JP2022121744A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of enhancing amusement.

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

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

There is a pachinko machine as a kind of game machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is shot into a game area by a shooting device, and when the game ball enters a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to generate a winning state. Along with this, the identification information is variably displayed on the display device, and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner based on the result of the lottery, a winning state advantageous to the player occurs, and the player acquires game value. becomes possible.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines, various effects such as display effects, lamp effects, and sound effects have been performed to enhance the interest of players (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2003-325886

However, conventionally, there is a risk that the presentation will become monotonous, leading to a decrease in the interest of the player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of dramatically improving interest.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention
Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
a game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process;
at least one effect means for performing a predetermined effect;
production pattern selection means for selecting a production pattern to be performed by the at least one production means;
A gaming machine comprising an effect control means for controlling the at least one effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means,
One of the at least one effect means and a predetermined effect means having a detection means capable of detecting an input from the outside of the gaming machine,
The production pattern selection means is
a production pattern selection counter used for selecting the production pattern;
Pattern selection table storage means for storing a plurality of effect pattern selection tables for selecting one effect pattern from among a plurality of effect patterns based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter acquired due to the predetermined trigger. and
Based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter, a predetermined effect pattern selection table corresponding to a predetermined game state is referenced from among a plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means, and the configured to select a production pattern,
When a predetermined input from the outside of the game machine is detected by the detection means, the effect pattern selection table referred to when selecting the effect pattern is set to a different effect pattern selection table from the predetermined effect pattern selection table. The gist of it is to change to

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that the amusement can be improved.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine in one embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame, the game board, and the like. It is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. It is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame, the back pack unit and the like are opened. It is a right side view showing a pachinko machine. It is a left side view showing a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a light emission communication control section and the like; It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a corner lamp and the like. It is a front schematic diagram which shows a light emission communication unit. It is a timing chart figure for demonstrating PWM control. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining allocation of data to each RGB component of each LED; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data signal waveform for visible light transmission; It is a figure which shows an example of the synthetic|combination waveform of a drive pulse waveform and a data signal waveform. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline|summary of the various counters used for game control. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main controller; 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by a main controller; 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing; 4 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing; It is a flow chart which shows starting prize-winning processing. It is a flow chart which shows big hit judging processing. It is a flow chart which shows big hit classification judging processing. 10 is a flowchart showing variable display setting processing; (a) is a diagram for explaining the correspondence relationship between variation patterns and their commands, (b) is a diagram for explaining an effect pattern determination table for when a big win is won, and (c) is FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a performance pattern determination table for when the winning selection is lost; 4 is a flowchart showing display control processing; It is a flowchart which shows a discrimination|determination information setting process. It is a flow chart which shows variable winning a prize device control processing. 4 is a flowchart showing reception interrupt processing; It is a flow chart which shows the main processing of a payout control device. 4 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing; 4 is a flowchart showing command determination processing; 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing of a sub-controller; 4 is a flowchart showing command determination processing; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used to determine the contents of the variable display of decorative symbols; It is a flowchart which shows the update process of a missing design counter. 10 is a flowchart showing variable display setting processing; It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the variable display mode of the decorative design in the display part of a decorative design display. (a) to (c) are schematic diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a fish school effect on the display section of the decorative pattern display device. 4 is a flowchart showing mode setting processing; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a mode switching table; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing network-related processing; 9 is a flowchart showing link confirmation processing; 10 is a flowchart showing link response processing; It is a flow chart which shows response waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows network production|presentation determination processing. 4 is a flowchart showing network command transfer processing; It is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the type of network effect and the network effect counter value. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a school of fish displayed so as to move a plurality of pachinko machines on an island where game machines are installed. (a) to (c) are diagrams showing an example of a display mode of a school of fish displayed so as to move a plurality of pachinko machines on an island where game machines are installed. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gaming machine network system; FIG. It is a partially enlarged right side view showing a pachinko machine according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a corner acoustic unit, etc., according to another embodiment; FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a sound wave communication control unit, etc., according to another embodiment; It is a figure for explaining the composition of various tables concerning the production pattern in another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining timing pulses according to another embodiment;

As described above, pachinko machines are one type of gaming machines. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is shot into a game area by a shooting device, and when the game ball enters a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to generate a winning state. Along with this, the identification information is variably displayed on the display device, and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner based on the result of the lottery, a winning state advantageous to the player occurs, and the player acquires game value. becomes possible.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines, various effects such as display effects, lamp effects, and sound effects have been performed to enhance the interest of players (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, conventionally, since each game machine is configured to individually perform various effects, the effects may become monotonous and the player may lose interest in the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the problems exemplified above, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of dramatically improving interest.

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

First, the configuration of each pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12, the game board 30, and the like. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12, the back pack unit 203 and the like are opened. However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, nails and accessories arranged on the surface of the game board 30, the glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like are omitted.

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

As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the outer frame 11 includes an upper frame-constituting portion 11a and a lower frame-constituting portion 11b made of wooden plate material, and a left side frame-constituting portion 11c and a right side frame-constituting portion 11d made of aluminum alloy by extrusion molding. These frame-constituting parts 11a to 11d are assembled into a rectangular frame as a whole by detachable fasteners such as screws.

An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left side frame-constituting portion 11c (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower parts of the inner frame 12 are rotatably supported by the upper hinge 81 and the lower hinge 82, so that the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. A space formed inside the outer frame 11 accommodates the inner frame 12 and the like.

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

Further, a resin-made curtain plate decoration 87 is attached to the lower side frame-constituting portion 11b. A rib 88 protruding upward is integrally formed in the inner part of the upper surface of the curtain plate decoration 87 . This makes it difficult for a gap to be formed with the inner frame 12 .

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

A front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. As with the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward with an opening/closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the front side of the front frame set 14 is provided with a lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray at the center of the lower part thereof, and the game balls discharged from the outlet 16 are stored in the lower tray 15. It is possible. Further, on the front side of the lower tray 15, a ball extracting lever 25 for ejecting game balls from the inside of the lower tray 15 is provided.

In addition, a production button 125 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. - 特許庁The performance button 125 is used by the player to select, determine, etc., related to display performance, etc. performed in the decorative pattern display device 42, which will be described later.

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

An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15 . The upper tray 19 is a ball receiver that temporarily stores game balls and guides them toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter referred to simply as launching device) 60 as a launching means to be described later while aligning them in a row. When the upper tray 19 is filled with game balls, the game balls to be paid out are guided to the lower tray 15 via a lower tray communication passage 71 and a discharge port 16, which will be described later.

A ball lending button 121 and a returning button 122 are provided on the upper plate 19. - 特許庁As a result, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with bills, cards, etc. inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like, the ball lending button 121 is operated. A rented ball is supplied to the upper tray 19 . On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of the card or the like inserted in the card unit. However, the ball lending button 121 and return button 122 are unnecessary in a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lent to the upper tray 19 from a ball lending device or the like without going through the card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine.

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

Various illumination devices such as lamps are provided on the front surface of the front frame set 14 . These illumination devices are controlled to change the lighting mode according to changes in the game state such as when a big win or a predetermined reach is reached, and play a role of enhancing the performance effect during the game by lighting, blinking, or the like.

For example, a top lamp 102 is provided at the center of the upper part of the peripheral edge of the window part 101, corner lamps 103 (left corner lamp 103L, right corner lamp 103R) are provided at the left and right upper corner parts, and Side lamps 104 (left side lamp 104L, right side lamp 104R) are provided. Each of the lamps 102 to 104 incorporates a light source such as an LED (light emitting diode), a control board for driving the LED, and the like.

Among them, the top lamp 102 has a function as a jackpot lamp, and is configured to be capable of informing that a jackpot is in progress by lighting or flashing at the time of the jackpot. Also, the side lamp 104 has a function as an error display lamp, and is configured to be lit when a predetermined error occurs.

In addition, the left and right corner lamps 103 in this embodiment are configured to function also as communication means for performing communication between a plurality of pachinko machines 10 as will be described later. That is, the corner lamp 103 is used for both presentation and communication.

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

Here, the configuration of the corner lamp 103 will be described in more detail. The left and right corner lamps 103 are provided on the left and right sides of the pachinko machine 10, respectively, on the outer side in the left and right direction ("left side" in the left corner lamp 103L and "right side" in the right corner lamp 103R). a side light-emitting communication unit 651, a front light-emitting communication unit 652 provided on its front side, a light-emitting communication control unit 653 capable of controlling both light-emitting communication units 651 and 652, and a light-transmitting and a lamp cover 654 having a

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

The light emission communication control section 653 is electrically connected to the sub-controller 262 and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data bi-directionally with the sub-controller 262 (see FIG. 11).

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

More specifically, each of the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 has a light emitting section 655 composed of eight LEDs 655a to 655h as light emitting means (light emitting means) arranged in a circle at predetermined intervals so as to face each other. A light-receiving unit 656 as a light-receiving means capable of receiving predetermined light emitted from the light-emitting units 655 (eight LEDs 655a to 655h) of the light-emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged in ( See Figure 12).

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

Each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is connected to the light emission communication control section 653 via a switching element such as a transistor (not shown). Then, the light emission communication control unit 653 drives and controls (on/off controls) the switching elements based on commands from the sub-control device 262, and lights each of the LEDs 655a to 655h (each of the three types of RGB LED chips). controlling.

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

In the present embodiment, in order to prevent the problem that the timing for optical communication, which will be described later, does not come for a long period of time, the above lighting patterns include lighting of the LEDs 655a to 655h periodically (for example, every 40 ms). It includes the timing for controlling to simultaneously light all three types of RGB LED chips (see lighting timing Tg in FIG. 16).

In addition, the light emission communication control unit 653 is configured to be able to adjust the luminance level of each color of RGB (red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip) in each of the LEDs 655a to 655h in a plurality of steps (eg, 10 steps) by, for example, current control. ing.

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

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

More specifically, when the brightness is "0", the time during which each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is turned on during the unit time Tp is zero, and they do not emit light.

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

Further, when the brightness is "2", it is turned on three times during the unit time Tp, and is turned off during the other periods, and when the brightness is "3", it is turned on during the unit time Tp. It is turned on four times, and is turned off during the rest of the period. Thus, the brightness level is increased as the ON time during the unit time Tp increases.

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

For example, during the demonstration display on the decorative pattern display device 42, the brightness of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is continuously switched every unit time Tp. Here, for the LED 655a, for example, the brightness level is lowered in the order of "5"→"4"→"3"→"2"→"1", starting from brightness "6". A player who sees this may have the impression that it is getting darker continuously over time. After that, the brightness level is increased from "1" to "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "8" → "9" → "11" → "13". go. This time, the player who visually recognizes this may have the impression that it will become brighter continuously over time. During the demonstration display, such PWM control is repeatedly performed for the LED 655a.

In this embodiment, the same PWM control is performed for the remaining LEDs 655b to 655h, so that the LEDs 655a to 655h change all at once. Of course, the configuration is not limited to this, and the timing of PWM control may be shifted between each of the LEDs 655a to 655h or between each of the three types of RGB LED chips of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h. For example, the timing of the highest brightness level and the timing of the lowest brightness level may be shifted for each of the LEDs 655a to 655h (three types of RGB LED chips), or each LED 655a to 655h (three types of RGB LED chips) may be shifted. You may vary the time Tp.

In addition, as a condition for performing the above-mentioned "demonstration display" on the decorative pattern display device 42, for example, the game ball does not enter the starting ports 33, 34 (from the last ball entering the starting ports 33, 34). When a predetermined time elapses, when a predetermined time elapses after the launching device 60 is no longer driven, when a predetermined time elapses after the last game ball is fired by the launching device 60, the special display devices 43L and 43R are displayed. For example, when a predetermined time has passed since the variable display was stopped (after the recent variable display was stopped) (a combination is also possible).

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

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

The color filter here is a filter that allows only light in a specific wavelength range to pass through and blocks light in other wavelength ranges. In this embodiment, the LEDs 655a to 655h are provided with color filters corresponding to the wavelength regions of the RGB colors, and the visible light output from the LEDs 655a to 655h is separated into the RGB lights and received.

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

The light-receiving unit 656 periodically (for example, 1 ms period) takes an image. Image data (color image data) picked up by the light receiving unit 656 is converted into a digital signal (RGB signal) inside the light receiving unit 656, and converted into a digital signal by the light emission communication control unit 653 (described later). It is input to the image memory 667).

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

Although the light emission communication control unit 653 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., in the following description, the light emission communication control unit 653 is not limited to the actual configuration itself, and is assumed to be an aggregate of function realizing means. Capture and explain. That is, the various functions described below are realized under the control of the CPU, the control program is based on the contents stored in the ROM, and the necessary data from time to time is temporarily stored in the RAM. The Rukoto.

The light emission communication control unit 653 includes a light emission control buffer 661 capable of storing a light emission control signal (light emission control command) received from the sub control device 262, and a network command received from the sub control device 262 and externally output from the light emission unit 655. A transmission data buffer 662 capable of storing various data, a drive pulse waveform generator 663 for generating drive pulse waveforms for driving and controlling the respective LEDs 655a to 655h based on the light emission control signals stored in the light emission control buffer 661, A signal waveform generator 664 that generates a data signal (visible light communication signal) waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662, and a data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generator 664. , a modulation unit 665 as modulation means for modulating the drive pulse waveform generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663, and the drive pulse generated by the drive pulse waveform generation unit 663 or the drive modulated by the modulation unit 665 An LED drive unit 666 that controls lighting of the light emitting unit 655 (LEDs 655a to 655h) based on pulses, an image memory 667 that sequentially stores image data input from the light receiving unit 656 in time series, and an image memory 667. Based on the stored image data, an image processing unit 668 detects whether or not the LEDs 655a to 655h are lit. Based on the information extracted by the image processing unit 668, various data received from the light receiving unit 656 are demodulated. It has a demodulator 669 as a demodulator and a received data buffer 670 capable of storing various data demodulated by the demodulator 669 .

The light emission control buffer 661 is means for temporarily storing the light emission control signal, and in this embodiment, it is configured by a ring buffer, which will be described later. That is, each time the light emission control signal is input, the light emission control signal is sequentially written to the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. Also, the light emission control signals stored in the light emission control buffer 661 are sequentially read from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and are erased from the light emission control buffer 661 when transmitted to the drive pulse waveform generator 663 .

The transmission data buffer 662 is means for temporarily storing transmission data, and is configured by a ring buffer in this embodiment. That is, each time transmission data is input, the transmission data is sequentially written to the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. Also, the transmission data stored in the transmission data buffer 662 are read out in order from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and are erased from the transmission data buffer 662 when transmitted to the signal waveform generator 664 .

Based on the light emission control signal stored in the light emission control buffer 661, the drive pulse waveform generator 663 extracts a predetermined lighting pattern corresponding to the light emission control signal from among a plurality of lighting patterns stored in advance. Then, according to the lighting pattern, a driving pulse waveform is generated by changing the pulse width of the driving power source for each of the LEDs 655a to 655h (see FIG. 16).

The lighting pattern of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h is stored in advance in a table as the input pattern of the driving pulse to the LED driving section 666. FIG. Therefore, when determining a predetermined lighting pattern for each of the LEDs 655a to 655h corresponding to the light emission control signal, the drive pulse waveform generation section 663 uses a lighting pattern table (light emission control signal and lighting pattern) corresponding to the predetermined lighting pattern. is extracted and stored in a predetermined table storage area of the RAM.

A signal waveform generator 664 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal based on various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662 . For example, 3 bytes (24 bits) of data are read from the transmission data buffer 662, and 1 byte (8 bits) of data is assigned to each of the RGB components of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h (see FIG. 14). Based on this, the signal waveform generator 664 generates a data signal waveform for visible light transmission (a data signal waveform transmitted as an optical signal) (see FIG. 15). 14 and 15, the lighting state of each RGB component (RGB LED chip) of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h is indicated as "1", and the extinguished state is indicated as "0".

With the above configuration, in this embodiment, the red (R) components of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h, that is, the eight red LED chips can transmit data of one byte (8 bits). Similarly, the green (G) components of the eight LEDs 655a-655h, ie, the eight green LED chips, allow the transmission of 1 byte (8 bits) worth of data, and the blue (B) components of the eight LEDs 655a-655h, ie, 8 Data transmission of 1 byte (8 bits) is possible with one blue LED chip. Therefore, 3 bytes (24 bits) of data can be multiplexed at one timing and transmitted simultaneously.

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

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

For example, in FIG. 16, the red (R) component of the LED 655b in the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 transmits "1", the green (G) component transmits "1", and the blue (B) component transmits "1". 0” is transmitted.

In this embodiment, for example, when the data signal waveform is not superimposed normally, level 8 in 10 steps is set as the upper luminance level (threshold value δ), and only when the data signal waveform is superimposed, the level exceeds this level. There are 9 or 10 brightness levels.

FIG. 16 shows an example in which a driving pulse with a minimum pulse width of 1 ms is synthesized with a data signal pulse with a pulse width of 1 ms. is 5 ms wide and the pulse width of the data signal pulse is 1 ms wide, a configuration may be employed in which one drive pulse is modulated five times and five data signal pulses can be superimposed.

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

The image memory 667 is means for sequentially storing the image data input from the light receiving section 656 in time series, and is configured by a ring buffer in this embodiment. In other words, each time image data is input, the image data is sequentially written to the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. The image data stored in the image memory 667 are sequentially read from the predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and are erased from the image memory 667 when transmitted to the image processing unit 668 .

In communication using an image sensor, the processing speed of image data captured by a camera has a large effect on communication. be able to.

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

The demodulator 669 demodulates various data received from the light receiver 656 based on the information extracted by the image processor 668 and stores the data in the received data buffer 670 .

The received data buffer 670 is means for temporarily storing received data, and is configured by a ring buffer in this embodiment. That is, each time the received data is input, the received data is sequentially written to the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer. The received data stored in the received data buffer 670 is periodically read from a predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, and is deleted from the received data buffer 670 when transmitted to the sub-controller 262 .

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

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

Subsequently, based on the various data stored in the transmission data buffer 662, the light emission communication control unit 653 causes the signal waveform generation unit 664 to generate a data signal waveform to be transmitted as an optical signal. Second, the driving pulse waveform generated by the driving pulse waveform generating section 663 is modulated by the modulating section 665 .

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

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

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

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

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

Returning to the explanation of the pachinko machine 10, a glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. As shown in FIG. The glass unit 137 is not a conventional front and rear pair of rectangular plate glasses that are attached separately as a front and rear pair, but is formed in a round shape as a whole and attached after being assembled.

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

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

In addition, a shooting device 60 and a shooting rail for guiding a game ball immediately after being shot from the shooting device 60 are provided at a front lower portion of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, a position below the window hole 39 (game board 30). 61 is attached. In this embodiment, a solenoid type launcher is adopted as the launcher 60 .

Above the shooting device 60 is a ball feeding device that guides the game balls guided from the upper tray 19 one by one to the shooting position of the shooting device 60 by driving a built-in drive means (for example, a solenoid). 63 are provided.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. On the game board 30, a general prize winning port 31, a variable prize winning device 32, a central starting port 33, a right starting port 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L, a second special display device 43R, etc. are processed by a router. It is arranged in the formed through-hole and attached from the front side of the game board 30 with a wood screw or the like.

As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the central starting port 33, and the right starting port 34, it is detected by various detection switches, and the upper tray 19 (or A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the lower tray 15). For example, if there is a ball entering the central starting hole 33 or the right starting hole 34, there are 3 balls, if there is a ball entering the general winning hole 31, there are 10 balls, and there are 10 balls entering the variable winning device 32. When there is, 15 game balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (lower tray 15).

In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that do not enter various prize winning ports such as the general winning port 31 are discharged out of the game area through the out port 36. . The game board 30 is also provided with a large number of nails for appropriately distributing and adjusting the falling direction of game balls, and various members (accessories) such as windmills.

Also, the game board 30 is provided with various illumination devices such as lamps, like the front side of the front frame set 14 . These illumination devices are controlled to change the lighting mode according to changes in the game state such as when a big win or a predetermined reach is reached, and play a role of enhancing the performance effect during the game by lighting, blinking, or the like.

Although the details will be described later, the central starting opening 33 and the right starting opening 34 as starting ball entering means are provided with a first starting winning switch 224 and a second starting winning switch 224 as entering ball detecting means for respectively detecting entering game balls. A starting winning switch 225 is provided, and when a game ball is detected by the starting winning switches 224, 225, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot state, and a special display as a variable display means. The devices 43L and 43R (and the decorative pattern display device 42, which will be described later) perform variable display. Then, when winning the winning lottery, a big hit state (special game state) is provided.

In the present embodiment, there are "probability variable jackpot" and "normal jackpot" as jackpot types. In these jackpot states, the variable winning device 32 is kept open for 30 seconds, or 8 game balls win in the variable winning device 32 as one round, and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds).

Furthermore, when a "probability variable jackpot" occurs, a "high probability state" is provided after the jackpot state ends. On the other hand, when a "normal jackpot" occurs, a "low probability state" is given after the jackpot state ends. In addition, in this embodiment, the "high probability state" continues until the next big win state occurs.

The first and second special display devices 43L and 43R are composed of 7-segment display devices and installed on the right side of the variable winning device 32. FIG. Then, when the game ball enters the central starting port 33, switching display (variable display) is performed on the first special display device 43L, and when the game ball enters the right starting port 34, the second A switching display (variable display) is performed by the special display device 43R. The display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by the main control device 261, which will be described later.

Further, after the variable display is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, the display mode (for example, characters) when the variable display is stopped will definitely display whether or not it is a big hit. be. For example, when a game ball wins in the central starting port 33, the corresponding first special display device 43L displays at a high speed such as "-" → "7" → "3" → "-" → . (every 4 ms), and after a predetermined time has passed, one of the display modes is stopped (for example, stopped for several seconds). Then, when the big winning lottery is won, either "7" or "3" is displayed when the variation is stopped, and a big winning state occurs.

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

In addition, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R performs the variable display or the determined display, the other is turned off ("-" is displayed). may be set), and if neither the variable display nor the fixed display is performed, "-" is displayed in both. You may employ|adopt not only this but another structure. For example, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is performing a variable display or a determination display, the other displays the previously stopped content (e.g., the last time "3" is stopped). If it is displayed, the corresponding "3") is displayed as it is, and if neither the variable display nor the fixed display is performed, the contents that were stopped and displayed last time are displayed as they are in both. may be configured.

In addition, when a new game ball enters the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 during the variable display of the first or second special display devices 43L, 43R, the variable display for that amount is performed at that time. It is configured to be performed after the end of the variable display that is being performed. That is, the variable display is put on standby (suspended). The maximum number of times of the suspended variable display is determined for each pachinko machine model. As a result, up to 4 variable displays (a total of 8 variable displays) are reserved. In addition, the number of times of suspension is displayed by lighting the first suspension lamp 46L and the second suspension lamp 46R. In addition, when a game ball newly wins the center starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 during the jackpot state, the fluctuation display for that amount is also suspended.

Incidentally, the variable display triggered by the winning to the central starting hole 33 is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls enter the central starting hole 33 and is digested in the order in which the balls enter, and the winning to the right starting hole 34 is performed. The variation display triggered is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls enter the right start hole 34 and is completed in the order in which they enter. However, when both the variable display triggered by the winning to the central starting port 33 and the variable display triggered by the ball entering the right starting port 34 are suspended (the first suspension lamp 46L and the second suspension When one or more lamps 46R are lit respectively), the variation display is extinguished according to the order of entry of game balls into the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34.例文帳に追加For example, in a state where one of the first holding lamps 46L is lit, when the game ball enters the right starting port 34 and one of the second holding lamps 46R is lit, the entry to the central starting port 33 The variable display triggered by the ball is performed first, and then the variable display triggered by the ball entering the right starting hole 34 is performed.

The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a decorative pattern display device 42 that performs variable display in accordance with the variable display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R.

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

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

Further, when the symbols are stopped and displayed in a combination corresponding to a big hit, as a preliminary step, for example, the same symbols are stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area. The ready-to-win state is the state in which the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area and the variable display is still performed in the middle symbol display area.

Even if the ready-to-win state occurs, if the jackpot state does not occur, a symbol different from the symbols stop-displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area is stopped and displayed in the middle symbol display area. Further, in the case of the "probability variable jackpot" or the "normal jackpot", the number of doubles is stopped on the decorative pattern display device 42 as described above, but in this embodiment, the stopped pattern is displayed. Depending on the type of , the game state ("high probability state" or "low probability state") given after the end of the jackpot is indistinguishable.

In the present embodiment, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the special display devices 43L, 43R and the holding lamps 46L, 46R are covered by the front frame set 14, making them invisible to the player. . Therefore, the player can grasp the game state, the lottery result, etc. solely by the display contents (design display, etc.) of the decorative design display device 42 . The configuration is not limited to this, and the special display devices 43L and 43R and the reservation lamps 46L and 46R may be visually recognized. However, the special display devices 43L, 43R, etc. are provided in inconspicuous places such as the lower corners of the game area as described above, and their display portions are small in size, and characters for discrimination are displayed stopped. time is also relatively short. Therefore, unless one carefully observes the special display devices 43L and 43R, it is difficult to grasp the game states that can be imparted therefrom.

A center frame 47 is arranged in the variable display device unit 35 so as to surround the decorative pattern display device 42 . A ball entrance 151 is provided in the upper part of the center frame 47, and a game ball that enters the ball entrance 151 is formed inside the center frame 47, and along the side of the decorative pattern display device 42 It is guided onto a stage 153 formed below the decorative pattern display device 42 via a vertically extending warp channel 152 . A game ball guided onto the stage 153 falls from the stage 153 to a front game area, or rolls on the stage 153 and then enters a pocket 154 formed on the central back side of the stage 153. . In addition, the pocket 154 communicates with a guide passage 155 leading to the game area directly above the central starting port 33, and the game ball entering the pocket 154 enters the central starting port 33 with a relatively high probability. It is designed to be a ball.

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

In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a rail 50 which is composed of an inner rail forming part 51 and an outer rail forming part 52 and guides the game ball shot from the shooting device 60 to the upper part of the game board 30 . As a result, the game ball shot with the rotating operation of the handle 18 is guided into the game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137 through the shooting rails 61 and 50 .

A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion (upper left portion in FIG. 4) of the inner rail constituting portion 51 . As a result, the game ball once guided from the rail 50 to the game area is prevented from returning into the rail 50 again.

Further, in the present embodiment, the outer rail forming part 52 ends at the upper right part of the game board 30 and the inner rail forming part 51 ends at the lower right part of the game board 30 . Therefore, the play area is defined by the rails 50 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the window holes 39 of the resin base 38 . However, since the game ball hit by the shooting device 60 may flow backward on the rail 50 until it passes the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel parts of the inner and outer rail constituent parts 51 and 52 are excluded from the game area. be killed.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the rear side of the front frame set 14 below the window portion 101 . The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower tray communication path 71 that connects the payout mechanism 352 to the outlet 16 of the lower tray 15 and an upper tray communication path 73 that connects the payout mechanism 352 to the upper tray 19 . In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined distance between the launch rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail-constituting part 52), and the ball passage unit 70 receives game balls dropped from the gap. A foul ball passage 72 leading to the lower plate 15 is formed. As a result, if a game ball shot from the shooting device 60 does not reach the return-ball prevention member 53 and travels back along the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball passes through the foul ball passage 72 to the lower tray 15. Ejected.

Reference numeral 67 in FIGS. 3 and 4 denotes a payout passage for guiding game balls paid out by a payout mechanism 352, which will be described later, to the front of the inner frame 12. The upper tray communication passage 73 (upper tray 19) and a passage leading to the lower tray communication passage 71 (lower tray 15). A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the shutter 68 protrudes forward due to the biasing force of a spring or the like, and nearly closes the outlet of the payout passage 67. ing. Further, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the inlet-side rear end of the lower tray communication passage 71 . The inlets (ball inlets) of the lower tray communicating path 71 and the upper tray communicating path 73 are adjacent to each other, and the inlets and the dispensing path 67 are separated by a predetermined distance when the front frame set 14 is closed, A game ball can pass through the gap between the two. Therefore, when the upper tray 19 and the upper tray communication path 73 are filled with game balls, the game balls to be paid out flow to the lower tray communication path 71 side (overflow to the entrance side of the lower tray communication path 71), and the lower tray connection It will be dispensed to the lower tray 15 through the passage 71 .

In addition, the ball passage unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) for detecting game balls positioned in the lower tray communication passage 71 . Due to the presence of the full detection switch, it is grasped that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls (that the lower tray 15 is full of game balls and that the game balls are staying in the lower tray communication passage 71). be able to. In the present embodiment, control is performed such that launching of the launching device 60 is prohibited based on detection of game balls continuously for a predetermined period of time by the full detection switch. In addition, when the game ball is no longer retained in the lower tray communication passage 71 and the game ball is no longer detected by the full detection switch (when the game ball is no longer detected continuously for a predetermined time), the launching of the shooting device 60 is permitted.

Next, the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. On the back of the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, and some of them are arranged so as to be overlapped in the front and back, and a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls. and a resin protective cover, etc. are attached. Since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally called the back pack, the unit is called "back pack unit 203" here.

First, the rear configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, on the rear side of the variable display device unit 35 (see FIG. 4) disposed corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30, a resin frame cover covering the center frame 47 from behind is provided. 213 is provided so as to protrude rearward. In addition, on the rear side of the frame cover 213, the decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, the display control device 45, and the sub-control device 262 can be attached and detached in a stacked state. attached to the

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

Below the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the starting ports 33 and 34, etc. from behind. The back frame set 215 is provided with a ball recovery mechanism (not shown) for recovering game balls that have entered various winning slots. The game balls collected by this ball collecting mechanism are guided to a discharge passage portion 217 which will be described later, and discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 from a discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217 .

Also, in this embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main controller 261 . More specifically, a substrate box 263 in which a main controller 261 is mounted is rotatably pivoted to the back frame set 215 and can be opened rearward.

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

In addition, on the game board 30, in correspondence with various winning holes such as the general winning hole 31 as a ball entering means, a ball entering detection switch (entering ball detecting means) for detecting a game ball entering the various winning holes is provided. is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , a winning opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31 , and a count switch 223 is provided to the variable winning device 32 . In addition, a first start-up winning switch 224 is provided at the central start-up port 33 and a second start-up winning switch 225 is provided at the right start-up port 34 .

Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board relay board that is electrically connected to the winning slot switch 221 and the count switch 223 via cable connectors. This first board surface relay board relays the winning slot switch 221 and the like and the main controller 261, and is electrically connected to the main controller 261 via a cable connector.

On the other hand, the starting winning switches 224 and 225 for detecting the ball entering the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 are directly connected to the main controller 261 via cable connectors without passing through the relay board.

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

In addition, on the rear surface of the game board 30, although not shown, a solenoid for opening the large winning opening is provided by the variable winning device 32. As shown in FIG. The back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board relay board (not shown) that relays these solenoids and the main controller 261 .

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

The external relay terminal board 240 is for relaying transmission of various information to a game hall computer or the like, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For the sake of convenience, no reference numerals are attached, but for example, terminals for outputting information about the current game state (jackpot state, high probability state, etc.), front frame set 14 detected by open detection switches 91 and 92 described later, and inner A terminal for outputting information about the opening of the frame 12, a terminal for outputting information about various error states such as ball entry error, lower tray full error, tank no ball error, payout error, payout from payout control device 311 A terminal or the like is provided for outputting information about the number of winning balls.

The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and has a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which left and right side surfaces and an upper surface are closed and only a lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213 . However, in this embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 is configured to cover the upper portion and the right portion (the left portion in FIG. 5) of the board box 263 as well. As a result, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided on the right side of the board box 263 and the terminal section (board side connector) provided along the upper edge of the main controller 261 are covered. It will happen.

The dispensing mechanism section 352 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover section 354 . Namely, above the protective cover portion 354, a tank 355 which opens upward is provided, and the tank 355 is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall. Below the tank 355 is connected a tank rail 356 which has, for example, two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and is gently inclined toward the downstream side. Concatenated. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and payout of the required number of game balls is appropriately performed by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper tray 19 and the like.

In the payout mechanism section 352, a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358 is installed, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power supply from the outside is installed. there is The power switch board 382 is supplied with a main power supply of, for example, 24 V AC via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

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

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, on the back side of the lower frame set 251, a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a power supply device 313, and a card unit connection board 314 are detachably attached in a state of being stacked back and forth. It is

The firing control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are housed in a board box 313 a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251 . For the sake of convenience, the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices, but they are actually configured by one substrate (printed circuit board).

Also, the payout control device 311 is housed in the board box 311a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (the firing control device 312 and the power supply device 313). The board box 311a housing the payout control device 311 is provided with a sealing member in the same manner as the board box 263 housing the above-described main control device 261 so that a trace of the opening of the board box 311a remains. It's becoming

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

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

Also, the payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 projecting outward from the substrate box 311a. For example, when the state recovery switch 321 is pressed when a payout error such as a ball clogging occurs in the payout motor, the payout motor is rotated forward or reverse to clear the ball jam (return to normal state).

Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 projecting outward from the board box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, and even in the event of a power failure, it can retain the state at the time of the power failure, and can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure when recovering from the power failure (recovery of power). can. Therefore, when the power is turned off in a normal procedure (for example, when the game hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored. to put in.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the rear side of the right side portion of the inner frame 12 . The locking device 600 has a cylinder lock 601 (see FIG. 1, etc.) exposed on the front side of the front frame set 14. A key is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 601 and turned to one side to open the lock. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating it in the other direction. In this embodiment, inner frame 12 is locked to outer frame 11 and front frame set 14 is locked to inner frame 12 .

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

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

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIG. The main controller 261 (main substrate) is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer, which is an arithmetic device. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the CPU 501, and a RAM 503 that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 502. Also, various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission/reception circuit are incorporated. However, the CPU, ROM, and RAM may not be integrated into one chip, but may be integrated into chips for each function. In addition, the ROM 502 stores various commands such as variation pattern commands to be transmitted to the sub-controller 262 and the like in a table configuration.

The RAM 503 includes a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 501, and a work area (work area) that stores various flags, counters, I/O values, and the like. ) and a backup area 503a.

The RAM 503 is configured to retain (back up) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off. All data stored in the

The backup area 503a is designed to restore the state of the pachinko machine 10 to the state before the power cut when the power is turned off when the power is turned off due to a power cut or the like. (similarly)) and the values of each register, I/O, etc. are stored. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed by the main processing when the power is turned off, and conversely, each value written to the backup area 503a is restored when the power is turned on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation; the same applies hereinafter). is executed in The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, when the power supply is interrupted due to a power failure or the like. Upon occurrence, power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed.

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

An input/output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 containing the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus, a data bus, and the like. Connected to the input/output port 505 are a RAM erasure switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub-control device 262, first and second special display devices 43L, 43R, etc., which will be described later. With this configuration, the special display devices 43L and 43R described above are directly controlled by the main controller 261. FIG. On the other hand, the decorative pattern display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262 .

In addition, although illustration of various relay boards and the like is omitted for convenience, the input/output port 505 includes various detection switches such as the winning port switch 221, the count switch 223, the start winning unit switches 224 and 225, and various Electrical components are connected. In other words, the main controller 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (board-side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors.

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

The input/output port 554 is connected to the CPU 551 , the ROM 552 and the RAM 553 via a bus line 555 and also to the display control device 45 . Further, the input/output port 554 is connected with the speaker SP, the performance button 125, and various lamps 102-104.

The CPU 551 of the sub control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on commands (for example, variation pattern commands, etc.) transmitted from the main control device 261, for example, and causes the decorative pattern display device 42 to display. In addition, as described above, in the present embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261 are adapted to display whether or not there is a big hit, and the sub-control device 262 In the decorative pattern display device 42 to be controlled, display matching the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed.

Further, the sub-controller 262 executes voice output control of the speaker SP and lighting/extinguishing control of various lamps 102 to 104 based on commands sent from the main controller 261, for example.

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

Also, as described above, the sub-controller 262 is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from the sub-controller 262 of another pachinko machine 10 via the corner lamp 103 .

The sub-controller 262 stores various audio data (audio patterns) in advance in the ROM 552. For example, based on commands sent from the main controller 261, it sets audio data corresponding to the game state in the sound buffer, They are sequentially converted into sound signals and supplied to an amplifier (not shown). The amplifier amplifies the sound signal and supplies it to the speaker SP. As a result, sound is output from the speaker SP.

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

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

The RAM 513 is configured to retain (back up) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. data is backed up. If at least the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a are backed up, it is not necessary to back up the data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

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

In the work area, a payout permission flag set to allow the payout of prize balls by the payout control device 311, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and a main control device 261 A command buffer is provided in which commands sent from are stored.

The payout permission flag is a flag for setting the payout permission of prize balls, and is turned on when a specific command permitting the payout of prize balls is transmitted from the main controller 261 and the specific command is received. or when it returns to the state before power-off. In this embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command that instructs the initialization process of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command that instructs the payout of prize balls, and a There are three payout return commands sent in the case.

The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. It is turned off when returning to the previous state, and is turned off when the received command is determined by the command determination process.

The command buffer consists of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main controller 261 .

An input/output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 containing the ROM 512 and RAM 513 via a bus line 514 comprising an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 515 is connected to the RAM erasing switch circuit 543, the main controller 261, the firing controller 312, the dispensing device 358, and the like.

The card unit connection board 314 includes a ball rental operation unit (ball rental button 121 and return button 122) on the front of the pachinko machine 10, and a card unit (ball rental unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like. and are electrically connected to each other, take in the command of the player's ball lending operation, and output it to the card unit. Note that the card unit connection board 314 may be omitted in a cash machine in which game balls are directly lent to the upper tray 19 from a ball lending device or the like without going through the card unit.

The shooting control device 312 permits or prohibits shooting of game balls by the shooting device 60, and the shooting device 60 is allowed to be driven when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal detects that the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing stop switch for stopping firing is operated. On the condition that the shooting device 60 is not set, the shooting device 60 is driven, and the game ball is shot with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the handle 18.例文帳に追加

The display control device 45 follows the instruction from the sub-controller 262 and executes the variable display of the decorative design in the decorative design display device 42 . The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530, 531. and An input/output port 554 of the sub-controller 262 is connected to the input port 527 . Also, the CPU 521 , program ROM 522 , work RAM 523 and VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 via the bus line 530 . An output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via a bus line 531, and the output port 529 is connected to the decorative pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display control command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command, and outputs the VDP 526. Performs control (specifically, generation of internal commands to VDP 526). Thereby, display control in the decorative pattern display device 42 is performed.

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

The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the decorative design display device 42. By rewriting the content of the video RAM 524, the display content of the decorative design display device 42 is changed. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as designs displayed on the decorative design display device 42 .

The VDP 526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates the LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative pattern display device 42 . Since the VDP 526 is made into an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip", and its substance should be called a microcomputer chip containing firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the timing of each of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc., and intervenes in the reading and writing of data.

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

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

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

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

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears the backup data of the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 according to the state of the switch 323 . When the RAM erasing switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erasing switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erasing signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while the RAM erasing switch 323 is pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the RAMs 503 and 513 of the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 are cleared. be.

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, the CPU 501 provided in the main control device 261 performs lottery using various counter information during the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot lottery (win/fail lottery) to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot state, a jackpot type determination counter C2 used to determine the jackpot type, The variation selection counter C3 used for determining the variation display time of the special display devices 43L, 43R (decorative pattern display device 42) and the like, and the initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1 are used. there is

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

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

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

To explain each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter C1 is, for example, incremented one by one within the range of 0 to 599, and after reaching the upper limit as the closing price (that is, 599), 0, which is the lower limit as the opening price. It is configured to return to Normally, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one cycle, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599), and is updated once for each timer interrupt and repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. On the other hand, the jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer is the first special change reservation area or the second special change reservation area. stored in The value of the random number that becomes a big hit is set in two types: a "low probability state" and a "high probability state". are 3, and their values are "7, 207, 407", and in the "high probability state", the number of random number values that will be a jackpot is 6, whose values are "7, 107, 207, 307". , 407, 507". That is, in the "low probability state", the winning lottery is won with a probability of 1/200 (a jackpot state occurs), and in the "high probability state", the winning lottery is won with a probability of 1/100. In this embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a success/fail determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to a jackpot. In this embodiment, there are two right/wrong determination tables, the first right/wrong determination table storing "7, 207, 407" and the second right/wrong determination table storing "7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507". There is a judgment table.

The jackpot type determination counter C2 is, for example, incremented by one within the range of 0 to 19, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 19), it returns to 0, which is the lower limit value. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter C2 determines whether to give the jackpot type, that is, the "probable variable jackpot" or the "normal jackpot".

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

Specifically, when the game ball wins the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, if the value of the big hit type determination counter C2 is "0 to 9", it is decided to give a "probability variable big hit", "10 ~19", the grant of the "normal jackpot" is determined. That is, when winning the winning lottery triggered by winning the starting ports 33 and 34, there is a probability of 50% that the winning will be a "variable jackpot", and a probability of 50% will be a "normal jackpot".

Incidentally, the jackpot type determination counter C2 is periodically updated (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins each start port 33, 34, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer is the special fluctuation reservation area (first special fluctuation reservation area or the second 2 special variable reservation area).

Further, the variable selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one within a range of 0 to 99, for example, and return to 0, which is the lower limit, after reaching the upper limit (that is, 99). In this embodiment, the variation selection counter C3 executes any of the "10s variation pattern" with a variation time of 10 seconds, the "20s variation pattern" with a variation time of 20 seconds, and the "30s variation pattern" with a variation time of 30 seconds. It is decided whether to

The variation selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once per timer interrupt in this embodiment), and the value of the variation selection counter C3 is stored in the variation selection counter buffer. Then, at the timing when the game ball wins the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the variation selection counter buffer is the special variation reservation area (first special variation reservation area or stored in the second special variable reservation area).

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

Specifically, in the variation pattern determination table for winning the jackpot, when the game ball enters the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, if the value of the variation selection counter C3 is "0 to 9", "20 seconds "Variation pattern" is selected, and if "10 to 99", "30s variation pattern" is selected.

On the other hand, in the variation pattern determination table for loss, when the game ball enters the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, if the value of the variation selection counter C3 is "0 to 90", "10s variation pattern" is selected, and if it is "91 to 97", the "20s variation pattern" is selected, and if it is "98, 99", the "30s variation pattern" is selected.

Note that the size and range of each counter is merely an example and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the magnitudes of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the variation selection counter C3 are both different prime numbers and that they are not synchronized in any case.

In addition, the RAM 503 stores a central hold counter Na that counts the number of pending variable displays triggered by a ball entering the central starting hole 33, and the number of pending variable displays triggered by a ball entering the right starting hole 34. A right retention counter Nb for counting, a total retention counter Nx for storing the total value of both retention counters Na and Nb, and a retention order for storing the entry order of game balls to the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 A buffer Bj is provided.

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

A ring buffer is conceptually a buffer area in which the start address and the end address are connected in a ring, and writing is performed sequentially from the start address using two address pointers, a write pointer and a read pointer, until the end address is reached. This buffer is controlled so that it can be written back to the starting address again. After the data is written to the predetermined address indicated by the write pointer, the value of the write pointer is updated to indicate the next address. Similarly, after data is read from a predetermined address indicated by the read pointer, the value of the read pointer is updated to indicate the next address.

Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to flowcharts. The processing of the CPU 501 can be broadly classified into main processing that is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing that is started periodically (at intervals of 2 ms in this embodiment), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt processing and the NMI interrupt processing will be explained first, and then the main processing will be explained.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 ms, for example.

In FIG. 20, first, in step S301, various prize winning switches are read. That is, it reads the states of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261, determines the states of the switches, and saves detection information (winning detection information).

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

Also, in step S303, random number update processing is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and cleared to 0 when those counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the respective counters C1, C2 and C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503. FIG.

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

Here, the starting winning process of step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the execution area and each reservation area of the special variation reservation area include a jackpot random number storage area that stores the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a jackpot type random number storage area that stores the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2, and a variation selection counter C3. A variable selection random number storage area is provided for storing the value of . In this embodiment, the jackpot random number storage area uses 2 bytes to store the value of the jackpot random number counter C1. In addition, the jackpot type random number storage area and the variation selection random number storage area each use 1 byte to store the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 and the value of the variation selection counter C3.

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

In the following step S504, each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 updated in the random number update process of step S303 is stored in the vacant reservation area of the second special fluctuation reservation area. Store in the first area. The lottery means in this embodiment is configured by the processing function for performing step S504. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

In step S505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special change reservation area is a value corresponding to a jackpot. Details of the big hit determination process will be described later.

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

In the following step S507, variable display setting processing for various settings related to variable display, such as selecting a variable pattern and setting a variable pattern command to be transmitted to the sub-controller 262, is executed. Details of the variable display setting process will be described later.

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

First, in step S5101, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special change reservation area is the value corresponding to the jackpot (the value stored in the first success/failure determination table) "7, 207, 407". It is determined whether or not it matches with any of

If the determination in step S5101 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that a big hit state will occur, the winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then this processing is terminated.

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

If the determination in step S5103 is affirmative, that is, if it is a "high probability state", in step S5104, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special change reservation area is a value corresponding to the jackpot. (Values stored in the second propriety determination table) It is determined whether or not it matches with any one of "7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507".

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

If a negative determination is made in step S5103 or step S5104, that is, if the result is "out", the process ends.

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

First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the winning flag has been set in the previous big hit determination process. If a negative determination is made in step S5201, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S5201 is affirmative, in step S5202, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special change reservation area is "normal jackpot" by referring to the jackpot type determination table. matches any of the values "10 to 19" corresponding to . If a negative determination is made in step S5202, that is, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is any of the values ``0 to 9'' corresponding to the ``probability variation jackpot'', the probability variation jackpot flag is turned on in step S5203. After that, this process is terminated.

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

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

First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not the variable display corresponds to a big win by determining whether or not the winning flag is ON. If the determination here is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the game corresponds to a big hit, the process moves to step S5302.

In step S5302, based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the second special variation reservation area, a variation pattern is selected by referring to the variation pattern determination table for the jackpot winning.

In the subsequent step S5303, it is determined whether or not the variable probability big hit flag is ON, thereby determining whether or not the variable display corresponds to the "variable probability big win".

If the determination is affirmative here, in step S5304, referring to the variation pattern command table [see FIG. 26(a)] stored in advance in the ROM 502, Set the variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern. After that, this process is terminated.

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

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

Also, if the determination in step S5301 is negative, that is, if it is "out", the process proceeds to step S5307, and based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the second special variation reservation area, A variation pattern is selected by referring to the variation pattern determination table.

In the subsequent step S5308, the variation pattern command table is referenced to set a variation pattern command corresponding to the selected variation pattern and corresponding to "out". After that, this process is terminated.

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

For convenience, the variation pattern command will now be described. The variation pattern command according to this embodiment consists of 2 bytes, the 1st byte (upper byte) is configured by information specifying the jackpot type, etc., and the 2nd byte (lower byte) specifies the variation time. It is composed of information [see FIG. 26(a)]. More specifically, regarding the first byte, "FF" corresponds to information indicating "off", "FD" corresponds to information indicating "normal jackpot", and "FE" corresponds to information indicating "probable variable jackpot". Equivalent to. As for the second byte, the value of the variation selection counter C3 is set as it is. In other words, if the value of the second byte is "0 to 90" when the first byte is "FF (off)", it corresponds to the "10s fluctuation pattern", and if it is "91 to 97", it corresponds to the "20s fluctuation pattern ", and "98, 99" corresponds to "30s fluctuation pattern". On the other hand, if the value of the second byte is "0 to 9" when the first byte is "FD (normal jackpot)" or "FE (variable jackpot)", it corresponds to "20s fluctuation pattern", "10 to 99" corresponds to the "30s fluctuation pattern".

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

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

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

Returning to the description of FIG. 22, after the process of step S507, or when a negative determination is made in step S501, in step S509, whether or not the game ball has won the central start port 33 is determined by the first start winning unit. It is determined based on the detection information of the switch 224 . If a negative determination is made in step S509, this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative, in step S510, the value of the central holding counter Na that counts the number of holdings of the variable display triggered by the winning of the central starting port 33 is the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). ). If a negative determination is made in step S510, this process ends. On the other hand, if the determination in step S510 is affirmative, the process advances to step S511 to increment the central holding counter Na by one.

In the following step S512, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 are stored in the first area among the vacant reservation areas of the first special variation reservation area. The lottery means in this embodiment is configured by the processing function for performing step S512. After step S512, the process proceeds to step S513.

In step S513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special change reservation area is a value corresponding to a jackpot. The big win determination process in step S513 is the same as the big win determination process in step S505, except that the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on the ball entering the central starting port 33. different. Therefore, detailed description is omitted for convenience.

In the following step S514, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special change reservation area Then, a jackpot type determination process for determining the jackpot type is performed. It should be noted that the jackpot type determination process in step S514 is the same as the jackpot type determination process in step S506, and the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on the ball entering the central start port 33. The only difference is Therefore, detailed description is omitted for convenience.

Furthermore, in subsequent step S515, variable display setting processing for performing various settings related to variable display, such as selecting a variable pattern and setting a variable pattern command to be transmitted to the sub-controller 262, is executed. Note that the variable display setting process in step S515 is the same as the variable display setting process in step S507, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. After step S515, the process ends.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing NMI interrupt processing, and this processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the pachinko machine 10 is powered off due to a power failure or the like. By this NMI interrupt, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power failure is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. FIG.

That is, when the pachinko machine 10 is powered off due to power failure or the like, a power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. FIG. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts NMI interrupt processing. finish.

The above NMI interrupt processing is also executed in the payout control device 311 in the same manner, and information on occurrence of power failure is stored in the backup area 513 a of the RAM 513 by such NMI interrupt. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power failure or the like, a power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. to start the NMI interrupt processing in FIG. The contents are as described above.

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

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

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

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

Thereafter, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S113, etc.). Note that the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the work area address of the RAM 503 . Instead of using this RAM determination value, it is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not the keyword written in the predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly saved.

As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is powered on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, such as when the hall starts operating. Therefore, if the RAM erasing switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (step S113, etc.). Also, when power failure occurrence information is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.), the initialization process of the RAM 503 (step S113, etc.) is similarly performed. That is, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0 in step S113, and the initial value of the RAM 503 is set in the following step S114. After that, in step S111, interrupt permission is set, and the normal processing described later is performed.

On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 is not pressed (step S103: NO), the condition is that power failure occurrence information is set and that the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Then, the power recovery process (power recovery process) is executed. That is, in step S107, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, and in step S108, power-off occurrence information is cleared.

In step S109, a return command is transmitted to return the sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc., which are sub-side control devices, to the game state at the time of power interruption.

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

Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Main processing of the game is executed in this normal processing. As an overview, the processing up to step S210 is executed as regular processing with a period of 4 ms, and the counter update processing of step S211 is executed in the remaining time.

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

In the subsequent step S203, the prize ball count signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the abnormal payout signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

Thereafter, in step S205, display control processing is executed. In this processing, setting of the control contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed as to what kind of control is to be performed in the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. The details of this display control processing will be described later.

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

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

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

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

Now, if the power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), it means that the power has been shut off, so the processes from step S213 onward are performed as power failure processing at the time of power failure. will be In the power failure process, first, in step S213, the occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited, in step S214, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area, and in step S215, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. memorize to After that, in step S216, a power cutoff notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to other control devices (payout control device 311, etc.). Then, in step S217, the RAM judgment value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of RAM 503 . Thereafter, in step S218, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop continues until the power supply is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed.

It should be noted that the processing of step S209 is the timing at which a series of processing corresponding to the game state change performed at steps S201 to S208 ends, or at the end of one cycle of the processing of step S211 performed within the remaining time. is running on Therefore, in the normal processing of the main controller 261, since information on occurrence of power failure is confirmed at the end of each processing, the amount of data to be stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is smaller than when each processing is in progress. and can be easily memorized. In addition, when returning to the state before the power shutdown, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily restored, and the processing load on the main controller 261 can be reduced. . Furthermore, since the occurrence of interrupt processing is prohibited before data is stored (step S213), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is cut off, and the state before the power cut-off can be reliably stored. .

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

In FIG. 27, in step S801, it is determined whether or not a big win is currently occurring by referring to a big win occurrence flag, which will be described later in detail. Incidentally, the big win includes the middle of the big win state (special game state) and a predetermined time after the end of the big win state. The predetermined time after the end of the big win state here is the time from the end of the big win state to the start of the normal game (variation display on the special display devices 43L and 43R), and generally this time zone is the display of decorative symbols. The device 42 displays various game states and game modes provided after the end of the big win state and after the big win. Also, the period from when the variable display is stopped and displayed in the special display devices 43L, 43R and the decorative pattern display device 42 in a manner corresponding to the big win until the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening) is opened. (generally, during this time period, the decoration symbol display device 42 displays the start of the big win state) is also included in the big win.

If the determination in step S801 is affirmative, that is, if the jackpot is in progress, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the determination in step S801 is negative, the setting status of the flag during display, which will be described later, is set in step S802. , it is determined whether or not the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (decorative pattern display device 42) is performing a variable display. Here, when the display flag is set (in the ON state), it is considered that the display is changing, and when the display flag is canceled (in the OFF state), the changing display is stopped. It is considered to be in the stop display corresponding to the state. Although details will be described later, the on-display flag is turned on when starting the variable display of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R (see step S808). , 43R are turned off when the variable display is stopped (see step S814).

Then, if a negative determination is made in step S802, that is, if the jackpot is not in progress and the fluctuation display is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S803, where the value of the total pending counter Nx (the value of the central pending counter Na and the right pending counter Nb ) is greater than 0.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S803, that is, if at least one variable display is retained and stored in the central retention counter Na or the right retention counter Nb, the process proceeds to step S804. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S803, that is, if not even one variable display is retained and stored, this processing ends.

In step S804, it is determined which of the center starting hole 33 and the right starting hole 34 that the current variation display is triggered by the entry of the ball into the center starting hole 33 or the right starting hole 34 by referring to the value of the reservation order buffer Bj. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the value stored in the reservation order buffer Bj is "0", that is, whether or not the current variation display is triggered by the entry into the right starting port 34. . Here, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S805.

In step S805, 1 is subtracted from the right holding counter Nb. In subsequent step S806, a process of shifting the data stored in the second special change reservation area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth reservation areas of the second special variable reservation area to the execution area side. The data in each area is shifted in the following order: area→reserved first area, reserved third area→reserved second area, reserved fourth area→reserved third area, and so on. After step S806, in step S807, the process of turning on/off the second reservation lamp 46R is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S808.

If a negative determination is made in step S804, that is, if the current variation display is triggered by the ball entering the central starting port 33, 1 is subtracted from the central holding counter Na in step S809. In subsequent step S810, a process of shifting the data stored in the first special change reservation area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth reservation areas of the first special variable reservation area to the execution area side. The data in each area is shifted in the following order: area→reserved first area, reserved third area→reserved second area, reserved fourth area→reserved third area, and so on. After step S810, in step S811, the process of turning on/off the first reservation lamp 46L is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S808. In the present embodiment, there is only one execution area for the special change reservation area, and the data stored in the first special change reservation area and the second special change reservation area are used when performing a change display based on the data. will be shifted to the common execution area.

In step S808, start setting processing is performed to indicate that the conditions for switching display (variable display) have been established in the special display devices 43L and 43R. In this start setting process, a display-in-progress flag indicating whether or not the special display devices 43L and 43R are performing variable display is turned on, and a display timer setting process is performed. The display timer is means for measuring the fluctuation time (remaining time of the fluctuation display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is taken into account when determining whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. The variable display time of the special display devices 43L and 43R in this embodiment is set to a value corresponding to the variable pattern selected by the variable selection counter C3. At the same time, in the start setting process, a start command for instructing the sub control device 262 to start the variable display in the decorative design display device 42 is also set. After the end of step S808, the display control process ends.

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

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

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S813, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed by considering the value of the display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when the predetermined fluctuation time has passed, that is, when the value of the display timer becomes "0", step S813 is affirmatively determined.

If a negative determination is made in step S813, in step S817, switching display setting is performed to continue the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R, and this processing ends. Based on the contents of the switching display setting, similarly to the above, in the external output processing in the next normal processing, a control signal for switching display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R. As a result, switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is realized at the timing of the display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

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

In addition, based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the next external output process in the normal process. In other words, if it is a "probable variable jackpot" with a transition to a "high probability state", "7" is displayed as a stop display (for example, lighting for a few seconds), and a "normal jackpot" with a transition to a "low probability state" If there is, "3" is stopped, and if "out", "-" is stopped.

Subsequently, after the determination information setting process is performed in step S816, this process is terminated. Here, the determination information setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 28 .

First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the stop display corresponds to a big win by referring to the winning flag. Here, when it corresponds to a big hit, it moves to step S1002 and sets a big hit. Specifically, setting processing such as a jackpot occurrence flag, a variable flag, a variable timer, a round number counter, and a prize winning counter is performed. After the end of step S1002, the determination information setting process ends. Here, the function of the main control device 261 that performs processing such as setting the jackpot constitutes the game value imparting means in this embodiment.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1001 that the game does not correspond to the jackpot, that is, if the winning flag is off, the process ends.

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

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

A variable timer is means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32, and is taken into consideration when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the start of opening. In this example, "7500" is set as the value for the variable timer. As a result, the maximum open time per round (the longest time the variable winning device 32 is open) is 30 seconds.

The round number counter is discriminating information for discriminating the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of occurrences of the special prize state, that is, the number of executions of the opening/closing process of the variable prize winning device 32). "16" shown is set as the value.

The winning counter is means for counting the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 32. In this process, the value is set to "8", which indicates the maximum number of winning balls per round. In the switch reading process (see FIG. 20) of the timer interrupt process, it is determined by the detection information of the count switch 223 whether or not a ball has entered the variable winning device 32. When determined, the value of the winning counter is decremented by one.

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

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, if the determination in step S1204 or step S1205 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1206 to determine whether the counter value of the round number counter is "0", that is, the number of rounds (the number of times the variable winning device 32 is opened ) has reached a specified number of times.

If the determination in step S1206 is affirmative, end setting processing is performed in step S1207, and this processing ends.

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

The high probability state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game state is a "high probability state". flag”, the switching setting of the high-probability state flag is performed. As a result, when the "high probability state" is set after the end of the jackpot (the "probability variable jackpot flag" is turned on), "1" indicating the occurrence of the "high probability state" is set as the flag value, and the "low probability state” is set (the “normal jackpot flag” is ON), “0” indicating the occurrence of the “low probability state” is set as the flag value.

It should be noted that the "probability variable jackpot flag" and the "normal jackpot flag" are turned off after the high probability state flag setting process. Further, when the jackpot setting (step S1002) is performed in the discrimination information setting process of FIG. 28, the high probability state flag may be reset once (set to "0").

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

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

If the determination in step S1203 is negative, that is, if the wait period between rounds is in progress, the process advances to step S1209 to determine whether the value of the variable timer is "0".

If the determination in step S1209 is affirmative, that is, if the wait period has ended and the timing for starting the next round has arrived, round start processing is performed in step S1210. In the round start process, the variable flag is turned on, the opening time of the variable winning device 32 per round is set for the variable timer, and the maximum winning number per round (in this example, " 8”). Also, as the opening time of the variable winning device 32, "7500" is set for the variable timer. If the determination in step S1209 is negative, or if the round start process is completed in step S1210, this process ends.

Various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the external output processing of the next normal processing based on the ON/OFF state of the variable flag. When the variable flag is ON, a control signal for opening the big winning opening is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is in an open state. On the other hand, when the variable flag is off, a control signal for closing the big winning opening is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is closed.

Next, the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt processing will be described first with reference to FIG. 30, and then the main processing will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing reception interrupt processing executed by the payout control device 311. As shown in FIG. The reception interrupt process is a process that is executed by interrupting when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 . When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, other processing executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is put on standby for a while, and reception interrupt processing is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is first stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513 in step S3001, and the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is stored in step S3002. Turns on the command reception flag and terminates this reception interrupt processing. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the storage pointer is referenced and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is used to store the next received command in the next storage area. is updated.

In this embodiment, the reception processing of a command transmitted from the main controller 261 is performed by interrupt processing executed when the command is received. In timer interrupt processing, it is checked whether a command has been received before command determination processing (step S3201) is performed, and if a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and if the command has not been received, the process may proceed to the command determination process. In such a case, whether or not the command has been received is checked by checking the port corresponding to the command input of the input/output port at predetermined intervals.

Next, the main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the main processing of the payout control device 311, and this main processing is activated upon resetting when the power is turned on.

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

After that, in step S3106, it is determined whether information on the occurrence of power failure is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 or not. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a, the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107. No, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the work area address of RAM 513 . It is also possible to determine the effectiveness of the backup by checking whether the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly saved.

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

At step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and at step S3116 the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and in step S3114 the interrupt is permitted.

On the other hand, on the condition that power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106, and that the RAM determination value (checksum value, etc.) is normal in step S3108, processing at the time of power recovery process). That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before the power cutoff is restored, in step S3110, the power cutout occurrence information is cleared, and in step S3111, the payout permission flag for permitting the payout of prize balls is cleared. In step S3112, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and in step S3113, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. FIG. Further, in step S3114, interrupts are permitted.

After the interruption is permitted in step S3114, in the process of step S3122, it is determined whether or not the power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the information on the occurrence of power failure is set, it means that the power has been shut off, so the processing from step S3123 onwards is performed as power failure processing at the time of power failure. In the power failure process, first, in step S3123, the occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited, and in the next step S3124, command determination processing, which will be described later, is executed. After that, in step S3125, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area, in step S3126 the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 513a, and in step S3127 the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 513a. , the RAM access is prohibited in step S3128, and the infinite loop continues until the power supply is completely cut off and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area backed up in the RAM 513 .

In the processing of step S3122, the power failure occurrence information is confirmed after the processing that is performed when the power is turned on is completed. less and can be easily memorized. In addition, when returning to the state before the power shutdown, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, the return can be easily performed, and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

Next, timer interrupt processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, every 2 ms).

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

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311 . In the command determination process (steps S3124, S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from main controller 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt processing (see FIG. 30).

If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is off, no new command has been received from the main controller 261, so this processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the command reception flag is on in step S3301, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing of steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

The type of command read out from the RAM 513 is discriminated in the processing of steps S3304 to S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, in step S3305 it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command, and in step S3306 whether it is a prize ball command It is determined whether or not

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

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

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

Also, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power shutdown, In order to permit the payout of prize balls, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. That is, when there is power-off occurrence information and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power-off, payout of prize balls is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is set to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

Furthermore, if the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), in step S3310, the received number of prize balls is added to the total number of prize balls and stored. , the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311 to allow the payout of prize balls. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the commands to the total number of prize balls stored in a predetermined buffer area. and memorize it. Since the payout of prize balls corresponding to the number of prize balls is performed based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command for instructing the payout of prize balls. . In addition, when the prize ball command is received, the payout permission is set immediately, so the prize balls can be paid out early for the win. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the process of step S3311, the process based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is set to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

It should be noted that the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is neither a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), nor a payout return command (step S3305: NO), nor a prize ball command (step S3306: NO), The command determination process is ended without turning on the payout permission flag.

Here, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 32, description will be made. When the command determination process ends, it is determined in step S3202 whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this processing is terminated as it is. In other words, it is possible to prevent the prize balls from being paid out before the command is transmitted from the main controller 261 .

On the other hand, if the determination in step S3202 is affirmative, the firing control device 312 is set to permit firing in step S3203, and the state return switch 321 is checked in step S3204. Execute the return operation. By this process, when the state recovery switch 321 is pressed when a dispensing error such as a ball clogging occurs in the dispensing motor, the dispensing motor is rotated forward and reverse, and the ball clogging is resolved (returned to a normal state). .

After that, in step S3205, the setting of the lower tray full state or the lower tray full state canceled state is executed according to the change in the state of the lower tray 15. FIG. That is, the full state of the lower tray 15 is determined by the detection signal of the lower tray full switch. , execute the setting of the lower tray full state release state. Further, in step S3206, setting of the no-ball-in-tank state (out-of-ball state) or no-ball-in-tank canceled state (with-ball state) is executed according to the change in the state of the ball in the tank. That is, the no-ball-in-tank state is determined by the detection signal of the no-ball-in-tank switch. Run the settings.

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

Subsequently, a prize ball and rental ball payout control process is executed. Specifically, payout number setting processing is performed in step S3208, motor control state acquisition processing is performed in step S3209, and motor driving processing is performed in step S3210.

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

Next, normal processing of the sub-controller 262 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input/output port 554 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main controller 261 has been received. In addition, the reception data buffer 670 of each corner lamp 103 is checked to determine whether or not a command transmitted from another pachinko machine 10 has been received.

If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of RAM 553 in step S3902. The command buffer of the RAM 553 is composed of a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands sent from the main controller 261 or the like. As described above, the ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. It is configured to update the return command to the beginning of the region. Therefore, when a command is stored and read, the store pointer and read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer. After being stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553, the command is erased from the received data buffer 670 of the corner ramp 103. FIG.

In subsequent step S3903, command determination processing is performed. Here, command determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. In step S4101, the received command is read from the command buffer of RAM553. In step S4102, it is determined whether or not the command is an initialization command, in step S4103 it is determined whether or not it is a return command, in step S4104 it is determined whether or not it is a variation pattern command, and step S4110. In step S4111, it is determined whether or not it is a game state notification command, and in step S4111 it is determined whether or not it is a network command.

If the command read out from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is an initialization command, it means that the initialization of the RAM 553 is instructed by the main controller 261 when the power is turned on. , the initial value of the RAM 553 is set. As a result, the game state information corresponding to the initial setting “low probability state” is stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553 . After that, this process is terminated.

Also, if the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a return command (step S4102: NO, step S4103: YES), the main controller 261 returns to the state before the power shutdown, so it does not have a backup function. The sub-control device 262 reads the game state information included in the return command and stores it in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553 at step S4107. After that, this process is terminated.

Furthermore, if the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a variation pattern command (step S4103: NO, step S4104: YES), in step S4108, the contents of the variation pattern, etc. are stored in the sub-holding buffer Bf. process, and terminate this process.

The sub pending buffer Bf comprises eight pending areas (first pending area to eighth pending area) and one execution area. In each reservation area, according to the reception history (receiving order) of the variation pattern command, information related to the variation display executed by the decorative pattern display device 42 (jackpot type, variation time, effect pattern described later) is chronologically. stored Thereby, the sub-control device 262 can grasp the number of suspensions of the variable display and the contents thereof.

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

In addition, in the present embodiment, in conjunction with the process of storing the contents of the variation pattern in the sub-reserving buffer Bf, based on the variation time information stored in the reserving area of the sub-reserving buffer Bf, the effect pattern related to the variable display of decorative symbols is displayed. is selected, and based on the jackpot type information (including "loss"), the stop symbols (combination of stop symbols) to be stopped and displayed after the fluctuation time has elapsed are determined. Information about the effect pattern and the stop symbol determined here is additionally written in the corresponding reservation area of the sub-reservation buffer Bf. It should be noted that the correspondence between the variable time information and the performance pattern and the correspondence between the jackpot type information and the stop symbols are stored in the ROM 552 of the sub-controller 262 as a table.

Here, the correspondence relationship between the variable time information and the production pattern will be described. First, the types of production patterns will be described. The production patterns include, for example, "Normal Reach" in which no special effects are displayed other than the variation of decorative patterns, "Super Reach" in which characters, etc. are displayed after the establishment of the Reach state to give the player a sense of anticipation, and the Reach state. "Completely off" etc. are prepared.

In particular, in this embodiment, after the ready-to-win state is established, "A-to-reach" and "B-to-reach" corresponding to "reach other than front and back" in which the final stop symbol stops at a position other than the front and rear of the ready-to-win symbol are prepared as the above-mentioned "normal reach". Similarly, after the ready-to-win state is established, the final stop symbol is shifted forward or backward by one before and after the ready-to-win symbol and stops. ” is prepared.

The ROM 552 of the sub-control device 262 is provided with an effect pattern determination table for determining which effect pattern the variable time information corresponds to. In this embodiment, two tables are provided, namely, an effect pattern determination table for winning a large prize and a effect pattern determination table for loss.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26(b), in the effect pattern determination table for the jackpot winning, if the value of the variable time information is "0 to 4", "A reach" is selected, and "5" is selected. ~9", "B reach" is selected, "10 to 54", "C reach" is selected, and "55 to 99", "D reach" is selected. In other words, if the fluctuation pattern is "20s fluctuation pattern", "A reach" or "B reach" is selected, and if the fluctuation pattern is "30s fluctuation pattern", "C reach" or "D reach" is selected. be.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26(c), in the performance pattern determination table for failure, if the value of the variable time information is "0 to 90", "Completely out of reach" is selected. , If it is "91 to 94", "A reach" is selected, if it is "95 to 97", "B reach" is selected, if it is "98", "C reach" is selected, and "99" If so, "D Reach" is selected. In other words, if the variation pattern is "10s variation pattern", "completely out" is selected, and if the variation pattern is "20s variation pattern", "A reach" or "B reach" is selected, and the variation pattern is " In the case of "30s fluctuation pattern", "C reach" or "D reach" is selected.

Therefore, "C reach" and "D reach" are reach with a high degree of expectation for a big hit compared to "A reach" and "B reach".

Also, if the command read from the command buffer of the RAM 553 is a game state notification command (step S4104: NO, step S4110: YES), it is the timing at which the game state is switched in the main controller 261, so the process proceeds to step S4107. Then, the game state information (for example, information corresponding to the “high probability state”) included in the game state notification command is read and stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553 . After that, this process is terminated.

Also, if the command read from the command buffer of the RAM553 is the start command (step S4110: NO, step S4111: YES), it is the timing to start the variable display in the decorative design display device 42, so to step S4113. start setting processing is performed, and then this processing is terminated.

In the start setting process of step S4113, various settings related to the variable display performed by the decorative pattern display device 42 are performed.

In this start setting process, first, the process of shifting the data stored in the sub-holding buffer Bf is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to eighth reserve areas to the execution area side, and the first reserve area→execution area, second reserve area→first reserve area, The data in each area is shifted in the order of reserved 3rd area → reserved 2nd area, . . . reserved 8th area → reserved 7th area, and so on.

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

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

In addition to the above-exemplified commands, commands transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262 include, for example, a jackpot effect start command output when a jackpot state occurs (or ends). (or jackpot production end command).

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

Returning to the description of FIG. 34, after step S3903 or if a negative determination is made in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, and whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, the start of the previous normal process is performed. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (1 ms in this example) has passed since. If the predetermined time has already passed, the process moves to step S3905. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet passed since the start of the previous normal process, the process moves to step S3912.

In step S3905, update processing of various counters is executed. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Concretely, as shown in FIG. 36, a jackpot decoration pattern counter C5, upper, middle and lower losing pattern counters CL, CM, CR, a mode switching counter C7, and a network effect counter C8 are used. I'm doing it.

The jackpot decoration pattern counter C5 is for determining a pattern (jackpot pattern) to be stop-displayed on the decoration pattern display device 42 in the case of a jackpot (“probability variable jackpot” or “normal jackpot”). The jackpot symbols in this embodiment are set in 10 patterns regardless of whether they are "probability variable jackpot" or "normal jackpot". Therefore, 10 counter values (0 to 9) are prepared as the jackpot decoration symbol counter C5. That is, the jackpot decoration symbol counter C5 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 9, and returns to 0 after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 9).

The jackpot decorative design counter C5 is periodically updated in the counter update process of step S3905, and stored in the jackpot decorative pattern counter buffer of the RAM 553. FIG. Then, in the reservation buffer storage process of step S4108, when the jackpot type information stored in the reservation area of the sub-reservation buffer Bf is "FD" or "FE" indicating a jackpot, based on a table (not shown), For example, if the value of the decorative pattern counter C5 at the time of a big hit is "0", it is "0" (double), if it is "1", it is "1" (double), and so on, "0". A combination of any of the symbols from double to ``9'' is determined as a combination of stop symbols (jackpot symbols).

In addition, the top, middle, and bottom losing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR are set for each stop design (combination of losing patterns) in the top, middle, and bottom design display areas when the jackpot lottery results in "losing". , and since one of 10 decorative symbols is displayed in each column, 10 counter values (0 to 9) are prepared for each column. A stopped pattern in the upper symbol display area is determined by the upper/missing symbol counter CL, a stopped symbol in the middle symbol display area is determined by the middle/missing symbol counter CM, and a stopped symbol in the lower symbol display area is determined by the lower/missing symbol counter CR. is determined.

The out-of-symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured such that register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, numerical values change randomly. The values of these counters are appropriately stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 553 .

More specifically, when each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 10 is subtracted and the current value is It is determined. The outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR are updated so that the update times do not overlap, and the combinations of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR are the front and back off reach symbol buffers of the RAM 553, the front and back non-outlier reach symbol buffers, and the It is stored in any of the complete missing design buffers.

Also, the mode switching counter C7 is for determining the type of game mode to be set next when a mode shuffle effect (large fish school effect), which will be described later, is executed. 100 counter values (0 to 99) are prepared as the mode switching counter C7. That is, the mode switching counter C7 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 99, and returns to 0 after reaching the upper limit (that is, 99).

The mode switching counter C7 is periodically updated by the counter updating process in step S3905 and stored in the mode switching counter buffer of the RAM553. Then, it is taken into consideration in mode switching lottery processing in step S4402, which will be described later.

Also, the network effect counter C8 is for determining whether or not to execute a network effect (jackpot announcement effect), which will be described later, and its type. As the network effect counter C8, 300 counter values (0 to 299) are prepared. That is, the network effect counter C8 is incremented by one within the range of 0 to 299, and returns to 0 after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 299).

The network effect counter C8 is periodically updated in the counter update process of step S3905 and stored in the network effect counter buffer of the RAM553. Then, it is taken into consideration in the network effect determination process in step S4904, which will be described later.

Here, update processing of each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 37, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the top/outside symbol counter CL, and in step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the inside/outside symbol counter CM. It should be noted that the upper, middle, and lower outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are configured to be updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, when the bottom/outside symbol counter CR has been updated in the previous update process, the determination in step S4001 is affirmative. Further, when the top/outside symbol counter CL has been updated in the previous update processing, the determination in step S4002 is affirmative. Then, if it is time to update the top/missing symbol counter CL (YES in step S4001), the process proceeds to step S4003 to update the top/missing symbol counter CL. If it is time to update the inside/outside symbol counter CM (YES in step S4002), the process advances to step S4004 to update the inside/outside symbol counter CM. Further, if it is time to update the bottom/missing symbol counter CR (NO in both steps S4001 and S4002), the process proceeds to step S4005 to update the bottom/missing symbol counter CR. In updating the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and 10 is subtracted when the addition result exceeds the upper limit. , the calculation result is used as the current value of the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR.

According to the updating process of CL, CM, and CR, the upper, middle, and lower outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in one update process, and the updating timing of each counter value overlaps. never. As a result, one set of the lost symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is updated each time the updating process is executed three times.

Thereafter, in step S4006, the combination of the updated outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is the combination of the ready-to-win symbols (the symbol in the upper symbol display area and the symbol in the lower symbol display area are the same, and the upper and lower symbol display areas and the pattern in the middle pattern display area are different), and if it is a combination of ready-to-win patterns (YES in S4006), further in step S4007, it is a front-to-rear out-of-reach reach. determine whether there is If the outlier pattern counters CL, CM, and CR are a combination of front and rear outlier reach (front and backer outlier patterns) (S4007 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4008, and the combination of the outlier pattern counters CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the RAM 553. Stored in the front and back reach pattern buffer. If the losing pattern counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of reach (symbols other than front and back losing) (S4007 is NO), the process proceeds to step S4009, and the losing pattern counters CL, CM, CR at that time The combination is stored in the reach pattern buffer of the RAM 553 except for the front and back deviation.

If the combination is other than the ready-to-win pattern (NO in S4006), the flow advances to step S4010 to determine whether or not the combination of the losing pattern counters CL, CM, and CR is a combination of losing patterns. If it is a combination of symbols (completely missing symbols) (S4010 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4011, and the combination of the missing symbols counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the completely missing design buffer of RAM553. If both steps S4006 and S4010 are NO, the top, middle, and bottom symbols are aligned, that is, it corresponds to a combination of jackpot symbols. This processing ends without storing.

Then, in the reservation buffer storage process of step S4108, when the jackpot type information stored in the reservation area of the sub-reservation buffer Bf is "FF" indicating "loss", based on a table (not shown), the corresponding A combination of symbols stored in the counter buffer (see FIG. 36) of the RAM 553 is determined as a combination of stop symbols (outgoing symbols).

More specifically, if the jackpot type information stored in the predetermined reservation area is "out" and the value of the variable time information is "0 to 90" (if the production pattern is "completely out"), it is completely out. A combination of symbols stored in the symbol buffer is determined as a stop symbol. Similarly, if the value of the fluctuation time information is "91 to 97" (the effect pattern is "A reach" or "B reach"), the combination of symbols stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front and back is determined as the stop symbol. Also, if the value of the fluctuation time information is "98, 99" (the effect pattern is "C reach" or "D reach"), the combination of symbols stored in the front and back off reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553 is determined as the stop symbol.

Returning to the description of FIG. 34, network-related processing is executed in step S3906. In the network-related processing, various types of processing are performed, such as a network effect determination process for determining whether or not to execute a network effect and its contents, and a link confirmation process which is a pre-process for executing the network effect. Details of the network-related processing will be described later.

Incidentally, the network effect in the present embodiment means a game effect (display effect, voice effect, , lighting effects).

In step S3907, display setting processing for performing various displays on the decorative design display device 42 is performed. In the display setting process, mainly, the variable display setting process (see FIG. 38) for performing variable display of decorative patterns on the decorative pattern display device 42, and the display mode of the decorative pattern display device 42 are changed according to the game mode type described later. A mode configuration setting process (see FIG. 41) and the like are performed so as to perform in a corresponding mode.

Here, the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 38, in step S4301, it is determined whether or not the decorative pattern display device 42 is performing variable display by looking at the setting status of the variable display flag. Specifically, when the variable display flag is set (when it is ON), it is considered that the variable display is being performed, and when the variable display flag is canceled (when it is OFF), the variable display is performed. It is considered to be in a stop display corresponding to a stopped state. In addition, the variable display flag is turned on when starting the variable display of the decorative design display device 42 as described above (start setting process of step S4113), and when the variable display of the decorative design display device 42 is stopped and displayed (See step S4305).

If the determination here is affirmative, that is, if the fluctuation has started or is in the process of being changed, the process proceeds to step S4302, and if the determination is negative, the process ends.

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

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S4303, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed by considering the value of the fluctuation display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when the predetermined fluctuation time has passed, that is, when the value of the fluctuation display timer becomes "0", affirmative determination is made in step S4303.

When a negative determination is made in step S4303, in step S4304, variation execution processing for performing variation display of the decorative design display device 42 is performed, and this processing ends.

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

As a result, the display control device 45 performs the drawing process according to the command from the sub-control device 262 and starts the variable display of the design on the decorative design display device 42 . Then, once the start command is received from the main controller 261, the variable display timer value set in the start setting process in step S4113 is set to "0" until the variable display variable time corresponding to the start command elapses. ), the sub-control device 262 and the display control device 45 cooperate to continue the variable display of the pattern.

The display control command described above is a command for designating a series of display effects from the start to the end of the variable display, for example, and the display control command necessary each time based on the information stored in the sub-holding buffer Bf. is generated. Usually, the display control commands related to the variable display generated by the sub-control device 262 are roughly divided into a group of normal variable data and a group of ready-to-win effect data. By sequentially outputting in accordance with a predetermined time order based on a timer, a display effect corresponding to various variation patterns is performed. For example, the normal fluctuation data group consists of normal fluctuation data 1, normal fluctuation data 2, . n, data output is sequentially performed in the order of normal fluctuation data 1→2→ . . . , data output is performed in order of n.

On the other hand, if the determination in step S4303 is affirmative, that is, if it is determined that the value of the variable display timer is "0", in step S4305 stop display setting for performing stop display on the decorative design display device 42 and terminate this process. In the stop display setting, the variable display flag is canceled (turned off), and a stop command for instructing the display control device 45 to stop the variable display in the decorative pattern display device 42 is set.

Here, the display mode in the display section 420 of the decorative pattern display device 42 will be described. As described above, the decorative design display device 42 is provided with upper, middle and lower three design display areas, and a plurality of types of decorative designs Z are variably displayed in each design display area (see FIG. 39). ). In this embodiment, various decorative patterns Z with numbers "0" to "9" are displayed. Various decorative patterns Z are scrolled and variably displayed from right to left with periodicity in ascending or descending numerical order, thereby forming a series of pattern rows. Of course, the pattern variation mode is not limited to the scroll variation, and may be a switching variation or the like.

In this case, in the upper pattern row, the various decorative patterns Z are displayed in descending order (in decreasing order of the attached numbers), and in the middle and lower pattern rows, the various decorative designs Z are similarly displayed in ascending order are displayed in ascending order). After a predetermined period of time has passed, the variable display stops in the order of the upper pattern display area → the lower pattern display area → the middle pattern display area. In the present embodiment, if the combination of symbols of the same type is aligned, the jackpot state is started. It should be noted that, immediately before the combination of the above-described jackpot symbols is displayed, a so-called ready-to-win state (a state in which a ready-to-win state is established) occurs. However, even if it becomes a reach state, it may not lead to a jackpot state.

In this embodiment, the jackpot lines are composed of left, middle, and right vertical lines and two diagonal lines (referred to as 5 lines). Therefore, in the upper, middle, and lower pattern display areas, when three of the various decorative patterns Z of the same type are displayed in a fixed stop state on any of the five lines, a big win state occurs. .

In addition, in the present embodiment, as one of the display effects in the decorative pattern display device 42 (for example, as one of the effect patterns related to the variable display of the above-described decorative patterns, such as a ready-to-win notice effect and a big hit notice effect), the display unit 420 A school of fish effect is performed in which a school of fish G crosses from right to left (see FIG. 40).

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

The appearance rate of the fish school effect is set differently depending on the relationship with the reach pattern and the relationship with the jackpot type information. ing. For example, it is set so that it is more likely to appear when "super reach" occurs than "normal reach", and to appear more easily when "jackpot wins" than "when lost".

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

In this embodiment, the game mode is set to be switched among "notification mode", "suggestion mode", and "normal mode (non-notification mode)".

The “notification mode” is a mode in which the current game state (“high probability state” or “low probability state”) is explicitly notified to the player.

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

"Normal mode" refers to a normal state other than the above-described "notification mode" and "suggestion mode" as specific modes. In the "normal mode", it is difficult for the player to grasp the current game state. Therefore, if the game state is the "high probability state" in the normal mode, it becomes a so-called "hidden state" in which the player cannot grasp this.

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

Here, the flow of mode setting processing will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

First, in step S4401, it is determined whether or not a "large fish school effect (first network effect)", which is one of the network effects to be described later, is being executed in the decorative pattern display device 42 or not. Here, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S4402, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step S4403.

In step S4402, mode switching lottery processing is executed. The type of game mode to be set next is determined by the mode switching lottery process. That is, a mode shuffle effect is executed by the mode switching lottery process. The mode shuffle effect is an effect in which the above-described mode state can be changed with the execution of the “large fish school effect” on the decorative pattern display device 42 as a trigger.

The mode switching lottery process refers to the mode switching counter C7 stored in the mode switching counter buffer of the RAM 553 and the mode switching table (see FIG. 42) stored in the ROM 552 in advance, and the type of game mode to be set next. to decide.

In this embodiment, according to the type of game mode set at the time the mode switching lottery process is performed, the rate at which a predetermined game mode is selected after that is configured to differ.

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

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

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

In step S4403, it is determined whether or not the value of the mode flag Mf is "0", that is, whether or not the game mode is the "normal mode".

If the determination is affirmative here, in step S4404, a normal mode setting process is performed to set the display mode of the decorative design display device 42 to a normal mode, and this process ends. In the normal mode setting process, for example, display control commands to be executed by the display control device 45 are set (the same applies to various mode setting processes below).

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4403, it is determined in step S4405 whether or not the value of the mode flag Mf is "1", that is, whether or not the game mode is the "suggestion mode".

Here, if the determination is affirmative, suggestion mode setting processing is performed in step S4406, and this processing ends. In the suggestion mode setting process, the game state is determined based on the game state information stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. At a probability of 70%, a display setting such as "may be in a high probability state?" is performed. That is, when the "suggestion mode" is entered, a suggestion display that suggests the current game state to the player is performed with a predetermined probability.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4405, it is determined in step S4407 whether or not the value of the mode flag Mf is "2", that is, whether or not the game mode is the "notification mode".

Here, if the determination is affirmative, notification mode setting processing is performed in step S4408, and this processing ends. In the notification mode setting process, the game state is determined based on the game state information stored in the game state information storage area of the RAM 553. If the game state is the "high probability state", instead of displaying the normal mode, For example, the background image BG is made into a reddish monotone mode, and a notification display setting such as "in high probability state" is performed. On the other hand, if the game state is "low probability state", in addition to the display of the normal mode, information display setting such as "under low probability state" is performed. That is, when the "notification mode" is entered, the notification display for informing the player of the current game state is performed with a probability of 100%.

Now, returning to the description of FIG. 34, in the lamp setting process of step S3909, for example, the lighting pattern of various illumination devices such as the lamps 102 to 104 is set so as to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative pattern display device 42 ( decide.

In the sound setting process of step S3910, the sound pattern output from the speaker SP is set (determined) so as to be synchronized with the display performance performed by the decorative design display device 42, for example. Also, when a command related to sound such as notification of error occurrence is transmitted from the main controller 261, settings for performing these controls are also performed in step S3910.

In step 3911, an external output process is executed to transmit commands and control signals based on the settings in steps S3905 to S3910 to each device.

For example, a display control command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative design display device 42 displays the decorative design in a variable manner. A light emission control command is transmitted to the light emission communication control unit 653 when the light emission effect by the corner lamp 103 is performed. A network command is transmitted to the light emission communication control unit 653 for the network presentation.

After the processing of steps S3905 to S3911, which is performed every 1 ms, is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912 to determine whether the RAM 553 stores power-off occurrence information. determine whether Note that the power-off occurrence information is stored when a power-off command is received from the main controller 261 .

If the power-off occurrence information is not stored, the process advances to step S3913 to determine whether or not the RAM 553 has been destroyed. If the RAM 553 is not destroyed here, the process returns to step S3901 and the normal process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the RAM 553 has been destroyed, the process is looped infinitely to stop execution of subsequent processes.

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

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

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

The link confirmation process, the link response process, and the response waiting process are performed when the respective light emission communication units 651, 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L, 103R of the predetermined pachinko machine 10 are arranged at positions facing each other. It is a series of processes for judging whether or not it is possible to transmit and receive various data to and from the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 of the other pachinko machine 10 . Therefore, the link confirmation process, the link response process, and the response waiting process are performed for each of the light emission communication units 651, 652 of the left and right corner lamps 103L, 103R, respectively.

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

Here, if the link confirmation completion flag is turned on, that is, if the link confirmation process has already ended, this process ends.

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

After that, after turning on the link confirmation completion flag (step S6004), this processing is terminated.

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

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

On the other hand, when the confirmation signal is received, through the light emission communication unit 651, 652 that received the confirmation signal, the light emission of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at the position opposite to the light emission communication unit 651, 652 A predetermined response signal is output to the communication units 651 and 652 (the light emitting communication units 651 and 652 that transmitted the confirmation signal) (step S6102), and this processing ends.

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

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

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

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

Here, when the response signal is received from the other pachinko machine 10 in the light emission communication units 651 and 652 related to the response waiting process, after turning on the link flag corresponding to the light emission communication units 651 and 652 (step S6204), the process ends.

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

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

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

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

When no response signal is input, each link flag is set to "0".

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

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

In step S6301, the sub-control device 262 displays jackpot type information (“FD” or "FE") is stored.

Here, if the jackpot type information ("FD" or "FE") indicating the jackpot is not stored, the processing is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, when the jackpot type information (“FD” or “FE”) indicating the jackpot is stored, in step S6302 the sub-control device 262 changes the network effect counter C8 stored in the network effect counter buffer of the RAM553. And, referring to the network effect determination table (see FIG. 49) stored in the ROM 552 in advance, it is determined whether or not the network effect (jackpot announcement effect) is to be executed.

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

In addition, in this embodiment, as a network effect, a "large fish effect" performed using the decorative pattern display device 42 of each pachinko machine 10, and an illumination device such as the top lamp 102 of each pachinko machine 10 are used. A "roulette effect" is performed, and a "countdown effect" is performed using the speaker SP of each pachinko machine 10.例文帳に追加

More specifically, if the value of the network effect counter C8 is "0 to 29", the "large fish effect" is executed, if it is "30 to 59", the "roulette effect" is executed, and if it is "60 to 89", If there is, a "countdown effect" is executed. Also, if the value of the network effect counter C8 is "90 to 299", it means "lost" and the network effect is not executed.

Then, in the network effect setting process of step S6303, the sub-control device 262 performs a process of setting the type of network effect, information indicating that the network effect is to be executed, etc. in the RAM553.

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

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

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

Here, the network command output processing performed in each pachinko machine 10 will be described. First, the sub-control device 262 checks the values of various link flags related to the left corner lamp 103L, and if the value of the left side link flag is "1", the signal is transmitted through the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L. Then, a predetermined network command is output to the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position opposite to the side light emitting communication unit 651 concerned. Here, a part of the left side communication determination means (left side communication determination means) in this embodiment is constituted by the processing function of checking whether the value of the left side link flag is "1".

On the other hand, when the value of the left side link flag is "0" and the value of the left front link flag is "1", the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L is transmitted to the front light emitting communication unit. A predetermined network command is output to the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position opposite to 652. Here, the processing function of checking whether the value of the left front link flag is "1" constitutes a part of the left front communication determining means (left side communication determining means) in this embodiment.

Here, when the value of the left side link flag is "0" and the value of the left front link flag is "0", no network command is output from the left corner lamp 103L. In this case, since the pachinko machine 10 is the pachinko machine 10 located at the left end of the gaming machine network system consisting of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 with established links, the sub-control device 262 sets the above-mentioned network effects. In performing the process (step S6303), information such as information indicating that it is located at the left end of the gaming machine network system is set in the RAM 553. FIG. Such a processing function constitutes a part of the left end storage means in this embodiment.

Next, the sub control device 262 checks the values of various link flags related to the right corner lamp 103R, and if the value of the right side link flag is "1", the side light emission communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R is turned on. A predetermined network command is output to the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position opposite to the side light emitting communication unit 651 via. Here, the processing function for checking whether the value of the right side link flag is "1" constitutes a part of the right side communication determining means (right side communication determining means) in this embodiment.

On the other hand, when the value of the right side link flag is "0" and the value of the right front link flag is "1", the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the right corner lamp 103R is transmitted to the front light emitting communication unit. A predetermined network command is output to the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L of the other pachinko machine 10 arranged at a position opposite to 652. Here, the processing function for checking whether the value of the right front link flag is "1" constitutes a part of the right front communication determination means (right side communication determination means) in this embodiment.

Here, when the value of the right side link flag is "0" and the value of the right front link flag is "0", no network command is output from the right corner lamp 103R. In this case, since the pachinko machine 10 is the pachinko machine 10 located at the right end of the gaming machine network system consisting of a plurality of pachinko machines 10 with established links, the sub-control device 262 sets the above-mentioned network effect settings. In performing the process (step S6303), information such as information indicating that it is located at the right end of the gaming machine network system is set in the RAM553. Such a processing function constitutes a part of the right end storage means in this embodiment.

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

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

When a network command is input, the effect ID of the network command is checked to determine whether the network command has already been set (step S6502). Such a processing function constitutes the comparison means in this embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, if the determination in step S6504 is affirmative, it is determined in step S6505 whether or not the value of the right side link flag is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process moves to step S6508. Here, the processing function for checking whether the value of the right side link flag is "0" constitutes a part of the right side communication determining means (right side communication determining means) in this embodiment.

If it is determined in step S6505 that the value of the right side link flag is "0", that is, if there is no communicable pachinko machine 10 of the same type on the right side of itself, in step S6506, the right front link flag Determine whether the value is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process moves to step S6508. Here, the processing function for checking whether the value of the right front link flag is "0" constitutes a part of the right front communication determination means (right side communication determination means) in this embodiment.

If it is determined in step S6506 that the value of the right front link flag is "0", that is, if there is no communicable pachinko machine 10 of the same kind in front of itself, network command transfer processing is not performed. , in step S6507, processing for the right end is performed, and this processing ends.

Incidentally, when the right end portion corresponding processing of step S6507 is performed, for example, the five pachinko machines 10a to 10e of the gaming machine installation island 1A shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 10a under the configuration and the pachinko machine 10c←→pachinko machine 10d←→pachinko machine 10e←→pachinko machine 10f←→pachinko machine 10g←→pachinko machine 10h in the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B. An example is a case in which the game is performed in a pachinko machine 10c or the like that is linked in a non-circular manner so that data communication is possible.

In the right end corresponding processing of step S6507, for example, if the network command is a network effect setting command, information indicating that the player is positioned at the right end of the game machine network system is set. Such a processing function constitutes the right end storage means in this embodiment.

By performing such processing, for example, when the network effect is the first or second network effect ("large fish effect" or "roulette effect"), the pachinko machine 10 located at the right end becomes the starting point, The network production will start. In this case, a network effect execution command is output at a predetermined timing from the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point, and is sequentially transferred.

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

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

On the other hand, if the determination in step S6509 is affirmative, it is determined in step S6510 whether or not the value of the left side link flag is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the processing is terminated as it is. Here, the processing function of checking whether the value of the left side link flag is "0" constitutes a part of the left side communication determining means (left side communication determining means) in this embodiment.

If it is determined that the value of the left side link flag is "0" in step S6510, that is, if there is no pachinko machine 10 of the same kind that can be communicated on the left side of itself, in step S6511, the left front link flag Determine whether the value is "0". If a negative determination is made here, the process moves to step S6513. Here, the processing function of checking whether the value of the left front link flag is "0" constitutes a part of the left front communication determination means (left side communication determination means) in this embodiment.

If it is determined in step S6511 that the value of the left front link flag is "0", that is, if there is no communicable pachinko machine 10 of the same kind in front of itself, network command transfer processing is not performed. , in step S6512, processing for the left end is performed, and this processing ends.

Incidentally, when the left end corresponding processing of step S6512 is performed, for example, the five pachinko machines 10a to 10e of the gaming machine installation island 1A shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 10e under the configuration and the pachinko machine 10c ← → pachinko machine 10d ← → pachinko machine 10e ← → pachinko machine 10f ← → pachinko machine 10g ← → pachinko machine 10h on the game machine installation islands 1A and 1B. An example is a case where the pachinko machine 10h or the like is linked so as to enable data communication (non-circularly).

In the left end corresponding processing of step S6512, for example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, information indicating that the player is positioned at the left end of the game machine network system is set. Such a processing function constitutes the left end storage means in this embodiment.

By performing such processing, for example, when the network effect is the first network effect ("large fish school effect"), the pachinko machine 10 located at the left end becomes the end point, and the network effect execution command is not transferred. , the network performance will end.

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

Now, if a negative determination is made in step S6502, ring handling processing (step S6514) is performed, and this processing ends.

In the ring correspondence processing of step S6514, for example, when the network command is a network effect setting command, information or the like is set to the effect that the game machine network system itself becomes the starting point and the ending point.

By performing such a process, for example, when the network effect is the first network effect ("large fish school effect"), the pachinko machine 10 becomes the starting point and the ending point. That is, a network effect execution command is output at a predetermined timing from the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point, and the network effect is started. Then, the network performance execution command is sequentially transferred from the pachinko machine 10, and when the network performance execution command is input to the pachinko machine 10, the pachinko machine 10 becomes the end point and transfers the network performance execution command. Instead, the network presentation is terminated.

Next, the first network effect (large fish school effect) will be described in more detail with specific examples. 50 and 51, etc., the case where the game is performed only on the gaming machine installation island 1A (10a to 10e) will be described as an example.

As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the first network effect (large school of fish effect) is a network effect in which a school of fish G is displayed as if it were moving sequentially on the display units 420 of the pachinko machines 1 .

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

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

The sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10b and 10d that have received the network effect setting command confirm whether or not a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this has already been stored. Then, when it is confirmed that no network effect setting command having the same effect ID is stored, the first network effect setting process is executed in the same manner as the sub-controller 262 of the pachinko machine 10c.

In addition, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10b and 10d that have finished the first network effect setting process each turn the corner lamp 103 on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10b). 103R, the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10d) via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the pachinko machine 10a, 10e (the left corner lamp 103L of the right end pachinko machine 10a, the left end pachinko A network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the machine 10e.

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

Furthermore, the sub-controllers 262 of the pachinko machines 10a and 10e each control the corner lamp 103 (the right corner lamp 103R in the pachinko machine 10a and the left corner lamp When it is confirmed that the lamp 103L) is not communicable with other pachinko machines 10, the network production setting command is not transferred, and the network production starts or ends (starting point in the pachinko machine 10a). , the end point in the pachinko machine 10e).

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

The time information included in the network effect setting command is, for example, the process in which the network effect setting command is sequentially transferred from the pachinko machine 10c→the pachinko machine 10d→the pachinko machine 10e (including after the network effect setting process). It is variable information that changes to a value obtained by subtracting the amount of time that has passed in each pachinko machine 10 .

For example, when the pachinko machine 10c outputs to the pachinko machine 10d a network effect setting command including time information indicating that the network effect will start after one minute (60000 ms), the pachinko machine 10d outputs the network effect setting command. is transferred to the pachinko machine 10e, based on its own time information, etc., if it is determined that time has elapsed (for example, 1000 ms has elapsed) within itself, the time for that amount is transferred to the time information , and a network effect setting command including time information (for example, 59000 ms) of the value after the subtraction is transferred to the pachinko machine 10e. As a result, each pachinko machine 10 can share common time information.

Then, in the pachinko machine 10 serving as the starting point, when a predetermined timing (for example, the time information becomes 0 ms) arrives, the network presentation will be executed. Here, for example, in the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot state occurs, the rough time until the jackpot notification effect is performed is calculated by totaling the fluctuation time information stored in each reservation area of the sub-hold buffer Bf. If this is set as time information, a big win advance notice performance (first network performance) can be performed in accordance with the timing of occurrence of a big win state (variation display related to big win, ready-to-win performance, etc.).

When the first network effect is executed, a school of fish G appears from the right end of the display section 420a [see FIGS. It passes by [see FIGS. 40(b), (c) and 50(b)].

At the same time, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a, via the side light emitting communication unit 651 of its own left corner lamp 103L, the left pachinko machine 10b (the side light emitting communication unit of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10b) 651), it outputs a network effect execution command.

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

Thereafter, similarly, the network effect execution command is transferred from the pachinko machine 10c to the pachinko machine 10d, from the pachinko machine 10d to the pachinko machine 10e in order, The first network effects are sequentially executed on the display unit 420e.

However, since the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e is set to be the end point of the first network effect, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e does not transmit the network effect execution command to the other pachinko machines 10, and the first network effect is executed. exit.

With the above configuration, when the first network effect (large fish school effect) is started, as shown in FIG. 50(a), the fish school G first appears from the right end of the display section 420a of the pachinko machine 10a. Then, the school of fish G moves and disappears to the left end of the display section 420a. At the same timing, as shown in FIG. 50(b), the display unit 420b of the pachinko machine 10b displays a school of fish G appearing from the right end and moving to the left. be. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 51(a) to (c), the shoal of fish G moves in a chained fashion in each display section 420c to 420e in the order of the pachinko machine 10c, the pachinko machine 10d, and the pachinko machine 10e. is displayed.

As a result, the player can be notified that a big win state will occur in any of the pachinko machines 10 where the first network effect (large fish school effect) has been performed. Furthermore, in each pachinko machine 10 where the first network effect (large fish school effect) has been performed, the mode shuffle effect described above is performed, and the mode mode is changed or maintained.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the sub-control device 262 of each pachinko machine 10 preferentially executes a program relating to network performance over other programs. Therefore, in each pachinko machine 10, whether or not the decorative pattern Z is being variably displayed, whether or not the decorative pattern Z is being displayed stationary, whether or not the jackpot effect is being performed, or whether or not the game is being played is displayed on the display unit. To enhance the performance effect by making the first network performance (large fish shoal performance) performed in association with each pachinko machine 10 irrespective of whether or not the demonstration display is performed in 420, etc. can be done.

Next, a specific example of the second network effect (roulette effect) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Here, an example will be described in which game machine installation islands 1A and 1B (pachinko machines 10a to 10e and 10f to 10j) are linked in a loop.

In the second network performance (roulette performance), the top lamps 102 of the plurality of pachinko machines 10 are sequentially lit, and finally the top lamps 102 are lit to inform that the stopped pachinko machine 10 will win a big win. It is a network production.

For example, when the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10g obtains a lottery result indicating execution of the second network effect, the sub-control device 262 executes the second network effect setting process.

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

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

In addition, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10f and 10h that have finished the second network effect setting process turn the corner lamp 103 on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10f). Pachinko machines 10e and 10i (the front light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10e) via the front light emitting communication unit 652 of 103R and the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10h). 652, a network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emitting communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10i.

When the sub-control device 262 of each of the pachinko machines 10e and 10i receives the network effect setting command in the same way as the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10f and 10h, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID has already been received. It is confirmed whether or not the command is stored, and when it is confirmed that the command is not stored, a second network effect setting process is executed.

In addition, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10e and 10i that have finished the second network effect setting process turn the corner lamp 103 on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10e). Pachinko machines 10d and 10j (the side light emission communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10d) through the side light emission communication unit 651 of the pachinko machine 10i and the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10i. 651, the network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emission communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10j.

When the sub-control device 262 of each of the pachinko machines 10d and 10j receives the network effect setting command in the same way as the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machines 10f and 10h, the network effect setting command having the same effect ID has already been sent. It is confirmed whether or not the command is stored, and when it is confirmed that the command is not stored, a second network effect setting process is executed.

In addition, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10d and 10j that have finished the second network effect setting process turn the corner lamp 103 on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10d). Pachinko machines 10c and 10a (the side light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10c) via the side light emitting communication unit 651 of 103R and the front light emitting communication unit 652 of the left corner lamp 103L in the pachinko machine 10j). 651, Transfer the network effect setting command to the front light emission communication unit 652) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10a.

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

In addition, the sub-control devices 262 of the pachinko machines 10c and 10a that have finished the second network effect setting process turn the corner lamp 103 on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command (the right corner lamp in the pachinko machine 10c). Pachinko machine 10b (side light emission communication unit 651 of left corner lamp 103L of pachinko machine 10b, A network effect setting command is transferred to the side light emission communication unit 651) of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10b.

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

After that, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b receives a network effect setting command from either the pachinko machine 10c or the pachinko machine 10a, and the network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this is already stored. When it confirms that, it sets information to the effect that it will be the starting point of the network effect without performing the transfer process of the network effect setting command.

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

At the same time, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b, via the side light emitting communication unit 651 of its own right corner lamp 103R, the right pachinko machine 10a (the side light emitting communication unit of the left corner lamp 103L of the pachinko machine 10a) 651), it outputs a network effect execution command.

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

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

Thereafter, in the same way, the network effect execution command is pachinko machine 10j→pachinko machine 10i→pachinko machine 10h→pachinko machine 10g→pachinko machine 10f→pachinko machine 10e→pachinko machine 10d→pachinko machine 10c→pachinko machine 10b→pachinko machine 10a→pachinko. The data are sequentially transferred in the order of machine 10j→pachinko machine 10i→ .

In this embodiment, when the gaming machine network system (pachinko machines 10a-10e, 10f-10j) is linked in a loop, the lighting of the top lamp 102 is set to circulate the gaming machine network system multiple times. It is On the other hand, when the gaming machine network system is linked in a non-circular (serial, C-shaped) manner, the pachinko machine 10 at the right end and the pachinko machine 10 at the left end each return and transfer the network effect execution command. , and is set to make multiple round trips between the right end and the left end of the gaming machine network system.

Under this configuration, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10 that has obtained the lottery result indicating that the second network effect is to be executed, that is, the pachinko machine 10 in which the jackpot state occurs, performs the second network effect setting process. A predetermined roulette counter value is selected by lottery, and the roulette counter value is stored.

Each time the network effect execution command is input, the roulette counter value is decremented by "1". The top lamp 102 is turned on without transmitting the performance execution command, and the second network performance is terminated.

As a result, it is possible to inform the player that a big win will occur in the pachinko machine 10 with the top lamp 102 turned on.

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

The third network effect (countdown effect) is a countdown (“10”, “9”, . ) is a network performance by voice.

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

Furthermore, when the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a that has finished the third network effect setting process confirms that the right corner lamp 103R is not communicable with the other pachinko machines 10, it itself is connected to the game machine network system. Information indicating that it is positioned at the right end is set in the RAM 553 .

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

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b that has received the network effect setting command confirms whether or not a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this has already been stored. Then, when it is confirmed that no network effect setting command having the same effect ID is stored, the third network effect setting process is executed in the same manner as the sub control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10a.

In addition, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b that has finished the third network effect setting process, via the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command, A network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10c (the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10c).

The sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c that has received the network effect setting command, like the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10b, checks whether a network effect setting command having the same effect ID as this has already been stored. If it is confirmed that the command is not stored, a third network effect setting process is executed.

In addition, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10c, which has finished the third network effect setting process, via the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command, A network effect setting command is transferred to the pachinko machine 10d (the side light emitting communication unit 651 of the right corner lamp 103R of the pachinko machine 10d).

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

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

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

Furthermore, the sub-control device 262 of the pachinko machine 10e that has finished the third network effect setting process determines that the side light emission communication unit 651 of the left corner lamp 103L on the side opposite to the side that received the network effect setting command is used for another pachinko game. When it confirms that it is not communicable with the machine 10, it sets information to the effect that it is located at the left end of the game machine network system in the RAM 553 without performing transfer processing of the network effect setting command.

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

As a result, the countdown (“10”, “9”, . Then, when the countdown reaches "0", the pachinko machine 10a that obtained the lottery result to the effect that the third network performance is to be executed, that is, the pachinko machine 10a that generates the big win state displays a notification performance to the effect that the big win state will occur. 420a and the like.

In the above-described embodiment relating to the third network effect, the network effect execution command is not output. Then, the network effect execution command may be output from the pachinko machine 10a. Thereby, for example, a network effect execution command is output 10 seconds before the occurrence of the big win state, and at the same time when the countdown becomes "0", an effect can be performed in which the big win state occurs.

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

As a result, it is possible to perform a game effect (network effect) in which a plurality of pachinko machines 10 are associated, for example, by synchronizing or interlocking a predetermined game effect such as a display effect in a plurality of pachinko machines 10.例文帳に追加As a result, as compared with the configuration in which each pachinko machine 10 performs various game performances individually, the game performances can be made more diverse and the interest of the players can be improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, commands and the like are transmitted and received between the sub-controllers 262 as sub-control means between the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j without going through the main controller 261 as the main control means, The control device 262 is configured to execute the network performance at a predetermined timing without going through the main control device 261 . Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in executing the above-described network effect, the function aggregate itself consisting of the plurality of sub-controllers 262 related to the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j grasps its own link status, and issues commands and the like. By transmitting and receiving, the performance execution information is set in each sub-control device 262 in advance, and at the same time, the start point and end point of the performance start are set. As a result, while the main control device 261 performs normal game control in each of the pachinko machines 10a to 10j, the sub-control device 262, which is located below the main control device 262, is the main body, and a network in which the plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j are integrated. The effect can be executed without imposing a load on the main controller 261 of each pachinko machine 10a-10j.

In addition, when the above-mentioned network effect (jackpot announcement effect) is performed, the players who play the games on the pachinko machines 10a to 10j are provided regardless of whether or not the pachinko machine 10 they are playing will cause a big win. Instead, they have a sense of anticipation that a big win may occur, and concentrate more on the game. In this way, not only the players of the pachinko machine 10 in which the big winning state occurs but also all the players who play games on the islands 1A and 1B where the game machines are installed are expected to have a sense of anticipation and improve their interests. can be planned.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rise of the drive pulse waveform is detected, the drive pulse waveform including the rise is intensity-modulated based on the data signal waveform, and data is output. In other words, when it is not the timing for the light emission means (light emission effect means) to emit light, data transmission is performed according to the light emission effect pattern, such as waiting until the next light emission timing comes. As a result, the light-emitting means does not light regardless of the light-emitting effect, so that the data transmission can be performed without making the player feel uncomfortable.

In addition, in the present embodiment, each lighting pattern is configured to periodically include a timing for simultaneously lighting all three types of LED chips of RGB of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h. It is possible to prevent the problem that the timing to perform the operation does not come for a long time.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example.

(a) The configurations of the light-emitting means and the light-receiving means that constitute the communication means are not limited to the above embodiments.

(a-1) For example, in the above-described embodiments, an LED is used as the light-emitting means constituting the communication means, but the light-emitting means is not limited to this. For example, an organic EL (electroluminescence), a fluorescent lamp, or the like may be employed. However, from the viewpoint of responsiveness and the like as communication means, it is preferable to employ light emitting means such as an LED whose light can be electrically controlled.

Also, a liquid crystal display device having a backlight, a 7-segment display device, or the like may be employed as the light emitting means. Of course, these display devices may also serve as presentation means.

For example, when a liquid crystal display is used, transmission data coded into a two-dimensional code such as a bar code or QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the liquid crystal display, and this is displayed on the light receiving unit 656 of another pachinko machine 10. A configuration may be adopted in which the information is read by a (camera) and communication between game machines is performed.

Here, a color two-dimensional code may be adopted. For example, under a configuration in which the colors of 5×5 squares arranged in a matrix can be switched to three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), each square emits light (color and arrangement) may be used to code and display the transmission data. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 10 on the receiving side, the data may be demodulated by means of pattern matching or the like in which the data is read by the light receiving unit 656 (camera) and compared with various image patterns stored in advance.

Similarly, even when a 7-segment display is used, transmission data can be coded and displayed by combining the light-emitting modes (lighting pattern and light-emitting color) of each segment.

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

(a-2) In the above embodiment, multi-color LEDs made up of three types of LED chips of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are employed as the light emitting means constituting the communication means. However, the configuration of the light emitting means is not limited to this. For example, an LED that outputs monochromatic visible light may be employed.

(a-3) In the above embodiment, the left and right corner lamps 103 are used as the light emitting means constituting the communication means. may be used. For example, left and right side lamps 104 may be used. Also, when the communication target is only the front, the effect lamp provided on the game board 30 or the top lamp 102 may be used.

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

(a-4) In the above embodiment, the corner lamp 103 is configured to be used both for presentation and for communication. However, if the light emitting means is configured to be used both for performance and for communication, the configuration can be simplified. In addition, it becomes possible to use conventional light emitting means provided for light emitting effects for communication, and communication between game machines can be realized without adding a new configuration for communication. In addition, since it is possible to perform communication simultaneously with the light emitting effect, for example, the light emitting means suddenly shines regardless of the game effect (including demonstration display), etc., and communication between game machines can be performed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable. is also possible.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, visible light communication is performed as optical communication, but infrared communication may be performed as long as it is a communication-dedicated configuration that does not share the effect means. When invisible light such as infrared light is used, there is no need to perform communication in accordance with the performance, and optical communication can be performed at any timing.

(a-5) In the above embodiment, the corner lamp 103 has a side light emitting communication unit 651 for communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10 and a front light emitting communication unit for communicating with the front pachinko machine 10. 652. The configuration is not limited to this, and a single light emitting means may be configured to switch between left and right communication and forward communication. For example, non-directional light emitting means may be provided, and communication for left and right and communication for front may be switched according to the difference in lighting mode such as light emission color and lighting pattern.

(a-6) In the above embodiment, the light emission communication control unit 653 of one of the pachinko machines 10 modulates the drive pulse waveform of the light emission unit 655 (each LED 655a to 655h) based on various data to be output to the outside. The transmission is performed, and the light emission communication control section 653 of the other pachinko machine 10 that receives the light demodulates various data from the light signal.

Not limited to this, for example, the light emission communication control unit 653 stores in advance a plurality of light emission patterns that can be output from the LEDs 655a to 655h (light emission means) in its own ROM (light emission pattern storage means), and commands from the sub-control device 262 Etc., from among the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance, a predetermined light emission pattern corresponding to various game states, effects, etc. is selected (light emission pattern selection means), and based on the light emission pattern, LEDs 655a to 655h are emitted. A predetermined light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is stored in advance under the configuration (light emission control means) that controls the emitted light, and based on a command, etc. from the sub-controller 262 , when outputting the predetermined information, the predetermined light emission pattern is selected from the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance, and light based on the predetermined light emission pattern is received from the light receiving unit 656. The light emission communication control section 653 of another pachinko machine 10 may be configured to extract the predetermined information from the light (information extraction means).

Here, the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is composed of light of a predetermined luminance level exceeding the threshold value δ, and the other portion is composed of light of less than the predetermined luminance level. If so, it becomes easier for the receiving side to detect the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information, and the detection performance can be improved (the same applies hereinafter).

Further, if the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration includes light emitting effect means (LEDs 655a to 655h) for performing a predetermined effect with light. a production pattern storage means (the above-mentioned light emission pattern storage means (ROM)) storing a plurality of light production patterns to be performed by the light production means; Effect pattern selection means (the light emission pattern selection means) for selecting a predetermined light effect pattern from light effect patterns, and effect for controlling the light effect effect based on the light effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means. Pattern control means (the light emission control means), production pattern detection means (the light receiving section 656) capable of detecting a light emission production pattern being executed in the light emission production means provided in another game machine, and the production pattern Effect pattern determination means (CPU of light emission communication control unit 653, etc.) for determining whether or not the light emission effect pattern detected by the detection means includes a specific light effect pattern; and light emission detected by the effect pattern detection means. A control means (sub-control device 262) capable of executing predetermined control corresponding to the specific light-emitting effect pattern by referring to, for example, a predetermined table when the effect pattern includes a specific light-emitting effect pattern. It can be rephrased as a game machine provided.

According to this configuration, a predetermined effect pattern (for example, Premier Reach effect, etc.) performed in a predetermined gaming machine (primary gaming machine) can be transferred to another gaming machine (secondary gaming machine). Upon detection by the detection means, predetermined control (for example, predetermined effect control such as a notification effect for notifying that a premier ready-to-win effect is being performed in another game machine) is executed in the other gaming machine. be.

As a result, when a predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is performed in a predetermined game machine, a similar predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is executed in another game machine that detects this. A game effect can be performed in which a plurality of game machines are associated, such as executing predetermined effects (announcement effect, etc.) in a chain in a plurality of game machines.

Especially in this embodiment, information is not transmitted and received bidirectionally between a predetermined game machine and another game machine. Information is only transmitted in one direction such that the detected other gaming machine executes a predetermined control. In other words, the predetermined game machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and there is no need to newly execute special processing such as command transmission, so that the complication of the control processing can be suppressed.

In the various configurations described above, instead of the light emission communication control unit 653, the sub-control device 262 stores a plurality of light emission patterns (light emission pattern storage means), and various game modes are selected from the plurality of light emission patterns stored in advance. A configuration may be adopted in which a predetermined light emission pattern corresponding to a state, effect, etc. is selected (light emission pattern selection means), and light emitted from the LEDs 655a to 655h is controlled (light emission control means) based on the light emission pattern.

(a-7) Here, a more specific configuration of the configuration described in (a-6) above will be described with reference to FIG. The light emission communication control unit 653 (or the sub-control device 262) includes a light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting a light emission pattern, and based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger, a plurality of In a configuration in which a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission pattern from the light emission patterns is stored in advance in its own ROM (light emission pattern selection table storage means), the predetermined information (for example, " command A”, “command B” or “command C”), and the predetermined information includes A second emission pattern including a corresponding pattern (for example, "pattern 1 (A)" in the "table with command A", "pattern 1 (B)" in the "table with command B", or "with command C" in FIG. 56) "Pattern 1 (C)" of the table") and a first light emission pattern selection table (for example, "Command and a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission pattern including the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (for example, a "table with command A" and a "table with command B" in FIG. 56). or "table with command C"), and when outputting the predetermined information to the outside based on a command or the like from the sub-controller 262, a second light emission including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is performed. A second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the pattern is selected, and a second light emission pattern selection table including the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is selected based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter with reference to the second light emission pattern selection table. A configuration may be adopted in which two light emission patterns are selected.

Further, if a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of production pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration includes a light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting the light emission production pattern, a predetermined The effect pattern selection means stores a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light effect pattern from among a plurality of light effect patterns based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to the trigger. The effect pattern storage means stores a first light effect pattern (first light effect pattern) that does not include the specific light effect pattern and the specific light effect pattern. The light emission pattern selection table storage means stores a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission effect pattern, and the second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission pattern, A second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to two light emission effect patterns is stored, and when the first condition is satisfied (for example, normal time), the effect pattern selection means selects the light emission pattern selection counter. Based on the value, control is performed so that the light emission pattern can be selected by referring to the first light emission pattern selection table, and when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the notice effect), In other words, the game machine characterized in that the effect pattern selection means performs control so that the light effect pattern can be selected by referring to the second light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. can do.

(a-8) In the above embodiment, the brightness levels of the RGB colors (red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip) in each of the LEDs 655a to 655h are adjustable in multiple steps (eg, 10 steps). Utilizing this, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of pieces of transmission data can be multiplexed.

For example, the data of "10101010", the data of "10001000", and the data of "11111111" are synthesized, and the red LED chips of each of the LEDs 655a to 655h are set to luminance levels of "3", "1", "2", and "1", respectively. , '3', '1', '2', and '1' to multiplex and transmit three types of data.

The method of multiplexing data is not limited to the multiplexing of RGB colors in the above-described embodiment and the method of multi-valued luminance levels, and various known multiplexing methods can be employed.

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

In addition, the light emission communication control unit 653 may be configured to be able to change the value of the predetermined luminance level that is the threshold value δ for extracting the received data. For example, when the brightness of the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is relatively bright, the brightness level of the light emitted from the light emitting means (LEDs 655a to 655h) when transmitting data is set to level 10 (out of 10 steps), and the threshold A predetermined luminance level for δ is set to level 9 (out of 10 steps). In the game hall, various lights such as in-store lighting and effect lights emitted from various game machines are flying around, and there is a possibility that the light receiving means cannot properly detect the light for communication. In this respect, according to the above configuration, the luminance level of the light emitted from the light emitting means can be made suitable for the surrounding environment of the gaming machine. As a result, the stability of optical communication can be enhanced.

(a-10) In the above embodiment, when the data signal waveform is not superimposed normally, level 8 out of 10 steps is set as the upper luminance level (threshold value δ), and this level is set only when the data signal waveform is superimposed. , the brightness level is level 9 or 10. In accordance with this, for example, a configuration may be provided with filter means for passing only light having a luminance level (threshold value δ) of level 8 or higher.

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

In addition, regarding the color filter of the above embodiment, by setting the specific wavelength range of the light to be passed relatively narrowly, only the visible light (light of each color of RGB) output from each LED 655a to 655h is allowed to pass, and other A configuration capable of blocking external light may be employed.

As a result, it is less likely to be affected by in-store lighting in the game hall or the effect light emitted from various game machines, making it easier for the light receiving unit 656 to properly detect the light for communication, improving the stability of optical communication. can be enhanced.

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

Further, a partition wall (light shielding wall) may be provided between adjacent LEDs 655a to 655h so that the scattered lights of the LEDs 655a to 655h are not mixed. Thereby, improvement of communication quality can be aimed at.

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

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

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

(a-14) In the above embodiment, 8-bit data is transmitted by the red (R) component of the eight LEDs 655a to 655h, 8-bit data is transmitted by the green (G) component, and 8-bit data is transmitted by the blue (B) component. Various data are transmitted in parallel such that 8-bit data is transmitted.

For example, data may be serially transmitted using one component (eg, red (R) component) of one LED (eg, LED 655a). Of course, after multiplexing a plurality of data, a configuration may be adopted in which one component (eg, red (R) component) of one LED (eg, LED 655a) is used for serial transmission.

Alternatively, data may be transmitted in parallel using a plurality of components (eg, red (R) component and green (G) component) of one LED (eg, LED 655a).

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

If the transmission data is fixed (for example, only three commands, command A, command B, and command C, are set as transmission data), various modulation patterns corresponding to various transmission data are prepared in advance. a stored modulation pattern storing means, wherein when transmitting predetermined data, a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined data is selected from among a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storing means; The configuration may be such that modulation is performed based on the pattern.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 57, after transmitting a timing pulse (light) PT1 exceeding the threshold δ and detecting the rise (or fall) of the timing pulse PT1 on the receiving side, the threshold A configuration may be adopted in which a pulse (light) of less than δ is detected as a data signal.

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

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

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

Alternatively, instead of the above configuration, for example, a timing pulse (light) PT1 exceeding the threshold value .delta.1 is transmitted, and after the rising (or falling) of the timing pulse PT1 is detected on the receiving side, for a predetermined time TM1 set in advance. may be configured to detect a pulse (light) exceeding the threshold value δ2 in as a data signal. Similarly, a pulse exceeding the threshold value δ2 ( light) as a data signal.

In the configuration using the timing pulse (timing signal), all light below the threshold value δ can be treated as a data signal, and there are no restrictions on the light emission effect. It is more effective under the configuration in which light emission effect control is performed based on this. In such a configuration, by incorporating the timing pulse into the light emission effect pattern in advance, it is possible to detect the specific effect pattern included in the light emission effect pattern between the predetermined time TM1 and the predetermined time TM2 as a data signal. .

(a-17) In the above embodiment, the rise of the drive pulse waveform is detected, the drive pulse waveform including the rise is intensity-modulated based on the data signal waveform, and data is output. If priority is given to preventing delays in data transmission, the data signal may be output regardless of the presence or absence of the drive pulse, regardless of the light emission effect.

Further, when the data signal is output irrespective of the driving pulse, in order to reduce the unnaturalness of the light emission, for example, the effect pattern information stored in the sub-reserving buffer Bf is read in advance so that the data output becomes inconspicuous. Data transmission may be made to wait until such a predetermined light emission effect (for example, ready-to-win effect) is started.

(b) The form of wireless communication is not limited to the form of communication using light as a medium, as in the above embodiment, but alternatively or additionally, for example, sound waves may be used for communication.

(b-1) For example, instead of the left and right corner lamps 103 in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. A microphone 1056 may be provided as a medium, and communication may be possible between a plurality of pachinko machines 10 using sound as a medium.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the left and right corner sound units 1050 provided at the left and right upper corners of the pachinko machine 10 are arranged on the left and right sides of the pachinko machine 10, respectively. A side acoustic wave communication unit 1051 provided in a portion corresponding to the side (“left side” in the left corner acoustic unit 1050, “right side” in the right corner acoustic unit 1050) and a front portion provided on the front side of itself A sound wave communication unit 1052 and a sound wave communication control section 1053 capable of controlling both sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 are provided. Each sound wave communication control unit 1053 is electrically connected to the sub-controller 262 and configured to be able to transmit and receive various data bi-directionally with the sub-controller 262 .

In addition, a speaker 1055 and a microphone 1056 are provided on the side and front sides of the corner acoustic unit 1050 (see FIG. 53, the front side is not shown), and the side acoustic wave communication unit 1051 and the front acoustic wave communication unit 1052 are respectively provided. controlled by

The speaker 1055 and the microphone 1056 in this embodiment have directivity, and each of the sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052 is arranged to face the other pachinko machine 10 with the sound wave communication units 1051 and 1052. Each of them is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data using sound waves.

The speaker 1055 according to this embodiment is configured to be used for both presentation and communication, and the sub-control device 262 controls the speaker 1055 at the same time as controlling the speaker SP. is configured to

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 55, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 includes a sound buffer 1061 capable of storing audio data received from the sub-controller 262, and a network for receiving data from the sub-controller 262 and outputting it from a speaker 1055. A transmission data buffer 1062 capable of storing various data such as commands, an audio generator 1063 for converting audio data stored in the sound buffer 1061 into an audio signal, and various data stored in the transmission data buffer 1062. A signal waveform generation unit 1064 that generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as a sound wave of a specific frequency band based on the signal waveform generation unit 1064, and an audio signal generated by an audio generation unit 1063 based on the data signal waveform generated by the signal waveform generation unit 1064 , an audio output unit 1066 that amplifies the audio signal generated by the audio generation unit 1063 or the audio signal modulated by the modulation unit 665 and outputs it to the speaker 1055, and the microphone 1056. an audio memory 1067 for sequentially storing the obtained audio data in chronological order; an extraction unit 1068 as specific sound wave extraction means for extracting sound waves of a specific frequency band from the audio data stored in the audio memory 1067; a demodulation section 1069 as demodulation means (information extraction means) for demodulating various data received from the microphone 1056 based on the information extracted by the It has

Under this configuration, for example, out of the two pachinko machines 10 installed on the left and right, in the pachinko machine 10 on the left side, the sub-control device 262 externally outputs to the sound wave communication control unit 1053 of the corner sound unit 1050 on the right side. When various data are transmitted, the acoustic wave communication control unit 1053 temporarily stores the data in the transmission data buffer 1062 .

Subsequently, based on the various data stored in the transmission data buffer 1062, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 generates a data signal waveform to be transmitted as a sound wave signal in the signal waveform generation unit 1064, and based on the data signal waveform. Next, the audio signal generated by the audio generating section 1063 is modulated by the modulating section 1065 .

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

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

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

Then, the sound wave communication control section 1053 periodically reads the reception data stored in the reception data buffer 1070 and transmits it to the sub-controller 262 .

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

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

When sound waves within the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz) are used as a communication medium, they are output in conjunction with sound effects or BGM or other audio presentations so as not to make the player feel uncomfortable or be heard as noise. There is a need.

Therefore, under the above configuration, when sound waves within the audible range are used as a communication medium, among the sound waves within the audible range, high-frequency sound waves above a predetermined frequency (for example, sound waves of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, so-called mosquito sounds, etc.) are used. is preferred.

When such a mosquito sound, ultrasonic waves, etc. are used as communication media, they are not audible to human ears, so communication can be performed at an arbitrary timing when sound effects are not performed. Pachinko parlors and other amusement facilities do not allow anyone under the age of 18 to enter as a customer. Conversely, by using the high frequency sound (mosquito sound, etc.), it is possible to make it difficult for persons under the age of 18 to approach the amusement facility.

In game halls, various noises such as in-store announcements, sound output from speakers for presentation of various game machines, sounds of game media being dispensed, etc., are flying around. These noises may be picked up as noise and communication may not be performed properly. On the other hand, as described above, the stability of communication can be ensured by performing communication by limiting to sound waves of a specific frequency band.

Furthermore, if a filter means (band-pass filter or the like) for passing only sound waves in a specific frequency band is provided in correspondence with the microphone 1056 or the like, the above effects can be further enhanced.

In addition, for example, a sound wave detection means capable of detecting the frequency of sound waves around the pachinko machine 10 is provided, and based on the detection result of the sound wave detection means, the frequency band of the sound wave of the specific frequency band for data communication is changed. It is good also as possible composition. With this configuration, data communication can be made suitable for the surrounding environment of the pachinko machine 10, and the stability of communication can be improved. Of course, in such a case, information to the effect that the frequency band will be changed and information that can specify the changed frequency band will be transmitted to the pachinko machine 10 on the receiving side in advance. Further, it is preferable that the filter means (band-pass filter or the like) include filter means capable of changing the frequency band of sound waves to be passed.

In the above configuration, instead of the sub-controller 262, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 has a voice ROM (sound wave pattern storage means) storing a plurality of voice data (sound wave patterns), and a command from the sub-controller 262 Based on this, predetermined audio data corresponding to various game states, effects, etc., are selected from a plurality of audio data stored in the audio ROM (sound wave pattern selection means), and the audio data is converted into an audio signal, A configuration in which sound is output from the speaker 1055 (sound wave control means) may be employed (the same applies hereinafter).

Furthermore, various known techniques can be used as a modulation method for modulating the audio signal. If the transmission data is fixed (for example, only three commands, command A, command B, and command C, are set as transmission data), various modulation patterns corresponding to various transmission data are prepared in advance. a stored modulation pattern storing means, wherein when transmitting predetermined data, a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined data is selected from among a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storing means; The configuration may be such that modulation is performed based on the pattern.

(b-2) Under the configuration of (b-1), the audio output unit 1066 has a plurality of channels, and a plurality of audio signals (sound waves) can be output to the speaker 1055 at the same time. may be omitted. In other words, the audio signal generated by the audio generator 1063 and the data signal generated by the signal waveform generator 1064 may be output via different channels.

(b-3) Instead of the configuration of (b-1) above, for example, the sound wave communication control unit 1053 stores a plurality of sound wave patterns (audio patterns) that can be output from the speaker 1055 (sound wave output means) in advance in its own ROM. (sound wave pattern memory), and selects a predetermined sound wave pattern corresponding to various game states, effects, etc. from among the plurality of pre-stored sound wave patterns (sound wave (pattern selection means), a predetermined sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) under the configuration (sound wave control means) that controls the sound wave output from the speaker 1055 based on the sound wave pattern; is stored in advance, and when the predetermined information is output externally based on a command or the like from the sub-control device 262, the predetermined sound wave pattern is selected from the plurality of pre-stored sound wave patterns, The sound wave communication control section 1053 of the other pachinko machine 10 whose microphone 1056 has detected the sound wave based on the predetermined sound wave pattern may be configured to extract the predetermined information from the sound wave (information extraction means).

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

If the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of production pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration includes sound production means (speaker 1055) for producing a prescribed production with sound, production pattern storage means (the sound wave pattern storage means (ROM)) storing a plurality of sound production patterns performed by the sound production means; and a plurality of sounds pre-stored in the production pattern storage means based on establishment of a predetermined condition Production pattern selection means (the sound wave pattern selection means) for selecting a predetermined sound production pattern from production patterns, and production patterns for controlling the sound production means based on the sound production patterns selected by the production pattern selection means. Control means (the above sound wave control means), effect pattern detection means (microphone 1056) capable of detecting a sound effect pattern being executed by the sound effect means provided in another game machine, and the effect pattern detection means Production pattern determination means (such as the CPU of the sound wave communication control unit 1053) for determining whether or not the detected sound production pattern includes a specific sound production pattern, and the sound production pattern detected by the production pattern detection means a control means (sub-control device 262) capable of executing predetermined control corresponding to the specific sound effect pattern by referring to, for example, a predetermined table when the sound effect pattern includes the specific sound effect pattern. It can be rephrased as a game machine characterized by

According to this configuration, a predetermined effect pattern (for example, Premier Reach effect, etc.) performed in a predetermined gaming machine (primary gaming machine) can be transferred to another gaming machine (secondary gaming machine). Upon detection by the detection means, predetermined control (for example, predetermined effect control such as a notification effect for notifying that a premier ready-to-win effect is being performed in another game machine) is executed in the other gaming machine. be.

As a result, when a predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is performed in a predetermined game machine, a similar predetermined effect (notification effect, etc.) is executed in another game machine that detects this. A game effect can be performed in which a plurality of game machines are associated, such as executing predetermined effects (announcement effect, etc.) in a chain in a plurality of game machines.

Especially in this embodiment, information is not transmitted and received bidirectionally between a predetermined game machine and another game machine. Information is only transmitted in one direction such that the detected other gaming machine executes a predetermined control. In other words, the predetermined game machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and there is no need to newly execute special processing such as command transmission, so that the complication of the control processing can be suppressed.

In addition, it is possible to perform data communication without making the player feel uncomfortable while using sound waves in the audible range (excluding mosquito sounds).

(b-4) Here, a more specific configuration of the configuration described in (b-3) above will be described with reference to FIG. The sound wave communication control unit 1053 (or the sub-control device 262) includes a sound wave pattern selection counter used for selecting a sound wave pattern, and based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger, a plurality of In a configuration in which a sound wave pattern selection table for selecting one sound wave pattern from the sound wave patterns is stored in advance in its own ROM (sound wave pattern selection table storage means), the predetermined information (for example, " command A”, “command B” or “command C”), and the predetermined information includes A second sound wave pattern including a corresponding pattern (for example, "pattern 1 (A)" in the "table with command A", "pattern 1 (B)" in the "table with command B", or "with command C" in FIG. 56) "Pattern 1 (C)" of the table") and a first sound wave pattern selection table (for example, "Command and a second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to a second sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (for example, a “table with command A” and a “table with command B” in FIG. 56). or "table with command C"), and when outputting the predetermined information to the outside based on a command or the like from the sub-controller 262, a second sound wave including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is stored. A second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the pattern is selected, the second sound wave pattern selection table is taken into consideration, and a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is included based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter. A configuration may be adopted in which two sound wave patterns are selected.

Further, if the pattern corresponding to the predetermined information (predetermined network command, etc.) is regarded as a kind of effect pattern, the gaming machine according to the above configuration includes a sound pattern selection counter (the sound wave pattern Selection counter) and the value of the sound pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger, the production pattern selection means selects one sound production pattern from among a plurality of sound production patterns. A sound pattern selection table storage means (the sound wave pattern determination table storage means) for storing a sound pattern selection table is provided, and the effect pattern storage means stores a first sound effect pattern that does not include the specific sound effect pattern ( the first sound wave pattern) and a second sound effect pattern (the second sound wave pattern) including the specific sound effect pattern, and the sound pattern selection table storage means stores the first sound effect pattern A first sound pattern selection table (first sound wave pattern determination table) corresponding to the effect pattern, and a second sound pattern selection table (second sound wave pattern determination table) corresponding to the second sound effect pattern ), and when the first condition is satisfied (for example, normal time), the production pattern selection means stores the first sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter. Control is performed so that the sound effect pattern can be selected by taking into account, and when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the advance notice effect), the effect pattern selection means selects the value of the sound pattern selection counter. It can be rephrased as a gaming machine characterized in that control is performed so that a sound effect pattern can be selected with reference to the second sound pattern selection table.

(b-5) Under a configuration in which inter-game machine communication is performed using sound as a medium, filter means (band-pass filter, etc.) for passing only sound waves in a specific frequency band among sound waves input from the microphone 1056, for example, In addition to providing a plurality of sound waves corresponding to a plurality of frequency components, in the data transmission process, a plurality of data may be assigned to the sound waves of a plurality of frequency components, and the plurality of data may be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted. As a result, the communication speed can be increased, and the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time can be increased.

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

(b-7) The configuration may include a noise removing means capable of removing noise included in the sound waves detected by the microphone 1056 . Such a configuration can improve the stability of communication. Examples of the noise removing means include a noise canceller that collects ambient sounds, mixes the opposite phase signals with audio signals and outputs them, and removes (reduces) noise that enters from the outside. .

In addition, in order to prevent unauthorized interception of inter-game machine communication using sound as a medium, a configuration may be adopted in which noise is intentionally added from the speaker 1055 when data is transmitted. In such a case, the noise may be canceled by reverse phase control during data reception.

(b-8) A configuration may be provided in which volume measuring means capable of measuring the volume outside the pachinko machine 10 is provided, and the output level of the sound waves output from the speaker 1055 can be changed based on the measurement result of the volume measuring means. For example, when the noise outside the pachinko machine 10 is relatively large, the sound volume level output from the speaker 1055 during data transmission is changed from the normal level 7 (out of 10 steps) to the level 9. With such a configuration, the output level of sound waves can be made suitable for the surrounding environment of the pachinko machine 10, and the stability of communication can be improved.

(b-9) In the above configuration, the speaker 1055 is used for both presentation and communication, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the speaker 1055 may be used exclusively for communication. Also, the speaker SP may be configured to be used for presentation and communication.

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

(b-10) In the above configuration, the sonic communication units 1051 and 1052 (the speaker 1055 and the microphone 1056) are controlled by the sonic communication control section 1053. It may be configured to be controlled by other control means.

(b-11) In the above configuration, the corner acoustic unit 1050 includes a side acoustic wave communication unit 1051 for communicating with the left and right pachinko machines 10 and a front acoustic wave communication unit for communicating with the pachinko machine 10 in front. 1052. The present invention is not limited to this, and a single speaker may be used to switch between left and right communication and forward communication. For example, an omnidirectional speaker and a microphone may be provided, and communication for left and right and communication for front may be switched depending on the difference in the frequency band of sound waves.

(b-12) Under the configurations of (b-3) and (b-4) above, when the receiving side extracts a pattern (specific sound production pattern) corresponding to predetermined information, an audio signal that serves as a trigger for that pattern is extracted. It may be configured to output.

For example, an audio signal of a specific frequency may be transmitted, and after detecting the audio signal on the receiving side, a sound pattern during a preset predetermined time period may be detected as a data signal. Further, the sound pattern may be detected as a data signal during a predetermined period from the detection of the previous audio signal of the specific frequency on the receiving side to the detection of the next audio signal of the specific frequency.

(c) The wireless communication form is not limited to the communication form using light or sound as a medium as in the above embodiments, etc. Instead of or in addition to this, other wireless communication forms such as radio waves may be used. It may be configured such that the pachinko machines 10 adjacent to each other on the left and right or the pachinko machines 10 facing each other perform one-to-one communication between the game machines. One example of a form of communication using radio waves is one that uses a short-range communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Of course, even with radio waves, it is possible to impart directivity by configuring an antenna or the like. By imparting directivity to radio waves, it is possible to suppress various problems that may occur when non-directional radio waves are used, as will be described later. .

(d) In the above embodiment, the pachinko machines 10 adjacent to each other on the left and right or the pachinko machines 10 facing each other perform one-to-one communication between the game machines, and are configured to be able to sequentially transfer various data. However, not limited to this, one pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10a) can be combined with a plurality of pachinko machines 10 (pachinko machines 10b to 10j) using non-directional or low-directivity light, sound, or radio waves. It is good also as a structure which can communicate.

Further, it may be configured such that information can be distributed from one pachinko machine 10 to a plurality of pachinko machines 10 at the same time. For example, from the pachinko machine 10a, a network effect setting command is distributed all at once to a plurality of pachinko machines 10b to 10j, and then from the pachinko machine 10 serving as a starting point, the network effect execution command is sequentially sent to the pachinko machine 10 adjacent to the left and right, or the relative A configuration may be adopted in which the data is transferred to the pachinko machine 10 to which it is directed.

(e) A configuration may be employed in which two or more wireless communication modes out of wireless communication modes using light, sound, and radio waves are combined.

(e-1) For example, using a first wireless communication form (for example, radio waves or sound waves), the pachinko machine 10a simultaneously distributes a network effect setting command to a plurality of pachinko machines 10b to 10j, and then distributes the second The network effect execution command may be sequentially transferred from the pachinko machine 10 as a starting point to the pachinko machine 10 adjacent to the left and right or to the pachinko machine 10 facing each other by a wireless communication form (for example, light).

(e-2) In addition, between the left and right adjacent pachinko machines 10 that are relatively close to each other, the first wireless communication mode (for example, light) is used to perform inter-game communication, Between the facing pachinko machines 10, the second wireless communication mode (for example, sound wave) may be used to perform inter-game machine communication.

(e-3) According to the surrounding environment of the pachinko machine 10, the configuration may include switching means capable of switching the wireless communication mode.

For example, a reception level detection means capable of detecting the reception level of a communication medium (light, sound, or radio wave) (may be configured to be used also as a reception means) is provided, and based on the detection result, the quality of the communication state is determined, A configuration may be adopted in which the wireless communication mode is changed based on the pass/fail determination result.

According to such a configuration, for example, in a noisy environment, light or radio waves are used for wireless communication, and light is blocked by obstacles, etc., or in a brightly lit environment, radio waves or sound waves are used for wireless communication. Information can be transmitted and received more reliably by switching the wireless communication mode according to the environment around the game machine. As a result, communication quality can be improved.

More specifically, first, the link confirmation process (step S4901) and the link response process (step S4902) are executed using the first wireless communication mode (for example, optical). The above-mentioned link confirmation processing, etc. are executed using the second wireless communication mode (e.g., sound), and if the link is not established as a result, the above-mentioned link confirmation processing, etc. are further performed using the third wireless communication mode (e.g., radio waves). It is good also as a structure.

(e-4) A configuration may be employed in which two or more of wireless communication modes using light are combined. Similarly, a configuration may be adopted in which two or more wireless communication modes among the wireless communication modes using sound are combined.

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

(e-5) Under certain circumstances (for example, during demonstration display), data communication is performed by a wireless communication form (for example, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, radio wave communication) that is difficult or unrecognizable for the player, and normally may be configured to perform data communication in a form of wireless communication that can be recognized by the player (for example, visible light communication or voice communication in the audible range). With such a configuration, it is possible to perform communication between game machines without giving the player a sense of incongruity, for example, during a demonstration display, when the light emitting means suddenly shines or the sound is output from the sound output means. .

(e-6) By combining a plurality of wireless communication modes, a communication system with excellent crime prevention effect may be constructed.

For example, using a known encryption technique, encrypts and outputs transmission data by a first wireless communication form (for example, visible light communication or audible range voice communication), and transmits the decryption key to the second wireless communication The encrypted data may be output in a form (for example, infrared communication, ultrasonic communication, or radio wave communication), and the receiving side may decrypt the encrypted data using the decryption key. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the secrecy of communication between game machines.

In addition, a configuration in which the communication medium for performing data communication can be changed (for example, a configuration in which a specific frequency band used for data communication can be changed periodically) according to the first wireless communication mode (for example, sound communication or radio wave communication) ), a second wireless communication form (for example, optical communication) is used to output in advance information that allows the communication medium (specific frequency band used for data communication) to be grasped, and on the receiving side, the grasped The configuration may be such that data is extracted based on the information.

(f) In the above embodiment, a game machine network can be formed by a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j existing on two opposing game machine installation islands 1A and 1B. A game machine network is formed only by a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10e (or 10f to 10j) on the same game machine installation island 1A (or 1B) by omitting the front light emitting communication unit 652 or using it exclusively for performance. It may be configured to be Here, the front light emitting communication unit 652 may be configured to be switchable to any one of the effect communication mode, the communication dedicated mode, and the effect dedicated mode.

In addition, the side light emission communication unit 651 is configured to be switchable to any one of an effect communication combined use mode, a communication dedicated mode, and an effect dedicated mode, and for example, a network effect is executed in the predetermined game machine installation islands 1A and 1B of the game hall. It may be a configuration in which the person concerned of the game hall can select whether or not.

In addition, in a configuration in which inter-game machine communication is performed using sound or radio waves, the pachinko machine 10 existing on another game machine installation island on the back side of the predetermined game machine installation island 1A (or 1B) can also communicate between the game machines. A configuration in which communication can be performed may be adopted. As a result, for example, all pachinko machines 10 of the same type existing in the game hall are network-connected, and a specific effect may be started at all the pachinko machines 10 at the same time.

(g) Information transmitted/received by inter-game machine communication is not limited to the network command in the above embodiment, and other information such as other commands may be transmitted/received.

(g-1) For example, the history information of the pachinko machine 10 (such as information on the number of jackpots and information on the number of balls released) is transmitted and received, and the history information of each pachinko machine 10 is shared among a plurality of pachinko machines 10 constituting the network, and a predetermined The pachinko machine 10 (for example, the pachinko machine 10a) may be configured so that the history information of other pachinko machines 10 (for example, the pachinko machines 10b to 10j) can be browsed.

(g-2) Further, image data such as still images and moving images, audio data, and the like may be transmitted and received. For example, a camera capable of imaging a player may be provided to photograph the appearance of the player of the pachinko machine 10 where a big win has occurred, transmit this image data to another pachinko machine 10, and display it together with the big win notification. Similarly, a microphone capable of recording the voice uttered by the player may be provided, the recorded voice may be transmitted to another pachinko machine 10, and the other pachinko machine 10 may use it as an effect sound.

(h) In the above embodiment, the link confirmation process (step S4901) for establishing the link between the pachinko machines 10 is performed once when the pachinko machine 10 (sub control device 262) is activated (the link confirmation completion flag is turned on), and after that it is not performed. Alternatively, for example, the link confirmation completion flag may be reset periodically, and the link confirmation process and the like may be performed periodically. In addition, when the network presentation is executed, the link confirmation process or the like may be performed every time before the execution of the network presentation. According to such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the current situation in real time.

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

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

(j) In the above-described embodiment, a network effect is performed as the jackpot announcement effect, but the type of network effect is not limited to this.

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

(j-2) Various information stored in the eight reservation areas of the sub-reservation buffer Bf are prefetched, and, for example, over the period in which the variable display related to the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed a plurality of times, A configuration may also be adopted in which an effect (a so-called continuous advance notice effect) is performed in which a large fish school effect (first network effect) or the like is continuously performed a plurality of times.

(j-3) A configuration may be adopted in which a series of controls for changing the mode of presentation in stages can be executed. For example, the display mode of the school of fish G displayed on the decorative pattern display device 42 changes step by step, such as from "small school of fish" to "medium school of fish" and further from "medium school of fish" to "large school of fish". It is good also as a structure which goes on.

Alternatively, a vibrator or the like may be placed in the handle 18 to vibrate the handle 18 before the school of fish G is displayed on the decorative design display device 42 .

(j-4) A player-participation-type network effect may be performed using operation means (such as the effect button 125) that can be operated by the player.

For example, when a predetermined condition is established in a predetermined pachinko machine 10 (for example, pachinko machine 10a), a predetermined network command is sequentially transferred to other pachinko machines 10 (for example, pachinko machines 10b to 10j), and each pachinko machine 10 , the player uses the effect button 125 to execute a popularity vote effect in which one song is selected from three songs (melody A, melody B, melody C) stored in the ROM 552 of the sub-control device 262. Along with the configuration, a predetermined pachinko machine 10 (for example, a pachinko machine 10a) collects tally data related to popularity votes obtained by sequentially transferring each pachinko machine 10a to 10j (for example, "5 votes" for melody A, melody B "3 votes" for melody C, and "2 votes" for melody C). 10b to 10j), and a plurality of pachinko machines 10a to 10j may synchronize and play the same piece of music (for example, melody A).

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

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

(k-1) For example, when communicating with the pachinko machine 10 facing each other in front, the decorative pattern display device 42 may be used as communication means. More specifically, the sub-control device 262 stores a plurality of display effect patterns performed by the decorative pattern display device 42 (display effect means) in its own ROM 552 (display effect pattern storage means), and based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. selects a predetermined display effect pattern from among a plurality of display effect patterns (effect pattern selection means), and controls the decorative pattern display device 42 based on the selected display effect pattern (effect pattern control means); A camera (effect pattern detection means) capable of detecting a display effect pattern executed in a decorative pattern display device 42 provided in another pachinko machine 10 is provided, and a sub-control device 262 detects a display effect detected by the camera. Whether or not the pattern includes a specific display effect pattern (for example, premium ready-to-win effect) is determined by a method such as pattern matching (effect pattern determination means), and the display effect pattern detected by the camera is the specific effect pattern. , it may be possible to execute a predetermined control (for example, reach notification effect) corresponding to the specific effect pattern.

(k-2) A movable accessory may be used as communication means. For example, in a configuration having a shutter accessory capable of opening and closing the decorative pattern display device 42 as a movable accessory, the shutter accessory may be used as a communication means. More specifically, the sub-control device 262 stores a plurality of opening and closing patterns (effect patterns) performed by the shutter accessory (effect means) in its own ROM 552 (effect pattern storage means), and based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, A predetermined opening/closing pattern is selected from a plurality of opening/closing patterns (performance pattern selection means), and based on the selected front opening/closing pattern, a shutter accessory is controlled (performance pattern control means), while another pachinko machine 10. A camera (effect pattern detection means) capable of detecting the opening/closing pattern executed by the shutter accessory provided in the sub-control device 262 determines whether the opening/closing pattern detected by the camera is a specific opening/closing pattern (e.g., fully open Pattern) is determined by a method such as pattern matching (effect pattern determination means), and if the opening/closing pattern detected by the camera includes the specific opening/closing pattern, the specific opening/closing pattern is determined. A corresponding predetermined control (for example, a jackpot notification effect) may be executed.

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

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

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

(m-1) For example, in the above embodiment, there are "probability variable jackpot" and "normal jackpot" as jackpot types. The winning of 8 game balls in 32 is regarded as one round, and this is repeated 16 times (16 rounds). The opening/closing pattern and the like are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set for each model.

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

(m-2) In the above-described embodiment, it is possible to set a "high-probability state" and a "low-probability state" as the game state. The configuration is not limited to this, and another game state may be set.

For example, instead of or in addition to the "high-probability state" or "low-probability state", a "high-support state" may be set in which at least the variable display time on the special display devices 43L and 43R is shortened. As a result, for example, "high probability state and high support state" is the so-called "variable probability mode", "low probability state and high support state" is the so-called "time reduction mode", and "high probability state and low support state" is the so-called "variable probability mode". It becomes a "hidden mode" and a so-called "normal mode" in a "low-probability state and low-support state".

In addition, at least one of the central starting port 33 and the right starting port 34, the starting ports 33 and 34 are set to an open state in which a game ball can enter or is easily entered, and a state in which a game ball cannot or is difficult to enter. When the "high support state" is set, the opening time of the openings 33 and 34 (opening/closing members) is increased, the number of times of opening is increased, etc. may be combined. Also, for example, the "high probability state" or "high support state" transitions to the "low probability state" or "low support state" after a total of 100 variable displays are performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R. may be configured. Here, the "high support state" can be said to be a game state in which the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time of the start ports 33, 34 is higher than the ratio in the "low support state".

More specifically, it comprises a through gate configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area to pass one by one, and a through gate switch capable of detecting game balls passing through the through gate. When the game ball is detected, an open lottery is performed to determine whether the central start port 33 or the right start port 34 is to be opened, and a variable display is performed on the normal symbol display device, and the open lottery is performed. When winning, the normal symbol display device displays a stop in a specific manner, and the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 (opening/closing member) is opened for a specified time or a specified number of times.

The "high support state" includes, for example, (1) a state in which the fluctuation display time in the normal symbol display device is shorter than in the low support state, and (2) one opening of the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34. A state in which the time (specified time) is longer than in the low support state, and (3) the specified number of game balls that can be entered per opening of the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 is longer than in the low support state. (4) A state in which the number of openings of the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 per win in the open lottery is greater than in the low support state; (5) The probability of winning the open lottery is higher than in the low support state. Also, it should be in a high state. Here, any one of the configurations (1) to (5) or any combination of the configurations (1) to (5) may be adopted as the “highly supported state”. As a result, the game balls are likely to win frequently in the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, the number of times the big win lottery is executed is increased, and the decrease in the number of balls possessed by the player is suppressed. state.

(m-3) In addition, based on the entry of the game ball into the starting ports 33 and 34, a second determination of whether or not to generate a small winning state is performed separately from the winning lottery of whether or not to generate a big winning state. , and when winning the second lottery, a small winning state may be provided.

The "small win" referred to here is, for example, a win that continues the game state at the time of winning a small win even after a small win game in which the variable winning device 32 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times. For example, when the game state at the time of winning a small win is a high probability state, the high probability state is continued even after the end of the small win game, and when the game state at the time of winning a small win is a normal state, a small The normal state is continued even after the winning game is finished.

(m-4) In addition, when a big win is won based on the entry of a game ball into the central starting port 33, and when a big win is won based on the entry of a game ball into the right starting port 34, You may comprise so that the ratio of the jackpot classification to be provided may differ.

For example, the jackpot types include "16R variable variable jackpot", "8R variable variable jackpot", "2R variable variable jackpot", "2R time-saving jackpot" and "2R normal jackpot". If you win the lottery, 40% "16R probability variable jackpot", 30% ratio "8R probability variable jackpot", 10% ratio "2R probability variable jackpot" and 20% ratio "2R If it is distributed to either "normal jackpot" and wins the lottery triggered by the winning of the game ball to the right start port 34, "16R probability variable jackpot" at a rate of 70%, "16R variable jackpot" at a rate of 20% 2R probability variable jackpot” and “2R time-saving jackpot” at a rate of 10%. In addition, regarding the "small hit", it may be configured to occur only when winning the winning lottery triggered by the winning of the game ball to the right starting port 34. - 特許庁In addition, the above-mentioned "time-saving jackpot" means a jackpot to which a "low-probability state and high-support state" is provided after the jackpot ends.

(m-5) In the above embodiment, when both the variable display triggered by the winning of the central starting hole 33 and the variable display triggered by the ball entering the right starting hole 34 are suspended. , the center starting port 33 or the right starting port 34, the variable display is executed according to the order of entry of the game ball. Not limited to this, a configuration may be adopted in which the variable display triggered by the ball entering either the central starting port 33 or the right starting port 34 is preferentially performed, and the suspension is terminated.

(m-6) In the above embodiment, the two starting ports (the central starting port 33 and the right starting port 34) are provided so as to be separated from each other to the left and right, but the configuration of the starting ports is limited to this. not something. For example, the number of starting ports may be one, or three or more may be provided. Moreover, it may be configured such that two starting ports are vertically arranged side by side, or may be configured to include an opening/closing member for opening and closing the starting ports.

(m-7) The position of the variable winning device 32 is also not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the variable winning device 32 may be arranged in the right side area of the variable display unit 35 (the position where the game ball flowing down the left side area of the variable display unit 35 cannot reach). In such a configuration, when the player continues the action of shooting the game ball toward the left side area of the variable display unit 35 (this action is hereinafter referred to as "left hitting") as in normal times, variable winning is achieved. A game ball cannot be awarded to the device 32. Therefore, when a jackpot state occurs, the player performs an action of shooting a game ball toward the right side area of the variable display unit 35 (this action is hereinafter referred to as "right hitting").

(n) In addition to pachinko machines, it is implemented as an arrangement ball machine, various game machines such as majang ball similar to it, a slot machine as a reel-type game machine, and a game machine that combines a slot machine and a pachinko machine. You may

(o) The communication partner with which data communication is performed by wireless communication such as optical communication is not limited to the game machines such as the pachinko machine 10 as in the above embodiment. For example, if the electronic device has the same communication means as the pachinko machine 10, the electronic device and the pachinko machine 10 may be configured to be able to communicate data. Examples of electronic devices include an inter-stand machine (sand) installed on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball counter (jet counter) arranged at a distance from the pachinko machine 10, and a game ball counter owned by the player. One example is a mobile device.

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

Means A1. Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
A gaming machine comprising game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
Transmission means capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (receiving means of another gaming machine, etc.) in a predetermined wireless communication format (light, sound, etc.);
Receiving means capable of receiving various types of information transmitted in the predetermined wireless communication form from outside the gaming machine (transmitting means of another gaming machine, etc.);
A gaming machine comprising control means (for example, a sub-control device, etc.) capable of executing predetermined control (control of predetermined effect means such as display means, etc.) based on the information received by the receiving means. .

Although the same applies to the following means, the above-mentioned "predetermined trigger" may be, for example, "a trigger for detecting the entry of a game ball into a predetermined ball entry means provided in the game area by a predetermined detection means. and "a trigger that a predetermined detection means has detected that a starting operation means for starting variable display on a predetermined display means has been operated."

Giving "game value" includes, for example, paying out game media such as prize balls, giving a special game state advantageous to the player, and the like.

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

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

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

According to the above means A2, a game machine network capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself is configured. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects in a plurality of gaming machines. For example, a predetermined game effect such as a display effect can be performed in a plurality of game machines by synchronizing or interlocking them. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, the game effects can be made more diverse, and the interest of the players can be improved.

As one of the configurations for synchronizing a plurality of gaming machines and performing the same effect at the same time in each gaming machine, for example, the power supply of a plurality of gaming machines is turned on at the same time, and a predetermined timer provided in each gaming machine is synchronized. Thus, it is conceivable that each game machine performs the same effect after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the power was turned on, or at a predetermined time.

However, with such a configuration, for example, when some kind of trouble occurs in one game machine during business hours and only the power supply of the game machine is restarted, the time of the timer of only the game machine is shifted, and the time of the timer of the other game machine is shifted. Synchronization with the game machine may be lost.

On the other hand, according to this means, since it is possible to appropriately communicate between a plurality of gaming machines and achieve cooperation such as synchronization, the above-described problems are less likely to occur.

Further, according to this means, since communication between game machines can be performed by a wireless system, there is no need to connect a plurality of game machines with a communication cable or the like.

In addition, when performing data communication (communication between game machines) between multiple game machines, it is possible to use a communication cable (for example, multiple game machines can communicate directly with a communication cable or indirectly via an island facility ), but such a configuration may cause various problems as described below.

Traditionally, many cables of various types have been installed on the back side of game machines and inside island facilities. or data corruption may occur, and communication between game machines may not be performed properly.

In addition, when installing the game machine on the island facility, it is necessary to install a communication cable, which takes time and effort. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the communication function may not operate normally due to poor connection of the communication cable or connection error by the operator.

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

On the other hand, according to this means, since it is not necessary to use a communication cable when performing communication between game machines, the wiring behind the game machines and inside the island equipment can be simplified, and when a new game machine is introduced, It is possible to simplify the work at the time of replacement or the like.

In addition, it is less likely to be affected by noise from other cables, and connection failures of communication cables and connection errors by workers do not occur, so communication between game machines can be performed more properly.

Furthermore, since there is no need to newly provide an external input terminal for connecting a communication cable for inter-game machine communication to the game machine, fraudulent acts such as "hanging" are less likely to occur.

Means B1. Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
A gaming machine comprising game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
a light-emitting means (such as an LED) capable of emitting predetermined light (for example, an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of about 1 nm to 1 mm such as visible light or infrared light);
a light-receiving means (photodiode, image sensor, etc.) capable of detecting the predetermined light;
a transmitting means configured to be able to control the light emitting means and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (receiving means of another gaming machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using light;
a receiving means capable of receiving various types of information transmitted in a wireless communication form using the light from outside the gaming machine (transmitting means of another gaming machine, etc.) based on the light detected by the light receiving means;
A gaming machine comprising control means (for example, a sub-control device, etc.) capable of executing predetermined control (control of predetermined effect means such as display means, etc.) based on the information received by the receiving means. .

According to the means B1, the same effects as those of the means A1 can be obtained. Particularly, in this means, light waves are used as a wireless communication medium (carrier wave) when performing communication between game machines.

As a form of wireless communication that does not use a communication cable, a form of communication using so-called radio waves (electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of about 1 mm or more) is generally known. However, in recent years, a wide variety of radio waves such as wireless LANs and mobile phones are flying around in game halls. Therefore, when radio waves are used to perform communication between game machines, etc., there is a risk that communication between game machines, etc., cannot be performed properly due to the influence of other radio waves. Conversely, there is a possibility that the radio waves for communication between game machines may affect other electronic devices such as game machines and ball dispensers.

When a carrier wave with low directivity such as an omnidirectional radio wave is used, a predetermined game machine is connected to a plurality of opponents (for example, one game machine in a different island facility facing the front of a predetermined game machine , and the game machines arranged on the left and right of it).

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

Furthermore, in recent years, pachinko machines and other gaming machines have been equipped with radio waves to detect radio waves as a countermeasure against fraudulent acts called radio wave gotos, which use equipment that emits radio waves to malfunction the ball entry detection switch. Amusement machines with detection sensors and the like are also seen. Therefore, when the directivity of the radio waves transmitted from the transmitting means is low, the radio waves may be detected by the radio wave detecting sensor.

Also, even if the frequency band (channel) to be used between each game machine is set individually, in a game hall where many game machines are installed, it is necessary to secure a frequency band between each game machine that does not interfere with radio waves. It is difficult to set up, and it takes a lot of time and effort to set it up.

In particular, in game halls, a large number of game machines are densely arranged in a narrow area such as an island facility, and thus the various problems described above are likely to occur.

On the other hand, since light waves have a higher frequency than radio waves or sound waves, light waves have strong straightness and are less likely to be diffracted behind shields or the like. Furthermore, the directivity can be easily and inexpensively enhanced using an existing device such as an LED. As a result, it is possible to transmit predetermined information from a predetermined game machine only to a specific opponent (for example, one game machine of different island facilities facing the front of the predetermined game machine). As a result, it is possible to properly communicate between the gaming machines without setting different channels for each gaming machine, and to reduce information leakage to the outside.

Furthermore, light waves have a higher frequency (shorter wavelength) than radio waves or sound waves, so they can transmit and receive a large amount of data within a given time (data communication speed is fast), making it possible to increase the speed and capacity of communication between game machines. can be planned.

Means B2. The transmission means is
A modulating means capable of modulating the light emitted from the light emitting means based on various information to be output to the outside of the game machine,
The receiving means
The game machine according to means B1, further comprising a demodulation means capable of demodulating various information from the light detected by the light receiving means.

The term "modulation" means that various information such as voice, image, data, etc. is carried on a carrier wave (carrier), that is, an electric wave, light wave, or sound wave. In other words, it is a process that converts the parameters (amplitude, frequency, phase, etc.) of carrier waves such as sine waves and pulse waves according to various information in the form of electrical signals (baseband signals). This includes processing for synthesizing signal waves that conform to information. On the other hand, "demodulation" means extracting various information such as the original voice, image, and data from modulated waves (modulated carrier waves such as radio waves, light waves, or sound waves).

Further, the modulation processing includes, for example, modulation pattern storage means for pre-storing various modulation patterns corresponding to various types of information, and when transmitting predetermined information, a plurality of modulation patterns stored in the modulation pattern storage means are stored. A configuration is also included in which a modulation pattern corresponding to the predetermined information is selected from among and modulation is performed based on the modulation pattern.

As the modulation/demodulation method, various known techniques can be used, such as an intensity modulation method that modulates the intensity of the output light (modulation of the emission intensity) by changing the drive current of the light emitting element.

If modulation processing is performed as in the above means B2, it is possible to transmit not only pre-stored information, but also various information that occurs at any time and variable information (time information, etc.) whose content changes as appropriate. Therefore, it becomes possible to transmit and receive more complicated data between gaming machines. As a result, it becomes possible to carry out various effects, and it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

Means B3. light emission pattern storage means for pre-storing a plurality of light emission patterns;
light emission pattern selection means capable of selecting one light emission pattern from among the plurality of light emission patterns stored in the light emission pattern storage means based on a predetermined trigger;
light emission control means capable of controlling light emitted from the light emission means based on the selected light emission pattern;
The light emission pattern storage means
storing in advance a predetermined light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (command, etc.);
The transmission means is
When outputting the predetermined information to the outside, the light emission pattern selection means controls to select the predetermined light emission pattern from the plurality of light emission patterns,
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to means B1, further comprising information extracting means capable of extracting the predetermined information from the light detected by the light receiving means.

According to the above means B3, when various information is output to the outside, it is only necessary to control the light emitting means based on a preset light emission pattern. Processing can be simplified. Further, under the configuration of the means B3, the following configuration may be adopted.

For example, "a light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting the light emission pattern,
The light emission pattern selection means stores a light emission pattern selection table for selecting one light emission pattern from among a plurality of light emission patterns based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. and a light emission pattern selection table storage means,
The light emission pattern storage means
a first emission pattern that does not include a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
storing a second light emission pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
The light emission pattern selection table storage means
a first emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first emission pattern;
storing a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission pattern;
The transmission means is
When the predetermined information is not externally output, the light emission pattern selection means can select a light emission pattern by referring to the first light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. control and
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the light emission pattern selection means can select a light emission pattern by referring to the second light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. It is good also as a structure "to control."

With this configuration, it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be referred to depending on the presence or absence of information to be externally output, so control processing can be simplified.

Means B4. The light emitting means is configured to emit at least visible light (for example, electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of about 380 nm to 780 nm),
The game machine according to any one of means B1 to B3, wherein the light receiving means is configured to detect at least visible light.

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

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

Furthermore, unlike radio waves, infrared rays, etc., visible light can be visually recognized, so that it is possible to easily grasp the communication status and set up the communication environment. As a result, even if a fraudulent person uses a fraudulent device to input a signal to the light-receiving means, the fraudulent act is likely to be detected at an early stage.

In addition, when visible light is used, even if it is output at high power (high signal strength) compared to infrared rays, etc., there is little effect on the human body, etc., and the stability of communication can be improved.

Means B5. The light emitting means is configured to be capable of emitting a plurality of types of light having different wavelengths (e.g., red (R), green (G), blue (B), infrared, etc.) individually and simultaneously (e.g., a plurality of light having different emission colors). with a light-emitting element),
the transmitting means is configured to be capable of individually controlling the plurality of types of light,
The light receiving means is configured to detect each of the plurality of types of light,
The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B4, wherein the receiving means is configured to be capable of individually extracting various types of information from the plurality of types of light.

According to the above means B5, it is possible to transmit and receive various types of information by combining the light emission modes of a plurality of color components (combination of lighting states of a plurality of light emitting elements with different emission colors). For example, the lighting state (lighting or turning off ), it is possible to transmit 3-bit data at one lighting timing of the multi-color LED. Therefore, 3-bit data can be multiplexed at one timing and simultaneously transmitted. As a result, the amount of information that can be simultaneously transmitted and received can be increased without increasing the modulation rate.

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

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

Means B7. The light-receiving means has a plurality of light-receiving elements that can detect the predetermined light (for example, a line sensor in which light-receiving elements such as photodiodes are arranged in a straight line, or a line sensor in which a plurality of light-receiving elements are arranged in a matrix). area sensor, etc.).

According to the above means B7, it is possible to simultaneously detect light emitted from a plurality of light emitting means, thereby increasing the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time.

In addition, compared to a configuration in which optical communication is established by, for example, one LED (light-emitting portion serving as transmitting means) and one photodiode (light-receiving portion serving as receiving means), the transmission means of a predetermined game machine and , there is no need to perform work such as accurately aligning the optical axis with the receiving means of other game machines, and even if the direction of the optical axis of the light emitting means is slightly deviated from the light receiving means, the deviation can be corrected. can be tolerated. As a result, optical communication failures due to installation errors of the gaming machine are less likely to occur, so there is no need to strictly align the optical axes when installing the gaming machine, and work can be simplified. As a result, even when the distance between game machines (communication distance) is relatively long, deterioration in communication quality can be suppressed.

Means B8. The transmission means is
when emitting light from the light emitting means based on various information to be output to the outside of the game machine, emitting light having a predetermined brightness level or higher as the light;
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to any one of means B1 to B7, wherein various information is extracted from light having a brightness level equal to or higher than the predetermined brightness level among the light detected by the light receiving means.

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

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

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

In the game hall, various lights such as in-store lighting and effect lights emitted from various game machines are flying around, and there is a possibility that the light receiving means cannot properly detect the light for communication. In this respect, according to the above configuration, the luminance level of the light emitted from the light emitting means can be made suitable for the surrounding environment of the gaming machine. As a result, the stability of optical communication can be enhanced.

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

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

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

As described above, in the game hall, various lights such as in-store lighting and effect lights emitted from various game machines are flying around, and there is a possibility that the light receiving means cannot properly detect the light for communication. In this regard, by providing a polarizing filter as in the above means B10, the occurrence of such problems can be reduced, and the stability of optical communication can be enhanced.

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

According to the above means B11, a game machine network capable of transmitting/receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself is configured. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects in a plurality of gaming machines. For example, a predetermined game effect such as a display effect can be performed in a plurality of game machines by synchronizing or interlocking them. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, the game effects can be made more diverse, and the interest of the players can be improved.

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

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

In addition, since it is possible to perform communication simultaneously with the light emitting effect, communication between game machines can be performed without making the player feel uncomfortable, such as when the light emitting means suddenly shines regardless of the game effect (including demonstration display, etc.). is also possible.

Means C1. Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
A gaming machine comprising game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
sound wave output means (speaker, ultrasonic generator, etc.) capable of outputting sound waves (including voice in the audible range and ultrasonic waves in the out-of-audible range);
a sound wave detection means capable of detecting sound waves (microphone, ultrasonic receiver, etc.);
a transmitting means configured to be able to control the sound wave output means and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the game machine (receiving means of another game machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using sound waves;
receiving means capable of receiving various types of information transmitted in a wireless communication form using the sound waves from outside the game machine (such as transmission means of another game machine) based on the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection means;
A gaming machine comprising control means (for example, a sub-control device, etc.) capable of executing predetermined control (control of predetermined effect means such as display means, etc.) based on the information received by the receiving means. .

According to the means C1, the same effect as the means A1 can be obtained. Particularly, in this means, sound waves are used as a wireless communication medium (carrier wave) when performing communication between game machines.

If light were to be used as a communication medium, for example, the light would be blocked by a part of the inter-machine such as a ball lending machine placed between two gaming machines that are adjacent to each other on the left and right, or the light would be blocked by the inter-machine. There are also concerns about problems such as the light being blocked when bills and cards are inserted, and the light being disturbed by cigarette smoke flowing in the amusement arcade.

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

Further, there is no need to strictly align the transmitting means of a predetermined game machine with the receiving means of another game machine, and some positional deviation can be allowed. As a result, it is possible to simplify the work at the time of installing the game machine. As a result, even when the distance between game machines (communication distance) is relatively long, deterioration in communication quality can be suppressed.

Means C2. The transmission means is
Based on various information to be output to the outside of the game machine, a modulating means capable of modulating the sound wave output from the sound wave output means,
The receiving means
The game machine according to means C1, further comprising demodulation means capable of demodulating various information from the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection means.

According to the means C2, by performing modulation processing, it is possible to transmit not only pre-stored information, but also various information that occurs at any time, and variable information (such as time information) whose content changes as appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to transmit and receive more complicated data between gaming machines. As a result, it becomes possible to carry out various effects, and it is possible to improve the interest of the player.

Means C3. sound wave pattern storage means for pre-storing a plurality of sound wave patterns;
sound wave light pattern selection means capable of selecting one sound wave pattern from among the plurality of sound wave patterns stored in the sound wave pattern storage means based on a predetermined trigger;
sound wave control means capable of controlling the sound wave output from the sound wave output means based on the selected sound wave pattern;
The sound wave pattern storage means is
pre-storing a predetermined sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to predetermined information (commands, etc.);
The transmission means is
When outputting the predetermined information to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection means controls to select the predetermined sound wave pattern from the plurality of sound wave patterns,
The receiving means
The gaming machine according to means C1, further comprising information extraction means capable of extracting the predetermined information from the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection means.

According to the above means C3, when various information is output to the outside, it is only necessary to control the sound wave output means based on a preset sound wave pattern. Control processing can be simplified. Further, under the configuration of the means C3, the following configuration may be adopted.

For example, "a sound wave pattern selection counter used for selecting the sound wave pattern,
The sound wave pattern selection means stores a sound wave pattern selection table for selecting one sound wave pattern from among a plurality of sound wave patterns based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. and a sound wave pattern selection table storage means,
The sound wave pattern storage means is
a first sound wave pattern that does not include a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
storing a second sound wave pattern including a pattern corresponding to the predetermined information;
The sound wave pattern selection table storage means
a first sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the first sound wave pattern;
storing a second sound wave pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound wave pattern;
The transmission means is
When the predetermined information is not output externally, the sound wave pattern selection means can select a sound wave pattern by referring to the first sound wave pattern selection table based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter. control and
When the predetermined information is output to the outside, the sound wave pattern selection means can select a sound wave pattern by referring to the second sound wave pattern selection table based on the value of the sound wave pattern selection counter. It is good also as a structure "to control."

With this configuration, it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be referred to depending on the presence or absence of information to be externally output, so control processing can be simplified.

Means C4. The sound wave output means is configured to be capable of outputting sound waves in at least a specific frequency band,
The sound wave detection means is configured to be capable of detecting at least sound waves in the specific frequency band,
The transmission means is
By controlling the sound wave output means, various information can be transmitted to the outside of the game machine by sound waves of the specific frequency band,
The receiving means
The game machine according to any one of means 1 to C3, wherein various information can be extracted from the sound waves of the specific frequency band detected by the sound wave detection means.

In game halls, various noises such as in-store announcements, sound output from speakers for presentation of various game machines, sounds of game media being dispensed, etc., are flying around. These noises may be picked up as noise and communication may not be performed properly. On the other hand, as in the above means C4, the stability of communication can be ensured by performing communication limited to sound waves of a specific frequency band.

Means C5. The gaming machine according to means C4, wherein the receiving means comprises filter means (band-pass filter or the like) that allows passage of only sound waves in the specific frequency band.

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

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

If a sound wave within the audible range (for example, about 20 Hz to 20 kHz) is used as a communication medium, it must be output in conjunction with effects such as sound effects or BGM so as not to make the player feel uncomfortable. By using sound waves beyond the audible range (for example, supersonic waves exceeding the audible range) as a communication medium as in means C5, communication can be performed at arbitrary timing.

Means C7. The method C4 or C5, wherein the sound wave in the specific frequency band is a high-frequency sound wave of a predetermined frequency or higher among sound waves in the audible range (for example, a sound wave of about 17 kHz to 20 kHz, so-called mosquito sound, etc.). game machine.

As people age, their audible range shrinks, making it difficult to hear high-frequency sounds. Therefore, although there are individual differences, among sound waves within the audible range, high-frequency sound waves above a predetermined frequency (for example, 17 kHz) (so-called mosquito sounds, etc.) can be heard well by minors, but older people can hear them. is said to be difficult to hear.

Therefore, according to the means C7, the same effect as the means 6 can be obtained. Pachinko parlors and other amusement facilities prohibit persons under the age of 18 from entering as customers. Hateful. Conversely, by using the high frequency sound (mosquito sound, etc.), it is possible to make it difficult for persons under the age of 18 to approach the amusement facility.

Means C8. The sound wave output means is configured to be capable of simultaneously outputting a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies,
The sound wave detection means is configured to be capable of detecting a plurality of sound waves having different frequencies,
The transmission means is
By controlling the sound wave output means, various types of information can be transmitted to the outside of the game machine by the plurality of sound waves having different frequencies,
The receiving means
The game machine according to any one of means C1 to C7, wherein various information can be individually extracted from the plurality of sound waves having different frequencies detected by the sound wave detection means.

According to the means C8, a plurality of data are assigned to sound waves of a plurality of frequency components, and transmission and reception are possible by combining them. In other words, a plurality of data can be multiplexed at one timing and transmitted simultaneously. As a result, the communication speed can be increased, and the amount of information that can be transmitted and received at the same time can be increased.

Here, the sound wave detection means includes a plurality of filter means (band-pass filters, etc.) that pass only sound waves in a specific frequency band, as described in the above means C5, corresponding to sound waves of a plurality of frequency components. Thereby, the effect of the means C8 can be made more reliable.

Means C9. A method according to any one of means C1 to C8, characterized in that said receiving means comprises sound collecting means (such as a parabolic sound collector having a parabolic surface) for collecting sound waves to said sound wave detecting means. game machine.

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

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

By providing the noise elimination means like the means C10, noise contained in the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection means can be eliminated (reduced), and the stability of communication can be improved. Examples of the noise removing means include a noise canceller that collects ambient sound, mixes the opposite phase signal with the audio signal, and outputs it, thereby removing (reducing) noise that enters from the outside. .

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

As described above, in the game hall, various noises such as in-store announcements, sounds output from speakers for presentation of various game machines, sounds of game media being paid out, etc. Depending on the situation, communication may not be performed properly.

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

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

According to the above means C12, a gaming machine network is constructed in which various types of information can be transmitted and received between a plurality of gaming machines including itself. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects in a plurality of gaming machines. For example, a predetermined game effect such as a display effect can be performed in a plurality of game machines by synchronizing or interlocking them. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, the game effects can be made more diverse, and the interest of the players can be improved.

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

According to the means C13, the sound wave output means can be used both for presentation and for communication, so that the configuration can be simplified. In other words, it becomes possible to use the conventional sound wave output means provided for sound presentation for communication, and communication between game machines can be realized without adding a new configuration for communication.

In addition, since it is possible to perform communication at the same time as the voice effect, for example, the communication between the game machines can be performed without causing the player to feel uncomfortable, such as suddenly making a sound irrelevant to the game effect (including demonstration display, etc.). is also possible.

Means D1. Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
A gaming machine comprising game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
production means (e.g. light emitting means, display means, audio output means) for performing a predetermined production;
production pattern storage means for storing a plurality of production patterns performed by the production means;
effect pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined effect pattern from among the plurality of effect patterns stored in the effect pattern storage means based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
production pattern control means for controlling the production means based on the production pattern selected by the production pattern selection means;
effect pattern detection means capable of detecting a effect pattern being executed by the effect means provided in another gaming machine;
effect pattern determination means for determining whether or not the effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific effect pattern;
When the effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes the specific effect pattern, predetermined control (control of predetermined effect means such as display means, etc.) corresponding to the specific effect pattern can be executed. A game machine characterized by comprising control means (for example, a sub-control device, etc.).

According to the means D1, the predetermined effect pattern performed in the predetermined game machine (the primary side game machine) is detected by the effect pattern detection means of the other game machine (the secondary side game machine). As a result, the other gaming machine executes predetermined control (for example, predetermined effect control). As a result, for example, when a predetermined effect is performed in a predetermined game machine, the same predetermined effect is executed in other game machines that detect this. A game performance can be performed in which a plurality of game machines are associated, such as executing in a chain. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, the game effects can be made more diverse, and the interest of the players can be improved.

In particular, in this embodiment, information is not transmitted and received in both directions between a predetermined game machine and another game machine. Information is only transmitted in one direction, such that the other game machine executes predetermined control. In other words, the predetermined game machine only needs to perform normal effect control, and there is no need to newly execute special processing such as command transmission, so that the complication of the control processing can be suppressed.

Means D2. Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
A gaming machine comprising game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
Light emitting means (including liquid crystal display means, etc.) for performing a predetermined effect with light;
production pattern storage means for storing a plurality of light emission production patterns performed by the light emission production means;
effect pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined light emission effect pattern from among a plurality of light effect patterns pre-stored in the effect pattern storage means based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
production pattern control means for controlling the light emission production means based on the light emission production pattern selected by the production pattern selection means;
effect pattern detection means capable of detecting a light emission effect pattern being executed by the light emission effect means provided in another game machine;
Effect pattern determination means for determining whether or not the luminescence effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific luminescence effect pattern;
When the light emitting effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detecting means includes a specific light emitting effect pattern, predetermined control (control of predetermined effect means such as display means, etc.) corresponding to the specific light emitting effect pattern is executed. A game machine characterized by comprising a control means (for example, a sub-control device, etc.) capable of controlling the

According to the means D2, the same effect as the means D1 can be obtained. In particular, in the case of using light effects as in this means, directivity can be easily and inexpensively enhanced using existing devices such as LEDs. As a result, it is possible to transmit predetermined information from a predetermined game machine only to a specific opponent (for example, one game machine of different island facilities facing the front of the predetermined game machine).

Means D3. A light emission pattern selection counter used for selecting the light emission effect pattern;
A light emission pattern selection table for the effect pattern selection means to select one light effect pattern from a plurality of light effect patterns based on the value of the light pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. and a light emission pattern selection table storage means for storing
The production pattern storage means is
A first light emitting effect pattern that does not include the specific light emitting effect pattern;
storing a second light emitting effect pattern including the specific light emitting effect pattern;
The light emission pattern selection table storage means
a first light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the first light emission effect pattern;
storing a second light emission pattern selection table corresponding to the second light emission effect pattern;
When the first condition is established (for example, during normal operation), the effect pattern selection means refers to the first light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter to select a light effect pattern. can be selected, and
When the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the advance notice effect), the effect pattern selection means refers to the second light emission pattern selection table based on the value of the light emission pattern selection counter. The game machine according to means D2, characterized in that the control is performed so that the light emission effect pattern can be selected by the player.

According to the means D3, the first condition is satisfied by storing the similar first light effect pattern and the second light effect pattern that differ only in whether or not they include a specific light effect pattern, for example. (for example, normal time), a predetermined effect is performed only in a predetermined game machine, and when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing a notice effect), only a predetermined game machine Instead, it is possible to diversify the effects without giving the player a sense of discomfort, such that a predetermined effect is also performed in another game machine that has detected the specific light emission pattern. Moreover, since it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be considered according to the presence or absence of a specific light emission effect pattern, the processing can be simplified.

Means D4. The light emitting means is configured to be capable of emitting a plurality of types of light with different wavelengths (e.g., red (R), green (G), blue (B), infrared, etc.) individually and simultaneously (e.g., a plurality of lights with different emission colors). The game machine according to means D2 or D3, characterized by comprising a light emitting element of

According to the above means D4, it is possible to perform various presentations by combining the light emission modes of a plurality of color components (combination of lighting states of a plurality of light emitting elements having different light emission colors), thereby improving interest.

Further, by combining the light emission modes of a plurality of color components, it is possible to diversify the specific light emission effect patterns detected by other gaming machines, and similar to the above means B5, the predetermined gaming machine can be used to play other games. It is possible to increase the amount of information that can be transmitted simultaneously to the machine.

Means D5. A gaming machine according to any one of means D2 to D4, characterized by comprising a plurality of said light emitting means arranged at different positions.

According to the above means D5, it is possible to perform various effects by combining (relative positional relationship) the lighting states (lighting or extinguishing) of the plurality of light emitting means arranged at different positions, thereby improving interest. can.

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

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

According to the above means D6, the effect pattern detecting means can easily detect a specific light emitting effect pattern as compared with other light emitting effect patterns. As a result, it is possible to improve the detection performance of the production pattern detection means.

Means D7. Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
A gaming machine comprising game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
a sound effect means for performing a predetermined effect with sound;
production pattern storage means for storing a plurality of sound production patterns performed by the sound production means;
effect pattern selection means for selecting a predetermined sound effect pattern from among a plurality of sound effect patterns pre-stored in the effect pattern storage means based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
production pattern control means for controlling the sound production means based on the sound production pattern selected by the production pattern selection means;
production pattern detection means capable of detecting a sound production pattern being executed by the sound production means provided in another game machine;
effect pattern determination means for determining whether or not the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific sound effect pattern;
When the sound effect pattern detected by the effect pattern detection means includes a specific sound effect pattern, predetermined control (control of predetermined effect means such as display means, etc.) corresponding to the specific sound effect pattern is executed. A game machine characterized by comprising a control means (for example, a sub-control device, etc.) capable of controlling the

According to the means D7, the same effect as the means D1 can be obtained. In particular, when the sound effect is used as in this means, the sound effect can be detected by other game machines even when there is an obstacle between the game machines. If the light effect is used, for example, the light may be blocked by a part of the inter-machine such as a ball lending machine placed between two gaming machines that are adjacent to each other on the left and right, or the player may face the inter-machine. There are also concerns about problems such as the light being blocked when bills and cards are inserted, and the light being disturbed by cigarette smoke flowing in the amusement arcade.

Means D8. a sound pattern selection counter used for selecting the sound effect pattern;
A sound pattern selection table for the effect pattern selection means to select one sound effect pattern from among a plurality of sound effect patterns based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter acquired due to a predetermined trigger. and a sound pattern selection table storage means for storing
The production pattern storage means is
a first sound effect pattern that does not include the specific sound effect pattern;
storing a second sound effect pattern including the specific sound effect pattern;
The sound pattern selection table storage means
a first sound pattern selection table corresponding to the first sound effect pattern;
storing a second sound pattern selection table corresponding to the second sound effect pattern;
When the first condition is satisfied (for example, normal time), the effect pattern selection means selects a sound effect pattern by referring to the first sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter. can be selected, and
When the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing the advance notice effect), the effect pattern selection means refers to the second sound pattern selection table based on the value of the sound pattern selection counter. The game machine according to means D7, characterized in that the control is performed so that the sound effect pattern can be selected by pressing.

According to the means D8, the first condition is established by storing the similar first sound effect pattern and the second sound effect pattern that differ only in whether or not they include a specific sound effect pattern, for example. (for example, normal time), a predetermined effect is performed only in a predetermined game machine, and when the second condition is satisfied (for example, when executing a notice effect), only a predetermined game machine Instead, it is possible to diversify the effects without making the player feel uncomfortable, such that the predetermined effects are also performed in other game machines that have detected the specific sound effect pattern. Moreover, since it is only necessary to switch the pattern table to be considered according to the presence or absence of a specific sound production pattern, the processing can be simplified.

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

According to the means D9, the effect pattern detection means can easily detect a specific sound effect pattern compared to other sound effect patterns. As a result, it is possible to improve the detection performance of the production pattern detection means.

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

According to the above means D10, by using sound waves outside the audible range that cannot be heard by the human ear (for example, ultrasonic waves exceeding the audible range), effects such as sound effects or BGM are produced so as not to make the player feel uncomfortable. can be performed, and the decrease in interest can be suppressed.

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

According to the means D11, the same effect as the means D10 can be obtained. Pachinko parlors and other amusement facilities do not allow anyone under the age of 18 to enter as a customer. Conversely, by using the high frequency sound (mosquito sound, etc.), it is possible to make it difficult for persons under the age of 18 to approach the amusement facility.

Means E1. Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
A gaming machine comprising game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process,
Right side communication means capable of transmitting and receiving various information in a predetermined wireless communication form (light, sound, etc.) on the right side of itself;
Equipped with a left communication means capable of transmitting and receiving various information in a predetermined wireless communication form (light, sound, etc.) on the left side of itself,
The right side communication means is configured to be able to communicate with the left side communication means of another game machine facing itself,
The left side communication means is configured to be able to communicate with the right side communication means of another game machine facing itself,
A game machine capable of transmitting and receiving various information between a plurality of game machines including itself.

According to the above means E1, a gaming machine network is constructed in which various types of information can be transmitted and received between a plurality of gaming machines including itself. As a result, it is possible to jointly control various game effects in a plurality of gaming machines. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, the game effects can be made more diverse, and the interest of the players can be improved. As a result, the same effect as the above means A2 can be obtained.

Means E2. right side communication determination means for determining whether or not the right side communication means is in a state of being able to communicate with the left side communication means of another gaming machine facing the right side communication means;
Based on the determination result of the right side communication determination means, if communication with the left side communication means of other game machines is not possible, the plurality of game machines that can transmit and receive themselves (composing a game machine network) a right end storage means capable of storing information indicating that the gaming machine is located at the right end of the plurality of gaming machines;
left side communication determination means for determining whether or not the left side communication means can communicate with the right side communication means of another gaming machine facing the left side communication means;
Based on the determination result of the left side communication determination means, if communication with the right side communication means of other game machines is not possible, a plurality of game machines that can transmit and receive themselves (composing a game machine network) left end storage means for storing information indicating that the game machine is positioned at the left end of the plurality of game machines).

According to the means E2, it is possible to grasp the right end and left end of the game machine network by determining whether or not the communication means is in a state of being able to communicate with the communication means of another game machine. As a result, it is possible to set the starting point and the end point of chained effects on a plurality of gaming machines, for example. be able to.

Means E3. The right communication means is
A right side communication means capable of communicating with the left side communication means of another game machine facing on the right side of itself, and a right front communication capable of communicating with the left side communication means of another game machine facing on the front side of itself. means and
The left communication means is
A left side communication means capable of communicating with the right side communication means of another game machine facing on the left side of itself, and a left front communication capable of communicating with the right side communication means of another game machine facing on the front side of itself. The gaming machine according to means E1, characterized by comprising: means.

According to the game machine according to the above means E3, not only the game machines located on the left and right sides of itself (game machines in the same island facility), but also the front, that is, the opposite side facing the island facility where it is installed It is possible to construct a network with the game machines installed on the island facilities, thereby further enhancing the interest.

Means E4. right side communication determination means for determining whether or not the right side communication means is in a state capable of communicating with the left side communication means of another game machine facing thereto;
Based on the determination result of the right side communication determining means, when the communication with the left side communication means of another game machine is not possible, the right front communication means is the left front of the other game machine facing it. right front communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the communication means is possible;
A plurality of gaming machines that are capable of transmitting/receiving themselves when communication with the left side communication means of other gaming machines is not possible based on the determination results of the right side communication determination means and the right front communication determination means. a right end storage means capable of storing information indicating that the gaming machine is positioned at the right end of (a plurality of gaming machines forming a gaming machine network);
left side communication determination means for determining whether or not the left side communication means is capable of communicating with the right side communication means of another gaming machine facing the left side communication means;
Based on the determination result of the left side communication determination means, when communication with the right side communication means of another game machine is not possible, the left front communication means is the right front of the other game machine facing it. Left front communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the communication means is possible;
A plurality of gaming machines that are capable of transmitting/receiving themselves when communication with the right side communication means of other gaming machines is not possible based on the determination results of the left side communication determination means and the left front communication determination means. A game machine according to means E3, further comprising left end storage means capable of storing information indicating that the game machine is positioned at the left end of (a plurality of game machines constituting a game machine network).

According to the means E4, the same effects as those of the means E2 can be obtained.

Means E5. When a predetermined condition is established, predetermined information (commands, etc.) is sent to the left side communication means or the right side communication means of another game machine facing the game machine through at least one of the right side communication means and the left side communication means. is configured to be able to send
When predetermined information is received from another game machine via either the right side communication means or the left side communication means, the other side of the game machine is sent via the other of the right side communication means or the left side communication means. configured to be able to transmit the predetermined information to the left side communication means or the right side communication means of the gaming machine,
The right communication means is
In transmitting the predetermined information, it is determined whether or not it is possible to communicate with the left side communication means of the other game machine it faces,
If communication with the left side communication means of another game machine is not possible based on the determination result, the transmission of the predetermined information is stopped,
The left communication means is
In transmitting the predetermined information, it is determined whether or not it is possible to communicate with the right side communication means of the other game machine it faces,
According to any one of the means E1 to E4, characterized in that the transmission of the predetermined information is stopped when communication with the right side communication means of the other game machine is not possible based on the determination result. game machine.

According to the above means E5, predetermined information can be appropriately transferred in a plurality of gaming machines forming the gaming machine network. As a result, for example, among a plurality of game machines network-connected in series, when a chained network effect is performed from a game machine at one end to a game machine at the other end, a natural effect can be performed.

Means E6. Predetermined information output or predetermined information received from another game machine via one of the right communication means or the left communication means, and other information via the other of the right communication means or the left communication means Comparing means for comparing with predetermined information received from the game machine,
Predetermined information output or predetermined information received from another game machine via one of the right communication means or the left communication means, and other information via the other of the right communication means or the left communication means The gaming machine according to means E5, characterized in that when the predetermined information received from the gaming machine matches, the transmission of the predetermined information is stopped.

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

Means E7. production means capable of executing various productions (e.g., light emitting means, display means, audio output means, etc.);
A production control means (for example, a sub control device, etc.) that controls the production means,
The production control means is
When a predetermined condition is established, information is set to the effect that a specific process (for example, an advance notice effect process) is to be executed at a predetermined timing, and is transmitted to another game machine via the right communication means or the left communication means. , outputting a control signal (for example, a command, etc.) to the effect that the specific process is to be executed at a predetermined timing;
When the control signal is input from another game machine via the right side communication means or the left side communication means, information can be set to the effect that the specific process is to be executed at a predetermined timing,
The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E6, wherein the specific processing is executed at a predetermined timing based on setting information indicating that the specific processing is to be executed, and the effect means is controlled.

According to the means E7, a network effect can be performed in which a plurality of effect means associated with a plurality of gaming machines are associated. For example, a predetermined game effect such as a display effect can be performed in a plurality of game machines by synchronizing or interlocking them. As a result, compared to the configuration in which each game machine performs various game effects individually, the game effects can be made more diverse, and the interest of the players can be improved.

Means E8. The right side communication means and the left side communication means, respectively,
a light-emitting means (such as an LED) capable of emitting predetermined light (for example, an electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of about 1 nm to 1 mm such as visible light or infrared light);
a light-receiving means (photodiode, image sensor, etc.) capable of detecting the predetermined light;
a transmitting means configured to be able to control the light emitting means and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the gaming machine (receiving means of another gaming machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using light;
receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted from outside the gaming machine (transmitting means of another gaming machine, etc.) in a wireless communication format using the light based on the light detected by the light receiving means; The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E7, characterized by:

According to the means E8, the same effect as that of the means B1 can be obtained.

Means E9. The right side communication means and the left side communication means, respectively,
sound wave output means (speaker, ultrasonic generator, etc.) capable of outputting sound waves (including voice in the audible range and ultrasonic waves in the out-of-audible range);
a sound wave detection means capable of detecting sound waves (microphone, ultrasonic receiver, etc.);
a transmitting means configured to be able to control the sound wave output means and capable of transmitting various information to the outside of the game machine (receiving means of another game machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using sound waves;
receiving means capable of receiving various information transmitted from outside the game machine (transmitting means of another game machine, etc.) in a wireless communication form using the sound wave based on the sound wave detected by the sound wave detection means; The gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E7, characterized by:

According to the means E9, the same effect as the means C1 can be obtained.

Means E10. The right side communication means and the left side communication means, respectively,
It is configured to be able to transmit and receive various types of information in a wireless communication form using at least one of light, sound and radio waves,
The game machine according to any one of means E1 to E9, characterized by comprising switching means capable of switching the wireless communication mode according to a situation (for example, an environment around the game machine).

Wireless communication quality varies greatly depending on the environment around the gaming machine. For example, wireless communication using light in a brightly lit environment may result in poor communication quality, and wireless communication using sound in a noisy environment may result in poor communication quality. There is

On the other hand, according to the means E10, for example, in a noisy environment, light or radio waves are used for wireless communication, and in an environment where the light is blocked by an obstacle or the lighting is bright, radio waves or sound waves are used for wireless communication. By switching the wireless communication mode according to the environment around the game machine, such as using the wireless communication system, it is possible to transmit and receive information more reliably. As a result, communication quality can be improved.

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

According to the means E11, the sub-control means can transmit/receive various information (commands, etc.) to/from the sub-control means of other gaming machines based on its own judgment without going through the main control means. As a result, sub-control means in a plurality of gaming machines can cooperate with each other to produce an effect or the like without going through the main control means. As a result, while the main control means performs normal game control in each gaming machine, the sub-controlling means, which is subordinate to it, becomes the main body, and the production etc. in which a plurality of gaming machines are integrated is controlled by the main control means of each gaming machine. It can be executed without loading the control means.

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

According to the means E12, each gaming machine can perform various processes based on common time information without being affected by time information or the like set therein. For example, it is possible to match the start timing of the specific effect. More specifically, for example, each game machine has an elapsed time measuring means capable of measuring the elapsed time after receiving the time information, and a subtraction capable of subtracting a value corresponding to the elapsed time from the time information. means, and the time information after the subtraction can be output to another game machine.

The basic configuration of various game machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

A. The game machine in each of the above means is a pinball game machine. As a more detailed example of the aspect, "an operating means (game ball shooting handle) operated by a player, a shooting means (shooting solenoid, etc.) for flipping and shooting a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, and the shooting means. A game area where a game ball is guided, and each ball entry means (general winning opening, variable winning device, operation opening, etc.) arranged in the game area, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special game A pinball game machine in which a state occurs” can be mentioned.

B. The game machine or the pinball game machine in each of the above means is a pachinko machine or a game machine conforming to a pachinko machine.

C. The game machine in each of the above means is a reel-type game machine such as a slot machine. As a more detailed example of a mode, "an identification information string (symbol string; specifically, a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a pattern) consisting of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel (e.g., rotation), and a variable display means (specifically, a rotating body unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information string. The identification information (design) starts to change, the identification information (design) is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button), and the identification aligned on the effective line at the time of the stop A reel-type gaming machine constructed so that game values are given on the condition that the information is specific identification information".

D. The gaming machine in each of the above means should be a gaming machine of a type that fuses a slot machine and a pachinko machine (especially, a slot machine specification gaming machine that uses game balls as a game medium: a ball-using reel game machine). As a more detailed example, "an identification information string (design string; specifically, a rotating body such as a reel or belt with a design) consisting of a plurality of identification information (designs) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel (e.g., rotation), a variable display means (specifically, a rotating body unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information string, The identification information (design) starts to change, the identification information (design) is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button), and the identification aligned on the effective line at the time of the stop A game value is given on the condition that the information is specific identification information, and a ball receiving tray (upper tray or the like) is provided to take in a game ball from the ball receiving tray; A gaming machine comprising a payout means for paying out game balls, and constructed so that a game start condition is satisfied when the game balls are taken in by the take-in means.

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

Claims (1)

Lottery means for performing lottery processing based on a predetermined opportunity;
After performing the variable display, variable display means for performing a stop display in a manner based on the lottery result of the lottery process;
a game value imparting means capable of imparting a predetermined game value when a winning result is obtained by the lottery process;
at least one effect means for performing a predetermined effect;
production pattern selection means for selecting a production pattern to be performed by the at least one production means;
A gaming machine comprising an effect control means for controlling the at least one effect means based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means,
One of the at least one effect means and a predetermined effect means having a detection means capable of detecting an input from the outside of the gaming machine,
The production pattern selection means is
a production pattern selection counter used for selecting the production pattern;
Pattern selection table storage means for storing a plurality of effect pattern selection tables for selecting one effect pattern from among a plurality of effect patterns based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter acquired due to the predetermined trigger. and
Based on the value of the effect pattern selection counter, a predetermined effect pattern selection table corresponding to a predetermined game state is referenced from among a plurality of effect pattern selection tables stored in the pattern selection table storage means, and the configured to select a production pattern,
When a predetermined input from the outside of the game machine is detected by the detection means, the effect pattern selection table referred to when selecting the effect pattern is set to a different effect pattern selection table from the predetermined effect pattern selection table. A gaming machine characterized by changing to

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