JP2023104172A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve convenience.SOLUTION: When a ball difference number before power interruption is in a range from minus to 50000, a performance control CPU does not execute dishonest power interruption notification, at the time, a game machine is restored in a normal restoration mode. In addition, when the ball difference number before power interruption is in a range from 50001 to 70000, the performance control CPU executes the dishonest power interruption notification by lighting a frame lamp. In addition, when the ball difference number before power interruption is in a range from 70001 to game stop state shift (namely, 950000 or larger), the performance control CPU executes the dishonest power interruption notification by outputting an alarm sound from a speaker and lighting the frame lamp.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine capable of playing games.

Conventionally, as a game machine, a game ball, which is a game value, is shot into a game area, and when the game ball wins in a prize winning area such as a prize winning opening, the prize ball is paid out to the player, and furthermore, as a result of variable display of identification information A game machine (for example, a pachinko machine) is known that can change the game state according to the state.

Further, when a game start operation is performed after setting the number of bets for one game using the game value, the variable display of the identification information is started, and when a stop operation is performed after the start of the variable display, the variable display of the identification information is stopped. However, there is known a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine) in which a winning can occur based on the display result derived at this time, and the game state can be changed according to the type of winning.

Among such gaming machines, there is known a gaming machine capable of transitioning to a game stop state based on the difference between the number of game media used in a game and the number of game media paid out ( For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-81288 JP 2017-164390 A

By the way, it is inconvenient if the state including the difference cannot be accurately grasped after the power is restored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of improving convenience.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of executing notification in a plurality of types of notification modes, comprising calculating means for calculating information relating to a number that increases or decreases as the game is executed, wherein the plurality of types of includes a notification mode that can specify the calculation result of the calculation means, and the notification mode of the notification that is executed after restoration from the power failure differs according to the calculation result when the power failure occurs.
Therefore, it is possible to grasp the state after the power failure is restored, so that the convenience can be improved.
The number of game media (game balls, medals, etc.) and the number of game values (credits, etc.) can be exemplified as the number that increases or decreases as the game is played. As the information about the number that increases or decreases as the game is played, the number of game media and the difference about the number of game values can be exemplified. The difference related to the number of game media and the number of game values is, for example, the difference in the number of game media and game values from the reference value, the game media used in the game, the game value and the game media given to the player, and so on. This is the difference in the number of game values.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine; FIG. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing a game board unit alone. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of mode selection of a DIP switch; FIG. 11 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing; FIG. 7 is a flowchart specifically showing an example of a procedure of power failure occurrence check processing; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of interrupt management processing; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of difference ball management processing. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for difference sphere calculation processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship among “actual difference sphere”, “calculation difference sphere” and “transmission difference sphere”; It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of difference ball limiting device management processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the timing which restarts the payout of the prize ball which was interrupted at the time of a game stop state. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of effect command management processing; It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of difference ball limiting device related production|presentation management processing. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a notification mode of unauthorized power failure notification; It is a figure which shows the example of an effect|action of the 1st effect|action independent execution, the 2nd effect|action independent execution, the 3rd effect|action independent execution, and the 3rd effect|action and payout error notification simultaneous execution.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. As shown in FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as game media. In the game in the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. can be converted into a game value based on the number of The overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment includes prize balls (game balls paid out by winning a prize in a prize opening or the like) and foul balls (game balls fired by a launcher but returned without reaching the game area). game balls) minus the number of shot balls (game balls shot by the shooting device) exceeds a predetermined upper limit number (in this embodiment, 95,000 balls), the game is stopped (also called stop ). A prize ball is a game ball paid out by winning a prize in a winning hole or the like. A foul ball is a game ball that has been shot by a shooting device but returned without reaching the game area. A shot ball is a game ball shot by a shooting device in response to a handle operation.

[overall structure]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4 (glass frame, window frame) and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, game machine frame) as its main body. An integrated door unit 4 is located on the frontmost side when viewed from the front facing the player. The inner frame assembly 7 is positioned on the rear side (deep side) of the integrated door unit 4 , and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7 .

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. It is fixed using In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the upper and lower short sides, and metal is used for the left and right long sides.

The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at its lower position. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and each of these operates in an opening and closing manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening/closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end of the pachinko machine 1 when viewed from the front.

A unified lock unit 7a is provided on the inner side of the right edge (the left edge in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 as viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right side edges (rear sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, in a state in which the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 7a on the back side thereof locks the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly together with the lock. It disables the opening of 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. As shown in FIG. For example, when the manager of the amusement arcade inserts the special key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 7a operates to open the integrated door unit 4 together with the inner frame assembly 7. . When all of these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the integrated door unit 4 is unlocked while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, so that the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integral door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game parlor can remove obstacles such as clogged balls in the board surface. Further, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the tray unit 6 is also opened to the front side together.

Moreover, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4 . The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically long circular window 4a formed in the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is mounted in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the rear side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 9a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and the game area 9a can be visually recognized by the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integral door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface to allow the game balls to flow down.

The receiving tray unit 6 has a shape projecting from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper tray 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the upper tray 6b, game balls lent to the player (rental balls) and game balls obtained by winning prizes (prize balls) can be stored. Further, the tray unit 6 is formed with a lower tray 6c below the upper tray 6b. The lower tray 6c stores the game balls that have been put out while the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a model connected to a card unit, and the game balls borrowed by the player are received from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize balls. 6c) is paid out.

A lending operation part 14 is provided on the upper surface of the receiving tray unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged in the lending operation part 14. - 特許庁When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted into a card unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined number of points (for example, 5 points) (For example, 125) game balls are rented. For this reason, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation section 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium inserted in the card unit is displayed on this frequency display section. By operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining points. Although the game machine connected to the card unit is taken as an example in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a game machine not connected to the card unit).

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the tray unit 6 . The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the shooting control board set 174 and can shoot (hit) a game ball toward the game area 9a (see FIG. 3) (ball shooting device). The shot game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 9a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (no reference numerals in the figure), etc. are arranged in the game area 9a, and the thrown game ball flows down the game area 9a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmills. The configuration of the inside of the game area 9a (board surface, game board) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

[Composition of front frame]
The integral door unit 4 is provided with a lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for presentation. Among them, the lens unit 47 incorporates a frame lamp 46 , and the upper right illumination unit 49 incorporates a right frame lamp 50 .

The various frame lamps 46 and 50 described above perform effects by, for example, light emission from built-in LEDs (lighting, blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). Speakers 54a to 54d are incorporated in the integrated door unit 4, respectively. These speakers 54a to 54d output sound effects, BGM, voices, etc. (general sound) to execute effects.

Also, in the center of the tray unit 6, a performance button 45 is installed in front of the upper tray 6b. The player presses the effect button 45 to switch the effect content (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42), for example, while the pattern is changing, during the confirmation display of the big win, or during the big win game. It is possible to generate some kind of production (notice production, probability change promotion production, promotion production during big role, etc.).

Further, a jog dial 45a is installed around the effect button 45 so as to surround the effect button 45 (operation input receiving means, rotary selector). By rotating the jog dial 45a, the player can change the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, for example.

[Construction of the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 includes a power control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, and a payout control board unit 176. , back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that constitute the power system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), and the like are installed.

The dispensing device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numerals). In this state, game balls replenished from a replenishment path (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are led to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls delivered from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.). Various external information signals (e.g. prize ball information, door opening information, pattern confirmation number information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) representing the progress state, maintenance state, etc. are output to external electronic devices. ing.

The power cord 164 secures the power supply (electric power) necessary for the pachinko machine 1 to operate, for example, by being connected to a power supply (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of the game arcade. The ground wire 166 is also connected to a ground terminal installed in the island equipment to secure the grounding of the pachinko machine 1 .

[Configuration of game board unit]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 has a game board 9 serving as a base, and a game area 9a is formed on the front side of the game board 9 . The game board 9 is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and when the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7, the front surface of the game board 9 is parallel to the glass unit. On the front surface of the game board 9, the above-described game area 9a is formed inside a substantially circular firing rail (no reference numeral).

In the game area 9a, a start gate 20, a normal winning opening 22, a starting winning opening 26, a variable starting winning device 28, a variable winning device 30, etc. are distributed and installed.

Among them, the normal winning opening 22 is arranged on the left side of the game area 9a. The start winning opening 26 is arranged in the center of the lower part of the game area 9a. The starting gate 20, the variable starting winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are arranged in the right part of the game area 9a.

The game ball launched into the game area 9a enters the starting winning opening 26, the starting winning opening 28a, or the normal winning opening 22 in the course of its flow, passes through the starting gate 20, or is variable during the opening operation. A ball enters the winning device 30 (that is, the big winning opening 30a).

It should be noted that entering (entering) a game ball into each winning hole or winning device is also referred to as "winning". In particular, a prize-winning to a starting prize-winning slot is also called a starting prize-winning.

When the game ball passes through the starting gate 20, an operation lottery (normal pattern lottery) is performed. Then, the variable starting prize winning device 28 is activated when a predetermined operation condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol lottery is won and the normal symbol is stop-displayed for a predetermined stop-display time in a win mode). When the variable starting prize winning device 28 operates, it becomes possible to win a game ball into the starting prize winning port 28a.

The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode). When the variable winning device 30 is activated, it becomes possible to win a game ball to the big winning opening 30a.

Then, in this embodiment, when game balls enter the normal winning hole 22, "6" prize balls are paid out. In addition, when a game ball enters the starting prize winning port 26 or the starting prize winning port 28a, "one" prize ball is paid out. Also, when a game ball wins in the big winning hole 30a, "15" prize balls are paid out.

In addition, the game ball that has passed through the starting gate 20, the game ball that has entered the normal winning hole 22, the starting winning hole 26, the starting winning hole 28a, and the big winning hole 30a is a game board (plywood material constituting the game board unit 8, It is collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in a transparent plate or the like.

Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a liquid crystal display 42 (image display), and the liquid crystal display 42 displays various performance images including performance symbols corresponding to the special symbols. .

For example, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, in synchronism with the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, a plurality of types of performance symbols (such as symbols indicating numbers, etc.) different from the special symbols are displayed. A variable display is performed. Further, for example, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, a display area is provided for displaying pending display corresponding to the variable display whose execution is pending.

A movable body 40 for performance is provided in front of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to be movable. Specifically, the movable body 40 can move up and down between an initial position (the position indicated by the solid line in the drawing) and a movable position (the position indicated by the broken line in the drawing) descending from the initial position. The movable body 40 can move up and down based on the result of an internal lottery that determines whether a big win or a small win. By moving the movable body 40, the result of the internal lottery is suggested.

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 9a, and game balls that do not enter (win a prize) in various winning ports are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out port 32.例文帳に追加The game balls that have passed through the starting gate 20 are also recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8.例文帳に追加

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an enlarged part of the game board unit 8 (lower right position in the window 4a).

In the game board unit 8, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a are provided at the lower right position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. , a first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and a game state display device 38 are provided.

Among them, the normal design display device 33, for example, alternately lights two lamps (LEDs) to variably display the normal design, and stops displaying the normal design by lighting or extinguishing the lamp. In this embodiment, the winning symbols always stop because the probability of winning is 1/1. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories of 0 to 4 by a combination of extinguishing, lighting, and blinking of two lamps (LED), for example. For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a stored number is displayed as 1, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is 3 in the display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is 4 in the display mode in which both lamps are blinking. For example, to display an individual. Although two lamps (LED) are used here, four lamps (LED) may be used to form the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a. In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are lit.

Each time a game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to a display mode after incrementing one by one in the sense of memorizing the passage that triggers the operation lottery. (up to 4), and with the passage as a trigger, the display mode changes to the display mode after the decrease by 1 each time the variation of the normal symbol is started. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start to change (at the time of stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (up to 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages in which the normal symbol variation has not yet started at that time.

In addition, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the fluctuation state and the stop state of the special symbols by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means, first pattern display means, second pattern display means). In addition, the special pattern display devices 34 and 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, circularly). In this embodiment, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not simultaneously varied, the first special symbol display device 34 is used for the variable display of the special symbol. The second special symbol display device 35 is used for variable display of normal symbols. Then, the normal symbol of the type determined by lottery is stopped and displayed by the second special symbol display device 35 . The variable display by the second special symbol display device 35 is performed in synchronization with the variable display by the normal symbol display device 33 .

In addition, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a are, for example, two lamps (LEDs), each of which is extinguished or lit, by a display mode composed of a combination of blinking, each 0 to 4 (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the stored number is displayed as 0, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a stored number is displayed as 1, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinking. The number of memories is displayed as 2, the number of memories is displayed as 3 in a display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, and the number of memories is displayed in a display mode in which both lamps are blinking. 4 are displayed, and so on.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a changes to a display mode after incrementing one by one in order to memorize that a game ball enters the starting prize winning port 26 each time the game ball enters. Iki (up to 4), every time the special symbol starts to change with the entry ball as a trigger, it changes to the display mode after decreasing one by one. In addition, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes to a display mode after incrementing one by one in the sense of memorizing that a game ball has entered the above-described start winning hole 28a every time a game ball enters. (up to 4), and each time the special symbol starts to change with the entry ball as a trigger, it changes to the display mode after the decrease by 1. In addition, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first special symbol is already in a state where the fluctuation can be started (at the time of stop display). Even if a game ball enters, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball enters the starting winning hole 28a in a state in which the second special symbol can already start to fluctuate (at the time of stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of entering balls whose variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started at that time. represents the number of times

The gaming state display device 38 includes, for example, five LEDs respectively corresponding to the big hit type display lamps 38a and 38b, the small hit display lamp 38c, the time saving state display lamp 38e, and the firing position designation lamp 38f. In addition, in this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are mounted on one integrated display board 90 and attached to the game board unit 8. - 特許庁

The "variable display" of the special symbols means, for example, that a plurality of types of special symbols are variably displayed (the same applies to normal symbols). Variations include updating display of a plurality of patterns, scrolling display of a plurality of patterns, deformation of one or more patterns, enlargement/reduction of one or more patterns, and the like. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols, which will be described later, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the later-described variation of performance symbols, a plurality of types of performance symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more performance symbols are deformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that the variation also includes a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed blinking. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) as a display result (the same applies to variable display of other symbols to be described later). Variable display may be expressed as variable display or variation.

[Outline of game progress]
The game state of the pachinko machine 1 includes a normal state (non-time-saving state) and a time-saving state in which the probability of a big win is the same as in the normal state but the efficiency of changing special patterns is improved compared to the normal state. In addition, in this embodiment, the special design may be abbreviated as a special design, and the normal design may be abbreviated as a general design. Also, the first special symbol may be omitted as special figure 1 and the second special symbol as special figure 2.

In the pachinko machine 1, when the game state is the normal state, it is advantageous for the player to aim at the left side of the game area 9a and perform a shooting operation (so-called left-handed operation). The normal state is a state that is controlled in the same manner as the initial setting state of the pachinko machine 1 (for example, when a predetermined recovery process is not executed after power-on, such as when the system is reset). In a normal state, when the player performs a left-handed operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1, and the game ball enters the start winning hole 26, the first special symbol display device 34 displays the first special symbol. is started.

In addition, when the game ball enters the start winning port during the period during which the variable display of the special symbol is being executed, the period when it is controlled to the big win game state or the small win game state If the variable display of the special symbols based on the prize cannot be executed immediately), the variable display of the special symbols based on the winning prize is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

If the jackpot pattern is stop-displayed in the variable display of the first special pattern, it becomes a "jackpot". Also, if a lost symbol is stopped and displayed, it is "lost".

After the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol becomes "big win", the game is controlled to a big win game state as an advantageous state for the player. In the jackpot game state, a player performs a right-handed operation by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁

In the jackpot game state, the jackpot 30a formed by the variable prize winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state is the timing of the passage of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or the timing until the number of game balls entering the big winning opening 30a reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), whichever is earlier. continues until The predetermined period is an upper limit period during which the large winning opening 30a can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as an upper limit opening period. One cycle in which the big winning opening 30a is in an open state is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeatedly executed until a predetermined upper limit number of times is reached.

In the jackpot game state, the player can obtain prize balls (for example, 15 balls) by entering the game balls into the big winning opening 30a. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The larger the number of rounds in the jackpot game state and the longer the upper limit period of opening, the more advantageous the player is.

In addition, a jackpot type is set in the "jackpot". For example, a plurality of types of opening modes (number of rounds and upper limit period of opening) of the big winning opening and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, time saving state, etc.) are prepared, and the jackpot type is set according to these. . As the jackpot type, there may be provided a jackpot type in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained, and a jackpot type in which a small number of prize balls or almost no prize balls can be obtained.

After the jackpot game state is finished, the game may be controlled to a time-saving state according to the jackpot type. When the big hit game is finished and the game state is controlled to the time saving state, it is advantageous for the player to aim at the right side of the game area and perform the shooting operation (right hitting operation). In the time saving state, the execution of the time saving control reduces the average special figure fluctuation time (in this embodiment, the second special symbol) as compared with the normal state, and the average ordinary as compared with the normal state. Figure change time is shortened.

When the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1 by the player, the normal symbol display device 33 starts to display the variable normal symbols. In addition, if the game ball passes the start gate 20 during the period during which the variable display of the previous normal symbol is being executed (the game ball has passed the start gate 20, but the variable display of the normal symbol based on the passage cannot be immediately executed case), the variable display of normal symbols based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In the variable display of the normal symbols, if the normal winning symbols are stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal symbols becomes "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal pattern (normal pattern lost pattern) other than the normal pattern per pattern is stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal pattern becomes "normal pattern lost". When it becomes "per normal", the variable start winning device 28 is controlled to operate for a predetermined period.

In the normal state, only short opening is performed even if it hits the normal pattern, but in the time saving state, long opening is performed when it hits the normal pattern. As a result, it is impossible to enter the game ball into the start winning hole 28a in the normal state, but it becomes possible to enter the game ball into the starting winning hole 28a in the time saving state.

The time-saving state continues until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, such as execution of variable display of special symbols for a predetermined number of times. And, the end condition that the variable display of the special symbol has been executed for a predetermined number of times is also referred to as the number of times cutting (number of times cutting probability variable, etc.).

In addition, when the game ball enters the start winning opening 28a by rotating the handle unit 16 provided in the pachinko machine 1 by the player, the second special symbol is changed by the second special symbol display device 35. Display starts. In the variable display of the second special symbol, if the big-hit symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "big-hit". In the variable display of the second special symbol, if the small winning symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes a "small winning". Also, if a lost symbol different from the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, it will be "lost".

After the display result of the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "big win", the game is controlled to a big win game state as an advantageous state for the player. In the jackpot game state, the same game as described above is performed.

Further, after the display result in the variable display of the second special symbol becomes "small win", the game state is controlled to the small win game state as an advantageous state for the player.

In the small winning game state, the big winning opening 30a formed by the variable winning device 30 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state is the timing of the passage of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds) or the timing until the number of game balls entering the big winning opening 30a reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10), whichever is earlier. continues until In the small winning game state, only one round can be executed.

Then, in the small winning game state, when the game ball that has entered the big winning opening 30a passes through the specific area, it is controlled to the big winning game state after the small winning game state ends. At this time, the small winning game state is the first round, and the big winning game state is started from the second round.

On the other hand, when the game ball entering the big winning opening 30a passes through the non-specific area, the small winning game state ends without developing into the big winning game state.

After the small win game state is completed without being controlled to the big win game state, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the variable display of the special symbols becomes "small win" continues. controlled.

Then, in this embodiment, when the first special symbol becomes a big hit in the normal state, the state shifts to the time saving state A. - 特許庁Further, in the time-saving state A, when a big hit or a time-saving failure occurs, the state shifts to the time-saving state B. - 特許庁It should be noted that the time-saving loss is a kind of loss, and by winning the time-saving loss, it is possible to shift to the time-saving state without going through the jackpot game state.

[Progress of production, etc.]
In the pachinko machine 1, various effects are executed according to the progress of the game. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the liquid crystal display 42 .

As an effect executed according to the progress of the game, in the effect symbol display areas of "left", "middle", and "right" provided on the liquid crystal display 42, the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol In response to the start of the variable display of , and the start of the variable display of the normal symbols, the variable display of the effect symbols is started. At the timing when the display result (also called fixed special pattern) is stopped and displayed in the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol, the finalized performance symbol (three A combination of performance symbols) is also stopped and displayed. Similarly, at the timing when the display result (also referred to as the fixed normal design) is stopped and displayed in the variable display of the normal design, the finalized design (combination of three production designs), which is the display result of the variable display of the design design, is also stopped. Is displayed.

During the period from the start of the variable display of the performance symbols to the end thereof, the mode of the variable display of the performance symbols may be a predetermined ready-to-win mode. Here, the ready-to-win mode means that the performance symbols stopped and displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 42 are not yet stop-displayed when the performance symbols constitute a part of a big hit combination or a small hit combination described later. Concerning, it is the aspect that the variable display continues.

In addition, the ready-to-win effect is executed in response to the ready-to-win mode being set during the variable display of the effect symbols. In the pachinko machine 1, the display result (the display result of the variable display of special symbols and the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols) is a "big hit" ratio (also called "big win reliability" or "big win expectation"). A plurality of types of reach effects with different ratios of "small hits" (also called small hit reliability and small hit expectation) are executed. The ready-to-win performance includes, for example, a normal reach and a super-to-win with higher reliability than the normal reach.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to execute the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol at the same time. A variable display is performed, and in the time saving state, a variable display of the performance design corresponding to the second special design is performed. Also, the mini symbols and the fourth symbols are displayed in a variable manner regardless of the game state.

When the display result of the variable display of the special symbols is "big hit", a fixed performance symbol that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 42.例文帳に追加(The display result of the variable display of the production pattern is "big hit"). For example, the same effect symbols (for example, "7" etc.) are stop-displayed together on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 4. FIG.

When the display result of the variable display of the special symbols is "small hit", on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, as the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols, a fixed performance symbol that becomes a predetermined small winning combination (for example, , “1 3 5”, etc.) are derived (the display result of the variable display of the performance symbols is “small win”). For example, the effect symbols constituting the chance symbols are stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle" and "right" effect symbol display areas 42L, 42C and 42R.

When the display result of the variable display of the special design is "missing", the variable display of the performance design does not become the ready-to-win mode, and the fixed performance design of the non-reach combination is displayed as the display result of the variable display of the performance design. (Also referred to as "non-reach loss") may be stopped (the display result of the variable display of the production pattern becomes "non-reach loss"). In addition, when the display result is "lost", after the mode of the variable display of the production pattern becomes the ready-to-win mode, as the display result of the variable display of the production pattern, a predetermined reach combination that is not a big hit combination ("reach is lost ”) is stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the production pattern is “reach out”).

The effects that can be executed by the pachinko machine 1 include display of suspension display and variable display display. In addition, as other effects, for example, a notice effect that foretells the reliability of the big hit is executed during the variable display of the effect symbols. The notice effect includes a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big hit in the variable display during execution and a pre-reading notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big hit in the variable display before execution (variation display whose execution is suspended). As a look-ahead notice effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a look-ahead effect), an effect of changing the display mode of the display corresponding to the variable display (suspended display or active display) to a mode different from normal may be executed.

Also, in the liquid crystal display device 42, the variable display is resumed after temporarily stopping the performance symbols during the variable display of the performance symbols, so that one variable display can be simulated as a plurality of variable displays. A pseudo continuous effect may be executed.

During the big winning game state, the performance during the big winning is executed to report the big winning game state. As the effect during the big win, the effect of notifying the number of rounds or the promotion effect indicating that the value of the big win game state is improved may be executed. Also, during the small-hit game state, an effect during the small-hit game for notifying the small-hit game state is executed. In addition, during the small-hit game state, some of the big-hit types (in the big-hit type of the big-hit game state in the same manner as the small-hit game state, for example, the jackpot type in which the subsequent game state is a high probability state) By executing a common performance in both states, the player may not know whether the current state is a small win game state or a big win game state. In such a case, by executing a common performance after the end of the small winning game state and after the end of the big winning game state, it is made impossible to distinguish whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state. may

Further, for example, a demonstration image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 when the variable display of special symbols is not executed.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 70 (main control computer) that serves as the center of the control operation, and this main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. there is Note that the main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 .

In addition, the main control unit 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. RWM) 76 or the like is integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77 . Of these, the random number generator 75 is for generating a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for judging the jackpot of the special symbol lottery or the winning judgment of the normal symbol lottery. is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77 . In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input/output (I/O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter/timer circuit (CTC), and the like. Mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or an inner layer portion).

The starting gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a first start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the starting winning opening 26, a second starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the starting winning opening 28a, and a large winning opening switch corresponding to the variable winning opening 30. 83, a specific area switch 85a corresponding to the specific area of the variable winning device 30 and a non-specific area switch 85b corresponding to the non-specific area of the variable winning device 30 are provided.

The first start prize winning port switch 80 detects the entry of a game ball into the start prize winning port 26, and the second start prize winning port switch 82 detects the entry of a game ball into the start prize winning port 28a. . When a game ball is detected by the first start winning opening switch 80 or the second starting winning opening switch 82, a predetermined number (one) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

Also, the big winning hole switch 83 is for counting the number of balls entering the variable winning device 30 (big winning hole 30a). When game balls are detected by the special winning opening switch 83, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The specific area switch 85 a is for detecting that a game ball has entered a specific area of the variable winning device 30 . The non-specific area switch 85b is for detecting that a game ball has entered the variable winning device 30. FIG.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal winning hole switch 81 for detecting entry of a game ball into the normal winning hole 22 . When game balls are detected by the normal winning opening switch 81, a predetermined number (six) of game balls are paid out as prize balls based on this detection information.

The main control CPU 72 receives the detection signals from the first start winning opening switch 80, the normal winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, and the large winning opening switch 83. A sphere is set (stored) in the RAM 76 . When multiple signals are input, the total number of prize balls is set.

Winning detection signals from these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, detection signals from the gate switch 78, the normal winning slot switch 81, the big winning slot switch 83, the specific area switch 85a, and the non-specific area switch 85b are sent to the panel relay terminal board. 87, and the panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, and the like for relaying the winning detection signals.

The above-described normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The display operation of the status display device 38 is controlled based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 . The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. Further, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 while being mounted on one integrated display board 90 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the display substrate 90 via the panel relay terminal board 87 .

In addition, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 corresponding to the variable starting prize winning device 28 and a large winning opening solenoid 89 corresponding to the variable prize winning device 30 . These solenoids 88 and 89 are operated (excited) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72 to open and close (actuate) the variable starting prize winning device 28 and variable prize winning device 30, respectively. Control signals for these solenoids 88 and 89 are also transmitted from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal plate 87 .

In addition, a glass frame open switch 91 is installed in the integrated door unit 4 and a plastic frame open switch 93 is installed in the inner frame assembly 7 . When the integrated door unit 4 is closed by itself, a contact signal (close signal) from the glass frame open switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 from the outer frame unit 2 is input. is closed, a contact signal (close signal) from the plastic frame open switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the closed state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals (closed signals).

When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of either the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7 without inputting the closing signal, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as an external information signal and sends it to the effect control CPU 126. Generate a release command to send. In addition, when the main control CPU 72 detects the closed state of both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 due to the input of the closing signal, it generates a door closing information signal as an external information signal and transmits it to the effect control CPU 126. Generate commands.

A magnetic sensor 86 is connected to the main control CPU 72 . The magnetic sensor 86 of this embodiment detects the strength of the magnetic field around the pachinko machine 1, and when the strength of the detected magnetic field exceeds the initially set threshold value, the main control CPU 72 detects the so-called magnet goto (magnet to detect that a fraudulent act of manipulating a game ball) has been performed.

In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9 . Also, when the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9 , by arranging it in the vicinity of the plate material (for example, a plywood board or an acrylic board) that constitutes the game board 9 , a magnetic field such as a magnet brought close to the game board 9 can be detected. can be easily detected. For example, when the magnetic sensor 86 is provided on the back side of the game board 9, by providing the magnetic sensor 86 directly on the plate material forming the game board 9, the magnetic sensor 86 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the plate material forming the game board 9. It becomes easier to detect the magnetism on the front side of the game board 9 as compared with the case where it is provided.

The magnetic sensor 86 of this embodiment is initialized by the main control CPU 72 when the power is turned on, and sets a reference value (for example, "0") that takes into account the surrounding magnetic field. If the value changed from this reference value exceeds a certain value (threshold value), an error is detected. Therefore, the surrounding magnetic field environment at the time of power-on affects the setting of the reference value set in the initial setting. For this reason, as will be described later, the initial setting is performed with the surrounding magnetic field environment (eg, geomagnetism, motor, solenoid) in a constant state. Specifically, when both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed for a predetermined period of time (2.5 seconds in this example), the initial setting is performed and the reference value is set. Further, when 0.5 seconds have passed after the initial setting of the magnetic sensor 86 is completed, that is, the state in which both the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed continues for a specific time (3.0 seconds in this example). The effect control CPU 126 performs the initial operation of the movable body 40 when it does.

A reset switch 73 is connected to the main control CPU 72 . The main control CPU 72 clears the RAM when the power is turned on with the reset switch 73 depressed, and does not clear the RAM when the power is turned on without the reset switch 73 depressed.

The main control CPU 72 is also connected to a foul ball sensor 71a, an out switch 71b, and a shot ball sensor 71c.

The foul ball sensor 71a detects a game ball that has been shot by the shooting device but returned without reaching the game area. This returning game ball is called a foul ball (return ball).

The out switch 71b is arranged in the out passage on the back side of the game board 9, and the game balls entering the various prize winning openings and the out port 32 are led to the out passage and detected by the out switch 71b.

The shot ball sensor 71c detects a game ball shot by a shooting device.

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

A payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor, payout means) and a payout device substrate 100 are installed in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172. The payout device substrate 100 has a drive circuit for the payout motor 102. is provided. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays out the indicated number of game balls from the prize ball case. let out The paid out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through the payout channel in the channel unit 173 . If an error occurs during the payout and the payout is interrupted, the payout control CPU 94 holds the number of game balls that have not been paid out, and when the error is canceled, the remaining game balls that have not been paid out are replaced. Pay out.

In addition, for example, a payout road ball disconnect switch 104 is installed at the upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at the downstream position of the payout motor 102 . Each time the payout motor 102 is driven to actually pay out the prize balls, a count signal from the payout count switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100 . Also, when the ball runs out at the upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball break switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100 . The payout device board 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100 .

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The actually paid out prize balls (game balls) are discharged to the upper tray 6b through the channel unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is filled with game balls, more game balls are paid out as described above. flows into the lower plate 6c. Furthermore, when the lower tray 6 c is filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is thereby turned on, and a full tank detection signal is input to the main control CPU 72 . Then, the main control CPU 72 inputs a full tank detection command to the payout control CPU 94 in response to the full tank detection signal. In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends further prize ball motions even if a prize ball instruction command is received from the main control CPU 72, and stores the remaining number of prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98.例文帳に追加The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost. .

Also, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. - 特許庁Also, a ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the tray unit 6 . The firing control board 108, firing solenoid 110 and ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the firing control board set 174 described above. ing. Among them, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation to feed the game balls stored in the receiving tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined shooting position within the launcher case. Also, the shooting solenoid 110 hits the game ball sent to the shooting position, and continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 9a as described above. In addition, the shooting interval of game balls is, for example, an interval of about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

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

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

Further, the tray unit 6 incorporates a frequency display board 122 and a lending/returning switch board 123 . Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with an indicator (3-digit 7-segment LED) for the frequency display section. In addition, the lending and returning switch board 123 is mounted with switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the returning button 12, respectively. And it is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the card unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . In addition, from the card unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 . A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display substrate 122 drives a display based on the frequency signal to numerically display the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when no valuable medium is inserted into the card unit or when the remaining points of the inserted valuable medium become 0, the display circuit of the point display board 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (valuable medium ) can also be displayed.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a performance control device 124 (computer for controlling performance) as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1 . The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The production control CPU 126 incorporates a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The performance control device 124 is provided at a position covered by a back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. - 特許庁

The performance control device 124 is equipped with an input/output driver and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp driving circuit 132 and a sound driving circuit 134 . The production control CPU 126 controls the production based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to cause the frame lamps 46 and 50 to emit light, and the speaker Processing for actually outputting sound effects, voices, etc. from 54a to 54d is performed.

The production control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. In addition, the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and each driver IC (I / O) A serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration.

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown). ) to manage its operation such as light emission and blinking. The various lamps include frame lamps 46 and 50 .

The sound drive circuit 134 is a sound generator containing, for example, a sound ROM, a sound control IC, an amplifier (not shown), etc. The sound drive circuit 134 drives the speakers 54a to 54d to output sounds.

In this embodiment, a glass-framed electric board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are sent to various frame lamps via the glass-framed electric board 136. 46, 50 and speakers 54a to 54d. A production button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136 , and when the player operates the production button 45 , the contact signal is input to the production control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136 . Further, a jog dial 45 a is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136 , and when the player rotates the jog dial 45 a , the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136 . Here, an example in which the effect button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the glass-framed illumination board 136 is given. may be

In addition, a panel electric decoration board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8 , and a movable body motor 57 is connected to the panel electric decoration board 138 . The movable body motor 57 drives the movable body 40 (see FIG. 2) via, for example, a link mechanism (not shown). A drive signal from the performance control CPU 126 is applied to the movable body motor 57 via the panel electric decoration board 138 .

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8 , and its display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8 . In addition, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power applied to the backlight of the liquid crystal display 42 (for example, a cold cathode tube). Furthermore, an effect display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation of the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the effect display control device 144. FIG. The effect display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146 as a general-purpose central processing unit and a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 as a display processor is mounted. Among them, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 are integrated together with a processor core (not shown). A part of the storage area of the VRAM 156 can be used as a frame buffer.

The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program relating to the control of the effect, and the effect control CPU 126 executes control of the effect according to this program. Control of effects includes control of effects using the frame lamps 46 and 50 and speakers 54a to 54d as described above, and control of effects by image display using the liquid crystal display 42 is also included. The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives this transmits a specific image for effect based on the basic information. Control the display.

The display control CPU 146 outputs further detailed control signals to the VDP 152 . The VDP 152 having received this accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads the necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156 . Furthermore, the VDP 152 expands the image data on the VRAM 156 into a frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time), and converts each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here. drive separately.

A DIP switch 84 is connected to the effect control CPU 126 .

As shown in FIG. 6, the DIP switch 84 can select one of four modes 1 to 4 by switching on and off. In this embodiment, modes 3 and 4 are not used, and only modes 1 and 2 are used.

When mode 1 is selected, the security mode is turned off, and when mode 2 is selected, the security mode is turned on. When either mode 1 or mode 2 is selected, the difference ball is cleared when the power is turned off, but when mode 2 is selected, after the power is restored (that is, after the power is turned on again). Notification is made according to the difference ball before the power cut.

In this embodiment, if the RAM is cleared when the power is turned on, the game state is also reset, but if the RAM is not cleared when the power is turned on, the game state is not reset. Therefore, when a game that is advantageous to the player is being played and the stop is approaching (that is, when the difference ball approaches the upper limit), power is cut off illegally to clear the difference ball, and the difference ball is cleared. There is a risk that fraudulent acts will be carried out to continue advantageous games.

Therefore, in the state where the security mode of mode 2 is set, an unauthorized power cutoff is performed by annunciation (hereinafter referred to as unauthorized power cutoff notification) after the power cutoff is restored in a manner corresponding to the difference ball before the power cutoff. You can check whether or not

That is, it is possible to identify whether or not the power cut occurred when the ball was close to being hit based on the notification mode of the illegal power cut notification, thereby recognizing the possibility of illegal power cut. high can be determined.

In addition, the advantageous game is, for example, a game in a time-saving state, a game between multiple sets of jackpot game states, a game in a variable probability state during a series of games, a state in which the game nail is adjusted so that it is easy to win a prize (especially a pachinko machine capable of developing from a small winning game state to a big winning game state as in the present embodiment) can be mentioned as an example.

In the present embodiment, since it has such a configuration, it is known that the power is cut off in the security mode off state of mode 1 to the staff of the game arcade who does not illegally turn off the power. When the store clerk cuts the power, the power is turned off with mode 1 selected. Then, the store clerk in the game state selects mode 2 after turning on the power, and the security mode is turned on during the business of the game arcade.

Returning to FIG. 5, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is also provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7 . This power supply control unit 162 incorporates a switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (for example, AC 24V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate necessary power (for example, DC +34V, +12V, etc.). The power generated by the power control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70 , the payout control device 92 , the performance control device 124 and the inverter board 158 . Further, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the card unit via the terminal board 120 for lending equipment such as game balls. Low-voltage power (for example, DC +5 V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (three-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Also, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded to the island facility through the ground wire 166 .

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are sent from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. is output to The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72 ) and payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94 ) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160 . Signals output from the external terminal board 160 are counted, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) of the game arcade. In addition, although the configuration via the payout control device 92 is taken as an example here, the configuration may be such that the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 .

The above is an example of the configuration relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1 . Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main controller 70 will be described.

[Reset start processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts reset start processing. The reset start process prepares the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the game state (so-called power recovery) based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power shutdown, or by clearing the backup information. This process is for Further, the reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for ensuring stable game operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjustment of the initial state.

7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of reset start processing. Each procedure of the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described below.

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

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

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a reset standby process here. This process secures a certain amount of waiting time (for example, about several thousand milliseconds) at the time of reset start (for example, turning on the power), and checks the main power interruption detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the standby time, it bit-checks the input port of the main power interruption detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power failure detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitor IC, which is a peripheral device. When the input of the main power interruption detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the processing from the beginning. As a result, it is possible to protect the system even if the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU72 permits access to the work area of the RAM76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted thereafter.

Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 initializes the mask register to set the interrupt mask. Specifically, a value that enables the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

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

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup was successfully completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, "A55AH") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU72 performs a sum check on the backup information in the RAM76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (user work area including prohibited area and stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the sum check result is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, "0000H").

Step S110: Also, the main control CPU 72 clears the command that was waiting for transmission immediately before the previous power failure occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes effect control return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the effect control device 124 a return command (for example, model designation command, special symbol probability state designation command, effect command when the number of working memories is increased, effect command when the number of working memories is decreased, number of cuts counter remaining number command, special game state designation command, etc.). In response to this, the effect control device 124 changes the effect state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, internal probability state, display mode of the effect pattern, effect display mode of the working memory number, sound output content, various lamps light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown (for example, the display mode of special symbols, the internal probability state, working memory contents, various flag states, random number update state, etc.). Also, the main control CPU 72 restores the value of the PC register that was backed up.

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

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the storage contents of the RAM 76 other than the prohibited area. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, its contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU72 also initializes the RAM76.

Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 outputs a command (a command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes payout control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

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

After executing the above procedure in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 8 (connection symbol A→A).

Steps S118 and S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts, and then executes power failure check processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power interruption detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power interruption (drop in drive voltage). When a power cutoff occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88, the big winning opening solenoid 89, etc., and the entire work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. and store the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops processing (NOP). On the other hand, if power shutdown does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. It should be noted that there is a well-known example of programming that causes the CPU to execute such processing when power failure occurs as non-maskable interrupt (NMI) processing.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, jackpot pattern random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) except for the jackpot decision random numbers (hardware random numbers) and the hit decision random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to normal patterns is generated programmatically. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 9). ) is changed. The initial value update random number is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S120, the initial value update random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interrupt is prohibited in step S118 is that the same processing is executed in another interrupt management processing (step S202 in FIG. 9). ) is to prevent As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the winning determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update period thereof is faster than the timer interrupt period (eg, several ms). (for example, several μs), there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot decision random numbers and the winning decision random numbers.

Steps S121, S122: The main control CPU 72 permits interrupts and executes random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to determination of winning types (hit types) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 9). The content of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure occurrence check process]
FIG. 9 is a flow chart specifically showing a procedure example of the above-described power failure occurrence check process.
Step S130: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 sets the conditions for checking the occurrence of power failure. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power interruption detection signal is continuously output.

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

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether the result is 0 or not. If the on-counter value is still not 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and checks the main power interruption detection switch input port again. Then, when the loop from step S134 to step S132 is repeated and the check condition is satisfied (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S135a.

Step S135a: The main control CPU 72 generates a pre-electrical interruption difference pitch command indicating the difference pitch before the electricity interruption based on the count value of the counter for saving the difference pitch. The generated command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in a command transmission process not shown (for example, step S212 in FIG. 10).

When the performance control CPU 126 receives the difference ball command before power interruption, it stores the difference ball before power interruption included in the difference ball command before power interruption in the RAM 130, and holds the difference ball before power interruption even after power interruption. do.

Step S135b: The main control CPU 72 clears the count value of the difference pitch storage counter that stores the difference pitch. As a result, the difference ball is cleared when power is cut off.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big winning opening solenoid 89 as described above.

Steps S138, S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, in units of 1 byte, and repeats until the addition is completed for all areas. .

Step S142: When sum calculation is completed for all areas (step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the validity value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.

Step S146: In addition, the main control CPU 72 stores "01H" representing access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the prohibited area and stack area) of the RAM 76.

Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop, and stops all other processes in preparation for the shutdown of the main power supply. After the main power supply is cut off, backup power is supplied from a backup power supply circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70). held without. The backup power supply circuit may be built in the power control unit 162, for example.

Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (to be added to the sum) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. In addition, the retained memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start processing (main) (FIGS. 7 and 8).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 changes the values of the registers (the accumulator A and flag register F, and the pairs of general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to R
Save to the save area of AM76. Another value can be written to the registers (A to L) after saving the values during the interrupt management process.

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

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process here. The contents of the processing are the same as those described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input/output (I/O) port 79 . Specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, the first start winning opening switch 80, the normal winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, the large winning opening switch 83, the specific area switch 85a, the non-specific The input state (ON/OFF) of the winning detection signal from the area switch 85b is read.

Step S204a: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the gate switch 78, the first start winning opening switch 80, the normal winning opening switch 81, the second starting winning opening switch 82, the big winning opening switch 83, the specific region Based on the winning detection signal or passage detection signal from the switch 85a and the non-specific area switch 85b, an event that occurred during the game is determined, and further processing is executed according to the event that has occurred.

Also, in this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a full-tank detection signal has been input from the full-tank switch 161, and executes payout error processing when the full-tank detection signal has been input. Specifically, a full tank detection command is transmitted to the payout control CPU 94 . In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 suspends the payout of prize balls. Also, the main control CPU 72 generates a payout error command in response to a full-tank detection signal from the full-tank switch 161 and transmits it to the effect control CPU 126 . In response to this, the effect control CPU 126 executes payout error notification.

The main control CPU 72 transfers a full tank detection command to the payout control CPU 94 when a full tank detection signal is input even when the game is in a stopped state, generates a payout error command, and produces an effect control CPU 126. Send to In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 interrupts the payout of prize balls, and the effect control CPU 126 executes payout error notification.

In addition, the main control CPU 72 transmits a payout restart command to the payout control CPU 94 when the game balls in the lower tray 6c are discharged to the outside, and when the full tank switch 161 is turned off and the error is canceled. At the same time, a winning ball information signal is transmitted as an external information signal. Then, the payout control CPU 94 resumes the interrupted payout of prize balls in response to the payout restart command, and resumes the interrupted payout of prize balls even in the game stop state. In this way, the control state of the payout control device 92 is the same as the normal state (when the game is available) even in the game stop state.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the first start winning opening switch 80 or the second starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 responds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery opportunity) has occurred. Also, when the passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers the lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. When determining that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to each occurrence event.

Step S204b: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes difference ball management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the number of fired game balls (hereinafter also referred to as shot balls) from the number of paid out game balls (prize balls and foul balls). When exceeds 95000 pieces, a process for shifting to a game stop state is executed.

Step S204c: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a difference ball-related effect command management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of transmitting a command for executing an effect according to the number of difference balls.

Step S205, step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol game process and the normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1 . Among these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second It controls the variable display and stop display by the 2 special symbol display device 35, and controls the operation of the variable winning device 30 according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later using another flowchart.

In addition, in the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. to control. For example, the main control CPU72 stores the random number (determined random number per normal symbol) acquired with the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event process (step S204), and in this normal symbol game process A random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery executing means). When the random number falls within the winning range, the normal symbols are variably displayed by the normal symbol display device 33, and the normal symbols are stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner. It is excited to operate the variable starting prize winning device 28 (movable piece operating means). On the other hand, if the random number is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs stop display of normal symbols in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes prize ball payout processing. In this process, based on the winning detection signal input from the various switches 81 to 83 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command for instructing the number of prize balls is output to the payout control device 92.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-described external information signals (for example, winning ball information, door opening information, number of symbol determination times information, jackpot information, start opening information, etc.) to the hall computer of the game hall through the external terminal board 160. Store in the port output request buffer.

In this embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5" are output as jackpot information to the outside, so that an external electronic device (data display (external information signal output means). That is, by dividing the jackpot information into a plurality of "jackpots 1" to "jackpots 5" and outputting them, the types of jackpots (types of winnings) can be tallied and managed by a hall computer (not shown) from these combinations. Occurrence of small hits that are not classified as "big hits" even if they recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or the shortened state of symbol fluctuation time (hit that does not operate the conditional device) even if it is not winning. can be aggregated and managed. Also, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently jackpotting. Alternatively, it is possible to recognize whether or not the current symbol variation time is shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the respective output states (set of ON or OFF) of "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5".

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). and store them in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main control device 70, for example.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 includes the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. It controls lighting states of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the special symbol game process (step S205) or the normal symbol game process (step S206) is port-output. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner, a stop display, a working memory number display, a game state display, etc.).

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). In addition, the main control CPU 72 combines the driving signals of the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big winning opening solenoid 89 stored in the port output request buffer, the test signal, etc., and outputs them from the port.

Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes effect control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU72 in the command buffer to check whether there is a command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 (command necessary for effect control), if there is an unsent command command to be output port output.

Step S213: Then, the main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored in this CTC interrupt.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing of steps S205 to S212 (game control program module) is executed as a timer interrupt processing, but these processing are executed by incorporating them into the main loop of the CPU. There are also known programming examples.

Step S214: After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) designating the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter and ends the CTC interrupt.

Steps S215, S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the values of the saved registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. After that, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (the program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Left ball management process]
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the difference ball management process executed in step S204b of FIG.

Step S300: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the payout of prize balls has occurred based on the detection signals of the prize winning port switches 80-83.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the prize balls have been paid out (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S302. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the prize balls have been paid out (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S304.

Step S302: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing the number of winning balls determined based on the detection signals of the respective winning opening switches 80-83 in the winning ball number counter.

Step S304: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for confirming whether or not there is the number of shot balls based on the detection signal of the shot ball sensor 71c.

As a result, when it is confirmed that there are shot balls (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S306. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that there are shot balls (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S308.

Step S306: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for storing the number of shot balls in the shot ball number counter. For example, when one shot is detected, "1" is stored in the shot ball number counter, and when two shots are detected, "2" is stored in the shot ball number counter.

Step S308: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for confirming whether or not there are any foul balls based on the detection signal of the foul ball sensor 71a.

As a result, when it is confirmed that there are foul balls (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S310. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that there are foul balls (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S312.

Step S310: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for storing the number of foul balls in the counter for the number of foul balls. For example, when a foul ball is detected once, "1" is stored in the counter for the number of foul balls, and when two foul balls are detected, "2" is stored in the counter for the number of foul balls. .

Step S312: The main control CPU 72 executes difference ball calculation processing. The differential ball calculation process is a process of calculating the differential ball based on the number of awarded balls, the number of fired balls, the number of fouled balls, and the like. The details of the differential ball calculation process will be described later.

Step S314: The main control CPU 72 executes difference ball restriction management processing. The difference ball restriction management process is a process of shifting to a game stop state based on the difference ball calculated in the difference ball calculation process. The details of the differential ball calculation process will be described later.
When the above processing is completed, it returns to the calling source.

[Different ball calculation process]
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the differential ball calculation process executed in step S312 of FIG.

Step S320: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for confirming whether or not it is the first processing after power-on. Whether or not it is the first process after power-on can be confirmed by the power-on flag. The power-on flag is turned off when the power is turned on, and turned on when this process is executed once.

As a result, when it is confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes steps S326 and S328. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S322.

Step S322: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing "100000 (100,000 shots)" in the difference ball for calculation. The reason why the difference ball for calculation is set to "100000 (100,000 shots)" instead of "0" is that the game starts with the shot, so setting "0" will result in a negative number. This is because the processing on the program becomes complicated.

Step S324: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of calculating a difference ball for calculation using the following first arithmetic expression.
(First calculation formula) Differential ball for calculation = Differential ball for calculation + Number of prize balls counter - Number of fired balls counter + Number of foul balls counter ' is '10', the 'foul ball number counter' is '1', and the 'foul ball number counter' is '2', the calculated 'difference ball for calculation' is '100011 (= 100000+10-1+2)”.

Step S326: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of storing the calculated value of the "calculating difference pitch" in the difference pitch saving counter.
When the above processing is completed, it returns to the calling source.

By executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 determines the number of prize balls (first information) and the number of shot balls that is information necessary for calculating the difference ball and is different from the number of prize balls (first information). The difference pitch can be calculated based on the (second information) and the number of foul balls (second information).

[Relationship between "actual difference pitch" and "calculated difference pitch"]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the "actual differential sphere" and the "computational differential sphere".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "0 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "100000 pitches".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "1000 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "101000 pitches".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "2000 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "102000 pitches".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "3000 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "103000 pitches".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "10000 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "110000 pitches".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "90000 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "190000 pitches".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "95000 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "195000 pitches".

When the "actual difference pitch" is "100,000 pitches", the "calculation difference pitch" is "200,000 pitches".

Here, the "difference ball" is a value obtained by subtracting the "out ball (the number of balls consumed by launching, etc.)" from the "safe ball (the number of balls acquired by prize balls, etc.)". It should be noted that the value of the "determination ball" can be a value obtained by subtracting the "safe ball" from the "out ball", but only the positive and negative values are reversed, and the value of the difference ball itself does not change.

In this way, the difference ball is calculated based on the relationship between the "safe ball" and the "out ball", so even if 95,000 shots are scored, it may not be the end of the game. For example, if 5,000 shots have already been fired at the beginning of the game, the game ends when 100,000 shots (95,000 difference = -5,000 + 100,000) are won.

[Pitch limit device management process]
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the difference ball limiting device management process executed in step S314 of FIG.

Step S340: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of confirming whether or not the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more. If the value of the difference ball storage counter is 195,000, it means that the number of difference balls has reached 95,000.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S342. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S346.

Step S342: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of confirming whether the game state is during a big hit or a small hit. The game state can be confirmed by the game state flag (0: normal state, 1: during big hit, 2: during small hit). The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the game state flag according to the game state.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the game state is during the big hit or during the small hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S344. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the game state is during the big hit or during the small hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S346.

Step S344: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for activating the difference ball limiting device. The ball limiter is a control flag, not a physical device. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of turning on the difference ball limiter flag.

Here, if the game state is during the big win or during the small win (step S342: Yes), the ball difference limiting device does not operate, but since the big win or the small win will eventually end, the ball difference is limited at that point. The device works. That is, by executing the processing of steps S342 and S344, when the game state is during the big win or the small win, the differential ball limiter can be operated after the big win or the small win is completed. In the case of a game property that leads from a small win to a big win (a game property in which a big win is achieved by passing through a specific area during a small win), the difference ball limiting device can be operated after the big win is completed, not after the small win.

The difference ball limiter flag is not turned off only by turning on the power again after the power is turned off, and can be turned off by clearing the RAM.

Step S346: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for confirming whether or not the differential ball limiting device is in operation. When the differential ball limiter flag is ON, it can be determined that the differential ball limiter is in operation, and when the differential ball limiter flag is OFF, it is determined that the differential ball limiter is not in operation. can be done.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the differential ball limiting device is in operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S348. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the differential ball limiting device is in operation (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the caller and continues processing.

Step S348: The main control CPU 72 executes processing to shift to the game stop state.
By shifting to the game stop state, it will be stopped. In the game stop state, the game is stopped (a state in which no symbols are changed, no pending digestion is performed, and no prize balls are played) and a shooting stop (a state in which game balls cannot be shot). In addition, in the game stop state, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol The operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are all extinguished.

Step S350: The main control CPU 72 executes processing to confirm whether or not a full-tank error has occurred.

As a result, when it is confirmed that a full tank error has occurred (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S352. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that a full tank error has occurred (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the caller.

Step S352: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for confirming whether or not the full tank error has been cancelled.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the full tank error has been canceled (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S354. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the full tank error has been canceled (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the caller.

Step S354: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for generating a payout resume command. The generated command is transmitted to the payout control device 92 in a command transmission process not shown (for example, S207 in FIG. 10).
When the above processing is completed, it returns to the calling source.

When the payout restart command generated in step S354 is received, the payout control CPU 94 resumes the payout of prize balls that has been interrupted due to the occurrence of the full tank error. The number of prize balls that have not been paid out due to the interruption is held in the RAM 98 of the payout control device 92, and the payout control CPU 94 refers to the RAM 98 to pay out the unpaid prize balls.

In the difference ball calculation process shown in FIG. 12, the difference ball is calculated based on the detection signals of the respective winning hole switches 80 to 83, so regardless of whether or not the prize balls are actually paid out, the game is stopped. Transition. However, if a full tank error occurs before transitioning to the game stop state and continues until after transition to the game stop state, or if a full tank error occurs after shifting to the game stop state Otherwise, the game is stopped while the payout of prize balls is interrupted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the processes of steps S350 to S354 are executed even when the game is stopped, and the interrupted prize balls can be paid out even after the game is stopped. .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(a), it is assumed that a full tank error occurs before transitioning to the game stop state, and after that the number of difference balls reaches 95000 and the game shifts to the game stop state. When the full-tank error continues until after the game is stopped, the prize balls interrupted by canceling the error are paid out even after the game is stopped.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that the difference ball reaches 95000 and the game is stopped. When a full tank error occurs after shifting to the game stop state, even after shifting to the game stop state, the interrupted payout of prize balls is performed due to cancellation of the error.

With such a configuration, it is possible to accurately pay out prize balls even when the game is stopped.

Even when power is cut off while the payout is interrupted, the number of unpaid prize balls is held, and the unpaid prize balls are paid out when the error is canceled after the power is turned on again. In this case, if the payout control device 92 cannot hold the number of prize balls that have not been paid out when the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 holds the number of prize balls that have not been paid out, and after the power is turned on again, the main control CPU 72 It is also possible to configure a configuration in which a payout restart command capable of specifying the number of unpaid prize balls is transmitted to the payout control device 92 .

Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which payout is interrupted when a full tank error occurs and payout is resumed in a game stop state. Then, the payout is interrupted upon detection of the payout path ball cut-off switch 104, and the payout is resumed in the game halted state. The interrupted payout may be resumed at a different timing from the above embodiment, such as suspending the payout and resuming the payout in the game stop state.

[Management processing of effect command related to difference ball]
FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the effect command management process executed in step S204c of FIG.

Step S380: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of confirming whether or not the value of the difference ball saving counter is 190,000. If the value of the difference ball storage counter is 190,000, it means that the number of difference balls has reached 90,000.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 190000 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S382. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 190000 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S384.

Step S382: The main control CPU 72 executes first effect command generation processing. The generated command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in a command transmission process (not shown).

Step S384: The main control CPU 72 executes the process of confirming whether or not the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more and the gaming state is during the big hit or the small hit.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more and the game state is during the big hit or the small hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S386. On the other hand, when the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more and it cannot be confirmed that the game state is during the big hit or the small hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S388.

Step S386: The main control CPU 72 executes a second effect command generation process. The generated command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in a command transmission process (not shown).

Step S388: The main control CPU 72 executes processing for confirming whether the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more and the game state is the normal state. It should be noted that the normal state is a state other than during a big hit or a small hit.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more and the game state is the normal state (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S390. On the other hand, if the value of the difference ball saving counter is 195000 or more and it cannot be confirmed that the game state is normal (No), the main control CPU72 returns to the caller and performs processing. continue.

Step S390: The main control CPU 72 executes third effect command generation processing. The generated command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in a command transmission process (not shown).
When the above processing is completed, it returns to the calling source.

[Effect Management Processing Related to Ball Limiting Device]
FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the difference ball limiting device related effect management process executed by the effect control CPU 126. As shown in FIG. This process is executed within the interrupt process executed by the effect control CPU 126 .

Step S360a: The effect control CPU 126 refers to the RAM 130 to confirm whether or not the difference ball before the power interruption is stored. In addition, if it is the start timing of the production control device 124 (in other words, the timing when the power is turned on, the production control device 124 is started, and the interruption is permitted), the difference ball before the power cut is stored in the RAM 130.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the difference ball before the power interruption is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S360b. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the difference ball before power cut is stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S364.

Step S360b: The effect control CPU 126 refers to the difference ball before the power interruption by referring to the RAM 130. FIG. In this embodiment, when power is cut off, the effect control CPU 126 stores the difference ball before power cut in the RAM 130 based on the difference ball command before power cut from the main control CPU 72 (step in FIG. 9). See S135a).

Step S360c: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the security mode is ON (that is, whether or not the DIP switch 84 is set to mode 2). Then, if the effect control CPU 126 confirms that the security mode is on (Yes), the process proceeds to step S362. When it cannot be confirmed that the security mode is on (No), the effect control CPU 126 clears the difference ball before the power interruption and proceeds to step S364.

Step S362: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of notifying an illegal power failure error. The illegal power interruption error notification is, for example, a notification in the form shown in FIG. Then, the effect control CPU 126 clears the difference ball before the power interruption, and proceeds to step S364.

Step S364: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of confirming whether or not the first effect command has been received.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the first effect command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S366. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the first effect command has been received (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S368.

Step S366: The production control CPU 126 executes processing for executing the first production. The first effect is, for example, the effect shown in FIG. 19(a).

Step S368: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of confirming whether or not the second effect command has been received.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the second effect command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S370. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the second effect command has been received (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S372.

Step S370: The effect control CPU 126 executes processing for executing the second effect. The second effect is, for example, the effect shown in FIG. 19(b).

Step S372: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of confirming whether or not the third effect command has been received.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the third effect command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S374. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the third effect command has been received (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S376.

Step S374: The production control CPU 126 executes processing for executing the third production. The third effect is, for example, the effect shown in FIG. 19(c).

Step S376: The effect control CPU 126 executes a process of confirming whether or not a payout error command has been received. It should be noted that the payout error command, when the main control CPU72 detects that the full tank detection signal is input from the full tank switch 161 in S204a of FIG. This is the command to send.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the payout error command has been received (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S378. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the payout error command has been received (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the caller and continues processing.

Step S378: The effect control CPU 126 executes processing for executing payout error notification. The payout error notification is, for example, the notification shown in FIG. 19(d). Note that FIG. 19(d) is an example in which the third effect and the payout error notification are executed at the same time.

In addition, the illegal power failure error notification is the state of 0 difference balls after turning on the power, the first effect is the state of 90000 difference balls, the second effect is the state of 95000 or more difference balls and a big hit or a small hit. , 3rd effects are executed when the number of differential balls is 95000 or more in the normal state, so they are executed at different timings. However, since the payout error notification is executed regardless of the difference ball, it may be executed at the same time as the illegal power interruption error notification, the first effect, the second effect, and the third effect.
When the above processing is completed, it returns to the calling source.

[Regarding the mode of notification of unauthorized power outage]
Next, with reference to FIG. 18, a description will be given of the mode of notification of illegal power interruption that is executed while the security mode is on.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the difference number of balls before the power cut is within the range of minus to 50000, the effect control CPU 126 does not execute the illegal power cut notification. In this case, the system returns in a normal recovery mode (a normal state notification mode in which unauthorized power interruption is not reported). In addition, when the number of difference balls before power interruption is within the range of 50001 to 70000, the effect control CPU 126 executes illegal power interruption notification by lighting the frame lamps 46 and 50 . Also, if the number of difference balls before the power cut is within the range from 70001 to the game stop state transition (that is, 950000 or more), the effect control CPU 126 turns on the frame lamps 46 and 50, and from the speakers 54a to 54d Executes unauthorized power outage notification by outputting a warning sound.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the security mode is on, the notification mode of the illegal power failure notification differs according to the difference ball before the power failure. Then, as the number of differential balls before power cut increases, the number of means for executing notification increases. As a result, it is possible to easily discover that unauthorized power interruption has been performed. Therefore, unauthorized power interruption can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the effect control CPU 126 terminates the unauthorized power interruption notification when a predetermined time has passed since the execution of the unauthorized power interruption notification. you can For example, when mode 3, which is disabled by the setting of the DIP switch 84, is set, the unauthorized power failure notification can be terminated with the lapse of time, and when mode 4 is set, it can be terminated by RAM clearing. .

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the unauthorized power failure notification may be performed using the liquid crystal display 42, not limited to the lighting of the frame lamps 46 and 50 and the speakers 54a to 54d. Further, the notification mode of the notification after the recovery from the power failure may be changed in a mode different from that of the above-described embodiment. For example, if the number of difference balls before power interruption is within the range of minus to 50000, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the normal return screen after power interruption recovery, but the game is played when the number of difference balls before power interruption is 950000 or more. When the state is shifted to the stop state and the third effect (the effect that can specify that the game is in the stopped state, see FIG. 19(c)) is being executed, the effect control CPU 126 performs the third It is possible to return on the production screen of the production. Also in this case, the notification mode of the notification after power failure recovery is different.

Also, in this embodiment, an example of connecting the DIP switch 84 to the effect control device 124 was described, but the DIP switch 84 is connected to the main control device 70, and when the main control CPU 72 can be specified to the production control device 124, the difference ball before the power interruption is identified from this command, and the production control CPU 126 performs illegal power interruption notification.

[Specific example of production]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a concrete example of simultaneous execution of the first effect, the second effect, the third effect, the third effect and the error notification.

In FIG. 19(a), the effect of the first round during the big hit is executed. The screen also displays the number of rounds, right-handed character information and an arrow image to encourage right-handed shooting. At this point, it is assumed that the number of difference balls has reached 90,000. In this case, the first effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 19(a), the first effect is the effect of displaying the first image E1 at the bottom of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. As shown in FIG. The first image E1 is an image containing character information "5000 shots left until the end".

In FIG. 19(b), the 5th round effect during the big hit is executed. It should be noted that this 5th round is not the 5th round continued from FIG. 19(a), but the 5th round of another big hit. The screen also displays the number of rounds, right-handed character information and an arrow image to encourage right-handed shooting. At this point, it is assumed that 95,000 difference balls have been hit. In this case, the second effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 19(b), the second effect is the effect of displaying the second image E2 in the lower part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display . The second image E2 is an image containing character information that says "the game will be stopped after the winning game is finished".

In FIG. 19(c), an effect in the normal state is displayed. At this point, it is assumed that the number of difference balls has reached 95,000, or that the number of difference balls has reached 95,000 during the big win, the big win game is finished, and the state is shifted to the normal state. In this case, the third effect is executed.

As shown in FIG. 19(c), the third effect is a effect of displaying a third image E3 on the upper part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. FIG. The third image E3 is an image containing character information that reads, "Because the number of difference balls has reached the upper limit, the game will be stopped." On the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41, the left effect pattern, the middle effect pattern, and the right effect pattern are displayed ("4"-"6"-"7"), but since the game is stopped, each pattern (special pattern , normal design, production design) will not change. Also, the fourth symbol and mini symbols are displayed in a stopped state.

Furthermore, the markers M1 and M2 representing the number of memories (holding) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol displayed in the pre-variation display area X1 are not consumed. Therefore, the markers M1 and M2 are not moved and displayed in the changing display area X2.

It should be noted that when the number of difference balls reaches 95,000 during the fluctuation of the symbols, the fluctuation can be forcibly terminated at that time and the game can be stopped.

Since the first image E1 and the second image E2 are images displayed during the game, they are displayed in a small size so as not to interfere with the game, but the third image E3 is an image displayed when the game is stopped. Therefore, it is displayed in a larger size than the first image E1 and the second image E2.

FIG. 19(d) shows a case where a full tank error occurs while the third effect is being executed. In this case, the payout error notification is simultaneously executed while executing the third effect.

As shown in FIG. 19(d), the third effect is the effect of displaying the third image E3 on the upper part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 in the same manner as described above. The payout error notification is an effect of displaying a payout error notification image E4 at the bottom of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. FIG. The payout error notification image E4 is an image including character information "Full tank error is occurring! Please remove the ball". This prompts the player to remove the ball and eliminate the error.

The first effect, the second effect, the third effect, and the payout error notification not only display an image on the liquid crystal display 42, but also output a warning sound from the speakers 54a to 54d and light the frame lamps 46 and 50. You can also

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the third effect and the payout error notification are executed at the same time, but the payout error notification may be executed with priority. In this case, first, the payout error notification may be executed, and when the full tank error is resolved, the payout error notification may be terminated and the execution of the third effect may be started.

In addition, in this embodiment, the effect control CPU 126 is powered off while simultaneously executing the third effect and the payout error notification, and if the power is turned on again, the third effect and the payout will continue even after the power is restored. Continue execution of error notification. Then, when the error is canceled and the unpaid prize balls are paid out, the third effect and the payout error notification are terminated. As a result, even if power is cut off, it is possible to accurately notify that the prize balls that were not paid out before the power cut-off have been paid out. In this case, the prize balls are the number of prize balls used to calculate the difference balls before the power cutoff, so they are not used for the calculation of the difference balls after the power cutoff.

In the present embodiment, the third effect and the payout error notification are simultaneously executed, but for example, the payout error report may be preferentially executed and the third effect may be executed after the error is cancelled.

[Other configurations]
It should be noted that it is preferable that the first effect be terminated after notification for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds). The reason for ending the first effect in a certain period of time is as follows.
(1) If the game is not finished within a certain period of time, the player may misunderstand. In other words, it is difficult to judge how many more rounds it will take to stop.
(2) If the error priority of the first effect is set lower than other error notifications (for example, door opening error), the display of the first effect disappears when another error occurs.
(3) It is possible to set the error priority of the first effect to be higher and continue to display, but this would require a display cancellation command and increase the capacity of the main controller 70 .
The second effect continues to be executed until the big win or small win ends, and the third effect continues to be executed until the power is turned off.

[Modification]
The embodiments described above can be modified as follows.
(1) The calculation of the difference ball was explained as an example executed by a normal pachinko machine, but it may be configured to be executed by a management gaming machine. The managed gaming machine has a managed gaming machine game board and a managed gaming machine frame, circulates a certain number of game balls within the machine itself, and directly pays out the game balls used in the game and the game balls to the players. It is an enclosed game machine that eliminates the need for A game can be played by connecting the management game machine to a dedicated unit (IC card unit) dedicated to the management game machine.

Then, for example, the management game machine frame manages the number of shot balls and the number of foul balls, and the main control CPU 72 transmits information on the number of prize balls to the management game machine frame, and the management game machine frame receives the number of prize balls and the number of shot balls. And the difference pitch is calculated based on the number of foul pitches. Further, as a managed game machine, a slot machine that receives information about game value from a dedicated unit (IC card unit) and performs a game according to the increase or decrease in the received game value can be exemplified.

[Test signal]
(2) As a configuration related to the test signal, the following configuration can be adopted.
(a) When a jig is attached to the main controller 70 from the outside, a test signal configuration may be provided that outputs a signal indicating the state of the gaming machine through the jig. At this time, main controller 70 may store a program for configuring the output of the test signal.

(b) As a test signal, a game state (normal state, time saving state, etc.), a variation state of special symbols (fluctuation/stopping), etc. are output from a plurality of output pins. Some of the plurality of output pins may be configured to output a specific signal when the number of difference balls reaches a specific number (a specific value that is the number before the game is stopped). With this configuration, it is possible to accurately notify through the jig that the game stop condition is about to be satisfied, for example, before the difference ball reaches the game stop condition.

For example, when the value of the difference ball storage counter reaches 190000 [balls] (the number of difference balls reaches 90000 [balls]), it is notified that the number of difference balls is approaching the specified number (game stop state A configuration may also be adopted in which a test signal is output to notify that the setting of is approaching. Further, for example, the output of the test signal may be continued during the period of the value of the difference pitch storage counter=190000 to 195000 (during the period of the difference pitch number=90000 to 95000). That is, when performing a measurement test of the ball output rate, if the number of difference balls reaches a specified number (in this example, 95000 [balls]), a game stop state is set and the game is interrupted. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the ball output rate. In this case, as a countermeasure, if the power of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off before the number of difference balls reaches a specified number (in this example, 95000 [balls]) and the value of the counter for saving difference balls is reset, It is possible to continue the ball output rate measurement test while avoiding the setting of the game stop state. Therefore, by outputting a test signal that notifies that the difference number of balls is approaching the specified number, it becomes possible to easily grasp the timing at which the power supply of the pachinko machine 1 should be cut off. In particular, at the same time as the output of the test signal, the first effect for notifying the remaining 5000 [balls] until the transition to the game stop state is also performed, so that it is more accurately notified that the game stop state is near. It becomes possible to As described above, it is possible to increase the test efficiency during development. Regarding the test signal, it is configured so that it can be output when a special jig is attached, and it is configured so that the test signal cannot be output in the mass-produced machine (pachinko machine 1) that is on sale. A configuration having only the program may be used.

(c) When the game machine is actually operated and the payout ratio is inspected, if the ball difference becomes too large, the game will be stopped and inspection will not be possible. In such a case, when the test signal of the specific signal is output, the power of the game machine is turned off once and turned on again (power on without clearing the RAM), the game state of the main control Since the count of difference balls is cleared while maintaining (variation state of fluctuation / stop of fluctuation, memory of acquired hold, game state such as normal / short time / variable probability, memory of whether it is a big hit or not), Inspection can be resumed from the state before power failure. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game is stopped during inspection of the ball-putting rate of the gaming machine, and an accurate ball-putting rate cannot be checked.

(d) The program for executing the above configuration may be configured to be executed only when the jig is attached, or may be configured to be executed as processing even when the jig is not attached. In any case, any configuration may be used as long as it can output a specific signal during a test in which a jig is attached.

(e) During the timing of outputting the specific signal, the display screen of the liquid crystal display may be configured to be capable of executing a suggestive effect or a notification effect regarding the differential ball limiting device. For example, at the same time as the output of a specific signal, the display screen of the liquid crystal display displays "The difference ball will reach the upper limit soon.", "When the difference ball reaches the upper limit, the game will be stopped." , "Equipped with a differential ball limiting device." In this case, the output period of the specific signal may be different from the execution period of the suggestion effect or notification effect regarding the difference ball limiting device. In addition, the output period of the specific signal is defined as the interval between 90,000 and 95,000 difference pitches, and when the difference pitch reaches 95,000, the suggestion effect and the notification effect are executed, and the specific signal, the suggestion effect and the notification effect. may be notified step by step.

(3) The present invention is also applicable to slot machines. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine having a main control board for controlling game execution and game stoppage, and a medal count control board for controlling medal payout.
In this case, the main control board transmits information on the number of medals consumed in the game and information on the number of medals obtained in the game to the medal number control board, and the medal number control board calculates the difference number. Then, the difference number information calculated by the medal number control board may be transmitted to the main control board, and the main control board may set the game stop state based on the received difference number information.
In addition, the main control board transmits information on the number of medals obtained in the game to the medal number control board, and the medal number control board detects the difference in the number of medals based on the information on the number of medals obtained in the game and the information on the number of medals consumed in the game. Calculate Then, the difference number information calculated by the medal number control board may be transmitted to the main control board, and the main control board may set the game stop state based on the received difference number information.

(4) Although an example in which the calculation of the difference ball is performed by the main controller 70 has been described, it may be the payout controller 92 or the medal count control board. Although the game medium has been described as an example of a game ball, it may be a game medal, or may be electronic data corresponding to the game ball or the game medal. The difference has been described with the example of the difference ball, but it may be the difference sheet. The number of difference sheets can be calculated by "the number of difference sheets = the number of obtained sheets - the number of consumed sheets". Further, the difference may target only the number of winning balls and the number of acquired balls (number of balls put out, the number of acquired balls), or may target the subtraction information (number of consumption) of only the number of fired balls and the number of consumed balls.

(5) In the above embodiment, during the game stop state, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation The memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are all turned off. If the figure fluctuation lamp) is connected, these LEDs can be maintained in the state before the transition to the game stop state.

For example, (Right-handed lamp ⇒ lit, number of holds lamp ⇒ lit in a manner indicating 1 piece, normal figure fluctuation lamp ⇒ extinguished in a manner of losing, special figure fluctuation lamp ⇒ flashing operation during fluctuation) to transition to a game stop state If you do, this state is maintained even during the transition to the game stop state. Specifically, the special figure fluctuation lamp is maintained in any one of the pattern of blinking operation mode showing off stop mode / hit stop mode / variation. As a result, the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 is switched to the display screen of the third effect when the game is stopped, but the situation immediately before can be grasped.

Moreover, the effect control CPU 126 executes an operation of returning the movable body 40 to the initial position when the game is stopped while the movable body 40 is in motion. As a result, the movable body 40 overlapping the liquid crystal display 42 is returned to the initial position, the visibility of the display screen of the third effect on the liquid crystal display 42 is ensured, and notification of the transition to the game stop state is hindered. can be prevented.

At this time, if a series of initial operations is executed for all the movable bodies 40, the notification is rather hindered. It is preferable to execute the operation of returning only the movable body 40 to the initial position.

Further, when the game is stopped, the display on the liquid crystal display 42 may be turned off. For example, the performance symbols, pending icons, mini symbols, and the like that have been displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 may be hidden. For example, if the display of "777" indicating a big win is maintained even when the game is stopped, the player may be misunderstood, but this can be prevented.

Also, in the game stop state, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation By turning off the memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 and not displaying information on the liquid crystal display 42, various LEDs (for example, a right-handed lamp, a number-of-holds lamp, etc.) can be displayed without misleading the player. , Normal figure fluctuation lamp, special figure fluctuation lamp) You can check the previous state only.

Also, the difference sphere may be configured so that the initial value is 0 and the lowest value is 0 (not a negative value).

In addition, although the transition to the game stop state was made based on the difference ball, it may be based only on the number of prize balls generated regardless of the difference ball, or based on the number of prize balls generated per predetermined unit time. may be based. That is, since the purpose is to prevent the number of acquired balls from becoming too large, it may be appropriately set within the scope of the purpose.

In addition, although the count value of the difference ball storage counter has been configured to be cleared when power is cut off, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if any one of the following (1) to (3) is satisfied as a specific condition, the count value may not be cleared even after the power is turned off.

(1) If the power is cut off while the inner frame assembly 7 or the integrated door unit 4 is open (in amusement arcades, maintenance may be required when working with the inner frame assembly 7 open). In such cases, make sure that the ball counter is not cleared each time.)

(2) When power is cut off while the difference ball counter has reached a predetermined number (e.g., 92,000 shots) can prevent such a situation because the

(3) If the power is cut off while a specific error is occurring (if the player forcibly causes an error and the hall staff turns off the power to cancel the error, the ball counter will also be cleared) can be prevented.)

[Effect of the above embodiment]
(a1) In the above embodiment, in a gaming machine (in this example, the pachinko machine 1) capable of paying out game media (in this example, game balls),
Calculation means (in this example, FIG. 12) for calculating the difference regarding the number of game media;
A transition means (in this example, FIG. 13) capable of transitioning to a game stop state based on the calculation result of the calculation means,
It is possible to pay out game media during the transition to the game stop state (FIGS. 14 and 15 in this example).
Therefore, it is possible to pay out game media as needed even in the game stop state, so that convenience can be improved.

(a2) In addition, if the game stop state is entered while the game medium payout is interrupted, the interrupted game medium payout can be resumed during the game stop state. It is possible (in this example, FIG. 15).
Therefore, it is possible to pay out the game media that have not been paid due to the suspension of the payout, so that the convenience can be improved.

(b) In addition, in a gaming machine (in this example, pachinko machine 1) capable of executing notification in a plurality of types of notification modes,
Calculation means (in this example, FIG. 12) for calculating information related to the number that increases or decreases due to the execution of the game,
The plurality of types of notification modes include a notification mode that can specify the calculation result of the calculation means (in this example, FIG. 18),
Depending on the calculation result when power failure occurs, the notification mode of the notification executed after power failure recovery differs (in this example, step S362 in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18).
Therefore, it is possible to grasp the state after the power failure is restored, so that the convenience can be improved.
The number of game media (game balls, medals, etc.) and the number of game values (credits, etc.) can be exemplified as the number that increases or decreases as the game is played. As the information related to the number that increases or decreases as the game is played, differences related to the number of game media and the number of game values can be exemplified. The difference related to the number of game media and the number of game values is, for example, the difference in the number of game media and game values from the reference value, the game media used in the game, the game value and the game media given to the player, and so on. This is the difference in the number of game values.

1 pachinko machine 70 main controller 72 main control CPU
124 effect control device 126 effect control CPU

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine capable of executing notification in a plurality of types of notification modes,
Calculating means for calculating information on the number that increases or decreases due to the execution of the game,
The plurality of types of notification modes include notification modes that can specify the calculation result of the calculation means,
A gaming machine, wherein the notification mode of the notification to be executed after recovery from a power failure differs according to the calculation result when the power failure occurs.