JP2020014661A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine in which a communication error generated between a main control board and a sub control board can be notified in a distinguished manner from a communication error generated between the sub control board and a presentation control board.SOLUTION: A sub-control board controls a notification presentation according to a control command received from a main control board. The sub-control board transmits an execution command to a presentation control board, and variably displays and stop displays a presentation symbol and an evidence symbol on a display screen. The sub-control board transmits an error command to the presentation control board when the control command has lack or inconsistency. When the presentation control board receives the error command, it displays a communication error [3] on the display screen. If the execution command has lack or inconsistency (S401 to S405: NO, S451 to S454, S456: NO, S455: YES), and if the communication error [3] is not being displayed (S411: NO, S461: NO), the presentation control board displays a communication error [4] on the display screen (S412, S462).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of notifying an error generated in communication between control means.

  In the gaming machine, the CPU of the main control board performs a jackpot determination, and outputs a control command including a result of the jackpot determination in accordance with the progress of the game. The CPU of the sub-control board controls the display on the display device, the driving of the electric accessory, the blinking of the effect LED, and the like in accordance with the control command received from the main control board, thereby notifying the result of the big hit determination. I do. In the notification effect, the control of displaying the effect contents on the display device is performed by the CPU of the effect control board. Specifically, the CPU of the sub-control board determines the effect pattern of the notification effect according to the control command from the main control board, generates an execution command that specifies the effect content according to the effect pattern, Send. In addition, when the reception condition of the control command received from the main control board is inconsistent, the CPU of the sub control board transmits an execution command for notifying the occurrence of a communication error to the production control board, and displays an error message or the like on the display device. Can be displayed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-135714 A

  However, since the CPU of the effect control board controls the display on the display device only in accordance with the execution command from the sub control board, even if a communication error occurs between the sub control board and the effect control board, the main control board There is a possibility that an error message may be displayed on the display device as a communication error occurring between the control device and the sub-control board.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine capable of distinguishing and reporting a communication error generated between a main control board and a sub-control board and a communication error generated between a sub-control board and an effect control board. The purpose is to:

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a display unit that displays an image including a symbol, and a determination as to whether or not a hit is made when a predetermined condition is satisfied, are executed, and the result of the determination as to whether the hit is performed is included. A main control unit for outputting a control command, and a plurality of execution commands for controlling a notification effect for receiving the control command from the main control unit and for notifying a result of the pass / fail determination in accordance with the control command, and outputting the plurality of execution commands. Sub-control means, effect control for receiving the plurality of execution commands from the sub-control means, and performing display control of the image based on the plurality of execution commands in the order of reception, thereby causing the display means to execute the notification effect A sub-control unit, wherein the sub-control unit determines whether or not the reception condition of the control command is inconsistent in controlling the notification effect. And a generating means for generating an irregular command indicating the inconsistency of the control command as the execution command when the first judging means judges that inconsistency has occurred in the reception condition of the control command, The effect control means includes a second determination means for determining whether or not the reception condition of the execution command is inconsistent in performing the display control of the image, and receives the irregular command from the sub-control means. In this case, the display means displays first inconsistency information indicating the inconsistency of the control command, and when the second determination means determines that inconsistency has occurred in the reception condition of the execution command, the display means displays A gaming machine characterized by displaying second irregularity information indicating the inconsistency of the execution command.

  When the reception condition of the control command received from the main control unit by the sub-control unit is inconsistent, the effect control unit displays the first irregular information on the display unit, and receives the execution command received from the sub-control unit. When the conditions are inconsistent, the display means can display the second inconsistent information. Therefore, the gaming machine can clearly notify which of the control command and the execution command has caused the communication error.

  In this aspect, when the effect control unit receives the irregular command from the sub-control unit, the first irregular information is displayed on the display unit, and the irregular command is not received from the sub-control unit. When the second determining means determines that the reception condition of the execution command is inconsistent, the display means may display the second irregularity information. The effect control means can perform the display of the first irregular information in preference to the display of the second irregular information. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably report when a communication error occurs in the control command.

  In this aspect, when the effect control means displays the second irregularity information on the display means, and receives the irregularity command from the sub-control means, the effect control means transmits the second irregularity information from the display means. The display may be erased and the display means may display the first irregular information. The effect control means, when a communication error occurs between the sub-control means and the second irregular information is displayed, when a communication error occurs between the main control means and the sub-control means, The display of the irregular information can be erased to display the first irregular information. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably report when a communication error occurs in the control command.

  In this aspect, the effect control means, when displaying the first irregularity information on the display means, when the second determination means determines that the reception condition of the execution command is inconsistent, The display of the first irregularity information on the display means may be continued. The effect control means is configured such that, when a communication error occurs between the main control means and the sub-control means and the first irregular information is displayed, even if a communication error occurs with the sub-control means, The display of the irregular information can be continued. Therefore, the gaming machine can reliably report when a communication error occurs in the control command.

It is a front view of pachinko machine 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a control unit 40. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the effect control board 43. It is a conceptual diagram of the big hit information storage area 100. It is a flowchart of a main process. It is a flowchart (1/3) of special symbol processing. It is a flowchart (2/3) of special symbol processing. It is a flowchart (3/3) of special symbol processing. It is a flowchart (1/2) of a sub control board process. It is a flowchart (2/2) of a sub control board processing. It is a flowchart (1/2) of an effect control board process. It is a flowchart (2/2) of an effect control board process.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine 1 which is an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to are used to explain the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration of the device described in the drawings is not intended to limit the invention, but is merely an example. In the following description, the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction (front-rear direction) of the pachinko machine 1 are based on the orientation of the game board 2 unless otherwise specified. In other words, the direction in which the pachinko machine 1 is viewed from a player playing a game with the pachinko machine 1 installed in the hall is used as a reference. In the following, for the sake of convenience, the front and back sides of the paper of FIG. Also, regarding the devices and components used in the pachinko machine 1, the vertical direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction are defined based on the orientation when the pachinko machine 1 is assembled.

  The mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main body frame 10 to which the game board 2 can be attached and detached. The game board 2 has a substantially square plate shape when viewed from the front. The game board 2 mounted on the main body frame 10 is arranged on an upper portion of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 is held between a main body frame 10 and a front frame 11 mounted on the front side of the main body frame 10. The front frame 11 holds a transparent glass plate and protects the front of the game board 2. An illumination member 35 is provided on the front frame 11 so as to surround the glass plate. The illumination member 35 is turned on or off in accordance with the progress of the game.

  An upper plate 5 and a lower plate 6 are provided in a lower portion of the pachinko machine 1. The upper plate 5 is provided at a lower portion of the game board 2 and supplies a metal game ball to the launching device 37 (see FIG. 2) and receives a prize ball. In the upper center of the upper plate 5, an effect button 9, a left button 25, and a right button 26, which are operated by a player, are provided. The effect button 9 is used as a button for instructing branching of effect contents, for example, in an information effect. The left button 25 and the right button 26 are used, for example, as buttons for adjusting the volume and light amount of the pachinko machine 1. The lower plate 6 is provided directly below the upper plate 5 and receives a prize ball overflowing or being discharged from the upper plate 5. On the right side of the lower plate 6, a firing handle 7 for adjusting the firing of the game ball is provided. The firing handle 7 receives a rotation operation by the player. When the player operates the firing handle 7, the firing device 37 fires a game ball at an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle 7. Speakers 48 are provided at both left and right corners of the upper portion of the front frame 11 and at both right and left ends of the upper plate 5.

  A substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by guide rails 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. The guide rail 3 is formed in an arc shape from the left side to the upper side of the game area 4. An arc-shaped guide rail 12 is formed on the left side of the game area 4 and inside the guide rail 3. The guide rail 12 forms a passage for guiding game balls between the guide rail 12 and the guide rail 3. The game ball fired by the firing device 37 is guided to the game area 4 through between the guide rail 3 and the guide rail 12, and flows down in the game area 4. In the approximate center of the game area 4, a center decoration 8 for executing various effects is provided. A game ball fired at a firing intensity less than a predetermined intensity passes between the guide rails 3 and 12, is guided into the game area 4 from the upper left portion of the game area 4 where the guide rail 12 is interrupted, and the left side of the center decoration 8. Flow down. Adjusting the rotation angle of the firing handle 7 so that the game ball flows down the left side of the center decoration 8 to fire the game ball is referred to as “left hit”. A game ball fired at a firing strength equal to or higher than a predetermined strength continues to travel along the guide rails 3 even after passing between the guide rails 3 and 12 and is guided into the game area 4 from the upper right portion of the game area 4. , Flow down the right side of the center decoration 8. Adjusting the rotation angle of the firing handle 7 so that the game ball flows down the right side of the center decoration 8 and firing the game ball is referred to as “right-handed”.

  A first starting port 14 is provided substantially below the center of the center decoration 8, and a second winning port 17 is provided below the first starting port 14. The second winning opening 17 includes an opening / closing member 17A, and a game ball can enter the second winning opening 17 only when the opening / closing member 17A is opened. A specific area (not shown) is provided inside the second winning opening 17. A first winning opening 16 is provided diagonally above and right of the second winning opening 17. The first winning opening 16 includes an opening / closing member 16A, and a game ball can enter the first winning opening 16 only when the opening / closing member 16A is opened. A second starting port 15 is provided diagonally above the first winning port 16, and a normal symbol operation gate 13 is provided above the second starting port 15. The second starting port 15 includes an opening / closing member 15A, and a game ball can enter the second starting port 15 only when the opening / closing member 15A is opened.

  The center decoration 8 mainly includes a display screen 28 and a movable body 31 (see FIG. 2). The movable body 31 is provided around the display screen 28. The movable body 31 performs various effects by operating the movable part. The display screen 28 is arranged substantially at the center of the center decoration 8. The display screen 28 is constituted by, for example, an LCD or the like, and displays various images such as moving images and messages. The pachinko machine 1 executes a notification effect, and notifies the player of the result of the first big hit determination or the second big hit determination. The first big hit determination is a big hit determination that is performed when a game ball is awarded to the first starting port 14. The second big hit determination is a big hit determination that is performed when a game ball is awarded to the second starting port 15. The jackpot determination is a jackpot game determination in which a player can acquire a large number of prize balls. For convenience, when the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination are not distinguished, they are generally referred to as “big hit determination”.

  On the display screen 28, an effect symbol 281, a first reserved symbol 282, a second reserved symbol 283, a first evidence symbol 284, a second evidence symbol 285, and the like are displayed over the effect background. The effect symbols 281 are a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of effect symbols used for notifying the result of the jackpot determination. The pachinko machine 1 notifies the player of the result of the big hit determination by changing the three effect symbols 281 and then performing the notification effect of stopping and displaying the effect symbol 281 in a combination indicating the result of the big hit determination. In the present embodiment, the combination of the effect symbols 281 indicating that the result of the big hit determination is a big hit is a combination of three effect symbols 281 indicating the same number, such as “777” and “222”.

  The first reserved symbol 282 and the second reserved symbol 283 are displayed below the effect symbol 281. The first reserved symbol 282 and the second reserved symbol 283 are symbols for presentation for displaying the number of game balls for which the result of the jackpot determination has not been displayed yet. The first reserved symbol 282 is an image showing up to four first reserved balls. The first number of reserved balls is the number of retained balls that have won the first starting port 14 and for which the result of the first big hit determination has not yet been displayed. The second reserved symbol 283 is an image showing up to four second reserved balls. The second number of reserved balls is the number of retained balls that have won the second starting port 15 and for which the result of the second big hit determination has not yet been displayed.

  The first evidence symbol 284 and the second evidence symbol 285 are displayed in the upper left corner of the display screen 28. The first proof design 284 and the second proof design 285 are provided independently of the effect design 281 to notify the result of the first big hit determination and the result of the second big hit determination in parallel with the effect design 281 respectively. It is a design used for. For example, even when the effect symbol 281 is not displayed on the display screen 28 due to the effect of the effect, the first evidence symbol 284 and the second evidence symbol 285 are always displayed on the display screen 28, and the result of the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination are performed. Notify the results. The first evidence symbol 284 and the second evidence symbol 285 display, for example, a symbol whose left side is lit white when the result of the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination is a hit, and a right side when the result is out. Display a symbol that lights up in white. During the change of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the first evidence symbol 284 and the second evidence symbol 285 are displayed such that the left and right symbols alternately light up in white. For convenience, when the first evidence symbol 284 and the second evidence symbol 285 are not distinguished, they are generally referred to as “evidence symbols”.

  In addition, an error display section 286 is provided in the upper right corner of the display screen 28 to indicate the content of the error when an error occurs in transmission / reception of a control command or an execution command. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, for example, when an error such as missing or inconsistency occurs in a control command transmitted from the main control board 41 to the sub-control board 60, “communication” is displayed on the error display unit 286. "Error [3]" is displayed. Further, when an error such as missing or mismatch occurs in the execution command transmitted from the sub-control board 60 to the effect control board 43, “communication error [4]” is displayed on the error display section 286. Note that the display of the communication error [3] has priority over the display of the communication error [4]. That is, even if the communication error [4] occurs while the communication error [3] is displayed, the communication error [4] is not displayed. If the communication error [3] occurs while the communication error [4] is displayed, the communication error [4] is deleted and the communication error [3] is displayed.

  Hereinafter, the control command transmitted from the main control board 41 to the sub-control board 60 is also referred to as “command” for convenience, and the execution command transmitted from the sub-control board 60 to the effect control board 43 is referred to as “command” for convenience. Also called.

  In addition to the above, the game area 4 is provided with a general winning port 20, an out port 36, various illumination members, a windmill, a game nail, and the like. The out port 36 is provided at a lower portion of the game board 2. Of the game balls flowing down the game area 4, the game balls flowing down to the lower part of the game area 4 without winning any of the starting ports and the respective winning ports pass through the out port 36, It is discharged outside.

  At the lower right of the game board 2, a symbol display section 24 is provided. The symbol display unit 24 includes a first special symbol display unit, a second special symbol display unit, a normal symbol display unit, a first special symbol storage number display LED, a second special symbol storage number display LED, and a normal symbol storage number display LED. Prepare. The first special symbol display unit and the second special symbol display unit each include one 7-segment LED, and display a first special symbol and a second special symbol indicating the results of the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination. For convenience, when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not distinguished, they are generally referred to as "special symbols". The normal symbol display unit displays the result of the normal hit determination by turning on and off the LED. The first special symbol storage number display LED and the second special symbol storage number display LED display the number of game balls for which the result of the jackpot determination has not yet been displayed (so-called special symbol reservation ball number). The ordinary symbol storage number display LED displays the number of game balls for which the result of the ordinary hit determination has not been displayed yet (so-called ordinary symbol reserved ball number). On the back side of the game board 2, a control unit 40 (see FIG. 2) for controlling main control of the game, various effects, and the like is provided.

  The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 includes a main control board 41, a sub control board 60, a lamp driver board 46, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, a relay board 47, and a power supply board 42.

  The main control board 41 controls the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The main control unit 50 of the main control board 41 is provided with a CPU 51, a RAM 52, and a ROM 53. The CPU 51 performs various arithmetic processes. The RAM 52 temporarily stores data. The ROM 53 stores a control program and the like. An interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the main control unit 50. The interrupt signal generation circuit 57 generates an interrupt signal every 4 ms, for example, and outputs it to the main control unit 50. The main control board 41 executes the program triggered by the input of the interrupt signal.

  The main control unit 50 is connected to the sub control board 60, the dispensing control board 45, the relay board 47, the output port 55, the first start switch 67, and the second start switch 68 via the I / O interface 54. The output port 55 outputs information of the pachinko machine 1 to a game center management computer (not shown). The first start switch 67 is provided in the first start port 14 and detects a game ball that has won the first start port 14. The second start switch 68 is provided at the second start port 15 and detects a game ball that has won the second start port 15.

  The sub control board 60 includes a CPU 61, a RAM 62, and a ROM 63. The CPU 61 performs comprehensive control such as effects in accordance with various control commands transmitted from the main control board 41. The RAM 62 temporarily stores data obtained by the arithmetic processing by the CPU 61. The ROM 63 stores a program for performing a sub-control board process described later, various flags used by the program, initial values of data, and the like.

  The sub-control board 60 is connected to the lamp driver board 46, the effect control board 43, the effect button 9, the left button 25, the right button 26, and the speaker 48. The lamp driver board 46 is connected to the movable body 31, the illumination member 35, and the effect button 9. In accordance with various execution commands received from the sub-control board 60, the lamp driver board 46 emits light such as an illumination member 35 of the front frame 11, various illuminations of the center decoration 8, an LED incorporated in the effect button 9, and the movable body 31. And the like are controlled. The effect control board 43 controls the display screen 28. The details of the effect control board 43 will be described later. The effect button 9, the left button 25, and the right button 26 output operation signals according to the operation of the player to the sub-control board 60. The speaker 48 outputs a sound based on the sound data transmitted from the sub-control board 60.

  The payout control board 45 includes a CPU 451 and the like. The CPU 451 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 according to various control commands transmitted from the main control board 41, and causes a predetermined number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls.

  The relay board 47 includes a normal electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 69, a first winning opening / closing solenoid 70, a second winning opening / closing solenoid 71, a normal symbol operation switch 72, a first winning opening switch 73, a second winning opening switch 74, and a specific. It is connected to the area switch 75, the general winning opening switch 76, and the symbol display section 24. The normal electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 69 opens and closes the opening / closing member 15A of the second starting port 15 during a normal hit game. The first winning opening opening / closing solenoid 70 opens and closes the opening / closing member 16A of the first winning opening 16 during the big hit game. The second winning opening / closing solenoid 71 opens and closes the opening / closing member 17A of the second winning opening 17 during the big hit game. The ordinary symbol operation switch 72 detects a game ball that has passed through the ordinary symbol operation gate 13. The first winning port switch 73 detects a game ball that has won the first winning port 16. The second winning port switch 74 detects a game ball that has won the second winning port 17. The specific area switch 75 detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area. The general winning opening switch 76 detects a game ball that has won the general winning opening 20.

  The power supply board 42 is connected to the main control board 41, the payout control board 45, and the launching device 37, and supplies a stabilized DC power to each board and the launching device 37. Power is supplied to the sub control board 60, the lamp driver board 46, the effect control board 43, and the relay board 47 via the main control board 41. The firing device 37 fires one game ball toward the game area 4 at regular intervals (for example, 0.6 seconds).

  The electrical configuration of the effect control board 43 will be described with reference to FIG. The effect control board 43 includes a display control unit 430, an image display processor (Video Display Processor, hereinafter referred to as “VDP”) 80, a VRAM 81, a CGROM 82, and the like. The display control unit 430 includes a CPU 431, a RAM 432, a ROM 433, and the like, and outputs display control data for instructing drawing of various images to the VDP 80 according to an execution command received from the sub-control board 60. Various counters, flags, data, signals, and the like are temporarily stored in the RAM 432. The execution command received from the sub-control board 60 is also temporarily stored in the RAM 432. The ROM 433 stores a program for performing an effect control board process to be described later, data for controlling a display mode of an image displayed on the display screen 28, and the like.

  The VRAM 81 temporarily stores image data to be displayed on the display screen 28. The CGROM 82 stores display data for generating an image displayed on the display screen 28. For example, the image displayed on the display screen 28 includes an effect design 281 that informs the result of the jackpot determination, an image used for the fluctuation effect of the first evidence design 284, and the second evidence design 285, and an announcement effect and a message to the player. An image for performing, an image displayed in response to the operation of the effect button 9, the left button 25, the right button 26, an image for notifying the number of the special symbol operation reserve balls, an image used for a big hit game effect or a demonstration effect, Various background images and the like.

  The VDP 80 reads necessary display data from the CGROM 82 according to the display control data input from the display control unit 430, and generates image data (RGB data) according to the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1. The VDP 80 expands the image data in the VRAM 81, temporarily stores the image data, and outputs the image data to the display screen 28 according to the display control data. On the display screen 28, the output image data is drawn.

  The big hit information storage area 100 secured in the RAM 52 will be described with reference to FIG. The big hit information storage area 100 is provided with a first big hit information storage area 110, a second big hit information storage area 120, and a determination area 130. In the determination area 130, the random number of the storage area to be determined in the first big hit information storage area 110 or the second big hit information storage area 120 is stored when the big hit is determined. The second big hit determination has priority over the first big hit determination. The configuration of the second big hit information storage area 120 is the same as that of the first big hit information storage area 110. The first big hit information storage area 110 and the second big hit information storage area 120 are used in special symbol processing (see FIG. 6).

  The first big hit information storage area 110 includes a storage area number storage area 111, a first big hit random number storage area 112, a first special symbol determination random number storage area 113, a first variation pattern determination random number storage area 114, and a pointer storage area 115. Provided. When the game ball wins in the first starting port 14, the count value of the random number acquisition counter counted at that time is acquired in relation to the first big hit determination. Each count value is stored in each storage area of the first big hit information storage area 110 corresponding to the storage area numbers assigned in ascending order at the time of acquisition. The first big hit random number storage area 112 stores a first big hit random number used for the first big hit determination. The first special symbol determination random number storage area 113 stores a first special symbol determination random number used for determining the first special symbol. The first variation pattern determination random number storage area 114 stores a first variation pattern determination random number used for determining the first variation pattern indicating the variation time of the first special symbol. Various random numbers acquired together with the first big hit random number and stored in the first big hit information storage area 110 are collectively referred to as “first random number”. The pointer storage area 115 stores a pointer indicating the storage area number for which the first random number has been obtained and has not been processed. Four pointers [1] to [4] indicating the order in which the first random numbers are obtained are provided as pointers, and indicate the storage area numbers in ascending order of their values.

  As described above, the maximum value of the number of first reserved balls is four. When the game ball has won the first starting port 14, if the first number of reserved balls is less than 4 (0 to 3), the first random number is stored in ascending order of the storage area number stored in the storage area number storage area 111. Is stored. The CPU 51 writes the first random number corresponding to the storage area number indicated by the pointer of the hold [1] in the determination area 130, updates the pointer, and performs various processes such as the first big hit determination. When the processing related to the first random number stored in the determination area 130 (specifically, the notification effect for reporting the jackpot determination result, the jackpot game executed when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot) ends, the updated hold [ The first random number corresponding to the storage area number indicated by the pointer [1] is written in the determination area 130, and the processing such as the first big hit determination is repeated. The processed first random number may be deleted as appropriate.

  The second big hit information storage area 120 includes a storage area number storage area 121, a second big hit random number storage area 122, a second special symbol determination random number storage area 123, a second variation pattern determination random number storage area 124, and a pointer storage area 125. Provided. When the game ball wins in the second starting port 15, the count value of the random number acquisition counter counted at that time is acquired for the second big hit determination. Each count value is stored in each storage area of the second big hit information storage area 120 corresponding to the storage area number assigned in ascending order at the time of acquisition. The second big hit random number storage area 122 stores a second big hit random number used for the second big hit determination. The second special symbol determination random number storage area 123 stores a second special symbol determination random number used for determining the second special symbol. The second variation pattern determination random number storage area 124 stores a second variation pattern determination random number used to determine the second variation pattern indicating the variation time of the second special symbol. Various random numbers acquired together with the second big hit random number and stored in the second big hit information storage area 120 are collectively referred to as “second random number”. For convenience, when the first variation pattern and the second variation pattern are not distinguished, they are generally referred to as “variation patterns”. The pointer storage area 125 stores a pointer indicating a storage area number for which a second random number has been acquired and for which processing has not yet been performed. Four pointers [1] to [4] indicating the order in which the second random numbers are obtained are provided as pointers, and indicate the storage area numbers in ascending order of their values.

  As described above, the maximum value of the number of second reserved balls is four. When the game ball wins the second starting port 15, if the second reserved ball number is less than 4 (0 to 3), the second random number is stored in ascending order of the storage area number stored in the storage area number storage area 121. Is done. The CPU 51 writes the second random number corresponding to the storage area number indicated by the pointer of the hold [1] in the determination area 130, updates the pointer, and performs various processes such as the second big hit determination. When the processing relating to the second random number stored in the determination area 130 (specifically, a notification effect for notifying the jackpot determination result, a jackpot game executed when the jackpot determination result is a jackpot) ends, the updated hold [ 1], the second random number corresponding to the storage area number indicated by the pointer is written into the determination area 130, and the processing such as the second big hit determination is repeated. Note that the second random number after the processing may be deleted as appropriate.

  In the following description, when the first big hit information storage area 110 and the second big hit information storage area 120 are collectively referred to, or when any one is not specified, it is referred to as a “big hit information storage area” 100. The RAM 52 is provided with a normal hit information storage area (not shown) for storing a normal hit random number acquired when a game ball is awarded to the normal symbol operation gate 13. The normal hit information storage area is configured similarly to the big hit information storage area 100.

  Next, the flow of the game in the pachinko machine 1 will be schematically described. The opening / closing member 15A of the second starting port 15 on the right side of the center decoration 8 is opened according to the result of the ordinary hit determination. The normal hit determination is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 13, and a normal symbol indicating the result of the determination is displayed on the normal symbol display section of the symbol display section 24. If it is determined in the normal hit determination that a hit has occurred, a normal hit game in which the opening / closing member 15A of the second starting port 15 is opened is executed. The pachinko machine 1 generates a time-saving state after the big hit game according to the big hit type when the big hit is determined to be the big hit. The non-time saving state is a gaming state in which the probability of being determined as a normal hit is about 1/100. The time reduction state is a gaming state in which the probability of being determined as a normal hit is about 99/100, which is higher than the non-time reduction state. Therefore, during the non-working time period, the game ball is unlikely to win the second starting port 15, so that the player proceeds with the game by left-handing and aims at winning the game ball to the first starting port 14 having no opening / closing member.

  When a game ball wins in the first starting port 14, a first random number is obtained and a first big hit determination is performed. In the first big hit determination, it is determined whether the first big hit random number is a big hit or a loss. On the first special symbol display unit of the symbol display unit 24, a first special symbol indicating the result of the first big hit determination is displayed.

  In the process, a notification effect in accordance with the first variation pattern is executed. In the notification effect, the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 on the display screen 28 are fluctuated and stopped. The change time of the first special symbol is equal to the effect time of the notification effect for notifying the player of the result of the first big hit determination. The sub-control board 60 controls the notification effect according to the first variation pattern determined by the main control board 41. Specifically, the main control board 41 starts the change of the first special symbol according to the first change pattern based on the first change pattern determination random number. In accordance with the control command received from the main control board 41, the sub-control board 60 transmits an execution command to the effect control board 43 in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol, and changes the change of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284. Start display. When the fluctuation time ends, the main control board 41 stops and displays the first special symbol based on the first special symbol determination random number. The sub-control board 60 transmits an execution command to the effect control board 43 in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol according to the control command received from the main control board 41, and stops the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284. Display. In addition, the sub-control board 60 also performs a notification effect synchronized with the first variation pattern by other displays on the display screen 28, the operation of the movable body 31, the illumination member 35, the speaker 48, and the like.

  If it is determined that the first big hit is a big hit, a big hit game is executed. In the big hit game, the opening / closing member 16A of the first winning opening 16 and the opening / closing member 17A of the second winning opening 17 are opened and closed a number of times according to a predetermined pattern and according to the number of rounds. The first winning opening 16 and the second winning opening 17 are easy to win when the game ball is hit right and flows down the game area 4 on the right side of the center decoration 8. Therefore, during the big hit game, the player plays the game by right-handing. In the pachinko machine 1, the condition that a game ball passes through a specific area in the second winning opening 17 during the big hit game is a condition that causes a certain change state after the big hit game ends. Since the probable change state is known, the description is omitted.

  The pachinko machine 1 shifts to the time-saving state after the big hit game, according to the big hit type when the first big hit determination is determined to be a big hit. As described above, during the time reduction state, it is easy to win a prize in the second starting port 15, so that the player plays the game by right-handing. When the game ball wins the second starting port 15, a second random number is obtained, and a second big hit determination is performed. In the second big hit determination, it is determined whether the second big hit random number is a big hit or a loss. On the second special symbol display section of the symbol display section 24, a second special symbol indicating the result of the second big hit determination is displayed.

  In the process, a notification effect in accordance with the second variation pattern is executed. In the notification effect, a change display and a stop display of the effect symbol 281 and the second evidence symbol 285 on the display screen 28 are performed. The change time of the second special symbol is equal to the effect time of the notification effect for notifying the player of the result of the second big hit determination. The sub-control board 60 controls the notification effect according to the second variation pattern determined by the main control board 41. Specifically, the main control board 41 starts changing the second special symbol according to the second changing pattern based on the second changing pattern determining random number. The sub-control board 60 transmits an execution command to the effect control board 43 in synchronization with the start of the change of the second special symbol in accordance with the control command received from the main control board 41, and changes the effect symbol 281 and the second evidence symbol 285. Start display. When the fluctuation time ends, the main control board 41 stops and displays the second special symbol based on the second special symbol determination random number. The sub-control board 60 transmits an execution command to the effect control board 43 in synchronization with the stop display of the second special symbol according to the control command received from the main control board 41, and stops the effect symbol 281 and the second evidence symbol 285. Display. In addition, the sub-control board 60 also performs a notification effect synchronized with the second variation pattern by other display of the display screen 28, the operation of the movable body 31, the illumination member 35, the speaker 48, and the like.

  If it is determined in the second big hit determination that there is a big hit during the time saving state, a big hit game similar to the above is executed. After the big hit game, the state shifts to the time saving state again. On the other hand, if it is determined in the second big hit determination that there is a deviation during the time reduction state, the time reduction state is continued. If the number of determinations reaches the predetermined number without being determined to be a big hit, the game state shifts to the non-time saving state, and the player returns to left-handed.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 51 of the main control board 41 transmits the result of the big hit determination and the fluctuation pattern to the sub-control board 60 as a control command, thereby notifying the CPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 of the notification. The control of the production is started. The CPU 61 determines the effect symbol and the evidence symbol corresponding to the special symbol specified as the result of the jackpot determination, and the variation pattern of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation symbol of the special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “effect pattern” for convenience). Is transmitted to the effect control board 43 as an execution command. The fluctuation pattern specifies the fluctuation time of the special symbol. On the other hand, the effect pattern specifies the variation mode of the effect symbol 281 such that the effect symbol 281 changes at the effect time substantially equal to the variation time. Therefore, one or a plurality of effect patterns correspond to one variation pattern. The CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 variably displays the designated effect symbol and the evidence symbol on the display screen 28 in the specified effect pattern.

  By the way, the control command transmitted from the main control board 41 to the sub-control board 60 and the execution command transmitted from the sub-control board 60 to the effect control board 43 include noise superposition, poor port contact, and unstable power supply. In some cases, a communication error that causes a dropout or an error may occur due to the configuration. For example, when a communication error occurs in a control command transmitted from the main control board 41 to the sub-control board 60, the CPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 issues an instruction based on the execution command to the effect control board 43 and displays “communication” on the display screen 28. Error [3] "is displayed. Hereinafter, an execution command for notifying the effect control board 43 of a communication error is referred to as an “error command” for convenience. When a communication error occurs in the execution command transmitted from the sub-control board 60 to the effect control board 43, the CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 performs a process of displaying “communication error [4]” on the display screen 28. Further, a communication error may occur in both the control command transmitted from the main control board 41 to the sub-control board 60 and the execution command transmitted from the sub-control board 60 to the effect control board 43. In this case, the CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 gives priority to displaying a communication error for a control command transmitted from the main control board 41 to the sub-control board 60, and displays “communication error [3]” on the display screen 28. I do.

  The operation of the pachinko machine 1 by the main control board 41 will be described with reference to FIGS. The main control of the pachinko machine 1 is performed by a control program stored in the ROM 53. The main processing of the control program (see FIG. 5) is executed by the CPU 51 when the interrupt signal generation circuit 57 (see FIG. 2) detects an interrupt signal generated every 4 ms. Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is abbreviated as “S”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the main processing is started, first, a command output processing is executed (S1). In the command output process, a control command is output to the sub-control board 60, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, and the like. The control command output here is the control command stored in the command storage area in the main processing executed last time.

  Next, a switch reading process is executed (S2). In the switch reading process, detection results of the first start switch 67, the second start switch 68, the normal symbol operation switch 72, the first winning opening switch 73, the second winning opening switch 74, the specific area switch 75, and the general winning opening switch 76. Then, processing for detecting a game ball is performed.

  Next, a counter update process is performed (S3). In the counter updating process, the count value of each random number acquisition counter stored in the RAM 52 is added by a predetermined amount. The count value of the counter that counts the fluctuation time between the special symbol and the ordinary symbol is decremented by one.

  Next, a special electric accessory processing is executed (S5). In the special electric accessory processing, a process for controlling the operation of the big hit game (mainly, the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 16A of the first winning opening 16 and the opening and closing member 17A of the second winning opening 17), and after the big hit game is over. And processing relating to the game state to be generated. When the big hit game is started, a big hit game start command indicating that the big hit game is started is generated and stored in the command storage area. The big hit game start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 in a command output process of a main process to be executed next time. Once opened and closed, the opening and closing members 16A and 17A of the first winning opening 16 and the second winning opening 17 are closed when the maximum opening time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls win.

  Next, a special symbol process is executed (S6). As will be described later in detail, in the special symbol processing, processes such as a big hit determination, a change pattern determination, a special symbol determination, and a transition of a game state are performed (see FIGS. 5 to 7).

  Next, the ordinary electric accessory processing is executed (S7). In the normal electric accessory processing, a process for controlling the operation of the normal hit game (mainly, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 15A of the second starting port 15) when the normal hit is achieved. The CPU 51 opens the opening / closing member 15A of the second starting port 15 with a higher probability and longer than in the non-time saving state if the time saving state has occurred.

  Next, a normal symbol process is executed (S8). In the normal symbol processing, a random number per normal is acquired when the normal symbol operation switch 72 detects a game ball. Based on the obtained random numbers, processes such as determination of a normal hit and storage of a control command for controlling a variation of a normal symbol are performed. In the normal hit determination, it is determined whether or not a normal hit has occurred with a probability depending on whether or not the vehicle is in a time saving state.

  Next, a payout process (S10), an error check (S11), and an information output process (S12) are performed. In the payout process, the payout of the prize balls is controlled. In the error check, when an error occurs, the error is notified using the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like. In the information output process, various types of information are output to a game hall management computer (not shown). When the information output process ends, the CPU 51 ends the main process.

  The details of the special symbol processing will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the flags used in the special symbol processing will be described. The RAM 52 stores display state flags and the like as flags used in the special symbol processing. The display state flag is 1 when one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is fluctuating (during fluctuating display), 2 when one of them is stopped and displayed (during stop displaying), In any case, 0 is stored when neither the fluctuation display nor the stop display is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the special symbol processing is started, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the first starting port 14 (S21). When the first start switch 67 detects a winning of a game ball, a flag corresponding to the first start switch 67 is turned on in a switch reading process (S2) of the main process. If this flag is not ON, it is determined that the game ball has not won (S21: NO), and the process proceeds to S31. If a game ball has won the first starting port 14 (S21: YES), the flag is turned off and it is determined whether or not the first reserved ball number is 4 (S22). If the first reserved ball number stored in the reserved ball number storage area provided in the RAM 52 is 4 (S22: YES), the process proceeds to S31 because the number of retained balls that can be stored has reached the upper limit. .

  If the first reserved ball number is not 4 (S22: NO), 1 is added to the first reserved ball number (S23). The first reserved ball number notification command for reporting the first reserved ball number after the addition is stored in the RAM 52 (S25). The first reserved ball number notification instruction is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 in a command output process of a main process to be executed next time. A first random number is obtained (S26) and stored in the first big hit information storage area 110 (S27).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the second starting port 15 (S31). When the second start switch 68 detects a winning of a game ball, a flag corresponding to the second start switch 68 is turned on in a switch reading process (S2) of the main process. If this flag is not ON, it is determined that the game ball has not won (S31: NO), and the process proceeds to S41. If a game ball has won the second starting port 15 (S31: YES), the flag is turned off and it is determined whether or not the number of second reserved balls is 4 (S32). If the second reserved ball count stored in the reserved ball count storage area of the RAM 52 is 4 (S32: YES), the process proceeds to S41 because the number of reserve balls that can be stored has reached the upper limit.

  If the second reserved ball count is not 4 (S32: NO), 1 is added to the second reserved ball count (S33). A second reserved ball number notification command for reporting the second reserved ball number after the addition is stored in the RAM 52 (S35). The second reserved ball number notification command is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 in a command output process of a main process to be executed next time. A second random number is obtained (S36) and stored in the second big hit information storage area 120 (S37).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a big hit game state is established (S41). Based on the state of the big hit game state flag that is turned on during the big hit game state, if the big hit game state is on (S41: YES), the process returns to the main processing. If it is not in the big hit game state (S41: NO), it is determined whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (S42). If the display state flag is not 1, it is determined that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not being changed and displayed (S42: NO), and it is determined whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is in the stop state. It is determined (S51). If the display state flag is not 2, it is determined that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not being stopped and displayed (S51: NO), and the process shifts to S61 to perform a process such as a big hit determination.

  In the present embodiment, in the big hit determination, the second big hit determination is performed prior to the first big hit determination. As shown in FIG. 8, first, it is determined whether or not the number of second reserved balls is one or more (S61). When the number of second reserved balls is one or more (S61: YES), a second big hit determination is performed, but details will be described later. If the second reserved ball count is 0 (S61: NO), it is determined whether the first reserved ball count is 1 or more (S81). If the first reserved ball count is 0 (S81: NO), the process returns to the main process.

  If the first reserved ball number is 1 or more (S81: YES), the first reserved ball number is decremented by 1 (S82). In the first big hit information storage area 110, the first random number corresponding to the storage area number pointed to by the pointer of the hold [1] is written in the determination area 130 (S83), and the pointer is updated (S85). Next, a first big hit determination is made according to whether or not the vehicle is in the probable change state (S86). In S86, the probable change judgment table or the non-probable change judgment table is selected according to whether or not the probable change state has occurred at the present time.

  Although not shown, the ROM 53 is provided with a probability change determination table and a non-probability change determination table as tables for performing the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination. The non-probable change determination table is a table used for the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination in the non-probable change state. In the non-probable change determination table, the random numbers of the first big hit random number and the second big hit random number respectively corresponding to “big hit” and “miss” are defined. The probable change determination table is a table used for the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination during the probable change state. The random value of the first big hit random number and the second big hit random number respectively corresponding to “big hit” and “miss” is defined in the probability changing time judgment table. The random number value corresponding to the big hit is defined more in the probable change determination table than in the non-probable change determination table. For example, the ratio of random numbers determined to be a big hit in the non-probable change determination table is about 1/99, and the ratio of random numbers determined to be a big hit in the probable change determination table is about 1/25.

  In S86, the probable change state determination table is selected if the probable change state has occurred, and the non-probability change determination table is selected if the probable change state has not occurred. With reference to the selected probability-change determination table or non-probability-change determination table, it is determined whether the first big hit random number written in the determination area 130 in S83 corresponds to “big hit” or “missing”. Thereby, the first big hit determination based on the undetermined first big hit random number is performed in the order in which the first random numbers are stored.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the first big hit determination is a big hit (S91). If the result of the first big hit determination is a big hit (S91: YES), a first special symbol indicating a big hit is determined (S92). Specifically, the first special jackpot information storage area 110 is referred to, and the first special symbol corresponding to the value of the first special symbol determination random number acquired at the same time as the first jackpot random number written in the determination area 130 in S83. Is determined. In addition, a jackpot type according to the determined first special symbol is determined (S93). Thereafter, the processing shifts to S101. When the result of the first big hit determination is a loss (S91: NO), a predetermined first special symbol indicating the loss is determined (S95), and the process proceeds to S101.

  Further, in the second big hit determination performed when the second reserved ball number is 1 or more (S61: YES), the second reserved ball number is decremented by 1 (S62). In the second big hit information storage area 120, the second random number corresponding to the storage area number indicated by the pointer of the hold [1] is written in the determination area 130 (S63), and the pointer is updated (S65). Next, a second big hit determination is made according to whether or not the state is the probable change state (S66). In S66, the probable change determination table or the non-probable change determination table is selected depending on whether or not the probable change state has occurred at the present time. With reference to the selected probability change determination table or non-probability change determination table, it is determined whether the second big hit random number written in the determination area 130 in S63 corresponds to “big hit” or “missing”. Thereby, the second big hit determination based on the undetermined second big hit random number is performed in the order in which the second random numbers are stored.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the second big hit determination is a big hit (S71). When the result of the second big hit determination is a big hit (S71: YES), a second special symbol indicating a big hit is determined (S72). Specifically, with reference to the second big hit information storage area 120, the second special symbol corresponding to the value of the second special symbol determination random number acquired simultaneously with the second big hit random number written in the determination area 130 in S63. Is determined. The big hit type according to the determined second special symbol is determined (S73). Thereafter, the processing shifts to S101. If the result of the second big hit determination is a loss (S71: NO), a predetermined second special symbol indicating the loss is determined (S75), and the process proceeds to S101.

  Next, a variation pattern determination process is performed (S101). The variation pattern determination process is a process of determining a first variation pattern and a second variation pattern. In the fluctuation pattern determination process, in the fluctuation pattern determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM 53, the big hit determination is the first big hit determination or the second big hit determination, or the gaming state at the time of the big hit determination (non-probable non-time saving state). (Normal state), probable time-saving state, probable non-time-saving state, non-probable time-saving state, etc.) and the table according to the jackpot determination result (big hit or missed) are referenced, and the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changed. A pattern (first variation pattern or second variation pattern) is determined.

  When the variation pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined, the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol determined according to the variation pattern is set in the variation time counter (S102). Further, a variation pattern designation command for designating the determined variation pattern is stored in the command storage area (S103). Further, a special symbol designation command for designating the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stored in the command storage area (S105). The fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command are transmitted to the relay board 47 and the sub-control board 60 in the order set in the command storage area (control command generation order) in the command output processing of the next main processing. You. The symbol display unit 24, which has received the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command via the relay board 47, displays the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol on the first special symbol display unit or the second special symbol display unit. To start. When the CPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 receives the fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command, the CPU 61 determines the effect symbol 281, the effect pattern of the effect symbol 281, the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285, and designates them. Is transmitted to the effect control board 43. The CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 starts the variation display of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 according to the effect pattern. 1 indicating that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner is stored in the display state flag (S106), and the process returns to the main process.

  Also, in the determination of S42 shown in FIG. 7, when 1 is stored in the display state flag, it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (S42: YES), and the variable time is displayed. Is determined (S43). If the count value of the variable time counter set in S102 is not 0, it is determined that the variable time has not yet elapsed (S43: NO), and the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, when the count value of the fluctuation time counter becomes 0, it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S43: YES), and a symbol stop command is stored in the command storage area (S45). The symbol stop command is transmitted to the relay board 47 and the sub-control board 60 by a command output process. The symbol display unit 24 that has received the symbol stop command via the relay board 47 stops and displays the first special symbol or the second special symbol on the first special symbol display unit or the second special symbol display unit. When receiving the symbol stop command, the CPU 61 of the sub control board 60 transmits a symbol stop command to the effect control board 43. The CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 stops and displays the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 on the display screen 28. Next, a predetermined stop display time (0.8 seconds in the present embodiment) is stored in the stop time counter (S46). 2 indicating that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being stopped and displayed is stored in the display state flag (S47), and the process returns to the main process.

  If 2 is stored in the display state flag in the determination of S51, it is determined that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are being stopped and displayed (S51: YES), and the stop time counter set in S46. It is determined whether or not the stop display time has elapsed based on the count value (S52). If the count value of the stop time counter is not 0, it is determined that the stop display time has not yet elapsed (S52: NO), and the process returns to the main process. When the stop display time has elapsed (S52: YES), 0 indicating that the first special symbol is not in the variable display or the stop display, and that the second special symbol is not in the variable display or the stop display is set to the display state flag. (S53). Next, a game state transition process is performed (S55), and the process returns to the main process.

  Although details are omitted, in the game state transition process, the flag control for shifting the game to the big hit game when it is determined to be a big hit, and the time saving state and the probable change state when the predetermined end condition is satisfied are set. The control of the flag for ending is performed. When the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the big hit gaming state flag is turned ON, and the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state. In this case, a big hit game start command indicating that a big hit game is started is stored in the command storage area, and transmitted to the sub-control board 60 by a command output process. After the big hit game, a new probable change state and a time saving state according to the presence or absence of the specific area and the big hit type are generated. The probable change state and the time saving state end when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, and shift to a non-probability changing non-time saving state (normal state).

  Next, a sub-control board process performed by the sub-control board 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the sub-control board process, a process of controlling a notification effect by various illumination lamps, the speaker 48, and the like is performed according to a control command transmitted from the main control board 41. In addition, by transmitting an execution command to the effect control board 43, the CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 controls the notification effect by the display on the display screen 28. The sub-control board processing is executed by the CPU 61 according to a program stored in the ROM 63.

  When the sub-control board processing is started, the CPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 waits for reception of various control commands from the main control board 41 (S201: NO). When the variation pattern designation command is received (S201: YES, S210: YES), the variation pattern (first variation pattern or second variation pattern) designated by the received variation pattern designation command is stored in the RAM 62 (S211). . The fluctuation pattern designation command is set to received, the special symbol designation command is set to a non-received state (S212), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  When the special symbol designation command is received (S201: YES, S210: NO, S220: YES), the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) designated by the received special symbol designation command is stored in the RAM 62. (S251). The special symbol designation command is set to be received (S252). The fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command are transmitted from the main control board 41 in the order of generation of the control commands. Thus, when the special pattern designation command is received, if the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S253: NO), it is determined that the variation pattern designation command is missing. "Communication error [3]" is transmitted to effect control board 43 (S256), and "communication error [3]" is displayed on error display section 286 of display screen 28. The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands. In this case, the fluctuation of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 is not started.

  On the other hand, when the variation pattern designation command has been received when the special symbol designation command is received (S253: YES), it is determined whether the variation pattern matches the special symbol (S255). The matching determination between the fluctuation pattern and the special symbol is performed based on the result of the jackpot determination and the type of the special symbol. Accordingly, the first variation pattern determined when the big hit is determined in the big hit determination matches the first special symbol determined when the big hit is determined in the big hit determination. The second fluctuation pattern determined when the big hit is determined in the big hit determination matches the second special symbol determined when the big hit is determined in the big hit determination. The first variation pattern determined when a hit is determined in the jackpot determination matches the first special symbol determined when the hit is determined in the jackpot determination. The second variation pattern determined when a hit is determined in the jackpot determination matches the second special symbol determined when the hit is determined in the jackpot determination. In the case of a combination other than the above, it is determined that the fluctuation pattern and the special symbol do not match.

  When the variation pattern matches the special symbol (S255: YES), the effect pattern of the effect symbol 281 corresponding to the variation pattern stored in the RAM 62 is determined, and the effect pattern designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S261). ). Further, the effect symbol 281 corresponding to the special symbol stored in the RAM 62 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 are determined. The effect symbol designating instruction designating the determined effect symbol 281 and the determined evidence symbol designating instruction designating the determined first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 are transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S262, S263).

  A change start command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S281). Thus, on the display screen 28, the variation of the effect symbol 281 according to the effect pattern is started. Further, the fluctuation of the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 is also started. The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  When the fluctuation pattern and the special symbol do not match (S255: NO), an effect pattern provided in advance for mismatch is determined, and an effect pattern designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S271). The variation time of the effect pattern for mismatching corresponds to the variation time of the variation pattern. Further, an effect symbol 281 indicating a loss as an effect symbol for inconsistency and a first evidence symbol 284 or a second evidence symbol 285 indicating an error as an evidence symbol for inconsistency are determined. An effect symbol designating instruction for designating the determined effect symbol 281 and an evidence symbol designating instruction for designating the determined first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 are transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S272, S273). Further, an error command for notifying “communication error [3]” is transmitted to effect control board 43 (S275).

  A change start command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S281). As a result, on the display screen 28, the variation of the effect symbol 281 according to the effect pattern for mismatching is started. Further, the fluctuation of the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 is also started. “Communication error [3]” is displayed on the error display section 286. The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  When a symbol stop command has been received (S201: YES, S210: NO, S220: NO, S230: YES), it is determined whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received (S231). If the variation pattern designation command has been received (S231: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol designation command has been received (S232). When the special symbol designation command has been received (S232: YES), the fluctuation of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 has been started. Therefore, a symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S236). The fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command are set to a state of not receiving (S237), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  When the symbol stop command is received, the variation pattern designation command has been received (S231: YES), and if the special symbol designation command has not been received (S232: NO), the effect control board 43 displays "Communication error [3]. Is transmitted (S235). In this case, the change of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 has not been started, but a symbol stop command is transmitted to notify the effect control board 43 (S236). The fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command are set to a state of not receiving (S237), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  Also, when the symbol stop command is received, the variation pattern designation command is not received (S231: NO), and when the special symbol designation command is also not received (S233: YES), the same processing is performed. Although the variation of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 has not been started, an error command for notifying “communication error [3]” is transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S235). A symbol stop command is transmitted to the control board 43 (S236). The fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command are set to a state of not receiving (S237), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  On the other hand, when the symbol stop command is received, the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S231: NO), and when the special symbol designation command has been received (S232: YES), the effect control board 43 is processed in S253. Has already been sent to notify "communication error [3]". In this case, the fluctuation of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 has not been started, but a symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control board 43 (S236). The fluctuation pattern designation command and the special symbol designation command are set to a state of not receiving (S237), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  When other control commands are received except for the fluctuation pattern designation command, the special symbol designation command, and the symbol stop command (S201: YES, S210: NO, S220: NO, S230: NO), processing according to the received control command Is executed (S240). For example, when the first reserved ball number notification command is received, a process of setting the notified first reserved ball number is performed. An execution command for notifying the number of first reserved balls is transmitted to the effect control board 43, and an effect of adding a reserved ball to the first reserved symbol 282 on the display screen 28 is performed. When processing according to other control commands is executed, the processing returns to a state of waiting for reception of various control commands.

  Next, the effect control board processing performed by the effect control board 43 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the effect control board process, a process of controlling a display mode of an image displayed on the display screen 28 is performed according to an execution command transmitted from the sub-control board 60. The effect control board processing is executed by the CPU 431 in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 433.

  When the effect control board processing is started, the CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 waits for reception of various execution commands (including error commands) from the sub-control board 60 (S301: NO). When an error command for notifying “communication error [3]” has been received (S301: YES, S310: YES), if “communication error [4]” is displayed on the error display section 286, it is deleted (S311). , "Communication error [3]" is displayed (S312). The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  When the effect pattern designation command is received (S301: YES, S310: NO, S320: YES), the effect pattern designated by the received effect pattern designation command is stored in the RAM 432 (S321). If "communication error [3]" or "communication error [4]" is displayed on the error display section 286, it is deleted (S322). The effect pattern designation command is set to received (S323), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  When the effect designating instruction is received (S301: YES, S310: NO, S320: NO, S330: YES), the effecting design 281 specified by the received effect designating instruction is stored in the RAM 342 (S331). The effect symbol designation command is set to received (S332). The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  When the evidence designating instruction is received (S301: YES, S310: NO, S320: NO, S330: NO, S340: YES), the first evidence design 284 or the second evidence design specified by the received evidence design designation instruction. 285 is stored in the RAM 342 (S341). The evidence designating instruction is set to received (S342). The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  If a change start command has been received (S301: YES, S310: NO, S320: NO, S330: NO, S340: NO, S350: YES), the change start command is set to received (S400). When all of the effect pattern designation command, the effect symbol designation command, and the evidence symbol designation command have been received (S401: YES, S402: YES, S403: YES), it is determined whether or not the effect pattern and the effect symbol 281 match. Is performed (S405). The determination of the match between the effect pattern and the effect symbol is made based on the result of the jackpot determination. Therefore, the effect pattern corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined when the big hit is determined in the big hit determination matches the effect design 281 corresponding to the special symbol determined when the big hit is determined to be the big hit. The effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern determined when the hit is determined to be out of match with the effect symbol 281 corresponding to the special symbol determined when the hit is determined to be out of the match. In the case of a combination other than the above, it is determined that the effect pattern and the effect symbol 281 do not match.

  When the effect pattern and the effect symbol 281 match (S405: YES), a symbol variation process is performed. On the display screen 28, the variation of the effect symbol 281 according to the effect pattern is started (S406). Further, the fluctuation of the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 is also started. The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  When any of the effect pattern designation command, the effect symbol designation command, and the evidence symbol designation command has not been received when the fluctuation start command is received (S401: NO, or S401: YES, S402: NO, or S401: YES, (S402: YES, S403: NO), the process proceeds to S411. In addition, when the effect pattern and the effect symbol 281 are inconsistent (S401: YES, S402: YES, S403: YES, S405: NO), the process proceeds to S411. In these cases, the fluctuation of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 is not started. If “communication error [3]” has already been displayed on the error display unit 286 in the process of S312 (S411: YES), the display of “communication error [3]” is continued. The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands. If "communication error [3]" is not displayed (S411: NO), "communication error [4]" is displayed on error display section 286 (S412). The process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  If a symbol stop command is received while waiting for command reception (S301: YES, S310: NO, S320: NO, S330: NO, S340: NO, S350: NO, S360: YES), the process proceeds to S451. . All of the effect pattern designation command, the effect symbol designation command, and the evidence symbol designation command have been received (S451: YES, S452: YES, S453: YES), and the effect pattern and the effect symbol 281 match (S455: YES). If the change start command has been received (S456: YES), a symbol stop process is performed. The changing effect symbol 281 and the changing first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 are stopped and displayed (S471). The effect pattern designation command, the effect symbol designation command, the evidence symbol designation command, and the change start command are all set in a non-received state (S472), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  When any of the effect pattern designation command, the effect symbol designation command, the evidence symbol designation command, and the change start command have not been received when the symbol stop command is received (S451: NO, or S451: YES, S452: NO, or (S451: YES, S452: YES, S453: NO, or S451: YES, S452: YES, S453: YES, S455: NO), the process proceeds to S461. If the effect pattern and the effect symbol 281 are not matched (S451: YES, S452: YES, S453: YES, S455: YES, S456: NO), the process proceeds to S461. In these cases, the fluctuation of the effect symbol 281 and the first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 has not been started. If “communication error [3]” has already been displayed on the error display unit 286 in the process of S312 (S461: YES), the display of “communication error [3]” is continued, and the process proceeds to S471. If "communication error [3]" is not displayed (S461: NO), "communication error [4]" is displayed on error display section 286 (S462), and the process proceeds to S471.

  Similarly to the above, the symbol stop processing is performed, and the changing effect symbol 281 and the changing first evidence symbol 284 or the second evidence symbol 285 are stopped and displayed (S471). The effect pattern designation command, the effect symbol designation command, the evidence symbol designation command, and the change start command are all set in a non-received state (S472), and the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  When an execution command other than an error command for notifying “communication error [3]”, an effect pattern designation instruction, an effect symbol designation instruction, an evidence symbol designation instruction, a fluctuation start instruction, and a symbol stop instruction is received (S301: YES) , S310: NO, S320: NO, S330: NO, S340: NO, S350: NO, S360: NO), and processing corresponding to the received execution command is executed (S370). For example, when an execution command for notifying the number of second reserved balls is received, an effect of adding a reserved ball to the second reserved symbol 283 on the display screen 28 is performed. When a process corresponding to another execution command is executed, the process returns to a state of waiting for reception of various execution commands.

  As described above, when the control command received from the CPU 51 of the main control board 41 by the CPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 is missing or inconsistent, the CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 displays “Communication Error” on the display screen 28. While [3] is displayed, if the execution command received from the CPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 is missing or inconsistent, the communication error [4] is displayed on the display screen 28. Can be. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can clearly report which of the control command and the execution command has caused the communication error.

  The CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 can give priority to the display of “communication error [3]” over the display of “communication error [4]”. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can reliably report when a communication error occurs in the control command.

  When a communication error has occurred between the CPU 61 of the effect control board 43 and the CPU 61 of the sub control board 60 and “Communication Error [4]” is displayed, the CPU 431 of the main control board 41 and the sub control board 60 If a communication error occurs with the CPU 61, the display of "communication error [4]" can be deleted and the display of "communication error [3]" can be displayed. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can reliably report when a communication error occurs in the control command.

  When a communication error occurs between the CPU 51 of the main control board 41 and the CPU 61 of the sub control board 60 and “Communication Error [3]” is displayed, the CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 Even if a communication error occurs with the CPU 61, the display of "communication error [3]" can be continued. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can reliably report when a communication error occurs in the control command.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. The communication error [3] and the communication error [4] are merely examples of display contents when displaying a communication error on the error display unit 286, and specific error contents (for example, “command missing”) are displayed on the error display unit 286. Etc.) may be displayed. When the communication error [3] and the communication error [4] occur at the same time, the communication error [3] is displayed on the error display section 286 prior to the communication error [4]. Both [3] and the communication error [4] may be displayed on the error display unit 286. The displayed communication error is deleted when the effect control board 43 receives the effect pattern designation command from the sub-control board 60. For example, the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned off or the pachinko machine 1 The display may be continued until a predetermined operation (such as an error display reset operation) is performed.

  A communication error may be displayed on the error display section 286 when the number of occurrences of the communication error is counted and a predetermined number of times (for example, 20) occurs. The communication error is not limited to the display on the error display unit 286. For example, an LED for error display may be provided in the center decoration 8, and may be displayed according to the lighting mode of the LED, or may be notified by a voice uttered from the speaker 48. Alternatively, it may be notified by the operation mode of the movable body 31.

  The notification effect of the present embodiment is performed by a so-called non-variable block method in which one notification effect is constituted by an effect having continuity from one change start to one change stop of the effect symbol 281. And The present invention is not limited to this, and one notification effect is performed by a so-called variable block method, which is configured as a series of effects by linking one or a plurality of variable blocks having a unit from the start to the temporary stop of the effect symbol 281 as a constituent unit. May be. In the case of the variable block method, the CPU 61 of the sub-control board 60 controls each variable block, so the CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 determines whether or not the communication error [4] is displayed for each variable block. Judge it. Then, if no error occurs in the next variable block in which the communication error [4] is displayed, the communication error [4] may be deleted. That is, whether or not the communication error [4] is displayed may be determined for each variable block.

  Although the first evidence symbol 284 and the second evidence symbol 285 are displayed on the display screen 28, an LED may be provided in the center decoration 8 and displayed according to the LED lighting mode. In this case, in the effect control board processing, the presence or absence of the deficient symbol designating instruction may not be a determination target in the display of the communication error [4].

  In the payout control board 45, if various control commands received from the main control board 41 are not normal, an error command for displaying a communication error may be transmitted to the effect control board 43.

  Unless explicitly stated to explicitly limit the number, all elements (for example, a display device, an ordinary motorized accessory, a symbol operating port, and the like) described in the claims, the description, and the drawings are physically limited. It may be single or plural, and the arrangement may be appropriately changed. Further, the names (element names) given to the respective elements are merely given for convenience of description of the present case, and it is not particularly conscious that special meanings are thereby caused. Therefore, what the element is is not limited to the element name alone. For example, the “display device” may be a single hardware device or a device including software. Furthermore, whether or not to configure a plurality of elements of all of the above elements as appropriate, or to divide one element into a plurality of elements, unless otherwise specified in the claims and the like, Since both are matters that can be easily considered by those skilled in the art, it is clear that all patterns are within the assumed range even if all the patterns are not described in the specification and the like. Of course, it is included in the scope of the right. Therefore, merely adopting a gaming machine having a structural difference within the range to the extent that the gaming machine is not described in the present embodiment does not mean that the right according to the present invention has been avoided. . In addition, the same applies to differences in obvious configurations that can be easily considered by those skilled in the art from the present embodiment in the configuration and shape of each element.

  In the present invention, the display screen 28 corresponds to a “display unit”. The CPU 51 of the main control board 41 corresponds to "main control means". The CPU 61 of the sub control board 60 corresponds to “sub control means”. The CPU 431 of the effect control board 43 corresponds to “effect control means”. The pachinko machine 1 corresponds to a “game machine”. The CPU 61 that performs the processing of S231 to S233, S253, and S255 corresponds to a “first determination unit”. The error command corresponds to an “irregular command”. The CPU 61 that performs the processing of S235 and S256 corresponds to a “generation unit”. The CPU 431 that performs the processing of S401 to S405 and S451 to S456 corresponds to a “second determination unit”. The communication error [3] corresponds to “first irregular information”. Communication error [4] corresponds to “second irregularity information”.

1 pachinko machine 28 display screen 41 main control board 43 effect control boards 51, 61, 431 CPU
60 Sub-control board

Claims (4)

Display means for displaying an image including a design,
Main control means for executing a hit / fail judgment to determine whether or not a hit has occurred when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and outputting a control command including a result of the hit / fail judgment;
A sub-control unit that receives the control command from the main control unit, and outputs a plurality of execution commands for controlling a notification effect that notifies a result of the determination as to whether or not the control command is received,
Effect control means for receiving the plurality of execution commands from the sub-control means and performing display control of the image based on the plurality of execution commands in the order of reception, thereby causing the display means to execute the notification effect. A gaming machine,
The sub-control means,
In controlling the notification effect, a first determination unit that determines whether or not a mismatch has occurred in the reception condition of the control command,
Generating means for generating an irregular command indicating the inconsistency of the control command as the execution command when the first determining means determines that inconsistency has occurred in the reception condition of the control command,
The effect control means,
In performing the display control of the image, a second determination unit that determines whether or not a mismatch has occurred in the reception condition of the execution command,
When the irregular command is received from the sub-control unit, the first irregular information indicating the irregularity of the control command is displayed on the display unit,
A gaming machine characterized in that when the second determining means determines that an inconsistency has occurred in the reception condition of the execution command, the display means displays second inconsistency information indicating the inconsistency of the execution command. The effect control means,
When the irregular command is received from the sub-control means, the first irregular information is displayed on the display means,
Displaying the second irregularity information on the display unit when the irregularity command is not received from the sub-control unit and the second determining unit determines that the reception condition of the execution command is inconsistent. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein:   The effect control means, when displaying the second irregular information on the display means, when receiving the irregular command from the sub-control means, deletes the display of the second irregular information from the display means. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the first irregular information is displayed on the display means.   The effect control means, when displaying the first irregularity information on the display means, when the second determination means determines that there is a mismatch in the reception condition of the execution command, the display means in the display means 4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the display of the first irregularity information is continued.

Images