JP2021171509A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a novel game machine.SOLUTION: (a) A Pachinko machine mounts a sub-control board (a performance control CPU without VDP) and a liquid crystal board (a low-specification compact liquid crystal drawing CPU), and performs mutual command communication with the boards. (b) In the highest-order bit (head bit) of an initialization command system and a normal command system transmitted from the sub-control board, START and END are set to "1" and the others are set to "0" (A1). (c) In a packet type of the normal command system transmitted from the sub-control board, "retransmission flag" is provided. (d) In the highest-order bit of a command system transmitted from the liquid crystal board, ones without any data are set to "0" and the others are set to "1". (e) Commands are outputted from the liquid crystal board to the sub-control board for the amount of time permitting twice reading, and the sub-control board performs twice reading by phase interruption after transmission of commands. By the configuration, command communication can be performed normally even under an environment in which noise occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 70

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes a game.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing initial setting every short time even when an operation mode different from the original operation is entered due to some external factor (static electricity, radio waves, etc.).
Patent Document 2 provides a refresh process for setting the playback volume of all playback channels of a voice processor that may be used for voice production to a specified value, and in the voice production executed in response to the fluctuation production, As a general rule, it discloses the technology to carry out the refresh process in advance.
Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for displaying a two-dimensional code of information indicating that an error has occurred on a display unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-093895 JP-A-2017-124327 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-151214

In recent years, only similar gaming machines have been proposed, and innovative gaming machines are desired.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel gaming machine.

The present invention employs the following solutions to solve the above problems. The following solutions and the wording in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the present invention can be an invention including at least one specific matter for each invention shown in the following solutions. Further, each invention specifying matter shown in the following solution can be made into a subordinate concept by adding an element limiting the invention specifying matter, and can be made into a higher concept by deleting the element limiting the invention specifying matter. ..

[Noise-resistant send / receive command format]
Solution A1: The gaming machine of the present solution includes a first board and a second board that can communicate with the first board using a predetermined command, and the predetermined command is a specific bit and a predetermined command. A non-specific bit other than the specific bit is included, and the specific bit differs depending on whether the game information required for controlling the game is communicated or the communication information required for controlling the communication is communicated. It is a gaming machine characterized in that a value is stored.

The present solution has the following configurations.
(1) A first substrate is provided. The first substrate is, for example, a sub-control substrate.
(2) A second board capable of communicating with the first board of the above (1) by using a predetermined command is provided. The second substrate is, for example, a liquid crystal substrate.

(3) The predetermined command in (2) above includes a specific bit (most significant bit) and a non-specific bit other than the specific bit (bit below the most significant bit to the least significant bit). The specific bit may be a bit other than the most significant bit, or may be a plurality of bits.

(4) In the specific bit of (3) above, different values are stored depending on whether the game information required for controlling the game is communicated or the communication information required for controlling the communication is communicated. .. For example, "0" is stored when communicating game information required for game control, and "1" is stored when communicating communication information required for communication control.

According to this solution, since the communication rules for specific bits are unified, it is easy to take measures against noise (it is easy to identify the occurrence of noise), and command communication can be performed normally even in an environment where noise is generated. As a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

Solution A2: In any of the above-mentioned solutions, the gaming machine of the present solution is that the game information includes information on a destination of the predetermined command, information on the number of the predetermined commands, and the predetermined command. The gaming machine is characterized by including at least one of information regarding the content, information regarding the consistency of the predetermined command, and information regarding the response of the predetermined command.

In the present solution, the game information includes information on the destination of a predetermined command (device selection, packet type), information on the number of predetermined commands (number of commands), information on the content of the predetermined command (data), and predetermined information. It contains at least one of information about command integrity (sum) and information about the response of a given command (success, thumb error, buffer over, INC error, initialization complete, reset occurrence).

According to this solution, a large amount of information can be collectively handled as game information, and an information system that makes it easy to take measures against noise can be obtained.

Solution A3: In any of the above-mentioned solutions, the gaming machine of the present solution does not have information indicating that the communication information is the first command, information indicating that it is the last command, or data. The gaming machine is characterized by including at least one piece of information indicating the above.

In the present solution, the communication information has no information (START) indicating that it is the first command in the series of commands, information indicating that it is the last command in the series of commands (END), and no data. Includes at least one of the indicated information (no data).

According to this solution, a large amount of information can be collectively handled as communication information, and an information system capable of easily taking noise countermeasures can be obtained.

[Communication refresh processing of LCD board]
Solution B1: The gaming machine of the present solution includes a first substrate and a second substrate capable of communicating with the first substrate, and the second substrate receives communication when communicating with the first substrate. It is a gaming machine characterized in that communication is performed while updating variables that manage the stages of the above, and when communication with the first board is completed, an initialization process for initializing the variables is executed. ..

The present solution has the following configurations.
(1) A first substrate is provided. The first substrate is, for example, a sub-control substrate.
(2) A second substrate capable of communicating with the first substrate of the above (1) is provided. The second substrate is, for example, a liquid crystal substrate.

(3) When communicating with the first board of the above (1), the second board of the above (2) communicates while updating the variable that manages the reception stage of the communication, and the above (1) When the communication with the first board of the above is completed, the initialization process (refresh process) for initializing the variables is executed.

According to this solution, since the second board executes the initialization process every time the communication with the first board is completed, the influence of noise can be removed at the end of the communication, and in an environment where noise is generated. However, command communication can be performed normally, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

Solution B2: In any of the above-mentioned solutions, the gaming machine of the present solution returns a command to the received command when the second board receives a command from the first board, and commands. This is a gaming machine characterized in that the initialization process is executed after the reply of is completed.

In the present solution, when a command is received from the first board, the second board returns the command to the received command (sets reply data and reverse data), and after the command reply is completed, the initial state Execute the conversion process (refresh process).

According to this solution, since the initialization process is executed after a series of processes related to command transmission / reception is completed, the initialization process is executed without interfering with the series of processes, or after the series of processes is completed. The initialization process can be executed in the remaining time.

[Code drawing]
SOLUTION: The gaming machine of the present solution means a display means, a generation means for generating basic data for displaying a predetermined code on the display means, and a game machine for displaying the predetermined code on the display means. When the storage means that stores the enlargement ratio and the predetermined code are displayed on the display means, the basic data is increased based on the enlargement ratio to obtain enlarged data, and the predetermined code is obtained based on the enlarged data. It is a gaming machine provided with a display control means for displaying a code.

The present solution has the following configurations.
(1) It is equipped with a display means. The display means is, for example, a liquid crystal display.
(2) The display means of the above (1) is provided with a generation means for generating basic data for displaying a predetermined code (two-dimensional code).
(3) The display means of the above (1) is provided with a storage means for storing the enlargement ratio (for example, 1 time, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, etc.) when displaying a predetermined code.

(4) When displaying a predetermined code on the display means of the above (1), the basic data of the above (2) is increased to obtain enlarged data based on the enlargement ratio of the above (3), and the predetermined code is determined based on the enlarged data. It is equipped with a display control means for displaying the code of.

According to this solution, since a predetermined code is displayed based on the enlargement ratio, it is possible to display a predetermined code that matches the size of the display means and is easy to read by a portable information processing terminal, and as a result. , Can provide a novel gaming machine.

Solution C2: In any of the above-mentioned solutions, the gaming machine of the present solution means that when the display control means increases the basic data based on the enlargement ratio, the display means is in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. It is a gaming machine characterized in that the data corresponding to the above is increased by the same number according to the enlargement ratio.

In the present solution, when the display control means increases the basic data based on the enlargement ratio, the display control means increases the data corresponding to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the display means in the basic data by the same number according to the enlargement ratio. For example, when the enlargement ratio is 2, the data of "1x1" is the data of "2x2", and when the enlargement ratio is 3, the data of "1x1" is the data of "3x3". When the enlargement ratio is 4, the data of "1x1" is regarded as the data of "4x4".

According to the present solution, since the number of data corresponding to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the display means is increased by the same number according to the enlargement ratio, the basic data can be increased by unified and concise processing.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the game board unit alone. It is a perspective view which showed the central accessory device from the diagonally upper left. It is a figure explaining the details of the structure of the root distribution part, and the distribution operation in the 1st distribution operation part. It is a figure explaining the details of the structure of the root distribution part, and the distribution operation in the 1st distribution operation part. It is a figure which shows the detail of the structure of the ascending device taxiway. It is a figure which shows the structure of the lifting device and the detail of a drive mechanism. It is a figure which shows the state of the ascending state of the game ball by the ascending device. It is a figure which shows the state of the ascending state of the game ball by the ascending device. It is a figure for demonstrating the sorting operation in the 1st observatory stage. It is the figure which showed by extracting a part of the tower main body located inside the 1st observatory stage. It is a figure for demonstrating the sorting operation in the 2nd observatory stage. It is the figure which showed by extracting a part of the tower main body located inside the 2nd observatory stage. It is the front view which shows the part of the game board unit enlarged. It is a block diagram which shows various electronic devices equipped in a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the block diagram around the sub-control board. It is a game flow diagram which shows the flow of a game by a pachinko machine as an example. It is a game flow diagram which shows roughly the flow of the 1st distribution operation of the 1st stage executed in the movable ball entry accessory device. It is a game flow diagram which shows roughly the flow of the 2nd distribution operation of the 2nd stage executed in the movable ball entry accessory device. It is a game flow diagram which shows roughly the flow of the game in the time shortened state which shifts after a big hit. It is a timing chart which shows the change of various states which occur through the game flow which progresses in a movable ball entry accessory device. It is a timing chart which shows the change of various states which occur through the game flow which progresses in a movable ball entry accessory device. It is a figure which shows the detail of the operation of a movable ball entry accessory device. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the procedure example of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the procedure example of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the power-off occurrence check process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of an interrupt management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a switch input event processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the 1st special symbol memory processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the 2nd special symbol memory processing. It is a flowchart which shows the configuration example of the special game management process. It is the figure which showed the value of "special game management status" and the progress progress of the special game corresponding to each value in a list. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the special symbol change start waiting process. It is a figure which shows the constituent column of the 1st special symbol stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows the constituent column of the 2nd special symbol stop symbol selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the small hit time accessory device opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the small hit time accessory device closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the operation end processing of the accessory device at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the big hit time accessory device operation start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the jackpot time accessory device opening processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the jackpot time accessory device closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the operation end processing of a jackpot accessory device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the time saving state management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the limiter management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the solenoid control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a motor management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the display output management process. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect which is executed when it corresponds to "small hit symbol 1". It is a continuous figure which shows the example of the effect which is executed when it corresponds to "small hit symbol 2" (1/2). It is a continuous figure which shows the example of the effect which is executed when it corresponds to "small hit symbol 2" (2/2). It is a figure which shows the example of the effect which is executed when a game ball enters a big winning opening opened at the time of a small hit. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect which is executed when a game ball enters a chance area hole. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect which is executed when a game ball passes through various areas. It is a figure which shows the example of the effect which is executed when a game ball passes through various areas. It is a continuous figure which shows the big role production performed during a big hit game when it corresponds to "10 round big hit" (1/4). It is a continuous figure which shows the big role production performed during a big hit game when it corresponds to "10 round big hit" (2/4). It is a continuous figure which shows the big role production performed during a big hit game when it corresponds to "10 round big hit" (3/4). It is a continuous figure which shows the big role production performed during a big hit game when it corresponds to "10 round big hit" (4/4). It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the CPU initialization process and the effect control main process in an effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the interrupt process in an effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the configuration example of the effect management process at the time of operation of a movable ball entry accessory device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of 2D code management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a subcommand management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the process at the time of receiving a subcommand. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the processing at the time of the reception full interrupt occurrence. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of 2D code display processing. It is a figure which shows the receiving format of the subcommand transmitted from the sub-control board to the liquid crystal board (1/2). It is a figure which shows the receiving format of the subcommand transmitted from the sub-control board to the liquid crystal board (2/2). It is a figure which shows the transmission format of the subcommand which is transmitted from a liquid crystal board to a sub-control board. It is a figure which shows the transmission / reception flow (time series) of the subcommand of a sub-control board and a liquid crystal board. It is a figure which shows the transmission / reception flow (state transition) of the subcommand of a sub-control board and a liquid crystal board. It is a figure which shows the outline of the clock synchronous serial communication. It is a figure which shows the outline of the refresh process in the clock synchronous serial communication. It is a figure which shows the outline of the control process at the time of displaying a 2D code. It is a figure which shows the usage of the 2D code.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. Further, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and the player borrows the game ball from the game hall operator and plays the game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each of the game balls is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. It can be converted into a game value based on the number of. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Here, in the present specification, the left side is the left side when viewed from the player who is seated so as to face the pachinko machine 1, the right side is the right side when viewed from the player, and the upper side is the top side when viewed from the player. The explanation is that the lower side is the lower side when viewed from the player, the front side is the front side when viewed from the player, and the back side is the rear side when viewed from the player.

[Overall configuration of gaming machines]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame assembly 2, a glass frame unit 4, a saucer unit 6, and a plastic frame assembly 7 (game machine frame) as its main body. Of these, the outer frame assembly 2 is a structure in which wood is combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and this outer frame assembly 2 uses fasteners such as screws for island equipment (not shown) in the amusement park. Is fixed.

The other glass frame unit 4, the saucer unit 6, and the plastic frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame assembly 2, and each of them operates in an openable and closable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening / closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end portion when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge portion (left edge portion in FIG. 2) of the plastic frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. 1. Correspondingly, locking tools (not shown) are also provided on the right edge (back side) of the glass frame unit 4 and the outer frame assembly 2. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state where the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame assembly 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side thereof together with the locking tool is the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly. It makes it impossible to open 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyway is provided on the right edge of the saucer unit 6. For example, when the manager of the amusement park inserts a dedicated key into the keyway and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates and the glass frame unit 4 and the saucer unit 6 can be opened together with the plastic frame assembly 7. It becomes a state. When all of these are opened from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the plastic frame assembly 7 is locked, and the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game field can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. Further, when the glass frame unit 4 is opened, the lock mechanism (not shown) of the saucer unit 6 is exposed. When the lock mechanism is released in this state, the saucer unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the plastic frame assembly 7.

Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes the above-mentioned game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the plastic frame assembly 7 above behind (inside) the glass frame unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the plastic frame assembly 7 with the glass frame unit 4 open to the front side, for example. A vertically elongated circular window 4a is formed in the central portion of the glass frame unit 4, and a glass unit (without reference numeral) is mounted in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut according to the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is openably and closably attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 via a hinge mechanism (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface so that the game ball can flow down.

The plate unit 6 has a shape that protrudes from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side as a whole, and an upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. The upper plate 6b can store a game ball (rental ball) lent to the player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize. Further, in the saucer unit 6, a lower plate 6c is formed at a lower position of the upper plate 6b. In the lower plate 6c, a game ball further paid out with the upper plate 6b full is stored. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a model connected to the CR unit, and the game ball borrowed by the player is a plate unit 6 (upper plate 6b or lower) from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize ball. It is paid out to the plate 6c).

A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the saucer unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a medium with a built-in storage IC, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 frequencies). (For example, 125) of game balls are rented out. Therefore, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the frequency display unit displays the residual frequency of the valuable medium loaded in the CR unit. By operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium having the remaining frequency. Although the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is described with the example of a gaming machine connected to the CR unit, it may be a cash machine (a gaming machine not connected to the CR unit).

Further, on the front surface of the saucer unit 6, an upper plate ball removing lever 6d is installed in front of the upper plate 6b at the upper stage position, and a lower plate ball removing button 6e is installed in the center of the lower plate 6c in front of the upper plate 6b. Is installed. The player can slide the upper plate ball removing lever 6d to the left, for example, to allow the game ball stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c. Further, the player can drop the game ball stored in the lower plate 6c downward and discharge it by, for example, pushing the lower plate ball removal button 6e. The discharged game ball is received, for example, in a ball receiving box (not shown).

A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the saucer unit 6. By operating the grip unit 16, the player can operate the launch control board set 174 to launch (launch) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launching device, ball launching means). The launched game ball rises along the left edge of the game board unit 8 and is guided by an outer band (not shown) and thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails (mostly not shown), windmills (not shown), etc. are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball is guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill in the game area 8a. Flow down.

[Construction of board]
A relatively large movable ball entry device 30 (movable ball entry device, special electric accessory, variable winning device) is installed in the central portion of the game area 8a. Ordinary winning openings 22 and 24 are installed on the left and right sides of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. In addition, a left-starting winning opening 26 is installed at a lower left position of the movable ball-entry accessory device 30, and a middle-starting winning opening 27 is arranged at a lower position of the movable ball-entry accessory device 30. A starting gate 20 and a variable starting winning device 28 (right starting winning opening 28b) are installed at a position on the right side of the object device 30. In addition, three or more ordinary winning openings may be arranged.

The game ball thrown into the game area 8a randomly passes through the start gate 20 in the process of its flow, enters the normal winning openings 22 and 24, the left starting winning opening 26, and the middle starting winning opening. Enter the ball 27, enter the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning opening 28b) at the time of operation (open), or enter the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of operation (open). Or something.

The game balls that have entered each winning opening are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board 8b (the plywood material constituting the game board unit 8, see FIG. 3).

The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a hit manner), and the ball can be entered into the right starting winning opening 28b accordingly. (Ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 28a, and these opening / closing members 28a reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). The left and right opening / closing members 28a are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time, it is difficult to enter the right starting winning opening 28b (there is no gap for the game ball to enter). .. On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is activated, the left and right opening / closing members 28a are displaced (expanded) from the closed position to the open position, respectively, and the opening width is expanded to the left and right to open the right start winning opening 28b. .. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state where the game ball can be entered, and the right starting winning opening 28b can be generated (variable starting winning means). At this time, the opening / closing member 28a also functions as a member for guiding the entry of the game ball into the right starting winning opening 28b. Further, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed in the game board unit 8 is basically a mode that does not extremely obstruct the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning opening 28b when opened). However, the game ball does not always enter the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning opening 28b) during the opening operation, and the winning balls occur randomly. The variable start winning device 28 is short-opened (0.06 seconds x 1 time open) in the non-time shortened state, and long-opened (total 4.1 seconds 4 times open = 0.5 seconds x 1 time) in the time shortened state. Open + 1.2 seconds x 3 times). A plurality of winning symbols of ordinary symbols may be provided, and the operation pattern of the variable start winning device 28 may be different for each of the plurality of winning symbols.

The movable ball entry accessory device 30 has specified conditions during the game (a condition that the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit or a small hit, and a condition that the game ball passes through a specific area during the small hit game ball). It is a device that maintains a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter if the above conditions are not satisfied, and shifts from the closed state to an open state that facilitates the entry of the game ball when the specified conditions are satisfied.

Further, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 has a movable piece 30a (so-called blade member) provided at an upper position of the game area 8a, and the movable piece 30a uses, for example, a large winning opening solenoid (not shown). Due to the function of the link mechanism, it reciprocates along the board surface by a predetermined angle.

The movable piece 30a is in a state in which the large winning opening 30b is closed in a substantially upright state, so that the game ball cannot flow into the movable ball entry accessory device 30. When the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is activated, the movable piece 30a is displaced so as to tilt in the left-right direction in the game area 8a with the base end thereof as the center, and the large winning opening 30b is opened to open the movable ball-entry accessory device 30. Allows the inflow of game balls into the object device 30 (entry of game balls into the large winning opening 30b). Since the movable piece 30a and the large winning opening 30b are located near the upper position in the game area 8a, particularly the position where the game ball is first driven, the movable piece 30a and the large winning opening 30b are driven into the game area 8a when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated. The game ball is guided by the obstacle nail at the upper position and easily reaches the movable piece 30a, and is guided by the movable piece 30a as it is and flows into the large winning opening 30b.

Further, a specific area (special area) through which the game ball can pass is provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and when the game ball passes through the specific area during the small hit game, a big hit is obtained.

Further, a circular decorative lamp 51 is installed on the right side of the center of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The circular decorative lamp 51 performs an effect operation by a built-in light emitter, and is lit, for example, when the game ball passes through a specific area or during a big hit game.

The game ball that has flowed into the movable ball accessory device 30 is discharged after being sorted through processes such as flowing down, rolling, and rising inside the movable ball accessory device 30, and is collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. .. The sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and the game ball that has not entered each start port is finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32. In addition, all the game balls driven into the game area 8a, including the game balls that have entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30, are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. The recovered game ball is discharged from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 to the outside of the frame through an out-passage assembly (not shown), and further joins a supply route of an island facility (not shown).

[Structure on the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46 and 48 and glass frame side lamps 50 are installed at a plurality of locations so as to surround the glass unit (without reference numerals) as components for effect. Further, a saucer lamp 52 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52, the glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, and the glass frame side lamp 50 are apparently integrally connected to each other on the front surface of the pachinko machine 1. It is designed as if it were.

The various lamps 46 to 52 described above execute the effect by, for example, emitting light from the built-in LED (lighting or blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). Further, a pair of left and right glass frame upper speakers 54 and a glass frame middle speaker 55 are built in the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and the saucer unit 6 has a saucer speaker 56 on the right side of the lower plate 6c. Is built-in. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, and the like (general sound) to execute the effect.

Further, on the left side of the center of the plate receiving unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. By operating the effect switching button 45, the player can switch the effect content (for example, the type of BGM) during the game.

[Liquid crystal display]
Further, in the center of the plate receiving unit 6, a liquid crystal display 41 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b. Information about the game (two-dimensional code regarding the game history, game method, etc.) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. The liquid crystal display 41 is arranged so that the display screen faces upward.

[Movable body]
A drive source (for example, a movable body motor) is attached to the right side of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 together with the movable body 43 for the effect. The movable body 43 for production can reciprocate between the origin position and the movable position, and operates at the time of a small hit or a large hit, for example.

[Backside configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means), a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, The payout control board unit 176, the back cover unit 178, and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer (not shown), which constitute the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, a connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed. The electronic devices will be described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 16).

The above-mentioned payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (without a reference symbol), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the plastic frame assembly 7. In the state, the game balls replenished from the replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

Further, the above-mentioned external terminal plate 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.), and from the external terminal plate 160, a game of the pachinko machine 1 is performed. Various external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation count information, jackpot information, start port information, security error information, etc.) indicating the progress status, maintenance status, etc. are output to external electronic devices. It has become a thing.

The power cord 164 secures the power supply (electric power) required for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power supply device (for example, AC24V) installed in the island equipment of the amusement park. Further, the ground wire 166 is connected to the ground terminal also installed in the island equipment to secure the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Internal configuration of movable ball entry device]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. Here, the internal configuration of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and the outline of the game ball distribution operation will be described.

A guide passage 30c is formed in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 with the above-mentioned large winning opening 30b as an open end. The guide passage 30c extends vertically downward in the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 from the large winning opening 30b, merges at the tip thereof, is further bent, and extends in the lower left direction. All the game balls that have flowed in through the large winning opening 30b when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated are guided into the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 through the guidance passage 30c. A count switch 84 is provided in the middle of the guidance passage 30c (for example, each passage of the taxiway divided into two), and all the game balls that have flowed into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 are counted switches here. Detected by 84 (ball entry detection means).

Further, in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a route distribution unit 200 is arranged following the guidance passage 30c. The route distribution unit 200 performs a distribution operation of guiding the game ball to the normal route or the special route. If the game ball is guided to the normal route, the probability of a big hit after that is low, but if the game ball is guided to the special route, it will be a big hit after that compared to the case where the game ball is guided to the normal route. The probability of becoming is high. The details of the route distribution unit 200 will be described later.

Further, in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a first distribution operation unit 500 (first distribution operation means, distribution operation means) is arranged following the route distribution unit 200. The first distribution operation unit 500 passes the game ball that has entered the large winning opening of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 through a chance area that may guide the game ball to a specific area, or the chance area. Performs a sorting operation to discharge without passing through.

Here, since the "chance area" is an area that the game ball always passes before passing through the specific area, if the game ball passes through the chance area, the game ball can pass through the specific area. There is sex. However, even if the game ball passes through the chance area, the game ball may not pass through the specific area.

In any case, the first distribution operation unit 500 performs a distribution operation of whether the game ball passes through the chance area or is discharged without passing through the chance area. The details of the first distribution operation unit 500 will be described later.

Further, a second distribution operation unit 600 (second distribution operation means, distribution operation means) is arranged downstream of the first distribution operation unit 500. The second distribution operation unit 600 is a raising device 610 arranged from the upper end to the lower end of the right side portion of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and a first observatory arranged in the middle portion of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. It is composed of a second observatory stage 630 and the like arranged in the upper part of the stage 620 and the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

Then, the second distribution operation unit 600 performs a distribution operation in which the game ball that has passed through the chance area is discharged after passing through the specific area or the out passage. That is, in the first distribution operation unit 500, a distribution operation such as whether or not the game ball passes through the chance area was performed, but in the second distribution operation unit 600, the game ball that has passed through the chance area. On the other hand, a sorting operation such as whether or not the game ball passes through a specific area is performed. The details of the second distribution operation unit 600 will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the central accessory device 300 from diagonally above left. In the following drawings, in order to facilitate understanding, some of the members shown in FIG. 3 are omitted.

The central accessory device 300 includes, for example, a tower main body 400 that imitates a building (large tower), and is roughly divided into a first distribution operation unit 500 and a second distribution operation unit 600. When the distribution operation in the first distribution operation unit 500 is successful, the game ball enters the second distribution operation unit 600.

[1st distribution operation unit]
The first distribution operation unit 500 has a rotary stage 510 and a circular stage 520 (see FIG. 5).
The rotary stage 510 is a stage that can rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above, and a Y-shaped guide groove 512 is formed on the upper surface portion thereof. A chance region hole 514 having a size large enough to accommodate one game ball is arranged in the central portion in front of the rotary stage 510, and further in front of the chance region hole 514 is a position more than the chance region hole 514. A large opening hole 516 is arranged. The game ball that has entered the chance area hole 514 will then pass through the chance area, and the game ball that has entered the outlier hole 516 will be discharged without passing through the specific area thereafter.

Here, an effect switch (chance area detection means) (not shown) is provided in the chance area, and a game ball passing through the chance area is detected by the effect switch.
In addition, an out passage is formed at the lower edge of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the outlier hole 516 without entering the chance area hole 514 is guided to the out passage, and is discharged from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the chance area or the specific area. NS. An discharge detection switch (not shown) is provided in the out passage (out area, out-of-pass area), and the game ball passing through the out passage is detected by the discharge detection switch.

Here, the tower leg portion 518 that supports the tower main body 400 is arranged on the rotary stage 510, and the tower main body 400 also rotates as the rotary stage 510 rotates.

The circular stage 520 (see FIG. 5) is a circular stage formed above the tower leg 518, and a drop for dropping a game ball from the circular stage 520 to the rotary stage 510 in the central portion of the stage. Hole 522 (see FIG. 5) is formed.

[Second distribution operation unit]
The second distribution operation unit 600 has a raising device 610, a first observation deck stage 620 (first special distribution unit), and a second observation deck stage 630 (second special distribution unit).
The game ball that has entered the chance area hole 514 and subsequently passed through the chance area (not shown) is raised to the first observatory stage 620 by the ascending device 610, and the sorting operation is performed there. Further, as a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, the game ball that has passed through a special area (area for further raising the game ball) inside the first observatory stage 620 is not shown by the ascending device 610. It will be raised again to the second observatory stage 630, where the sorting operation will be performed again.

A main body motor (not shown) is arranged below the tower main body 400. A drive gear (not shown) is attached to the output shaft of the main body motor, and a driven gear (not shown) is meshed with the drive gear. The drive gear and the driven gear form a gear train, and power is transmitted from the drive gear to the driven gear as the main body motor rotates.

A rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates together with the driven gear is coupled to the driven gear, and a rotating stage 510 is connected to the rotating shaft. Therefore, when the main body motor rotates, the rotary stage 510 is rotated by the power thereof, and the tower main body 400 installed on the rotary stage 510 is also rotated.

Here, since the first observatory stage 620 and the second observatory stage 630 are annular stages that form the outer frame of the tower main body 400, the stage itself does not rotate even if the main body motor 402 rotates. That is, in the tower main body 400, only the central portion rotates and the stage portion of the outer frame does not rotate. The upper end of the tower main body 400 protrudes in front of the game board unit 8 from the lower end, and the top portion is inclined toward the front side. The game ball that has entered each stage due to such an inclination is in a state where it can easily roll forward of the game board unit 8.

Further, an origin position detecting mechanism (not shown) is arranged at the lower end of the rotating shaft. The origin position detection mechanism is a device that detects the origin position related to the rotation of the tower main body 400, and an index sensor, a rotary encoder, or the like can be applied. The origin position detection mechanism can be configured by, for example, a photo sensor and a rotating plate.

The photo sensor has an irradiation unit that irradiates light and a light receiving unit that receives light, and the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with a predetermined interval.
The rotating plate is a rotating body that is arranged between the irradiation unit and the light receiving unit of the photosensor and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft, and the rotating plate is provided with an opening hole (not shown) at the origin position.

Then, when the rotating plate rotates and an opening hole (not shown) is at the origin position, the photo sensor is in a non-light-shielding state. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 determines that the rotating plate is at the origin position when the photo sensor is in the non-light-shielding state (when the detection signal indicating the light-shielding state is not received from the photo sensor). Can be done.

5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the details of the configuration of the route distribution unit 200 and the distribution operation in the first distribution operation unit 500.
Here, FIG. 5 shows an example in which the game ball is distributed to the special route by the route distribution unit 200, enters the first distribution operation unit 500, and enters the chance area hole 514. Further, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the game ball is distributed to the normal route by the route distribution unit 200, enters the first distribution operation unit 500, and enters the outlier hole 516.

The route distribution unit 200 performs a distribution operation of distributing the approaching game ball to a normal route or a special route. Further, the route distribution unit 200 has a route distribution unit taxiway 202, a route distribution body 204, a protrusion 206, a hole for a normal route 208, a special route taxiway 210, and a normal route taxiway 212.

The route distribution section taxiway 202 is a passage for guiding the game ball from the guidance passage 30c (see FIG. 3) to the route distribution body 204, extends in the direction of the board surface, and is folded back from the most position. It extends to the root distribution body 204 on the front side.

The route distribution body 204 includes a circular rotating member 204a as a base and a structure 204b (a structure imitating a small tower) arranged on the rotating member 204a. For example, the rotating member 204a can rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above, and the structure 204b also rotates with the rotation of the rotating member 204a. Four inverted U-shaped through holes are formed in the legs of the structure 204b on all sides, and the game ball can pass through the through holes. In the present embodiment, the route distribution body 204 continues to rotate from when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (except when the power is turned off or other power failure) to when the power is turned off.

The protruding portion 206 is formed so as to extend convexly in the forward direction of the game board unit 8 from the center of the tip on the front side of the base portion 205a on which the root distribution body 204 is arranged. The protrusion 206 guides the game ball that has rolled over the upper portion of the protrusion 206 to the special route taxiway 210. A special route switch (not shown) can be arranged on the special route taxiway 210 to detect a game ball passing through the special route taxiway 210.

Two holes 208 for the normal route are arranged on both sides of the protrusion 206, and guide the game ball that has entered the hole 208 for the normal route to the normal route guideway 212.

The special route taxiway 210 extends to the right from the protrusion 206 and faces the circular stage 520 of the first distribution operation unit 500. The special route taxiway 210 guides the game ball to the circular stage 520 of the first distribution operation unit 500.

The normal route taxiway 212 extends vertically downward from the normal route hole 208, and the routes from the two normal route holes 208 merge at the vertically lower portion, and after merging, extend toward the back of the board surface, and the first swing. It is heading toward the rotation stage 510 of the minute movement unit 500. The game ball is guided to the rotation stage 510 of the first distribution operation unit 500 by the normal route guide path 212.

[Distribution operation to special route]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the game ball passes through the two opposing through holes 204c formed in the legs of the route distribution body 204, the game ball rolls on the upper part of the protrusion 206 and is a special route. It is guided by the taxiway 210 and guided to the circular stage 520 of the first distribution operation unit 500.

Then, the game ball guided by the circular stage 520 rotates inside the circular stage 520, is guided to the central drop hole 522 as the rotation speed decreases, and falls to the lower rotation stage 510.

A Y-shaped guide groove 512 is formed in the rotary stage 510, and the game ball falls into the central portion of the guide groove 512. Then, as shown in the drawing, if there is a chance region hole 514 on the extension line of the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510, the game ball is guided by the guide groove 512 and enters the chance region hole 514.

[Distribution operation to normal route]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the game ball is flipped by the leg of the route distribution body 204, the game ball enters the normal route hole 208, is guided to the normal route taxiway 212, and is the first swing. It is guided by the rotation stage 510 of the minute operation unit 500.

The game ball from the normal route taxiway 212 is discharged in the direction of the rotation stage 510, but is not always guided to the guidance groove 512 of the rotation stage 510. The game ball that is not successfully guided to the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510 falls into the slip hole 516 without changing the moving direction.

Here, an elevating stage that moves up and down by a motor (not shown) may be arranged on the normal route taxiway 212. In this case, the game ball may ride on the elevating stage and be guided to the rotating stage 510, or may be repelled by the side surface of the elevating stage and guided to the rotating stage 510 without riding on the elevating stage. In this way, the trajectory of the game ball entering the rotary stage 510 can be stabilized.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of the ascending device taxiway 515.
The ascending device guideway 515 is a passage provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and is a passage connecting the chance area hole 514 and the ascending device 610. The ascending device taxiway 515 extends vertically downward from the chance region hole 514 and further bends to the right to extend to the lower opening hole 610a (see FIG. 8) of the ascending device 610.

The game ball that has entered the chance area hole 514 is detected by the effect switch 800 arranged in the chance area, and is guided to the ascending device 610 by the ascending device taxiway 515.
Here, a slide member 517 is arranged in the middle of the ascending device taxiway 515. The slide member 517 can be slid in the left-right direction in the drawing by a lifting device taxiway solenoid (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the ascending device taxiway solenoid is inactive (OFF), the slide member 517 is in the initial position, passes through the upper surface of the slide member 517, and the game ball It is guided to the ascending device 610.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the ascending device taxiway solenoid is in the operating (ON) state, the slide member 517 slides to the left side in the drawing, and the game ball is attached to the ascending device 610. Without being guided, it joins the out passage inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and is detected by the discharge detection switch.

In this way, the reason why the game ball that has entered the chance area hole 514 is guided to the ascending device 610 or discharged without being guided to the ascending device 610 is the ascending device when the normal sorting operation is performed. It is necessary to guide the game ball to the 610, but once the jackpot state is entered, it is not necessary to guide the game ball to the ascending device 610.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of the lifting device 610 and the driving mechanism.
Here, (A) in FIG. 8 is a plan view of the ascending device 610, (B) in FIG. 8 is a front view of the ascending device 610, and (C) in FIG. 8 is a right side view of the ascending device 610. be. In the following drawings, in order to facilitate understanding, some members are shown in a shape different from that shown in FIG.

The ascending device 610 is a device for ascending the game ball that has passed through the chance area, and is provided on the first ascending device that raises the game ball that has passed through the chance area to the first observatory stage 620 and the first observatory stage 620. It is composed of a second ascending device that raises the game ball that has passed through the special area to the second observatory stage 630, and the first ascending device and the second ascending device are the lower portion and the upper side of the same ascending device. It is composed of parts.

Further, the ascending device 610 has a tubular taxiway 611, a first taxiway stage 612, a re-entry taxiway 613, a second taxiway 614 for the second observatory stage, a drive mechanism 615, and an origin position detection mechanism 616. ..

The tubular taxiway 611 is a cylindrical passage in which a screw conveyor 617 is arranged. The screw conveyor 617 is a conveyor that raises the game ball together with the tubular taxiway 611. Further, the screw conveyor 617 is a movable body that performs an operation that affects the progress (rolling) of the game ball that has entered the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and also utilizes the rotational force of the conveyor motor 214. It is a rotating body that raises the game ball.

The taxiway 612 for the first observatory stage is a passage for guiding the game ball released from the central left opening hole 610b to the first observatory stage 620, and heads from the tubular taxiway 611 toward the first observatory stage 620. It extends.

The re-entry taxiway 613 is a passage for guiding the game ball from the first observatory stage 620 to the central right opening hole 610c of the ascending device 610, from the first observatory stage 620 toward the tubular taxiway 611. It is extending.

The taxiway 614 for the second observatory stage is a passage for guiding the game ball released from the upper opening hole 610d to the second observatory stage 630, from the tubular taxiway 611 toward the second observatory stage 630. It is extending.

The drive mechanism 615 includes a conveyor motor 214 arranged on the lower back surface of the tubular guide path 611, a drive gear 618a attached to a rotatable output shaft of the conveyor motor 214, and a first driven gear meshed with the drive gear 404. It has a gear 618b, a second driven gear 618c meshed with the first driven gear 618b, and a rotating shaft 618d that rotates together with the second driven gear 618c and serves as a rotation center of the screw conveyor 617.

The origin position detection mechanism 616 is a device that detects the origin position related to the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, and has the same configuration as the origin position detection mechanism of the tower main body 400 described above.

Then, by rotationally driving the screw conveyor 617 by the drive mechanism 615, the game ball that has entered the lower opening hole 610a can be raised to the central left opening hole 610b, or the game ball that has entered the central right opening hole 610c can be raised. It can be raised up to the opening hole 610d.

9 and 10 are views showing how the game ball is raised by the raising device 610.
Here, FIG. 9 shows how the game ball entering the lower opening hole 610a is raised to the central left opening hole 610b, and FIG. 10 shows the upper opening of the game ball entering the central right opening hole 610c. It shows how to raise the hole to 610d. In the figure, the configurations other than the screw conveyor 617 and the game ball are shown by broken lines for easy understanding.

As shown in FIG. 9, the game ball that has entered the lower opening hole 610a is guided to the inner wall of the tubular taxiway 611 while being pushed out by the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, and follows the left route of the tubular taxiway 611. To rise. Then, when it rises to the central left opening hole 610b, it is guided to the first observatory stage 620 by the taxiway 612 for the first observatory stage.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the game ball that has entered the central right opening hole 610c is guided to the inner wall of the tubular taxiway 611 while being pushed out by the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, and is initially a cylindrical taxiway. Ascend the right route of 611. Then, the area beyond the central left opening hole 610b comes into contact with the guidance inclined portion 619 for guiding the game ball to the left route.

The game ball in contact with the guidance inclined portion 619 is guided by the upper edge portion of the guiding inclination portion 619 to change the guiding direction, and is pushed out from the right route to the left route of the tubular taxiway 611. Then, the game ball ascends the left side route as it is, and finally reaches the upper opening hole 610d formed in the upper part of the left side route. Then, the game ball that has reached the upper opening hole 610d is guided to the second observatory stage 630 by the taxiway 614 for the second observatory stage.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620.
The game ball guided to the first observatory stage 620 by the taxiway 612 for the first observatory stage rolls the first observatory stage 620 left and right by the momentum. Since the stage itself of the first observatory stage 620 is inclined toward the center (mortar-shaped), the game ball that has lost the momentum of rolling will eventually be placed inside the tower body 400. Enter the first observatory stage gate 622 for guidance.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a part of the tower main body 400 located inside the first observatory stage 620.
As shown in FIG. 12 (A), a part of the tower main body 400 located inside the first observatory stage 620 has a cylindrical shape, and a first recessed portion 624 for displacement is provided on the side surface thereof. And a recessed portion 626 for re-raising.

The first recessed portion 624 for detachment is a recess for guiding the game ball to the out passage, and has a substantially rectangular shape and is a space in which one game ball can flow in. In addition, character information of "x (cross mark)" is displayed on the upper part of the first recessed portion 624 for detachment.

The re-elevating recess 626 is a recess for guiding the game ball to the ascending device 610 again, and is a space having a substantially square shape and having a length longer in the vertical direction than the first recess for detachment 624. ing. Further, the character information of "UP" is displayed on the upper part of the recessed portion 626 for re-raising.

The tower main body 400 is formed with two first recessed portions 624 for detachment and one recessed portion 626 for raising again on the front side surface, and similarly two on the back side surface. A first recessed portion 624 for detachment and one recessed portion 626 for raising again are formed.
Therefore, the tower main body 400 is formed with four first recessed portions 624 for detachment and two recessed portions 626 for re-raising as a whole. Therefore, the game ball that has entered the first observatory stage 620 has a one-third chance of entering the re-climbing recess 626, and the remaining two-thirds has a probability of entering the first recess 624 for slipping. It will enter the ball.

[Entering the dent 626 for re-climbing]
Here, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the re-raising recessed portion 626 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12B, when the game ball enters the re-climbing recess 626 through the first observatory stage gate 622 of the first observatory stage 620, the game ball enters the re-climbing recess 626. Will fall down inside the.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, the game ball that has fallen downward moves to the left as the tower main body 400 rotates. Here, the first special opening hole 628 is formed in the portion where the game ball that has fallen downward is arranged, and at this point, the game ball is located in front of the first special opening hole 628. ..

Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (D), the game ball rolls forward through the first special opening hole 628 and is guided to the re-entry taxiway 613 (see FIG. 11) as it is. The re-entry taxiway 613 is provided with a special area (not shown), and the special area switch is provided in the special area. Then, the game ball passing through the special area is detected by the special area switch.

[Entering the ball into the first recess 624 for detachment]
Next, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the first recessed portion 624 for detachment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12 (E), when the game ball enters the first recessed portion 624 for detachment through the first observatory stage gate 622 of the first observatory stage 620, the position of the game ball is maintained. NS.
Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (F), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the first recessed portion 624 for detachment moves to the left as it is.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (G), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the first recessed portion 624 for detachment is guided to the out passage of the game board unit 8. become. An discharge detection switch (not shown) is provided in the out passage, and a game ball passing through the out passage is detected by the discharge detection switch.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630.
The game ball guided to the second observatory stage 630 by the taxiway 614 for the second observatory stage rolls the second observatory stage 630 left and right by the momentum. Since the stage itself of the second observatory stage 630 is inclined toward the center (mortar-shaped), the game ball that has lost the momentum of rolling will eventually enter the second observatory stage opening hole 631. do.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a part of the tower main body 400 located inside the second observatory stage 630.
As shown in FIG. 14 (A), a part of the tower main body 400 located inside the second observatory stage 630 has a shape obtained by removing the conical tip portion having the lower side as the apex. A second recessed portion 634 for disengagement and a recessed portion 635 for a specific area are provided on the side surface thereof.

The second recessed portion 634 for detachment is a recess for guiding the game ball to the out passage, and has a substantially square shape and is a space in which one game ball can flow in. In addition, character information of "x (cross mark)" is displayed on the upper part of the second recessed portion 634 for detachment.

The recessed portion 635 for the specific region is a recess for guiding the game ball to the specific region, and is a space having a substantially square shape and having a length longer in the vertical direction than the second recessed portion 634 for detachment. Further, the character information of "10R" is displayed on the upper part of the recessed portion 635 for the specific area.

Here, in the tower main body 400, a second recessed portion 634 for detachment and a recessed portion 635 for a specific area are alternately formed three by three. Therefore, if the game ball reaches the second observatory stage 630, the game ball enters the second recessed portion 634 for displacement with a half probability, and the specific area has a half probability of remaining. The game ball will enter the recessed portion 635.

[Entering the ball into the second recess for removal]
Here, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the second recessed portion 634 for detachment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14B, when the game ball enters the second recessed portion 634 for detachment, the game ball stops at the upper portion of the tower main body portion 400.
Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (C), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the second recessed portion 634 for detachment moves to the left as it is.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (D), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the second recessed portion 634 for detachment is guided to the out passage of the game board unit 8. become. An discharge detection switch (not shown) is provided in the out passage, and a game ball passing through the out passage is detected by the discharge detection switch.

[Entering the dent for a specific area]
Next, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the recessed portion 635 for a specific area will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14 (E), when the game ball enters the specific area recessed portion 635, the game ball falls downward inside the specific region recessed portion 635.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (F), the game ball that has fallen downward moves to the left as the tower main body 400 rotates.

Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (G), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game balls that have entered the recessed portion 635 for the specific area are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 and are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. It will pass through a specific area on the back side of 8. A specific area switch (not shown) is provided in the specific area, and a game ball passing through the specific area switch is detected by the specific area switch.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower right position in the window 4a).
The game board unit 8 is provided with, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 (normal symbol display means) and a normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a at a lower right position in the window 4a, and a first special symbol display device 34 (first special symbol display device 34). 1 symbol display means, symbol display means), a second special symbol display device 35 (second symbol display means, symbol display means), and a game state display device 38 are provided.

Of these, the ordinary symbol display device 33, for example, alternately lights two lamps (LEDs) to display the ordinary symbol in a variable manner, and turns on or off the lamps to stop and display the ordinary symbol. The normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 storage numbers by, for example, a combination of turning off, turning on, and blinking two lamps (LEDs). For example, in the display mode in which both of the two lamps are turned off, the number of stored items is 0, in the display mode in which one lamp is turned on, the number of stored items is displayed, and in the display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. Two memorized numbers are displayed, three memorized numbers are displayed in the display mode in which one lamp is lit in addition to the blinking of one lamp, and four memorized numbers are displayed in the display mode in which the two lamps are blinked together. The number is displayed, and so on. Although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured by using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are lit.

The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being increased one by one in the sense that each time the game ball passes through the starting gate 20, it is memorized that the passage that triggers the operation lottery has occurred. Suddenly (up to 4), each time the fluctuation of the normal symbol is started with the passage as a trigger, the display mode is changed by 1 each. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a is not lit (the number of stored items is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start changing (when the stop is displayed). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of storages (up to 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a represents the number of passages in which the fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet started at that time.

The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display, for example, a floating state and a stopped state of the special symbol by a 7-segment LED (with dots), respectively (symbol display means). In this embodiment, the working memory lamp and the working memory number display device corresponding to the special symbol are not provided.

Further, the game state display device 38 includes, for example, three LEDs corresponding to the jackpot type display lamp 38a, the time saving state display lamp 38e, and the launch position designation display lamp 38f, respectively. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned ordinary symbol display device 33, the ordinary symbol operation storage lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game state display device 38 are integrated into one integrated display board. It is attached to the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on the game board unit 8. In this embodiment, since there is only one type of jackpot (only 10 rounds of jackpot), it is not necessary to provide the jackpot type indicator lamp 38a.

[Control configuration]
Next, the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices mounted on the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that is the center of control operation, and the main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main control device 70 is built in the main control board unit 170.

Further, the main control device 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central arithmetic processing unit, is mounted. It is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as RWM) 76. Further, the main control device 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Of these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for a big hit determination (or a small hit determination) of a special symbol lottery or a hit determination of a normal symbol lottery. , The random number generated here is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. In addition, the main control device 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a counter / timer circuit (CTC), which are circuits together with the main control CPU 72. It is mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or inner layer portion).

The starting gate 20 is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of the game ball. Further, the game board unit 8 has a left-starting winning opening switch 80 and a middle-starting winning opening, respectively, corresponding to the left-starting winning opening 26, the middle-starting winning opening 27, the right-starting winning opening 28b, and the movable ball-entry accessory device 30. It is equipped with a switch 81, a right start winning opening switch 82, and a count switch 84. Of these, the left-starting winning opening switch 80, the middle-starting winning opening switch 81, and the right-starting winning opening switch 82 are for detecting the entry of a game ball into each starting winning opening. Further, the count switch 84 is for detecting the entry of a game ball into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (large winning opening 30b) and counting the number of balls.

Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a specific area switch 701 (specific area detecting means, discharge detecting means after passing through the specific area) and an effect switch 800 corresponding to the specific area and the chance area, respectively. In addition to these, an discharge detection switch 900 is provided in the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The discharge detection switch 900 detects the game ball discharged from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and outputs the detection signal (discharge detection means).

When the detection signal from each switch is received, the flags related to the presence / absence of passage of the region (specific region passage flag, chance region passage flag, discharge region passage flag, etc.) are turned on, so that the main control CPU 72 is based on the contents of the flags. The area passage command is transmitted to the effect control device 124.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a winning opening switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball into the ordinary winning openings 22 and 24. As the winning opening switch 86, a common one may be used for all the ordinary winning openings 22 and 24, or a separate winning opening switch 86 may be installed in each of the plurality of ordinary winning openings 22 and 24.

In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78, 80 to 86, 701, 800, 900 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in the present embodiment, the detection signals from the left start winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81, the right starting winning opening switch 82, and the specific area switch 701 are the most beneficial to the player. Since it is a signal that directly affects, it is transmitted to the main control device 70 without particularly passing through a relay object, and other detection signals are transmitted to the main control device 70 by relaying through the panel relay terminal plate 87. .. The panel relay terminal plate 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, connection terminals, and the like for relaying each detection signal.

The normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game state display device 38 control the display operation based on the control signal from the main control CPU 72. Has been done. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game status display device 38 according to the progress of the game. It outputs and controls the lighting state of each LED. Further, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game state display device 38 are mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. It is installed in the game board unit 8 in a mounted state, and a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the integrated display board 89 by relaying the panel relay terminal plate 87.

Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a large winning opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the movable ball entering accessory device 30, respectively. The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the large winning opening solenoid 90 operate (excite) based on the control signal from the main control CPU 72, and operate (open / close) the variable start winning device 28 and the movable ball entry accessory device 30, respectively.
Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a lifting device taxiway solenoid 95 inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The ascending device taxiway solenoid 95 operates (excites) based on the control signal from the main control CPU 72, and performs a discharge operation during the jackpot game. The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the large winning opening solenoid 90, and the ascending device taxiway solenoid 95 relay the control signal from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal plate 87.

Further, the game board unit 8 includes a distribution body motor 213, a main body motor 402, and a conveyor corresponding to the route distribution body 204, the tower main body 400, and the screw conveyor 617 inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, respectively. A motor 214 (drive source) is provided. Of these, the distribution body motor 213 rotates the root distribution body 204. Further, the main body motor 402 rotates the tower main body 400. The conveyor motor 214 rotates and drives the screw conveyor 617. Similarly, for these motors, a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 by relaying the panel relay terminal plate 87.

In the present embodiment, a drive signal for constant operation is output from the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) to each of the motors 213, 402, 214. Further, for each of the motors 213, 402, and 214, the origin position related to rotation is detected by using an origin detection mechanism such as an index sensor (not shown). Therefore, the origin position detection signals from these origin detection mechanisms are input to the main control device 70.

Further, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a magnetic sensor 250 and a vibration sensor 252 (vibration detection means), of which the magnetic sensor 250 detects the magnetic flux flying to the game board unit 8 at the installation position. Then, a detection signal corresponding to the density (magnetic strength) is output. Further, the vibration sensor 252 detects the acceleration (vibration) transmitted to the game board unit 8 at the installation position, and outputs a detection signal according to the magnitude thereof. The detection signals of the magnetic sensor 250 and the vibration sensor 252 are input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) through the panel relay terminal plate 87, respectively.

In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed in the glass frame unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed in the plastic frame assembly 7. When the glass frame unit 4 is independently opened, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and the plastic frame assembly 7 is released from the outer frame assembly 2. Then, the contact signal from the plastic frame release switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door opening information signal as the above-mentioned external information signal.

A payout control device 92 is mounted on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which the payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and the payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as ROM 96 and RAM 98 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as the above-mentioned external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

A payout device board 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor) in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on the payout device board 100. There is. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays the instructed number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let me put it out. The paid-out game ball is sent to the saucer unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

Further, for example, a payout path ball out switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. Each time the prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a counting signal from the payout counting switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100. Further, when the ball is broken at the upstream position of the prize ball case, the contact signal from the payout path ball out switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 transmits the input counting signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1, for example, a full tank switch 161 is installed inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the above-mentioned flow path unit 173, but when the upper plate 6b is full of game balls, the game balls paid out more than that are released. As described above, it flows into the lower plate 6c. Further, when the lower plate 6c is filled with the game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned on, and the full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends further prize ball operations even if it receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and stores the remaining number of unpaid prize balls in the RAM 98. The memory of the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, and even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost. ..

Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. Further, a ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the saucer unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with a drive circuit for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Of these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of feeding the game balls stored in the saucer unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Further, the launch solenoid 110 strikes the game balls sent to the launch position, and continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a as described above. The firing interval of the game balls is, for example, an interval of about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls in 1 minute).

On the other hand, the grip unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Further, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs the detection signal. Then, the launch stop switch 116 generates a launch stop signal (contact signal) according to the operation of the player.

A launch relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is transmitted to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal plate 118. Will be sent to. Further, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal plate 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. As a result, the strength with which the game ball is launched is adjusted according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the launch stop signal is input from the launch stop switch 116. do. In addition to this, the game ball rental device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the launch relay terminal plate 118, and when the above CR unit is not connected to the game ball rental device connection terminal plate 120, the same firing is performed. The drive circuit of the control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

Further, the saucer unit 6 contains a frequency display board 122 and a lending / returning switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with the display (7-segment LED for 3 digits) of the frequency display unit. Further, a switch module connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 is mounted on the lending / returning switch board 123, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lent out. And, it is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. Further, from the CR unit, a frequency signal representing the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball or the like lending device connection terminal plate 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display based on the frequency signal and numerically displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when the valuable medium is not loaded into the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the loaded valuable medium becomes 0, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display to display a demo (valuable medium). It is also possible to perform a display prompting the input of.

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect as the game progresses in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (sub control board, effect control board) on which the effect control CPU 126 (sub CPU), which is a central arithmetic processing unit, is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 or a RAM 130 as a main memory together with a CPU core (not shown). As the effect control CPU 126, a type having a higher speed (higher clock frequency) than the main control CPU 72 and a wider data bus width (for example, 64 bits) can be used. The effect control device 124 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 at a position covered by the back cover unit 178.

Further, the effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and an acoustic drive circuit 134. The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect based on the command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72, gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134, and emits various lamps 46 to 52 and the board lamp 53. The processing is performed so that the speakers 54, 55, 56 actually output sound effects, voices, and the like.

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (pulse width modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown), and the lamp drive circuit 132 switches (or duty switches) the drive voltage applied to various lamps including LEDs. ), And manage the operation such as light emission and blinking. In addition to the above-mentioned glass frame top lamps 46 and 48, glass frame side lamps 50, and saucer lamps 52, various lamps include a board surface lamp 53 for decoration and production installed in the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to an LED built in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and the like. Although the example in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136 is given here, the saucer illumination board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the saucer lamp 52 via the saucer illumination board. It may be configured to be connected to the lamp drive circuit 132.

Further, the acoustic drive circuit 134 is, for example, a sound generator incorporating a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown), and the acoustic drive circuit 134 drives speakers 54, 55, 56 to output acoustics.

In the present embodiment, the glass frame illuminated substrate 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and the drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame illuminated substrate 136 and various lamps 46. It is applied to ~ 52 and the speakers 54, 55, 56. Further, the above-mentioned effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame illuminated board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is transmitted to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame illuminated board 136. Entered. Here, an example in which the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136 is given, but when the above-mentioned saucer illumination board is installed, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the saucer illumination board. May be good.

In addition, a panel illumination board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the board lamp 53 via the panel illumination board 138.

As described above, the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The various switches may be detection switches that detect that the game balls are close to each other. The special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are ball detectors for generating some kind of effect operation when the game ball passes through. The detection signals of the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are transmitted by relaying through the panel illumination board 138, and are input to the effect control CPU 126 via an input / output driver (not shown). Although the mode in which the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are connected to the effect control device 124 is given as an example here, the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 may be connected to the main control device 70. .. In this case, when the main control CPU 72 receives the detection signal from the special area switch 901 or the special route switch 902, the effect command may be transmitted to the effect control CPU 126 for each of them.

The 7-segment display 42 is installed above the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and its display screen can be visually recognized from the front of the game board unit 8. The 7-segment display 42 is a display capable of dynamically lighting. The 7-segment display 42 is controlled by the 7-segment substrate. Further, the liquid crystal display 41 is controlled by the liquid crystal substrate, and the movable body motor 47 and the movable body sensor 49 are controlled by the movable body substrate. The movable body sensor 49 is a sensor that detects whether the movable body 43 for production is in the origin position or the movable position.

A basic program related to the control of the effect is stored in the ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126, and the effect control CPU 126 executes the control of the effect according to this program. The control of the effect includes the control of the effect using various lamps 46 to 53 and the speakers 54, 55, 56 as described above, and also uses the liquid crystal display 41, the 7-segment display 42, and the movable body 43. Includes control of the production that was there. The effect control CPU 126 transmits information (commands) related to the effect to the liquid crystal board, the 7-segment board, and the movable body board that control these devices, and each board transmits the liquid crystal displays 41 and 7-segment based on the received information. It controls the display 42, the movable body 43, and the like.

In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is mounted on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit, and when external power (for example, AC24V, etc.) is taken from the island equipment through the power strip 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V, etc.) can be generated from the external power. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, and the effect control device 124. Further, electric power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and electric power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball or the like rental device connection terminal plate 120. Further, electric power is also supplied to the liquid crystal display 41, the 7-segment display 42, the movable body motor 47, and the like via the effect control device 124. The low-voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island equipment through the ground wire 166.

The above-mentioned external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are transmitted to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control device 92. It is output to the outside from. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal plate 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are aggregated by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in the amusement park. Although the configuration via the payout control device 92 is given as an example here, the configuration may be such that the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal plate 160.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a block diagram around the sub-control board.
A 7-segment substrate 151, a liquid crystal substrate 152, and a movable body substrate 153 are connected to the sub-control substrate 150. Each board can be a board on which a CPU (IC), a ROM, a RAM, or the like is mounted.
A 7-segment display 42 is connected to the 7-segment board 151, a liquid crystal display 41 is connected to the liquid crystal board 152, and a movable body motor 47 and a movable body sensor 49 are connected to the movable body board 153.

The line from the sub control board 150 to the 7-segment board 151 is a dynamic LED communication line, and the line from the sub control board 150 to the liquid crystal board 152 is used in combination with this dynamic LED communication line.

Further, the line from the sub control board 150 to the movable body board 153 is a movable body communication line, and the line from the liquid crystal board 152 to the sub control board 150 is used in combination with this movable body communication line. There is.

Each board is connected by two signal lines such as a signal line for a clock and a signal line for data (only one signal line is shown in the figure), and a clock-synchronized serial is used. Communication is possible.

[Game flow]
Next, FIG. 18 is a game flow diagram showing the flow of the game by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment as an example. The normal game by the pachinko machine 1 is started by driving (launching) the game ball into the game area 8a. Hereinafter, the flow of the game will be described on the premise of launching the game ball.

[F01: Entering the starting prize opening]
In the process of the game ball flowing down in the game area 8a, if the ball enters any of the left starting winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 27, or the right starting winning opening 28b, the left starting winning opening corresponding to each starting winning opening The passage of the game ball is detected by the switch 80, the middle start winning opening switch 81, or the right starting winning opening switch 82, and a special symbol lottery is performed with this as an opportunity. In the non-time shortened state, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the right starting winning opening 28b.

The special symbol lottery is a lottery related to whether or not the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated. If the game ball does not enter any of the starting winning openings, the game flow ends and the player aims to enter the starting winning opening (F01) again.

Further, although not particularly shown, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol is variablely displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time on the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35, and then the lottery result is displayed. It is stopped and displayed in the manner shown. The variation pattern of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 may be randomly changed by lottery or fixed to a constant variation pattern.

Here, in the present embodiment, the first special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is performed with the ball entering the left starting winning opening 26 or the middle starting winning opening 27, while the right starting winning opening 28b is entered. The second special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is held as an opportunity.
And since the winning probability (small hit probability) of the special symbol lottery is set to 1 (= approximately 1/1), when the game ball enters any of the starting winning openings, it corresponds to the small hit as it is. become. Therefore, it is not necessary to acquire the big hit determination random number internally in the main control device 70, but it may be intentionally acquired. In the present embodiment, a hit (so-called direct hit, direct hit) in which the jackpot game is directly executed as a trigger of entering each starting winning opening is not provided, but the jackpot determination random number acquired here is used. You may make a direct hit determination.

Further, in the present embodiment, there is no display mode of "missing" in the special symbol, the lottery by the first special symbol corresponds to "small hit symbol 1", and the lottery by the second special symbol corresponds to "small hit symbol 2". It is supposed to be applicable. The difference between "small hit symbol 1" and "small hit symbol 2" is related to the number of operations of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and if it corresponds to "small hit symbol 1", it is a movable ball entry accessory device. 30 operates once, and when it corresponds to "small hit symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates twice. In addition, the special symbol may be provided with a display mode of "off".

[F02: Movable ball entry accessory device operation]
In any case, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of a small hit by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated (opened). Operate. The operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 changes the movable piece 30a to the open position as described above.

In the present embodiment, when the "small hit symbol 1" is applicable, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened only once for the specified opening time (for example, about 0.425 seconds) for the small hit symbol 1. When it corresponds to "small hit symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened twice over the specified opening time for the small hit symbol 2 (for example, 0.8 seconds x 2 times = about 1.6 seconds). do. If the "small hit symbol 2" is applicable, the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 may be opened only once (for example, 1.6 seconds x 1 time).

[F03: Grand prize opening judgment]
Next, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the large winning opening 30b when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated. Here, when the game ball enters the large winning opening 30b, the game flow further proceeds to the distribution operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30. If the game ball does not enter the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game flow ends, and the player aims to enter the starting winning opening (F01) again.

[F04: Judgment of passing through a specific area]
When the game flow progresses into the movable ball entry accessory device 30, it is determined whether or not the game ball finally passes through a specific area (V prize) through various game ball distribution operations as described above. Will be done. As a result, if the game ball is finally ejected from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the specific area, unfortunately the game flow ends there and the ball is entered into the start winning opening (F01) again. I will aim.

[F05: Big hit game execution]
On the other hand, when the game ball passes through a specific area (V winning) in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates again to execute a 10-round big hit game. Specifically, for example, either the large winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times) over a predetermined opening time (for example, 1 second), or a specified number (for example, 9) of game balls are won. A special game is executed in which one round is set until the condition is satisfied, and this round is repeated for a predetermined number of continuous operations.

In the present embodiment, the number of continuous operations is set to 10 times (9 times excluding the first round) when the game ball passes through the specific area. During such a big hit game (during operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30), a large number of balls can be generated in a short period of time into the large prize opening 30b which is normally closed. A person can win many prize balls in a lump. In this embodiment, [F02] operation of the movable ball entry accessory device is set as the first round.

[Game flow in the movable ball entry device]
Next, the game flow progressing in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 will be described. Here, in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 of the present embodiment, a two-step distribution operation is executed.
The first distribution operation of the first stage corresponds to the operation of distributing the game ball to the out-of-hole hole 516 or the chance area hole 514. The second distribution operation in the second stage corresponds to the operation of distributing the game ball to the out passage or a specific area.

FIG. 19 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the first distribution operation of the first stage executed in the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The "game flow" referred to here corresponds to the flow of a game that progresses with the rolling and sorting operations of the game balls.

[F10: Reaching the route distribution section]
When the game ball flows into the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game ball first reaches the route distribution unit 200.

[F11: Route distribution]
The game ball that has reached the route distribution unit 200 passes through the inside of the rotating route distribution body 204 or is repelled by the rotating route distribution body 204 to perform route distribution.

[F12: Normal route]
When the game ball is flipped on the leg of the route distribution body 204, the traveling direction of the game ball changes, so that the game ball enters the hole 208 for the normal route and the game ball is distributed to the normal route.

[F13: Reaching the rotating stage]
The game ball distributed to the normal route is guided by the normal route taxiway 212 and enters the rotation stage 510 from the left side of the rotation stage 510. However, the game ball that has entered the rotary stage 510 may ride well on the guide groove 512 of the rotary stage 510, or may pass through the rotary stage 510 as it is without riding well.

[F14: Special route]
On the other hand, if the game ball does not play on the legs of the root distribution body 204 and the game ball passes between the legs of the root distribution body 204 well, the game ball rolls on the protrusion 206, and the game ball It is assigned to a special route.

[F15: Reaching the circular stage]
The game balls distributed to the special route are guided by the special route taxiway 210 and reach the circular stage 520.

[F13: Reaching the rotating stage]
The game ball that has reached the circular stage 520 gradually slows down while rotating inside the circular stage 520, and finally falls to the rotating stage 510 through the drop hole 522 provided in the center of the circular stage 520.

Here, in the present embodiment, the rotation stage 510 will eventually be reached regardless of whether the route is via the normal route or the special route, but the game ball will reach the rotation stage 510 via the special route. Since it falls to the central position of the ball, it is easy to be guided to the guide groove 512, and it is easy to enter the chance region hole 514.

[F16: Chance area passage judgment]
In the final stage of the first distribution operation, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the chance area hole 514 and passed through the chance area. Whether or not the game ball has passed the chance region can be determined by the detection signal from the effect switch 800.
As a result, when the game ball is finally discharged from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the chance area, the game flow ends there, and the ball enters the start winning opening again (F01 in FIG. 18). Will aim for.

[F17: Production execution]
On the other hand, when the game ball enters the chance area hole 514, the effect switch 800 detects that the game ball has passed through the chance area, and the 7-segment display 42 displays the 7-segment display 42 based on the area passage command indicating that fact. The production of the content that the game ball has passed through the chance area is executed. This effect is, for example, a content that teaches that "the second distribution operation will be executed from now on", thereby attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball. After that, the process proceeds to the second distribution operation in the accessory device.

FIG. 20 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the second distribution operation of the second stage executed in the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

[F21: Reaching the ascending device]
The game ball that has passed through the chance area is guided by the ascending device taxiway 515 and reaches the ascending device 610.

[F22: Reaching the 1st Observatory Stage]
The game ball that has reached the ascending device 610 enters the cylindrical taxiway 611 through the lower opening hole 610a, is ascended by the screw conveyor 617, is discharged from the central left opening hole 610b, and reaches the first observatory stage 620.

[F23: Out passage passage judgment]
As a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, when the game ball enters the first recessed portion 624 for detachment, the discharge detection switch 900 detects that the game ball has passed through the out passage.

[F24: Off-the-shelf production]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the out passage, the off-field effect is executed.

[F25: Passing through a special area]
On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass through the out passage (F23: No), the game ball passes through the special area. Here, when the game ball passes through the special area, the special area switch 901 detects that the game ball has passed through the special area.

[F26: Production execution]
Based on the detection signal from the special area switch 901, the effect is executed on the 7-segment display 42. This effect is, for example, a content that teaches that "the final distribution operation will be executed from now on", and thereby attracts the player's attention to the destination of the game ball.

[F27: Reaching the ascending device]
The game ball that has passed through the special area is guided by the re-entry taxiway 613 and reaches the ascending device 610 again.

[F28: Reached the 2nd observatory stage]
The game ball that has reached the ascending device 610 again enters the cylindrical taxiway 611 through the central right opening hole 610c, is ascended by the screw conveyor 617, is discharged from the upper opening hole 610d, and reaches the second observatory stage 630.

[F29: Out passage passage judgment]
As a result of the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630, when the game ball enters the second recessed portion 634 for detachment, the discharge detection switch 900 detects that the game ball has passed through the out passage.

[F30: Off-the-shelf production]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the out passage, the off-field effect is executed.

[F31: Passing through a specific area]
On the other hand, when the game ball does not pass through the out passage (F29: No), the game ball passes through a specific area. Here, when the game ball passes through the specific area, the specific area switch 701 detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area.

[F32: Movable ball entry accessory device operation]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through a specific area, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated to execute a 10-round jackpot game.

If the discharge detection switch 900 detects the discharge of all the game balls that have won the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without detecting the passage of the specific region, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is used. The game flow of is finished.

FIG. 21 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the game in the time-reduced state, which is shifted after the big hit.
In the present embodiment, when the 10-round jackpot is executed in the non-time shortened state, the time is shortened after the jackpot game is completed.

[F31: Entering the starting prize opening]
In the time shortened state, since the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is high, the variable start winning device 28 is opened with high frequency. Therefore, the game ball can easily enter the right starting winning opening 28b. Then, when the passage of the game ball is detected by the right-starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the right-starting winning opening 28b, the second special symbol lottery is performed with this as an opportunity. If no game ball enters any of the starting winning openings, the game flow ends, and the player aims to enter the starting winning opening again (F31) in a time-shortened state.

[F32: Movable ball entry accessory device operation]
For example, when the second special symbol display device 35 stops and displays the second special symbol in the mode of "small hit symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates (opens) with this as an opportunity.

[F33: Grand prize opening judgment]
Next, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the large winning opening 30b when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated. Here, when the game ball enters the large winning opening 30b, the game flow further proceeds to the distribution operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30. If the game ball does not enter the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game flow ends, and the player aims to enter the starting winning opening (F31) again in a shortened time state. Become.

[F34: Judgment of passing through a specific area]
When the game flow progresses into the movable ball entry accessory device 30, it is determined whether or not the game ball finally passes through a specific area (V prize) through various game ball distribution operations as described above. Will be done. As a result, when the game ball is finally ejected from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the specific area, the game flow ends, and the ball enters the start winning opening again in the time shortened state (F31). Will aim for. In the time-reduced state, the game ball is more likely to pass through the specific area than in the non-time-reduced state.

[F35: Big hit game execution]
Then, when the game ball passes through a specific area (V winning) in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates again to execute a 10-round big hit game.

[F36: Limiter arrival judgment]
At the end of the jackpot, the limiter arrival determination process is executed. In this embodiment, the game property in which four big hits including the first hit are one set is adopted.

[F37: Reaching the limiter]
Then, when it is determined that the limiter has been reached, the game shifts to the non-time reduction state after the jackpot game is completed.

[F38: Limiter not reached]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the limiter has not been reached, the time is shortened after the jackpot game is completed.

[Basic control operation]
22 and 23 are timing charts showing changes in various states that occur through the game flow that progresses in the movable ball-entry accessory device.
Here, FIG. 22 shows an example in which the game ball is ejected without passing through the chance region as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (at the time of deviation), and FIG. 23 shows a movable ball entry. As a result of the sorting operation in the accessory device 30, an example is shown in which the game ball passes through the chance area and then passes through the specific area and is discharged (at the time of hit).

Further, (A) in each figure shows a change of a special symbol or a change of a stop, and (B) in each figure shows the operation or non-operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. (C) in each figure shows the operation or non-operation of various motors, and (D) in each figure shows the ON or OFF state of the count switch 84. Further, FIG. 22 (E) shows an ON or OFF state of the discharge detection switch 900, and FIG. 23 (F) shows an ON or OFF state of the effect switch 800. Further, FIG. 23 (G) shows an ON or OFF state of the specific area switch, and FIG. 23 (H) shows an operating or non-operating state of the ascending device taxiway solenoid 95.

[At the time of disconnection (sorting failure)]
In FIG. 22 (A): At time t0, the special symbol is in a fluctuating state. The variation of the special symbol here is assumed to be the variation of the first special symbol. The change of the special symbol started before the time t0 ends at the time t1. Then, when the variation of the special symbol ends at time t1, the special symbol is stopped and displayed for a time from time t1 to time t2. Since the fluctuation here is due to the first special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small hit symbol 1". If the variation is due to the second special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small hit symbol 2".

In FIG. 22 (B): When the stop display time of the special symbol elapses at time t2, the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is hit when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of a small hit. To operate. The operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit is performed between the time t2 and the time t3. Then, between the time t2 and the time t3, the start time (opening time) is first set, then the opening time and closing time are set, and finally the ending time (ending time) is set. Details of the start time (opening time) for each winning symbol will be described later in FIG. 24. It should be noted that a slight time lag may occur after the stop display of the special symbol is completed before the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is put into the operating state.

In FIG. 22 (C): Further, at time t2, various motors (main body motor 402) start operating when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts operating at the time of a small hit.

In FIG. 22 (D): While the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is in the operating state (between time t2 and time t3), one game ball enters the large winning opening 30b to count. A detection signal is input from the switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 (waveforms marked with (1) in parentheses in the figure).

In FIG. 22 (E): Then, when the game ball enters the out hole 516 as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game ball is guided to the out passage and the discharge detection provided in the out passage is provided. A detection signal is input from the switch 900 to the main control CPU 72 (waveforms marked with (2) in parentheses in the figure).

In FIG. 22 (C): In this case, the number of game balls entered into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (number of balls entered) and the number of game balls ejected from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (number of ejected balls). ) Matches, so that the game in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 ends. Therefore, various motors (main body motor 402) are controlled to be inactive. If the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls do not match, the game in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 can be continued or a predetermined error process can be performed.

[At the time of hit (successful distribution)]
In FIG. 23 (A): At time t0, the special symbol is in a fluctuating state. The variation of the special symbol here is assumed to be the variation of the first special symbol. The change of the special symbol started before the time t0 ends at the time t1. Then, when the variation of the special symbol ends at time t1, the special symbol is stopped and displayed for a time from time t1 to time t2. Since the fluctuation here is due to the first special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small hit symbol 1". If the variation is due to the second special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to "small hit symbol 2".

In FIG. 23 (B): When the stop display time of the special symbol elapses at time t2, the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is hit when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of a small hit. To operate. The operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit is performed between the time t2 and the time t3. Then, between the time t2 and the time t3, the start time (opening time) is first set, then the opening time and closing time are set, and finally the ending time (ending time) is set. Details of the start time (opening time) for each winning symbol will be described later in FIG. 24.

In FIG. 23 (C): Further, at time t2, various motors (main body motor 402) start operating when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts operating at the time of a small hit.

In FIG. 23 (D): While the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is in the operating state (between time t2 and time t3), one game ball enters the large winning opening 30b to count. A detection signal is input from the switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 (waveforms marked with (1) in parentheses in the figure). Up to this point, the flow is the same as that at the time of disconnection (when sorting fails).

In FIG. 23 (F): Then, as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, when the game ball enters the chance area hole 514, the game ball passes through the chance area, so that the detection signal is detected from the effect switch 800. Is input to the main control CPU 72 (waveforms marked with (2) in parentheses in the figure).

In FIG. 23 (G): Next, when the game ball passes through the specific area as a result of the distribution operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a detection signal is input to the main control CPU 72 from the specific area switch (parentheses in the figure). Waveform with (3) in writing).

In FIG. 23 (C): In this case, the number of game balls that have entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (number of balls entered) and the number of game balls that have passed through a specific area inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Since the number (the number of V prizes) matches, the game in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 ends. Therefore, various motors (main body motor 402) are controlled to be inactive.

In FIG. 23 (H): Further, at time t4, the ascending device taxiway solenoid is controlled to the operating state. As a result, the game ball is not guided to the ascending device 610 at the subsequent timing.

In FIG. 23 (B): Then, when the passage of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates at the time of a big hit (time t5).

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing details of the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device.
As shown in FIG. 24 (A), when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of the small hit symbol 1, the small hit game corresponding to the small hit symbol 1 (for example, the time t2 in FIGS. 22 and 23). The operation of the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 from to time t3) is executed.
In the small hit game corresponding to the small hit symbol 1, the opening time (start time) is set to the first time (for example, 0.008 seconds). The opening time is a waiting time from the end of the stop time of the special symbol to the start of opening of the movable piece 30a.
Therefore, after the lapse of the first time, when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened and the game ball enters the movable entry accessory device 30, the accessory game (inside the movable entry accessory device 30). A game using a game ball) is executed.

As shown in FIG. 24 (B), when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of the small hit symbol 2, the small hit game corresponding to the small hit symbol 2 (for example, the time t2 in FIGS. 22 and 23). The operation of the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 from to time t3) is executed.
In the small hit game corresponding to the small hit symbol 2, the opening time is set to the second time (for example, 28.572 seconds).
Therefore, after the lapse of the second time, when the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is opened and the game ball enters the movable ball-entry accessory device 30, the accessory game is executed.

The second hour is longer than the first hour. Further, the second time is preferably a time longer than the maximum time (for example, about 20 seconds) in which the accessory game is assumed to end when the small hit symbol 1 is applied.

As shown in FIG. 24 (C), when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed (stopped), the main body motor is in a stopped state.
Then, when the stop time of the special symbol at the time of a small hit ends, the main body motor starts to move with a constant operation.
In this case, the main body motor performs the first special symbol operation (difficult operation) in the first half part before the second time elapses (for example, until 25 seconds elapse), and in the second half part after the second time elapses. (For example, after 25 seconds have passed), the second special symbol operation (easy operation) is performed.

The first special symbol operation is an operation of continuing the rotation of the main body motor. Therefore, during the execution of the first special symbol operation, it depends on luck that the game ball passes through the chance area or the game ball passes through the specific area.

On the other hand, the second special symbol operation is an operation of repeating the operation of stopping the rotation of the main body motor and restarting the rotation of the main body motor.
For example, in the second special symbol operation, the main body motor is stopped for several seconds so that the tower main body 400 stops at the origin position for several seconds (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds), and then the tower main body 400 stops for several seconds (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds). It is an operation of repeating an operation such as moving the main body motor for several seconds so as to rotate (about 5 to 10 seconds).

When the tower main body 400 stops at the origin position, the guide groove 512 of the rotating stage 510 stops in the direction toward the chance region hole 514, and the re-climbing recess 626 is located at the front position on the first observatory stage 620. Therefore, in the second observatory stage 630, the recessed portion 635 for a specific area is located at the front position.

Therefore, during the execution of the second special symbol operation, the game ball may pass through the chance area, the game ball may pass through the special area, or the game ball may pass through the specific area. It will be easier than the operation for special symbols.

Then, in the present embodiment, when the "small hit symbol 2" is applicable, the second time is set as the opening time, and when the second time ends, the operation for the first special symbol of the main body motor ends. Therefore, the accessory game can be performed by the operation for the second special symbol of the main body motor.
The second special symbol operation of the main body motor is an operation in which the game ball easily passes through a specific area.
Therefore, it is possible to exhibit a new game property that the corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2" is directly linked to the "passing through a specific area = the big hit".

In this way, the tower main body 400, which is movable by the main body motor, is provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of a small hit (when a predetermined operation trigger occurs). ) While performing a certain motion, as a constant motion, a difficult motion that makes it difficult for the game ball to pass through a specific area, and an motion that is executed after the execution of the difficult motion and the game ball passes through the specific area. It is a movable body that performs an easy movement that makes it easier to perform than a difficult movement.

The above is the flow of the game by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, and the progress of such a game and the effect accompanying it are controlled by the electronic devices centered on the main control device 70 and the effect control device 124. There is. Therefore, next, the control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control CPU 72 starts the reset start process. The reset start process prepares the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the game state (so-called power recovery) based on the backup information saved when the power was cut off last time, or by clearing the backup information. It is a process for. Further, the reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

25 and 26 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the start address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector interrupt mode (mode 2), and modifies the default RST interrupt mode (mode 0). As a result, after that, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute the designated interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a reset standby process here. This process is for securing a certain standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, turning on the power), and checking the main power cutoff detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the standby time, it bit-checks the input port of the main power supply disconnection detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power supply cutoff detection signal is input from, for example, a power supply monitoring IC which is a peripheral device. Then, if the input of the main power supply cutoff detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the processing from the beginning. Thereby, for example, it is possible to protect the system when the operation of turning on and off the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly performed within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, after that, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

Step S105: Further, the main control CPU 72 and the mask register are initially set in order to set the interrupt mask. Specifically, the value that enables the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the RAM clear switch saved earlier, and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), step S107 is then executed.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not the backup valid determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power cutoff process and the backup valid determination flag (for example, "A55AH") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes a thumb check for the backup information of the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 thumb-checks all areas of the RAM 76 work area (user work area including the prohibited area and the stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the thumb check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup valid determination flag (for example, “0000H”).
Step S110: Further, the main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the previous power failure occurs.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command (for example, a model designation command) to the effect control device 124. In response to this, the effect control device 124 can restore the effect state (for example, the sound output content, the light emitting state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed when the power was cut off last time.

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes the state return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the game state (for example, the display mode of the special symbol, the operation storage content, etc.) that was being executed when the power was cut off last time. Various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. Further, the main control CPU 72 restores the backed up PC register value.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated when the power is turned on (step S106: Yes), when the backup valid determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 shifts to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and the stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is saved, the contents are erased.
Step S114: Further, the main control CPU 72 performs the initial setting of the RAM 76.

Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes the effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command required for the effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes the payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command for starting the payout of the prize balls to the payout control device 92.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes the CTC initial setting process and performs the initial setting of the CTC (counter / timer circuit) which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the interrupt vector register and sets the interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when a CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU 72 can continue processing from the backed up program address of the PC register.

When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 26 (connection symbol A → A).

Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes a power failure check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power supply cutoff detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power supply cutoff (decrease in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the grand prize opening solenoid 90, and the entire work area of the RAM 76 excluding the backup valid judgment flag and the thumb check buffer. Back up the contents and save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the above valid value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup valid determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops the process (NOP). On the other hand, if the power cutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU is made to execute such a process when a power failure occurs as an non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) and the hit determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to the ordinary symbols are generated on the program. I'm letting you. The variation pattern determination random number corresponding to the special symbol can be generated as needed, and the random number generation process can be omitted when it is not used. In any case, these software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 28), but the loop counter is updated every time the random number value makes one cycle in this process. The initial value of (not all random numbers need to be the target) is changed. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value update random number is updated. It should be noted that the reason why the step S120 is executed after the interrupt is prohibited in the step S118 is that the same process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 28), so that there is duplication (conflict) with this. ) To prevent. As described above, in the present embodiment, the jackpot determination random number is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 75, and its update cycle is even faster (for example, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms). ), Therefore, it is not necessary to update the initial value of the jackpot determination random number.

Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this process are random numbers (variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among the software random numbers. This process is performed with the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 28). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check process]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart specifically showing an example of the procedure for the power failure occurrence check process.
Step S130: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking the occurrence of power failure. This check condition can be set as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power supply cutoff detection signal is continuously output, for example.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power supply disconnection detection switch input port, and confirms whether or not the main power supply disconnection detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly shown, the main power supply disconnection detection switch is mounted on, for example, the main control device 70, and the main power supply disconnection detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162 and determines its voltage level. When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, a main power failure detection signal is output. The main power supply disconnection detection switch may be built in the power supply control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power supply cutoff detection signal has not been output at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the main power supply cutoff detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check condition is satisfied. Specifically, the on-counter value set in the previous step S130 is subtracted by, for example, 1, and it is confirmed whether or not the result is 0. If the on-counter value is not 0 at this point (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power supply disconnection detection switch input port. Then, when the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the test signal terminal and the output port buffer corresponding to the command control signal, in addition to the output port corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the grand prize opening solenoid 90.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 excluding the backup valid determination flag and the thumb check buffer in 1-byte units, and repeats the addition for the entire area until the addition is completed. ..
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum for the entire area is completed (step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores a valid value in the backup valid determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: Further, the main control CPU 72 stores “01H” indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the prohibited area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters the standby loop and stops all other processes in preparation for shutting off the main power supply. After the main power supply is cut off, backup power is supplied from a backup power supply circuit (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main control device 70) (not shown), so that the stored contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power supply is cut off. Retained without doing. The backup power supply circuit may be built in, for example, the power supply control unit 162.

Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76, which is the backup target (sum addition target), is stored in the RAM 76 even after the main power supply is cut off. Further, the retained memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming the normality of the checksum in the previous reset start process (FIG. 25).

[Interrupt management process (timer interrupt process)]
Next, the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the interrupt management process. The main control CPU 72 executes the interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described step by step.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A and flag register F, each pair of general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written to the registers (A to L) after the value is saved in the interrupt management process.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the random number counter area of the RAM 76, and each loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, a jackpot symbol random number and the like.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process. The content of the process is the same as that described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes the input process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input / output (I / O) ports 79 (winning detection information generation means). Specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, the winning detection signal from the left start winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, and the winning detection signal from the specific area switch 701 or the effect switch 800. Reads the input state (ON / OFF) of the passage detection signal.

Step S204: Here, the main control CPU 72 executes the security management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not an illegal winning has occurred based on the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal read in the previous input processing (step S203) (winning correctness or rejection). Judgment means). Then, when it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred, the main control CPU 72 generates an illegal winning error command and rewrites the bit of the winning detection signal due to the illegal winning from ON to OFF. Further, the main control CPU 72 monitors the fraudulent activity by the magnetic sensor 250 and the vibration sensor 252, and determines whether or not an excessive prize has been generated.

Step S206: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, processing is performed based on the signal that is maintained without being erased as an illegal prize. For example, the main control CPU 72 may receive a winning detection signal from the gate switch 78, the left starting winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81 or the right starting winning opening switch 82, or a passing detection signal from the specific area switch 701 or the effect switch 800. The event that occurred during the game is determined based on the above, and another process is executed according to each event that occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event processing will be described later using a further flowchart.

In the present embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the left starting winning opening switch 80 or the middle starting winning opening switch 81, the main control CPU 72 triggers an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol (lottery trigger). It is determined that an event has occurred. Further, when the winning detection signal (ON) is input from the right start winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery trigger) corresponding to the second special symbol has occurred. Further, when the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers a lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. When it is determined that any of the events has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to each event. It should be noted that the main control CPU 72 determines which of the left-starting winning opening switch 80, the middle-starting winning opening switch 81, and the right-starting winning opening switch 82 causes an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery trigger). A switch-specific winning command for distinguishing may be transmitted to the effect control CPU 126.

Step S207, Step S207a: The main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process and the normal game management process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1. Of these, in the special game management process, the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbol described above, and the variable display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 is performed. The stop display is controlled, and the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is controlled according to the display result. The details of the special game management process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

Further, in the normal game management process (step S207a), the main control CPU 72 controls the variation display and the stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (a winning decision random number for a normal symbol lottery) acquired when the start gate 20 is passed in the previous switch input event processing (step S206), and manages the normal game. In the process, a random number value is read from the memory, and it is determined whether or not the value falls within a predetermined hit range (ordinary symbol lottery execution means). When the random value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol is fluctuated by the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined hit mode, and then the main control CPU 72 presses the normal electric accessory solenoid 88. The variable start winning device 28 is activated by excitation. On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a stop display of the normal symbol in an out-of-order manner after the fluctuation display. In this case, the main control CPU 72 does not normally excite the electric accessory solenoid 88 and does not operate the variable start winning device 28.

[About the number of prize balls and the number of game balls won]
The number of prize balls at the start port of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls at the start port of the second special symbol are set to a specified number of one or more, respectively. Further, the number of prize balls may be different between the starting port of the first special symbol and the starting port of the second special symbol. Furthermore, the minimum number of prize balls is set based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired (the average number of balls to be obtained in a series of periods from the first hit to the end of the time reduction state). You may. Furthermore, the winning probability of the special symbol, the expected value of the total number of game balls won, the number of opening of the big winning opening, the opening time of the big winning opening, the maximum number of winning of the big winning opening, the number of winning balls of the big winning opening are predetermined. If the conditions are met, a jackpot may be set in which the number of game balls acquired by one jackpot is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of acquired game balls.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the prize ball payout process. In this process, a prize ball instruction for instructing the payout control device 92 of the number of prize balls based on the prize detection signals input from the various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203). Output the command. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball number command for the effect control device 124, and stores this in the command buffer.

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes the motor management process. In this process, when the main control CPU 72 detects the origin position regarding the rotation of various motors (distribution motor 213, main body motor 402, conveyor motor 214, etc.) and outputs drive signals to various motors, The drive signal is stored in the corresponding port output request buffer. The main control CPU 72 generates a drive signal based on an operation pattern corresponding to each motor in this motor management process. The details of the motor management process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation count information, jackpot information, starting port information, security error) to the hall computer of the amusement park through the external terminal plate 160. Information etc.) is stored in the port output request buffer.

In the present embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, by outputting "big hit 1" to "big hit 5" as big hit information to the outside, an external electronic device (data display) connected to the pachinko machine 1 It is possible to provide various jackpot information to vessels and hall computers. That is, by outputting the jackpot information by dividing it into a plurality of "big hits 1" to "big hits 5", it is possible to aggregate and manage the jackpot types (winning types) from these combinations on a hall computer (not shown). .. In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently hit. Or, it is possible to recognize whether or not the symbol fluctuation time is currently shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (ON or OFF set) of "big hit 1" to "big hit 5" in detail.

Step S211: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes the test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, big hit, small hit, time reduction function operating, etc.). Store these in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main control device 70.

Step S212: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the game state display device 38, and the like. .. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the special game management process (step S207) and the normal game management process (step S207a) is output to the port. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode in which a symbol variation display, a stop display, or the like is performed). The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S213: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes the output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the port in the previous external information processing (step S210). Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the grand prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer to the port.

Step S214: The main control CPU 72 executes the effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not there is a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (command required for effect control) in the command buffer, and if there is an untransmitted command, the command to be output is output. Output to the port.

Step S215: Then, the main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored in the CTC interrupt this time.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the processes (game control program module) of steps S207 to S214 are executed as timer interrupt processes is given, but these processes are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed. There are also known programming examples.

Step S216: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores the value (01H) for specifying the interrupt end in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

Step S217, Step S218: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. After that, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the switch input event processing (step S206 in FIG. 28). Hereinafter, each procedure will be described step by step.

Step S11: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the winning detection signal is input from the left starting winning opening switch 80 or the middle starting winning opening switch 81 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 to execute the first special symbol storage update process. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S13.

Step S13: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the winning detection signal has been input from the right-starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14 to execute the second special symbol storage update process. Similarly, the specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S15.

Step S15: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the large winning opening 30b. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 to execute the large winning opening counting process. In the large winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of game balls that have entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30. On the other hand, if there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S17.

Step S17: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a detection signal has been input from the effect switch 800 corresponding to the chance region provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. When the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S18 and sets the chance area passage flag to ON. The chance area passing flag is stored in the RAM 76, and when the chance area passing flag is set to ON, it indicates that the game ball has passed through the chance area. The chance area passage flag is set to OFF after the jackpot game is completed. On the other hand, when there is no input of the detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S19.

Step S19: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the detection signal is input from the specific area switch corresponding to the specific area provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. When the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and sets the specific area passage flag to ON. Further, the specific area passage flag is stored in the RAM 76, and when the specific area passage flag is set to ON, it indicates that the game ball has passed the specific area. The specific area passage flag is set to OFF after the jackpot game is completed. On the other hand, when there is no input of the detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S21.

Step S21: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal has been input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S22 to execute the normal symbol storage update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol operation memories is less than the upper limit (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit, acquires a random number per normal symbol. do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the number of normal symbol operation memories. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random number value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, when there is no input of the passage detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 28).
Further, in the switch input event processing, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of adding the value of the discharge ball counter according to each detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and the specific area switch 701.

In this switch input event processing, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a detection signal has been input from the emission detection switch 900, and if the input of this detection signal is confirmed, the emission area passage flag is set to ON. You may execute the process to do. The discharge area passage flag is set to OFF after the end of the small hit game or the big hit game.

[1st special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol storage process. Hereinafter, the first special symbol storage process will be described with reference to a procedure example.

Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not there is an operation memory for the special symbol. The presence or absence of working memory is confirmed for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and if any of the special symbols has working memory, it is determined that the special symbol has working memory. In the present embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided in the special symbol, here, for example, if there is a jackpot determination random number (1) already transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 is special. It is determined that the symbol has working memory (Yes). If there is already an operation memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 29). On the other hand, when there is no particular operation memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32. In addition, due to the configuration of the control program, a special symbol operation memory number counter (upper limit number: 1) may be used here. In this case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol operation memory number counter, and if the operation memory number is 1, it is determined that there is operation memory (Yes). If the number of working memories is not 1 (= 0), the main control CPU 72 determines that there is no working memory (No).

Step S32: When it is determined in the previous step S30 that there is no operation memory (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the above sampling circuit 77. To get. The random number value is acquired by designating the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has an 8-bit data bus width, the address is specified twice for each byte at the upper and lower levels. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the designated address, it saves this as a jackpot determination random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of this random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves this as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol at the transfer destination address.

Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a fluctuation pattern determination random number as a random number value relating to the fluctuation condition of the first special symbol from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76. Similarly, the acquisition of the random number value is performed by designating the address of the random number counter area for fluctuation. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves it at the transfer destination address.

Step S36: The main control CPU 72 puts the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number into a random number storage area (empty state at this point) that is commonly used in the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Transfer and store these random numbers as a set.

Step S38: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect command output setting process with respect to the first special symbol. This process is for setting, for example, to transmit a start opening winning sound control command to the effect control device 124.

When the above procedure is completed or the special symbol operation memory has already been stored (step S30: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 29).

[Second special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol storage process. Hereinafter, the second special symbol storage process will be described with reference to a procedure example.

Step S40: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not there is an operation memory for the special symbol. The presence or absence of working memory is confirmed for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and if any of the special symbols has working memory, it is determined that the special symbol has working memory. In the present embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided in the special symbol, here, for example, if there is a jackpot determination random number (1) already transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 is special. It is determined that the symbol has working memory (Yes). If there is already an operation memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 29). On the other hand, when there is no particular operation memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S42.

Step S42: When it is determined in the previous step S40 that there is no operation memory (step S40: No), the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the above sampling circuit 77. To get. The random number value is acquired by designating the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has an 8-bit data bus width, the address is specified twice for each byte at the upper and lower levels. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the designated address, it saves this as the jackpot determination random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of this random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, it saves this as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol at the transfer destination address.

Step S44: Further, the main control CPU 72 acquires, for example, a fluctuation pattern determination random number as a random number value relating to the fluctuation condition of the second special symbol from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76. Similarly, the acquisition of the random number value is performed by designating the address of the random number counter area for fluctuation. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves it at the transfer destination address.

Step S46: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area (empty state at this point) commonly used in the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Then, these random numbers are stored as a set.

Step S48: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect command output setting process with respect to the second special symbol. This process is for setting, for example, to transmit a start opening winning sound control command to the effect control device 124.

When the above procedure is completed or the special symbol operation memory has already been stored (step S40: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 29).

[Special game management process]
Next, the details of the special game management process will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special game management process. The special game management process includes a special game control module selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change start waiting process (step S1500), a special symbol change process (step S2000), a special symbol stop display process (step S2500), and a combination. Object device operation start waiting process (step S3000), small hit accessory device opening process (step S3500), small hit accessory device closing process (step S4000), small hit accessory device operation end process (step S4500) , Big hit bonus device operation start process (step S5000), big hit bonus device open process (step S5500), big hit bonus device closing effective process (step S5550), big hit bonus device closing process (step S6000) , The configuration includes a group of subroutines of the jackpot time accessory device operation end process (step S6500), the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000), and the solenoid control process (step S7500). Here, first, the basic flow of the special game management process will be described along with each process.

Step S1000: In the special game control module selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S1500 to step S6500). For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) as the return destination address in the “jump table”. .. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started the variation display, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol changing process (step S2000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol changing process is completed, the process is completed. As the next jump destination, the special symbol stop display processing (step S2500) is selected. In the present embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the "jump table" to select the process, but apart from such a selection method, a "process flag", a "process selection flag", or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects the process to be executed next.

Further, as described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects the next jump destination, the progress of the processing up to now is represented by the value of the "special game management status". For example, if the special symbol has not yet started the variable display, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" up to now as "00H". On the other hand, if the special symbol change start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" up to now to "01H", and if the special symbol change process is completed. , The value of the "special game management status" up to now is set to "02H". The setting of the value of such "special game management status" will be described later. In any case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the "special game management status" in the special game control module selection process, and selects the process (one of steps S1500 to S6500) to be the jump destination at that time. Can be done.

In the special game control module selection process (step S1000), the jump destinations are selected from step S1500 to step S6500 as described above, and the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) and the solenoid control process (step S7000). Each step S7500) is executed with each interrupt.

Step S1500: When the value of the “special game management status” is “00H” as described above, the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol change start waiting process in the special game management process. In this special symbol variation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation of adjusting the conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. For example, when the main control CPU 72 does not have the number of special symbol operation storages, the main control CPU 72 stores the storage of the hit determination random number and the hit symbol random number of the special symbol in the common storage area. Further, the main control CPU 72 compares the hit determination random number stored in the common storage area with the hit value, and performs the hit determination. In the present embodiment, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery (so-called small winning probability) is approximately 1/1, so the winning determination at this time is a confirmatory process. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S2000: When the value of the "special game management status" is "01H", the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol changing process in the special game management process. In this special symbol change processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the change timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (No. 0 to 7) of the two 7-segment LEDs. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, thereby displaying the variation of the special symbol. After that, when the count of the variable timer becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "02H".

Step S2500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "02H", the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol stop display processing in the special game management process. In this special symbol stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the stop display timer. Here as well, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the two 7-segment LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, and a stop display of a special symbol is performed. At this time, the stop display mode of the special symbol corresponds to the winning type determined in the previous special symbol change start waiting process. After that, when the count of the stop display timer becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "03H".

Further, in this special symbol stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of subtracting the number of time reductions (counter value for cutting the number of times related to the time reduction state). In the present embodiment, the number-of-times counter value related to the time reduction state is set to a predetermined value (for example, 100 times). Therefore, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displaced 100 times (including the small hit variation at that time when the specific area is not passed) is executed in the time shortened state, the time is shortened. The function activation flag is reset and the time saving state ends. The time reduction function activation flag is described in the example of resetting when the stop display time of the special symbol has elapsed, but the change of the special symbol at the end of the fluctuation time of the special symbol (before the start of measurement of the stop display time) or the fluctuation of the special symbol. It may be reset at the start.

Step S3000: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "03H", the main control CPU 72 executes the accessory device operation start waiting process in the special game management process. In this accessory operation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the opening time timer as a special game timer. The value of the opening time timer is set to the value corresponding to the "first time" when it corresponds to the "small hit symbol 1", and to the "second time" when it corresponds to the "small hit symbol 2". The corresponding value is set. After that, when the count of the opening time timer becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "04H".

By executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 is counted during the execution of the small hit game (special game) executed by corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2 (second winning type)". When the 2 hours (second numerical value) reaches the specified value (0), the probability that the game ball passes through the specific area can be increased (changeable) (control means).

Further, by executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 is counted during the execution of the small hit game (special game) executed by corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2 (special winning type)". When the second time (numerical value) reaches the specified value (0), the probability that the game ball passes through the specific area can be increased (changeable) (control means).

Further, by executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 is counted during the execution of the small hit game (special game) executed by corresponding to the "small hit symbol 1 (first winning type)". When the first time (first numerical value) reaches a value (0) corresponding to the first counter value, it is possible to direct the game ball to the tower main body 400 (movable body) that is performing a difficult operation. The second time (second numerical value) counted during the execution of the small hit game (special game) executed by corresponding to the small hit symbol 2 (second winning type) is the value corresponding to the second counter value. When it becomes (0), it is possible to direct the game ball to the tower main body 400 (movable body) which is performing an easy operation (control means).

Furthermore, by executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 is counted during the execution of the small hit game (special game) executed by corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2 (special winning type)". When the second time (numerical value) reaches a value (0) corresponding to the special counter value, it is possible to direct the game ball to the tower main body 400 (movable body) that is performing easy operation (the game ball can be directed to the tower main body 400 (movable body)). Control means).

Step S3500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "04H", the main control CPU 72 executes the small hit time accessory device opening process in the special game management process. In this small hit accessory device opening process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of game balls won from the large winning opening 30b while counting the large winning opening initial opening timer, and sets a drive signal for the large winning opening solenoid 90. As a result, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened and closed. Further, when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened and then closed, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "05H". The details of the small hitting accessory device opening process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S4000: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H", the main control CPU 72 executes the small hit time accessory device closing process in the special game management process. In this small hit time accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes associated with the closing of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The various internal processes include, for example, a process of confirming the completion of ejection of the winning game ball when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened, and a process of confirming the presence or absence of passing through a specific area. When ending these processes, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "06H". Further, the main control CPU 72 executes a process when it is detected that the game ball has passed the specific area in the small hit time accessory device closing process. The details of the small hit time accessory device closing process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S4500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "06H", the main control CPU 72 executes the small hit time accessory device operation end process in the special game management process. In this small hit time accessory device operation end process, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes associated with the operation end of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The various internal processes include, for example, a process of confirming the elapse of the ending time for determining the end of operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and a process of setting a jackpot state transition command. When the jackpot state transition command is set here, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "07H". On the other hand, when the jackpot state transition command is not set, the main control CPU 72 returns the "special game management status" to the initial value "00H" (steps S3000 to S4500: special game execution means). The small hit game (special game) is a game in which the start time (opening time) is set first, then the opening time and closing time are set, and finally the end time (ending time) is set. By executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 specializes in a mode corresponding to the small hit (predetermined winning mode) in which the result of the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery) corresponds to the small hit winning (winning). When the symbol is stopped and displayed, it is assumed that the start condition (specified condition) of the small hit game is satisfied, and the small hit game (special game) for shifting the movable ball entry accessory device 30 from the closed state to the open state is performed. Can be executed (special game execution means). The details of the operation end processing of the accessory device at the time of small hit will also be described later using a further flowchart.

Step S5000: The jackpot bonus device operation start process is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "07H" in the previous small hit bonus device operation end process. In this jackpot time accessory device operation start process, the main control CPU 72 executes preprocessing when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated again. That is, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the jackpot start waiting time timer as a special game timer, and when the timer count reaches 0, the operating conditions of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (the number of execution rounds, the opening time for each round, and the opening time for each round). Set the number of times of opening, interval time, etc.). Further, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "08H". After that, during the big hit game, the value of "special game management status" is updated from "08H" to "0BH" according to the progress of the game, and steps S5500 to S6500 are executed according to the value at that time. become. Further, the details of the operation start processing of the jackpot accessory device will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "08H", the main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot time accessory device release process. In this jackpot accessory device opening process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening / closing operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. As a result, one round of the jackpot game will be executed. When the jackpot game for one round is completed and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is closed, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "09H". The details of the jackpot accessory device opening process will also be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5550: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "09H", the main control CPU 72 executes the next jackpot time accessory device closure valid processing. In this jackpot closing effective processing, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the winning opening closing effective time timer, and when the timer count reaches 0, the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "0AH". do. It should be noted that this process is executed in order to adjust the time associated with the opening and closing of the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

Step S6000: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "0AH", the main control CPU 72 executes the next jackpot time accessory device closing process. In this jackpot accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes an internal process associated with the completion of closing the movable ball entry accessory device 30. In this internal processing, the main control CPU 72 confirms the number of rounds executed so far, and if the number of executed rounds does not reach the set number of rounds (number of continuous operations), the value of "special game management status" is set to ". Return to "08H". In this case, in the next special game control module selection process (step S1000), the previous jackpot accessory device opening process (step S5500) will be selected again. On the other hand, when the number of rounds already executed reaches the set number of rounds, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "0BH". The details of the jackpot accessory device closing process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S6500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot time accessory device operation termination process. In this jackpot time accessory device operation end process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the jackpot ending time timer. When the timer count reaches 0, the "special game management status" is returned to the initial value "00H" (steps S5000 to S6500: special game execution means). By executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery) corresponds to the jackpot winning (winning), and the special symbol is generated in the mode corresponding to the jackpot (predetermined winning mode). When the stop display is displayed, or when the game ball passes through a specific area during the small hit game, it is assumed that the start condition (specified condition) of the big hit game is satisfied, and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is closed. It is possible to execute a jackpot game (special game) that shifts to the open state (special game execution means). As a result, after that, the special symbol can be changed (or the number of working memories can be added). The details of the process of ending the operation of the accessory device at the time of a big hit will also be described later using another flowchart.

Further, the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure regardless of the value of the "special game management status".
Step S7000: The main control CPU 72 executes the remaining ball error command setting process. In this remaining ball error command setting process, the main control CPU 72 monitors the discharge ball shortage error after the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is completed, and sets a command for notifying when the discharge ball shortage error occurs. For example, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls counted between the time when the value of "special game management status" is updated to "04H" and the time when the value is updated to "05H", and the number of winning balls within the discharge time. Check if the number of ejected balls matches. Further, the main control CPU 72 has, for example, the number of winning balls counted between the time when the value of "special game management status" is updated to "08H" and the time when the value is updated to "09H", and within the discharge time. Check if it matches the counted number of ejected balls. As a result, if the number of winning balls and the number of ejected balls match, the ejected ball shortage state flag is reset (00H), and this process ends. On the other hand, when the two do not match, the main control CPU 72 sets the discharge ball shortage state flag (01H) and sets the discharge ball shortage error state command. The discharge ball shortage error status command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S7500: The main control CPU 72 executes the solenoid control process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the operating state (ON or OFF) of the ascending device taxiway solenoid 95. In addition, the main control CPU 72 can execute the discharge process during the jackpot game, especially in this process. The details of the solenoid control process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

[Special game progress]
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a list of the values of the “special game management status” that change with the execution of the special game management process and the progress status of the special game corresponding to each value. In the present embodiment, the special game (game corresponding to the special symbol) is started, for example, with (1) "special symbol change waiting state" as the initial state. When a game ball enters any of the left starting winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 27, or the right starting winning opening 28b, the progress of the special game is as follows (2) " It transitions to the "special symbol change display state", then proceeds to (3) "special symbol stop symbol display state", (4) "small hit time accessory device operation start effect state", and (5) "small". It transitions to the "open state of the accessory device at the time of hit", (6) "closed state after opening the accessory device at the time of small hit", and (7) "state during the end of operation of the accessory device at the time of small hit".

At this time, if the passage of a specific area (V prize) does not occur in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (accessory device), the progress of the special game returns to (1) "waiting state for special symbol change". , From there it repeats. On the other hand, if the passage of a specific area (V prize) occurs in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (accessory device) after (5) "small hit accessory device open state", the progress of the special game is (5). 8) Transition to the jackpot start production state, from which (9) "Big hit bonus device opening / closing operation state", (10) "Big hit bonus device closed after opening", (11) "Big hit bonus device closing state" It transitions to "the state during the closing time of the object device" and (12) "the state during the jackpot ending production". Then, when (12) the "big hit ending effect in progress state" is completed, the progress of the special game returns to (1) the "special symbol change waiting state", and the process is repeated from there. Hereinafter, a more specific description will be given.

(1) "Waiting for special symbol change"
At the initial stage of the start of the game by the pachinko machine 1, the progress of the special game is (1) "waiting for special symbol change". This state means that the start condition of the special symbol is satisfied. For example, if the special symbol is not changing and the previous variation display is performed, the stop display of the special symbol has already been confirmed. In this state, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "00H", and the special symbol change start waiting process (step S1500) is selected in the special game management process.

(2) "Special symbol change display status"
When a game ball enters any of the left starting winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 27, or the right starting winning opening 28b in the above (1) "waiting state for special symbol change", the special symbol changes. The display is started and the progress status changes to (2) "Special symbol change display in progress state". This state means that the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner in the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "01H", and the special symbol changing process (step S2000) is selected in the special game management process.

(3) "Special symbol stop symbol display status"
When the change time of the special symbol elapses and the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the progress status changes to (3) "Special symbol stopped symbol display state". This state means that the special symbol is being stopped and displayed in the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "02H", and the special symbol stop display process (step S2500) is selected in the special game management process.

(4) "Small hit time accessory device operation start production state"
When the stop display of the special symbol is confirmed as the stop display time of the special symbol elapses, the progress status changes to (4) "state in which the small hit accessory device operation start effect is being produced". This state means that the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is waiting for the start of operation when the special symbol is won (corresponding to a small hit). During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "03H", and the accessory device operation start waiting process (step S3000) is selected in the special game management process.

(5) "Small hit accessory device open state"
When the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated, the progress status changes to (5) "small hit accessory device open state". This state means that the large winning opening 30b is being opened due to the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "04H", and the small hit time accessory device opening process (step S3500) is selected in the special game management process. Further, the main control CPU 72 starts the drive control of the motor in the motor management process (step S209 in FIG. 28) when the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “04H”.

(6) "Closed state after opening the accessory device at the time of small hit"
When the big winning opening 30b is closed, the progress status shifts to (6) "closed state after opening the accessory device at the time of small hit". This state means that the large winning opening 30b is closed in the movable ball entry accessory device 30. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "05H", and the small hit time accessory device closing process (step S4000) is selected in the special game management process.

(7) "Small hit time accessory device operation end production state"
After the big winning opening 30b is closed, the progress is further changed to (7) "state in which the operation of the accessory device at the time of a small hit is being produced". This state means that the game using the distribution operation of the game balls in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is in a period of ending. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "06H", and the small hit time accessory device operation end process (step S4500) is selected in the special game management process. If the passage of the specific area (V prize) does not occur in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the progress status returns to (1) "waiting state for special symbol change".

(8) "Big hit start production state"
When the passage of a specific area (V prize) occurs in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the progress status changes to (8) “Big hit start effect in progress state”. This state means that it is a waiting period for the start of operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 again. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "07H", and the jackpot time accessory device operation start process (step S5000) is selected in the special game management process.

(9) "During the opening / closing operation of the accessory device at the time of big hit"
When the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 starts operating again, the progress status changes to (9) "state in which the accessory device is open / closed at the time of a big hit". This state means that the large winning opening 30b is being opened. During this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "08H", and the jackpot accessory device opening process (step S5500) is selected in the special game management process.

(10) "Closed state after opening the accessory device at the time of big hit"
When the big winning opening is closed by the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the progress status changes to (10) "closed state after opening the jackpot accessory device". This state means that it is the state immediately after the big winning opening is closed at the end of the round. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "09H", and the jackpot time accessory device closing effective process (step S5550) is selected in the special game management process.

(11) "During the closing time of the accessory device at the time of big hit"
After the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is closed, the progress status changes to (11) "state during the closing time of the accessory device at the time of a big hit". This state means that the player is in a standby state (inter-round interval) after the end of the round. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "0AH", and the jackpot accessory device closing process (step S6000) is selected in the special game management process. If all the number of rounds during the big hit has not been exhausted, the progress status after this returns to (9) "state in which the accessory device is open / closed during the big hit".

(12) "Big hit ending production state"
When the waiting time after the end of the final round of big hits elapses, the progress status changes to (12) "state in which the big hit ending is being produced". This state means that it is in the jackpot ending effect state. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "0BH", and the jackpot time accessory device operation end process (step S6500) is selected in the special game management process.

As described above, in the special game management process (FIG. 32), the main control CPU 72 changes the value of the "special game management status" from "00H" to "0BH" according to the change in the progress of the special game, and the value thereof is changed. A special game control module can be selected according to the progress of the time. Further, when the value of the special game management status is updated, the main control CPU 72 generates a special game management status command that reflects the value. The special game management status command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

[Special symbol change start waiting process]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol change start waiting process. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the first special symbol operation memory number or the second special symbol operation memory number remains (is greater than 0). This confirmation can be performed by referring to the value of the working memory counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demo setting process in step S2502.

Step S2502: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a customer waiting designation command. The customer waiting designation command is output to the effect control device 124 in the above effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (the same applies thereafter).

On the other hand, if the value of the working memory counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is larger than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot determination process (internal lottery, predetermined lottery) (lottery execution means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random numbers, big hit symbol random numbers) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. The read random number is stored in, for example, another temporary storage area, and the working memory is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area. Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of jackpot values, and determines whether or not the read random value is included in this range. Then, if the random number value read at this time is included in the range of the jackpot value, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, this process is required to provide a hit (so-called direct hit, direct hit) in which the big hit game is directly executed when the ball enters each starting winning opening, but the direct hit must be set. For example, this process may be omitted.

When the above jackpot flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets a range of small hit values in the same jackpot determination process, and determines whether or not the read random value is included in this range (lottery execution). means). The "small hit" here is something other than non-winning (missing), but has a different property from the "big hit". That is, the "big hit" generates a big hit game, but the "small hit" does not generate such an opportunity. However, the "small hit" is positioned as satisfying the condition for operating the movable ball entry accessory device 30 as in the "big hit". Then, if the read random number value is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) has been set in the jackpot flag in the previous jackpot determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2402.

Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) has been set in the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the small hit flag is not set to the value (01H) (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2404. However, since the small hit probability is set to 1 in this embodiment, the following steps S2404 and S2405 are not executed. However, if the small hit probability is set to "substantially 1" instead of a perfect one, a non-winning case may occur in rare cases, so the following steps S2404 and S2405 are executed.

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes a stop symbol determination process at the time of disconnection. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of loss) for transmission to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the 1st special symbol display device 34 and the 2nd special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is displayed in one segment (center bar). Only the lighting display of "-") can be set, and the stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load of the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern number at the time of disconnection for the special symbol. The fluctuation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the fluctuation display of the special symbol, and corresponds to the fluctuation time required for the fluctuation display. The fluctuation patterns include various fluctuation patterns with different fluctuation times (the same applies to large hits and small hits). Information about the variation pattern of the selected special symbol is transmitted to the effect control device as a variation pattern command. It should be noted that the stop display time of the symbol at the time of detachment is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the fluctuation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the jackpot determination result is missed (when other than non-winning), but when the determination result is a jackpot (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes). , The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of a big hit will be described.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random value and the type of winning symbol is defined in the jackpot stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the jackpot stop symbol selection table in the jackpot stop symbol determination process and determine the type of the winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents.

Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot fluctuation pattern determination process. In this process, the fluctuation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. The fluctuation time of the special symbol may be fixed to a fluctuation pattern having a constant fluctuation time (for example, 0.5 seconds) and selected, but the time until the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is opened varies. Variation patterns with different variation times (eg 0.4-2.1 seconds) may be selectively determined for the purpose.

Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing at the time of a big hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the jackpot stop symbol number. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of big hit) together with the above-mentioned stop symbol command (at the time of big hit). These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Next, the processing at the time of a small hit will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of a small hit (stop symbol number at the time of a small hit) based on the random number of the big hit symbol. Here as well, the relationship between the big hit symbol random value and the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit is determined in advance in the small hit stop symbol selection table (first special symbol stop symbol selection table and second special symbol stop symbol selection table). It is stipulated (winning type stipulating means). In the present embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of small hit is determined by using the big hit symbol random number in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

Here, in the present embodiment, two types of special symbol winning types, "small hit symbol 1" and "small hit symbol 2", are provided, and the main control CPU 72 determines which winning type is applicable. do. Specifically, if it is a lottery based on the first special symbol, it is determined that it corresponds to "small hit symbol 1", and if it is a lottery based on the second special symbol, it corresponds to "small hit symbol 2". Decide what. The number of times the movable piece 30a of the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is opened is determined based on the hit stop symbol (“small hit symbol 1” or “small hit symbol 2”) determined here. ..

However, in the present embodiment, winning in the special symbol lottery is not a big hit as it is, but is just an opportunity to open the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (= small hit), and in order to actually proceed to the big hit (movable ball entry again). (In order to open the accessory device 30), it is necessary to pass the game ball through a specific area in the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

[Winning symbol at the time of small hit]
Then, in the present embodiment, two types of symbols are prepared as winning symbols at the time of a small hit, and the specific symbols are the "small hit symbol 1" which is opened once and the "small hit symbol" which is opened twice. 2 ".

[1st special symbol stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a constituent column of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table. When the lottery result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol with reference to this table.

In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and the distribution value "100" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. Further, in the second column from the left, "small hit symbol 1" corresponding to the distribution value is shown. That is, at the time of hitting corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of selecting "small hit symbol 1" is 100/100 (= 100%). Therefore, when the first special symbol is won, "small hit symbol 1" is selected at a rate of 100%.

When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selectively selects the winning symbol by the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table. decide. Further, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value and EVENT value. Among them, the MODE value "B1H" of the upper byte is the one selected when the winning symbol of this time hits the first special symbol. Represents. Further, the EVENT value "01H" of the lower byte represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. Therefore, the result of this hit corresponds to the first special symbol, and when "small hit symbol 1" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described by "B1H01H". become.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects the winning symbol from the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, the stop symbol command at that time is generated. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in, for example, the effect control output process described above. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines the stop symbol number at the time of small hit for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Opening time]
In the second column from the right of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, the value of the opening time set at the start of the small hit game is shown. When it corresponds to "small hit symbol 1", the opening time is set to the first time (for example, 0.008 seconds).

[Time saving number]
In the column on the right side of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of time reductions given after the end of the big hit game when the game ball passes through a specific area and the big hit game is executed during the small hit game is displayed. It is shown. In the present embodiment, when the big hit game is executed corresponding to the "small hit symbol 1", the time reduction number is given 100 times when the limiter is not reached, and the time reduction number is given 0 times when the limiter is reached (granted). Not done).

[2nd special symbol stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a constituent column of the second special symbol stop symbol selection table. When the lottery result corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol with reference to this table.

Also in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and the distribution value "100" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. Similarly, in the second column from the left, "small hit symbol 2" corresponding to the distribution value is shown. That is, at the time of hitting corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of selecting "small hit symbol 2" is 100/100 (= 100%). Therefore, as for the second special symbol, "small hit symbol 2" is selected at a rate of 100% at the time of winning.

When the result of this lottery corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol by the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table. do. Similarly, in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning, as shown in the third column from the left. Here, too, the stop symbol command is described by the combination of the above MODE value-EVENT value, and the MODE value "B2H" of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is a small hit of the second special symbol. It shows that it is a thing. Further, the EVENT value "01H" of the lower byte represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. Therefore, for example, when the result of the small hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol and "small hit symbol 2" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command is described by "B2H01H". Become.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects the winning symbol from the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the stop symbol command at that time is generated. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in, for example, the effect control output process described above. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines the small hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Opening time]
The second column from the right of the second special symbol stop symbol selection table shows the value of the opening time set at the start of the small hit game. When it corresponds to "small hit symbol 2", the opening time is set to the second time (for example, 28.572 seconds).

[Time saving number]
In the column on the right side of the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of time reductions given after the end of the big hit game when the game ball passes through a specific area and the big hit game is executed during the small hit game is displayed. It is shown. In the present embodiment, when the big hit game is executed corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2", the time reduction number is given 100 times when the limiter is not reached, and the time reduction number is given 0 times when the limiter is reached (granted). Not done).

In this way, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the result at the time of winning obtained by the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery) is described as "small hit symbol 1 (first winning type). ) ”And“ Small hit symbol 2 (second winning type) ”are specified for a plurality of winning types (small hit symbol 1, small hit symbol 2) (winning type defining means).

In addition, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, "small hit symbol 2 (special winning type)" is displayed for the result at the time of winning obtained by the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery). A plurality of winning types (small hit symbol 1, small hit symbol 2) including are specified (winning type determining means).

In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, it is a counter value for measuring the opening time, and is the first time according to "small hit symbol 1 (first winning type)". The first counter value) and the second time (second counter value) corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2 (second winning type)" are specified (counter value defining means).

Further, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, it is a counter value for measuring the opening time, and is the second time according to "small hit symbol 2 (special winning type)". (Special counter value) is specified (counter value specifying means).

In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the opening time (small hit symbol 1 (first winning type)" and "small hit symbol 2 (second winning type)" ( The counter values (first time and second time) for differentiating the start time) are specified (counter value defining means).

Further, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, "small hit symbol 2 (special winning type)" and "small hit symbol 1 (winning type other than special winning type)" are used. , The counter values (first time and second time) for making the opening time (start time) different are specified (counter value defining means).

In the present embodiment, the first special symbol has one winning type and the second special symbol has one winning type. However, the first special symbol may have a plurality of winning types. , The second special symbol may have a plurality of winning types.

[See Fig. 34: Waiting for the start of special symbol change]
Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit time variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number (variation pattern determining means, variation time determining means). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer.

Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes other setting processing at the time of a small hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the small hit stop symbol number. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol variation start process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the variation pattern data based on the variation pattern number (at the time of loss / at the time of hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets the fluctuation start flag of the special symbol in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This fluctuation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "01H" and returns to the special symbol game processing.

[Small hit accessory device opening process]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the small hit time accessory device opening process (step S3500 in FIG. 32). As described above, in the small hit time accessory device opening process, the special symbol is variablely displayed in the special game management process, and after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of small hit (winning probability approximately 1/1), it is displayed. It is executed after the countdown of the opening time timer by the process of waiting for the start of operation of the accessory device (step S3000 in FIG. 32). In this case, the value of "special game management status" is updated to "04H". Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S3501: In the small hit time accessory device opening process, the main control CPU 72 first sets the large winning opening solenoid ON flag. This flag is stored, for example, in the flag set area of the RAM 76.

Step S3502: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the winning ball number counter to the movable ball entering accessory device 30 (large winning opening 30b) based on the winning detection signal from the count switch 84. The value of the winning ball number counter is stored in, for example, the count number area of the RAM 76. Further, in the switch input event processing, the main control CPU 72 also confirms each detection signal from the emission detection switch 900 and the specific area switch 701. Since the large winning opening solenoid 90 is inactive when this module is first called and the large winning opening 30b has not been opened yet, the winning ball number counter is not added for the first time.

Step S3504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the winning ball number counter has reached the maximum number (for example, 5). Since the counter is not added at the first call of this module as described above (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S3506.

Step S3506: In this case, the first release timer countdown process is executed. When the module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the first release timer to an initial value (for example, 1 second) here. Further, when the call is made after the first time, the main control CPU 72 decrements the value of the set first release timer.

Step S3508: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the first opening time of the large winning opening has ended. When the value of the first release timer is larger than 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S3514.

Step S3514: In this case, the main control CPU 72 reads the grand prize opening solenoid ON flag from the flag set area of the RAM 76, and sets “operation (ON)” as a control signal of the grand prize opening solenoid 90 based on the value. As a result, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited and the large winning opening 30b is opened.

Then, when this module is called from the next time onward and a prize is actually generated in the large winning opening 30b, the value of the winning ball counter is added in the switch input event processing (step S3502).

When the value of the winning ball counter reaches the maximum number (step S3504: Yes) or the value of the first release timer becomes 0 (step S3508: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S3509.

Step S3509: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening solenoid OFF flag. As a result, the ON flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76 is rewritten to the OFF flag.

Step S3510: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the “special game management status” to “05H”. As a result, this module will not be called from the next time onward, and the special game progress will be transferred to the next stage. However, if the lottery for the second special symbol corresponds to "small hit symbol 2", the large winning opening 30b will be opened twice, so the main control CPU 72 will change the value of the "special game management status" again. Set to "04H". As a result, a series of processes in this module will be executed again.

Step S3512: Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the accessory device closing command. This command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) of the closure of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S3514: The main control CPU 72 sets “non-operation (OFF)” as a control signal of the large winning opening solenoid 90 based on the value of the large winning opening solenoid OFF flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76. As a result, the excitation of the large winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped, and the large winning opening 30b is closed.

When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000). Further, as described above, since the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H" after that, this module will not be called for the time being (until the next special symbol change).

[Small hit accessory device closing process]
Next, FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the small hit time accessory device closing process (step S4000 in FIG. 32). As described above, the small hit time accessory device closing process is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H". Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S4002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 mainly confirms the detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and adds the value of the discharge ball counter. The value of the discharge ball counter is stored in, for example, the count area of the RAM 76. Further, the main control CPU 72 confirms the presence / absence of the passage detection signal from the specific area switch 701 in this process. When the passage detection signal is input within the effective time of the specific area switch 701 (for example, when the specific area passage flag is ON), the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the jackpot flag here.

Further, when the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set, the main control CPU 72 also sets the value of the jackpot type status. Specifically, when a passage detection signal is input from the specific area switch 701 (for example, when the specific area passage flag is ON), the jackpot type status is set to "01H (value indicating that the jackpot is 10 rounds)". set. Further, when the value of the jackpot type status is set, the main control CPU 72 generates a jackpot type command (for example, a command corresponding to a 10-round jackpot) that reflects the value. The jackpot type command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28). In response to this, the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) can control the execution of the effect at the time of a big hit.

By executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 compares the small hit game (predetermined game state) with the small hit game (predetermined game state) when the game ball passes through the specific area (special area) during the execution of the small hit game (special game). Then, it is possible to shift to the jackpot gaming state (advantageous gaming state) to which the advantageous conditions are applied (advantageous gaming state transition means).

Step S4014: The main control CPU 72 executes the remaining ball discharge check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 compares the value of the winning ball counter and the value of the ejected ball counter described above. The value of the discharge ball number counter includes the total number of game balls detected by the discharge detection switch 900, as well as the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 701. Further, in the case of a structure in which the discharge detection switch 900 is arranged downstream of the specific area switch 701, the value of the discharge ball counter should not include the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 701. (The same applies to the following residual ball discharge check process).

Step S4016: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the discharge of the effective sphere is completed based on the above comparison result. That is, if the value of the ejected ball counter is smaller than the value of the winning ball counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of the effective balls has not been completed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, if the value of the ejected ball counter is not smaller than the value of the winning ball counter (when both match), the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of the effective ball is completed (Yes), and the next step Proceed to S4028.

Step S4028: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the “special game management status” to “06H”. As a result, the accessory game is temporarily terminated on condition that the regular number of winning balls and the number of ejected balls match (step S4016: Yes).

Step S4030: Further, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. In particular, if the value of the jackpot flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, when the value of the jackpot flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4032.

Step S4032: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot state designation command. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process.

[Small hit accessory device operation end processing]
Next, FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the operation end processing of the accessory device at the time of small hit (step S4500 in FIG. 32). As described above, the small hit time accessory device operation termination process is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "06H". Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S4502: The main control CPU 72 executes the ending time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value in the ending time timer, and then counts down the timer (for each call of this module) with the passage of time. Further, on the display unit of the 7-segment display 42, the ending effect of ending the game flow in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is performed by utilizing this "ending time".

Step S4504: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the ending time has expired. Specifically, if the value of the ending time timer is not yet 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has not ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process.

After that, when the value of the ending time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has ended (Yes), and executes step S4506 and subsequent steps.

Step S4506: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value (01H) of the above-mentioned jackpot state designation command is set. In particular, when the value of the jackpot state designation command is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4512. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot state designation command is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4508.

Step S4508: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot state transition command.

If the value of the jackpot status specification command is not set (step S4506: No) or the value of the jackpot status specification command is set (step S4506: Yes), when step S4508 is executed, the main control CPU 72 steps. Execute S4512.

Step S4512: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the ending time end command. This ending time end command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) that the game flow in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit has ended. The ending time end command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S4514: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the “special game management status” based on the value of the jackpot state transition command. That is, here, the result differs depending on whether or not the value (01H) of the jackpot state transition command is set. Specifically, when the jackpot state transition command is set in the previous step S4508, the main control CPU 72 sets (updates) the value of the "special game management status" to "07H". In this case, as described above, the jackpot time accessory device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 32) is executed in the special game management process.

On the other hand, when step S4508 is not executed (the jackpot state transition command is not set), the main control CPU 72 returns the value of the "special game management status" to "00H". In this case, the jackpot time accessory device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 32) is not selected in the subsequent special game management process, and the special symbol change start wait process (step S1500 in FIG. 32) is executed. become. In any case, when the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process.

[Large hit accessory device operation start processing]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the jackpot time accessory device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 32). Hereinafter, the processing when the jackpot state transition command is set (when the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “07H”) will be described.

Step S5002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot start waiting time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value in the jackpot start waiting time timer, and then counts down the timer (for each call of this module) with the passage of time. The initial value of the jackpot start waiting time timer is set as the waiting time (for example, about several seconds) from the end of the operation of the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit until the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is operated again. .. Further, on the display unit of the 7-segment display 42, for example, a pre-start effect of the big hit game is performed by using this "big hit start waiting time".

Step S5004: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the jackpot start waiting time has elapsed. That is, if the value of the jackpot start waiting time timer is not yet 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot start waiting time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process.

After that, when the value of the jackpot start waiting time timer becomes 0 with the passage of time, the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot start waiting time has elapsed (Yes), and executes step S5006 and subsequent steps.

Step S5006: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds. In the present embodiment, the set number of execution rounds (number of continuous operations) is one of "10 rounds". Regarding what kind of execution rounds to set, the number of execution rounds can be set by checking the jackpot type status. However, as described above, the first opening (small hit operation) of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 corresponds to the first round. Therefore, here, the remaining "9 rounds" are set as the number of execution rounds. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76 as a corresponding value on the program.

Step S5008: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot release timer. The value of the timer set here is the opening time per time when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated. In the present embodiment, the total opening time for one round (for example, about 29.0 seconds) is set as the value of the jackpot opening timer. With this degree of opening time, a sufficient number (for example, about 9) of game balls can be won in the large winning opening during that period.

Step S5010: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot time interval timer (the jackpot closing time timer). The value of the timer set here is the waiting time between the rounds during the big hit or the waiting time at the end of the final round. The value of the timer is set to, for example, about 2 to 3 seconds.

Step S5012: Then, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the “special game management status” to “08H” and returns to the special game management process.

[Opening process of accessory device at the time of big hit]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the jackpot accessory device opening process (step S5500 in FIG. 32). When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "08H" in the previous jackpot bonus device operation start process (step S5012 in FIG. 40), the jackpot bonus device release process is executed thereafter. .. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 as an operation during the big hit game (special game). Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 opens the large winning opening 30b. Specifically, the drive signal applied to the large winning opening solenoid 90 is output. As a result, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates to shift from the closed state to the open state.

Step S5504: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the release timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5008 in FIG. 40) is executed.

Step S5506: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less, and if the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next steps S5508. To execute.

Step S5508: The main control CPU 72 executes the winning ball number counting process. In this process, the number of game balls that have won a prize in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (large winning opening 30b during opening) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the count number based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 within the opening time.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (9). As described above, this predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (the upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (1 round during a big hit, 1 time during a small hit). If the count number has not reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the jackpot accessory device release process at this stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the steps of steps S5052 to S5510 described above.

When it is determined in step S5506 above that the opening time has ended (Yes), or when it is confirmed in step S5510 that the number of counts has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5512.

Step S5512: The main control CPU 72 closes the grand prize opening 30b. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the large winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

Step S5514: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the interval standby process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the above-mentioned jackpot time accessory device operation start process (step S5010 in FIG. 40). Then, when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5518. Although not particularly shown here, the main control CPU 72 performs the special game management process that is the caller from step S5514 for each interrupt until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0). Returns to the end address of. Then, when the jackpot accessory device opening process is executed in the next call, step S5514 is executed directly instead of starting from the first step S5502.

Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the open count counter. The value of the open count counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with the initial value set to 0.

Step S5520: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the open count counter after the increment has reached the number of times set in the current round. Here, the reason why the "number of times set in the current round" is determined is to correspond to the opening pattern of "opening the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 multiple times in one round during the big hit". Is. In the present embodiment, since the opening pattern of opening 18 times in one round is adopted, the "number of times set in the current round" is set to 18 times in each round. Then, when the value of the open count counter after the increment reaches the set number of times (for example, “18”) (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5522.

If the counter value has not reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (step S5520: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process, and at this stage, the jump destination is the jackpot accessory device. Since it is set to the operation start process, the steps from step S5052 to step S5520 described above are repeatedly executed. As a result, the increment of the opening count counter proceeds in step S5518, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5522.

Step S5522: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the special game management status to "09H" and returns to the special game management process. Therefore, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the next jackpot accessory device closing effective process (step S5550 in FIG. 32) is selected as the jump destination.

Although not particularly shown, the jackpot accessory device closing effective process is executed to adjust the time from opening to closing of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 as described above. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "0AH" and returns to the special game management process. Then, when the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process, the next jackpot accessory device closing process (step S6000 in FIG. 32) is selected as the jump destination.

[Disposal of closing the accessory device at the time of big hit]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for closing the accessory device at the time of a big hit. This jackpot accessory device closing process is for adjusting the internal state after the closing effective time of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 has elapsed as described above and before moving to the next operation. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

Step S6002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a large winning opening closing time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the jackpot interval timer (the jackpot closing time timer) set in the previous jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5010 in FIG. 40).

Step S6004: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the closing time (interval time) has ended. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the jackpot interval timer after the countdown process is 0 or less, and if the timer value is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 is a jackpot here. The timer device closing process is completed, and the process returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0AH" at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot time accessory device closing process, and the above steps S6002 and The procedure of step S6004 is repeatedly executed. Then, if it is determined in step S6004 that the closing time has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6006.

Step S6006: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the round number counter. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with the initial value set to 0.

Step S6008: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the round number counter after increment has reached the set number of execution rounds. The number of execution rounds is set in the previous jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5006 in FIG. 40). At this time, if the value of the round number counter has not yet reached the number of execution rounds (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S6014.

[Before the end of the final round]
Step S6014: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the round number command based on the value of the current round number counter. The round number command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28). The effect control device 124 can recognize the current number of rounds based on the received round number command, and reflect the result in the effect control during the big hit.

Step S6016: Then, the main control CPU 72 changes the value of the special game management status from "0AH" and sets it to "08H". As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the main control CPU 72 again selects the jackpot accessory device release process (FIG. 42), and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 in the next round The release operation will be executed.

Step S6018: Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball count counter counted in this round. As a result, when the jackpot accessory device opening process (FIG. 42) is executed again, the number of winning balls in the next round is counted from 0.

[At the end of the final round]
After that, when it is confirmed in step S6008 that the value of the round number counter has reached the set number of execution rounds (step S6008: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S6010.

Step S6010: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter used in this jackpot.

Step S6012: Then, the main control CPU 72 updates and sets the value of the special game management status from “0AH” to “0BH”.
Step S6018: Further, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter counted in the final round.

When the above procedure is executed at the end of the final round, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the special game management process, the next big hit time accessory device operation end process (step S6500 in FIG. 32) is selected as the jump destination.

[End of operation of accessory device at the time of big hit]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the operation end processing of the jackpot accessory device. This jackpot time accessory device operation end process is for confirming the passage of the jackpot ending time and adjusting the internal state (special symbol state) after the jackpot game is completed. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

Step S6502: First, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 mainly confirms the detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and adds the value of the discharge ball counter. The value of the discharge ball counter is stored in, for example, the count area of the RAM 76.

Step S6504: The main control CPU 72 executes the remaining ball discharge check process (ball number determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 compares the value of the winning ball counter and the value of the ejected ball counter described above.

Step S6506: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the discharge of the effective sphere is completed based on the above comparison result. That is, if the value of the ejected ball counter is smaller than the value of the winning ball counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of the effective balls has not been completed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6524. On the other hand, if the value of the ejected ball counter is not smaller than the value of the winning ball counter (when both match), the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of the effective ball is completed (Yes), and performs step S6508. Run.

Step S6508: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the major combination end command has been set. Whether or not the major winning combination end command has been set can be determined by the major winning combination end command set flag that is set to ON when the major winning combination end command is set.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the major combination end command has been set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips the following steps S651 to S6514 and executes step S6516. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the major combination end command has not been set (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6510.

Step S6510: The main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot ending time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the jackpot ending time timer, which is set in advance as the “big hit ending time (ending effect time)”. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value to the value of the jackpot ending time timer when the module is called for the first time, and the main control CPU 72 is already set when the module is called for the first time or later. Decrement the value of the jackpot ending time timer. Using the "big hit ending time" at this time, the ending effect of the big hit game is executed in the display unit of the 7-segment display 42.

Step S6512: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the jackpot ending time has elapsed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the jackpot ending time timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the timer is not 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 32) here. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot time accessory device operation end process, and the above step S6510 And the procedure of step S6512 is repeatedly executed. Then, if it is determined in step S6512 that the jackpot ending time has elapsed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6514.

Step S6514: The main control CPU 72 sets a major combination end command (special game end information notification means). This command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) that the jackpot ending time has elapsed. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28). When the major winning combination end command is set, the main control CPU 72 sets the flag for setting the major winning combination end command to ON. The flag for which the major role end command has been set is set to OFF when returning to the normal game.

Step S6515a: The main control CPU 72 executes the time saving state management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes control regarding the time reduction state. The details of the process will be described later.
Step S6515b: The main control CPU 72 executes the limiter management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes control related to the limiter. The details of the process will be described later.

Step S6515c: The main control CPU 72 generates a state specification command. Specifically, the jackpot flag is reset when the big role ends. If the time reduction function operation flag is not set, a state specification command indicating "normal" is generated as the game state, and if the time reduction function operation flag is set, the game state is "time reduction". Generates a state specification command that represents. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Step S6516: The main control CPU 72 executes the customer waiting timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the customer waiting timer, which is set in advance as "customer waiting time (time from setting the major role end command to executing the customer waiting effect; for example, about 5 seconds)". do. Specifically, when the module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the value of the customer waiting timer here, and when the module is called for the first time or later, the main control CPU 72 is a set customer. Decrement the value of the wait timer.

Step S6518: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the customer waiting time has elapsed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the customer waiting timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the timer is not 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process here. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot time accessory device operation end process, and the above step S6516 And the procedure of step S6518 is repeatedly executed. Then, if it is determined in step S6518 that the customer waiting time has elapsed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6520.

Step S6520: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the customer waiting designation command. This command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) that a certain time has elapsed since the setting of the major combination end command. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S6522: Then, the main control CPU 72 initializes the value of the special game management status to “00H”. As a result, the progress of the game corresponding to the special symbol transitions to the "waiting for fluctuation" state (the state that satisfies the starting condition). Therefore, by transitioning to this state, it is possible to add working memory and change (start) the special symbol with a new winning prize in each starting winning opening.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S6506 that the discharge of the effective sphere has not been completed (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following processing.

Step S6524: The main control CPU 72 executes the discharge timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the discharge time (the maximum time for confirming whether or not the number of incoming balls and the number of discharged balls match; for example, about 1 minute) in advance. Executes a timer countdown. Specifically, when the module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value to the value of the discharge timer here, and when the module is called for the first time or later, the main control CPU 72 sets the set discharge timer. Decrement the value of.

Step S6526: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the discharge time has elapsed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the discharge timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the timer is not 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process here. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot time accessory device operation end process, and the above step S6524 And the procedure of step S6526 is repeatedly executed. Then, if it is determined in step S6526 that the discharge time has elapsed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6528. If it is determined in step S6506 that the discharge of the effective sphere is completed during the countdown of the discharge timer (step S6506: Yes), the control process exits this loop, so step S6528 is performed. Not executed.

Step S6528: The main control CPU 72 sets a discharge ball shortage error status command (non-end information notification means). This command is for notifying the effect control device 124 (effect control CPU 126) that the discharge of the effective sphere has not been completed within a certain period of time. The command set here is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

After completing the procedure of step S6522 or step S6528, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 32), executes the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) and the solenoid control process (step S7500), and then. Return to the interrupt management process (FIG. 28). As a result, in the subsequent special game management process, the special symbol change start waiting process (step S1500 in FIG. 32) is selected.

[Time reduction status management process]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the time reduction state management process. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

Step S6540: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the winning symbol this time is a winning symbol that shifts to the time shortened state. In the present embodiment, the winning symbols to be shifted to the time shortened state are "small hit symbol 1" and "small hit symbol 2". In addition, "small hit symbol 1" is divided into "small hit symbol 1a" and "small hit symbol 1b", "small hit symbol 1a" is used as a winning symbol to shift to a time shortened state, and "small hit symbol 1b" is time. It may be a winning symbol that does not shift to the shortened state.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the winning symbol this time is the winning symbol that shifts to the time shortened state, the main control CPU 72 executes step S6542. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the winning symbol this time is the winning symbol that shifts to the time shortened state, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot time accessory device operation end process (FIG. 43).

Step S6542: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the number of time reductions. The value of the number of time reductions to be set is as described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 36. The set time reduction count value is stored in the time reduction count area of the RAM 76 as the number cut counter value related to the time reduction state. The time reduction number set here is the upper limit number of times that the first special symbol or the second special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state. Further, in this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the time reduction function operation flag as the game state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 to ON (01H) (time reduction state transition means, time reduction function operation means).

Then, when the jackpot game is completed, the main control CPU 72 shifts the game state to the time shortened state based on the game state flag (time shortening function operation flag) (time shortened state shifting means). In the "time reduction state", the time reduction function is activated, and the winning probability of the normal symbol operation lottery is set from the normal probability (low probability: for example, 1 / 60,000) to the high probability (for example, about 1 / 1). , The fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended, and the number of times of opening is increased (so-called electric chew support is performed).
It should be noted that a gaming machine including elements of a so-called two-kind gaming machine (for example, a one-kind two-kind mixer or a two-kind gaming machine, that is, a big hit game is executed by passing a game ball through a specific area during a small hit game. In the gaming machine), the winning probability of the operation lottery of the normal symbol may not be shifted to the high probability state. In this case, the winning probability of the normal symbol operation lottery is a fixed probability (for example, approximately 1/1) regardless of whether or not the time reduction function is activated, and the open pattern of the variable start winning device 28 makes it easy to win. Difficulty can be adjusted.

[Limiter management process]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the limiter management process. Hereinafter, each procedure will be described.

Step S6600: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning is a winning in a non-time shortened state. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 can confirm the internal state at the time of winning by storing the internal state at the time of winning in the RAM 76.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the current winning is the winning in the non-time shortened state, the main control CPU 72 executes step S6602. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the current winning is a winning in the non-time shortened state, the main control CPU 72 executes step S6604.

Step S6602: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of resetting the number of limiters (setting 0). Here, the number of limiters indicates the number of consecutive times in which a special game (big hit game) can be continuously executed. In this embodiment, a game specification is adopted in which a set of four big hit games (= 1 time for the first time + 3 times during the time reduction) is adopted, and the initial value of the number of limiters is "0". The value of the number of limiters takes any value of "0", "1", "2" or "3".
When this process is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the process of ending the operation of the accessory device at the time of a big hit (FIG. 43).

Step S6604: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of adding (+1) the number of limiters.

Step S6606: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the "limiter number of times" and the specified value (upper limit value; for example, "3") match.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the "limiter number of times" and the specified value match (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6608. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the "limiter number of times" and the specified value match, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot operation end process (FIG. 43).

Step S6608: The main control CPU 72 executes the transition process to the non-time reduction state.
In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the process when the specified value is reached (means for executing the process when the specified value is reached), which limits the transition to the time shortened state. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the time reduction number to 0 even if the time reduction number of times is set, or executes a process of setting the time reduction function operation flag to OFF. As a result, when the limiter is reached, the state is forcibly shifted to the non-time reduction state.

Then, when the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot operation end processing (FIG. 43).

[Solenoid control process]
FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the solenoid control process. This solenoid control process is executed at each interrupt regardless of the value of the "special game management status" as described above. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S7502: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current value of the “special game management status” is any of “07H” to “0BH”. Here, the value of the "special game management status" is set to any of "07H" to "0BH" when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operating at the time of a big hit on the game flow. ..

As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the "special game management status" is any of "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 executes step S7504. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the "special game management status" is neither "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 executes step S7506.

Step S7504: The main control CPU 72 operates the ascending device taxiway solenoid 95. As a result, during the big hit game, the game ball is discharged without being guided by the ascending device 610.

Step S7506: The main control CPU 72 deactivates (OFF) the ascending device taxiway solenoid 95. As a result, the game ball is guided to the ascending device 610 except during the big hit game.

[Motor management process]
FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the motor management process (step S209 in FIG. 28) executed in the interrupt management process. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S2800: First, the main control CPU 72 executes the origin monitoring process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not it is necessary to monitor the origin positions of various motors (distribution motor 213, main body motor 402, and conveyor motor 214), and if it is necessary to monitor, each of them. Acquires the detection signal from the origin detection mechanism.

Step S2802: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the operation of the various motors at power-on is completed. At this time, if it is immediately after the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on and the operations of the various motors at the time of turning on the power are not completed (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S2804.

Step S2804: In this case, the main control CPU 72 executes the power-on operation process. As a result, for example, various motors (distribution motor 213, main body motor 402, and conveyor motor 214) start rotating in a constant direction at a constant speed. Then, the main body motor 402 stops at the origin position after executing a predetermined power-on operation pattern. Further, the distribution body motor 213 and the conveyor motor 214 operate based on a constant operation pattern from when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (except when the power is turned off or other power failure) to when the power is cut off. After that, when the power-on operation is completed, it is determined that the operation is completed (Yes) in the previous step S2802, so that step S2804 is skipped thereafter.

Step S2806: The main control CPU 72 monitors whether or not the value of the “special game management status” is “04H” in preparation for the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit. If the value of the "special game management status" is other than "04H", the main control CPU 72 skips step S2808. On the other hand, if the value of the "special game management status" is "04H", the main control CPU 72 executes step S2808, assuming that an operation trigger at the time of a small hit of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 has occurred.

Step S2808: The main control CPU 72 executes the small hit motor management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls, for example, the drive state of the main body motor 402 at the time of a small hit. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 is used at a constant speed and a constant time after the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 starts operating (after the stop time of the special symbol at the time of a small hit ends). The main body motor 402 is moved according to the operation pattern for operating the main body motor 402 (for example, the operation pattern of the main body motor shown in FIG. 24C). As a result, normal distribution operation by the main body motor 402 can be realized.

Step S2810: The main control CPU 72 monitors whether or not the value of the “special game management status” is “07H” to “0BH” in preparation for the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a big hit. If the value of the "special game management status" is other than "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 skips step S2812. On the other hand, if the value of the "special game management status" is within the range of "07H" to "0BH", it is assumed that the operation trigger of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a big hit has occurred, and the main control CPU 72 has step S2812. To execute.

Step S2812: The main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot motor management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls, for example, the driving state of the main body motor 402 during the jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 controls the main body motor 402 according to an operation pattern of operating the main body motor 402 during the jackpot game at a constant speed and a constant time. As a result, during the big hit game, the main body motor 402 continues to rotate, and the tower main body 400 can be continuously rotated. During the big hit game, the operation of the main body motor 402 may be stopped.
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 28).

[Display output management process]
FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the display output management process (step S212 in FIG. 28) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes special symbol display setting process (step S1200), normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), status display setting process (step S1220), working memory display setting process (step S1230), and continuous operation count display setting. The configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S1240).

In the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the working memory display setting process (step S1230), as described above, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 , The process of generating and outputting the drive signal applied to each LED of the ordinary symbol display device 33 and the ordinary symbol operation storage lamp 33a is executed.

In the state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240), a process of generating and outputting a drive signal applied to each LED of the game state display device 38 is executed.

Of these, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the time saving state display lamp 38e according to the value of the time saving function operation flag. For example, if the time reduction function operation flag is set to a value (01H), the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LEDs corresponding to the time saving state display lamp 38e and the firing position designation display lamp 38f.

On the other hand, in the continuous operation number display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the jackpot type display lamp 38a during the jackpot game. In the present embodiment, since there is only a "10 round jackpot game", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "10 rounds (10R)".

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the progress status of the special symbol game changes with the execution of the control process by the main control CPU 72. Further, in the special symbol game, the progress state is greatly branched into a big hit game or a normal game according to the result of the distribution operation of the game ball in the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the 7-segment display 42 is mainly used for the effect according to the actual progress of the game, and the transition of the progress is transmitted to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. Hereinafter, an effect using the 7-segment display 42 will be described with an example.

[Production example]
The 7-segment display 42 can display various effects by three (three-digit) 7-segment LEDs (with dots) (effect execution means). Of the three 7-segment LEDs, two 7-segment LEDs are arranged in the left region of the 7-segment display 42, and the remaining one 7-segment LED is arranged in the right region of the 7-segment display 42.

[Small hit production]
FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an example of an effect executed when the "small hit symbol 1" is applicable. Further, FIGS. 50 and 51 are continuous views showing an example of an effect executed when the "small hit symbol 2" is applicable.
In the present embodiment, since the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened with the small hit winning in the special symbol lottery as an opportunity, the game ball is opened when the large winning opening 30b is open. The following effects are performed to encourage the large winning opening 30b to win a prize.

[Before the start of production]
In FIG. 49 (A): At the stage when the game is started in the pachinko machine 1, such an effect is not performed on the 7-segment display 42. However, if the game has not been executed for a certain period of time, a demonstration effect (not shown) can be executed based on the customer waiting designation command. Then, the player operates the grip unit 16 to launch the game ball into the game area.

[Entering the ball to the left start winning opening]
In FIG. 49 (B): When the game ball enters the left start winning opening 26, the first special symbol starts to fluctuate. The fluctuation time of the first special symbol is set to an extremely short time (for example, about 0.5 seconds). In addition, since the small hit probability of the first special symbol lottery is approximately one-third, when the first special symbol starts to fluctuate, the first special symbol immediately stops according to the mode corresponding to "small hit symbol 1". Is displayed. Then, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the manner corresponding to the "small hit symbol 1", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates only once, and the large winning opening 30b is opened once. Then, on the 7-segment display 42, an effect for teaching the one-time opening (for example, an effect of displaying the character information of "1") is executed.

[End of operation of movable ball entry accessory device]
In FIG. 49 (C): When the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 is opened for the specified opening time (for example, 0.425 seconds) when it corresponds to the small hit symbol 1, the movable ball-entry accessory device 30 has a large winning opening. 30b is closed to end the operation.

[Before the start of production]
In FIG. 50 (A): It is assumed that the player operates the grip unit 16 to hit the game ball to the right. Such a situation occurs mainly when the game is executed in a time-reduced state. Then, when the game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol starts to fluctuate, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode, the variable start winning device 28 is opened.

[Entering the right start winning opening]
In FIG. 50 (B): When the game ball enters the right start winning opening 28b, the second special symbol starts to fluctuate. The fluctuation time of the second special symbol is also set to an extremely short time (for example, about 0.5 seconds). In addition, since the small hit probability of the second special symbol lottery is approximately one-third, when the second special symbol starts to fluctuate, the second special symbol immediately stops according to the mode corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2". Is displayed. Then, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the manner corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 operates twice, and the large winning opening 30b is opened twice. Then, in the 7-segment display 42, "2" is displayed in order to teach the opening twice.

[End of the first operation of the movable ball entry accessory device]
In FIG. 50 (C): When the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened for a specified opening time (for example, 0.8 seconds), the movable ball entry accessory device 30 closes the large winning opening 30b and performs the first operation. finish.

[Starting the second operation of the movable ball entry accessory device]
In FIG. 51 (D): When the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the "small hit symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened twice. Then, when the first operation is completed and the interval time between the first operation and the second operation elapses, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts the operation again and wins a big prize. Open the mouth 30b. Here as well, in the 7-segment display 42, the display of "2" is continued in order to teach the opening twice.

[End of the second operation of the movable ball entry accessory device]
In FIG. 51 (E): When the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened for a specified opening time (for example, 0.8 seconds), the movable ball entry accessory device 30 closes the large winning opening 30b and operates for the second time. finish.

[Direction at the time of entering the big prize opening]
FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of an effect executed when a game ball enters the large winning opening 30b opened at the time of a small hit.

[Opening the big prize opening]
In FIG. 52 (A): The large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the “small hit symbol 1”. Then, in the illustrated example, a game ball is inserted into the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

[Game ball detection]
In FIG. 52 (B): When the game ball enters the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game ball enters the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the count switch 84 of the game ball Passage is detected. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 executes the ball entry effect. The ball entry effect is, for example, an effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42.

[Continued ball entry production]
In FIG. 52 (C): After that, the game ball that has passed through the count switch 84 is discharged through the specific area in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 or is discharged without passing through the specific area. Sorting operation is performed. The ball entry effect on the 7-segment display 42 is continued until the game ball is next detected by the effect switch 800 or the discharge detection switch 900.

[Direction when entering the chance area hole]
FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an example of an effect executed when a game ball enters the chance region hole.
The chance area hole 514 is a hole into which the game ball enters when the first distribution operation is successful, and when the game ball enters the chance area hole 514, the accessory game continues. In this case, it is decided to execute the character game continuation production.

[Arrive at the rotating stage]
In FIG. 53 (A): In the illustrated example, the game ball has reached the rotation stage 510, and the game ball is further riding on the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510. Here, the ball entry effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42 is continued.

[Game ball detection with production switch]
In FIG. 53 (B): Then, when the game ball luckily enters the chance area hole 514 from the rotary stage 510, the game ball further enters the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 from the chance area hole 514 and has a chance. The passage of the game ball is detected by the effect switch 800 located downstream of the region hole 514. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the effect switch 800, the 7-segment display 42 executes the character game continuation effect. As the character game continuation effect, for example, an effect emphasizing the continuation of the character game (for example, an effect of displaying the character of go) is executed in the display area of the 7-segment display 42.

[Direction when passing through a specific area, etc.]
54 and 55 are diagrams showing an example of an effect executed when the game ball passes through various areas (specific area, special area, etc.).

[Special route]
In FIG. 54 (A): As a result of the distribution operation in the route distribution unit 200, when the game ball passes through the special route taxiway 210, the passage of the game ball is detected by the special route switch 902. In this case, the 7-segment display 42 executes a special route transition effect (for example, an effect of displaying the character "SP" which is an acronym for the special route) indicating that the game ball has advanced to the special route.

[Passing through the out passage]
In FIG. 54 (B): As a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, when the game ball passes through the out passage and the discharge detection switch 900 detects the passage of the game ball, the disconnection effect is executed. .. The disengagement effect is an effect of displaying information corresponding to the disengagement on the 7-segment display 42 (for example, an effect of displaying "-(bar)"). In addition, in such an out-of-order effect, when the game ball enters the out-of-hole hole 516 or as a result of the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630, the game ball passes through the out passage, and the game is played by the discharge detection switch 900. The same is performed when the passage of a sphere is detected.

[Passing through a special area]
In FIG. 55 (C): As a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, when the game ball passes through the special area and the passage of the game ball is detected by the special area switch 901, the first view in the game The operation of raising the game ball from the pedestal stage 620 to the second observatory stage 630 is executed. At this time, the 7-segment display 42 executes an ascending effect (for example, an effect of displaying the character "UP" meaning ascending) in accordance with the ascending of the game ball.

[Passing through a specific area]
In FIG. 55 (D): As a result of the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630, when the game ball passes through a specific area and the passage of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 701, a big hit of 10 rounds in the game. The game is executed. At this time, on the 7-segment display 42, the effect during the jackpot game (for example, the effect of displaying the character "10") is executed in accordance with the execution of the 10-round jackpot game.

[Direction during a major role]
56 to 59 are continuous diagrams showing a big win effect executed during the big hit game in the case of corresponding to the “10 round big hit”.

[At the start of the second round]
In FIG. 56 (A): When the game ball passes through a specific area, a 10-round jackpot game is started. Then, with the start of the 10-round big hit game, the big winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is open. The big hit game is started from the second round because the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 in the small hit game corresponds to the first round.

Then, when the second round of the jackpot game is started, "2" indicating the current number of rounds is displayed in the display area on the left side of the 7-segment display 42. Further, in the illustrated example, since no game ball has been counted yet, "0" indicating the count number of the game ball is displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42. ..

In FIG. 56 (B): During the second round of the big hit game, the game ball enters the big winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The entered game ball enters the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 executes the update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display of "0" displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42 is changed to the display of "1". The movable ball entry accessory device 30 is subject to either the condition that the large winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, opened 18 times) or that a specified number (for example, 9) of game balls are entered. Continue one round until satisfied. And here, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 closes and closes the grand prize opening 30b.
Although not particularly shown, the effect of gradually turning on the various lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, and the like may be executed in association with the effect of updating the count number of the game balls.

In FIG. 56 (C): During the second round of the big hit game, the game ball enters the big winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 again. The entered game ball enters the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 executes the update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display of "1" displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42 is changed to the display of "2".

In FIG. 57 (D): Then, during the second round of the jackpot game, the ninth game ball enters the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the ball that has entered is Detected by the count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 executes the update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42 is changed to "9". In this case, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 closes the movable piece 30a and ends the second round, assuming that the condition that a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game balls have been entered is satisfied.

[Great winning opening closing production]
In FIG. 57 (E): The big winning opening closing effect is executed when the second round is completed. The large winning opening closing effect is, for example, an effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42.
In addition, when the effect of gradually turning on the various lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, etc. is executed along with the effect of updating the count number of the game balls, the effect of turning off them (update effect). The effect of resetting) is also executed.

[Continued production of closing the winning opening]
In FIG. 57 (F): The effect of closing the large winning opening on the 7-segment display 42 is continued until the closing time of the large winning opening is completed. In the illustrated example, the effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42 is continued.

[3rd round]
In FIG. 58 (G): When the closing time of the second round big winning opening is completed, the third round of the 10-round big hit game is started. Then, when the third round is started, the movable piece 30a of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened and the large winning opening 30b is opened.

Then, when the third round of the jackpot game is started, "3" indicating the current number of rounds is displayed in the display area on the left side of the 7-segment display 42. Further, in the illustrated example, in the third round of the jackpot game, no game ball has been counted yet, so that the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42 indicates the count number of the game ball. "0" is displayed.

[10th round]
In FIG. 58 (H): After that, the big hit game progressed smoothly, and the game shifted to the final 10th round. In the illustrated example, in the display area on the left side of the 7-segment display 42, "10" indicating the current number of rounds is displayed. Further, in the illustrated example, eight game balls have already been counted in the final 10 rounds, and "8" indicating the count number of game balls is displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42. There is.

In FIG. 58 (I): Then, during the execution of the 10th round of the jackpot game, the 9th game ball enters the large winning opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the ball is entered. Detected by the count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 executes the update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42 is changed from "8" to "9". In this case, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 closes the movable piece 30a and ends the tenth round, assuming that the condition that a predetermined number (for example, nine) of game balls have been entered is satisfied.

[Great winning opening closing production]
In FIG. 59 (J): The big winning opening closing effect is executed when the 10th round is completed. The large winning opening closing effect is, for example, an effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42. The 10th round closing effect of the large winning opening is the same as the closing effect of the large winning opening executed after the end of the 2nd round.

[Continued production of closing the winning opening]
In FIG. 59 (K): The effect of closing the large winning opening on the 7-segment display 42 is continued until the closing time of the large winning opening ends. In the illustrated example, the effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42 is continued.

[Direction of the end of a major role]
In FIG. 59 (L): When the big winning opening closing effect in the final round (10 rounds) of the big hit game is completed, a certain time has passed since the big winning opening closing effect was started (for example, after 1.5 seconds have passed). In addition, the big role end production is executed. In the illustrated example, the English character "En" is displayed in the display area on the left side of the 7-segment display 42, and the English character "d" is displayed in the display area on the right side. As a result, the character "End" is completed, and it is possible to teach the player that the jackpot game has been completed. Then, at this point, the production of the end of the major role ends.

Although not shown in particular, in the big role end effect, all the lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, etc. are turned off, and the LED built in the tower main body 400 of the central accessory device 300 is turned on. You may perform an effect that emphasizes that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, the control processing executed by the effect control CPU 126 of the effect control device 124 will be described.

[CPU initialization process (main) process in the effect control device]
FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the CPU initialization process and the effect control main process in the effect control device.

The CPU initialization process is a process for adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by clearing various information in the effect control device 124, and more specifically, when the effect control device 124 is started (more specifically, to the pachinko machine 1). It is executed by the effect control CPU 126 when the power is turned on, or when the effect control device 124 is restarted due to some factor or sub-reset. By executing the CPU initialization process, the realization of a stable effect in the pachinko machine 1 is guaranteed.

FIG. 60 (A) is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the CPU initialization process in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S300: The effect control CPU 126 releases the reset of the CPU. In order to guarantee the normal operation of the effect control device 124, the effect control CPU 126 resets the CPU after the power is turned on to the effect control device 124 until the output voltage rises normally to the operation guarantee level and the peripheral circuits are stabilized. During that time, the reset state is continued. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the program from operating in a state where the effect control device 124 is not stable. When the reset of the CPU is released, the execution of the control program in the effect control device 124 is started with this as an opportunity.

Step S310: The effect control CPU 126 executes the system initialization process. In the system initialization process, initial settings related to hardware, system operation settings, and the like are performed as initial settings required before various interrupt processes corresponding to the substance of the effect control are started. In the system initialization process, for example, in addition to the settings related to access to each register and I / O port of the effect control CPU 126 and each device connected to the effect control CPU 126, the RAM 130 (main memory) and the command buffer are cleared. Will be.

Step S320: The effect control CPU 126 executes the task execution pre-processing. Here, the "task" refers to an individual process executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In the task execution pre-processing, preparations for executing the task are performed. For example, the effect control device 124 is provided with a plurality of LED lamps (hereinafter, referred to as “status LEDs”) that can be visually recognized from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and the effect control device 124 uses these LED lamps. The internal state is notified by a plurality of lighting patterns, and the initial state of the status LED is set in the task execution preprocessing. In addition, the frequency of the command input / output port required for receiving the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70 is set, the RTC184 is set up, the interruption is permitted, and the like. When the task execution pre-processing is completed, the status LED lights up in a manner indicating the completion of the initialization processing, various effect commands can be received, and the state shifts to a state in which various interruptions can occur.

In the effect control device 124, there are various types such as timer interrupts that occur at preset time intervals and event interrupts that occur due to the occurrence of a predetermined event on the effect control device 124. Interruption can occur. In the following description, interrupts that occur periodically at regular intervals (for example, timer interrupts, event interrupts that occur at regular cycles, etc.) are referred to as "regular interrupts". A priority is set in advance for each interrupt, and when an interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 126 controls the interrupt according to the priority and executes the corresponding interrupt process.

Step S330: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect control main process. In the effect control main process, among the controls executed as the game progresses, other processes that are not executed in various tasks are executed.

As shown in FIG. 60 (A), the effect control main process is incorporated in an infinite loop, and when the effect control CPU 126 finishes executing the effect control main process once, a predetermined execution interval is set. The execution of the next effect control main process is restarted from. Therefore, unless the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is maintained and the effect control device 124 is restarted, the effect control CPU 126 continues to repeatedly execute the effect control main process. Further, during the execution of the effect control main process, various interrupts are generated triggered by various factors, and the effect control CPU 126 executes the process according to each interrupt that has occurred. In these processes, display control on the liquid crystal display 41 and the 7-segment display 42, audio output control on the speakers 54, 55, 56, drive control of the lamps 46 to 53 and the movable motor 47, etc. are performed. By controlling each device connected to the effect control device 124, the effect content is constructed and the effect is embodied.

As described above, the infinite loop in FIG. 60 (A) corresponds to the main loop in the effect control device 124, and the effect control main process is positioned as the main process executed in the effect control device 124.

FIG. 60B is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the effect control main process executed in the main loop of the CPU initialization process in the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S340: The effect control CPU 126 executes the voltage control monitoring process. In the voltage control monitoring process, the effect control CPU 126 performs a monitoring process for canceling the interruption of the 5V signal supplied to the external driver in a fixed time. If a voltage is applied to the lamp or the movable body at the same time, the lamp or the movable body may generate excessive heat due to the inrush current, which may lead to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the timing of applying the voltage (timing of releasing the signal) is shifted to disperse the inrush current, and the lamp, the movable body, and the like are protected from heat generation.

Step S350: The effect control CPU 126 executes the watchdog clear process.
For example, the effect control device 124 can be equipped with a watchdog timer connected to the effect control CPU 126, a watchdog timer using the built-in function of the effect control CPU 126, and a watchdog timer by a control program. In this case, in the effect control device 124, three types of watchdog timers are operating, and whether the periodic interrupts are normally generated due to different monitoring times for each watchdog timer (triggered by the occurrence of the periodic interrupts). It is possible to monitor whether or not the periodic interrupt process to be executed is executed normally). In the watchdog clear process, the effect control CPU 126 clears all watchdog timers and the like when the periodic interrupt process is normally executed. The watchdog timer may be less than 3 types or 4 or more types.

After completing the above procedure, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop of the CPU initialization process ((A) in FIG. 60) and executes the effect control main process again. The effect control main process is executed at substantially constant intervals when the effect control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, in the normal state, in the effect control main process, the frame interrupt that occurs every 33.3 ms (16.6 ms interval occurs twice) is triggered by the frame interrupt while returning from the interrupt process that is separately executed. It is called every), and the processing of each step goes through in the meantime. Therefore, when each of the steps S340 and S350 of the effect control main process completes without delay, the effect control CPU 126 performs the standby process in the remaining time until the next effect control main process is called, and waits for the start process during that time. Transition to the (sleep) state. With the exhaustion of the remaining time, the effect control CPU 126 ends the standby process, returns to the main loop, and calls the next effect control main process.

[Interrupt processing in the production control device]
FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for interrupt processing in the effect control device.
The frame interrupt process and the phase interrupt process are timer interrupt processes, and the DMA end interrupt process is an event interrupt process.

The effect control CPU 126 executes interrupt processing according to various interrupts that occur during execution of the main loop (A) in FIG. 60. Hereinafter, each interrupt process will be described with reference to a procedure example.

FIG. 61 (A): is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a frame interrupt process. The frame interrupt is an interrupt that occurs once (60 times per second) at 16.6 ms intervals. The effect control CPU 126 executes the frame interrupt process when the frame interrupt occurs.

Step S1310: The effect control CPU 126 sets the frame interrupt monitoring flag and sets the flag value to “1”. The frame interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used to confirm whether or not frame interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.

Step S1312: The effect control CPU 126 executes the frame interrupt control process. In the frame interrupt control process, control of various tasks executed due to the frame interrupt process is executed.

When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 60).

FIG. 61 (B): is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the phase interrupt process. The phase interrupt is an interrupt for controlling the internal device of the effect control device 124, and is generated once at 520 μs intervals (1920 times per second). The effect control CPU 126 executes the phase interrupt process when the phase interrupt occurs.

Step S1320: The effect control CPU 126 sets the phase interrupt monitoring flag and sets the flag value to “1”. The phase interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used to confirm whether or not the phase interrupt has occurred normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.

Step S1322: The effect control CPU 126 executes the phase interrupt control process. In the phase interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the phase interrupt are controlled. For example, as one of various tasks, a command reception process (1 ms × a plurality of times of reading process) of a command transmitted from the liquid crystal board 152 is executed.

When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 60).

FIG. 61 (C): is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the DMA end interrupt process. The DMA end interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when the data transfer by DMA (direct memory access) is completed. The effect control CPU 126 transfers the command to the liquid crystal board 152 by DMA, and when the data transfer by DMA is completed, the DMA end interrupt occurs.
Then, the effect control CPU 126 executes the DMA end interrupt process when the DMA end interrupt occurs.

Step S1330: The effect control CPU 126 sets the DMA end interrupt monitoring flag and sets the flag value to “1”. The DMA end interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used for confirming whether or not the DMA end interrupt is normally generated, and is stored in the RAM 130.

Step S1332: The effect control CPU 126 executes the DMA end interrupt control process. In the DMA end interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the DMA end interrupt are controlled.

When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 60).

In this way, in any of the interrupt processes, first, the monitoring flag for each interrupt process is set, and then various tasks executed due to the interrupt process are controlled.

Next, an example of a control method for concretely realizing the effect will be described. All of the effects described with reference to the above-mentioned effect examples are controlled through the following control processes executed by the effect control device 124.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the effect control process executed by the effect control CPU 126. The effect control process is called during execution of the frame interrupt control process (step S1312 in FIG. 61). The effect control process is executed every other time among the frame interrupt control processes being executed every 16.6 ms, that is, once every 33.3 ms, triggered by the occurrence of the frame interrupt.

The effect control process includes a main command reception process (step S400), an effect management process when the movable ball entry accessory device is not operating (step S403), an effect management process when the movable ball entry accessory device is operating (step S404), and a display management process. (Step S405), lamp management process (step S406), sound management process (step S408), effect random number update process (step S410), movable body management process (step S412), two-dimensional code management process (step S414) and sub. This configuration includes a group of subroutines for command management processing (step S416). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along with each process.

Step S400: In the main command reception process, the effect control CPU 126 receives the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Further, the effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 for each type. The production commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a model designation command, a start opening winning sound control command, a lottery result command, a variation pattern command, a variation start command, a stop symbol command, and an accessory device closing command. Big hit state specification command, big hit type command, big hit state transition command, round number command, big role end command, customer waiting specification command, special game management status command, illegal winning error command, remaining ball error command, ejected ball shortage error status command, There are area passage commands, status specification commands, etc.

Step S403: In the effect management process when the movable ball entry accessory device is not operating, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is not operating. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the customer waiting designation command is saved from the main control CPU 72. Then, when it is confirmed that the customer waiting designation command is saved, the effect control CPU 126 executes the demo selection process for selecting the demo effect pattern. The demo effect pattern defines the content of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

Further, in this process, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the internal state is the time shortened state. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 can confirm the internal state by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirming the state designation command. Then, when it is confirmed that the internal state is the time reduction state, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern corresponding to the time reduction state.

Step S404: In the effect management process when the movable ball-entry accessory device is activated, the effect control CPU 126 performs an effect after hitting a small hit (corresponding to "small hit symbol 1" or "small hit symbol 2") in a special symbol lottery. Control.

Step S405: In the display management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern (display pattern) corresponding to the effect determined in the previous steps S403 and S404. The selected effect pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416 and transmitted to the liquid crystal substrate, the 7-segment substrate, or the like. As a result, the liquid crystal substrate and the 7-segment substrate control the liquid crystal display 41 and the 7-segment display 42 based on the instructed effect pattern. For example, by waking up the liquid crystal task, the effect pattern related to the liquid crystal display 41 is selected, and by waking up the LED task, the effect pattern related to the 7-segment display 42 is selected.

Step S406: In the lamp management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern (lighting pattern) corresponding to the effect determined in the previous steps S403 and S404. The selected effect pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416 and transmitted to the lamp drive circuit 132. As a result, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives various lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, and the like (lighting or extinguishing, blinking, change in luminance gradation, etc.) based on the instructed effect pattern.

Step S408: In the sound management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern (acoustic pattern) corresponding to the effect determined in the previous steps S403 and S404. The selected effect pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416 and transmitted to the acoustic drive circuit 134. As a result, the sounds from the speakers 54, 55, 56 according to the content of the effect (for example, the BGM during the opening operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the BGM during the distribution operation within the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the jackpot effect). BGM inside) is output.

Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, random numbers for effect selection when a plurality of effect contents are prepared.

Step S412: In the movable body management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting an effect pattern (operation pattern) corresponding to the effect determined in the previous steps S403 and S404. The selected effect pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416 and transmitted to the movable body substrate 153 (driving IC or the like). As a result, the movable body 43 for the effect is operated by a drive source such as the movable body motor 47. The information from the movable body sensor 49 can be received in this process, and the movable body 43 for production can be moved based on the received information.

Step S414: In the two-dimensional code management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of generating two-dimensional code data for displaying the two-dimensional code, if necessary.

Step S416: In the subcommand management process, the effect control CPU 126 transmits (data output) subcommands corresponding to the effect pattern and the two-dimensional code data selected in the previous processes to various boards, or from various boards. Executes the process of receiving (data input) subcommands.
When the above processing is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the caller.

[Production management process when the movable ball entry device is activated]
FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the effect management process at the time of operation of the movable ball entry accessory device. The effect management process when the movable ball-entry accessory device is activated is, for example, an execution selection process (step S500), a small hit effect selection process (step S502), an in-character game effect selection process (step S504), and an area passage effect. The configuration includes a group of subroutines for the selection process (step S506) and the jackpot effect selection process (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect management process at the time of operation of the movable entry accessory device as the return destination address in the "jump table". .. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, the effect control CPU 126 selects the small hit effect selection process (step S502) as the first jump destination. On the other hand, if the small hit effect selection process has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the in-feature in-game effect selection process (step S504) as the next jump destination, up to the in-feature in-game effect selection process. If it is completed, the effect selection process (step S506) at the time of passing through the area is selected as the next jump destination. The jackpot effect selection process (step S508) is selected as a subsequent jump destination only when the jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 32) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the small hit effect selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern (FIGS. 49, 50, 51, etc.) for operating the movable ball entry accessory device 30. By executing such an effect, it is possible to prevent the player from inadvertently digesting the game, reconfirm the sense of purpose, and prevent a decrease in the motivation to play the game.

Step S504: In the effect selection process during in-feature game, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the above-mentioned ball entry effect ((B) (C) in FIG. 52, (A) in FIG. 53, etc.). As a result, it is possible to appeal to the player the flow of the game in the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

Step S506: In the effect selection process when passing through an area, the effect control CPU 126 executes an effect when the game ball passes through a specific area, a special area, an out passage, or the like (in FIG. 53 (B), FIG. 54, FIG. 55, etc.). ) Select the production pattern. As a result, the game can be lively when passing through various areas.

Step S508: In the jackpot effect selection process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect content during the jackpot. For example, the effect control CPU 126 selects a dedicated effect pattern (effect patterns shown in FIGS. 56 to 59) during the jackpot as the effect content to be displayed on the 7-segment display 42. As a result, on the display screen of the 7-segment display 42, a special effect is displayed during the big hit, and the content of the effect changes as the round progresses.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 62).

[Two-dimensional code management process]
FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the two-dimensional code management process. This process is executed by the effect control CPU 126 of the sub control board 150. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S650: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the two-dimensional code display condition is satisfied. The effect control CPU 126 determines that, for example, when the effect switching button 45 is pressed and held for a certain period of time (when the effect switching button 45 is continuously pressed for a certain period of time or longer) during the execution of the demo effect, the two-dimensional code display condition is satisfied. Can be done.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the display condition of the two-dimensional code is satisfied (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S652. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the display condition of the two-dimensional code is satisfied (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 62).

Step S652: The effect control CPU 126 executes the two-dimensional code data generation process. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of generating basic data of a two-dimensional code (generation means). Further, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of reading the enlargement ratio and the display position from the ROM 128 (storage means) that stores the enlargement ratio and the display position. The enlargement ratio is predetermined according to the size of the display screen of the mounted liquid crystal display 41. For example, a small liquid crystal display 41 has a small enlargement ratio, and a large liquid crystal display 41 has a large enlargement ratio.

Then, the effect control CPU 126 generates the two-dimensional code data including the basic data, the enlargement ratio, and the display position.

The basic data is data for displaying a two-dimensional code (predetermined code) on the liquid crystal display 41 (display means). For example, the basic data can include information such as the number of fluctuations, the number of small hits, and the number of large hits. The effect control CPU 126 updates and stores this information during the game.

The enlargement ratio indicates a value regarding the size of the two-dimensional code (predetermined code) to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 (display means). That is, the enlargement ratio is data indicating how many pixels (1 pixel to 4 pixels) the basic data is displayed.
For example, when the enlargement ratio is "1", the basic data is displayed at 1x (1x), and when the enlargement ratio is "2", the basic data is displayed at 2x and the enlargement ratio is "3". If, the basic data is displayed at 3 times, and if the enlargement ratio is "4", the basic data is displayed at 4 times.

The display position is data indicating which position of the liquid crystal display 41 the two-dimensional code is to be displayed. For example, the display position can be expressed by data based on coordinates (horizontal position X, vertical position Y) with the lower left position of the liquid crystal display 41 as the origin.
When the above processing is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 62).

[Subcommand management process]
FIG. 65 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the subcommand management process. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S660: The effect control CPU 126 executes the subcommand construction process. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of constructing a subcommand corresponding to the effect pattern and the two-dimensional code data selected in the processes so far. The constructed subcommand is stored in the buffer for transmission.

There are various methods for controlling communication of subcommands. For example, the command status can be managed by a command variable (CMD :), and the communication status can be managed by a communication variable (TRNS :). In this case, if the command variable is in the standby state (CMD: == IDLE), this process can be executed. When this process is completed, the value corresponding to the save end state can be stored in the command variable (CMD: = SAVE_END).

Step S662: The effect control CPU 126 executes the subcommand transmission process. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 transmits a subcommand generated in the process of step S660 and stored in the transmission buffer to each board (each device) (for example, a clock with a clock signal line). Is generated, and the process of transmitting data on the signal line for data) is executed.

For example, if the communication variable is in the normal response state (TRNS: == REP_OK) and the command variable is in the save end state (CMD: == SAVE_END), this process can be executed. When this process is completed, the value corresponding to the execution state can be stored in the communication variable (TRNS: = EXEC).

Step S664: The effect control CPU 126 executes the subcommand reception process. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 receives subcommands transmitted from each board (for example, a process of receiving data on a data signal line while generating a clock on the clock signal line). To execute.

For example, when the communication variable is in the end state (TRNS: == END) and the received command indicates "success", the value corresponding to the normal response state can be stored in the communication variable (TRNS: = REP_OK).

For example, when the communication variable is in the end state (TRNS: == END) and the received command indicates "sum error", "buffer over" or "INC error", the communication variable corresponds to the reply abnormal state. The value can be stored (TRNS: = REP_NG).

For example, when the communication variable is in the end state (TRNS: == END) and no reception is detected for a certain period of time (5 × 33.333 ms), the retransmission flag can be set.
When the above processing is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 62).

[Processing when subcommand is received]
FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when a subcommand is received. This process is executed when the liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S750: The CPU (IC) of the liquid crystal board 152 confirms whether or not 1 bit of data has been received from the sub control board 150.

As a result, when it is confirmed that 1 bit of data has been received, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes step S751. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that 1 bit of data has been received, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 returns to the caller.

Step S751: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of storing the received 1-bit data in the bit N of the reception buffer. The receive buffer is an 8-bit (1 byte) buffer of bit 7 (most significant bit) to bit 0 (least significant bit). In addition, N = "7-number of received bits". The initial value of the number of received bits is 0. Therefore, the first bit is stored in bit 7 of the receive buffer.
Step S752: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of incrementing (+1) the number of received bits.

Step S753: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 confirms whether or not the number of received bits is 8. This makes it possible to confirm whether or not 8-bit data has been received.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the number of received bits is 8, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes step S754. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the number of received bits is 8, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 returns to the caller.

Step S754: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of moving (transferring, copying) 8-bit data to a transfer buffer (command buffer). The receive buffer is an area for 1 byte (8 bits), while the transfer buffer is an area for 16 bytes (a 16-stage buffer).

For example, when the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 receives the data for the first 8 bits (1 byte), it moves the data to the transfer buffer of the first stage and receives the data for the next 8 bits (1 byte). Second, move the data to the transfer buffer of the second stage. Such processing can be executed up to the 16th stage, and when the data is moved to the 16th stage, the data is returned to the first stage and moved to the transfer buffer of the 1st stage.

Step S755: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of resetting (clearing 0) the number of received bits. As a result, the liquid crystal substrate 152 is in a state where data can be received again from the first bit of the reception buffer.

Step S756: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of generating a reception full interrupt. The reception full interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when the reception of 8-bit (1 byte) data is completed.

Step S756: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes the reception index update process. If the subcommand is a normal command, it is transmitted in the order of START (0), device type (1), packet type (2), ..., But the reception index indicates 0, 1, etc. There is. For example, when the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 determines that START has been received as a subcommand, it stores "0" in the reception index, and when it determines that the device type has been received as a subcommand, the reception index. Store "1" in. Whether it is an initialization command or a normal command can be determined by the difference in the scene where the process is executed. For example, it can be determined that the command is an initialization command within a certain period of time after initialization, and it can be determined that the command is a normal command within a certain time after initialization.
When the above processing is completed, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 returns to the caller.

[Processing when full interrupt is received]
FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when a reception full interrupt occurs. This process is executed when the reception full interrupt occurs on the liquid crystal substrate 152. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S760: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes the reception command content determination process. Specifically, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of determining the content of the command received from the sub-control board 150.

Step S761: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes the retransmission flag determination process. Specifically, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 sends the received command (received data) when the resend flag of the command received from the sub control board 150 is ON and the Inc value is the same as the previous time. Execute the process of discarding. The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 stores the Inc value included in the previous subcommand in the RAM or the like until the next subcommand is received.

Step S762: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes the reply data setting process. Specifically, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of setting reply data based on the determination result in step S760. The reply data includes "no data", "success", "sum error", "buffer over", "INC error", "initialization completed", "reset occurrence" and the like.

Step S763: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes the inversion data setting process. Specifically, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of setting inverted data in which the reply data in step S761 is inverted. For example, when the reply data is "100000001" corresponding to "success", the inverted data is "011111110" by inverting "0" and "1".

Step S764: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes the refresh process. The details of the refresh process will be described later.
When the above processing is completed, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 returns to the caller (returns to the location where the interrupt was executed when the interrupt occurred).

[Two-dimensional code display processing]
FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the two-dimensional code display process. This process is executed when the liquid crystal substrate 152 receives the two-dimensional code data. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S770: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of generating enlarged data based on the basic data and the enlargement ratio. For example, when the enlargement ratio is "1", the enlargement data obtained by doubling the basic data is generated, and when the enlargement ratio is "2", the enlarged data obtained by doubling the basic data is generated. Then, when the enlargement ratio is "3", the enlargement data obtained by multiplying the basic data by "3 times" is generated, and when the enlargement ratio is "4", the enlarged data obtained by multiplying the basic data by "4 times" is generated. do.

Step S771: The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a process of displaying the two-dimensional code based on the enlarged data at the designated display position of the liquid crystal display 41.
When the above processing is completed, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 returns to the caller.

By executing such processing, the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 increases the basic data based on the enlargement ratio when displaying the two-dimensional code (predetermined code) on the liquid crystal display 41 (display means). It is possible to display the two-dimensional code based on the enlarged data as the enlarged data (display control means).

69 and 70 are diagrams showing a reception format of a subcommand transmitted from the sub-control board to the liquid crystal board. FIG. 69 shows the command system at the time of initialization, and FIG. 70 shows the command system at the time of normal operation.
〔Basic information〕
The communication method is clock synchronous serial communication. The communication line is used in combination with the dynamic LED communication line (see FIG. 17).
The communication speed is 600 kbps.
The communication cycle is 33.33 ms [30 fps].
The number of bits is 8 bits.

The command system at initialization is as follows (Fig. 69).
[START]
Name: START. "START" indicates that it is the first subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit7 (most significant bit) to bit0 (least significant bit).
Classification: START
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

[Device selection]
Name: Device selection. "Device selection" indicates the destination of the subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, “1” is stored in bits 6 to 4, and “1101” is stored in bits 3 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP (space), bits 6 to 4 indicate a device ID, and bits 3 to 0 indicate a slave address.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bits 6 to 4 are 0x7 (fixed), and bits 3 to 0 are 0xD (fixed).

[Inspection data 1]
Name: Inspection data 1. “Inspection data 1” indicates that it is the first data for inspection.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “1010101” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate inspection data 1.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits6 to 0 are 0x55 (fixed).

[Inspection data 2]
Name: Inspection data 2. “Inspection data 2” indicates that it is the second data for inspection.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “0101010” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate inspection data 2.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits6 to 0 are 0x1A (fixed).

[Sam]
Name: Sam. “Sam” indicates the sum value (total value of subcommands) excluding START and END.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “1101100” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate sum value.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits6 to 0 are 0x6C (fixed).

[END]
Name: END. "END" indicates that it is the final subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit7 to bit0.
Classification: END
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

The normal command system is as follows (Fig. 70).
[START]
Name: START. "START" indicates that it is the first subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit7 to bit0.
Classification: START
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

[Device selection]
Name: Device selection. "Device selection" indicates the destination of the subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, “1” is stored in bits 6 to 4, and “1110” is stored in bits 3 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 4 indicate device ID, and bits 3 to 0 indicate slave address.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bits 6 to 4 are 0x7 (fixed), and bits 3 to 0 are 0xE (fixed).

[Packet type]
Name: Packet type. "Packet type" indicates the destination of the subcommand. The destination of the subcommand can be set in detail by "device selection" and "packet type".
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “0” or “1” (= X) is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, bit6 indicates a completion flag, bit5 indicates a retransmission flag, and bits4 to 0 indicate an Inc value.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bit6 is "0" or "1", bit5 is "0" or "1", and bits4 to 0 are "0 to 31".

[Number of commands]
Name: Number of commands. "Number of commands" indicates the number of data contained in the subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate the number of commands.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are "0 to 127".

[Data (n)]
Name: Data (n). “Data (n)” indicates the content of the nth subcommand. The "data (n)" includes an effect pattern (number corresponding to the effect pattern) and two-dimensional code data. The same applies to the following "data (n + 1)", "data (n + 2)" and the like.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate data (first data).
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are "0 to 127".

[Data (n + 1)]
Name: Data (n + 1). “Data (n + 1)” indicates the content of the n + 1th subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate data (second data).
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are "0 to 127".

[Data (n + 2)]
Name: Data (n + 2). “Data (n + 2)” indicates the content of the n + second subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate data (third data).
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are "0 to 127".

[Sam]
Name: Sam. “Sam” indicates the sum value (total value of subcommands) excluding START and END.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate sum value.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are "0 to 127".

[END]
Name: END. "END" indicates that it is the final subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit7 to bit0.
Classification: END
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

FIG. 71 is a diagram showing a transmission format of a subcommand to be transmitted from the liquid crystal board to the sub-control board.
〔Basic information〕
The communication method is clock synchronous serial communication. The communication line is used in combination with the movable communication line (see FIG. 17).
The communication speed is 700 kbps.
The communication cycle is 1 ms × 2 readings.
The number of bits is 9 bits.

The contents of the subcommand are as follows.
〔No data〕
Name: No data. "No data" indicates that there is no reply data. This subcommand can be transmitted even when the subcommand has not been received from the sub-control board 150.
Value: 0x000
Binary: “000000000000” is stored in bit8 (most significant bit) to bit0 (least significant bit).

〔success〕
Name: Success. "Success" indicates that the subcommand was successfully received.
Value: 0x101
Binary: "100000001" is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[Sam error]
Name: Sam error. "Sam error" indicates that the thumb value is abnormal.
Value: 0x102
Binary: "1000000010" is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[Buffer over]
Name: Buffer over. "Buffer over" indicates that the capacity of the receive buffer or the transfer buffer has been exceeded.
Value: 0x103
Binary: “100000011” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[INC error]
Name: INC error. "INC error" indicates that the Inc value is abnormal.
Value: 0x104
Binary: “1000000100” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

〔Initialization completion〕
Name: Initialization completed. “Initialization completed” indicates that the initialization of the liquid crystal substrate 152 has been completed. This subcommand can be transmitted even when the subcommand has not been received from the sub-control board 150.
Value: 0x105
Binary: “100000101” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[Reset occurs]
Name: Reset occurred. “Reset occurrence” indicates that a reset has occurred in the liquid crystal substrate 152. This subcommand can be transmitted even when the subcommand has not been received from the sub-control board 150.
Value: 0x106
Binary: “100000110” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

The sub control board 150 is a first board.
The liquid crystal board 152 is a second board capable of communicating with the sub control board 150 by using a sub command (predetermined command).

The subcommand includes the most significant bit (specific bit) and a bit other than the most significant bit (non-specific bit).

The most significant bit stores different values depending on whether the game information required for controlling the game is communicated or the communication information required for controlling the communication is communicated. Specifically, "1" is stored when communicating the game information required for controlling the game, and "0" is stored when communicating the communication information required for controlling the communication.

The game information includes information on the destination of the subcommand (device selection, packet type), information on the number of subcommands (number of commands), information on the contents of the subcommand (data), and information on the consistency of the subcommand (sum). , Information on the response of the subcommand (success, thumb error, buffer over, INC error, initialization completion, reset occurrence), information on the inspection (inspection data 1, 2).

The communication information includes at least one of information indicating that it is the first subcommand (START), information indicating that it is the last subcommand (END), and information indicating that there is no data (no data). include.

FIG. 72 is a diagram showing a transmission / reception flow (time series) of subcommands of the sub-control board and the liquid crystal board.
When a frame interrupt (frame timer interrupt) occurs, the sub-control board 150 wakes up the liquid crystal task, and the liquid crystal task sets a liquid crystal command (a sub command for operating the liquid crystal display) (S1). The frame interrupt occurs once every two times of 16.66 ms, that is, once every 33.33 ms.
Further, when the frame interrupt occurs, the sub-control board 150 wakes up the LED task, and the LED task executes processing such as LED brightness conversion (S2).

Then, when these processes are completed, the sub-control board 150 starts DMA and is in a state of data transfer by DMA (S3). As a result, the sub-command is transmitted from the sub-control board 150 to the liquid crystal board 152. Then, when the DMA ends, the DMA end interrupt occurs (S4).

On the other hand, the liquid crystal board 152 starts receiving the subcommand from the state of transfer in (S3).
When 1 byte (8 bits) of data is received, a full receive interrupt occurs. The reception full interrupt is a one-stage trigger generated by receiving 1 byte (8 bits) of data.

When the reception full interrupt occurs, the liquid crystal board 152 sets the reply data, and then sets the inverted data. The reply data and the inverted data are continuously set for "520 μs × 8 times = 4 ms".
After that, the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a refresh process (S6).

The sub-control board 150 executes a process (1 ms × 2 readings) of reading the reply data and the inverted data at least twice for 1 m by using the phase interrupt (S4).
When this process is completed, the sub control board 150 waits until the next frame interrupt (S5).

[Maximum processing speed (processing time)]
The processing speed of the above (S1) is 0.138 ms at the maximum.
The processing speed of the above (S2) is 7 ms at the maximum.
The processing speed of the above (S3) is 3.546 ms at the maximum (*).
The processing speed of the above (S4) is 8 ms at the maximum.
The processing speed of the above (S5) is 14.6493 ms at the maximum.
(*) Is calculated as (133 Byte [LED] + 133 Byte [liquid crystal]) × 13.333 ... μs [600 kbps × 8 bits].
The total time of the above (S1) to the above (S4) is 18.684 ms.

[Details of refresh process]
The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes the refresh process at the timing (period) of the above (S6).
The refresh process includes (A) a port refresh process and (B) a receive index initialization process.
(A) The port refresh process is a process of disabling communication → enabling communication (processing of clearing the number of received bits). This corresponds to the bit remaining countermeasure.
(B) The reception index initialization process is a process of clearing the reception index. This corresponds to communication interruption measures.
The refresh process is preferably executed when the subcommand is not received for a predetermined time (for example, 520 μs × 2 times = 1 ms) in the above period (S6).

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing a transmission / reception flow (state transition) of subcommands of the sub-control board and the liquid crystal board.

[When communication is successful]
First, the flow of processing when communication is successful will be described. The processing flow when communication is successful is indicated by a solid arrow in the figure. Further, in the processing on the sub-control board 150 side, the elliptical figure shown by the hatching of diagonal lines is executed by the liquid crystal task, and the elliptical figure shown by the halftone dots is executed when the phase interruption occurs. Is shown. However, the subject of the process and the execution timing of the process are not limited to this.

[X1] When the command state is the standby state (CMD: == IDLE), the sub-control board 150 constructs a command, stores the constructed subcommand in the command buffer CB, and sets the command state to the save end state. (CMD: = SAVE_END). The arrow pointing to the command buffer CB indicates that the subcommand is stored in the command buffer CB.

[X2] When the communication state is the normal response state (TRNS: == REP_OK) and the command state is the save end state (CMD: == SAVE_END), the sub-control board 150 transmits the subcommand. , Set the communication status to the execution status (TRNS: = EXEC). The arrow coming out of the command buffer CB indicates that the subcommand is being transmitted from the command buffer CB. Further, the reason why the command buffer CB has two stages is that the CPU of the sub-control board 150 is operating even during the transmission of the sub-command, so that the stored sub-command is not overwritten. Therefore, the next subcommand is constructed in the lower command buffer CB different from the upper command buffer CB used this time, and is transmitted from the lower command buffer CB.

[X3] When the DMA transmission interrupt occurs, the sub control board 150 sets the communication state to the end state (TRNS: = END). The DMA transmission interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when the transmission of a subcommand by DMA is started.

The [X4] liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand, and when the reception of the [X5] subcommand is successful, the [X6] subcommand is analyzed and the drawing process based on the [X7] subcommand is executed.
Further, when the [X4] liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand and the reception of the [X5] subcommand is successful, the subcommand of the successful reception to the [X8] sub-control board 150 ("X5" in FIG. 71 ". "Success") is sent.

[X9] When the subcommand of successful reception is received and the communication state is the end state (TRNS: = END), the sub-control board 150 returns the communication state as a successful transmission of the subcommand and is in the normal state (TRNS: = END). TRNS: = REP_OK).

The [X10] sub-control board 150 increments (+1) the Inc value and shifts to [X2].
When the communication is successful, such a process is repeatedly executed.

[When communication fails]
Next, the flow of processing when communication fails will be described. The flow of processing when communication fails is indicated by a dotted arrow in the figure.
The flow from [X1] to [X3] is the same as when communication is successful.
When the [X4] liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand and determines that the reception of the subcommand has failed due to the cause of [Y1] thumb error, buffer over, INC error, etc., the [Y2] sub-control board 150 In response to this, a reception failure subcommand (“sum error”, “buffer over”, or “INC error” in FIG. 71) is transmitted.

[Y3] When the subcommand of reception failure is received and the communication state is the end state (TRNS: == END), the sub-control board 150 considers that the transmission of the subcommand has failed and returns the communication state to the abnormal state. Set to (TRNS: = REP_NG).

[Y4] When the communication state is the response abnormal state (TRNS: = REP_NG), the sub-control board 150 retransmits the subcommand, sets the communication state to the execution state (TRNS: = EXEC), and [X3]. Move to.
When communication fails, such processing is repeated. Then, when the error or the like is resolved in the middle of repeating such processing, the flow shifts to the flow at the time of successful communication.

[When communication is not delivered]
Finally, the flow of processing when communication is not delivered will be described. Note that non-delivery does not mean that the subcommand cannot be received, but that the correct subcommand cannot be received. The processing flow when communication is not delivered is indicated by the arrow of the alternate long and short dash line in the figure.

[Z1] When the sub-control board 150 does not receive a sub-command from the liquid crystal board 152 for a certain period of time (for example, 5 × 33.333 ms) even though the communication state is the end state (TRNS: = END). , [Z2] Set the retransmission flag and move to [X2].
The flow of [X2] and [X3] is the same as when the communication is successful.

[X4] The liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand, and [Z3] when the retransmission flag of the received subcommand is ON and the Inc value of the received subcommand is the same as the previous value, [Z4] ] Assuming that the correct subcommand has not been received, the received data is discarded and the process proceeds to [X8]. The subsequent processing flow (flow from [X8] → [X9] → [X10] → [X2]) is the same as when communication is successful.

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an outline of clock synchronous serial communication.
As shown in FIG. 74 (A), the sub-control board 150 and the liquid crystal board 152 are connected by a signal line for a clock and a signal line for data.

The liquid crystal board 152 manages the reception status by the number of reception bits indicating to which bit in the reception buffer data is received and the reception index indicating which type of subcommand has been received. There is. At present, the number of received bits is 0 and the received index is 0.

Then, here, eight waveforms are transmitted by the signal line for the clock, and the data of "01111110" for eight bits corresponding to the device selection (see FIG. 70) of the normal command system in the signal line for the data. Supposes that has been sent.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 74 (B), the data of "01111110" is stored in the reception buffer of the liquid crystal substrate 152.
Then, by receiving 8 bits of data, the number of received bits = 8.

As shown in FIG. 74 (C), when the reception of 1 byte (8 bits) of data is completed, the liquid crystal substrate 152 moves 1 byte of data to the transfer buffer. The transfer buffer can store 16 bytes (16 stages) of data.
Then, when one byte of data corresponding to the device selection is moved to the transfer buffer, the reception index = 1.

FIG. 75 is a diagram showing an outline of a refresh process in clock-synchronized serial communication.
As shown in FIG. 75 (A), eight waveforms were transmitted by the signal line for the clock, but nine waveforms were transmitted due to the influence of noise and the like, and nine waveforms were also transmitted by the signal line for data due to the influence of noise and the like. It is assumed that the data of "011111101" for a bit is transmitted.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 75 (B), the reception buffer of the liquid crystal substrate 152 stores the data of the first 8-bit "01111110" of the 9-bit data.
Then, by receiving 8 bits of data, the number of received bits = 8.

As shown in FIG. 75 (C), when the reception of 1 byte (8 bits) of data is completed, the liquid crystal substrate 152 moves 1 byte of data to the transfer buffer.
Then, when one byte of data corresponding to the device selection is moved to the transfer buffer, the reception index = 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 75 (D), the remaining 1-bit "1" data of the 9-bit data is stored in the bit 7 in the reception buffer of the liquid crystal substrate 152. In the illustrated example, for bits 6 to 0, the data at the time of the previous reception remains, but it is cleared at the start of receiving the current data or at the end of receiving the previous data. You may do so.
Then, by receiving 1 bit of data, the number of received bits = 1. The reception index remains "1".

In this way, when more data than the original data is received due to the influence of noise or the like, the number of received bits deviates from the correct numerical value. This point is the same when less data than the original data is received. There is also a possibility that the received index will shift.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 75 (E), in the present embodiment, the refresh process is executed in order to avoid such a situation.
In the refresh process, (1) a port refresh process and (2) a receive index initialization process are executed.
Specifically, (1) the number of received bits is initialized to 0 in the port refresh process, and (2) the received index is initialized to 0 in the received index initialization process. The refresh process is preferably executed after the reception of a series of subcommands is completed (for example, after the END data is received).

By executing such processing, the CPU (second board) of the liquid crystal board 152 communicates with the sub-control board 150 (first board), and is a variable (number of reception bits) that manages the reception stage of the communication. And the reception index) are being updated, and when the communication with the sub-control board 150 is completed, a refresh process (initialization process) that initializes this variable (number of received bits and reception index) is executed. can do.

Further, by executing such a process, when the CPU (second board) of the liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand from the sub-control board 150, the CPU (second board) returns the subcommand to the received subcommand and sub-commands. After the command reply is completed, the refresh process (initialization process) can be executed.

FIG. 76 is a diagram showing an outline of a control process when displaying a two-dimensional code.
〔Basic information〕
The communication method is clock synchronous serial communication. The communication line is used in combination with the dynamic LED communication line (see FIG. 17).
The communication speed is 600 kbps.
The communication cycle is 33.33 ms [30 fps].
The number of bits is 8 bits.

As shown in FIG. 76 (A), the CPU of the sub-control board 150 generates basic data for displaying the two-dimensional code on the liquid crystal display 41.
FIG. 76B is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the upper left of the basic data.

[Bit conversion]
As shown in FIG. 76C, the CPU of the sub-control board 150 executes a process of converting the two-dimensional code into a bit. Specifically, the process of converting to the data of "0" and "1" is executed. For example, the black part is set to "0" and the white part is set to "1".

[7 Bit conversion]
As shown in FIG. 76 (D), the CPU of the sub-control board 150 executes a process of converting the bit-converted data into 7 bits. Specifically, the process of dividing the bit-ized data into 7-bit data is executed (data D1 and D2). The reason for using 7 bits is to store 0 in the first bit when data is transmitted (see the data (n) in FIG. 70, etc.).
Then, the CPU of the sub-control board 150 transmits the 7-bit data to the liquid crystal board 152.

[Drawing order]
The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes the drawing process based on the received data. The drawing order is as follows.
[At 1 Pixel per dot (magnification rate = 1)]
At 1Pixel per dot, as shown in FIG. 76 (E), the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 constructs drawing data in order from the left side of the first stage ("1" to "8"). ), When the data construction for 8 bits is completed, the data for drawing is constructed in order from the left side of the second row ("9" to "16").
Then, such processing is repeatedly executed for the number of received data, and finally, a two-dimensional code is drawn on the liquid crystal display 41 based on the drawing data and the display position. This point is the same for 2 to 4 Pipel.

[At 2Pixel per dot (magnification rate = 2)]
At 2Pixel per dot, as shown in FIG. 76 (F), the data of "1" at 1Pixel per dot is doubled vertically and horizontally to obtain drawing data of "1" to "4". The data of "2" at 1Pixel per dot is doubled vertically and horizontally to be the drawing data of "5" to "8".

[At 3Pixel per dot (magnification rate = 3)]
At 3Pixel per dot, as shown in FIG. 76 (G), the data of "1" at 1Pixel per dot is tripled vertically and horizontally to obtain drawing data of "1" to "9". The data of "2" at 1 pixel per dot is tripled vertically and horizontally to obtain drawing data of "10" to "18".

[At 4 Pixel per dot (magnification rate = 4)]
At 4Pixel per dot, as shown in FIG. 76 (H), the data of "1" at 1Pixel per dot is quadrupled vertically and horizontally to obtain drawing data of "1" to "16". The data of "2" at 1 pixel per dot is quadrupled vertically and horizontally to be the drawing data of "17" to "32".

By executing such processing, when the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 increases the basic data based on the enlargement ratio, the data corresponding to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal display 41 (display means) is enlarged. The same number can be increased according to the rate (display control means).

FIG. 77 is a diagram showing how to use the two-dimensional code.
The two-dimensional code is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 arranged at the center of the upper part of the saucer unit 6.
Then, the player can acquire the game history and enjoy the cooperation with the application downloaded by himself / herself by reading the two-dimensional code using the portable information processing terminal 310.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, there are the following effects. The issues and effects described below are only secondary issues, and the main issues and effects are "providing innovative gaming machines".

[Noise-resistant send / receive command format]
(1) According to the present embodiment, since the communication rules regarding the most significant bit (specific bit) are unified, it is easy to take measures against noise (it is easy to identify the occurrence of noise), and in an environment where noise is generated. However, command communication can be performed normally, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

(2) According to the present embodiment, a large amount of information can be collectively handled as game information, and an information system that makes it easy to take measures against noise can be obtained.

(3) According to the present embodiment, a large amount of information can be collectively handled as communication information, and an information system capable of easily taking noise countermeasures can be obtained.

(4) [Problem] It is required to design a command format (system) that is resistant to noise. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted.
(A) The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a sub-control board (production control CPU without VDP) and a liquid crystal board (CPU for low-spec small liquid crystal drawing), and commands are communicated with each other between the boards.
(B) In the most significant bit (first bit) of the initialization command system and the normal command system transmitted from the sub-control board, START and END are set to "1", and the others are set to "0" (A1 in FIG. 69). And A2 in FIG. 70).

(C) A "retransmission flag" is provided in the packet type of the normal command system transmitted from the sub-control board (see FIG. 70).
(D) In the most significant bit of the command system transmitted from the liquid crystal board, "0" is set for no data, and "1" is set for other bits (see A3 in FIG. 71).
(E) The subcommand is output from the liquid crystal board to the sub-control board in a time that can be read twice, and the sub-control board reads twice by interrupting the phase after the subcommand is transmitted (communication cycle of FIG. 71). reference).

[Effect] By adopting such a configuration, command communication can be normally performed even in an environment where noise is generated.

[Communication refresh processing of LCD board]
(1) According to the present embodiment, the liquid crystal board 152 (second board) executes a refresh process (initialization process) every time communication with the sub control board 150 (first board) is completed, so that communication is performed. At the end, the influence of noise can be removed, command communication can be performed normally even in an environment where noise is generated, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

(2) According to the present embodiment, since the refresh process is executed after the series of processes related to the transmission / reception of the subcommand is completed, the refresh process is executed without interfering with the series of processes, or the series of processes is completed. The refresh process can be executed in the remaining time after the command is executed.

(3) [Problem] It is required to design a transmission / reception flow of subcommands that are resistant to noise. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted.
(A) The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a sub-control board (production control CPU without VDP) and a liquid crystal board (CPU for low-spec small liquid crystal drawing), and commands are communicated with each other between the boards.
(B) In response to a subcommand from the sub-control board, the liquid crystal board returns to the sub-control board whether it is normal or not, and then performs a refresh process (see (S6) in FIG. 72).
(C) In the refresh process, specifically, "port refresh (* 1)" in which communication is temporarily disabled and then re-enabled, and "reception index indicating how much data is received in one command" is initialized. Initialize the reception index (* 2) ”.

(* 1) Subcommands from the sub-control board to the liquid crystal board communicate by clock-synchronous serial, and one category (START, device selection, etc.) of the subcommands uses 8 bits as one data unit. If it is normal, 8 bits are latched and moved to the read register. If the receiving side erroneously recognizes the clock signal due to the influence of noise or the like in the transmission path, the data delimiters on the transmitting side and the receiving side do not match, and subsequent communication cannot be performed normally. Therefore, the value (and its contents) for counting 8 bits is periodically cleared.
(* 2) As described above, if it is a normal command, it is transmitted in the order of START (0), device type (1), packet type (2), ..., But the reception index is 0 or It shows 1st magnitude.
[Effect] By adopting such a configuration, command communication can be normally performed even in an environment where noise is generated.

[Code drawing]
(1) According to the present embodiment, since the two-dimensional code (predetermined code) is displayed based on the enlargement ratio, it is suitable for the size of the liquid crystal display 41 and is easy to read by the portable information processing terminal 310. The dimension code can be displayed, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

(2) According to the present embodiment, in order to increase the same number of data corresponding to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the liquid crystal display 41 according to the enlargement ratio, it is possible to increase the basic data by unified and concise processing. can.

(3) [Problem] I want to display a two-dimensional code according to the resolution (number of pixels) of the liquid crystal panel so that it can be read correctly. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted.
(A) The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a sub-control board (production control CPU without VDP) and a liquid crystal board (CPU for low-spec small liquid crystal drawing), and commands are communicated with each other between the boards.
(B) When displaying a two-dimensional code on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41, the effect control CPU sends the CPU of the liquid crystal board to the data unit (data (n), data (n + 1), etc.) of the normal command. The two-dimensional code data is divided into 7 bits in order from the upper left (7 bits) and transmitted.
(C) When the CPU of the liquid crystal substrate draws the two-dimensional code, if the number of pixels per dot is 2 to 4, the vertical and horizontal dots are increased with respect to one dot of the received data. For example, if the number of pixels is 2, the original 1 pixel is doubled vertically and horizontally to make a total of 4 pixels (see FIG. 76).

[Effect] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to display an easy-to-read two-dimensional code while correctly displaying the two-dimensional code regardless of the size of the liquid crystal display.

In the present invention, various modifications can be adopted without being restricted by the above-described embodiment.

The gaming machine of the above-described embodiment has been described with the example of a gaming machine (so-called blade, old type 2 gaming machine) that becomes a big hit when the gaming ball passes through a specific area, but the result of winning by an internal lottery. It may be a gaming machine (so-called digital pachinko, old type 1 gaming machine) that becomes a big hit when is obtained. In this case, it may be a so-called loop type (a type that does not set a substantial upper limit on the number of probable changes) or an ST type (a type that sets a substantial upper limit on the number of probable changes). It may be a gaming machine that does not have, a gaming machine that has a probability variation region, or a gaming machine that does not adopt "simultaneous rotation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol". It may be a gaming machine. Further, the gaming machine may be a so-called type 1 type 2 type mixer. Further, the gaming machine may be a gaming machine with settings or a gaming machine having a performance display monitor.

The present invention is applicable not only to pachinko machines but also to pachislot machines.
The first substrate is a sub-control substrate, and the second substrate is a liquid crystal substrate, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first substrate may be a main control substrate or a liquid crystal substrate, and the second substrate may be a sub control substrate or a main control substrate.
The sub-control board may be a board on which VDP is mounted.
The game information may include communication information necessary for controlling communication.
The communication information may include game information necessary for controlling the game.

In addition, the structure, board surface configuration, and the like of the pachinko machine 1 are preferable examples including those shown in the figure, and these can be appropriately deformed.

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 30 Movable ball entry accessory device 34 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol display device 42 Production display device 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (3)

1st board and
A second board capable of communicating with the first board using a predetermined command is provided.
The predetermined command is
Includes specific bits and non-specific bits other than the specific bits.
The specific bit
A gaming machine characterized in that different values are stored depending on whether the game information required for controlling the game is communicated or the communication information required for controlling the communication is communicated. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The game information is
At least one of information on the destination of the predetermined command, information on the number of the predetermined commands, information on the content of the predetermined command, information on the integrity of the predetermined command, and information on the response of the predetermined command. A gaming machine characterized by containing one piece of information. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.
The communication information is
A gaming machine characterized by including at least one of information indicating that it is the first command, information indicating that it is the last command, and information indicating that there is no data.

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