JP2020049076A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of progressing a game smoothly.SOLUTION: When a top case 2200 is slidably moved to an open position relative to a bottom case 2100 in a board case CU1, one portion of a component surface side of a connector CN1 and one portion of a component surface side of a connector CN2 are exposed from among all the connectors mounted on a main control board 51. In the connector CN1, half the terminals PN1 to PN6 from all the terminals are exposed and the remaining terminals are hidden by the bottom case 2100 and are not exposed. In the connector CN2, half the terminals PN21 to PN26 from among all the terminals are exposed and the remaining terminals are hidden by the bottom case 2100 and are not exposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

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

  A pachinko gaming machine, which is a typical example of a gaming machine, is configured such that a back mechanism board on which various control boards are mounted is attached to a frame member that holds a gaming board provided with a predetermined gaming area in an upright posture. In the process of launching a game ball into the game area with a firing intensity according to the operation amount of the firing handle that receives a player's firing operation, and causing the game ball to flow down in the game area, various types of starting port and general winning opening, etc. It is configured to play a game in which a game ball enters a winning opening.

  When a game ball enters one of the various winning ports, the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning port is paid out, and when the winning port is a starting port, the game ball is inserted into the starting port. When the ball is triggered, the winning / rejecting lottery is executed, and when the result of the rejecting / rejecting lottery is out of order, the decorative symbol composed of a plurality of columns is displayed in a variable manner and then the decorative symbol is stopped in a predetermined non-winning mode. On the other hand, if the result of the hit determination is a big hit, the decorative symbol consisting of a plurality of columns is displayed in a variable manner, and then the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner, and the decorative symbol is normally closed. A special game (big hit game) in which the winning opening is opened is established. In addition, the game balls (gamed balls) that have reached the rear side of the game board through the winning opening or the out opening flow down the game ball discharge passage formed below the frame member and are discharged to the outside of the game machine. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

  A slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, includes a reel unit for rotating a reel, a main controller (main control board) for controlling the operation of the reel unit, and a payout for paying out a game medium (medal) according to a result of the game. The apparatus includes a device, a box-shaped housing (main body member) that houses these devices, and a front door (opening / closing member) that can open and close the front opening of the housing. In addition, in a slot machine, generally, an activated line is set by inserting a prescribed number of game media, and a reel rotation operation such as tilting a start lever (also referred to as a “start lever”) is performed by a player. As a result, a winning combination determination process (also referred to as a “role lottery process”) is performed, one of the gaming combinations (also simply referred to as a “role”) or a loss is determined, and then a plurality of reels start rotating. When a predetermined rotation speed is reached after a plurality of reels have started to rotate, a reel rotation stop operation such as pressing a stop switch is enabled, and the player performs a reel rotation stop operation for each reel, whereby each reel is stopped. Are sequentially stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2003-93676 JP 2009-39470 A

  In the conventional gaming machines such as the pachinko gaming machine and the slot machine described above, various devices have been devised to enhance the playability and perform a smooth game, but there is room for further improvement.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of smoothly playing a game.

  In order to achieve such an object, a gaming machine according to the present invention covers a board on which a connector having a plurality of connector pins is mounted, a first case to which the board is fixed, and a solder surface of the board. And a second case section attached to the first case section, wherein the board case unit includes the second case section and the first case section. The first case portion and the second case portion are configured to be separable by sliding with respect to the portion by a predetermined amount. It is characterized in that it is arranged at a position hidden by the two case parts.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly play a game.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention. It is the perspective view which looked at the said pachinko gaming machine from back. It is a front view showing the state where the glass frame was removed from the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view showing the main control display of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram of a main control board and an effect control board of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart showing a main control side main process of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the main control side main processing following FIG. It is a flowchart showing a main control timer interrupt process of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a schematic diagram showing a performance display monitor of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view of the slot machine according to the present invention. It is a front view showing the state where the front door was removed from the slot machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a main control board and a sub control board of the slot machine. It is a flowchart showing a game progress control process of the slot machine. It is a flowchart showing a main timer interrupt process of the slot machine. It is the figure which looked at the board case of the above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine from back. It is the figure which looked at the above-mentioned board case from the front. It is the perspective view which looked at the said board case from the back side. It is a figure showing the parts side of the main control board stored in the above-mentioned board case. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a solder surface of the main control board. It is a schematic diagram for explaining the slide mounting method of the board case. It is a figure showing the exposure state of the board solder side when the above-mentioned board case is slid open. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the thickness and arrangement | positioning of the some lead wire connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the some lead wire extended outside the board case. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st another example of the 1st another example of the thickness and arrangement | positioning of the some lead wire connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd another example of the thickness and arrangement | positioning of the some lead wire connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd another example of the thickness and arrangement | positioning of the several lead wire connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 4th another example of the thickness and arrangement | positioning of the some lead wire connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 5th another example of the thickness and arrangement | positioning of the some lead wire connected to the said main control board. It is a timing chart regarding output of a setting change sound in the pachinko gaming machine. It is a timing chart regarding output of a setting change sound in the slot machine.

[Pachinko machine]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A pachinko gaming machine PM is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as a representative example of the gaming machine according to the present invention. In the following description, directions indicated by arrows in FIG. 2 will be referred to as front and rear directions, left and right directions, and up and down directions, respectively, for convenience.

[Overall configuration of pachinko machine]
First, the basic structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured to have a rectangular frame size corresponding to the vertical rectangular holding frame formed on a front surface of an opening of an outer frame 1 serving as a vertically-oriented fixed holding frame. The front frame 2, which forms a frame, is attached to the front left and right sides of the front side by upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b so as to be openable and closable and detachable, and is referred to as a double lock provided on the front right side edge. The outer frame 1 is always held in a closed state by being engaged with the outer frame 1 by using the locking device 4.

  A rectangular glass frame 5 fitted to the upper front area of the front frame 2 is attached to the front frame 2 so as to be openable and closable and removable using upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b, and a locking device 4 is used. As a result, it is always kept in a closed state covering the front surface of the front frame 2. On the front side of the front frame 2, a game board 20 is detachably set and held, and a game area PA on the front of the game board 20 is visibly exposed through the multi-layer glass 5a of the glass frame 5 which is always closed and held. It has become.

  In the lower part of the glass frame 5, upper and lower ball trays (upper bowl 6 and lower bowl 7) for storing game balls are provided. On the upper part of the glass frame 5, there are provided an effect lamp 11 that emits light in accordance with the state of development of the game, and a speaker 8 that generates sound effects in accordance with the state of development of the game. Here, the lower ball tray 7 is arranged on the left side with respect to the left and right centers of the glass frame 5. As a result, an empty space is formed on the front right side of the lower ball tray 7, and effect operation means 12 such as buttons, switches, and dials for performing a predetermined effect operation are attached to the empty space.

  A firing handle 9 for performing a shooting operation of a game ball is provided at a lower right portion of the front frame 2. As shown in FIG. 3, an auxiliary mechanism called a game auxiliary board (40) is formed below the front frame 2 at a position behind the glass frame 5 so as to be vertically aligned with the game board 20. A ball feed mechanism 100 (see FIG. 5) for feeding the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 6 one by one to each part of the game auxiliary board 40, and a game ball sent from the ball feed mechanism 100 to the game area PA. A launching mechanism 150 that launches toward, a ball feed mechanism 100, and a launch control board 180 that controls the operation of the launching mechanism 150 are provided.

The game board 20 is configured based on a substrate formed into a rectangular flat plate using a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, and an ABS resin. As shown in FIG. 3, an arc-shaped outer rail 21 provided from the lower left to the upper right, and a circle provided from the lower left to the upper left inside the outer rail 21, as shown in FIG. An inner rail 22 having an arc shape and a rail decoration 23 formed between the upper right portion of the outer rail 21 and the lower portion of the board surface and formed in a curved shape that opens to the left are provided. A substantially circular game area PA is defined inside the area surrounded by the rails 22 and the rail decorations 23. In addition, the outer rail 21 and the inner rail 22 form a guide passage 24 for guiding a game ball launched by the firing mechanism 150 to the game area PA. At the position near the exit opening of the game ball in the guide passage 24, that is, at the tip of the inner rail 22, the game ball discharged from the exit opening into the game area PA through the guide passage 24 returns to the guide passage 24 again. An anti-ball return valve 25 is provided to prevent the ball from returning.

  Although not shown in detail in FIG. 3 in the gaming area PA, the first starting port, the second starting port, the operating gate, the large winning opening, the general winning opening, etc., together with a large number of gaming nails and windmills. In addition to the various winning ports described above, a main control display device 700, which is mainly controlled by a main control board 51 described later, is provided. A center item 26 is provided substantially at the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 27 is provided so as to be visible through an opening below the center item 26. The center role item 26 is provided with a movable role item 19 that performs a staging operation in accordance with the development state of the game. The movable accessory 19 includes a stepping motor as a drive source. At the lower end of the game area PA, there is provided an out port 29 through which game balls flowing down without entering various winning ports can pass. Hereinafter, each component provided in the game board 20 will be described in order.

  The first starting port is provided as a starting winning port corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first starting port switch 61 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the first starting port is a trigger for the first special symbol lottery.

  The second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) is provided as a starting winning port corresponding to the second special symbol game, and a second starting port switch 62 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of a game ball. ). Entering a game ball into the second starting port is a trigger for a second special symbol lottery. The second starting port includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 81 (see FIG. 5) for opening and closing the ordinary electric accessory, and a closed state where the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter. The state changes to an open state in which the ball can enter or is easy to enter. Here, the second starting port has a structure in which a game ball is difficult to enter unless it is in an open state. On the other hand, when the second starting port is in the open state, the ease of entering a ball into the second starting port increases.

  The operation gate is usually provided as a start winning port corresponding to a symbol game, and includes an operation gate switch 63 (see FIG. 5) for detecting passage of a game ball. Note that the passage of the game ball to the operation gate is a trigger for a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the second starting port (ordinary electric accessory).

  The special winning opening (special electric accessory) is a horizontal rectangular winning opening (a so-called attacker device) that is opened when a big hit or a small hit is won in the first special symbol or the second special symbol lottery lottery. It is formed. The special winning opening is provided with a special winning opening switch 64 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory solenoid 82 (see FIG. 5) for opening and closing the special electric accessory. See). The special winning opening changes between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter or is difficult to enter, and an open state in which game balls can enter or is easy to enter. In this example, the special winning opening is provided in a right area (right-handed area) in the game area PA. For this reason, in the special game state (big hit game state), when launching a game ball toward the game area PA, by hitting the so-called right-handed aiming at the right area, the ball entering the big winning opening can be achieved. It's easy.

  The general winning opening includes a general winning opening switch 65 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of a game ball. Entering a game ball into the general winning opening does not serve as an opportunity for a lottery of a special symbol or a normal symbol, but it does provide an opportunity for acquiring a prize ball similarly to other winning openings (except for the operation gate 53).

  The main control display device 700 is an LED display device whose lighting is controlled by a main control board 51 described later. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a main control display device 700 in which the main control board 51 mainly performs lighting control. The main control display device 700 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special symbol hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a normal symbol hold. Various display means such as a lamp 76, a round display lamp 77, a status display lamp 78, a right strike instruction lamp 79, and an error display lamp 70 are provided.

  The first special symbol display device 71 performs a change display and a fixed display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first starting port. This first special symbol display device is composed of eight LED segments G to N, and the variable display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the LED segment, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and the display is turned on. By switching, the first special symbol is fixedly displayed.

  The second special symbol display device 72 performs a change display and a fixed display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second starting port. This second special symbol display device is composed of eight LED segments Q to X, and the variable display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the LED segment, and the blinking of the LED segment is stopped and turned on. , The second special symbol is fixedly displayed.

  The first special symbol holding lamp 73 is composed of two LED segments O and P, and represents the number of operation-holding balls (up to four) of the first special symbol by lighting / flashing display of the LED segments. Similarly, the second special symbol holding lamp 74 is composed of two LED segments Y and Z, and the number of operation-holding balls (up to four) of the second special symbol is expressed by lighting / flashing of the LED segments. The number of operation pending balls of the first special symbol is a number related to a random value obtained based on the ball entering the first starting port while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing or during the execution of the special game. This indicates the number of times that the acquired random number value is suspended, that is, the validity determination is temporarily suspended until the validity determination permission condition (fluctuation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random number value. Similarly, the number of operation-holding balls of the second special symbol is related to a random number value obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port during the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. The obtained random number value is suspended, that is, the number of times the validity determination is temporarily suspended until the validity determination permission condition (fluctuation start condition) is satisfied for the obtained random number value. .

  The normal symbol display device 75 is composed of one LED segment C, and performs variable display and fixed display of the normal symbol.

  The ordinary symbol holding lamp 76 is composed of two LED segments A and B, and the number of operating ordinary balls (up to four) of the ordinary symbol is expressed by lighting / flashing of the LED segments.

  The round indicator lamp 77 is composed of a left indicator lamp 77a and a right indicator lamp 77b, and indicates the number of round games (unit games) in the special game (the prescribed number of rounds: the number of times the special electric accessory is continuously operated). . The left indicator light 77 is composed of two LED segments, and the right indicator light 77b is composed of seven LED segments. The lit display of the LED segments expresses the specified number of rounds of the special game.

  The state indicator light 78 is composed of two LED segments D and E, and the lighting display of the LED segments expresses the operating state of the special symbol probability varying function and the operating state of the normal symbol probability varying function. .

  The right strike instruction lamp 79 is composed of one LED segment F, and in a game state in which a game ball is to be fired aiming at the right side of the game area PA (game state in which a right strike is to be performed) by lighting display of the LED segment F. Express whether or not there is.

  The error indicator lamp 70 is composed of one LED segment B, and the state of occurrence of an error of the gaming machine PM is represented by lighting display of the LED segment.

  Next, the basic structure of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the front frame 2, a back set board 30 having a window communicating with the front and rear at the center and formed in a rectangular frame shape somewhat smaller than the front frame 2 is attached. I have. Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 33 for storing a large number of game balls supplied from the game facility side, a gutter member 34 for flowing down the game balls from the storage tank 33, and a game guided by the gutter member 34. A prize ball payout unit 35 that pays out balls, a back side passage member 36 that allows the game balls paid out from the prize ball payout unit 35 to flow down to the upper ball plate 6 or the lower ball plate 7, and the like are provided.

  On the back side of the gaming board 20, a main control board 51 for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM in general, an effect control board 52 for controlling the overall effect (see FIG. 5), an image corresponding to the game development An image control board 53 (see FIG. 5) for controlling display and sound effects is attached. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 52 and the image control board 53 constitute the liquid crystal unit 28 in an assembled state integrated with the effect display device (liquid crystal display device) 27. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, a payout control board 54 for controlling the payout of game balls, and a power supply for receiving power from the game facility side and supplying power to various control boards and electric / electronic parts. A board 56 (see FIG. 5), an external information terminal plate 58 (see FIG. 5) for outputting an external information signal (outer end signal) such as a big hit signal to a data display or a hall computer provided outside the pachinko gaming machine PM. Etc.) are attached. In order to prevent unauthorized alteration, these control boards are respectively mounted at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back of the back set board 30 in an assembled state housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing structure. Will be arranged. These control boards and the electric and electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable), so that the pachinko gaming machine PM is operable.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine PM has the main control board 51, the effect control board 52, the image control board 53, the payout control board 54, the launch control board 180, and the like mounted thereon.

  The main control board 51 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processing related to the game, a ROM that stores a control program, various data, and the like, a RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, a peripheral board and each device. And an I / O port circuit for inputting and outputting signals to and from the CPU. The CPU is configured to execute main control related to the progress of the game in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM.

The main control board 51 includes a first starting port switch 61 for detecting a game ball entering the first starting port, a second starting port switch 62 for detecting a game ball entering the second starting port, An operation gate switch 63 for detecting the passage of a game ball to the operation gate, a large winning opening switch 64 for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special winning opening, and detecting a game ball entering the general winning opening. , A game winning ball switch 65 for detecting a game ball, a foul ball detection switch 67 for detecting a foul ball, and the like, and an I / O port circuit (input port). Detection signals from various switches are input via the switch.

  Although not shown, the main control board 51 is electrically connected to a front frame open / close detection switch, a glass frame open / close detection switch, and a back-set detection open / close switch, and is connected to an I / O port circuit (input port). ), The detection signals from these detection switches are input. The front frame open / close detection switch is a switch that detects whether the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 (whether it is in an open state or a closed state). The back set open / close detection switch is a switch that detects whether the glass frame 5 is open (open state or closed state). The back set open / close detection switch is a switch that detects whether the back set board 30 is open. . The main control board 51 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol holding lamp 73, a second special symbol holding lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a normal symbol holding lamp. 76, a round indicator lamp 77 (see FIG. 4), a status indicator lamp 78 (see FIG. 4), a right strike indicator lamp 79 (see FIG. 4), and an error indicator lamp 70 (see FIG. 4). It is electrically connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 81 and the special electric accessory solenoid 82, and transmits control signals via the I / O port circuit (output port) to various parts of the main control display device 700. Output to display means and various solenoids. Further, a performance display monitor 500 described later is mounted on the main control board 51, and outputs a control signal to the performance display monitor 500 via an I / O port circuit (output port). The main control board 51 has a setting change unit 600 and a set value display monitor 650 described later, and receives an instruction signal from the setting change unit 600 via an I / O port circuit (input port). Then, a control signal (set value display data) is generated based on the instruction signal, and the control signal is output to the set value display monitor 650 via the I / O port circuit (output port).

  The main control board 51 and the effect control board 52 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and only in a single direction from the main control board 51 to the effect control board 52. It is communicably connected, and various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 51 to the effect control board 52. Further, the main control board 51 is electrically connected to the payout control board 54, and bidirectional communication with the payout control board 54 is possible. Further, the main control board 51 is electrically connected to the emission control board 180 so that one-way communication from the main control board 51 to the emission control board 180 is possible.

  The effect control board 52 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to the game effect based on the effect control command from the main control board 51, a ROM that stores an effect control program and various data, a work area serving as a temporary storage area, A RAM that functions as a buffer memory, and an I / O port circuit that inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and devices. The CPU performs main control related to game effects according to a control program stored in the ROM. Is configured to execute. The effect control board 52 is connected to the image control board 53 so as to enable two-way communication, and transmits an image control command for instructing an image and a sound to the image control board 53. Further, the effect control board 52 is electrically connected to the effect lamp 11 and the movable role 19, and a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the effect lamp 11, and a control signal for controlling the movable role 19. A drive control signal (drive data) is generated, and the control signal is output to each device. The effect control board 52 is electrically connected to the effect operation means 12, and inputs an operation input signal from the effect operation means 12 in accordance with an operation of the player.

The image control board 53 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on an image control command from the effect control board 52, a ROM that stores an image control program and various data, a work area serving as a temporary storage area, It is provided with a RAM functioning as a buffer memory, and an I / O port circuit for inputting / outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices, and a CPU relating to image effects according to a control program stored in the ROM. It is configured to execute main control. The image control board 53 is electrically connected to the effect display device 27, the speaker 8 and the like, and reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction (image control command) from the effect control substrate 52. Is transmitted to the effect display device 27, and the sound data stored in the audio ROM is read in response to an instruction (image control command) from the effect control board 52, and is synthesized. The generated acoustic data is transmitted to the speaker 8 via an amplifier (digital amplifier). Further, the image control board 53 transmits a response command (ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been normally received to the effect control board 52 as a response to the image control command from the effect control board 52.

  The payout control board 54 includes a CPU that performs various types of arithmetic processing related to winning ball payout based on a payout control command from the main control board 51, a ROM that stores a payout control program, various data, and the like, and a work area serving as a temporary storage area. And a RAM functioning as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit for inputting and outputting signals to and from peripheral boards and devices. The CPU pays out prize balls according to a control program stored in the ROM. Is executed. The payout control board 54 is electrically connected to the prize ball payout unit 35, a ball-lending operation device (not shown), and the like, and is based on a payout control command from the main control substrate 51 or from the ball-lending operation device. Based on the operation signal, the award ball payout unit 35 is operated to execute control for paying out game balls to the upper ball tray 6 or the lower ball tray 7. The dispensing control board 54 is electrically connected to a power supply board 56 for supplying power to various control boards and electric / electronic parts, and an external information terminal board 58 for outputting an external signal to a data display, a hall computer, or the like. It is connected.

  The launch control board 180 includes a CPU that performs various types of arithmetic processing relating to launching game balls based on a launch control command from the main control board 51, a ROM that stores a launch control program, various data, and the like, and a work area serving as a temporary storage area. And a RAM functioning as a buffer memory, and an I / O port circuit for inputting and outputting signals to and from peripheral boards and devices. The CPU launches a game ball in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. Is executed. The launch control board 180 is electrically connected to the launch handle 9, the ball feed mechanism 100, the launch mechanism 150, and the like, and synchronizes the ball feed mechanism 100 with the launch mechanism 150 based on an operation signal from the launch handle 9. To execute the control of firing the game ball. At this time, the main control board 51 outputs a firing permission signal to the firing control board 180 when the communication abnormality with the firing control board 180 or the disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality is not detected, thereby permitting the launch of the game ball. I do. On the other hand, when the communication abnormality with the firing control board 180 or the disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a signal of prohibition of firing is output to the firing control board 180 to prohibit the firing of the game ball.

  In the pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above, the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the gaming island of the gaming facility, and the front frame 2, the glass frame 5 and the like are provided for the game in a closed and locked state. Is stored in the upper bowl 6 and the firing handle 9 is rotated to start the game. When the firing handle 9 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 6 are sent out to the firing mechanism 150 one by one by the ball feed mechanism 100, and are launched toward the game area PA by the firing mechanism 150. It is.

When a game ball rolling down the game area PA enters one of the first starting port, the second starting port, a special winning opening, and a general winning opening, a winning ball according to the type of the winning opening is awarded. The payout unit 35 pays out to the upper bowl 6 or the lower bowl 7. In this example, the number of prize balls when the first starting port or the second starting port is won is "3", the number of prize balls when the big winning port is won is "10", and the general winning port is won. The number of prize balls in this case is “5”. When a game ball enters the first starting port or the second starting port, a random number value of a special symbol game is obtained, and the random number value is temporarily stored as a special symbol holding ball up to a predetermined upper limit number. Then, when a predetermined starting condition (change start condition) is satisfied, a special symbol hit / fail judgment, a symbol judgment, and a change pattern judgment are performed on a random number value of the lottery for the earliest reserved ball, and a judgment is made according to the judgment result. In this aspect, the special symbol is variably displayed on the first special symbol display device or the second special symbol display device, and the decorative symbol is variably displayed on the effect display device 27. The change display of the special symbol and the decoration symbol is synchronously stopped and displayed after a lapse of a change time according to the selected change pattern.

  When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is definitely displayed in the stop mode indicating the big hit, the game shifts to a special game, and the opening and closing operation of the special winning opening is started. The stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is, for example, a mode in which the types of the three symbols match. In the present embodiment, any one of a plurality of types of special games having a different number of specified rounds is developed as a special game (big hit game) according to the big hit type (big hit symbol) that has been won. In the special game, one or a plurality of opening and closing operations of the special winning opening (special electric auditorium) are defined as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed by a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 16R, 8R, 2R). Things.

<Major functional configuration of gaming machines>
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly, the main control board 51 / the effect control board 52) will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 51 includes, as shown in FIG. 6, an incoming ball judging unit 5110, a game lottery random number generating unit 5120, a holding control unit 5130, a pre-determining unit 5135, a special symbol lottery processing unit 5140, a normal symbol lottery processing unit 5145, It includes special game control means 5150, symbol display control means 5155, electric accessory control means 5160, game state control means 5165, error monitoring control means 5170, main information storage means 5180, and command transmission / reception means 5190. The above-described units in the main control board 51 are configured by hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 51 and software such as a control program stored in the ROM or the like. It is a functional representation of things.

  The ball entry determination means 5110 includes a first starting port switch 61, a second starting port switch 62, an operation gate switch 63, a special winning port switch 64, a general winning port switch 65, and a game ball detection switch 66 for detecting a game ball. Based on a detection signal from a foul ball detection switch 67 for detecting a foul ball, it is determined whether a game ball enters each winning opening.

The game lottery random number generation means 5120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit by software, and adds a special random number per special symbol described later to the random number per special symbol used in the random lottery of the special symbol. Generate. In addition, the game lottery random number generation means 5120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by program processing of the CPU. These random number counters play a role as random number generating means for generating random numbers by software. As the software random number, a soft random number per special symbol to be added to the above-mentioned built-in random number to generate a hit random number, an initial value for a new update to be made after one cycle of updating of the soft random number per special symbol is completed Special initial value random number, special symbol stop symbol random number, special symbol stop symbol random number used to determine the hit symbol (combination of symbols that will activate the condition device) as a special symbol stop symbol A special symbol stop symbol initial value random number for determining an initial value for making a new update after one cycle of the update is completed, a special symbol variation pattern random number for use in selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol, An initial value for a new update to be made after one cycle of the normal random number per symbol and one cycle of the normal random number per symbol has been completed Determining normal symbol per initial value random number for, and the like normal symbol variation pattern random number for use in selecting the change pattern of the normal symbol. These software random numbers are updated once each time a timer interrupt process occurs (increment, decrement, addition of a prime number, etc.), and for the initial random number, while the timer interrupt process is not being executed ( (During loop processing) is also updated using the remaining time of the interrupt cycle.

  The holding control unit 5130 includes a special symbol holding control unit 5131 and a normal symbol holding control unit 5132.

  The special symbol holding control means 5131 is a random number value per special symbol, a random symbol value per special symbol, which is a lottery random number value related to the special symbol game, when a game ball enters the first starting port or the second starting port. A numerical value and a special symbol variation pattern random number value are acquired, and the random number value is managed as operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol holding control means 5131 combines the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol with a predetermined upper limit number (four pieces) and the order of entering the holding balls in the main information storage means. 5180 is temporarily stored in the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area.

  In the first special symbol holding storage area and the second special symbol holding storage area, the holding 1 storage area (first holding storage area) and the holding 2 storage area (second holding A reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area) are provided. Each holding storage area can store a special symbol random number, a special symbol random number, and a special symbol changing pattern random number as a set as operating ball information. The operation pending sphere information is stored in the order of the pending 1 storage area, the pending 2 storage area, the pending 3 storage area, the pending 4 storage area, while the pending 1 storage area, the pending 2 storage area, the pending 3 storage area, the pending 4 storage. Digested in order of territory (first in first out principle). When the reserved sphere information in the reserved 1 storage area is digested, the reserved sphere information stored in the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, and the reserved 4 storage area are shifted to lower-numbered storage areas, respectively. The contents of the hold 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

  The special symbol holding control means 5131 includes a first special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the first special symbol, and a second special ball holding counter for counting the number of operation holding balls of the second special symbol. It has a special symbol holding ball number counter. The special symbol holding control means 5131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter each time one special holding ball of the special symbol is acquired as an update process of the number of holding balls of the special symbol, and one operation holding ball is consumed. Each time, the corresponding counter is decremented by one.

  In addition, when updating (adding or subtracting) the number of operation-reserved balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the special symbol holding control unit 5131 generates an effect control command including update information of the number of held balls (“symbol storage”). (Referred to as “number command”), and temporarily stores it in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 5180. This one command includes information on both the number of operation reserved balls of the first special symbol and the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. It should be noted that, in principle, the operation-holding balls of each special symbol are digested in the order in which they entered, but in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the first special symbol. In order to adopt the so-called priority digestion, while the operation-holding ball relating to the second special symbol game is present, the operation-holding relating to the second special symbol game is performed regardless of the existence of the operation-holding ball relating to the first special symbol game. It is configured to preferentially digest the sphere. In addition, under this priority digestion, when the operation reserve ball of the second special symbol exists, even if the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol exists, the operation reserve ball of the first special symbol is digested. Will be suspended.

The ordinary symbol holding control means 5132, when the game ball enters the operation gate, triggers a random number value per ordinary symbol, a random number value per ordinary symbol, a symbol random number value per ordinary symbol, and a random pattern fluctuation pattern random, which are lottery random numbers related to the ordinary symbol game. Numerical values are acquired, and the random numbers are managed as operation-holding ball information of ordinary symbols. The normal symbol holding control unit 5132 stores the operation holding ball information of the normal symbol in a predetermined upper limit number (
Up to four), the temporary ball is temporarily stored in the ordinary symbol holding storage area of the main information storage unit 5180 in a manner combined with the order of entering the ball. Further, the ordinary symbol holding control means 5132 has an ordinary symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operation-holding balls of the ordinary symbol. The normal symbol holding control means 5132 increments the corresponding counter by one each time one operation-holding ball of a normal symbol is acquired, and one operation-holding ball is consumed as an update process of the number of holding balls of the normal symbol. Each time the corresponding counter is decremented by one.

  The pre-determination means 5135 executes a pre-determination for a pre-reading notice on the operation-reserved ball when the operation-reserved ball of the special symbol is acquired at a predetermined pre-determination timing. As an example of the above-described pre-determination timing, (1) waiting for hitting and acquiring the operation holding ball of the first special symbol while the electric tue support function is not operating, (2) waiting for hitting, and Either one of the following cases: when the operation-holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the electric-chu support function is operating, or (3) when the operation-holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during a big hit or a small hit. It is time to meet the conditions. Specifically, the preliminary determination unit 5135 reads the random number value corresponding to the currently obtained operation reserved ball from the first special symbol reserved storage area or the second special symbol reserved storage area of the main information storage unit 5180, and The preliminary determination (priority determination of hit / fail), the preliminary determination of the symbol (preliminary symbol determination), and the preliminary determination of the variation pattern (variable pattern preliminary determination) are sequentially performed. The preliminary determination table used in each preliminary determination is not shown, but an area corresponding to the total number of random numbers is divided into a plurality of areas in each of the hit / fail preliminary determination table, the symbol preliminary determination table, and the variation pattern preliminary determination table. A lottery ID (a number indicating the result of the preliminary determination (also referred to as a “prior determination number”)) is assigned to each of the areas (determination numbers). Therefore, the result of the preliminary determination is based on the result of the main lottery by the special symbol lottery processing means 5140 described later (the result of the winning / failing determination, the result of the symbol determination, the result of the fluctuation pattern determination). It should be noted that the pass / fail judgment table and the symbol pre-judgment table may be the same as the pass / fail lottery table and the symbol lottery table used for the lottery when actually starting to change. Here, the fluctuation pattern preliminary determination table may change the game situation at the start of the fluctuation (whether there is a probable change, whether there is a shortened time, whether or not during the limited frequency period referring to the special table, the number of reserved balls, etc.). For this reason, as described above, it is desirable to determine which of the plurality of regions is included. Then, the preliminary determination unit 5135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as a “prior determination command”) including information on the result of the preliminary determination (prior determination number), and stores the generated command in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 5180. To be stored.

  The special symbol lottery processing unit 5140 includes a special symbol hit / fail determination unit 5141, a special symbol stop symbol determination unit 5412, and a special symbol change pattern determination unit 5143. The special symbol lottery processing unit 5140, when the special symbol change start condition is satisfied, stores the special symbol hit randomness stored in the first storage area of the special symbol holding storage area (hold 1 storage area) in the main information storage unit 5180. The numerical value, the symbol per special symbol random number value, and the special symbol variation pattern random number value are read and stored in the special symbol hit / fail determination area, the special symbol symbol determination area, and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 5180, respectively. Here, "the condition for starting the change of the special symbol is satisfied" means, for example, that (1) it is not in a big hit or a small hit, and (2) both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are on standby for change. And (3) at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol has an operation-holding ball, and all the conditions are satisfied. As a result, the special symbol can start to change. Is determined to be in a proper state.

The special symbol hit determination unit 5141 reads out a random number per special symbol from the special symbol hit determination area of the main information storage unit 5180, and executes a hit determination. Decide what to do. The result of the success / failure determination is temporarily stored in a special symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 180 (for example, the big hit data “55H”, the small hit data “33H”, and the outlier data “00H”), and is used in the subsequent processing. After that, it is cleared when the special symbol stops changing. The special symbol hit / fail determination means 5141 holds a special symbol hit / fail lottery table which is referred to at the time of this hit determination. In this special symbol lottery lottery table, the random number per special symbol and the judgment result of big hit, small hit, and loss are associated with each other. Is determined. Although not shown, in the success / failure lottery, in the normal state (low-probability state), a big hit occurs only when the random number value falls in the range of “0 to 217”. On the other hand, in the probable change state (high probability state), the range of the jackpot is expanded, and not only when the random value falls within the range of “0 to 217”, but also when the random number falls within the range of “218 to 2170”. Becomes That is, when the special symbol probability variation function is activated, the jackpot lottery probability changes from a low probability state (about 1/300) to a high probability state (about 1/30). As described above, the range corresponding to the big hit changes according to the gaming state, but the winning probability of the big hit is equal in the winning / decreasing lottery of the first special symbol and the winning / decreasing lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not fall within the range of the big hit, if the random number value falls within the predetermined range, it becomes a small hit. In this example, a small hit exists only in the first special symbol hit / fail determination. For example, a small hit is also provided in the second special symbol hit / fail determination, and the second special symbol hit / fail determination is performed. Also, it may be configured such that the first special symbol win / no-go determination is a small hit with a higher probability. In the following, for convenience of description, description of “small hit” will be omitted except in a special case.

  The special symbol stop symbol determination means 5142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the result of the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol stop symbol determination means 5142 has a first special symbol stop symbol table and a second special symbol stop symbol table which are referred to when determining the stop symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In the special symbol stop symbol table (for big hits), a plurality of types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random numbers. Then, the content of the big hit (the number of times the probability changing function and the changing time reducing function of the special symbol are operated, the operating pattern of the big winning prize mouth, etc.) is associated with each big hit symbol. In the present embodiment, the “specific symbol” is a symbol that activates the probability variation function of the special symbol after the end of the special game, and the “time reduction symbol” is the shortening of the change time of the special symbol after the end of the special game. The symbol that activates the function (and the Dentsu support function), "No time reduction symbol" is the symbol that does not activate the special symbol fluctuation time reduction function (and the Dentsu support function) after the end of the special game. means. Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, three types of jackpot types are provided: a 16R jackpot (a symbol with a 16R specific time reduction), an 8R jackpot (a symbol with a 8R specific time reduction), and a 2R jackpot (a 2R specific time reduction symbol). Have been. The expected value of winning a prize ball in a special game (prize ball obtaining expected value) is 16R big hit> 8R big hit> 2R big hit. In the case of a big hit in the first special symbol win / loss lottery, a 16R big hit is selected with a predetermined probability, whereas in the case of a second special symbol win / loss lottery, a predetermined probability is obtained. By selecting the 16R jackpot with a higher probability than in the case of winning in the first starting port, winning in the second starting port is advantageous to the player in that more balls can be obtained. On the other hand, in the special symbol stop symbol table (for loss), a single stop symbol (loss symbol) is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In the special symbol stop symbol table (for small hits), a single stop symbol (small hit symbol) is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In the case of a small hit, the game state is not triggered and the game state is maintained before and after the lottery.

The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 5143 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the random number value of the special symbol variation pattern. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determination unit 5143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern determination unit 5143 selects one of the variation pattern tables from a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the success / failure lottery. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of types of variation patterns. For various variation patterns, the variation time is determined for each variation pattern as a condition for ending the symbol variation, and it is assumed that a symbol variation by a decorative symbol composed of a plurality of symbols is also executed in the variation time. Is defined as

  In addition, the special symbol variation pattern determination unit 5143, after selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol, instructs the effect control board 52 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, so that the communication with the effect control board 52 is normally performed. Effect control command (communication inspection command) for confirming whether or not there is an effect, an effect control command including variation additional information (information for adding or subtracting variation time) (variation additional information designation command), and an effect including variation pattern information A control command (fluctuation pattern designation command), a production control command (symbol designation command) including information on the character production number (symbol group and game state), etc. are generated (hereinafter, these commands are collectively referred to as a “fluctuation start command”). This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 5180.

  The normal symbol lottery processing means 5145 has a normal symbol hit / fail determination means 5146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination means 5147, and a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination means 5148. The normal symbol lottery processing means 5145, when the fluctuation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, reads out the random number per normal symbol stored in the first storage area in the normal symbol holding storage area, the random number fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol, These are stored in the normal symbol hit / fail determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 5180, respectively.

  The normal symbol hit determination unit 5146 reads out the random number value per normal symbol from the normal symbol hit determination area of the main information storage unit 5180 and executes the hit determination, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. decide. The result of the success / failure lottery is temporarily stored in the ordinary symbol determination flag of the main information storage unit 5180, and is used in the subsequent processing, and is cleared when the variation of the ordinary symbol is stopped. The ordinary symbol win / fail determination means 5146 holds a normal symbol win / fail lottery table which is referred to at the time of this win / fail lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), for example, the normal pattern win / fail probability is “160/283”. With reference to the symbol win / loss lottery table, in the normal symbol probable state (high probability state), the normal symbol win / win lottery is executed with reference to the normal symbol win / fail lottery table which is a hit with a probability of “282/283”, for example. I do.

  The normal symbol stop symbol determination means 5147 refers to the symbol lottery table, and allocates a predetermined hit symbol if the result of the winning / rejection lottery is a hit, and allocates a predetermined hit symbol if the result is a loss. Has become.

  The normal symbol variation pattern determining unit 5148 reads the ordinary symbol variation pattern random number value from the ordinary symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage unit 5180, and refers to the ordinary symbol variation pattern table to display the variation of the ordinary symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long fluctuation time is selected (for example, seven types of “4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds” are uniformly selected, respectively). On the other hand, in the time-saving state of a normal symbol (easily entering a ball), a relatively short fluctuation time (for example, “0.5 seconds”) is selected by operating the fluctuation time reduction function. In the control of the normal symbol game, in order to reduce the processing load on the CPU of the main control board 51, in the non-electric tue support state, the winning probability of the ordinary symbol lottery is set to “0”, and the variation time of the ordinary symbol is changed. It is also conceivable to adopt a single specification.

The special game control means 5150, when the result of the success / failure lottery is a big hit, determines a demonstration time related to the big hit start demonstration and the big hit end demonstration according to the determined big hit symbol. Further, the special game control means 5150 instructs the effect control board 52 to execute a big hit start demonstration effect (referred to as a “big hit start demo command”) and to execute a big hit end demonstration effect. An effect control command (referred to as “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 5180. The big hit start demonstration command is also an opportunity for the effect control board 52 to determine the contents of a series of big hit effects (big hit start demonstration effect, round effect, big hit end demonstration effect) developed during the special game. . Further, the special game control means 5150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “round effect designation command”) for instructing the start of a round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game. Is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. The round effect designation command includes information on the current number of rounds and information on opening and closing of the special winning opening. Regarding the demonstration time, not only the big hit symbol but also the demo time for the big hit start demonstration and the big hit end demonstration will differ if the same big hit symbol is used depending on the playing state (normal or during working hours) at the time of the big hit. You may let it.

  In addition, when the result of the winning or losing lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 5150 determines a demonstration time related to a small hit start demonstration and a small hit end demonstration displayed on the effect display device 27 or the like during the small hit game. The special game control means 5150 includes an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing execution of the small hit start demonstration effect, and an effect control command (“small hit” for instructing execution of the small hit end demonstration effect). An end demo command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180.

  The symbol display control means 5155 includes a special symbol display control means 5156 and a normal symbol display control means 5157. The special symbol display control means 5156 causes the first special symbol to be variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 71 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and after the variation display, firmly displays the first special symbol. Let it. In addition, the special symbol display control means 5156 causes the second special symbol to be variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 72 in accordance with the variation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the variation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 5156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operation state of the first special symbol display device 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 is monitored based on the special symbol game status of the main information storage unit 5180. The special symbol display control means 5156 requests the effect control board 52 to confirm the display of the decorative symbol when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped (that is, at the timing when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes “0”). (Hereinafter referred to as a “fluctuation stop command”). The ordinary symbol display control means 5157 causes the ordinary symbol display device 75 to variably display the ordinary symbol according to the variation pattern (fluctuation time) of the ordinary symbol, and causes the ordinary symbol to be definitely displayed after the variation display. The normal symbol display control means 5157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operation state of the ordinary symbol display device 75 is monitored based on the ordinary symbol game status of the main information storage unit 5180.

  When the result of the special symbol winning or losing lottery is a big hit, the electric accessory control means 5160 outputs a control signal to the special electric auditors solenoid 82 as a special game process after the special symbol is determined and displayed, and the special winning opening (Special electric accessory) is released according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one operation of the special winning opening (special electric accessory) is defined as one round game (unit game), and the round game is continuously performed for a specified number of rounds (16R, 8R, 2R in this example). And execute it. Here, when the big hit type is a so-called long open big hit (16R big hit or 8R big hit in this example), the big winning opening is opened for a maximum of about 30 seconds in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called short open big hit (2R big hit in this example), the big winning opening is opened for a maximum of about 0.7 seconds in one round game. Here, the closing condition of the special winning opening in the special game (the ending condition of the unit game) is a prize of the game ball of the specified count number or the elapse of the openable period of the specified number of seconds. The opening and closing operation of the special winning opening in the openable period may be performed not only once but also plural times.

In addition, when the result of the special symbol win / fail lottery is a small hit, the electric accessory control unit 5160 outputs a control signal to the special electric auditors solenoid 82 as a small hit game process after the special symbol is determined and displayed. , Open the special winning opening (special electric accessory) for a short period of time. The small hit game is constituted by one round game, and is distinguished from the big hit game constituted by a plurality of round games. Here, when comparing the 2R special game and the small hitting game described above, although they are different internally, the point that one opening / closing time (0.7 seconds) is the same and the point that the number of times of opening / closing is the same (the former is (One opening and closing per round is two times of two rounds, and the latter is two opening and closing per round twice of one round), so that a game having an apparently similar opening time and opening pattern is developed.

  In addition, when the winning combination of ordinary symbols is won, the electric accessory control unit 5160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric auditors solenoid 81 to open the second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) for a predetermined opening time. Let open. Here, the electric accessory control unit 5160 opens the second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, while the ball easily enters (the electric chew support). In the (state), the second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) as compared with the normal state.

  The game state control means 5165 determines the game state after the end of the special game, based on the type of the symbol related to the big hit, when the result of the special symbol win / fail lottery is a big hit, and Switch the game state. In the following, among the functions related to the special symbol and the ordinary symbol described above, 1) the gaming state in which all of the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time reduction function, and the electric chew support function are operated is referred to as a “probable variation state”. 2) A game state in which only the special symbol fluctuation time reduction function and the electric chew support function operate is referred to as a "time saving state". 3) A game state in which only the special symbol probability fluctuation function operates is referred to as a "probable latent change state." 4) A state in which all functions are not operating is referred to as a “normal state”. Note that the “probable change state”, “time saving state”, and “latency probable change state” are all game states that are more advantageous to the player than the “normal state”. In addition, each game state is defined as (1) the probable change state as “high probability” by a combination of the special symbol game operation state (high probability / low probability) and the normal symbol game operation state (open extension / no extension). / Open extension ", (2) time reduction state" low probability / open extension ", (3) latent probability change state" high probability / non-open extension ", (4) normal state" low probability / non-open extension ", It can also be expressed as Further, in the present embodiment, for example, since it is configured as a so-called ST machine of the number cut, the game state after the end of the special game, the number of times the change of the special symbol is counted from the end of the special game, a predetermined number of end times, That is, the probable change state continues until the number of STs is reached (however, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the probable change state ends with the fluctuation, and the number of STs is set again after the end of the big hit. ). When a small hit occurs during the ST period, the number of STs is not reset (restored) to 0, and the number of STs is continuously counted before and after the occurrence of the small hit. In the present embodiment, the number of STs is set to 100, but it is needless to say that the number of STs may be set to another number. In addition, when shifting to the probability change state, the special symbol probability variation function, the special symbol variation time reduction function, and the electric chew support function operate simultaneously, and as long as the probability variation state continues, each function will continue. Become. In addition, when the result of the special symbol win / loss lottery is a big hit, whether the game state before the big hit is the normal state or the probable change state is the normal state during the special game and the ST after the special game. The state is uniformly changed up to the number of times. On the other hand, if the result of the special symbol win / loss lottery is a small hit, if the gaming state before the small hit is the normal state, the gaming state during the small hitting game and after the small hitting game also become the normal state. In addition, when the gaming state before the small hit is the special symbol probable state, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game also become the special symbol probable state.

Further, when the special game is executed, the game state control means 5165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the symbol type of the big hit or the small hit, and sets the variation pattern selection state after the special game. Switch. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the variation pattern table. The switching time of the variation pattern selection state is at the end of the special game or when the end number of the variation pattern selection state has expired. Then, the game state control unit 5165 generates an effect control command (referred to as a “game state designation command”) including the current game state information and the change pattern selection state information, and stores this in the main information storage unit 5180 for command storage. Store in area.

  The error monitoring control unit 5170 monitors input information of the I / O port circuit of the main control board 51, and detects a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormal signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio sensor, a door / frame open signal, and the like. To determine whether the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, the control unit 52 requests the effect control board 52 to issue an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information in order to instruct the effect state effect. The door / frame opening signal is a detection signal from a front frame opening / closing detection switch for detecting whether the front frame 2 is opened with respect to the outer frame 1, and the glass frame 5 being opened with respect to the front frame 2. A detection signal from a glass frame opening / closing detection switch for detecting whether or not a back frame is open, and a detection signal from a back frame opening / closing detection switch for detecting whether the back setting board 30 is open. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting a so-called illegal game action.

  The main information storage means 5180 stores the random number information acquired in the special symbol game and the ordinary symbol game, the operation holding ball information of the special symbol and the ordinary symbol, and the game state (probable change state, time saving state, Information on the easy-to-enter state), information on the change pattern selection state, information on the result of winning / losing lottery (big hits, small hits, misses), information on stop symbols and change patterns related to special symbols and ordinary symbols, information on special games (round) Number, opening time, opening mode (opening times per round game, etc.)), information on set values, status information indicating the operating state of the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating state of the special electric accessory , Is configured to temporarily store information and the like of the production control command data, a predetermined storage area for storing each information Eteiru.

  The command transmission / reception unit 5190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 5180 to the effect control board 52 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Have been. Each effect control command has a 2-byte configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. Bit 7 of the EVENT data is “0”. When transmitting such information as valid, a strobe signal is output at each transmission timing of MODE and EVENT. The effect control command generated in each process is transmitted in principle in accordance with the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage unit 5180, one command per interrupt cycle.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the effect control board 52 includes an effect lottery random number generating means 5210, an effect generalizing means 5220, a lamp control means 5230, an accessory control means 5240, an error effect control means 5250, a sub main information storage means 5260, a command Transmitting and receiving means 5270. The above-described units in the effect control board 52 are configured by hardware such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an electronic circuit disposed on the effect control board 52, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM. Is expressed functionally.

The production lottery random number generation means 5210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (production lottery random numbers) by program processing of the CPU of the production control board 52. These random number counters play a role as random number generating means for generating random numbers by software. As the software random numbers, a prefetch lottery random number used for a lottery of a look-ahead effect, a decorative pattern random number used for a lottery of a stop pattern of a decorative pattern, a variable effect pattern random number used for a variable effect pattern of a decorative pattern, It includes a random number of an announcement lottery used for the lottery, a random number of a jackpot effect pattern used for a lottery of a jackpot effect pattern, a stage random number used for a shift lottery of an effect stage, and the like. These random numbers are updated using the remaining time when no command analysis is performed in the effect control-side main processing described later (when no effect control command is received from the main control board 51). I do.

  The effect generalizing means 5220 includes an effect mode control means 5221, a hold information display control means 5222, a prefetch notice control means 5223, a variable effect control means 5224, a decorative symbol control means 5225, a notice effect control means 5226, and a big hit effect control means 5227. .

  The effect mode control means 5221 is based on the game state designation command from the main control board 51, and takes the effect mode (“game mode”) in conformity with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 51 side. (Also referred to as “effect mode”). In the present embodiment, a plurality of game effect modes are set, and the specific content of the symbol change effect is specified for each effect mode even if the change pattern of the special symbol instructed from the main control board 51 is the same. Are set to be different. The effect display device 27 displays an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image serving as a back display of a decorative pattern) corresponding to the effect mode currently in stay, and the background images are different from each other for each effect mode. Since the setting is made, the player can recognize which of the effect modes is currently in stay, based on the type of the background image.

  The reserved information display control means 5222 includes a first reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated balls of the first special symbol and a second reserved ball number counter for counting the number of activated balls of the second special symbol. Have. Upon receiving the symbol storage number command from the main control board 51, the hold information display control unit 5222 updates (adds) the value of the corresponding counter based on the information on the number of active balls included in this command. On the other hand, the hold information display control means 5222 updates (subtracts) the value of the corresponding counter when the change start command is received from the main control board 51, that is, when the operation hold ball is consumed. In addition, the hold information display control means 5222 displays the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of activated reserved balls of the first special symbol on the effect display device based on the values of the first reserved ball number counter and the second reserved ball number counter. And the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of suspended balls of the second special symbol are controlled. In this example, when an operation-holding ball having a special symbol is generated, a hold image in a normal display mode is displayed. Changes from the normal display mode to the special display mode.

The look-ahead notice control unit 5223 performs a look-ahead determination (hereinafter, referred to as “look-ahead lottery”) on the operation-holding ball to be a target of the look-ahead notice effect. The look-ahead announcement effect is a so-called continuous announcement effect in which the possibility of a jackpot winning or a high expectation effect (for example, a reach effect) is generated over one or more variable displays before the operation-holding ball to be pre-read is digested. It is generated as one embodiment. At this time, the pre-reading lottery is executed based on the information of the pre-judgment result included in the pre-judgment command from the main control board 51. Here, upon receiving the pre-determination command from the main control board 51, the pre-reading advance control means 5223 distinguishes the information of the pre-determination result of the first special symbol and the information of the pre-determination result of the second special symbol, and respectively Up to a predetermined upper limit number (four), it is temporarily stored in the pre-reading information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 5260 in a form combined with the order of entering the operation pending balls. The look-ahead information storage area has the same configuration as the hold storage area of the main control board 51. The hold 1 storage area (first hold storage area), the hold 2 storage An area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided. Each hold storage area can store information on the result of the preliminary determination of the success / failure, the information of the result of the preliminary determination of the symbol, and the information of the result of the preliminary determination of the variation pattern as one set. The information of the pre-determination result is stored in the order of the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area, while the hold 1 storage area, the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 It is digested in the order of the storage areas (first in first out principle). When the information of the pre-determination result of the hold 1 storage area is digested, the information of the pre-determination result stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is stored in the lower-numbered storage areas, respectively. At the same time, the contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

  The variation effect control means 5224 performs a variation process (variation process from the start of variation to the stop in variation display of a decorative symbol) based on information (variation pattern information, variation additional information, etc.) included in a variation start command from the main control board 51. ) Is determined by lottery. Here, the main control board 51 determines a special symbol main variation pattern (for example, “strong SP reach”), whereas the effect control substrate 52 defines an effect display process scenario based on the main variation pattern. A sub-variation pattern (for example, “strong SP reach A, B...”) Of the decorative symbol defined in detail is determined. In the present embodiment, non-reach effects (ultra-short-fluctuation effects, shortened-fluctuation effects, normal-fluctuation effects, and the like), reach effects, and pseudo-continuous-fluctuation effects are set as the fluctuation effects of the decorative symbols. In the variation effect pattern of the decorative symbol, a variation display mode of the decorative symbol, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of the variation to the end of the variation of the decorative symbol is defined, and each stage in the display process is defined. The timing at which a notice effect is generated is also defined as a time schedule. In addition, even if the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is the same (even when the fluctuation start command of the same information is received), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is different if the effect mode during stay is different. A variable effect pattern with different contents can be selected. That is, the variable effect pattern table is prepared for each effect mode during stay.

  Here, the “super shortened fluctuation”, “shortened fluctuation”, and “normal fluctuation” are effects in which the decorative patterns in three rows fluctuate, and do not go through the reach state at all, and become “out of place” at a so-called scattered pattern. It is. In the variation pattern in the non-reach mode, the variation modes are different from each other in that the “shortened variation” is shorter than the “normal variation”, and the “super shortened variation” is stopped in a shorter time than the “shortened variation”. . The “pseudo continuous fluctuation” is a fluctuation in which the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped (pseudo-stopped) during a single variable display of the decorative symbol, so that it appears as if the variable symbol is displayed multiple times in a pseudo manner. It is a production. The pseudo-continuous fluctuation (pseudo-run) has a configuration in which the re-variation display for starting the re-variation after the temporary stop (pseudo stop) of all three decorative symbols is performed once or more. The pseudo continuous fluctuation is executed and displayed before the reach state is formed in the fluctuation display that evolves to reach, and the greater the number of times of the re-variation display (pseudo repetition), the higher the expectation of the reach with the big hit expectation is expected. I can do it. Further, in this example, the larger the number of the pseudo run, that is, the pseudo hit is set such that the big hit expectation becomes higher in the order of one pseudo run <two pseudo run <pseudo run 3. In addition, out of the three rows of decorative symbols, when the decorative symbols in the left and right columns temporarily stop in the reach state (tempai), the decorative symbols in the left and right columns temporarily stop in the non-reach state. It is set so that the big hit expectation is higher than the case. “N-reach (normal reach)” is a state in which the same decorative pattern is stopped in two rows (typically the left and right rows) of the three decorative patterns (so-called reach state), and the remaining one row (Typically the middle row) This is a production that will be a big hit if the decorative design stops. “L reach (long reach)” is an effect in which the fluctuation time after the reach state is formed is longer than in the above-described N reach. “SP reach (super reach)” is a reach production that has a higher hit expectation than the above-mentioned N reach and L reach, and the production of the production evolves along the way, for example, still images and moving images such as animation and live action. This is the effect that is displayed.

The decoration symbol control means 5225 is configured to decorate the decoration based on the information (stop symbol information, game state information) included in the fluctuation start command from the main control board 51 and the fluctuation effect pattern determined by the fluctuation effect control means 5224. The final combination of symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) is determined by lottery. In this example, three symbol rows including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are formed, and the decorative symbols are formed by identification elements made up of, for example, numbers. The decorative symbol control unit 5225 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when determining a combination of stop symbols of a decorative symbol (also referred to as a “stop symbol pattern”) by lottery. The plurality of types of tables include a stop symbol pattern table for a big hit, a stop symbol pattern table for a small hit, a stop symbol pattern table for a non-reach stop, a stop symbol pattern table for a non-reach hit, and the like. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, a "stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)", a "stop symbol indicating a small hit (small hit symbol)", and a "stop symbol indicating a loss." (Missing design) ". The big hit symbol indicating the specific big hit (probably variable big hit) is a combination of stop modes in which three symbols of the same odd number are arranged (for example, “7.7.7”). A jackpot symbol indicating a normal jackpot (non-probable variable jackpot) is a combination of stop modes in which three symbols of the same even number are aligned (for example, “2.2.2”). The missing symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, “1.3.8”) in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol of a number different from other numbers. Here, the out-of-reach symbols out of the out-of-reach symbols are a combination of stop modes (for example, “3.1.3”) in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames while the left symbol and the right symbol match. Become. In the case of a small hit symbol or a big hit symbol, such as a 2R big hit symbol, a combination of predetermined stop modes such as "3.5.7" may be used. In addition, when the lottery result is out of reach, a specific outcome called a “chance eye” may be selected. Further, in the case of performing an effect of displaying a temporary stop before final display of a stop symbol in a pseudo continuous effect (so-called pseudo-run) or the like, the temporary stop symbol is selected. When displaying a chance eye or a temporary stop symbol, at least one of the three symbols is displayed on a special decorative symbol which displays characters such as "CHANCE" or "NEXT (pseudo continuous fluctuation symbol)" on the numeric decorative symbol. There is a case where the stop symbol is replaced and displayed. Note that a stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each of the following variable effect patterns. In the present embodiment, the symbols are stopped in the order of a left symbol, a right symbol, and a middle symbol in principle. However, if the variation time is a fluctuation effect pattern of shortened fluctuation set to be extremely short, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are stopped almost at the same time, and if it is a special variation effect pattern, the right symbol → It is also possible to stop in the order of the middle symbol → the left symbol, in which case the big hit expectation tends to be relatively high.

  The notice effect control means 5226 draws a notice effect pattern that defines the contents of the notice effect performed at each stage of the variation process of the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the change effect pattern determined by the change effect control means 5224 by lottery. decide. The announcement effect pattern includes an effect pattern for temporarily or stepwise displaying an image or animation of a specific character, an effect pattern for outputting a specific sound, an effect pattern for operating a movable character, and the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the change display of the decorative symbol, and indicates in advance the fact that the symbol change stops in the big hit mode with a high jackpot reliability. The announcement effect includes an announcement effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including when a reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and an announcement effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each of the notice effects has a different jackpot reliability, and basically, the notice effect that is displayed after the occurrence of the reach is larger than the notice effect that is displayed before the occurrence of the reach. Is getting higher. The preview effect control unit 5226 holds a preview lottery table that is referred to when selecting a preview effect pattern for each type of preview effect, and provides a preview corresponding to the type of preview effect that occurs along the scenario of the variable effect pattern. A lottery table is selected. In addition, as a kind of specific notice effect, for example, a comment notice effect, a background notice effect, an SU (step-up) notice effect, a logo notice effect, a mini character notice effect, a group notice effect, a character notice effect, and the like are prepared. ing. This announcement effect is basically performed by synthesizing one or a plurality of advance effect displays with the variation display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 27. For this reason, even in the case of the variable display of the decorative pattern with the same variable effect pattern, it is possible to generate various effect modes by combining with one or more notice effects.

  The big hit effect control means 5227 determines the content of the big hit effect (big hit effect pattern) for notifying that the special game is being played. The big hit effect includes a start demonstration effect notifying the start of the special game, a round effect notifying that the round game is being performed, and an end demonstration effect notifying the end of the special game. When the big hit effect determination means 5227 receives the big hit start demo command from the main control board 51, the big hit effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect) is based on the big hit type information stored in the sub main information storage means 5260. Pattern, end demonstration effect pattern). In this big hit production pattern, a big hit start demonstration production time, a round production time (a production time according to the opening pattern of the big winning prize mouth), and a big hit end demonstration production time are set according to the big hit type, and the time is set. A series of effects are set along the axis. In addition, the jackpot effect determination means 5227 executes a start demonstration effect in response to receiving the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 51 in accordance with the jackpot effect pattern, and starts each round in response to receiving the round effect designation command. The effect is executed, and the end demonstration effect is executed upon receiving the jackpot end demo command. In the big hit start demonstration effect, for example, the character of “big hit start” is displayed on the screen to notify the start of the special game. In the round effect, for example, the number of rounds currently being executed and the number of acquired prize balls are displayed on the screen, and various images (animation images, etc.) that excite the special game are displayed. In the big hit end demonstration effect, for example, the character "big hit end" is displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

  As described above, the production generalizing means 5220 generates an image control command related to images and sounds based on the determined production contents (a look-ahead production pattern, a fluctuation production pattern, a notice production pattern, a stop design pattern, a big hit production pattern, etc.) This is stored in the command storage area of the sub main information storage means 260.

  The lamp control means 5230 controls the lighting and emission color of the effect lamp 11 according to the effect contents set by the effect generalizing means 5220. The lamp control means 5230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling the lighting of the effect lamp 11, reads out the lamp data corresponding to the determined effect pattern, and reads the lamp control signal ( Lamp data) to the effect lamp 11.

  The accessory control means 5240 controls the driving of each movable accessory 19 according to the effect contents set by the effect generalizing means 5220. The accessory control means 5240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory 19, and outputs a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern to the movable accessory 19 (motor Driver).

  The error effect control means 5250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when receiving an error effect designation command from the main control board 51, and to notify that an error condition has occurred in the gaming machine according to the error effect pattern. I have.

  The sub-main information storage means 5260 is configured to temporarily store information on decorative symbols, information on variable effect patterns, information on notice effect patterns, information on control commands, and the like. It has a storage area. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 51, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 53, an image control board 53 ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands from Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer, and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands.

The command transmission / reception means 5270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 51 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer of the sub main information storage means 5260. The command transmission / reception means 5270 generates an interrupt based on the input of the above-mentioned strobe signal from the main control board 51, executes a reception interruption command of the effect control command, and acquires various effect control commands in the interrupt process. Has become. When the command transmission / reception means 5270 receives the strobe signal, the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command is performed with higher priority than other interrupt processing.

  In addition, the command transmitting / receiving means 5270 stores in the sub main information storage means 5260 to instruct execution of the effect contents (variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative design information, etc.) set by the effect generalizing means 5220. The transmitted image control command is transmitted to the image control board 53 by a serial communication method. The image control commands are transmitted at predetermined intervals (500 μs in this example) in principle in the order set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage unit 5260. Accordingly, the image control board 53 analyzes the various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 51, and displays the effect image including the decorative pattern on the effect display device 27 along the scenario of the variable effect pattern while variably displaying the image. At each stage of the change display process, the notice effect is displayed in such a manner as to be superimposed on the effect of the symbol change. Further, the command transmission / reception means 5270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 53 and stores the ACK command in the ACK command buffer of the sub main information storage means 5260.

<Operation process of main control board>
Next, the procedure of the operation processing in the main control board 51 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The process on the main control board 51 side includes a main control side main process and a main control side timer interrupt process.

《Main control side main processing》
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the main control-side main processing of the main control board 51. In the main control-side main process, after a security check of the CPU in the main control board 51 is performed by resetting at the time of power-on, the program is started, and the processes after S1 are started.

  First, as initial settings required at power-on, a start address is set as an initial value of a stack area in a stack pointer (S1), and access to the RAM is permitted (S2). Subsequently, a vector table storing a start address of a program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (S3), and an initial value is set in a built-in register of the CPU (S4).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5). When the RAM clear switch (details described later) is turned on (S5: YES), a predetermined area of the RAM is cleared to zero in S9 described later. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is not turned on (S5: NO), the value of the power-off information flag is read, and it is determined whether or not the information of the normal power-off is stored (S6).

If the power-off normal information is stored (S6: YES), a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area of the RAM (S7). Then, it is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (S8). The power-on checksum calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off processing described later. The sum becomes "0". Thus, it is determined when the power is turned on whether or not the information stored in the RAM before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. At this time, if the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process shifts to S12 to be described later to return to the state before the power was turned off. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal (S8: NO), the predetermined area of the RAM is cleared to zero (S9). Next, initialization data at power-on is set in the RAM (S10). Subsequently, in order to initialize the effect display device 27, initialize the effect lamp 11, and the like, a request for an effect control command (“effect initial command”) to the effect control board 52 is made (S11).

  Next, in the power-off reset setting processing, the setting of normal power-on information, the initial setting of various errors, and the initial setting of communication with the payout control board 54 are sequentially performed in the RAM (S12). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to store that the power-on was performed correctly, to store the power-on normal data in the power-off information flag, and to initialize the information of the power-off occurrence, Turn off the power off confirmation flag. Next, the data transfer source address, the data transfer destination address, and the number of transfer bytes are set, and data corresponding to the number of transfer bytes is transferred (S13). Then, the value of the special symbol game status at the time of power-off is read, and a power-off return process related to the special symbol game is performed (S14).

  Subsequently, a request for transmission of an effect control command ("power-off return command") at the time of power-off restoration between the main control board 51 and the effect control board 52 is made (S15). The power-off return command includes information on the inspection of the communication line, the operation state of the special symbol, the number of times of probability fluctuation, the number of times of saving, the number of times of easy entry, the fluctuation pattern selection state, and the error state. It should be noted that the untransmitted command requests before the power is turned off are cleared. Next, in the symbol storage number command request processing, the information of the number of operation-reserved balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off is read, and an effect control command including the information of the number of operation-reserved balls is requested ( S16).

  Subsequently, a return setting is performed to return the ordinary electric accessory to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the second starting port is opened) (S17). Further, a return setting is performed to return the special electric auditors goods to a state before the power is turned off (for example, the special winning opening is opened) (S18). Next, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operation state of the special symbol probability changing function when the power is turned off is set (S19). Note that the special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting an operation probability (high probability or low probability) of a special symbol game. Next, in order to activate the timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as an initial setting of the CTC circuit provided on the main control board 51, and a timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (S20). Subsequently, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (S21). Then, as a preparation for restarting the watchdog timer, a clear word 1 ("55H") is set (S22).

  Next, in order to determine the occurrence of power interruption, the value of the power interruption confirmation flag is read, and it is determined whether or not power interruption has occurred (S23). If no power interruption has occurred, an initial value random number update process is executed (S24). In the initial value random number update processing, the initial value random number per symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the value of each counter is incremented by one, and when the value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value “0”.

  Next, interrupt permission is set to permit the generation of the timer interrupt processing (S25), and the process returns to the above-described processing of prohibiting the interrupt (S21), and the loop processing of S21 to S25 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt processing is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but the remaining time from the completion of the previous interrupt processing to the occurrence of the next interrupt processing is used to execute S21 to S25. The process up to is repeated. Then, when an interrupt request is made in the interrupt disabled state, the timer interrupt processing is started when the interrupt is permitted in S25. On the other hand, if the power-off confirmation flag is ON in S23, that is, if power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to S26, and the following power-off process is executed.

  Next, as power-off processing (S26 to S32), first, a clear word 2 ("AAH") is set to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is power-on normal data (S27). If it is power-on normal information (S27: Yes), power-off normal data is set in a power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, if the information is not power-on normal information (S27: No), power-off abnormal data is set in the power-off information flag (S29), and the routine goes to S32.

  Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the RAM (S30). Then, the complement of the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of the complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM (S31). Then, the access prohibition of the RAM is set (S32), and the process is looped until the power is turned off.

<< Main control timer interrupt processing >>
Next, the main control-side timer interrupt processing of the main control board 51 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 51. The timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse from the CTC circuit of the main control board 51 at a predetermined time interval (for example, 4 ms), and is executed in such a manner as to interrupt the main control side main process. Note that the term "condition device" used below means a conceptual control device, which is activated when a big hit occurs in a special symbol game.

  First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the CPU on the main control board 51 are saved in the stack area of the RAM, and then the interrupt operation condition is set (S51).

  Next, a clear word 2 ("AAH") is set to restart the watchdog timer (S52). At this time, the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 are sequentially written into the WDT clear register of the CPU within the preset timeout time, so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted. That is, when the CPU is executing the program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are periodically set so that the watch dog timer is cleared and restarted before the timeout. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

  Next, an input process is executed (S53). In this input processing, as check processing of an input port (I / O port circuit) on the main control board 51, generation of level data and generation of rising data / falling data are performed. In the input processing, various switches other than the RAM clear switch are subjected to the check processing as the various switches connected to the main control board 51. That is, the first starting port switch 61, the second starting port switch 62, the operation gate switch 63, the special winning opening switch 64, the general winning opening switch 65, the played ball detection switch 66, the foul ball detection switch 67, the door open switch, The switch inputs such as a frame release switch, a back set release switch, a magnetic sensor, a radio wave sensor, etc. are read, and after their states are determined, their detection data (level data, rising data, falling data) are stored. .

  Next, various random number update processing is executed (S54). In the various random number updating process, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. For the normal symbol variation pattern random number, the value of the random number counter is incremented by one, and when the value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value “0”. On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. If the subtraction result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50000) is added to the subtraction result.

Next, an initial value update type random number update process is executed (S55). In this initial value update type random number update processing, a random number per symbol, a soft random number per special symbol, and a symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value “0”. When the value of the counter makes one round, the value of the corresponding initial random number is set as the initial value.

  Next, an initial value random number updating process is executed (S56). In the initial value random number updating process, the initial value random number per symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is incremented by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, the value is returned to the minimum value “0”.

  Next, a timer subtraction process is performed (S57). In this timer subtraction processing, the values of various timers used for controlling the game operation of the gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. For example, the values of the various timers are decremented by the interrupt cycle (4 ms in this example). Note that the various timers include a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variation time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72.

  Next, a second startup port effective period setting process is executed (S58). In the second opening valid period setting process, a winning valid period and a winning invalid period of the second starting port are determined, and as a result of the determination, valid period data or invalid period data of the second starting port is set.

  Next, a winning monitoring process is executed (S59). In the prize monitoring process, based on the rising data generated in the input port check in the input process (S53), the switch passing inspection of the game ball is performed a predetermined number of times. As a result of the switch passage inspection, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the switch, the number of prize balls according to the type of the winning opening is stored (update of the number of unpaid and update of the cumulative number), and the number of played balls ( The storage of the cumulative number), the storage of the number of foul balls (the cumulative number), the creation of a security output request to be output to an external terminal, the transmission request of a production control command, and the like.

  As the memory of the number of prize balls, the cumulative value of the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry of a ball into any of the winning ports (starting port, large winning port and general winning port) (hereinafter referred to as “first cumulative prize ball number”) ) And the cumulative value of the number of prize balls paid out based on the winning in the general winning opening (hereinafter, referred to as “the second cumulative prize ball number”). In other words, as a result of the above-mentioned switch passing inspection, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the first starting port switch 61, the second starting port switch 62, the big winning port switch 64 or the general winning port switch 65, the winning ball of the winning port is determined. The number of unit prize balls according to the type (the number of prize balls paid out when one game ball wins) is added to the first cumulative prize ball number, and the first cumulative prize ball number is updated. Also, as a result of the above-mentioned switch passage inspection, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the general winning opening switch 65, the unit prize ball number (one game ball wins) according to the type of the winning opening (general winning opening). Is added to the second cumulative prize ball count to update the second cumulative prize ball count. In the present embodiment, as the unit prize ball number, the first starting port and the second starting port are set to "3", the general winning port is set to "5", and the large winning port is set to "10". Therefore, each accumulated prize ball count is updated in a number unit corresponding to the unit prize ball count (3, 5, 10). In the prize ball control process (S60) described later, the information of the storage area storing the number of unpaid balls for performing the prize ball payout process of the generated number of prize balls is adjusted to the unit prize ball number. Update.

  As the storage of the number of played balls, a cumulative value of the number of played balls detected by the played ball detection switch 66 (hereinafter, referred to as “accumulated number of played balls”) is stored. That is, as a result of the above-mentioned switch passage inspection, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the game-completed ball detection switch 66, “1” is added to the cumulative game-completed ball number, and the cumulative game-completed ball number is updated. .

  As the storage of the number of foul balls, a cumulative value of the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball detection switch 67 (hereinafter, referred to as “accumulated foul ball number”) is stored. That is, as a result of the above-mentioned switch passage inspection, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the foul ball detection switch 67, “1” is added to the cumulative foul ball number, and the cumulative foul ball number is updated.

  Next, a prize ball control process is executed (S60). In the prize ball control processing, a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 54 to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of prize, based on the detection result in the above-mentioned prize monitoring processing. The communication inspection with the payout control board 54 is performed by monitoring the data received from the server.

  Next, a normal symbol operation gate monitoring process is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed the operation gate, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as operation suspension ball information, and The number of active balls is updated up to a maximum of four, and a random number related to a normal symbol lottery is stored.

  Next, a normal symbol control process is executed (S62). In the ordinary symbol control process, a series of processes relating to the ordinary symbol display device 75 or the ordinary electric accessory (second starting port) is performed. A process for displaying a stopped symbol, a process for operating a normal electric accessory, a process for demonstrating termination of operation of an ordinary electric accessory, and the like are executed. In the normal symbol changing process, display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) so that the normal symbol is displayed in a variable or fixed manner.

  Next, a normal symbol change start monitoring process is executed (S63). In this normal symbol change start monitoring process, the operating state of the normal symbol is monitored, and when it is determined that the change start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, one normal symbol operation reserved ball is digested and the normal symbol is depleted. , Determination of symbols, determination of a variation pattern, setting of a variation time, and the like are sequentially performed.

  Next, a start-up opening monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this starting port monitoring control process, the winning of the game balls to the first starting port and the second starting port is monitored. , A prefetch notice effect determination, a command request for the number of symbols stored, and the like are sequentially performed.

  Next, a special symbol control process is executed (S65). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, a special symbol variation start process (S420), which will be described in detail later, and a special symbol variation process (S430) according to the value of the special symbol game status. ), Special symbol stop symbol display processing (S440), and the like.

  Next, a special electric accessory control process is executed (S66). In this processing, when the lottery result of the special symbol becomes “big hit” or “small hit”, the operation start and the end of the operation of the special electric auditors product are performed as the operation process related to the special electric auditors (large winning prize). The setting, the update of the opening time and the number of times of opening of the special winning opening, the setting of starting the operation of the probability changing function, the setting of starting the operation of the changing time reducing function, the setting of the changing pattern selection state, and the like are sequentially executed.

  Next, a special winning opening effective period setting process is executed (S67). In this special winning opening effective period setting process, the winning effective period and the winning invalid period of the special winning opening are determined, and the valid period data or invalid period data of the special winning opening is set as a result of the determination.

Next, a special symbol change start monitoring control process is executed (S68). In this special symbol change start monitoring control process, if there is an operation-holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the number of balls to be held is digested by one, a command request for the number of stored symbols, and the determination of a special symbol hit / fail. The determination of the symbol of the special symbol, the determination of the probability variation function, the determination of the time shortening function, the setting of the operation pattern of the special electric accessory, the setting of the demonstration effect time, and the like are sequentially performed.

  Next, an abnormality detection process is performed (S69). In this abnormality detection processing, based on the input information in the input processing (S53), a magnetic detection signal from a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal from a radio wave sensor, a door / frame open signal, and the like are sequentially inspected. It is determined whether or not the gaming machine is in an error state. If it is in an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designating command”) including the error information is generated to request the effect control board 52 to display an error.

  Next, a ball entry time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). In the entry ball passage time abnormality detection processing, when the ON signal of the prize detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or more, the entry ball passage time abnormality is set, and an effect control command (“error And an output request for a security signal to be output to an external terminal.

  Next, a game state display process is executed (S71). In this game state display processing, display data such as the number of times (specified round number) in which the special electric auditorium (large winning opening) continuously operates, the number of operation-reserved balls of ordinary symbols and special symbols, and the like are created. Further, display data for displaying information on the error state detected in the abnormality detection processing (S69) is created. In addition, game performance information calculated based on the count value (cumulative prize ball count, cumulative game ball count, cumulative foul ball count, etc.) counted in the above-described winning monitoring process (S59) is displayed on a performance display monitor 500 (FIG. 10) is generated. In the present embodiment, the game performance information includes the game performance data SD. The game performance monitor 500 displays an abbreviation (identification symbol) for identifying the type of the game performance data SD and a numerical value (calculated value) indicating the calculation result of the game performance data SD.

  The game performance data SD is a base performance value in a normal state (normal state) after the power is turned on or after the RAM is cleared, and is calculated by the following formula (A) in the normal state. The normal state refers to a period of a state with a low probability and no time saving, specifically, a period other than the period of the big hit period, the period of the probable change state, the period of the time reduction state, and the period of the latent probable change state. The first cumulative prize ball number in the normal state is obtained by cumulatively adding the difference between the first cumulative prize ball number at the start of the normal state and the first cumulative prize ball number at the end of the normal state. Is calculated. Similarly, the cumulative number of played balls in the normal state is calculated by cumulatively adding the difference between the cumulative number of played balls at the start of the normal state and the cumulative number of played balls at the end of the normal state. .

    Game performance data SD = first cumulative prize ball number / cumulative game completed ball number × 100 (A)

  Next, a handle state signal inspection process is performed (S72). In the steering wheel state signal inspection processing, the touch state of the firing handle 9 is monitored based on the detection information from the touch sensor of the firing handle 9, and an effect control command (handle state effect command) is generated based on the monitoring result. Generate.

Next, an LED output process is executed (S73). In this LED output process, a special symbol is displayed, a normal symbol is displayed, the number of operation-reserved balls is displayed, a specified number of rounds (the number of times the special electric accessory is operated continuously), a right-handed instruction is displayed, and an error is displayed. In order to perform display, display of game performance information (game performance data SD), etc., each special symbol display device 71, 72, normal symbol display device 75, special symbol hold lamps 73, 74, normal symbol hold lamp 76, round indicator lamp Set the output information of the non-lighting data to the I / O port (output port) as initialization of the display of each display means such as 77, right strike instruction lamp 78, status display lamp 79, error display lamp 70, and performance display monitor 500. At the same time, display data created in the special symbol control processing (S65), the abnormality detection processing (S69), the game state display processing (S71), and the like are output to each display means.

  Here, FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the performance display monitor 500 mounted on the main control board 51. The performance display monitor 500 includes four-digit LED indicators (7-segment LEDs with dots) 501 to 504. The LED display lamps 501 to 504 of each digit are composed of seven LED segments arranged in a figure eight shape and one LED segment formed in a dot point shape. Therefore, the LED display lamps 501 to 504 of each digit can display numbers from 0 to 9, alphabet characters, hyphens, and the like by selectively lighting the eight LED segments. Here, the upper two digits of the LED display lamps 501 and 502 display an identification symbol (for example, “bL.”) For identifying the type of the game performance data SD. On the other hand, the lower two digits of the LED indicators 503 and 504 display a numerical value (calculated value) indicating the calculation result of the game performance data SD. The calculated value of the game performance data SD is displayed on the lower two-digit LED display 503 and 504 as a two-digit integer value (00 to 99) by rounding down the decimal part. That is, the performance display monitor 500 displays the combination of the identification symbol of the game performance data SD and the calculated value with the four-digit LED display lamps 501 to 504. For example, if the calculated value of the game performance data SD is “31.5”, “bL.31” is displayed on the performance display monitor 500 (4-digit LED display lamps 501 to 504). As a modified example, the calculated value of the game performance data SD may be displayed as a two-digit integer value by rounding off the first decimal place.

  The display mode of the performance display monitor 500 is different depending on whether the number of samples of the count data (the number of accumulated balls played) has not reached the preset specified number or not and has reached the specified number. That is, in a situation where the number of samples (the number of accumulated game balls) has not reached the specified number, the performance display monitor 500 has a blinking display mode. On the other hand, in a situation where the number of samples (the number of accumulated game balls) has reached the specified number, the performance display monitor 500 is in a lit display mode. Although an appropriate numerical value can be set as the specified number, in the present embodiment, “60000 (shot)” is set as a numerical value corresponding to, for example, a game (launch of a game ball) of about 9 hours. In the present embodiment, the game performance data SD is reset (zero reset) every time the accumulated number of played balls reaches the specified number (60000). Then, in addition to the game performance data SD at the present time (hereinafter, referred to as “game performance data SD0”), the game performance data SD (hereinafter, referred to as “game performance data SD1”) before the previous (one previous) reset, and The game performance data SD before resetting two times before (two times before) (hereinafter, referred to as “game performance data SD2”) and the game performance data SD before three times before resetting (hereinafter, referred to as “game performance data SD3”). , Are sequentially displayed on the performance display monitor 500 as history information. In addition, in order to make each of the game performance data SD0 to SD3 identifiable, the identification symbol when the game performance data SD0 is displayed is “bL.”, And the identification symbol when the game performance data SD1, SD2 and SD3 is displayed. , "B1.", "B2.", And "b3." That is, when the game performance data SD1 is displayed, it is displayed, for example, as “b1.32”. The game performance data SD0 to SD3 are provided every time a predetermined time (5 seconds in this example) elapses, and the game performance data SD0 → the game performance data SD1 → the game performance data SD2 → the game performance data SD3 → the game performance data SD0 → .. Are sequentially switched and displayed on the performance display monitor 500.

  Next, a firing control signal output process is performed (S74). In this firing control signal output processing, when no communication abnormality with the firing control board 180 or a disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a firing permission signal is output to the firing control board 180 to permit the launch of the game ball. I do. On the other hand, when it is desired to detect a communication abnormality with the firing control board 180 or a disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality, the control section 180 outputs a firing prohibition signal to the firing control board 180 to prohibit firing of the game ball.

  Next, a test signal output process is performed (S75). In this test signal output process, in a performance confirmation test for determining whether or not the gaming machine is proper, various test signals indicating the operating state of the gaming machine are created and output to an external testing device.

  Next, a solenoid output process is executed (S76). In this solenoid output process, the normal symbol control process (S62) and the special electric accessory control process (S66) are performed in order to operate the normal electric accessory and the special electric accessory. ), An excitation signal is output to each of the electric accessory solenoids 81 and 82 based on the control data acquired in the step ()).

  Next, an effect control command transmission process is executed (S77). In this effect control command transmission process, the effect control command specified by the pointer is read from among the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage unit 5180 in the above-described process, and the effect control command is transmitted. The control command is output to the effect control board 52.

  Next, an external information output process is executed (S78). In this external information output process, the operating state information of the pachinko gaming machine PM is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via the external information terminal plate 58.

  Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the CPU of the main control board 51 is set to the interrupt enabled state (S79). As a result, the main control-side timer interrupt processing is completed, the process returns to the main control-side main processing, and the main control-side main processing is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

  If the main control board 51 detects a power interruption (drop of the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold) during the main control main processing or the main control timer interrupt processing, a non-maskable interrupt is generated to confirm the power interruption. Turn on the flag. Then, after returning to the original processing, the above-described power-off processing (S26 to S32) is executed.

[Slot machine]
Hereinafter, a basic configuration and control contents of a slot machine SM as another embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, “combination determination processing” refers to one of a plurality of combination determination result numbers (composed of one or more game combinations or losing (excluding when losing is not set)) set in advance. In order to randomly select one or a plurality of winning determination result numbers (winning items), it means a selecting action such as a lottery executed by using an electronic device or the like (also referred to as “winning determination”). Here, the combination determination result number is one or a plurality of game combinations that are permitted to be established in the game for which the combination determination result number is determined (selected) (also referred to as “accepted combination” or “winning combination”). Or loss). It should be noted that the role determination is also referred to as “internal lottery” or “role lottery”, and “selection” in lottery or winning is also referred to as “lot” or “sen”.

  In addition, the term “established” in the description of “established award”, “established award”, and the like refers to the award corresponding to the determined outcome determination number (the award with a payout of a gaming medal ( A symbol combination (corresponding symbol) that constitutes a small combination) or a gaming combination without payout (regardless combination or special combination) is stopped in a predetermined manner (for example, arranged on an effective line described later). It is used as a concept to indicate that it was displayed with. However, as for the timing of establishment, for example, when a reel stop operation is performed at a timing at which the corresponding symbol of the game can be stopped and displayed on the activated line, or the corresponding symbol of the game is stopped on the activated line Appropriate timing can be set, such as the time when it is displayed, the time when the slot machine identifies that the corresponding symbol of the gaming machine has been stopped and displayed on the activated line, or the time when the identified result is stored in the storage area. .

  It should be noted that a replaying role, a small role, and a special role (also referred to as a “bonus role”) can be provided as a gaming role (also simply referred to as a “role”). A replay is a game in which a game medium (game value, game medal) is not given (cannot be acquired) even if it is established, but a replay (the next game is performed by the player without inserting a new game medium) A possible role, also called a "replay role". The small combination is a combination that enables a predetermined number of game media to be acquired when the small combination is established, and is also referred to as a “winning combination”. With the bonus combination (special combination), a special game state (also referred to as a “combination”) becomes operable (can be set) upon its formation, and is advantageous to the player during the operation of the combination (for example, The winning combination of the small combination is set to be higher than usual, and the combination (also referred to as “special game” or “bonus game (game)”) can be performed. The common role is a normal role that allows a predetermined special game to be executed only once, a first-class special role that allows a predetermined special game to be executed 12 times (however, until a small role is formed 8 times), There is a second-class special role that allows a specific special game to be executed only once, regardless of the result of the role lottery, in which all the small roles are in the same state as having been won. In the following, a special role that triggers the activation of a normal role will be referred to as an SB role (SB stands for “single bonus”), and a special role that will trigger the activation of a first-class special role will be referred to as an RB role (RB is It is also referred to as “regular bonus”. In addition, a special role that triggers the continuous operation of the first-class special role is a role of BB (BB is an abbreviation for “big bonus”), and a trigger that the second-class special role is continuously operated. The special role is also referred to as a MB role (MB is an abbreviation for “middle bonus”).

  Further, in the following description, a player's operation of inserting a game medal into a medal insertion slot 821 (an operation of performing a maintenance) and a regulation required to play a game out of credited (stored) game medals are described below. A pressing operation of the 1-BET switch 822 or the MAX-BET switch 823 for providing a number of game medals for a game is generally referred to as a bet operation. In addition, this betting operation, pressing operation of a settlement switch 824 described later, tilting operation of a start lever (also referred to as a “start switch”) 825, and stop switches (also referred to as “stop buttons”) 826a, 826b, 826c by the player. Is generally referred to as a game operation. In general, the term “insertion” in a slot machine refers to a case where a game medal is used to mean “put in a slot machine”, and a case where a game medal is used to mean “provide for a game”. There is. In the following description, the term “insert” is basically used in the former meaning, and the term “bet” is used in the latter meaning.

  The “number of payouts” (also referred to as “number of payouts”) of game medals means the number of game medals given to a player in one game. In addition, the act of paying out game medals includes the act of actually paying out game medals to the outside from the slot machine (also referred to as “actual payout”) and the game medals stored in the slot machine in an electromagnetic manner. There is an act of increasing the stored numerical value (also referred to as “storage addition and payout”).

  Further, the “acquired number” (also referred to as “acquired number”) of game medals is a game medal acquired by a player during a predetermined period (which can be arbitrarily set, for example, an AT period or a bonus period). Means the numerical value counted as the total number. The “number of game medals” (also referred to as “difference number”) is a value obtained by subtracting the total number of betted game medals from the total number of paid out game medals in a predetermined period (a negative value). Sometimes). Although the “acquired number” and “difference number” of the game medals can be used as different concepts, they are hereinafter treated as synonyms.

Further, “freeze” means that the execution of a predetermined control process relating to the progress of the game is delayed for a certain time. The freeze is set when the operation of the start lever 825 is received (also referred to as “freeze at the start of reel rotation”), and the freeze is set after the rotation of all reels is stopped (“freeze at the stop of reel rotation”). ) Can be provided as appropriate. During the freeze period, the game operation by the player is not effectively accepted. In addition, during the freeze period, a torso effect (also referred to as a “reel effect”) may be performed. The torso effect is an effect in which an arbitrary symbol combination is stopped and displayed by rotating reels 803a, 803b, 803c, which will be described later, regardless of a game operation by a player.

  In the following description, “push navigation” refers to a process (act) of notifying the pressing order and the pressing position in order to assist in the formation of the gaming role selected by the role determination. Of the push navigators, the one that assists in the formation of the replaying role is “RP Navi” (RP stands for replay), and the one that assists in the formation of the winning combination (small role) is the “winning navigator”. What assists the stop display is also referred to as “eye-navigating” (mainly performed by the sub-control unit). When it is desired to distinguish between the push navigation performed on the main control means side and the push navigation performed on the sub control means side, the former is referred to as “main side push navigation” (“main side RP navigation”, “main side winning prize navigation”). , "Main side push navigation"), and the latter is also called "Sub side push navigation" ("Sub side RP navigation", "Sub side winning navigation", "Sub side push navigation"), or "Push side navigation". Direction "(" RP Navi Direction "," Winning Navi Direction "," Push Navi Direction ").

<External configuration of slot machine>
First, an external configuration of the slot machine SM according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a slot machine SM according to the present embodiment has a box-shaped housing 805 having an open front (front), and a slot machine SM before being attached to the front opening of the housing 805 so as to be openable and closable. And a door 802. The front door 802 is attached to the front opening of the housing 805 in a laterally openable manner by using hinge mechanisms 806a to 806c disposed in front of the left side plate 805a of the housing 805 when viewed from the front. . Further, the front door 802 is always kept in a closed state in which the front door 802 is engaged with and connected to the housing 805 by using a locking device 804 provided on the right side edge of the front surface.

  As shown in FIG. 11, an upper panel assembly 810, a middle panel assembly 820, a lower panel assembly 830, and a tray assembly 840 are attached to the front surface of the front door 802 in this order from the top. At the center of the upper panel assembly 810, a display screen 811a of an image display device (also referred to as a "liquid crystal display device") 811 disposed on the back side thereof is arranged so as to face the front. , A first effect lamp 812, second effect lamps 813a and 813b, and third effect lamps 814a and 814b. Further, a pair of upper speakers 815a and 815b are arranged on the lower left and right of the display screen 811a.

  At the center of the middle panel assembly 820, there is provided a display window W facing the surfaces of three reels 803a, 803b, 803c arranged side by side in the main body housing. A medal insertion slot 821 for inserting a game medal (game medium), a 1-BET switch 822 for betting one game medal within a credited range, and a game with a maximum allowable number of bets (for example, three). A MAX-BET switch 823 for betting medals at one time, a clearing switch 824 for paying out betting game medals and / or credited game medals, and all reels 803a, 803b, 803c (reels). The start lever 825 operated to start the rotation of the "rotary drum"), the reels 803a, 803b, 80 three stop switches 826a, 826b, and 826c for individually stopping the rotation of c (the stop switch 826a on the left in the figure corresponds to the reel 803a, the stop switch 826b in the center corresponds to the reel 803b, and the stop on the right The switch 826c corresponds to the reel 803c), and a reject switch 827 for returning game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 821 and staying there.

The inside of the medal insertion slot 821 includes a receiving passage (passing to a hopper 851 described later) through which the inserted game medals pass when the inserted game medals are effectively accepted, and a case where the inserted game medals are not accepted. It branches to a return passage (which leads to a game medal payout port 841 described later) through which game medals pass, and a blocker 848 (see FIG. 13) is provided at the branch. The blocker 848 guides the game medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 to the reception passage during a period during which the inserted game medals are effectively accepted, and is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 during other periods. In order to guide the game medals to the return passage, the reception passage and the return passage are selectively configured so that one can be opened and the other can be closed. In the following description, the ON state of the blocker 848 indicates a state in which game medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 are guided to the receiving passage (a state in which game medals can be received), and the OFF state of the blocker 848 indicates a medal insertion state. This indicates a state where the game medals inserted into the mouth 821 are guided to the return passage (game medals cannot be accepted).

  Further, inside the medal insertion slot 821, three inserted medal sensors 828a, 828b, 828c (see FIG. 13) for detecting game medals are provided. The inserted medal sensor 828a detects that a game medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 821, and is located at a position upstream of the position where the blocker 848 is installed on a passage along which the inserted game medal flows. It is installed in. The inserted medal sensor 828b detects that a game medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 is guided to the receiving passage and is effectively received, and is located downstream of a position where the blocker 848 is installed (a hopper described later). 851). The inserted medal sensor 828c detects that a game medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 has passed through a branch portion between the receiving passage and the return passage, and the vicinity of the branch portion (the position where the blocker 848 is installed). (Position closer to the inserted medal sensor 828b).

  When both the inserted medal sensor 828a and the inserted medal sensor 828b detect a game medal, it means that the game medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 and the inserted game medal is effectively accepted. On the other hand, when the inserted medal sensor 828a detects a game medal but the inserted medal sensor 828b does not detect a game medal, the game medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821, but the inserted game medal is effectively accepted. Means it was returned without Further, when the three inserted medal sensors 828a, 828b, 828c detect the passing of the game medal in a different order from the predetermined order (the order of 828a → 828c → 828b), or when some of the inserted medal sensors pass the game medal. Is not detected, it means that an abnormal passage such as a backward flow of the game medal has occurred.

  The display window W is configured such that when all three reels 803a to 803c are stopped, three symbols for each reel, that is, a total of nine symbols are displayed so as to be visible to the player. A winning line 829 that horizontally connects the symbol display areas in the respective middle stages of the reels 803a, 803b, and 803c is a winning line activated by betting a predetermined number of game medals, and is on the activated winning line. It is configured such that the presence or absence of a game combination can be determined based on the symbol combination stopped and displayed. The activated pay line is also referred to as an “effective line”.

  In the slot machine SM, various display lamps including an LED lamp and the like are arranged. In this embodiment, MAX-BET switch display lamps 846a, BET number display lamps 846b, insertable display lamps 846c, game start display lamps 846d, re-game display lamps 846e, status display lamps 846f, and frequency display lamps as display lamps. 846g, a stored number display lamp 846h, and a payout number display lamp 846j. These display lamps are configured to be controlled by a main control board 860 described later.

The MAX-BET switch display lamp 846a is lit in a situation where a game medal can be bet. The MAX-BET switch 823a is arranged inside the MAX-BET switch 823, and when lit, the MAX-BET switch 823 is partially or entirely turned on. It is designed to shine. Other display lamps are arranged on the side or below the display window W in the middle panel assembly 820.

  The BET number display lamp 846b (hereinafter, also referred to as "BET lamp 846b") displays the number of betted game medals, and is lit when one or more betted game medals are displayed. It comprises a lamp 846bC, a 2-BET display lamp 846bB that is lit when there are two or more, and a MAX-BET display lamp 846bA that is lit when there are three. The insertion possible display lamp 846c is lit when a game medal can be inserted, and the game start display lamp 846d is lit when the start lever 25 can be operated to start the game. Is what is done. The re-game display lamp 846e is turned on when a re-game combination described later is established in an arbitrary game and a game medal is automatically bet by an automatic bet process described later.

  The state display lamp 846f is turned on when the stored (credited) game medals are settled, and the number-of-times display lamp 846g is, for example, the number of push navigations that can be performed when AT is set. 1 is subtracted each time the push navigation is executed, and may be increased by a lottery or the like). The stored number display lamp 846h (hereinafter also referred to as “CRE lamp 846h”) displays the number of stored game medals while incrementing the number by one. The number of game medals to be paid out is displayed while being incremented by one. The stored number display lamp 846h and the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j are each provided with two 7-segment indicators (seven-segment lamps for representing numbers, seven-segment lamps, (Indicating one segment lamp).

  The payout number display lamp 846j is also configured to display, when an abnormality (error) occurs in the slot machine SM, a character (alphabet) or a number indicating the type of the error. The errors set in this embodiment include HP error, HE error, H0 error, CE error, CP error, CH error, C0 error, C1 error, FE error, E1 error, E5 error, E6 error, E7 error, and the like. There is. The HP error is an error when it is determined that the game medals stay at the medal payout exit of the medal payout device 850, and the HE error is an error when the game medals in the medal payout device 850 are determined to be empty (hopper). The H0 error is an error when it is determined that the game medal has passed the payout sensor abnormally. The CE error is an error when the inserted medal sensor determines that the game medal has stayed (game medal stay error), and the CP error is an error when it is determined that the inserted game medal has passed illegally. The C0 error is an error when it is determined that there is an abnormal input to the inserted medal sensor, and the C1 error is an error when it is determined that there is an abnormal passage through the inserted medal sensor. The FE error is an error (full error) when it is determined that an auxiliary storage 885 described later is full, and the E1 error is an error (RAM error) when the contents of the storage device (RAM) are not normal when the power is turned on. The E5 error is an error (rotary cylinder stop error) when the combination of the symbols at the time of stopping the full rotation is abnormal (corresponding symbol forming a combination other than the permitted allowable combination is stopped). The E6 error is an error (set value error) when a numerical value of a set value described later for determining a winning determination probability is out of a range, and the E7 error is an error in an update state of a built-in random number used in each lottery or the like. This is an error (internal random number error) when detected. Each of the errors E1, E5, E6, and E7 (these errors are collectively referred to as "E-related errors") is released by a setting change described later, and the other errors are released by operating a reset switch described later. It has become.

Further, the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j also has a function of displaying a navigation number, which will be described later, indicating the operation order (press order) of the stop switches 826a to 826c. The number-of-payouts display lamp 846j for displaying the navigation number is also referred to as a "main-side pressing order display".

  A transparent lower panel cover 831 is attached to the center of the lower panel assembly 830, and decorative lamps 832a and 832b are arranged on both left and right ends. On the back side of the lower panel cover 831, a translucent lower panel base provided with a predetermined pattern and a lower panel illuminator (both not shown) are attached, and the lower panel illuminator is turned on. By doing so, the lower panel base is illuminated from the rear side.

  The saucer assembly 840 has a game medal payout port 841 for paying out game medals, and a game medal storage plate 842 for storing game medals so as to face the game medal payout port 841. An ashtray 843 is provided to the left of the game medal storage tray 842. On the left and right sides of the game medal payout slot 841, there are speaker openings formed of a large number of small holes facing the front surfaces of a pair of lower speakers 844 a and 844 b (see FIG. 13) arranged on the back side of the tray assembly 840. 845a and 845b are formed.

<Internal configuration of slot machine>
As shown in FIG. 12, a medal payout device 850 that pays out game medals obtained when a predetermined winning mode is configured as a result of a game is provided in a lower portion (on the bottom plate 805d) in the housing 805. ing. The medal payout device 850 includes a hopper 851 that physically stores (stores) game medals that have been inserted and effectively accepted, a hopper motor 852 (see FIG. 13) that drives when paying out game medals, and a game. It has a medal detection sensor 853 (see FIG. 13) for detecting that a medal has been paid out. An auxiliary storage 854 for storing game medals overflowing from the hopper 851 is provided at a position near the medal payout device 850. The auxiliary storage 854 is full (the auxiliary storage 854). A full detection sensor 855 (see FIG. 13) is provided to detect whether or not the game medal overflows. In addition, a power supply device 880 that supplies power to various devices mounted on the slot machine SM is provided at a left position of the medal payout device 850.

  A middle plate 805f is provided at the center of the housing 805 so as to be bridged between the left and right side plates 805a and 805b, and a reel unit RU is provided on the middle plate 805f. The reel unit RU includes the three reels 803a, 803b, and 803c described above, and three stepping motors 835a, 835b, and 835c that rotate the reels 803a to 803c, respectively (see FIG. 13). Have been. Each of the reels 803a to 803c is made of a light-transmitting member, and a light-transmitting reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols are displayed is attached to an outer peripheral surface thereof. Back lamps 838a, 838b, 838c (see FIG. 13) are provided on the inner surface sides of the reels 803a to 803c, respectively. By turning on these back lamps, each of the reels facing the reel window W is turned on. Areas 803a, 803b, and 803c are entirely illuminated from the inner side, or a predetermined symbol combination that is stopped and displayed (for example, on the activated line 829 or on a winning line different from the activated line 829 on a winning line). (Corresponding symbols, etc.) of the reels 803a, 803b, and 803c are illuminated only in partial areas.

A main control board 870 (shown in FIG. 13) that performs main control (including drive control of reels 803a to 803c and role determination processing, etc.) related to the progress of the game is provided in an upper portion (a top inner surface of a back plate 805e) in the housing 805. ) Is accommodated in the substrate case. It should be noted that a sub-control board that performs various effects control (effect image display control by the liquid crystal display device 811 and sound generation control by speakers such as the upper speakers 815a and 815b) for the purpose of enhancing the interest of the game according to the game situation. 870 (see FIG. 13) is provided on the rear surface of the front door 802. Further, a reel unit board 910 (see FIG. 13) described later is provided on the reel unit RU, a door relay terminal board 920 (see FIG. 13) is provided on the rear surface of the front door 802, and an external centralized terminal board 930 (see FIG. 13). Are provided in the housing 805, respectively. The predetermined boards are connected so as to be able to perform electric communication using a cable harness, and information can be transmitted between the connected boards.

<Basic operations for playing games>
In order to play a game with the slot machine SM, first, a bet is made by actually inserting a game medal into the medal insertion slot 821, or a credit range is set by operating either the 1-BET switch 822 or the MAX-BET switch 823. The betting line 829 is activated by betting a specified number of game medals within the game. In the present embodiment, the prescribed number of game medals required to activate the pay line 829 is set to three in any game state. However, the specified number is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate, such as setting the specified number to a different value according to the RT state or the like. Further, a plurality of winning lines may be provided, and the number of activated winning lines and the like may be changed according to the number of bets on game medals.

Next, when the player operates the start lever 825, the number of bets is determined (the betted game medals are used for the game), and a combination determination process is performed. Thereafter, the minimum game time (one The minimum time that must be secured between the start of rotation of all reels in a game and the start of rotation of all reels in the next game (for example, 4.1 seconds).
), The reels 803a to 803c start rotating, and a plurality of types of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 803a to 803c move vertically (normally, upward) in the display window W. (From below). Then, when the rotation of the reels 803a to 803c reaches a predetermined speed and reaches a constant speed, the stop switches 826a to 826c are enabled (operation of the stop switch can be effectively received), and the player can stop the stop switch 826a. Is operated, the rotation of the reel 803a is stopped, the rotation of the reel 803b is stopped by operating the stop switch 826b, and the rotation of the reel 803c is stopped by operating the stop switch 826c.

  Here, when it is determined that the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the activated line 829 is in a predetermined winning mode (a symbol corresponding to a gaming combination capable of acquiring a game medal), each winning mode is determined. Are paid out by the medal payout device 850 or added as credits.

<Connection between control board and each device>
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a main control board 860, a sub-main control board 870A, and a sub-sub control board 870B (a sub-main control board 870A and a sub-sub control board 70B) are main control boards for controlling the slot machine PM. Are collectively referred to as a sub-control board 70). Further, as other substrates, a reel unit substrate 910, a door relay terminal substrate 920, and an external centralized terminal substrate 930 are provided. The main control (including the drive control of the reels 803a to 803c and the role determination process) related to the progress of the game is performed by a control circuit arranged on the main control board 860, and illumination by lamps such as back lamps 838a to 838c. The control and the like are configured to be performed by a control circuit provided on the sub-main control board 870A. Further, the control of the effect image display by the image display device 811 and the control of the sound generation from the speakers such as the upper speakers 815a and 815b are mainly performed by a control circuit provided on the sub-sub-control board 870B. I have. Further, the transmission of information between the main control board 860 and the sub control board 870 can be performed only in one direction from the main control board 860 to the sub main control board 870A.
The transmission of information between 0A and the sub-sub-control board 870B can be performed bidirectionally.

  The main control board 860 includes a main CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to the game, a main ROM that is a read-only storage device that stores a control program and the like, and a main RAM that is a storage device that can write and read information. (“RAM” is also referred to as “RWM”), and each drive circuit operates in accordance with a control program stored in the main ROM, thereby controlling the progress of the game in the slot machine SM. Is performed. Note that the main ROM and the main RAM are nonvolatile storage devices, and are configured to be able to hold stored information even when power is not supplied.

  The main CPU includes a clock pulse generator for generating a clock pulse (clock signal), a frequency divider for dividing a clock pulse generated by the clock pulse generator, and a clock pulse (or a divided clock pulse). ), A random number generator for generating a random number used for determining a combination and the like, and a random number capturing circuit for capturing a random number generated by the random number generator are connected. The clock pulse generator is composed of two oscillators, and each oscillator outputs a clock signal that is asynchronous with each other. Hereinafter, a clock signal of a predetermined frequency output from one oscillator is referred to as an internal clock, and a clock signal of a predetermined frequency (a frequency different from the internal clock but may be the same) output from the other oscillator. Is called an external clock. For example, the internal clock is used as an operation clock of the main CPU and a random number update clock used for a predetermined lottery other than the role determination, and the external clock is used as a random number update clock used for the role determination. Note that the main CPU, the main ROM, the main RAM, the frequency divider, the random number generator, the random number capturing circuit, the interface circuit, and the like may be mounted on a single IC chip and configured as a one-chip microcomputer.

  The main control board 860 (main CPU) determines, via the reel unit board 910, the stepping motors 835a, 835b, 835c for rotating the reels 803a, 803b, 803c, and the rotational positions of the reels 803a, 803b, 803c. It is connected to the reel sensors 837a, 837b, 837c to be detected, and outputs a motor signal for driving the stepping motors 835a, 835b, 835c via the reel unit substrate 910, and outputs from the reel sensors 837a, 837b, 837c. Is input via the reel unit substrate 910. Further, the main control board 860 is connected to the hopper motor 852 and the medal detection sensor 853 of the medal payout device 850 and the fullness detection sensor 855 of the auxiliary storage 854 via the reel unit board 910 to drive the hopper motor 852. Is output via the reel unit substrate 910, and the dull payout signal from the medal detection sensor 853 and the full detection signal from the full detection sensor 855 are input via the reel unit substrate 910. ing.

  The main control board 860 is connected via a reel unit board 910 to a door open / close sensor 890 that detects the open / closed state of the front door 802. Is to be entered via The main CPU determines whether the front door 802 is in a closed state (door closed state) or in an open state (door open state) based on a detection signal from the door open / close sensor 890.

In addition, the main control board 860 is connected via a door relay terminal board 920 to a 1-BET switch 822, a MAX-BET switch 823, a clearing switch 824, a start lever 825, stop switches 826a, 826b, 826c, and insertion medals 828a, 828b. , 828c, and signals from these are input via the door relay terminal board 920. Further, the main control board 860 is connected to the display lamps 846a to 846h and 846j via the door relay terminal board 920, and transmits an LED control signal for controlling the display mode of each display lamp to the door relay. The signal is output via the terminal board 920.

Further, the main control board 860 is connected to the external central terminal board 930 via the reel unit board 910, and when a predetermined gaming state (for example, an AT state or a bonus state) is established, a data counter or a hall is provided. A predetermined signal (also referred to as an “outer end signal”) is output to the computer or the like via the reel unit substrate 910, and the number of times set to the predetermined game state is presented to the player by the outer end signal. It is configured to be able to manage the game store.

  Power is supplied directly from the power supply device 880 to the main control board 860 and the reel unit board 910, and power is supplied to the other boards via the main control board 860 or the reel unit board 910. . The power supply device 880 is provided with a power switch. By operating the power switch, power supply from the power supply device 880 and power supply stop can be switched. A supply voltage monitoring circuit that monitors a voltage supply state is provided on a circuit that supplies power from the power supply device 880 to the main control board 860 and on a circuit that supplies power to the sub main control board 870A via the main control board 860. (Not shown) are provided. Each supply voltage monitoring circuit determines that the power supply has been cut off when the supply voltage has decreased to a predetermined voltage value, and determines that the supply voltage has a predetermined voltage value (a value different from the voltage value for the power supply cutoff determination (for example, a high voltage value). Value) but may be the same value), it is determined that the power is turned on.

  Further, to the main control board 860, a setting key type switch 883, a setting change switch 884, and a setting display lamp 891 are connected. The setting key type switch 883 is a switch operated when confirming and changing the setting of a setting value that determines the degree of advantage for the player, for example, the degree (rank) of the role determination probability, and a setting change switch. Reference numeral 884 denotes a switch for changing the set value in a plurality of stages (six stages in the present embodiment). The setting key type switch 883 and the setting change switch 884 are provided in a setting change unit (not shown) mounted on the main control board 860. Specifically, the setting change unit has a setting change key cylinder (not shown) that can be rotated by inserting a setting change key (not shown) possessed by a game clerk. The key type switch 883 is configured to be switched by rotating the setting change key cylinder. The setting change switch 884 is arranged near the setting change key cylinder, and is configured to be pressed by a game clerk.

The main control board 860 (setting change unit) is in a state in which the front door 802 is open (door open state), in a state where power is not supplied (the power switch of the power supply device 880 is OFF), and When the power switch is turned ON while the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and rotated clockwise (clockwise) by about 90 degrees, the setting change mode (changes the set value) Mode). Further, in this setting change mode, each time the setting change switch is pressed, the set value is switched in six steps from 1 to 6, and the changed set value is displayed on the setting display lamp 891. Then, when the start lever 825 is operated, the set value is determined, and when the set change key is returned to the original position, the set change mode is ended and the mode shifts to the normal mode (a mode in which a game can be executed). When the mode is changed from the setting change mode to the normal mode, a setting change sound for notifying that the setting change is completed is output from a predetermined speaker (details will be described later). Further, when the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder is rotated clockwise (approximately 90 degrees) in the normal mode, the main control board 860 (setting change unit) checks the setting. A mode (a mode in which the set value can be checked) is started, and the current set value is displayed on the setting display lamp 891. When the setting change key is returned to the original position, the setting confirmation mode is ended and the mode is shifted to the normal mode. Note that the setting display lamp 891 is configured using a 7-segment LED capable of displaying a one-digit number.

  Although not shown, a reset switch is connected to the main control board 860. This reset switch is operated by a game clerk or the like when a predetermined error (an error other than the E-related error described above) occurs in the slot machine SM and the cause of the error is eliminated and the error is eliminated. It is. By operating this reset switch, the information of the occurrence of the error stored in the main control board 860 and the sub control board 870 is cleared, and the processing at the time of error elimination is executed by the main control board 860 and the sub control board 870. Is done.

  An information display lamp 892 that can be mounted on the main control board 860 is connected to the main control board 860. The information display lamp 892 is made up of a four-digit LED display light (a 7-segment LED with dots), similar to the performance display monitor 500 (see FIG. 10) described in the pachinko gaming machine PM. Is displayed in seven segments. As information on the accessory ratio, for example, a two-digit identifier symbol indicating the type of the accessory ratio (an accessory ratio, a continuous accessory ratio, a designated accessory ratio, an advantageous period ratio, etc.) and the identifier symbol The information display lamp 892 can display a 4-digit number or the like in combination with the 2-digit ratio.

  The accessory ratio indicates the ratio of the number of payouts during the operation of the specialty (the first special specialty, the second special specialty, and the normal specialty) to the total number of payouts, and the identifier symbol is, for example, “7Y.” It is said. The continuous bonus ratio indicates the ratio of the number of payouts during the operation of the first special bonus to the total payout number, and the identifier symbol is, for example, “6Y.”. The instructed accessory ratio indicates the ratio of the number of payouts during the operation of the accessory to the total number of payouts and the number of payouts when the instruction function is activated (when the push navigation is executed), and the identifier symbol is, for example, "7P." . The advantageous period ratio indicates the ratio of the number of games during the stay in the advantageous section to the total number of games, and the identifier symbol is, for example, "7U." It should be noted that the advantage period ratio may be displayed instead of the instructed accessory ratio in the case of a specification having no instruction function. The information display lamp 892 switches and displays the designated accessory ratio or the advantageous period ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, and the accessory ratio every predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds).

  On the other hand, the sub-main control board 70A mainly includes a sub-main CPU that performs various types of arithmetic processing related to management of effects, a sub-main ROM that is a read-only storage device that stores a control program and the like, and writes and reads information. A sub-main RAM, which is a storage device capable of performing the above-described operations, is provided, and the respective drive circuits and the like operate in accordance with the control program stored in the sub-main ROM, thereby controlling image effects and sound effects in the slot machine SM. Control, control relating to lamp effects, and the like are performed. The sub main ROM and the sub main RAM are non-volatile storage devices, and are configured to be able to hold stored information even when power is not supplied. Further, a clock pulse generator and a frequency divider (not shown) are connected to the sub main CPU, and predetermined processing is executed according to the clock signal generated by the clock pulse generator and the frequency divider. It has become.

The sub-main control board 870A (sub-main CPU) receives various signals from the main control board 860, and produces lamps such as effect lamps 812, 813a, 813b, 814a, 814b, decorative lamps 832a, 832b, and back lamps 838a to 838c. The lighting of is controlled. The sub-main control board 870A is configured to transmit various signals to the sub-sub-control board 870B and receive various signals from the sub-sub-control board 870B. Hereinafter, a signal (control signal) transmitted from the main control board 860 to the sub-main control board 870A is also referred to as a “control command,” and a signal transmitted from the sub-main control board 870A to the sub-sub control board 870B (information signal or effect signal) ) Is also referred to as a “production command”. Further, a signal (state signal) transmitted from the sub-sub-control board 870B to the sub-main control board 870A is also referred to as a “state command”.

  The sub-sub-control board 870B includes a sub-sub CPU that mainly performs various arithmetic processes related to control of image effects and sound effects, a sub-sub ROM that is a read-only storage device that stores a control program and the like, and information writing and reading. A sub-sub RAM, which is a possible storage device, is provided, and by controlling each drive circuit according to a control program stored in the sub-sub ROM, control related to image effects and sound effects is performed. I have. The sub-sub ROM and the sub-sub RAM are non-volatile storage devices, and are configured to be able to retain stored information even when power is not supplied.

  The sub-sub-control board 870B (sub-sub CPU) is configured to receive a notification signal or an effect signal from the sub-main control board 870A and transmit a status signal to the sub-main control board 70A. Further, based on the effect command from the sub-main control board 870A, the image display device 811 is controlled to display a predetermined effect image, and the speakers 815a, 815b, 844a, 844b are controlled to generate a predetermined sound from the speakers. Let it. Note that the image display device 811 is configured to also function as a push order display (also referred to as a “sub-side push order display”) that displays the operation order (press order) of the stop switches 826a to 826c.

  Next, various functions of the slot machine SM (mainly, the main control board 860 / sub-control board 870) will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the slot machine SM mainly includes a main control unit 1100 (corresponding to a main control board 860) for performing main control relating to the progress of a game, from a functional viewpoint, A sub-control unit 1200 (corresponding to the sub-control board 870) that performs predetermined effect control according to the situation is provided.

  The main control means 1100 is roughly divided into a game state management means 1110 for mainly managing a game state, a game progress management means 1130 for mainly managing a game progress, and a main communication control for controlling communication in the main control means 1100. And means 1150. The game state management unit 1110 includes an RT state control unit 1112, a replay operation control unit 1113, a bonus operation control unit 1114, a freeze control unit 1115, a game mode control unit 1116, and a random number generation and capture unit 1117. ing.

  Also, the game progress management means 1130 includes a reception medal management means 1131, a combination determination means 1132, an effect group number determination means 1133, a reel control means 1134, a stop display symbol determination means 1135, a payout medal management means 1136, a blocker control means 1137, The main communication control unit 1150 includes a display lamp control unit 1138, a pressing order management unit 1139, and a condition device group number determination unit 1140. The main communication control unit 1150 includes a control command transmission unit 1151 and an outer end signal transmission unit 1152. Note that the above-described units in the main control unit 1100 correspond to hardware such as a main CPU, a main ROM, a main RAM, and an electronic circuit provided on the main control board 60 shown in FIG. This is a functional representation of what is constituted by software such as a program.

(Each Means Constituting Game State Management Means 1110)
The RT state control means 1112 is configured to control the setting of a plurality of RT states (for example, three RT states of non-RT, RT1, and RT2) having different winning probabilities of the replaying role. The RT state control means 1112 shifts the RT state when a predetermined shift condition is satisfied.

  The re-game operation control means 1113 is configured to allow the player to perform the next game without betting a game medal possessed by the player when the re-game combination is established (also referred to as a “re-game operation state”). ). When the replay operation state is set, information (also referred to as a “replay operation state flag”) indicating the replay operation state is set in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM (for example, a value “1” is stored). ) Is done. The set re-game operation state flag is cleared (a value “0” is stored) at a predetermined time until the re-game operation state is canceled.

  The bonus operation control means 1114 is configured to execute a predetermined process in a period from when the predetermined bonus combination is won to when the bonus game executed when the predetermined bonus combination is established is completed. ing. For example, when a predetermined bonus combination is won, information (also referred to as “bonus winning flag”) indicating that the predetermined bonus combination has been won is set in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM (for example, a value “1” is stored). I do. In addition, when a predetermined bonus combination is established, information (also referred to as a “bonus operation flag”) indicating that a bonus operation is performed is set in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM (for example, a value “1” is set). Remember.

  The freeze control unit 1115 delays execution of a control process related to the progress of the game (for example, a process of receiving a bet operation, a reel rotation start operation, a reel rotation stop operation, or the like) for a predetermined time when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Is configured to be set. In the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a freeze (freeze at lever) performed after the operation of the start lever 825 is received and a freeze (freeze at full stop) performed after the rotation of all the reels 803a to 803c is stopped.

  The game mode control means 1116 is configured to control setting of a plurality of game modes (for example, eight game modes from game mode 0 to game mode 7). The game mode means a game state (also referred to as a “main game state”) mainly controlled by the AT and controlled mainly by the main control unit separately from the RT state. The game mode control means 1116 shifts the game mode when a predetermined shift condition is satisfied.

  The plurality of game modes are divided into a game mode belonging to a normal section and a game mode belonging to an advantageous section. The normal section is a period during which the push navigation (winning navigation, RP navigation, and eye-catching navigation) is not performed. This is also a period during which no transmission is made to the means. The normal section is also a period during which a lottery for determining whether to shift to the advantageous section can be performed.

  The advantageous section is a period during which the push navigation can be performed, and also a period during which information for determining the order of pressing may be transmitted from the main control unit to the sub control unit. The advantageous section is also a period in which a lottery or the like for changing the performance or the like of the advantageous section can be performed. Furthermore, in the advantageous section, a section indicator (for example, a DP segment lamp (also referred to as an “advantage section lamp”) of the 7-segment lamps constituting the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j for notifying the player that the vehicle is in the advantageous section. During the stay in the advantageous section, the winning navigation may be performed at least once (in this case, if the winning navigation has not been performed at least once, the operation shifts to the normal section. May not be possible).

In addition, an upper limit (1500 games) is provided for a period in which the user can continuously stay in the advantageous section. Further, when the advantageous section is completed after reaching the upper limit, all information related to the advantageous section (for example, information such as the AT winning flag) is cleared. Note that when the upper limit is reached and the advantageous section is ended, the winning navigation may not be performed even once during staying in the advantageous section. In addition, when performing a lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the advantageous section, a lottery for changing the performance of the advantageous section, etc. based on the selected combination determination result number, the combination determination result without setting difference is provided. The lottery may be performed only for the number, or in particular, the lottery for changing the performance or the like of the advantageous section may be performed based on a condition other than the combination determination result number. In that case, the setting may be performed without referring to the set value.

  In the present embodiment, an advantageous section clear counter is provided for grasping the number of games continuously staying in the advantageous section, and when shifting from the normal section to the advantageous section, the value of the advantageous section clear counter is set to “1500”. set. Then, every time the game is completed in the advantageous section, the value of the advantageous section clear counter is decremented by one, and when the value of the counter becomes "0", the game is forcibly shifted to the normal section. If the transition from the advantageous section to the normal section is made before the value of the advantageous section clear counter becomes "0", the value of the advantageous section clear counter is cleared (set to "0"), and the normal section is again switched from the advantageous section to the advantageous section. , The value of the advantageous section clear counter is reset to "1500".

  The random number generation / capture means 1117 is configured to generate and capture random numbers used for various lotteries. In the present embodiment, four 16-bit random number means (4 ch: ch is an abbreviation of “channel”) capable of generating a random number sequence in a numerical range of “0 to 65535” at maximum and “0 to 255” at maximum There are four (4 ch) 8-bit random number means capable of generating a random number sequence in the numerical range up to, and each can generate a random number sequence independently.

(Each Means Constituting Game Progress Management Means 1130)
The reception medal management unit 1131 detects a game medal that has been actually received from among the game medals (also referred to as “insertion medals”) inserted from the medal insertion slot 21 (guided to the reception passage and detected by the insertion medal sensor 828b). It is configured to control whether the game medal (also referred to as “accepted game medal”) is a game medal to be directly bet or a game medal to be credited. In the present embodiment, when the bet number has not reached the maximum allowable bet number (the bet number required to execute a game (the specified number “3”)), a game medal directly betting an accepted game medal When the number of bets has reached the maximum allowable number of bets and the number of credits has not reached the maximum allowable number of credits (for example, “50”), the accepted game medals are configured to be credited game medals. ing.

  In addition, in the game set to the re-game operation state, the accepted medal management unit 1131 performs the automatic bet processing (without reducing the number of game medals held by the player, the same number of game medals as the number of bets in the previous game are generated). (A process of setting a bet state). Even in the replaying operation state, if the number of credits has not reached the maximum allowable number of credits, the inserted game medals are accepted as game credits to be credited (may not be accepted). When the number of bets has reached the maximum allowable number of credits and the number of credits has reached the maximum allowable number of credits, the inserted game medals are returned without being accepted.

  The winning combination determination unit 1132 is triggered by the operation of the start lever 825 (the operation of the start lever 825 is effectively received) based on a predetermined winning determination probability (lottery number) to determine a plurality of winning combinations. A combination determination process (internal lottery) for selecting at least one combination determination result number from the result numbers (condition device numbers) is performed. This winning combination determination processing is performed using a random number generated by the above-described 16-bit random number means. Specifically, the random number generated by the 16-bit random number means is captured when the start lever 825 is operated. Then, when performing the winning combination determination process, the acquired random number is read, and the read random number is used to select a winning determination result number.

  The combination determination process is performed with reference to a predetermined combination determination table (not shown) set in advance. The combination determination table has a configuration in which lottery number data corresponding to each combination determination result number is stored in a predetermined storage area (a plurality of addresses) in the main ROM for each set value. When one or a plurality of combination determination result numbers are selected in the combination determination process, the game combination corresponding to the selected combination determination result number becomes a permitted establishment combination in the game. The information of the winning combination related to the selected combination determination result number is stored in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM, but the information of the winning combination stored in one game is the information on the winning of the small combination and the replaying combination. In the case of, irrespective of the presence or absence of these small winning combinations and re-gaming winning combinations, they are cleared to zero after the end of the game. On the other hand, if the predetermined bonus combination (RB combination, MB combination, BB combination) winning information is not established even if the predetermined bonus combination is won, the information is not cleared until the predetermined bonus combination is established. It is stored.

  In the combination determination process, the probability of selecting each combination determination result number (combination determination probability) can be arbitrarily set. In addition, it is possible to configure so that the combination determination probability can be changed according to the above-mentioned set value set by a game clerk or the like. In the present embodiment, the setting values are configured in six stages of settings 1 to 6, and the combination determination result number in which the combination determination probability is changed according to the set value, and the combination determination probability remains unchanged even when the set value changes. Is determined. Hereinafter, setting to change the combination determination probability according to the set value is referred to as “providing a setting difference”. It is possible to arbitrarily determine whether or not to provide a setting difference for each combination determination result number. As an example, there is no setting difference for the lottery determination result number which is a lottery trigger of the lottery which affects the payout rate (the ratio of the number of payouts to the number of game medals provided for the game) in the slot machine SM. There is a case where a setting difference may or may not be provided for a combination determination result number that does not serve as an opportunity.

  The effect group number determining means 1133 is configured to perform a process of associating an effect group number with a combination determination result number selected by the combination determination process. In the present embodiment, a plurality of combination determination result numbers in which a difference in the pressing order causes an advantage or disadvantage (influence on payout) in a game or a difference in the number of paid out medal medals (acquired number). After being divided into several groups, a common effect group number is associated with each group. On the other hand, payout medals are paid out according to the difference in the pushing order, and the winning determination number corresponding to the winning of the replaying player, which does not affect the advantage and disadvantage in the game by the difference in the pushing order (there is no effect on the payout), and the difference in the pushing order Regarding the number of winning combination determination results corresponding to the winning of a small winning combination in which the number (acquired number) does not differ or the number of gaming medals that can be acquired is small (for example, less than the prescribed number of bets), each winning determination result is A different effect group number is associated with the number.

  The reel control unit 1134 confirms that the minimum game time has elapsed after the start lever 825 has been operated (the operation of the start lever 825 has been effectively received), and then the reels 803a to 803c. Is started, and after all the reels that have started rotating are in the constant speed rotation state, the stop switches 826a, 826b, and 826c are sequentially operated (the respective operations of the stop switches 826a to 826c are effectively received). ), The corresponding reels 803a to 803c are sequentially stopped from rotating.

  The rotation stop control of each of the reels 3a to 3c is performed based on each stop table (not shown) set (set) in accordance with the winning combination determination result selected by the winning determination process, by operating the stop switches 826a to 826c (pressing). Order, operation timing, etc.). The respective reels 803a to 803c stop so that the respective reels 803a to 803c stop within a predetermined allowable stop time (for example, 190 milliseconds) from the timing when the stop switches 826a, 826b, and 826c are operated (in this embodiment, The maximum number of sliding frames is 5).

  In other words, as a result of the combination determination process, if a predetermined gaming combination has been selected as an allowable combination, the corresponding symbol of the selected combination is stopped on the activated line 829 as far as possible within the allowable stop time. As shown, in the case of a loss, stop control of the reels 803a to 803c is performed so that the corresponding symbol of any game combination is not stopped and displayed on the activated line 829. In the case where the replaying role or small role is won while the special role is being carried over, or when the special role and the replaying role or small role are to be elected, the replaying role, special role, small role , The reel rotation stop control may be performed with priority given to the replay game combination (priority of the special combination may be set higher than the special combination).

  The stop display symbol determination means 1135 determines which symbol is the symbol stopped and displayed by the reels 803a to 803c, based on the timing at which the stop switches 826a to 826c are operated, and is stopped and displayed on the activated line 829. It is configured to determine whether or not a gaming combination is established based on the combination of symbols determined to have been made (which may be different from the symbol combination actually stopped and displayed).

  The payout medal management unit 1136 is configured to add the number of game medals according to the small combination that has been established when the small combination is established, and to add to the credit amount when the credit amount has not reached the maximum allowable number of credits. Accordingly, when the number of credits has reached the maximum allowable number of credits, payout is performed by actual payout driving the medal payout device 850. In addition, when the clearing operation (the pressing operation of the clearing switch 824) is effectively received, the payout medal managing unit 1136 transfers the number of game medals bet or the number of credited game medals to the medal payout device. The 850 is driven to pay back.

  The blocker control unit 1137 outputs a blocker signal for controlling the above-described blocker 848 so as to switch the blocker 848 between an ON state (a game medal acceptable state) and an OFF state (a game medal unacceptable state). Is configured. When the blocker 848 is turned off, the game medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 are guided to the return passage and returned. However, the insertion of the game medal is detected by the inserted medal sensor 828a.

  The display lamp control unit 1138 includes the various display lamps (MAX-BET display lamp 846a, BET lamp 846b, insertable display lamp 846c, game start display lamp 846d, re-game display lamp 846e, status display lamp 846f, The display lamp 846g, the CRE lamp 846h, the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j) and the information display lamp 892 are controlled to be turned on and off. When the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j is to function as a main-side pressing order indicator, the pressing order management means 1139 controls the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j.

  The pressing order management means 1139 selects an instruction number (any of 0 to 6) corresponding to the pressing order to be notified according to the winning combination determination result selected by the winning determination process. The instruction number 0 is selected when the pressing order is not notified, and the instruction numbers 1 to 6 are selected when the pressing order is to be notified. In the present embodiment, the instruction number 1 is “middle left and right”, the instruction number 2 is “middle left and right”, the instruction number 3 is “middle left and right”, the instruction number 4 is “middle right and left”, and the instruction number 5 is “middle right and left”. , The instruction number 6 is associated with each of the pressing orders of “right center left”.

Further, the push order management means 1139 is also configured to perform a push navigation (main push navigation) by causing the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j to function as a main-side push order indicator and notifying the selected instruction number. I have. This push navigation notifies the instruction number by using two 7-segment lamps (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “7-segment”) provided on the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j. For example, “=” is displayed on the left 7-segment, and the numerical value of the instruction number (for example, “2” for the instruction number 2) is displayed on the right 7-segment. “=” Displayed on the left 7-segment is for distinguishing the number of payouts from being displayed on the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j. When the instruction number 0 is selected, the display with the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j is not performed. However, as another mode, “=” is displayed in the left 7-segment and “0” is displayed in the right 7-segment. It may be displayed, “0” may be displayed on both the left 7 seg and the right 7 seg, or “0” may be displayed on only one of the left and right 7 seg.

  The condition device group number determining means 1140 is configured to determine a condition device group number used for selecting a winning value in various lotteries in accordance with the effect group number determined by the effect group number determining means 1133. I have.

(Each Means Constituting Main Communication Control Means 1150)
The control command transmitting means 1151 is configured to transmit a control command including various information related to the game at a predetermined timing. For example, as a control command to be transmitted before the start lever 825 is operated, a control command including information indicating which game mode is set (also referred to as a “game mode command”), which RT state is set There is a control command (also referred to as an "RT command") including information indicating whether the player is playing the game, and a control command (also referred to as an "operation state command") including information indicating an operation state of the replay. Examples of the control command transmitted when the start lever 825 is operated include a control command including instruction number information (also referred to as an “instruction number command”) and a control command including effect group number information ( "Direction group number command"). In addition, the start lever 825 is operated by a control command including information on a set value, a control command including information on various counter values, a control command including information indicating an effect content to be executed in the sub control means, and the like. The transmission may be performed before or when the start lever 825 is operated, or when the other operation is performed.

  In addition, the control command transmission unit 1151 generates a control command including information indicating that all reels start rotating before all reels start rotating when the elapse of the minimum game time is confirmed. The command is also referred to as “all-body rotation start command”. Further, when the first stop operation (operation of the stop switch for stopping the first reel) is received, a control command including information indicating that the first stop operation has been received (“first stop reception”). A command (also referred to as a “first stop command”) is transmitted at the same time as the first stop of the cylinder (stop of the reel corresponding to the first stop operation). ). Similarly, when the second stop operation (operation of the stop switch for stopping the second reel) is received, a control command including information indicating that the second stop operation has been received (“second stop operation”). A control command (“second stop command”) including information on the second stop of the body, triggered by the second stop of the body (stop of the reel corresponding to the second stop operation). ). Similarly, when the third stop operation (operation of the stop switch for stopping the third reel) is received, a control command including information indicating that the third stop operation has been received (“third stop reception”) Command), and triggered by the third cylinder stop (reel stop corresponding to the third stop operation), a control command including third cylinder stop information (also referred to as a “third stop command”) ). Further, before the stop symbol determination, a control command including information on all-body stop (also referred to as an “all stop command”), and after determining the stop symbol, a control command including information on the number of game medals paid out (“payout”) Number command). Further, at a predetermined timing after the stop of the entire torso, a control command (also referred to as a “combination determination result command”) including information on a combination determination result (a bonus condition device and a winning replay game condition device) is transmitted. Communication between the main control means 1100 and the sub-control means 1200 (sub-main control means 1200A) is possible only in one direction from the former to the latter.

  The outer end signal transmitting means 1152 is configured to transmit an outer end signal to an external device such as a data counter or a hall computer when a predetermined game state is set. In the present embodiment, a situation in which a predetermined number of game medals are paid out twice (continuously) when a predetermined combination determination result is selected while staying in a predetermined game mode in an advantageous section. When this occurs, an outer end signal is output. Note that the outer end signal may be output when a predetermined bonus combination is established or when an AT is set.

  The sub-control means 1200 mainly controls a lamp effect, an image effect, and a sound effect (also referred to as “first sub-control device”) 1200A, and mainly controls the image effect and the sound effect. (Executing) sub-sub-control means (also referred to as “second sub-control means”) 1200B.

  The sub-main control means 1200A is roughly provided with an effect management means 1210 and a sub-main communication control means 1230. The effect management unit 1210 includes a game effect management unit 1211, a notification effect management unit 1212, and a lamp effect control unit 1213. The sub-main communication control unit 230 includes a control command receiving unit 1231, an effect command transmitting unit 1232, and a state command. A receiving unit 1233 is provided. The above-described units in the sub-main control unit 1200A include hardware such as a sub-main CPU, a sub-main ROM, a sub-main RAM, and an electronic circuit, and a sub-main ROM arranged on a sub-main control board 870A shown in FIG. Are functionally represented by software such as a control program stored in the software.

(Each means constituting effect management means 1210)
The game effect management means 1211 mainly controls the timing of execution of an image or sound effect (also referred to as “game effect”) performed by the sub-sub control means 1200B for the purpose of mainly improving the interest of the game and enhancing the playability. It is configured to manage based on a control command from the means 1100. The game effects include, for example, continuous effects, single effects, and assist effects.

  The continuous production is a production that is continuous over a plurality of game periods, and mainly uses the image display device 811 to display an image as a continuous story over a plurality of game periods, One that displays an effect image or the like that symbolizes that the user is staying in the predetermined game mode is exemplified. When performing a continuous effect or a single effect described below, effects using effect lamps 812, 813a, 813b, 814a, and 814b and decorative lamps 832a and 832b are performed, and speakers 815a, 815b, 844a, and 844b are used. It may be performed by combining the effects that have been performed.

  The one-shot effect is an effect that is executed only once when a specific situation occurs during the progress of the game. For example, there is an effect of displaying an image that implies the expected degree of winning of the gaming combination by the image display device 811 when each reel rotates. In addition, when the number of AT games is added by the main control unit 1100, the value of the added AT game (for example, a character such as “+10”) is displayed on the display screen 811a of the image display device 811. An effect is also an example of a one-shot effect.

The assist effect is an effect for assisting the player. In the present embodiment, the push navigation effect is mainly performed according to the information of the instruction number transmitted by the navigation number command from the main control unit 1100. In this push navigation effect (sub-side push navigation), the image display device 811 is used as a sub-side push order display, and the player is given a push order (correct answer push order) corresponding to the navigation number on the display screen 811a. This is a one-shot effect to be displayed on the screen. In the present embodiment, the RP navigator effect (sub-side RP navigator) corresponding to the above-described RP navigator, the winning navigator effect corresponding to the winning navigator (sub-side winning navigator), and the pressing navigator effect corresponding to the pressing navigator ( The sub side pushing navigation) is executed.

  As a specific mode of the push navigator effect (RP navigator effect, winning award navigator effect) for informing the pressing order, a mode of displaying a number indicating the corresponding pressing order (for example, in the case of the “left first” pressing order, "1" is displayed at the lower left of the display screen 811a, and in the case of the "middle left / right" pressing order, numbers indicating the pressing order are arranged at the bottom of the display screen 811a in the order of "2, 1, 3" from the left side. Notification mode) is given as an example. When displaying from the first pressing order to the third pressing order, when the player operates the first stop switch according to the displayed first pressing order, the display of the first pressing order is erased, and the displayed second pressing order is displayed. When the player operates the second stop switch according to the pressing order, the display of the second pressing order is turned off, and when the player operates the third stop switch according to the displayed third pressing order, the third pressing order is changed. The display may be turned off.

  Further, when the player operates the stop switch in an order different from the displayed pressing order, the pressing order navigation effect may be immediately terminated. Further, when the pressing order is displayed, the sound of “Naka”, the sound of “Hidari”, and the sound of “Migi” are output from the speakers 815a and 815b in association with the operation to be performed next. You may.

  The notification effect management unit 1212 mainly determines the execution timing of an image or sound effect (hereinafter referred to as “notification effect”) executed by the sub-sub control unit 1200B for the purpose of notifying the player of information relating to the game. It is configured to manage based on a control command from the control unit 1100. As the notification effect, for example, an error notification effect of notifying that an error has occurred with character information such as "error occurrence" or "image preparation in progress" indicating that an image is being prepared at the time of power-off recovery. An effect of notifying with character information is given. In addition, in order to prevent the player from being excessively immersed in the game (drinking), an effect of displaying an image (also referred to as an “alert image”) including character information for calling the player's attention is also notified. It is mentioned as an example of production.

  The lamp effect control unit 1213 is configured to control various lighting effects using the effect lamps 812, 813a, 813b, 814a, 814b, the decorative lamps 832a, 832b, and the back lamps 838a to 838d. It is also configured to perform a suggestion effect described later.

(Each Means Constituting Sub-Main Communication Control Means 1230)
The control command receiving unit 1231 is configured to receive a control command from the main control unit 1100 and store the control command in a predetermined storage area such as a sub main RAM (for example, a command buffer for the received control command).

  The production command transmission unit 1232 is configured to transmit a production command including various information relating to the production (for example, a production command including image information) to the sub-sub-control unit 1200B based on the control command from the main control unit 1100. ing.

  The status command receiving unit 1233 receives a status command (for example, a status command including information indicating that an effect command reception error has occurred) from the sub-sub control unit 1200B, and receives the status command from a predetermined storage area (for example, a sub-main RAM). (A command buffer for the received status command).

In contrast to the sub main control means 1200A configured as described above, the sub sub control means 1200B is roughly provided with an effect execution control means 1250 and a sub sub communication control means 1270. The effect execution control means 1250 includes a game effect execution control means 1251 and a notification effect execution control means 1252, and the sub-sub communication control means 1270 includes an effect command receiving means 1271 and a state command transmitting means 1272. The above-described units in the sub-sub-control unit 1200B are hardware such as a sub-sub CPU, a sub-sub ROM, a sub-sub RAM, and an electronic circuit provided on a sub-sub control board 870B shown in FIG. 13 and a control program stored in the sub-sub ROM. It functionally represents what is constituted by software such as.

(Each means constituting effect execution control means 1250)
The game effect execution control means 1251 is configured to control the image display device 811 and the speakers 815a and 815b based on an effect command from the sub-main control means 1200A to execute the above-described game effect.

  The notification effect execution control means 1252 is configured to control the image display device 811 and the speakers 815a and 815b based on the effect command from the sub-main control means 1200A to execute the above-described notification effect.

(Each Means Constituting Sub-Sub Communication Control Means 1270)
The effect command receiving means 1271 is configured to receive the effect command from the sub-main control means 1200A and store it in a predetermined storage area such as a sub-sub RAM (for example, a command buffer for the received effect command).

  The status command transmitting unit 1272 is configured to transmit the above-mentioned status command to the sub-main control unit 1200A.

  The transmission of the control command from the control command transmitting unit 1151, the transmission of the effect command from the effect command transmitting unit 1232, and the transmission of the state command from the state command transmitting unit 1272 are all performed by a serial communication method (parallel communication). Communication may be performed). Each of the transmitting units 1151, 1232, and 1272 has a similar configuration, and includes a command buffer (also referred to as “CB”) as a storage area for temporarily storing a command to be transmitted, and writing and reading of a command to be transmitted. And the like, and a command transmission unit that transmits a command by serial communication.

  The CB has a plurality of storage areas distinguished by respective addresses, and is configured to be able to store 1-byte command data in each storage area. The command processing unit generates command data to be transmitted, writes the command data in the address area indicated by the write pointer of the CB, reads the previously written command data from the address area indicated by the read pointer of the CB, and reads the command data. It is configured to write to a TDR (transmission data register) of the transmission unit. The command transmission unit is configured to transfer the command data written in the TDR to a TSR (transmission shift register), convert the data into a serial data, and transmit the converted data.

  When the communication is performed by the parallel communication method, the previously written command data is read from the address area indicated by the read pointer of the CB, and the command data is output to a predetermined output port (an output port for transmitting to the sub control means). It is configured to be transmitted by writing to. One command in the present embodiment usually has a 2-byte configuration (the checksum has a 1-byte configuration). The communication system is a start-stop synchronization system (asynchronous system), and has one stop bit and one parity bit (even parity) (the communication system and the command configuration can be appropriately changed).

[Main control processing]
Hereinafter, among the control processing performed in the main control means 1100 of the slot machine SM, particularly, the game progress control processing and the main timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 additionally.

<Game progress control processing>
The game progress control process is a basic process repeatedly executed during the game, and waits in this state until an operation of the start lever 825 is received (step S101), as shown in FIG. A determination process is performed (step S102). In this winning combination determination processing, a winning combination determination result (winning item) is selected based on a random number value generated by the 16-bit random number means. Information on the selected winning combination determination result is stored in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM.

  After performing the winning combination determination process, the game mode common start process is performed (step S103). This game mode common start process is a process that is performed in common even during staying in any game mode (details are omitted). After the game mode common start process, a game mode start process is performed (step S104). The game mode start processing is a general term for start processing performed separately for each set game mode (details are omitted).

  When the start process for each game mode is completed, the process proceeds to step S105. In this step S105, it is determined whether or not a freeze flag (a flag for managing whether or not to perform freeze) is ON. Here, if the freeze flag is ON, the freeze is performed for a predetermined set time (step S106), and after the freeze is executed, the freeze flag is cleared (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the freeze flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S108 without performing the processing of steps S106 and S107, and performs the push navigation process (the process of executing the push navigation according to the combination determination result number or the like).

  After the end of the push-navigation process, a torso start process is performed (step S109). Specifically, the rotation state from the start of rotation of each reel to the constant speed state is managed. Next, a torso stop process is performed (step S110). Specifically, when the operation of the stop switch is received, the stop possible position is determined in accordance with the received timing (the pressing position and the pressing order) and the result of the determination of the combination, and the time from when the reel decelerates to when the reel stops. A process for managing the rotation state is performed. After performing the spinning drum stop process, a process at the end of each game mode (a process performed for each set game mode after the reel is stopped) is performed (step S111). The processing at the end of each game mode is a general term for each processing at the end performed separately for each set game mode (details are omitted). When the end processing for each game mode is completed, the common mode end processing (processing commonly performed after the reels are stopped regardless of the set game mode) is performed (step S112), and the process returns to step S1.

<Main timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main timer interrupt processing will be described. In this embodiment, processing such as reading of each game operation signal output in response to a game operation such as a bet operation performed by a player, detection (confirmation) of a signal level, transmission of each control command, drive control of a reel, and the like. Is performed by a main-side timer interrupt process that is performed every predetermined time (for example, 2.235 milliseconds). In the main-side timer interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 16, first, an interrupt initial process (e.g., saving a register, prohibiting an interrupt, etc.) is performed (step MT11). Is determined (step MT12). Here, if the power-off is detected, the power-off process is performed (step MT25). In the power-off processing, saving of registers, saving of a stack pointer, saving of an interrupt state, and the like are performed. In addition, processing such as holding of information on a winning combination determination result and information on a game state (including information on an AT) stored in a predetermined storage area, and calculation and storage of a checksum are also performed.

  On the other hand, if the power interruption has not been detected, a process of updating the interrupt counter value (subtracting "1") is performed (step MT13), and a timer measurement is performed (step MT14). This timer measurement is for performing processing such as subtraction or addition of the timer value of an arbitrary timer set in the above-described game progress control processing. Next, the input port is read (step MT15). In the reading of the input port, reading and storing of the signal level of each game operation signal or the like input to the input port, determination of the signal level, and the like are performed.

  Next, a reel drive control process for controlling the drive of the reels 803a to 803c (rotation acceleration, deceleration, constant speed maintenance, stop maintenance, and the like) is performed (step MT16). In this reel drive control processing, a reel drive pulse output indicating the timing of switching the output phase (excitation phase) of the stepping motor according to the reel drive state (stop, reel rotation standby, acceleration, constant speed, deceleration, etc.) Processing such as update of the counter value, acquisition, update, and output of reel drive pulse data for driving the stepping motor is performed. In the next step MT17, it is determined whether or not the reel drive control process has been executed for all the reels. If not, the process returns to step MT16 to perform the reel drive control process again. On the other hand, when the processing is executed for all reels, a port output process for exciting the reels, hopper motors, blockers, and the like is performed (step MT18), and further, a control for transmitting the control command stored in the control command buffer (CB) is performed. Command transmission processing is performed (step MT19).

  Next, the process proceeds to step MT20 to read out the outer end signal (external signal) data stored in the predetermined storage area and output the outer end signal. Next, an LED display for causing the display lamps 846a to 846h and 846j and the information display lamp 892 to perform a predetermined display is performed (step MT21). In this LED display, for example, the following display is executed on the number-of-payouts display lamp 846j. That is, when no error (excluding the E-related error) has occurred, the number of payouts “0 to 9” is displayed based on the number of payouts of game medals, or the numerical value “1 to 6” is displayed based on the set value. Display. Further, when the notification of the pressing order is performed, the display modes of the navigation numbers “= 1” to “= 6” are displayed. When an error (excluding the E-system error) has occurred, an error display is executed based on the value of the error number.

  Next, the process proceeds to step MT22, where error management is performed. In this error management, first, an error check is performed. In this error check, it is determined whether or not an H0 error has occurred, whether or not a CE error has occurred, whether or not a CP error has occurred, whether or not a CH error has occurred, C0 It is determined whether an error has occurred, whether a C1 error has occurred, whether an E6 error has occurred, and whether an E7 error has occurred. If an E7 error occurs, an error is displayed on the number-of-payouts display lamp 46j, and processing for stopping the execution of the game is performed. When an error of the E system occurs, the error can be recovered by performing the above-described setting change process. After the error check, if an error has occurred, processing of an output request set at the time of error detection for transmitting error information to the sub control means 1200 is performed. After executing the error management process, a process of updating random numbers used for determining a winning combination is performed (step MT23), and an interrupt return process (restore of a register, permission of an interrupt, etc.) is performed (step MT24), and an interrupt return is performed. I do.

  Hereinafter, characteristic portions of the gaming machine (the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM) according to the present invention will be described. The content (characteristic configuration) described below is applicable to both the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM.

<Slide-openable board case>
First, the board case CU1 shown in these figures will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 23 additionally. In the following description, for convenience, this board case CU1 is referred to as a pachinko gaming machine PM.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the following description, for the sake of convenience of description, the vertical and horizontal directions are defined with reference to the state of FIG. 19 as directions in a state of being attached to the pachinko gaming machine PM. Are described as front and rear, left and right, and up and down, respectively. 17 is a view of the board case CU1 viewed from the rear, FIG. 18 is a view of the board case CU1 viewed from the front, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the board case CU1 viewed from the back side, and FIG. FIG. 21 is a view showing a component surface of the main control board 51, FIG. 21 is a view showing a solder surface of the main control board 51, FIG. 22 is a schematic view for explaining a slide mounting method of the board case CU1, and FIG. It is a figure showing the exposure state of the board solder side when CU1 is made to slide open.

  The main control board 51 is formed of a rectangular printed wiring board as a board, and as shown in FIG. 20, a setting change section 600 and a plurality of connectors (only connectors CN1 to CN5 in the figure) are provided on the component surface 511a. No.) has been implemented. Although not shown in detail, electronic devices such as a CPU, a ROM and a RAM, and electronic and electric components such as a resistor are mounted on the component surface. A display monitor 650 (see FIG. 5) is also mounted (the set value display monitor 650 does not need to be installed on the main control board 51). The main control board 51 is screwed and fixed to the inner surface side of the board case CU1 (top case 2200 described later) using a plurality of screws.

  The setting change unit 600 includes a setting key type switch 610 and a setting change switch 620. The setting key type switch 610 confirms and sets a setting value that determines the degree (rank) of a winning probability in a predetermined winning / losing lottery which affects the payout rate such as the winning rate of a special symbol, such as the winning or losing lottery of a special symbol, for the player. The setting change switch 620 is a switch operated when making a change, and is a switch for changing the set value in a plurality of steps (six steps in the present embodiment). The setting key type switch 610 has a setting changing key cylinder 611 that can be rotated by inserting a setting changing key (not shown) possessed by a game clerk. The setting change key cylinder 611 is configured to be switched by a rotation operation. The setting change switch 620 has a setting change button 621 pressed by a game store clerk, and is configured to be switched by pressing the setting change button 621. The setting change unit 600 (setting key type switch 610, setting change switch 620) may be provided on another board other than the main control board 51, or may be provided on another part other than the board.

The main control board 51 (setting change unit 600) indicates a state in which the front frame 2 is open relative to the outer frame 1 (a state in which the front frame open / close detection switch detects the open state of the front frame 2; State), the power is not supplied to the main control board 51, and the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder 611, and clockwise as viewed from the rear (“setting change key operation”). When the power is supplied while the setting change switch 620 is turned on (the setting change button 621 is pressed) in a state where the setting change switch 620 is turned about 90 degrees in the “direction”, the setting change mode is set. (A mode in which the set value can be changed) is started. Further, in this setting change mode, each time the setting change switch 620 (setting change button 621) is pressed, the set value is switched in six steps from 1 to 6, and the changed set value is displayed on the set value display monitor 650. . Then, when the setting change key is returned to the original position, the set value is determined, the setting change mode is ended, and the mode shifts to the normal mode (mode in which a game can be performed). However, if the front frame is not open at this time, the mode is not shifted to the normal mode (details will be described later). When the mode is changed from the setting change mode to the normal mode, a setting change sound for notifying that the setting change is completed is output from a predetermined speaker (details will be described later). Further, the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600) is in a state where the front frame is open, power is not supplied to the main control board 51, and a setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder 611. When the power is supplied in a state where the setting change key is turned by about 90 degrees in the key operation direction (the setting change switch 620 is in an OFF state), the setting check mode (a mode in which the set value can be checked) is set. Starting, the current set value is displayed on the set value display monitor 650. When the setting change key is returned to the original position, the setting confirmation mode is ended and the mode is shifted to the normal mode. In the pachinko gaming machine PM, even after the power is supplied, the setting change key cylinder 611 is rotated by the setting change key and the setting key type switch 610 is turned on, the setting change mode and the setting confirmation mode are both set. The setting value is not displayed on the setting value display monitor 650 without shifting. The set value display monitor 650 is configured using a 7-segment LED capable of displaying a one-digit number.

  Further, the setting change switch 620 in the setting change unit 600 is configured to also function as a RAM clear switch. That is, when the power is turned on in a state where the setting change switch 620 (setting change button 621) is pressed to start the setting change mode, the main control board 51 determines at least one of the information stored in the RAM. Clear information on the game state (information on the normal state, the probability change state, the time saving state, the latent probability change state, and the like). At this time, the set value is updated to a set value (for example, setting 1) at which the payout rate is the lowest. On the other hand, the information of the game performance data SD (SD0 to SD3) displayed on the performance display monitor 500 is not cleared. That is, the information of the game performance data SD0 to SD3 is not cleared when the power of the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned off or the RAM is cleared, but is carried over after the power is restored (after the power is turned on). Thereby, the reliability of the information of the game performance data SD (SD0 to SD3) can be ensured. Note that a dedicated RAM clear switch may be provided without using the setting change switch 620 as a RAM clear switch.

  As shown in FIG. 21, on the solder surface 51b of the main control board 51, the board side ends (shown by small black squares in the figure) of the terminals (connector pins) of each connector are soldered to the printed circuit. It protrudes in a connected state. Hereinafter, the terminals of the connector CN1 are referred to as terminals PN1 to PN12, and the terminals of the connector CN2 are referred to as terminals PN21 to PN32. In FIG. 21, among the terminals of each connector, only these terminals PN1 to PN12 and PN21 to PN32 are numbered.

  The board case CU1 includes a bottom case 2100 detachably attached to the back of the game board 20 and a top case 2200 detachably attached to the bottom case 2100. The top case 2200 is attached to the bottom case 2100. An engagement connection mechanism 2300 is provided at the right end of the case that is aligned back and forth in the closed state. The bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are combined and integrated in a closed state with their openings facing each other. Both the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are formed by a molding means such as injection molding using a colorless and transparent resin material (for example, polycarbonate or the like), and are configured so that the inside of the substrate case CU1 can be visually recognized even from the outside.

  The bottom case 2100 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box having an open rear surface as a whole, and bottom side slide engagement portions 2102 (FIG. 22) projecting rearward from upper and lower side walls 2101 (see FIG. 22). Are formed side by side in the left-right direction.

  The top case 2200 is formed in a rectangular box shape with the front open as a whole, and is configured to be slidable in the left and right direction (also referred to as “sliding direction”) with respect to the bottom case 2100. At the upper and lower side edges of the top case 2200, there are formed concave-shaped top-side grooves 2202 that open to the front side along the left-right direction and that can receive the bottom-side slide engagement portions 2102 of the bottom case 2100. At the same time, a top slide engagement portion 2203 that can engage with the bottom slide engagement portion 2102 of the bottom case 2100 is formed in the top groove portion 2202.

  In order to assemble the top case 2200 to the bottom case 2100, as shown in FIG. 22, the top case 2200 is slightly shifted leftward with respect to the bottom case 2100, and is opposed in the front-rear direction. The bottom slide engagement portion 2102 of the bottom case 2100 is inserted into the portion 2202, and the top case 2200 is slid in the right direction (hereinafter also referred to as the “closing direction”) to thereby allow the bottom slide engagement portion 2102 and the top The side slide engagement portion 2203 is engaged. Thus, the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are integrated in a closed state with the openings facing each other. On the other hand, the integrated bottom case 2100 and top case 2200 slide the top case 2200 leftward (hereinafter also referred to as “opening direction”) with respect to the bottom case 2100, and By releasing the engagement with the side slide engagement portion 2203, it becomes possible to separate them. Hereinafter, the position of the top case 2200 with respect to the bottom case 2100 when the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are integrated in a closed state is referred to as a “closed position”. Further, the position of the top case 2200 with respect to the bottom case 2100 when the top case 2200 is slid in the opening direction from the closed position so that the top case 2200 can be separated from the bottom slide engagement portion 2102 is referred to as an “open position”. Called.

  When the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100, the main control board 51 attached to the top case 2200 also moves with respect to the bottom case 2100. The part is exposed to the bottom case 2100 side. FIG. 23 shows an example of the exposure state at this time. In the illustrated example, of all the connectors mounted on the component surface 51a of the main control board 51, a part on the component surface side of the connector CN1 and a part on the component surface side of the connector CN2 are exposed. More specifically, in the connector CN1, half of the terminals PN1 to PN6 of all the terminals PN1 to PN12 (see FIG. 21) are exposed, and the remaining terminals PN7 to PN12 are not exposed. In the connector CN2, half of the terminals PN21 to PN26 of all the terminals PN21 to PN32 (see FIG. 21) are exposed, and the remaining terminals PN27 to PN32 are not exposed.

  The engagement connection mechanism 2300 engages and connects the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 integrated at the closed position with each other using a caulking member (not shown), and thereby the top case 2100 The case 2200 is restricted so as not to slide in the opening direction. The bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 engaged and coupled by the engagement coupling mechanism 2300 perform a predetermined operation such as partially cutting a connection portion between the engagement coupling mechanism 2300 and the substrate case CU11, thereby obtaining a top case. 2200 can be slid with respect to the bottom case 2100 to the open position and separated.

  The top case 2200 is formed with a connector insertion / removal opening (not shown) that penetrates the front and back sides corresponding to the mounting position of each connector (including the connectors CN1 to CN5) of the main control board 51. When attached to the case 2200, each connector of the main control board 51 is exposed to the outside through the connector insertion / extraction opening (see FIG. 19), and the effect control board 52, the image control board 53, the payout control board 54, and the harness ( (Connector cable).

Further, the top case 2200 is provided with a setting change portion corresponding opening (not shown) that penetrates the front and back corresponding to the mounting position of the setting change portion 600 (the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620) of the main control board 51. With the main control board 51 attached to the top case 2200, the setting change unit 600 is exposed to the outside through the setting change unit corresponding port (see FIG. 19). Note that a small door 2210 (see FIG. 17) that covers the setting change unit 600 facing rearward from the setting change unit corresponding opening is attached to the top case 2200 so as to be able to swing open and close (not shown in FIG. 19). ). When operating the setting change section 600 (setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), the small door 2210 is swung upward to expose the setting change section 600.

  As shown in FIG. 19, in the board case CU <b> 1 housing the main control board 51, the height of the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 in the setting key type switch 610 in the front-rear direction (from the component surface of the main control board 51). Is compared with the height in the front-rear direction of the same plane region having the largest area on the outer surface (rear surface) of the top case 2200 (hereinafter also referred to as “maximum surface region 2220”). It is lower than the height of the latter.

  The board case CU1 configured as described above and housing the main control board 51 is attached to the back side of the game board 20 with the bottom case 2100 on the front side and the top case 2200 on the back side. When the board case CU1 is attached to the back side of the game board 20, at least one of the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620 is connected to the open end of the front frame 2 (the left and right sides of the pachinko game machine PM). Of the front edges of the front frame 2 (the left and right edge portions of the pachinko gaming machine PM) are closer to the hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b than the open edge portion of the edge portions of the front frame 2. (The side near the provided edge).

[Countermeasures against illegal acts on control boards]
The connectors mounted on the main control board 51 include a main control board 51, other control boards (effect control board 52, image control board 53, payout control board 54, etc.) and various switches (first starting port switch 62, (2 starting port switch 63, operating gate switch 63, etc.). Therefore, there is a possibility that an unauthorized act of illegally accessing the terminal of the connector to read or falsify the signal information or generate fake signal information and input it to the terminal may be attempted. Further, there is a possibility that an illegal act of changing the setting value with a high payout rate by improperly operating the setting change unit 600 (the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620) mounted on the main control board 51. There is also.

  When such misconduct is committed, the player who knows the misconduct gains undue profit and damages the game store, or conversely, the player who does not know the misconduct suffers damage. The gaming store may make a profit. Therefore, it is a problem to make it difficult to perform such fraudulent acts, or to take measures against fraudulent acts, such as making it easy to notice when fraudulent acts are performed. The present invention has the following features as a countermeasure against fraud.

(A1) The board case CU1 is a slide open / close type.
As a method of opening and closing the substrate case CU1, in addition to the above-described slide opening and closing method, a method in which the top case 2200 swings and opens and closes with respect to the bottom case 2100 can be adopted. However, in the case of the swing open / close type, when the top case 2200 is swung in the opening direction with respect to the bottom case 2100, the number of connectors that can be accessed illegally is larger than that in the case of the slide open / close type. Become. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the board case CU1 is slidably opened and closed, and the number of connectors that can be accessed illegally even when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 is reduced. It makes it difficult to perform cheating on connector pins.

(A2) The number of connectors exposed at the open position is limited.
In the board case CU1, a connector exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 (specifically, a portion on the solder side of the connector, hereinafter also referred to as a “connector portion”) is a connector. CN2 and CN2 only,
The other connectors are configured not to be exposed. Therefore, even if the terminals of the connectors CN1 and CN2 can be accessed, it is difficult to access the terminals of the other connectors. As a result, it becomes difficult to perform wrongdoing. As a modification, the number of connectors exposed at the open position may be limited to one. By limiting the number of exposed connectors to one, it becomes even more difficult for fraud.

(A3) Some terminals of the connector exposed at the open position are hidden.
In the board case CU1, when the top case 2200 is slid with respect to the bottom case 2100 to the open position, the connectors CN1 and CN2 are partially exposed. However, even when the connectors CN1 and CN2 are exposed, some of those terminals are hidden without being exposed. That is, in the connector CN1, half of the terminals PN1 to PN6 of all the terminals PN1 to PN12 are exposed, but the remaining terminals PN7 to PN12 are hidden by the bottom case 2100 and are not exposed. Similarly, connector CN2 has half terminals PN21 to PN26 of all terminals PN21 to PN32 exposed, but the remaining terminals PN27 to PN32 are hidden by bottom case 2100 and are not exposed. Even if the connectors CN1 and CN2 are exposed, some of their terminals are hidden and not exposed, so that it is possible to make it harder for fraud. Specifically, for example, a signal input or output to or from the main control board 51 via an exposed connector (for example, the connector CN1) is transmitted to all of a plurality of predetermined terminals (for example, PN1 to PN8). If the unauthorized access is not possible, the content of the signal cannot be grasped, and it is effective when some of the predetermined terminals (for example, PN7 and PN8) are hidden and not exposed. Achievable. The number of hidden and unexposed terminals is preferably at least half of all terminals of the exposed connector. However, even if the number of hidden and unexposed terminals is one, the number of terminals is not included in the predetermined plurality of terminals. If so, it is a sufficient measure against fraud. That is, at least half of the terminals of the exposed connector may be hidden and not exposed, or at least one terminal may be hidden and not exposed. In the case where a terminal (also referred to as “one pin”) serving as a reference when assigning a pin number is included in the terminals of the exposed connector, at least one pin may not be exposed. Since the one pin often carries important signal communication, it is possible to make it difficult for an illegal act to be performed by not exposing the one pin.

(A4) The signal communicated via the connector exposed in the open position is not a signal related to the start of the game.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are not used for communication of signals related to the start of the game. It is configured. Here, the signal related to the start of the game refers to a signal that triggers the start of the game, a signal that notifies the start of the game, and the like. In the case of the pachinko game machine PM, for example, an input to the first start port is provided. A detection signal from the first starting port switch 61 for detecting a ball, a detection signal from the second starting port switch 62 for detecting a ball entering the second starting port, and the like correspond to this. Such a signal related to the start of the game is a trigger for executing a lottery (a first special symbol lottery or a second special symbol lottery) which has a great effect on the acquisition of a game value (game ball), and is therefore a target of misconduct. It is easy to be. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to the start of the game, whereby an illegal act on the signal related to the start of the game is performed. Making it difficult.

(A5) The signal communicated via the connector exposed at the open position is not a signal related to payout.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured so as not to be used for communication of signals related to payout. I have. Here, the signal related to the payout is a signal instructing the payout of the game value, a signal triggering the payout of the game value, or the like. In the case of the pachinko game machine PM, for example, the The payout control command output to the payout control board 54, a control signal for controlling the opening and closing of the special winning opening (special electric accessory), and the like correspond to this. The signal related to such payout is directly linked to the acquisition of a game value (game ball), and thus is likely to be targeted for fraud. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to payout, thereby making it difficult for illegal actions related to signals related to payout to be performed. .

(A6) The signal communicated through the connector exposed at the open position is not a signal related to the power supply.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 that are exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to the power supply. I have. Here, the signal related to the power supply is a signal for detecting a power-off, a signal for detecting a power-on, or the like. A signal or the like that detects power cutoff or power on of the applied power corresponds to this. Since the setting can be changed by turning off the power and turning on the power, the signals related to such a power source are also likely to be targeted for fraud. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to the power supply. Is difficult to do.

(A7) The signal communicated via the connector exposed at the open position is not a signal related to the presentation board.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured so as not to be used for communication of signals related to the presentation board. ing. Here, the signal related to the effect board is a signal that is communicated with the effect board, such as a signal for instructing an effect (including error notification) by an image, lamp light, speaker sound, or the like, and the pachinko gaming machine PM In other words, for example, an effect control command output from the main control board 51 to the effect control board 52 corresponds to this. Signals related to such effect boards are not directly linked to the acquisition of game value, but by illegally falsifying signals, etc., it is possible to execute effects in a game state different from the actual one, It can be used to conceal what you are doing. Therefore, it is easy to be targeted for fraud. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured so as not to be used for communication of signals related to the effect board, thereby making it difficult for an illegal act to be performed on the signal related to the effect board. ing.

(A8) The signal communicated through the connector exposed in the open position is not the signal used for the test.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured so as not to be used for communication of signals used for a test. ing. Here, the signal used for the test is a signal used in a type test performed for authentication of a type of a gaming machine, and a signal used for confirming operation and control contents of the gaming machine in a manufacturing process. The test signal output in the test signal output process corresponds to the pachinko gaming machine PM. The signal used for such a test can be used to grasp the specifications of the gaming machine by analyzing the signal content and the like. Therefore, it is easy to be targeted for fraud. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of a signal specified in the test, thereby making it difficult for an illegal act to be performed on the signal specified in the test. ing.

(A9) When the front door is closed, the mode does not shift to the setting change mode.
In the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600; setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), it is determined that the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 so as to shift to the setting change mode. It is one of the conditions. Therefore, when the front frame 2 is closed with respect to the outer frame 1 (when the front frame open / close detection switch detects the closed state of the front frame 2 and is hereinafter referred to as “front frame closed state”), the setting change mode is set. The configuration is such that the setting value cannot be changed without shifting. The regular setting change by the gaming store is performed with the front frame open. On the other hand, when the user tries to change the setting illegally, an attempt may be made with the front frame closed. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured not to shift to the setting change mode in the front frame closed state, thereby making it difficult for an illegal act related to the setting change to be performed. Even when the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1, the setting change is performed when the back set board 30 is closed (when the back set open / close detection switch detects the closed state of the back set board 30). It may be configured not to shift to the mode. Also, a state in which the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 (a state in which the front frame open / close detection switch detects the open state of the front frame 2), and a state in which the glass frame 5 is opened with respect to the front frame 2 at the same time. In the case of (the state in which the glass frame opening / closing detection switch detects the open state of the glass frame 5), the specification may be such that setting change and setting confirmation are permitted. By adopting such specifications, in the operation check at the time of producing the pachinko gaming machine PM, the setting function can be inspected without performing an extra operation such as closing the glass frame 5, so that the convenience is improved. high. In addition, even if the board maintenance work in a game arcade or the like is performed with the glass frame 5 removed, the setting change and the setting confirmation work can be performed in parallel with the board maintenance work. High in nature.

(A10) When the front door is in the closed state, the mode does not shift from the setting change mode to the game mode.
In the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600; setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), when the setting key is returned to the original position after the setting change in the setting change mode, the mode shifts to the normal mode in which the game can be executed. However, at this time, if the front frame is not in the open state, the mode is not shifted to the normal mode, so that the game cannot be played. Since the normal setting change by the game store is performed in the front frame open state, the front frame is also in the front frame open state when the setting key is returned to the original position after the setting change. On the other hand, if the user tries to change the setting illegally, the front frame may be closed, and in this case, the front frame may be closed when the setting key is returned to the original position after the setting is changed. . Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured not to shift from the setting change mode to the normal mode in the front frame closed state, thereby making it difficult for an illegal act related to the setting change to be performed.

(A11) The switch for switching the setting change is provided at a position closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front door.
When the board case CU1 is attached to the back side of the game board 20, at least one of the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620 is closer to the pivot connection end than the open end of the front frame 2. Attached so that it is located in the place. When attempting to gain unauthorized access to the setting key type switch 610 or the setting change switch 620, the actor may insert a device such as a wire or insert a hand from the open end side of the front frame 2 to execute the operation. It is thought that there are many. In this case, if these switches 610 and 620 are provided near the open end of the front frame 2, unauthorized access to them is easy. Accordingly, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, at least one of the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620 is configured to be located at a position closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front frame 2. This makes it difficult for fraudulent acts related to the setting change to be performed.

(A12) The operation direction of the key member when changing the setting is a direction in which the key member is twisted toward the pivot end side of the front door.
In the setting change section 600, the setting change key operation direction (setting change key operation direction) for changing the setting is clockwise as viewed from the rear, that is, the direction of twisting toward the pivot end side of the front frame 2. When attempting to operate the setting key type switch 610 illegally, it is considered that the actor often inserts an instrument such as a wire or inserts a hand from the open end side of the front frame 2 to execute the operation. In this case, when the operation direction of the setting key inserted into the setting key type switch 610 is set to the direction of twisting toward the open end of the front frame 2, the setting key is easily operated. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured such that the setting key operation direction is a direction in which the setting key operation direction is twisted toward the pivotal end of the front frame 2, thereby making it difficult for an illegal act related to the setting change to be performed.

(A13) The insertion surface of the key member when changing the setting is lower than the cover surface of the board case.
In the board case CU <b> 1 housing the main control board 51, the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 in the setting key type switch 610 is provided at a position lower than the maximum surface area 2220 of the top case 2200. When attempting to illegally operate the setting key type switch 610, it is considered that the actor often approaches the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 from the rear side of the top case 2200. In this case, if the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 is provided at a concave position lower than the maximum surface area 2220 of the top case 2200, it becomes difficult to approach the setting key insertion surface. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured such that the setting key insertion surface is located at a position lower than the maximum surface area 2220 of the top case 2200, thereby making it difficult for an improper act related to the setting change to be performed.

(A14) The switch for detecting the open / closed state of the front door is provided at a position closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front door.
In the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600; setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), it is determined that the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 so as to shift to the setting change mode. It is one of the conditions. However, when attempting to change the setting illegally, an attempt may be made in the front frame closed state in which the front frame 2 is closed with respect to the outer frame 1. At this time, it is conceivable that an unauthorized act of illegally accessing the front frame opening / closing detection switch and outputting a detection signal indicating that the front frame is open while the front frame is closed is performed. In this case, if the front frame open / close detection switch is provided at a position near the open end of the front frame 2, unauthorized access is easy. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the front frame open / close detection switch is configured to be located at a position closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front frame 2, whereby the front frame open / close detection switch Making unauthorized access difficult.

The characteristic configurations (A1) to (A8) related to the board case CU1 for countermeasures against fraud described above include a board other than the main control board 51 in the pachinko gaming machine PM, an effect control board 52, an image control board 53, and a payout control. The same effect can be obtained by applying the same method to a substrate case for accommodating the substrate 54 and the like. In addition, the present invention is similarly applied to a board case for accommodating various boards in the slot machine SM, a main control board 860, a sub-control board 870 (sub-main control board 870A, sub-sub control board 870B), a reel unit board 910, and the like. It is possible to obtain the effect of Note that the signal related to the start of the game when the characteristic configurations (A4) to (A8) are applied to the slot machine SM (in particular, the board case for the main control board 860) indicates the operation state of the start lever 825. The signal corresponds to this, and the signal related to payout corresponds to a hopper motor signal or the like output from the main control board 860 to the hopper motor 852 of the medal payout apparatus 850 via the reel unit board 910. In addition, the signal related to the power supply corresponds to a signal for detecting power-off or power-on of the power supplied from the power supply device 880 to the main control board 860, and the signal related to the production board corresponds to the main signal. Control commands output from the control board 860 to the sub control board 870 (sub main control board 870A) correspond to this. In the slot machine SM, when a signal related to the effect board transmitted from the main control board 860 to the sub-control board 870 is misconducted, the effects such as push navigation are not displayed correctly, and the wrongdoer is unjustly improper. There is a risk of obtaining significant benefits. Therefore, in the slot machine SM, by configuring the exposed connector not to be used for communication of the signal relating to the effect board, it is possible to make it difficult for the signal related to the effect board to be illegally performed. The signals specified for the test include a signal output from the slot machine SM in a type test performed for the type authentication of the slot machine SM, and an operation and control contents of the slot machine SM in a manufacturing process. For example, a signal output from the slot machine SM corresponds to this.

  Further, the characteristic configurations (A9) to (A13) of the setting change unit 600 for countermeasures against fraud described above include a setting change unit (setting key type switch 883, setting key type switch 883) mounted on the main control board 860 of the slot machine SM. The same effect can be obtained by applying the same to the change switch 884). When the characteristic configurations (A10) to (A12) are applied to the slot machine SM, the board case that houses the main control substrate 860 has the same configuration as the characteristic configurations (A1) to (A8). It is assumed that the substrate case is attached to the front door 802 side. Further, the setting change switch 884 of the slot machine SM may function as a RAM clear switch. In this case, the game state information to be cleared to the RAM includes information such as an RT state, an AT state, and an advantageous section. Further, it is preferable that the information on the accessory ratio displayed on the information display lamp 892 is not cleared even when the RAM clear operation is performed. Further, the above-described characteristic configuration (A14) can be similarly applied to the slot machine SM to obtain the same effect. Note that a door open / close sensor 890 corresponds to a switch that detects the open / closed state of the front door when the characteristic configuration (A14) is applied.

<Thickness and arrangement of lead wires>
Various boards provided in the gaming machine are electrically connected via a plurality of connector cables (lead wires). These lead wires serve as paths for various signals communicated between the boards. In particular, the lead wires connected to the main control board (the main control board 51 in the case of the pachinko gaming machine PM, and the main control board 860 in the case of the slot machine) serve as paths for important signals relating to the progress of the game. Therefore, there is a possibility that unauthorized access to such a lead wire to read or falsify the signal information or to generate fake signal information and input the same to the lead wire may be attempted. Therefore, it is a problem to make it difficult to perform such misconduct with respect to the lead wire. Further, if noise is superimposed on a signal communicated via the lead wire, correct information cannot be transmitted, and the game may not be able to proceed smoothly. Therefore, it is also an issue to make the lead wire less susceptible to noise. The present invention has several characteristic configurations regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wire as a measure against cheating and noise against the lead wire.

  Before describing the characteristic configuration and its effects, a preferred embodiment example regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25 additionally. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the thickness and arrangement of a plurality of lead wires LL1 to LL14 connected via a harness connector CN13 to a board connector CN11 (see FIG. 25) mounted on the main control board MC1. It is. FIG. 25 shows lead wires LL8 to LL10 extending from the harness connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2, and lead wires LL15 to LL18 extending from another harness connector CN14 to the outside of the board case CU2. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of arrangement. Note that the harness-side connector CN14 is a connector connected to another board-side connector CN12 mounted on the main control board MC1, and the board case CU2 is a board case that houses the main control board MC1. The main control board MC1 corresponds to the main control board 51 in the pachinko game machine PM, and corresponds to the main control board 860 in the slot machine SM.

As shown in FIG. 24, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL1 to LL14. Among them, the lead wires LL6 to LL7 are lead wires related to input of power, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 are lead wires related to starting of a game, and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 are connected to external terminal boards. Lead wire. Other lead wires LL1 to LL5, LL1
3 to LL14 are lead wires related to other signals and the like. The lead wires related to the input of the power supply are a lead wire for supplying power to the main control board MC1, a ground wire, and the like. The lead wire related to the start of a game is a signal lead wire or a ground wire that is used as a trigger for starting a game, etc. A lead wire or the like connected to the first start-up switch 61 or the second start-up switch 62 that outputs a signal that triggers a symbol change corresponds to this. A lead wire or the like connected to a switch (hereinafter, referred to as a “start lever switch”) that outputs a detection signal of an operation state of the start lever 825 that triggers the start of fluctuations of 803a to 803c corresponds to this. The lead wire connected to the external terminal board is a signal line or a ground line for transmitting predetermined information to the hall computer or the like via the external terminal board. In the case of the pachinko gaming machine PM, the payout control is performed. The lead wire connected to the external information terminal board 58 via the board 54 corresponds to this, and in the case of the slot machine SM, the lead wire connected to the external centralized terminal board 930 via the reel unit payout control board 54 is this. Corresponds to.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the thickness of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game is the thinnest among the 14 lead wires LL1 to LL14 (other lead wires having substantially the same thickness are not included). In some cases). Here, the thickness of the lead wire is an apparent thickness (diameter) obtained by adding the thickness of the outer peripheral coating to the diameter of the core wire of the lead wire, and the diameter of the core wire is referred to as the thickness of the lead wire. It may be good. Note that the thickness of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 is the thinnest among not only the lead wires LL1 to LL14 of the connector CN13 but also all the lead wires connected to the main control board MC1. Also, the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game, and are adjacent to the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. Is located in the position. Here, “substantially the same thickness” means that the thickness is the same to the extent that it is not possible to determine which one is thicker. For example, strictly speaking, even if the thickness is different by about several percent to ten and several percent of the diameter, It is the same thickness category. In addition, the lead wires LL6 to LL7 related to the input of the power supply are arranged at positions not adjacent to the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 extending from the harness side connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2 and relating to the start of the game are bundled together by a tying tool BR1. In addition, as the tying tool BR1, besides a tying band having a resin tying band or a hook-and-loop fastener, various materials such as a protection tube made of rubber or cloth, a rubber band, a wire, a string, etc. are used as long as they can be tied. be able to. Further, lead wires other than the lead wires LL8 to LL10 may be bundled together. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, on the front side of the bundled lead wires LL8 to LL10 (on the side away from the main control board MC1 with respect to the lead wires LL8 to LL10), the outside of the board case CU2 from the harness side connector CN14. The lead wires LL15 to LL18 extending to are partially overlapped with the lead wires LL8 to LL10. Note that the number of lead wires overlapping with the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the bound game may be set to one or more arbitrary numbers. Further, another lead wire extending from the harness-side connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2 may be arranged so as to overlap with the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the bound game.

[Characteristic configuration concerning lead wire thickness and arrangement]
Next, a description will be given of a characteristic configuration relating to the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires and the effect thereof. Further, another embodiment example regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 30 additionally. The present invention has the following characteristic configuration regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires.

(B1) Among the lead wires connected to the main control board, the lead wire related to the start of the game is the thinnest.
The lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game shown in FIG.
3 is the thinnest among all the lead wires connected to the main control board MC1 as well as among the 14 lead wires LL1 to LL14 of 3. The lead wire related to the start of the game is used for communication of a signal or the like that triggers the start of a predetermined game process that affects the payout rate, and thus is likely to be a target of fraud. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lead wire related to the start of the game is made thinnest to make it difficult to identify, thereby making it difficult to perform an illegal act on the lead wire related to the start of the game. Further, by making the lead wires thin, problems such as disconnection easily occur when an illegal act is performed. Therefore, when an illegal act on the lead wire related to the start of the game is performed, a trouble such as disconnection is likely to occur, and it is easy to detect that the illegal act has been performed due to such a trouble. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL21 to LL34, of which the lead wires LL24 to LL26 are lead wires related to the start of the game. The lead wires LL24 to LL26 related to the start of the game are the thinnest among the lead wires LL21 to LL34.

(B2) Among the lead wires connected to the main control board, there are a plurality of lead wires having substantially the same thickness as the lead wire related to the start of the game, except for the lead wire related to the start of the game.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead lines LL4 to LL5, LL11 to LL12 are configured to have substantially the same thickness as the lead lines LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. By setting these lead wires LL4 to LL12 to have substantially the same thickness, it becomes difficult to identify which of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. As a result, it is difficult to perform an illegal act on the lead wire related to the start of the game. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL35 to LL48, among which the lead wires LL42 to LL44 are lead wires related to the start of the game. In addition to the lead wires LL24 to LL26 related to the start of the game, the lead wires LL39 to LL40 and LL46 to LL47 are configured to have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL24 to LL26.

(B3) In the lead wires connected to the main control board, a lead wire having substantially the same thickness as a lead wire related to the start of a game is arranged adjacent to a lead wire related to the start of a game.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead lines LL11 to LL12 are configured to have substantially the same thickness as the lead lines LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game, and are arranged adjacent to the lead lines LL8 to LL10. . By arranging the lead wires LL11 to LL12 having substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game, it is difficult to identify which of the lead lines LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. Become. As a result, it is difficult to perform an illegal act on the lead wire related to the start of the game. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL49 to LL62, among which the lead wires LL58 to LL60 are lead wires related to the start of the game. The lead wires LL56 to LL57 and LL61 to LL62 arranged adjacent to the lead wires LL24 to LL26 related to the start of the game have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL58 to LL60.

(B4) In the lead wires connected to the main control board, the lead wires related to the start of the game and the lead wires connected to the external terminals are configured to have substantially the same thickness.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board have substantially the same thickness. By setting the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board to have substantially the same thickness, it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish them. In addition, since the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board are used to output a predetermined signal to an external device such as a hall computer, the signal is changed to the predetermined signal when an illegal act is performed. Is relatively easy to understand. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board are configured to have substantially the same thickness, thereby making it difficult to distinguish between them. At the same time, it is possible to detect early when an illegal act is performed on the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL63 to LL76, of which the lead wires LL67 to LL69 are related to the start of the game, and the lead wires LL66 and L73 are connected to the external terminals. It is the lead wire to be connected. The lead wires LL67 to LL69 related to the start of the game and the lead wires LL66 and L73 connected to the external terminals have substantially the same thickness.

(B5) Lead wires related to the start of the game are bound.
In the example shown in FIG. 25, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 extending from the connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2 and related to the start of the game are bound by a binding tool BR1. The binding makes it difficult to illegally access the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game to be fraudulently performed.

(B6) Another lead is arranged in front of the lead related to the start of the bound game.
In the example shown in FIG. 25, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 extend out of the board case CU2 from the harness side connector CN14 to the near side (the side away from the main control board MC1 with respect to the lead wires LL8 to LL10). Lead wires LL15 to LL18 are arranged so as to partially overlap lead wires LL8 to LL10. By arranging the other leads LL15 to LL18 in front of the bound leads LL8 to LL10, it becomes difficult to illegally access the leads LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game to be fraudulently performed.

(B7) Among the lead wires connected to the main control board, the lead wire related to the start of the game is not arranged at a position adjacent to the lead wire related to the input of power.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead lines LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game are arranged at the lower left in the figure, the lead lines LL6 to LL7 related to the input of the power supply are arranged at the upper right in the figure, and they are not adjacent to each other. It is configured as follows. By arranging the lead lines LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game and away from the lead lines LL6 to LL7 related to the input of the power supply, the lead lines LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game are connected to the power supply. It is possible to reduce the influence of noise from the lead wires LL6 to LL7 related to the input. Therefore, an erroneous input to the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game due to the influence of noise is prevented, and the game can proceed smoothly. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the connector CN13 has fourteen lead wires LL77 to LL90, among which the lead wires LL88 to LL90 are related to the start of the game, and the lead wires LL77 to LL78 are for power input. Related to the lead wire. The lead wires LL77 to LL90 related to the start of the game are arranged at the lower right in the figure, and the lead lines LL77 to LL78 related to the input of the power are arranged at the upper left in the figure, so that they are not adjacent to each other. . The characteristic configuration relating to the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires described above is not limited to the relationship between a plurality of lead wires in one connector, but also holds for the relationship between the lead wires in a plurality of connectors. .

<Setting change sound>
In the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM, after the setting change by the setting change unit is completed (also referred to as “after the operation of the setting change unit is completed”), that is, when the mode is changed from the setting change mode to the normal mode, the setting change is completed. Is started (hereinafter, referred to as “setting change end notifying process”), and a setting change sound (“setting change end”) for notifying that the setting change has been completed by the setting change end notifying process. Is output from a predetermined speaker. Since this setting change sound plays an important role in notifying that the setting change has been completed normally, it is necessary to output the sound so that it can be clearly heard. On the other hand, when the setting change ends and the mode shifts to the normal mode, the game can be started. Therefore, if the game is started immediately after the end of the setting change, the setting change sound may hinder the game. Therefore, it is important to give sufficient consideration to the start timing and end timing of the setting change sound. Hereinafter, the output of the setting change sound in the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 31 is a timing chart regarding the output of the setting change sound in the pachinko gaming machine PM, and FIG. 32 is a timing chart regarding the output of the setting change sound in the slot machine SM.

  In the pachinko gaming machine PM, as shown in FIG. 31, after the setting change by the setting change unit is completed (after the operation of the setting change unit is completed), after a predetermined standby time has elapsed, the setting change end notification process is started and the setting is started. The output of the change sound is started (for example, a sound is output from the speaker 8). The standby time is provided to ensure that the setting change sound can be heard. In other words, since the setting change sound is a sentence such as "Setting change completed", if you start outputting the setting change sound at the same time as the end of the operation of the setting change unit, you can understand the contents without hearing the beginning of the sentence May not be possible. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, such a waiting time is provided in order to ensure that the setting change sound can be heard from the beginning. Note that the waiting time can be set as appropriate, but it is preferable to secure a time enough to perform at least one interrupt process such as a timer interrupt process. That is, after the operation of the setting change unit is completed, the setting change processing is started and the output of the setting change sound is started after at least one interrupt processing. If the output of the setting change sound is delayed, the timing at which it is possible to confirm that the setting change has been completed normally is delayed. Therefore, it is preferable that the setting change sound be output immediately after the elapse of the standby time.

  The setting change sound is output for a predetermined time from the start (if it is longer than 0 hour, arbitrarily settable time (for example, 1 second, hereinafter also referred to as “change sound output time T1”) and stopped (change The standby time may be included in the sound output time T1.) In the pachinko gaming machine PM, the effect lamp 11 or the like is turned on separately from the setting change sound to notify that the setting change has been completed. The notification of the end of the setting change by this lamp is started almost simultaneously with the output of the setting change sound (the start timing may be shifted), but the end timing is set to be later than the end timing of the setting change sound. This is because, if the setting change sound lasts for a long time, it may be annoying and hinder the playing of the game, whereas the notification by the lamp or the like is unlikely to hinder the game. By providing a means for notifying the end of the setting change separately from the sound, it is possible to more reliably notify the end of the setting change. Is not limited to the effect lamp 11, but may be various lamps included in the main control display device 700 or the effect display device 27. However, a lamp that suggests that a situation advantageous to the player has occurred, for example, In the case where a lamp indicating that the big hit is determined is provided, it is preferable not to use such a lamp as a means for notifying the end of the setting change. Because there is a nature.

  The game can be started after the setting change by the setting change unit is completed (after the operation of the setting change unit ends). In FIG. 31, the game is started immediately after the setting change, and the game ball enters the start winning port (here, the first start port or the second start port) at the earliest possible time in design, and the start port switch ( The case where the first starting port switch 61 or the second starting port switch 62) is operated is shown. When the starting port switch is operated, the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) starts to change when the starting port switch is switched from ON to OFF. The fluctuation of the special symbol is determined by a specific time (for example, 5 seconds when there is a reserved ball, 20 seconds when there is no ball, etc., hereinafter referred to as "1 game time T2") according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Exit after continuing. Further, when the special symbol fluctuates, an effect by the effect display device 27 or the like is also executed. In addition, the time (for example, one second) required until the symbol change becomes possible after the operation of the setting change unit is completed is referred to as “time before change start T3”.

  When the special symbol fluctuates and the accompanying effect is executed, the player pays attention to it. At this time, if the setting change sound continues, there is a possibility that the game may be hindered by harassment. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the change sound output time T1 from the start to the end of the output of the setting change sound is obtained by adding the time T3 before the change start to the one game time T2 from the start to the stop of the change of the special symbol. This is set to be shorter than the time, so that the output of the setting change sound has ended at least at the end of one game. In addition, by doing so, it becomes possible for the player to know that the special symbol fluctuates and the effect accompanying it is being performed at least within the time of (T3 + T2-T1). In addition, the manager of the game shop (hall) may change the setting even if the starter switch is operated immediately after the setting change and the special symbol is changed in order to confirm the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM. The completion can be confirmed by the setting change sound, and after the setting change sound ends, it can be confirmed that the effect of one game is operating normally. The length of one game time T2 changes according to the result of the special symbol win / fail lottery. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the following time can be set as one game time T2 (specific time).

  The first is to set one game time T2 as one game time which is the longest in design. The one game time which is the longest in design means the time when the time from the start of the change of the special symbol to the stop of the special symbol becomes longest in the specification of the pachinko gaming machine PM. For example, the fluctuation time (for example, 2 minutes) of a special symbol when pseudo continuous fluctuation is performed corresponds to this.

  Secondly, one game time T2 is set as an average time of a plurality of games in which the game results are out of order. The average time of a plurality of games in which a game result is out of order is, for example, a game for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours). The symbol fluctuation time (for example, 5 seconds to 2 minutes) of the game that was lost was totaled, and the time obtained by dividing the totaled time by the number of games for which the result of the special symbol win / loss lottery was incorrect was obtained. Means

  Thirdly, one game time T2 is set as an average time of a plurality of games whose game result is a special game winning. The average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is a special game winning is, for example, a game for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours). Is calculated by dividing the symbol fluctuation time (for example, 30 seconds to 90 seconds) of the game in which the result of the hit was a big hit, and dividing the total time by the number of games in which the result of the special symbol win / fail lottery was a big hit. Means time taken.

  In the slot machine SM, as shown in FIG. 32, after the setting change is completed by the setting change unit (after the operation of the setting change unit is completed), after a predetermined standby time has elapsed, the setting change end notification processing is started to change the setting. The sound output is started (for example, sound is output from the speakers 815a and 815b). The standby time is set to a similar time for the same reason as the pachinko gaming machine PM (detailed description is omitted).

The setting change sound is output and stopped for a predetermined time (for example, one second, hereinafter referred to as “change sound output time T11”) from the start (the standby time may be included in the change sound output time T11). In the slot machine SM, similarly to the pachinko gaming machine PM, the decoration lamps 832a and 832b and the like are turned on separately from the setting change sound to notify that the setting change has been completed. The notification start timing and the end timing of the end of the setting change by this lamp are set in the same manner as in the pachinko gaming machine PM. The setting change end notification means different from the setting change sound is not limited to the decorative lamps 832a and 832b, but may be various lamps controlled by the main control board 860 or the image display device 811. However, for the same reason as the pachinko gaming machine PM, when a lamp that indicates that an advantageous situation has occurred for the player, for example, a lamp that indicates that the big hit has been determined, is provided. Such a lamp is preferably not used as a means for notifying the end of the setting change.

  The game can be started after the setting change by the setting change unit is completed (after the operation of the setting change unit ends). In FIG. 32, immediately after the setting change, a bet (care) of a prescribed number of game medals that can start the game is performed at the earliest possible time in design, the start lever 825 is operated, and the start lever switch is turned on. In this case, the reels 803a to 803c start to change (rotate), the stop switches 826a to 826c are operated, and all the reels stop. In general, in the slot machine, the fluctuation of the reels of the next game is not started until 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start lever switch related to the winning lottery of the previous game was operated. In this case, it is assumed that the earliest possible time in the design does not include this 4.1 second, that is, 4.1 seconds have already passed at the stage of the completion of the setting change. However, when the measurement of 4.1 seconds is cleared by the setting change and a new measurement is started after the setting change, the earliest possible design time including the 4.1 seconds is possible. It may be. When the start lever switch is operated, the reels 803a to 803c start to change (rotate) when the start lever switch is switched from ON to OFF (however, if the freeze is performed, the change starts after the freeze. ). The fluctuation of the reels 803a to 803c ends according to the result of the winning lottery, the operation timing of the stop switches 826a to 826c, and the like. Further, when the reels 803a to 803c change, an effect by the image display device 811 or the like is also executed. In the slot machine SM, the symbol fluctuation time (for example, 3 seconds, including the freeze time) from the timing when the start lever switch is switched from ON to OFF to the time when the reels 803a to 803c stop fluctuation is set to "1 game time T12". Called. Further, a time (for example, 2 seconds) required until the symbol can be changed after the operation of the setting change unit is completed is referred to as a “pre-change start time T13”.

  When the reels 803a to 803c fluctuate and an effect accompanying the fluctuation is executed, the player pays attention to it. At this time, if the setting change sound continues, there is a possibility that the game may be hindered by harassment. Therefore, in the slot machine SM, the result of adding the change sound output time T11 from the start to the end of the output of the setting change sound to the one game time T12 from the start to the stop of the change of the reels 803a to 803c and the time T13 before the start of the change. , So that the output of the setting change sound has ended at least at the end of one game. Further, by doing so, the player can know that the reels fluctuate and the effect accompanying the reels is performed at least within the time of (T13 + T12-T11). Also, in order to confirm the operation of the slot machine SM, the gaming shop manager bets a specified number of game medals immediately after the setting change, activates the start lever switch, changes the reel, and operates the stop switch. Even when the reels are stopped, the completion of the setting change can be confirmed by the setting change sound, and after the setting change sound is finished, it is confirmed that the production of one game is operating normally. It becomes possible. It should be noted that the length of one game time T12 changes according to the result of the winning lottery and the like. Therefore, in the slot machine SM, similarly to the pachinko game machine PM, the following time can be set as one game time T12.

  The first is to set one game time T12 as one game time which is the longest in design. The one game time that is the longest in design is the time when the time from when the start lever switch is switched from ON to OFF to when the reels 803a to 803c stop is the longest in the specifications of the slot machine SM. means. For example, the time (for example, 30 seconds) until the reel stops when the longest freeze (for example, 20 seconds) is performed, such as when winning the BB combination, corresponds to this. It is assumed that the stop switches 826a to 826c have been operated in the shortest possible time in terms of design (the same applies hereinafter).

  Second, one game time T12 is set as an average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is out of order. The average time of a plurality of games in which a game result is out of order is, for example, a game that is continuously performed for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours). The symbol variation time (for example, 3 seconds to 12 seconds) is counted, and the total time is obtained by dividing the total time by the number of games in which the result of the winning lottery has been lost. In the slot machine SM, in the game in which the result of the role lottery is out, a reel control for kicking out the winning symbol is performed, and in the game in which the result of the role lottery is the replaying game winning, the corresponding symbol of the winning replaying game is performed. Is carried out, the symbol variation time varies depending on the result of the winning lottery.

  Thirdly, one game time T12 is set as an average time of a plurality of games whose game result is a special game winning. The average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is a special game winning is, for example, a case in which the game is continuously performed for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours), and as a result, of all the games, the result of the role drawing is a big hit (for example, BB). The symbol fluctuation time (for example, 3 seconds to 30 seconds) of the game which was the winning of the role is totaled, and the time obtained by dividing the totaled time by the number of games in which the result of the role lottery was a big hit is meant. I do.

  According to the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM configured as described above, even if the game is started immediately after the end of the setting change, the setting change sound is ended when the player checks the result of the game. Therefore, the game result can be confirmed without being disturbed by the setting change sound. Therefore, it becomes possible for the player to enjoy symbol fluctuation and effects from the first game after the setting change. In addition, the manager of the gaming store confirms that the setting change has been completed even if the special symbols and reels are changed by performing a predetermined procedure immediately after the setting change to check the operation of the gaming machine. Can be confirmed by the setting change sound, and after the setting change sound ends, it can be confirmed that the effect of one game is operating normally.

  As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment (including modified examples), and can be appropriately improved without departing from the gist of the present invention. . In addition, the components described in the above embodiments and modifications are appropriately combined, or some of the components described in the above embodiments and modifications are partially deleted or converted by well-known / common techniques. Those that are included are also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to gaming machines other than pachinko gaming machines and slot machines, for example, a sparrow ball gaming machine, an arrangement ball machine, a casino machine, and the like, and similar effects can be obtained. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a game machine using information recorded on an electronic recording medium as a game value, and the same effect can be obtained.

PM Pachinko gaming machine PA Gaming area 1 Outer frame 2 Front frame 5 Glass frame 20 Gaming board 500 Performance display monitor 600 Setting change unit 700 Main control display device SM Slot machine 802 Front doors 803a, 803b, 803c Reel 805 Housing 825 Start lever 826a, 826b, 826c Stop switch 892 Information display lamp 2100 Bottom case 2200 Top case CU1, CU2 Board case CN1 to CN5, CN11 to CN14 Connectors PN1 to PN12, PN21 to PN32 Terminals LL1 to LL18, LL21 to LL90 Lead wire

Claims (1)

A board on which a connector having a plurality of connector pins is mounted,
A first case portion to which the substrate is fixed;
A second case portion that covers a solder surface of the substrate and is attached to the first case portion;
The substrate case unit is configured to be able to separate the first case portion and the second case portion by sliding the second case portion with respect to the first case portion by a predetermined amount, and to slide the predetermined amount by the predetermined amount. A part of the connector pin exposed by the opening generated in the case where the connector case is hidden by the second case portion.

Images