JP4669525B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, or a sparrow ball gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine capable of informing and producing a big hit state without contradiction.

  A ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a symbol start opening provided on the game board, a symbol display section for stopping a plurality of symbols after changing for a predetermined time, and a grand prize opening for opening and closing the opening and closing plate. Configured. When the detection switch provided at the symbol start port detects the passing of the game ball, the symbol display unit changes the display symbol for a predetermined time (this operation is called symbol variation operation), and then the special symbol is aligned and stopped. Then, it becomes a big hit state (referred to as a special game state), and the big winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a profit state advantageous to the player.

Such a ball game machine is generally composed of a main control board that comprehensively controls gaming operations and a sub-control board that realizes an effect operation based on control commands transmitted from the main control board. . The sub-control board is, for example, a payout control board that performs a prize ball operation of a game ball, a sound control board that realizes a sound effect, a lamp control board that realizes a lamp effect, and a symbol that realizes a symbol variation operation in a liquid crystal display unit It is divided into control boards and the like (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-144659 A

  By the way, the invitation of the big hit state is determined internally when the game ball passes through the symbol start opening, but it is not immediately notified to the player at this timing, but the player is psychologically in a symbol variation operation called reach effect. It is designed to alert you after it is fully energized. In such a symbol variation operation, first, a variation pattern command indicating the total time and effect result of the rendering operation is transmitted from the main control board to each sub-control board, and finally, the termination of the rendering operation is instructed. A variable stop command is being transmitted. By receiving the fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation stop command, the symbol control board, the voice control board, and the lamp control board can realize a production operation synchronized with each other.

  In addition, among the sub-control boards, in particular, for the symbol control board, the symbol designation command is sequentially transmitted (usually three times) between the transmission of the variation pattern command and the transmission of the variation stop command. The stop symbol at the end is specified.

  In such a gaming machine, since a solenoid or the like repeatedly repeats ON / OFF operations, the control circuit inside the gaming machine is in a considerable noise environment, and therefore, a control command transmitted from the main control board to the sub control board is garbled. There was something to do. For example, if the symbol designating command transmitted to the symbol control board is garbled due to the influence of noise, the special symbol in the stopped state is “7/7/7” even though it is internally lost. It will be a big hit state. In such a case, the player is delighted to see the stop state of the special symbol, but on the other hand, since the gaming machine does not enter the special game state, a trouble between the player and the game hall is inevitable.

  In addition, as a completely different technical issue, even if it is desired to make the game operation of a gaming machine more complex and sophisticated in order to meet the player's expectations, the main control board is complicated by the sub control board due to the limitations of the main control board. There is also a problem that it is impossible to control advanced game operations.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and can provide a gaming machine that can prevent the occurrence of trouble with a gaming hall and that can also make more complex and sophisticated gaming effects. Is an issue.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a gaming machine that shifts to a game content advantageous to a player when a predetermined winning state is generated by a lottery process caused by a game operation, and executes the lottery process Along with the main control unit that controls the overall gaming operation by outputting various control commands, and the production operation determined based on the control command that instructs the start of the production operation received from the main control unit then both the first sub-control unit for outputting a demonstration command specifying the determined effect operation, based on the demonstration commands received from the first sub-control unit, which corresponds to effect operation of the first sub-control unit has determined tables and second sub-control unit, is directly controlled by the main control unit, at the time of the effect operation completion by the first sub-control unit and the second sub-control unit, the lottery result of the lottery process for performing the effect operation Comprising a display unit for, the, after the lottery process, and outputs a control command for instructing start of the effect operation in the first sub-control unit, and a start means for starting variable display operation in the display unit, then And a notification means for outputting a control command for instructing the end of the production operation to the first sub-control unit and displaying the lottery result on the display unit, provided in the main control unit, and instructing the start of the production operation. When a communication abnormality is recognized from the data contents of the possible control command, a dedicated effect at the time of communication abnormality avoiding the winning effect in the big hit state is started, and the dedicated effect command corresponding to the dedicated effect is second sub-controlled. The first means for outputting to the first section is provided in the first sub-control section, while the second sub-control section is configured to start the presentation corresponding to the dedicated presentation command received from the first sub-control section By providing a step, in the first and second sub-control unit, and align the effect contents when the communication abnormality.

In the present invention, the result of the lottery process most important to the player is definitely notified to the display unit that is directly driven and controlled by the main control unit. Therefore, even if a communication error occurs in the command transmitted to the sub-control unit, there is no possibility that the lottery process result and the confirmation notification content do not match. In addition, the main control unit only informs the result of the success / failure and does not need to finely control the production operation by the sub control unit. Can realize a game operation.

  In the display unit of the present invention, it is preferable to execute a symbol effect (image effect) operation prior to the notification operation, but the symbol effect operation may be performed by software processing or hardware processing. However, for the purpose of further reducing the control burden on the main control unit, it is preferable to employ a hardware circuit design effect using the oscillation pulse φ by the oscillation circuit (see FIG. 10).

In the present invention, with respect to the rendering operation in the sub-control unit, the specific content of the rendering can all be determined by the sub-control unit, and the sub-control unit does not necessarily have to notify the lottery result. The control burden is further reduced. In addition, the embodiment which transmits the command which specifies a lottery result from a main control part to a sub-control part, and the embodiment which does not transmit can be considered. Further, the start timing and the production time of the production operation may be notified by a single command transmission, or may be notified by transmitting separate commands.

  According to the present invention described above, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that can prevent occurrence of troubles with a gaming hall. In addition, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that enables more complex and sophisticated game effects.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on a pachinko machine according to an example. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The illustrated pachinko machine 1 includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 2 that is detachably mounted on an island structure, and a front frame 4 that is pivotably mounted via a hinge 3 fixed to the outer frame 2. It consists of A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 4 from the back side, and a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be freely opened and closed.

  An upper plate 8 for storing game balls for launch is mounted on the front plate 7, and a lower plate 9 for storing game balls overflowing from or extracted from the upper plate 8 and a launch handle 10 are mounted at the bottom of the front frame 4. And are provided. The launch handle 10 is interlocked with the launch motor M2, and a game ball is launched by a hitting rod that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 10.

  An elliptical push button 11 with a built-in lamp is provided at the approximate center of the upper plate 8. The push button 11 is provided at a position where it can be operated with the left hand of the player, and the player can operate the push button 11 without releasing the right hand from the firing handle 10. This push button 11 does not function normally, but when the game state becomes, for example, a “button chance state”, the built-in lamp is turned on and can be operated.

  On the right side of the upper plate 8, an operation panel 12 for ball lending operation for the card-type ball lending machine is provided, a remaining amount display unit 12a for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number, and a predetermined amount of game balls A ball lending switch 12b for instructing ball lending and a return switch 12c for instructing the return of the card at the end of the game are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is provided with a guide rail 13 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in an annular shape, and a liquid crystal color display 14A is provided at the approximate center of the game area 5a inside. The dot matrix display part 14B and the two LED lamps 19 are arranged on the upper part.

  The liquid crystal display 14A is a part that functions as an effect symbol display unit that variably displays an effect symbol (for example, a three-digit effect symbol “7, 7, 7”) directly related to the special symbol related to the big hit state, and a background image And various characters are also displayed in animation. On the other hand, the dot matrix display unit 14B functions as a special symbol display unit. After the blinking operation is performed in synchronization with the variable display operation of the liquid crystal display 14A, a lottery process is performed in accordance with the stop operation of the liquid crystal display 14A. The result of success / failure is displayed deterministically.

  In this embodiment, the big hit state is divided into a probable big hit and a normal big hit, but the liquid crystal display 14A reports whether the probable big hit, the normal big hit or the loss by the arrangement of the stop effect production symbols. On the other hand, in the dot matrix display part 14B, this is alert | reported by the predetermined stop pattern. Specifically, the liquid crystal display unit 14A has “7, 7, 7”, “6, 6, 6”, “2, 5, 2”, etc., depending on whether it is a probable big hit, a normal big hit, or a loss. The stop pattern of “◎”, “◯”, and “−” is displayed on the dot matrix display unit 14B in accordance with the stop display of the effect design. The probability variation jackpot means a jackpot state in which a game in which the winning probability of the jackpot is increased (a game in the probability variation state) is started after the special gaming state similar to the case of the normal jackpot is completed.

  On the other hand, the two LED lamps 19 are portions that normally function as symbol display units. When a game ball that has passed through the gate 18 is detected, the display content fluctuates for a predetermined time. The success / failure state determined on the basis of the random number for lottery drawn at the time of passing is displayed. In this embodiment, when both of the two LED lamps are turned on and stopped, a hit state is obtained, and when one or two of the LED lamps are stopped in an unlit state, a lost state is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a design starting port 15, a big winning port 16, four normal winning ports 17, and a gate 18 that is a left and right passing port are arranged at appropriate positions in the game area 5 a of the game board 5. . Each of these winning openings 15 to 17 and the gate 18 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.

  In this embodiment, the symbol start opening 15 is enlarged or reduced by an electric tulip having a pair of opening and closing claws. When the LED lamp 19 which is a normal symbol display portion is displayed in a stopped state after the fluctuation, The nail is enlarged for a predetermined time. When a game ball wins the symbol start opening 15, the display symbols of the liquid crystal display 14 </ b> A that is the effect symbol display portion and the dot matrix 14 </ b> B that is the special symbol display portion fluctuate for a predetermined time. It stops at the stop symbol determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing.

  The grand prize winning opening 16 is opened and closed by an opening / closing plate 16a that can be opened forward, but the symbols after the change stop of the effect symbol display portion 14A are arranged such as “6, 6, 6”, “7, 7, 7”, etc. In the case of an effect symbol (in the special symbol display section 14B, “O” or “◎” is displayed), a special game state called “big hit” is started, and the opening / closing plate 16a is opened. Further, there is a specific area 16b inside the special winning opening 16, and when a winning ball passes through the specific area 16b, a special game advantageous to the player is continued.

  After the opening / closing plate 16a of the big prize opening 16 is opened, the opening / closing plate 16a is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. At this time, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 16b, the special game ends. However, if the game ball passes through the specific area 16b, the special game is continued up to 16 times in this embodiment. It is controlled in a state advantageous to the user.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 1 includes a main control board 30 that controls game operations in an integrated manner, an effect control board 31 that controls the operation of the liquid crystal display 14A, and a sound that drives a speaker and blinks a lamp group. A lamp control board 32, a payout control board 33 that controls the payout motor M1 to pay out the game ball, a launch control board 34 that drives the launch motor M2 to fire the game ball, and receives 24V AC to each part of the apparatus A power supply board 35 that supplies a DC voltage is mainly configured.

  The main control board 30, the effect control board 31, the sound / lamp control board 32, and the payout control board 33 are each equipped with a computer circuit having a one-chip microcomputer. In this embodiment, the effect control board 31, the sound / lamp control board 32, and the payout control board 33 correspond to sub-control boards. Further, in the following description, the circuits mounted on the control boards 30 to 33 and the operations realized by the circuits are collectively referred to as functions, and the main control unit 30, the effect control unit 31, and the sound lamp control unit 32, respectively. And the payout control unit 33.

  The effect control unit 31 and the payout control unit 33 receive the control command CMD directly from the main control unit 1 and realize individual control operations. On the other hand, the sound / lamp control unit 32 receives the control command CMD ′ from the main control unit 1 via the effect control unit 31 and performs the sound effect and the lamp effect. As described above, in this embodiment, since the display of the lottery result is distinguished from the display of the effect symbol indicating the lottery result, the main control unit 30 can reduce the load related to the symbol creation processing. .

  In other words, from the standpoint of the player, where it is desired to produce three changing symbols (↓↓↓) as in the past, the contents of these three symbols are fully displayed on the sub-control unit ( Specifically, the control load on the main control unit 30 can be reduced without changing the production operation of the conventional gaming machine by entrusting the production control unit 31). Note that even if the reach effect is performed in the special symbol display unit 14B, it is not necessary to match the symbol with the effect symbol in the liquid crystal display 14A. Therefore, in the main control unit 30, the lost state in which the effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14A. There is no need to determine the symbol of the big hit state, and the advantage of reducing the control burden is great.

  The main control unit 30 includes a drive circuit 36 for driving solenoids for opening / closing the symbol start port 15 and the prize winning port 16 to ON / OFF, a detection switch built in the symbol start port 15 and the output of the payout control board 33. An input port 37 that receives a signal from the port 45, output ports 38a and 38b that output a control command CMD to the sub-control board, and a lamp drive circuit 39 that drives the dot matrix 14B and the LED lamp are provided. As illustrated, the output port 38 a is connected to the effect control unit 31, and the output port 38 b is connected to the payout control unit 33.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a specific configuration of the lamp driving circuit 39 of the main control unit 30. As shown in the figure, the lamp drive circuit 39 includes latch circuits 50a and 50b that temporarily hold the lamp drive data and driver circuits 51a and 51b that output the latched lamp drive data. Specifically, the latch circuits 50 a and 50 b are configured by D-type flip-flops connected to the data bus of the CPU of the main control unit 30.

  The driver circuits 51a and 51b are constituted by a transistor array shown on the right side of the drawing. Specifically, when receiving H level data from the latch circuit 50a, the driver driver 51a (transistor array) that outputs the power supply voltage Vs of the LED lamp. A) and an open / close circuit 51b (open collector type transistor array B) that performs an OFF / ON operation according to the H / L level of the data from the latch circuit 50b is used. Although not shown, the latch circuit 50b (D-type flip-flop) and the driver circuit 51b (open / close circuit) are each provided with four identical circuits in parallel. Therefore, the output data of the open / close circuit 51b (transistor array B) is 4 × 8 = 32 bits in total.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the upper 2 bits of the drive driver 51a (transistor array A) are output to the LED lamp 19 which is a normal symbol display section. Therefore, if the value of the upper 2 bits of the write data to the latch circuit 50a is appropriately changed, the blinking operation of the normal symbol display part can be realized, and the upper 2 bits are binary numbers of 11 (11 ******). ), The two LED lamps 19 are turned on, and the hit state can be notified.

  On the other hand, the least significant bit of the drive driver 51a (transistor array A) is always at the H level, and this is supplied as the power supply voltage of the dot matrix 14B. As described above, since the driver circuit 51b (four transistor arrays B) functions as an open / close circuit, a blinking operation can be realized by appropriately changing the 32-bit data of the driver circuit 51b. As a symbol display portion, the success / failure state can be definitely displayed with patterns such as “模 様”, “「 ”,“ − ”, and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the main control unit 30 is provided with output ports 38a and 38b, a control command CMD is output from the output port 38a to the effect control unit 31, and a payout control is performed from the output port 38b. A control command CMD is output to the unit 33. In this embodiment, with respect to the symbol variation operation, a “variation pattern command” indicating the total time of the production operation and the result of the success / failure and a “variation stop command” instructing the end of the production operation are transmitted to the production control board 31. However, the “designating command” for specifying the stopped design is not transmitted.

  The effect control unit 31 includes an input port 40 that receives a control command CMD from the main control unit 30, an output port 41 that outputs a control command CMD 'to the audio / lamp control unit 32, and an LCD drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal display 14A. 42 is provided. When the production control unit 31 receives the “variation pattern command” or “variation stop command” from the main control unit 30, the liquid crystal display 14A is driven to start necessary processing, and the control command CMD ′ is output to the output port. 41 to the input port 43 of the voice / lamp control unit 32. In this case, the control command received from the main control unit 30 may be output as it is, or a control command newly created or processed by the effect control unit 31 may be output.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the “designation command” is not transmitted, the production control unit 31 that has received the “variation pattern command”, for example, reach production depending on whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit. The effect design to be used is determined by an appropriate lottery process, and the main control unit 30 is not involved. It should be noted that what kind of temporal transition reach effect is specified by the variation pattern command. FIG. 8 illustrates the relationship between the “variation pattern command” and the “variation stop command” and the reach effect on the liquid crystal display 14A.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, each control command has a 16-bit configuration, and is output in two portions of 8 bits. At least for the variation pattern command, the most significant digit of each 8 bits is a parity bit, and the effect control unit 31 performs a parity check on the received control command CMD to confirm whether there is a communication abnormality. Yes. Then, when a parity abnormality is found when a control command that seems to be a variation pattern command is received, a dedicated symbol effect corresponding to the communication abnormality is started. Specifically, the production control unit 31 starts a dedicated symbol variation operation corresponding to the communication abnormality, and also controls the voice / lamp control unit 32 to define a dedicated production for the communication abnormality. 'Is output.

  Special effects for communication abnormality in the effect control unit 31 and the sound / lamp control unit 32 are appropriately designed, but in any case, an effect that does not specify the result is preferable. For example, for the lamp effect, the sound effect, and the symbol effect, the effect time is set to the same effect time as that in the jackpot state (preferably, the longest effect time in the jackpot state), and at least a variable stop command can be received. After a certain timing, it is shifted to a symbol production that can be stopped at any time (for example, high-speed fluctuation operation “↓↓↓”), and when a fluctuation stop command is received, “???” For the result, see the dot matrix. "

  Here, if there is a possibility that the player feels uncomfortable when shifting from the change operation “↓↓↓” to the stop state of “???”, the main control unit 30 prior to transmission of the change stop command. It is preferable to transmit a stop notice command. In this case, the production control unit 31 that has recognized the communication abnormality when receiving the variation pattern command can start the transient operation for the production end after receiving the stop notice command, and the variation operation “↓↓↓”. Can smoothly transition to the stop state of "???".

  As described above, in this embodiment, parity check is performed for at least a part of the control command, and the winning effect is avoided as fail-safe when communication is abnormal. Therefore, the trouble that the special gaming state is not started even though the big hit state is displayed on the liquid crystal display is prevented. In addition, as long as the control command CMD 'from the effect control unit 31 to the sound lamp control unit 32 is not garbled, there is also an advantage that the design effect on the liquid crystal display 14A is consistent with the sound effect and the lamp effect.

  Note that even if the winning control indicating the big hit state is not performed in the effect control unit 31 or the sound / lamp control unit 32 even though it is originally a big hit state, the arrival of the big hit state is a dot controlled by the main control unit 30. Since the information is correctly notified to the matrix 14B, virtually no problem occurs. In other words, regardless of whether the effect is performed by the effect control unit 31 or the sound / lamp control unit 32, the dot matrix 14B at the end of the effect has a predetermined “◯” or “◎” pattern in this embodiment. Is displayed, so that the player can correctly grasp his / her own profit state.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the payout control unit 33 is provided with an input port 44 that receives a control command CMD from the main control unit 30 and an output port 45 that outputs reception confirmation data ACK to the main control unit 30. ing. When receiving the “prize ball command” from the main control unit 30, the payout control unit 33 drives the payout motor M1 to start the payout operation, and also receives 1-bit reception confirmation data ACK at the L level. Output. The output port 45 is pulled up, and the payout controller 33 returns the reception confirmation data ACK to the original H level after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the main control unit 30 can grasp whether or not the winning ball command has been correctly received. Therefore, even if the payout control unit 33 misses the winning ball command, it is retransmitted. Can be done without any disadvantage to the player.

  By the way, the main control unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 comprehensively controls the overall operation of the pachinko machine 1 by executing the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 5 every predetermined time (for example, 2 mS). In the following, referring to FIG. 5, when a timer interrupt occurs, after the contents of each register are saved in the stack area (ST20), a random number generation process is first executed (ST21). The random number generation processing includes update processing of the winning counter RG and the big hit counter CT used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol processing ST29 and the special symbol processing ST34.

  In step ST21, the winning counter RG and the big hit counter CT are updated by increment (+1) processing within a predetermined numerical value range, respectively, and the updated counter values are the hit determination random value and the big hit determination random value, respectively. It is used as a numerical value in the lottery operation.

  Specifically, the value of the winning counter RG is used in the lottery operation in the normal symbol processing (ST29) when the game ball passes the gate 18, and the value of the big hit counter CT is determined by the game ball starting the symbol. When passing through the mouth 15, it is used for the lottery operation in the special symbol process (ST34). In the conventional apparatus, in the random number generation process, the jackpot symbol random number generation process for determining the stop symbol in the liquid crystal display 14A is performed. However, in the present embodiment, such a process does not exist.

  That is, in the present embodiment, in the special symbol process (ST34), only the winning / losing lottery in the big hit state is performed, and the result of the success / failure is displayed on the special symbol display unit 14B by the direct control of the main control unit 30. The effect control unit 31 is left to the reach effect on the display unit 14A and the selection of the stop symbol of the effect symbol.

  However, if you use multiple symbols each showing probability variation big hit, normal big hit, and lose, you will receive a pass / fail status based on the random number value that is obtained at the predetermined timing during the winning of the game ball to the starting opening or fluctuation The design and pattern which shows are decided. Note that as the random number value in this case, an appropriate random number value updated in the random number generation process (ST21) is used.

  When the random number generation process (ST21) is completed, after the timer subtraction process is performed for the timer that manages the time of each game operation (ST22), the symbol start opening 15 and the detection switch of the gate 18, and the big winning opening 16 The signals of various switches including the detection switches are input and stored (ST23). Each timer subtracted in the process of step ST22 is for managing the opening time of the electric tulip and the special winning opening 16 and other game effect times.

  Further, in the switch input process (ST23), a process for checking the reception confirmation data ACK from the payout control unit 33 is also performed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining this check process. In this embodiment, in the command transmission process (ST27), when the main control unit 30 outputs a prize ball command, the payout flag FLG is set to 1, and communication abnormality is counted. The counter CNT is cleared to zero when the device is turned on.

  Hereinafter, based on FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not the payout flag FLG is 1 (ST1). Here, if FLG = 0, no winning ball command has been transmitted most recently, so the reception confirmation data ACK is acquired from the input port 37 and its level is determined (ST2). Since the award ball command has not been transmitted most recently, it should be originally ACK = H level. However, if ACK = L level, the abnormal counter CNT is incremented as a communication error and the process ends (ST3). .

  If it is determined in step ST1 that FLG = 1, the winning ball command has been transmitted most recently, so the reception confirmation data ACK is acquired from the input port 37 and its level is determined (ST4). If ACK = L level, the winning ball command has been correctly recognized by the payout control unit 33, so the payout flag FLG is returned to 0 and the process is terminated (ST5). On the other hand, if ACK = H level, the prize ball command is not recognized by the payout control unit 33, so the abnormal counter CNT is incremented (ST6). Next, the value of the abnormality counter CNT is determined (ST7).

  Here, if the value of the abnormality counter CNT does not exceed the predetermined value, the prize ball command is retransmitted and the process is terminated (ST8). On the other hand, when the value of the abnormality counter CNT exceeds the predetermined value, the occurrence of an error is notified and the payout flag FLG is cleared to zero (ST9, ST10). As described above, the value of the abnormality counter CNT is determined because the process of FIG. 6 involves the retransmission of the winning ball command (ST8), and therefore the unauthorized player may arbitrarily change the reception confirmation data ACK to the L level. This is to detect such illegal activities.

  When the switch input process (ST23) including the award ball command retransmission process as described above is completed, the control command generated at this stage is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control units 31, 33 (ST24). ), Error management processing is performed (ST25). The error management process is a determination as to whether or not an abnormality has occurred inside the device, such as whether or not the supply of game balls has stopped or the game balls are clogged. Next, after creating a control command for the payout control unit 33 (ST26), the generated control command is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control unit (ST27). As described above, if a prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control unit 33, the payout flag FLG is set to 1.

  Next, the normal symbol processing is performed on the condition that the current operation state is not “winning” (ST29). The normal symbol processing means determination as to whether or not to operate an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip. Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball is passing through the gate based on the switch input result in step ST23, the value of the winning counter RG updated in the random number generation process (ST21) is acquired. The acquired random value is compared with the winning value at the start of fluctuation. If the comparison result is a winning state, the operation state is changed to a “winning” operation state. On the other hand, if it is “winning”, a process for operating an ordinary electric accessory such as an electric tulip is performed (ST31).

  Subsequently, a necessary control command is transmitted to the corresponding sub-control unit (ST32), and special symbol processing is performed on the condition that the current operation state is not “big hit” (ST34). The special symbol process (ST34) is a determination as to whether or not to operate the first-type special electric accessory such as the special winning opening 16. Specifically, when it is determined that the game ball has won the symbol start port 15 based on the switch input result in step ST23, the value of the big hit counter CT updated in the random number generation process (ST21) is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is compared with the big win winning value, and the result of success or failure is stored in an appropriate work area. Then, if the comparison result is a winning state, the operation state is changed to a “big hit” operating state.

  When the special symbol processing (ST34) as described above is completed, the first type special electric accessory using the special winning opening 16 is operated on condition that the current state is the “big hit” operation state. Processing is performed (ST36). Subsequently, a command transmission process (ST37) is performed, and when a special symbol process (ST34) is performed most recently, a variation pattern command is transmitted to the effect control unit 31 in accordance with the result of the determination.

  Next, after the final process is performed (ST38), the register saved in the process of step ST20 is restored, and the timer interrupt process is completed (ST39). As a result, the process returns to the main routine. However, when a predetermined time elapses, the process of step ST20 is started again, so that the processes of steps ST20 to ST38 are repeated every predetermined time.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the symbol changing operation of the special symbol in the final process (ST38). First, it is determined whether or not a variation pattern command has been transmitted in the previous command transmission process (ST37) (ST40). When the variation pattern command is transmitted, since the corresponding start flag HFLG is set, the determination is made according to the value of the start flag HFLG. If the variation pattern command is transmitted, then it is grasped from the type of variation pattern command whether the winning state is obtained in the special symbol processing (ST34) (ST41). If the winning state is set, the winning flag HIT is set to 1 (ST42). If the winning state is not set, the process of ST41 is skipped and the blinking flag BLINK is set to 1 (ST43).

  On the other hand, if the variation pattern command is not transmitted, it is determined whether or not the variation stop command is transmitted in the previous command transmission processing (ST37) following the determination processing in step ST40 (ST44). When a variable stop command is transmitted, since the corresponding stop flag TFLG is set, the determination is made according to the value of the stop flag TFLG. If the change stop command has been transmitted most recently, the blinking flag BLINK is cleared to 0 (ST45).

  After the blink flag BLINK is set to 1 or 0 in this way, the value is determined again (ST46). If BLINK = 1, the blinking variation operation in the special symbol display unit 14B is started. At this stage, in the effect control unit 31 and the sound / lamp control unit 32 that have received the variation pattern command, the variation operation using the liquid crystal display 14A or the like is started, but in accordance with these, the dot matrix 14B (special symbol display) is started. In this case, the variable operation is started by direct control of the main control unit 30 (ST47). The changing operation can be realized by the process shown in FIG. That is, if the symbol is changed for each timer interruption, it is impossible to see the symbol. Therefore, if the symbol data is changed every predetermined number of times T (for example, 100 times), and this is output to the special symbol display unit 14B. good. As a method for changing the symbol data, for example, the symbol data may be rotated to the right or left by one bit.

  The variation operation by the dot matrix 14B started in this way needs to be terminated with the transmission of the variation stop command. Since the blinking flag BLINK is cleared to 0 at the time of transmission of the fluctuation stop command (ST45), this is recognized by the determination processing at step ST46, and then the value of the winning flag HIT is determined (ST48). If it is in the state, “◎” or “◯” is displayed on the dot matrix 14B according to the probability big hit or normal big hit, and the winning flag HIT is cleared to zero (ST49).

  On the other hand, if it is not a big hit state, “−” is displayed on the dot matrix 14B to indicate a lost state, and the process is terminated (ST50). In this way, in this embodiment, whether or not the big hit state is determined and displayed by direct control of the main control unit 30, so that the player is in the correct winning or failure state regardless of the erroneous display of the liquid crystal display 14A Can be grasped.

  In addition, the production control unit 31 determines a communication abnormality for the variation pattern command by parity check, starts a dedicated production operation when the communication abnormality occurs, and ends the symbol production that is unacceptable when the variation stop command is received (for example, “ "??????"), and does not give the player a special feeling of incongruity. That is, even if the effect control unit 31 misrecognizes the big hit state, the winning state is definitely displayed on the dot matrix 14B at the timing when the winning / unknown symbol effect on the liquid crystal display 14A is finished, and then the special game starts. So there is no disadvantage to the player.

  In FIG. 7, the special symbol changing operation has been described, but the normal symbol changing operation can also be realized by the same process. That is, in FIG. 7, when “special symbol” is read as “ordinary symbol” and “big hit winning state” is read as “winning winning state”, the fluctuation operation of the normal symbol is achieved. Further, since it is not always necessary to transmit the variation pattern command to the sub-control unit for the normal symbol, the processing is further simplified when the rendering operation is not performed in the sub-control unit.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for realizing the normal symbol variation operation in the normal symbol processing (ST29 in FIG. 5). In this case, if the winning lottery is performed in the normal symbol processing (ST29), the changing operation is started (ST61 to ST67), and thereafter, when the elapse of a predetermined time is confirmed by the management of the timer subtraction processing (ST22) (ST64). Then, the changing operation is finished (ST68 to ST70). Since the normal symbol display section is composed of two LED lamps, it is sufficient to reverse the bit of the symbol data every predetermined time for the symbol variation operation (FIG. 9B).

  As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described, the concrete description content does not specifically limit this invention. For example, in the case of the present embodiment, a check with a 1-bit parity bit is performed in order to grasp the communication abnormality with the effect control unit, but a more complicated communication check may be performed. Similarly, the reception confirmation data ACK from the payout control unit does not need to be 1 bit, and the reception confirmation data ACK is not returned immediately after receiving the prize ball command, but the start of rotation of the payout motor M1 is confirmed. You may return it later.

  In the present invention, if the main control unit 30 directly controls the special symbol display unit 14B and / or the normal symbol display unit 19, the control method of each display unit 14B, 19 Of course, the specific configuration can be changed as appropriate. For example, the special symbol display unit 14B may be a 7-segment LED display unit, a liquid crystal display unit, or a simple display lamp. The normal symbol display unit 19 may be a 7-segment LED display unit, a liquid crystal display unit, or a dot matrix.

  In the above embodiment, the special symbol display unit 14B produces a fluctuating operation by a simple blinking operation (see the rotation process in FIG. 7B), but in the memory area (ROM) of the main control unit 30. When there is a margin, a plurality of dot pattern data for specifying a symbol to be displayed is stored in a memory address, and this is sequentially output from the lamp driving circuit 39 to produce a meaningful fluctuation operation. Can do.

  On the other hand, when it is desired to suppress the consumption of the memory area (ROM) of the main control unit 30 as much as possible, it is preferable to leave the changing operation of the special symbol display unit 14B to the hardware circuit. FIG. 10 is an example of a hardware circuit that realizes a fluctuating effect. Here, in order to realize a fluctuating effect, four types of pulses (D1 to D4) whose phases are delayed by a predetermined time (here, ¼ period) are generated by the delay circuit of FIG. (Refer FIG.10 (b)). Further, the D flip-flop (latch circuit) 50b and the transistor array (open / close circuit) 51b are connected by an OR gate row, and four types of pulses (D1 to D4) are appropriately applied to the other input terminal of each OR gate. To supply.

  In this circuit, when a change starts, a binary number (10000000) is written in the latch circuit 50b, so that the control signal CTL becomes H level, and as a result, four types of pulses (D1 to D4) are supplied to the OR gate train. Therefore, the blinking operation of the dot matrix 14B is started. On the other hand, when the fluctuation is stopped, the control signal CTL is set to the L level, and dot data (binary number: 0 ******) specifying a predetermined pattern (（-) is written into the latch circuit 50b. .

It is a front view of the pachinko machine concerning an example. It is a front view which shows the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a block which shows the whole structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a part of main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interruption process in a main control part. 6 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a part of the switch input process of FIG. 5. 6 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the content of the final process in FIG. 5. It is a figure explaining the control method of production operation. It is a flowchart explaining the control method of the production | presentation operation | movement of a normal symbol. It is a circuit diagram which shows the hardware constitutions which implement | achieve symbol fluctuation | variation operation | movement.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 30 main control unit 31 production control unit (sub control unit)
32 Voice / lamp control unit (sub control unit)
33 payout control unit (sub control unit)
14B Production symbol display part (display part)

Claims (4)

A gaming machine that shifts to a game content advantageous to a player when a predetermined winning state is generated by a lottery process caused by a game operation,
A main control unit that performs the lottery process and controls the overall gaming operation by outputting various control commands ;
Both when executing the instruction control commands effect operation which is determined based on the start of the effect operation received from the main control unit, a first sub-control unit for outputting a demonstration command specifying the determined effect operation,
Based on the production command received from the first sub control unit, the second sub control unit that executes the production operation corresponding to the production operation determined by the first sub control unit ;
A display unit that is directly driven and controlled by the main control unit and displays the lottery result of the lottery process at the end of the rendering operation by the first sub control unit and the second sub control unit ;
After the lottery process, a control command for instructing the start of the production operation is output to the first sub-control unit, and start means for starting the variable display operation on the display unit, and then the end of the production operation is instructed. The main control unit is provided with notifying means for outputting a control command to the first sub-control unit and displaying the lottery result on the display unit,
For a control command that seems to instruct the start of the production operation, if a communication abnormality is recognized from the data contents, a dedicated production at the time of communication abnormality that avoids the winning production in the big hit state is started, and a dedicated operation corresponding to the dedicated production is performed. While providing the first means for outputting the production command to the second sub-control unit in the first sub-control unit,
By providing the second sub-control unit with a second means for starting the production corresponding to the dedicated production command received from the first sub-control unit,
In the first and second sub-control units, the gaming machine is characterized by matching the contents of the production at the time of communication abnormality . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first sub-control unit determines a communication abnormality by a parity check .   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sub-control unit controls a display device that variably displays effect symbols.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second sub-control unit controls the speaker and the lamp group.

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