event without generating or until the next big hit within the ST number. sell. For the symbol group D, the specified number of rounds in the special game is 10 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For the symbol group E, the specified number of rounds for the special game is five, and the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is a small hit, the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol is omitted, and the symbol “19” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol. The symbol “19” is associated with the symbol group G (special electric operation symbol 2). In the case of small hits, the game status (probability variation function, variation time shortening function, electric chew support function) and variation pattern selection state will not be triggered, and the winning results will be different before and after the lottery. It is determined whether the game condition end condition such as the probability variation function is not satisfied as in the case of the certain case, and when the end condition is not satisfied, the game state at the time of being determined as the small hit is maintained. If the result of the lottery determination is out of place, the symbol “0” is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, three types of jackpot types are prepared: 10R jackpot (10R specific short symbol), 5R jackpot (5R specific short symbol) and 2R big jack (2R short symbol). . Expected value for winning a prize ball in a special game (expected value for winning a prize ball) is in the order of 10R big hit> 5R big hit> 2R big hit. Therefore, in the following, 10R jackpot is also referred to as “high profit jackpot” with the highest expected value of winning ball, and 2R jackpot is also referred to as “low profit jackpot” with the lowest expected value of winning ball. In addition, even if the same number of execution rounds, when a long open round game (30 seconds) and a short open round game (1.8 seconds) are mixed, the big hit with many long open round games is “high” "Large profit".

  Specifically, special games that have a common number of execution rounds, such as unifying the number of execution rounds to 10 rounds, may include special games that change in a different manner of round games in a predetermined round, In that case, a special game of a type consisting only of a short opening round game with a relatively short opening time of the grand prize opening 64 and a long opening time of the big winning opening 64 after a predetermined number of execution rounds. Special games of the type that switch to open round games may be included, the latter constituting “high profit jackpot”. Even if the number of execution rounds is the same, it may be configured such that the substantial profit, that is, the expected value for winning the winning ball is different depending on the difference in the big winning opening opening pattern.

  Here, as can be seen from the above description, when a big win is won in the first special symbol winning lottery, a 10R big hit is selected with a probability of 50%, whereas the second special symbol is wrong. When a big hit is won by lottery, 10R big hit is selected with a probability of 75%. Thereby, it is more advantageous for the player in that it is more likely that more balls can be obtained when the game ball enters the second start port 62 than when the game ball enters the first start port 61. The count number (regular count number) is the maximum number of game balls that can be entered into the big prize opening 64 in a round game.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 shown in FIG. 27 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random number value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 is a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation pattern of a special symbol, as exemplified in FIGS. 31A and 31B described later. Have The special symbol variation pattern determination means 143 selects one variation pattern table from among the plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the lottery determination. The relationship between the variation pattern selection state and the variation pattern table will be described later. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of types of variation patterns. In each figure, “selection rate” is shown for easy explanation. However, in actuality, a determination value (random number value) for determining a variation pattern according to a special symbol variation pattern random value. The variation pattern is determined based on which determination value the variation pattern random value belongs to. As for the various variation patterns, the variation time is determined for each variation pattern as an end condition of the symbol variation. Is defined as In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of variation patterns will be described as an example, but there are actually a larger number of variation patterns.

  FIG. 31A is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table for big hits / small hits. The upper (A1) is a normal variation pattern table, the middle (A2) is a probability variation pattern table, and the lower (A3) is a special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected variation pattern is set to be different according to the variation pattern selection state or according to the jackpot type even in the same variation pattern selection state.

  In the normal fluctuation pattern table (A1), when the big hit type is 10R big hit, the fluctuation pattern PX2 (normal reach A) or the fluctuation pattern PX3 (super reach A) is selected, and when the big hit type is 5R big hit, the fluctuation pattern PY2 (normal reach A) or fluctuation pattern PY3 (super reach A) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of 2R big hit or small hit, the fluctuation pattern PZ2 (normal reach A) or the fluctuation pattern PZ4 (super reach D) is selected. In the normal variation pattern table for big hit / small hit, the non-reach variation pattern is not selected, and only the reach variation pattern is selected when a big or small hit is made in a normal state. obtain.

  In the probability variation pattern table (A2), when the big hit type is 10R big hit or 5R big hit, only the fluctuation pattern PX7 (super reach B) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of 2R big hit or small hit, either the fluctuation pattern PZ6 (normal reach B) or the fluctuation pattern PZ8 (super reach D) is selected. In this probability variation pattern table for big hits and small hits, non-reach variation patterns are not selected, and if a big hit or small hit is made in a special symbol probability variation state, only the reach variation pattern Can be selected.

  In the special variation pattern table (A3), when the big hit type is 10R big hit, only the fluctuation pattern PX9 (non-reach C) is selected, and when the big hit type is 5R big hit, only the fluctuation pattern PY10 (super reach C) is selected. Is selected. On the other hand, in the case of 2R big hit or small hit, only the fluctuation pattern PZ10 (super reach C) is selected. Here, the variation pattern PX9 in the non-reach C mode is configured as a very short variation time (2 seconds), while the variation pattern PY10, PZ10 in the super reach C mode is configured as a relatively long variation time (120 seconds). Is done.

  FIG. 31B is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation pattern table for loss. The upper (B1) is the normal variation pattern table, the middle (B2) is the probability variation pattern table, and the lower (B3) is the special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected variation pattern is set to be different depending on the variation pattern selection state.

  In the normal variation pattern table (B1), any one of the variation pattern PH1 (non-reach A), the variation pattern PH2 (normal reach A), the variation pattern PH3 (super reach A), and the variation pattern PH4 (super reach D) is selected. . In the probability variation pattern table (B2), any one of the variation pattern PH5 (non-reach B), the variation pattern PH6 (normal reach B), the variation pattern PH7 (super reach B), and the variation pattern PH8 (super reach D) is selected. . In the special variation pattern table (B3), only the variation pattern PH9 (non-reach C) is selected. Here, the variation pattern PH9 in the non-reach C mode is configured as a very short variation time (2 seconds).

  In the above description, the variation pattern table for deviation is expressed by a single table in any case. However, when the result of the lottery decision is lost, the number of reserved balls for special symbols ( Different variation pattern tables may be selected depending on 0-4). In other words, by using a variation pattern table according to the number of reserved balls for special symbols, the proportion of relatively short variation times is increased as the number of activated balls is increased, and conversely, the number of reserved operations is small. As a result, a relatively long variation time can be selected. Also, the variation pattern table can be divided according to the type of special symbol. For example, when the electric chew support function is operating, it is easy to display the variation of the second special symbol, and as shown in FIG. 30, the big hit of the second special symbol is more advantageous. In this case, by setting the variation time of the first special symbol as a long time, it is possible to create a time for accumulating the hold of the second special symbol that is preferentially subjected to variation control.

  The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol and then instructs the production control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol. "Designation command"), an effect control command (referred to as "designation command") including special symbol (symbol group) and game state information, and an effect command ("design memory" Number command ") and the like (hereinafter, these effect control commands are collectively referred to as" variation start command ") and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 includes a normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination unit 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148. When the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing unit 145 reads the normal symbol random number value and the normal symbol variation pattern random value stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, They are stored in the normal symbol success / failure determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, respectively.

  The normal symbol success / failure determination unit 146 reads out a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol success / failure determination region of the main information storage unit 180 and executes the determination of success / failure, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. To do. The result of this lottery determination is temporarily stored as a normal symbol determination flag in the main information storage unit 180, and after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. The normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 holds a normal symbol success / failure lottery table which is referred to during the success / failure lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), the normal symbol success / failure determination means 146 refers to the normal symbol success / failure lottery table with a probability of “160/283”, for example, while the normal symbol probability change state (high probability state). ), For example, by referring to the normal symbol success / failure lottery table with which the probability is “282/283”, the normal symbol success / failure lottery is executed.

  In the present embodiment, the normal symbol stop symbol determining means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table, selects a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a win, and determines a predetermined symbol when the result is wrong. Select an outlier design. In addition, when it is desired to have a plurality of control patterns for the ordinary electric accessory, it may be designed to have a plurality of lottery results of the normal symbol drawing table. Moreover, even if the selected normal symbol is the same, the control pattern of the ordinary electric accessory can be made different depending on whether or not the game state is operating the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determination unit 148 reads the normal symbol variation pattern random number value from the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180, and refers to the normal symbol variation pattern table to display the variation display of the normal symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long variation time is selected (for example, seven types of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected). On the other hand, a relatively short variation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected in the short time state (easy entry state) of the normal symbol.

  The special game control means 150 relates to the start demonstration effect and the end demonstration effect that are displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game according to the determined type of the big hit, when the result of the lottery is a big hit. Determine the demonstration performance time. The special game control means 150 provides an effect control command (referred to as a “hit start demo command”) for instructing the execution control board 200 to execute the start demo effect, and an effect control command for instructing the execution of the end demo effect. (Referred to as “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. Note that the jackpot start demo command also serves as an opportunity to determine the contents of a series of jackpot effects (start demo effect, round effect, end demo effect) developed during the special game on the effect control board 200 side. In addition to the present embodiment, the demonstration performance time determined by the special game control means 150 can be determined based on the game state when the big hit is made, in addition to the big hit type.

  When the special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “round effect designation command”) for instructing the start of a round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game, Stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. The round effect designation command includes a round start command including information on the current number of rounds transmitted at the start of the round, and a large effect for executing a prize effect based on detection of the big prize opening switch 164 during the round game. Contains a winning mouth valid winning command.

  The special game control means 150 determines the demonstration performance time related to the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demonstration effect displayed on the effect display device 70 and the like during the small hit game when the result of the lottery is a small hit. . The special game control means 150 includes an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of a small hit start demonstration effect, and an effect control command (“small hit end demonstration) for instructing execution of a small hit end demo effect. Command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

  The symbol display control means 155 Special symbol display control means 156 and normal symbol display control means 157 are included. Special symbol display control means 156 According to the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, While the first special symbol display device 171 variably displays the first special symbol, After the change display is completed, the first special symbol is fixedly displayed. Special symbol display control means 156 According to the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, While causing the second special symbol display device 172 to variably display the second special symbol, After the change display, the second special symbol is fixedly displayed. Special symbol display control means 156 Time related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (variation time, It has a special symbol game timer for managing (determined display time). The operating states of the first special symbol display device 171 and the second special symbol display device 172 are: It is monitored based on the special symbol game status in the main information storage means 180. Special symbol display control means 156 When the special symbol is suspended (ie, When the special symbol game timer manages the fluctuation time, At the timing when the value becomes “0”), An effect control command (referred to as “variation stop command”) for requesting the effect control board 200 to confirm the display of the decorative symbol is generated.

  On the other hand, the normal symbol display control means 157 variably displays the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 175 according to the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and displays the normal symbol after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the normal symbol display. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 175 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

  When the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big win, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a special game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 642 is defined as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (10R, 5R, 2R in this embodiment). The electric accessory control means 160 holds a special winning opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 642 (that is, the number of rounds being executed). Here, when the big hit type is a so-called 10R big hit (symbol group A, D) or 5R big hit (symbol group B, E), the big winning opening 64 is opened for about 30 seconds at the maximum in one round game. . On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called 2R big hit (symbol group C), the big winning opening 64 is opened for about 1.8 seconds at the maximum in one round game. Here, the closing condition for the special winning opening 64 in the special game (the condition for ending the round game) is the passage of a predetermined count number of game balls to be won or an openable period of a specified number of seconds.

  If the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is confirmed and displayed The electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period. The small hit game is a special game composed of one round game, and is distinguished from a big hit game of a special game composed of a plurality of round games. In particular, both the small hit game and the big hit game are special games in which it is easy to acquire a ball based on the operation of the special electric game 642, but the special electric game 642 can be operated continuously. It is divided according to whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating.

  When the winning combination of the normal symbol is won, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 123 to open the ordinary electric accessory 622 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the ordinary electric accessory 622 for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas it is normally electric in the easy to enter state (electric chew support state). The accessory 622 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) compared to the normal state.

  The game state control means 169 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol group related to the jackpot when the result of the lottery for special symbol is a big hit, and after the end of the special game Switch the gaming state of. In the following, among the functions related to the special symbol and the normal symbol described above, the gaming state in which 1) the probability variation function of the special symbol, the variation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric chew support function operate is referred to as “probability variation state”. 2) A gaming state in which only the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function are activated is referred to as a “short-time state”, and 3) a gaming state in which only the special symbol probability variation function is activated is referred to as a “latency probability variation state”. 4) A state in which all functions are not activated is referred to as a “normal state”. Note that the “probability change state”, “time-short state”, and “latency probability change state” are all advantageous game states for the player as compared to the “normal state”.

  In the following, each game state is expressed by a combination of a special symbol game operation state (high probability / low probability) and a normal symbol game operation state (with electric chew support function activated / no electric chew support function activated). ) Probability state is “high probability / high base”, (2) Time-short state is “low probability / high base”, (3) Latency probability state is “high probability / low base”, (4) Normal state is “low probability” ("Base" refers to the number of awarded balls per number of fired balls, and during the operation of the electric chew support function, the possibility of winning a prize ball by the operation of an ordinary electric accessory) Is called “high base”). In the present embodiment, as an example, the gaming state after the end of the special game is that the number of times the special symbol fluctuates from the end of the special game to the predetermined end number (that is, the above ST number). (However, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the probability change state ends with the change, and at the end of the big hit game, the game corresponding again based on the big hit type and big hit symbol) State). If a small hit is made during the ST period, the ST count is not reset to zero, and the ST count is continuously counted before and after the small hit occurs. In the present embodiment, the ST number is set to 100 times as an example, but may be set to other numbers. When the state changes to the probability variation state, the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function operate simultaneously, and each function continues as long as the probability variation state continues.

  If the result of a special symbol winning / losing lottery is a big hit, regardless of whether the game state before the big hit is a normal state or a probable change state, the special state is in the normal state and after the special game, the ST number is As a limit, the state is uniformly changed. On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol winning / losing lottery is a small win, if the gaming state before the small hit is the normal state, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also the normal state. If the game state before the small hit is a special symbol probable change state, the game state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also a special symbol probable state.

  The game state control means 169 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of the big win (type of the symbol groups A to E) when the result of the success / failure lottery is a big hit, and after the special game The change pattern selection state is switched. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the variation pattern table described above. The switching timing of the variation pattern selection state is when the special game ends or when the final number of times of the variation pattern selection state has expired. In the present embodiment, there are three types of variation pattern selection states, such as “low probability normal variation state α”, “high probability reduced variation state β”, and “high probability special variation state γ”. Here, the low probability normal variation state α is a normal variation pattern table (A1 in FIG. 31A and B1 in FIG. 31B) selected when the gaming state is a normal state (low probability state). This is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to it. High probability shortening variation state β is a probability variation pattern table (A2 in FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B) selected when the gaming state is a certain symbol certain variation state (except for a limited period described later). This is a state in which the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to B2). The high probability special variation state γ is a state in which the game state is a probable variation state of a special symbol, and the number of symbol variation corresponding to a certain period immediately after the end of the special game (the maximum number (4) of active reserve balls of the second special symbol) (Four times) Variation display period: referred to as “limited period”) Special variation pattern table (see A3 in FIG. 31 and B3 in FIG. 31B) that allows selection only This is the state for determining the pattern. In the present embodiment, regardless of which of the symbol groups A to D is selected, the variation pattern selection state is (1) immediately after the end of the special game, and the high probability special variation state γ only for a limited period of four symbol variation times. Staying, (2) staying in the high probability shortening variation state β after the limited period and when the number of executions is within the ST number (100 times), and (3) after the end of the ST number, The number of executions stays in the low probability normal fluctuation state α after the 101st execution. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs stays in the low probability normal fluctuation state α. The gaming state control unit 169 generates an effect control command (referred to as “gaming state designation command”) including the current gaming state information and the variation pattern selection state information, and stores this command in the main information storage unit 180. Store in the area. Further, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and a plurality of special variation states γ may be provided so that different special variation states can be referred to at different timings of one variation time reduction gaming state ( For example, the special fluctuation state γ1 is stayed in the special fluctuation state γ1 four times after the big hit is finished, and the special fluctuation state γ2 is stayed in one special symbol game after 95 stays in the shortened fluctuation state β.

  The error monitoring control means 170 monitors the input information of the I / O port circuit 104 and inspects the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is requested to indicate an error state effect to the effect control board 200. Although not shown in FIG. 26, the door opening switch is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the glass frame 3 is opened, and the frame opening switch (door opening sensor 2p) has the front frame 4 opened. The back set opening switch is a detecting means for detecting whether or not the back set board is open. The magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting fraud (so-called goto action).

  The main information storage means 180 stores random number value information acquired in special symbol games and normal symbol games, operation reserved ball information of special symbols and normal symbols, game states related to special symbol games and normal symbol games (probability change state, time reduction state, Information on easy entry), information on variation pattern selection status, result information on winning / failing lottery (big hit, small hit, loss), information on stop and variation patterns on special symbols and regular symbols, information on special games (round) Number, release time, release mode (number of releases per round game), etc.), status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory 642, effect control command It is configured to temporarily store information necessary for controlling the progress of the game, such as data information. And a predetermined storage area.

  The command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been. Each effect control command has a 2-byte structure including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and the seventh bit of the MODE data is set to distinguish MODE data from EVENT data. “1” and the seventh bit of the EVENT data are “0”. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output for each of the MODE data and the EVENT data.

  The effect control board 200 can receive MODE data and EVENT data, triggered by receiving the strobe signal output in this way. The effect control command generated in each process is transmitted, in principle, in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 for each interrupt period, MODE data and EVENT data.

  The setting change means 195 executes “setting change processing” for changing the game setting. In the setting change means 195, when the front frame 4 is in the open state (the door open sensor 2p detects that the door is open) and the setting key switch 100q is in the on state, the power switch 600q is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 400q. In the case of a change, the setting change state described above is entered.

  The setting change unit 195 causes the setting display unit 197 to display the setting value stored in the setting memory (for example, a part of the RAM storage area provided by the main control RAM 103) when the setting change state is entered. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the setting display unit 197 displays the setting value by a 7-segment display provided on the main control board 100. At this time, the setting change unit 195 changes the setting value displayed on the setting display unit 197 from “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” in response to pressing of a predetermined setting change button. In order of “6” → “1” →..., The setting value stored in the setting memory is updated to the same value as the display on the setting display unit 197. In this example, the RAM clear switch 400q is used as the setting change button, but other buttons may be used, or a dedicated button may be provided. Then, when the setting key switch 100q is turned off, the setting change unit 195 ends the setting change state and turns off the setting display unit 197.

  The setting confirmation unit 196 executes “setting confirmation processing” for confirming the game setting. The setting confirmation unit 196 turns on the power switch 600q without pressing the RAM clear switch 400q when the front frame 4 is in the open state (the door open sensor 2p detects that the door is open) and the setting key switch 100q is in the on state. When it is done, it shifts to the setting confirmation state described above.

  The setting confirmation unit 196 causes the setting display unit 197 to display the setting value stored in the setting memory when the setting confirmation state is entered. However, unlike the setting change unit 195 described above, the setting confirmation unit 196 does not change the setting value displayed on the setting display unit 197 even when a setting change button (for example, the RAM clear switch 400q) is pressed. Also, the setting value stored in the setting memory is not changed. Then, when the setting key switch 100q is turned off, the setting confirmation unit 196 ends the setting confirmation state and turns off the setting display unit 197.

  Note that the setting value data managed by the setting memory is not limited to the numerical values “1” to “6”, and numerical values “0” to “5” may be used instead. In this case, the setting value “0” corresponds to the setting 1, the setting value “1” corresponds to the setting 2, the setting value “2” corresponds to the setting 3, and the setting value “3” corresponds to the setting 4. The setting value “4” may correspond to the setting 5 and the setting value “5” may correspond to the setting 6. By using “0” as the normal value of the set value data, when the RAM clear process is performed when the RAM is abnormal and the set value data is set to the initial value “0”, no abnormality is determined. Can be simplified. Further, when some sort of lottery is performed using the set value data, for example, when a different table or data is selected for each set value in the prefetch process, there is an advantage that the offset process for the selection can be simplified. . For example, when “1” to “6” are used as the set value data, when these values are used as they are as offset data for a table or data selection, additional processing such as setting the start address to −1 is required. On the other hand, when “0” to “5” are used as the set value data, the numerical value of the set value data can be used as it is as offset data. When using numerical values “0” to “5” as the setting value data, the setting change unit 195 and the setting confirmation unit 196 may display the numerical values of the setting value data on the setting display unit 197 as they are, A numerical value obtained by adding +1 to the numerical value data may be displayed on the setting display unit 197. In the latter case, numerical data of “0” to “5” is converted into numerical values of setting 1 to setting 6 in the game setting and displayed, so that the display can be easily understood by the administrator of the gaming machine.

  FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the function of the effect control board 200 in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The production control board 200 includes production lottery random number generation means 210, production control means 220, lamp production control means 230, accessory production control means 240, error production control means 250, production control information storage means 260, and command transmission / reception means 270. . The above-described units of the effect control board 200 are the effect control CPU 201, the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203, the hardware such as an electronic circuit, and the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202. Is a functional representation of what is configured by software such as

  The effect lottery random number generating means 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by program processing of the effect control CPU 201. These random number counters serve as random number generation means for generating random numbers in software. This software random number includes the prefetching notice lottery random number used for the lottery of whether or not the prefetching notice effect can be executed, the prefetching notice pattern random number used for selecting the prefetching notice pattern, the decoration design random number used for selecting the stop pattern of the decoration design, the decoration Fluctuation effect pattern random number used for selection of design variation effect pattern, notice effect pattern random number used for selection of notice effect pattern, jackpot effect pattern random number used for selection of jackpot effect pattern, whether or not to execute execution of recreational zone on hold The lotus random effect random lottery used for the lottery, the random lottery effect pattern random number used for selection of the lotus directing effect pattern for the reserved lotus directing are included. The update time of these random numbers is updated using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the effect control side main process described later. In addition, although the name is given to the random number used for each lottery for convenience, you may have the random number used in common.

  The production control unit 220 includes a production mode control unit 221, a hold information display control unit 222, a look-ahead notice control unit 223, a decorative symbol determination unit 224, a variation production determination unit 225, a notice effect production determination unit 226, and a jackpot production determination unit 227. .

  The holding information display control means 222 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol, and a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated reserved balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the holding information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the first holding ball number counter and the second holding ball are based on the information of the operation holding ball number included in the symbol storage number command. Update the value of the number counter. Based on the values of the first reserved ball number counter and the second reserved ball number counter, the reserved information display control means 222 displays the number corresponding to the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol on the reserved display unit of the effect display device 70. And the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of active reserved balls of the second special symbol are controlled. In the normal display mode, when a special design actuating ball is generated, a white-colored hold image is displayed. The image can take any of “blue”, “green”, “red”, and “rainbow” as a special display mode (display color) from “white” of the normal display mode (display color). The above four special display modes are related to the reliability that the lottery result is a big hit (referred to as “big hit reliability”), and are “blue”, “green”, “red”, “rainbow” The jackpot reliability is set to be higher step by step. In the present embodiment, when the reserved image changes to “rainbow”, the big hit is deterministic in the pre-reading operation holding ball. Note that, in the hold change prefetch notice effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by a shape or a pattern instead of the display color.

  The prefetch notice control means 223 determines whether or not the prefetch notice can be executed by lottery when the advance determination command is received from the main control board 100. The pre-reading notice control means 223 distinguishes the information of the first special symbol pre-determined result and the information of the second special symbol pre-determined result, and enters each of up to a predetermined upper limit number (four). Temporarily stored in the prefetch information storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 so as to be combined with the order. This prefetch information storage area has the same configuration as the reserved storage area of the main control board 100, and in the order of entering the start ports 61 and 62, the reserved 1 storage area (first reserved storage area), A hold 2 storage area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided. Each reserved storage area can store information on the result of prior determination, information on the design prior determination result, and information on the variation pattern prior determination result as a set.

  When the pre-reading notice control unit 223 determines whether or not the pre-reading notice is executable, the pre-reading notice (“pre-reading determination”) is determined based on the pre-determination result by the main control board 100 with respect to the operation holding ball that is the target of the pre-reading notice. (Also called). In the present embodiment, the pre-reading notice includes, in addition to the above-described pending change pre-reading notice, a so-called continuous notice effect for notifying the possibility of a jackpot winning or a reach effect occurring over a plurality of continuous variation displays of decorative symbols. Have When it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) can be executed, the information on the pre-determining command from the main control board 100 (result of the pre-determining) and the information on the symbol memory number command (the number of the currently held action balls) Analyzing, the pre-reading notice effect pattern over a plurality of continuous variable displays is determined by lottery for the action-holding ball (referred to as “trigger hold”) that triggers the occurrence of this pre-reading notice effect. Note that there are various types of prefetching notices, such as a pending change prefetching notice effect, a chance eye prefetching notice effect, and a background change prefetching notice effect. As another type of look-ahead, there is a holding-in-resort stage effect that suggests or notifies that there is a possibility that there is an operation holding ball that will be a big hit when a change that becomes a big hit game or a big hit win is executed.

  The presentation mode control means 221 controls the transition of the presentation mode so as to be consistent with the gaming state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side based on the gaming state designation command from the main control board 100. Execute. In the present embodiment, a normal effect mode α, a probability change effect mode β, and a special effect mode γ are included as the three types of effect modes, and the variation patterns of the special symbols instructed from the main control board 100 are the same. Also, the variation effect pattern (detailed later) for specifying the specific contents of the symbol variation effect is set differently for each effect mode. On the effect display device 70, an effect mode notification image (in this embodiment, a background image to be displayed on the back of the decorative pattern) corresponding to the effect mode currently staying is displayed, and this background image is displayed for each effect mode. Since they are set so as to be different from each other, the player can recognize which presentation mode is currently staying from the type of the background image.

  Each production mode will be outlined. First, the normal performance mode α is set when the low probability normal variation state α is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “normal background” is displayed as the background image. . The probability variation effect mode β is set when the high probability reduced variation state β is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image. The special effect mode γ is set when the high probability special variation state γ is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side. This special effect mode stays for a period of four times (limited period) immediately after the end of the special game, and when this limited period is exceeded, transition to the probability variation effect mode β. When the on-hold consecutive resort production occurs during the special game, “special background” is displayed as the background image. On the other hand, when the on-hold consecutive resort effect does not occur during the special game, that is, when the continuous variation effect is not executed, the “probable change background” common to the probability change effect mode is displayed as the background image.

  The decorative design determining means 224 is configured to combine the final stop symbols of the decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, The right design is determined by lottery. In the present embodiment, three symbol sequences including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative design is formed by, for example, an identification element made up of numbers or letters. In the present embodiment, a total of ten types such as numbers “1” to “9” and characters “S” are set as identification elements. Each decoration symbol is arranged in the order of “1” → “2” → “3” →... → “8” → “9” → “S” in the order of the left display area, the middle display area and the right Each is displayed cyclically in the display area.

  The decoration symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decoration symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. As the plural types of tables, there are a stop symbol pattern table for big hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach, a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, and includes a “stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)” and a “stop symbol indicating a loss (missing symbol)”. The big hit symbol indicating the specific big hit (probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) in which three symbols having the same odd number are arranged. The big hit symbol indicating the normal big hit (non-probable big hit) is a combination of stop modes (for example, “2.2-2.2”) in which three symbols with the same even number are arranged. The off symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, “1 · 3 · 8”) in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from the other numbers. Here, of the out-of-order symbols, the out-of-reach symbol is a combination of stop modes in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames in a state where the left symbol and the right symbol are coincident (for example, “3 · 1 · 3”). Become. In the case of a “stop symbol indicating a small hit (small hit symbol)” or a 2R big hit symbol even if it is a big hit symbol, for example, a combination of predetermined stop modes such as “3, 5, 7” is used. There is a case. In the present embodiment, “S · S · S” is provided as a special jackpot symbol for deterministic notification of the on-hold consecutive resort. When it is determined to execute the on-hold consecutive villa effect, the decorative symbol determination means 224 selects a normal jackpot symbol (such as “3.3.3”) when the consecutive villa effect pattern PA2 is selected. Is replaced with a special jackpot symbol ("S, S, S").

  Based on the information (variation pattern information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100, the variation effect determining means 225 defines the variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol. Determine the production pattern. In the present embodiment, the design variation effect (reach effect) performed after reach display includes a reach effect with a simple effect content (normal reach effect) and a reach effect (super reach effect) where the effect content develops in the middle. . The variation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation effect pattern, and a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol is selected from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Is selected. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random value and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, a basic pattern (for example, “normal reach A”, “super reach A”, etc.) of the symbol variation is determined as the variation pattern on the main control board 100 side, whereas the variation control pattern on the effect control substrate 200 side Based on the basic pattern, a detailed pattern of design variation (for example, “normal reach A1, A2, A3...”, “Super reach A1, A2, A3. In this way, the variation display pattern of the decorative design defines a variation display mode of the decorative design, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of variation of the decorative design to the end of the variation. The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as a time schedule. Note that the stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is determined in advance for each variation effect pattern, and in this embodiment, in principle, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, if it is a variation effect pattern with a short variation time, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost simultaneously, and if it is a specific variation effect pattern, the left symbol → middle symbol → right symbol It can also be stopped. At this time, if it is not the stopping order of the above principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the big hit expectation degree tends to be relatively high.

  The notice effect determining means 226 determines the notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that is executed at each stage of the decorative symbol changing process in accordance with the scenario of the change effect pattern described above. The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern that displays an image or animation of a specific character temporarily or stepwise, an effect pattern that outputs a specific sound, an effect pattern that operates a movable accessory, and the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the change display of the decorative symbol, and suggests in advance that the jackpot reliability that the symbol change stops in the jackpot mode is high. The notice effects include a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including the time when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the announcement effects has different jackpot reliability. Basically, the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of reach has a relatively higher reliability for the announcement effect displayed after the occurrence of reach. It is high. The notice effect determining means 226 holds a notice effect pattern table that is referred to when selecting the notice effect pattern for each type of the notice effect, and according to the type of the notice effect that occurs in accordance with the scenario of the variable effect pattern. Select the notice effect pattern table. The notice effect determining means 226 refers to the notice effect pattern table selected above and based on the notice effect pattern random number value obtained from the effect lottery random number generating means 210, by lottery, from among a plurality of kinds of notice effect patterns. Choose one. In addition, as a kind of specific notice effect pattern, a comment notice effect pattern, a background notice effect pattern, an SU (step-up) notice effect pattern, a group notice effect pattern, a cut-in notice effect pattern, an accessory movable notice effect pattern, Etc. are prepared. This notice effect is basically performed by executing one or a plurality of notice effects in accordance with the decorative display variation display on the effect display device 70. For this reason, even in the case of decorative display variation display using the same variation production pattern, various production modes can be generated by combining with one or more notice productions.

  The jackpot effect determining means 227 determines the contents of the jackpot effect (a jackpot effect pattern) for notifying that the special game is being played. The big hit effect includes a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of a special game, a round effect for notifying that a round game is in progress, and an end demonstration effect for notifying the end of a special game. When the jackpot effect determining means 227 receives the jackpot start demonstration command from the main control board 100, the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect) based on the information of the jackpot type stored in the effect control information storage means 260, etc. Pattern, end demo production pattern). In this jackpot production pattern, a jackpot start demonstration production time, a round production time (production time according to the opening pattern of the big prize opening 64) and a jackpot end demonstration production time are set according to the type of jackpot. A series of production contents are set along the time axis. The jackpot effect determining means 227 executes the start demonstration effect in response to the reception of the jackpot start demonstration command from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and performs each round effect in response to the reception of the round effect designation command. Executed, and the end demo production is executed when the jackpot end demo command is received.

  Here, in the normal jackpot start demonstration production, for example, the letters “start the jackpot” are displayed on the screen, and the start of the special game is announced. In a normal round effect, for example, the number of currently executed rounds and the number of winning prize balls on the screen are displayed, and various images (animation images and the like) that excite the special game are displayed. In a normal jackpot end demonstration production, for example, the word “End of jackpot” is displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

  As described above, the effect supervising means 220 is an image control command related to images and sounds based on the determined content of the effect (prefetching effect pattern, consecutive resort effect pattern, variation effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop symbol pattern, jackpot effect pattern, etc.). Is generated and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

  The lamp effect control means 230 controls lighting of the effect lamp, emission color, and the like according to the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The lamp effect control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for lighting control of the effect lamps 10 and 25 (the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25), and according to the determined effect pattern. The lamp data is read out, and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

  The accessory effect control means 240 controls the driving of each movable accessory according to the effect contents set by the effect control means 220. The accessory effect control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern to the motor driver 92. .

  The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100 and to notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. Yes.

  The effect control information storage means 260 is configured to temporarily store decorative symbol information, variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like. A predetermined storage area is provided. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300 Includes an ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands. Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer, and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 when receiving the strobe signal output together with the effect control command and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. ing. Specifically, the command transmission / reception means 270 performs the reception control process of the effect control command in response to the interrupt generated when the strobe signal from the main control board 100 is input. The effect control command is acquired. Details of the reception control process of the effect control command will be described later. In addition, when the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 executes the reception interruption process of the effect control command with priority over the other interruption processes.

  The command transmission / reception means 270 is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 in order to instruct the execution of the effect contents (variation effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative symbol information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. The image control command is transmitted to the image control board 300 using a serial communication method as an example. In principle, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined period (500 μs in the present embodiment) according to the order set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260.

  Thereby, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200 and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative design along the scenario of the change effect pattern. In each stage of the fluctuation display process, the notice effect is displayed superimposed on the effect of the symbol variation. Furthermore, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300 and stores this ACK command in the ACK command buffer.

<Processing on the main control board>
32 to 53 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the operation process in the main control board 100. FIG. The operation processing on the main control board 100 side mainly includes main control side main processing and main control side timer interrupt processing.

<Main control side main processing>
32, 33, and 34 are flowcharts showing examples of main control-side main processing executed in the main control board 100, respectively. In the main process on the main control side, the main control program is started after a security check of the main control CPU 101 is performed by reset at power-on, and the process is executed by the main control program. In the following description, the subject of each process may be omitted as appropriate.

  First, as an initial setting required when power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (step S1), and access to the main control RAM 103 is permitted (step S2). Next, a vector table storing the start address of the main control program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (step S3), and an initial value is set in an internal register of the main control CPU 101 (step S4).

  Next, the main control CPU 101 confirms the operation state of the setting key switch 100q (step S5). If the setting key switch 100q is in the on state (YES in step S5), the operation state of the RAM clear switch 400q is confirmed. (Step S6). If the RAM clear switch 400q is on in step S6 (YES in step S6), a setting change process is executed (step S7). Details of the setting change process will be described later with reference to FIG. 35, but after the setting change process ends, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 400q is in the OFF state in step S6 (NO in step S6), a setting confirmation process is executed (step S8). Details of the setting confirmation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 36, but after the setting confirmation process is completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

  If the setting key switch 100q is in the OFF state in step S5 (NO in step S5), the main control CPU 101 confirms the operation state of the RAM clear switch 400q (step S9). If the RAM clear switch 400q is on in step S9 (YES in step S9), the process proceeds to step S13 in order to perform a normal RAM clear process without changing the setting. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 400q is in the OFF state in step S9 (NO in step S6), the process proceeds to step S10 without performing any special processing.

  In step S10, the main control CPU 101 reads the value of the power-off information flag and determines whether information on normal power-off is stored (step S10).

  Here, when the information indicating that the power is off normally is stored, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the main control RAM 103 (step S11). It is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (step S12). Note that the checksum at power-on calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off process described later, so if it has been backed up normally, Sam becomes “0”. In this way, it is determined when the power is turned on whether the information stored in the main control RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up.

  If the checksum is normal in step S12 (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S16, which will be described later, to return to the state before the power was turned off. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal in step S12 (NO in step S12), or after the setting change process in step S7 is completed, the entire area of the main control RAM 103 to be initialized is cleared to zero ( Step S13). In the initialization process of step S13, the specific RAM storage area is not cleared to zero. For example, the setting value stored in the setting memory is not cleared, and the setting value set in the setting change process in step S7 is held as it is.

  Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the main control RAM 103 (step S14). Next, in order to initialize the effect display device 70 and the effect lamps 10 and 25, an effect control command (“effect initial command”) is requested to the effect control board 200 (step S15).

  Next, in the power-off recovery setting process, the power-on normal information setting, the various error initial settings, and the communication initial settings with the payout control board 400 are sequentially executed in the main control RAM 103 (step S16). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to save that the power was correctly turned on, the power-on normal data is stored in the power-off information flag and the information on the occurrence of power-off is initialized. Turn off the power-off confirmation flag. Next, the data transfer source address, the data transfer destination address, and the transfer byte number are set, and the data for the transfer byte number is transferred (step S17). The value of the special symbol game status at the time of power-off is read, and the power-off recovery process related to the special symbol game is executed (step S18).

  Next, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power-off recovery command”) at the time of power-off recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is made (step S19). The power-off recovery command includes information related to the inspection of the communication line, the special symbol operating state, the probability variation count, the time reduction count, the easy-to-enter state count, the variation pattern selection status, and the error status. It should be noted that the command requests for untransmitted before the power is turned off are cleared. Next, in the symbol memory number command request process, the information on the number of reserved balls in the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of reserved balls is requested ( Step S20).

  Next, a return setting is made to return the ordinary electric accessory 622 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the second start port 62 is opened) (step S21). Furthermore, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory 642 to a state before the power is cut off (for example, the big prize opening 64 is opened) (step S22). Next, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the probability variation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (step S23). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to start a timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (step S24). Next, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit generation of timer interrupt processing (step S25). As a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, clear word 1 (“55H”) is set (step S26).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of power interruption, the value of the power interruption confirmation flag is read to determine whether or not the power interruption has occurred (step S27). If the power is not cut off, initial value random number update processing is executed (step S28). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value determined for each random number, it is returned to the minimum value “0”.

  Next, interrupt permission is set to permit generation of the timer interrupt process (step S29), the process returns to the above-described interrupt prohibition process (step S25), and the loop process from step S25 to S29 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt process is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but using the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt process until the next interrupt process occurs, steps S25 to S25 are performed. The process up to S29 is repeated. If there is an interrupt request in the interrupt disabled state, timer interrupt processing is started when interrupt is enabled in step S29. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is on in step S27, that is, if a power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to step S30, and the power-off process described below is executed.

  Next, as a power-off process (steps S30 to S36), first, a clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (step S30). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (step S31). If it is power-on normal information, power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (step S32). On the other hand, if the power-on normal information is not found, the power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S36.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the main control RAM 103 (step S34). A complement for the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the main control RAM 103 (step S35). Next, the access prohibition setting of the main control RAM 103 is performed (step S36), and the process is repeatedly executed until the power is turned off.

<Setting change processing>
FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the setting change process. The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 35 shows the setting change process in step S107 in FIG. 32 in detail, and is executed by the main control CPU 101 (main control program).

  According to FIG. 35, first, the main control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the setting memory in which the setting value of the game setting is to be stored is normal (step S101). If the setting memory value is not normal in step S101 (NO in S101), the setting value is initialized to an initial value (S102). Specifically, for example, when “1” to “6” are used as the setting value data, “1” is set as the initial value, and when “0” to “5” is used as the setting value data, the initial value is “ Set to “0”. After the process of step S102, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the setting memory value is normal in step S101 (YES in S101), the process skips step S102 and proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the setting change state is entered. And the setting value memorize | stored in the setting memory is displayed on the setting display part 197 (step S104).

  Next, the presence / absence of a change operation by a setting change button (for example, RAM clear switch 400q) is confirmed (step S105). When there is a change operation by the setting change button (YES in step S105), the setting value displayed on the setting display unit 197 is updated and the setting value stored in the setting memory is updated (step S106). If there is no change operation by the setting change button (NO in step S105), the process in step S106 is skipped.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the operation state of the setting key switch 100q is an off state (step S107). If it is determined NO in step S5 of FIG. 32 and the setting key switch 100q remains on (NO in step S107), the process returns to step S104 and the process is repeated. On the other hand, when the setting key is returned to the original state and the setting key switch 100q is turned off (YES in step S107), the setting display unit 197 is turned off to make the setting value invisible (not displayed) (step). S108), return. As described above, after the return, the process of step S13 in FIG. 32 is performed.

<Setting confirmation process>
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the setting confirmation process. The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 36 shows details of the setting confirmation process in step S108 in FIG. 32, and is executed by the main control CPU 101 (main control program).

  According to FIG. 36, first, the main control CPU 101 causes the setting display unit 197 to display the setting value stored in the setting memory (step S111).

  Thereafter, the main control CPU 101 checks whether or not the operation state of the setting key switch 100q is an off state (step S112). If it is determined NO in step S5 of FIG. 32 and the setting key switch 100q remains on (NO in step S112), the process returns to step S111 to repeat the process, and the display of the set value is continued. On the other hand, when the setting key is returned to the original state and the setting key switch 100q is turned off (YES in step S112), the setting display unit 197 is turned off so that the setting value cannot be visually recognized (hidden) (step). S113) and return. As described above, after the return, the process of step S10 in FIG. 32 is performed.

  Note that the gaming machine of the present embodiment has a frame opening as the first procedure in order to improve security as a transition condition to the setting change process and the setting confirmation process described above. Therefore, although not shown in FIG. 32, when the operation state of the setting key switch 100q in step S5 is determined to be on (YES in step 5), the state of the frame opening switch (door opening sensor 2p) is determined. The process proceeds to step S6 only when the frame is in the open state (door open). Even if the setting key switch 100q is in the on state at the time of the determination in step S5, if the frame is not in the open state (door closed), the setting change process (step The process does not proceed to step S6 that proceeds to S7) or the setting confirmation process (step S8), but waits until the setting key switch 100q is turned off, and if it is switched to the off state, the process proceeds to step S9.

<Main control timer interrupt processing>
Next, the relationship between the drawings for explaining the main control timer interrupt process will be described. First, FIGS. 37 and 38 are flowcharts showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed in the main control board 100, respectively. 39 and 40 are flowcharts showing the details of the start port monitoring control process shown in FIG. 37, respectively. 41 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring control process shown in FIG. 38, and FIGS. 42 and 43 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. 41, respectively. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control process shown in FIG. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing details of the special symbol control general-purpose process shown in FIG. 46 to 50 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol variation start process, the special symbol variation process, and the special symbol stop symbol display process shown in FIG. 45, respectively. 51 to 53 are flowcharts showing details of the special electric accessory control process shown in FIG. 38, respectively.

  First, the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 37 is executed by interrupting the main process on the main control side in response to the occurrence of a timer interrupt in response to a clock pulse every predetermined time (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit described above. The Note that the terms “condition device” and “actual article continuous operation device” used hereinafter mean a conceptual control device. The “condition device” is activated when a big hit is generated in a special symbol game, and the “actual accessory continuous actuating device” is capable of operating the “special electric accessory” a plurality of times in succession.

  First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the main control CPU 101 (data used during the main control side main process) are saved in the stack area of the main control RAM 103, and then the interrupt operation condition is set. Set (step S51). Next, the interrupt operation condition set value is set in the interrupt control register (step S52). Next, clear word 2 is set (step S53).

  Next, the clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set to restart the watchdog timer (step S54). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written in the WDT clear register of the main control CPU 101 within a preset time-out period, whereby the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the main control CPU 101 is executing the main control program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are periodically set so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before time-out. Become. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, input processing is executed (step S55). In this input process, information of switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, the first start opening switch 161, the second start opening switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the big prize opening switch 164, and the out ball detection switch 167, and a door opening switch, a frame opening switch, and a back set opening switch (not shown). After reading input information such as a magnetic sensor and a radio wave sensor and determining their state, the detection information is stored.

  Next, various random number update processes are executed (step S56). In these various random number update processes, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number that do not use the initial value random number are updated. As for the normal symbol variation pattern random number, 1 is added to the numerical value of the random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. When the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

  Next, initial value update type random number update processing is executed (step S57). In this initial value update type random number update process, the random number per ordinary symbol, the soft random number per special symbol, and the symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to “0” which is the minimum value. When the counter value has made one round (when the initial value is set), the initial value random number corresponding to the random value of the counter that has made one round at that timing is set as a new initial value. To do.

  Next, initial value random number update processing is executed (step S58). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds a predetermined maximum value for each random number, the value is returned to “0” which is the minimum value.

  Next, a timer subtraction process is executed (step S59). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the gaming machine are subtracted and updated. The various timers include a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, a timer for controlling the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, , Timers used for various controls such as ordinary symbols and ordinary electric accessories.

  Next, a second start port effective period setting process is executed (step S60). In the second start port effective period setting process, a win effective period and a win invalid period of the second start port 62 are determined, and effective period data or invalid period data of the second start port 62 is set as a determination result.

  Next, a winning monitoring process is executed (step S61). In this winning monitoring process, the first starting port switch 161, the second starting port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the big winning port switch 164, the general winning port switch 166, and the out ball in the input process (step S55) described above. Based on the detection information of the detection switch 167, a game ball switch passage inspection is performed. As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, the effect control including information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch Requests to send a command.

  Next, a prize ball control process is executed (step S62). In this winning ball control process, it is determined whether the winning is valid or invalid, and a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 400 to instruct the number of winning balls corresponding to the winning type, and the payout control is performed. Data received from the substrate 400 is monitored and a communication inspection with the payout control substrate 400 is performed.

  Next, normal symbol operation gate monitoring processing is executed (step S63). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the gate 63 is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the gate 63, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as the operation holding ball information, In addition to updating the number of suspended balls for up to four, the random numbers related to the normal symbol lottery are stored.

  Next, normal symbol control processing is executed (step S64). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 175 or the normal electric accessory 622 is executed, the normal symbol changing process and the normal symbol stop symbol display are being performed according to the value of the normal symbol game status. The process, the process during the normal electric accessory operation, the process during the normal electric accessory operation end demonstration, etc. are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) so that the normal symbol is variably displayed or fixedly displayed.

  Next, normal symbol variation start monitoring processing is executed (step S65). In this normal symbol variation start monitoring process, when the normal symbol operating state is monitored and it is determined that the normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol operation holding number of balls is digested by one, and the normal symbol variation is monitored. Determination of success / failure, determination of design, determination of variation pattern, setting of variation time, and the like are sequentially performed.

  Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (step S66). In this start port monitoring control process, when the game ball is monitored to enter the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 and it is detected that the game ball has entered, The command request of the command including information necessary for the effect control board 200 such as update, random number storage related to special symbol lottery, pre-determination for pre-reading notice, symbol storage number, and the like is sequentially performed.

  Next, special symbol control processing is executed (step S67). In the special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, for example, a special symbol variation start process described later (see step S420 in FIG. 45 described later) according to the value of the special symbol game status. The special symbol changing process (see step S430 in FIG. 45 to be described later) and the special symbol stop symbol displaying process (see step S440 in FIG. 45 to be described later) are executed.

  Next, a special electric accessory control process is executed (step S68). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” or “small hit”, the operation start and end of operation of the special electric accessory 642 is set as the operation processing related to the special electric accessory 642, Update of the opening time and the number of times of opening the winning opening 64, the operation start setting of the probability variation function, the operation start setting of the variation time shortening function, the setting of the variation pattern selection state, etc. are executed in order.

  Next, a special winning opening valid period setting process is executed (step S69). In this big winning opening effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the big winning opening 64 are determined, and the effective period data or invalid period data of the large winning opening 64 is set as the determination result.

  Next, a special symbol variation start monitoring control process is executed (step S70). In this special symbol variation start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of the holding balls is digested, and a command request for the number of stored symbols, whether the special symbol is successful or not is determined. The determination of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the setting of the operation pattern of the special electric accessory, the setting of the demonstration performance time, etc. are performed in order.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is executed (step S71). In this abnormality detection process, the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order based on the input information in the input process (step S55) described above. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is generated to request the effect control board 200 to display an error.

  Next, an incoming ball passage time abnormality detection process is executed (step S72). In this incoming ball passing time abnormality detection process, when the ON signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, the incoming ball passing time abnormality is set, and an effect control command (“error” A request for a production designation command ") and a request for outputting a security signal for output to an external terminal are made.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (step S73). In this gaming state display process, display data such as the number of times that the special electric accessory 642 is continuously operated (the number of specified rounds), the number of reserved balls for normal symbols and special symbols is created. Display data for displaying the information on the error state detected in the abnormality detection process described above on the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

  Next, a handle state signal inspection process is executed (step S74). In the handle state signal inspection process, the handle state signal is inspected.

  Next, LED output processing is executed (step S75). In this LED output process, the above-described special symbol control process (step S85) is performed in order to display a special symbol and a normal symbol, display the number of reserved balls, the number of times that the special electric accessory is operated continuously, an error, and the like. The display data created in the abnormality detection process (step S89), the game state display process (step S73), etc. are stored in the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, the normal symbol display device 175, the special symbol hold lamps 173 and 174, In addition to outputting to the general map holding lamp 176 and the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100, the display in these various display devices is initialized.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is executed (step S76). In this firing control signal output process, when a communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality is not detected, a launch permission signal is output to the payout control board 400 to launch the game ball. On the other hand, if an abnormality in communication with the payout control board 400 or an abnormality in the short circuit power supply is detected, a launch prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

  Next, a test signal output process is executed (step S77). In this test signal output processing, error test processing is performed after creating various test data. As a result, when an error is detected, various test data is output to each test signal output port.

  Next, solenoid output processing is executed (step S78). In this solenoid output process, in order to operate the ordinary electric accessory 622 and the special electric accessory 642, each control signal acquired in the normal symbol control process (step S82) and the special electric accessory control process (step S86) is used. An excitation signal is output to the electric accessory solenoids 123 and 124.

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (step S79). In the effect control command transmission process, as described above, the effect control command stored in the ring buffer designated by the pointer among the effect control commands stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 is converted into the MODE data and Each EVENT data is read out and transmitted to the effect control board 200 as will be described later.

  Next, external information output processing is executed (step S80). In this external information output process, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer or a data counter via an external terminal board.

  Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the main control CPU 101 is set in an interrupt enabled state (step S81). As a result, the main control side timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  If the main control board 100 detects a power-off (a decrease in supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during the main control-side main process or interrupt process, a non-maskable interrupt is generated and the power-off confirmation flag is turned on. To do. After returning to the original process, the above power-off process (steps S27 to S33) is executed.

<Special design game processing>
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the main control timer interrupt process will be described. The processing related to the special symbol game includes the above-described start port monitoring control processing (step S84), special symbol control processing (step S85), special electric accessory control processing (step S86), and special symbol variation start monitoring control processing (step S88) is applicable.

<Start-up port monitoring control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 39, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 61 (step S201). If it is detected that a game ball has entered the first start port 61, it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (step S202).

  When the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol is less than 4, the lottery random value for the first special symbol game is a random value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, a special symbol variation pattern random value, Are stored in the first special symbol holding storage area (holding n storage area) of the main information storage unit 180 in accordance with the order of entry (step S203). As the update of the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol, 1 is added to the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter (step S204), and the winning check of the first start port 61 is finished.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 62 (step S205). When a game ball entering the second start port 62 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (step S206). If the number of reserved balls in the second special symbol is less than 4, a random number value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, and a special symbol variation pattern random number value are acquired as the lottery random value for the second special symbol game. Then, each random number value is stored in the second special symbol reservation storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the order of entry (step S207). As the update of the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol, 1 is added to the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter (step S208), and the winning check of the second start port 62 is finished.

  Next, whether or not the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, the number of the operation reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is added in step S204 or step S208. It is determined whether or not (step S209). If there is an update of the number of reserved balls for operation (step S209), a symbol storage number command including information on the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is stored in the main information storage means 180. In the command storage area (step S210).

  Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether it is a prior determination timing (step S211). If it is a prior determination timing (step S211), a random number value per special symbol is read from the random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and a prior determination is made (step S212). A pass / fail pre-determination command including information on the pre-determination result (pre-determined / pre-determined number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S213).

  A symbol random number value per special symbol is read from the symbol random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and symbol prior determination is performed (step S214). A symbol preliminary determination command including the information on the preliminary determination result (symbol preliminary determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S215). Further, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the variation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the variation pattern prior determination is performed (step S216). A variation pattern advance determination command including information on the advance determination result (variation pattern advance determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S217).

<Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control processing>
In the special symbol variation start monitoring control process (step S88) shown in FIG. 41, a special symbol described later is applied to the special symbol side satisfying the variation start condition among the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the variation start condition, as described above, the process on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as an example.

  First, it is determined whether a big hit or a small hit is being made (step S301). Next, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, that is, whether the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are both “00H (waiting for change)” It is determined whether or not (step S302).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is “0” (step S303). If the number of reserved balls is not “0”, the variation start condition of the second special symbol is After setting the address of the second special symbol variation start monitoring table (addresses of various tables and RAM storage areas used in the subsequent processing) that are considered to be established (step S304), the second special symbol side The special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) is started. That is, in the present embodiment, when there is an operation holding ball of the second special symbol, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is preferentially digested regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. The Details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process will be described with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43 described later.

  On the other hand, when the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol is “0”, it is determined whether or not the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol is “0” (step S305). Here, if the number of reserved balls is not “0”, it is considered that the first special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol variation start monitoring table (various tables used in the subsequent processes). And the address of the RAM storage area) (step S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310) on the first special symbol side.

  Note that when the variation start conditions for the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not satisfied (steps S301, S302, S305), the execution of the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310) is omitted.

<Special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process>
In the special symbol variation start monitoring process (step S310), referring to the first special symbol variation start monitoring table or the second special symbol variation start monitoring table set in step S304 or step S306 described above, The process on the special symbol side is executed. In addition, since the processing content is almost the same between the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, it is the first special symbol side processing or the second special symbol side processing, unless otherwise specified. A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether there is.

  First, as shown in FIG. 42, 1 is subtracted from the number of actuated balls on the special symbol side that is the target of the current fluctuation start (step S311). A symbol memory number command including information on the number of suspended balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the subtraction is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S312). Next, by accessing the special symbol holding storage area on the side of the special symbol subject to the start of fluctuation this time, a random value per special symbol stored in the first reserved storage area (holding 1 storage area), The design random number value and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read in order, and these random number values are obtained as a special symbol success / failure determination process (step S320), a symbol determination process (step S330), and a variation pattern selection process (described later in FIG. 46). For use in step S423), it is transferred to the special symbol determination / determination area, special symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (step S313). As the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is sequentially shifted from the hold 1 storage area to the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (step S314). .

  Next, special symbol success / failure determination processing is executed (step S320). In the special symbol success / failure determination process, first, a special symbol success / failure lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the gaming state is a special symbol probability changing state, a high-probability lottery table is obtained, and if the gaming state is a normal state, a low-probability lottery table is obtained. Next, a random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol success / failure determination area of the main information storage unit 180. With reference to the special symbol success / failure lottery table, the special symbol's success / failure determination is executed based on the random number per special symbol. Values corresponding to the determination result (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”) are stored as special symbol determination flags in the main information storage unit 180.

  Next, a symbol determination process is executed (step S330). In the symbol determination process, a special symbol stop symbol, a symbol group type, and a character effect number (variable added symbol information) are determined according to the result of the determination. The stop symbol of the special symbol determined this time, the type of symbol group, and the character effect number are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage means 180. The character effect number includes the determined symbol group type (seven patterns of symbol groups A to G) and the operation status of the probability variation function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (special symbol probability on / special symbol probability off). Any one of 28 patterns in total is determined based on a combination of (4 patterns of normal symbol probability variation ON / normal symbol probability variation OFF). If the result of the determination is wrong, the character effect number “0” is determined.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination is a small hit (step S341), and whether or not the result of the determination is a big win (step S342). If the result of the determination is a small hit, the process proceeds to step S346. If the result of the determination is not right, the process proceeds to step S349.

  On the other hand, if the determination result is a big hit, whether or not to activate the probability changing function of the special symbol as the gaming state after the special game based on the type of symbol group (big hit type) determined in step S330. Is determined (step S343). That is, when the type of symbol group (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is decided to provide the probability variation function, and the probability variation operation data (ST number) is stored in the probability variation counter of the main information storage unit 180. ) If “64H” is stored and the type of symbol group indicates a normal symbol, it is determined that the probability variation function is not provided, and the probability variation non-operation data “00H” is stored in the probability variation counter. (Step S344). This determination result is stored in the probability variation determination flag of the main information storage unit 180.

  Based on the symbol group type (big jackpot type) determined in step S330, the number of times the variable time reduction function is activated is determined as the gaming state after the special game (step S345), and the number of times the electric chew support function is activated is determined. (Step S346). The determination results (operation time information of the fluctuation time shortening function (hereinafter referred to as “variation time reduction number information”) and operation number information of the electric chew support function (hereinafter referred to as “entrance easy state number information”)) Corresponding information is stored in the short time count storage area and the easy entry state count storage area of the corresponding main information storage means 180.

  Next, the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642 is set based on the symbol group type (big hit type, small hit type) determined in step S330 (step S347). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, the prescribed number of round games (in this embodiment, 10 rounds, 5 rounds, and 2 rounds), the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 64 (in this embodiment) , 30 seconds, 1.8 seconds).

  Next, based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330 and the current game state, a variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game is set (step S348). In the above description, the special variation state is exemplified according to the big hit symbol. However, even in the case of the small hit, the change pattern selection state can be changed to a special one in step S348. Also good. Next, returning to the flow, based on the type of symbol group determined in step S330, a special game demonstration performance time (a hit start demo time and a hit end demo time) is set (step S349). Next, the special symbol success / failure determination area and the special symbol determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used in the above-described special symbol success / failure determination processing (step S320) and symbol determination processing (step S330) are cleared (step S351). The special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from “00H (standby)” to “01H (change start)” (step S351).

<Special symbol control processing>
Next, the special symbol control process (step S85) shown in FIG. 44 will be described. First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is inactive, that is, whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “00H (waiting for winning)” (step S401). Next, when the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (step S401), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)” (step S402).

  When the second special symbol game status is not “00H (standby)”, the second special symbol control table (addresses of various tables and RAM storage used in the subsequent processing) is executed in order to execute the processing related to the second special symbol. (Area address) is set (step S403), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (step S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol game status is “00H (standby)”, the first special symbol control table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent processing) is executed in order to execute the processing related to the first special symbol. And the RAM storage area address) (step S404), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose process (step S410).

  In the special symbol control general-purpose processing described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in step S403 or step S404 described above is used, and the special symbol subject to the current variation is used. The process on the symbol side will be executed, but the processing method is the same on the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, so is it the process on the first special symbol side unless otherwise specified? A description will be given collectively without distinguishing whether the processing is on the second special symbol side. Details of this special symbol control general-purpose process will be described later.

<Special symbol control general-purpose processing>
In the special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410) shown in FIG. 45, branch processing (step S411 to step S411) for shifting to processing according to the special symbol game status values (“01H”, “02H”, “03H”). S414) is executed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side subject to the current variation is not 0 (step S411). If the special symbol game status is not “00H” (step S411), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “01H (change start)” (step S412). When the special symbol game status is “01H”, the process proceeds to a special symbol variation start process (step S420). Details of this special symbol variation start processing will be described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the special symbol game status is not “01H” in step S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “02H (being changed)” (step S413). When the special symbol game status is “02H”, the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (step S430). Details of this special symbol variation processing will be described with reference to FIG. 47 described later. If the special symbol game status is not “02H” in step S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is “03H (stopped symbol display)” (step S414). When the special symbol game status is “03H”, the process proceeds to a special symbol stop symbol display process (step S440). Details of the special symbol stop symbol display processing will be described with reference to FIG. 48 described later.

<Special symbol variation start processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 46, a special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of winning / failing lottery, the winning symbol, the number of holds, the special symbol type, the variation pattern selection state, and the like (step S421). Next, the special symbol variation pattern random value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S422). With reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (step S423).

  Next, a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern selected this time is set (step S424). As a special symbol variation start setting, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 155 (step S425), and a variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (step S426). As the variation start command, in order to start the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 70, a variation pattern designation command and a symbol designation command are sequentially generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180.

  Next, the contents of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 180 used for determining the variation pattern are cleared (step S427). The special symbol game status changes from “01H (change start)” to “02H (change change)” (step S428).

<Special symbol change processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 47, a special symbol display pattern number switching process is executed in order to perform a special symbol variation display (step S431). In this display pattern number switching process, the display pattern number data of the special symbol is updated every predetermined switching time. This display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in the LED output process (step S76) so that the special symbol is variably displayed or fixedly displayed. In the special symbol display device that is variably displayed at each switching time, a specific display portion blinks, or individual LEDs on the display portion are sequentially turned on to display that the state is changing.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time has ended (step S432). When the variation time of the special symbol is ended, a special symbol stop symbol to be fixedly displayed on the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 is set (step S433). Next, a variation stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to confirm the display of the decorative symbol is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S434).

  Next, “125”, which is data corresponding to 500 ms, is stored as a fixed display time in the special symbol game timer (step S435). Note that the “determined display time” is a time for definitely stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is suspended. The special symbol game status transitions from “02H (changed)” to “03H (stopped symbol display)” (step S436).

<Special symbol stop symbol display processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 48, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached “0 (timeout)”, that is, whether or not the fixed display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has expired (step S441). ). Here, when the fixed display time of the special symbol is over, the special symbol game status is changed from “03H (stopped symbol display)” to “00H (standby)” (step S442).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the hit determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 is jackpot data “55H” (step S443). When the hit / fail judgment data is jackpot data, the special symbol probability variation function is deactivated (step S444), the special symbol variation time reduction function is deactivated (step S445), and the electric chew support function is deactivated (step S446). , In order.

  Next, as the start demo setting process for the special game, the start demo display time is set, and an effect control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing start of the start demo effect is generated (step S447). Next, the number of executions of the variation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state number counter) is cleared to zero (step S448). The special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “01H (special game)” (step S449). “00H” is set in order to clear the contents of the determination flag (step S450).

  On the other hand, if the determination data is not big hit data (step S443), it is determined whether the special symbol probability variation function is in operation (step S451). As shown in FIG. 49, when the probability variation function of the special symbol is in operation (step S451), the probability variation counter of the main information storage means 180 is set to 1 as a digest of the variation number of the special symbol this time. Subtraction is performed (step S452). Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation counter is zero (step S453). When the probability variation counter is zero, the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is stopped (step S454). On the other hand, if the probability variation counter after subtraction is not zero, step S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S455.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (step S455). When the special symbol variation time shortening function is in operation, the time-count counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digest of the current special symbol variation count (step S456). Next, it is determined whether or not the time reduction counter is zero (step S457). If the time-count counter is zero, it is determined that the end time of the special symbol time-short state has been reached, and the operation of the special symbol variation time reduction function is stopped (step S458). On the other hand, if the time-count counter after subtraction is not zero, step S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S459.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is in operation (step S459). When the electric chew support function is in operation, 1 is subtracted from the easy-to-enter state counter of the main information storage unit 180 as the digest of the number of changes of the special symbol this time (step S460). Next, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number counter is zero (step S461). When the easy entry state number counter is zero, the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped assuming that the number of easy entry states has been reached (step S462). On the other hand, if the number of easy-to-enter counters after the subtraction is not zero, step S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S463.

  Next, 1 is subtracted from the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage means 180 (step S463). The variation pattern selection state is updated (step S464). Specifically, referring to the variation pattern selection state number counter of the main information storage unit 180, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current variation pattern selection state has reached a preset end number. If it has been reached, the state is switched to the next specified variation pattern selection state. On the other hand, if the end count has not been reached, the current variation pattern selection state is maintained.

  Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current game state information and the variation pattern selection state information updated in steps S451 to S464 described above is generated, and this is used as a command of the main information storage unit 180. Store in the storage area (step S465). On the side of the production control board 200, the production mode is set and updated based on the information of the game state designation command.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the small hit data “33H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag (step S466). When the small hit data is stored, the start demo display time is set as the small hit game start demo setting process, and an effect control command (small hit start demo command) for instructing start of the start demo effect is generated. (Step S467). Next, the special electric accessory game status is changed from “00H (waiting for winning)” to “02H (small winning game)” (step S468). “00H” is set to clear the contents of the determination flag (step S469).

  On the other hand, when the small symbol data “33H” is not stored in the special symbol determination flag, that is, when the shift data “00H” is stored in the special symbol determination flag, execution of steps S467 to S469 is omitted. Note that when the special symbol determination flag is outlier data, the process of clearing the contents of the flag was not performed because “00H” was originally stored as outlier data.

<Special electric accessory control processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 51, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “01H (special game: big hit)” (step S501). When the special electric accessory game status is “01H”, the special game process is executed in the subsequent processes. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (step S502). If the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, it is determined whether or not it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (step S503). The operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 is a timing at which the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started in each round game.

  If it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642, an effect control command (round effect designation command) is generated to start the round effect, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180 (step S504). ). On the side of the effect control board 200, a round effect corresponding to each round game in the special game is executed based on the information of the round effect designation command (information such as the current number of rounds). The operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (step S505), and the processing of steps S506 to S510 is executed as the processing during the operation of the special electric accessory 642.

  As a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not a maximum number of game balls have entered the big prize opening 64 (step S506), and the operation time (opening time) of the special electric accessory 642 is determined. ) Is determined (step S507). At this time, when the maximum number of game balls has entered the grand prize opening 64 or when the operation time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is stopped (step S508). It is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached a predetermined number of rounds determined in advance (step S509). If the number of continuous operations has not reached the specified number of rounds, 1 is added to the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 (step S510).

  On the other hand, when the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached the specified number of rounds, the process proceeds to step S511 shown in FIG. 52, and the end demonstration display time is set as the special game hit end demonstration setting process. Then, an effect control command (big hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (step S511).

  Next, the probability variation number information set in step S344 is stored in the probability variation number counter (step S512). The variable time reduction number information set in step S345 is stored in the time reduction number counter (step S513). The easy entry state number information set in step S346 is stored in the easy entry state number counter (step S514).

  Next, with reference to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in step S343, it is determined whether or not the probability variation number information stored in the probability variation number counter is probability variation function data (“64H”). (Step S515). When the probability variation number information is probability variation function data, the operation of the special symbol probability variation function is started (step S516). On the other hand, when the probability variation number information is not probability variation function data (when step S515 is NO), the execution of step S516 is omitted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the variation time shortening number information stored in the time reduction number counter is variation time shortening function operation data (data other than “00H”) (step S517). If it is the variation time shortening function operation data, the operation of the special symbol variation time shortening function is started (step S518). On the other hand, if it is not the fluctuation time shortening function operation data, the execution of step S518 is omitted.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the easy entry state number information stored in the easy entry state number counter is electric Chu support function operation data (data other than “00H”) (step S519). If it is the electric chew support function operation data, the operation of the electric chew support function is started (steps S520 to S522). That is, the operation start of the normal symbol probability variation function (step S520), the operation start of the normal symbol variation time shortening function (step S521), and the operation start of the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 (step S522) are sequentially performed. Execute. On the other hand, if it is not the electronic Chu support function operation data, the execution of steps S520 to S522 is omitted.

  Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in step S347 is switched (step S523). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in steps S512 to S523 described above is generated, and this is generated as the main information storage unit 180. In the command storage area (step S524). On the effect control board 200 side, the effect mode after the special game is set based on the information of the game state designation command. The special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (step S525).

  On the other hand, when the special electric accessory game status is not “01H” (step S501), the process proceeds to step S530, and whether or not the special electric accessory game status is “02H (special game: small hit game)”. Is determined (step S530). When the special electric accessory game status is “02H”, the small hit game processing is executed in the subsequent processing.

  In the small hit game processing, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (step S531). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (step S532). On the other hand, when the special electric accessory 642 is operating, the execution of step S532 is omitted.

  Next, as a process during the operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not a maximum number of game balls have entered the big prize opening 64 (step S533), and the operation time of the special electric accessory 642 is determined. It is determined whether (open time) has elapsed (step S534). At this time, when the maximum number of game balls has entered the grand prize opening 64 or when the operation time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is stopped (step S535).

  Next, as an end demo setting process for the small hit game, an end demo display time is set, and an effect control command (small hit end demo command) for instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (step S536). Next, the variation pattern selection state determined in step S347 is switched (step S537). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in step S537 is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 180. (Step S538). This gaming state designation command is used on the side of the production control board 200, for example, for determination of the transition trigger of the production mode and identification of the production mode of the transition destination. The special electric accessory game status is changed from “01H (special game)” to “00H (waiting for winning)” (step S539).

<Processing on the production control board side>
Next, a processing procedure on the effect control board 200 side will be described with reference to FIGS. 54 to 62. In the following description, the production control program is mainly the subject, but the subject is appropriately omitted. The processing on the side of the effect control board 200 includes a reset start process (including an effect control side main process) that is executed when the effect control CPU 201 is reset, such as after power is turned on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. Processing, reception control processing of an effect control command that is executed when a strobe signal is received from the main control board 100, and activation of a predetermined generation time specified in the time schedule of the variable effect pattern Lamp effect interrupt processing, and image control command transmission interrupt processing activated at regular intervals.

  Each interrupt process (exception process) is set with a priority level indicating a priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occur simultaneously. In the present embodiment, “Reset start processing by power reset (FIG. 54): top priority”, “Reset start processing by various abnormal times (FIG. 54): top priority” → “Reception interrupt command reception interrupt processing (FIG. 62)” : Level 7 ”→“ Reset start processing by WDT (during runaway detection) (FIG. 54): Level 3 ”→“ Image control command transmission interrupt processing (FIG. 55): Level 2 ”→“ Production control side timer interrupt processing ( FIG. 61): The priority levels are ranked in the order of “level 1” and the like. Note that the “reset start processing at the time of various abnormalities” is, for example, when the production control CPU 201 executes an illegal command, or when the production control CPU 201 tries to access in an unauthorized area or an unauthorized method, DMA (Direct Memory Access) Starts when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-described plural types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but actually other interrupt processing also exists.

  In the effect control side main process, the process is basically performed after setting all interrupts disabled or interrupts other than the effect control command reception interrupt. In addition, when the production control side main process is in the interrupt-permitted state, the main process is interrupted and each interrupt process is executed. In each interrupt process, when there is a request for another interrupt process during execution of the interrupt process (multiple interrupts are generated), in principle, if the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed, On the other hand, while the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt process has a lower priority level or the same priority level as the interrupt process being executed. That is, each interrupt process is advanced in a state where other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are prohibited. Each interrupt process returns to the effect control side main process with all interrupts enabled. The priority order (priority level) of such interrupt factors is defined by the register settings of the interrupt controller described above.

<Reset start processing>
FIG. 54 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the reset start process of the effect control board 200. In this reset start process, it is started by any one of reset caused by power-on, reset caused by various abnormal times, and reset caused by WDT (during runaway detection), and after the security control of the effect control CPU 201 is performed. Then, the program starts and the processing after step S801 is started.

  First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, a head address is set as an initial value of the stack area in the stack pointer (step S801). All interrupt processing is prohibited until various initial settings are completed (step S802).

  Next, as basic settings related to hardware, an initial value is set in a built-in register provided in the effect control CPU 201, and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (step S803). Further, the memory area in the effect control RAM 203 is initialized (step S804). Here, an initial value is set for a variable with an initial value, and initialization by zero clear is performed for a variable without an initial value. The effect control CPU 201 appropriately develops the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 in the effect control RAM 203.

  Next, interrupts other than the production control command reception interrupt processing are prohibited (step S805). Next, processing for setting the type of error that should be valid for the model among various errors set in advance for each model is executed (step S806). Further, a turn-off request is made to turn off the effect lamps 10 and 25 (the frame lamp 10 and the panel lamp 25) (step S807). A watchdog timer is activated to monitor the performance control CPU 201 for runaway (step S808).

  Next, the effect control side main process is executed (step S809). Details of the effect control side main process will be described with reference to FIG. Note that when the process proceeds to the production control side main process in step S809 described above, it is not normally possible to return to the reset start process. However, due to the occurrence of a bug in the program, the process has returned to the reset start process. In this case, the mode is changed to the low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is reduced compared to the normal operation.

<Production control side main processing>
FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing details of the effect control side main process (step S809) shown in FIG.

  First, an address for starting a check of whether or not the effect control program is correctly developed in the effect control RAM 203 within the effect control side main process (first address where the effect control program is expanded) is acquired (step S811). ). Next, all interrupts are permitted, that is, activation of various interrupt processes is permitted (step S812).

  Next, a device initialization operation is executed (step S813). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the power of the gaming machine is turned on (at the start of resetting), and is necessary for controlling the operation of the movable accessory by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the positional information. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory returns to a preset initial position (reference position).

  Next, in order to restart the watchdog timer, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S814). At this time, when the effect control CPU 201 is executing the effect program normally, a predetermined clear word is written in the WDT clear register of the effect control CPU 201 within a preset time-out time, so that the watchdog timer Is cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, an input port check process is executed (step S815). In this input port check process, the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) is read every time an interrupt occurs in the port input / output process (step S1112) in the effect control side timer interrupt process (see FIG. 61) described later. If the input port states are all “1” as a result of monitoring and monitoring a plurality of times (for example, four times), the signal level is changed to “1 (H level)”, and the input port states are all “0”. In this case, the signal level is changed to “0 (L level)”, and the signal level is not changed when the state of the input port is other than that (the input signal is determined thereby).

  Next, an error effect management process is executed (step S816). In this error effect management process, error effects by various devices are started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). Further, in the error presentation management process, an initial value (error presentation time) is set in the error management timer to manage the progress of the error presentation. This error management timer is subtracted and updated at a cycle of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (step S1120) of the production control side timer interrupt process. If the error management timer times out, the error presentation is terminated.

  Next, the effect button monitoring control process is executed (step S817). In the effect button monitoring control process, when a button notice effect is incorporated during symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation effective time is monitored, and a plurality of preset values are set in accordance with the button notice effect. The content of the production according to the input state of the production button 15 is determined from the types of production content. Note that the button input operation itself by the player is monitored in a port input process (step S1112) in an effect control side timer interrupt process to be described later, and in the effect button monitoring control process, a flag that is regarded as a button effective operation or an effect switching It is determined whether or not the flag for is established, and the execution control of the effect based on the button press is performed.

  Next, a notice lottery management process is executed (step S818). In this notice lottery management process, the notice effect pattern that defines the content of the notice effect that occurs at each stage of the decorative symbol variation process in accordance with the scenario of the variation effect pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). (Notice effect number) is determined by lottery. The notice effect number determined here is temporarily stored in the notice effect number storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. An image control command for designating the notice effect number on the image control board 300 side is generated and set in the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage means 260. At this time, when an accessory announcement effect pattern (an accessory announcement effect number) is selected as the announcement effect pattern, an accessory request is generated, and in the subsequent device management process (step S819), the movable accessory is obtained. Drive patterns are identified. In the present embodiment, not all of the multiple types of notice effects (notice effect patterns) that occur within one variation of the decorative design are drawn in one main loop process, but the main loop process efficiency is increased. In order to improve, it is divided into every generation time of the notice effect (for example, change start stage, reach generation stage, change stop stage, effective operation of the effect button 15), and lottery across multiple main loop processes It has become. At that time, for the notice effect that occurs at the start of the decorative symbol change stage, it is necessary to synchronize with the start of the decorative symbol change start (send the image control command immediately). Execute.

  Next, device management processing is executed (step S819). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (lamp request, accessory request) of various devices in a command analysis process (step S820) described later, a plurality of types of pattern data (lamp pattern) stored in the effect control ROM 202 , Drive pattern), the pattern data corresponding to the production number (lamp production number, accessory announcement production number) is specified, and control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamps 10 and 25, lamp data associated with each frame time (time required to update an image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In the present embodiment, one frame time corresponds to the time required for drawing processing for one frame when drawing is performed at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps) in the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the driving pattern data of the movable accessory, driving data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, each control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in the effect control side timer interrupt processing described later, and the operation of the target device is started. Become. On the other hand, when the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is completed in the production control side timer interruption process described later, the production lamps 10 and 25 are turned off or the operation of the movable accessory is stopped. To finish the control of the target device.

  Next, command analysis processing (step S820) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not an effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. If an effect control command is stored, this effect control command is read and this An effect control process corresponding to the type of the effect control command is executed. Details of this command analysis processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  It is determined whether or not an analysis (hereinafter referred to as “command analysis”) has been performed on the effect control command during the loop process of the effect main process of the current cycle (step S821). If command analysis is being executed, the process returns to step S814, and steps S814 to S821 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed, the effect lottery random number update process is executed (step S822). In this effect lottery random number update process, effect lottery random numbers such as a pre-reading notice lottery random number, a decorative design random number, a variable effect pattern random number, and a notice effect random number are updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the numerical value of each random number counter, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value.

<Command analysis processing>
FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing details of the command analysis processing (step S820) shown in FIG. In this command analysis processing, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command held at the output port in the main control board 100 is taken into the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 as shown below. When is captured and stored, the effect control process corresponding to the type of the effect control command is executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not a gaming state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S831). When the game state designation command is stored, the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (step S832). In the effect state transition process, a process for changing the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state designation command. Details of the effect state transition processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a hold related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S833). Here, the hold related commands include a symbol memory number command and a prior determination command. When the hold related command is stored, the process proceeds to the hold information management process (step S834). In the hold information management process, the symbol storage number command or the advance determination command is read from the effect control information storage means 260, the prefetch determination is executed based on the information of the advance determination result, and the hold display unit (see FIG. A process for updating the display number and display mode (display color, etc.) of the reserved images displayed on the display unit (not shown) is executed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S835). Here, the symbol variation related commands include a variation start command and a variation stop command. When the symbol variation related command is stored, the routine proceeds to variation effect content determination processing (step S836). In this variation effect content determination process, when the received symbol variation related command is a variation start command, a process for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and when the received symbol variation related command is a variation stop command. Executes a process for ending the symbol variation effect being executed. Details of the variation effect content determination processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a big hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S837). Here, the jackpot effect-related commands include a jackpot start demonstration effect command, a round effect designation command, and a jackpot end demonstration effect command. When the big hit effect related command is stored, the process proceeds to the big hit effect content determination process (step S838). In the jackpot effect content determination process, a process for executing a start demonstration effect, a round effect, and an end demonstration effect is executed. Details of the jackpot effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 59 and 60 described later.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a small hit effect related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S839). Here, the small hit effect-related commands include a small hit start demonstration effect command and a small hit end demonstration effect command. When the small hit effect related command is stored, the process proceeds to the small hit effect content determination process (step S840). In the small hit effect content determination processing, processing for executing the small hit start demonstration effect and the small hit end demo effect is executed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not an error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S841). If this error effect designation command is stored, the process proceeds to an error effect content determination process (step S842). In this error effect content determination process, an error effect designation command is read from the effect control information storage means 260, and an error effect for notifying the error state by the image display of the effect display device 70, the light emission mode of the effect lamps 10 and 25, or the like. Determine the pattern.

  If no effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S831, S833, S835, S837, S839, and S841, the command analysis process is terminated. Since the loop process (steps S814 to S822) of the effect control side main process is synchronized with the image display cycle (1 frame = 16 ms) of the image control CPU 301, the command analysis process of step S821 and the effect lottery of step S822 are performed. The random number update process is repeatedly executed, and if it exceeds 16 ms, the process returns to step S814.

<Production state transition processing>
FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing details of the effect state transition process (step S832) shown in FIG.

  First, the contents of the game state designation command from the main control board 100 are analyzed, and information regarding the variation pattern selection state included in the contents of this command is acquired (step S901). Next, based on the information regarding the variation pattern selection state acquired in step S901, it is determined whether or not a trigger for transition to the production mode has been reached (step S902). When the timing for transition to the effect mode has arrived, the transition setting to the predetermined effect mode is performed in step S903 and subsequent steps. As a trigger for transition to the production mode, in principle, it is linked to the probability variation function after the end of the special game, the variation time shortening function, the operation of the electric chew support function, and the transition pattern selection state transition trigger. For example, at the end of the special game or when the number of times of termination of the variation pattern selection state has expired. Note that the final number of times of the variation pattern selection state is the number of times related to the number of variations of the special symbol.

  First, it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side is the low probability normal variation state α (step S903). When the transition destination is the low probability normal variation state α, the normal rendering mode Mα is set as the transition destination of the rendering mode (step S904). When the normal effect mode Mα is entered, the normal background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S905). In the normal effect mode Mα, a normal background image representing, for example, “wilderness” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, when the transition destination is not the low probability normal variation state α (step S903), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the high probability short variation state β (step S906). When the transition destination is the high probability short variation state β, the probability variation rendering mode Mβ is set as the transition destination of the rendering mode (step S907). When the mode changes to the probability change effect mode A, the probability change background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S908). In the probability variation effect mode Mβ, for example, a probability variation background image representing “castle” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation.

  When the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is not the high probability short variation state β (step S906), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the variation pattern selection state is the high probability special variation state γ (step S909). ). If the transition destination is the high probability special variation state γ, the special rendering mode Mγ is set as the transition destination of the rendering mode (step S910). Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous effect flag in the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S911). The special continuous effect flag is a flag that is turned on when the special continuous effect is executed. When the special continuous effect flag is on, a special background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S912). In the special effect mode Mγ, a special background image representing, for example, “starry sky” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, when the special continuous effect flag is OFF, the probability change background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S913). In the special effect mode Mγ, on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation, for example, a probability change background image representing “castle” (substantially the same background image as in the probability change effect mode Mβ) is displayed. Next, an image control command for instructing display of the content of the effect (background image) determined in the process is generated and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S921). In addition, as the change of the effect mode, there is a change determined on the effect control board 200 side that is not based on the game state of the main control board 100. For example, when the normal gaming state (low probability / low base) is continuously performed a predetermined number of times on the main control board 100 side, or when a prefetch lottery for executing a special performance mode is won, The timer value for measuring the elapsed time or the case where it is determined that the RTC circuit has reached a predetermined time and the special effect is executed.

<Variation production content determination process>
FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing details of the variation effect content determination process (step S836) shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not a change start command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S931). When a variation start command is stored, the contents of this variation start command (variation pattern designation command, variation additional symbol information designation command, character effect number designation command) are analyzed, and the result of the lottery determination included in the content of this command Information indicating a symbol group, a variation pattern (variation time), a gaming state, and the like is acquired (step S932). This acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260.

  Next, a variation effect pattern selection process is executed (step S933). In this variation effect pattern selection process, the variation effect pattern table is acquired based on the variation pattern information acquired in step S932 and the effect mode set in the effect state transition process in step S832, and the effect lottery random number generating means The random effect pattern random number value is acquired from 210, and one of the variable effect patterns is determined by lottery from a plurality of types of variable effect patterns. The variation effect pattern constitutes a scenario of the effect display process in which the variation pattern of the decorative design, the type / occurrence time of the reach effect, the type / occurrence time of the notice effect, etc. are defined. The variation effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variation effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. A lamp effect number corresponding to the selected variable effect pattern number is requested, and the requested lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

  Next, a decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (step S934). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, based on the symbol group information and variation pattern information acquired in step S932, combinations of stop symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) of the decorative symbols to be finally stopped are selected. To decide. The decorative symbol combination number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260.

  Next, as the update of the pre-read information storage area of the production control information storage means 260, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is changed. Zero clear is performed (step S935).

  Based on the effect information acquired in steps S933 to S935, an image control command (variable effect start command) required to start the decoration symbol change is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260. Setting is made (step S939).

  On the other hand, when the change start command is not stored (step S931), it is determined whether or not the change stop command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S940). When the variable stop command is stored (step S940), the content of the variable stop command is analyzed, and the symbol stop information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S941). An image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop changing the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S942).

<Big hit production content determination process>
59 and 60 are flowcharts showing details of the jackpot effect content determination process (step S836) shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the start demonstration command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1001). When the start demo command is stored, the contents of the start demo command are analyzed, and information indicating the jackpot type and the like included in the contents of the command is acquired (step S1002). This acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, the consecutive resort number counter for counting the number of consecutive resorts is updated (step S1003). Specifically, when the big hit this time is a big hit in the normal state (referred to as “first hit”), “1” is set in the extended game count counter, and in the case of the extended game, the extended game counter is set to “ 1 ”is added.

  Next, a jackpot effect pattern selection process for determining the contents of the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect pattern, end demo effect pattern) is executed (step S1004). In this jackpot effect pattern selection process, a jackpot effect pattern table (not shown) is acquired, and a jackpot effect pattern random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generator 210, and one of the big hit effect patterns is selected from among a plurality of types of jackpot effect patterns. The production pattern is determined by lottery. The jackpot effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The jackpot effect pattern number includes, for example, a start demonstration pattern number, a round effect pattern number, and an end demonstration pattern number.

  Next, an on-hold consecutive resort production determination process is executed (step S1005). In this on-hold consecutive villa production determination process, if there is a hold that becomes a big hit in the game state (especially the probability variation game state) after the big hit in the hold that exists when the big hit game is executed, In addition to determining whether or not the villa effect can be performed, if it is determined to execute the on-hold consecutive villa effect, the special continuous effect flag is turned on, and the continuous event effect pattern is selected.

  Next, a big hit effect replacement process is executed (step S1006). In this jackpot effect replacement process, when the on-hold extended zone effect (special continuous effect) is executed, the normal start demo effect pattern and the normal end demo effect pattern are changed to the special start demo effect pattern and the special end demo effect pattern. Replace. In the present embodiment, the target of the pre-reading determination in the on-hold consecutive resort production is present at the start time of the special game (at the end of the change) when the preceding operation holding ball is a big hit. It is a subsequent working hold ball. For this reason, even if the operation holding ball generated during the special game is a specific hold, the on-hold consecutive resort production determination process (step S1005) and the replacement process (step S1006) are not executed, but during the special game. When a specific hold occurs, the on-hold consecutive resort production determination process and the replacement process may be executed even during the special game, and the jackpot effect data set at the start of the special game may be replaced.

  The start demonstration effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the start demonstration effect storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 to start demonstration effects. Is set to start (step S1007).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a round effect designation command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1011). When the round effect designation command is stored (step S1007), the content of the round effect designation command is analyzed, and information indicating the number of rounds included in the content of the command and the number of winnings to the big prize opening 64 is obtained. Obtain (step S1012). This acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, based on the information acquired in step S1012, the round number counter of the production control information storage unit 260 is updated (step S1013), and the big prize counter of the production control information storage unit 260 is updated (step S1014). . In the present embodiment, since “14” prize balls are paid out each time a game ball enters the big prize opening 64, the number of prizes awarded to the big prize opening 64 is multiplied by “14”. The number of winning prize balls is calculated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1015). The pseudo count flag is a flag that is turned on when executing a pseudo count effect in which the number of rounds and the number of winning prize balls in the previous special game are added to the number of rounds and the number of winning prize balls in the subsequent special game. It is. If the pseudo count flag is on, that is, if a round effect (pseudo count effect) is planned to be executed later, a round number pseudo addition process is executed (step S1016). In this round number pseudo-addition process, the number of round games executed in the previous special game (round number: 10R) is added to the number of round games executed (round number: 1R to 10R) stored in the round number counter. to add. Thereby, in the special continuous effect, the first round game in the later special game is notified as the eleventh round game.

  Next, the winning prize number pseudo-addition process is executed (step S1017). In this winning prize number pseudo-addition process, the number of winning prizes in the previous special game is added to the number of winnings stored in the big winning number counter. Thereby, in the special continuous performance, the number of winning balls acquired in the later special game is notified as the total number of winning balls acquired in the previous special game and the later special game.

  The round effect pattern numbers temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in the above-described steps S1004 and S1006, together with the values of the round number counter and the big prize counter, are rounded in the effect control information storage means 260. Transfer to the effect storage area and set the start of the round effect (step S1018).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the end demonstration command is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1021). When the end demo command is stored, the content of the end demo command is analyzed, and information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S1022). This acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous effect flag in the effect control information storage means 260 is on (step S1023), and it is determined whether or not to execute the on-hold extended resort effect. When the special continuous effect flag is on, the value of the round number counter (number of rounds) and the value of the big prize number counter (large number of winnings) are temporarily stored in the previous jackpot storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. Store (step S1024). This is because if the current big hit corresponds to the previous big win in the special continuous performance, the final round number and the big winning number in the previous big win are pseudo-addition processing (steps S1016, S1017) This is because the information is stored as the record information of the previous special game. Therefore, in the pseudo addition processing in steps S1016 and S1017, the numerical values (the number of rounds and the number of winning prizes) stored in the previous jackpot storage area are added. Next, the round number counter and the big prize number counter in the effect control information storage means 260 are cleared (steps S1025 and S1026).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1027). If the pseudo count flag is on, the pseudo count flag is turned off (step S1028). Next, it is determined whether or not the on-hold consecutive resort effect flag in the effect control information storage unit 260 is on (step S1035). When the on-hold consecutive resort effect flag is on, the on-hold consecutive resort effect flag in the effect control information storage unit 260 is turned off (step S1036).

  Next, the end demonstration effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in the steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the end demonstration effect storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, The start of the end demonstration effect is set (step S1037). Based on the effect information acquired in steps S1005, S1007, S1018, and S1037, an image control command required for the big hit effect is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage unit 260 (step S1038). .

<Production control side timer interrupt processing>
FIG. 61 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect control side timer interruption process. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse at regular intervals, and is executed so as to interrupt the above-described effect control side main process.

  When a timer interruption occurs, the contents of the register in the effect control CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the effect control RAM 203, and then the processing from step S1111 onward is sequentially executed. In the timer interrupt process, interrupts with priority level 2 or higher such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 and a watchdog timer interrupt are permitted (step S1111).

  Next, port input / output processing is executed (step S1112). In this port input / output processing, input processing for input data and output processing for output data are executed using the I / O port circuit 204. In the input processing, various signals input to the I / O port circuit 204 are read and stored as input information. On the other hand, in the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 are read and output from the I / O port circuit 204.

  Next, device control data output processing is executed (step S1113). In this device control data output process, drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management process (step S819) and set in the drive data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output process, the drive data is switched every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

  Next, an effect timer update process is executed (step S1114). In the effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for effect operation control are subtracted and updated every interrupt cycle (for example, 1 ms). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the variation time of the decorative symbol, a timer for managing the timing of occurrence of the notice effect, and the like. By this effect timer, the time schedule in the variable effect pattern is managed, and time management such as the driving timing of the movable accessory and the lighting timing of the effect lamps 10 and 25 is performed on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (step S1113) and the lamp data update process (step S1118) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

  Next, button control timer update processing is executed (step S1115). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the effective operation time of the effect button 15 is updated by subtracting the interrupt period (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation valid time is a time for which the operation input of the effect button 15 is valid.

  Next, task control counter update processing is executed (step S1117). In this task control counter update process, the value of the task counter (“0” to “15”) is updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, 1 is added if the value of the task counter is “0” to “14”, and the value is returned to “0” if the value of the task counter is “15”. That is, this task counter can take a circulation period of 16 ms. Various tasks (task processing) are assigned in accordance with the value of the task counter updated this time, and a ramp control task (lamp data update processing in step S1118) and a runaway monitoring task are assigned according to the value of the task counter. Each process such as (image CPU runaway monitoring process in step S1119) and error management task (error management timer update process in step S1120) is executed. In the present embodiment, one of the task counter values (“0” to “15”) is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values with an interval of 8 ms between each other) are used for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to the task, and another value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the reason why the cycle of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to make it coincide with the minimum unit 16 ms for switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. The minimum unit of the switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25 corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect is realized.

  Next, lamp data update processing is executed (step S1118). In this lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read and set from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (step S819) described above. The lamp data set in this process is data indicating lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit for switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data output process is configured as a serial communication interrupt process, and is realized by sequentially writing the ramp data to the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the ramp data in the transmission buffer in units of 1 byte, and outputs the converted data to the lamp connection board 91 bit by bit in a manner synchronized with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer is emptied, whereby all the ramp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in the lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The ramp data update process is a process executed when the task counter value reaches a predetermined value (a value indicating the lamp control task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above (that is, at a cycle of 16 ms). Process to be executed).

  Next, the image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed (step S1119). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, a toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and image control is performed when the toggle signal does not change continuously for 800 to 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames). It is determined that the image control CPU 301 of the board 300 is running out of control, and a reset signal is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. Thereby, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process when the reset state of the image control CPU 301 occurs. The toggle signal is a signal having a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated every frame time. This image CPU runaway monitoring process is a process executed when the value of the task counter becomes a predetermined value (a value indicating an image monitoring task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above. .

  Next, an error management timer process is executed (step S1120). In this error management timer process, the value of the error effect timer for managing the error effect time set in the error effect management process (step S817) described above is subtracted and updated. This error management timer process is a process executed when the task counter value becomes a predetermined value (a value indicating an error management task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above. After all interrupts are permitted and the saved register contents are restored, the effect control side timer interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the occurrence of the interrupt.

<Image control command transmission interrupt processing>
FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image control command transmission interrupt process. This image control command transmission interrupt process occurs at predetermined intervals (500 μs).

  In this image control command transmission interrupt process, first, the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage means 260 is checked (step S1131). Next, the read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (step S1132), and it is determined whether or not the image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (step S1133). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, a read pointer and a write pointer. If the read pointer matches the write pointer, no image control command is stored. When the image control command is stored (step S1133), the image control command is read from the area indicated by the read pointer (step S1134). The read image control command is set in an output buffer of a serial communication circuit (not shown) designated as an output destination (step S1135). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (the command data stored in step S1135 described above) is cleared (step S1136). Next, the read pointer is incremented by 1 and updated (step S1137). The transmission interruption process of the image command is terminated, and the process returns to the original process before the interruption.

<Frame replacement unit>
As will be described below, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be configured so that the outer frame 2 and the front frame 4 can be used as common parts when being replaced with a predetermined different model. In the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above, a control board (for example, the effect control board 200 or the main control board 100) for performing control related to the game or the game board 5 on which the control board is attached when switching to another predetermined model. However, it is exchanged for one corresponding to the different type of gaming machine. Further, the glass frame (door frame) 3 which is a frame body of the game board is also replaced with one corresponding to the other type of game machine (the control board or the game board). Hereinafter, it will be referred to as a “frame replacement unit”. The glass frame 3 may include parts that can be used before and after replacement (frame common unit). In this case, parts that can be replaced along with replacement other than the frame common unit are “frame replacement units”. Is equivalent to.

  Hereinafter, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment in which the frame can be replaced will be described in detail by exemplifying a pachinko machine 1A in which the gaming machine and the frame exchange unit can be replaced with the pachinko machine 1A ′. . In the description of the pachinko machine 1A (pachinko machine 1A ′), the description of the configuration and control common to the pachinko machine 1 described above is omitted (the reference numerals are also used), and the characteristic related to frame replacement is omitted. The configuration and control will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1A before the frame replacement is composed of a frame common unit 3B and a frame replacement unit 3C (first frame replacement unit) as a frame body of the game board 5 (first game board). The glass frame 3A is provided. In addition, the pachinko machine 1A ′ after the frame exchange includes a frame common unit 3B and a frame exchange unit 3C ′ (second frame exchange unit) as the frame body of the game board (second game board) after the frame exchange. A configured glass frame 3A ′ is provided. When the pachinko machine 1A is replaced with the pachinko machine 1A ', the control board (the main control unit 5b and the surroundings) containing the control board (the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200) without replacing the entire game board is replaced. The control unit 5c) may be replaced.

  FIG. 63 is a front view of the pachinko machine before the frame replacement, and FIG. 64 is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine before the frame replacement. FIG. 65 is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after the frame replacement, and FIG. 66 is a front view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after the frame replacement.

  First, regarding the pachinko machine 1A before the frame replacement, as shown in FIG. 63, the glass frame 3 is composed of the frame common unit 3B and the frame replacement unit 3C, and the appearance when both units are attached is as shown in FIG. There is no difference from the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 64, the frame common unit 3B forms a portion that extends from the left side to the lower side in the peripheral decoration on the front side of the pachinko machine 1A, and includes a plate unit 3f, an effect button 3j, and the like. This is the unit common to all models and serves as the foundation of the frame 5. That is, the frame common unit 3B does not need to be replaced when the pachinko machine 1A is replaced with a predetermined different model (pachinko machine 1A ') that can replace the frame.

  On the other hand, the frame replacement unit 3C is a model-specific unit that forms a portion extending from the upper side to the right side in the peripheral decoration on the front side of the pachinko machine 1A. That is, at the time of replacement from the pachinko machine 1A to a predetermined different model (pachinko machine 1A ') in which the frame can be exchanged, the frame exchange unit 3C is exchanged with a frame exchange unit 3C' corresponding to the pachinko machine 1A '. As shown in FIG. 64, the frame replacement unit 3C has a structure that can be attached / detached from the front side to the frame common unit 3B.

  Next, regarding the pachinko machine 1A ′ after the frame replacement, FIG. 65 shows a frame replacement unit 3C ′ that is replaced with the frame replacement unit 3C. The frame exchange unit 3C 'has a structure that can be attached / detached from the front side to the frame common unit 3B, similarly to the frame exchange unit 3C.

  As shown in FIG. 66, when the frame replacement unit 3C 'is attached to the frame common unit 3B, the glass frame 3A' is formed in the pachinko machine 1A 'after the frame replacement.

  Here, comparing FIG. 63 with FIG. 66, the decorative portion of the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is different from the decorative portion of the frame replacement unit 3C. For example, the frame lamp 3h 'and the speaker 3i' mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C 'have different shapes from the frame lamp 3h and the speaker 3i mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the frame replacement unit 3C (first frame replacement unit) and the frame replacement unit 3C ′ (second frame replacement unit) include a plurality of movable members whose operations are controlled by the effect control board ( It is assumed that a frame movable member is mounted. Although these frame movable members are not shown, for example, they are included in the movable accessory 24 shown in FIG. 26, and the production control board 200 (production control CPU 201) controls the operation of the motor driver 92. The operation of the frame movable member is controlled. However, since the number, installation position, drive operation, etc. of these frame movable members are not common between different models, the number, installation position, and drive of each frame movable member are also common in this embodiment. The operation and the like are different for each pachinko machine (for each frame replacement unit).

  Although specific applications will be described later, the frame replacement unit 3C (first frame replacement unit) includes a plurality of movable members (first frame movable members) mounted on itself. Assume that a sensor (first frame movable member sensor) for detecting the position is mounted. Similarly, the frame replacement unit 3C ′ (second frame replacement unit) includes a plurality of movable members (second frame movable members) mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C ′ (second frame replacement unit). (Frame movable member sensor) is mounted.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 63 to FIG. 66, in this embodiment, the frame replacement unit 3C is removed from the frame common unit 3B in the pachinko machine 1A, and is replaced with the frame replacement unit 3C ′. Exchanges can be made.

  However, even if the frame replacement unit can be replaced as described above, it only means that physical replacement (attachment) is possible, and the replaced frame replacement unit is compatible with the internal processing by the control board. It is not guaranteed whether it is possessed (whether it is a frame replacement unit suitable for a gaming machine). Generally, in a gaming machine in which a frame can be exchanged, even if it can be physically attached, if the production control board 200 that controls the production of the gaming machine is not exchanged, the internal processing by the control board is not compatible. There is a possibility that an incorrect frame replacement unit (non-conforming frame replacement unit) is attached. In a gaming machine to which an incompatible frame replacement unit is attached, for example, a control signal output from a control board (for example, the production control board 200) may cause a malfunction on the frame replacement unit side, resulting in a failure or the like.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a “frame exchange unit identification function” for identifying whether the attached frame exchange unit is compatible with the game machine (game board, control board) is provided. In this frame exchange unit identification function, the adaptation / non-conformity of the frame exchange unit is determined by the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) that receives an input signal from the frame exchange unit. Hereinafter, several methods for realizing the frame replacement unit identification function will be described in detail.

<Frame replacement unit identification function (part 1)>
A first method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described. In the following description, the frame replacement unit 3C ′ will be described. However, the first method is a plurality of movable members (movable roles) among the replacement units that can be replaced corresponding to the gaming machine (game board, control board). And the like and a sensor capable of detecting the initial position of the movable member.

  In the first method, in the pachinko machine 1A ′ to which the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is attached by frame replacement, the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is used by using sensor inputs of a plurality of movable members mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C ′. A combination of detection information by the frame movable member sensor when a plurality of movable members mounted on the vehicle is in the initial position is input to the control board (production control board 200), and based on the combination of the detection information, the frame replacement unit 3C It is identified whether 'is compatible with the pachinko machine 1A' (game board, control board). The “movable member” in the “plural movable members mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C ′” is a case where at least a part of the movable member is mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C ′ (for example, the movable member is a frame). Etc.) may be included in which the portion mounted on the exchange unit 3C ′ and the portion mounted on the frame common unit 3B are combined.

  For the first method, in this embodiment, parallel communication is performed using a sensor input from the frame movable member sensor as a command for notifying the effect control board 200 of an identification code for identifying the frame replacement unit. The input command “frame replacement unit position sensor command” is prepared on the frame replacement unit 3C ′ side. A predetermined bit of the input command is assigned to the identification code, and the predetermined bit indicates a combination of detection information by the frame movable member sensor when the plurality of movable members mounted on the frame replacement unit are in the initial position. It is.

  The first method will be described in more detail with a specific example. For example, the frame replacement unit 3C ′ includes three movable members (frame movable members A, B, and C) whose operations are controlled by the effect control board 200, and three that detect the state of each frame movable member at the initial position. Frame movable member sensors (sensors A, B, C) are mounted. Here, the sensors A to C are optical sensors including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit as an example, and detect the position of the target frame movable member based on a light incident state (light shielding / light receiving) in the light receiving unit. Specifically, the detection value of the sensor is “H” when the light incident state is “light blocking”, and the detection value of the sensor is “L” when the light incident state is “light reception”. Of the frame replacement unit position sensor command, for example, a total of 3 bits from the 0th bit to the 2nd bit are assigned to the identification code. It is assumed that the detection information by the sensor A is indicated by the second bit, the detection information by the sensor B is indicated by the first bit, and the detection information by the sensor C is indicated by the zeroth bit. In this example, in principle, when the detection value of the sensor is “H”, it is treated as an active potential, the value of the corresponding bit of the identification code is “1”, and the detection value of the sensor is “L”. Is treated as a non-active potential, and the value of the corresponding bit of the identification code is set to “0”.

  On the other hand, on the side of the effect control board 200 to which the frame replacement unit position sensor command is input, a “regular identification code” for the frame replacement unit suitable for the game machine (pachinko machine 1A ′) is registered in advance. This “regular identification code” is a combination of detection information (identification code) by the frame movable member sensor when the movable member mounted on the frame replacement unit suitable for the game machine is in the initial position. It is held in the control ROM 202. Therefore, the effect control board 200 compares the “regular identification coat” with the identification code included in the frame replacement unit position sensor command acquired from the frame replacement unit 3C ′, so that the frame replacement unit 3C ′ It can be determined whether or not 1A ′ is satisfied. Note that the frame replacement unit position sensor command in this example is not periodically transmitted as command information from the frame replacement unit 3C ′ in the command format, but is input to each position sensor of the frame movable member of the frame replacement unit 3C ′. Information may be directly input to the input port of the effect control board 200 via a relay board or the like.

  Here, conventionally, when an abnormality such as a short circuit or a power fault occurs in the command communication path, there is a possibility that the information of the input command is all “1” or all “0”. Therefore, if the “regular identification code” is registered as “111” or “000”, even if a non-conforming frame replacement unit is installed, it will be indicated in the frame replacement unit position sensor command when the above error occurs. The identification code to be displayed may be “111” or “000”. At this time, the effect control board 200 erroneously determines that the frame replacement unit that is actually incompatible is “compatible”.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the “regular identification code” registered in advance in the effect control board 200 (for example, the effect control ROM 202), in other words, the identification code when the frame replacement unit suitability determination is obtained is always “1”. ”And“ 0 ”.

  explain in detail. As described above, in this example, when the detection value of the sensor is “H”, the value of the corresponding bit of the identification code is “1”, and when the detection value of the sensor is “L”, the correspondence of the identification code In principle, the bit value is set to “0”. According to this principle, when the light incident state in the sensors A and B is “light blocking (H)” and the light incident state in the sensor C is “light receiving (L)”, the identification code is “110”. On the other hand, the identification code when the light incident states in the sensors A to C are all “shielded” is “111”, and the identification code when the light incident states in the sensors A to C are all “light received” is “000”. It becomes.

  Therefore, when the combination of detection values (detection information) in a suitable frame replacement unit is configured to include “1” and “0” such as “110” when the above principle is followed, The combination of the detection information is registered as a “regular identification code” on the effect control board 200 side. Also, on the frame replacement unit side, a circuit is formed so that the detection values (detection information) of the sensors A to C become the value of the identification code in accordance with the above principle.

  On the other hand, when the above principle is followed, the combination of detection values (detection information) in the compatible frame replacement unit is configured by only “1” or “0” such as “111” or “000”, for example. When this is done, a circuit is formed so that a part of the detection information of the sensors A to C is logically inverted and the identification code is transmitted on the frame replacement unit side. For example, for the sensor C, when the light incident state is “light shielding” (detection value “H”), the corresponding bit value of the identification code is “0”, and the light incident state is “light reception” (detection value “ L ”), the corresponding bit value of the identification code is set to“ 1 ”. Note that the method of logically inverting the bit value corresponding to the identification code is not particularly limited. For example, a NOT circuit may be provided in the sensor. For example, a specific bit of the identification code may be negative. Logical bits may be used. Then, on the effect control board 200 side, a combination of detection information in a suitable frame replacement unit when a part of the logical inversion is performed as described above is registered as a “regular identification code”.

  FIG. 67 is a diagram for describing an example of detection information and an identification code. FIG. 67A shows an example of detection information (detection value) and an identification code when the sensors A to C detect the initial position of the frame movable member of the frame replacement unit as described above. FIG. 67B shows an example of detection information (detection value) and identification code when only the sensor C logically inverts the bit value of the identification code.

  In the case of FIG. 67 (A), with respect to the frame movable member A and the frame movable member B at the initial position, the corresponding sensor A and sensor B have a detected value of “H” because the light incident state is “shielded”. Become. On the other hand, for the movable frame member C at the initial position, the corresponding sensor C has a detection value “L” because the light incident state is “light reception”. Therefore, the identification code based on the combination of the detection information of the sensors A to C is “110”, and the frame replacement unit position sensor command including this identification code “110” is input to the effect control board 200 from the frame replacement unit 3C ′.

  In the case of FIG. 67B, the sensor A to sensor C corresponding to all of the movable frame member A, the movable frame member B, and the movable frame member C at the initial position are “light-shielded”. The detection value is “H”. In accordance with the above principle, the identification code is “111”, but only the sensor C is logically inverted from the bit value of the identification code so that the value of the 0th bit becomes “0”. Therefore, the identification code based on the combination of the detection information of the sensors A to C is “110”, and the frame replacement unit position sensor command including this identification code “110” is input to the effect control board 200 from the frame replacement unit 3C ′.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the “regular identification code” registered in advance in the effect control board 200, in other words, the identification code when the frame replacement unit suitability determination is obtained is always “1” and “1”. By configuring in a format including “0”, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of an incompatible frame replacement unit, and it can be expected to improve the accuracy of frame replacement unit identification.

  In the above specific example, a combination of detection information by three frame movable member sensors (sensors A to C) that detect three movable members (frame movable members A to C) using a 3-bit identification code. Is shown in the 3-bit identification code, but when the number of movable members and frame movable member sensors is larger than the number of bits necessary for the identification code, the production control board 200 (production control CPU 201) Only sensors capable of determining the suitability of the frame exchange unit for (game board, control board) may be selected and set as detection targets. Specifically, for example, when five frame movable member sensors are mounted, only the detection information by predetermined three frame movable member sensors is targeted, and the frame is determined based on the identification code based on the combination of detection information. The conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit may be identified. The selection method of the target frame movable member sensor is not particularly limited. For example, a predetermined number of frame movable member sensors may be selected from those close to the connector on the circuit. In this case, the frame movable member sensor corresponding to the frame movable member that easily returns to the initial position may be preferentially selected.

  Next, in the first method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function, the execution timing of the process for identifying the suitability / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit will be described.

  First, as the first execution timing, the device initialization operation during the production control main process is recommended. As described above with reference to FIG. 55, in step S813 of the effect control main process, the effect control CPU 201 executes the device initialization operation. This initialization operation is executed when the gaming machine is turned on (including when "reset" other than power-up is started) and is necessary for controlling the operation of the movable accessory 24 by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the positional information. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory 24 returns to a preset initial position (reference position). Note that the device initialization operation is performed in the effect control main process, not at the time of turning on the power of the entire gaming machine but at the start of the reset for the effect control board 200, and therefore may be included in the first execution timing.

  Here, the frame movable member mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is also included in the movable accessory 24, and is controlled by the effect control CPU 201. Therefore, the initial operation in the device initialization operation (for example, the initial position is movable from the initial position). The operation of the range is confirmed) and the initial position is restored. At this time, the frame replacement unit position sensor command including the identification code based on the detection information detected by the frame movable member sensor at the timing when the frame movable member is at the initial position in the initialization operation of the device is controlled by the frame replacement unit 3C ′. Input to the substrate 200. Therefore, the effect control CPU 201 confirms the command content of the input frame replacement unit position sensor command, for example, in the input port check process (step S815 in FIG. 55), and registers the identification code included in the command in the effect control ROM 202. It is determined whether or not the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is compatible with the effect control board 200 by comparing with the regular identification code.

  When the identification code included in the frame exchange unit position sensor command matches the regular identification code, the production control CPU 201 uses the frame exchange unit 3C ′ as a frame exchange unit suitable for the game machine (production control board 200). It is identified that there is, and the subsequent processing is continued. On the other hand, if the identification code included in the frame replacement unit position sensor command does not match the regular identification code, the effect control CPU 201 sets the frame replacement unit 3C ′ to a frame that is incompatible with the game machine (the effect control board 200). The unit is identified as a replacement unit, and a predetermined error is determined. When the production control CPU 201 identifies the incompatibility of the frame replacement unit from the comparison between the identification code included in the frame replacement unit position sensor command and the regular identification code, the initial control is performed for the frame movable member mounted on the frame replacement unit. Re-detection of the position, and using the identification code based on the re-detection, the frame replacement unit is re-identified for conformity / non-conformity (retry), and “predetermined error” only when the non-conformity identification result has not changed. You may make it judge.

  Here, the “predetermined error” at the time of identifying the incompatible frame replacement unit may be at least an effect in which the effect using the frame movable member of the frame replacement unit is no longer executed.

  Specifically, for example, it may be determined as a “frame movable object operation error” indicating a general operation error related to the frame movable member. The frame movable object operation error is an error detected when the frame movable member does not return to the initial position during the initial operation or the operation during the game. If it is determined that the error is detected, the pachinko machine 1A It may be controlled so that the whole 'frame movable member' does not operate.

  Further, for example, it may be determined as an “replacement unit error” meaning an abnormality in which incompatible replacement parts are attached in the entire pachinko machine 1A ′. Since the replacement unit error includes a matching error of a replacement part other than the frame replacement unit, if it is determined that the error has occurred, control may be performed so that all the replacement parts will not operate thereafter. However, even in such a case, the movement of the common part (for example, the effect button 3j) that is not the target of the replacement unit can be continuously executed.

  The effect control CPU 201 also receives a predetermined error (frame movable object) even when it is notified in the device initialization operation (step S813 in FIG. 55) that the initial operation of the frame replacement unit 3C ′ has not been completed normally. Operation error, replacement unit error, etc.).

  The device initialization operation is a timing at which power is supplied to the frame replacement unit 3C 'mounted by frame replacement to operate first. Therefore, by identifying the suitability / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit at the first execution timing as described above, the nonconforming frame exchange unit is identified before the performance accompanying the game is executed, and its operation is prevented. Can do. Thus, it can be expected to minimize the occurrence of malfunction and failure when a non-conforming frame replacement unit is attached.

  It should be noted that, when the process for identifying conformity / non-conformity of the frame replacement unit is performed at the first execution timing and the effect control CPU 201 determines an error of non-conformity, the effect control CPU 201 preferably notifies the error immediately. . The device initialization operation as the first execution timing (step S813 in FIG. 55) is generally not in the game, so there is no effect on the game even if an immediate notification is given, and the cause of the error can be resolved early. This is because it is considered appropriate to recommend.

  Next, as the second execution timing of the process for identifying conformity / nonconformity of the frame replacement unit, there is a time of symbol variation.

  More specifically, the effect control CPU 201 includes a frame replacement unit including an identification code based on detection information detected by the frame movable member sensor at the timing when the frame movable member should be at the initial position, such as when the decoration symbol starts to change or when the change stops. Whether the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is compatible with the effect control board 200 by confirming the contents of the position sensor command and comparing the identification code included in the command with the regular identification code registered in the effect control ROM 202. Determine whether.

  When the identification code included in the frame replacement unit position sensor command matches the regular identification code, the effect control CPU 201 turns the frame replacement unit 3C ′ into a frame replacement unit suitable for the game machine (effect control board 200). And the subsequent processing is continued.

  On the other hand, if the identification code included in the frame replacement unit position sensor command does not match the regular identification code, the effect control CPU 201 sets the frame replacement unit 3C ′ to a frame that is incompatible with the game machine (the effect control board 200). It is identified as an exchange unit, and a predetermined error (frame movable object operation error, exchange unit error, etc.) is determined.

  When the error is determined, the effect control CPU 201 switches whether or not the effect using the frame movable member mounted on the frame replacement unit identified as incompatible can be executed in the subsequent effect control. Specifically, for example, the effect control CPU 201 may control not to operate only the movable frame member when executing the effect pattern based on the change effect pattern determined in the change effect content determination process (see FIG. 58). In the variation effect pattern selection process (step S933 in FIG. 58), the variation effect pattern including the effect patterns using other effect members without selecting the change effect pattern including the effect pattern using the frame movable member. May be selected.

  As described above, by identifying the suitability / nonconformity of the frame replacement unit at the second execution timing, the nonconformity of the frame replacement unit may not be identified at the first execution timing (during the device initialization operation). Even so, when there is a possibility of moving the frame movable member mounted on the frame replacement unit (at the time of symbol variation), conformity / non-conformity is rechecked, so that accuracy and safety can be further improved.

  In addition, about said 2nd execution timing, presentation control CPU201 is limited at the time of the symbol fluctuation at the time of receiving the specific fluctuation pattern which drives a frame movable member by an effect instead of the time of all the symbol fluctuations. A process for identifying conformity / nonconformity of the frame replacement unit may be performed. Thus, by limiting the execution opportunity of the process for identifying the suitability / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit, it can be expected to be an effect of suppressing an increase in processing load by the effect control CPU 201.

  In addition, when the process of identifying conformity / non-conformity of the frame replacement unit is performed at the second execution timing and the effect control CPU 201 determines an error of non-conformity, the effect control CPU 201 notifies the error at the following timing. It is preferable to notify the error immediately (as in the first execution timing). That is, the effect control CPU 201 may not notify the error during the change, but only cancel the driving of the movable frame member that is the basis of the error determination, and may notify the end of the change. However, if the next variation of the variation is also a variation pattern in which the frame movable member can be driven, the notification is suspended, and an error is notified after the end of the variation in which the frame movable member can be driven. Also good.

  In this way, when the non-conforming error is not notified during the fluctuation, it is possible to avoid the sudden error notification during the game, and therefore, it is expected to be effective in preventing the player's gaming interest from being lowered due to the error notification. it can.

  As described above, according to the first method for realizing the frame replacement unit identification function in the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) has a plurality of movable elements mounted on the frame replacement unit 3C ′. A combination (identification code) of information detected by the sensor with respect to the initial position information of the member is acquired, and whether or not the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is compatible with the pachinko machine 1A ′ (game board, control board) based on the identification code Can be reliably identified. In particular, in the first method, since the sensor input of the frame movable member that is normally used in the pachinko machine 1A ′ is used as the input bit of the identification code, it is dedicated for identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame replacement unit. There is no need to provide separate input bits, and the number of input bits for parallel communication and an increase in the number of dedicated monitoring ports in the input port of the effect control board 200 can be suppressed.

  In the first method, the effect control CPU 201 uses the address assigned to the movable member of the regular unit to start the process of identifying the suitability / nonconformity of the frame replacement unit. An operation signal (initial operation control signal) instructing the return operation to the initial position is transmitted to the movable members (frame movable members A to C) of the exchange unit 3C ′. In general, the movable member to which the address is assigned performs different operation control for each device based on the received operation signal.

  Therefore, when the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is incompatible with the pachinko machine 1A ′, that is, in the case of an irregular unit, an operation signal is sent to a device of a different type from the device assumed at the time of adaptation by the regular unit. If it is sent and unexpected operation control is performed based on the operation signal, there is a possibility that the movable member of the irregular unit may be damaged and immediately break down. Specifically, for example, when the device in the regular unit is a motor, the intention is to send an operation signal as a motor drive signal, but if the device in the irregular unit is a solenoid, the solenoid is driven or the irregular unit It is conceivable that the lamp is turned on when the device in the above is a lamp.

  For such a problem, in the pachinko machine 1A (1A ′) according to the present embodiment, as a rule that is commonly applied to a plurality of gaming machines, a range of addresses to be assigned is determined for each type of driven device. It may be determined. Specifically, for example, addresses that can be assigned to motors are “0” to “a”, addresses that can be assigned to solenoids are “a + 1” to “b”, and addresses that can be assigned to lamps are “b + 1” to “b”. c ”(the same applies to other types of devices). By dividing the assignable address range for each type of device, it is possible to prevent an operation signal from being transmitted to different types of devices. For example, the frame replacement unit identification process according to the first method It is possible to prevent the movable member of the irregular unit from being broken.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the replacement unit is configured to include a model-specific replacement unit and a common unit common among the models, the identification information is used to identify whether the replacement unit is compatible or non-compatible with the gaming machine. In addition to the initial position information of the movable member (movable accessory) provided in the frame replacement unit, the initial position information of the movable member (movable accessory) provided in the frame common unit may be included.

  Specifically, for example, in the pachinko machine 1A ′, the initial position of the movable member (such as the effect button 15) provided in the frame common unit 3B is the same as the frame movable member sensor of the movable member of the frame replacement unit 3C ′. The frame movable member sensor capable of detecting the frame is provided, and the combination of detection information by both the frame movable member sensors (that is, the initial position information of the movable member of the frame replacement unit 3C ′ and the initial position information of the movable member of the frame common unit 3B). Can be input to the control board (production control board 200). When configured in this way, the effect control board 200 is based on a combination of input detection information (identification information that can include not only the frame replacement unit 3C ′ but also the initial position information from the frame common unit 3B). It is possible to identify whether the exchange unit (frame exchange unit 3C ′ + frame common unit 3B) is compatible with the pachinko machine 1A ′ (game board, control board).

<Frame replacement unit identification function (2)>
A second method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described. In the following description, the frame replacement unit 3C ′ will be described, but the second method is the serial communication type among the replacement units (replacement parts) that can be replaced corresponding to the gaming machine (game board, control board). The present invention can be applied to a device including an IC.

  In the second method, in the pachinko machine 1A ′ to which the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is attached by frame replacement, a 1-bit specific output terminal in the serial communication IC arranged in the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is used as an identification input bit. Based on the output of the identification input bit, it is identified whether the frame exchange unit 3C ′ is compatible with the pachinko machine 1A ′ (game board, control board). In the following description, an exchange unit that is compatible with a gaming machine (game board, control board) is also referred to as a “regular unit”, and an exchange unit that is not compatible (non-compliant) with a gaming machine (game board, control board) is referred to as “non-compliant”. Also referred to as “regular unit”.

  FIG. 68 is a circuit diagram of the LED driver. The LED driver 3p shown in FIG. 68 is an example of a serial communication IC disposed in the frame replacement unit 3C ′, and controls the LED output of the frame lamp 3h ′. A second method for realizing the frame replacement unit identification function will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the pachinko machine 1A ′, when the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is a regular unit, a predetermined address is assigned to the LED driver 3p disposed in the frame replacement unit 3C ′. The effect control CPU 201 of the pachinko machine 1A ′ can instruct the LED driver 3p to perform a predetermined operation (for example, lighting of the frame lamp 3h ′) by outputting a serial signal to the address. In addition to the LED driver 3p shown in this example, the frame replacement unit 3C ′ includes a plurality of LED drivers. In particular, the LED driver for realizing the frame replacement unit identification function in the present invention is referred to as “ The LED driver 3p "is taken up and described.

  In the second method, a specific output terminal for 1 bit is used in a so-called unused output terminal (output unit) that is not used in the conventional application (light emission signal output of the LED element) in the LED driver 3p. The frame replacement unit 3C ′ is assigned to an “identification input bit” for identifying whether or not the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is a regular unit. As shown in FIG. 68, the LED driver 3p is provided with one signal line in order to return the output of the identification input bit to the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201).

  In the pachinko machine 1A ′ configured as described above, the effect control CPU 201 instructs a predetermined operation (for example, lighting of the frame lamp 3h ′) to the LED driver 3p at a predetermined address at a predetermined execution timing. Output serial signal. Note that the execution timing is preferably determined when the LED driver 3p has not started operation control such as lighting on the stage as the game progresses, for the purpose of determining the suitability of the frame replacement unit 3C ′. The first execution timing described in the first method (during device initialization operation) can be given.

  The serial signal output from the effect control CPU 201 is simultaneously sent to the control ICs (LED driver 3p, motor driver IC, solenoid driver IC, etc.) of various devices mounted in a daisy chain connection to the frame replacement unit 3C ′. 68. When a signal including the address information of the control IC to be controlled is output, the control IC side of each device has its own address as the address information included in the serial signal output from the effect control CPU 201 (in FIG. 68). In the case of coincidence with the address assignment input to the IC), the operation of each production member managed is controlled based on the information related to the production operation included in the serial signal (production control information).

  When the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is a regular unit, the serial signal output from the effect control CPU 201 is correctly input to the LED driver 3p because the address information included in the serial signal is correct (reverse) In other words, when the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is an irregular unit, the LED driver 3p is located at a position different from the address of the LED driver 3p in the case of the regular unit. 3p is not guaranteed to be input). Then, the LED driver 3p executes control processing based on the serial signal and outputs it from the output terminal.

  As described above, one specific bit of the output terminals is assigned to the identification input bit, and the output is sent to the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) via the signal line. Here, the identification input bit always outputs “H (1)” when the LED driver 3p does not control the operation of the output terminal for the identification input bit, and the LED driver 3p outputs the identification input bit to the identification input bit. When the operation control is performed for the output terminal, “L (0)” is output (see also the circuit configuration in FIG. 68).

  Therefore, the presentation control CPU 201 receives the input bit for identification ("L (0)" input) via the signal line at a certain timing (timing when the output to the LED driver 3p is executed), and outputs the output content. Check whether the LED driver 3p is disposed in the regular unit, in other words, whether the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is a regular unit (whether the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is suitable for the pachinko machine 1A ′). ) Can be identified.

  Specifically, as a result of sending a serial signal to a predetermined address targeted for the LED driver 3p, the effect control CPU 201 changes the output content of the identification input bit from “H (1)” to “L (0)”. If it can be confirmed that the serial signal has correctly reached the LED driver 3p and normal operation control has been performed, the LED driver 3p is disposed in the regular unit (the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is Unit).

  On the other hand, if the output content of the identification input bit remains “H (1)” as a result of sending the serial signal to the predetermined address, the serial signal did not reach the LED driver 3p correctly (that is, The address control CPU 201 can estimate that the address is different) or that the LED driver 3p could not perform normal operation control based on the serial signal (that is, there is a possibility of another type of driver or the like). It is determined that the LED driver 3p is disposed in the irregular unit (the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is an irregular unit). When it is determined that the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is an irregular unit, the effect control CPU 201 determines that a predetermined error has occurred, and performs error processing, as in the first method. The “predetermined error” when an incompatible frame replacement unit is identified in the second method is at least as long as an effect using the frame replacement unit is no longer executed. Further, the error notification timing may be considered in the same manner as in the first method. Since it is repeated, detailed description is omitted.

  As described above, in the second method for realizing the frame replacement unit identification function, the effect control CPU 201 outputs a serial signal to a serial communication IC having a predetermined address, and a 1-bit specific output terminal ( Based on the output of the identification input bit), it is identified whether or not it is a replacement unit (replacement part) suitable for the game machine.

  Conventionally, if a dedicated configuration is added to identify whether the replacement unit is a regular unit (conforming / nonconforming), a dedicated signal line is used for input between the replacement unit and the production control board 200. It was necessary to provide a plurality for output. Further, when a monitoring signal used for identification is prepared for each serial communication IC (or each exchange unit), it is necessary to allocate a plurality of bits.

  However, according to the second method described above, the unused output terminal in the serial communication IC is used as the identification input bit, so that only the input to the input port of the effect control board 200 at a specific timing is monitored. Since it is possible to determine the suitability of the replacement unit, it is not necessary to add a dedicated signal line for input, and only one signal line is required for 1 bit for output. That is, according to the second method, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can identify the conformity / nonconformity of the installed exchange unit while minimizing the dedicated line for identification. Also, conformity / nonconformity can be identified for a plurality of switching units while the number of input bits required for identification is a minimum of 1 bit.

  Further, when compared with the first method described above, the second method has a serial communication IC disposed even when the exchange unit (for example, the frame exchange unit 3C ′) is not mounted with a movable member. If so, it is possible to identify the conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit, so that the application range can be expanded.

  In the first method described above, the movable member is driven when identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit. If the movable member of the unsuitable replacement unit is driven, it may be damaged or broken. there's a possibility that. On the other hand, in the second method, it is not necessary to drive the movable member because the compatibility / non-conformity of the replacement unit can be identified based on the output command (lighting, sound output, etc.) to the driver (serial communication IC). It is safer than the first method.

  In order to identify the suitability / nonconformity of the exchange unit by the second method, it is preferable to change the address assigned to the serial communication IC arranged in the exchange unit for each regular exchange unit. Or you may make it change the unused output terminal allocated to the input bit for identification for every serial communication type IC. By comprising in this way, a regular unit and a non-regular unit can be identified reliably.

<Frame replacement unit identification function (part 3)>
A third method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described. In the following description, the frame replacement unit 3C ′ will be described. However, the third method is similar to the second method described above, and can be replaced in accordance with a gaming machine (game board, control board) ( Among the replacement parts), the present invention can be applied to those having a serial communication IC.

  In the third method, as in the second method described above, in the pachinko machine 1A ′ to which the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is attached by frame replacement, a serial communication IC (for example, disposed in the frame replacement unit 3C ′) (for example, An unused 1-bit specific output terminal in the LED driver 3p) is assigned to an identification input bit. Then, when the production control CPU 201 is a regular replacement unit, it outputs a serial signal to a predetermined address assigned to the serial communication IC, and based on the output of the identification input bit in the serial communication IC, It is identified whether the exchange unit 3C ′ is compatible with the pachinko machine 1A ′ (game board, control board).

  Here, as a difference from the second method, in the third method, the presentation control CPU 201 outputs “H (” for the identification input bit with respect to a predetermined address of the serial communication IC (for example, the LED driver 3p). 1) “L (0)” and “L (0)” operation commands (serial signals) are repeatedly output a plurality of times. Then, the effect control CPU 201 monitors the change in the output signal of the identification input bit from the serial communication IC with respect to the serial signal repeated a plurality of times (change in the output content of the identification input bit), thereby changing the frame exchange unit. It is identified whether 3C ′ is suitable for the pachinko machine 1A ′ (game board, control board), in other words, whether the frame exchange unit 3C ′ is a regular unit of the pachinko machine 1A ′.

  A specific example will be described. For example, the effect control CPU 201 gives a serial signal that instructs the LED driver 3p at a predetermined address to temporarily turn on the frame lamp 3h ′ at a predetermined execution timing (for example, lighting instruction information at a time linked with N frames for image display). ) Is repeatedly output a plurality of times (repetition periods, that is, the sustain period in each period of “H (1)” and “L (0)” is longer than the temporary lighting period). The “predetermined execution timing” is the same as the execution timing described in the first method for realizing the frame replacement unit identification function.

  Here, if the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is a regular unit of the pachinko machine 1A ′, the LED driver 3p repeats the control for temporarily lighting the frame lamp 3h ′ as many times as the serial signal is input. At this time, the output content of the identification input bit is “H → L → H → L →... → H”, and a change point from “H” to “L” is periodically observed by the number of repetitions.

  Therefore, the effect control CPU 201 monitors the change in the output content of the identification input bit sent via one signal line provided for output, and “H” as many times as the number of repetitions of the serial signal output to the predetermined address. If the change point from “L” to “L” can be confirmed, it can be estimated that the serial signal has properly reached the LED driver 3p and the normal operation control has been performed. Therefore, the frame replacement unit 3C in which the LED driver 3p is arranged is provided. It can be determined that 'is a regular unit.

  The identification input bits monitored by the effect control CPU 201 may be represented by “1” and “0”. For example, when the bit value “0” is indicated when “H” indicates non-operation time and the bit value “1” is indicated when “L” indicates operation time, the bit value changes over a predetermined period. Can be confirmed by accumulating. Specifically, when the value stored while shifting the value of the bit value of the period in which the frame lamp 3h ′ is temporarily turned on in each cycle to the predetermined storage area is “0101010”, This means that the frame lamp 3h ′ is temporarily turned on for the number of “1”, that is, three times.

  On the other hand, as a result of repeatedly sending a serial signal to a predetermined address, the change in the output content of the identification input bit can be confirmed at the point of change from “H (0)” to “L (1)” by the number of repetitions. If not, the effect control CPU 201 can determine that the frame replacement unit 3C ′ in which the LED driver 3p is arranged is an irregular unit. When it is determined that the frame replacement unit 3C ′ is an irregular unit, the effect control CPU 201 determines that a predetermined error has occurred and performs error processing, as in the first and second methods. The “predetermined error” when an incompatible frame replacement unit is identified in the third method means that at least an effect using the frame replacement unit is subsequently executed as in the case of the “predetermined error” in the second method. Anything that disappears is acceptable. Further, the error notification timing may be considered in the same manner as in the second method. Since it is repeated, detailed description is omitted.

  As described above, in the third method, the effect control CPU 201 repeatedly outputs a serial signal of 1 to a serial communication IC with a predetermined address over a plurality of times, and a 1-bit specific output in the serial communication IC. Replacement unit (replacement part) suitable for the game machine by monitoring the change of the output contents of the terminal (input bit for identification) (for example, the number of changes of “H (0)” → “L (1)”) with toggle ) Is identified.

  According to the third method, not only the same effect as the second method can be obtained, but also high quality information can be obtained based on a continuous change in the output contents (input bits) of the identification input bits. Therefore, it can be expected that the identification accuracy is higher than that of the second method.

  For example, if the LED driver 3p is an IC that controls the lighting of the frame lamp 3h ′, just confirming the output contents based on one serial signal as in the second method may cause a false detection or the like. It's hard to deny. However, by monitoring the output contents based on a plurality of serial signals as in the third method, the possibility of false detection can be eliminated and reliable identification can be expected. In addition, when one serial signal is continuously sent a plurality of times and there is no change in the output contents in part, it is possible to estimate a mounting failure or the like.

  As a derivation example of the third method, the pachinko machine 1A (1A ′) according to this embodiment assigns unused output terminals in a plurality of drivers (serial communication ICs) to identification input bits, respectively. Further, conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit may be identified using a plurality of bits of identification information formed by combining outputs from these identification input bits. At this time, it is necessary to provide a plurality of signal lines for outputting the identification input bits from each driver. However, the identification can be performed with higher accuracy than the third method.

  As another derivation example of the third method, with respect to the information of the serial signal for the LED driver 3p, the information for switching the output of the identification input bit in the confirmation operation of the frame replacement unit 3C ′. The effect control information that synchronizes the light emission signal of the terminal connected to the actual LED element (or synchronizes with a cycle several times the repetition cycle) is output from the effect control CPU 201, and the adaptability of the frame exchange unit 3C ′ The confirmation operation may be controlled to be visible with the frame lamp 3h ′ of the actual frame replacement unit 3C ′. By doing in this way, it can be confirmed by human eyes whether or not the confirmation operation is correctly performed at the time of the test at the factory or the operation at the game store.

<Supplement>
The frame-replaceable pachinko machine 1A (1A ′) according to the present embodiment is the above-described frame replacement unit identification regarding the physical assembly of the replacement unit (replacement part) corresponding to the gaming machine (game board, control board). Separately or in combination with the first to third methods of function, the following configuration is possible.

  For example, in the pachinko machine 1A (1A ′) according to the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of replacement units suitable for the game machine (game board, control board), the order in which the replacement units are assembled is determined in advance. If the assembling order is not appropriate, the structure may be such that the assembly of the plurality of replacement units as a whole is not completed. By adopting such a structure, it can be determined whether or not assembly is appropriate for the plurality of replacement units as a whole, and therefore, it can be expected to have an effect of preventing forgetting assembly of some replacement units.

  Specifically, when a simple member such as a lamp cover does not have a movable member or a serial communication IC, it is difficult to apply the first to third methods of the frame replacement unit identification function. However, with the above structure, forgetting assembly can be prevented. Further, the replacement unit (replacement part) having a common shape but different colors depending on the gaming machine can also prevent an assembly error by adopting the above-described structure.

  Also, if there are multiple replacement units, determine the order of assembly, and check the partial replacement units (preferably units that will be installed later) after assembly. It may be possible to confirm whether it is appropriate.

  Specifically, for example, a number indicating the assembling order is displayed for each of the plurality of exchange units, and the assembling order is received from the replacement unit after the assembling order via a hole or a transmission part. Makes the number display of the previous replacement unit visible. In this way, after assembling all the replacement units, if it can be visually confirmed that all the replacement unit number indications are lined up from the last replacement unit, confirm that the entire assembly is appropriate. it can.

  Further, the means for confirming whether the physical assembly order is appropriate is not limited to the above-described number notation, and for example, a different color scheme is applied to the solder resist of the substrate for each replacement unit. May be equal. And the hole part and the permeation | transmission part for confirming by visual recognition may be provided in the position which can always be visually recognized from the front of a game machine, or when the glass frame 3 is open | released, the front of a game machine by a hall capacity etc. Or you may make it provide in the position which can be visually recognized from another surface.

  By performing these ideas, whether the pachinko machine 1A (1A ′) according to the present embodiment is suitable for the physical assembly of the replacement unit easily even when it does not have special skills or knowledge. Therefore, it can be expected that the replacement unit can be effectively prevented from being physically assembled (incorrect assembly order, forgotten to be assembled, assembly of nonconforming parts, etc.).

  In addition, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment may realize identification for distinguishing different types of drivers such as LED drivers and motor driver ICs by the third method for realizing the frame replacement unit identification function described above. it can. In the case of an LED driver that performs lighting control of an LED or the like, even if one serial signal (for example, a lighting command) is repeated a plurality of times, there is no limit to the execution control, and the output contents change by the number of serial signal repetitions. It is thought that a dot appears. On the other hand, in the case of a motor driver IC that drives a movable member, since the movable range of the movable member is limited, when one serial signal (for example, a drive command in a predetermined direction) is repeated a plurality of times, It is considered that the execution control does not operate at a timing exceeding the driving range, and the change point of the output content does not appear. Therefore, by setting the serial signal instruction content and the number of repetitions in consideration of such characteristics for each driver, the identification accuracy of the target driver can be greatly increased, and as a result, the replacement in which the driver is arranged The unit identification accuracy can be greatly increased.

  As mentioned above, although the pachinko machine was demonstrated as one Embodiment of the game machine of this invention, this invention is not limited to a pachinko machine. That is, a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine, such as a slot machine, a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, or a management gaming machine that does not require a game ball or a game medal (enclosed game machine, medalless machine) The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine) or a casino machine.

1, 1A, 1A ′: Pachinko machine, 2: outer frame, 2a to 2d: frame, 2e, 2f: hinge member, 2p: door open sensor, 3, 3A, 3A ′: glass frame (door frame), 3B: Frame common unit, 3C, 3C ′: Frame replacement unit, 3a, 3b: Hinge mechanism, 3c: Locking device, 3d: Through-hole, 3e: Base unit, 3f: Plate unit, 3g: Area, 3h, 3h ′: Frame Lamp (LED lamp), 3i, 3i ′: speaker, 3j: production button, 4: front frame, 4a: handle, 4b: frame, 4c, 4d: hinge, 4e: launching device, 4f: locking unit, 4g: Board unit, 4h: Back cover, 4i, 4j: Hinge member, 4p: Door open detection member, 5: Game board, 5a: Game area, 5b: Main control unit, 5c: Peripheral control unit, 8: Upper ball dish , 9: Bottom Ball plate, 10: Production lamp (frame lamp), 11: Speaker, 12: Launch handle, 13: Ball feed mechanism, 14: Launch mechanism, 15: Production button, 20A: Game area, 22: Center decoration, 25: Production Lamp (panel lamp), 29: first outlet, 31: storage tank, 34: prize ball payout unit, 61: first starting port, 62: second starting port, 63: gate, 64: big winning port, 66: General winning opening, 70: Liquid crystal display device, 91: Lamp connection board, 92: Motor driver, 100: Main control board, 100a: Front member, 100b: Game panel, 100c: Function display unit, 100d: Inner rail, 100e: Out taxiway, 100f: Outer rail, 100h: Opening, 100m: Front unit, 100n: Main control board case, 100p: Harness cover 100q: Setting key switch, 100r: Bearing portion, 100s: Mounting bracket, 100t: Shaft portion, 100u: Bearing portion, 100v: Shaft portion, 100w: End portion, 101: Main control CPU, 101B: Strobe signal output port, 102: Main control ROM, 103: Main control RAM, 104: I / O port circuit, 109: Production control board connection connector, 110: Entering determination means, 111: Data bus, 112: Strobe signal bus, 120: Game lottery Random number generation means, 123: normal electric accessory solenoid, 124: special electric accessory solenoid, 130: hold control means, 131: special symbol hold control means, 132: normal symbol hold control means, 135: pre-determination means, 140: Special symbol lottery processing means, 141: Special symbol success / failure judging means, 142: Special symbol stop Symbol determination means, 143: Special symbol variation pattern determination means, 145: Normal symbol lottery processing means, 146: Normal symbol success / failure determination means, 147: Normal symbol stop symbol determination means, 148: Normal symbol variation pattern determination means, 150: Special Game control means, 155: Symbol display control means, 156: Special symbol display control means, 157: Normal symbol display control means, 160: Electric accessory control means, 161: First start port switch, 162: Second start port switch 163: Actuation gate switch, 164: Large prize opening switch, 166: General prize opening switch, 167: Out ball detection switch, 169: Game state control means, 170: Error monitoring control means, 171: First special symbol display device 172: Second special symbol display device, 173: First special figure holding lamp, 174: Second special figure holder Lamp: 175: Normal symbol display device, 176: Universal map holding lamp, 180: Main information storage means, 190: Command transmission / reception means, 195: Setting change means, 196: Setting confirmation means, 197: Setting display section, 200: Production Control board, 200a: Opening, 200m: Back unit, 201: Production control CPU, 202: Production control ROM, 203: Production control RAM, 204: I / O port circuit, 210: Production lottery random number generating means, 220: Production supervision Means 221: effect mode control means 222: hold information display control means 223: prefetch notice control means 224: decorative symbol determination means 225: variation effect determination means 226: notice effect determination means 227: jackpot effect determination Means 230: lamp effect control means 240: accessory effect control means 250: error Out control means, 260: Production control information storage means, 270: Command transmission / reception means, 300: Image control board, 300m: Liquid crystal base, 301: Image control CPU, 302: VDP, 303: Sound source IC, 304: ROM, 305: RAM, 306: I / O port circuit, 400: payout control board, 400p: RAM clear switch cover, 400q: RAM clear switch, 401: payout control CPU, 402: payout control ROM, 403: payout control RAM, 500: attacker Unit: 600: Power supply board, 600p: Power switch cover, 600q: Power switch, 622: Ordinary electric accessory, 642: Special electric accessory

Claims (1)

Control means for controlling the production;
An opening / closing part provided with an effect member capable of performing an effect operation based on the control information of the control means,
An exchange unit that is a part of the opening and closing part and is configured to be detachable in order to exchange in accordance with the control means;
With
The exchange unit has a serial communication IC, and a specific output terminal of 1 bit in the serial communication IC is assigned to an identification input bit,
The control means repeats one operation command for the serial communication IC of the exchange unit attached to the gaming machine a plurality of times, and the output content of the identification input bit based on the one operation command repeated a plurality of times A gaming machine characterized by determining whether or not the exchange unit is compatible with the gaming machine by monitoring a change in the gaming machine.

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