JP2021000521A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing amusement.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 10 includes: LEDs 655a to 655h for executing a performance by light; and a light reception part 656 capable of detecting light emitted from LEDs 655a to 655h of another Pachinko machine 10. The Pachinko machine 10 is configured to control the LEDs 655a to 655h, and to transmit various kinds of information to the other Pachinko machine 10 in a radio communication form using light. The Pachinko machine 10 is configured to be capable of receiving various the kinds of information transmitted in the radio communication form using the light from the other Pachinko machine 10, based on the light detected by the light reception part 656. The Pachinko machine 10 is configured to be capable of executing predetermined control, based on the received information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

There is a pachinko machine as a kind of game machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a hit state is generated when the game ball enters a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area. When the identification information is variablely displayed on the display device and the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode based on the result of the lottery, a hit state advantageous to the player occurs, and the player acquires the game value. Is possible.

Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, various effects such as a display effect, a lamp effect, and a sound effect have been performed to improve the interest of the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-325886

However, in the past, the production became monotonous, which could lead to a decline 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 dramatically improving the interest.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention
A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
A game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
Producing means to perform a predetermined production and
An effect pattern selection means for selecting an effect pattern to be performed by the effect means,
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for controlling the effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means.
Equipped with a detection means that can detect external input,
The production pattern selection means is
The effect pattern selection counter used to select the effect pattern,
A pattern selection table storage means for storing a plurality of effect pattern selection tables for selecting one effect pattern from a plurality of effect patterns based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter acquired due to the predetermined opportunity. With and
When there is no predetermined input from the outside, the first effect pattern selection table is selected from the plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. It is configured to refer to and select the effect pattern.
When a predetermined input is received from the outside, a second effect pattern selection table is selected from a plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. The gist is that it is configured to select the effect pattern with reference to.

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 the right side view which shows the pachinko machine. It is a left side view which shows the pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical composition of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a light emission communication control part and the like. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a corner lamp and the like. It is a front schematic diagram which shows the light emitting communication unit. It is a timing chart diagram for demonstrating PWM control. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the allocation of data to each RGB component of each LED. It is a figure which shows an example of the data signal waveform for visible light transmission. It is a figure which shows an example of the composite waveform of a drive pulse waveform and a data signal waveform. 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 schematic diagram which shows an example of the variation display mode of a decorative symbol in the display part of a decorative symbol display device. (A) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a school of fish effect in a display unit of a decorative pattern display device. It is a flowchart which shows the mode mode setting process. It is a figure for demonstrating the mode switching table. It is a flowchart which shows the network-related processing. It is a flowchart which shows the link confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows the link response processing. It is a flowchart which shows the response waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the network effect decision process. It is a flowchart which shows the network command transfer processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the correspondence relationship between the type of a network effect and a network effect counter value. (A) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a school of fish displayed so as to move a plurality of pachinko machines on an island where a game machine is installed. (A) to (c) are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a school of fish displayed so as to move a plurality of pachinko machines on an island where a game machine is installed. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a game machine network system. It is a partially enlarged right side view which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on another embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the corner acoustic part and the like which concerns on another embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the sound wave communication control part and the like which concerns on another embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of various tables which concerns on the effect pattern in another embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the timing pulse which concerns on another embodiment.

As mentioned above, there is a pachinko machine as a kind of game machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a hit state is generated when the game ball enters a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area. When the identification information is variablely displayed on the display device and the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode based on the result of the lottery, a hit state advantageous to the player occurs, and the player acquires the game value. Is possible.

Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, various effects such as a display effect, a lamp effect, and a sound effect have been performed to improve the interest of the player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, in the past, since various effects were individually performed on each game machine, the effects became monotonous, which could lead to a decline 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 dramatically improving the interest.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 52, a game machine installation islands 1A and 1B in which a plurality of pachinko game machines (hereinafter, simply referred to as “pachinko machines”) 10 are arranged side by side are formed in the game hall. The game machine installation islands 1A and 1B are arranged so as to face each other. In the present embodiment, five pachinko machines of the same type (10a to 10e, 10f to 10j) are arranged on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B, respectively. A gaming machine network system is formed by these pachinko machines 10a to 10j.

First, the configuration of each pachinko machine 10 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. Like 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 button 125 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The effect button 125 is for the player to make a selection, a decision, or the like related to the display effect or the like performed by the decorative symbol display device 42 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 the game balls and guides them toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a launching device) 60 as a launching means described later while arranging the game balls 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. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) that is provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper plate 19 and communicates with the lower plate 15 is 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, various lighting devices such as lamps are provided on the front surface of the front frame set 14. These illumination devices change and control the light emitting mode according to changes in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach, and play a role of enhancing the effect during the game by lighting, blinking, and the like.

For example, on the peripheral edge of the window portion 101, a top lamp 102 is provided at the center of the upper portion thereof, and corner lamps 103 (left corner lamp 103L, right corner lamp 103R) are provided at the upper left and right corner portions, and the side portions thereof. A side lamp 104 (left side lamp 104L, right side lamp 104R) is provided. Each of the lamps 102 to 104 has a built-in light emitting source such as an LED (light emitting diode) and a control board for driving the LED or the like.

Of these, the top lamp 102 has a function as a jackpot lamp, and is configured to be able to notify that a jackpot is in progress by lighting or blinking at the time of a jackpot. Further, the side lamp 104 has a function as an error display lamp and is configured to be lit when a predetermined error occurs.

Further, the left and right corner lamps 103 in the present embodiment are configured to function as communication means for communicating between a plurality of pachinko machines 10 as described later. That is, the corner lamp 103 will be used for both production and communication.

In the present embodiment, the "left" of the pachinko machine 10 refers to the "left side of the front view (left side of FIG. 1)" of the pachinko machine 10, and the "right" of the pachinko machine 10 refers to the pachinko machine 10. Refers to "right side of front view (right side of FIG. 1)" (the same applies hereinafter).

Here, the configuration of the corner lamp 103 will be described in more detail. The left and right corner lamps 103 are provided on the left and right side portions of the pachinko machine 10 on the outer side in the left-right direction (“left side” in the left corner lamp 103L and “right side” in the right corner lamp 103R). A side light emitting communication unit 651, a front light emitting communication unit 652 provided on the front side of the lamp, and a light emitting communication control unit 653 capable of controlling both light emitting communication units 651 and 652, which cover and transmit light. It is provided with a lamp cover 654 having the above.

In the present embodiment, the right corner lamp 103R constitutes the "right side communication means" and the left corner lamp 103L constitutes the "left side communication means". Further, the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R constitutes the "right side communication means", and the front light emitting communication unit 652 constitutes the "right front communication means". Further, the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L constitutes the "left side communication means", and the front light emitting communication unit 652 constitutes the "left front communication means".

The light emission communication control unit 653 is electrically connected to the sub control device 262 and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data in both directions with the sub control device 262 (see FIG. 11).

Further, each light emitting communication unit 651 and 652 are configured to be able to transmit and receive various data by optical communication with the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of other pachinko machines 10 arranged at positions facing each other. ing. Therefore, the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 and the light emitting communication control unit 653 constitute the transmitting means and the receiving means in the present embodiment.

More specifically, each light emitting communication unit 651, 652 faces the light emitting unit 655 composed of eight LEDs 655a to 655h as light emitting means (light emitting effect means) arranged in a ring shape at predetermined intervals. It is provided with a light receiving unit 656 as a light receiving means capable of receiving a predetermined light emitted from a light emitting unit 655 (eight LEDs 655a to 655h) of the light emitting communication unit 651 and 652 of another pachinko machine 10 arranged in the above. See FIG. 12).

Each of the LEDs 655a to 655h contains three types of LED chips (light emitting elements), an LED chip that emits red (R), an LED chip that emits green (G), and an LED chip that emits blue (B), respectively, in one package. It is a multi-color LED having a housed structure, and by adjusting the amount of light emitted from each of the RGB colors, it is possible to emit light in any color (visible light).

Each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is connected to the light emission communication control unit 653 via a switching element such as a transistor (not shown). Then, the light emitting communication control unit 653 lights each LED 655a to 655h (each of the three types of RGB LED chips) by driving control (on / off control) of the switching element based on a command or the like from the sub control device 262. I'm in control.

Normally, as will be described later, the light emitting communication control unit 653 has a predetermined lighting pattern corresponding to various gaming states, effects, etc. from among a plurality of lighting patterns stored in advance based on a command or the like from the sub control device 262. Is extracted, and each LED 655a to 655h is lighting-controlled according to the lighting pattern.

In this embodiment, in order to prevent a problem that the timing of optical communication, which will be described later, does not come for a long period of time, the LEDs 655a to 655h are included in each of the above lighting patterns on a regular basis (for example, a 40 ms cycle). The timing for controlling the lighting of all three types of RGB LED chips at the same time is included (see the lighting timing Tg in FIG. 16).

Further, the light emitting communication control unit 653 is configured so that the brightness level of each RGB color (red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip) in each LED 655a to 655h can be adjusted in a plurality of stages (for example, 10 stages) by, for example, current control. ing.

On the other hand, the brightness of the LEDs 655a to 655h (each of the three types of RGB LED chips) is adjusted by PWM control (pulse width control). That is, it is performed by changing the ratio (duty ratio) of the lighting time and the extinguishing time of each LED 655a to 655h. For example, when the lighting interval of each LED 655a to 655h is widened, the lighting time of each LED 655a to 655h per unit time is reduced, so that the lighting appearance is dark. The term "brightness" as used herein refers to the amount of light emitted by the LEDs 655a to 655h per unit time.

Here, the contents of PWM control in the present embodiment will be described in more detail. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the brightness of each LED 655a to 655h per predetermined unit time Tp (for example, Tp = 16ms) is configured to be switched in 16 steps from "0" to "15". Has been done.

More specifically, when the brightness is "0", the time during which each LED 655a to 655h is turned on during the unit time Tp is zero, and the light is not emitted.

Further, for example, when the brightness is "1", it is turned on only during the unit time Tp, between timings 7 and 8 and between timings 15 and 16 (twice in total), and other than that. The period is turned off. Therefore, the brightness level at Tp per unit time is extremely low.

Further, when the brightness is "2", it is turned on three times during the unit time Tp, and when it is other than that, it is turned off. When the brightness is "3", it is turned on during the unit time Tp. It is turned on four times and turned off for the rest of the period. In this way, the brightness level is increased as the on-time during the unit time Tp increases.

When the brightness is "15", it is turned on during the unit time Tp, and the brightness level at the unit time Tp is extremely high.

For example, during the demonstration display on the decorative symbol display device 42, the light emission mode is such that the brightness of each LED 655a to 655h is continuously switched every unit time Tp. Here, for example, with respect to the LED 655a, the brightness level is gradually lowered in the order of "5"-> "4"-> "3"-> "2"-> "1" starting from the brightness "6". The player who sees this can have the impression that it becomes dark continuously over time. After that, the brightness level is increased from "1" in order from "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "8" → "9" → "11" → "13". go. This time, the player who sees this can have the impression that it becomes brighter continuously over time. Then, during the demonstration display, such PWM control is repeatedly performed with respect to the LED 655a.

In the present embodiment, the same PWM control is performed for the remaining LEDs 655b to 655h, and the LEDs 655a to 655h are changed all at once. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the PWM control timing may be shifted between the LEDs 655a to 655h or between the RGB3 types of LED chips of the LEDs 655a to 655h. For example, the highest timing and the lowest timing of the brightness level may be shifted for each LED 655a to 655h (3 types of RGB LED chips), or for each LED 655a to 655h (3 types of RGB LED chips). The time Tp may be different.

As a condition for performing the above "demonstration display" on the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, the game ball does not enter the starting ports 33 and 34 (from the last entry into the starting ports 33 and 34). When the predetermined time has elapsed, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the launching device 60 has stopped driving, or when the predetermined time has elapsed since the last game ball was launched by the launching device 60, the special display devices 43L, 43R For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed (combination is also possible) after the fluctuation display in the above is stopped (the recent fluctuation display is stopped).

Next, the light receiving unit 656 will be described in detail. The light receiving unit 656 in the present embodiment provides an image sensor (imaging means, image sensor) having sensitivity in the visible light region (wavelength region of each RGB color emitted from each RGB color LED chip of LEDs 655a to 655h) emitted from the light emitting unit 655. It is composed of a color CCD camera, a color CMOS camera, and the like.

The image sensor is a known area sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements (photoelectric conversion elements) such as photodiodes that convert incident light into electric charges according to the amount of light are arranged two-dimensionally in a matrix, and is the same as in the past. It also has a microlens for condensing light and a color filter.

The color filter referred to here is a filter that allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass through and blocks light in other wavelength ranges. In the present embodiment, a color filter corresponding to each RGB color wavelength region of each LED 655a to 655h is provided, and visible light output from each LED 655a to 655h is separated into RGB color light and received.

As a result, the light receiving unit 656 individually emits light of each RGB color emitted from all eight LEDs 655a to 655h ring-arranged in the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged so as to face each other. At the same time, it can be detected as two-dimensional image data.

The light receiving unit 656 performs imaging on a regular basis (for example, a 1 ms cycle). Then, the image data (color image data) captured by the light receiving unit 656 is converted into a digital signal (RGB signal) inside the light receiving unit 656, and then the light emitting communication control unit 653 (described later) is in the form of a digital signal. It is input to the image memory 667).

Next, the configuration of the light emitting communication control unit 653 will be described in detail in consideration of the relationship with each light emitting communication unit 651, 652 (light emitting unit 655 and light receiving unit 656) and the like. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the light emission communication control unit 653 and the like.

Although the light emitting communication control unit 653 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., in the following description, the light emitting communication control unit 653 is used as an aggregate of function realizing means without being restricted by the actual configuration itself. Capture and explain. That is, the various functions described below are functions realized under the control of the CPU, the control program is based on the stored contents of the ROM, and the necessary data at that time is temporarily stored and held in the RAM. The Rukoto.

The light emission communication control unit 653 includes a light emission control buffer 661 capable of storing a light emission control signal (light emission control command) received from the sub control device 262, a network command received from the sub control device 262 and output externally from the light emission control device 655, and the like. A transmission data buffer 662 capable of storing various data, a drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 that generates a drive pulse waveform for driving control of each LED 655a to 655h based on the light emission control signal stored in the light emission control buffer 661, and A signal waveform generation unit 664 that generates a data signal (visible light communication signal) waveform transmitted as an optical signal based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662, and a data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 664. Based on the above, a modulation unit 665 as a modulation means for modulating the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663, and a drive pulse generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 or a drive modulated by the modulation unit 665. The LED drive unit 666 that controls the lighting of the light emitting unit 655 (each LED 655a to 655h) based on the pulse, the image memory 667 that sequentially stores the image data input from the light receiving unit 656 in chronological order, and the image memory 667. Based on the stored image data, the image processing unit 668 that detects the presence or absence of the lighting state of each LED 655a to 655h, and the various data received from the light receiving unit 656 based on the information extracted by the image processing unit 668 are demolished. It includes a demodulation unit 669 as a demodulation means, and a reception data buffer 670 capable of storing various data demolished by the demodulator 669.

The light emission control buffer 661 is a means for temporarily storing the light emission control signal, and is composed of a ring buffer described later in the present embodiment. That is, each time a light emission control signal is input, the light emission control signal is sequentially written at a predetermined address position indicated by the light pointer. Further, the light emission control signals stored in the light emission control buffer 661 are read out in order from a predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663, they are erased from the light emission control buffer 661.

The transmission data buffer 662 is a means for temporarily storing transmission data, and is composed of a ring buffer in the present embodiment. That is, each time the transmission data is input, the transmission data is sequentially written at the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. Further, the transmission data stored in the transmission data buffer 662 are read out in order from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the signal waveform generation unit 664, they are deleted from the transmission data buffer 662.

The drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 extracts a predetermined lighting pattern corresponding to the light emission control signal from the plurality of lighting patterns stored in advance based on the light emission control signal stored in the light emission control buffer 661. Then, a drive pulse waveform in which the pulse width of the drive power supply of each LED 655a to 655h is changed according to the lighting pattern is generated (see FIG. 16).

The lighting patterns of the LEDs 655a to 655h are stored in advance in the table as input patterns of drive pulses to the LED drive unit 666. Therefore, when the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 determines a predetermined lighting pattern of each LED 655a to 655h corresponding to the light emission control signal, the lighting pattern table (light emission control signal and lighting pattern) corresponding to the predetermined lighting pattern The lighting pattern table associated with is extracted and stored in a predetermined table storage area of the RAM.

The signal waveform generation unit 664 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal based on various data and the like stored in the transmission data buffer 662. For example, 3 bytes (24 bits) of data are read from the transmission data buffer 662, and 1 byte (8 bits) is allocated to each of the RGB components of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h (see FIG. 14). Then, the signal waveform generation unit 664 generates a data signal waveform for visible light transmission (a data signal waveform transmitted as an optical signal) based on this (see FIG. 15). In FIGS. 14 and 15, the lighting state of each of the RGB components (each RGB LED chip) of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h is set to "1", and the turning state is shown as "0".

With the above configuration, in the present embodiment, one byte (8 bits) of data can be transmitted by the eight red (R) components of the LEDs 655a to 655h, that is, the eight red LED chips. Similarly, eight LEDs 655a to 655h have a green (G) component, that is, eight green LED chips enable data transmission of one byte (8 bits), and eight LEDs 655a to 655h have a blue (B) component, that is, eight. One blue LED chip enables data transmission of 1 byte (8 bits). Therefore, 3 bytes (24 bits) of data can be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted.

For example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, 1 byte (8 bits) of data of "01011001" is transmitted by the red (R) component of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h, and the green (G) of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h. Depending on the component, 1 byte (8 bits) of data of "11010010" is transmitted, and by the blue (B) component of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h, 1 byte (8 bits) of data of "10010100" is transmitted. It will be.

The modulation unit 665 detects the rising edge of the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 (timing Tg including all RGB components: see FIG. 16), and the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 664. The drive pulse waveform including the rising edge is intensity-modulated based on the above, and output to the LED drive unit 666. That is, the modulation unit 665 synchronizes the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 with the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 664, synthesizes both waveforms, and causes the LED drive unit 666. Output (see FIG. 16). As a result, the emission intensity (luminance level) of the RGB predetermined components of the LEDs 655a to 655h exceeds the predetermined threshold value δ at the location where the data signal waveform is superimposed.

For example, in FIG. 16, “1” is transmitted by the red (R) component of LED655b in the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, “1” is transmitted by the green (G) component, and “1” is transmitted by the blue (B) component. The case where "0" is transmitted is illustrated.

In the present embodiment, for example, in a normal time when the data signal waveform is not superimposed, level 8 in 10 steps is set to the upper limit luminance level (threshold value δ), and the level exceeds this only when the data signal waveform is superimposed. The brightness level is 9 or 10.

Note that FIG. 16 shows an example in which a data signal pulse having a pulse width of 1 ms is combined with a drive pulse having a minimum pulse width of 1 ms, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the minimum pulse width of the drive pulse is shown. When is 5 ms wide and the pulse width of the data signal pulse is 1 ms wide, one drive pulse may be modulated 5 times and the data signal pulses for 5 times can be superimposed.

The LED drive unit 666 generates a drive current based on the drive pulse generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 or the drive pulse modulated by the modulation unit 665, and drives each of the LEDs 655a to 655h.

The image memory 667 is a means for sequentially storing image data input from the light receiving unit 656 in chronological order, and is composed of a ring buffer in the present embodiment. That is, each time the image data is input, the image data is sequentially written at the predetermined address position indicated by the light pointer. Further, the image data stored in the image memory 667 is read out in order from a predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the image processing unit 668, the image data is erased from the image memory 667.

In communication using an image sensor, the processing speed of the image data captured by the camera has a great influence on the communication. Therefore, by temporarily storing the image data in the image memory 667, the decrease in the communication speed is suppressed. be able to.

The image processing unit 668 detects whether or not each of the RGB LED chips of the LEDs 655a to 655h is in a lighting state based on the image data sequentially stored in the image memory 667. More specifically, the emission intensity of the light emitted from each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is the threshold value δ based on the predetermined coordinate positions of the LEDs 655a to 655h (or the relative positional relationship of the LEDs 655a to 655h). By detecting each RGB component exceeding the above, the light component including the data signal is detected.

The demodulation unit 669 demodulates various data received from the light receiving unit 656 based on the information extracted by the image processing unit 668, and stores it in the reception data buffer 670.

The reception data buffer 670 is a means for temporarily storing received data, and is composed of a ring buffer in the present embodiment. That is, each time the received data is input, the received data is written in order at the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. Further, the received data stored in the received data buffer 670 is periodically read out in order from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and when transmitted to the sub control device 262, the received data is deleted from the received data buffer 670.

Subsequently, a series of flows of optical communication performed between the two pachinko machines 10 under the above configuration will be described.

For example, of the two pachinko machines 10 installed on the left and right, in the pachinko machine 10 on the left side, various data to be output externally are transmitted from the sub control device 262 to the light emission communication control unit 653 of the right corner lamp 103R. Then, the light emission communication control unit 653 temporarily stores the data in the transmission data buffer 662.

Subsequently, the light emission communication control unit 653 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal in the signal waveform generation unit 664 based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662, and based on the data signal waveform. In addition, the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 is modulated by the modulation unit 665.

Then, the light emitting communication control unit 653 controls the lighting of the light emitting unit 655 (each LED 655a to 655h) of the side light emitting communication unit 651 in the LED driving unit 666 based on the modulated drive pulse.

On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 on the right side, when the optical signal emitted from the pachinko machine 10 on the left side is received by the light receiving unit 656 of the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L, the light emitting communication control of the left corner lamp 103L is received. The unit 653 sequentially stores the image data in the image memory 667.

Next, the light emission communication control unit 653 detects whether or not each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is in a lighting state in the image processing unit 668 based on the image data stored in the image memory 667. Subsequently, the light emission communication control unit 653 demodulates various data in the demodulation unit 669 based on the information extracted by the image processing unit 668, and temporarily stores the demodulated data in the reception data buffer 670.

Then, the light emission communication control unit 653 periodically reads out the received data stored in the received data buffer 670 and transmits it to the sub control device 262.

As a result, the data signal transmitted from the sub-control device 262 of the predetermined pachinko machine 10 is received by the sub-control device 262 of the other pachinko machine 10 by optical communication.

Returning to the description of the pachinko machine 10, 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.

Further, on the back side of the front frame set 14, speaker SPs as audio output means are provided at the upper left and right corners (see FIG. 3). Correspondingly, a speaker cover 105 is provided on the front side of the front frame set 14 so as to be adjacent to the lower part of the corner lamp 103 (see FIG. 1 and the like).

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.

Further, the game board 30 is provided with various lighting devices such as lamps, similarly to the front side of the front frame set 14. These illumination devices change and control the light emitting mode according to changes in the gaming state at the time of a big hit or a predetermined reach, and play a role of enhancing the effect during the game by lighting, blinking, and the like.

As will be described in detail later, the central starting port 33 and the right starting port 34 as the starting ball entry means have the first start winning switch 224 and the second start winning switch 224 and the second start winning switch 224 as the ball entry detection means for detecting the entered game ball, respectively. It is equipped with a start winning switch 225, and when a game ball is detected by the starting winning switch 224 or 225, a winning or losing lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot state, and a special display as a variable display means is performed. The devices 43L and 43R (and the decorative symbol display device 42 described later) are configured to perform variable display. 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 ms), 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 model of the pachinko machine, 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 the game ball newly wins the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 during the jackpot state, the fluctuation display for that amount is also reserved.

In addition, the variable display triggered by the winning of the central starting port 33 is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls enter the central starting port 33 and is digested in the order of entering the balls, and the winning of the right starting port 34 is obtained. The variable display triggered is stored in the order in which the corresponding game ball enters the right starting port 34, and is digested in the order in which the ball is 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 ball enters the central start port 33. The fluctuation display triggered by the ball is executed first, and then the fluctuation 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 effect means in the present embodiment is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is 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, sub-control is performed based on a 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.

The decorative symbol display device 42 is provided with, for example, 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 upper symbol display area → lower symbol display area → 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.

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 from the display contents (design display, etc.) of the decorative symbol display device 42. Not limited to this, the special display devices 43L and 43R and the holding lamps 46L and 46R may be visible. However, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. 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 difficult to grasp the game state that can be given unless the special display devices 43L and 43R are kept in mind and carefully observed.

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 is composed of 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 communication passage 71 and the upper plate communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and the 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 presence 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 for a predetermined time by the full detection switch, 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 back 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 symbol display device 42 is housed in a storage box 42a having an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol 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). An LED control board or the like for driving the LED or the like built in the center frame 47 is arranged in the frame cover 213. 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 collection mechanism is guided to the discharge passage portion 217, which will be 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 a game ball that has entered the various winning openings corresponding to various winning openings such as a 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 cable connector 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 status each time 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 of a payout motor or the like. 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 collection mechanism of the back frame set 215, and are further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge 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 so that 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 such as a ball clogging in the payout motor unit occurs, the payout motor is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, and the ball jam is cleared (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). 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 portion of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 601 (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 601 and rotated in one of them. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating the other frame 12. 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 constituent portion 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 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 has a configuration that covers 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 extending wall portion 83 has a configuration. 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 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, the front frame opening detection switch 91 is turned off by pressing the detection unit on the back surface of the front frame set 14 when the front frame set 14 is closed, and the detection unit returns to the protruding state when the front frame set 14 is opened. 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. 9 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.

When the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, 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. 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 containing the ROM 502 and the RAM 503 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, ROM 552, and 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 button 125, and various 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, the display is performed according to the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R.

Further, the sub control device 262 executes voice output control in the speaker SP and lighting / extinguishing control of various lamps 102 to 104 based on, for example, a command transmitted from the main control device 261.

The sub control device 262 stores various light emission effect patterns in advance in the ROM 552. For example, based on a command transmitted from the main control device 261, the sub control device 262 determines the light emission effect pattern according to the game state, and various lamps (corner lamps). Execute the light emission effect by (excluding 103). As described above, with respect to the corner lamp 103, various light emission effect patterns are stored in the ROM of the light emission communication control unit 653, and the light emission control is executed by the light emission communication control unit 653 based on the instruction from the sub control device 262. Will be done.

Further, as described above, the sub control device 262 is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from the sub control device 262 of the other pachinko machine 10 via the corner lamp 103.

The sub control device 262 stores various voice data (voice patterns) in advance in the ROM 552, and sets the voice data according to the game state in the sound buffer based on, for example, a command transmitted from the main control device 261. It is sequentially converted into a sound signal and supplied to an amplifier (not shown). The amplifier amplifies the sound signal and supplies it to the speaker SP. As a result, audio is output from the speaker SP.

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. In a cash machine in which a game ball is directly lent to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without going through a card unit, the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted.

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 control 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 perform the predetermined arithmetic processing of the VDP 526. Control (specifically, generation of an internal command for VDP526) is performed. 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 electric 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. 17, 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 the present 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 starting port 33 or the right starting 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 starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, if the value of the variation selection counter C3 is "0 to 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 (at a 2ms cycle in this embodiment), 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. 20 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 ms.

In FIG. 20, 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 the winning of 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. The lottery means in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function that performs the step S504. 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. 23.

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. 24.

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 "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. 26 (a)] stored in the ROM 502 in advance is referred to, and the above-mentioned 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. 26 (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. 22, after the processing of step S507, 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. The lottery means in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function that performs the step S512. 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 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 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. 21 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 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 of FIG. 21 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 subsequent 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 that 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 subsequent 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 process up to step S210 is executed as a periodic process having a cycle of 4 ms, and the counter update process of step S211 is executed with 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. The 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 ms) 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 power cutoff occurrence information 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. 27.

In FIG. 27, 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 of the ball into the right starting 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, the 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 a control signal to start switching display (variable display) is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the next external output processing of the normal processing based on the above settings, 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 ms. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 ms), "2500" is set for the display timer and 1 is subtracted every 4 ms.

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. 28.

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. Here, the game value imparting means in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the main control device 261 that performs processing such as jackpot setting.

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. 20), 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" Based on the "flag", the switching setting of the high probability state flag is performed. 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. 28, 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.

Based on the on / off status of the variable flag, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the next external output process of the normal process. 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. 30, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG. 31.

FIG. 30 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. 32. 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. 31. FIG. 31 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-off 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-off? 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 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 shut 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. 32. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 ms).

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. 33.

FIG. 33 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. 30).

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 the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command, in step S3305 it is determined whether 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 lost.

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. 32 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 it is determined that the state return operation has started. Execute the return operation. By this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, when 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, the setting of the state without a tank ball is executed when the tank ball is lost, and when the tank ball is no longer present, the state without a tank ball is released. 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 of the prize ball and the rental ball 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. 34. 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. In addition, the reception data buffer 670 of each corner lamp 103 is checked, and it is determined whether or not a command transmitted from another pachinko machine 10 is being 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 and the like. 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. After being stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553, the command is deleted from the received data buffer 670 of the corner lamp 103.

In the following step S3903, the command determination process is performed. Here, the command determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 35. 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 status notification command, in step S4111, it is determined whether or not it is a start command, and in step S4112 it is determined whether or not it is a network command.

If the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is an initialization command, it means that the main controller 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 with. 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 read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a return command (step S4102: NO, step S4103: YES), the main controller 261 returns to the state before the power is cut off, and therefore does not have a backup function. In step S4107, the sub-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 read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a fluctuation pattern command (step S4103: NO, step S4104: YES), in step S4108, the contents of the fluctuation pattern and the like are stored in the sub-hold buffer Bf. Performs processing and ends this processing.

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 jackpot, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), 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. 26 (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 read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 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. Then, 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 read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 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 step S4113 is performed. The start setting process is performed, and then this process ends.

In the start setting process of step S4113, 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).

If the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a network command (step S4111: NO, step S4112: YES), the network command transfer process is performed in step S4114, and then this process ends.

Returning to the description of FIG. 34, 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 ms 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. 36, a jackpot decorative symbol counter C5, upper, middle, and lower off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR, a mode switching counter C7, and a network effect counter C8 are used. It is supposed to be.

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 doublets 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.

The offset 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.

More specifically, 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 obtain the current value. It is determined. 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 It is stored in one of the completely off symbol buffers.

Further, the mode switching counter C7 is for determining the type of the game mode to be set next when the mode shuffle effect (large fish school effect) described later is executed. As the mode switching counter C7, 100 (0 to 99) counter values are prepared. That is, the mode switching counter C7 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 0.

The mode switching counter C7 is periodically updated by the counter update process in step S3905, and is stored in the mode switching counter buffer of the RAM 553. Then, it is taken into consideration in the mode switching lottery process of step S4402 described later.

Further, the network effect counter C8 is for determining whether or not to execute the network effect (big hit notice effect) described later and the type thereof. As the network effect counter C8, 300 (0 to 299) counter values are prepared. That is, the network effect counter C8 is configured to be incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 299, reach the upper limit value (that is, 299), and then return to 0.

The network effect counter C8 is periodically updated by the counter update process in step S3905, and is stored in the network effect counter buffer of the RAM 553. Then, it is taken into consideration in the network effect determination process of step S4904 described later.

Here, the update processing of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 37, 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, and the upper / off symbol counter CL is updated. 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. 36) 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 production 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. 34, in step S3906, network-related processing is executed. In the network-related processing, various processes such as a network effect determination process for determining whether or not to execute the network effect and its contents, and a link confirmation process which is a pre-process for executing the network effect are performed. Details of network-related processing will be described later.

The network effect in the present embodiment is a game effect (display effect, voice effect) performed by all or a part of the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j arranged on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B in synchronization or interlocking with each other. , Luminous effect).

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 (see FIG. 38) 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 classified into the types of game modes described later. Mode mode setting processing (see FIG. 41) and the like for performing in the corresponding mode are performed.

Here, the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 38. As shown in FIG. 38, 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 S4113), 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, this process ends 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 ms. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 ms), "2500" is set for the fluctuation display timer, and 1 is subtracted every 4 ms.

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

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 S4113 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 control command is, for example, a command for designating a series of display effects from the start to the end of the variable display, and is a display control command required each time based on the information stored in the sub-hold buffer Bf. Is generated. Normally, the display control 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 has the above fluctuation time. By sequentially outputting data in accordance with a predetermined time order based on the timer, a display effect according to various fluctuation patterns is 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 420 of the decorative design display device 42 will be described. As described above, 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 Z are variably displayed for each symbol display area (see FIG. 39). ). In the present embodiment, various decorative symbols Z with numbers "0" to "9" are displayed. The various decorative 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 decorative symbols Z are displayed in descending order (in ascending order of the attached numbers) in the upper symbol row, and various decorative symbols Z are also displayed in ascending order (attached numbers) in the middle symbol row and the lower symbol row. Is displayed in ascending order). Then, after a 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 decorative symbol Z is, for example, a combination of jackpot symbols on a predetermined jackpot line ( In the present 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 reached. 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 decorative symbols Z are lined up on any of the five lines and displayed as a fixed stop, a jackpot state occurs. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, as one of the display effects in the decorative symbol display device 42 (for example, as one of the effect patterns related to the above-mentioned variable display of decorative symbols such as reach notice effect and jackpot notice effect), the display unit 420 A school of fish is produced across the fish school G from right to left (see FIG. 40).

When the school of fish is produced, the school of fish G first appears from the right end of the display unit 420 [see FIG. 40 (a)]. Then, it passes to the left end of the display unit 420 [see FIGS. 40 (b) and 40 (c)]. Here, the school of fish G appears on the front side of the decorative symbol Z so as to cover the decorative symbol Z. By doing so, the decorative symbol Z cannot be visually recognized once, and it is possible to make it difficult for the player to predict the subsequent development of the effect content.

The appearance rate of the fish school effect is set to be different depending on the correspondence with the reach pattern and the correspondence with the jackpot type information, and these correspondences are stored in advance in the ROM 552 of the sub control device 262 in a table. ing. For example, it is set so that it is more likely to appear when "super reach" occurs than "normal reach", and it is more likely to appear when "big hit is won" than when "off".

Next, the mode mode setting process will be described. The mode mode setting process is a process for performing the display mode on the decorative symbol display device 42 (display unit 420) in a mode corresponding to the type of the game mode.

In the present embodiment, the game mode is switched and set between "notification mode", "suggestion 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 mode 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 decorative symbol display device 42 is executing the "large fish school effect (first network effect)" which is one of the network effects described later. Here, if an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S4402, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S4403.

In step S4402, the mode switching lottery process is executed. The mode switching lottery process determines the type of game mode to be set next. That is, the mode shuffle effect is executed by the mode switching lottery process. The mode shuffle effect refers to an effect in which the mode mode can be changed when the "large fish school effect" is executed on the decorative pattern display device 42.

In the mode switching lottery process, the mode switching counter C7 stored in the mode switching counter buffer of the RAM 553 and the mode switching table (see FIG. 42) stored in the ROM 552 in advance are taken into consideration, and the type of the game mode to be set next is set. To determine.

In the present embodiment, the rate at which a predetermined game mode is subsequently selected differs depending on the type of game mode set at the time when the mode switching lottery process is performed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 42, when the current game mode is the "normal mode" and the value of the mode switching counter C7 is "0 to 39", the next game mode is "normal". "Mode" is selected, if it is "40-89", "suggestion mode" is selected for the next game mode, and if it is "90-99", "notification mode" is selected for the next game mode. ..

If the current game mode is the "suggestion mode" and the value of the mode switching counter C7 is "0 to 29", the "normal mode" is selected for the next game mode, and "30 to 79". If ", the" suggestion mode "is selected for the next game mode, and if it is" 80 to 99 ", the" notification mode "is selected for the next game mode.

Further, when the current game mode is the "notification mode", if the value of the mode switching counter C7 is "0 to 19", the "normal mode" is selected for the next game mode, and "20 to 39". If ", the" suggestion mode "is selected for the next game mode, and if it is" 40 to 99 ", the" notification mode "is selected for the next game mode.

In step S4403, 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 S4404, 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 control 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 S4403, in step S4405, 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 S4406, 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 S4405, in step S4407, it is determined 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 S4408, 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 the "low probability state", in addition to the display of the above normal mode, a notification display setting such as "during the low probability state" is performed. That is, in the "notification mode", the notification display for notifying the player of the current gaming state is performed with a 100% probability.

Now, returning to the description of FIG. 34, in the lamp setting process of step S3909, the lighting patterns of various lighting devices such as the lamps 102 to 104 are set so as to be synchronized with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42, for example. decide.

In the voice setting process of step S3910, for example, the voice pattern output from the speaker SP is set (determined) so as to be synchronized 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 command or control signal based on the setting contents of steps S3905 to 3910 to each device is executed.

For example, a display control command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol. A light emission control command is transmitted to the light emission communication control unit 653 when the light emission effect is produced by the corner lamp 103. At the time of network production, a network command is transmitted to the light emission communication control unit 653.

After the processing of steps S3905 to S3911 performed every 1 ms 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.

Next, the network-related processing in step S3906, the network command transfer processing in step S4114, and the configuration related to the network effect will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 43, in the network-related processing, the link confirmation processing (step S4901), the link response processing (step S4902), the response standby processing (step S4903), and the network effect determination processing (step S4904) are executed. ..

In the link confirmation process, the link response process, and the response standby process, the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R of the predetermined pachinko machine 10 are arranged at positions facing each other. This is a series of processes for determining whether or not various data can be transmitted / received to / from the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10. Therefore, the link confirmation process, the link response process, and the response standby process are performed for the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R, respectively.

First, the link confirmation process in step S4901 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub-control device 262 has a link confirmation completion flag (for example, left) related to the link confirmation process among the link confirmation completion flags provided corresponding to the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R. It is determined whether or not the link confirmation completion flag corresponding to the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the corner lamp 103L is turned on (step S6001). The link confirmation completion flag is determination information for determining whether or not the link confirmation process has already been completed, as will be described later.

Here, if the link confirmation completion flag is turned on, that is, if the link confirmation process has already been completed, this process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the link confirmation completion flag is not turned on, the sub-control device 262 is positioned at a position facing the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 via the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 related to the link confirmation process. A predetermined confirmation signal is transmitted to the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged (step S6002), and a predetermined standby timer is set (step S6003). The standby timer is for measuring the standby time for waiting for a response from another pachinko machine 10, and is individually provided corresponding to the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R. ing. In the present embodiment, "3 seconds" is set as the standby time.

After that, after turning on the link confirmation completion flag (step S6004), this process ends.

Next, the link response processing in step S4902 will be described with reference to FIG. The link response process is performed in response to the link confirmation process performed by the other pachinko machine 10.

The sub control device 262 determines whether or not the confirmation signal has been received via the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 related to the link response process (step S6101). Here, if it is determined that the confirmation signal has not been received, this process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the confirmation signal is received, the light emission of another pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position facing the light emitting communication unit 651, 652 via the light emitting communication unit 651 or 652 that received the confirmation signal. A predetermined response signal is output to the communication units 651 and 652 (light emitting communication units 651 and 652 that transmit the confirmation signal) (step S6102), and this process ends.

Next, the response standby process in step S4903 will be described with reference to FIG. The response waiting process is performed in response to the link confirmation process.

First, the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the value of the standby timer corresponding to the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 related to the response standby process is "0" (step S6201). Here, if the value of the standby timer is "0", this process ends as it is.

On the other hand, if the value of the standby timer is not "0", the standby timer is subtracted (step S6202), and the process proceeds to step S6203.

In step S6203, it is determined whether or not the response signal has been received from the other pachinko machine 10 via the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 related to the response standby process (step S6203).

Here, when a response signal is received from another pachinko machine 10 in the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 related to the response standby process, after turning on the link flag corresponding to the light emitting communication unit 651 and 652 (step). S6204), this process is terminated.

More specifically, when the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L receives the response signal, that is, when the response signal is input from the pachinko machine 10 on its left side, the left side link flag is displayed. Set the value to "1".

When the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L receives the response signal, that is, when the response signal is input from the pachinko machine 10 on its front side, the value of the left front link flag is set to "1". Set.

When the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R receives the response signal, that is, when the response signal is input from the pachinko machine 10 on its right side, the value of the right side link flag is set to "1". Set.

When the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R receives the response signal, that is, when the response signal is input from the pachinko machine 10 on the front side of the right corner lamp 103R, the value of the right front link flag is set to "1". Set.

If there is no response signal input, each of the above link flags is set to "0".

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6203 that the response signal has not been received, this process ends as it is.

Next, the network effect determination process in step S4904 will be described with reference to FIG. 47.

In step S6301, the sub-control device 262 indicates a jackpot type information (“FD”) in any of the eight hold areas (holding first area to hold eighth area) of the sub hold buffer Bf. Or, it is determined whether or not "FE") is stored.

If the jackpot type information (“FD” or “FE”) indicating the jackpot is not stored here, the present process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the jackpot type information (“FD” or “FE”) indicating the jackpot is stored, in step S6302, the sub-control device 262 uses the network effect counter C8 stored in the network effect counter buffer of the RAM 553. With reference to the network effect determination table (see FIG. 49) stored in the ROM 552 in advance, it is determined whether or not the network effect (big hit notice effect) is executed.

Here, if it is decided not to execute the network effect, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is decided to execute the network effect, the network effect setting process is executed in step S6303, and then this process is terminated.

In this embodiment, as a network effect, a "large fish school effect" performed by using the decorative pattern display device 42 of each pachinko machine 10 or an electric decoration device such as a top lamp 102 of each pachinko machine 10 is used. The "roulette effect" is performed, and the "countdown effect" is performed using the speaker SP of each pachinko machine 10.

More specifically, if the value of the network effect counter C8 is "0-29", the "large fish school effect" is executed, if it is "30-59", the "roulette effect" is executed, and at "60-89". If so, the "countdown effect" is executed. Further, if the value of the network effect counter C8 is "90 to 299", it is "off" and the network effect is not executed.

Then, in the network effect setting process of step S6303, the sub control device 262 performs a process of setting the type of the network effect, information to the effect that the network effect is executed, and the like in the RAM 553.

More specifically, when the determined network effect is the first network effect (large fish school effect), the value of the network effect flag is set to "1". If the network effect is the second network effect (roulette effect), the value of the network effect flag is set to "2", and if the network effect is the third network effect (countdown effect), the network effect flag is set. Set the value to "3". On the other hand, in the case of "off", "0" is set in the value of the network effect flag.

Then, based on the setting contents set here, the sub-control device 262 presets the network effect at a predetermined timing for the predetermined pachinko machine 10 whose link has been established by the series of processes such as the link confirmation process. Outputs the network effect setting command to perform.

In the present embodiment, in addition to the network effect setting command, as network commands transmitted and received between the pachinko machines 10, for example, a network effect execution command output when starting the network effect is provided. In addition, each network command includes unique information (hereinafter, referred to as an effect ID) that can be identified as being related to a network effect generated at a predetermined time on the predetermined pachinko machine 10. That is, the effect ID includes information that can identify the model code, serial number, time information, and the like of the pachinko machine 10.

Here, the output processing of the network command performed by each pachinko machine 10 will be described. First, the sub-control device 262 confirms the values of various link flags related to the left corner lamp 103L, and when the value of the left side link flag is "1", the sub control device 262 goes through the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L. Therefore, a predetermined network command is output to the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position facing the side light emitting communication unit 651. Here, a part of the left side communication determination means (left side communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the left side link flag is "1".

On the other hand, when the value of the left side link flag is "0" and the value of the left front link flag is "1", the front light emitting communication unit is passed through the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L. A predetermined network command is output to the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position facing the 652. Here, a part of the left front communication determination means (left communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the left front link flag is "1".

Here, when the value of the left side link flag is "0" and the value of the left front link flag is "0", no network command is output from the left corner lamp 103L. In such a case, since the pachinko machine 10 is a pachinko machine 10 located at the left end of a gaming machine network system composed of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 having established links, the sub-control device 262 sets the network effect. In performing the process (step S6303), the RAM 553 is set with information or the like indicating that it is located at the left end of the gaming machine network system. A part of the leftmost storage means in the present embodiment is configured by such a processing function.

Next, the sub-control device 262 confirms the values of various link flags related to the right corner lamp 103R, and when the value of the right side link flag is "1", the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R is used. A predetermined network command is output to the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position facing the side light emitting communication unit 651. Here, a part of the right side communication determination means (right side communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the right side link flag is "1".

On the other hand, when the value of the right side link flag is "0" and the value of the right front link flag is "1", the front light emitting communication unit is passed through the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R. A predetermined network command is output to the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position facing the 652. Here, a part of the right front communication determination means (right communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the right front link flag is "1".

Here, when the value of the right side link flag is "0" and the value of the right front link flag is "0", no network command is output from the right corner lamp 103R. In such a case, since the pachinko machine 10 is a pachinko machine 10 located at the right end of a gaming machine network system composed of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 having established links, the sub-control device 262 sets the network effect. In performing the process (step S6303), the RAM 553 is set with information or the like indicating that it is located at the right end of the gaming machine network system. A part of the rightmost storage means in the present embodiment is configured by such a processing function.

Next, the network command transfer process in step S4114 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 48.

First, the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not a network command has been input from either the left or right pachinko machine 10 or the pachinko machine 10 on the front side (step S6501). Here, if there is no input of a network command, this process ends as it is.

When a network command is input, the effect ID of the network command is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the network command has already been set (step S6502). The comparison means in the present embodiment is configured by such a processing function.

If the network command has already been set, the process proceeds to step S6514 without performing the transfer process of the network command.

If it is determined in step S6502 that the network command has already been set, for example, as shown in FIG. 52, 10 pachinko machines 10a to 10e and 10f to 10j on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B. Is linked so that data communication is possible in a ring shape. For example, the same network effect setting command may be input to the predetermined pachinko machine 10 from both the left and right sides, or the predetermined network effect execution command output from the predetermined pachinko machine 10 may be input to itself again. Be done.

On the other hand, if the network command is not already set, a storage process for storing the network command in a predetermined area of the RAM 553 is executed (step S6503). As a result, for example, the effect ID included in the network command, the type of network effect corresponding to the network command (value of the network effect flag), and the effect information such as the execution timing of the network effect are set.

Then, based on the network command being set in the RAM 553, various processes corresponding to the network command are performed. For example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, the network effect preset processing corresponding to the network effect setting command is performed. When the network command is a network effect execution command, the network effect execution process preset based on the network effect setting command corresponding to the network effect execution command is performed.

In the following step S6504, it is determined whether or not the network command is input from the left corner lamp 103L (side light emitting communication unit 651 or front light emitting communication unit 652). If a negative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S6509.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S6504, it is determined in step S6505 whether or not the value of the right side link flag is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S6508. Here, a part of the right-side communication determination means (right-side communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the right side link flag is "0".

If it is determined in step S6505 that the value of the right side link flag is "0", that is, if there is no communicable pachinko machine 10 on the right side of itself, in step S6506, the right front link flag is set. It is determined whether or not the value is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S6508. Here, a part of the right front communication determination means (right communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the right front link flag is "0".

When it is determined in step S6506 that the value of the right front link flag is "0", that is, when there is no similar pachinko machine 10 capable of communicating in front of itself, the network command transfer process is not performed. , Step S6507 performs the processing corresponding to the right end portion, and ends this processing.

When the processing corresponding to the right end of step S6507 is performed, for example, the five pachinko machines 10a to 10e of the gaming machine installation island 1A shown in FIG. 52 are linked in series (non-annular) so that data communication is possible. Pachinko machine 10a under the configuration and pachinko machine 10c ← → pachinko machine 10d ← → pachinko machine 10e ← → pachinko machine 10f ← → pachinko machine 10g ← → pachinko machine 10h on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B One example is the case where the pachinko machine 10c or the like under the configuration in which data communication is possible in a (non-annular) manner is used.

In the process corresponding to the right end of step S6507, for example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, information or the like that the user is located at the right end of the game machine network system is set. The rightmost storage means in the present embodiment is configured by such a processing function.

By performing such processing, for example, when the network effect is the first or second network effect (“large fish school effect” or “roulette effect”), the pachinko machine 10 located at the right end thereof becomes the starting point. Network production will be started. In this case, the network effect execution command is output from the pachinko machine 10 that is the starting point at a predetermined timing, and is sequentially transferred.

Further, when a negative determination is made in step S6505 or step S6506, that is, when the value of the right side link flag is "1" (when the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the right side of itself), or the right front link. When the value of the flag is "1" (when the same type of pachinko machine 10 does not exist on the right side of itself and the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the front side of itself), a link relationship is established. A network command is transferred to the right or front pachinko machine 10 via the side light emitting communication unit 651 or the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the corresponding right corner lamp 103R, and this process is performed (step S6508).

By the way, in step S6509 in which the negative determination is made in step S6504 and the transition is made, it is determined whether or not the network command is input from the right corner lamp 103R (side light emitting communication unit 651 or front light emitting communication unit 652). If a negative determination is made here, the present process is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S6509, it is determined in step S6510 whether or not the value of the left side link flag is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the present process is terminated as it is. Here, a part of the left side communication determination means (left side communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the left side link flag is "0".

If it is determined in step S6510 that the value of the left side link flag is "0", that is, if there is no communicable pachinko machine 10 on the left side of itself, in step S6511, the left front link flag is set. It is determined whether or not the value is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S6513. Here, a part of the left front communication determination means (left communication determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the processing function for confirming whether or not the value of the left front link flag is "0".

When it is determined in step S6511 that the value of the left front link flag is "0", that is, when there is no similar pachinko machine 10 capable of communicating in front of itself, no network command transfer processing is performed. , Step S6512 performs the processing corresponding to the left end portion, and ends this processing.

When the processing for the left end of step S6512 is performed, for example, the five pachinko machines 10a to 10e of the gaming machine installation island 1A shown in FIG. 52 are linked in series (non-annular) so that data communication is possible. C-shaped such as pachinko machine 10e under the configuration and pachinko machine 10c ← → pachinko machine 10d ← → pachinko machine 10e ← → pachinko machine 10f ← → pachinko machine 10g ← → pachinko machine 10h on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B One example is the case where the pachinko machine 10h or the like under the configuration linked to (non-annular) data communication is performed.

In the left end corresponding process of step S6512, for example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, information or the like that the user is located at the left end of the game machine network system is set. The leftmost storage means in the present embodiment is configured by such a processing function.

By performing such processing, for example, when the network effect is the first network effect (“large fish school effect”), the pachinko machine 10 located at the left end thereof becomes the end point, and the network effect execution command is not transferred. , The network production will be terminated.

Further, when a negative determination is made in step S6510 or step S6511, that is, when the value of the left side link flag is "1" (when the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the left side of itself), or the left front link. When the value of the flag is "1" (when the same type of pachinko machine 10 does not exist on the left side of itself and the same type of pachinko machine 10 exists on the front side of itself), a link relationship is established. A network command is transferred to the left or front pachinko machine 10 via the side light emitting communication unit 651 or the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the corresponding left corner lamp 103L, and then this process is performed (step S6513). ).

If a negative determination is made in step S6502, the ring-shaped correspondence process (step S6514) is performed, and this process is terminated.

In the circular correspondence process of step S6514, for example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, information to the effect that it is the starting point and the ending point of the game machine network system is set.

By performing such processing, for example, when the network effect is the first network effect (“large fish school effect”), the pachinko machine 10 becomes the starting point and the ending point. That is, the network effect execution command is output from the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point at a predetermined timing, and the network effect is started. Then, the network effect execution command is sequentially transferred from the pachinko machine 10, and when the network effect execution command is input to the pachinko machine 10, the pachinko machine 10 becomes the end point and the network effect execution command is transferred. However, the network production will be terminated.

Next, the first network production (large fish school production) will be described in more detail with specific examples. Here, a case where the game is performed only on the game machine installation islands 1A (10a to 10e) will be described with reference to FIGS. 50, 51 and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the first network effect (large fish school effect) is a network effect in which the fish school G is displayed so as to sequentially move the display units 420 of the plurality of pachinko machines 1.

For example, when the lottery result to the effect that the first network effect is executed is obtained in the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c, the sub control device 262 executes the first network effect setting process.

After that, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c passes through the side light emitting communication units 651 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R, and the pachinko machines 10b and 10d on both sides (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10b on the right side). A network effect setting command is transmitted to the side light emitting communication unit 651 and the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10d adjacent to the left.

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10b and 10d that has received the network effect setting command confirms whether or not the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored. Then, when it is confirmed that the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not stored, the first network effect setting process is executed in the same manner as the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c.

Further, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10b and 10d that have completed the first network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10b). In the 103R, the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10d, the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machines 10a and 10e (the rightmost pachinko machine 10a) and the leftmost pachinko through the side light emitting communication unit 651. The network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the machine 10e.

When the sub-control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10a, 10e receives the network effect setting command, similarly to the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10b, 10d, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already issued. It is confirmed whether or not the command is stored, and if it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the first network effect setting process is executed.

Further, each of the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10a and 10e has a corner lamp 103 on the opposite side to the side receiving the network effect setting command (right corner lamp 103R in the pachinko machine 10a, left corner in the pachinko machine 10e). When it is confirmed that the lamp 103L) cannot communicate with another pachinko machine 10, the starting point or the ending point of the network effect (the starting point in the pachinko machine 10a) is not performed without transferring the network effect setting command. , The end point in the pachinko machine 10e) is set.

Then, when a predetermined timing arrives based on the predetermined time information included in the network effect setting command, the sub control device 262 of the rightmost pachinko machine 10a, which is the starting point, displays the first network effect (large fish school) on the display unit 420a. (Direction) is executed.

The time information included in the network effect setting command is obtained in a process in which the network effect setting command is sequentially transferred, for example, in the order of pachinko machine 10c → pachinko machine 10d → pachinko machine 10e (including after network effect setting processing). This is variable information in which the elapsed time in each pachinko machine 10 changes to a subtracted value.

For example, when a network effect setting command including time information to start the network effect after 1 minute (60,000 ms) is output from the pachinko machine 10c to the pachinko machine 10d, the pachinko machine 10d uses the network effect setting command. If it is determined that there has been a lapse of time (for example, 1000 ms) inside the pachinko machine based on the time information that the pachinko machine 10e has, the time for that amount is used as the time information. The network effect setting command including the time information (for example, 59000 ms) of the value after the subtraction is transferred to the pachinko machine 10e. As a result, common time information can be shared among the pachinko machines 10.

Then, in the pachinko machine 10 as the starting point, when a predetermined timing (for example, the time information becomes 0 ms) arrives, the network effect is executed. Here, for example, in the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot state occurs, the approximate time until the jackpot notification effect is performed is calculated by summing the fluctuation time information stored in each holding area of the sub-holding buffer Bf. If this is set as time information, the jackpot notice effect (first network effect) can be performed according to the timing when the jackpot state occurs (variation display related to the jackpot, reach effect, etc.).

When the first network effect is executed, the fish school G appears from the right end of the display unit 420a [see FIGS. 40 (a) and 50 (a)], and goes to the left end of the display unit 420a, as in the above fish school effect. Passing by [see FIGS. 40 (b), (c), 50 (b)].

At the same time, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a passes through the side light emitting communication unit 651 of its own left corner lamp 103L, and the left pachinko machine 10b (the side light emitting communication unit of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10b). A network effect execution command is output to 651).

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b that has received the network effect execution command executes the first network effect on the display unit 420b and the left corner lamp 103L of its own, similarly to the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a. A network effect execution command is output to the left pachinko machine 10c (the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10c) via the side light emitting communication unit 651.

Similarly, the network effect execution command is sequentially transferred from the pachinko machine 10c to the pachinko machine 10d and from the pachinko machine 10d to the pachinko machine 10e, and the display unit 420c of the pachinko machine 10c, the display unit 420d of the pachinko machine 10d, and the pachinko machine 10e The first network effect is sequentially executed on the display unit 420e.

However, since the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e is set to be the end point of the first network effect, the first network effect is performed without transmitting the network effect execution command to the other pachinko machine 10. To finish.

With the above configuration, when the first network effect (large fish school effect) is started, the fish school G first appears from the right end of the display unit 420a of the pachinko machine 10a, as shown in FIG. 50 (a). Then, the school of fish G moves and disappears to the left end of the display unit 420a. In order to match the timing with this, as shown in FIG. 50 (b), the display unit 420b of the pachinko machine 10b is displayed so that the school of fish G appears from the right end thereof and the school of fish G moves to the left. To. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 51 (a) to 51 (c), the school of fish G moves in a chained manner on each display unit 420c to 420e in the order of the pachinko machine 10c, the pachinko machine 10d, and the pachinko machine 10e. Is displayed.

As a result, it is possible to notify the player that a jackpot state will occur in any of the pachinko machines 10 on which the first network effect (large fish school effect) has been performed. Further, in each pachinko machine 10 in which the first network effect (large fish school effect) is performed, the mode shuffle effect described above is performed, and the mode mode is changed or maintained.

In the present embodiment, the sub-control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10 preferentially executes the program related to the network effect over the other programs. Therefore, in each pachinko machine 10, whether or not the decorative symbol Z is variablely displayed, whether or not the decorative symbol Z is in the stop display, whether or not the jackpot is being produced, or whether or not the game is performed and the display unit is displayed. Regardless of whether or not the demonstration display is performed on 420 etc., the first network production (large fish school production) performed in association with each pachinko machine 10 should not feel uncomfortable, and the production effect should be further enhanced. Can be done.

Next, the second network effect (roulette effect) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 52 and the like with specific examples. Here, a case where the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B (pachinko machines 10a to 10e and 10f to 10j) are linked in a ring shape will be described as an example.

In the second network effect (roulette effect), the top lamps 102 of the plurality of pachinko machines 10 are sequentially turned on, and finally, the pachinko machine 10 in which the top lamps 102 are turned on and stopped is notified that a big hit will occur. It is a network production.

For example, when the lottery result to the effect that the second network effect is executed is obtained in the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10 g, the sub control device 262 executes the second network effect setting process.

After that, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10g passes through the side light emitting communication units 651 of the left and right corner lamps 103L and 103R, and the pachinko machines 10f and 10h on both sides (the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10f on the right side). A network effect setting command is transmitted to the side light emitting communication unit 651 and the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10h adjacent to the left.

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10f and 10h that has received the network effect setting command confirms whether or not the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored. Then, when it is confirmed that the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed in the same manner as the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10 g.

Further, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10f and 10h that have completed the second network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10f). The front light emitting communication unit 652 of the 103R and the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10h) are passed through the pachinko machines 10e and 10i (the front light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10e). 652, the network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10i.

When the sub-control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10e, 10i receives the network effect setting command, similarly to the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10f, 10h, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already issued. It is confirmed whether or not the command is stored, and if it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed.

Further, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10e and 10i that have completed the second network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10e). The side light emitting communication unit 651 of the 103R and the side light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10i) are passed through the pachinko machines 10d and 10j (the side light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10d). 651, the network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10j.

When the sub-control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10d, 10j receives the network effect setting command, similarly to the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10f, 10h, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already issued. It is confirmed whether or not the command is stored, and if it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed.

Further, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10d and 10j that have completed the second network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10d). The side light emitting communication unit 651 of the 103R and the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10j) are passed through the pachinko machines 10c and 10a (the side light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10c). 651, the network effect setting command is transferred to the front light emitting communication unit 652) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10a.

When the sub-control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10c, 10a receives the network effect setting command, it confirms whether or not the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored, and the command is stored. If it is confirmed that this has not been done, the second network effect setting process is executed.

Further, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10c and 10a that have completed the second network effect setting process are the corner lamps 103 on the opposite side to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10c). The pachinko machine 10b (the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10b) via the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the 103R and the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10a. The network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10b.

When the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b receives the network effect setting command from either the pachinko machine 10c or the pachinko machine 10a, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not already stored. If it is confirmed whether or not the command is stored and it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the second network effect setting process is executed.

After that, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b receives the network effect setting command from either the pachinko machine 10c or the pachinko machine 10a, and the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored. Upon confirming that, the information that the network effect setting command is the starting point of the network effect is set without performing the transfer process.

Then, when a predetermined timing arrives based on the predetermined time information included in the network effect setting command, the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b, which is the starting point, executes the second network effect for lighting the top lamp 102. ..

At the same time, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b passes through the side light emitting communication unit 651 of its own right corner lamp 103R, and the right pachinko machine 10a (the side light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10a). A network effect execution command is output to 651).

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a that has received the network effect execution command executes the second network effect of lighting the top lamp 102, similarly to the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b.

At the same time, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a passes through the front light emitting communication unit 652 of its own right corner lamp 103R to the front pachinko machine 10j (the front light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10j). A network effect execution command is output to 652).

Similarly, the network production execution command is pachinko machine 10j → pachinko machine 10i → pachinko machine 10h → pachinko machine 10g → pachinko machine 10f → pachinko machine 10e → pachinko machine 10d → pachinko machine 10c → pachinko machine 10b → pachinko machine 10a → pachinko machine The machine 10j → the pachinko machine 10i → ... Are sequentially transferred, and the second network effect of turning on the top lamp 102 is executed.

In the present embodiment, when the gaming machine network system (pachinko machines 10a to 10e, 10f to 10j) is linked in a ring shape, the lighting of the top lamp 102 is set to go around the gaming machine network system a plurality of times. Has been done. On the other hand, when the gaming machine network system is linked in a non-annular (series, C-shaped), the network effect execution command is transferred back to each of the pachinko machine 10 at the right end and the pachinko machine 10 at the left end. Therefore, it is set to reciprocate a plurality of times between the right end portion and the left end portion of the gaming machine network system.

Under such a configuration, the pachinko machine 10 that has obtained the lottery result to execute the second network effect, that is, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot state occurs, is required to perform the second network effect setting process. A lottery for a predetermined roulette counter value is performed, and the roulette counter value is stored.

Then, each time the above network effect execution command is input, "1" is subtracted from the roulette counter value, and when the roulette counter value becomes "0", the network is connected to another pachinko machine 10. The top lamp 102 is turned on and the second network effect is terminated without transmitting the effect execution command.

As a result, it is possible to notify the player that a big hit will occur in the pachinko machine 10 in which the top lamp 102 is lit.

Next, the third network effect (countdown effect) will be described in more detail with specific examples. Here, a case where the game is performed only on the game machine installation islands 1A (10a to 10e) will be described with reference to FIG. 52 and the like.

The third network effect (countdown effect) is a countdown ("10", "9", ..., "0") from the speaker SPs of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 (10a to 10e) with established links to the occurrence of a jackpot at the same time. ) Is a network production by voice.

For example, when the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a obtains a lottery result indicating that the third network effect is to be executed, the sub-control device 262 executes the third network effect setting process.

Further, when the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a that has completed the third network effect setting process confirms that the right corner lamp 103R cannot communicate with the other pachinko machine 10, it finds itself in the gaming machine network system. Information or the like that it is located at the right end is set in the RAM 553.

After that, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a passes the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L to the left adjacent pachinko machine 10b (the side light emitting communication of the right corner lamp 103R of the left adjacent pachinko machine 10b). A network effect setting command is transmitted to the unit 651).

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b that has received the network effect setting command confirms whether or not the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored. Then, when it is confirmed that the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is not stored, the third network effect setting process is executed in the same manner as the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a.

Further, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b that has completed the third network effect setting process passes through the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command. The network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10c (the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10c).

Does the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c that has received the network effect setting command already store a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b? If it is confirmed whether or not the command is stored and it is confirmed that the command is not stored, the third network effect setting process is executed.

Further, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c that has completed the third network effect setting process passes through the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command. The network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10d (the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10d).

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10d that has received the network effect setting command confirms whether or not the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored, and the command is not stored. When it is confirmed, the third network effect setting process is executed.

Further, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10d that has completed the third network effect setting process passes through the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command. The network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10e (the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10e).

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e that has received the network effect setting command confirms whether or not the network effect setting command having the same effect ID is already stored, and the command is not stored. When it is confirmed, the third network effect setting process is executed.

Further, in the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e that has completed the third network effect setting process, the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command is another pachinko machine. When it is confirmed that communication with the machine 10 is not possible, the RAM 553 is set with information or the like indicating that it is located at the left end of the gaming machine network system without performing the transfer processing of the network effect setting command.

Then, when a predetermined timing arrives based on the predetermined time information included in the network effect setting command, the sub-control devices 262 of the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10e control the speaker SP and perform a third network effect (countdown). (Direction) is executed.

As a result, the countdown (“10”, “9”, ..., “0”) from the speaker SP of each pachinko machine 10a to 10e to the occurrence of a big hit is started at the same time. Then, when the countdown reaches "0", the pachinko machine 10a that has obtained the lottery result to execute the third network effect, that is, the pachinko machine 10a in which the jackpot state occurs, displays the notification effect that the jackpot state occurs. It is performed in the part 420a and the like.

In the above embodiment related to the third network effect, the network effect execution command is not output, but the pachinko machine 10a is matched with the timing when the jackpot state occurs (variation display related to the jackpot, reach effect, etc.). Therefore, the pachinko machine 10a may be configured to output a network effect execution command. As a result, for example, a network effect execution command can be output 10 seconds before the jackpot state occurs, and at the same time when the countdown becomes "0", the jackpot state can be produced.

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to output information to the outside and input information from the outside by using visible light communication. As a result, various information such as commands can be transmitted and received (two-way communication) between the plurality of pachinko machines 10, and various controls such as game production can be performed based on information input from the other pachinko machines 10. ..

As a result, it is possible to perform a game effect (network effect) in which a plurality of pachinko machines 10 are related, such as performing a predetermined game effect such as a display effect in synchronization or interlocking with the plurality of pachinko machines 10. As a result, as compared with the configuration in which each pachinko machine 10 only performs various game effects individually, the game effects can be made more diverse and the interest of the player can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, a command or the like is transmitted and received between the sub control devices 262 as the sub control means between the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j without going through the main control device 261 as the main control means, and the sub that inputs the command or the like. The control device 262 is configured to execute the network effect at a predetermined timing without going through the main control device 261. Further, in the present embodiment, in executing the above network effect, a function aggregate consisting of a plurality of sub-control devices 262 related to the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j itself grasps its own link status, and then commands and the like are issued. By transmitting and receiving, the execution information of the effect is set in each sub-control device 262 in advance, and at the same time, the start point and the end point of the effect start are set. As a result, while the main control device 261 performs normal game control in each pachinko machine 10a to 10j, the sub-control device 262, which is a subordinate device thereof, plays a central role in a network in which a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j are integrated. The effect can be executed without imposing a load on the main control device 261 of each pachinko machine 10a to 10j.

Further, when the above network effect (big hit notice effect) is performed, the player who plays a game on each pachinko machine 10a to 10j is irrespective of whether or not a big hit state occurs on the pachinko machine 10 in which he / she is playing. Instead, focus on the game with the expectation that a big hit may occur. In this way, not only the players of the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot state occurs, but also all the players who play the games on the islands 1A and 1B where the game machines are installed will have a sense of expectation and the interest will be improved. Can be planned.

Further, in the present embodiment, the rise of the drive pulse waveform is detected, the drive pulse waveform including the rise is intensity-modulated based on the data signal waveform, and the data is output. That is, when the light emitting means (light emitting effect means) does not emit light, the data is transmitted according to the light emitting effect pattern, such as waiting until the next light emitting timing comes. As a result, since the light emitting means does not shine regardless of the light emitting effect, the data can be transmitted without making the player feel uncomfortable.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since each lighting pattern includes a timing for periodically lighting all three types of RGB LED chips of the LEDs 655a to 655h at the same time, data transmission is performed. It is possible to prevent problems such as the timing of performing the operation not coming for a long period of time.

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

(A) The configuration of the light emitting means and the light receiving means constituting the communication means is not limited to the above embodiment.

(A-1) For example, in the above embodiment, the LED is adopted as the light emitting means constituting the communication means, but the light emitting means is not limited to this. For example, an organic EL (electroluminescence) or a fluorescent lamp may be adopted. However, from the viewpoint of responsiveness as a communication means, it is preferable to adopt a light emitting means capable of electrically controlling light such as an LED.

Further, a liquid crystal display having a backlight, a 7-segment display, or the like may be adopted as the light emitting means. Of course, these indicators may also be used as a directing means.

For example, when a liquid crystal display is used, the transmission data encoded into a two-dimensional code such as a bar code or a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the liquid crystal display, and this is displayed on the light receiving unit 656 of another pachinko machine 10. It may be configured to be read by a (camera) and communicated between gaming machines.

Here, a color two-dimensional code may be adopted. For example, under a configuration in which the colors of the 5 × 5 squares arranged in a matrix can be switched to three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), respectively, the light emission mode (color) of each square. And arrangement) may be combined to encode and display the transmitted data. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 on the receiving side, the data may be demodulated by a method such as pattern matching in which the light receiving unit 656 (camera) reads the pachinko machine 10 and compares it with various image patterns stored in advance.

Similarly, even when a 7-segment display is used, it is possible to encode and display the transmission data by combining the light emission modes (lighting patterns and light emission colors) of each segment.

Further, a light bulb may be used as the light emitting means, and an optical shutter (liquid crystal shutter) capable of controlling the light transmittance may be provided to perform optical communication.

(A-2) In the above embodiment, a multi-color LED composed of three types of LED chips, red (R), green (G), and blue (B), is adopted as the light emitting means constituting the communication means. The configuration of the light emitting means is not limited to this. For example, an LED that outputs a single color of visible light may be adopted.

(A-3) In the above embodiment, the left and right corner lamps 103 are used as the light emitting means constituting the communication means, but the communication means is not limited to this, and other light emitting means is used as the communication means. You may use it. For example, the left and right side lamps 104 may be used. Further, when the communication target is only the front, the effect lamp provided on the game board 30 or the top lamp 102 may be used.

Of course, different light emitting means may be used as the communication means depending on the communication target. For example, the side lamp 104 may be used when communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10, and the top lamp 102 may be used when communicating with the front pachinko machine 10.

(A-4) In the above embodiment, the corner lamp 103 is used for both production and communication, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a light emitting means dedicated to communication may be provided. However, if the light emitting means is configured to be used for both production and communication, the configuration can be simplified. In addition, it is possible to use the conventional light emitting means provided for the light emitting effect for communication, and it is possible to realize communication between game machines without adding a new configuration for communication. In addition, since it is possible to communicate at the same time as the light emitting effect, the communication between the game machines does not make the player feel uncomfortable, for example, the light emitting means suddenly shines regardless of the game effect (including the demonstration display, etc.). It is also possible to do.

Further, in the above embodiment, the configuration is such that visible light communication is performed as optical communication, but if the configuration is dedicated to communication that does not also serve as an effect means, infrared communication may be performed. When invisible light such as infrared light is used, it is not necessary to perform communication according to the effect, and optical communication can be performed at an arbitrary timing.

(A-5) In the above embodiment, the corner lamp 103 has a side light emitting communication unit 651 for communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10 and a front light emitting communication unit for communicating with the front pachinko machine 10. It has a configuration with 652. Not limited to this, one light emitting means may be used to switch between left and right communication and forward communication. For example, an omnidirectional light emitting means may be provided, and the left / right communication and the front communication may be switched depending on the difference in lighting mode such as the light emitting color and the lighting pattern.

(A-6) In the above embodiment, the light emitting communication control unit 653 of one pachinko machine 10 modulates the drive pulse waveform of the light emitting unit 655 (each LED 655a to 655h) based on various data output to the outside to obtain data. The light emission communication control unit 653 of the other pachinko machine 10 that transmits and receives the light is configured to demodulate various data from the optical signal.

Not limited to this, for example, the light emission communication control unit 653 stores a plurality of light emission patterns that can be output from the LEDs 655a to 655h (light emission means) in advance in its own ROM (light emission pattern storage means), and commands from the sub control device 262. Etc., a predetermined light emission pattern corresponding to various game states, effects, etc. is selected from the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance (light emission pattern selection means), and the LEDs 655a to 655h emit light based on the light emission pattern. Under the configuration of controlling the light to be generated (light emission control means), a predetermined light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is stored in advance, and based on a command or the like from the sub control device 262. When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the predetermined light emission pattern is selected from the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance, and the light based on the predetermined light emission pattern is received from the light receiving unit 656. The light emission communication control unit 653 of the other pachinko machine 10 may be configured to extract the predetermined information from the light (information extraction means).

Here, the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is composed of light having a predetermined brightness level exceeding the threshold value δ, and the other portion is composed of light having a brightness level lower than the predetermined brightness level. If this is done, the receiving side can easily detect the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information, and the detection performance can be improved (the same applies hereinafter).

Further, if the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration is a light emitting effect means (LED 655a to 655h) that performs a predetermined effect by light. An effect pattern storage means (the light emission pattern storage means (ROM)) that stores a plurality of light emission effect patterns performed by the light emission effect means, and a plurality of effect pattern storage means stored in advance in the effect pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. An effect that controls the light emission effect means based on the effect pattern selection means (the light emission pattern selection means) that selects a predetermined light emission effect pattern from the light emission effect patterns and the light emission effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means. A pattern control means (the light emitting control means), an effect pattern detecting means (the light receiving unit 656) capable of detecting a light emission effect pattern executed by the light emission effect means provided in another game machine, and the effect pattern. An effect pattern determining means (such as the CPU of the emission communication control unit 653) for determining whether or not the light emission effect pattern detected by the detection means includes a specific light emission effect pattern, and light emission detected by the effect pattern detection means. When the effect pattern includes a specific light emission effect pattern, for example, with reference to a predetermined table or the like, a control means (sub-control device 262) capable of executing a predetermined control corresponding to the specific light emission effect pattern. It can be rephrased as a equipped game machine.

According to such a configuration, a predetermined effect pattern (for example, a premier reach effect) performed on a predetermined game machine (primary side game machine) is changed to an effect pattern of another game machine (secondary side game machine). When the detection means detects it, a predetermined control (for example, a predetermined effect control such as a notification effect for notifying that the premier reach effect or the like is being performed in the other game machine) is executed in the other game machine. To.

As a result, when a predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is performed on the predetermined game machine, the same predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is executed on the other game machine that detects this. It is possible to perform a game effect in which a plurality of game machines are related, such as executing a predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) in a chain on a plurality of game machines.

In particular, in the present embodiment, information is not transmitted and received in both directions between a predetermined game machine and another game machine, and when a predetermined effect pattern is performed in the predetermined game machine, this is performed. The configuration is such that information is only transmitted in one direction, such as when another detected gaming machine executes a predetermined control. That is, the predetermined gaming machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and does not need to execute a new special process such as command transmission, so that the complexity of the control process can be suppressed.

Further, in the various configurations described above, the sub-control device 262 stores a plurality of light emission patterns (light emission pattern storage means) instead of the light emission communication control unit 653, and various games are performed from the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance. A predetermined light emission pattern corresponding to a state, an effect, or the like may be selected (light emission pattern selection means), and the light emitted from the LEDs 655a to 655h may be controlled based on the light emission pattern (light emission control means).

(A-7) Here, a more specific configuration of the configuration described in (a-6) above will be described with reference to FIG. 56. The light emission communication control unit 653 (or the sub control device 262) includes a light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting a light emission pattern, and a plurality of light emission pattern selection counters based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. In a configuration in which a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission pattern from the light emission patterns of the above is stored in a ROM (light emission pattern selection table storage means) in advance, the predetermined information (for example, "for example," The first light emission pattern (for example, "Pattern 1" in the "commandless table" in FIG. 56) not including the pattern corresponding to the "command A", "command B" or "command C") and the predetermined information A second light emission pattern including the corresponding pattern (for example, "Pattern 1 (A)" of "Table with command A" in FIG. 56, "Pattern 1 (B)" of "Table with command B" or "With command C" A first light emission pattern selection table (for example, a "command" in FIG. 56) that stores the "pattern 1 (C)") of the "table" and corresponds to the first light emission pattern that does not include the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information. "None table") and a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission pattern including the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (for example, "command A with table" and "command B with table" in FIG. 56 ". Alternatively, when the predetermined information is externally output based on a command or the like from the sub-control device 262 by storing the "table with command C"), a second light emission including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is emitted. A second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the pattern is selected, and the second light emission pattern selection table is referred to, and the pattern including the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is included based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. The configuration may be such that the light emission pattern of 2 is selected.

Further, if the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration has a light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting the light emission effect pattern and a predetermined effect pattern. Based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to the opportunity, the effect pattern selection means stores a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission effect pattern from a plurality of light emission effect patterns. The effect pattern storage means includes a first light emission effect pattern (the first light emission pattern) that does not include the specific light emission effect pattern, and the specific light emission effect pattern. The second light emitting effect pattern including the second light emitting effect pattern (the second light emitting pattern) is stored, and the light emitting pattern selection table storage means includes a first light emitting pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emitting effect pattern and the first light emitting pattern selection table. When the second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the light emission effect pattern 2 is stored and the first condition is satisfied (for example, in a normal state), the effect pattern selection means is the light emission pattern selection counter. Based on the value, the first light emission pattern selection table is taken into consideration to control so that the light emission effect pattern can be selected, and when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the advance notice effect), In other words, the effect pattern selection means controls the light emission pattern selection means so that the light emission pattern selection table can be selected based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter in consideration of the second light emission pattern selection table. can do.

(A-8) In the above embodiment, the brightness level of each RGB color (red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip) in each LED 655a to 655h can be adjusted in a plurality of stages (for example, 10 stages). By utilizing this, a configuration capable of multiplexing a plurality of transmission data may be used.

For example, the data of "10101010", the data of "10001000", and the data of "11111111" are combined, and the red LED chips of each LED 655a to 655h are used for the brightness levels "3", "1", "2", and "1", respectively. , "3", "1", "2", and "1" may be used to multiplex and transmit three types of data.

The data multiplexing method is not limited to the method of multiplexing with each RGB color of the above-described embodiment and the method of multiplying the luminance level, and various known multiplexing methods can be adopted.

(A-9) The pachinko machine 10 is provided with an optical measuring means capable of measuring the external brightness (or brightness), and the brightness of the light emitted from the light emitting means (LEDs 655a to 655h) based on the measurement result of the optical measuring means. The level may be changed. Examples of the optical measuring means include an illuminance meter, a luminance meter, a photometer, an optical sensor equipped with a photodiode and a photomultiplier tube (photomultiplier tube).

In addition, the light emission communication control unit 653 may have a configuration in which the value of a predetermined luminance level, which is a threshold value δ for extracting the received data, can be changed. For example, when the brightness outside the pachinko machine 10 is relatively bright, the brightness level of the light emitted from the light emitting means (LEDs 655a to 655h) when transmitting data is set to level 10 (out of 10 steps) and the threshold value is set. The predetermined brightness level to be δ is set to level 9 (out of 10 steps). In the game hall, various lights such as in-store lighting and directing lights emitted from various game machines are scattered, and the light receiving means may not be able to properly detect the communication light. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the brightness level of the light emitted from the light emitting means can be made suitable according to the surrounding environment of the game machine. As a result, the stability of optical communication can be improved.

(A-10) In the above embodiment, in the normal case where the data signal waveform is not superimposed, level 8 in 10 steps is set to the upper limit luminance level (threshold value δ), and this is performed only when the data signal waveform is superimposed. It is configured to have a brightness level of level 9 or 10 beyond the above. In accordance with this, for example, a configuration may be provided in which a filter means for passing only light having a brightness level (threshold value δ) or higher of level 8 is provided.

(A-11) The light receiving unit 656 may be provided with a polarizing filter (a filter that allows only light polarized in a specific direction to pass through).

Further, with respect to the color filter of the above embodiment, by setting a specific wavelength range of light to be passed relatively narrowly, only visible light (light of each RGB color) output from each LED 655a to 655h can be passed, and other The configuration may be such that external light can be blocked.

As a result, it is less likely to be affected by the lighting inside the store in the game hall and the directing light emitted from various game machines, so that the light receiving unit 656 can easily detect the light for communication properly, and the stability of optical communication can be improved. Can be enhanced.

(A-12) In the above embodiment, as the light emitting means, eight LEDs 655a to 655h are arranged in a ring shape at predetermined intervals. The number and arrangement of light emitting means are not limited to this. For example, five LEDs may be arranged in a straight line, or a plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a matrix (for example, 3 × 3). Further, the light emitting means may be composed of one LED.

Further, a partition wall (light-shielding wall) may be provided between the adjacent LEDs 655a to 655h so that the scattered light of the LEDs 655a to 655h is not mixed. As a result, the communication quality can be improved.

Similarly, a partition wall (light-shielding wall) may be provided between each LED 655a to 655h and the light-receiving portion 656 so that the light emitted from each of the own LEDs 655a to 655h does not enter the light-receiving portion 656 of the own. ..

(A-13) The light receiving unit 656 according to the above embodiment is an image sensor (imaging means) capable of detecting light of each color of RGB emitted from all eight LEDs 655a to 655h arranged in a ring shape individually and simultaneously as two-dimensional image data. , An image sensor), a color CCD camera, a color CMOS camera, and the like.

The configuration of the light receiving unit 656 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the image sensor, a photodetector having a high communication speed may be used. Further, a one-to-one configuration may be provided in which one light receiving element (photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) is provided corresponding to one light emitting means (LED or the like) on the transmitting side.

(A-14) In the above embodiment, 8-bit data is transmitted by the red (R) component of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h, 8-bit data is transmitted by the green (G) component, and the blue (B) component transmits the 8-bit data. It is configured to transmit various data in parallel, such as 8-bit data being transmitted.

Not limited to this, for example, data may be serially transmitted by one component (for example, the red (R) component) of one LED (for example, LED655a). Of course, after multiplexing a plurality of data, serial transmission may be performed by one component (for example, red (R) component) of one LED (for example, LED655a).

Further, data may be transmitted in parallel by a plurality of components (for example, a red (R) component and a green (G) component) of one LED (for example, LED655a).

(A-15) In the above embodiment, the intensity modulation method for intensity-modulating the drive pulse waveform based on the data signal waveform is adopted as the modulation method, but the modulation / demodulation method is not limited to this. , Various known techniques can be used. For example, a pulse position modulation (PPM) that expresses the amplitude at the pulse position or a modulation method that performs modulation by on / off control that changes the pulse width of the drive pulse may be adopted.

If the transmission data is fixed (for example, when only three commands, command A, command B, and command C, are set as transmission data), various modulation patterns corresponding to the various transmission data are set in advance. It is provided with a stored modulation pattern storage means, and when transmitting predetermined data, a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined data is selected from a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storage means, and the modulation is performed. It may be configured to perform modulation based on a pattern.

(A-16) Of the light output from each of the LEDs 655a to 655h, the light whose emission intensity exceeds the threshold value δ is detected as a data signal. The data signal detection method is not limited to this.

For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a timing pulse (timing signal) that triggers detection on the receiving side is output.

As shown in FIG. 57, after transmitting a timing pulse (light) PT1 exceeding the threshold value δ and detecting the rising edge (or falling edge) of the timing pulse PT1 on the receiving side, the threshold value during a predetermined time TM1 set in advance is set. It may be configured to detect a pulse (light) less than δ as a data signal.

Further, a pulse (light) having a threshold value of less than δ during a predetermined period TM2 from the detection of the rising edge (or falling edge) of the timing pulse PT1 on the receiving side to the detection of the rising edge (or falling edge) of the next timing pulse PT2. ) May be detected as a data signal.

Although FIG. 57 shows a timing chart under a configuration in which serial transmission is performed by one light emitting element, the configuration using the timing pulse can also be adopted for parallel transmission.

Further, in parallel transmission, for example, one of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h may be used as the timing LED, and the remaining seven LEDs may be used for data transmission.

Further, instead of the above configuration, for example, a timing pulse (optical) PT1 exceeding the threshold value δ1 is transmitted, and after detecting the rising edge (or falling edge) of the timing pulse PT1 on the receiving side, during a predetermined time TM1 set in advance. A pulse (light) exceeding the threshold value δ2 in the above may be detected as a data signal. Similarly, a pulse exceeding the threshold value δ2 during a predetermined period TM2 from the detection of the rising edge (or falling edge) of the timing pulse PT1 on the receiving side to the detection of the rising edge (or falling edge) of the next timing pulse PT2 ( Light) may be detected as a data signal.

In the configuration using the timing pulse (timing signal), all the light having a threshold value less than δ can be treated as a data signal, and the light emission effect is not restricted. Therefore, for example, a plurality of light emission effect patterns are stored in advance and stored in this. It is more effective under the configuration in which the light emission effect control is performed based on the above. In such a configuration, by incorporating the timing pulse into the light emission effect pattern in advance, it is possible to detect a specific effect pattern included in the light emission effect pattern between the predetermined time TM1 and the predetermined period TM2 as a data signal. ..

(A-17) In the above embodiment, the rise of the drive pulse waveform is detected, the drive pulse waveform including the rise is intensity-modulated based on the data signal waveform, and the data is output. Not limited to this, if priority is given to prevention of delay in data transmission, the data signal may be output regardless of the presence or absence of the drive pulse, regardless of the light emission effect.

Further, when the data signal is output regardless of the drive pulse, the data output becomes inconspicuous by, for example, pre-reading the effect pattern information stored in the sub-hold buffer Bf in order to reduce the unnaturalness of light emission. The data transmission may be made to wait until the timing when such a predetermined light emission effect (for example, reach effect) is started.

(B) The wireless communication mode is not limited to the communication mode using light as a medium as in the above embodiment, and instead or in addition to this, communication may be performed using, for example, sound waves.

(B-1) For example, instead of the left and right corner lamps 103 in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 53, a speaker 1055 as a transmitting means (sound wave output means, sound wave effecting means) and a receiving means (sound wave detecting means). The microphone 1056 may be provided as a medium, and communication may be possible between a plurality of pachinko machines 10 using sound as a medium.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the left and right corner acoustic units 1050 provided at the left and right upper corners of the pachinko machine 10 are located on the left and right sides of the pachinko machine 10 in the left-right direction. The side sound communication unit 1051 provided on the side (“left side” in the left corner acoustic unit 1050, “right side” in the right corner acoustic unit 1050) and the front portion provided on the front side of the unit. It includes a sonic communication unit 1052 and a sonic communication control unit 1053 capable of controlling both sonic communication units 1051 and 1052. Each sound wave communication control unit 1053 is electrically connected to the sub control device 262, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data in both directions with the sub control device 262.

Further, a speaker 1055 and a microphone 1056 are provided on the side surface and the front surface of the corner sound unit 1050, respectively (see FIG. 53, the front side is not shown), and the side sound wave communication unit 1051 or the front sound wave communication unit 1052, respectively. Is controlled by.

The speaker 1055 and the microphone 1056 in this embodiment have directivity, and the sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 are connected to the sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 of another pachinko machine 10 arranged at positions facing each other. Each is configured so that various data can be transmitted and received by sound waves.

The speaker 1055 according to the present embodiment is configured to be used for both production and communication, and the sub-control device 262 controls the speaker 1055 at the same time as the control related to the speaker SP. It is configured in.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 55, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 has a sound buffer 1061 capable of storing voice data received from the sub control device 262 and a network that receives the voice data from the sub control device 262 and outputs the external output from the speaker 1055. In the transmission data buffer 1062 that can store various data such as commands, the voice generation unit 1063 for converting the voice data stored in the sound buffer 1061 into a voice signal, and various data stored in the transmission data buffer 1062. Based on the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 1064 that generates the data signal waveform transmitted as sound waves in a specific frequency band and the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 1064, the voice signal generated by the voice generation unit 1063. A modulation unit 1065 as a modulation means for modulating the data, an audio output unit 1066 that amplifies an audio signal generated by the audio generation unit 1063 or an audio signal modulated by the modulation unit 665 and outputs the data to the speaker 1055, and a microphone 1056 for detection. A voice memory 1067 that sequentially stores the generated voice data in chronological order, an extraction unit 1068 as a specific sound wave extraction means for extracting sound waves in a specific frequency band from the voice data stored in the voice memory 1067, and an extraction unit 1068. A demodulator 1069 as a demodulating means (information extracting means) that demolishes various data received from the microphone 1056 based on the information extracted by the above, and a reception data buffer 1070 that can store various data demolished by the demodulator 1069. It has.

Under such a configuration, for example, of the two pachinko machines 10 arranged side by side, in the left pachinko machine 10, the sub control device 262 outputs externally to the sound wave communication control unit 1053 of the right corner sound unit 1050. When various data and the like are transmitted, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 temporarily stores the data in the transmission data buffer 1062.

Subsequently, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as a sound wave signal in the signal waveform generation unit 1064 based on various data and the like stored in the transmission data buffer 1062, and based on the data signal waveform. In addition, the voice signal generated by the voice generation unit 1063 is modulated by the modulation unit 1065.

Then, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 amplifies the modulated audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 1055.

On the other hand, in the right pachinko machine 10, when the sound wave signal emitted from the left pachinko machine 10 is detected by the microphone 1056 of the side sound wave communication unit 1051 of the left corner sound unit 1050, the left corner sound unit 1050 The sound wave communication control unit 1053 sequentially stores the voice data in the voice memory 1067 in chronological order.

Next, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 extracts sound waves in a specific frequency band from the voice data stored in the voice memory 1067, and demodulates various data in the demodulation unit 1069 based on the extracted sound waves (information). Then, the various demodulated data are temporarily stored in the received data buffer 1070.

Then, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 periodically reads out the received data stored in the received data buffer 1070 and transmits it to the sub control device 262.

As a result, the data signal transmitted from the sub-control device 262 of the predetermined pachinko machine 10 is received by the sub-control device 262 of the other pachinko machine 10 using sound waves as a medium.

The "sound wave in a specific frequency band" includes not only "sound wave in the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz)" but also "sound wave outside the audible range (so-called ultrasonic wave)". Here, when ultrasonic waves are used, a speaker 1055 with a built-in ultrasonic generator is used, and a microphone 1056 with a built-in ultrasonic sensor is used.

When sound waves in the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz) are used as a communication medium, they are output in conjunction with sound effects or sound effects such as BGM so as not to give a sense of discomfort to the player or be heard as noise. There is a need.

Therefore, under the above configuration, when a sound wave in the audible range is used as a communication medium, a high-frequency sound wave having a frequency higher than a predetermined frequency (for example, a sound wave of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, a so-called mosquito sound, etc.) is used. Is preferable.

When such a mosquito sound, ultrasonic waves, or the like is used as a communication medium, it is inaudible to the human ear, so that communication can be performed at an arbitrary timing in which no sound effect is produced. In addition, since pachinko parlors and other amusement facilities prohibit people under the age of 18 from entering as customers, even if the above-mentioned high-frequency sound (mosquito sound, etc.) is used, no particular problem is likely to occur. On the contrary, by using the high frequency sound (mosquito sound or the like), it is possible to make it difficult for a person under the age of 18 to approach the amusement facility.

In the game hall, various noises such as in-store broadcasts, sounds output from the production speakers of various game machines, and sounds of game media being paid out are flying around, and simply using sound waves as a communication medium is not enough. These noises may be picked up as noise and communication may not be performed properly. On the other hand, as described above, the stability of communication can be ensured by performing communication only for sound waves in a specific frequency band.

Further, if a filter means (bandpass filter or the like) for passing only sound waves in a specific frequency band is provided corresponding to the microphone 1056 or the like, the above-mentioned effect can be further enhanced.

Further, for example, a sound wave detecting means capable of detecting the frequency of the sound wave around the pachinko machine 10 is provided, and the frequency band of the sound wave in the specific frequency band for performing data communication is changed based on the detection result of the sound wave detecting means. It may be a possible configuration. With such a configuration, data communication can be made suitable for the surrounding environment of the pachinko machine 10, and the stability of communication can be improved. Of course, in such a case, the information to change the frequency band and the information that can identify the changed frequency band are transmitted to the pachinko machine 10 on the receiving side in advance. Further, it is preferable that the filter means (bandpass filter or the like) is provided with a filter means capable of changing the frequency band of the sound wave to be passed.

In the above configuration, instead of the sub control device 262, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 is provided with a voice ROM (sound wave pattern storage means) that stores a plurality of voice data (sound wave patterns), and commands from the sub control device 262 can be sent. Based on this, predetermined audio data corresponding to various game states, effects, etc. is selected from a plurality of audio data stored in the audio ROM (sound wave pattern selection means), and the audio data is converted into an audio signal. The configuration may be such that sound is output from the speaker 1055 (sound wave control means) (the same applies hereinafter).

Further, as a modulation method for modulating the audio signal, various known techniques can be used. If the transmission data is fixed (for example, when only three commands, command A, command B, and command C, are set as transmission data), various modulation patterns corresponding to the various transmission data are set in advance. It is provided with a stored modulation pattern storage means, and when transmitting predetermined data, a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined data is selected from a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storage means, and the modulation is performed. It may be configured to perform modulation based on a pattern.

(B-2) Under the configuration of (b-1), the modulation unit 1065 has a configuration in which the audio output unit 1066 has a plurality of channels and can simultaneously output a plurality of audio signals (sound waves) to the speaker 1055. May be omitted. That is, the voice signal generated by the voice generation unit 1063 and the data signal generated by the signal waveform generation unit 1064 may be output via different channels.

(B-3) Instead of the configuration of (b-1) above, for example, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 previously stores a plurality of sound wave patterns (sound wave patterns) that can be output from the speaker 1055 (sound wave output means) into its own ROM. A predetermined sound wave pattern corresponding to various gaming states, effects, etc. is selected from the plurality of sound wave patterns stored in advance based on a command or the like from the sub-control device 262 (sound wave pattern memorizer). A predetermined sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to a predetermined information (a predetermined network command, etc.) under the configuration of controlling the sound wave output from the speaker 1055 based on the pattern selection means) and the sound wave pattern (sound wave control means). Is stored in advance, and when the predetermined information is externally output based on a command or the like from the sub control device 262, the predetermined sound wave pattern is selected from the plurality of sound wave patterns stored in advance, while the predetermined sound wave pattern is selected. The sound wave communication control unit 1053 of the other pachinko machine 10 in which the sound wave based on the predetermined sound wave pattern is detected by the microphone 1056 may be configured to extract the predetermined information from the sound wave (information extraction means).

Here, the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is composed of sound waves in a specific frequency band, and the other portion is composed of sound waves in a frequency band other than the specific frequency band. Then, the receiving side can easily detect the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information, and the detection performance can be improved (the same applies hereinafter).

Further, if the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration includes a sound effect means (speaker 1055) that performs a predetermined effect by sound. An effect pattern storage means (the sound sound pattern memorizer (ROM)) that stores a plurality of sound effect patterns performed by the sound effect means, and a plurality of sounds stored in advance in the effect pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. An effect pattern that controls the sound effect means based on the effect pattern selection means (the sound sound pattern selection means) that selects a predetermined sound effect pattern from the effect patterns and the sound effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means. By the control means (the sound wave control means), the effect pattern detecting means (mic 1056) capable of detecting the sound effect pattern executed by the sound effect means provided in another game machine, and the effect pattern detection means. The effect pattern determination means (CPU of the sound wave communication control unit 1053, etc.) for determining whether or not the detected sound effect pattern includes a specific sound effect pattern, and the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means When it includes a specific sound effect pattern, it is provided with a control means (sub-control device 262) capable of executing a predetermined control corresponding to the specific sound effect pattern by referring to, for example, a predetermined table or the like. It can be rephrased as a game machine characterized by this.

According to such a configuration, a predetermined effect pattern (for example, a premier reach effect) performed on a predetermined game machine (primary side game machine) is changed to an effect pattern of another game machine (secondary side game machine). When the detection means detects it, a predetermined control (for example, a predetermined effect control such as a notification effect for notifying that the premier reach effect or the like is being performed in the other game machine) is executed in the other game machine. To.

As a result, when a predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is performed on the predetermined game machine, the same predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is executed on the other game machine that detects this. It is possible to perform a game effect in which a plurality of game machines are related, such as executing a predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) in a chain on a plurality of game machines.

In particular, in the present embodiment, information is not transmitted and received in both directions between a predetermined game machine and another game machine, and when a predetermined effect pattern is performed in the predetermined game machine, this is performed. The configuration is such that information is only transmitted in one direction, such as when another detected gaming machine executes a predetermined control. That is, the predetermined gaming machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and does not need to execute a new special process such as command transmission, so that the complexity of the control process can be suppressed.

In addition, while using sound waves in the audible range (excluding mosquito sounds), data communication can be performed without giving a sense of discomfort to the player.

(B-4) Here, a more specific configuration of the configuration described in (b-3) above will be described with reference to FIG. 56. The sound wave communication control unit 1053 (or sub-control device 262) includes a sound wave pattern selection counter used for selecting a sound wave pattern, and a plurality of sound wave pattern selection counters based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. In a configuration in which a sound wave pattern selection table for selecting one sound wave pattern from the sound wave patterns of the above is stored in its own ROM (sound wave pattern selection table storage means) in advance, the predetermined information (for example, "for example," The first sound wave pattern (for example, "Pattern 1" in the "commandless table" in FIG. 56) that does not include the pattern corresponding to "command A", "command B", or "command C") and the predetermined information A second sound wave pattern including the corresponding pattern (for example, "Pattern 1 (A)" of "Table with command A" in FIG. 56, "Pattern 1 (B)" of "Table with command B" or "With command C" A first sound wave pattern selection table (for example, "command" in FIG. 56) that stores the "pattern 1 (C)") of the "table" and corresponds to the first sound wave pattern that does not include the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information. "None table") and a second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound wave pattern including the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (for example, "command A with table" and "command B with table" in FIG. 56 ". Alternatively, when the predetermined information is externally output based on a command or the like from the sub control device 262 by storing the “table with command C”), a second sound wave including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is stored. A second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the pattern is selected, and the second sound wave pattern selection table is referred to, and the pattern including the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is included based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter. The configuration may be such that the sound wave pattern of 2 is selected.

Further, if the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the game machine according to the above configuration is a sound pattern selection counter (the sound source pattern) used for selecting the sound effect pattern. Because the effect pattern selection means selects one sound effect pattern from a plurality of sound effect patterns based on the selection counter) and the value of the sound pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. The sound pattern selection table storage means (the sound wave pattern determination table storage means) for storing the sound pattern selection table of the above is provided, and the effect pattern storage means is a first sound effect pattern (the above-mentioned sound effect pattern) that does not include the specific sound effect pattern. The first sound effect pattern) and the second sound effect pattern (the second sound effect pattern) including the specific sound effect pattern are stored, and the sound pattern selection table storage means is the first sound. A first sound pattern selection table corresponding to the effect pattern (the first sound pattern determination table) and a second sound pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound effect pattern (the second sound pattern determination table). ), And when the first condition is satisfied (for example, in a normal state), the effect pattern selection means sets the first sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter. The sound effect pattern is controlled so as to be selectable in consideration of the reference, and when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when the advance notice effect is executed), the effect pattern selection means is the value of the sound pattern selection counter. Based on the above, it can be paraphrased as a game machine characterized in that the sound effect pattern is controlled so as to be able to be selected in consideration of the second sound pattern selection table.

(B-5) Under a configuration in which sound is used as a medium for communication between game machines, for example, a filter means (band pass filter or the like) for passing only sound waves in a specific frequency band among sound waves input from a microphone 1056 is provided. A plurality of sound waves having a plurality of frequency components may be provided, and in the data transmission process, a plurality of data may be assigned to the sound waves having a plurality of frequency components, and the plurality of data may be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted. As a result, the communication speed can be increased and the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time can be increased.

(B-6) The microphone 1056 may be provided with a sound collecting means for collecting sound waves (for example, a parabolic sound collector having a paraboloid). As a result, the directivity in a predetermined direction can be enhanced, and the stability of communication can be enhanced.

(B-7) The configuration may include a noise removing means capable of removing noise contained in the sound wave detected by the microphone 1056. With such a configuration, the stability of communication can be improved. Examples of the noise removing means include a noise canceller that removes (reduces) noise that enters from the outside by collecting ambient sound and mixing and outputting a signal having a phase opposite to this with a voice signal or the like. ..

In addition, noise may be intentionally added and output from the speaker 1055 at the time of data transmission so that communication between game machines using sound as a medium is not illegally intercepted. In such a case, the noise may be canceled by anti-phase control at the time of data reception.

(B-8) The pachinko machine 10 may be provided with a volume measuring means capable of measuring the external volume, and the output level of the sound wave output from the speaker 1055 may be changed based on the measurement result of the volume measuring means. For example, when the noise outside the pachinko machine 10 is relatively large, the volume level output from the speaker 1055 when transmitting data is changed from the normal level 7 (out of 10 levels) to level 9. With such a configuration, the output level of the sound wave can be made suitable according to the surrounding environment of the pachinko machine 10, and the stability of communication can be improved.

(B-9) In the above configuration, the speaker 1055 is used for both production and communication, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the speaker 1055 may be dedicated to communication. Further, the speaker SP may be used for production and communication.

If the speaker is configured to be used for both production and communication, the configuration can be simplified. In addition, it is possible to use a conventional speaker provided for sound production for communication, and it is possible to realize communication between game machines without adding a new configuration for communication.

(B-10) In the above configuration, the sound wave communication units 1051, 1052 (speaker 1055, microphone 1056) are controlled by the sound wave communication control unit 1053, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub control device 262 and the like may be used. The configuration may be controlled by another control means.

(B-11) In the above configuration, the corner acoustic unit 1050 has a side sound wave communication unit 1051 for communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10 and a front sound wave communication unit for communicating with the front pachinko machine 10. It is configured to include 1052. Not limited to this, one speaker may be used to switch between left-right communication and front communication. For example, it may be provided with an omnidirectional speaker and a microphone, and may be configured to switch between left and right communication and forward communication depending on the difference in the frequency band of sound waves.

(B-12) Under the configuration of (b-3) and (b-4) above, when the receiving side extracts a pattern (specific sound effect pattern) corresponding to predetermined information, an audio signal that triggers the extraction is used. It may be configured to output.

For example, an audio signal having a specific frequency may be transmitted, the audio signal may be detected on the receiving side, and then a sound pattern during a predetermined time set in advance may be detected as a data signal. Further, the receiving side may be configured to detect the sound pattern as a data signal during a predetermined period from the detection of the voice signal of the specific frequency to the detection of the next voice signal of the specific frequency.

(C) The wireless communication form is not limited to the communication form using light or sound as a medium as in the above embodiment, and instead of or in addition to this, other wireless communication forms such as radio waves may be used. By using this, the pachinko machines 10 adjacent to each other on the left and right, or the pachinko machines 10 facing each other may perform one-to-one communication between the gaming machines. As an example of a communication mode using radio waves, an example using a short-range communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be mentioned.

Of course, it is possible to give directivity to radio waves by configuring an antenna or the like. By giving the radio wave directivity, it is possible to suppress various problems that may occur when an omnidirectional radio wave as described later is used. ..

(D) In the above embodiment, the pachinko machines 10 adjacent to each other on the left and right, or the pachinko machines 10 facing each other perform one-to-one communication between the gaming machines, and various data can be sequentially transferred. However, not limited to this, one pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10a) can be combined with a plurality of pachinko machines 10 (pachinko machines 10b to 10j) by using omnidirectional or low directional light, sound, or radio waves. It may be configured to be communicable.

Further, information may be simultaneously distributed from one pachinko machine 10 to a plurality of pachinko machines 10. For example, the network effect setting command is simultaneously distributed from the pachinko machine 10a to a plurality of pachinko machines 10b to 10j, and then the network effect execution command is sequentially delivered from the pachinko machine 10 as the starting point to the left and right adjacent pachinko machines 10 or relative. It may be configured to be transferred to the facing pachinko machine 10.

(E) A configuration may be configured in which two or more wireless communication modes among the wireless communication modes using light, sound, and radio waves are combined.

(E-1) For example, using the first wireless communication mode (for example, radio wave or sound wave), the pachinko machine 10a simultaneously distributes the network effect setting command to the plurality of pachinko machines 10b to 10j, and then the second pachinko machine 10a. Depending on the wireless communication mode (for example, optical), the network effect execution command may be sequentially transferred from the starting pachinko machine 10 to the left and right adjacent pachinko machines 10 or the opposing pachinko machines 10.

(E-2) Further, between the pachinko machines 10 adjacent to the left and right, which are relatively close to each other, communication between the gaming machines is performed using the first wireless communication mode (for example, light), and the relative distances are slightly separated. The pachinko machines 10 facing each other may be configured to perform communication between the gaming machines by using a second wireless communication mode (for example, sound wave).

(E-3) The configuration may include a switching means capable of switching the wireless communication mode according to the surrounding environment of the pachinko machine 10.

For example, a reception level detecting means (which may also be used as a receiving means) capable of detecting the reception level of a communication medium (light, sound, or radio wave) is provided, and the quality of the communication state is determined based on the detection result. The wireless communication mode may be changed based on the quality determination result.

According to such a configuration, for example, in a noisy environment, light or radio waves are used for wireless communication, and in an environment where light is blocked by obstacles or bright lighting, radio waves or sound waves are used for wireless communication. By switching the wireless communication mode according to the surrounding environment of the game machine and the like, information can be transmitted and received more reliably. As a result, the communication quality can be improved.

More specifically, first, the link confirmation process (step S4901) and the link response process (step S4902) are executed by the first wireless communication mode (for example, optical), and if the link is not established by this, then The link confirmation process or the like is executed by the second wireless communication form (for example, sound), and when the link is not established by this, the link confirmation process or the like is further executed from the third wireless communication form (for example, radio wave). It may have such a configuration.

(E-4) The configuration may be a combination of two or more wireless communication modes among the wireless communication modes using light. Similarly, a configuration may be configured in which two or more wireless communication modes among the wireless communication modes using sound are combined.

For example, the link confirmation process (step S4901) and the link response process (step S4902) are executed by infrared communication (or ultrasonic communication or radio wave communication) that is difficult or unrecognizable by the player, and network commands are transmitted and received. It may be configured to be executed by visible light communication (or voice communication in the audible range) that also serves as an effect.

(E-5) Under specific circumstances (for example, during demonstration display), the player performs data communication in a wireless communication form (for example, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, radio wave communication) that is difficult or unrecognizable, and is normally used. May be configured to perform data communication in a wireless communication form (for example, visible light communication or voice communication in the audible range) that can be recognized by the player, also as an effect. With such a configuration, it is possible to perform communication between game machines without making the player feel uncomfortable, for example, during the demonstration display, the light emitting means suddenly lights up or the sound is output from the sound output means. ..

(E-6) A communication system having an excellent crime prevention effect may be constructed by combining a plurality of wireless communication modes.

For example, using a known encryption technique, the transmitted data is encrypted and output by the first wireless communication form (for example, visible light communication or voice communication in the audible range), and the decryption key is used for the second wireless communication. The data may be output in a form (for example, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, radio wave communication), and the receiving side may use the decryption key to decrypt the encrypted data. With such a configuration, the confidentiality of communication between game machines can be improved.

Further, according to the first wireless communication mode (for example, sound communication or radio wave communication), the communication medium for data communication can be changed (for example, a specific frequency band used for data communication can be changed periodically). ), The information capable of grasping the communication medium (specific frequency band used for data communication) is output in advance by the second wireless communication mode (for example, optical communication), and the receiving side grasps the above. Data may be extracted based on the information.

(F) In the above embodiment, a gaming machine network can be formed by a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j existing on two facing islands 1A and 1B, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example. The front light emitting communication unit 652 is omitted or dedicated to the production, and a game machine network is formed only by a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10e (or 10f to 10j) in the same game machine installation island 1A (or 1B). It may be configured as such. Here, the front light emitting communication unit 652 may be configured to be switchable to any of the effect communication combined mode, the communication dedicated mode, and the effect dedicated mode.

Further, the side light emitting communication unit 651 is configured to be switchable to any of the effect communication combined mode, the communication dedicated mode, and the effect dedicated mode, and for example, the network effect is executed on the predetermined game machine installation islands 1A and 1B of the game hall. It may be configured so that the person concerned in the game hall can select whether or not.

Further, in the configuration in which communication between game machines is performed using sound or radio waves, the pachinko machines 10 existing on the other game machine installation islands on the back side of the predetermined game machine installation island 1A (or 1B) are also between the game machines. It may be configured so that communication can be performed. As a result, for example, all the pachinko machines 10 of the same type existing in the game hall may be connected to the network, and a specific effect may be started at the same time in all the pachinko machines 10.

(G) The information transmitted / received by the inter-game machine communication is not limited to the network command of the above embodiment, and may be configured to be capable of transmitting / receiving other information such as other commands.

(G-1) For example, history information of the pachinko machines 10 (such as jackpot count information and ball ejection information) is transmitted and received, and the history information of each pachinko machine 10 is shared among a plurality of pachinko machines 10 constituting the network, and a predetermined value is provided. The pachinko machine 10 (for example, the pachinko machine 10a) may be configured so that the history information of another pachinko machine 10 (for example, the pachinko machines 10b to 10j) can be viewed.

(G-2) Further, image data such as still images and moving images, audio data, and the like may be transmitted and received. For example, a camera capable of capturing an image of a player may be provided, the appearance of the player of the pachinko machine 10 in which a big hit has occurred, the image data may be transmitted to another pachinko machine 10, and the image data may be displayed together with the big hit notification. Similarly, a microphone capable of recording the sound emitted by the player may be provided, and the recorded sound may be transmitted to another pachinko machine 10 and used as a production sound in the other pachinko machine 10.

(H) In the above embodiment, the link confirmation process (step S4901) for establishing the link between the pachinko machines 10 is performed once when the pachinko machine 10 (sub-control device 262) is started (the link confirmation completion flag is set). When it is turned on), it is not performed after that. Not limited to this, for example, the link confirmation completion flag may be reset periodically, and the link confirmation process or the like may be performed periodically. Further, when the network effect is executed, the link confirmation process or the like may be performed every time before that. According to such a configuration, the current situation can be grasped in real time.

(I) In the above embodiment, the sub-control device 262 pre-reads various information stored in the hold area of the sub-hold buffer Bf to determine whether or not to perform network effect, and sets network effect in advance. By outputting a command to another pachinko machine 10, the network effect is preset in the plurality of pachinko machines 10, and then the network effect is started at a predetermined timing.

Not limited to this, the sub-control device 262 executes the sub-hold buffer Bf without pre-reading the hold area of the hold buffer Bf and without outputting the network effect setting command (without pre-setting the network effect). A network effect execution command may be output when a predetermined effect is executed based on various information stored in the area, and the network effect may be executed by the plurality of pachinko machines 10 based on the output.

(J) In the above embodiment, the network effect is performed as the jackpot notice effect, but the type of the network effect is not limited to this.

(J-1) For example, when a premier reach effect or the like is performed on a predetermined pachinko machine 10, a reach notification effect for notifying the entire network to that effect may be performed as a network effect.

(J-2) Various information stored in the eight holding areas of the sub-holding buffer Bf is pre-read, and the above-mentioned execution is performed, for example, over a period in which the variable display related to the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed a plurality of times. A configuration in which a large fish school production (first network production) or the like is continuously performed a plurality of times (so-called continuous notice production) may be performed.

(J-3) A series of controls for gradually changing the effect mode may be configured. For example, the display mode of the fish school G changes stepwise, such that the fish school G displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 changes from "small fish school" to "medium fish school" and further from "medium fish school" to "large fish school". It may be configured to go on.

Further, a vibrator or the like may be arranged in the handle 18 so that the handle 18 may be vibrated before the school of fish G is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

(J-4) A player-participation-type network effect may be performed using an operation means (effect button 125, etc.) that can be operated by the player.

For example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a predetermined pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10a), a predetermined network command is sequentially transferred to another pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10b to 10j), and each pachinko machine 10 is used. , The player can execute the popularity voting effect of selecting one song from the three songs (melody A, melody B, melody C) stored in the ROM 552 of the sub-control device 262 by using the effect button 125. In addition to the configuration, the predetermined pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10a) sequentially transfers the pachinko machines 10a to 10j, and the aggregated data related to the popularity vote (for example, "5 votes" for melody A and melody B). Get "3 votes" for melody C and "2 votes" for melody C, and issue a network effect setting command to play a song (for example, melody A) determined based on the aggregated data of another pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko). The machines 10b to 10j) may be sequentially transferred, and a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j may be synchronized to play the same music (for example, melody A).

The aggregated data is variable information whose contents change each time each pachinko machine 10a to 10j is transferred. For example, at the stage when the predetermined pachinko machine 10b receives the aggregated data, the content of the aggregated data is "1 vote" for the melody A, "0 votes" for the melody B, and "0 votes" for the melody C. When the melody B is voted in the popularity voting effect on the machine 10b, the content of the aggregated data changes to "1 vote" for the melody A, "1 vote" for the melody B, and "0 votes" for the melody C. Then, when the aggregated data is transferred to the pachinko machine 10c, the aggregated data of the changed contents is transferred by the pachinko machine 10b.

(K) The effect means used as the communication means is not limited to the above-described embodiment and the like.

(K-1) For example, when communicating with the pachinko machines 10 facing each other in the front, the decorative symbol display device 42 may be used as the communication means. More specifically, the sub control device 262 stores a plurality of display effect patterns performed by the decorative symbol display device 42 (display effect means) in its own ROM 552 (display effect pattern storage means), and is based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. , A predetermined display effect pattern is selected from a plurality of display effect patterns (effect pattern selection means), and the decorative pattern display device 42 is controlled (effect pattern control means) based on the selected display effect pattern. A camera (effect pattern detecting means) capable of detecting a display effect pattern executed by the decorative pattern display device 42 provided in the other pachinko machine 10 is provided, and the sub-control device 262 has a display effect detected by the camera. Whether or not the pattern includes a specific display effect pattern (for example, premium reach effect) is determined by a method such as pattern matching (effect pattern determination means), and the display effect pattern detected by the camera is the specific effect pattern. In the case of including, a predetermined control (for example, reach notification effect) corresponding to the specific effect pattern may be executed.

(K-2) A movable accessory may be used as a communication means. For example, in a configuration including a shutter accessory that can open and close the decorative symbol display device 42 as a movable accessory, the shutter accessory may be used as a communication means. More specifically, the sub-control device 262 stores a plurality of opening / closing patterns (effect patterns) performed by the shutter accessory (effect means) in its own ROM 552 (effect pattern storage means), and is based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. A predetermined opening / closing pattern is selected from a plurality of opening / closing patterns (effect pattern selection means), and the shutter accessory is controlled based on the selected table opening / closing pattern (effect pattern control means), while the other pachinko machine 10 A camera (effect pattern detecting means) capable of detecting an opening / closing pattern executed in the shutter accessory provided in the sub-control device 262 is provided, and the opening / closing pattern detected by the camera is a specific opening / closing pattern (for example, fully open). It is determined by a method such as pattern matching whether or not it includes a pattern) (effect pattern determination means), and when the opening / closing pattern detected by the camera includes the specific opening / closing pattern, the specific opening / closing pattern is selected. The configuration may be such that the corresponding predetermined control (for example, a jackpot notification effect) can be executed.

(L) In the above embodiment, each pachinko machine 10 is configured to perform a mode shuffle effect (mode mode change effect) triggered by the first network effect (large fish school effect). That is, the effect mode of the internal effect changes based on the signal input from the outside.

The configuration in which the effect mode of the internal effect is changed based on the signal input from the outside is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be, for example, a configuration in which the variation pattern mode of the symbol in the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed. ..

(M) It may be implemented as a pachinko machine of a type different from the above embodiment.

(M-1) For example, 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 the variable winning device. Eight game balls win in 32 as one round, and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds), but the jackpot probability, the number of jackpot types, and the variable winning device 32 of various jackpot types The opening / closing pattern and the like are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set for each model.

For example, under the configuration in which the jackpot winning probability fluctuates as described above, or under the configuration in which the jackpot winning probability does not fluctuate, the period of the "high support state (time reduction state)" described later, which is given after the jackpot state ends. A configuration in which a plurality of patterns (number of fluctuations) are prepared may be prepared.

(M-2) In the above embodiment, a "high probability state" and a "low probability state" can be set as the gaming 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 "high support state" in which the fluctuation display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is shortened may be set. As a result, for example, the so-called "probability variation mode" is set in the "high probability state and high support state", the so-called "time reduction mode" is set in the "low probability state and high support state", and the so-called "high probability state and low support state" is used. It becomes the "latent mode", and becomes the so-called "normal mode" in the "low probability state and low support state".

Further, at at least one of the central starting port 33 and the right starting port 34, the starting ports 33 and 34 are in an open state in which the game ball can enter or is easily entered, and the game ball cannot or is difficult to enter. The configuration is provided with an opening / closing member that can be switched to the closed state, and when the "high support state" is set, the opening time of the starting ports 33 and 34 (opening / closing member) is lengthened, the number of times of opening is increased, and the like. The conventional configuration of the above may be combined. Further, for example, the "high probability state" or "high support state" shifts to the "low probability state" or "low support state" after the special display devices 43L and 43R perform a total of 100 fluctuation displays. It may be configured. Here, it can be said that the "high support state" is a gaming state in which the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time at the starting ports 33 and 34 is higher than the ratio in the "low support state".

More specifically, the through gate switch is provided with a through gate configured so that the game balls flowing down the game area can pass one by one, and a through gate switch capable of detecting the game balls passing through the through gate. When a game ball is detected, an open lottery is performed as to whether or not the central start port 33 or the right start port 34 is opened, and a variable display is performed on the normal symbol display device, and the open lottery is performed. If the winner is elected, the stop display is displayed in a specific manner on the normal symbol display device, and the central start port 33 or the right start port 34 (opening / closing member) is opened for a specified time or a specified number of times.

The "high support state" includes, for example, (1) a state in which the fluctuation display time in the normal symbol display device is shorter than that in the low support state, and (2) one opening of the center start port 33 or the right start port 34. The time (specified time) is longer than in the low support state, and (3) the specified number of game balls that can be entered per opening of the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 is compared to the low support state. Many states, (4) The number of times the central start port 33 or the right start port 34 is opened per winning of the open lottery is larger than that in the low support state, and (5) The winning probability of the open lottery is higher than in the low support state. It can be mentioned that the condition is high. Here, as the "high support state", any one of the configurations (1) to (5) or any combination of these configurations (1) to (5) may be adopted. As a result, the game ball can be easily won in the central start port 33 or the right start port 34, the number of times the big hit lottery is executed increases, and the decrease in the number of balls held by the player is suppressed. It becomes a state.

(M-3) Further, based on the entry of the game ball into the starting ports 33 and 34, the second is whether or not to generate the small hit state, apart from the winning or not lottery as to whether or not to generate the big hit state. If the winning or losing lottery is performed and the second winning or losing lottery is won, a small hit state may be given.

The term "small hit" as used herein means, for example, a hit in which the game state at the time of winning the small hit is continued even after the small hit game in which the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times is performed. For example, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is a high probability state, the high probability state continues even after the end of the small hit game, and if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is the normal state, the small hit is small. The normal state is continued even after the winning game is completed.

(M-4) Further, when the jackpot is won based on the entry of the game ball into the central starting port 33, and when the jackpot is won based on the entry of the game ball into the right starting port 34. It may be configured so that the ratio of the jackpot type given is different.

For example, there are "16R probability variation jackpot", "8R probability variation jackpot", "2R probability variation jackpot", "2R time saving jackpot" and "2R normal jackpot" as jackpot types, and the winning of the game ball to the central starting port 33 is an opportunity. If you win the lottery, 40% will be "16R probable jackpot", 30% will be "8R probable jackpot", 10% will be "2R probable jackpot" and 20% will be "2R". If you are assigned to one of the "normal jackpots" and win the winning or losing lottery triggered by the winning of the game ball to the right starting port 34, the percentage of "16R probability variation jackpot" is 70% and the percentage of "16R probability variation jackpot" is 20%. It may be configured to be distributed to either "2R probability variation jackpot" or "2R time saving jackpot" at a rate of 10%. Further, the "small hit" may be configured to occur only when the winning or losing lottery triggered by the winning of the game ball to the right starting port 34 is won. The above-mentioned "time saving jackpot" means a jackpot in which a "low probability state and a high support state" is given after the jackpot ends.

(M-5) 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 suspended. , 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. 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.

(M-6) In the above embodiment, the two start ports (center start port 33 and right start port 34) are provided so as to be separated from each other on the left and right, but the structure of the start port is limited to this. It's not something. 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 upper and lower directions, or may be provided with an opening / closing member capable of opening / closing the starting ports.

(M-7) The position of the variable winning device 32 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the variable winning device 32 may be arranged in the right side region of the variable display device unit 35 (a position where the game ball flowing down the left side region of the variable display device unit 35 cannot be reached). In such a configuration, when the player continues the act of firing the game ball toward the left side region of the variable display device unit 35 (hereinafter, such an act is referred to as "left-handed") as in the normal case, the variable winning prize is obtained. The game ball cannot be won by the device 32. Therefore, when a jackpot state occurs, the player performs an act of firing a game ball toward the right side region of the variable display device unit 35 (hereinafter, such an act is referred to as “right-handed”).

(N) In addition to pachinko machines, various game machines such as arrange ball machines and similar sparrow balls, slot machines as spinning-type game machines, and game machines that combine slot machines and pachinko machines. You may.

(O) The communication partner that performs data communication by the wireless communication mode such as the optical communication is not limited to the gaming machines such as the pachinko machine 10 as in the embodiment. For example, if it is an electronic device having the same communication means as the pachinko machine 10, data communication may be possible between the electronic device and the pachinko machine 10. Electronic devices include, for example, a platform machine (sand) installed on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball counter (jet counter) placed at a location away from the pachinko machine 10, and a player. An example is a portable device.

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 A1. A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
In a game machine provided with a game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
A transmission means capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the game machine (reception means of other game machines, etc.) in a predetermined wireless communication form (light, sound, etc.), and
A receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted in the predetermined wireless communication form from the outside of the game machine (transmitting means of another game machine, etc.) and
A gaming machine provided with a control means (for example, a sub control device or the like) capable of executing a predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) based on the information received by the receiving means. ..

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". "," 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 ", and the like.

Granting the "game value" includes, for example, paying out a game medium such as a prize ball, and giving a special game state advantageous to the player.

The "wireless communication form" means a "communication form in which information is transmitted using a wireless medium without using a communication cable or the like". Here, the "wireless medium" means a "medium (transmission path) for wireless communication", and includes, for example, radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, sound waves, ultrasonic waves, and the like. The "various information" to be sent and received includes commands, game data, voice, images, and the like.

According to the means A1, it is possible to output information to the outside and input information from the outside using a wireless medium. As a result, various information such as commands can be transmitted / received (two-way communication) between a plurality of game machines, and various controls such as game production can be performed based on information input from the outside of the game machine.

Means A2. The gaming machine according to means A1, wherein various information can be transmitted and received between a plurality of gaming machines including itself.

According to the means A2, a game machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself is configured. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects on a plurality of game machines. For example, it is possible to perform a game effect in which a plurality of game machines are related, such as performing a predetermined game effect such as a display effect in synchronization or interlocking with a plurality of game machines. As a result, it is possible to make the game production more diverse and improve the interest for the player, as compared with the configuration in which each game machine only performs various game productions individually.

In addition, as one of the configurations in which a plurality of game machines are synchronized and the same effect is simultaneously performed in each game machine, for example, the power supplies of the plurality of game machines are turned on at the same time, and a predetermined timer provided in each game machine is synchronized. Therefore, it is conceivable that the same effect is produced in each game machine by adjusting the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power supply is turned on or when the predetermined time is reached.

However, in such a configuration, for example, if some trouble occurs in one game machine during business hours and the power of only the game machine is turned on again, the timer time of only the game machine shifts, and the timer time of the other game machine shifts. There is a risk that it will not be synchronized with the game machine.

On the other hand, according to this means, it is possible to appropriately communicate between a plurality of game machines and to cooperate with each other such as synchronization, so that the above-mentioned problems are less likely to occur.

Further, according to this means, since communication between game machines can be performed by a wireless method, it is not necessary to connect a plurality of game machines with a communication cable or the like.

It should be noted that a communication cable can be used for data communication (communication between game machines) between a plurality of game machines (for example, a plurality of game machines can be communicated directly by a communication cable or indirectly via an island facility or the like. (Connecting to) is also conceivable, but in such a configuration, various problems as shown below may occur.

Conventionally, a large number of various cables have been arranged on the back side of the game machine or inside the island equipment. Therefore, if a communication cable for communication between game machines is arranged here, a communication error may occur due to the influence of noise or the like. There is a risk that communication between game machines cannot be performed properly, such as data corruption.

In addition, when installing the game machine on the island facility, wiring work of the communication cable is required, so that the installation work takes time and effort. Further, the communication function may not operate normally due to a poor connection of the communication cable or a connection error by the worker.

In addition, when the game machine is provided with an external input terminal for connecting a communication cable for communication between game machines, an illegal signal is input to the game machine via the terminal or the communication cable connected to the terminal. There is a risk of fraudulent acts such as so-called "hanging".

On the other hand, according to this means, it is not necessary to use a communication cable for communication between game machines, so that wiring can be simplified on the back side of the game machine or inside the island equipment, or when a new game machine is introduced. It is possible to simplify the work at the time of replacement.

In addition, it is less likely to be affected by noise or the like from other cables, and since connection defects of communication cables and connection mistakes by workers do not occur, communication between game machines can be performed more appropriately.

Further, since it is not necessary to newly provide an external input terminal for connecting a communication cable for communication between game machines in the game machine, fraudulent acts such as "hanging" are less likely to occur.

Means B1. A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
In a game machine provided with a game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
A light emitting means (LED or the like) capable of emitting predetermined light (for example, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of about 1 nm to 1 mm such as visible light or infrared light) and
A light receiving means (photodiode, image sensor, etc.) capable of detecting the predetermined light, and
A transmission means capable of controlling the light emitting means and transmitting various information to the outside of the game machine (reception means of another game machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using light.
A receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted in a wireless communication mode using the light from the outside of the game machine (transmitting means of another game machine, etc.) based on the light detected by the light receiving means.
A gaming machine provided with a control means (for example, a sub control device or the like) capable of executing a predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) based on the information received by the receiving means. ..

According to the means B1, the same effects as those of the means A1 are exhibited. In particular, in this means, a light wave is used as a wireless communication medium (carrier wave) when performing communication between game machines.

As a wireless communication form that does not use a communication cable, a communication form that uses so-called radio waves (electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of about 1 mm or more) is generally known. However, in recent years, a wide variety of radio waves such as wireless LANs and mobile phones have been flying around in the game hall. Therefore, when radio waves are used for communication between game machines, there is a possibility that communication between game machines cannot be properly performed due to the influence of other radio waves. On the contrary, it is possible that radio waves for communication between game machines may affect other electronic devices such as game machines and ball lending machines.

When a carrier wave with low directivity such as omnidirectional radio waves is used, one game machine of different island facilities facing each other (for example, in front of the predetermined game machine) from a predetermined game machine. , And there is a risk that information will be transmitted to a total of three gaming machines arranged on the left and right of the gaming machine).

In addition, when a carrier wave that is easily diffracted such as radio waves or sound waves is used, for example, when information is transmitted from a predetermined game machine to another game machine arranged on the left side or the right side of the carrier wave by radio waves or the like, the information is immediately adjacent. There is a risk that information may be transmitted to two adjacent game machines in the same island facility beyond the game machines arranged in.

Furthermore, in recent game machines such as pachinko machines, radio waves that detect radio waves are used as a countermeasure against fraudulent acts called radio waves that cause the ball entry detection switch to malfunction using a device that emits radio waves. There are also gaming machines equipped with detection sensors. Therefore, if the directivity of the radio wave transmitted from the transmitting means is low, the radio wave may be detected by the radio wave detection sensor.

In addition, even if the frequency band (channel) used for each game machine is set individually, a frequency band that does not interfere with radio waves is secured for each game machine in the game hall where a large number of game machines are installed. It is difficult to do, and it takes a lot of time and effort to set it up.

In particular, in a game hall, since a large number of game machines are densely arranged in a narrow area such as an island facility, the above-mentioned various problems are likely to occur.

On the other hand, since the frequency of the light wave is higher than that of the radio wave or the sound wave, the straightness is strong and it is difficult to diffract behind the shield or the like. Furthermore, the directivity can be easily and inexpensively increased by using an existing device such as an LED. As a result, the predetermined information can be transmitted only from the predetermined game machine to a specific partner (for example, one game machine of different island facilities facing the front of the predetermined game machine). As a result, it is possible to properly communicate between each game machine and reduce information leakage to the outside without setting a different channel for each game machine.

Furthermore, since light waves have a higher frequency (shorter wavelength) than radio waves and sound waves, they have a large amount of data that can be transmitted and received within a predetermined time (higher data communication speed), which increases the speed and capacity of communication between game machines. Can be planned.

Means B2. The transmission means
A modulation means capable of modulating the light emitted from the light emitting means based on various information output to the outside of the game machine is provided.
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to means B1, characterized in that the demodulation means capable of demodulating various information from the light detected by the light receiving means is provided.

The same applies to the following, but "modulation" means that various information such as voice, image, and data are placed on radio waves, light waves, or sound waves as carrier waves. That is, it is a process of converting parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase, etc.) of a carrier wave such as a sine wave or a pulse wave according to various information in the form of an electric signal (baseband signal). It includes processing such as synthesizing signal waves according to information. On the other hand, "demodulation" means extracting various information such as original voice, image, and data from a modulated wave (radio wave, light wave, or sound wave which is a modulated carrier wave).

Further, the modulation process includes, for example, a modulation pattern storage means for storing various modulation patterns corresponding to various information in advance, and a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storage means when transmitting predetermined information. It also includes a configuration in which a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is selected from the above and modulation is performed based on the modulation pattern.

As the modulation / demodulation method, various known techniques such as an intensity modulation method in which the drive current of the light emitting element is changed to perform intensity modulation of output light (modulation of emission intensity) can be used.

If the modulation processing is performed as in the above means B2, not only the information stored in advance but also various information generated at any time and variable information (time information, etc.) whose contents change as appropriate can be transmitted. Since it is possible, more complicated data can be transmitted and received between game machines and the like. As a result, it becomes possible to perform a wider variety of productions, and it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

Means B3. A light emission pattern storage means that stores a plurality of light emission patterns in advance,
A light emitting pattern selecting means capable of selecting one light emitting pattern from a plurality of light emitting patterns stored in the light emitting pattern storage means based on a predetermined opportunity.
A light emitting control means capable of controlling the light emitted from the light emitting means based on the selected light emitting pattern is provided.
The light emitting pattern storage means
A predetermined light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to a predetermined information (command, etc.) is stored in advance.
The transmission means
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the light emission pattern selection means controls to select the predetermined light emission pattern from the plurality of light emission patterns.
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to means B1, wherein the information extracting means capable of extracting the predetermined information from the light detected by the light receiving means is provided.

According to the means B3, when outputting various information to the outside, it is only necessary to control the light emitting means based on a preset light emitting pattern, so that it is not necessary to perform a modulation process or the like as in the means B2 at any time, and the control is performed. The processing can be simplified. Further, under the configuration of the means B3, the following configuration may be used.

For example, "A light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting the light emission pattern and
Based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined opportunity, the light emission pattern selection means stores a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission pattern from a plurality of light emission patterns. Equipped with a light emission pattern selection table storage means
The light emitting pattern storage means
A first light emission pattern that does not include a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information,
A second light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is stored and stored.
The light emission pattern selection table storage means
A first light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission pattern,
A second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission pattern is stored in the storage.
The transmission means
When the predetermined information is not output to the outside, the light emitting pattern selection means can select the light emitting pattern based on the value of the light emitting pattern selection counter by referring to the first light emitting pattern selection table. Control and
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the light emission pattern selection means can select the light emission pattern based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter by referring to the second light emission pattern selection table. It may be a "control" configuration.

With such a configuration, it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be taken into consideration depending on the presence or absence of information to be output externally, so that the control process can be simplified.

Means B4. The light emitting means is configured to be capable of emitting at least visible light (for example, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of about 380 nm to 780 nm).
The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B3, wherein the light receiving means is configured to be capable of detecting at least visible light.

According to the means B4, visible light communication can be performed between a plurality of game machines and the like.

Even if the lighting state or the light emitting intensity of the light emitting means is changed at high speed, it is difficult for the human eye to recognize this change, and it looks like it is always lit. Therefore, a light emitting means for visible light communication can be used as illumination light. In other words, visible light communication can be performed by using the existing light emitting means provided for lighting and directing. In addition, there is little possibility that the light emission effect or the like will be hindered.

Further, since visible light is visible unlike radio waves and infrared rays, it is possible to easily grasp the communication status and set the communication environment. As a result, even if the fraudster inputs a signal to the light receiving means using a fraudulent device, the fraudulent activity is likely to be detected at an early stage.

In addition, when visible light is used, even if it is output with higher power (high signal intensity) than infrared rays or the like, it has little influence on the human body or the like, and communication stability can be improved.

Means B5. The light emitting means is configured to be capable of emitting a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths (for example, red (R), green (G), blue (B), infrared, etc.) individually and simultaneously (for example, a plurality of light emitting colors having different emission colors). Equipped with a light emitting element),
The transmitting means is configured so that the plurality of types of light can be individually controlled.
The light receiving means is configured to be capable of detecting each of the plurality of types of light.
The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B4, wherein the receiving means is configured so that various types of information can be individually extracted from the plurality of types of light.

According to the means B5, various information can be transmitted / received by a combination of light emitting modes of a plurality of color components (combination of lighting states of a plurality of light emitting elements having different light emitting colors). For example, the lighting state (lighting or extinguishing) of each light emitting element of one multicolor LED having three light emitting elements of a red (R) component, a green (G) component, and a blue (B) component. ) Is switched, and data for 3 bits can be transmitted at one lighting timing of the multicolor LED. Therefore, data for 3 bits can be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted. As a result, the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time can be increased without increasing the modulation speed.

Means B6. With a plurality of the light emitting means arranged at different positions,
The transmitting means is configured to be able to individually and simultaneously control the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting means.
The light receiving means is configured to be capable of simultaneously detecting light emitted from the plurality of light emitting means.
The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B5, wherein the receiving means is configured to be able to extract various information from the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting means.

According to the means B6, various information can be transmitted / received by a combination (relative positional relationship) of lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of a plurality of light emitting means arranged at different positions. For example, by combining the lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of eight LEDs arranged in a straight line, 8-bit data can be transmitted at one timing. Further, when the configurations of the means B5 are combined, for example, one multicolor LED having three light emitting elements of a red (R) component, a green (G) component, and a blue (B) component. When eight are arranged, it is possible to transmit data for 24 bits at one timing. As a result, the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time can be increased.

Means B7. The light receiving means is provided with a plurality of light receiving elements capable of detecting the predetermined light (for example, a line sensor in which light receiving elements such as photodiodes are linearly arranged, or a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in a matrix. The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B6, characterized by (area sensor, etc.).

According to the means B7, the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting means can be detected at the same time, and the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time can be increased.

Further, as compared with the case where optical communication is established by, for example, one LED (light emitting unit serving as a transmitting means) and one photodiode (light receiving unit serving as a receiving means), the transmitting means of a predetermined gaming machine can be used. , It is not necessary to accurately align the optical axis with the receiving means of other game machines, and even if the direction of the optical axis of the light emitting means with respect to the light receiving means is slightly deviated, the deviation is caused. It can be tolerated. As a result, problems such as optical communication due to an installation error of the game machine are unlikely to occur, so that it is not necessary to strictly align the optical axis when the game machine is installed, and the work can be simplified. As a result, even when the distance between the game machines (communication distance) is relatively long, deterioration of communication quality can be suppressed.

Means B8. The transmission means
Based on various information output to the outside of the game machine, when light is emitted from the light emitting means, light having a predetermined brightness level or higher is emitted as the light.
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B7, characterized in that various information is extracted from the light detected by the light receiving means at a predetermined brightness level or higher.

In recent years, LED lighting and the like are generally configured to enable dimming control of illumination light by driving an LED with a drive current of a pulse waveform by pulse width control (PWM). Therefore, in such an LED lighting device capable of dimming control, there is a possibility that proper optical communication cannot be performed by simply performing on / off control of the LED or the like.

On the other hand, according to the means B8, for example, in a normal time when the data signal waveform is not superimposed, level 8 in 10 steps is set to the upper limit luminance level (threshold value), and when the data signal waveform is superimposed, this is the case. Stable optical communication can be performed by using only the light having a predetermined luminance level or higher as the light for communication, such that the luminance level exceeds the above and becomes the luminance level of level 9 or 10.

Further, under the configuration of the means B8, for example, "a light measuring means capable of measuring the brightness (or brightness) outside the game machine is provided, and the light emitted from the light emitting means based on the measurement result of the light measuring means. The brightness level of the light can be changed, and the value of the predetermined brightness level, which is a threshold value for the receiving means to extract various information, may be changed. Examples of the optical measuring means include an illuminance meter, a luminance meter, a photometer, an optical sensor equipped with a photodiode and a photomultiplier tube (photomultiplier tube).

In the game hall, various lights such as in-store lighting and directing lights emitted from various game machines are scattered, and the light receiving means may not be able to properly detect the communication light. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the brightness level of the light emitted from the light emitting means can be made suitable according to the surrounding environment of the game machine. As a result, the stability of optical communication can be improved.

Means B9. The gaming machine according to means B8, wherein the light receiving means includes a filter means for passing only light having a predetermined brightness level or higher.

According to the means B9, the effect of the means B8 can be further enhanced.

Means B10. The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B9, wherein the light receiving means includes a polarizing filter (a filter that allows only light polarized in a specific direction to pass through).

As described above, in the game hall, various lights such as in-store lighting and directing lights emitted from various game machines are scattered, and the light receiving means may not be able to properly detect the communication light. In this regard, by providing a polarizing filter as in the means B10, the occurrence of such a problem can be reduced and the stability of optical communication can be improved.

Means B11. The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B10, characterized in that various information can be transmitted and received between a plurality of gaming machines including itself.

According to the means B11, a game machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself is configured. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects on a plurality of game machines. For example, it is possible to perform a game effect in which a plurality of game machines are related, such as performing a predetermined game effect such as a display effect in synchronization or interlocking with a plurality of game machines. As a result, it is possible to make the game production more diverse and improve the interest for the player, as compared with the configuration in which each game machine only performs various game productions individually.

Means B12. The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B11, wherein the light emitting means is a light emitting effect means capable of executing a predetermined light emitting effect.

According to the means C12, since the light emitting means can be used for both the production and the communication, the configuration can be simplified. In other words, it is possible to use the conventional light emitting means provided for the light emitting effect for communication, and it is possible to realize communication between game machines without adding a new configuration for communication.

In addition, since it is possible to communicate at the same time as the light emitting effect, the communication between the game machines does not make the player feel uncomfortable, for example, the light emitting means suddenly shines regardless of the game effect (including the demonstration display, etc.). It is also possible to do.

Means C1. A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
In a game machine provided with a game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Sound wave output means (speakers, ultrasonic generators, etc.) capable of outputting sound waves (including sounds in the audible range and ultrasonic waves outside the audible range),
Sound wave detection means (microphone, ultrasonic receiver, etc.) that can detect sound waves,
A transmission means capable of controlling the sound wave output means and transmitting various information to the outside of the game machine (reception means of another game machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using sound waves.
A receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted in a wireless communication mode using the sound waves from the outside of the game machine (transmitting means of another game machine, etc.) based on the sound waves detected by the sound wave detecting means.
A gaming machine provided with a control means (for example, a sub control device or the like) capable of executing a predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) based on the information received by the receiving means. ..

According to the means C1, the same effects as those of the means A1 are exhibited. In particular, in this means, sound waves are used as a wireless communication medium (carrier wave) when performing communication between game machines.

If light is used as a communication medium, the light may be blocked by a part of the inter-table machine such as a ball lending machine arranged between two adjacent game machines on the left and right, or the player may use the light as a communication medium. There is also concern about problems such as the light being blocked when inserting bills and cards, and the light being disturbed by the smoke of cigarettes flowing in the game store.

On the other hand, when sound waves are used as a communication medium, proper communication can be performed between the two game machines even if there is an obstacle between the game machines as described above.

Further, it is not necessary to strictly align the transmitting means of the predetermined gaming machine with the receiving means of the other gaming machine, and some misalignment can be tolerated. As a result, it is possible to simplify the work when installing the game machine. As a result, even when the distance between the game machines (communication distance) is relatively long, deterioration of communication quality can be suppressed.

Means C2. The transmission means
A modulation means capable of modulating the sound wave output from the sound wave output means based on various information output to the outside of the game machine is provided.
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to means C1, wherein the demodulation means capable of demodulating various information from the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection means is provided.

According to the above means C2, by performing the modulation process, it is possible to transmit not only the information stored in advance but also various information generated at any time and variable information (time information, etc.) whose contents change as appropriate. Therefore, more complicated data can be transmitted and received between game machines and the like. As a result, it becomes possible to perform a wider variety of productions, and it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

Means C3. A sound wave pattern storage means that stores a plurality of sound wave patterns in advance,
A sound wave light pattern selection means capable of selecting one sound wave pattern from a plurality of sound wave patterns stored in the sound wave pattern storage means based on a predetermined opportunity.
A sound wave control means capable of controlling the sound wave output from the sound wave output means based on the selected sound wave pattern is provided.
The sound wave pattern storage means
A predetermined sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to a predetermined information (command, etc.) is stored in advance.
The transmission means
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection means controls to select the predetermined sound wave pattern from the plurality of sound wave patterns.
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to means C1, wherein the information extracting means capable of extracting the predetermined information from the sound waves detected by the sound wave detecting means is provided.

According to the means C3, when outputting various information to the outside, it is only necessary to control the sound wave output means based on a preset sound wave pattern, so that it is not necessary to perform modulation processing or the like as in the means C2 at any time. The control process can be simplified. Further, under the configuration of the means C3, the following configuration may be used.

For example, "A sound wave pattern selection counter used for selecting the sound wave pattern and
Based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined opportunity, the sound wave pattern selection means stores a sound wave pattern selection table for selecting one sound wave pattern from a plurality of sound wave patterns. Equipped with a sound wave pattern selection table storage means
The sound wave pattern storage means
A first sound wave pattern that does not include a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information,
A second sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is stored and stored.
The sound wave pattern selection table storage means
The first sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the first sound wave pattern and
The second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound wave pattern is stored, and
The transmission means
When the predetermined information is not output to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection means can select the sound wave pattern based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter by referring to the first sound wave pattern selection table. Control and
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection means can select the sound wave pattern based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter by referring to the second sound wave pattern selection table. It may be a "control" configuration.

With such a configuration, it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be taken into consideration depending on the presence or absence of information to be output externally, so that the control process can be simplified.

Means C4. The sound wave output means is configured to be capable of outputting sound waves in at least a specific frequency band.
The sound wave detecting means is configured to be capable of detecting sound waves in at least the specific frequency band.
The transmission means
It is configured to control the sound wave output means and to transmit various information to the outside of the game machine by the sound wave of the specific frequency band.
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to C3, characterized in that various information can be extracted from the sound waves of the specific frequency band detected by the sound wave detecting means.

In the game hall, various noises such as in-store broadcasts, sounds output from the production speakers of various game machines, and sounds of game media being paid out are flying around, and simply using sound waves as a communication medium is not enough. These noises may be picked up as noise and communication may not be performed properly. On the other hand, the stability of communication can be ensured by performing communication limited to sound waves in a specific frequency band as in the means C4.

Means C5. The gaming machine according to means C4, wherein the receiving means includes a filter means (bandpass filter or the like) for passing only sound waves in the specific frequency band.

According to the means C5, the effect of the means C4 can be further enhanced.

Means C6. The gaming machine according to means C4 or C5, wherein the sound wave in the specific frequency band is a sound wave outside the audible range.

If sound waves in the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz) are used as a communication medium, it is necessary to output them in conjunction with sound effects or effects such as BGM so as not to give the player a sense of discomfort. By using a sound wave outside the audible range (for example, an ultrasonic wave beyond the audible range) as a communication medium, as in the means C5, it is possible to perform communication at an arbitrary timing.

Means C7. Described in means C4 or C5, wherein the sound wave in the specific frequency band is a sound wave having a frequency higher than a predetermined frequency (for example, a sound wave having a frequency of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, a so-called mosquito sound) among the sound waves in the audible range. Game machine.

As humans age, the audible range shrinks, making it difficult for humans to hear high-frequency sounds. Therefore, although there are individual differences, high-frequency sound waves (such as the so-called mosquito sound) of a predetermined frequency (for example, 17 kHz) or higher among the sound waves in the audible range are often heard by minors, but are heard by people of older ages. Is said to be difficult to hear.

Therefore, according to the means C7, the same action and effect as those of the means 6 are exhibited. In addition, since pachinko parlors and other amusement facilities prohibit people under the age of 18 from entering as customers, even if the above-mentioned high-frequency sound (mosquito sound, etc.) is used for communication, a special problem will occur. Hateful. On the contrary, by using the high frequency sound (mosquito sound or the like), it is possible to make it difficult for a person under the age of 18 to approach the amusement facility.

Means C8. The sound wave output means is configured to be capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies.
The sound wave detecting means is configured to be capable of detecting a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies.
The transmission means
It is configured to control the sound wave output means and to transmit various information to the outside of the game machine by a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies.
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C7, characterized in that various information can be individually extracted from a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies detected by the sound wave detecting means.

According to the means C8, a plurality of data are assigned to sound waves having a plurality of frequency components, and the combination thereof enables transmission and reception. That is, a plurality of data can be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted. As a result, the communication speed can be increased and the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time can be increased.

Here, the sound wave detecting means includes a plurality of filter means (bandpass filter or the like) for passing only sound waves in a specific frequency band as described in the means C5, corresponding to sound waves having a plurality of frequency components. As a result, the action and effect of the means C8 can be made more reliable.

Means C9. The means for receiving any of the means C1 to C8, wherein the receiving means includes a sound collecting means for collecting sound waves (for example, a parabolic sound collecting device having a paraboloid) with respect to the sound wave detecting means. Game machine.

According to the means C9, the directivity in a predetermined direction can be enhanced, and the stability of communication can be enhanced.

Means C10. The gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C9, wherein the receiving means includes a noise removing means capable of removing noise contained in a sound wave detected by the sound wave detecting means.

By providing the noise removing means as in the means C10, it is possible to remove (reduce) the noise contained in the sound wave detected by the sound wave detecting means, and it is possible to improve the stability of communication. Examples of the noise removing means include a noise canceller that removes (reduces) noise that enters from the outside by collecting ambient sound and mixing and outputting a signal having a phase opposite to this with a voice signal or the like. ..

Means C11. Equipped with a volume measuring means that can measure the volume outside the game machine,
The transmission means
The gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C10, wherein the output level of the sound wave output from the sound wave output means can be changed based on the measurement result of the volume measuring means.

As described above, various noises such as in-store broadcasts, sounds output from the production speakers of various game machines, and sounds of game media being paid out are scattered in the game hall, so the magnitude of these noises is large. Depending on the situation, communication may not be performed properly.

On the other hand, according to the means C11, the output level of the sound wave is changed according to the surrounding environment of the game machine by changing the output level of the sound wave output from the sound wave output means based on the measurement result of the volume measuring means. It can be suitable. As a result, the stability of communication can be improved.

Means C12. The gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C11, characterized in that various information can be transmitted and received between a plurality of gaming machines including itself.

According to the means C12, a game machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself is configured. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects on a plurality of game machines. For example, it is possible to perform a game effect in which a plurality of game machines are related, such as performing a predetermined game effect such as a display effect in synchronization or interlocking with a plurality of game machines. As a result, it is possible to make the game production more diverse and improve the interest for the player, as compared with the configuration in which each game machine only performs various game productions individually.

Means C13. The gaming machine according to any one of means C1 to C12, wherein the sound wave output means is a sound effect means capable of executing a predetermined sound effect.

According to the means C13, since the sound wave output means can be used for both the production and the communication, the configuration can be simplified. In other words, it is possible to use the conventional sound wave output means provided for sound production for communication, and it is possible to realize communication between game machines without adding a new configuration for communication.

In addition, since it is possible to communicate at the same time as the sound effect, communication between game machines does not make the player feel uncomfortable, for example, sudden sound is produced regardless of the game effect (including demonstration display, etc.). It is also possible to do.

Means D1. A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
In a game machine provided with a game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Production means (light emitting means, display means, audio output means, etc.) that perform a predetermined effect,
An effect pattern storage means that stores a plurality of effect patterns performed by the effect means,
An effect pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined effect pattern from a plurality of effect patterns stored in the effect pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition.
An effect pattern control means that controls the effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means,
An effect pattern detecting means capable of detecting an effect pattern executed by the effect means provided in another game machine, and an effect pattern detecting means.
An effect pattern determining means for determining whether or not the effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detecting means includes a specific effect pattern,
When the effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detecting means includes the specific effect pattern, it is possible to execute a predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) corresponding to the specific effect pattern. A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with a control means (for example, a sub control device or the like).

According to the means D1, the effect pattern detecting means of another game machine (secondary side game machine) detects a predetermined effect pattern performed on the predetermined game machine (primary side game machine). As a result, the other gaming machine executes a predetermined control (for example, a predetermined effect control). As a result, for example, when a predetermined effect is performed on a predetermined game machine, the same predetermined effect is executed on another game machine that detects the effect, and the predetermined effect is performed on a plurality of game machines. It is possible to perform a game effect in which a plurality of game machines are related, such as executing in a chain. As a result, it is possible to make the game production more diverse and improve the interest for the player, as compared with the configuration in which each game machine only performs various game productions individually.

In particular, in this embodiment, information is not transmitted / received in both directions between a predetermined game machine and another game machine, and this is detected when a predetermined effect pattern is performed in the predetermined game machine. The configuration is such that information is only transmitted in one direction, such as when another gaming machine performs a predetermined control. That is, the predetermined gaming machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and does not need to execute a new special process such as command transmission, so that the complexity of the control process can be suppressed.

Means D2. A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
In a game machine provided with a game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Light emitting effect means (including liquid crystal display means, etc.) that perform a predetermined effect with light, and
An effect pattern storage means that stores a plurality of light emission effect patterns performed by the light emission effect means, and
An effect pattern selection means that selects a predetermined light emission effect pattern from a plurality of light emission effect patterns stored in advance in the effect pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition.
An effect pattern control means that controls the light emission effect means based on the light emission effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means, and
An effect pattern detecting means capable of detecting a light emission effect pattern executed by the light emission effect means provided in another game machine, and an effect pattern detecting means.
An effect pattern determining means for determining whether or not the light emission effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific light emission effect pattern.
When the light emitting effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detecting means includes a specific light emitting effect pattern, a predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) corresponding to the specific light emitting effect pattern is executed. A gaming machine characterized by being provided with a possible control means (for example, a sub control device or the like).

According to the means D2, the same effects as those of the means D1 are exhibited. In particular, when the light effect is used as in this means, the directivity can be easily and inexpensively increased by using an existing device such as an LED. As a result, the predetermined information can be transmitted only from the predetermined game machine to a specific partner (for example, one game machine of different island facilities facing the front of the predetermined game machine).

Means D3. A light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting the light emission effect pattern, and
A light emission pattern selection table for the effect pattern selection means to select one light emission effect pattern from a plurality of light emission effect patterns based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined opportunity. Equipped with a light emission pattern selection table storage means to store
The effect pattern storage means
A first light emitting effect pattern that does not include the specific light emitting effect pattern, and
A second light emitting effect pattern including the specific light emitting effect pattern is memorized.
The light emission pattern selection table storage means
A first light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission effect pattern, and
The second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission effect pattern is stored in the storage.
When the first condition is satisfied (for example, in a normal state), the effect pattern selection means refers to the first light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter to obtain a light emission pattern. Control so that it can be selected,
When the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the advance notice effect), the effect pattern selection means takes into consideration the second light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. The gaming machine according to means D2, wherein the light emitting effect pattern is controlled so as to be selectable.

According to the means D3, for example, the first condition is satisfied by storing a similar first light emitting effect pattern and a second light emitting effect pattern that differ only in whether or not a specific light emitting effect pattern is included. If (for example, during normal times), the predetermined effect is performed only on the predetermined game machine, and if the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the advance notice effect), only the predetermined game machine is used. In addition, it is possible to diversify the effects without causing the player to feel a sense of discomfort, such that a predetermined effect is also performed on another game machine that has detected the specific light emission effect pattern. Further, since it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be taken into consideration depending on the presence or absence of a specific light emitting effect pattern, the processing can be simplified.

Means D4. The light emitting effect means is configured to be capable of individually and simultaneously emitting a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths (for example, red (R), green (G), blue (B), infrared, etc.) (for example, a plurality of light emitting colors having different emission colors). The gaming machine according to means D2 or D3, which comprises the light emitting element of the above.

According to the means D4, various effects can be produced by combining the light emitting modes of the plurality of color components (combining the lighting states of the plurality of light emitting elements having different light emitting colors), and the interest can be improved.

Further, by combining the light emitting modes of the plurality of color components, it is possible to diversify the specific light emitting effect pattern detected by the other game machine, and similarly to the above means B5, another game can be performed from the predetermined game machine. The amount of information that can be transmitted to the machine at the same time can be increased.

Means D5. The gaming machine according to any one of means D2 to D4, characterized in that the plurality of light emitting effect means arranged at different positions are provided.

According to the means D5, various effects can be performed by combining the lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of a plurality of light emitting effect means arranged at different positions (relative positional relationship), and it is possible to improve the interest. it can.

In addition, it is possible to diversify specific light emitting effect patterns detected by other gaming machines by combining lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of a plurality of light emitting effect means arranged at different positions (relative positional relationship). As with the means B6, the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted from a predetermined game machine to another game machine can be increased.

Means D6. The light emitting effect means is configured to be capable of emitting light having a predetermined brightness level or higher.
The specific light emission effect pattern is composed of light having a predetermined brightness level or higher.
The gaming machine according to any one of means D2 to D5, wherein the other light emitting effect patterns other than the specific light emitting effect pattern are composed of light having a brightness level lower than the predetermined brightness level.

According to the means D6, the effect pattern detecting means can easily detect a specific light emission effect pattern as compared with other light emission effect patterns. As a result, the detection performance of the effect pattern detecting means can be improved.

Means D7. A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
In a game machine provided with a game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
Sound production means that produces a predetermined effect by sound,
An effect pattern storage means that stores a plurality of sound effect patterns performed by the sound effect means, and
An effect pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined sound effect pattern from a plurality of sound effect patterns stored in advance in the effect pattern storage means based on the establishment of a predetermined condition.
An effect pattern control means that controls the sound effect means based on the sound effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means, and
An effect pattern detecting means capable of detecting a sound effect pattern executed by the sound effect means provided in another game machine, and an effect pattern detecting means.
A sound effect pattern determining means for determining whether or not the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detecting means includes a specific sound effect pattern, and
When the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detecting means includes a specific sound effect pattern, a predetermined control (control of a predetermined effect means such as a display means) corresponding to the specific sound effect pattern is executed. A gaming machine provided with a possible control means (for example, a sub control device).

According to the means D7, the same effects as those of the means D1 are exhibited. In particular, when the sound effect is used as in this means, even if there is an obstacle between the game machines, the sound effect can be detected by another game machine. If the light effect is used, the light may be blocked by a part of the inter-table machine such as a ball lending machine arranged between two adjacent game machines on the left and right, or the player may use the light effect. There is a concern that the light may be blocked when the banknotes or cards are inserted, or that the light may be disturbed by the smoke of cigarettes flowing in the game store.

Means D8. The sound pattern selection counter used to select the sound production pattern and
A sound pattern selection table for the effect pattern selection means to select one sound effect pattern from a plurality of sound effect patterns based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. Equipped with a sound pattern selection table storage means to memorize
The effect pattern storage means
A first sound effect pattern that does not include the specific sound effect pattern, and
A second sound effect pattern including the specific sound effect pattern is memorized and stored.
The sound pattern selection table storage means
A first sound pattern selection table corresponding to the first sound effect pattern, and
A second sound pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound effect pattern is stored in the table.
When the first condition is satisfied (for example, in a normal state), the effect pattern selection means refers to the first sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter to obtain a sound effect pattern. Control so that it can be selected,
When the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the advance notice effect), the effect pattern selection means takes into consideration the second sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter. The gaming machine according to means D7, characterized in that the sound effect pattern is controlled so as to be selectable.

According to the means D8, for example, the first condition is satisfied by storing a similar first sound effect pattern and a second sound effect pattern that differ only in whether or not a specific sound effect pattern is included. In the case of (for example, normal time), the predetermined effect is performed only on the predetermined game machine, and when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when the advance notice effect is executed), only the predetermined game machine is used. In addition, it is possible to diversify the effects without making the player feel uncomfortable, such that a predetermined effect is also performed on another game machine that has detected the specific sound effect pattern. Further, since it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be taken into consideration depending on the presence or absence of a specific sound effect pattern, the processing can be simplified.

Means D9. The sound producing means is configured to be capable of outputting sound waves in at least a specific frequency band.
The effect pattern detecting means is configured to be capable of detecting sound waves in at least the specific frequency band.
The specific sound effect pattern is composed of sound waves in the specific frequency band.
The gaming machine according to means D7 or D8, wherein the sound effect pattern other than the specific light emission effect pattern is composed of sound waves other than the specific frequency band.

According to the means D9, the effect pattern detecting means can easily detect a specific sound effect pattern as compared with other sound effect patterns. As a result, the detection performance of the effect pattern detecting means can be improved.

Means D10. The gaming machine according to means D9, wherein the sound wave in the specific frequency band is a sound wave outside the audible range.

According to the above means D10, by using sound waves outside the audible range (for example, ultrasonic waves beyond the audible range) that cannot be heard by the human ear, sound effects or BGM or the like are produced so as not to give the player a sense of discomfort. It is possible to suppress the decline in interest.

Means D11. The game according to means D9, wherein the sound wave in the specific frequency band is a sound wave having a frequency higher than a predetermined frequency (for example, a sound wave having a frequency of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, a so-called mosquito sound) among the sound waves in the audible range. Machine.

According to the means D11, the same effects as those of the means D10 are exhibited. In addition, since pachinko parlors and other amusement facilities prohibit people under the age of 18 from entering as customers, even if the above-mentioned high-frequency sound (mosquito sound, etc.) is used, no particular problem is likely to occur. On the contrary, by using the high frequency sound (mosquito sound or the like), it is possible to make it difficult for a person under the age of 18 to approach the amusement facility.

Means E1. A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
In a game machine provided with a game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process.
A right-hand communication means that can send and receive various information in a predetermined wireless communication form (light, sound, etc.) on its right side.
It is equipped with a left-side communication means that can send and receive various information in a predetermined wireless communication form (light, sound, etc.) on its left side.
The right-side communication means is configured to be able to communicate with the left-side communication means of another game machine with which it faces.
The left-side communication means is configured to be able to communicate with the right-side communication means of another game machine with which it faces.
A game machine characterized in that various information can be transmitted and received between a plurality of game machines including itself.

According to the means E1, a game machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself is configured. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects on a plurality of game machines. As a result, it is possible to make the game production more diverse and improve the interest for the player, as compared with the configuration in which each game machine only performs various game productions individually. As a result, the same action and effect as those of the above means A2 are exhibited.

Means E2. A right-hand communication determining means for determining whether or not the right-side communication means can communicate with the left-side communication means of another gaming machine facing the right-side communication means.
Based on the determination result of the right-side communication determination means, when it is not possible to communicate with the left-side communication means of another game machine, a plurality of game machines (game machine networks) capable of transmitting and receiving themselves are configured. A right-end storage means that can store information indicating that the game machine is located at the right-end of a plurality of gaming machines),
A left-side communication determining means for determining whether or not the left-side communication means can communicate with the right-side communication means of another gaming machine facing the left-side communication means.
Based on the determination result of the left-side communication determination means, if it is not possible to communicate with the right-side communication means of another game machine, a plurality of game machines (game machine networks) capable of transmitting and receiving themselves are configured. A gaming machine characterized in that it is provided with a leftmost storage means capable of storing information indicating that it is a gaming machine located at the leftmost end of a plurality of gaming machines).

According to the means E2, the right end and the left end of the game machine network can be grasped by determining whether or not the communication means can communicate with the communication means of another game machine. As a result, for example, when performing a chained effect on a plurality of game machines, it is possible to set the starting point and the ending point, and the effect is not uncomfortable when performing a network effect using the game machine network. be able to.

Means E3. The right communication means
Right front communication capable of communicating with the left communication means of another game machine facing on the right side of itself and the left communication means of another game machine facing in front of itself With means,
The left side communication means
Left front communication capable of communicating with the right communication means of another game machine facing on the left side of itself and left front communication capable of communicating with the right communication means of another game machine facing in front of itself. The gaming machine according to means E1, characterized in that it is provided with means.

According to the game machine according to the means E3, not only the game machines located on the left and right sides of the game machine (game machines in the same island facility) but also the front side, that is, the opposite side facing the island facility in which the player is installed. It will be possible to form a network with the game machines installed in the island facilities, and it will be possible to further improve the interest.

Means E4. A right-side communication determining means for determining whether or not the right-side communication means can communicate with the left-side communication means of another gaming machine facing the right-side communication means.
Based on the determination result of the right-side communication determination means, when it is not possible to communicate with the left-side communication means of another game machine, the right front communication means is the left front of the other game machine facing the right front communication means. Right front communication determination means that determines whether or not communication with the communication means is possible,
Based on the determination results of the right-side communication determining means and the right-front communication determining means, a plurality of gaming machines capable of transmitting and receiving themselves when communication is not possible with the left-side communication means of another gaming machine. A right-most storage means capable of storing information indicating that the game machine is located at the right-end of (a plurality of game machines constituting the game machine network), and
A left-side communication determining means for determining whether or not the left-side communication means can communicate with the right-side communication means of another gaming machine facing the left-side communication means.
Based on the determination result of the left side communication determination means, when communication with the right side communication means of another game machine is not possible, the left front communication means is the right front of the other game machine facing the right front communication means. The left front communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the communication means is possible,
Based on the determination results of the left-side communication determination means and the left-front communication determination means, a plurality of gaming machines capable of transmitting and receiving themselves when communication is not possible with the right-side communication means of another gaming machine. The gaming machine according to means E3, which is provided with a leftmost storage means capable of storing information indicating that the gaming machine is located at the leftmost end of (a plurality of gaming machines constituting a gaming machine network).

According to the means E4, the same effects as those of the means E2 are exhibited.

Means E5. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, predetermined information (command, etc.) is sent to the left side communication means or the right side communication means of another game machine facing the right side communication means and at least one of the left side communication means. Is configured to be sendable,
When predetermined information is received from another game machine via one of the right side communication means or the left side communication means, the other facing the right side communication means or the other side of the left side communication means. The predetermined information can be transmitted to the left side communication means or the right side communication means of the game machine.
The right communication means
In transmitting the predetermined information, it is determined whether or not it is possible to communicate with the left side communication means of another game machine on which the player is facing.
Based on the determination result, if it is not possible to communicate with the left side communication means of another game machine, the transmission of the predetermined information is stopped.
The left side communication means
In transmitting the predetermined information, it is determined whether or not it is possible to communicate with the right side communication means of another game machine on which the player is facing.
Described in any one of means E1 to E4, characterized in that transmission of the predetermined information is stopped when communication with the right-side communication means of another game machine is not possible based on the determination result. Game machine.

According to the means E5, predetermined information can be appropriately transferred to a plurality of game machines constituting the game machine network. As a result, for example, when performing a chained network effect from one end of a plurality of game machines connected in series to the other end of the game machine, it is possible to perform an effect without discomfort.

Means E6. The predetermined information output or the predetermined information received from the other game machine via one of the right side communication means or the left side communication means, and the other via the other side of the right side communication means or the left side communication means. Equipped with a comparison means to compare with predetermined information received from the game machine,
The predetermined information output or the predetermined information received from the other game machine via one of the right side communication means or the left side communication means, and the other via the other side of the right side communication means or the left side communication means. The gaming machine according to means E5, characterized in that transmission of the predetermined information is stopped when the predetermined information received from the gaming machine matches.

According to the means E6, appropriate information transfer can be performed in a game machine network in which a plurality of game machines are connected in a ring shape.

Means E7. Production means (for example, light emitting means, display means, audio output means, etc.) capable of performing various effects, and
It is provided with an effect control means (for example, a sub control device or the like) for controlling the effect means.
The effect control means
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the information to execute the specific process (for example, the advance notice effect process) is set at the predetermined timing, and the other game machine is set via the right side communication means or the left side communication means. , Outputs a control signal (for example, a command) to the effect that the specific process is executed at a predetermined timing.
When the control signal is input from another game machine via the right side communication means or the left side communication means, information to the effect that the specific process is executed at a predetermined timing can be set.
The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E6, characterized in that the specific process is executed at a predetermined timing based on the setting information to execute the specific process and the effect means is controlled.

According to the means E7, it is possible to perform a network effect in which a plurality of effect means related to a plurality of game machines are related. For example, it is possible to perform a game effect in which a plurality of game machines are related, such as performing a predetermined game effect such as a display effect in synchronization or interlocking with a plurality of game machines. As a result, it is possible to make the game production more diverse and improve the interest for the player, as compared with the configuration in which each game machine only performs various game productions individually.

Means E8. The right side communication means and the left side communication means, respectively.
A light emitting means (LED or the like) capable of emitting predetermined light (for example, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of about 1 nm to 1 mm such as visible light or infrared light) and
A light receiving means (photodiode, image sensor, etc.) capable of detecting the predetermined light, and
A transmission means capable of controlling the light emitting means and transmitting various information to the outside of the game machine (reception means of another game machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using light.
Based on the light detected by the light receiving means, it is provided with a receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted in a wireless communication mode using the light from the outside of the game machine (transmitting means of another game machine, etc.). The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E7.

According to the means E8, the same effects as those of the means B1 are exhibited.

Means E9. The right side communication means and the left side communication means, respectively.
Sound wave output means (speakers, ultrasonic generators, etc.) capable of outputting sound waves (including sounds in the audible range and ultrasonic waves outside the audible range),
Sound wave detection means (microphone, ultrasonic receiver, etc.) that can detect sound waves,
A transmission means capable of controlling the sound wave output means and transmitting various information to the outside of the game machine (reception means of another game machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using sound waves.
Based on the sound waves detected by the sound wave detecting means, it is provided with a receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted in a wireless communication form using the sound waves from the outside of the game machine (transmitting means of another game machine or the like). The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E7.

According to the means E9, the same effects as those of the means C1 are exhibited.

Means E10. The right side communication means and the left side communication means, respectively.
It is configured to be able to send and receive various information in a wireless communication form using at least one of light, sound and radio waves.
The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E9, characterized in that the wireless communication mode can be switched according to a situation (for example, the environment around the gaming machine).

The wireless communication quality varies greatly depending on the environment around the game machine. For example, in a bright lighting environment, communication quality may deteriorate when wireless communication is performed by light, or when wireless communication using sound is performed in a noisy environment, communication quality may deteriorate. There is.

On the other hand, according to the means E10, for example, in a noisy environment, light or radio waves are used for wireless communication, and in an environment where light is blocked by obstacles or the lighting is bright, radio waves or sound waves are used for wireless communication. Information can be transmitted and received more reliably by switching the wireless communication mode according to the surrounding environment of the game machine, such as using it. As a result, the communication quality can be improved.

Means E11. A main control means provided with the lottery means and the game value adding means,
It is provided with a sub-control means that is electrically connected to the main control means and can execute a predetermined control based on at least a control signal from the main control means.
A gaming machine configured to be able to communicate from the main control means to the sub control means in only one direction.
The sub control means
At least the right side communication means and the left side communication means are configured to be controllable.
The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E10, characterized in that various information can be transmitted and received between a plurality of gaming machines including itself without going through the main control means.

According to the means E11, the sub control means can transmit and receive various information (commands and the like) to and from the sub control means of another game machine based on its own judgment without going through the main control means. As a result, it becomes possible for the sub-control means in a plurality of game machines to cooperate with each other to perform an effect or the like without using the main control means. As a result, while the main control means performs normal game control in each game machine, the sub-control means, which is a subordinate to the main control means, plays a central role in producing a production in which a plurality of game machines are integrated. It can be executed without imposing a load on the control means.

Means E12. The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E11, characterized in that time information that can be shared between a plurality of gaming machines including itself can be transmitted and received as one of the various information.

According to the means E12, each gaming machine can perform various processes based on the common time information without being influenced by the time information or the like set in the game machine. For example, the start timing of a specific effect can be matched. More specifically, for example, an elapsed time measuring means capable of measuring the elapsed time elapsed since each gaming machine receives the time information, and a subtraction capable of subtracting a value corresponding to the elapsed time from the time information. An example is a configuration in which the means is provided and the time information after the subtraction can be output to another game machine.

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 operation means operated by the player (game ball launch handle), a launch means for flipping and launching the game ball based on the operation of the operation means (launch solenoid, etc.), and the launching It is 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, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special game is provided. A ball game machine in which a state occurs "is mentioned.

B. The game machine in each of the above means, or the ball game machine, 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 of the embodiment, "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.

D. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused (particularly, a gaming machine of a slot machine specification that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium: a ball-using rotating cylinder gaming 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 (symbols) 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 string 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. The game value is given on the condition that the information is specific identification information, and a ball saucer (upper plate, etc.) is provided to take in the game ball from the ball saucer, and the ball saucer An example is a game machine provided with a payout means for paying out a game ball, and configured so that a game start condition is satisfied when the game ball is taken in by the take-in means.

1A, 1B ... Game machine installation island, 10 (10a-10e, 10f-10j) ... Pachinko machine, 42 ... Decorative pattern display device, 45 ... Display control device, 103L ... Left corner lamp, 103R ... Right corner lamp, 261 ... Main control device, 262 ... Sub control device, 420 ... Display unit, 651 ... Side light emitting communication unit, 652 ... Front light emitting communication unit, 653 ... Light emitting communication control unit, 654 ... Lamp cover, 655 ... Light emitting unit, 655a ~ 655h ... LED, 656 ... light receiving unit, 661 ... light emission control buffer, 662 ... transmission data buffer, 663 ... drive pulse waveform generation unit, 664 ... signal waveform generation unit, 665 ... modulation unit, 666 ... LED drive unit, 667 ... image Memory, 668 ... image processing unit, 669 ... demodulation unit, 670 ... received data buffer, C7 ... mode switching counter, C8 ... network production counter, G ... fish school, Z ... decorative pattern, Mf ... mode flag, SP ... speaker.

Claims (1)

A lottery means that performs lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity,
A variable display means that displays a change and then displays a stop in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process.
A game value giving means capable of giving a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
Producing means to perform a predetermined production and
An effect pattern selection means for selecting an effect pattern to be performed by the effect means,
In a gaming machine provided with an effect control means for controlling the effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means.
Equipped with a detection means that can detect external input,
The production pattern selection means is
The effect pattern selection counter used to select the effect pattern,
A pattern selection table storage means for storing a plurality of effect pattern selection tables for selecting one effect pattern from a plurality of effect patterns based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter acquired due to the predetermined opportunity. With and
When there is no predetermined input from the outside, the first effect pattern selection table is selected from the plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. It is configured to refer to and select the effect pattern.
When a predetermined input is received from the outside, a second effect pattern selection table is selected from a plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to select the effect pattern with reference to.

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