JP2024070514A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine facilitating wiring connection conformation in an external information terminal board.SOLUTION: In an external information terminal board, information output terminals are aligned in a line in a horizontal direction under a game machine installation environment. In the information output terminals, two information output terminal groups for performing model common output are disposed in a pivoting part and an open end side of a body frame, and one information output terminal group for performing model-dependent output is disposed in between. In a pivotal side model common output, an information output terminal group CN1G, an information output terminal CN1S, and an information output terminal group CN2G are disposed in order from a pivotal side. In model-dependent output, an information output terminal group CN3G is disposed. In open end side model common output, an information output terminal group CN4G, an information output terminal CN2S, and an information output terminal group CN5G are disposed in order from a pivotal side. Accordingly, the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S are installed adjacent to an information output terminal for outputting pulses, and installation adjacent to the information output terminal for outputting signals during a period is avoided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

There are gaming machines that have external connection terminals that allow information to be output to external devices.

Japanese Patent Application No. 4-270852

It is not easy to find wiring connection errors in external connection terminals (external information terminal boards).
In one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that makes it easy to check wiring connections on an external information terminal board.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine as shown below is provided. The gaming machine includes an external information terminal board capable of outputting from corresponding information output terminals a period signal that is output during a period when a predetermined condition is satisfied and a pulse signal that is output when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and a control means capable of editing the signal output from the external information terminal board. The period signal includes a model-common signal that is independent of gaming performance, and a model-dependent signal that is dependent on gaming performance. The model-common signal includes a first anti-fraud signal used for a first anti-fraud measure, and a second anti-fraud signal used for a second anti-fraud measure different from the first anti-fraud measure. The external information terminal board is arranged so that the first information output terminal corresponding to the first anti-fraud measure, the second information output terminal corresponding to the second anti-fraud measure, and the third information output terminal corresponding to the model-dependent signal are not adjacent to each other, a fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal is arranged between the first information output terminal and the third information output terminal, and a fifth information output terminal different from the fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal is arranged between the second information output terminal and the third information output terminal. When outputting the first and second fraud countermeasure signals, the control means outputs one of the first and second fraud countermeasure signals first and then outputs the other with a delay.

According to one aspect, it is easy to check the wiring connections on the external information terminal board in an amusement machine.

1 is an oblique view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a game board according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system for a gaming machine according to a first embodiment; A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a performance control device of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a collective display device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a main process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a second flowchart showing the main process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main process according to the first embodiment (part 3); FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main process according to the first embodiment; A figure showing an example of a memory map of a game control device of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a safety device information initialization process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a first error monitoring process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a second error monitoring process according to the first embodiment. A figure showing a flowchart of a game stop flag setting process in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an external information editing process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 2) of the external information editing process according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outside area integration process according to the first embodiment. A figure showing a flowchart of main processing in the performance control device of the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a game performance list of the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a game state transition in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game display screen according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of an external information terminal board according to a first embodiment; 2 is a diagram showing an example of an overview of an external information terminal board according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of allocation of output signals to information output terminals in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modified example (part 1) of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals in the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals in the first embodiment; 5 is a diagram showing an example of allocation of output signals to information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 1) of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment;

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

The gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment has a front frame 12, which is attached to an outer frame (support frame) 11 so that it can be opened and closed with the left side as the axis-mounted side and the right side as the open side when viewed from the front. The gaming board 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in a storage section (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. In addition, a glass frame (transparent member holding frame) 15 equipped with a cover glass (transparent member) 14 that covers the front surface of the gaming board 30 is attached to the front frame (main body frame) 12.

In addition, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, there are frame decoration devices 18 that incorporate lamps and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for decoration and presentation, and for notification of abnormalities (for example, when a dispensing abnormality occurs, the lamps and LEDs are turned on (blinking) in an abnormality notification color (for example, red)), and speakers 19 (upper left speaker 19a1, upper right speaker 19a2) that emit sounds (for example, sound effects) are provided. In addition, speakers 19 (lower left speaker 19b1, lower right speaker 19b2) are also provided at the bottom of the front frame 12. In addition, when an abnormality occurs, the speakers 19 are designed to notify the user of the nature of the abnormality by voice. A lamp for notifying abnormalities in dispensing may be provided at a specified location of the glass frame 15.

In addition, at the bottom of the front frame 12, there are provided an upper tray (storage tray) 21 that supplies game balls to a ball launching device (not shown), an upper tray ball outlet 22 through which game balls dispensed from a payout unit provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out, a lower tray (receiving tray) 23 that stores game balls dispensed when the upper tray 21 is full, and an operation unit 24 for the ball launching device. In addition, a ball removal lever 23a is provided on the lower tray 23 to remove game balls from the lower tray 23 to the outside of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, the upper edge of the upper tray 21 is provided with an effect button 25 used for operations such as intervention in game effects. The effect button 25 functions as an effect operation reception section that receives operations for intervention in game effects, and also functions as an effect section that can perform effects in a required manner (for example, light emission, vibration, protrusion, etc.). The left edge of the upper tray 21 is provided with an option setting section 29 where the player can set various options. The option setting section 29 is provided with a cross cursor switch that can receive input operations in four directions, a central switch in the center of the cross cursor switch that can receive operations such as decision operations, and two auxiliary switches located on the periphery of the cross cursor switch and used for volume control, etc. Furthermore, a keyhole 26 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12 for inserting a key to open or lock the front frame 12 and the glass frame 15.

The gaming machine 10 can perform effects that involve player operation based on the player's operation received from the effect button switch 25a (see FIG. 4) that detects the operation (e.g., pressing operation) of the effect button 25 (push button). For example, an effect that involves player operation is an effect in a variable display game (decorative special chart variable display game) on the display device (variable display device) 41 (see FIG. 2), and the gaming machine 10 can move the character displayed on the display device 41 or stop the identification information in the decorative special chart variable display game displayed on the display device 41. For such player operation intervention, not only the effect button 25 but also one or more of the switches (cross cursor switch, center switch, auxiliary switch) of the option setting unit 29 may be used. In FIG. 4 described later, the switches of the option setting unit 29 are collectively referred to as setting switches 29n.

To the right of the effect button 25 are a ball loan button 27 that the player operates when borrowing balls from an adjacent ball loan machine, an ejection button 28 that is operated to eject a prepaid card from the card unit of the ball loan machine, and a balance display section (not shown) that displays the balance of the prepaid card. In the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment, the player rotates the operation section 24, causing the ball launching device to launch the gaming balls supplied from the upper tray 21 toward the gaming area 32 (see FIG. 2) on the front side of the gaming board 30. The player can also operate one or more of the setting switches 29n (cross cursor switch, center switch, accessory switch) of the option setting section 29 described above to set, for example, the volume emitted from the speaker 19 or the brightness of the gaming board 30.

Next, the game board 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a front view showing an example of the game board of the first embodiment.
On the surface of the game board 30, a substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 is formed. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and the guide rails 31, which are provided at the four corners of the game board 30. A center case (game presentation component) 40 having a display device (variable display device) 41 is disposed in the center of the game area 32. The display device 41 is attached to a recessed portion of the center case 40, at a position recessed from the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the periphery of the display area of the display device 41, protrudes forward from the display surface of the display device 41, and is formed so that game balls are less likely to fly into the game area 32 from the surrounding area.

The display device 41 is configured with a device having a display screen such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or a CRT (cathode ray tube). The display device 41 may be configured with other display devices such as a device having a display screen capable of displaying a dot matrix using LEDs, or a combination of two or more display devices. In the area (display area) in which images can be displayed on the display screen, information related to the game such as multiple identification information (special symbols), characters that produce the special symbol variable display game, and background images that enhance the performance effect are displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, multiple special symbols assigned as identification information are displayed in a variable manner (variable display), and a decorative special symbol variable display game corresponding to the special symbol variable display game is played. In addition, the display screen displays images for performance based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.).

The upper part of the center case 40 is equipped with a board presentation device 44 that operates to present the game. This board presentation device 44 can operate from the state shown in FIG. 2 toward the center of the display device 41.

A normal symbol start gate (normal symbol start gate) 34 is provided on the lower right side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, which provides the conditions for starting the normal symbol variable display game. A game ball that enters the normal symbol start gate 34 (a game ball that passes through the normal symbol start gate 34) is detected by a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3).

In addition, a general winning port 35 is located on the lower left side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, and a general winning port 35 is located on the lower right side of the center case 40, to the right of the special variable winning device 95 described below. Game balls that win in these general winning ports 35 are detected by winning port switches 35a (see Figure 3).

In addition, below the center case 40 in the game area 32, there is a start winning hole 36 (start winning hole 1) which constitutes the first start winning hole (start winning area) that provides the starting conditions for the first special chart variable display game (special chart 1 variable display game). A game ball that enters the start winning hole 36 is detected by the start winning hole 1 switch 36a (see Figure 3).

In addition, below the start winning hole 36, an outlet 30a is provided for collecting game balls that do not win in the winning holes, etc.
In addition, at a position lower than the center case 40 and to the left of the normal map start gate 34, a normal variation winning device 37 (second start winning port, start winning area) that gives the start condition of the second special map variation display game (special map 2 variation display game) is provided. The normal variation winning device 37 (start port 2) is provided at a position that becomes the inflow part. The movable member 37b is slid forward and backward by the normal power solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) to change between a blocking state that blocks the inflow of game balls into the inflow part and a permitting state that retreats backward to allow the inflow of game balls into the inflow part. The movable member 37b is normally held in a closed state (a state disadvantageous to the player). And, when the result of the normal map variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, it is changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player). The game ball that has won the normal variation winning device 37 is detected by the start port 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 3). In addition, the normal variable prize winning device 37 may be configured to be able to win even when it is closed, and to be more difficult to win when it is closed than when it is open. The normal variable prize winning device 37 corresponds to a normal electric role (normal electric).

In addition, a special variable prize winning device (large prize winning port 1) 38 is provided on the right side of the center case 40 in the play area 32. The special variable prize winning device 38 can be switched between a state in which it does not accept game balls and a state in which it is easy to accept game balls depending on the results of the special chart variable display games (special chart 1 variable display game and special chart 2 variable display game). The special variable prize winning device 38 has an opening/closing member (movable piece) 38c, and depending on the results of the special chart variable display game as an auxiliary game, the opening/closing member 38c closes the large prize winning port and switches it from a closed state (a blocked state disadvantageous to the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which the opening/closing member 38c retreats and can accept game balls flowing down the play area 32. That is, the special variable prize winning device 38 has a large prize winning port (large prize winning port 1) that is opened and closed by an opening and closing member 38c driven by a large prize winning port 1 solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device, and during a big win game state (special game state) resulting from the results of the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game, and during a big win game state (special game state) resulting from winning in a specific area 96 described later, the large prize winning port is converted from a closed state to an open state to facilitate the flow of game balls into the large prize winning port, and a predetermined game value (prize balls) is awarded to the player. In addition, a large prize winning port switch (count switch) 38a (see FIG. 3) is arranged inside the large prize winning port (winning area) as a detection means for detecting game balls that have entered the large prize winning port.

In addition, a special variable prize winning device (large prize winning port 2) 95 is provided on the lower right side of the center case 40 in the game area 32. The special variable prize winning device 95 can be switched between a state in which it does not accept game balls and a state in which it is easy to accept game balls depending on the results of the special chart variable display games (special chart 1 variable display game and special chart 2 variable display game). The special variable prize winning device 95 has an opening/closing member (opening/closing door) 95c, and depending on the results of the special chart variable display game as an auxiliary game, the opening/closing member 95c closes the large prize winning port and switches it from a closed state (a blocked state that is disadvantageous to the player) to an open state (a state that is advantageous to the player) in which the opening/closing member 95c retreats and can accept game balls flowing down the game area 32. That is, the special variable prize winning device 95 has a large prize winning port (large prize winning port 2) that is opened and closed by an opening and closing member 95c driven by a large prize winning port 2 solenoid 95b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device, and during a small win game state resulting from the results of the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game, the large prize winning port is converted from a closed state to an open state to facilitate the flow of game balls into the large prize winning port, and a predetermined game value (prize balls) is awarded to the player. In addition, a large prize winning port switch (count switch) 38a (see FIG. 3) is arranged inside the large prize winning port (winning area) as a detection means for detecting game balls that have entered the large prize winning port.

The special variable prize-winning device 95 also has a V-channel that guides a game ball that has entered the prize-winning port to the specific area 96. The special variable prize-winning device 95 is provided with a specific area switch 38e (see FIG. 3) that detects a game ball that has flowed into the specific area 96. The detection of a game ball (entry into the specific area 96) by the specific area switch 38e is one of the conditions for the occurrence of a jackpot game state (special game state) that changes the special variable prize-winning device (large prize-winning port 1) 38 from a closed state to an open state.

Also, the center case 40 does not have a warp flow path, but may have one. For example, a warp port (warp entrance) may be provided on the left side of the center case 40, and game balls that flow into the warp flow path from the warp port may be made to roll on a stage inside the center case 40, with some of them being guided to the warp exit. In that case, the warp exit may be located directly above the start winning opening 36, making it easier for game balls guided to the warp exit to enter the start winning opening 36.

In the first embodiment of the gaming machine 10, the area to the left of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32 into which the gaming balls flow is the left gaming area, and the area to the right of the center case 40 is the right gaming area. The player can aim to win at the start winning gate 36 or the general winning gate 35 (located in the left gaming area) by adjusting the launch force to launch the gaming ball into the left gaming area (so-called left shot), and can aim to win at the normal starting gate 34, the normal variable winning device 37, the special variable winning device 38, 95, the general winning gate 35 (located in the right gaming area), etc. by launching the gaming ball into the right gaming area (so-called right shot).

In addition, outside the game area 32 (here, the lower right corner of the game board 30), there is provided a collective display device 50 that displays the first special chart change display game and the second special chart change display game, which constitute the special chart change display game, and the normal chart change display game that is triggered by winning the normal chart start gate 34, as well as various information.

The collective display device 50 includes a round display section 51, which is made up of LEDs or the like, a special 1 reserved display section 52, a special 1 pattern display section 53, a special 2 pattern display section 54, a regular pattern display section 55, a regular reserved display section 56, and a status display section 57 (see FIG. 5). Details of the collective display device 50 will be described later.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a right-hit guide display device 91c on the right side near the special variable winning device (large winning port 1) 38. The right-hit guide display device 91c lights up when instructing the player to make a right hit, and is turned off in other cases. The right-hit guide display device 91c is included in the board decoration device 46.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a special symbol game change display status display device 98 at the bottom right of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32. The special symbol game change display status display device 98 is a so-called fourth symbol display device, and is composed of two LEDs. The special symbol game change display status display device 98 displays the change display status of the special symbol 1 change display game with the left LED, and displays the change display status of the special symbol 2 change display game with the right LED. For example, the special symbol game change display status display device 98 notifies the symbol stop status of the special symbol change display game by lighting up, and notifies the symbol change status of the special symbol change display game by flashing. The special symbol game change display status display device 98 is included in the board decoration device 46.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a regular map variation display device 93 and a regular map reserved display device 94 on the right side of the center case 40 in the play area 32. The regular map variation display device 93 is composed of two LEDs, and indicates the variation display status of the regular map game by alternating flashing, and indicates the result of the variation display of the regular map game by a combination of lighting and extinguishing. In addition, the regular map reserved display device 94 is composed of two LEDs, and indicates the number of reserved regular maps, from 0 to 4, by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, and flashing. The regular map variation display device 93 and regular map reserved display device 94 are included in the board decoration device 46.

Next, the control system of the gaming machine will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control system of the gaming machine of the first embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gaming control device 100, which is a main control device (main board) that controls the overall game, and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) section 110 having a gaming microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the gaming microcomputer) 111, an input section 120 having an input port, an output section 130 having output ports, drivers, etc., and a data bus 140 that connects the CPU section 110, the input section 120, and the output section 130.

The CPU section 110 has a gaming microcomputer 111 called an amusement chip (IC (Integrated Circuit)), and an oscillator circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 that has an oscillator such as a crystal resonator and generates the operating clock of the gaming microcomputer 111, timer interrupts, and a clock that serves as a reference for the random number generation circuit. The gaming control device 100 and electronic components such as solenoids and motors driven by the gaming control device 100 are made operable by being supplied with a direct current voltage of a predetermined level, such as DC (Direct Current) 32V, DC 12V, or DC 5V, generated by the power supply device 400.

The power supply device 400 includes a normal power supply unit 410 having an AC (Alternating Current)-DC converter that generates the above-mentioned DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply and a DC-DC converter that generates lower level DC voltages such as DC 12V or DC 5V from DC 32V, a backup power supply unit 420 that supplies power supply voltage to the RAM (Random Access Memory) inside the gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power outage, and a control signal generation unit 430 that has a power outage monitoring circuit and generates and outputs control signals such as a power outage monitoring signal and a reset signal that notify the gaming control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of a power outage.

In the first embodiment, the power supply unit 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generating unit 430 may be configured to be provided on a separate board or integral with the game control device 100, i.e., on the main board. The game board 30 and the game control device 100 are subject to replacement when changing models, so by providing the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generating unit 430 on a board separate from the power supply unit 400 or the main board, as in the first embodiment, they are not subject to replacement, thereby reducing costs.

The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of a single large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power supply is supplied to the gaming microcomputer 111 (particularly the built-in RAM) of the gaming control device 100, so that data stored in the RAM is retained even during a power outage or after the power is cut off. The control signal generating unit 430, for example, monitors the 32V voltage generated by the normal power supply unit 410, and when it drops to, for example, 17V or less, detects the occurrence of a power outage and changes the power outage monitoring signal, while outputting a reset signal after a predetermined time. It also outputs a reset signal after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the power is turned on or the power is restored.

The gaming control device 100 is also provided with a RAM initialization switch 112. When this RAM initialization switch 112 is operated, an initialization switch signal is generated, and based on this, a process is performed to forcibly initialize the information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. Although not limited to this, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a type of forced interrupt signal, and resets the entire control system.

The game control device 100 is also provided with a setting value change switch 126 and a setting key switch 127. The setting value change switch 126 is, for example, a push switch that detects a push operation. The setting key switch 127 allows the setting key to be inserted to switch between an ON state and an OFF state. The game control device 100 is capable of changing settings related to game performance, and the settings stored in the RAM are retained even during a power outage or after a power cut. For example, the game control device 100 allows the winning probability of the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game to be changed according to six different settings.

When the game control device 100 is turned on with the setting key switch 127 in the ON state and the RAM initialization switch 112 in the ON state, the game control device 100 transitions the control state to a setting change mode in which the settings of the game machine 10 can be changed. For example, in the setting change mode, the game control device 100 displays the setting contents on the probability setting value display device 136, while making it possible to cyclically change settings from 1 to 6 by detecting the pressing operation of the setting value change switch 126. The probability setting value display device 136 is a display device capable of displaying setting values, and is, for example, a one-digit seven-segment LED mounted on a board.

When the game control device 100 is powered on with the setting key switch 127 in the ON state and the RAM initialization switch 112 in the OFF state, the game control device 100 transitions to a setting confirmation mode in which the settings of the game machine 10 can be confirmed. For example, in the setting confirmation mode, the game control device 100 displays the setting contents on the probability setting value display device 136. Naturally, the probability setting value display device 136 can be confirmed by the manager of the game center, but cannot be confirmed by players.

The gaming microcomputer 111 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (Read Only Memory) 111B, and a RAM 111C that can be read and written at any time.

ROM 111B stores unchanging information for game control (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) in a non-volatile manner, and RAM 111C is used as a working area for CPU 111A during game control or as a storage area for various signals and random numbers. ROM 111B or RAM 111C may be an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM).

The ROM 111B also stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode) that specifies, for example, the execution time of the special chart variation display game, the performance content, and whether or not a reach state occurs. The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine a variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random number 1, the variation pattern random number 2, and the variation pattern random number 3 stored as the start memory. The variation pattern table also includes a miss variation pattern table that is selected when the result is a miss, a jackpot variation pattern table that is selected when the result is a jackpot, and the like. Furthermore, these pattern tables include tables (such as a second half variation group table and a second half variation pattern selection table) for determining a second half variation pattern that is a variation pattern after the reach state is reached, and tables (such as a first half variation group table and a first half variation pattern selection table) for determining a first half variation pattern that is a variation pattern before the reach state is reached.

Here, the term "reach" (reach state) refers to a display state in which, in a gaming machine 10 having a display device with a variable display state, the display device derives and displays multiple display results at different times, and when the multiple display results become a predetermined special result mode, the gaming state becomes a gaming state (special gaming state) advantageous to the player. At a stage where some of the multiple display results have not yet been derived and displayed, the display result that has already been derived and displayed satisfies the conditions for becoming a special result mode. In other words, the reach state refers to a display mode that does not deviate from the display conditions for becoming a special result mode even when the variable display control of the display device progresses and reaches a stage before the display result is derived and displayed. For example, a state in which a variable display is performed using multiple variable display areas while maintaining a state in which all special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. In addition, the reach state refers to the display state at the time when the display control of the display device progresses to a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and at least some of the display results of the multiple variable display areas determined before the display result is derived and displayed satisfy the conditions for a special result mode.

Therefore, for example, if the decorative special chart variable display game displayed on the display device in response to the special chart variable display game displays multiple identification information for a predetermined period of time in each of the left, center, and right variable display areas on the display device, and then stops the variable display in the order of left, right, and center to display the result state, the state in which the variable display stops in the left and right variable display areas when the conditions for a special result state are met (for example, the same identification information) becomes a reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the state in which the conditions for a special result state are met in any two of the left, center, and right variable display areas (for example, the same identification information, excluding the special result state) may be set as a reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be displayed from this reach state.

This reach state includes multiple reach effects, and normal reach (N reach), special 1 reach (SP1 reach), special 2 reach (SP2 reach), special 3 reach (SP3 reach), and premium reach are set as reach effects with different possibilities (different expected values) for the special result state to be derived. The expected values are set to increase in the order of "no reach" < "normal reach" < "special 1 reach" < "special 2 reach" < "special 3 reach" < "premium reach". This reach state is included in the variable display mode at least when the special result state is derived in the special chart variable display game (when a jackpot is reached). In other words, it may also be included in the variable display mode when it is determined that the special result state is not derived in the special chart variable display game (when a miss is reached). Therefore, a state in which a reach state has occurred is a state with a higher possibility of a jackpot than when a reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes the game control program in the ROM 111B to generate control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the performance control device 300, and generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoid and the display device to control the entire game machine 10. In addition, although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 is equipped with a random number generation circuit for generating a jackpot random number for determining a win in the special chart variable display game, a jackpot pattern random number for determining a jackpot pattern, a variable pattern in the special chart variable display game (including the execution time of the variable display game in various reach and no reach variable displays), a win random number for determining a win in the normal chart variable display game, etc., and a clock generator that generates a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds (ms)) for the CPU 111A and a clock that provides the update timing of the random number generation circuit based on an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113.

In addition, in the processing related to the special chart variation display game, the CPU 111A acquires one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B. Specifically, the CPU 111A selects and acquires one of the plurality of variation pattern tables based on the game result of the special chart variation display game (win (big win or small win) or miss), the probability state of the special chart variation display game as the current game state (normal probability state or high probability state), the operation state (time-saving operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as the current game state, the number of start memories, etc. Here, the CPU 111A serves as a variation allocation information acquisition means for acquiring one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B when executing the special chart variation display game.

The payout control device 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, an input interface, an output interface, etc., and drives the payout motor of the payout unit provided in the gaming machine 10 in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the gaming control device 100, thereby controlling the payout of prize balls. The payout control device 200 also drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on a ball loan request signal from the card unit of the ball loan machine attached to the gaming machine 10, thereby controlling the payout of loaned balls.

The input section 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 is connected to the start gate 1 switch 36a in the start gate 36, the start gate 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a in the normal start gate 34, the winning gate switch 35a, the large winning gate switch 38a in the special variable winning devices 38 and 95, and the specific area switch 38e in the special variable winning device 95, and is provided with an interface chip (proximity I/F) 121 that receives negative logic signals such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches and converts them into positive logic signals of 0V-5V. The proximity I/F 121 also receives a detection signal from the board radio wave sensor 62 that detects the emission of radio waves to the gaming machine 10. In addition, the proximity I/F 121 has an input range of 7V-11V, so it can detect abnormal conditions such as when the lead wires of a sensor or proximity switch are improperly shorted, when a sensor or switch is removed from a connector, or when a lead wire is cut and floating, and is configured to output an abnormality detection signal.

As for the winning port switch 35a, in FIG. 3, the winning port switch 35a is shown as one block, but in reality, multiple (n) winning port switches 35a (three in this embodiment) are provided on the game board 30, and each signal is input to the proximity I/F 121 through a different signal line. In addition, in FIG. 3, the large winning port switch 38a is shown as one block, but in reality, multiple (x) large winning port switches 38a (three in this embodiment) are provided on the game board 30. These multiple large winning port switches 38a are connected to each other through different signal lines, or are connected to the game control device 100 in a wired OR manner on a relay board (not shown) that exists between the switch and the game control device 100 (main board). The board radio wave sensor 62 and the magnetic sensor 61 described later may also be connected to each other through different signal lines, or may be connected to the game control device 100 in a wired OR manner.

The output of the proximity I/F 121 is supplied to the second input port 123 or the third input port 124 and is read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. Among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, the large winning port switch 38a, and the specific area switch 38e are input to the second input port 123. The signal output (output from the proximity I/F 121) of the start port switches in FIG. 1, the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, is shown as one signal line in FIG. 3, but in reality there are two.

Among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signal of the board radio wave sensor 62 and the abnormality detection signal output when an abnormality of the sensor or switch is detected are input to the third input port 124. The third input port 124 also receives the detection signal of the magnetic sensor 61 for detecting fraud provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10, the detection signal of the glass frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 of the gaming machine 10, the detection signal of the main frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (main frame) 12 of the gaming machine 10, the detection signal of the setting value change switch 126, the detection signal of the setting key switch 127, and the touch switch signal from the payout control device 200 (a signal based on the input of the touch switch provided on the operation unit 24).

In addition, the output of the proximity I/F 121 to the second input port 123 is also supplied from the game control device 100 to a test firing device (not shown) via the relay board 70. Furthermore, among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a are configured to be input to the game microcomputer 111 in addition to the second input port 123.

As described above, the proximity I/F 121 has a signal level conversion function. To enable this level conversion function, the proximity I/F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation.

The data held by the second input port 123 can be read by the gaming microcomputer 111 asserting (changing to an active level) a chip enable signal CE (Chip Enable) (not shown) by decoding the address assigned to the second input port 123. The same applies to the third input port 124 and the first input port 122 described below.

The input section 120 is also provided with a first input port 122 that takes in the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112, the frame radio wave invalid signal from the payout control device 200 (a signal output based on the frame radio wave sensor installed on the front frame 12 detecting radio waves), the payout busy signal (a signal indicating whether the payout control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands), the payout abnormality status signal (a status signal indicating a payout abnormality), the shoot ball out switch signal (a signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout), the overflow switch signal (a signal output when it is detected that the lower tray 23 has more than a predetermined amount of game balls stored (is full)), and the out ball detection switch signal (a signal output when an out ball is detected) and supplies them to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140.

The out ball detection switch signal is a signal output from the out sensor (not shown) each time the out sensor detects one out ball of the gaming machine 10. For example, the out ball detection switch signal is provided in a discharge flow path (not shown) between the discharge port (not shown) that discharges game balls (out balls) from the gaming machine 10 and the out port 30a. The out ball detection switch signal is used to calculate the game performance (for example, base) per predetermined operation (for example, 60,000 out balls), and the calculated game performance is displayed on the performance display device 135. The out ball detection switch signal may be input to the performance control device 300. In that case, the out ball detection switch signal may be used to determine the operating state that triggers switching to game performance or customer waiting screen display. For example, the performance display device 135 is a 4-digit 7-segment LED that can display the game performance in decimal or hexadecimal.

The gaming machine 10 may also be provided with a vibration sensor switch that detects vibrations, and the detection signal of this vibration sensor switch may be input to the first input port 122 or the third input port 124.

The gaming control device 100 is also provided with a Schmitt buffer 125 for inputting signals such as a power outage monitoring signal and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111, etc., and the Schmitt buffer 125 has the function of removing noise from these input signals. The power outage monitoring signal from the power supply device 400 and the initialization switch signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 are first input to the first input port 122 and then taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. In other words, they are treated as signals equivalent to the signals from the various switches mentioned above. This is because there is a limit to the number of terminals provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 for receiving signals from the outside.

On the other hand, the reset signal RESET from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt buffer 125 is input directly to a reset terminal provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. The reset signal RESET is configured to be output directly to the relay board 70 without passing through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test firing signal held in a port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test firing device. The reset signal RESET may also be configured to be output to the test firing device via the relay board 70. The reset signal RESET is not supplied to the first to third input ports 122, 123, and 124 of the input unit 120. The data set by the gaming microcomputer 111 to each port of the output unit 130 immediately before the reset signal RESET is input must be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from each port of the input unit 120 immediately before the reset signal RESET is input is discarded by the reset of the gaming microcomputer 111.

The output unit 130 is provided with a Schmitt buffer 132 arranged on the communication path from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the presentation control device 300 and on the communication path from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the payout control device 200. Data is transmitted from the gaming control device 100 to the presentation control device 300 and the payout control device 200 via serial communication. Note that the serial communication from the gaming control device 100 to the presentation control device 300 and the payout control device 200 is one-way communication that does not allow signals to be input from the presentation control device 300 to the gaming control device 100.

The output unit 130 is further configured to be able to mount a buffer 133 that is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs data informing the special pattern information of the variable display game and signals indicating the probability of a jackpot to a test firing device of a certification agency (not shown) via a relay board 70. This buffer 133 is a component that is not mounted on the game control device (main board) of a pachinko game machine as an actual machine (mass-produced product) installed in an amusement facility. Note that the detection signal of a switch that does not require processing, such as a start port switch, output from the proximity I/F 121 is supplied to the test firing device via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 133.

On the other hand, detection signals that cannot be supplied to the test firing device as they are, such as those from the magnetic sensor 61 and the board radio wave sensor 62, are first taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information, and are then supplied to the test firing device from the data bus 140 via the buffer 133 and the relay board 70 as an error signal indicating that the gaming machine is in a state where it cannot be controlled. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 133 and supplies it to the test firing device, and a connector that relays and transmits the signal line of the switch detection signal without passing through the buffer. The chip enable signal CE (not shown) output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by this chip enable signal CE is supplied to the test firing device.

The output unit 130 is also provided with a first output port 134a that is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs opening/closing data for the large prize opening 1 solenoid 38b that opens and closes the opening/closing member 38c of the special variable prize winning device 38 (large prize opening 1), opening/closing data for the large prize opening 2 solenoid 95b that opens and closes the opening/closing member 95c of the special variable prize winning device 95 (large prize opening 2), opening/closing data for the normal solenoid 37c that opens and closes the movable member 37b of the normal variable prize winning device 37, and display data for the performance display device 135.

The output unit 130 also has a second output port 134b for outputting display data of the probability setting value display device 136. The output unit 130 also has a third output port 134c for outputting on/off data of the segment line to which the anode terminal of the LED is connected according to the content to be displayed on the collective display device 50, and a fourth output port 134d for outputting on/off data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected.

The output unit 130 also has a fifth output port 134e for outputting information about the gaming machine 10, such as jackpot information, to the external information terminal board 71. The external information terminal board 71 is equipped with a photorelay and can be connected to an external device (such as an information collection terminal or an internal management device for the gaming facility (hall computer)) installed in the gaming facility, so that information about the gaming machine 10 can be supplied to the external device via the photorelay. Note that part of the information supplied to the external device is output from the fourth output port 134d. Also, from the fifth output port 134e, a launch permission signal is output to the payout control device 200 via the Schmitt buffer 132.

In addition, the output section 130 includes a first driver (drive circuit) 138a that receives the opening and closing data signals of the large prize opening solenoid 38b, the specific area solenoid 38d, and the normal power solenoid 37c output from the first output port 134a and generates and outputs a solenoid drive signal, a second driver 138b that outputs an on/off drive signal for the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the third output port 134c, a third driver 138c that outputs an on/off drive signal for the digit line on the current draw side of the collective display device 50 output from the fourth output port 134d, a fourth driver 138d that outputs an external information signal to be supplied to an external device such as a management device from the fifth output port 134e or the fourth output port 134d to the external information terminal board 71, and a fifth driver 138e that receives the display data signal of the performance display device 135 output from the first output port 134a and generates and outputs a drive signal for the performance display device 135.

The first driver 138a is supplied with DC 32V from the power supply unit 400 as a power supply voltage so that it can drive a solenoid that operates at 32V. The second driver 138b, which drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50, is supplied with DC 12V. The third driver 138c, which drives the digit lines, is for drawing current from the digit lines according to the display data, so the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V.

The second driver 138b, which outputs 12V, feeds current to the anode terminal of the LED through a segment line, and the third driver 138c, which outputs a ground potential, draws current from the cathode terminal through a segment line, so that the power supply voltage flows through the LEDs selected sequentially by the dynamic drive method, causing them to light up. The fourth driver 138d, which outputs an external information signal to the external information terminal board 71, is supplied with DC 12V to give the external information signal a level of 12V. The buffer 133, the first output port 134a, the first driver 138a, etc. may be provided on the output section 130 of the game control device 100, i.e., on the relay board 70 side, rather than on the main board. The performance display device 135, or the fifth driver 138e and the performance display device 135, may be provided on the output section 130 of the game control device 100, i.e., on the external board (not shown), rather than on the main board.

The output unit 130 is further provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as the identification code and programs of each gaming machine to an external inspection device 490. The photocoupler 139 is configured to enable two-way communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 490 via serial communication. Note that, since such data transmission and reception is performed using a serial communication terminal possessed by the gaming microcomputer 111, as in the case of a normal general-purpose microprocessor, no ports such as the first to third input ports 122, 123, and 124 are provided.

Next, the configuration of the performance control device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the performance control device of the first embodiment.
The performance control device 300 is equipped with a main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 which is an amusement chip (IC) similar to the gaming microcomputer 111, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 312 as a graphics processor which performs image processing for displaying images on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311, and a sound source LSI 314 which controls the sound output to play various melodies, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 19.

The main control microcomputer 311 is connected to a PROM 321 (programmable read-only memory) that stores the programs executed by the CPU and various data, a RAM 322 that provides a working area, a Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) 323 that can retain memory contents even if power is not supplied during a power outage, and a real-time clock (RTC) 338 that serves as a timekeeping means for generating information indicating the current date and time (date, day of the week, time, etc.). A RAM 311a that provides a working area is also provided inside the main control microcomputer 311. A watchdog timer (WDT) circuit 324 is also connected to the main control microcomputer 311. The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands (performance commands) from the gaming microcomputer 111, determines the performance content, and instructs the VDP 312 on the content of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 314 to play sounds, lights up decorative lamps, controls the drive of motors and solenoids, manages the performance time, and performs other processes.

The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM 312a that provides a working area, and a scaler 312b for enlarging and reducing images. Also connected to the VDP 312 is an image ROM 325 that stores character images and video data, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM 326 that is used to expand and process image data of characters, etc., read from the image ROM 325.

Although not limited to this, data is sent and received between the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 312 in a parallel manner. By sending and receiving data in a parallel manner, commands and data can be sent in a shorter time than in a serial manner.

The VDP 312 inputs to the main control microcomputer 311 a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC for synchronizing the image on the display device 41 with the lighting of the decorative lamps on the glass frame 15 and the game board 30, and a synchronization signal STS for providing the timing for transmitting data. In addition, the VDP 312 also inputs to the main control microcomputer 311 interrupt signals INT0-n for notifying the processing status, such as the end of drawing to the VRAM, and a wait signal WAIT for notifying the main control microcomputer 311 that it is waiting to receive commands or data.

The performance control device 300 is provided with a signal conversion circuit 313 that generates a video signal to be sent to the display device 41 using the LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) method. Video data, a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, and a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC are input from the VDP 312 to the signal conversion circuit 313, and the video generated by the VDP 312 is displayed on the display device 41 via the signal conversion circuit 313.

The sound source LSI 314 is connected to an audio ROM 327 in which audio data is stored. The main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are connected via an address/data bus 340. An interrupt signal INT is input from the sound source LSI 314 to the main control microcomputer 311. The performance control device 300 is provided with an amplifier circuit 337 consisting of an audio power amplifier that drives the upper speakers 19a (upper left speaker 19a1, upper right speaker 19a2) provided in the glass frame 15 and the lower speakers 19b (lower left speaker 19b1, lower right speaker 19b2) provided in the front frame 12, and the sound generated by the sound source LSI 314 is output from the speakers 19 via the amplifier circuit 337.

The presentation control device 300 is also provided with an interface chip (command I/F) 331 that receives commands sent from the game control device 100. Through this command I/F 331, the presentation control device 300 receives the number of reserved decorative special symbols commands, decorative special symbol commands, fluctuation commands, stop information commands, and the like sent from the game control device 100 to the presentation control device 300 as presentation control command signals (presentation commands). The game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates on DC 5V, and the main control microcomputer 311 of the presentation control device 300 operates on DC 3.3V, so the command I/F 331 is provided with a signal level conversion function.

The performance control device 300 is provided with a board decoration LED control circuit 332 that drives and controls a board decoration device 46 having LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and the like provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), a frame decoration LED control circuit 333 that drives and controls a frame decoration device (such as the frame decoration device 18) having LEDs (light-emitting diodes) provided on the glass frame 15, and a board performance movable body control circuit 334 that drives and controls a board performance device 44 (such as a movable role that enhances the performance effect in cooperation with the performance display on the display device 41) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). These control circuits 332 to 334 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to the main control microcomputer 311 via an address/data bus 340. Note that a frame performance device equipped with a drive source such as a motor (such as a motor that operates a performance device) may be provided on the glass frame 15, and a frame performance movable body control circuit that drives and controls this frame performance device.

Furthermore, the performance control device 300 is provided with a switch input circuit 336 that has the function of detecting the on/off state of the performance button switch 25a of the performance button 25, the setting switch 29n of the option setting unit 29, and the performance role switch 47 (performance motor switch) that detects the initial position of the motor in the board performance device 44, and inputting the detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311, and the function of detecting the state of the volume adjustment switch 335 provided in the performance control device 300 and inputting the detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311. Note that in FIG. 4, the switches in the option setting unit 29 are collectively represented as the setting switch 29n for convenience, but in detail, the states of the above-mentioned switches (cross cursor switch, center switch, auxiliary switch) are connected so that they can be detected individually by the switch input circuit 336, and the detection signals indicating the respective states of the switches are input to the main control microcomputer 311.

The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply unit 400 is configured to generate a voltage of DC 32V for driving the motors and solenoids, DC 12V for driving the display device 41 consisting of a liquid crystal panel, motors and LEDs, DC 5V as the power supply voltage for the command I/F 331, and DC 15V for driving the motors, LEDs and speaker 19 in order to supply the desired level of DC voltage to the performance control device 300 having the above configuration and the electronic components controlled by it. Furthermore, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3V or 1.2V is used as the main control microcomputer 311, a DC-DC converter is provided in the performance control device 300 to generate DC 3.3V or DC 1.2V based on DC 5V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

The reset signal generated by the control signal generating unit 430 of the power supply unit 400 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 311, which resets the device. It is also supplied from the main control microcomputer 311 to the VDP 312 (VDPRESET signal), the sound source LSI 314 and the amplifier circuit 337 (SNDRESET signal), and the control circuits 332-334 (IORESET signal) which drive and control lamps, motors, etc., which reset these. A cooling fan 45 which cools various parts of the gaming machine 10 is connected to the performance control device 300, and the cooling fan 45 is driven when the performance control device 300 is powered on. The circuit board which constitutes the performance control device 300 corresponds to a sub-control board (also called a sub-board).

Next, the game control performed by these control circuits will be described.
The CPU 111A of the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 extracts a random number value for determining whether the normal figure is a winning symbol based on the input of a game ball detection signal from the gate switch 34a provided on the normal figure start gate 34, compares it with the judgment value stored in the ROM 111B, and performs processing to determine whether the normal figure variable display game is a winning symbol or a losing symbol. Then, the CPU 111A performs processing to display the normal figure variable display game in which the identification symbol (identification information) is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time on the normal figure pattern display unit 55 of the collective display device 50, and then displays the normal figure variable display game in which the identification symbol (identification information) is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. If the result of this normal figure variable display game is a winning symbol, the CPU 111A operates the normal power solenoid 37c, and controls the movable member 37b of the normal variable winning device 37 to open as described above for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds or 1.7 seconds). That is, the game control device 100 constitutes a conversion control execution means for controlling the conversion of the conversion member (movable member 37b). When the result of the normal pattern variation display game is a loss, the game control device 100 controls the display of the loss result state on the normal pattern display unit 55.

Also, a start winning (start memory) is stored based on the input of a game ball detection signal from the start port 1 switch 36a provided in the start winning port 36, and based on this start memory, a random number value for jackpot determination of the first special chart variable display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in ROM 111B to perform processing to determine whether the first special chart variable display game is a win or a loss. Also, a start memory is stored based on the input of a game ball detection signal from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variable winning device 37, and based on this start memory, a random number value for jackpot determination of the second special chart variable display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in ROM 111B to perform processing to determine whether the second special chart variable display game is a win or a loss.

Then, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (presentation control command, presentation command) including the judgment result of the above-mentioned first special chart variable display game and second special chart variable display game to the presentation control device 300. Then, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 performs processing to display a special chart variable display game in which the identification pattern (identification information) is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time on the special chart 1 pattern display unit 53 and the special chart 2 pattern display unit 54 of the collective display device 50, and then displays the special chart variable display game in a stationary manner. In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a game control means that controls the progress of the variable display game based on the winning of the game ball flowing down the game area 32 into the start winning area (start winning port 36, normal variable winning device 37).

The performance control device 300 also performs processing to display a decorative special chart variable display game corresponding to the special chart variable display game on the display device 41 based on a control signal from the game control device 100. Furthermore, the performance control device 300 also performs processing to set the performance state, output sound from the speaker 19, and control the illumination of various LEDs based on a control signal from the game control device 100. In other words, the performance control device 300 serves as a performance control means that controls the performance related to the game (variable display game, etc.).

Then, when the result of the special chart variable display game is a big win or a small win, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays the special result state or the small win result state on the special chart 1 pattern display section 53 or the special chart 2 pattern display section 54, and performs processing to generate a special game state or a small win game state (i.e., processing to execute a special game or a small win game). In processing to generate a special game state due to the result of the first special chart variable display game or the second special chart variable display game being a big win, the CPU 111A, for example, controls the opening and closing member 38c of the special variable winning device 38 by the big winning port solenoid 38b to open, thereby allowing the game ball to flow into the big winning port. In this special game state, the CPU 111A performs control (cycle game) to continue (repeated) this a predetermined number of rounds by opening the large prize opening until one of the following conditions is met: for example, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) enter the large prize opening, or a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the large prize opening. In addition, in the process of generating a small win game state due to the result of the first special chart variable display game (special chart 1 variable display game) or the second special chart variable display game (special chart 2 variable display game) being a small win, the CPU 111A performs control, for example, to open the opening/closing member 38c of the special variable winning device 38 by the large prize opening solenoid 38b, thereby allowing game balls to flow into the large prize opening.

The opening and closing operation pattern (opening and closing operation mode) of the large prize opening performed in these small win game states is, for example, an operation of maintaining the opening and closing member in an open state for only 200 ms, performed four times at 1500 ms intervals. In this way, the game control device 100 serves as a large prize opening opening opening control means that controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening when the stop result mode becomes a special result mode. Also, when the result of the special pattern variation display game is a loss, the CPU 111A controls to display the result mode of a loss on the special pattern 1 display unit 53 and special pattern 2 display unit 54 of the collective display device 50.

In addition, the game control device 100 of the first embodiment does not perform probability fluctuation in the special chart variation display game, but may perform probability fluctuation in the chart variation display game. For example, the game control device 100 is capable of generating a high probability state as a game state after the end of a special game state based on the result state of the special chart variation display game. This high probability state is a state in which the probability of a winning result in the special chart variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. Also, regardless of whether the high probability state is reached based on the result state of the first special chart variation display game or the second special chart variation display game, both the first special chart variation display game and the second special chart variation display game will be in a high probability state.

The game control device 100 can also generate a time-saving state (specific game state, normal game high probability state) as a game state after the special game state ends, based on the result state of the special game variable display game. In this time-saving state, it is possible to set the probability of a winning result of the normal game variable display game (normal game probability) to a high probability (normal game high probability state) higher than the normal probability (normal game low probability state) of 0. This allows the normal game variable winning device 37 to be controlled so that the opening time per unit time of the normal game variable winning device 37 is longer than when the normal game variable winning device 37 is in the normal game low probability state. Here, the normal game variable winning device 37 in this embodiment has a normal game probability set to "0" so that the movable member 37b is not opened in the normal game state.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the execution time of the normal map variation display game (normal map variation time) is, for example, 500 ms, the normal map stop time that displays the result of the normal map variation display game is, for example, 600 ms, and when the normal map variation display game results in a win and the normal variation winning device 37 is opened, it is possible to set the opening time (normal power opening time) and number of times that the first winning stop pattern is opened (for example, 500 ms x 1 time), the opening time (normal power opening time) and number of times that the second winning stop pattern is opened (for example, 1700 ms x 2 times), and the opening time (normal power opening time) and number of times that the third winning stop pattern is opened (for example, 1700 ms x 3 times).

In addition, the execution time, normal map stop time, normal power opening count, and normal power opening time of the normal map variation display game may be set appropriately to control the normal map variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 to a time-saving operation state. For example, in the time-saving state, it is possible to control the execution time (normal map variation time) of the above-mentioned normal map variation display game to a second variable display time shorter than the first variable display time (for example, 10,000 ms to 1000 ms). Also, in the time-saving state, it is possible to control the normal map stop time that displays the result of the normal map variation display game to a second stop time shorter than the first stop time (for example, 1604 ms to 704 ms). Also, in the time-saving state, when the normal map variation display game is a winning result and the normal variation winning device 37 is opened, it is possible to control the opening time (normal power opening time) to a second opening time longer than the first opening time in the normal state (low normal map probability state) (for example, 100 ms to 1352 ms). Also, in the time-saving state, it is possible to set the number of times the normal variable winning device 37 opens (normal power opening number) for one winning result of the normal variable display game to a second opening number (for example, four times) that is greater than the first opening number (for example, two times). Also, in the time-saving state, it is possible to set the probability of a winning result of the normal variable display game (normal probability) to a high probability (normal probability state, for example, 250/251) that is higher than the normal probability in the normal operation state (normal low probability state, for example, 1/251).

In the time-saving state, the time for converting the normal variation winning device 37 to the open state is extended by changing one or more of the following: normal map variation time, normal map stop time, normal power opening count, normal power opening time, and normal map probability. It is also possible to set multiple types of time-saving states that change different things. In addition, when a hit occurs, either the first opening mode or the second opening mode may be selected. In this case, the selection probability of the first opening mode and the second opening mode may be made different. In addition, the high probability state and the time-saving state can occur independently, and both can occur simultaneously, or only one can occur. The time-saving state can also be called a normal power support state (during normal power support, or during power support).

Next, the configuration of the collective display device will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a collective display device of the first embodiment. The collective display device 50 has 16 LEDs including 7-segment LED_d1, 7-segment LED_d2, and LED_d3 to LED_d18. The collective display device 50 displays various statuses according to the lighting state of 7-segment LED_d1, 7-segment LED_d2, and LED_d3 to LED_d18.

The collective display device 50 is provided with a round display section 51, a special chart 1 reserved display section 52, a special chart 1 pattern display section 53, a special chart 2 pattern display section 54, a normal chart pattern display section 55, a normal chart reserved display section 56, a status display section 57, and a special chart 2 reserved display section 58, by distributing various status display functions to the 7-segment LED_d1, 7-segment LED_d2, and LED_d3 to LED_d18. The round display section 51 displays the number of rounds in the special chart game by the lighting state of the four LEDs, LED_d3 to LED_d6. The special chart 1 reserved display section 52 displays the number of reserved games in the special chart 1 game by the lighting state of the two LEDs, LED_d11 and LED_d12. The special chart 1 pattern display section 53 displays the patterns in the special chart 1 game by the lighting state of the eight LEDs (seven segment LEDs and one dot LED) of the 7-segment LED_d1. The special 2 symbol display unit 54 displays symbols in the special 2 game according to the lighting state of the eight LEDs (seven segment LEDs and one dot LED) of the seven-segment LED_d2. The normal symbol display unit 55 displays symbols in the normal game according to the lighting state of three LEDs, LED_d8, LED_d10, and LED_d18. The normal reserved display unit 56 displays the number of reserved balls in the normal game according to the lighting state of two LEDs, LED_d15 and LED_d16. The status display unit 57 displays the game status in the special game according to the lighting state of three LEDs, LED_d7, LED_d9, and LED_d17. The special 2 reserved display unit 58 displays the number of reserved balls in the special 2 game according to the lighting state of two LEDs, LED_d13 and LED_d14.

The control of a gaming machine that performs such games will be described below. First, the control executed by the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 will be described. The control process by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly consists of a main process and a timer interrupt process that is performed at a predetermined time interval (for example, 4 ms).

[Main processing]
First, the main processing of the game control device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 10. Fig. 6 is a diagram (part 1) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram (part 2) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram (part 3) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram (part 4) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram (part 5) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment.

The main process is started by the control unit (gaming microcomputer 111) when the power is turned on. In this main process, first, a process to prohibit interrupts (step S1) is performed, followed by a stack pointer setting process (step S2) to set a stack pointer, which is the top address of the area to which values of registers, etc. are saved when an interrupt occurs. Next, register bank 0 is specified (step S3), and the upper address of the RAM top address is set in a specified register (for example, the D register) (step S4). The address range of RAM 111C is 0000h to 01FFh, with the upper addresses being 00h or 01h. In step S4, 00h, which is at the top of the address range of RAM 111C, is set.

Next, a launch stop signal is output and the launch permission signal is set to a prohibited state (step S5). The launch permission signal is set to a prohibited state when at least one of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 outputs a launch stop signal, and the launch of game balls is prohibited.

Then, the state of input port 1 (first input port 122) is read into a first register (e.g., B register) (step S6), and then the state of input port 3 (third input port 124) is read into a second register (e.g., C register) (step S7).

Then, a specific bit in the first register is masked and the other bits are cleared (step S8). For example, only the second bit in the B register, which corresponds to the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112, is retained, and bits 0, 1, and 3 to 7 are cleared. Then, a specific bit in the second register is masked and the other bits are cleared (step S9). For example, only the fourth bit in the C register, which corresponds to the detection signal from the setting key switch 127, is retained, and bits 0 to 3 and bits 5 to 7 are cleared.

The information in the first register is integrated into the second register, and the information held in the second register is held as reference information that does not rely on RAM 111C (step S10). For example, the logical sum of the B register and the C register is stored in the C register, and the C register is held as a register for status reference.

For example, a value of "00000000B" in the status reference register (C register) indicates that bits 0, 1, 3, 5 to 7 are cleared to "0", the second bit is "0" corresponding to the detection signal from RAM initialization switch 112 being on, and the fourth bit is "0" corresponding to the detection signal from setting key switch 127 being on. In other words, the value of the status reference register "00000000B" indicates a setting change state in which RAM initialization switch 112 is on (ON) and setting key switch 127 is on (ON).

The value of the status reference register, "00010000B", indicates that the 0th, 1st, 3rd, 5th to 7th bits are cleared to "0", the 2nd bit is "0" corresponding to the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 being on, and the 4th bit is "1" corresponding to the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 being off. In other words, the value of the status reference register, "00010000B", indicates a RAM initialization state in which the RAM initialization switch 112 is on (ON) and the setting key switch 127 is off (OFF).

The value of the status reference register, "00000100B", indicates that bits 0, 1, 3, 5 to 7 are cleared to "0", the second bit is "1" corresponding to the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 being OFF, and the fourth bit is "0" corresponding to the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 being ON. In other words, the value of the status reference register, "00000100B", indicates a setting confirmation state in which the RAM initialization switch 112 is OFF and the setting key switch 127 is ON.

The value of the status reference register, "00010100B", indicates that bits 0, 1, 3, 5 to 7 are cleared to "0", the second bit is "1" corresponding to the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 being off, and the fourth bit is "1" corresponding to the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 being off. In other words, the value of the status reference register, "00010100B", indicates a power restoration (power outage recovery) state in which the RAM initialization switch 112 is off (OFF) and the setting key switch 127 is off (OFF).

As a result, the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 and the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 are stored in the C register. Note that since the storage position (second bit) in the B register of the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 is different from the storage position (fourth bit) in the C register of the detection signal from the setting key switch 127, the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 and the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 are preserved without being lost even by the logical OR of the B register and the C register.

After that, a process for setting a power-on delay timer is performed (step S11). In this process, a predetermined initial value is set, and a waiting time (e.g., 3 seconds) is set to wait for the programs of the slave control means (e.g., slave control devices such as the payout control device 200 and the presentation control device 300) that perform various controls according to instructions from the game control device 100, which constitutes the master control means, to start up normally. This makes it possible to avoid the slave control means missing the command if the game control device 100 starts up first when the power is turned on and sends a command to the slave control means before the slave control means starts up. In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a waiting means that delays the start of the master control means when the power is turned on, and sets a predetermined waiting time to wait for the start of the slave control means.

The power-on delay timer is timed using a memory area (such as a RAM area or register not subject to validity check) that is not subject to validity check (checksum calculation) of data held in the RAM area. This eliminates the need to exclude part of the RAM area when calculating check data such as the checksum of the RAM area, thereby preventing the control at power-on from becoming complicated.

The detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is stored in the second register (C register), and by storing it before the start of the standby time, the operation of the RAM initialization switch 112 can be reliably stored. In other words, if the state of the RAM initialization switch 112 is read after the standby time has elapsed, it is necessary to wait for the standby time to elapse before operating the RAM initialization switch 112, or to continue operating the RAM initialization switch 112 from power-on until the standby time has elapsed. However, by reading the state before the standby time begins, the operation can be detected immediately after power-on without having to perform such troublesome operations, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the initialization operation performed when powering on is not accepted.

The second register (C register) is also designed to store the detection signal of the setting key switch 127, and by storing the signal before the start of the standby time, the operation of the setting key switch 127 can be reliably detected. In other words, if the state of the setting key switch 127 is read after the standby time has elapsed, it would be necessary to wait for the standby time to elapse before operating the setting key switch 127, or to continue operating the setting key switch 127 from power-on until the standby time has elapsed. However, by reading the state before the standby time begins, such troublesome operations can be avoided and the operation can be detected by performing the operation immediately after power-on, preventing a situation in which a setting change operation or setting confirmation operation performed when powering on is not accepted.

Next, after setting a power-on delay timer (for example, about 3 seconds) (step S11), the waiting time is counted and a power outage occurring during the waiting time is monitored (steps S12 to S14). The power-on delay timer is set to a time sufficient to start up the slave control devices including the dispensing control device 200.

If a power outage has occurred (step S12; Y), the power supply to the gaming machine 10 is awaited to be cut off. In this way, by determining that a power outage has occurred when the power outage monitoring signal has been continuously received for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of a power outage due to noise, etc., and to appropriately deal with malfunctions when the power is turned on. The occurrence of a power outage is detected when the power outage monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 is read through the port and the data bus and the on state of the power outage monitoring signal continues for a set number of checks (for example, two times). That is, the gaming control device 100 serves as a power outage monitoring means for monitoring the occurrence of a power outage during a predetermined standby time. This makes it possible to respond to a power outage that has occurred during the period in which the start-up of the gaming control device 100, which serves as the main control means, is delayed, and malfunctions when the power is turned on can be appropriately dealt with. Note that access to the RAM 111C is not permitted until the end of the standby time, and the memory contents at the time of the previous power outage are still held, so that there is no need to perform backup processing or the like when a power outage occurs here. Therefore, even if a power outage occurs during the standby time, there is no need to back up the RAM 111C, and the burden on control can be reduced.

On the other hand, if a power outage has not occurred (step S12; N), that is, if a power outage has not occurred, the power-on delay timer is updated by "-1" (step S13), and it is determined whether the timer value is "0" or not (step S14). If the timer value is not 0 (step S15; N), that is, if the standby time has not ended, the process returns to the process of monitoring the occurrence of a power outage (step S12). If the timer value is "0" (step S14; Y), that is, if the standby time has ended, access is granted to readable and writable RWMs (Read Write Memory) such as RAM 111C and EEPROM (step S15), and off data is output to all output ports (setting to a state where there is no output) (step S16).

Next, the serial port (a port pre-installed in the gaming microcomputer 111 and used for communication with the performance control device 300 and payout control device 200) is set (step S17).

In step S18, the process activates the CTC circuit in the gaming microcontroller 111 (clock generator) that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC).

In step S19, a RAM abnormality flag is set. Note that the RAM abnormality flag is set provisionally and may be updated later in a process to check for RAM abnormalities.

In step S20, it is determined whether the value of power outage inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power outage inspection area check data 1 (for example, 5Ah). If the value of power outage inspection area 1 is normal (step S20; Y), it is determined whether the value of power outage inspection area 2 in the RWM is normal power outage inspection area check data 2 (for example, A5h) (step S21), and if the value of power outage inspection area 2 is normal (step S21; Y), a checksum calculation process (step S22) is performed to calculate the checksum of a specified area in the RWM.

In the checksum calculation process, the checksum may be calculated by adding together the data in the work area for game control and the data in the work area for status display, or the checksum may be calculated separately from the data in the work area for game control and the data in the work area for status display, or the checksum may be calculated only from the data in the work area for game control. The work area for game control is a working area in the memory area of the RWM that is used for game control. The work area for status display is a working area in the memory area of the RWM that is used for status display.

Next, it is determined whether the checksum calculated in step S22 matches the checksum at the time of power off (step S23), and if it is determined that the checksums match (are normal) (step S23; Y), the RAM abnormality flag that was temporarily set in step S19 is cleared (step S24).

If it is determined that the checksums do not match (are not normal) (step S23; N), the process skips step S24 and proceeds to step S25, thereby making the RAM abnormality flag that was provisionally set in step S19 definitive. If it is determined that the check data in the power outage inspection area is not normal (step S20; N or step S21; N), the process skips step S24 and proceeds to step S25, thereby making the RAM abnormality flag that was provisionally set in step S19 definitive.

In step S25, the second register (C register) is referenced to determine whether the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on. If the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on, the process proceeds to step S34, and if the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is not on, the process proceeds to step S26.

The game control device 100 holds the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 in the second register (C register), so it can judge the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 simultaneously. Also, the game control device 100 holds the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 in the second register (C register), so it can judge the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 before judging the validity of the RAM.

In step S26, the control unit determines whether the RAM abnormality flag is on. If the RAM abnormality flag is on (i.e., the RAM abnormality flag is set), the control unit proceeds to step S28, and if the RAM abnormality flag is not on (i.e., the RAM abnormality flag is cleared), the control unit proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the control unit determines whether the setting change mode flag (probability setting change flag) is on. If the setting change mode flag is on, the control unit proceeds to step S28, and if the setting change mode flag is not on, the control unit proceeds to step S49.

Steps S28 to S33 are processes that are executed when a RAM abnormality occurs, or when the power is cut off during setup and the RAM is not cleared and the system is restarted. In step S28, the control unit sends a main abnormality error notification command to the performance control device 300. This causes the performance control device 300 to carry out performance control corresponding to the main abnormality error notification command. For example, the performance control device 300 receives a main abnormality error notification command and causes the display device 41 to display a message informing the user of a restart that involves clearing the RAM, or causes the speaker 19 to output sound. In addition, the performance control device 300 receives a main abnormality error notification command and causes the frame decoration device 18, board decoration device 46, and board performance device 44 to notify the user of a main abnormality error.

In step S29, the control unit outputs the 7-segment display data at the time of game stop to the performance display device 135. At this time, the control unit can display a status corresponding to the main abnormality error on the performance display device 135. The control unit also outputs the 7-segment display data at the time of game stop to the probability setting value display device 136. At this time, the control unit can display numbers or characters that are not in the probability setting value on the probability setting value display device 136. The control unit may output the 7-segment display data including the LED display data at the time of game stop to the collective display device 50. At this time, the control unit may turn off or turn on all the collective display devices 50.

In step S30, the control unit outputs on data for the security signal from the external information terminal board 71. At this time, the control unit turns off the output data for other signals output from the external information terminal board 71.

In step S31, the control unit performs a process of monitoring the occurrence of a power outage. While waiting for the occurrence of a power outage (step S31; N), the control unit repeatedly executes steps S29 and S30 to wait for the power to be cut off. That is, while waiting for the power to be cut off, the gaming machine 10 displays a status corresponding to a main abnormality error on the performance display device 135 (step S29) and outputs a security signal from the external information terminal board 71 (step S30). Furthermore, while waiting for the power to be cut off, the gaming machine 10 does not output any signal other than the security signal from the external information terminal board 71. Note that the process of outputting a security signal from the external information terminal board 71 while displaying a status corresponding to a main abnormality error on the performance display device 135 while waiting for the power to be cut off (steps S29 and S30) may be performed in a timer process described later.

If a power outage is detected (step S31; Y), off data is output to all output ports (setting them to a state where there is no output) (step S32), access to readable and writable RWM (Read Write Memory) such as RAM 111C and EEPROM is prohibited (step S33), and the system waits for the power to be cut off.

The control unit does not prohibit RAM access in the repeated execution of steps S29 and S30 until the power is cut off. This allows the gaming machine 10 to store a return address in the RAM when an NMI (Non-Maskable Interrupt) occurs, reducing the risk of program runaway. In this way, the control unit does not protect the contents of the RAM during the repeated execution of steps S29 and S30 until the power is cut off by prohibiting RAM access, but since clearing the RAM at the time of restart is a condition for starting game control, the risk of the contents of the RAM not being protected is limited. In other words, the gaming machine 10 obtains the effect of reducing the risk of program runaway while limiting the risk of the contents of the RAM not being protected. In addition, by not prohibiting RAM access in the repeated execution of steps S29 and S30 until the power is cut off, the control unit can call a subroutine in steps S29 and S30, thereby improving program efficiency. The gaming machine 10 protects the contents of the RAM by prohibiting RAM access after detecting the occurrence of a power outage.

Steps S34 to S37 are processes related to preparing to change settings, and are executed when, in step S27, the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on.

In step S34, the control unit determines whether the RAM abnormality flag is on. If the RAM abnormality flag is on, the control unit proceeds to step S35, and if the RAM abnormality flag is not on, the control unit proceeds to step S36.

In step S35, the control unit clears the set value because the RAM abnormality flag is on. Note that the set value may be cleared by setting an invalid value as the set value, or by setting the most disadvantageous value to the player from the perspective of fraud prevention.

In step S36, the control unit performs processing to set a setting change mode flag. The setting change mode flag is a flag that indicates whether or not the gaming machine 10 is undergoing a setting change. When the setting is being changed, the setting change mode flag is set, and when the setting is not being changed, the setting change mode flag is cleared (reset).

In step S37, the control unit transmits a command indicating that the settings are being changed to the performance control device 300. As a result, the performance control device 300 performs performance control corresponding to the command indicating that the settings are being changed. For example, the performance control device 300 receives the command indicating that the settings are being changed and causes the display device 41 to display a message informing the user that the settings are being changed, or causes the speaker 19 to output sound. In addition, the performance control device 300 receives the command indicating that the settings are being changed and notifies the user that the settings are being changed via the frame decoration device 18, board decoration device 46, and board performance device 44.

Step S38 is a process executed after preparation for changing the settings (steps S34 to S37) or preparation for checking the settings (steps S50, S51). In step S38, the control unit sets the security signal control timer to 128 ms. This causes the gaming machine 10 to output a security signal at least until the security signal control timer times out. Note that the security signal control timer may be any timer that exceeds the minimum guaranteed output time (for example, 50 ms) and is not limited to 128 ms.

Steps S39 to S41 are processes related to waiting for the completion of the setting change or the completion of the setting confirmation. By setting the security signal to be output in step S37, the gaming machine 10 makes it possible to externally grasp the execution of the process related to waiting for the completion of the setting change or the completion of the setting confirmation.

After permitting the interrupt (step S39), the control unit refers to the second register (C register) to determine whether the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is off (step S40). If the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is off, the control unit proceeds to step S56, and if the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is not off, the control unit proceeds to step S41.

In step S41, the control unit determines whether a power outage has occurred. The control unit can determine whether a power outage has occurred by continuously detecting the power outage monitoring signal for a predetermined period of time. If a power outage has occurred, the control unit proceeds to step S42, and if a power outage has not occurred, the control unit proceeds to step S40. In other words, the control unit waits for the setting key to be turned off while allowing interrupts in step S39, until a power outage occurs.

When the control unit determines that a power outage has occurred, it performs a process of prohibiting interrupts (step S42) and a process of outputting off data to all output ports (step S43).
Then, the power failure inspection area check data 1 is saved in the power failure inspection area 1 (step S44), and the power failure inspection area check data 2 is saved in the power failure inspection area 2 (step S45). Furthermore, after performing a checksum calculation process (step S46) for calculating a checksum at the time of power failure of the RWM and a process for saving the calculated checksum in the checksum area (step S47), a process for prohibiting access to the RAM (step S48) is performed, and then the game machine waits for the power to be cut off. In this way, by saving the check data in the power failure inspection area and calculating the checksum at the time of power failure, it is possible to determine whether the information stored in the RWM before the power failure has been correctly backed up when the power is turned on again.

Step S49 is executed if it is determined in step S27 that the setting change mode flag is on. In step S49, the control unit refers to the second register (C register) to determine whether the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on. If the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on, the control unit proceeds to step S50, and if the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is not on, the control unit proceeds to step S52.

Steps S50 and S51 are processes related to setting confirmation preparation. In step S50, the control unit performs a process of setting a setting confirmation mode flag. The setting confirmation mode flag is a flag indicating whether the gaming machine 10 is in the setting confirmation mode or not. When the setting confirmation is in progress, the setting confirmation mode flag is set, and when the setting confirmation is not in progress, the setting confirmation mode flag is cleared (reset). In step S51, the control unit transmits a setting confirmation command to the performance control device 300. As a result, the performance control device 300 performs performance control corresponding to the setting confirmation command. For example, the performance control device 300 receives a setting confirmation command and displays a message on the display device 41 informing that the setting confirmation is in progress, or outputs a sound from the speaker 19. In addition, the performance control device 300 receives a setting confirmation command and notifies that the setting confirmation is in progress by the frame decoration device 18, the board decoration device 46, and the board performance device 44. After this, the control unit proceeds to step S38.

On the other hand, if the control unit determines in step S49 that the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is not on, it executes step S52. In step S52, the control unit refers to the second register (C register) and determines whether the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on or not. The control unit proceeds to step S53 if the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on, and proceeds to step S59 if the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is not on. That is, the gaming machine 10 proceeds to execute processing related to RAM initialization (RAM clear) upon startup detection involving pressing of the RAM initialization switch 112, and proceeds to execute processing related to power outage recovery upon startup detection without pressing of the RAM initialization switch 112.

Next, the process related to RAM initialization performed from step S53 onwards will be described. In the process related to RAM initialization, the control unit clears the RAM areas other than the set values to 0 (zero clear) (step S53), and saves the initial values at the time of RAM initialization in the areas to be initialized (step S54). For example, the control unit sets RAM clear start address 2 as the start address when clearing the RAM, and clears to zero the data in the area to be cleared (game control work area) of the memory area (area not including the access prohibited area) of the RWM (for example, RAM 111C).

The setting change mode flag and setting confirmation mode flag are included in the data in the area to be cleared, so they are cleared by clearing the data in the area to be cleared to zero.

In step S55, the control unit transmits a command for initializing the RAM to the performance control device 300. In step S55, multiple commands are transmitted, such as a model designation command and a probability setting value information command. As a result, the performance control device 300 performs performance control corresponding to the command for initializing the RAM. For example, the performance control device 300 receives the command for initializing the RAM and causes the display device 41 to display a message informing the user that the RAM has been initialized, or causes the speaker 19 to output sound. In addition, the performance control device 300 receives the command for initializing the RAM and notifies the user that the RAM has been initialized via the frame decoration device 18, the board decoration device 46, and the board performance device 44.

In addition, after executing the process related to waiting for the completion of the setting change or the completion of the setting confirmation (steps S39 to S41), if the control unit detects that the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is off, the control unit executes step S56. After prohibiting interrupts (step S56), the control unit sends a command to end the notification to the performance control device 300 (step S57).

As a result, the performance control device 300 ends the notification that a setting change is in progress, which was initiated upon receiving a command for changing the settings, or the notification that a setting check is in progress, which was initiated upon receiving a command for checking the settings.

Next, the control unit refers to the setting change mode flag to determine whether or not the device is in the setting change mode (step S58). If the device is in the setting change mode, the control unit proceeds to step S53 and executes processing related to RAM initialization. On the other hand, if the device is not in the setting change mode, the control unit proceeds to step S59 and executes processing related to power outage recovery.

In step S59, the control unit executes a power outage recovery process. The power outage recovery process includes a process of saving the initial value at the time of power outage recovery in an area to be initialized, determining whether or not the special game is in a high probability state by referring to the special game status, and if the special game is in a high probability state, saving ON information in a high probability notification flag area and saving ON data of the high probability notification LED in a segment area.

The areas to be initialized in the power outage recovery process are the power outage inspection area, checksum area, setting change mode flag, setting confirmation mode flag, and areas related to error and fraud monitoring. In the power outage recovery process, the busy signal status area that stores the state of the dispensing busy signal, which is a signal indicating whether the dispensing control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands, is also cleared, and an indefinite state is set indicating that the state of the dispensing busy signal has not been determined. Similarly, the touch switch signal status monitoring area that stores the state of the touch switch signal is also cleared, and an indefinite state is set indicating that the state of the touch switch signal has not been determined.

Next, the control unit transmits a power failure recovery command corresponding to the special game processing number to the performance control board (performance control device 300) (step S60), and proceeds to step S61. In step S60, multiple commands are transmitted, such as a model specification command, a special game 1 reserved number command, a special game 2 reserved number command, a probability information command, a probability setting value information command, and a screen specification command. In addition to these commands, some models transmit performance count information and high probability count information. In addition, the screen specification command is a command to display a customer waiting demo screen when the control state of the special game 1 variable display game and the special game 2 variable display game is in normal processing (a state that is not in the normal processing state of being variable, in the jackpot (first special game state), or in the small jackpot (second special game state)), and is a command to display a recovery screen otherwise.

In step S61, the control unit determines whether or not the safety device is in operation. The safety device realizes a so-called complete function, and stops the game when a predetermined operation amount (the occurrence of a difference ball exceeding a predetermined value) is detected. If the safety device is in operation, the control unit proceeds to step S62, and if the safety device is not in operation, the control unit proceeds to step S63.

In step S62, the control unit sends a command indicating that the safety device is in operation to the performance control board (performance control device 300) and proceeds to step S63. In step S62, multiple commands are sent, such as a model specification command and a screen specification command.

In step S63, the control unit saves the flag register to the game control stack area before moving to processing unrelated to the game in order to avoid changing the flag (zero flag) when saving the game control stack pointer in RAM.

The control unit switches the stack pointer from the game control stack area (internal stack area) to the non-game control stack area (external stack area) when executing a process unrelated to the game (safety device information initialization process) (executed within the process unrelated to the game), and switches the stack pointer from the non-game control stack area (external stack area) to the game control stack area (internal stack area) when returning to the process related to the game (executed within the process unrelated to the game). This allows the control unit to separate the accessible memory area for each process so that the process unrelated to the game does not access the memory area related to the game. Details of the memory map in the game control device 100 will be explained later using FIG. 11.

In step S64, the control unit executes a safety device information initialization process to initialize information related to the safety device. Details of the safety device information initialization process will be described later with reference to FIG. 12. In step S65, the control unit restores the flag register that was saved in the game control stack area.

In step S66, the control unit performs processing to start up and set up the random number generation circuit. After that, it extracts the values of specified registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on, and saves them in a specified area of the RWM as the initial values (start values) of the various corresponding random numbers (special random number per chart, special random number with a pattern, regular random number per chart, variable pattern random number 1, variable pattern random number 2, variable pattern random number 3) (step S66), and then prohibits interrupts (step S67).

In step S68, the control unit determines whether or not the game is stopped. If the game is stopped, the process proceeds to step S72. If the game is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S69. The control unit stops the game if a strong error (fraudulent error) such as a magnet, radio wave, vibration, or abnormal ejection occurs, or if a safety device is activated.

In step S69, the control unit saves the flag register to the game control stack area before moving to a process not related to the game. In step S70, the control unit executes a performance display editing process to edit the display contents (game performance) displayed on the performance display device 135. Because the processing load of the performance display editing process is relatively high, the control unit prohibits interrupts to more quickly derive the processing results. This ensures that the gaming machine 10 derives the processing results of the performance display editing process before the game state is updated by a timer interrupt. The performance display editing process is a process that calculates the base values for each of the four most recent periods separated by 60,000 out balls (the most recent period may have fewer than 60,000 out balls) for performance display. In step S71, the control unit restores the flag register saved in the game control stack area.

In step S72, the control unit permits the interrupt. In step S73, the control unit determines whether or not a power outage has occurred. The control unit can determine the occurrence of a power outage by continuously detecting the power outage monitoring signal for a predetermined period of time. If a power outage has occurred, the control unit proceeds to step S42, and if a power outage has not occurred, the control unit proceeds to step S67.

That is, the control unit repeatedly executes the processes from step S67 to step S73 unless a power outage occurs. In detail, if a power outage does not occur, the control unit repeatedly executes the performance display editing process and the check of the power outage monitoring signal (loop process). Then, by allowing the interrupt first (step S72), if a timer interrupt occurs during power outage monitoring, the interrupt process is executed with priority.

Similarly, by prohibiting interrupts (step S67) before the performance display editing process (step S70), the performance display editing process is executed in priority over timer interrupts, and pressure on the performance display editing process can be avoided. Also, the control unit can suppress frequent switching between the game control stack area (intra-area stack area) and the non-game control stack area (extra-area stack area).

From the above, in a gaming machine equipped with a master control means (gaming control device 100) that controls the overall game, and slave control means (payout control device 200, presentation control device 300, etc.) that perform various controls according to instructions from the master control means, the master control means is equipped with a standby means (gaming control device 100) that delays the start of the master control means when the power is turned on, and sets a predetermined standby time for waiting for the start of the slave control means, and a power outage monitoring means (gaming control device 100) that monitors the occurrence of a power outage during the predetermined standby time.

The system also includes a power supply unit 400 that supplies power to various devices, and the power supply unit 400 is configured to output a power outage monitoring signal when it detects a power outage. The power outage monitoring means (game control device 100) is configured to determine that a power outage has occurred when it continues to receive the power outage monitoring signal for a predetermined period of time.

The main control means (game control device 100) also includes a RAM 111C capable of storing data, an initialization operation unit (RAM initialization switch 112) that can be operated from the outside, and an initialization means (game control device 100) that initializes the data stored in the RAM 111C based on the operation of the initialization operation unit, and is adapted to read the operation state of the initialization operation unit before the start of the standby time.

The game control device 100 has a function (first initialization means, second initialization means) that distinguishes between the initialization process when a data abnormality occurs (first initialization process) and the initialization process when an initialization operation is performed (second initialization process), so that optimal and efficient initialization process according to the situation can be realized.

The main control means (game control device 100) is equipped with a RAM 111C capable of storing data, a setting operation unit (setting value change switch 126, setting key switch 127) that can be operated from the outside, and a setting change means (game control device 100) that changes the setting value stored in RAM 111C based on the operation of the setting operation unit, thereby enabling the setting to be changed, and is equipped with a setting display unit (probability setting value display device 136) that allows the setting (setting value) to be confirmed. The main control means (game control device 100) is also configured to permit access to RAM 111C after a waiting time has elapsed.

The main control means (game control device 100) is also capable of executing a standby process in the event of a power outage (loop following step S48) in which access to the RAM (RAM 111C) is prohibited (step S48) and the process waits for all processes to stop, and a standby process in the event of a RAM abnormality (loop from step S29 to step S31) in which access to the RAM (RAM 111C) is permitted (step S15) and the process waits for all processes to stop.

Here, the standby process when a power failure occurs and the standby process when a RAM abnormality occurs will be explained. The standby process when a power failure occurs is executed after access to the RAM is prohibited in step S48 of the main process, and is a loop process that waits for the execution of all processes to stop. In addition, since the standby process when a power failure occurs is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S42 of the main process, interrupts other than NMI interrupts (timer interrupts) are prohibited. Note that the standby process when a power failure occurs may cause an NMI interrupt because it is not possible to prohibit an NMI interrupt. However, since the standby process when a power failure occurs is a process that is executed when a power failure occurs, there is a small risk of an NMI interrupt occurring during the execution of the process. In addition, the standby process when a power failure occurs is a standby process that does not involve an abnormality notification. This allows the gaming machine 10 to allocate the power until the power is cut off to the power failure process. Note that the gaming machine 10 reduces the risk of the memory contents of the RAM being changed due to unstable voltage by prohibiting access to the RAM in the standby process when a power failure occurs.

The RAM abnormality standby process is executed after access to the RAM (RWM) is permitted in step S15 of the main process, and is a loop process that waits for the execution of all processes to stop. In addition, since the RAM abnormality standby process is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S1 of the main process, interrupts other than NMI interrupts (timer interrupts) are prohibited. Note that the power outage standby process may cause an NMI interrupt because it is not possible to prohibit an NMI interrupt. Since the RAM abnormality standby process is a process that waits for a power cut, there is a greater risk of an NMI interrupt occurring during the execution of the process than with the power outage standby process. However, since the RAM abnormality standby process allows access to the RAM even if an NMI interrupt occurs, the return address can be stored in the RAM, and there is a smaller risk of program runaway due to the occurrence of an NMI interrupt. In addition, since the gaming machine 10 transmits a main abnormality error notification command to the performance control device 300 in step S28, the performance control device 300 can issue an abnormality notification in parallel during the execution of the RAM abnormality standby process. This allows the gaming machine 10 to be restarted quickly.

Next, the memory map of RAM 111C will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of the game control device of the first embodiment. Memory map 111M is the memory map of RAM 111C. RAM 111C sets, in order from the top of the memory, a work area for game control (inner area work area), a stack area for game control (inner area stack area), a work area for non-game control (outer area work area), and a stack area for non-game control (outer area stack area).

The non-game control work area includes information related to performance display and information related to safety devices. The non-game control work area may also include information related to test signals and information related to error monitoring. In the non-game control work area, the memory area may be divided and arranged for each type of information, or the division for each type of information may be unclear and arranged in the memory area. The non-game control stack area is shared by two or more processes not related to game (for example, a process related to performance display and a process related to safety devices), but may be separately divided and dedicated, such as a first non-game control work area and a second non-game control work area. The processes not related to game may also include a process related to test signals and a process related to error monitoring, and even in this case, the non-game control stack area may be shared in part or in whole between each process, or may be dedicated.

Since the game control work area has the probability setting value area at the beginning, RAM clear start address 1 clears all of the game control work area (game control work area) and the game control stack area. RAM clear start address 2 clears the game control work area and game control stack area excluding the probability setting value area. RAM clear start address 3 clears the game control work area and game control stack area excluding the probability setting value area, the fluctuation pattern random number area, and the initial value random number area. RAM clear start address 1, RAM clear start address 2, and RAM clear start address 3 all clear the area from power outage inspection area 1 to power outage inspection area 2, and the checksum area.

Game control programs that perform processing related to games are stored in game control program areas, and non-game control programs that perform processing unrelated to games are stored in non-game control program areas. For example, "related to games" means that the game results are affected, and "unrelated to games" means that the game results are not affected. For example, processing related to special chart games corresponds to processing related to games because the processing results affect the game results, and processing related to external information output corresponds to processing unrelated to games because the external information output does not affect the game results.

[Safety device information initialization process]
Next, the safety device information initialization process of the game control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the safety device information initialization process of the first embodiment. The safety device information initialization process is a process for initializing information related to the safety device, and is a process executed by the CPU 111A in step S64 of the above-mentioned main process.

The safety device can transition between a safety device not activated state, a safety device activation notice state, a safety device activation warning state, and a safety device activated state. The safety device not activated state is the state when the safety device counter value is between 0 and 189999, and the safety device activation notice state is the state when the safety device counter value is between 190000 and 194999. The safety device activation warning state is the state before the game is stopped when the safety device counter value reaches 195000, and the safety device activated state is the state during which the game is stopped when the safety device counter value reaches 195000. The safety device counter value "195000" is a value equivalent to the difference in balls "95000".

The control unit can access a memory area prepared exclusively for the safety device in the safety device information initialization process. The memory area prepared exclusively for the safety device includes an internal work area where game-related processes can be read and written and game-unrelated processes can be read, and an external work area where game-unrelated processes can be read and written and game-related processes can be read. For example, the internal work area prepared exclusively for the safety device includes a safety device operation flag area and an acquired game ball count area. The safety device operation flag area is an area that stores a safety device operation flag that indicates whether the safety device is in operation or not, and is cleared to zero in the initialization process (step S53) when the RAM initialization switch 112 is turned on. The acquired game ball count area is an area that stores the number of acquired game balls, and is cleared to zero in the initialization process (step S53) when the RAM initialization switch 112 is turned on.

The outside work area prepared exclusively for safety devices contains a safety device counter area, a safety device operation information area, and a previous operation information area. The safety device counter area is 3 bytes in size and can store values from 0 to 195,000. The safety device counter area is not read by processes related to the game, but is referenced by those processes when the difference in the number of balls is sent by command. The safety device operation information area stores the current operation information of the safety device. The previous operation information area stores the operation information of the safety device from the previous time (in principle, one interrupt before).

The control unit saves the stack pointer in the stack pointer storage area (step S81) and sets the stack pointer to the value of the outside stack area (step S82). As a result, the control unit switches the stack pointer from the game control stack area (inside stack area) to the non-game control stack area (outside stack area) when executing a process unrelated to the game (safety device information initialization process).

The control unit saves the registers (step S83). The registers to be saved may be limited to those to be protected (registers used within the process), or all general-purpose registers may be saved as in the out-of-area consolidation process described later with reference to FIG. 19. Note that the control unit may not save and restore the registers if writing directly to the memory area without using registers. In this case, it is also possible to eliminate the need for processes related to the stack pointer and the saving and restoring of the flag register.

The control unit saves an initial value (100000) in the safety device counter area (step S84), saves safety device non-operation information (0) in the safety device operation information area (step S85), and saves safety device non-operation information (0) in the old operation information area (step S86).

The control unit restores the register (step S87), sets the value read from the stack pointer storage area as the stack pointer (step S88), and ends the safety device information initialization process.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt process of the game control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first embodiment. This timer interrupt process is an interrupt process that occurs during the above-mentioned main process from when interrupt permission is issued until interrupt is prohibited (from step S39 to step S42, from step S72 to step S67). The timer interrupt process is a process executed by the CPU 111A.

Timer interrupt processing begins when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the interrupt is automatically disabled and timer interrupt processing begins.

When the timer interrupt process is started, first, register bank 1 is specified (step S91). Switching to register bank 1 is equivalent to performing a register save process in which the value held in a specified register (for example, a register used in the main process) is moved to the RWM. Next, the upper address of the RAM start address is set in the specified register (for example, the D register) (step S92). In step S92, the same process as in step S4 in the main process is performed, but the register bank is different.

Next, input processing (step S93) is performed to receive inputs and signals from various sensors and switches, i.e., to read the status of each input port. In step S94, the control unit refers to the setting change mode flag and the setting confirmation mode flag to determine whether the unit is in setting change mode (probability setting is being changed) or setting confirmation mode (probability setting is being confirmed). If the unit is in setting change mode or setting confirmation mode, the control unit proceeds to step S95, executes probability setting change/confirmation processing, and ends timer interrupt processing. On the other hand, if the control unit is not in setting change mode or setting confirmation mode, the control unit proceeds to step S96.

In step S96, the control unit executes output processing to control the drive of actuators such as solenoids (big prize opening solenoid 38b, normal power solenoid 37c) based on the output data set in the various processes.

When a launch stop signal is output in step S5 in the main processing, this output process outputs a launch permission signal, and the launch permission signal is set to a state in which it can be set to an allowed state. This launch permission signal is output to the launch control device via the payout control device. At that time, no processing of the signal is performed. The launch permission signal is a first signal indicating the launch permission state from the game control device 100, and a second signal (launch permission signal) indicating the launch permission state from the payout control device 200 is also generated within the payout control device 200 and output to the launch control device. In other words, when two launch permission signals are output to the launch control device and both are set to launch permission, the game ball is configured to be in a state in which it can be launched. Next, the control unit executes a payout command transmission process (step S97) in which the command set in the transmission buffer by various processes is output to the payout control device 200.

In step S98, the control unit saves the flag register in the game control stack area before moving to processing unrelated to the game. In step S99, the control unit executes a first error monitoring process to monitor for abnormalities unrelated to the game (weak errors). The first error monitoring process will be described later with reference to FIG. 14. In step S100, the control unit restores the flag register saved in the game control stack area. In step S101, the control unit executes a second error monitoring process to monitor for abnormalities related to the game (strong errors). The second error monitoring process will be described later with reference to FIG. 15. In step S102, the control unit executes a game stop flag setting process. The game stop flag setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 16.

Next, the control unit performs a prize port switch/status monitoring process (step S102) that monitors whether or not there is a normal signal input from the start port 1 switch 36a, start port 2 switch 37a, normal gate switch 34a, prize port switch 35a, large prize port switch 38a, and specific area switch 38e, and monitors for errors (such as whether the front frame or glass frame is open).

Next, the control unit refers to the game stop flag to determine whether or not the game is stopped (step S103). If the game is not stopped, the control unit proceeds to step S104 to execute various game processes, and if the game is stopped, the control unit skips the various game processes and proceeds to step S108.

Next, the control unit executes special game processing (step S104) that performs processing related to the special chart change display game (special chart 1 change display game, special chart 2 change display game), followed by two-type game processing (step S105) that performs processing related to the so-called two-type game, and then executes regular game processing (step S106) that performs processing related to the regular chart change display game.

Next, the control unit performs a segment LED editing process (step S107) that drives the segment LEDs (such as the LEDs of the special pattern 1 display unit 53 of the collective display device 50) that display the special pattern change display game and various information related to the game to display the desired content.

In step S108, the control unit executes a safety device-related process. The safety device-related process includes a process of editing commands for the performance control device 300 that notify the user of a safety device's activation notice, activation warning, and activation (stop of gameplay), and a process of setting information indicating that the safety device is activated to a safety device activation flag when the safety device is activated. In step S109, the control unit executes an external information editing process. The external information editing process will be described later with reference to Figures 16 and 17.

In step S110, the control unit saves the flag register to the game control stack area before moving on to processing unrelated to the game. In step S111, the control unit executes outside area integration processing. The outside area integration processing will be explained later using FIG. 18. The control unit restores the flag register saved in the game control stack area (step S112) and ends the timer interrupt processing.

[First error monitoring process]
Next, the first error monitoring process of the game control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first error monitoring process of the first embodiment. The first error monitoring process is a process executed by the CPU 111A in step S99 of the timer interrupt process described above.

The control unit saves the stack pointer in the stack pointer storage area (step S121) and sets the stack pointer to the value of the outside stack area (step S122). As a result, the control unit switches the stack pointer from the game control stack area (inside stack area) to the non-game control stack area (outside stack area) when executing the first error monitoring process. The control unit saves the registers (step S123).

The control unit executes an upper large prize opening fraud monitoring process (step S124) that monitors for fraudulent activity in the special variable prize device (large prize opening 1) 38, executes a lower large prize opening fraud monitoring process (step S125) that monitors for fraudulent activity in the special variable prize device (large prize opening 2) 95, and executes a regular power fraud monitoring process (step S126) that monitors for fraudulent activity in the regular variable prize device 37.

The control unit updates the error monitoring counter (step S127), prepares the error monitoring table 1 (step S128), and executes the error state check process (step S129). The control unit loops and updates the error monitoring counter in the range of "0" to "3", and checks one of the multiple errors specified in the error monitoring table 1 in the error state check process. For example, the error monitoring table 1 specifies a switch abnormality error (connector disconnection, etc.), a shot ball out error, an overflow error, and a payout abnormality error. The error state check process (step S129) monitors a switch abnormality error (connector disconnection, etc.) when the error monitoring counter is "0", monitors a shot ball out error when the error monitoring counter is "1", monitors an overflow error when the error monitoring counter is "2", and monitors a payout abnormality error when the error monitoring counter is "3". In this way, the control unit monitors a switch abnormality error (connector disconnection, etc.), a shot ball out error, an overflow error, and a payout abnormality error once each in four executions of the first error monitoring process, and performs error monitoring with an appropriate frequency and processing load.

The control unit prepares the error monitoring table 2 (step S130) and executes the error state check process (step S131). The control unit uses the error monitoring counter updated in step S127 to check one of the multiple errors specified in the error monitoring table 2 in the error state check process. For example, the error monitoring table 2 specifies glass frame open, main frame open, and frame radio wave irregularity. The error state check process (step S131) monitors the glass frame open when the error monitoring counter is "0", monitors the main frame open when the error monitoring counter is "1", and monitors the frame radio wave irregularity when the error monitoring counter is "2". Note that the error monitoring table 2 does not specify an error corresponding to the error monitoring counter "3". In this way, the control unit monitors the glass frame open, main frame open, and frame radio wave irregularity once each during the four executions of the first error monitoring process, and performs error monitoring with an appropriate frequency and processing load.

The control unit sequentially executes the V-passing timing monitoring process (step S132) and the remaining ball monitoring process (step S133). In this way, the control unit monitors the V-passing timing and the remaining balls once each time the first error monitoring process is executed, and performs error monitoring with an appropriate frequency and processing load. Note that the V-passing timing monitoring detects an abnormality (V-passing timing error) in the timing of the detection of the game ball (entry into the specific area 96) in the specific area switch 38e, and the remaining ball monitoring detects an abnormality (remaining ball error) in the presence of remaining balls in the special variable winning device 95 based on a discrepancy between the number of game balls that have entered the winning opening of the special variable winning device 95 and the number of game balls detected in the specific area 96.

The control unit restores the register (step S134), sets the value read from the stack pointer storage area as the stack pointer (step S135), and ends the first error monitoring process.

In this way, the first error monitoring process monitors non-illegal errors such as switch abnormality errors (such as connector coming loose), shot ball out errors, overflow errors, payout abnormality errors, V passing timing errors, and remaining ball errors as weak errors (errors weaker than strong errors) that do not affect the game or have a small effect on the game. The first error monitoring process uses a non-game control work area (outside area work area) and a non-game control stack area (outside area stack area) as non-game control programs.

[Second error monitoring process]
Next, the second error monitoring process of the game control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second error monitoring process of the first embodiment. The second error monitoring process is a process executed by the CPU 111A in step S101 of the timer interrupt process described above.

The control unit sequentially executes the magnet irregularity monitoring process (step S136), the board radio wave irregularity monitoring process (step S137), the vibration irregularity monitoring process (step S138), and the abnormal discharge monitoring process (step S139). In this way, the control unit monitors the magnet irregularity, the board radio wave irregularity, the vibration irregularity, and the abnormal discharge once each during one execution of the second error monitoring process, and performs error monitoring with an appropriate frequency and processing burden.

In this way, the second error monitoring process monitors errors such as magnet irregularities, radio wave irregularities on the board, vibration irregularities, and abnormal ejection as severe errors that affect gameplay. The second error monitoring process uses a game control work area (work area within the area) and a game control stack area (stack area within the area) as game control programs.

The division of error monitoring between the first error monitoring process and the second error monitoring process is one example, and error monitoring may be divided in a combination according to the degree to which the error is related to the game, or in any combination. Also, the first error monitoring process may be configured to perform all error monitoring, or the second error monitoring process may be configured to perform all error monitoring.

The error flag area corresponding to the error handled in the first error monitoring process is secured in the non-game control work area (outside area work area), and the error flag area corresponding to the error handled in the second error monitoring process is secured in the game control work area (inside area work area).

[Game Stop Flag Setting Process]
Next, the game stop flag setting process of the game control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the game stop flag setting process of the first embodiment. The game stop flag setting process is a process executed by the CPU 111A in step S101 of the timer interrupt process described above. The game stop flag setting process is a process for controlling the game stop flag with the occurrence of one or more of the following game stop conditions: magnet irregularity, board radio irregularity, vibration irregularity, abnormal discharge error, and safety device activation. The game stop flag is stored in the game control work area (intra-area work area).

In step S141, the control unit determines whether or not a magnet malfunction is occurring, and if so, proceeds to step S147, and if not, proceeds to step S142. In step S142, the control unit determines whether or not a board radio wave malfunction is occurring, and if so, proceeds to step S147, and if not, proceeds to step S143. In step S143, the control unit determines whether or not a vibration malfunction is occurring, and if so, proceeds to step S147, and if not, proceeds to step S144. In step S144, the control unit determines whether or not an abnormal discharge error is occurring, and if so, proceeds to step S147, and if not, proceeds to step S145. In step S145, the control unit determines whether or not the safety device is operating by referring to the safety device operation flag, and if the safety device is operating, proceeds to step S147, and if not, proceeds to step S146.

In step S146, the control unit clears the game stop flag area since no magnet malfunction, board radio wave malfunction, vibration malfunction, abnormal ejection error, or safety device activation is occurring, and ends the game stop flag setting process.

In step S147, the control unit saves the game stop information in the game stop flag area, indicating that any of the following has occurred: an illegal magnet, an illegal radio wave from the console, an illegal vibration, an abnormal discharge error, or the activation of a safety device, and ends the game stop flag setting process.

The game-stop flag setting process may set the game-stop condition to be the occurrence of one or more of all errors monitored by the second error monitoring process, or the occurrence of one or more of combinations other than the above combinations (magnetic irregularities, radio wave irregularities on the board, vibration irregularities, abnormal discharge errors, and safety device activation).

[External information editing processing]
Next, the external information editing process of the game control device 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 17 and 18. Fig. 17 is a diagram (part 1) showing a flowchart of the external information editing process of the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram (part 2) showing a flowchart of the external information editing process of the first embodiment. The external information editing process is a process executed by the CPU 111A in step S109 of the timer interrupt process described above. The external information editing process is a process for editing the external information output from the external information terminal board 71.

The control unit loads the glass frame opening error flag (step S151), then loads the main frame opening error flag and combines it with the glass frame opening error flag (step S152). For example, the glass frame opening error flag and the main frame opening error flag are combined by taking the logical OR of both flags. The glass frame opening error flag is a flag that is set when a glass frame opening error occurs. The main frame opening error flag is a flag that is set when a main frame opening error occurs. The glass frame opening error flag and the main frame opening error flag are stored in a non-game control work area (outside area work area).

The control unit determines whether the combination of the glass frame opening error flag and the main frame opening error flag is "0" (step S153), and if it is "0", proceeds to step S154; if it is not "0", proceeds to step S156.

If neither the glass frame opening error flag nor the main frame opening error flag is set, the control unit saves the off data of the door/frame opening signal in the external information output data area (step S154), and then saves the off data of the gaming machine error state signal in the test signal output data area (step S155). Note that the external information output data area and the test signal output data area are secured in the gaming control work area (work area within the area) because the external information editing process corresponds to a gaming control program.

On the other hand, if at least one of the glass frame opening error flag and the main frame opening error flag is set, the control unit saves the on data of the door/frame opening signal (external information) in the external information output data area (step S156), and then saves the on data of the gaming machine error state signal in the test signal output data area (step S157).

The control unit loads the switch abnormality 1 error flag (step S158), then loads the switch abnormality 2 error flag and combines it with the switch abnormality 1 error flag (step S159). For example, the switch abnormality 1 error flag and the switch abnormality 2 error flag are combined by taking the logical OR of both flags. The switch abnormality 1 error flag and the switch abnormality 2 error flag are flags that are set when an abnormality such as a connector coming loose is detected in the prize slot switch/status monitoring process (step S102).

The control unit determines whether the combination of the switch abnormality 1 error flag and the switch abnormality 2 error flag is "0" (step S160), and if it is not "0", proceeds to step S161, and if it is "0", proceeds to step S162.

When at least one of the switch abnormality 1 error flag and the switch abnormality 2 error flag is set, the control unit saves the on data of the gaming machine error state signal in the test signal output data area (step S161).

The control unit temporarily saves the security signal off data in the test signal output data area (step S162), and then decrements the security signal control timer by "1" if it is not "0" (step S163), and determines whether the security signal control timer is "0" (step S164).

The initial value of the security signal control timer is set to a predetermined time (e.g., 256 msec) when data stored in the RAM is initialized by operating the RAM initialization switch 112 or when the setting change is completed. The security signal control timer starts timing from the time the RAM is initialized or the setting change is completed. The initial value of the security signal control timer is also set when the setting change mode or setting confirmation mode is entered by operating the setting key switch 127 or the setting value change switch 126, and the security signal may be continued to be output while the probability setting value change flag or the probability setting value confirmation mode flag is set.

If the security signal control timer is not "0", the control unit saves the security signal on data in the external information output data area (step S165) and then proceeds to step S166; if the security signal control timer is "0", the control unit skips step S165 and proceeds to step S166.

The control unit collectively edits two or more errors (including fraud monitoring) that are the subject of external information output in steps S166 to S176. For example, errors that are the subject of external information output include magnet fraud, board radio wave fraud, frame radio wave fraud, large prize slot fraud, regular power fraud, vibration fraud, abnormal discharge error, V-pass timing error, and remaining ball error.

The control unit sets the security signal editing table (step S166), sets the initial value of the composite value to "0" (step S167), and obtains the number of repetitions (step S168). The number of repetitions is, for example, "9" when magnet irregularities, board radio irregularities, frame radio irregularities, large prize slot irregularities, normal radio irregularities, vibration irregularities, abnormal discharge errors, V-pass timing errors, and remaining ball errors are the targets of external information output.

The control unit obtains the address of the target error flag area from the security signal editing table (step S169), combines the value read from the address of the target error flag area with the combined value (step S170), updates the address of the security signal editing table (step S171), and decrements the number of repetitions by "1" (step S172). Note that the error flag area corresponding to the error monitored by the first error monitoring process is secured in the non-game control work area (outside area work area), and the error flag area corresponding to the error monitored by the second error monitoring process is secured in the game control work area (inside area work area).

The control unit obtains a composite value of the target errors by repeatedly executing the processes from step S169 to step S172 until the number of repetitions becomes "0" (step S173). If there are no abnormalities in any of the errors to be edited, the composite value will be "0", and if there are one or more abnormalities in the errors to be edited, the composite value will be a value other than "0".

The control unit determines whether the composite value is "0" or not (step S174), and if it is "0", proceeds to step S177, and if it is not "0", proceeds to step S175.
Since there is one or more abnormalities among the errors to be edited, the control unit saves the on data of the security signal in the external information output data area (step S175), and then saves the on data of the gaming machine error status signal in the test signal output data area (step S176).

In this way, even if the control unit detects an abnormality in one of the errors in the editing target, the control unit does not abort the process, but checks all of the errors in the editing target. This allows the control unit to improve processing efficiency by eliminating the need for branch judgments (abortion judgments) during processing. The control unit can also make the program size compact. The control unit can also improve processing speed. The control unit can also equalize the amount of processing in normal and abnormal cases, suppressing fluctuations in processing time due to the presence or absence of abnormalities, and the stable processing time makes it easier to verify whether an interrupt cycle has timed out, etc.

The control unit determines whether the safety device is in operation (step S177), and if the safety device is in operation, proceeds to step S178 to save the on data of the security signal in the external information output data area, and if the safety device is not in operation, proceeds to step S179. The external information output data area indicating whether the safety device is in operation is secured in the game control work area (work area within the area).

The "safety device (complete function) pre-activation signal", which is a test signal, may be turned on when a certain condition is met before the safety device is activated (for example, when the difference in balls is 90,000 or more), and turned off when the certain condition is not met due to game progress (for example, when the difference in balls is less than 90,000). The output data for the "safety device (complete function) pre-activation signal" is stored in a non-game control work area (outside area work area).

The control unit executes a start port signal editing process (step S179) that edits a start port signal that notifies that a game ball has entered the start port. The control unit executes a main prize ball signal editing process (step S180) that edits a main prize ball signal that is output for every 10 balls when the total number of prize balls resulting from the entry of game balls into each prize port becomes 10 or more. The control unit executes a pattern confirmation count signal editing process (step S181) that edits a pattern confirmation count signal that notifies the stop of fluctuation in the special chart 1 game or special chart 2 game.

The control unit executes an out signal editing process (step S182) that edits the out signal that is output every 10 balls when the total number of game balls passing through the out ball detection switch is 10 or more. Note that editing of the out signal may be performed by the game control device 100 or the payout control device 200.

The external information also includes a prize ball signal that is output every 10 game balls when the total number of game balls passing the payout ball detection switch is 10 or more, but editing of the prize ball signal may be performed by the game control device 100 or the payout control device 200.

The control unit executes a call signal editing process (step S183) for editing the call signal to be output when the call button is pressed, and ends the external information editing process.
In addition, the external information includes the jackpot signal 1, the jackpot signal 2, the jackpot signal 3, and the jackpot signal 4 that are output in a predetermined game state, and the editing of the jackpot signal 1, the jackpot signal 2, the jackpot signal 3, and the jackpot signal 4 may be performed in the special game processing and the type 2 game processing, but may also be performed in the external information editing processing. The memory area related to the editing of the jackpot signal 1, the jackpot signal 2, the jackpot signal 3, and the jackpot signal 4 is secured in the game control work area (intra-area work area).

The external information edited in the external information editing process is output in the output process of the timer interrupt process (step S96). At this time, the control unit outputs the door/frame opening signal before the security signal, avoiding simultaneous output start and making it easier to check the security signal and the door/frame opening signal. In addition, the gaming machine 10 uses different output ports (for example, different ICs) in the gaming control device 100 to output the security signal and the door/frame opening signal, eliminating the risk of both the security signal and the door/frame opening signal not being output due to an output port abnormality.

In order for the control unit to output the door/frame open signal before the security signal, stability in processing time is required in processing including external information editing processing. The processing procedure that checks all of the errors to be edited without terminating processing even if an abnormality is detected in one of the errors to be edited described above also contributes to the processing of outputting the security signal and the door/frame open signal, which avoids simultaneous output start and makes it easier to check the output signals.

[Outside area integration processing]
Next, the outside area integration process of the game control device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the outside area integration process of the first embodiment. The outside area integration process is a process executed by the CPU 111A in step S111 of the timer interrupt process described above. The outside area integration process is a process that integrally executes processes that are not related to the game.

The control unit saves the stack pointer in the stack pointer storage area (step S191) and sets the stack pointer to the value of the outside stack area (step S192). As a result, the control unit switches the stack pointer from the game control stack area (inside stack area) to the non-game control stack area (outside stack area) when executing a process unrelated to the game (outside integration process). The control unit saves the registers (step S193).

The control unit executes a test signal output process to output a test signal (step S194). The control unit determines whether or not play is stopped by referring to the safety device operation flag (step S195). If play is not stopped, the control unit proceeds to step S106 to execute the processes of steps S196 to S198, which are not related to play, and if play is stopped, the control unit skips the processes of steps S196 to S198 and proceeds to step S199.

If game play is not stopped, the control unit executes a performance display device control process (step S196) that controls the performance display device 135, a ball difference confirmation process (step S197) that checks the ball difference from the number of out balls and the number of winning balls and updates the safety device count, and a safety device operation monitoring process (step S198) that monitors the operation status of the safety device.

The control unit restores the register (step S199), sets the value read from the stack pointer storage area as the stack pointer (step S200), and ends the outside area integration process.

[Main processing]
Next, the main processing of the performance control device 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the main processing in the performance control device of the first embodiment.

The main processing is processing executed by the control unit (CPU 311) of the performance control device 300 when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is started.
[Step D11] The control unit prohibits interrupts.

[Step D12] The control unit performs initial settings for the CPU 311.
[Step D13] The control unit performs initial settings for the VDP 312.
[Step D14] The control unit permits the interrupt.

[Step D15] The control unit allows the generation of display data. That is, the control unit allows the display circuit (not shown) in VDP312 to access the VRAM (not shown) in VDP312 and generate display data.

[Step D16] The control unit sets a random number seed. This is a process of setting a pseudo-random number generation sequence using, for example, the srand function. Here, the control unit may use a fixed value such as 0 (zero) as an argument to the srand function, or may use a value created based on an ID value of the CPU or the like so that it is different for each gaming machine.

[Step D17] The control unit saves the initial value at the time of power-on in an area to be initialized in the RWM (e.g., RAM 322) of the performance control device 300 (e.g., a performance flag area (a storage area used as various flags described later in the control processing of the performance control device 300)).

[Step D18] The control unit clears the WDT (watchdog timer).
[Step D19] The control unit executes the effect button input process. The effect button input process is a process for editing when the effect button 25 (effect button switch 25a) is operated while it is enabled. Since the effect button does not turn on and off at high speed, the control unit may perform the process of detecting the effect button input within the effect button input process, or may perform the process within a short-period timer interruption (not shown).

[Step D20] The control unit executes hall/player setting mode processing. The hall/player setting mode processing is processing for setting the changeable range of the brightness and volume of the LED and display device 41, and accepting operations by the player to change the brightness and volume of the LED and display device 41, etc.

[Step D21] The control unit executes a random number update process. The random number update process is a process that updates a pseudo-random number at least once per control cycle of the main process, for example, using a rand function. The rand function generates a random number based on a specified generation sequence each time a recalculation is performed, so the control unit can obtain a random number simply by executing the rand function. Note that a counter that increments by "1", like the main board (game control device 100), may also be used as the random number.

[Step D22] The control unit executes a received command check process. The received command check process is a process of analyzing the commands received from the game control device 100 in units of a predetermined number.

[Step D23] The control unit executes the performance display editing process. The performance display editing process is a process for setting various commands and their parameters to instruct the VDP 312 on the content to be drawn on the display device 41. For example, the control unit sets the commands in a table format in the performance display editing process.

[Step D24] The control unit executes drawing command preparation end setting. Drawing command preparation end setting is a process for setting that preparation of all commands for the VDP 312 set in the performance display editing process has ended.

[Step D25] The control unit determines whether or not it is frame switching timing. If it is frame switching timing, proceed to step D26. If it is not frame switching timing, wait for frame switching timing. Here, the frame switching timing is a timing that arrives at a time interval equivalent to a processing period (for example, 1/30 seconds ≒ 33.333 ms) created based on the period (for example, 1/60 seconds) of the V blank interrupt (also called V sync interrupt). Note that the V blank interrupt occurs every time one scan of the entire screen for drawing is completed by the VDP 312. As described above, the generation period of this V blank interrupt is, for example, 1/60 seconds. In this embodiment, when the same drawing is repeated twice and the V blank interrupt occurs twice, frame switching is performed, and the period of the frame switching timing is twice the period (for example, 1/60 seconds) of the V blank interrupt (for example, 1/30 seconds ≒ 33.33 ms). However, this is not limiting, and the frame switching timing can be changed as desired. For example, frame switching (image updating) may be performed at intervals of 1/30 seconds or more, or at intervals of less than 1/30 seconds.

By the process of determining the frame switching timing, the subsequent processes (steps D26 to D30, and the subsequent steps D18 to D24) are executed at this frame switching timing for each processing cycle. Time management that needs to be synchronized with the presentation content is performed in frame units (i.e., in processing cycle units). If the processing cycle is 1/30 seconds, for example, 3 frames will be 100 ms. This is similar to the main board (game control device) managing time values in units of 4 ms, which is the timer interrupt cycle.

[Step D26] The control unit instructs the VDP 312 to draw on the screen according to the command set in step D23. For example, the control unit sequentially transmits commands set in a table to instruct the VDP 312 to draw on the screen.

[Step D27] The control unit executes a sound control process. The sound control process is a process related to the volume control of the sound from the speaker 19.
[Step D28] The control unit executes a decoration control process to control various LEDs of the board decoration device 46, the frame decoration device 18, etc.

[Step D29] The control unit executes a movable body control process. The movable body control process is a process for controlling movable bodies (e.g., the board effect device 44) including various motors and SOLs (solenoids).

[Step D30] The control unit executes the firing information control process. The firing information control process is a process that sets firing-related information based on the firing status flag and corrects the presentation mode according to the special chart rotation status (the number of times the special chart changes per game for a specified amount (i.e., a specified number of loaned balls)).

[Step D31] The control unit executes an information disclosure process, which is a process for disclosing performance information relating to gaming performance to a player.
After executing step D31, the control unit returns to step D18, and thereafter repeatedly executes the processes of steps D18 to D31. That is, steps D18 to D31 constitute a loop process (sometimes referred to as a main loop process) that is repeatedly executed in the above-mentioned processing cycle after the performance control device 300 is started.

The control unit executes steps D27 to D29 within the main loop to match the screen presentation, but the process of actually outputting the signals and data (particularly signals for driving and controlling various LEDs and motors, etc.) generated or set by these control processes to the port is performed within a short-period timer interrupt (not shown). However, when using an IC specialized for controlling various devices, it may be the case that the output of signals, etc. is not performed by a timer interrupt, with only instructions given via serial communication, etc.

Next, the gaming performance of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a gaming performance list of the first embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 has a game characteristic called 1 type + 2 type. The gaming machine 10 can execute a special chart 1 game (first special chart variable display game) and a special chart 2 game (second special chart variable display game) as a variable display game, so-called 1 type game, and can also execute a 2 type game. The gaming machine 10 can store up to four execution rights (waiting hold) for each of the special chart 1 game and the special chart 2 game. When the gaming machine 10 has execution rights for both the special chart 1 game and the special chart 2 game, it prioritizes the special chart 2 game.

The gaming machine 10 has a jackpot probability (low jackpot probability) of 1/319 in both the special chart 1 game and the special chart 2 game. The gaming machine 10 does not vary the probability in the special chart 1 game and the special chart 2 game, so there is no setting for a high jackpot probability. The gaming machine 10 also has a small jackpot probability of 1/319 in the special chart 1 game, and a small jackpot probability of 240/319 in the special chart 2 game. In this way, the gaming machine 10 has the same jackpot probability in both the special chart 1 game and the special chart 2 game, but makes it easier to derive a small jackpot probability in the special chart 2 game than in the special chart 1 game.

The gaming machine 10 has a state without time-saving and a state with time-saving as states other than a jackpot, unless a distinction is made between low-value time-saving and high-value time-saving. The gaming machine 10 conducts a lottery for transition to a state with time-saving in the state without time-saving, and does not conduct a lottery for transition in the state with time-saving, and transitions to the state without time-saving when the number of time-saving rounds is reached.

The low-value time saving is a normal power support state, and is a time saving that is considered to be low in value because, although there is a chance of winning in the normal variable winning device 37 (starting port 2), the chance is not large enough (there is no actual chance of winning, or the chance is small, and the expectation of winning the execution right is small). The low-value time saving is assigned to a number of time saving times of "100 times," "200 times," or "300 times." The high-value time saving is a normal power support state, and is a time saving that is considered to be high in value because there is a sufficient chance of winning in the normal variable winning device 37 (starting port 2) (the actual chance of winning is large, and the expectation of winning the execution right is high). There is no limit to the number of time saving times for the high-value time saving, and it continues until the next big win.

Next, the game state transition in the gameplay of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the game state transition in the first embodiment. When the gaming machine 10 is powered on with RWM clearing, the gaming machine 10 performs game control with state A as the initial state. Note that when the gaming machine 10 is powered on without RWM clearing, that is, when the gaming machine 10 is powered on in a way that allows recovery to the game state before the power was cut off, the gaming machine 10 performs game control from the game state at the time of the power cut off.

There are three gaming states, State A, State B, and State C, distinguished from the viewpoint of the probability state and time-saving state of the gaming machine 10. State A is a state where the probability state is low probability and the time-saving state is no time-saving. State B is a state where the probability state is low probability and the time-saving state has low-value time-saving. State C is a state where the probability state is low probability and the time-saving state has high-value time-saving.

In addition, in state A, which is a state without time reduction, the c time reduction lottery is held at the same time as the jackpot lottery. In state A, if you miss the jackpot, you will always win the c time reduction lottery because there are no misses, and you will be assigned to either low value or high value time reduction. In addition, although it has been said that there are no misses in the c time reduction lottery held at the same time as the jackpot lottery, it is also possible to have misses.

State A has transition conditions T10 to T14. Transition condition T10 occurs when a jackpot without time reduction occurs, and state A is reached after the jackpot ends. Transition condition T11 occurs when a jackpot with high-value time reduction occurs, and state C is reached after the jackpot ends. Transition condition T12 occurs when a high-value time reduction (c time reduction) occurs, and state C is reached after the jackpot ends. Transition condition T13 occurs when a jackpot with low-value time reduction occurs, and state B is reached after the jackpot ends. Transition condition T14 occurs when a low-value time reduction (c time reduction) occurs, and state B is reached after the jackpot ends.

State B has transition conditions T20 to T23. Transition condition T20 is the occurrence of a low-value time-saving jackpot, and state B is entered after the jackpot ends. Transition condition T21 is the occurrence of a jackpot without time-saving, and state A is entered after the jackpot ends. Transition condition T22 is the consumption of a specified number of low-value time-savings, and state A is entered upon the end of the low-value time-saving. Transition condition T23 is the occurrence of a high-value time-saving jackpot, and state C is entered after the jackpot ends.

State B has transition conditions T30 and T31. Transition condition T30 occurs when a high-value jackpot with time-saving is reached, and state C is reached after the jackpot ends. Transition condition T31 occurs when a jackpot without time-saving is reached, and state A is reached after the jackpot ends.

This type of game state transition allows the gaming machine 10 to remain in state C until a non-time-saving jackpot occurs when the game reaches state C. The rate of stay in state C can be set to, for example, 90%, allowing for game play in which jackpots can be enjoyed in succession without burdening the player. State C may transition to state A when a specified number of high-value time-saving turns have been played.

In addition, when an arcade turns on the power and clears the RWM when it opens, the control state at the start of business can be set to state A, which is the initial state. Such a gaming machine 10 provides players who start playing at the start of business with the opportunity to be assigned to state B or state C, and is expected to improve operation by players who hope to be assigned to state C.

Next, the game display screen will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the game display screen of the first embodiment. The display screen 500 shown in FIG. 23 (1) is a display screen during the stop of the pattern, and displays the pattern which is the result state of the variable display game for a predetermined period after the variable display in the special pattern 1 game (variable display game) has ended. Note that the display screen 500 is an example of a display screen in state A (no low probability time reduction: normal game state). The display screen 500 displays a large pattern group 501 which is a decorative pattern, a small pattern group 502 which is also a decorative pattern, a special pattern 1 reserved number display 503, a special pattern 2 reserved number display 504, a reserved waiting display 505, and a reserved consumption display 506.

The main special symbol in the special symbol 1 game or special symbol 2 game is a symbol (LED lighting state) displayed on the special symbol 1 symbol display section 53 or special symbol 2 symbol display section 54 of the collective display device 50, and the large symbol group 501 and the small symbol group 502 are decorative symbols corresponding to the main special symbol. Although not shown, the gaming machine 10 has a fourth symbol as a symbol in the special symbol 1 game or special symbol 2 game, which indicates the variable state and the stopped state, for example, by blinking and lighting of an LED, without indicating the difference in the result state of the variable display game. When the fourth symbol is displayed on the display device 41, the variable state and the stopped state may be indicated by pictograms such as "circle" and "-" or by switching and stopping displays of different colors.

The large symbol group 501 is responsible for the game presentation in order to enhance the interest. Therefore, the large symbol group 501 is displayed large with a variable display area set in the approximate center of the display device 41. The large symbol group 501 includes a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol.

On the display screen 500, the left pattern indicates that the pattern has stopped at "3," the middle pattern indicates that the pattern has stopped at "5," and the right pattern indicates that the pattern has stopped at "7." In other words, on the display screen 500, the large pattern group 501 indicates that the special pattern change display game is in a stopped state (patterns are stopped).

The large symbol group 501 and the small symbol group 502 are displayed stopped at the same timing (a timing determined in advance when the movement starts, or a timing determined based on the reception of a command instructing the end of the movement).

The small symbol group 502 is responsible for notifying the player of the variable display state in order to make it easier for the player to grasp the game state. Therefore, the small symbol group 502 is displayed small on the periphery of the display device 41 so as to ensure visibility without interfering with the display performance of the large symbol group 501. The small symbol group 502 includes a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol. On the display screen 500, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol that make up the small symbol group 502 all indicate that the corresponding special symbol variable display game is in a stopped state.

The small symbol group 502 fluctuates (displays constant speed fluctuation) at a predetermined speed (constant speed) from the start of fluctuation, and is displayed as stopped without a temporary stop at the end of fluctuation. The small symbol group 502 may be displayed with or without a predetermined accelerated fluctuation period from the stopped display until it reaches the predetermined speed. The small symbol group 502 may be displayed with or without a predetermined deceleration fluctuation period from the constant speed fluctuation display until it is displayed as stopped.

In general, the large pattern group 501 is displayed larger than the small pattern group 502, has a high degree of freedom in its display position, and its display mode can be changed greatly. Conversely, the small pattern group 502 is displayed smaller than the large pattern group 501, and has a low degree of freedom in its display position (for example, its position is fixed).

The special chart 1 reserved number display 503 displays the number of reserved memories for the special chart 1 game. On the display screen 500, the special chart 1 reserved number display 503 indicates that the number of reserved memories for the special chart 1 game is "0". The special chart 2 reserved number display 504 displays the number of reserved memories for the special chart 2 game. On the display screen 500, the special chart 2 reserved number display 504 indicates that the number of reserved memories for the special chart 2 game is "0".

The hold display (waiting hold display) 505 displays either the hold number of special chart 1 game or the hold number of special chart 2 game using the hold wait icon 507 depending on the game status. The display screen 500 indicates the hold number of special chart 1 game by displaying the hold icon. The hold consumption display (consumption hold display) 506 is a display screen for the game status (game status A) that indicates that the special chart game is changing by displaying the hold consumption icon. The display screen 500 indicates that the hold memory number of special chart 1 game or the hold memory number of special chart 2 game is "0" using the hold wait display 505. The display screen 500 also indicates that the special chart 1 game or the special chart 2 game is not changing using the hold consumption display 506, particularly by the absence of the hold consumption icon on the consumption hold base.

The display screen 510 shown in FIG. 23 (2) is the display screen after the variable display game has started. The display screen 510 is the screen after the display screen 500, and shows a screen during variable display (three patterns are variable). The display screen 510 is an example of a display screen in state A. In the display screen 510, the left pattern, middle pattern, and right pattern of the large pattern group 501 are variable, indicating that the special pattern variable display game is variable display. Also, in the display screen 510, the left pattern, middle pattern, and right pattern of the small pattern group 502 are variable, indicating that the special pattern variable display game is variable display.

On the display screen 510, the special chart 1 pending number display 503 indicates that the pending memory number for the special chart 1 game is "1", the special chart 2 pending number display 504 indicates that the pending memory number for the special chart 2 game is "0", and the pending waiting display 505 is a game state that indicates the pending number for the special chart 1 game, and indicates that the pending memory number for the special chart change display game (special chart 1 game) is "1". Also on the display screen 510, the pending consumption display 506 displays the pending memory display that is being consumed, indicating that the special chart change display game is being changed.

Note that display screen 500 and display screen 510 may include display elements such as background display, character display, and text display (not shown), and the display elements may also be capable of producing a display with movement through animation or the like.

The pending waiting display 505 shows how the pending waiting icon 507 corresponding to the pending number of the special game is displayed. The pending consumption display 506 shows how the pending consumption icon 508 corresponding to the pending consumption of the special game is displayed. The pending waiting icon 507 and the pending consumption icon 508 are, for example, spherical, and the pending waiting icon 507 and the pending consumption icon 508 can also be animated (for example, deformation, color change, up and down movement, etc.) to create a display with movement. The pending waiting icon 507 and the pending consumption icon 508 can clearly indicate the number of pending memories of the special game variable display game and notify the expectation for the game result of each pending memory depending on the display mode. The pending waiting icon 507 and the pending consumption icon 508 may be different in size, color, design, or action (generation, waiting, shift, disappearance, expectation value notification). The pending number or the pending memory number means the number of start memories in which the variable display game of the special game has not been executed.

Depending on its display mode, the pending consumption display 506 can indicate whether the special chart variable display game is in a variable display state and can also notify the expectation for the game result. On the display screen 500, the pending consumption display 506 leaves the frame blank to indicate that the special chart variable display game is in a stopped state. After this, the gaming machine 10 starts the variable display when the pending memory number for the special chart 1 game or the pending memory number for the special chart 2 game becomes 1 or more.

The display screen 512 shown in FIG. 23 (3) is a display screen in which the number of reserved memories becomes "1" or more in the special chart 2 game, and then variable display based on the reserved memories begins. Note that the display screen 518 is an example of a display screen after transitioning to state B (low probability low value time reduction) or state C (low probability high value time reduction). At this time, the gaming machine 10 can be considered to be playing with a right-handed hit, since a reserved memory has been generated in the special chart 2 game (for example, "4").

The display screen 512 is a display screen during the display of the variation of the special chart 2 game. The display screen 512 includes the performance display 513, the play guide display 514, the large symbol group 501a, the small symbol group 502, the special chart 1 reserved number display 503, and the special chart 2 reserved number display 504 in the display contents. The display screen 512 aims to improve the performance effect of the performance display 515 by hiding the reserved waiting display 505 and the reserved consumption display 506, but the reserved waiting display 505 and the reserved consumption display 506 may be displayed at all times, or one of them may be displayed, or they may be displayed when a predetermined condition is met. When a predetermined condition is met, for example, there is a time when a pre-reading notice performance is executed, or when a selection operation by the player is accepted, etc.

The effect display 513 is, for example, an effect screen that effects a time-saving mode, and is an effect screen that informs the player that the time-saving mode is in effect. In the time-saving mode effect, an independent effect may be executed for each change display, or a movie effect or the like that spans multiple changes may be executed.

The hitting method guide display 514 guides the player on how to hit the ball. For example, the hitting method guide display 514 guides the player to "hit right", which guides the player to shoot the game ball into the right-side play area. The hitting method guide display 514 also guides the player to "hit left", which guides the player to shoot the game ball into the left-side play area.

Large symbol group 501a is a decorative symbol displayed in place of large symbol group 501, and is displayed in a smaller display area than large symbol group 501 so that performance display 513 exerts a performance effect. Note that large symbol group 501 and large symbol group 501a are both forms of decorative symbols, and large symbol group 501 may be referred to as large decorative symbols and large symbol group 501a as small decorative symbols. Also, large symbol group 501 may be referred to as decorative symbols displayed during non-movie performances, and large symbol group 501a as decorative symbols during movie performances.

Next, the external information terminal board 71 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the general appearance of the external information terminal board of the first embodiment. The external information terminal board 71 is provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 10. The external information terminal board 71 is provided on the upper part of the axis attachment side of the front frame 12 so as to facilitate connection to external devices such as a hall computer and to ensure that the front frame 12 can be opened and closed without any problems. The external information terminal board 71 may also be provided on the back surface of the gaming board 30.

The external information terminal board 71 includes an external information terminal board 710, a connector 711, an information output terminal 712, a photocoupler 713, and a resistor 714. The external information terminal board 710 has one connector 711, 12 sets of information output terminals 712 corresponding to the number of information outputs, a photocoupler 713, and a resistor 714 mounted on the component mounting surface. The external information terminal board 71 is connected to the game control device 100 via a harness that connects to the connector 711. The external information terminal board 71 may be connected to other control devices such as the game control device 100, the payout control device 200, and the performance control device 300 via a relay terminal board (not shown), or may be connected to other control devices without going through a relay terminal board.

The information output terminal 712 is a terminal capable of outputting information to an external device such as a hall computer. The information output terminal 712 has two terminals to which one pair of two-wire electric wires can be connected, and outputs a signal by a so-called contact output that connects the two terminals. In the normal state, the opening of the two terminals is closed by a lid body biased by a biasing unit (e.g., a spring) not shown. When the short operating lever is pressed down on one of the two terminals, the lid body is moved against the bias of the biasing unit, and the opening is switched from the closed state to the open state. When the short operating lever is no longer pressed down, the bias of the biasing unit returns the short operating lever to its initial position, and the lid body is moved to switch the opening from the open state to the closed state. For the other of the two terminals, the lid is moved against the force of the biasing portion of the long operating lever 755, switching the opening from a closed state to an open state, and when the pressing operation of the long operating lever 755 is released, the biasing force of the biasing portion returns the long operating lever to its initial position, and the lid is moved, switching the opening from an open state to a closed state.

The external information terminal board 71 has 12 information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12) arranged in a row. The 12 information output terminals 712, CN1 to CN12, are arranged on the external information terminal board 710 at equal intervals so as to be aligned horizontally in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. In addition, the information output terminal 712 of CN12 is shifted vertically relative to the 11 information output terminals 712, CN1 to CN11, in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. This allows the gaming machine 10 to clearly indicate that the information output terminal 712 of CN12 is located at one end of the external information terminal board 71.

The 12 information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12) are colored to make them easily identifiable. The 12 information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12) may be colored differently (for example, 12 colors) to make them easily identifiable, or non-adjacent information output terminals 712 may be allowed to have the same color (for example, two sets of six colors) to make them easily identifiable. Adjacent information output terminals 712 do not necessarily need to be provided in contact with each other, and may be provided with a specified gap between them, including adjacent information output terminals 712.

The external information terminal board 71 has 12 photocouplers 713 (PC1 to PC12) arranged in a row. The 12 photocouplers 713 of PC1 to PC12 are arranged on the external information terminal board 710 at positions corresponding to the information output terminals 712. The 12 photocouplers 713 may be arranged together in positions that do not correspond to the 12 information output terminals 712, or may be arranged together as one or more integrated circuits, or may be arranged on a relay board or the like that is provided separately.

The external information terminal board 71 has 12 resistors 714 (R1 to R12) arranged in a row. The 12 resistors 714, R1 to R12, are arranged on the external information terminal board 710 at positions corresponding to the information output terminals 712. The 12 resistors 714 may be arranged together in positions that do not correspond to the 12 information output terminals 712, or may be arranged together as one or more integrated circuits, or may be arranged on a relay board or the like that is provided separately.

Note that the external information terminal board 710 has 12 photocouplers 713 and 12 resistors 714, but may also have other passive elements that constitute the isolation means.

Next, an overview of the external information terminal board will be described with reference to Fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the overview of the external information terminal board of the first embodiment.
25 shows an external information terminal board 710 in a state where components such as a connector 711, an information output terminal 712, a photocoupler 713, and a resistor 714 are not mounted. The external information terminal board 710 includes a component shape display 715, a component symbol display 716, and an operation unit display 717, which are displayed in silk screen on the component mounting surface. Note that the external information terminal board 710 may display the component shape display 715, the component symbol display 716, and the operation unit display 717 in a form other than silk screen (for example, a conductor pattern display, etc.).

The component shape display 715 shows the mounting position of the component with the approximate shape of the component. For example, the component shape display 715 shows the mounting positions of components such as the connector 711, the information output terminal 712, the photocoupler 713, and the resistor 714 with rectangles.

The component symbol display 716 is a symbol that can uniquely identify a component. For example, "CN1", which is one of the component symbol displays 716, indicates that the mounted component is an information output terminal 712, "PC1", which is one of the component symbol displays 716, indicates that the mounted component is a photocoupler 713, "CN13", which is one of the component symbol displays 716, indicates that the mounted component is a connector 711, and "R1", which is one of the component symbol displays 716, indicates that the mounted component is a resistor 714.

The operation unit display 717 displays the general shape of the operation unit (short operation lever, long operation lever) of the information output terminal 712. The operation unit display 717 includes a short rectangular display and a long rectangular display. The short rectangular display shows the general shape and operation position of the short operation lever, and the long rectangular display shows the general shape and operation position of the long operation lever.

This allows the gaming machine 10 to provide operation guidance through the operation unit display 717. Such a gaming machine 10 provides a suitable operating environment for the operation units (short operation lever, long operation lever) on the external information terminal board 710.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 allows comparison of the operation unit (short operation lever, long operation lever) and the operation unit display 717, making it easy to detect an abnormality if the operation unit is broken or the like.
The external information terminal board may be provided with an identification aid mark on the component mounting surface in the form of silk screen printing or in a form other than silk screen printing (for example, conductor pattern printing, etc.). The identification aid mark clearly indicates the different colors attached to the 12 information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12) using character information. For example, the character information may be "white", "green", "grey", "yellow", "black", "pink", "blue", "red", "grey", "water", etc. The component shape mark 715 is displayed in a manner that makes it difficult to see due to the components being mounted, but the component symbol mark 716, the operation unit mark 717, and the identification aid mark are displayed in a manner that makes it easy to see even due to the components being mounted.

Next, the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12) will be described with reference to FIG. 26. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals in the first embodiment.

The information output terminal CN1 outputs a prize ball signal as a pulse by contact output, by connecting the two terminals (1, 2). The prize ball signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms for every 10 prize balls paid out. When pulses are output consecutively, an off time of 64 ms is provided between the two pulses.

The information output terminal CN2 outputs a door/frame open signal for a certain period of time by contact output through electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The door/frame open signal is on only while a glass frame open error or a main frame open error is occurring.

The information output terminal CN3 outputs a pattern determination count signal as a pulse by contact output by connecting two terminals (1, 2). The pattern determination count signal outputs one pulse that is on for 256 ms after the fluctuation of the special pattern 1 game or the special pattern 2 game stops.

The information output terminal CN4 outputs a pulse of the start port signal by contact output by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The start port signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms after a win is made at the start port (start winning port 36 (start port 1), normal variable winning device 37 (start port 2)). When outputting pulses consecutively, there is an off time of 64 ms between the two pulses.

The information output terminal CN5 outputs the big win 1 signal for a certain period of time by contact output by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The big win 1 signal is on only during the small win period, which includes the start and end of the small win performance.

The information output terminal CN6 outputs the jackpot 2 signal for a certain period of time by contact output through electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The jackpot 2 signal is on only during the small jackpot, jackpot, and time-saving period, including the start and end of the small jackpot performance.

The information output terminal CN7 outputs the jackpot 3 signal for a certain period of time by contact output through electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The jackpot 3 signal is on only during the period of a small win or a jackpot, including the start and end of the small win performance.

The information output terminal CN8 outputs the jackpot 4 signal for a certain period of time by contact output by conducting the two terminals (1, 2). The jackpot 4 signal is turned on only during the jackpot period.
The information output terminal CN9 outputs a main prize ball signal as a pulse by contact output by connecting two terminals (1, 2). The main prize ball signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms every time 10 prize balls are generated. When outputting pulses continuously, an off time of 64 ms is provided between two pulses.

The information output terminal CN10 outputs a security signal by contact output for a certain period of time by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The security signal is on only for the period of time that corresponds to the state of the setting key switch 127 and the RAM initialization switch 112 when the power is turned on or when the power is restored, or for the period of time that a specific error is occurring.

The information output terminal CN11 outputs a pulse of the main out signal by contact output by connecting two terminals (1, 2). The out signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms for every 10 out balls generated. When outputting pulses continuously, there is an off time of 64 ms between two pulses.

The information output terminal CN12 outputs a pulse of the main call signal by contact output, by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The call signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms each time it detects an input from the call switch. When outputting pulses consecutively, there is an off time of 64 ms between the two pulses.

In this way, the gaming machine 10 places the model-common signals (prize ball signal, door/frame opening signal, symbol determination count signal, start port signal, main prize ball signal, security signal, out signal, and call signal) close to both ends of the external information terminal board 71. For example, the gaming machine 10 places the prize ball signal, door/frame opening signal, symbol determination count signal, and start port signal at the open end side of the front frame 12, and the main prize ball signal, security signal, out signal, and call signal at the axis attachment side end of the front frame 12. The model-common signals are signal outputs that are common to multiple models and are not dependent on the gaming performance of each model.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 positions the model-dependent signals (jackpot 1 signal, jackpot 2 signal, jackpot 3 signal, jackpot 4 signal) toward the center of the external information terminal board 71. For example, the gaming machine 10 positions the model-dependent signals between model-common signals. Model-dependent signals are signals that are specific to a model or are not necessarily common to multiple models, and are signals that depend on the gaming performance of each model.

Since machine-common signals are the same signal output for multiple machines, the signal interpretation may be done by default after connecting to the hall computer, making connection and confirmation relatively easy. Machine-dependent signals have different output periods and output conditions according to the game characteristics of each machine, so signal interpretation settings for each machine may be required after connecting to the hall computer, making connection and confirmation tasks often not easy.

In the gaming machine 10, the model-common signals are not combined into one, but are divided into an axis-side model-common signal located at the axis-side end of the front frame 12 on the external information terminal board 71, and an open-end side model-common signal located at the open-end side of the front frame 12 on the external information terminal board 71. The gaming machine 10 arranges a model-dependent signal between the axis-side model-common signal and the open-end side model-common signal, so that wiring work related to signals common to multiple models can be performed from both ends of the external information terminal board 71. For example, the external information output may not have a jackpot 4 signal depending on the model, in which case the information output terminal CN8 becomes an empty terminal. The gaming machine 10 can move the empty terminals generated by the model to the center of the external information terminal board 71, and wiring work to the model-common information output terminal can be performed from both ends of the external information terminal board 71. This makes it easier for the gaming machine 10 to position the wiring connection of the model-common signal and suppress wiring errors.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 separates the door/frame open signal and security signal, which are important as a countermeasure against fraud, from the model-common signals for the open end side and the model-common signals for the axis attachment side. This prevents mistakes in confusing the door/frame open signal and the security signal, which output signals for the same period.

Comparing the security signal and the door/frame opening signal, the door/frame opening signal is easier to generate than the security signal because it is output simply by opening the full frame 12 or the glass frame 15. By making such a door/frame opening signal a common signal for the open end side model, it is possible to prevent mistakes in confusing the door/frame opening signal and the security signal, which output signals for the same period of time when performing wiring connection work from the information output terminal CN1 to the information output terminal CN12.

In addition, wiring connection errors are prevented by limiting the external information that outputs a periodic signal among the open end side model common signals to just one signal, the door/frame open signal.In addition, wiring connection errors are prevented by limiting the external information that outputs a periodic signal among the shaft attachment side model common signals to just one signal, the security signal.

In addition, by making the model-dependent signal adjacent to the model-common signal on the open end side a pulse output signal, it is easy to distinguish it from the model-dependent signal, which is a period output signal, and wiring connection errors between the model-common signal on the open end side and the model-dependent signal are suppressed. For example, gaming machine 10 makes information output terminal CN4 a pulse output start port signal and information output terminal CN5 a period output jackpot 1 signal, thereby suppressing wiring connection errors from the signal output mode. Note that the period output of the model-dependent signal is not easy to check because the output trigger depends on the game progress. On the other hand, the pulse output of the start port signal is easy to check by having a game ball enter the start port.

In addition, between the door/frame open signal (information output terminal CN2), which is a period output in the open end side model common signal, and the jackpot 1 signal (information output terminal CN5), which is a period output in the model dependent signal, the pattern confirmation signal (information output terminal CN3) and the start port signal (information output terminal CN4), which are pulse outputs, are placed, further reducing wiring connection errors.

In addition, the door/frame open signal (information output terminal CN2), which is a period output in the open end side model common signal, is placed between the winning ball signal (information output terminal CN1) and the pattern determination signal (information output terminal CN3), which are pulse outputs, further reducing wiring connection errors.

In addition, by making the model-dependent signal and adjacent signal among the model-common signals on the axis-mounting side into pulse output signals, it is easy to distinguish from the model-dependent signal, which is a periodic output signal, and wiring connection errors between the model-common signals on the axis-mounting side and the model-dependent signal are suppressed. For example, gaming machine 10 makes information output terminal CN9 a pulse output main prize ball signal, and information output terminal CN8 a periodic output jackpot 4 signal, thereby suppressing wiring connection errors from the signal output mode. Note that the periodic output of the model-dependent signal is not easy to check because the output trigger depends on the game progress. On the other hand, the pulse output of the main prize ball signal is easy to check by having a game ball enter the winning slot.

In addition, the main prize ball signal (information output terminal CN9), which is a pulse output, is placed between the security signal (information output terminal CN10), which is a period output in the axis-side model-common signal, and the jackpot 4 signal (information output terminal CN8), which is a period output in the model-dependent signal, further reducing wiring connection errors.

In addition, the security signal (information output terminal CN10), which is a period output in the axis-mounted model common signal, is placed between the main prize ball signal (information output terminal CN9) and the out signal (information output terminal CN11), which are pulse outputs, further reducing wiring connection errors.

Next, modified examples of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminal 712 will be described with reference to Figs. 27 to 31. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 1) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminal of the first embodiment. Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 2) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminal of the first embodiment. Fig. 29 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 3) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminal of the first embodiment. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 4) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminal of the first embodiment. Fig. 31 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 5) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminal of the first embodiment.

The external information terminal board shown in Figure 27 as variant example (part 1) has information output terminals arranged in a horizontal row in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output on the axis attachment side and open end side of the main body frame 11, and one group of information output terminals that performs model-dependent output is arranged between them.

The information output terminal group CN1G, information output terminal CN1S, and information output terminal group CN2G are arranged in the order from the axis attachment side for the model-common output. The information output terminal CN1S is assigned a signal equivalent to the fraud prevention 1 period output. The information output terminal CN1S is an information output terminal that outputs a fraud prevention signal equivalent to either a door/frame opening signal or a security signal, and is an information output terminal that performs a period output. The information output terminal group CN1G is an information output terminal group arranged adjacent to the axis attachment side of the information output terminal CN1S, and includes one or more information output terminals that perform a pulse output. The information output terminals included in the information output terminal group CN1G output signals that do not overlap with other model-common signals (for example, prize ball signal, pattern confirmation count signal, start port signal, main prize ball signal, out signal, call signal) other than the fraud prevention signal. The information output terminal group CN2G is a group of information output terminals arranged adjacent to the open end side of the information output terminal CN1S, and includes one or more information output terminals that perform pulse output. The information output terminals included in the information output terminal group CN2G output signals that do not overlap with other signals common to all models, excluding anti-tamper signals.

The information output terminal group CN3G is arranged for the model-dependent output. The information output terminal group CN3G is an information output terminal group arranged adjacent to the open end side of the information output terminal group CN2G, and includes one or more information output terminals that perform periodic output. The information output terminals included in the information output terminal group CN3G output models-dependent signals (for example, jackpot 1 signal, jackpot 2 signal, jackpot 3 signal, jackpot 4 signal) that do not overlap with others.

The open end side model-common outputs are arranged in order from the axis attachment side: information output terminal group CN4G, information output terminal CN2S, and information output terminal group CN5G. Information output terminal CN2S is assigned a signal equivalent to the anti-tampering 2 period output. Information output terminal CN2S is an information output terminal that outputs an anti-tampering signal that does not overlap with information output terminal CN1S among the door/frame opening signal and security signal, and is an information output terminal that performs period output. Information output terminal group CN4G is an information output terminal group arranged adjacent to the axis attachment side of information output terminal CN2S, and includes one or more information output terminals that perform pulse output. Information output terminals included in information output terminal group CN4G output signals that do not overlap with other model-common signals, excluding anti-tampering signals. Information output terminal group CN5G is an information output terminal group arranged adjacent to the open end side of information output terminal CN2S, and includes one or more information output terminals that perform pulse output. The information output terminals included in the information output terminal group CN5G output signals that are common to all models and do not overlap with other signals, excluding anti-fraud signals.

This makes it easy to check the connection because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are avoided from being placed next to the information output terminals that perform period output. Also, because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are far enough apart from each other, the risk of confusing them is reduced. Also, because the model-common signals are located on both sides of the information output terminal row, the risk of incorrect connection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the free terminal will be located in the center, so there is less risk of incorrect connection than if the free terminal was located at the end.

The external information terminal board shown in Figure 28 as variant example (2) has information output terminals arranged in a horizontal row in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output on the axis attachment side and open end side of the main body frame 11, and one group of information output terminals that performs model-dependent output is arranged between them.

The model-common outputs on the shaft side are arranged, in order from the shaft side, as information output terminal CN1S and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent outputs are arranged, in order from the shaft side, as information output terminal group CN3G. The model-common outputs on the open end side are arranged, in order from the shaft side, as information output terminal group CN4G, information output terminal CN2S, and information output terminal group CN5G.

This avoids the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S being adjacent to the information output terminal that outputs the period, making it easy to check the connection. Also, the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S are far enough apart from each other to reduce the risk of confusing them. Also, the model-common signals are located on both sides of the information output terminal row, so the risk of misconnection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal is located in the center, so there is less risk of misconnection than if the vacant terminal was located at the end. Also, the information output terminal CN1S is located at one end of the information output terminal row, making it easy to position it. Also, the information output terminal CN1S is located at one end of the information output terminal row, so it is easy to distinguish it from the information output terminal CN2S, which is not located at the end of the information output terminal row.

The external information terminal board shown in Figure 29 as variant example (3) has information output terminals arranged in a horizontal row in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output on the axis attachment side and open end side of the main body frame 11, and one group of information output terminals that performs model-dependent output is arranged between them.

The model-common outputs on the shaft side are arranged, in order from the shaft side, as information output terminal group CN1G, information output terminal CN1S, and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent outputs are arranged as information output terminal group CN3G. The model-common outputs on the open end side are arranged, in order from the shaft side, as information output terminal group CN4G and information output terminal CN2S.

This avoids the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S being adjacent to the information output terminal that outputs the period, making it easy to check the connection. Also, the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S are far enough apart from each other to reduce the risk of confusing them. Also, the model-common signals are located on both sides of the information output terminal row, so the risk of misconnection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal is located in the center, so there is less risk of misconnection than if the vacant terminal was located at the end. Also, the information output terminal CN2S is located at one end of the information output terminal row, making it easy to position it. Also, the information output terminal CN2S is located at one end of the information output terminal row, so it is easy to distinguish it from the information output terminal CN1S, which is not located at the end of the information output terminal row.

The external information terminal board shown in Figure 30 as variant example (No. 4) has information output terminals arranged in a horizontal row in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output on the axis attachment side and open end side of the main body frame 11, and one group of information output terminals that performs model-dependent output is arranged between them.

The model-common output on the shaft side is arranged, starting from the shaft side, as information output terminal CN1S and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent output is arranged as information output terminal group CN3G. The model-common output on the open end side is arranged, starting from the shaft side, as information output terminal group CN4G and information output terminal CN2S.

This avoids the adjacent placement of information output terminals CN1S and CN2S with information output terminals that perform periodic output, making it easy to check the connection. Also, information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are far enough apart from each other that the risk of confusing them is reduced. Also, model-common signals are located on both sides of the information output terminal row, so the risk of incorrect connection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal is located in the center, so there is less risk of incorrect connection than if the vacant terminal was located at the end. Also, information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are located at one end of the information output terminal row, making positioning easy.

The external information terminal board shown in FIG. 31 as variant (No. 5) has information output terminals arranged in a vertical row in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output on the upper and lower sides of the main body frame 11, and one group of information output terminals that performs model-dependent output is arranged between them.

The upper model-common outputs are arranged, from the top, in the order of information output terminal group CN1G, information output terminal CN1S, and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent outputs are arranged, in the order of information output terminal group CN3G. The lower model-common outputs are arranged, from the top, in the order of information output terminal group CN4G, information output terminal CN2S, and information output terminal group CN5G.

This makes it easy to check the connection because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are avoided from being placed next to the information output terminals that perform period output. Also, because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are far enough apart from each other, the risk of confusing them is reduced. Also, because the model-common signals are located on both sides of the information output terminal row, the risk of incorrect connection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the free terminal will be located in the center, so there is less risk of incorrect connection than if the free terminal was located at the end.

In the same way that the modified example described with reference to Figs. 28 to 30 is applied to the external information terminal board shown as modified example (part 1) in Fig. 27, the modified example described with reference to Figs. 28 to 30 can also be applied to the external information terminal board shown as modified example (part 5) in Fig. 31.

Next, an external information terminal board with two rows of information output terminals will be described. The external information terminal board with two rows of information output terminals is provided on the upper part of the axis attachment side of the front frame 12 to facilitate connection to external devices such as hall computers and to ensure that opening and closing of the front frame 12 is not impeded. Note that the external information terminal board with two rows of information output terminals may also be provided on the back surface of the game board 30.

The external information terminal board with two rows of information output terminals has two rows of 12 information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12). The six information output terminals 712 from CN1 to CN6 and the six information output terminals 712 from CN7 to CN12 are arranged on the external information terminal board so as to be aligned in a row in a vertical direction in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The row of six information output terminals 712 from CN1 to CN6 is located on the open end side of the front frame 12, and the row of six information output terminals 722 from CN7 to CN12 is located on the axis attachment side of the front frame 12. The six information output terminals 712 from CN1 to CN6 and the six information output terminals 712 from CN7 to CN12 may also be arranged on the external information terminal board so as to be aligned in a row in a horizontal direction in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10.

The 12 information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12) are colored to make them easily identifiable. The 12 information output terminals 712 (CN1 to CN12) may be colored differently (for example, 12 colors) to make them easily identifiable, or non-adjacent information output terminals 712 may be allowed to have the same color (for example, two sets of six colors) to make them easily identifiable.

Next, the allocation of output signals to information output terminals (CN1 to CN12) arranged in two rows will be described with reference to FIG. 32. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the allocation of output signals to information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment.

The information output terminal CN1 outputs a prize ball signal as a pulse by contact output, by connecting the two terminals (1, 2). The prize ball signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms for every 10 prize balls paid out. When pulses are output consecutively, an off time of 64 ms is provided between the two pulses.

The information output terminal CN2 outputs a door/frame open signal for a certain period of time by contact output through electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The door/frame open signal is on only while a glass frame open error or a main frame open error is occurring.

The information output terminal CN3 outputs a pattern determination count signal as a pulse by contact output by connecting two terminals (1, 2). The pattern determination count signal outputs one pulse that is on for 256 ms after the fluctuation of the special pattern 1 game or the special pattern 2 game stops.

The information output terminal CN4 outputs a pulse of the start port signal by contact output by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The start port signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms after a win is made at the start port (start winning port 36 (start port 1), normal variable winning device 37 (start port 2)). When outputting pulses consecutively, there is an off time of 64 ms between the two pulses.

The information output terminal CN5 outputs the big win 1 signal for a certain period of time by contact output by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The big win 1 signal is on only during the small win period, which includes the start and end of the small win performance.

The information output terminal CN6 outputs the jackpot 2 signal for a certain period of time by contact output through electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The jackpot 2 signal is on only during the small jackpot, jackpot, and time-saving period, including the start and end of the small jackpot performance.

The information output terminal CN7 outputs the jackpot 3 signal for a certain period of time by contact output through electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The jackpot 3 signal is on only during the period of a small win or a jackpot, including the start and end of the small win performance.

The information output terminal CN8 outputs the jackpot 4 signal for a certain period of time by contact output by conducting the two terminals (1, 2). The jackpot 4 signal is turned on only during the jackpot period.
The information output terminal CN9 outputs a pulse of an OUT signal by contact output by connecting two terminals (1, 2). The OUT signal outputs one pulse that is ON for 128 ms every time 10 OUT balls are generated. When outputting pulses continuously, there is an OFF time of 64 ms between two pulses.

The information output terminal CN10 outputs a pulse of the main prize ball signal by contact output by connecting the two terminals (1, 2). The main prize ball signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms every time 10 prize balls are generated. When pulses are output consecutively, an off time of 64 ms is provided between two pulses.

The information output terminal CN11 outputs a security signal by contact output for a certain period of time by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The security signal is on only for the period of time that corresponds to the state of the setting key switch 127 and the RAM initialization switch 112 when the power is turned on or when a power outage is restored, or for the period of time that a specific error is occurring.

The information output terminal CN12 outputs a call signal as a pulse by contact output, by establishing electrical continuity between the two terminals (1, 2). The call signal outputs one pulse that is on for 128 ms each time it detects an input from the call switch. When outputting pulses consecutively, there is an off time of 64 ms between two pulses.

In this way, the gaming machine 10 positions the model-common signals (prize ball signal, door/frame opening signal, symbol determination count signal, start port signal, main prize ball signal, security signal, out signal, and call signal), which are signal outputs common to multiple models, close to the ends of one of the two diagonal sets of the external information terminal board 72. For example, the gaming machine 10 positions the prize ball signal, door/frame opening signal, symbol determination count signal, and start port signal at the upper end of the open end side of the front frame 12, and the out signal, main prize ball signal, security signal, and call signal at the lower end of the axis attachment side of the front frame 12.

The gaming machine 10 also arranges model-specific or model-dependent signals (jackpot 1 signal, jackpot 2 signal, jackpot 3 signal, jackpot 4 signal) that are not necessarily common to multiple models, close to the other of the two diagonal sets of the external information terminal board 72. For example, the gaming machine 10 arranges the jackpot 1 signal and jackpot 2 signal at the lower end of the open end side of the front frame 12, and the jackpot 3 signal and jackpot 4 signal at the upper end of the axle attachment side of the front frame 12.

In the gaming machine 10, the model-common signals are not combined into one, but are divided into an open-end model-common signal located at the upper end of the open end side of the front frame 12 on the external information terminal board 72, and an axle-mounted model-common signal located at the lower end of the axle-mounted side of the front frame 12 on the external information terminal board 72. The gaming machine 10 arranges a model-dependent signal between the open-end model-common signal and the axle-mounted model-common signal, so that wiring work related to signals common to multiple models can be performed from the diagonal end of the external information terminal board 72. For example, the external information output may not have a jackpot 4 signal depending on the model, in which case the information output terminal CN8 becomes an empty terminal. The gaming machine 10 can move the empty terminals generated by the model to another pair of diagonal ends of the external information terminal board 72, and wiring work to the model-common information output terminal can be performed from one pair of diagonal ends to the external information terminal board 72. This makes it easier for the gaming machine 10 to position the wiring connection of the model-common signal and suppress wiring errors.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 separates the door/frame open signal and security signal, which are important as a countermeasure against fraud, from the model-common signals for the open end side and the model-common signals for the axis attachment side. This prevents mistakes in confusing the door/frame open signal and the security signal, which output signals for the same period.

Comparing the security signal and the door/frame opening signal, the door/frame opening signal is easier to generate than the security signal because it is output simply by opening the full frame 12 or the glass frame 15. By making such a door/frame opening signal a common signal for the open end side model, it is possible to prevent mistakes in confusing the door/frame opening signal and the security signal, which output signals for the same period of time when performing wiring connection work from the information output terminal CN1 to the information output terminal CN12.

In addition, wiring connection errors are prevented by limiting the external information that outputs a periodic signal among the open end side model common signals to just one signal, the door/frame open signal.In addition, wiring connection errors are prevented by limiting the external information that outputs a periodic signal among the shaft attachment side model common signals to just one signal, the security signal.

In addition, by making the model-dependent signal adjacent to the model-common signal on the open end side a pulse output signal, it is easy to distinguish it from the model-dependent signal, which is a period output signal, and wiring connection errors between the model-common signal on the open end side and the model-dependent signal are suppressed. For example, gaming machine 10 makes information output terminal CN4 a pulse output start port signal and information output terminal CN5 a period output jackpot 1 signal, thereby suppressing wiring connection errors from the signal output mode. Note that the period output of the model-dependent signal is not easy to check because the output trigger depends on the game progress. On the other hand, the pulse output of the start port signal is easy to check by having a game ball enter the start port.

In addition, between the door/frame open signal (information output terminal CN2), which is a period output in the open end side model common signal, and the jackpot 1 signal (information output terminal CN5), which is a period output in the model dependent signal, the pattern confirmation count signal (information output terminal CN3) and the start port signal (information output terminal CN4), which are pulse outputs, are placed to further prevent wiring connection errors.

In addition, the door/frame open signal (information output terminal CN2), which is a period output in the open end side model common signal, is placed between the winning ball signal (information output terminal CN1), which is a pulse output, and the pattern determination count signal (information output terminal CN3), further reducing wiring connection errors.

In addition, by making the model-dependent signal and the adjacent model-common signal on the axis side into a pulse output signal, it is easy to distinguish from the model-dependent signal, which is a period output signal, and wiring connection errors between the model-common signal on the axis side and the model-dependent signal are prevented. For example, gaming machine 10 makes information output terminal CN9 a pulse output OUT signal and information output terminal CN8 a period output jackpot 4 signal, thereby preventing wiring connection errors from the signal output mode. Note that the period output of the model-dependent signal is not easy to check because the output trigger depends on the game progress. On the other hand, the output of the pulse output of the OUT signal is easy to check by ejecting the game ball from the OUT port.

In addition, the out signal (information output terminal CN9), which is a pulse output, and the main winning ball signal (information output terminal CN10), which is a main winning ball signal, are placed between the security signal (information output terminal CN11), which is a period output in the axis-side model-common signal, and the jackpot 4 signal (information output terminal CN8), which is a period output in the model-dependent signal, to further reduce wiring connection errors.

In addition, the security signal (information output terminal CN11), which is a period output in the axis-mounted model common signal, is placed between the main prize ball signal (information output terminal CN10), which is a pulse output, and the call signal (information output terminal CN12), further reducing wiring connection errors.

Next, modified examples of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals 722 will be described with reference to Figs. 33 to 37. Fig. 33 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 1) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment. Fig. 34 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 2) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment. Fig. 35 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 3) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment. Fig. 36 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 4) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment. Fig. 37 is a diagram showing a modified example (part 5) of the allocation of output signals to the information output terminals arranged in two rows in the first embodiment.

The external information terminal board shown as modified example (part 1) in Figure 33 has information output terminals arranged in two vertical rows in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output at the lower end of the axis-mounted side and the upper end of the open end of the main body frame 11, and two groups of information output terminals that perform model-dependent output at the upper end of the axis-mounted side and the lower end of the open end of the main body frame 11.

The lower end model-common output (lower end of the axle mounting side) is arranged, starting from the bottom end, with information output terminal group CN1G, information output terminal CN1S, and information output terminal group CN2G. The upper end model-dependent output (upper end of the axle mounting side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN3G. The lower end model-dependent output (lower end of the open end side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN6G. The upper end model-common output (upper end of the open end side) is arranged, starting from the bottom end, with information output terminal group CN4G, information output terminal CN2S, and information output terminal group CN5G. The information output terminals included in information output terminal group CN6G output model-dependent signals (for example, jackpot 1 signal, jackpot 2 signal, jackpot 3 signal, jackpot 4 signal) that do not overlap with others.

This makes it easy to check the connection because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are avoided from being placed next to the information output terminals that perform period output. Also, because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are far enough apart from each other, the risk of confusing them is reduced. Also, the model-common signal is located at the end of one of the two diagonal sets of the two rows of information output terminals, so the risk of incorrect connection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal will be located at the end of the other of the two diagonal sets, so there is less risk of incorrect connection.

The external information terminal board shown as modified example (part 2) in Figure 34 has information output terminals arranged in two vertical rows in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output at the lower end of the axis-mounted side and the upper end of the open end of the main body frame 11, and two groups of information output terminals that perform model-dependent output at the upper end of the axis-mounted side and the lower end of the open end of the main body frame 11.

The model-common output on the lower end (lower end on the shaft-mounted side) is arranged, starting from the bottom, with information output terminal CN1S and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent output on the upper end (upper end on the shaft-mounted side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN3G. The model-dependent output on the lower end (lower end on the open end side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN6G. The model-common output on the upper end (upper end on the open end side) is arranged, starting from the bottom, with information output terminal group CN4G, information output terminal CN2S and information output terminal group CN5G.

This avoids the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S being adjacent to the information output terminal that outputs the period, making it easy to check the connection. Also, the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S are far enough apart from each other to reduce the risk of confusing them. Also, the model-common signal is located at the end of one of the two diagonal sets of the two rows of information output terminals, so the risk of misconnection is reduced compared to wiring connection in the center. Also, the model-dependent signal may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal is located at the end of the other diagonal set of the two diagonal sets, so there is less risk of misconnection. Also, the information output terminal CN1S is located at a corner of the information output terminal row, making it easy to position. Also, the information output terminal CN1S is located at a corner of the information output terminal row, so it is easy to distinguish it from the information output terminal CN2S that is not located at a corner of the information output terminal row.

The external information terminal board shown in Figure 35 as variant example (3) has information output terminals arranged in two vertical rows in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output at the lower end of the axis-mounted side and the upper end of the open end of the main body frame 11, and two groups of information output terminals that perform model-dependent output at the upper end of the axis-mounted side and the lower end of the open end of the main body frame 11.

The model-common output on the lower end (lower end on the axle side) is arranged, starting from the bottom, with information output terminal group CN1G, information output terminal CN1S, and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent output on the upper end (upper end on the axle side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN3G. The model-dependent output on the lower end (lower end on the open end side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN6G. The model-common output on the upper end (upper end on the open end side) is arranged, starting from the bottom, with information output terminal group CN4G and information output terminal CN2S.

This avoids the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S being adjacent to the information output terminal that outputs the period, making it easy to check the connection. Also, the information output terminal CN1S and the information output terminal CN2S are far enough apart from each other to reduce the risk of confusing them. Also, the model-common signal is located at the end of one of the two diagonal sets of the two rows of information output terminals, so the risk of misconnection is reduced compared to wiring connection in the center. Also, the model-dependent signal may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal is located at the end of the other diagonal set of the two diagonal sets, so there is less risk of misconnection. Also, the information output terminal CN2S is located at a corner of the information output terminal row, making it easy to position. Also, the information output terminal CN2S is located at a corner of the information output terminal row, so it is easy to distinguish it from the information output terminal CN1S that is not located at a corner of the information output terminal row.

The external information terminal board shown in Figure 36 as variant example (No. 4) has information output terminals arranged in two vertical rows in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output at the lower end of the axis-mounted side and the upper end of the open end of the main body frame 11, and two groups of information output terminals that perform model-dependent output at the upper end of the axis-mounted side and the lower end of the open end of the main body frame 11.

The model-common output on the lower end (lower end on the axle side) is arranged, starting from the bottom, with information output terminal CN1S and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent output on the upper end (upper end on the axle side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN3G. The model-dependent output on the lower end (lower end on the open end side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN6G. The model-common output on the upper end (upper end on the open end side) is arranged, starting from the bottom, with information output terminal group CN4G and information output terminal CN2S.

This avoids the adjacent arrangement of information output terminals CN1S and CN2S with information output terminals that perform periodic output, making it easy to check the connection. Also, since information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are far enough apart from each other, the risk of confusing them is reduced. Also, since the model-common signal is located at the end of one of the two diagonal sets of the two rows of information output terminals, the risk of incorrect connection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal is located at the end of the other of the two diagonal sets, so there is less risk of incorrect connection. Also, since information output terminal CN2S is located at a corner of the information output terminal row, it is easy to position it.

The external information terminal board shown in Figure 37 as variant example (No. 5) has information output terminals arranged in two horizontal rows in the installation environment of the gaming machine 10. The information output terminals are arranged in two groups of information output terminals that perform model-common output at the lower end of the open end side and the upper end of the axis attachment side of the main body frame 11, and two groups of information output terminals that perform model-dependent output at the lower end of the axis attachment side and the upper end of the open end side of the main body frame 11.

The model-common output on the lower end (lower end of the open end side) is arranged, from the open end side, with information output terminal group CN1G, information output terminal CN1S, and information output terminal group CN2G. The model-dependent output on the lower end (lower end of the shaft-mounted side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN3G. The model-dependent output on the upper end (upper end of the open end side) is arranged with information output terminal group CN6G. The model-common output on the upper end (upper end of the shaft-mounted side) is arranged, from the open end side, with information output terminal group CN4G, information output terminal CN2S, and information output terminal group CN5G.

This makes it easy to check the connection because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are avoided from being placed next to the information output terminals that perform period output. Also, because the information output terminals CN1S and CN2S are far enough apart from each other, the risk of confusing them is reduced. Also, the model-common signal is located at the end of one of the two diagonal sets of the two rows of information output terminals, so the risk of incorrect connection is reduced compared to wiring connections in the center. Also, model-dependent signals may not be connected depending on the hall computer, in which case the vacant terminal will be located at the end of the other of the two diagonal sets, so there is less risk of incorrect connection.

In the same way that the modified example described using Figures 34 to 36 is applied to the external information terminal board shown as modified example (No. 1) in Figure 33, the modified example described using Figures 34 to 36 can also be applied to the external information terminal board shown as modified example (No. 5) in Figure 37.

The gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment described above (including modified examples) has the following features in one aspect. In addition, in conventional gaming machines, it is not easy to find wiring connection errors in the external connection terminal (external information terminal board). The gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment makes it easy to check the wiring connections in the external information terminal board.

(1) A gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine 10) is equipped with an external information terminal board capable of outputting from corresponding information output terminals a period signal that is output during a period in which a specified condition is satisfied and a pulse signal that is output as a pulse when the specified condition is satisfied, and a control means capable of editing the signal (external information) output from the external information terminal board. The period signals include model-common signals that are not dependent on gaming performance (model), and model-dependent signals that are dependent on gaming performance (model). The model-common signals include a first anti-fraud signal (e.g., a door/frame opening signal) used for a first anti-fraud measure, and a second anti-fraud signal (e.g., a security signal) used for a second anti-fraud measure different from the first anti-fraud measure. The external information terminal board is arranged such that a first information output terminal corresponding to the first anti-fraud signal, a second information output terminal corresponding to the second anti-fraud signal, and a third information output terminal corresponding to model-dependent signals (e.g., a jackpot 1 signal, a jackpot 2 signal, a jackpot 3 signal, a jackpot 4 signal) are not adjacent to each other, and a pulse signal (e.g., For example, a fourth information output terminal that outputs a pattern determination count signal, a start port signal) is arranged, and a fifth information output terminal different from the fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal (for example, a main prize ball signal) is arranged between the second information output terminal and the third information output terminal, and the control means has a game control memory area used for control related to the game and a non-game control memory area used for control unrelated to the game, and a first memory area that stores a process for editing the first anti-tampering signal, a second memory area that is used to determine the output of the first anti-tampering signal, a third memory area that stores a process for editing the second anti-tampering signal, and a fourth memory area that is used to determine the output of the second anti-tampering signal are arranged in the game control memory area (for example, see Figures 11, 16, and 27).

(2) A gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine 10) includes an external information terminal board capable of outputting from corresponding information output terminals a period signal that is output during a period when a predetermined condition is met and a pulse signal that is output when the predetermined condition is met, and a control means capable of editing the signal (external information) output from the external information terminal board. The period signal includes a model-common signal that is not dependent on gaming performance (model) and a model-dependent signal that is dependent on gaming performance (model). The model-common signal includes a first fraud prevention signal (e.g., a door/frame opening signal) used for a first fraud prevention measure and a second fraud prevention signal (e.g., a security signal) used for a second fraud prevention measure different from the first fraud prevention measure. The external information terminal board includes a first information output terminal corresponding to the first fraud prevention signal, a second information output terminal corresponding to the second fraud prevention signal, and a model-dependent signal (e.g., a jackpot 1 signal, a jackpot 2 signal, a jackpot 3 signal, a jackpot 4 signal, a jackpot 5 signal, a jackpot 6 signal, a jackpot 7 signal, a jackpot 8 signal, a jackpot 9 signal, a jackpot 10 signal, a jackpot 11 signal, a jackpot 12 signal, a jackpot 13 signal, a jackpot 14 signal, a jackpot 15 signal, a jackpot 16 signal, a jackpot 17 signal, a jackpot 18 signal, a jackpot 19 signal, a jackpot 20 signal, a jackpot 21 signal, a jackpot 22 signal, a jackpot 23 signal, a jackpot 24 signal, a jackpot 25 signal, a jackpot 26 signal, a jackpot 27 signal, a jackpot 28 signal, a jackpot 29 signal, a jackpot 30 signal, a jackpot 31 signal, a jackpot 32 signal, a a third information output terminal corresponding to the first information output terminal, the second information output terminal corresponding to the second information output terminal, the third information output terminal corresponding to the third information output terminal, the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the first information output terminal, the third information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fourth information output terminal corresponding to the fifth ...

(3) The gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine 10) is equipped with an external information terminal board capable of outputting from corresponding information output terminals a period signal that is output during a period in which a specified condition is satisfied and a pulse signal that is output as a pulse when the specified condition is satisfied, and a control means capable of editing the signal (external information) output from the external information terminal board. The period signal includes a model-common signal that does not depend on the gaming performance (model) and a model-dependent signal that depends on the gaming performance (model). The model-common signal includes a first anti-fraud signal (e.g., a door/frame opening signal) used for a first anti-fraud measure, and a second anti-fraud signal (e.g., a security signal) used for a second anti-fraud measure different from the first anti-fraud measure. The external information terminal board is arranged such that a first information output terminal corresponding to the first anti-fraud signal, a second information output terminal corresponding to the second anti-fraud signal, and a third information output terminal corresponding to the model-dependent signals (e.g., a jackpot 1 signal, a jackpot 2 signal, a jackpot 3 signal, a jackpot 4 signal) are not adjacent to each other, and a fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal between the second information output terminal and the third information output terminal is arranged so that the first information output terminal corresponds to the first anti-fraud signal, the second information output terminal corresponds to the second anti-fraud signal, and the third information output terminal corresponds to the model-dependent signals (e.g., a jackpot 1 signal, a jackpot 2 signal, a jackpot 3 signal, a jackpot 4 signal) are not adjacent to each other. A fifth information output terminal different from the output terminal is arranged, and when the control means edits (outputs or may include) the first anti-tamper signal due to the establishment of the first condition or the establishment of a second condition different from the first condition, the control means monitors whether the first condition is met and then monitors whether the second condition is met regardless of whether the first condition is met (for example, see steps S151 and S152), and when the control means edits (outputs or may include) the second anti-tamper signal due to the establishment of the third condition or the establishment of a fourth condition different from the third condition, the control means monitors whether the fourth condition is met and then monitors whether the third condition is met regardless of whether the third condition is met (for example, see steps S166 to S174) (for example, see Figures 16, 17, and 27).

(4) The gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine 10) is equipped with an external information terminal board capable of outputting from corresponding information output terminals a period signal that is output during a period in which a specified condition is satisfied and a pulse signal that is output as a pulse when the specified condition is satisfied, and a control means capable of editing the signal (external information) output from the external information terminal board. The period signals include model-common signals that are not dependent on gaming performance (model), and model-dependent signals that are dependent on gaming performance (model). The model-common signals include a first anti-fraud signal (e.g., a door/frame opening signal) used for a first anti-fraud measure, and a second anti-fraud signal (e.g., a security signal) used for a second anti-fraud measure different from the first anti-fraud measure. The external information terminal board is arranged such that a first information output terminal corresponding to the first anti-fraud signal, a second information output terminal corresponding to the second anti-fraud signal, and a third information output terminal corresponding to the model-dependent signals (e.g., a jackpot 1 signal, a jackpot 2 signal, a jackpot 3 signal, a jackpot 4 signal) are not adjacent to each other, a fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal is arranged between the first information output terminal and the third information output terminal, and a fifth information output terminal different from the fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal is arranged between the second information output terminal and the third information output terminal. When the control means edits the first anti-tamper signal (which may be output or may include output) due to the first condition being satisfied or the second condition being satisfied different from the first condition being satisfied, the control means monitors the satisfaction of the first and second conditions without terminating monitoring of the satisfaction of the second condition due to the first condition being satisfied or without terminating monitoring of the satisfaction of the first condition due to the second condition being satisfied (see, for example, steps S151 and S152); when the control means edits the second anti-tamper signal (which may be output or may include output) due to the third condition being satisfied or the fourth condition being satisfied different from the third condition being satisfied, the control means monitors the satisfaction of the third and fourth conditions without terminating monitoring of the satisfaction of the fourth condition due to the third condition being satisfied or without terminating monitoring of the satisfaction of the third condition due to the fourth condition being satisfied (see, for example, steps S166 to S174) (see, for example, Figures 16, 17, and 27).

(5) The gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine 10) is equipped with an external information terminal board capable of outputting from corresponding information output terminals a period signal that is output during a period in which a specified condition is satisfied and a pulse signal that is output as a pulse when the specified condition is satisfied, and a control means capable of editing the signal (external information) output from the external information terminal board. The period signal includes a model-common signal that is independent of the game performance (model) and a model-dependent signal that is dependent on the game performance (model). The model-common signal includes a first fraud prevention signal (e.g., a door/frame opening signal) used for a first fraud prevention measure, and a second fraud prevention signal (e.g., a security signal) used for a second fraud prevention measure different from the first fraud prevention measure. The external information terminal board is arranged so that the first information output terminal corresponding to the first fraud prevention signal, the second information output terminal corresponding to the second fraud prevention signal, and the third information output terminal corresponding to the model-dependent signal (e.g., jackpot 1 signal, jackpot 2 signal, jackpot 3 signal, jackpot 4 signal) are not adjacent to each other, and a fifth information output terminal different from the fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal is arranged between the second information output terminal and the third information output terminal (see, for example, FIG. 27).

(6) A gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine 10) includes an external information terminal board capable of outputting from corresponding information output terminals a period signal that is output during a period in which a predetermined condition is met and a pulse signal that is output as a pulse when the predetermined condition is met, an external information editing means capable of editing the signal (external information) output from the external information terminal board, and a game execution control means capable of executing and controlling a variable display game and capable of controlling low-value games (e.g., low-value time reduction, low-value regular power support, etc.) in which the expectation of acquiring the right to execute the variable display game is low and high-value games (e.g., high-value time reduction, high-value regular power support, etc.) in which the expectation of acquiring the right to execute the variable display game is high. The period signal includes a model-common signal that is independent of the gaming performance (model) and a model-dependent signal that is dependent on the gaming performance (model). The model-common signal includes a first anti-fraud signal used for a first anti-fraud measure and a second anti-fraud signal used for a second anti-fraud measure different from the first anti-fraud measure. The model-dependent signal includes a game discrimination signal that can distinguish low-value games from high-value games. The external information terminal board is arranged so that the first information output terminal corresponding to the first anti-fraud signal, the second information output terminal corresponding to the second anti-fraud signal, and the third information output terminal group including the information terminal corresponding to the model-dependent signal and the game discrimination signal are not adjacent to each other, a fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal is arranged between the first information output terminal and the third information output terminal group, and a fifth information output terminal different from the fourth information output terminal that outputs a pulse signal is arranged between the second information output terminal and the third information output terminal group. (For example, see Figures 21, 22, and 27.)

The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program is provided that describes the processing contents of the functions that the gaming machine of the embodiment should have. The above processing functions are realized on the computer by executing the program on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and semiconductor memories. Examples of magnetic storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs), flexible disks (FDs), and magnetic tapes. Examples of optical disks include DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), DVD-RAMs, and CDs (Compact Disks)-ROM/RWs (ReWritables). Examples of magneto-optical recording media include MOs (Magneto-Optical disks).

When distributing a program, for example, portable recording media such as DVDs or CD-ROMs on which the program is recorded are sold. The program can also be stored in a storage device of a server computer, and then transferred from the server computer to other computers via a network.

A computer that executes a program stores, for example, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transferred from a server computer in its own storage device. The computer then reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read a program directly from a portable recording medium and execute processing according to that program. The computer can also execute processing according to the received program each time a program is transferred from a server computer connected via a network.

In addition, at least a portion of the above processing functions can be realized using electronic circuits such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

The gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine shown in the disclosed embodiment, but can be applied to all gaming machines that use gaming balls, such as other pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, and mahjong ball gaming machines, as well as slot machines, which are gaming machines that use medals.

The disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The above-described embodiments and modified examples may be combined and applied. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims.

10 Gaming machine 30 Gaming board 41 Display device 71, 72 External information terminal board 100 Gaming control device 300 Presentation control device

Claims (1)

an external information terminal board capable of outputting, from corresponding information output terminals, a period signal that is output during a period when a predetermined condition is satisfied and a pulse signal that is output when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
A control means capable of editing a signal output from the external information terminal board,
The periodic signals include a model-common signal that is independent of gaming performance and a model-dependent signal that is dependent on gaming performance.
The model-common signal includes a first fraud countermeasure signal used for a first fraud countermeasure and a second fraud countermeasure signal used for a second fraud countermeasure different from the first fraud countermeasure,
The external information terminal board is
a first information output terminal corresponding to the first fraud prevention signal, a second information output terminal corresponding to the second fraud prevention signal, and a third information output terminal corresponding to the model-dependent signal are arranged so as not to be adjacent to each other;
a fourth information output terminal for outputting the pulse signal is disposed between the first information output terminal and the third information output terminal;
a fifth information output terminal different from the fourth information output terminal for outputting the pulse signal is disposed between the second information output terminal and the third information output terminal;
The control means
When outputting the first anti-fraud signal and the second anti-fraud signal, one of the first anti-fraud signal and the second anti-fraud signal is output first and then the other is output with a delay.
Amusement machine.

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