JP2020163222A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing amusement.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 10 includes a presentation device 125. The presentation device 125 is provided with a plurality of key members arranged side by side. Each key member is configured such that a player can perform a pressing operation and a sensor is provided therebehind to be able to detect an operation if the player performs the operation. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, and if each key member is operated, a sub control device receiving detection signals from the key member performs a drive control of a speaker to output sound corresponding to the operated key member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

As a kind of game machine, for example, a pachinko machine equipped with a variable display device that displays a variable pattern is known.

In the pachinko machine, for example, a winning lottery is performed in response to the game ball entering the starting port, and the symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the variable display device. After a predetermined time elapses, the symbol is stopped in a stop mode based on the lottery result. Is stopped and displayed. Here, if the lottery result is a hit, the symbols that have been variablely displayed are stopped at a specific combination, and a hit state that is advantageous to the player occurs.

Further, in recent years, in a variable display device, various display effects have been performed in accordance with a variable display of a symbol. For example, in the pre-stage where the combination is stopped in the above specific combination, a so-called reach state is established, and various display effects are performed during this period (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-111930

However, the conventional display effect alone makes the game effect monotonous, which may lead to a decrease in the interest of the player.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of improving the interest.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention
It is a gaming machine that draws a lottery based on a predetermined opportunity and gives a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the winning result is obtained by the lottery.
Display means that can display identification information in a variable manner,
A holding means that can hold the variable display a predetermined number of times,
With a hold display means capable of displaying the hold a predetermined number of times,
A privilege granting means that can grant a predetermined privilege to a player when a predetermined grant condition is satisfied, and
Operation means that can be operated by the player,
It is provided with an effect executing means capable of causing a player to operate the operating means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition and executing a predetermined effect suggesting the establishment of the given condition.
The mode of holding display in the holding display means changes according to the content of the holding, the mode of causing the player to operate the operating means changes according to the holding display mode of the holding display means, and the granting conditions The gist is that the rate at which the suggestion of establishment is executed changes.

According to the game machine of the present invention, it has an excellent effect that the interest can be improved.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the structure of the inner frame, the game board and the like. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the inner frame, the back pack unit and the like. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical composition of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing by a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the normal processing by a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows NMI interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the jackpot type determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the variation display setting process. (A) is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the fluctuation pattern and the command, (b) is a diagram for explaining the effect pattern determination table for winning a big hit, and (c) is a diagram for explaining the effect pattern determination table for winning a big hit. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect pattern determination table for the time of defeat. It is a flowchart which shows the display control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the discrimination information setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the variable winning device control process. It is a flowchart which shows the reception interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing of a payout control device. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process of a sub-control device. It is a flowchart which shows the command determination process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline of the various counters used for determining the content concerning the variable display of a decorative pattern. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of the off symbol counter. It is a flowchart which shows the variation display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the mode switching setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the hold display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the effect processing. (A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a variable display mode of a symbol in a display unit of a decorative symbol display device, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a normal hold display mode, (c). Is a schematic diagram showing an example of one aspect when the hold display is changed. It is a front view of the production device. It is a figure for demonstrating the correspondence relationship between the reserved images T1 to T8 which are changed, and each reach.

As described above, as a kind of gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine provided with a variable display device for variablely displaying a symbol is known.

In the pachinko machine, for example, a big hit lottery is performed in response to a game ball entering the starting port, and a symbol is displayed in a variable manner on a variable display device. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the symbol is stopped in a stop mode based on the lottery result. Is stopped and displayed. Here, if the lottery result is a big hit, the symbols that have been variablely displayed are stopped at a specific combination, and a big hit state that is advantageous to the player occurs. Then, when a big hit state occurs, the variable winning device is opened, and the player can acquire a large number of game balls as prize balls by inserting the game balls into the variable winning device.

Further, in recent years, in a variable display device, various display effects have been performed in accordance with a variable display of a symbol. For example, in the pre-stage where the combination is stopped in the above specific combination, a so-called reach state is established, and various display effects are performed during this period (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, the conventional display effect alone makes the game effect monotonous, which may lead to a decrease in the interest of the player.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-exemplified problems and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine capable of improving the interest.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configurations of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30 and the like. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12, the back pack unit 203, and the like are opened. However, in FIG. 3, for convenience, the nails and accessories arranged on the surface of the game board 30, the glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with an outer frame 11 that constitutes the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame 12 is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. ..

As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the outer frame 11 has an upper frame component 11a and a lower frame component 11b made of a wooden plate, and the left side frame component 11c and the right side frame component 11d are extruded from an aluminum alloy. It is made of a material, and each of the frame constituent parts 11a to 11d is assembled in a rectangular frame shape as a whole by a detachable fastener such as a screw.

An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left side frame constituent portion 11c, respectively (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower portions of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, whereby the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. Then, the inner frame 12 and the like are housed in the space formed inside the outer frame 11.

Further, the right side frame constituent portion 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 projecting from the vicinity of the rear end portion in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall portion 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back side of the right side portion of the inner frame 12 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84, 85 for locking the locking member of the locking device 600 are provided on the front surface side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts on the inner frame opening detection switch 92, which will be described later, is projected from the lower receiving portion 85 toward the inside of the outer frame 11.

Further, a resin curtain plate decoration 87 is attached to the lower side frame constituent portion 11b. A rib 88 projecting upward is integrally formed at the inner part of the upper surface of the curtain plate decoration 87. This makes it difficult for a gap to be formed between the inner frame 12 and the inner frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set along the upper and lower sides on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, so that the inner frame 12 can be opened to the front side with this opening / closing axis as the axis. It has become. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed in the central portion of the resin base 38.

Further, a front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. Similar to the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 as an axis.

The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 in the closed state. A substantially elliptical window portion 101 is formed in the central portion of the front frame set 14. As a result, the game board 30 (game area) mounted on the rear surface of the inner frame 12 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front side of the front frame set 14, a lower plate 15 as a ball tray is provided in the center of the lower portion thereof, and game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 are stored in the lower plate 15. It is possible. Further, on the front side of the lower plate 15, a ball removing lever 25 for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 is provided.

In addition, an effect device 125 as an operating means is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The effect device 125 is operated by the player in response to the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42 or the like, which will be described later. The details of the effect device 125 will be described later.

On the right side of the lower plate 15, a game ball launch handle (hereinafter, simply referred to as a handle) 18 projecting toward the front side is provided. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detecting means (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation unit of the handle 18.

An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is a ball tray that temporarily stores game balls and guides them toward a game ball launcher (hereinafter, simply referred to as a launcher) 60 as a launching means described later while arranging them in a row. When the upper plate 19 is full of game balls, the game balls to be discharged are guided to the lower plate 15 via the lower plate connecting passage 71 and the discharge port 16 which will be described later.

The upper plate 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into the card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in the game hall or the like, the ball lending button 121 is operated in response to the operation. Rental balls are supplied to the upper plate 19. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of the card or the like inserted in the card unit. However, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not required for pachinko machines, so-called cash machines, in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without going through a card unit.

Further, the upper plate 19 is provided with a ball removal button 123. By pressing the ball pulling button 123, a communication hole (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper plate 19 and communicating with the lower plate 15 was opened and stored in the upper plate 19. The game ball is guided (falls) to the lower plate 15. That is, the player can move the game ball on the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

Further, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front surface of the front frame set 14. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the effect during the game by controlling the change of the light emitting mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach. For example, a frame lamp 102 having a light emitting means such as an LED is provided on the peripheral edge of the window portion 101. Further, on both sides of the frame lamp 102, error indicator lamps 104 that light up when a predetermined error occurs are provided. In the upper part of each error display lamp 104 of the frame lamp 102, a large number of fine through holes are formed corresponding to the speaker SP (see FIG. 3) as a sound output means provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. Has been done.

A glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not a conventional pair of front and rear rectangular plate glasses that are attached to each other in a front and rear pair, but is attached after being assembled into a round shape as a whole.

Next, the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the game board 30 is mounted on the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) on the rear side of the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached with its peripheral edge in contact with the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, the substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

Further, at the lower part of the front surface of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, at a position below the window hole 39 (game board 30), a launching device 60 and a launch rail for guiding the game ball immediately after being launched from the launching device 60. 61 is attached. In this embodiment, a solenoid type launcher is adopted as the launcher 60. Further, above the launching device 60, a ball feeding device that guides the game balls guided from the upper plate 19 to the launching position of the launching device 60 one by one by driving a built-in driving means (for example, a solenoid). 63 is provided.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. In the game board 30, a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, a central starting port 33, a right starting port 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L, a second special display device 43R, and the like are processed by routers. It is arranged in the formed through hole and is attached from the front side of the game board 30 by a wood screw or the like. As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the central starting opening 33, and the right starting opening 34, it is detected by various detection switches and the upper plate 19 (or the upper plate 19) (or A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the lower plate 15). For example, if there is a ball entering the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, 3 balls are entered, if there is a ball entering the general winning opening 31, 10 balls are entered, and the ball is entered into the variable winning device 32. If there are, 15 game balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out opening 36, and game balls that have not won in various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 are discharged to the outside of the game area through the out opening 36. .. Further, on the game board 30, a large number of nails are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are arranged.

As will be described in detail later, the central start opening 33 and the right start opening 34 are provided with a first start winning switch 224 and a second start winning switch 225 as ball entry detection means for detecting the entered game ball, respectively. When a game ball is detected by the start winning switch 224 or 225, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a big hit state, and special display devices 43L and 43R (and decorative symbol display described later) are displayed. The device 42) is configured to display variations. Then, if the player wins the prize lottery, a big hit state (special game state) is given.

In the present embodiment, the jackpot types include "probability variable jackpot" and "normal jackpot". In these jackpot states, the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds, or eight game balls win the variable winning device 32 as one round, and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds).

Further, when a "probability change jackpot" occurs, a "high probability state" is given after the jackpot state ends. On the other hand, when a "normal jackpot" occurs, a "low probability state" is given after the jackpot state ends. In this embodiment, the "high probability state" continues until the next jackpot state occurs.

The first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are composed of a 7-segment display device and are installed on the right side of the variable winning device 32. Then, the switching display (variable display) is performed on the first special display device 43L triggered by the entry of the game ball into the central starting port 33, and the second is triggered by the entry of the game ball into the right starting port 34. The special display device 43R is configured to perform switching display (variable display). The display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261 described later.

Further, after the fluctuation display is performed by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, whether or not the jackpot is a big hit is definitively displayed depending on the display mode (for example, characters) when the fluctuation display is stopped. To. For example, when a game ball wins a prize in the central starting port 33, the corresponding first special display device 43L displays "-" → "7" → "3" → "-" → ... at high speed (for example). A switching display (variable display) is made (every 4 msec), and when a predetermined time elapses, one of the display modes is stopped and displayed (for example, stopped for several seconds). Then, when the jackpot lottery is won, either "7" or "3" is displayed when the fluctuation is stopped, and a jackpot state occurs.

Specifically, when the "probability change jackpot" is given, "7" is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R, and when the "normal jackpot" is given, the first Alternatively, "3" is stopped and displayed on the second special display devices 43L and 43R.

Further, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is performing the variable display or the decision display, the other is turned off (“-” is displayed). If the variable display and the decision display are not performed in either case, "-" is displayed in both cases. Not limited to this, other configurations may be adopted. For example, when a variable display or a decision display is performed on either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R, the content of the previously stopped display (for example, the previous "3" is stopped) on the other. If it is displayed, the relevant "3") is displayed as it is, and if the variable display and the decision display are not performed in either case, the contents that were previously stopped and displayed are displayed as they are in both cases. It may be configured.

In addition, when a game ball newly wins a prize in the central start port 33 or the right start port 34 during the change display of the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R, the change display for that amount is displayed at that time. It is configured to be performed after the end of the variable display. That is, the variable display is put on standby (held). The maximum number of times the variable display is held is determined for each pachinko machine model, but in the present embodiment, it corresponds to the game ball that has won the central start port 33 and the game ball that has won the right start port 34. Then, the variable display up to 4 times (8 times in total) is reserved. Further, the number of times of holding is lit and displayed by the first holding lamp 46L and the second holding lamp 46R. If a game ball newly wins a prize in the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 during the jackpot state, the variation display for that amount is also reserved.

The variable display triggered by the winning of the central starting port 33 is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls entered the central starting port 33, and is digested in the order of entering the balls, so that the winning of the right starting port 34 is obtained. The variable display triggered is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls enter the right starting port 34, and is digested in the order in which the balls are entered. However, when both the variable display triggered by the winning of the central starting port 33 and the variable display triggered by the entry of the ball into the right starting port 34 are suspended (first hold lamp 46L and second hold). When one or more lamps 46R are lit), the variation display is digested according to the order in which the game balls enter the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34. For example, when one of the first hold lamps 46L is lit, a game ball enters the right start port 34 and one of the second hold lamps 46R is lit, the player enters the central start port 33. The variation display triggered by the ball is executed first, and then the variation display triggered by entering the right starting port 34 is performed.

The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 42 for variable display according to the variable display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R.

The decorative symbol display device 42 constituting the display means in the present embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and the display contents are controlled by the sub control device 262 and the display control device 45 as the sub control means described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, the sub-control is based on the command from the main control device 261 as the main control means so as to correspond to the results displayed by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. The auxiliary display content is determined by the device 262, and the display is performed by the display control device 45, which will be described later.

For example, the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided with three symbol display areas of upper, middle, and lower, and a plurality of types of symbols (numbers) are sequentially displayed (variably displayed) in each symbol display area, and then the symbols are displayed in a variable manner. The symbols are stopped and displayed in order for each display area (for example, in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area). For example, when the "probability variation jackpot" or "normal jackpot" is determined by the main control device 261, the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R display the jackpot, and the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the display corresponding to the jackpot. The symbols are stopped and displayed in the combination corresponding to the jackpot (for example, the symbols stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area are the same), and the jackpot state is started.

Further, when the symbols are stopped and displayed in the combination corresponding to the jackpot, the same symbol is stopped and displayed in, for example, the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area as a preliminary step. In this way, the reach state is a state in which the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area, and the variable display is still performed in the middle symbol display area.

If the jackpot state does not occur even if the reach state occurs, a symbol different from the stop-displayed symbol in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area is stopped and displayed in the middle symbol display area. Further, in the case of "probability variation jackpot" or "normal jackpot", the numbers of doublets are stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 as described above, but in the present embodiment, the stopped and displayed symbols are stopped. Depending on the type of, the gaming state (“high probability state” or “low probability state”) given after the end of the jackpot is indistinguishable.

Further, the decorative symbol display device 42 is configured to display the number of hold of variable display in the special display devices 43L and 43R corresponding to the hold lamps 46L and 46R. However, in the present embodiment, the holding lamps 46L and 46R are not displayed separately, and the total value of the number of holdings displayed by both holding lamps 46L and 46R is displayed. The details of the hold display will be described later.

In the present embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L, 43R and the holding lamps 46L, 46R are covered by the front frame set 14, which is invisible to the player. .. Therefore, the player can grasp the game state, the lottery result, etc. exclusively by the display contents (symbol display, hold display, etc.) of the decorative symbol display device 42.

Further, in the variable display device unit 35, a center frame 47 is arranged so as to surround the decorative symbol display device 42. A ball entry port 151 is provided in the upper part of the center frame 47, and the game ball that has entered the ball entry port 151 is formed inside the center frame 47 and is formed along the side portion of the decorative symbol display device 42. It is guided on the stage 153 formed below the decorative symbol display device 42 via the warp flow path 152 extending vertically. The game ball guided on the stage 153 falls from the top of the stage 153 to the front game area, or rolls on the stage 153 and then enters the pocket 154 formed on the inner back side of the center of the stage 153. .. The pocket 154 communicates with the guide passage 155 leading to the game area directly above the central start port 33, and the game ball that has entered the pocket 154 enters the central start port 33 with a relatively high probability. It is designed to be a ball.

The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot be won, and is in an open state in which the game ball can be won in the event of a big hit (occurrence of a special game state).

Further, the game board 30 includes an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52, and is attached with a rail 50 that guides the game ball launched from the launcher 60 to the upper part of the game board 30. As a result, the game ball launched by the rotation operation of the handle 18 is guided through the launch rail 61 and the rail 50 into the game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip end portion (upper left portion in FIG. 4) of the inner rail constituent portion 51. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the game ball once guided from the rail 50 to the game area returns to the inside of the rail 50.

Further, in the present embodiment, the outer rail component 52 is interrupted at the upper right portion of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 is interrupted at the lower right portion of the game board 30. Therefore, the game area is defined by the inner peripheral surfaces of the rail 50 and the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, since the rail 50 may flow backward until the game ball launched by the launching device 60 passes through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail constituents 51 and 52 are excluded from the game area. Be taken.

As shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided below the window portion 101 on the back side of the front frame set 14. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower plate continuous passage 71 that connects the payout mechanism unit 352 to the discharge port 16 of the lower plate 15, and an upper plate continuous passage 73 that connects the payout mechanism unit 352 to the upper plate 19. Further, there is a gap at a predetermined interval between the launch rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail component 52), and the ball passage unit 70 receives a game ball that has fallen from the gap. A foul ball passage 72 that guides the lower plate 15 is formed. As a result, if the game ball launched from the launching device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball returns to the lower plate 15 via the foul ball passage 72. It is discharged.

Further, reference numeral 67 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a payout passage for guiding the game ball paid out by the payout mechanism unit 352, which will be described later, to the front of the inner frame 12, and is a payout passage 73 (upper plate 19). It is divided into a passage leading to the lower plate and a passage leading to the lower plate continuous passage 71 (lower plate 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67, and when the front frame set 14 is open, the shutter 68 protrudes forward due to the urging force of a spring or the like to almost close the outlet of the payout passage 67. ing. Further, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end portion on the entrance side of the lower plate connecting passage 71. It should be noted that the entrances (ball inflow portions) of the lower plate connecting passage 71 and the upper plate connecting passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and the respective entrances and the payout passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance in the closed state of the front frame set 14. The game ball can pass through the gap between the two. Therefore, when the upper plate 19 and the upper plate connecting passage 73 are filled with the game balls, the game balls to be paid out flow to the lower plate connecting passage 71 side (overflow to the entrance side of the lower plate connecting passage 71), and the lower plate connecting passage 71 overflows. It will be paid out to the lower plate 15 through the passage 71.

In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects a game ball located in the lower plate continuous passage 71. By the existence of the fullness detection switch, it is grasped that the lower plate 15 is full of game balls (the lower plate 15 is full of game balls and the game balls are retained in the lower plate continuous passage 71). be able to. In the present embodiment, based on the fact that the game ball is continuously detected by the full detection switch for a predetermined time, control such as prohibiting the launch of the launching device 60 is performed. When the retention of the game ball in the lower plate continuous passage 71 is eliminated and the game ball is not detected by the full detection switch (when it is not continuously detected for a predetermined time), the launching device 60 is allowed to be launched.

Next, the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and the like. On the back surface of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged so as to be arranged vertically and horizontally so as to be partially overlapped in the front-rear direction, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying the game balls. And a protective cover made of resin are attached. The payout mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack. Therefore, the unit is referred to as a "back pack unit 203" here.

First, the rear configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, a resin frame cover that covers the center frame 47 from behind is provided on the back side of the variable display device unit 35 (see FIG. 4) arranged corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30. The 213 is provided so as to project rearward. Further, on the back side of the frame cover 213, a decorative symbol display device 42, a display control device 45, and a sub control device 262, which are liquid crystal display devices facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, can be attached and detached in a state of being stacked back and forth. It is attached to.

The decorative design display device 42 is housed in a storage box 42a having an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative design display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10, and is housed in the back surface of the frame cover 213. It is fixed to the side. The display control device 45 is housed in the substrate box 45a and fixed to the back side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (storage box 42a). The sub control device 262 is housed in the board box 262a and fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (board box 45a). In the frame cover 213, an LED control board or the like for driving the LED or the like built in the center frame 47 is arranged. Further, the storage box 42a and the substrate boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the starting openings 33, 34, and the like from behind. The back frame set 215 is provided with a ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls that have won prizes in various winning openings (not shown). The game ball collected by the ball collecting mechanism is guided to the discharge passage portion 217 described later, and is discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 from the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217.

Further, in the present embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main control device 261. More specifically, the board box 263 on which the main control device 261 is mounted is rotatably supported by the back frame set 215 and can be opened rearward.

The main control device 261 is housed in a substrate box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The substrate box 263 connected by the sealing member cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left. As a result, it is possible to easily detect that the substrate box 263 has been illegally opened.

Further, the game board 30 has a ball entry detection switch (ball entry detection means) that detects game balls that have entered the various winning openings corresponding to various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 as a ball entry means. Is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a winning opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the variable winning device 32. Further, the central starting port 33 is provided with the first starting winning switch 224, and the right starting opening 34 is provided with the second starting winning switch 225.

Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board surface relay board that is electrically connected to the winning opening switch 221 and the count switch 223 via a cable connector. The first board surface relay board relays the winning port switch 221 and the like and the main control device 261, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 via a cable connector.

On the other hand, the start winning switches 224 and 225 for detecting the entry of the ball into the central start port 33 or the right start port 34 are directly connected to the main control device 261 via the connector cable without passing through the relay board.

The detection results detected by the various ball entry detection switches are taken into the main control device 261. Then, a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning situation is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are transmitted based on the output signal from the payout control device 311. Is paid out.

In addition, although not shown, a solenoid for a large winning opening is provided on the back surface of the game board 30 to open the large winning opening with the variable winning device 32. Further, the back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board surface relay board (not shown) that relays these solenoids and the main control device 261.

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the back pack unit 203 is a combination of a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism portion 352. Further, the back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward with the open / close axis extending in the vertical direction as the axis. ing. In addition, an external relay terminal plate 240 is provided on the upper left portion (upper right portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203.

The external relay terminal plate 240 is for relaying various information transmissions to a hall computer or the like in a game hall, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For convenience, no reference numerals are given, but for example, a terminal for outputting information on the current gaming state (big hit state, high probability state, etc.), a front frame set 14 or the inside detected by the open detection switches 91 and 92 described later. It is paid out from a terminal for outputting information on opening of the frame 12, a terminal for outputting information on various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower plate full tank error, a tank ball no error, and a payout error, and a payout control device 311. A terminal for outputting information on the number of prize balls is provided.

The back pack 351 is integrally molded with, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in the present embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 also covers the upper portion and the right portion (the portion on the left side in FIG. 5) of the substrate box 263. As a result, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided on the right side of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge of the main control device 261 are covered. It will be.

The payout mechanism portion 352 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, a tank 355 opened on the upper side is provided above the protective cover portion 354, and the game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 having two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and gently inclining toward the downstream side is connected, and further, a case rail 357 is vertically connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. It is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are appropriately paid out according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 and the like.

Further, the payout mechanism unit 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 that relays a signal of a payout command from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 that takes in the main power supply from the outside. There is. For example, an AC 24V main power supply is supplied to the power switch board 382 via a voltage converter, and the power is turned on or off by the switching operation of the power switch 382a.

Below the back pack unit 203 (board box 263), a lower frame set 251 that is pivotally supported by the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12 and can be opened rearward is provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage portion 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball recovery mechanism described above flow in, and the game balls are placed in the most downstream portion of the discharge passage portion 217. A discharge chute (not shown) for discharging to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed. That is, the game balls that have won each winning opening such as the general winning opening 31 are collected via the ball collecting mechanism of the back frame set 215, and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharging chute of the discharging passage portion 217. The out port 36 is also connected to the discharge passage portion 217, and the game ball that has not won a prize in any of the winning ports is also discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 via the discharge chute. In the present embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured as separate bodies and can be opened and closed independently, but the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are integrally formed. You may do it.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are detachably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251 in a state of being stacked back and forth. Has been done.

The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in the board box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251. Although the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 will be described as independent control devices for convenience, they are actually composed of one substrate (printed circuit board).

Further, the payout control device 311 is housed in the board box 311a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (launch control device 312 and power supply device 313). The board box 311a in which the payout control device 311 is housed is provided with a sealing member in the same manner as the board box 263 in which the main control device 261 is housed, so that a trace of the opening of the board box 311a remains. It has become.

In addition, the card unit connection board 314 is housed in the board box 314a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (launch control device 312 and power supply device 313).

The substrate boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a are made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the inside can be visually recognized.

Further, the payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 protruding outward from the board box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogging in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated in the forward and reverse directions to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state).

Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erasing switch 323 that projects outward from the board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and can maintain the state at the time of power failure even in the unlikely event of a power failure, and can be restored to the state at the time of power failure when recovering from the power failure (recovery of power). it can. Therefore, if the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the game hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored in memory. Therefore, if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, hold down the RAM erase switch 323 while turning on the power. Is thrown in.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1 and the like) exposed on the front side of the front frame set 14, and the key is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 700 and rotated in one direction. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating the frame 12 to the other side. In the present embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

As described above, the right side frame component 11d of the outer frame 11 is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (FIG. 5). reference). This makes it difficult to allow the wire rod or the like to enter from the back surface side of the outer frame 11 and operate the locking device 600 with the wire rod or the like. As a result, the defense performance can be improved. Further, the extending wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the back side, and in the closed state of the inner frame 12, The back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a front frame opening detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided on the lower right front side of the inner frame 12 (on the right side of the launching device 60), and FIG. As shown in the above, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided in the lower right lower part of the inner frame 12 on the back side (lower left in FIG. 5). The front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 each have a detection unit that can appear and disappear with respect to the switch main body, and the front frame opening detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward. The inner frame opening detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces rearward. Then, when the detection unit is in a state of protruding from the switch body, an on signal is output to the main control device 261 and the detection unit is pressed toward the switch body, and when the detection unit is immersed in the switch body, an off signal is output. It is configured to output to the main control device 261. That is, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the detection unit of the front frame open detection switch 91 is pressed by the back surface of the front frame set 14 to turn off, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection unit returns to the protruding state. Turns on. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is turned off by being pressed by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11, and is detected when the inner frame 12 is opened. The part returns to the protruding state and turns on.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 (main board) is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer which is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. And various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are built-in. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into a single chip, but may be integrated into a chip for each function. Further, the ROM 502 stores various commands such as fluctuation pattern commands to be transmitted to the sub control device 262 and the like in a table configuration.

The RAM 503 has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return destination address of the control program executed by the CPU 501 are stored, and a work area (work area) in which various flags, counters, I / O values, etc. are stored. ) And a backup area 503a.

Further, the RAM 503 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 to hold (back up) data even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and the data is stored in the stack area, the work area, and the backup area 503a. All data is backed up.

The backup area 503a is used when the power is turned off (including when a power failure occurs) in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power was turned off when the power is turned on again when the power is turned off due to a power failure or the like. This is an area for storing the stack pointer, each register, the value of I / O, etc. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process, and conversely, restoration of each value written in the backup area 503a is the main process when the power is turned on (including power on due to power failure elimination. The same applies hereinafter). Is executed in. The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to input a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when the power is turned off due to a power failure or the like. Upon occurrence, power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed.

If at least the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a are backed up, it is not always necessary to back up the data stored in all the areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 having the ROM 502 and the RAM 503 built-in via a bus line 504 composed of an address bus, a data bus, and the like. The RAM erase switch circuit 543, the payout control device 311 and the sub control device 262, the first and second special display devices 43L, 43R, and the like, which will be described later, are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the above-mentioned special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub control device 262.

In addition, for convenience, various relay boards and the like are not shown, but the input / output port 505 has various detection switches such as a winning port switch 221 and a count switch 223 and starting winning unit switches 224 and 225, and various boards and the like. Electrical components are connected. That is, the main control device 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (board-side connectors) for connecting the connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output ports 505 are configured by these terminal portions and the like.

The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) includes a CPU 551 that is an arithmetic device, a ROM 552 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 551, and various types of control programs that are stored in the ROM 552. It is provided with a RAM 553, an input / output port 554, and a bus line 555, which are memories for temporarily storing data and the like, and is also provided with various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The RAM 553 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

The CPU 551 and ROM 552 RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via the bus line 555, and the display control device 45 is connected to the input / output port 554. Further, a speaker SP, an effect device 125, various illumination units, and lamps 102 to 104 are connected to the input / output port 554.

The CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command (for example, a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display the display. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261 display whether or not the hit is a big hit, and the sub control device 262 displays. In the decorative symbol display device 42 to be controlled, display is performed according to the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R.

Further, the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511, which is an arithmetic unit, includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program and fixed value data executed by the CPU 511, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

Similar to the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 has a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return destination address of the control program executed by the CPU 511 are stored, and various flags and counters. It has a work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a.

The RAM 513 has a configuration in which a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 313 to hold (back up) data even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a. Data is backed up. If the data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up the data stored in all the areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

In the backup area 513a, when the power is turned off due to a power failure or the like, the stack pointer at the time of power off, each register, and the like, in order to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power off when the power is turned on again. This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process, and the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. Similar to the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 is also configured so that the power failure signal SK1 is input from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

In the work area, a payout permission flag in which the payout permission of the prize ball by the payout control device 311 is set, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and a main control device 261 There is a command buffer that stores the commands sent from.

The payout permission flag is a flag for setting the payout permission of the prize ball, and is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the main control device 261 and the specific command is received, and is set as the initial setting. It is turned off when it is restored before the processing or power cutoff. In the present embodiment, the specific commands include a payout initialization command instructing the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command instructing the payout of the prize ball, and the main control device 261 to recover power. These are the three payout return commands sent in the case.

The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command. It is turned on when any command is received, and like the payout permission flag, initial setting processing or power cutoff. It is turned off when the command is returned to the previous position, and is turned off when the command received by the command judgment process is judged.

The command buffer is composed of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261.

An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 containing the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 via a bus line 514 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The RAM erase switch circuit 543, the main control device 261 and the launch control device 312, the payout device 358, and the like are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

The card unit connection board 314 is a ball lending operation unit (ball lending button 121 and return button 122) on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10 and a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like. They are electrically connected to each other, take in the command of the ball lending operation by the player, and output it to the card unit. It is also possible to omit the card unit connection board 314 in a cash machine in which game balls are directly lent to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without going through a card unit.

The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch device 60, and the launch device 60 is permitted to drive when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, the launch permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, the sensor signal detects that the player is touching the handle 18, and the launch stop switch that stops the launch is operated. On condition that this is not done, the launching device 60 is driven, and the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the handle 18.

The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 42 in accordance with the instruction from the sub control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 259, and a bus line 530, 531. And have. The input / output port 554 of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. Further, the CPU 521, the program ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 via the bus line 530. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via a bus line 531 and a decorative symbol display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device, is connected to the output port 529.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or performs a predetermined arithmetic process based on the received command to control the VDP 526. (Specifically, generation of an internal command for VDP526) is executed. As a result, the display control in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

The program ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when executing various programs by the CPU 521. Is.

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524, the display contents of the decorative symbol display device 42 are changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as a symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

The VDP 526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal drive circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since the VDP 526 is an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and its substance can be said to be a microcomputer chip with a built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the like to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads out the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the decorative symbol display device 42.

Further, the power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And have.

The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As an outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in an AC 24-volt power supply supplied from the outside and generates a + 12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a + 5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, and the like. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply, and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. An operating power source (+ 12V power source, + 5V power source, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311. Similarly, various switches, motors, and the like are supplied with operating power via a control device to which they are connected.

The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable 24 volt voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage becomes less than 22 volt. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. By the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing).

Even after the DC stable 24 volt voltage becomes less than 22 volt, the power supply unit 541 normally outputs the control system drive voltage of 5 volt for a sufficient time to execute the power failure processing. It is configured to maintain a value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure processing.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs the RAM erase signal SK2 to the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (including turning on the power by eliminating the power failure), the data of the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311. To.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 is to draw lots using various counter information at the time of the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot lottery (win / fail lottery) for whether or not to generate a jackpot state, and a jackpot type determination counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type. The variation selection counter C3 used for determining the variation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) and the initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1 are used. There is.

The counters C1, C2, C3, and CINI are loop counters in which 1 is added to the previous value each time the counter is updated, and after reaching the upper limit value, the counter returns to 0, which is the lower limit value. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 (excluding the random number initial value counter CINI).

The RAM 503 is provided with a special fluctuation holding area in which the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are stored.

Further, the special fluctuation holding area includes a first special fluctuation holding area and a second special fluctuation storage area each having four holding areas (holding first to holding fourth areas), and one execution area. In each holding area of the first special fluctuation holding area, each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 is time-series according to the winning history of the game ball to the central starting port 33. Is stored. In each holding area of the second special fluctuation holding area, each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 is time-series according to the winning history of the game ball to the right starting port 34. Is stored. By adopting this configuration, the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R can be held up to 4 times, respectively, as described above.

Explaining each counter in detail, for example, the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 599, reaches the upper limit value as the closing price (that is, 599), and then reaches the lower limit value 0 as the opening price. It is configured to return to. Normally, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. On the other hand, the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins the central start port 33 or the right start port 34, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is changed to the first special fluctuation hold area or the second special fluctuation hold area. Stored in. Two types of random number values that are jackpots are set, a "low probability state" and a "high probability state". In the present embodiment, the number of random number values that are jackpots in the "low probability state". Is 3, the value is "7, 207, 407", and the number of random numbers that will be a big hit in the "high probability state" is 6, and the value is "7, 107, 207, 307". , 407, 507 ". That is, in the "low probability state", the winning / losing lottery is won with a probability of 1/200 (a jackpot state occurs), and in the "high probability state", the winning / losing lottery is won with a probability of 1/100. In this embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a hit / fail determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the jackpot. In the present embodiment, there are two hit / fail judgment tables, a first hit / fail judgment table that stores "7, 207, 407" and a second hit / fail judgment table that stores "7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507". There is a judgment table.

The jackpot type determination counter C2 is configured to be added one by one in order within the range of 0 to 19, for example, to reach the upper limit value (that is, 19) and then return to the lower limit value of 0. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter C2 determines whether to grant the jackpot type, that is, "probability variation jackpot" or "normal jackpot".

The ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table that is referred to when determining which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 corresponds to.

Specifically, when the game ball wins the central start port 33 or the right start port 34, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is "0 to 9", the "probability variation jackpot" is determined and "10". If it is "~ 19", the grant of "normal jackpot" is decided. That is, when a winning or losing lottery triggered by winning each of the starting ports 33 and 34 is won, there is a 50% probability of becoming a "probability variation jackpot" and a 50% probability of becoming a "normal jackpot".

The jackpot type determination counter C2 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins each of the starting ports 33 and 34, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer is the special fluctuation holding area (first special fluctuation holding area or the first special fluctuation holding area) of the RAM 503. 2 Stored in the special fluctuation hold area).

Further, the fluctuation selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 99, reach the upper limit value (that is, 99), and then return to the lower limit value of 0. In the present embodiment, the fluctuation selection counter C3 executes any of a "10s fluctuation pattern" with a fluctuation time of 10 seconds, a "20s fluctuation pattern" with a fluctuation time of 20 seconds, and a "30s fluctuation pattern" with a fluctuation time of 30 seconds. It is decided whether to do it.

The variation selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the variation selection counter C3 is stored in the variation selection counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins the central start port 33 or the right start port 34, the value of the change selection counter C3 stored in the change selection counter buffer is the special change hold area (first special change hold area or the first special change hold area) of the RAM 503. It is stored in the second special fluctuation holding area).

The ROM 502 is provided with a variation pattern determination table that is referred to when determining which variation pattern the value of the variation selection counter C3 corresponds to. In this embodiment, two tables, a fluctuation pattern determination table for winning a big hit and a fluctuation pattern determination table for losing a prize, are provided.

Specifically, in the fluctuation pattern determination table for winning a big hit, when the game ball wins the central start opening 33 or the right start opening 34, if the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is "0-9", "20s". The "variation pattern" is selected, and if it is "10 to 99", the "30s fluctuation pattern" is selected.

On the other hand, in the fluctuation pattern determination table for the time of defeat, when the game ball wins the center start opening 33 or the right start opening 34, if the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is "0 to 90", "10s fluctuation pattern". Is selected, if it is "91-97", the "20s fluctuation pattern" is selected, and if it is "98,99", the "30s fluctuation pattern" is selected.

The size and range of each counter are only examples and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the sizes of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

Further, the RAM 503 has a central hold counter Na that counts the number of hold of the fluctuation display triggered by the ball entering the central start port 33, and a hold number of the change display triggered by the ball entering the right start port 34. The right hold counter Nb to be counted, the total hold counter Nx to store the total value of both hold counters Na and Nb, and the hold order to store the entry order of the game balls into the central start port 33 or the right start port 34. A buffer Bj is provided.

The hold order buffer Bj is composed of a ring buffer. In the present embodiment, for example, "1" is stored when corresponding to the central starting port 33, and "0" is stored when corresponding to the right starting port 34.

In a ring buffer, conceptually, the start address and the last address in the buffer area are connected in a ring shape, and when two address pointers, a write pointer and a read pointer, are used to write in order from the start address and reach the final address. It is a buffer that is controlled so that it can be written back to the start address again. Then, after the data is written to the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer, the value of the write pointer is updated to the value indicating the next address. Similarly, after the data is read from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, the value of the read pointer is updated to the value indicating the next address.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart. The processing of the CPU 501 is roughly divided into a main processing that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (in this embodiment at a cycle of 2 msec), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). There is an NMI interrupt process that is activated by the input of, and for convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process, and this process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261, for example, every 2 msec.

In FIG. 11, first, in step S301, reading processing of various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (excluding the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main control device 261 is read, the state of the switch is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved.

In step S302, the random number initial value update process is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

Further, in step S303, the random number update process is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum value, they are cleared to 0, respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1, C2, and C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

In step S304, the start winning process associated with winning the starting ports 33 and 34 is executed. After that, the timer interrupt processing is temporarily terminated.

Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the execution area of the special fluctuation holding area and each holding area, a jackpot random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a jackpot type random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2, and a fluctuation selection counter C3 A variable selection random number storage area for storing the value of is provided. In the present embodiment, the jackpot random number storage area uses 2 bytes to store the value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Further, the jackpot type random number storage area and the variable selection random number storage area each use 1 byte to store the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 and the value of the variable selection counter C3.

First, in step S501, it is determined from the detection information of the second start winning switch 225 whether or not the game ball has won the right start winning opening 34. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, the value of the right hold counter Nb that counts the number of hold of the variable display triggered by winning the right start port 34 in step S502 is the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). ) Is less than or equal to. If a negative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503, and the right hold counter Nb is incremented by one.

In the following step S504, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 updated in the random number update process of step S303 are set in the vacant hold area of the second special fluctuation hold area. Store in the first area. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

In step S505, a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special fluctuation holding area is a value corresponding to the jackpot is performed. The details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

In the following step S506, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, it is based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special fluctuation holding area. Then, the jackpot type determination process for determining the jackpot type is performed. The details of the jackpot type determination process will be described later.

Further, in step S507, the variation display setting process for performing various settings related to the variation display such as selection of the variation pattern and setting of the variation pattern command to be transmitted to the sub control device 262 is executed. The details of the variable display setting process will be described later.

Here, the details of the jackpot determination process in step S505 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S5101, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special fluctuation holding area is the value corresponding to the jackpot (value stored in the first hit / fail determination table) "7, 207, 407". Determine if it matches any of the above.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state will occur, the winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then this process ends.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5101, in step S5103, it is determined whether or not the high probability state flag described later is on, and whether or not it is a "high probability state" is determined.

When the affirmative determination is made in step S5103, that is, in the "high probability state", the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special fluctuation holding area in step S5104 is the value corresponding to the jackpot. (Value stored in the second hit / miss determination table) It is determined whether or not it matches any of "7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507".

If an affirmative determination is made in step S5104, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state will occur in the "high probability state", the winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then this process ends.

If a negative determination is made in step S5103 or step S5104, that is, if it is "off", this process is terminated as it is.

Next, the jackpot type determination process in step S506 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the winning flag has been set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If a negative determination is made in step S5201, this process ends as it is.

On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S5201, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special fluctuation holding area is "normal jackpot" in consideration of the jackpot type determination table in step S5202. It is determined whether or not it matches any of the values "10 to 19" corresponding to. If a negative determination is made in step S5202, that is, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is any of the values "0 to 9" corresponding to the "probability variation jackpot", the probability variation jackpot flag is turned on in step S5203. After that, this process ends.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5202, the normal jackpot flag is turned on in step S5204, and then this process ends.

Next, the variation display setting process in step S507 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display corresponds to the jackpot by determining whether or not the winning flag is on. If an affirmative determination is made here, that is, if it is determined that it corresponds to a big hit, the process proceeds to step S5302.

In step S5302, the fluctuation pattern is selected based on the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the second special fluctuation holding area, with reference to the fluctuation pattern determination table for the jackpot winning.

In the following step S5303, it is determined whether or not the variation display corresponds to the "probability variation jackpot" by determining whether or not the probability variation jackpot flag is on.

If an affirmative determination is made here, in step S5304, the variation pattern command table [see FIG. 17 (a)] stored in the ROM 502 in advance is referred to, and the above selection is made corresponding to the “probability variation jackpot”. Set the fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the fluctuation pattern. After that, this process ends.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5303, the process proceeds to step S5305, and by determining whether or not the normal jackpot flag is on, whether or not the fluctuation display corresponds to "normal jackpot". To determine.

If an affirmative determination is made here, in step S5306, a variation pattern command corresponding to the "normal jackpot" and corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set with reference to the variation pattern command table. After that, this process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5305, the present process is terminated as it is.

If a negative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if the result is "off", the process proceeds to step S5307, and based on the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the second special fluctuation holding area, the selection is performed. The fluctuation pattern is selected by referring to the fluctuation pattern judgment table of.

In the following step S5308, with reference to the fluctuation pattern command table, a fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the “off” and corresponding to the selected fluctuation pattern is set. After that, this process ends.

The fluctuation pattern command set here is output in the external output process (step S201) described later. Then, the sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command determines the variation mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the command, and displays (variates display) the variation mode on the decorative symbol display device 42. An instruction is given to the display control device 45.

For convenience, the variation pattern command will be described here. The fluctuation pattern command according to the present embodiment has a 2-byte structure, the first byte (upper byte) of which is composed of information for specifying the jackpot type, etc., and the second byte (lower byte) specifies the fluctuation time. It is composed of information [see FIG. 17 (a)]. More specifically, regarding the first byte, "FF" corresponds to the information indicating "off", "FD" corresponds to the information indicating "normal jackpot", and "FE" corresponds to the information indicating "probability variation jackpot". Equivalent to. Further, for the second byte, the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is set as it is. That is, when the first byte is "FF (off)", if the value of the second byte is "0 to 90", it corresponds to "10s fluctuation pattern", and if it is "91 to 97", it corresponds to "20s fluctuation pattern". If it is "98,99", it corresponds to "30s fluctuation pattern". On the other hand, if the value of the second byte is "0 to 9" when the first byte is "FD (normal jackpot)" or "FE (probability variation jackpot)", it corresponds to "20s fluctuation pattern" and is "10 to 10". If it is "99", it corresponds to "30s fluctuation pattern".

Therefore, when the fluctuation display corresponds to "off", any one of "FF00" to "FF99" is set as the fluctuation pattern command. More specifically, when the fluctuation pattern is "10s fluctuation pattern", "FF00" to "FF90" are set, and when the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", "FF91" to "FF97" are set. When the fluctuation pattern is "30s fluctuation pattern", "FF98" or "FF99" is set.

Further, when the fluctuation display corresponds to "normal jackpot", any one of "FD00" to "FD99" is set as the fluctuation pattern command. More specifically, when the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", "FD00" to "FD09" are set, and when the fluctuation pattern is "30s fluctuation pattern", "FD10" to "FD99" are set. ..

Similarly, when the variation display corresponds to the "probability variation jackpot", any one of "FE00" to "FE99" is set as the variation pattern command. More specifically, when the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", "FE00" to "FE09" are set, and when the fluctuation pattern is "30s fluctuation pattern", "FE10" to "FE99" are set. ..

Returning to the description of FIG. 13, after the processing of step S506, or when a negative determination is made in step S501, in step S509, whether or not the game ball has won the central start opening 33 is determined by the first start winning unit. It is determined by the detection information of the switch 224. If a negative determination is made in step S509, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when affirmative determination is made, in step S510, the value of the central hold counter Na that counts the number of hold of the variable display triggered by the winning of the central start port 33 is the upper limit value (“4” in this embodiment). ) Is less than or equal to. If a negative determination is made in step S510, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S510, the process proceeds to step S511, and the central hold counter Na is incremented by one.

In the following step S512, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are stored in the first vacant hold area of the first special fluctuation hold area. After step S512, the process proceeds to step S513.

In step S513, a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special fluctuation holding area is a value corresponding to the jackpot is performed. The jackpot determination process in step S513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step S505, and only the point that the information regarding the variation display to be processed is based on the entry into the central starting port 33. different. Therefore, for convenience, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the following step S514, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, it is based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special fluctuation holding area. Then, the jackpot type determination process for determining the jackpot type is performed. The jackpot type determination process in step S514 is the same as the jackpot type determination process in step S506, and the information regarding the variation display to be processed is based on the entry into the central starting port 33. Only different. Therefore, for convenience, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Further, in step S515, the variation display setting process for performing various settings related to the variation display such as selection of the variation pattern and setting of the variation pattern command to be transmitted to the sub control device 262 is executed. Since the variation display setting process in step S515 is the same as the variation display setting process in step S507, detailed description thereof will be omitted. After step S515, this process ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off due to a power failure or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of the main control device 261 when the power is turned off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

That is, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control during execution and starts the NMI interrupt process, and in step S401, the power failure occurrence information is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power failure occurrence information, and the NMI interrupt process is performed. finish.

The above NMI interrupt process is also executed in the payout control device 311, and the power outage occurrence information is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control during execution. The NMI interrupt process shown in FIG. 12 is started. The contents are as described above.

Next, the flow of the main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started by resetting when the power is turned on.

First, in step S101, the initial setting process accompanying the power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the control device on the sub side (sub control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable, for example, 1 Weight processing is executed for about seconds. In the following step S102, RAM access is permitted.

After that, the data backup process is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S112 in order to clear (erase) the backup data. To do. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed, in the following step S104, it is determined whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, the backup data is not stored, so the process proceeds to step S112 in this case as well. If the power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S105, and in the following step S106, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value saved at the time of power interruption. That is, determine the effectiveness of the backup. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value saved when the power is turned off, the backed up data has been destroyed, and the process proceeds to step S112 in this case as well.

In the process of step S112, an initialization command is transmitted in order to initialize the sub control device 262 and the payout control device 311 which are the control devices on the sub side. The sub-control device 262 that has received the initialization command executes its own initialization process as described later, and sets the game mode to the normal mode, which is the initial setting.

After that, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step S113 and the like). The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of this RAM determination value, it is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup based on whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly saved.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 10, when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall is open for business, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step S113 or the like). Further, when the power failure occurrence information is not set or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to the initialization process of the RAM 503 (step S113 or the like) in the same manner. That is, in step S113, the used area of RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the following step S114, the initial value of RAM 503 is set. After that, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

On the other hand, when the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step S103: NO), it is a condition that the power failure occurrence information is set and the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. In addition, the processing at the time of power restoration (processing at the time of power failure restoration) is executed. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before the power off is restored, and in step S108, the power off occurrence information is cleared.

In step S109, a return command for returning the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like, which are the control devices on the sub side, to the gaming state when the power is turned off is transmitted.

In step S110, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. After that, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processing up to step S210 is executed as a periodic processing having a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing in step S211 is executed in the remaining time.

First, in step S201, control signals based on the settings of the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. updated in the previous process are transmitted to each device, and output data such as commands are transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Execute external output processing.

In the following step S203, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

After that, in step S205, the display control process is executed. In this process, what kind of control is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and the control contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are set. The details of this display control process will be described later.

In step S206, the variable winning device control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set as to what kind of control is performed in the variable winning device 32. As a result, when the jackpot state (special game state) is reached, the opening / closing process of the jackpot of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds. Details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. If the power failure occurrence information is not set in the backup area 503a, whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached in step S210, that is, a predetermined time from the start of the previous normal process (the present embodiment). Then, it is determined whether or not 4 msec) has passed. Then, if the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step S201, and the processes after step S201 are repeatedly executed.

On the other hand, if a predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal processing, the random number initial value counter CINI is repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal processing (step S211). .. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (599 in this example), it is cleared to 0.

Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S209 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but varies. Therefore, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time.

By the way, if the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), the power supply is cut off, so that the processes after step S213 are performed as the power failure process when the power is turned off. Be told. In the power failure processing, first, the occurrence of each interrupt processing is prohibited in step S213, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area in step S214, and the stack pointer value is backed up in the backup area 503a in step S215. Remember in. After that, in step S216, a power off notification command indicating that the power is cut off is transmitted to another control device (payout control device 311 or the like). Then, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S217 and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. After that, RAM access is prohibited in step S218, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely cut off and the process cannot be executed.

The process of step S209 is the timing at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the state change of the game performed in steps S201 to S208, or at the end of one cycle of the process of step S211 performed within the remaining time. Is running on. Therefore, in the normal processing of the main control device 261, since the information on the occurrence of the power failure is confirmed at the end of each processing, the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is smaller than that in the case where each processing is in progress. It can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before the power is cut off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily returned and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. .. Further, since the occurrence of interrupt processing is prohibited before the data is stored (step S213), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is cut off, and the state before the power is cut off can be reliably stored. ..

Next, the display control process in step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In FIG. 18, in step S801, the jackpot generation flag described later is referred to in detail, and it is determined whether or not the jackpot is currently being hit. The jackpot includes a state during the jackpot state (special game state) and a predetermined time after the end of the jackpot state. The predetermined time after the end of the jackpot state referred to here is the time from the end of the jackpot state to the start of the normal game (variable display in the special display devices 43L and 43R), and generally this time zone is the decorative symbol display. The device 42 displays the end of the jackpot state, various game states and game modes given after the jackpot, and the like. In addition, the period from when the variable display is stopped and displayed on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 in a manner corresponding to the jackpot until the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening) is opened. (Generally, this time zone is displayed by the decorative symbol display device 42 to indicate the start of the jackpot state) is also included in the jackpot.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S801, that is, if a jackpot is being hit, this process is terminated as it is, while if a negative determination is made in step S801, the setting status of the display flag described later in step S802 It is determined whether or not the variable display is being performed by the first or second special display devices 43L and 43R (decorative symbol display device 42). Here, when the display flag is set (in the on state), it is considered to be in the variable display, and when the display flag is cleared (in the off state), the variable display is stopped. It is considered that the stop display corresponding to the state is in progress. As will be described in detail later, the display flag is turned on when starting the variable display of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R (see step S808), and the first and second special display devices 43L are turned on. , 43R is turned off when the variable display is stopped and displayed (see step S814).

Then, when a negative determination is made in step S802, that is, when neither the jackpot nor the fluctuation display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S803, and the value of the total hold counter Nx (the value of the center hold counter Na and the right hold counter Nb) It is determined whether or not (the total value of the values of) is larger than 0.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S803, that is, if at least one fluctuation display is held and stored in the central hold counter Na or the right hold counter Nb, the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S803, that is, if no variation display is held and stored, the present process is terminated as it is.

In step S804, in consideration of the value of the holding order buffer Bj, it is determined whether the current fluctuation display is triggered by entering the starting port of the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the hold order buffer Bj is "0", that is, whether or not the current fluctuation display is triggered by the entry into the right start port 34. .. Here, if affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S805.

In step S805, 1 is subtracted from the right hold counter Nb. In the following step S806, a process of shifting the data stored in the second special fluctuation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the hold 1st to 4th areas of the 2nd special fluctuation hold area to the execution area side, and is a process of shifting the hold 1st area → the execution area and the hold 2nd. The data in each area is shifted in the order of area → hold 1st area, hold 3rd area → hold 2nd area, hold 4th area → hold 3rd area. After step S806, in step S807, a process of turning on / off the second holding lamp 46R is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S808.

Further, if a negative determination is made in step S804, that is, if the fluctuation display this time is triggered by the entry of a ball into the central starting port 33, 1 is subtracted from the central hold counter Na in step S809. In the following step S810, a process of shifting the data stored in the first special fluctuation holding area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the hold 1st to 4th areas of the 1st special fluctuation hold area to the execution area side, and is a process of shifting the hold 1st area → the execution area and the hold 2nd. The data in each area is shifted in the order of area → hold 1st area, hold 3rd area → hold 2nd area, hold 4th area → hold 3rd area. After step S810, in step S811, the process of turning on / off the first holding lamp 46L is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S808. In the present embodiment, the execution area of the special fluctuation holding area is one, and the data stored in the first special fluctuation holding area and the second special fluctuation holding area are used when performing the fluctuation display based on the data. In addition, it will be shifted to a common execution area.

In step S808, the start setting process indicating that the condition for performing the switching display (variable display) is satisfied in the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed. In this start setting process, the display flag indicating whether or not variable display is being performed is turned on by the special display devices 43L and 43R, and the display timer setting process is performed. The display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time (remaining time of the fluctuation display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is taken into consideration when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation display. The fluctuation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R in the present embodiment is set to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected by the fluctuation selection counter C3. At the same time, in the start setting process, a start command for instructing the sub control device 262 to start the variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42 is also set. Then, after the end of step S808, the display control process ends.

If, based on the above settings, a control signal for starting switching display (variable display) is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the next external output processing of the normal processing, the special display device 43L , 43R, the switching display (variable display) is started. The special display devices 43L and 43R are 7-segment display devices as described above, and if the displayed character is "-", it is "7", if it is "7", it is "3", and if it is "3". Switch display to "-".

If an affirmative determination is made in step S802, that is, if the variable display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S812 to perform the display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), "2500" is set for the display timer and 1 is subtracted every 4 msec.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S813, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed by taking into consideration the value of the display timer after the subtraction. At this time, step S813 is positively determined when the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the display timer becomes “0”.

If a negative determination is made in step S813, in step S817, the switching display setting for continuously performing the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and this process is terminated. In addition, based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal indicating that the switching display is performed is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output processing in the next normal processing as described above. As a result, the timing of the display control process, that is, the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is realized every 4 ms.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S813, the display flag is released (off) in step S814, and the stop display setting for performing stop display on the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed in step S815.

In addition, based on the setting contents of the above-mentioned stop display setting, a control signal indicating that the stop display is performed is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the external output processing in the next normal processing. That is, in the case of a "probability change jackpot" accompanied by a transition to a "high probability state", "7" is displayed as a stop (for example, lit only for a few seconds), and a "normal jackpot" accompanied by a transition to a "low probability state" is displayed. If there is, "3" is stopped and displayed, and if it is "off", "-" is stopped and displayed.

Subsequently, after performing the discrimination information setting process in step S816, this process ends. Here, the discrimination information setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step S1001, the winning flag is taken into consideration, and it is determined whether or not the stop display corresponds to the jackpot. Here, in the case of corresponding to a big hit, the process proceeds to step S1002 and the big hit is set. Specifically, setting processing such as a jackpot generation flag, a variable flag, a variable timer, a round number counter, and a winning counter is performed. Then, after the end of step S1002, the discrimination information setting process ends.

On the other hand, in step S1001, when it is determined that the jackpot does not correspond, that is, the winning flag is off, the present process is terminated as it is.

The jackpot occurrence flag is state determination information for determining whether or not it is a jackpot state as a special game state, and here, "1" indicating the occurrence of a jackpot state is set (turned on) as a flag value. ..

The variable flag is discrimination information for determining whether or not the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening) is in the open state.

The variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32, etc., and is taken into consideration when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of opening. In this example, "7500" is set as a value for the variable timer. As a result, the maximum opening time per round (the maximum time that the variable winning device 32 is opened) becomes 30 seconds.

The round number counter is discrimination information for discriminating the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of times the special prize state occurs, that is, the number of times the opening / closing process of the variable winning device 32 is executed), and 16 rounds are used in this process. The indicated "16" is set as a value.

The winning counter is a means for counting the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 32, and in this process, "8" indicating the maximum number of winning balls per round is set as a value. In the switch reading process of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 11), it is determined from the detection information of the count switch 223 whether or not the ball has entered the variable winning device 32, and it is said that the variable winning device 32 has entered the ball. If it is determined, the value of the winning counter is subtracted by 1.

Next, the variable winning device control process in step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the jackpot generation flag is on. If a negative judgment is made here, this process is terminated as it is.

If affirmative determination is made in step S1201, the count value of the variable timer is subtracted by 1 in step S1202. In the following step S1203, it is determined whether or not the variable flag is on.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1203, that is, if the variable winning device 32 is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S1204, and whether or not the count value of the variable timer is "0", that is, per round. It is determined whether or not the opening time of the variable winning device 32 is left.

If a negative determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1205, and whether or not the value of the winning counter is "0", that is, the number of game balls that have won the variable winning device 32 is per round. It is determined whether or not the specified number (8 in this example) has been reached. If a negative determination is made in step S1204, that is, if the timing for closing the variable winning device 32 (timing at the end of the round) has not yet arrived, this process ends as it is.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1204 or step S1205, the process proceeds to step S1206, and whether or not the counter value of the round number counter is "0", that is, the number of rounds (the number of times the variable winning device 32 is opened). ) Has reached the specified number of times.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1206, the end setting process is performed in step S1207 to end this process.

In the end setting process of step S1207, the variable flag and the jackpot generation flag are turned off, the high probability state flag setting process, the game state notification command setting process, and the like are performed.

The high-probability state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game state is a "high-probability state", and in the high-probability state flag setting process, the above-mentioned "probability variation jackpot flag" and "normal jackpot" The switching setting of the high probability state flag is performed based on the "flag". As a result, when the "high probability state" is set after the jackpot ends (the "probability variation jackpot flag" is on), "1" indicating the occurrence of the "high probability state" is set as the flag value, and the "low probability" is set. When the "state" is set (the "normal jackpot flag" is on), "0" indicating the occurrence of the "low probability state" is set as the flag value.

The "probability variation jackpot flag" and the "normal jackpot flag" are turned off after the high probability state flag setting process. Further, when the jackpot setting (step S1002) is performed in the discrimination information setting process of FIG. 19, the high probability state flag may be reset once (“0” is set).

The game state notification command is a command for notifying the sub-control device 262 of the game state (“high probability state” or “low probability state”) set after the jackpot ends.

If a negative determination is made in step S1206, that is, if the number of rounds has not reached the specified number of times, the round feed process is performed in step S1208, and this process ends. In the round feed process, the value of the round number counter is subtracted by 1. That is, the opening / closing process is repeated until the number of executed rounds reaches a preset predetermined number of times. Further, in the round feed process, the variable flag is turned off and the time (weight time) until the next round is started is set in the variable timer.

Further, if a negative determination is made in step S1203, that is, during the weight period between rounds, the process proceeds to step S1209 to determine whether or not the value of the variable timer is "0".

When an affirmative determination is made in step S1209, that is, when the weight period ends and the timing to start the next round is reached, the round start process is performed in step S1210. In the round start process, the variable flag is turned on, the opening time of the variable winning device 32 per round is set for the variable timer, and the maximum number of winnings per round is set for the winning counter (in this example, "" 8 ”) is set. Further, "7500" is set for the variable timer as the opening time of the variable winning device 32. If a negative determination is made in step S1209 and the round start process is completed in step S1210, this process ends.

In the next external output process of the normal process, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 based on the on / off status of the variable flag. When the variable flag is on, a control signal indicating that the large winning opening is opened is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is opened. On the other hand, when the variable flag is off, a control signal indicating that the large winning opening is closed is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is closed.

Next, the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 21, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG. 22.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process that is executed by interrupting when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, the payout control device 311 temporarily waits for another process executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the receive interrupt process is executed. When the receive interrupt process is executed, first, the command transmitted from the main control unit 261 in step S3001 is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and in order to store the command transmitted from the main control unit 261 in step S3002. Turn on the command reception flag to end this reception interrupt processing. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referenced and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is stored in order to store the next received command in the next storage area. Is updated.

In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by the interrupt process executed when the command is received. For example, it is shown in FIG. 23. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received, and if a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and if the command has not been received, the process may be shifted to the command determination process. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not the command has been received by checking the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

Next, the main process of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311, and this main process is started by resetting when the power is turned on.

First of all, in step S3101, the initial setting process accompanying the power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and the interrupt mode is set. Then, in step S3103, RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, the external interrupt vector is set.

After that, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Then, if the power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107, and in the subsequent step S3108, does the RAM determination value match the RAM determination value saved at the time of power interruption? Whether or not, that is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 513. It is also possible to judge the effectiveness of the backup based on whether or not the keywords written in the predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly saved.

If the power failure occurrence information is not set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) in step S3108, the initialization process of RAM 513 after step S3115 is performed. Transition.

In step S3115, the entire area of RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial value of RAM 513 is set. After that, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral device is initially set, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to allow interrupts.

On the other hand, on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106 and the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal in step S3108, the processing at the time of power restoration (at the time of power failure recovery). Process) is executed. That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before the power is turned off is restored, in step S3110, the power cut occurrence information is cleared, and in step S3111, the payout permission flag that permits the payout of the prize ball is cleared. Further, in step S3112, the CPU peripheral devices are initially set, and in step S3113, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Further, in step S3114, interrupts are permitted.

After the interrupt is enabled in step S3114, it is determined in the process of step S3122 whether or not the power cutoff occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the power cutoff occurrence information is set, the power supply is cut off, so that the processes after step S3123 are performed as the power failure process when the power is turned off. In the power failure processing, first, the occurrence of each interrupt processing is prohibited in step S3123, and the command determination processing described later is executed in the next step S3124. After that, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S3125, the stack pointer value is stored in the backup area 513a in step S3126, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3127, and the backup area 513a is calculated. The RAM access is prohibited in step S3128, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely cut off and the process cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the backed up stack area and work area of the RAM 513.

In the process of step S3122, since the information on the occurrence of the power failure is confirmed after the process performed at the time of turning on the power is completed, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is larger than that in the case where each process is in the middle. It is less and can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before the power is cut off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily returned and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. ..

Next, the timer interrupt process of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

In the timer interrupt processing, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and the determination processing of the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG. 24.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a command determination process performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124 and S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from the main control unit 261 is received in the above-mentioned reception interrupt processing (see FIG. 21).

If the command reception flag is determined to be off in step S3301, a new command has not been received from the main control device 261, and this process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the command reception flag is determined to be on in step S3301, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing of steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so that the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

The type of command read from the RAM 513 in the processes of steps S3304 to S3306 is determined. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command, in step S3305 it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command, and in step S3306 it is a prize ball command. Whether or not it is determined.

If the command transmitted from the main control unit 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether or not the payout permission flag is already turned on, and if the payout permission flag is turned off, the main controller is turned on when the power is turned on. Since the control device 261 has instructed to initialize the RAM 513, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S3308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S3309. After that, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311, and the payout permission of the prize ball is set.

As described above, the main control device 261 performs the initialization process of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 performs the initialization process of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Since the above is performed, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially the same. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives the command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to the initialization timing being shifted, the RAM 513 is initialized and the control corresponding to the received command cannot be performed. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of harmful effects. Further, since the payout permission flag is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, the payout permission of the prize ball can be surely set.

On the other hand, if the payout permission flag is already turned on in step S3307, the command determination process ends without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and initializing the RAM 513. That is, the process of step S3307 prohibits the RAM 513 from being initialized with the payout permission flag set. Since the payout initialization command is a command that is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on, it is not received with the payout permission flag turned on. It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized it as a payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set (step S3309) while the payout permission flag is turned on, the prize balls will not be paid out if they remain. Although an adverse effect occurs and causes a loss to the player, since the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized while the payout permission flag is turned on, it is possible to prevent the player from being inflicted with a loss.

If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power was cut off. In step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on to allow the payout of the prize ball. That is, when there is information on the occurrence of a power failure and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power cutoff, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so that the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Will be updated.

Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), the number of prize balls received is added to the total number of prize balls and stored in step S3310. , The payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311 to allow the payout of the prize ball. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in the predetermined buffer area. And remember. Since the prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls are paid out based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main control device 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command instructing the payout of the prize balls. .. Further, when the prize ball command is received, the payout permission is set immediately, so that the prize ball can be paid out at an early stage for winning. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so that the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Will be updated.

Note that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is neither a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), a payout return command (step S3305: NO), nor a prize ball command (step S3306: NO). The command judgment process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag.

Here, the flow chart of FIG. 23 will be returned to the description. When the command determination process is completed, in step S3202, it is determined whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this process ends as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent the prize ball from being paid out before the command is transmitted from the main control device 261.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the launch permission is set for the launch control device 312 in step S3203, the state return switch 321 is checked in step S3204, and the state is determined when the state return operation is started. Execute the return operation. By this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, the payout motor is jammed, the payout motor is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, and the ball jam is cleared (return to the normal state). ..

After that, in step S3205, the lower plate full tank state or the lower plate full tank release state is set according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15. That is, when the lower plate 15 is full, the lower plate 15 is determined by the detection signal of the lower plate full switch, and when the lower plate is full, the lower plate full state is set and the lower plate is not full. , Execute the setting of the lower plate full tank release state. Further, in step S3206, the setting of the tank ball-less state (ball out state) or the tank ball-less release state (ball presence state) is executed according to the change in the state of the tank ball. That is, the state without a tank ball is determined by the detection signal of the switch without a tank ball, and the setting of the state without a tank ball and the state without a tank ball is executed. Perform the settings.

After that, in step S3207, it is determined whether or not there is a state to be notified, such as an error state, and if there is a state to be notified, the notification is made.

Subsequently, the payout control process for prize balls and rental balls is executed. Specifically, the payout number setting process is performed in step S3208, the motor control state acquisition process is performed in step S3209, and the motor drive process is performed in step S3210.

In step S3211, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the ball removal process on the condition that the state return switch 321 is checked and the ball removal operation is not started and the ball removal operation is not started. In the following step S3212, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibe motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is in a jammed state. After that, the process returns to the beginning of this timer interrupt process.

Next, the normal processing of the sub control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received.

If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553 in step S3902. The command buffer of the RAM 553 is composed of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. As described above, the ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area, and when the commands are stored in all the storage areas, the commands are stored. It is configured to return to the beginning of the area and update the command. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on the respective pointers.

In the following step S3903, the command determination process is performed. Here, the command determination process will be described with reference to FIG. In step S4101, the received command is read from the command buffer of the RAM 553. In the following step S4102, it is determined whether or not the command is an initialization command, in step S4103 it is determined whether or not it is a return command, in step S4104 it is determined whether or not it is a variation pattern command, and in step S4110. In step S4111, it is determined whether or not it is a game state notification command, and in step S4111, it is determined whether or not it is a start command.

If the command transmitted from the main control unit 261 is an initialization command, it means that the main control unit 261 has instructed the initialization of the RAM 553 when the power is turned on. Therefore, the RAM 553 is cleared in step S4105, and the RAM 553 is cleared in step S4106. Set the initial value of RAM 553. As a result, the game state information corresponding to the initial setting "low probability state" is stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. After that, this process ends.

Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a return command (step S4102: NO, step S4103: YES), the main control device 261 returns to the state before the power was cut off, so that the sub has no backup function. In step S4107, the control device 262 reads the game state information included in the return command and stores it in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. After that, this process ends.

Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a fluctuation pattern command (step S4103: NO, step S4104: YES), in step S4108, a storage process for storing the contents of the fluctuation pattern and the like in the sub-hold buffer Bf. Is performed, and this process is terminated.

The sub-hold buffer Bf includes eight hold areas (hold first area to hold eighth area) and one execution area. In each holding area, information related to the fluctuation display executed by the decorative symbol display device 42 (big hit type, fluctuation time, effect pattern described later, etc.) is displayed in chronological order according to the reception history (reception order) of the fluctuation pattern command. Is stored. As a result, the sub control device 262 can grasp the number of pending fluctuation displays and their contents.

In the present embodiment, the value of the first byte of the fluctuation pattern command is stored as it is as the jackpot type information, and the value of the second byte of the fluctuation pattern command is stored as it is as the fluctuation time information.

In the present embodiment, in addition to the process of storing the contents of the variation pattern in the sub-hold buffer Bf, the effect pattern related to the variation display of the decorative symbol is based on the variation time information stored in the hold area of the sub-hold buffer Bf. Is selected, and the stop symbol (combination of stop symbols) to be stopped and displayed after the lapse of the fluctuation time is determined based on the jackpot type information (including "off"). Information about the effect pattern and the stop symbol determined here is added to the hold area of the sub-hold buffer Bf corresponding to these. The correspondence between the fluctuation time information and the effect pattern and the correspondence between the jackpot type information and the stop symbol are stored in a table in ROM 552 of the sub control device 262.

Here, the correspondence between the fluctuation time information and the effect pattern will be described. First, the types of production patterns will be described. As the production pattern, for example, "normal reach" in which no special production display is performed other than the fluctuation of the decorative pattern, "super reach" in which characters and the like are displayed after the reach state is established, and the player is more expected, the reach state. There are also "completely off" that do not become.

In particular, in the present embodiment, "A reach" and "B reach" corresponding to "reach other than front and rear deviation" in which the final stop symbol stops at a position other than before and after the reach symbol after the reach state is established are prepared as the above "normal reach". At the same time, after the reach state is established, the "C reach" and "D reach" corresponding to the "front and back off reach" in which the final stop symbol is shifted by one before and after the reach symbol are the above "super reach". It is prepared as.

The ROM 552 of the sub control device 262 is provided with an effect pattern determination table for determining which effect pattern the fluctuation time information corresponds to. In the present embodiment, two tables, an effect pattern determination table for winning a big hit and an effect pattern determination table for losing a prize, are provided.

Specifically, in the effect pattern determination table for winning a big hit, as shown in FIG. 17B, if the value of the fluctuation time information is "0-4", "A reach" is selected and "5". If it is "~ 9", "B reach" is selected, if it is "10 to 54", "C reach" is selected, and if it is "55 to 99", "D reach" is selected. That is, when the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", "A reach" or "B reach" is selected, and when the fluctuation pattern is "30s fluctuation pattern", "C reach" or "D reach" is selected. To.

On the other hand, in the effect pattern determination table for the time of defeat, as shown in FIG. 17 (c), if the value of the fluctuation time information is "0 to 90", "complete deviation" which is not a reach mode is selected. , "91-94", "A reach" is selected, "95-97", "B reach" is selected, "98", "C reach" is selected, and "99". If so, "D reach" is selected. That is, when the fluctuation pattern is "10s fluctuation pattern", "complete deviation" is selected, and when the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", "A reach" or "B reach" is selected, and the fluctuation pattern is "B reach". In the case of "30s fluctuation pattern", "C reach" or "D reach" is selected.

Therefore, "C reach" and "D reach" are higher expectations than "A reach" and "B reach", which are big hits.

If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a game state notification command (step S4104: NO, step S4110: YES), it is the timing when the game state is switched in the main control device 261. Therefore, in step S4107. , The game state information (for example, the information corresponding to the "high probability state") included in the game state notification command is read out and stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. After that, this process ends.

If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a start command (step S4110: NO, step S4111: YES), it is the timing to start the variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42, so that in step S4112. The start setting process is performed, and then this process ends.

In the start setting process of step S4112, various settings related to the variable display performed by the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed.

In this start setting process, first, a process of shifting the data stored in the sub-hold buffer Bf is executed. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the hold 1st to 8th areas in order to the execution area side, and the hold 1st area → the execution area, the hold 2nd area → the hold 1st area, The data in each area is shifted in the order of hold 3rd area → hold 2nd area, ... hold 8th area → hold 7th area.

Subsequently, the value corresponding to the fluctuation time stored in the execution area of the sub-hold buffer Bf is set in the fluctuation display timer. The variation display timer is a means for measuring the variation time (remaining time of the variation display) in the decorative symbol display device 42, and is taken into consideration when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variation display.

In addition, the variable display flag, which is taken into consideration when determining whether or not the decorative symbol display device 42 is in variable display, is turned on.

The command transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub control device 262 is not limited to the command illustrated above, but is also a jackpot effect start command output when, for example, a jackpot state occurs (or ends). (Or a command to end the jackpot production).

Returning to the description of FIG. 25, if a negative determination is made after step S3903 or in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, and whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, the start of the previous normal process. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (1 msec in this example) has elapsed from. Then, if the predetermined time has already passed, the process proceeds to step S3905, while if the predetermined time has not yet passed since the start of the previous normal processing, the process proceeds to step S3912.

In step S3905, various counter update processes are executed. The CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying the decorative symbol. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 27, the upper, middle, and lower symbols used for setting the decorative symbol counter C5 at the time of a big hit and the outlier symbols of the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area. Each off-design counter CL, CM, and CR are used. The out-of-symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured such that register values are added using the R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, the numerical values change randomly. The values of these counters are appropriately stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 553.

The decorative symbol counter C5 at the time of a jackpot is for determining a symbol (big hit symbol) that is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 at the time of a jackpot (“probability variable jackpot” or “normal jackpot”). The jackpot symbol in this embodiment is set in 10 ways regardless of "probability variation jackpot" or "normal jackpot". Therefore, as the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5, 10 (0 to 9) counter values are prepared. That is, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is configured to add 1 in order within the range of 0 to 9, reach the upper limit value (that is, 9), and then return to 0.

The jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is periodically updated by the counter update process in step S3905, and is stored in the jackpot decorative symbol counter buffer of the RAM 553. Then, in the hold buffer storage process of step S4108, when the jackpot type information stored in the hold area of the subhold buffer Bf is "FD" or "FE" indicating the jackpot, based on a table (not shown). For example, if the value of the decorative symbol counter C5 at the time of jackpot is "0", it is "0" (doublet), if it is "1", it is "1" (doublet), and so on. ~ The combination of any of the doublet symbols of "9" is determined as the combination of the stop symbols (big hit symbols).

In addition, the upper, middle, and lower offset symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are each stop symbol (combination of missed symbols) in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas when the jackpot lottery is "missing". Since any of the 10 decorative symbols is displayed in each column, 10 (0 to 9) counter values are prepared for each. The upper / off symbol counter CL determines the stop symbol in the upper symbol display area, the middle / out symbol counter CM determines the stop symbol in the middle symbol display area, and the lower / out symbol counter CR determines the stop symbol in the lower symbol display area. Is determined.

In the present embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated by using the numerical value of the R register built in the CPU 551. That is, when each of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is updated, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 10 is subtracted to determine the current value. To. The out-of-order symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of the out-of-order symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is the front / rear out-of-reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553, the reach symbol buffer other than the front-rear outlier, and the reach symbol buffer. It is stored in one of the completely off symbol buffers.

Here, the update processing of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 28, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of the upper / off symbol counter CL, and in step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is the update time of the middle / off symbol counter CM. It should be noted that the upper, middle, and lower offset symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured to be updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the lower / off symbol counter CR has been updated in the previous update process, a positive judgment is made in step S4001. Further, when the upper / off symbol counter CL is updated in the previous update process, a positive judgment is made in step S4002. Then, if it is the update time of the upper / off symbol counter CL (YES in step S4001), the process proceeds to step S4003 to update the upper / off symbol counter CL. If it is time to update the middle / off symbol counter CM (YES in step S4002), the process proceeds to step S4004 to update the middle / out symbol counter CM. Further, if it is the update time of the lower / off symbol counter CR (both steps S4001 and S4002 are NO), the process proceeds to step S4005 to update the lower / off symbol counter CR. In the update of the offset symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and 10 is subtracted when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value. , The calculation result is used as the current value of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR.

According to the above CL, CM, and CR update processing, the upper, middle, and lower offset symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in one update processing, and the update times of the counter values overlap. There is no such thing. As a result, one set of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is updated every time the update process is executed three times.

After that, in step S4006, the combination of the above-updated out-of-design counters CL, CM, and CR is the combination of the reach symbols (the symbol in the upper symbol display area and the symbol in the lower symbol display area are the same, and the upper and lower symbol display areas are the same. (The symbol in the middle symbol display area is different from the symbol in), and if it is a combination of reach symbols (S4006 is YES), in step S4007, it is out of front and back reach. Determine if it exists. If the disengaged symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are a combination of front and rear disengagement reach (front and rear disengagement symbols) (YES in S4007), the process proceeds to step S4008, and the combination of the disengagement symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is RAM553. Stored in the reach symbol buffer. If the disengaged symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are a combination of reach other than front and rear disengagement (symbols other than front and rear disengagement) (S4007 is NO), the process proceeds to step S4009, and the disengaged symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time The combination is stored in the reach symbol buffer except for the front and rear deviation of the RAM 553.

If the combination is other than the reach symbol (S4006 is NO), the process proceeds to step S4010, and it is determined whether or not the combination of the out-of-design counters CL, CM, and CR is the out-of-design combination. If the combination of symbols (completely out of symbol) is set (YES in S4010), the process proceeds to step S4011, and the combination of out of symbol counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the completely out of design buffer of RAM 553. If both steps S4006 and S4010 are NO, the symbols are aligned at the top, middle, and bottom, that is, it corresponds to a combination of jackpot symbols, but in such a case, the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are used as buffers. This process ends as it is without storing.

Then, in the hold buffer storage process of step S4108, when the jackpot type information stored in the hold area of the sub hold buffer Bf is "FF" indicating "off", it corresponds based on a table (not shown). The combination of symbols stored in the counter buffer (see FIG. 27) of the RAM 553 is determined as the combination of the stop symbols (off symbols). More specifically, if the jackpot type information stored in the predetermined holding area is "off" and the value of the fluctuation time information is "0 to 90" (if the effect pattern is "completely off"), it is completely off. The combination of symbols stored in the symbol buffer is determined as the stop symbol. Similarly, if the value of the fluctuation time information is "91-97" (the effect pattern is "A reach" or "B reach"), the combination of symbols stored in the reach symbol buffer other than the front and rear deviations. Is determined as a stop symbol. If the value of the fluctuation time information is "98,99" (the effect pattern is "C reach" or "D reach"), the combination of symbols stored in the reach symbol buffer that is out of front and back of the RAM 553. Is determined as a stop symbol.

Now, returning to the description of FIG. 25, in step S3907, a display setting process for performing various displays is performed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In the display setting process, the variable display setting process for mainly performing the variable display of the decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display device 42 and the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed in a mode corresponding to the type of the game mode described later. Mode switching setting processing for the purpose, hold display setting processing for performing hold display, and the like are performed. Here, the decorative symbol constitutes the identification information, and the function of performing the variable display setting process constitutes the variable display control means in the present embodiment.

First, the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 29. As shown in FIG. 29, in step S4301, it is determined whether or not the decorative symbol display device 42 is in the variable display by observing the setting status of the variable display flag. Specifically, when the variable display flag is set (when it is on), it is considered to be variable display, and when the variable display flag is cleared (when it is off), the variable display is displayed. It is considered that the stop display, which corresponds to the stopped state, is in progress. As described above, the variable display flag is turned on when the variable display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is started (start setting process in step S4112), and when the variable display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed. (See step S4305) is turned off.

If an affirmative determination is made here, that is, at the start of fluctuation or during fluctuation, the process proceeds to step S4302, and if a negative determination is made, the present process is terminated as it is.

In step S4302, the fluctuation display timer subtraction process is performed. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), "2500" is set for the fluctuation display timer, and 1 is subtracted every 4 msec.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S4303, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed by taking into consideration the value of the fluctuation display timer after the subtraction. At this time, step S4303 is positively determined when the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the fluctuation display timer becomes “0”.

If a negative determination is made in step S4303, in step S4304, a variation execution process for executing the variation display of the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed, and this process ends.

In this variable execution process, various arithmetic processes such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are performed based on various information stored in the execution area of the sub-hold buffer Bf of the RAM 553, for example. ..

As a result, the display control device 45 performs drawing processing in response to a command from the sub control device 262, and starts variable display of the symbol on the decorative symbol display device 42. Then, once the start command is received from the main control unit 261, the value of the variation display timer set in the start setting process of step S4112 is set to "0" until the variation time of the variation display corresponding to the start command elapses. (Until), the variable display of the symbol is continued in cooperation with the sub control device 262 and the display control device 45.

The above-mentioned display command is, for example, a command for designating a series of display effects from the start to the end of the variable display, and a necessary display command is generated each time based on the information stored in the sub-hold buffer Bf. Will be done. Normally, the display commands related to the fluctuation display generated by the sub control device 262 are roughly classified into a normal fluctuation data group and a reach effect data group, and basically each data constituting these data groups is the above fluctuation time timer. By sequentially outputting in accordance with a predetermined time order based on the above, display effects according to various fluctuation patterns are performed. For example, the normal fluctuation data group consists of normal fluctuation data 1, normal fluctuation data 2, ..., Normal fluctuation data m, and the reach effect data group consists of reach effect data 1, reach effect data 2, ..., Reach effect data. When it consists of n, the data is output in the order of normal fluctuation data 1 → 2 → ... → m with the start of normal fluctuation, and subsequently, with the start of reach production, reach production data 1 → 2 → ... → Data is output in the order of n.

On the other hand, when the affirmative determination is made in step S4303, that is, when the value of the fluctuation display timer is determined to be "0", the stop display setting for performing the stop display on the decorative symbol display device 42 in step S4305. Is performed, and this process is terminated. In the stop display setting, the flag during variable display is released (off), and a stop command for instructing the display control device 45 to stop the variable display in the decorative symbol display device 42 is set.

Here, a display mode in the display unit of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. As shown in FIG. 33A, the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided with three symbol display areas of upper, middle, and lower, and a plurality of types of decorative symbols are variably displayed for each symbol display area. To. In the present embodiment, various symbols Z are displayed as decorative symbols with numbers "0" to "9". The various symbols Z are scrolled and displayed from right to left with periodicity in ascending or descending order of numbers, thereby forming a series of symbol sequences. Of course, the variation mode of the symbol is not limited to the scroll variation, and may be a switching variation or the like.

In such a case, various symbols Z are displayed in descending order (in ascending order of attached numbers) in the upper symbol row, and various symbols Z are similarly displayed in ascending order (increased numbers attached) in the middle symbol row and lower symbol row. It is displayed in order). Then, after the lapse of a predetermined time, the variable display is stopped in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area, and at the time of the stop, the symbol Z is, for example, a combination of jackpot symbols on a predetermined jackpot line (book). In the embodiment, the jackpot state is started if the same type of symbols are combined). Immediately before the combination of the jackpot symbols described above is displayed, a so-called reach state (a state in which the reach mode is established) is obtained. However, even if it reaches the reach state, it may not reach the jackpot state.

In the present embodiment, the jackpot line is composed of two vertical lines, left, middle, and right, and two diagonal lines (referred to as five lines). Therefore, in the upper / middle / lower symbol display area, when three of the same type of symbols Z are lined up on any one of the five lines and displayed as a fixed stop, a jackpot state occurs.

Next, the mode switching setting process will be described in detail. The mode switching setting process is a process for performing the display mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 in a mode corresponding to the type of the game mode. The function of performing the mode switching setting process constitutes the mode switching means in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the game mode is switched and set between "notification mode" as the second specific mode, "suggestion mode" as the first specific mode, and "normal mode (non-notification mode)".

The "notification mode" is a mode in which the player is explicitly notified of the current gaming state ("high probability state" or "low probability state").

The "suggestion mode" is a mode that suggests the current gaming state to the player.

The "normal mode" refers to a normal state other than the above-mentioned "notification mode" and "suggestion mode" as a specific mode. In the "normal mode", it is difficult for the player to grasp the current game state. Therefore, if the gaming state is in the "high probability state" in the normal mode, the player cannot grasp this, that is, the so-called "latent state".

In the present embodiment, the mode information related to the game mode is stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553. The sub control device 262 is configured to be able to determine the game mode based on the value of the mode flag Mf stored as mode information in the mode information storage area. More specifically, when the game mode is "normal mode", the value of the mode flag Mf is set to "0", and when the game mode is "suggestion mode", the value of the mode flag Mf is set to "0". When "1" is set and the game mode is "notification mode", "2" is set in the value of the mode flag Mf.

Here, the flow of the mode switching setting process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S4401, it is determined whether or not the jackpot state has occurred (or ended) based on the input of a command from the main control device 261 or the like. Here, if an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S4402, and if a negative determination is made, the present process is terminated as it is.

In step S4402, it is determined whether or not the value of the mode flag Mf is "0", that is, whether or not the game mode is "normal mode".

If an affirmative determination is made here, in step S4403, a normal mode setting process for setting the display mode in the decorative symbol display device 42 to the normal mode is performed, and this process ends. In the normal mode setting process, for example, a display command to be executed by the display control device 45 is set (the same applies to the following various mode setting processes).

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4402, in step S4404, it is determined whether or not the value of the mode flag Mf is "1", that is, whether or not the game mode is "suggestion mode".

Here, if affirmative determination is made, the suggestion mode setting process is performed in step S4405, and this process ends. In the suggestion mode setting process, the game state is determined based on the game state information stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553, and if the game state is a "high probability state", in addition to the display of the above normal mode, for example, With a 70% probability, display settings such as "maybe a high probability state?" Are set. That is, in the "suggestion mode", the suggestion display suggesting the current gaming state to the player is performed with a predetermined probability.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4404, it is determined in step S4406 whether or not the value of the mode flag Mf is "2", that is, whether or not the game mode is "notification mode".

Here, if affirmative determination is made, the notification mode setting process is performed in step S4407, and this process ends. In the notification mode setting process, the game state is determined based on the game state information stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553, and if the game state is a "high probability state", the display in the above normal mode is replaced. For example, the background image BG is set to a reddish monotone mode, and a notification display setting such as "in a high probability state" is set. On the other hand, if the gaming state is a "low probability state", a notification display setting such as "during a low probability state" is set in addition to the display of the above normal mode. That is, in the "notification mode", the notification display for notifying the player of the current gaming state is performed with a 100% probability.

Next, the hold display setting process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 31. The sub-hold buffer Bf constitutes the hold means in the present embodiment.

First, in step S4501, the effect patterns stored in the hold 1st to 8th areas of the sub hold buffer Bf include reach patterns (“A reach”, “B reach”, “C reach” or “D reach”). Determine if it is.

If a negative determination is made here, that is, if none of the reach patterns is included, the normal hold display update process is performed in step S4505. As shown in FIG. 33 (a), in the normal hold display, the number of holds can be determined by the hold images T1 to T8 composed of "hold lamp images" imitating a circular hold lamp.

In the present embodiment, among the eight reserved images T1 to T8 which are the maximum number of reserved images, the number of reserved images T1 to T8 which are displayed in a variable manner depending on the number of reserved images T1 to T8 displayed without being covered by the coated image W as the covering means. It is configured so that it can be grasped. In the example shown in FIG. 33B, of the reserved images T1 to T8, the sixth to eighth reserved images T6 to T8 are covered with the covered image W, and only the first to fifth reserved images T1 to T5 are visible. It is displayed in. This indicates that the current number of pending variable displays is "5".

That is, when the number of holdings in the sub-holding buffer Bf is "0", all of the first to eighth holding images T1 to T8 are covered by the covered image W and become invisible.

When the number of holdings in the sub-holding buffer Bf is "1", the second to eighth holding images T2 to T8 are covered with the covered image W, and only the first holding image T1 is visible.

When the number of holds in the sub-hold buffer Bf is "2", the third to eighth hold images T3 to T8 are covered with the covered image W, and the first and second hold images T1 and T2 become visible.

When the number of holds in the sub-hold buffer Bf is "3", the fourth to eighth hold images T4 to T8 are covered with the covered image W, and the first to third hold images T1 to T3 become visible.

When the number of hold images in the sub-hold buffer Bf is "4", the fifth to eighth hold images T5 to T8 are covered with the covered image W, and the first to fourth hold images T1 to T4 become visible.

When the number of holds in the sub-hold buffer Bf is "5", the sixth to eighth hold images T6 to T8 are covered with the covered image W, and the first to fifth hold images T1 to T5 become visible.

When the number of holds in the sub-hold buffer Bf is "6", the seventh and eighth hold images T7 and T8 are covered with the covered image W, and the first to sixth hold images T1 to T6 are visible.

When the number of holds in the sub-hold buffer Bf is "7", only the eighth hold image T8 is covered by the covered image W, and the first to seventh hold images T1 to T7 are visible.

When the number of holdings in the sub-holding buffer Bf is "8", all the holding images T1 to T8 can be visually recognized without being covered by the covered image W.

Then, in the normal hold display update process of step S4505, the display update process for increasing or decreasing the number of the hold images T1 to T8 not covered by the covered image W is performed according to the increase or decrease of the number of holds in the sub-hold buffer Bf. ..

On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S4501, that is, when information related to the reach pattern is included in any of the hold 1st to 8th areas of the sub-hold buffer Bf, the reach type is set in step S4502. Identify. Here, when two or more (two or more types) reach patterns are stored in the reserved first to eighth areas, one reach pattern is determined according to a predetermined priority. In the present embodiment, the order of priority is "D reach", "C reach", "B reach", and "A reach".

Therefore, if "D reach" is stored in the hold 1st area and "A reach" is stored in the hold 2nd area, the reach pattern stored in the hold 1st to 8th areas is ". It will be specified as "D reach". Further, for example, initially, only "A reach" is stored in the hold 3rd area, but after that, when "C reach" is stored in the hold 5 area, the hold 1st to 1st The reach pattern stored in the 8 areas was originally "A reach", but will be switched to "C reach". As a result, the content of the change hold display (arrangement of "note image" and "rest image"), which will be described later, will also be switched from the one corresponding to "A reach" to the one corresponding to "C reach". Become.

In the following step S4503, the melody setting process corresponding to the reach pattern specified in step S4502 is performed.

In the present embodiment, a unique melody is set corresponding to "A reach", "B reach", "C reach", and "D reach". Specifically, in "A reach", a melody consisting of eight sounds of "Dremifa sofa milled" (hereinafter referred to as "melody A") is repeatedly played from the speaker SP. In "B reach", a melody consisting of "Doremi de do" (hereinafter referred to as "melody B") is repeatedly played. Here, "・" represents "one beat break" (hereinafter, the same applies). In "C reach", a melody composed of "Doremi, Doremi" (hereinafter referred to as "Melody C") is repeatedly played. In "D reach", a melody composed of "Doremi Doremire" (hereinafter referred to as "Melody C") is repeatedly played.

Then, in the melody information setting process of step S4503, the melody information corresponding to various reach patterns is stored in the predetermined area (melody storage area) of the RAM 553. The melody storage area comprises eight storage areas for storing the eight sounds of each melody.

In the following step S4504, the hold display change process is performed according to the melody information specified in the melody setting process of step S4503, and then this process is terminated.

By the hold display change process in step S4504, the eight hold images T1 to T8 imitate a "musical note image" or a "star" imitating an "eighth note" from the "hold lamp image" at the time of normal hold display. It will be replaced with the "rest image". For example, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), in a state where the first to fifth reserved images T1 to T5 are displayed, "A reach" is related to any of the reserved first to eighth areas of the sub-reserved buffer Bf. When the information is stored, as shown in FIG. 33 (c), the first to fifth reserved images T1 to T5 are replaced with "holding lamp images" to "musical note images", respectively.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, in the case of "A reach", all of the reserved images T1 to T8 are replaced with "musical note images".

In the case of "B reach", the third, fourth, sixth and eighth reserved images T4, T6 and T8 are replaced with "rest images", and the remaining first to third reserved images T1 to T3 and the first The 5th and 7th reserved images T5 and T7 are replaced with "musical note images".

In the case of "C reach", the 4th and 8th reserved images T4 and T8 are replaced with "rest images", and the remaining 1st to 3rd reserved images T1 to T3 and 5th to 7th reserved images are replaced. Images T5 to T7 are replaced with "musical note images".

If it is "D reach", the 4th reserved image T4 is replaced with the "rest image", and the remaining 1st to 3rd reserved images T1 to T3 and the 5th to 8th reserved images T5 to T8 are "musical notes". It is replaced with "image".

The melody ("melody A" to "D reach") corresponding to each of the above reach ("A reach" to "D reach") is provided by the change hold display (arrangement of "note image" and "rest image") replaced in this way. The rhythm of "Melody D") will be displayed. The music information in the present embodiment is configured by the change hold display (arrangement of "note image" and "rest image").

However, even in the case of the change hold display, the number of hold images T1 to T8 that can be visually recognized by the player is the same as the above-mentioned normal hold display and depends on the number of hold of the variable display. ~ T8) In order to visually recognize all, the number of holds must be "8".

For example, as shown in FIG. 35, when the number of pending changes in the variable display is "3", the first to third reserved images T1 to T3 are only visible, so that the player can display the change pending. It is not possible to determine which of the "melody A" to "melody D" the arrangement of the "note image" and the "rest image" corresponds to by just looking at it. Here, when the number of hold of the variable display is "4" and the fourth hold image T4 becomes visible, if the fourth hold image T4 is a "musical note image", the change hold display is "melody". It can be determined that it corresponds to "A".

Further, when the number of pending changes in the variable display is "5", the first to fifth reserved images T1 to T5 are only visible, so that the player can simply see the change pending display. It is not possible to determine which of the "melody B" to "melody D" the arrangement of the "note image" and the "rest image" is the rhythm. Here, when the number of hold of the variable display is "6" and the sixth hold image T6 becomes visible, if the sixth hold image T6 is a "rest image", the change hold display is ". It can be determined that it corresponds to "Melody B".

Further, when the number of pending changes in the variable display is "7", the first to seventh reserved images T1 to T7 are only visible, so that the player can simply see the change pending display. It is not possible to determine whether the arrangement of the "note image" and the "rest image" is the rhythm corresponding to "melody C" or "melody D". Here, when the number of hold of the variable display becomes "8" and the eighth hold image T8 becomes visible, whether the eighth hold image T8 is a "rest image" or a "musical note image". Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the change hold display corresponds to "melody C" or "melody D".

Now, returning to the description of FIG. 25, in step S3908, an effect process for executing a game effect using the effect device 125 is performed. As a result, a "melody guessing effect" is performed in which the player is made to guess the melody corresponding to the reach pattern (the reach pattern to be executed later) stored in the sub-hold buffer Bf. First, the configuration of the effect device 125 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 34, the effect device 125 imitates a keyboard such as a piano, and a plurality of key members 126a to 126f are arranged side by side.

Each of the key members 126a to 126f is configured so that the player can press and operate the key member 126a to 126f, and a sensor (not shown) is provided behind the key member 126a to 126f, and when the player operates the key member 126a to 126f, the operation can be detected.

Then, as will be described later, when the key members 126a to 126f are operated when the predetermined conditions are satisfied, the sub control device 262 that receives the detection signals from the key members (sensors) 126a to 126f drives and controls the speaker SP. Then, a sound corresponding to the operated key members 126a to 126f is emitted.

In the present embodiment, the first key member 126a corresponds to the so-called "do" sound, the second key member 126b corresponds to the so-called "re" sound, and the third key member 126c corresponds to the so-called "mi" sound. Correspondingly, the fourth key member 126d corresponds to the so-called "fa" sound, and the fifth key member 126e corresponds to the so-called "so" sound. The sixth key member 126f corresponds to a "one beat break" in which no sound is emitted even when pressed.

Next, the flow of the effect processing in step S3908 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S4601, it is determined whether or not the current operation permission period is set. In the present embodiment, the operation permission period is set during the change hold display (step S4504) and during the high-speed fluctuation period of the fluctuation display. The high-speed fluctuation period means the period from the start of the fluctuation display to the stop of the first symbol row (upper symbol row), that is, the period during which all the symbol rows are variablely displayed without stopping. The high-speed fluctuation period in the present embodiment is commonly set to "8 seconds" regardless of the fluctuation pattern. Then, the determination in step S4601 is performed based on the fluctuation display timer.

Since the change hold display is continuously performed as long as the information related to the reach pattern is included in any of the hold 1st to 8th areas of the sub hold buffer Bf, the operation permission period is also sub hold. As long as the buffer Bf contains information related to the reach pattern, it will be set many times. For example, if the normal hold display (“hold lamp image”) is switched to the change hold display (“note image”, etc.) when the number of hold of the variable display becomes “5”. , The operation permission period is set five times before the variable display corresponding to the fifth hold is executed.

If a negative determination is made in step S4601, that is, if the operation permission period is not set, the process proceeds to step S4602, the contents of the operation history buffer described later are cleared, and then this process ends.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S4601, the process proceeds to step S4603, and the decorative symbol display device 42 is set to display a message prompting the player to operate the effect device 125. As a result, the decorative pattern display device 42 receives a message such as "Try to guess what melody!" Or the like, in which the player operates the effect device 125 to actively participate in the "melody guess effect". It is continuously displayed during the above operation permission period.

In the following step S4604, based on the detection signals from the key members (sensors) 126a to 126f, it is determined whether or not the key members 126a to 126f have been operated by the player even once within the operation permission period.

Here, if a negative determination is made, it means that the player has not participated in the "melody guessing effect". Therefore, in step S4605, the value of the mode flag Mf is set to "0", and this process is performed. To finish.

On the other hand, if affirmative determination is made, in step S4606, the sounds corresponding to the operated key members 126a to 126f (“do”, “re”, “mi”, “fa”, “so” or “one beat” "Holiday") is stored in the operation history buffer.

The operation history buffer is provided with eight storage areas set in a predetermined correspondence with the eight storage areas of the melody storage area, and the sounds corresponding to the key members 126a to 126f are played in the order in which they are operated. It is stored for each storage area.

Subsequently, in step S4607, the voice output setting for outputting the sound stored in the operation history buffer, that is, the sound corresponding to the operated key members 126a to 126f from the speaker SP is performed. Of course, in the case of "one beat break", no audio is output.

In the following step S4608, eight sounds stored in each storage area of the operation history buffer and eight sounds stored in each storage area of the melody storage area in the melody setting process of step S4503 (eight sounds of predetermined melody information). Judges whether or not matches. The function of performing such processing constitutes the determination means in the present embodiment. Here, if all eight storage areas of the operation history buffer are not filled, a negative determination is always made.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S4608, that is, if all eight sounds stored in the operation history buffer match the predetermined melody information, the process proceeds to step S4609, and the value of the mode flag Mf is set to ". Set to "2" and end this process. The function of performing such processing mainly constitutes the granting means in the present embodiment.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4608, the process proceeds to step S4610, and whether or not the rhythm stored in the operation history buffer and the rhythm of the predetermined melody information stored in the melody storage area match. To judge. Here, "rhythm" means an arrangement of "sound (note)" and "one beat rest (rest)" regardless of the pitch of "do", "re", "mi", etc. To do. Therefore, for example, when the melody information stored in the melody storage area corresponds to "melody A", all eight sounds stored in each of the eight storage areas of the operation history buffer are "do". In that case, the melody is different, but the rhythms match, and step S4610 is positively determined.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S4610, the value of the mode flag Mf is set to "1" in step S4611, and this process ends. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4610, it means an incorrect answer, so the process proceeds to step S4605, the value of the mode flag Mf is set to "0", and this process ends.

With the above configuration, when the correct melody answer is obtained in the "melody guessing effect", the "notification mode" is given as a privilege after the end of the next big hit, and the player is in the gaming state ("high probability state" or "low probability state" Probability state ") can be grasped. As a result, the player can determine, for example, to continue the game if it is in the "high probability state" and to end the game if it is in the "low probability state".

In addition, if the correct answer to the rhythm is obtained, the "suggestion mode" is given after the next big hit, and if the answer is incorrect or if the player does not participate in the "melody guessing effect", the "normal mode" is given. Rhythm.

Now, returning to the description of FIG. 25, in the lamp setting process of step S3909, the lighting pattern of the lamp / illumination is set in order to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42.

In the voice setting process of step S3910, the output pattern of the speaker SP is set in order to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42. Further, when commands related to voice such as notification of error occurrence are transmitted from the main control device 261, settings for performing these controls are also made in step S3910.

In step 3911, an external output process for transmitting a control signal based on the setting contents of steps S3905 to 3910 to each device is executed. For example, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol.

After the processing of steps S3905 to S3911 performed every 1 msec is executed, or when a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912, and whether or not the power off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 553. To determine. The power-off occurrence information is stored when a power-off command is received from the main control device 261.

If the power failure occurrence information is not stored, the process proceeds to step S3913, and it is determined whether or not the RAM 553 is destroyed. If the RAM 553 is not destroyed here, the process returns to step S3901 and the normal process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the RAM 553 is destroyed, the processing is looped infinitely in order to stop the execution of the subsequent processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3912 that the power off occurrence information is stored, the power off process is executed in step S3914. In the power off processing, the occurrence of interrupt processing is prohibited and each output port is turned off. In addition, the memory of the power failure occurrence information is also deleted. After executing the power off processing, the processing loops infinitely.

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, when the sub-hold buffer Bf contains information related to the reach pattern, the hold images T1 to T8 are displayed from the “hold lamp image” at the time of normal hold display. A change hold display for replacing the "note image" or the "rest image" is displayed, and the player is made to play the effect device 125 to perform the "melody guess effect".

Then, when the correct answer to the melody is obtained in the "melody guessing effect", the "notification mode" is given as a privilege after the end of the next big hit, and the player is in the gaming state ("high probability state" or "low probability state"). ") Can be grasped. As a result, the player can determine, for example, to continue the game if it is in the "high probability state" and to end the game if it is in the "low probability state".

On the other hand, if the correct answer to the rhythm is obtained, the "suggestion mode" is given after the next big hit, and if the answer is incorrect or the "melody guessing effect" is not participated, the "normal mode" is given. Rhythm.

Further, since the number of hold images T1 to T8 that can be visually recognized in the hold display changes according to the hold number of the variable display, when the "melody guessing effect" is performed, the larger the number of holds, the more the melody. It becomes easier to recognize the whole picture of. That is, it becomes easier to obtain the correct melody answer. For this reason, the player will enthusiastically play the game in order to increase the number of reservations. For example, if the normal hold display (“hold lamp image”) is switched to the change hold display (“note image”, etc.) when the number of hold of the variable display becomes “5”. Since it can be determined that the effect pattern of the variable display corresponding to the fifth hold is the reach pattern, the player can perform several times during the remaining five variable displays (five operation permission periods). Just challenge and get the correct melody answer.

As a result, the player will actively participate in the game, and by comprehensively directing the game using sight, hearing, touch, etc., the monotony of the game will be suppressed and the interest will be dramatically improved. Can be done.

The content is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example.

(A) In the above embodiment, there are "probability variable jackpot" and "normal jackpot" as jackpot types, and in the jackpot state, the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds, or eight variable winning devices 32 are used. This is repeated 16 times (16 rounds) with the winning of the game ball of the above as one round, but the type and content of the jackpot are not limited to the above embodiment, and other configurations are used. It may be adopted.

(B) In the above embodiment, the two starting ports (center starting port 33 and right starting port 34) are provided so as to be separated from each other on the left and right, but the structure of the starting port is limited to this. is not. For example, one starting port may be provided, or three or more starting ports may be provided. Further, the two starting ports may be arranged side by side in the vertical direction, or may be provided with an opening / closing member capable of opening / closing the starting ports.

(C) In the above embodiment, when both the variable display triggered by the winning of the central starting port 33 and the variable display triggered by the entry of the ball into the right starting port 34 are reserved, the center. The variation display is digested according to the order in which the game balls enter the starting port 33 or the right starting port 34. Not limited to this, the variable display triggered by entering the ball into either the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 may be prioritized and the hold may be exhausted. Under such a configuration, the change hold display may be applied only to the hold display related to the one start port.

(D) In the above embodiment, a "high probability state" and a "low probability state" can be set as the game state. Not limited to this, the configuration may be such that other gaming states are set. For example, instead of or in addition to the "high probability state" or the "low probability state", a "time reduction state" in which the fluctuation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is shortened may be set. Of course, when the "time reduction state" is set, the conventional configurations such as lengthening the opening time of the starting ports 33 and 34 (opening / closing member) and increasing the number of times of opening may be combined. Further, the "high probability state" and the "time reduction state" may be changed to the "low probability state" after the special display devices 43L and 43R perform a total of 100 fluctuation displays.

(E) In the above embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L, 43R and the holding lamps 46L, 46R are covered by the front frame set 14, which is invisible to the player. Become. Not limited to this, the special display devices 43L, 43R and the like may be visible. However, the special display devices 43L and 43R are provided in an inconspicuous place such as the lower corner of the game area, which is difficult for the player to see, and the size of the display unit is small, so that the characters for discrimination are stopped and displayed. The time is also relatively short. Therefore, it is practically impossible to grasp the game state to be given unless the special display devices 43L and 43R are kept in mind and carefully observed.

(F) The configuration of the operating means is not limited to the effect device 125 in the above embodiment. For example, if it is only an effect of applying a rhythm regardless of the pitch, it may be configured to have only one button. Further, the handle 18 may be provided with an operating means that serves as an effect device so that it can be operated with the right hand, or a touch panel or the like provided corresponding to the decorative symbol display device 42 may be used as the operating means.

(G) In the above embodiment, when the sub-hold buffer Bf contains information related to the reach pattern, the change hold display is performed. Not limited to this, the change hold display may be performed when other effect conditions are satisfied, such as when the sub hold buffer Bf contains information related to the jackpot.

In addition, a production lottery may be separately performed regardless of the jackpot lottery or the like, and a change hold display may be displayed based on the lottery result. By combining such a configuration with the above configuration, it is possible to perform an effect of disguising a reach suggestion, a jackpot suggestion, or the like, and it is possible to further improve the interest. On the contrary, as a jackpot confirmation effect or the like, even if the sub-hold buffer Bf contains information related to the reach pattern or the jackpot, the change hold display may not be performed. By doing so, the predetermined regularity will be broken. As a result, when it is determined that a specific display mode or a specific gaming state is derived, the player who is aware that the regularity is broken can visually recognize the mode in which the regularity is broken. By doing so, there is a sense of expectation that a specific display mode or a specific gaming state may be derived, and the interest is improved.

(H) In the above embodiment, the change hold display (arrangement of "note image" and "rest image") indicating the rhythm of the melody corresponding to each reach is displayed as music information. The music information is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a song title or the like.

(I) In the above embodiment, music is performed by changing the hold display, that is, by replacing the hold images T1 to T8 from the "hold lamp image" at the time of the normal hold display to the "note image" or the "rest image". The configuration is such that information is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a configuration may be configured in which a "musical note image" or the like is displayed as music information separately from the reserved images T1 to T8.

(J) In the above embodiment, the high-speed fluctuation period of the fluctuation display is set as the operation permission period of the effect device 125. Not limited to this, other periods such as during reach and during jackpot may be set as the operation permission period. However, compared to during reach or big hit, during the above-mentioned high-speed fluctuation period immediately after the start of fluctuation of symbol Z, no special effect is often performed, so that it becomes easier for the player to actively participate in the game. ..

Further, for example, during the "notification mode" or the "high probability state", it is determined whether or not to perform the effect according to the game state, the game mode, etc., such as not performing the effect of using the effect device 125. It may be configured.

(K) The operation means such as the effect device 125 and the effect performed by using the music information are not limited to the "melody guessing effect" of the above embodiment. For example, the BGM being reached may be selected from a plurality of music.

(L) The privilege when the correct answer to "melody guessing effect" or the like is not limited to the granting of a specific mode. For example, the prize ball may be paid out.

(M) It may be implemented as a pachinko machine of a type different from the above embodiment. In addition to pachinko machines, it can also be used as various game machines such as slot machines, arrange ball machines, and sparrow balls.

(N) The method for determining the "melody correct answer" or the "rhythm correct answer" related to the "melody guessing effect" is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the operation history buffer of the above embodiment is provided with eight storage areas set in correspondence with the eight storage areas of the melody storage area, and the sounds corresponding to the key members 126a to 126f are operated in the order in which they are operated. Eight sounds stored in each storage area of the operation history buffer and eight sounds stored in each storage area of the melody storage area (eight sounds of predetermined melody information) are stored in each storage area. It is configured to determine whether or not they match. Instead of this, for example, an operation history buffer having 20 storage areas is provided, and eight sounds stored in eight consecutive storage areas and eight sounds stored in each storage area of the melody storage area match. Then, the structure may be such that the answer is "correct melody".

(O) In the above embodiment, the game mode such as the "notification mode" is switched at the time of a big hit (at the time of occurrence or end), but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, in the "melody guessing effect". When the correct answer to the melody is obtained, the game mode may be switched without waiting for the end of the next big hit.

(P) In the above embodiment, when the sub-hold buffer Bf contains information related to the reach pattern, the hold images T1 to T8 are displayed from the "hold lamp image" to the "note image" or "rest" when the normal hold is displayed. The configuration is such that the change hold display is replaced with the "note image", but the present invention is not limited to this, and when the sub hold buffer Bf contains information related to the reach pattern, for example, the upper position of the "hold lamp image" etc. , "Musical note image" or "rest image" may be displayed in addition to the "hold lamp image".

(R) In the above embodiment, when a plurality of operation permission periods are set in the "melody guessing effect (step S3908)" (for example, the number of hold of the variable display is "for example, the normal hold display until then". If the change hold display is switched to at the stage of "5", the operation permission period is set five times before the variable display corresponding to the fifth hold is executed. ), The player can challenge the "melody guessing effect" several times in order to obtain the "melody correct answer", but once the "melody correct answer" and the "rhythm correct answer" are obtained, the player can try again. , If you challenge the "melody guessing effect" and give a lower answer (for example, the answer of "rhythm correct answer" or "incorrect answer" after "melody correct answer"), it will be given after the jackpot ends. There is a risk that the game mode will be downgraded to a mode that is disadvantageous to the player. Therefore, instead of the above embodiment, when a plurality of operation permission periods are set, once a "melody correct answer" or a "rhythm correct answer" is obtained, an answer lower than that is given. Even if it does, the game mode given after the jackpot ends may not be downgraded to a disadvantageous mode. Further, a clear button or the like for erasing the contents of the operation history buffer may be provided so that an answer input error (operation error of the key members 126a to 126f) can be corrected.

Hereinafter, technical ideas that are not described in the claims and can be grasped from the above-described embodiment will be described together with their effects.

Means 1. It is a gaming machine that draws a lottery based on a predetermined opportunity and gives a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the winning result is obtained by the lottery.
A display means capable of displaying music information related to predetermined music (melody, etc.) based on the establishment of predetermined production conditions, and
Operation means that can be operated by the player,
A gaming machine provided with sound output means capable of outputting at least sounds related to the music based on the operation of the operation means.

According to the above means 1, a sound related to a predetermined music is output based on the player operating the operating means.

Conventionally, the sound (music) output from the sound output means has been determined by a lottery on the game machine side regardless of the player's intention. On the other hand, in this means, since it is determined by the operation of the operating means by the player, the player strengthens the consciousness that he / she is actively participating in the game.

As a result, the player will actively participate in the game, and by comprehensively directing the game using sight, hearing, touch, etc., the monotony of the game will be suppressed and the interest will be dramatically improved. Can be done.

The same applies to the following means, but the above-mentioned "predetermined opportunity" includes, for example, "an opportunity for detecting the entry of a game ball into a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area by a predetermined detection means". Or "an opportunity for the predetermined detection means to detect that the starting operation means for starting the variable display in the predetermined display means has been operated" or the like.

Further, the "music information" includes, for example, lyrics, a score, a rhythm score, a song title, etc. of a predetermined song (or a part thereof).

Examples of the “predetermined effect condition” include the case where a lottery result indicating that a special gaming state or a reach state occurs is obtained.

Means 2. The gaming machine according to means 1, wherein the player is made to play the music corresponding to the music information displayed on the display means by using the operating means.

According to the above-mentioned means 2, by letting the player perform the performance, it is possible to enhance the action and effect of the above-mentioned means 1 and further improve the interest.

Means 3. The gaming machine according to means 1 or 2, wherein the music corresponding to the music information displayed on the display means is applied to the player by using the operating means.

According to the above-mentioned means 3, by performing a quiz-style production in which the player is made to hit the music, it is possible to enhance the action effect of the above-mentioned means 1 and the like, and further improve the interest.

Means 4. The gaming machine according to means 3, wherein when a player hits music corresponding to the music information, a predetermined privilege is given.

According to the above means 4, by giving the privilege, the player more actively participates in the production using the operation means, so that the interest can be further improved.

Conventionally, whether or not a privilege (a predetermined game mode, etc.) is given has been determined by a lottery on the game machine side regardless of the player's intention. On the other hand, in this means, it is determined by the operation of the operation means by the player. As a result, the player actively participates in the game, and it is possible to further improve the interest. As a more specific configuration, the configurations shown in the following means 5 and 6 and the like can be mentioned.

Means 5. A mode switching means capable of switching and setting the game mode to at least a normal mode and a specific mode that is more advantageous to the player than the normal mode is provided.
The gaming machine according to means 4, wherein the specific mode is given as the privilege.

As the "normal mode" and the "specific mode", for example, "a non-notification mode in which the game state cannot be notified to the player" and "a notification mode in which the game state can be notified to the player" can be considered. When the notification mode is set, the player can grasp the game state at that time. As a result, it also serves as a judgment material when deciding whether or not to continue the game, and the convenience is improved. Further, as the specific mode, a first specific mode and a second specific mode that is more advantageous to the player may be set.

Means 6. The music corresponding to the music information displayed on the display means is provided with a determination means for determining whether or not the music played by operating the operation means matches.
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the determination means includes a granting means for granting a predetermined privilege when a determination result indicating that the two are in agreement is obtained.

Means 7. A variable display control means for variablely displaying identification information by the display means, and
The variable display is provided with a holding means capable of holding the variable display a predetermined number of times.
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the visible range of the music information displayed on the display means is changed according to the number of reserved variable displays.

According to the means 7, the visible range of the music information displayed on the display means changes according to the number of pending variable displays. As a result, for example, in the case of performing the production as in the above means 3, the larger the number of holds, the easier it is to recognize the whole picture of the music information, and the easier it is to obtain the correct answer (privilege). In other words, if the number of reservations is increased, the players will be enthusiastic about playing the game, and it is possible to further improve the interest.

Means 8. The music information is composed of a plurality of sound information, and at the same time,
The gaming machine according to means 7, wherein the number of displayed sound information among the music information is changed according to the number of pending variable displays.

According to the above means 8, the number of displayed sound information among the music information changes according to the number of pending variable displays. As a result, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player the number of holdings of the variable display depending on the number of sound information.

Here, the "sound information" includes an image imitating a musical note, a rest, or the like, and characters such as "do", "re", "mi", and the like.

As a more specific configuration of the holding means using a pachinko machine as an example, for example, "when a game ball enters the ball entering means during at least the first variation display, a second caused by the ball entering means". After the end of the first variation display, a plurality of storage areas are provided so that the second variation display can be performed, and at least each time the lottery is performed, at least the result information of the lottery and the said An information group including information on a variation mode (variation time) is stored in each of the storage areas, and a plurality of times of the information group can be stored in a time series.

The basic configurations of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied are shown below.

A. The game machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As a more detailed example, "an operating means operated by the player (game ball launching handle), a launching means for flipping and launching the game ball based on the operation of the operating means (launching motor, etc.), and the launching An example is a ball game machine provided with a game area in which the game ball is guided and each ball entry means (general winning opening, variable winning device, operating port, etc.) arranged in the game area.

B. The game machine in each of the above means, or each of the ball game machines, is a pachinko machine or a game machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

C. The gaming machine in each of the above means shall be a rotating gaming machine such as a slot machine. As a more detailed example, "an identification information string (design string; specifically, a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) composed of a plurality of identification information (designs) is displayed in a variable manner (specifically, a reel). It is equipped with a variable display means (specifically, a rotating body unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information sequence after (rotation of, etc.), and is caused by the operation of the starting operation means (specifically, the start lever). The fluctuation of the identification information (design) is started, the fluctuation of the identification information (design) is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button), and the identification aligned on the effective line at the time of the stop. An example is a "reel-type gaming machine" configured so that a game value is given on condition that the information is specific identification information.

10 ... Pachinko machine, 33 ... Central start port, 34 ... Right start port, 42 ... Decorative symbol display device, 43L ... 1st special display device, 43R ... 2nd special display device, 45 ... Display control device, 46L ... 1st Hold lamp, 46R ... 2nd hold lamp, 125 ... effect device, 126a to 126f ... key member, 261 ... main control device, 262 ... sub control device, Na ... central hold counter, Nb ... right hold counter, Nx ... total hold Counter, Bj ... Hold order buffer, Bf ... Sub hold buffer, Mf ... Mode flag, SP ... Speaker, T1 to T8 ... Hold image, W ... Cover image.

Claims (1)

It is a gaming machine that draws a lottery based on a predetermined opportunity and gives a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the winning result is obtained by the lottery.
Display means that can display identification information in a variable manner,
A holding means that can hold the variable display a predetermined number of times,
With a hold display means capable of displaying the hold a predetermined number of times,
A privilege granting means that can grant a predetermined privilege to a player when a predetermined grant condition is satisfied, and
Operation means that can be operated by the player,
It is provided with an effect executing means capable of causing a player to operate the operating means based on the establishment of the predetermined condition and executing a predetermined effect suggesting the establishment of the given condition.
The mode of holding display in the holding display means changes according to the content of the holding, the mode of causing the player to operate the operating means changes according to the holding display mode of the holding display means, and the granting conditions A game machine characterized in that the rate at which the suggestion of establishment is executed changes.

Images