JP4793779B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a ball game machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and a revolving type gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming machine, for example, a game such as a jackpot or bonus, a payout of a prize ball or the like, an error, etc. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that outputs signals indicating various states in a machine to the outside.

Conventionally, for example, in a pachinko gaming machine belonging to the above-described ball game machine, there are various cases such as when a big hit occurs, when a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, or when a game ball wins a winning prize opening, etc. In order to notify the state of the gaming machine to the outside, a signal indicating these states can be output to the outside via an external output terminal provided in the gaming machine.
In recent years, a gaming machine that newly includes an external information terminal that outputs a signal indicating an error state such as when a clogging occurs has also appeared. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

The external output terminal is connected to, for example, a signal line for connecting to a plurality of gaming machines and connecting to a table management apparatus that collects information on the gaming machines. This platform management device is connected to an island management device that manages gaming machines on the island via a LAN or the like, and the island management device is connected to a hall management device that manages gaming machines throughout the hall via a LAN or the like.
With such a configuration, the hall management device can collect information indicating various states of the gaming machine and grasp the state of the gaming machine in the hall.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-5425

  For example, the conventional pachinko gaming machine described above is newly provided with an external information terminal for outputting a signal indicating an error. When signals indicating this error are used on the management device side, new signal lines are required to transmit these signals to the management device side, and these signal lines must be wired in holes such as pachinko. There is a problem that must be done. Furthermore, since the number of signal lines increases, there is a problem that the management apparatus corresponding to the existing signal lines must prepare a new interface for inputting signals from the new signal lines. As described above, in the conventional pachinko gaming machine, there is a problem that costs and labor are required when the error information is used in the gaming machine management apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object thereof is to output more information to the management apparatus side while suppressing the number of signal signal lines output from the gaming machine. It is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of signal lines for outputting signals to the outside of the gaming machine , and each of signals indicating a plurality of different first type states, a game machine for outputting by said different signal lines, and detecting means for detecting a second type state different from the first type state, based on the second type state is detected by said detecting means, said different Output means for outputting a signal indicating the second type state to the outside of the gaming machine by a set of a plurality of signal lines for outputting a signal indicating the plurality of first type states.

  According to such a configuration, the signal indicating the second type state can be output by the set of a plurality of signal lines for outputting the signal indicating the first type state. There is no need to provide a signal line.

Further, the output means outputs a signal indicating the second type state by a set of signal lines including a plurality of signal lines for outputting a signal indicating the plurality of first type states that do not occur simultaneously. Also good. According to such a configuration, it is possible to output as a signal that can appropriately grasp the second type state.
Further, the first type state may be a state related to normal operation in the gaming machine. Further, the second type state may be an abnormal state in the gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, the signal indicating the second type state can be output by the set of a plurality of signal lines for outputting the signal indicating the first type state. There is no need to provide a separate signal line. For this reason, for example, in a management device that manages gaming machines, it becomes possible to input and use signals indicating more states using existing signal lines.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential for the establishment of the invention. .
[Game system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gaming system according to the present embodiment.
The game system 1 includes a plurality of ball game machines 100 and a game machine management system 3 that manages various states of the ball game machines 100 when roughly classified.
The bullet ball gaming machine 100 is for a player to play a game using a game ball, and various information of the bullet ball gaming machine 100 is output to the gaming machine management system 3 by a signal wire bundle (harness) 6.

  The gaming machine management system 3 includes a plurality of table management devices 4, a plurality of calling devices 5, a plurality of island management devices 7, and a centralized management device 9. The table management device 4 is connected to a plurality (for example, two) of ball game machines 100 via the harness 6 and is connected to a calling device 5 arranged at the upper position of each ball game machine 100. The Further, each unit management apparatus 4 is connected via the LAN 8 to an island management apparatus 7 that manages an island facility to which the unit management apparatus 4 belongs. Each island management device 7 is connected to the centralized management device 9 via the LAN 10.

The stand management device 4 receives and manages various information of the ball game machine 100. In addition, the table management device 4 transmits various information of the ball game machine 100 to the island management device 7. Further, the base management device 4 controls the calling device 5 based on various states of the ball game machine 100 to perform various notifications.
The calling device 5 displays various types of information, outputs a voice, lights up and blinks electrical parts, and the like based on the control of the table management device 4.
The island management device 7 receives and manages various information of the ball game machine 100 from the base management device 4 belonging to the island facility, and transmits the various information to the centralized management device 9.

  The central management device 9 is a device used by the game store (hall) to manage various information of gaming machines belonging to the hall, and receives and manages various information of each ball game machine 100 from the island management device 7. For example, the centralized management device 9 displays the number of jackpots in each ball game machine 100 on its own display device, or displays an abnormal (error) state in each ball game machine 100.

[Mechanical configuration of ball game machine]
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an appearance of the game area 115 of the ball game machine 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the ball game machine 100 includes a game board 20 that forms a game area 115 and a game machine frame (not shown) that supports and fixes the game board 20. The game board 20 includes the windmills 102a and 102b, the normal symbol operation gate 103, the enlargement device 104, the center decoration part 105, the special symbol display device 106, the decorative symbol display device 107, the normal symbol display device 108, the inner rail 109, and the outside. Rails 110 and the like are provided as game parts. Further, the game board 20 is formed with a general winning port 111, a starting winning port 112, a big winning port 113, and an out port 114. The inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 are provided to guide the launched game balls (game balls) to the game area 115. The windmills 102a and 102b are provided at predetermined positions in the game area 115. For example, the movement of the game ball that enters the game area 115 and moves from the top to the bottom in FIG. The game balls are awarded to the winning prize opening 111, the start winning prize opening 112, and the grand prize winning opening 113, and the passing of the gaming balls to the normal symbol operation gate 103 is adjusted.

  The decorative symbol display device 107 is provided at a substantially central position of the game area 115 so that the player can easily recognize the decorative symbol display device 107. For example, the decorative symbol display device 107 includes a liquid crystal display device that displays a decorative symbol or the like. The decorative symbol display device 107 displays three decorative symbols displayed in a horizontal row. Here, the decorative symbol is a symbol for visually producing the result of the lottery. In the present embodiment, for example, “0” to “9” as “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “0”, “9” are displayed as decorative symbols in the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 107. In the order of “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, “9”, after variably displaying from the top to the bottom of FIG. 2, any one of “0” to “9” Control to stop display is performed. When a specific combination of decorative symbols is stopped and displayed on the above display screen, “big hit” is set. On the other hand, if the combination of the decorative symbols stopped and displayed in the display screen does not correspond to any of the specific decorative symbol combinations, it is “lost”. In the present embodiment, the “bonus” includes “probable big jackpot”, “time / short jackpot”, “normal jackpot”, and “two round jackpot” as described later, and each player can enjoy different games. ing.

  In the present embodiment, display control is also performed for special symbols and normal symbols in addition to decorative symbols. Here, the special symbols are “probable jackpot”, “short-time jackpot”, “ordinary jackpot”, “two round jackpot” according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball is won at the winning prize opening 112. Or it is a symbol for showing “losing”. The normal symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not the enlargement device 104 is opened according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103.

  The special symbol of the present embodiment is displayed by a 7-segment LED provided in the special symbol display device 106. The special symbol display device 106 controls the 7-segment LED to emit light based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112, for example, “7” which is a special symbol corresponding to “probability big hit”. , “6” which is a special symbol corresponding to “short-time jackpot”, “3” which is a special symbol corresponding to “ordinary jackpot”, “2” which is a special symbol corresponding to “two round jackpot”, After “−”, which is a special symbol corresponding to “losing”, is variably displayed, one of these five types of special symbols is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the decorative symbol that is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107 described above is determined so that the meaning of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 is the same as that of the special symbol, and is controlled to be displayed. Is done. For example, if the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 indicates “probable big hit”, the combination of the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107 also indicates “probable big jackpot”. (That is, control is performed so as to be a combination of the above-mentioned specific decorative designs). As described above, the control process is performed such that no contradiction occurs when displaying the game result by controlling the special symbol and the decorative symbol to be displayed in conjunction with each other.

  Note that the control of the decorative symbol display device 107 displays not only the decorative symbol but also a background image as a background of the decorative symbol, a character image for giving the player a sense of expectation for “big hit”, and the like. Do as follows. For example, in the control of the decorative symbol display device 107, after the decorative symbols are variably displayed on the display screen, among the three decorative symbols displayed in a horizontal row, the decorative symbols at both ends are stopped and displayed at the same symbol, so-called A reach state is formed. Then, after the character image is displayed to give the player a sense of expectation for “big hit”, the remaining decorative symbols that are changing are stopped and displayed. In this way, in the control of the decorative symbol display device 107, various display (production) controls are performed so that the player can have a sense of expectation for “big hit”. In addition, the decorative symbol display device 107 may be controlled to notify the player of various information related to the game. For example, it may be controlled to display the number of winnings of the game ball at the start winning opening 112 and notify the player of the current number of winnings at the starting winning opening 112.

  A start winning opening 112 is provided below the decorative symbol display device 107. An enlargement device 104 for enlarging the opening width is disposed in the opening at the upper part of the start winning opening 112. The expansion device 104 is controlled to open and close in order to guide the game ball to the start winning opening 112, and it is possible to pick up the game ball in a wide range at the time of expansion operation, and it is easy to win the start winning opening 112. On the other hand, normally, one game ball is allowed to pass through, but control is performed so as to maintain a width in which two game balls cannot pass simultaneously.

  Below the start winning port 112, a large winning port 113 is formed. After the three decorative symbols displayed in a horizontal row on the decorative symbol display device 107 stop at the same symbol, the special winning a prize port 113 shifts to a special game, and the special winning a prize outlet door 120 is controlled to fall down and opened. In the present embodiment, in the special game control process, the unit special game is controlled to be executed a maximum of 15 times or a maximum of 2 times. More specifically, when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the special winning opening 113 during execution control of a unit special game, the game proceeds to the next unit special game. The unit special game is executed up to 15 times or up to 2 times. In the present embodiment, the specific area 121 is formed in the special winning opening 113, but the specific area 121 is not necessarily formed. In this case, when shifting to the special game, it is guaranteed that the unit special game is executed 15 times or 2 times.

  The center decorative component 105 is provided around the decorative symbol display device 107. The center decoration part 105 plays a role of protecting the decorative symbol display device 107, decorating the ball game machine 100, and the like. In addition, on the upper part of the center decoration part 105, a holding lamp 117, which is four LEDs for displaying the number of winnings of the game ball to the start winning opening 112, is provided. The hold lamp 117 is controlled so as to emit light sequentially each time a game ball wins the start winning opening 112. In addition, when the above-described special symbol variation display is started, the lights are sequentially turned off. In other words, the number of light emission of the four LEDs that are the holding lamps 117 corresponding to the upper limit value of the number of holdings is notified to the player of the current number of holdings of the lottery result based on winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112. As described above, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112 is set to four. Then, when the number of reserves is four and a game ball is won at the start winning opening 112, the number corresponding to winning at the start winning opening 112 without performing a lottery based on the winning of the game ball. Only the payout of the prize ball is controlled.

  The normal symbol operation gate 103 is provided between the expansion device 104 and the inner rail 109. For example, the normal symbol operation gate 103 is configured so that a game ball can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 103 from top to bottom. Has been. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 103, as described above, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to open the expansion device 104, and the normal symbol corresponding to the result of the lottery is converted into the normal symbol. Control processing for display on the display device 108 is performed. This normal symbol display is performed by displaying an LED lamp provided in the normal symbol display device 108. The normal symbol display device 108 is composed of two LED lamps. Based on the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 103, for example, after the two LED lamps are turned on and variably displayed as normal symbols, for example. , Controlled to stop display. Then, when the two LED lamps are turned on and stopped, “Winning” is selected, and the enlargement device 104 is controlled to be opened. On the other hand, when only one LED lamp is lit and the stop display is made, “losing” is set, and the enlargement device 104 is not controlled to be opened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the normal symbol display device 108 is provided between the normal symbol operation gate 103 and the inner rail 109, and on the opposite side of the normal symbol display device 108 across the start winning opening 112, Four LED lamps 123 for displaying the number of game balls passing through the normal symbol operating gate 103 are arranged. The four LED lamps 123 for displaying the number of passages of these game balls to the normal symbol operation gate 103 are sequentially turned on each time the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, and also start normal symbol variation display. At this time, the lights are sequentially turned off. That is, the number of passages of the normal symbol operation gate 103 is notified to the player by the number of lighting of the four LED lamps 123.

  The general winning opening 111 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 103 and the inner rail 109, and is controlled so that a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out when a gaming ball wins the general winning opening 111. .

The out port 114 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 115 and collects game balls that have not won any of the start winning port 112, the general winning port 111, and the big winning port 113. Note that the collected game balls are discharged to the outside from the back side of the ball game machine 100.
The bullet ball gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment includes an outer frame, a front frame, a transparent plate, a door, and a ball tray unit, which are gaming parts that constitute a gaming machine frame (not shown). These gaming parts are not particularly related to the characteristic portions of the present invention, and are well-known gaming parts, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

  In addition, a launch handle 131 (see FIG. 3 described later), which is one of the game components constituting the gaming machine frame, is operated by the player when launching a game ball toward the game area 115. When the player turns the launch handle 131, the game ball is controlled to be launched toward the game area 115 by being guided by the inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 at a speed corresponding to the turning angle. . The firing handle 131 is controlled by a firing control device 205 (see FIG. 3 described later).

(Outline of the game)
Here, an outline of the game in the ball game machine 100 will be described. First, when the player turns the launch handle 131 (see FIG. 3) while the rented game ball (rental ball) is placed on a ball tray (not shown), the game ball is directed toward the game area 115. Fired. The game balls that have entered the game area 115 collide with nails (not shown) formed in the game area 115, windmills 102a, 102b, etc., and move irregularly while moving the game area 115 from top to bottom. Moving.

  Then, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the LED lamp provided in the normal symbol display device 108 starts displaying the normal symbol in a variable manner. After that, when the LED lamp provided in the normal symbol display device 108 is stopped and displayed with a predetermined normal symbol (in the present embodiment, “the two LED lamps are both lit”), the enlargement device 104 performs an opening / closing operation. Be controlled. When the magnifying device 104 is enlarged, the game ball can easily win the start winning opening 112 without passing between nails (so-called life nails, not shown) above the starting winning opening 112.

  Further, when the game ball wins the start winning opening 112, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, four prize balls) are paid out, and “probable big hit”, “time and big hit”, “ The special symbol display device 106 and the decorative symbol display device 107 start displaying symbols in a variable manner while performing a lottery of “normal jackpot”, “two-round jackpot”, or “losing” (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol lottery). To be controlled. Thereafter, when the special symbol display device 106 stops displaying the predetermined special symbol and the decorative symbol display device 107 stops displaying the predetermined decorative symbol combination (for example, the same decorative symbol), it becomes “big hit”, Transition to special games.

  The special game is configured by performing a “big hit” round as a unit special game a plurality of times. In the unit special game, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) are controlled each time the big prize opening door 120 is controlled to fall, the big prize opening 113 is opened, and a game ball wins the opened big prize opening 113. This is a game state that is advantageous to the player to whom the prize ball is paid out. In the unit special game of this embodiment, when the grand prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or when a predetermined number of game balls are awarded to the grand prize opening 113, the big prize is won. The entrance door 120 is controlled to stand up, and the grand prize winning opening 113 is closed and finished. As described above, when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) formed in the big prize opening 113 while the big prize opening 113 is open, the special game once ended It is controlled to be performed again, and the special winning opening 113 is opened again. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning opening 113 is performed up to 15 times or up to 2 times. That is, as described above, in the special game, the unit special game is played up to 15 times or 2 times (round) at the maximum. Note that the specific area (so-called V zone) may not be provided. In such a configuration, the unit special game continues until the final round.

  In the following description, when the above-mentioned predetermined number is 10, that is, whether the big prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or ten game balls are won in the big prize opening 113. In such a state, a case where control is performed so that the special winning opening door 120 is raised will be described as an example. In this way, when a special game is executed, a large amount of prize balls are paid out in a short period of time, and a great merit can be given to the player.

  When the special symbol lottery is “probable big hit”, after the special game is over, the game state is set to a “probability variation state” which is advantageous to the player. Also, if it is “ordinary jackpot”, after the special game ends, the “probability variation state” is not set, but the “normal game state” is set. Also, if it is “time saving big hit”, it is set to “time saving state” after the special game ends. As described above, the special symbol lottery is performed, and based on the result, the predetermined special symbol and the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol are stopped and displayed. As a result, the result of the special symbol lottery will be any one of “probable jackpot”, “time bonus jackpot”, “regular jackpot”, “two round jackpot” and “losing”, and executing the game corresponding to each result, Informing the player.

  More specifically, in this embodiment, when “3” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 as a special symbol, it becomes “ordinary jackpot” and the game shifts to a special game. After the special game ends, the game is set to “normal game state”. In addition, as a combination of decorative symbols, for example, “000”, “444”, “888” is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107 to become “normal jackpot”, and after executing a special game, “normal game” The player is notified that the state is set. If “7” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 as a special symbol, it becomes “probable big hit” and the game shifts to a special game. After the special game is over, it is set to “probability fluctuation state”. Also, as a combination of decorative symbols, for example, “111”, “333”, “555”, “777”, “999” is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107, so that “probable big hit” is obtained. After the game is executed, the player is notified that the “probability variation state” is set.

  Further, when “6” as a special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106, it becomes “time and big hit” and shifts to a special game. After the special game ends, set to "Time-short state". In addition, as a combination of decorative symbols, for example, “666” is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107, so that it becomes “time saving big hit”, and after executing a special game, it is set to “time saving state”. To inform. Further, when “2” as a special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106, it becomes “two round jackpot” and the game shifts to a special game. After the special game ends, the game is set to “normal game state”. In addition, as a combination of decorative symbols, for example, “222” is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107, so that “two rounds big hit” is obtained, and after executing a special game, it is set to “normal game state”. Inform the player. Furthermore, when “-” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 as a special symbol, it becomes “losing” and does not shift to the special game. In addition, the special symbol lottery for determining whether or not to execute the special game is terminated without shifting to the special game by causing the decorative symbol display device 107 to stop display the symbols that are not the combination of the above-mentioned decorative symbols. To the player.

  Here, the “probability variation state” is a gaming state that forms a state in which the probability of becoming a “hit” is higher than the “normal gaming state” after the end of the special game. The gaming state with the improved probability continues after the special game ends until the next special game is decided to be executed. In the “probability variation state”, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened to increase the chance of winning the normal symbol than in the “normal game state” and increase the winning probability in the lottery of the normal symbol, thereby opening up the expansion device 104. The frequency is increased and a state in which a game ball is likely to win a prize is formed in the start winning opening 112. Therefore, when the “probability variation state” is set after the end of the special game, the player can play the game without greatly reducing the ball until the next special game starts. Hereinafter, a game executed while being set to the “probability changing state” is referred to as “probability changing game”, and a game executed while being set to the “normal gaming state” is referred to as “normal game”.

  The “short time state” shortens the variation time of the special symbol, and increases the lottery opportunities for the special symbol than the “normal game state”. In addition, by shortening the variation time of the normal symbol and increasing the lottery opportunity of the normal symbol than the “normal game state”, the opening frequency of the expansion device 104 becomes higher, and the game ball is likely to win a winning winning opening 112. Try to form. Therefore, when the “time saving state” is set, the player can play a game without greatly reducing the ball in the time saving state. Here, a game executed while the “time saving state” is set is referred to as a “time saving game”.

When the game ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of prize balls (four prize balls in the present embodiment) are controlled to be paid out. If the game ball has not won any winning opening, the game ball flows into the out opening 114.
[Electric configuration of ball game machine]

(System configuration)
Next, the system configuration inside the ball game machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of the ball game machine 100.
Inside the housing of the ball game machine 100, there are a main control device 201, a sub control device 202 connected to the main control device 201, a prize opening device 203, an LED drive device 204, a firing control device 205, a payout control device. 206, a power receiving device 207, an electrical decoration device 208, a power supply device 209, and the like are arranged.

(Main controller 201)
The main controller 201 is provided with a main CPU 201a, a ROM 201b, a RAM 201c, and an interface circuit (I / F circuit) 201d, which are connected to each other via a bus 201e.

  The main CPU 201a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. And main CPU201a reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM201b, and controls the whole ball game machine 100 based on these.

The ROM 201b stores programs, data, and the like necessary for the main CPU 201a to perform processing shown in FIGS. 12 to 18 described later and other game controls.
The RAM 201c is used as a work area when the main CPU 201a performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like. For example, a flag indicating the current gaming state (“normal gaming state” or “probability variation state” or the like) is provided.

The I / F circuit 201d performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted and received between the main control device 201, the sub-control device 202, the prize opening device 203, the LED driving device 204, and the payout control device 206. I do. However, transmission of a signal from the main control device 201 to the sub control device 202 is performed, but transmission of a signal from the sub control device 202 to the main control device 201 is not performed. That is, only one-way transmission is possible. The I / F circuit 201d is connected to a signal line bundle 221 having a plurality of (for example, eight) signal lines for outputting signals to the outside to the external terminal board 220, and transmits signals to the outside. Timing control is performed.
Further, the I / F circuit 201 d is supplied with predetermined power via the power receiving device 207 from the power supply device 209 disposed inside the housing of the ball game machine 100. With this electric power, the main controller 201 can perform various control processes described later.

(Sub-control device 202)
The sub control device 202 is provided with a sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image control processor 202d, image data ROM 202e, video RAM 202f, tone generator circuit 202g, amplifier 202h, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 202i. The sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image control processor 202d, tone generator circuit 202g, and I / F circuit 202i are connected to each other via a bus 202j. The image data ROM 202e and the video RAM 202f are connected to the image control processor 202d, and the amplifier 202h is connected to the sound source circuit 202g. Furthermore, an electrical decoration device 208 is connected to the I / F circuit 202i.

  The sub CPU 202a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 202a reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 202b, and controls the sub control device 202 as a whole, particularly controls the effects for the player.

  The ROM 202b stores programs, data, and the like necessary for the sub CPU 202a to execute processing for controlling the display of decorative symbols and other effects during the game. The RAM 202c is used as a work area when the sub CPU 202a performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The ROM 202b and the RAM 202c may be the same as the ROM 201b and the RAM 201c provided in the main controller 201, respectively, but it is preferable to use one having a larger capacity than these.

  The decorative symbol display device 107 includes a liquid crystal display device, and is connected to the image control processor 201d. The image data ROM 202e stores image data such as characters, characters and backgrounds displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107.

  The video RAM 202f is a memory used when the image control processor 202d creates an image to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107. The image data read from the image data ROM 202e is expanded in the video RAM 202f, and an image based on the expanded image data is displayed on the decorative design display device 107. Instead of the liquid crystal display device, the decorative design display device 107 may be configured using, for example, a plasma display.

  The sound source circuit 202g is for generating an audio signal corresponding to the game effect, and is connected to the amplifier 202h. The sound based on the sound signal generated by the sound source circuit 202g is amplified by the amplifier 202h and output from the speaker 133.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as a peripheral device for performance, in addition to the decorative symbol display device 107 and the speaker 133, an electrical decoration component 130 that is turned on or off according to the state of the game is provided. For example, as the illumination component 130, an illumination component (LED) that is lit when a reach state is formed, an illumination component (LED) that is lit during execution of a special game, and an illumination component that is lit during a prize ball ( LED) and the like. These effect peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game, and are controlled only by the sub-control device 202 and not by the main control device 201. .

  The I / F circuit 202 i performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control device 201. As described above, a signal is transmitted from the main control device 201 to the sub control device 202, but a signal is not transmitted from the sub control device 202 to the main control device 201. Further, the I / F circuit 202 i is supplied with predetermined power via the power receiving device 207 from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the ball game machine 100. With this power, the sub-control device 202 can perform various processes described later.

(Lighting device 208)
The above-described electrical decoration component 130 is connected to the electrical decoration device 208, and the electric power supplied from the power supply device 209 disposed inside the housing of the ball game machine 100 is output to the electrical decoration component 130. . Thereby, the electrical decoration component 130 performs lighting or light extinction.
(Winning device 203)
The winning prize opening device 203 is connected to a start winning prize opening switch 210, a normal symbol operation gate switch 211, a general winning opening switch 212, a big winning opening switch 213, and a specific area detection switch 214. The start winning port switch 210 detects that a game ball has won the start winning port 112 and transmits a detection signal to the winning port device 203. The normal symbol operation gate switch 211 detects that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103. The general winning opening switch 212 detects that a game ball has won the general winning opening 111. The big prize opening switch 213 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 113. The specific area detection switch 214 detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area 121 formed in the special winning opening 113.

  Based on the detection signals transmitted from the start winning port switch 210, the normal symbol operating gate switch 211, the general winning port switch 212, the big winning port switch 213, and the specific area detection switch 214, A region through which the ball has passed is identified, and a game ball passage signal indicating the identified result is transmitted to the main controller 201.

In addition, a ball jam sensor 219 is connected to the prize opening device 203. The ball clogging sensor 219 has a game ball stopped at a predetermined position in the game ball flow path, for example, a position where a game ball that has won a prize winning opening 113 passes (that is, a ball clogging has occurred). ) Is detected. The prize opening device 203 transmits a signal indicating whether or not the game ball is stopped from the ball jam sensor 219 to the main control device 201.
Further, the winning opening device 203 is connected to an enlarging device solenoid 215 for opening the enlarging device 104 and a large winning port solenoid 216 for opening the large winning port 113.

The prize opening device 203 outputs a current for driving the enlargement device 104 to the enlargement device solenoid 215 when receiving an enlargement device release instruction signal from the main control device 201 as described later. Thereby, the enlarging device 104 performs an opening / closing operation.
In addition, when the winning a prize opening device 203 inputs a special winning opening opening instruction signal from the main control device 201, the winning prize opening device 203 outputs a current for driving the special winning opening door 120 to the special winning opening solenoid 216. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened. On the other hand, when a special winning opening closing instruction signal is input from the main control device 201, output of current for driving the special winning opening door 120 is stopped. Thereby, the special winning opening 113 is closed. As described above, when the game ball passes through the specific area 121, it is determined that the special game shifts to the next unit special game. On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121 until the predetermined time elapses or until the predetermined number of balls have passed, the special game ends with the unit special game. As described above, in this embodiment, the unit special game is continued up to 15 times or up to 2 times in one special game.

(LED driving device 204)
A special symbol display device 106 and a normal symbol display device 108 are connected to the LED driving device 204. When a special symbol display instruction signal is input from the main controller 201 as described later, the LED driving device 204 receives a 7-segment LED or the like provided in the special symbol display device 106 based on the special symbol display instruction signal. The holding lamp 117 composed of four LEDs for displaying the number of winnings is emitted. In addition, when the normal symbol display instruction signal is input from the main controller 201, the LED driving device 204 determines the number of LED lamps or gate passing through the normal symbol display device 108 based on the normal symbol display instruction signal. The four LED lamps 123 to be displayed are caused to emit light.

(Launch control device 205)
The launch control device 205 is connected to a launch handle 131 for launching a game ball into the game area 115. A firing switch (not shown) provided in the firing handle 131 detects an operation of the firing handle 131 and transmits a firing operation detection signal indicating the detected result to the firing control device 205. Thereby, the firing control device 205 recognizes that the firing handle 131 has been operated. The main control device 201 transmits a firing permission signal to the firing control device 205 when the game balls are not stored in a ball tray (not shown) in a certain amount or more. Upon receiving the launch permission signal, the launch control device 205 controls the launch handle 131 to launch the game ball toward the game area 115. On the other hand, when the game balls are stored in a certain amount or more, the main control device 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control device 205. Thereby, the launch control device 205 controls the launch handle 131 to stop launching the game ball toward the game area 115.

(Discharge control device 206)
When the payout control device 206 receives the award ball number signal transmitted from the main control device 201 as will be described later, the number of award balls (game balls) corresponding to the award ball number signal is transferred to a ball tray (not shown). The payout device 218 disposed inside the ball game machine 100 is controlled so as to be paid out. Thereby, the payout device 218 pays out a winning ball (game ball) corresponding to the winning.
The winning a prize opening device 203, the LED drive device 204, the launch control device 205, and the payout control device 206 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply device 209 via the power receiving device 207.

(Power receiving device 207)
When the power switch 217 disposed inside the ball game machine 100 is turned on, the power receiving device 207 receives supply of power from the power supply device 209, and the power is transferred to the main controller 201, as described above. This is distributed to the sub-control device 202, the prize opening device 203, the LED drive device 204, the launch control device 205, the payout control device 206, and the illumination device 208.

(External terminal board 220)
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of the external terminal plate 220 according to the present embodiment.
The external terminal plate 220 includes a plurality of, for example, eight connection terminals 220a to 220h for connecting signal lines for connection to the outside.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a connection state of signal lines in the external terminal plate 220 according to the present embodiment.
The first signal line 221a of the signal line bundle 221 and the first signal line 6a of the harness 6 are connected to the connection terminal 220a of the external terminal plate 220. The connection terminal 220b is connected to the second signal line 221b of the signal line bundle 221 and to the second signal line 6b of the harness 6. Further, the third signal line 221c of the signal line bundle 221 is connected to the connection terminal 220c, and the third signal line 6c of the harness 6 is connected to the connection terminal 220c. The connection terminal 220d is connected to the fourth signal line 221d of the signal line bundle 221 and to the fourth signal line 6d of the harness 6. Further, the fifth signal line 221e of the signal line bundle 221 is connected to the connection terminal 220e, and the fifth signal line 6e of the harness 6 is connected to the connection terminal 220e. The connection terminal 220f is connected to the sixth signal line 221f of the signal line bundle 221 and to the sixth signal line 6f of the harness 6. The connection terminal 220g is connected to the seventh signal line 221g of the signal line bundle 221 and the seventh signal line 6g of the harness 6. The connection terminal 220h is connected to the eighth signal line 221h of the signal line bundle 221 and to the eighth signal line 6h of the harness 6. Accordingly, a signal output from the ball game machine 100 by the signal wire bundle 221 is input to the I / F 41 of the table management device 4 through the harness 6 via the external terminal plate 220 of the ball game machine 100. It becomes.

[Main control device 201]
Next, a configuration related to the control function of the main controller 201 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to the control function of the main control device 201 of the ball game machine 100 shown in FIG.
(Winning determination unit 301)
The winning determination unit 301 performs a process of determining which region the game ball has passed based on the above-described game ball passage signal transmitted from the winning port device 203. More specifically, the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball is based on the above game ball passing signal, the starting winning port 112, the normal symbol operating gate 103, the general winning port 111, the big winning port 113, and the specific area. It is determined which of 121 has passed. In addition, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that a game ball has been won at the start winning port 121, a signal indicating that the game ball has won at the starting winning port 121 (external information signal for the fifth board (the first information signal) The external signal output unit 308 is notified of an output instruction for outputting 5 signals)). In addition, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103, a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103 (external information signal for the eighth board) (The eighth signal)) is output to the external signal output unit 308.

  In addition, when the winning determination unit 301 receives a signal indicating that a clogging has occurred from the winning opening device 203, an output instruction for outputting a signal (error signal) indicating that a clogging error has occurred. To the external signal output unit 308. In addition, when a signal from which clogging is eliminated is received, an external signal output unit 308 is notified of an error signal output stop instruction.

The control function of the winning determination unit 301 is realized by using a main CPU 201a and a ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.
(Payout instruction unit 303)
The payout instructing unit 303 performs control to transmit the above-mentioned prize ball number signal indicating the number of prize balls to the payout control device 206 based on the result determined and controlled by the winning determination unit 301. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the winning determination unit 301 determines and determines that the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 (when the game ball has won the start winning port 112), the payout instruction unit 303 The prize ball number signal indicating that the prize ball number is “4” is transmitted to the payout control device 206.

Further, when the winning determination unit 301 determines and controls that the game ball has passed through the general winning opening 111, the payout instructing unit 303 outputs the above-mentioned prize ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4”. Control to transmit to 206 is performed. Further, when the winning determination unit 301 determines and controls that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the payout instructing unit 303 outputs the above-mentioned winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “15”. Control to transmit to 206 is performed. As a result, the payout control device 206 controls the payout device 218 so that payout according to the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball number signal is made.
The control function of the payout instruction unit 303 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.

(Special symbol lottery section 304)
The special symbol lottery unit 304 generates and acquires a random number in the range of “0” to “65535”, for example, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has won the start winning opening 112. This random number is a random number such as a jackpot determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, a stop pattern determination random number, or the like related to the control of the special symbol, and the acquired random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. In the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the special symbol lottery unit 304 can be stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. Then, the special symbol lottery unit 304 reads the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area and deletes the read random number from the special symbol random number storage area.
The control function of the special symbol lottery unit 304 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 202c provided in the main control device 201.

(Special symbol winning determination unit 305)
Based on the random number value acquired by the special symbol lottery unit 304, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines whether the random number value corresponds to “big hit” or “losing”. These determination processes are performed using, for example, a random number table. Then, in the case of “big hit”, the big hit flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described acquisition is performed by using a random number table that is different between the case where the “probability variation game” which is the game state in the “probability variation state” is performed and the case where the “normal game” is performed. Processing is performed to determine whether the random number value corresponds to “big hit” or “lost”.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, a probability variation random number table used when the “probability variation game” is executed and a normal random number table used when the “normal game” is executed. Two random number tables are provided. And the contents of the above two random number tables so that the probability of being a “big hit” is higher when the “probability variation game” is executed than when the “normal game” is executed. Is set. That is, the “probability variation state” has a higher jackpot probability than the “normal game state” because many later-described jackpot values are set on the random number table.

  Further, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines whether the random number value corresponds to “probability big hit”, “hour / long jackpot”, “normal jackpot”, or “two round jackpot”. This determination is also performed using a random number table, for example, in the same manner as the above-described determination processing. If the probability variation big hit is true, the probability variation state flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. In addition, when it corresponds to “time saving big hit”, the time saving flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. Unlike the above-described success / failure determination processing, when “probability variation game” is being performed, “time-short game” is being performed, and “normal game” is being performed, “probability big hit” Are set to the same probability.

  Here, “probability variation game” means a state in which, when a special symbol lottery is determined to be “probable big hit”, the probability of becoming a “big hit” is higher than “normal game” after the special game is over. Is a gaming state. That is, in the “probability changing game”, the jackpot probability in the special symbol lottery is set higher than that in the “normal game”. The gaming state in which the jackpot probability is improved continues after the special game is finished until the next special game is decided to be executed. In this “probability changing game”, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, the chance of winning the normal symbol is increased and the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is increased as compared with the “normal gaming state”, thereby expanding the device 104. The opening frequency is increased, and a state in which a game ball is likely to win a prize is formed at the start winning opening 112. Therefore, when the “probability variation game” is executed after the special game is finished, the player can play the game without greatly reducing the ball until the next special game is started.

  In addition, “short-time game” means that if a special symbol lottery is judged to be a “short-time big hit”, the special symbol variation time will be shortened and the special symbol lottery opportunity will be increased more than the “normal game state”. I have to. In addition, by shortening the variation time of the normal symbol and increasing the lottery opportunity of the normal symbol than the “normal game state”, the opening frequency of the expansion device 104 becomes higher, and the game ball is likely to win a winning winning opening 112. Try to form. Therefore, when the “short-time game” is executed, the player can play the game without greatly reducing the ball during the short-time game.

  In addition, when the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines that “probability jackpot”, “hour / time jackpot”, or “ordinary jackpot”, it is in a special game in which a unit special game of 15 times at maximum is performed. The external signal output unit 308 is notified of an output instruction for outputting a signal indicating the external information signal for the first panel (first signal). In addition, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 externally issues a stop instruction for stopping the output of the first signal when the special game of “probable big hit”, “time / short hit big win”, or “ordinary big hit” ends. The signal output unit 308 is notified. Further, when the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines that “2 round jackpot”, a signal indicating that a special game in which a unit special game is performed twice at the maximum is being performed (external information signal for the fourth board) (The fourth signal)) is output to the external signal output unit 308. Also, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of a stop instruction for stopping the output of the fourth signal when the special game of “2 round jackpot” ends.

  The special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines “probability variation jackpot”, “time bonus jackpot”, or “regular jackpot”, sets “probability variation state”, and sets “time stamp bonus”. In the case of a special game in which a unit special game of 15 times is performed at the maximum, a signal (external information signal for the second board (the second board external information signal ( The external signal output unit 308 is notified of an output instruction for outputting the second signal)). In addition, the special symbol winning determination unit 305, when the special game of “probability jackpot”, “time bonus jackpot”, or “ordinary jackpot” is finished and is set to the normal game state, The external signal output unit 308 is notified of a stop instruction for stopping the output of the two signals. In addition, the special symbol winning determination unit 305, when the special game of “probability jackpot”, “time bonus jackpot”, or “ordinary jackpot” is completed and is set to “time saving status”, The external signal output unit 308 is notified of an output instruction for outputting a signal (third board external information signal (third signal)) indicating the short-time gaming state. In addition, the special symbol winning determination unit 305, when the special game of “probability jackpot”, “time bonus jackpot”, or “ordinary jackpot” is finished and is set to the normal game state, The external signal output unit 308 is notified of a stop instruction for stopping the output of the three signals.

The control function of the special symbol winning determination unit 305 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.
(Special symbol display instruction unit 306)
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines the time for the special symbol display device 106 to display the special symbol variably on the basis of the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines the time. Based on the result, a process for determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 is performed. In the following description, the time for the special symbol display device 106 to display the special symbol in a variable manner is abbreviated as a special symbol fluctuation display time.

  In the present embodiment, when “probability big hit” is met, “7” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. In addition, when it corresponds to “short time and big hit”, “6” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Further, when “normal jackpot” is met, “3” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. In addition, when “2 round jackpot” is met, “2” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Further, when “lost” is met, “−” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106.

  Then, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the special symbol variation display time, and the like, and sends the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the display pattern to the LED driving device. 204. As a result, the 7-segment LED provided in the special symbol display device 106 is controlled to perform a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  The special symbol display instruction unit 306 outputs a signal (external information signal for sixth board (sixth signal)) indicating that the variation of the special symbol is stopped when the variation of the special symbol is stopped. An output instruction is notified to the external signal output unit 308.

The control function of the special symbol display instruction unit 306 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.
(Big prize opening opening instruction unit 307)
When the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines that the lottery result by the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit”, and the big winning flag opening instruction unit 307 is turned on. In addition, the large winning opening releasing instruction signal is transmitted to the winning opening apparatus 203. Thus, the special winning opening 113 is controlled to be opened.

  After that, for example, when it is determined that 10 game balls have passed through the winning prize opening 113 or when it is determined that 29.5 seconds have passed since the opening of the winning prize opening 113, the winning opening opening instruction unit In step 307, a winning prize closing instruction signal is transmitted to the winning prize opening device 203. Thus, the special winning opening 113 is controlled to close.

  When the big prize opening 113 is closed as described above, the big prize opening opening instructing unit 307 determines whether or not a game ball has passed to the specific area 121 while the big prize opening 113 is being opened. That is, a control process for determining whether or not the specific area passing flag is turned on is performed. As a result of the determination control process, when the specific area passing flag is on, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the special winning opening 113 is opened 15 times. That is, it is determined and controlled whether or not 15 unit special games have been consumed. Note that, in the case of “2 round jackpot”, the big prize opening instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the big prize opening 113 is opened twice.

  As a result of these determination control processes, if the specific area passing flag is ON and all the unit special games in the special game are not consumed, the special prize opening instruction unit 307 opens the special prize opening. An instruction signal is transmitted to the prize opening device 203 to shift to the next unit special game, and the operation for opening and closing the big prize opening 113 as described above is repeated until all the unit special games are consumed. Be controlled.

  On the other hand, when all the rounds of the special game have been completed, the special game has ended, and the special winning opening 113 is not opened. Further, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121 while the special winning opening 113 is open, a so-called “punk” state is set. Here, “puncture” means that if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121, the process of finishing the “big hit” without proceeding to the next round is performed. In this “punk” state, control is performed to forcibly end the special game regardless of whether or not all the unit special games in the special game have been consumed. Therefore, in this case as well, the special winning opening 113 is not opened.

The control function of the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.
(Normal symbol lottery section 309)
The normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates and acquires random numbers within a predetermined range when the winning determination unit 301 determines and controls that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 103.

  Here, when the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the acquired random number is controlled to be stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. . As described above, in the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the normal symbol lottery unit 309 can be stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the storage order of the random numbers can be identified. ing. Then, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 controls to read the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area and delete the read random number from the normal symbol random number storage area.

The control function of the normal symbol lottery unit 309 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided in the main control device 201.
(Normal Symbol Winning Determination Unit 310)
The normal symbol winning determination unit 310 determines whether the random number value by the normal symbol lottery unit 309 corresponds to “winning” or “losing” based on the random number value acquired from the normal symbol lottery unit 309. Process. This determination process is performed using, for example, a random number table. In the present embodiment, using the random number table that is different between the case where “probability variation game” or “time-short game” is executed and the case where “normal game” is executed, Whether it is “winning” or “losing” is determined.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, a probability random number table used when a “probability game” or a “short-time game” is being executed, and a normal table used when a “normal game” is being executed There are two random number tables including a random number table for use. The contents of these two random number tables have a higher probability of winning a normal symbol when a “probability game” or “short-time game” is executed than when a “normal game” is executed. Is set to

In addition, the normal symbol variation time is set to be shorter when the “probability variation game” or the “short time game” is performed than when the “normal game” is performed. As a result, when “probability variation game” or “short-time game” is being executed, the winning probability of the normal symbol is increased and the variation display time of the normal symbol is shortened. The opening frequency of the magnifying device 104 is higher than when it is implemented. For this reason, a game can be advanced without significantly reducing the possession ball. Unlike the present embodiment, the normal symbol winning probability is the same in any of the “normal gaming state”, “short-time gaming state”, or “probability variation state” gaming state. Also good.
The control function of the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided in the main control device 201.

(Normal symbol display instruction unit 311)
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 determines the normal symbol variation display time based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and based on the lottery result determined and controlled by the normal symbol winning determination unit 310. Then, control for determining the normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108 is performed. Then, a display pattern based on the determined stop symbol and the normal symbol variation display time is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED driving device 204.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 performs control so that the normal symbol variation display time varies depending on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302. That is, in this embodiment, the probability variation state flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the “probability variation game” is performed) is the probability variation described above. The normal symbol variation display time is controlled to be shorter than when the state flag is not turned on (than when “normal game” is performed). In addition, the case where the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the “time reduction game” is executed) is more than the case where the above time reduction flag is not turned on. Control is performed so as to shorten the above normal symbol variation display time (as compared to the case where “normal game” is executed).

  With this control, in the “normal game state”, the fluctuation time is long, and even when the normal symbol operation gate 103 is passed, there are many cases where the number of holdings reaches the upper limit, and lottery is not performed and waste occurs. However, in the “probability variation game” or “short-time game”, the variation time is shortened, so the lottery opportunity increases, the frequency of winning the normal symbol increases, and the opportunity for the expansion device 104 to expand increases. That is, since the lottery opportunities increase and the symbol variation can be performed more times than usual, the player can expect “winning”. In this embodiment, the winning frequency is changed by shortening the normal symbol variation time. However, by combining factors such as the length of the opening time of the enlargement device 104 and the opening angle, etc. Multiple gaming states can be formed.

  If the result of determination control by the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 is “winning”, for example, the normal symbol display indicates that both of the two LED lamps provided in the normal symbol display device 108 are lit. It is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the device 108. On the other hand, in the case of “losing”, for example, control is performed so that a state in which only one of the LED lamps is lit is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108.

  Then, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the normal symbol variation display time, etc., and drives the above normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern by LED driving. To device 204. As a result, the LED lamp provided in the normal symbol display device 108 is controlled to perform a light emitting operation in accordance with the display pattern indicated in the normal symbol display instruction signal.

The normal symbol display instructing unit 311 outputs a signal (the seventh board external information signal (seventh signal)) indicating that the variation of the normal symbol is stopped when the variation of the normal symbol is stopped. An output instruction is notified to the external signal output unit 308.
The control function of the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 is realized by using a main CPU 201a and a ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.

(Enlargement device drive instruction unit 312)
The enlargement device drive instructing unit 312 determines the operation mode of the enlargement device 104 based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 and the lottery result determined and controlled by the normal symbol winning determination unit 310. An enlargement device release instruction signal indicating an operation mode is transmitted. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the enlargement device drive instruction unit 312 controls the operation mode of the enlargement device 104 to vary according to the gaming state stored in the flag storage unit 302. That is, when the “successful probability game” is being performed, the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 is determined to be “winning”, or when the “short time game” is being performed, the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 When the determination is “winning”, the enlargement device 104 is controlled to be opened only once, for example, for 3 seconds. In addition, when “normal game” is being performed and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 determines “winning”, the enlargement device 104 is opened only once, for example, for 0.2 seconds. Is controlling. As described above, when the “probability variation game” is performed, the operation mode of the expansion device 104 is different, and the probability variation state flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. The operation mode of the magnifying device 104 is set so that the game ball can be easily won at the start winning opening 112 than when the probability variation state flag is not turned on (as compared to the case where “normal game” is performed). The control process to determine is performed. In addition, when the “time saving game” is performed, the operation mode of the expansion device 104 is different, and the above time reduction flag is more effective when the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. Control processing for determining the operation mode of the enlargement device 104 is performed so that a game ball is likely to win the start winning opening 112 rather than the case where it is not turned on (as compared to the case where “normal game” is performed).

Then, the magnifying device drive instructing unit 312 transmits the magnifying device opening instruction signal indicating the operation mode determined in this way to the prize opening device 203. As a result, the enlargement device 104 is controlled to operate in the operation mode indicated in the enlargement device release instruction signal.
Note that the control function of the enlargement device drive instruction unit 312 is realized by using a main CPU 201a and a ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.

(Direction command generator 313)
The effect command generation unit 313 performs the determination control by the winning determination unit 301, the determination control by the special symbol winning determination unit 305, the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and the special symbol display. Based on the special symbol variation display time determined by the instruction unit 306, an effect command corresponding to the current game state is generated and transmitted to the sub-control device 202.
The control function of the effect command generation unit 313 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided in the main control device 201.
(External signal output unit 308)
The external signal output unit 308 is based on the signal output instruction and stop instruction notified from the winning determination unit 301, the special symbol winning determination unit 305, the special symbol display support unit 306, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311. Thus, a process of outputting a signal to the external terminal board 220 is performed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a signal output from the external signal output unit 308 according to the present embodiment.
When the external signal output unit 308 receives a first signal output instruction from the special symbol winning determination unit 305, the external signal output unit 308 turns on the voltage of the first signal line 221a to output the first signal, and the special symbol winning determination unit 305. When the first signal stop instruction is received from the first signal line 221a, for example, the first signal line 221a is output from the first signal line 221a by turning off the voltage of the first signal line 221a. To do. According to this first signal, it can be understood that a 15-round special game is being executed.

  When the external signal output unit 308 receives a second signal output instruction from the special symbol winning determination unit 305, the external signal output unit 308 outputs a second signal with the voltage of the second signal line 221b turned on, and the special symbol winning determination unit When an instruction to stop the second signal is received from 305, the voltage of the second signal line 221b is turned off, so that, for example, the second signal as shown in FIG. 7B is sent from the second signal line 221b. Output. According to the second signal, it is possible to grasp whether the 15-round special game is being executed, the probability variation state, or the short-time state.

  When the external signal output unit 308 receives an output instruction of the third signal from the special symbol winning determination unit 305, the external signal output unit 308 outputs a third signal with the voltage of the third signal line 221c turned on, and the special symbol winning determination unit When an instruction to stop the third signal is received from 305, the voltage of the third signal line 221c is turned off, for example, the third signal as shown in FIG. 7 (3) is transmitted from the third signal line 221c. Output. According to the third signal, it can be grasped that the time is short.

  When the external signal output unit 308 receives an instruction to output the fourth signal from the special symbol winning determination unit 305, the external signal output unit 308 outputs a fourth signal with the voltage of the fourth signal line 221d turned on, and the special symbol winning determination unit When an instruction to stop the fourth signal is received from 305, by turning off the voltage of the fourth signal line 221d, for example, a fourth signal as shown in FIG. 7 (4) is transmitted from the fourth signal line 221d. Output. According to the fourth signal, it can be understood that a two-round special game is being executed.

  When the external signal output unit 308 receives an instruction to output the fifth signal from the winning determination unit 301, the external signal output unit 308 outputs the fifth signal with the voltage of the fifth signal line 221e turned on for 500 ms, for example. When the external signal output unit 308 receives the output instruction of the fifth signal continuously, for example, the external signal output unit 308 prevents the already output fifth signal and the next fifth signal from continuing, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the next signal is output with the interval of each fifth signal set to 500 ms. According to this fifth signal, it is possible to grasp the number of game balls to be won in the start winning opening 121.

  When the external signal output unit 308 receives the output instruction of the sixth signal from the special symbol display instruction unit 306, the external signal output unit 308 turns on the voltage of the sixth signal line 221f for 500 ms, for example, as shown in FIG. The sixth signal as shown in FIG. 6 is output from the sixth signal line 221f. According to the sixth signal, the number of special symbol lotteries can be grasped.

  When the external signal output unit 308 receives the output instruction of the seventh signal from the normal symbol display instruction unit 311, the external signal output unit 308 turns on the voltage of the seventh signal line 221 g for 500 ms, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 is output from the seventh signal line 221g. According to the seventh signal, it is possible to grasp the number of lotteries for normal symbols.

  When the external signal output unit 308 receives an output instruction of the eighth signal from the winning determination unit 301, the external signal output unit 308 outputs the eighth signal with the voltage of the eighth signal line 221h turned on for 500 ms, for example. When the external signal output unit 308 continuously receives the output instruction of the eighth signal, for example, the external signal output unit 308 prevents the already output eighth signal and the next eighth signal from continuing, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the next signal is output with the interval of each eighth signal set to 500 ms. According to the eighth signal, the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operating gate 103 can be grasped.

  Furthermore, when receiving an output instruction for outputting a signal indicating that an error has occurred from the winning determination unit 301, the external signal output unit 308 stops outputting the first to fourth signals, An error signal with the voltage turned on is output for all of the signal line 221a, the second signal line 221b, the third signal line 221c, and the fourth signal line 221d, and is output until an error signal stop instruction is received from the winning determination unit 301 Keep doing. The external signal output unit 308 receives an output instruction and a stop instruction for the first to fourth signals to be output by the first to fourth signal lines 221a to 221d while outputting the error signal. The state of whether or not to output each signal is grasped. When the external signal output unit 308 receives an instruction to stop the error signal, the external signal output unit 308 restarts the signal output of the first to fourth signals based on the grasped output state. In the present embodiment, at least the first signal and the third signal are signals that are not output simultaneously. Therefore, an error signal is output by a set of signal lines of the first to fourth signal lines 221a to 221d including the first and third signal lines used for transmitting the first signal and the third signal. I have to. Note that the error signal may be transmitted only by the first signal line and the third signal line for transmitting signals that are not output at the same time. It is possible to effectively reduce the influence of noise caused by the situation.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the first type state referred to in the claims refers to a state related to normal operation in the ball game machine 100, and refers to a state indicated by the first signal to the eighth signal. In the present embodiment, the second type state is an abnormal state in the ball game machine 100, for example, a state indicated by the error signal.

[Sub-control device 202]
Next, a configuration related to the control function of the sub control device 202 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to the control function of the sub-control device 202 of the ball game machine 100 shown in FIG.
(Direction command analysis unit 701)
The effect command analyzing unit 701 analyzes the effect command transmitted from the main control device 201 (effect command generating unit 313). For example, when an effect command indicating a special symbol lottery result is input from the main control device 201, the special symbol lottery result is output to the decorative symbol determination unit 702 and the voice generation unit 706.
Note that the control process performed by the effect command analysis unit 701 is not limited to these, and a control process corresponding to the content of the effect command is appropriately executed.
The control function of the effect command analysis unit 701 is realized by using the sub CPU 202a, the ROM 202b, and the RAM 202c provided in the sub control device 202.

(Decoration design determining unit 702)
The decorative symbol determination unit 702 performs control to determine a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107 based on the lottery result output from the effect command analysis unit 701. In the present embodiment, when the lottery result output from the effect command analysis unit 701 indicates “hit”, the combination of the three decorative symbols is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107. Determined as a combination of decorative symbols. Furthermore, when the lottery result output from the effect command analysis unit 701 indicates “losing”, a combination of decorative symbols that causes the decorative symbol display device 107 to stop-display combinations that do not have the same three decorative symbols Determine as.
Further, the control function of the decorative symbol determination unit 702 is realized by using the sub CPU 202a and the RAM 202c provided in the sub control device 202.

(Decorated pattern determination unit 703)
When the combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107 is determined by the decorative symbol determining unit 702, the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 703 only has the same time as the special symbol variation display time included in the effect command. Control is performed to select a variation pattern of the decorative symbols to be variably displayed from preset decorative symbol variation patterns 704a to 704n. In these decorative symbol variation patterns 704a to 704n, a time during which a decorative symbol is variably displayed (decorative symbol variation display time) or two identical decorative symbols are stopped and displayed, and then the remaining one is stopped and displayed. (A so-called reach state is formed), and after a special effect display is performed, a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed (a so-called development-type effect is formed).
Of course, the contents set in the decorative symbol variation patterns 704a to 704n are not limited to these.

  The control function of the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 703 is realized by using the sub CPU 202a and the RAM 202c provided in the sub control device 202, and the determination of the decorative symbol variation pattern 704 is provided in the sub control device 202. This is realized by using the ROM 202b.

(Image generation unit 705)
The image generation unit 705 is based on the combination of the decorative symbols determined by the decorative symbol determination unit 702, the decorative symbol variation pattern determined by the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 703, information output from the effect command analysis unit 701, and the like. Thus, image data to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107 is generated.

  For example, when a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107 is determined by the decorative symbol determining unit 702 and a decorative symbol variation pattern is determined by the decorative symbol pattern determining unit 703, the image generating unit 705 Then, image data is generated so that a decorative pattern corresponding to the determined contents is displayed. In addition, when information indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area 121 formed in the special winning opening 113 is output from the effect command analysis unit 701, to inform the player of that fact. Generate image data.

Of course, the image data generated by the image generation unit 705 is not limited to these. The control function of the image generation unit 705 is realized by using an image control processor 202d, an image data ROM 202e, and a video RAM 202f provided in the sub control device 202.
(Voice generation unit 706)
The sound generation unit 706 generates sound data based on the information output from the effect command analysis unit 701 and outputs the sound data to the speaker 133. For example, when a lottery result of a special symbol is output from the production command analysis unit 701, a sound corresponding to the lottery result is released in accordance with the decorative symbol variation pattern 704 determined by the decorative symbol pattern determination unit 703. Sound data that can be heard is generated and output to the speaker 133.

  Of course, the audio data generated by the audio generation unit 706 is not limited to these. The control function of the sound generation unit 706 is realized by using a sub CPU 202a, a ROM 202b, a RAM 202c, and a sound source circuit 202g provided in the sub control device 202. The main control device 201 and the sub control device 202 may be provided with a control function other than the control functions described above.

Next, the stand management device 4 and the calling device 5 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the table management device 4 and the calling device 5 according to the present embodiment.
(Stand management device 4)
The table management device 4 is provided with a CPU 44, a ROM 43, a RAM 42, a data storage unit 45, an interface (I / F) 41, an interface (I / F) 46, and an interface (I / F) 47. They are connected to each other via a bus 48.
The CPU 44 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes) and executes instructions constituting the program. And CPU44 reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM43, and performs the control processing of the calling device 5, and the signal detection process from the ball game machine 100 based on these.

The ROM 43 stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 44 to perform signal detection processing (FIGS. 20 to 22) and other controls.
The RAM 42 is used as a work area when the CPU 44 performs various processes, and temporarily stores data and the like.

The data storage unit 45 stores various states in the connected ball game machine 100. For example, the data storage unit 45 stores information such as the number of jackpots in the ball and ball game machine 100, the number of start winning a prize winnings, the number of special symbol lotteries, the number of normal symbol lotteries, the number of times of passing through a normal symbol operation gate.
The I / F 41 is connected to a signal wire bundle 6 for connection to a plurality of ball game machines 100, and performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted / received to / from the ball game machines 100.
The I / F 46 is connected to a signal line for connection to the calling device 5, and performs timing control and the like when transmitting and receiving signals to and from the calling device 5.
The I / F 47 is connected to the LAN 8 for connecting to the island management device 7, and performs timing control and the like when transmitting and receiving signals to and from the island management device 7.

(Calling device 5)
The calling device 5 is provided with a speaker 51, an electrical decoration component 52, a liquid crystal display 53, and a calling switch 54.
The speaker 51 outputs various sounds under the control of the table management device 4.
The electrical decoration component 52 has a plurality of decoration lamps, and lights and blinks the plurality of decoration lamps by the control according to various situations of the ball game machine 100 by the stand management device 4.
The liquid crystal display 53 displays various state information of the ball game machine 100 under the control of the table management device 4.
The call switch 54 is a switch that is operated when the player calls a hall attendant. When the player turns on, a signal is transmitted to the table management device 4.

(Function block of stand management device)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks of the table management apparatus according to the present embodiment.
The stand management device 4 includes an input receiving unit 61, a determination unit 62, a setting storage unit 63, a first process execution unit 64, a second process execution unit 65, an information storage unit 66, and an output unit 67. Have.
The input receiving unit 61 receives an input of a signal transmitted from the bullet ball game machine 100 via the signal wire bundle 6 and converts it into signal data.
The setting storage unit 63 stores an error setting table 70 (see FIG. 11 to be described later) that stores various settings relating to error signals.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an error setting table stored in the setting storage unit 63 of the table management device 4.
The error setting table 70 stores a record having a setting number field 71, an error content field 72, a use signal line field 73, and an error time processing field 74.

  The setting number field 71 stores an error setting number. The error content field 72 stores the content of the error. The use signal line field 73 stores a set of signal lines for outputting a signal indicating the error. The error process field 74 stores a process to be executed at the time of the error (error error execution process). The record shown in FIG. 11 is the first error setting, the error content is a clogging error, and the signal lines used when transmitting the error signal are the first signal line, the second signal line, and the third signal. The line and the fourth signal line indicate that the process when the error is detected is a clogging error process.

  Referring to FIG. 10 again, the determination unit 62 acquires a set of signal lines used to transmit an error signal from the record of the error setting table 70 in the setting storage unit 63, and sets the set of signal lines. Whether or not an error signal is included is determined. When determining that the error signal is not included, the determining unit 62 notifies the first processing execution unit 64 that the error signal is not included, while determining that the error signal is included. The process at the time of error is acquired from the error setting table 70 and notified to the second process execution unit 65, and the first process execution unit 64 is notified of information indicating a signal line that does not include an error signal. .

The first process execution unit 64 executes a process according to the voltage state of the signal line that does not include an error signal.
The second process execution unit 65 executes an error process notified from the determination unit 62.
The information storage unit 66 includes various information related to the ball game machine 100, such as the number of jackpots in the ball game machine 100, the number of start winning a prize winnings, the number of special symbol lotteries, the number of normal symbol lotteries, the number of times of passing through the normal symbol operation gate, and the like. Store information.
The output unit 67 transmits various information regarding the ball game machine 100, error information, and the like to the island management device 7.

[Control processing for ball game machines]
Next, an example of the control processing operation in the ball game machine 100 of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
(Control processing operation of main controller 201)
FIG. 12 is a main flowchart of the control process in the main controller 201 shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. In step S1 of FIG. 12, the main controller 201 performs a general winning process. This general winning process is a control process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 wins the general winning slot 111. Details of the general winning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S2, main controller 201 performs normal symbol variation processing. In the normal symbol variation process, when a game ball launched in the game area 115 passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol is varied and stopped to determine whether the normal symbol is correct or not. This is a control process for opening and closing the enlargement device 104 accordingly. The normal symbol variation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, main controller 201 performs jackpot determination processing. The jackpot determination process is a control process that is performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 wins the start winning opening 112. Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

Next, in step S4, the main control device 201 performs a special game control process. This special game control process is a control process that is executed when a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 and the decorative symbol display device 107 to be “big hit” and the big hit flag is turned on. Details of the special game control process will be described later with reference to FIG.
Next, in step S5, the main controller 201 performs a probability variation control process. The probability variation control process includes a control process that is executed when the probability variation jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination process in step S3 and the probability variation state flag is turned on. Details of the probability variation control process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, the main controller 201 repeatedly performs the general winning process, the normal symbol variation process, the jackpot determination process, the special game control process, and the probability variation control process, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 below. In this embodiment, according to the state of the game, each control process is repeatedly executed while omitting unnecessary control processes.

(General winning process)
First, the details of the general winning process in step S1 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the general winning process shown in FIG.
In step S <b> 101 of FIG. 13, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not a game ball has won the general winning opening 111 based on the above-described game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening device 203. If the result of this determination control is that the game ball has won the general winning opening 111, in step S102, the payout instructing unit 303 pays out the above-mentioned winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4”. It transmits to the control apparatus 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to a ball tray (not shown). In addition, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the general winning opening 111 has been won and transmits it to the sub-control device 202. Thereby, the sub-control device 202 informs the player that the general winning opening 111 has been won, for example, by turning on the illumination part 130. Then, the control process in step S1 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the game ball has not won the general winning opening 111, it is not necessary to perform the process of step S102, so step S102 is skipped and the control process of step S1 is terminated, as shown in FIG. The process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart.
(Normal symbol variation processing)
Next, details of the normal symbol variation process in step S2 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the normal symbol variation process shown in FIG.

In step S <b> 201 of FIG. 14, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103 based on the above-described gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening device 203. If the result of this determination control is that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operating gate 103, the winning determination unit 301 outputs an eighth signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operating gate 103 in step S202. To the external signal output unit 308. As a result, the external signal output unit 308 outputs the eighth signal.
Next, in step S203, it is determined whether or not the number of held balls is three or less. That is, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c is three or less. Next, if it is determined in step S203 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the normal symbol random number is not acquired, and step S2 The control process ends, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined and controlled that the number of reserved balls is three or less, a normal design random number is acquired in step S204. Subsequently, the acquired random number is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area until the determination order is reached in step S205. Next, in step S206, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is being variably displayed. If the normal symbol is changing, even if it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is displayed, the normal symbol display of the result cannot be performed. Therefore, the control process of step S2 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the normal symbol is not in a variable display, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 in step S207 first stores the random number value, that is, the random number value with the earliest processing order. Is read. Next, in step S208, it is determined whether the “probability changing game” or the “short-time game” is currently being executed or the “normal game” is being executed. That is, the flag storage unit 302 determines whether or not the probability variation state flag or the time reduction flag is on. If the probability variation state flag or the time reduction flag is on, a random number table for probability variation of normal symbols is acquired in S209. On the other hand, if “normal game” is being executed, a normal random number table is acquired in S210. Here, as described above, the random number table for probability variation is set so that the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is higher than the normal random number table, and the variation display time of the normal symbol is shortened. . Then, based on the random number table acquired in S211, a determination is made based on whether or not the acquired random number value matches the winning value in the random number table.

  As a result of the determination in step S211, if it is determined to be “winning”, the normal symbol is variably displayed for the set normal symbol variation display time, and then “winning” is displayed. A display pattern for stopping display when the LED lamp is lit is formed, and a normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED driving device 204. Thereby, in step S212, the LED lamp provided in the normal symbol display device 108 performs display according to the display pattern indicated in the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, an enlargement device release instruction signal indicating the release mode is transmitted to the winning a prize opening device 203. As a result, the enlargement device 104 opens in the manner indicated by the enlargement device release instruction signal in step S214. The enlargement device opening instruction signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the LED lamp provided in the normal symbol display device 108.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol is not won, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner for the set normal symbol variation display time, and then the LED lamp indicating “lost” is displayed. A display pattern for stopping display in the lighting state is formed, and a normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED driving device 204. Thereby, the LED lamp provided in the normal symbol display device 108 performs a loss display according to the display pattern indicated in the normal symbol display instruction signal in step S213.

  In step S201 of FIG. 14, when it is determined and controlled that the game ball does not pass through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the process proceeds to step S215, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 is provided in the RAM 201c. Whether or not random numbers are stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is controlled. As a result of this determination control, if a random number is stored, the process proceeds to step S206 described above. On the other hand, if no random number is stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing from step S202 onward, so the control processing in step S2 is terminated, and the control processing of the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Big hit judgment processing)
Next, the details of the jackpot determination process in step S3 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the flow of the jackpot determination process shown in FIG.
First, regardless of the current gaming state, in step S301 in FIG. 15, the winning determination unit 301 passes the starting ball 112 through the gaming ball passing signal based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning hole device 203. It is determined whether or not. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the start winning opening 112, in step S302, the payout instruction unit 303 sends a prize ball number signal indicating that the prize ball number is “4” to the payout control device 206. Send. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray. Next, in step S303, the winning determination unit 301 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting an eighth signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103.

  In step S304, the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether or not the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c is three or less. As a result of this determination control, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S305, and a special symbol random number is acquired. Next, in step S306, the acquired random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.

If it is determined in step S304 that the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the special symbol random number is not acquired and the control in step S3 is performed. The process ends, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart of FIG.
Next, in step S307, the special symbol lottery unit 304 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the jackpot flag is turned on. As a result of the determination, if the jackpot flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S308, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether or not the special symbol is variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the special symbol is not in a variable display, the process moves to step S309, and the first stored random number value with the highest processing order is read.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the above step S307 that the jackpot flag is turned on, even if it is determined whether the acquired random number is correct or not during execution of the special game, the resulting symbol variation and stop display are displayed. Since it cannot be performed, the control process of step S3 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart of FIG. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S308 that the special symbol is changing, similarly, even if it is determined whether or not the acquired random number is correct, the resulting symbol change and stop display cannot be performed. The control process ends, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart of FIG.

  Subsequently, it is determined which state the current gaming state is before performing the above-described determination of whether or not the random number value is read out. As shown in FIG. 16, in step S310, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the probability variation state flag is on. This is because when determining whether or not the read random number value is correct, the random number table to be referred to differs depending on whether it is the “normal gaming state” or the “probability variation state”. If it is determined in step S310 that the probability variation state flag is on, the process proceeds to step S311 to obtain a random table for probability variation. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S310 that the probability variation state flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S312 and a normal random number table is acquired. In step S313, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 compares and references the special symbol random number value read in step S309 with the acquired random number table. If the read random number value matches the jackpot value in the random number table, it is a “jackpot”. If it is determined and controlled in step 313 as “hit”, the process proceeds to step S314, and the special symbol winning determination unit 305 turns on the jackpot flag. Then, the process proceeds to step S315, and it is determined whether or not the read special symbol random number value is “probability big hit”. When it is determined as “probable big hit” in step S315, the process proceeds to step S316, and the special symbol winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to turn on the probability variation state flag. In step S317, the flag storage unit Referring to 302, the time reduction flag is turned off.

After that, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines a special symbol display pattern for “probability big hit” in step S318. Next, in step S319, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the first signal and the second signal.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S315 that it is not “probable big hit”, the process proceeds to step S320, and the special symbol winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to turn off the probability variation state flag, and in step S321. Migrate to

In step S <b> 321, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the read special symbol random number value is “time and bonus winning”.
If it is determined in step S321 that the “time saving big hit” is determined, the process proceeds to step S322, and the special symbol winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and turns on the time reduction flag. After that, the special symbol display instructing unit 306 determines a special symbol display pattern for “short and large jackpot” in step S323. Next, in step S324, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the first signal.
Also, if it is determined in step S321 that it is not “time saving big hit”, the process proceeds to step S325, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302, turns off the time reduction flag, and proceeds to step S326. Transition.

In step S326, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the read special symbol random number value is “2 round jackpot”.
If it is determined in step S326 that it is not “2 round jackpot”, the process proceeds to step S327, and the special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines a special symbol display pattern for “normal jackpot”. Next, in step S328, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the first signal.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S326 that the game is “2 round jackpot”, the process proceeds to step S329, and the special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines a special symbol display pattern for “2 round jackpot”. Next, in step S330, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the fourth signal.
Note that if “losing” is determined and controlled in step S313, the process proceeds to step S331, and a special symbol display pattern for “losing” is determined.

  When any of the special symbol display patterns is determined, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 transmits a special symbol display instruction signal indicating the determined display pattern to the LED driving device 204 in step S332. As a result, the 7-segment LED provided in the special symbol display device 106 operates according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal. In step S <b> 332, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command corresponding to the special symbol display pattern and transmits it to the sub-control device 202. This effect command includes contents such as jackpot information, whether or not it is “probability variation game”, “time-short game”, symbol variation display time, and the like. In step S333, a special symbol is displayed. The sub-control device decorative symbol display device 107 analyzes the effect command and displays a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the special symbol display pattern. After the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner in accordance with the special symbol variation display, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop timing of the special symbol.

  If it is determined in step S301 in FIG. 15 that the game ball has not passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S334, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 is provided in the RAM 201c. Whether or not a random number value is stored in the special symbol random number storage area is determined and controlled. If random numbers are stored as a result of this determination control, the process proceeds to step S307 described above. On the other hand, if no random number is stored, the subsequent processing is not necessary, so the control processing in step S3 is terminated, and the processing shifts to the control processing in the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Special game control processing)
Next, the details of the special game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special game control process shown in FIG.
In step S401 in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing. If it is determined and controlled that the special symbol is changing, the control process of step S4 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined and controlled that the special symbol is not changing, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S402, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the big hit flag is turned on. If the jackpot flag is not turned on as a result of this determination control, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S403 (since it does not shift to the special game), the control processing in step S4 is terminated, and is shown in FIG. The process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart. On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is turned on, the process proceeds to step SS403 to determine whether or not the big prize opening 113 is open. That is, it is determined and controlled whether or not a unit special game in the special game is being executed. As a result of this determination control, when the special prize opening 113 is not open, the special special game is finished and the special prize opening 113 is closed. In step S404, the special prize opening opening instruction unit 307 receives the prize. A special winning opening release instruction signal is transmitted to the mouth device 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened, and one round of the 15 special games is started. On the other hand, when the special winning opening 113 is open, it is in the unit special game, so the above step S404 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S405.

  Next, in step S <b> 405, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113 based on the above-described game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening device 203. As a result of this determination control, when the game ball passes through the big winning opening 113, the process proceeds to step S406, where the winning determination unit 301 is based on the above game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening device 203. It is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area 121 provided in the special winning opening 113. As a result of this determination control, if it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 121, the process proceeds to step S407, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 turns on the specific area pass flag. On the other hand, if it is determined and controlled that the game ball has not passed through the specific area 121, the process skips step S407 and proceeds to step S408.

Next, in step S <b> 408, the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 113 or the specific area 121, and transmits it to the sub-control device 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game ball has passed through the special winning opening 113 or the specific area 121 is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107. Further, the payout instruction unit 303 transmits the above-mentioned prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “15” to the payout control device 206. Thereby, 15 prize balls are paid out to a ball tray (not shown).
If it is determined in step S405 that the game ball has not won the big prize opening 113, the process skips steps S406 to S408 and proceeds to step S409.

  Next, in step S409, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not a predetermined time (29.5 seconds) has elapsed after the special winning opening 113 is opened. If the predetermined time has elapsed as a result of this determination control, the special special game end condition is satisfied, and therefore, in step S411, the big prize opening instruction unit 307 closes the big prize opening in the prize opening device 203. An instruction signal is transmitted. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

  Next, in step S412, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the specific region passage flag is on. As a result of this determination control, if it is determined that the specific area passing flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S413, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines that all unit special games in the special game (that is, the final round) Whether or not) is completed. In the present embodiment, the second round is the final round in the case of two rounds of jackpot, and the 15th round is the final round in the case of other jackpots. If the result of this determination is that the special game has ended, the process moves to step S414, and the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 turns off the specific area passing flag. In step S415, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating the end of the special game, and transmits it to the sub-control device 202. As a result, an image indicating the end of the special game is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107.

  Next, in step S416, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to turn off the jackpot flag, and in the next step S417, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 outputs the first signal and the fourth signal. The external signal output unit 308 is notified of an output instruction for outputting a signal, the control process of step S4 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S409 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the big prize opening 113 is opened, the process proceeds to step S410, and the big prize opening instruction unit 307 receives the prize judgment unit 301. Whether or not 10 or more game balls have passed through the special winning opening 113 is determined and controlled based on the above-described game ball passing signal transmitted from. As a result of this determination control, if there are 10 or more game balls that have passed through the big prize opening 113, the condition for ending the unit special game is satisfied, so the routine proceeds to step S411, and the big prize opening 113 is closed. Let On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113 is not ten or more, the unit special game is ongoing, so the control process in step S4 is terminated, and the main game shown in FIG. The process proceeds to the flowchart control process.

  In step S412, when the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines that the specific area passing flag is not on, a so-called “puncture” state is set. Here, “puncture” means that if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121, the process of finishing the “big hit” without proceeding to the next round is performed. In this “punk” state, the special game is forcibly ended regardless of whether or not all the unit special games in the special game have been consumed. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S415.

  If it is determined in step S413 that it is not the final round, the process proceeds to the next unit special game. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S417, and the effect command generation unit 313 starts the next unit special game. Is generated and transmitted to the sub-control device 202. As a result, an image indicating that the next unit special game is started is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 107. Thereafter, in step S418, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 refers to the flag storage unit 302, turns off the specific area passage flag, and proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Probability control process)
Next, details of the probability variation control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the probability variation control process shown in FIG.
In step S501 of FIG. 18, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 refer to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the probability variation state flag is on.
If the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determining unit 310 determine that the probability variation state flag is ON, the special symbol winning determining unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determining unit 310 have already “ Whether or not the state is set to “probability fluctuation state” is controlled. If the “probability variation state” has already been set, there is no need to set the “probability variation state” again. Therefore, the control process of step S5 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG. . On the other hand, if the “probability variation state” is not set, the process proceeds to step S503 to set the “probability variation state”.

In step S503, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 determine whether or not a special game is being played. If it is determined that the game is in a special game, the control process of step S5 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not in a special game, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 are set to “probability variation state” in step S504, and the special symbol winning determination is performed in the next step S505. The unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the second signal, ends the control process of step S5, and shifts to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG.
This “probability variation state” is carried out until the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines “big hit” in the determination of whether or not the special symbol is successful in the next and subsequent times.

  Specifically, as described above, in the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate, the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 compares the normal symbol with the normal random number table. The random number table for probability variation with a high symbol winning probability and a short variation time of the normal symbol is compared with the acquired random number. As a result, in addition to increasing the probability of winning a normal symbol, the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened, so the opening frequency of the expansion device 104 becomes higher than when “normal game” is performed, The game can be advanced without greatly reducing. In addition, when the “probability game” is executed, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 performs the special symbol lottery in the lottery of the special symbol performed based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112, The random number table for probability variation, which is a random number table having a higher probability of being a “big hit” than the random number table, is compared. As a result, the probability of becoming a “big hit” increases, and a “probability changing game” that is a game more advantageous to the player is provided.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 determine that the probability variation state flag is not on, the state is not the “probability variation state”. Set to cancel. Specifically, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 changes the random number table used in the special symbol lottery from the random number table for probability change to the normal random number table.

Next, in step S507, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 refer to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the hourly flag is on.
If the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 determine that the time-short flag is not on, it is not in the “time-short state”, so in step S508, it is set to “normal game state”. Specifically, the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 changes the random number table used in the normal symbol lottery from the random table for probability change to the normal random number table.
In the next step S509, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the second signal and the third signal, and ends the control process of step S5. The process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determining unit 310 determine in step 507 that the hourly flag is on, the special symbol winning determining unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determining unit 310 in step S510 Then, it is determined whether or not the “short time state” has already been set.

  If the “short time state” has already been set, in step S511, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the end condition of the short time state is met. As an end condition, for example, there is a condition that a specific symbol lottery has been performed a predetermined number of times from the start of the short-time state.

  If it is determined in step S511 that the termination condition is not met, the control process of step S5 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the end condition is met, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 are set to “normal gaming state” in step S512, and the special symbol winning determination unit 305 is set in step S513. Referring to the flag storage unit 302, the time reduction flag is turned off. Thereafter, in the next step S514, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the second signal and the third signal, and ends the control process of step S5, Control proceeds to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the “time saving state” is not set, the process proceeds to step S515 to set the “time saving state”. In step S515, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 determine whether or not a special game is being played. If it is determined that the game is in a special game, the control process of step S5 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not in a special game, in step S516, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 and the normal symbol winning determination unit 310 are set to "short time state", and in the next step S517, the special symbol winning determination unit 305 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an output instruction for outputting the second signal and the third signal, ends the control process of step S5, and shifts to the control process of the main flowchart shown in FIG.
Of course, control processes other than those shown in FIGS. 12 to 18 may be performed. For example, the timing at which the production command is generated and transmitted is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 12 to 18, and the production command other than these may be generated and transmitted.

(Error detection process)
Next, error detection processing according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing error detection processing according to the present embodiment.

  This error detection process is a process executed in parallel with the control process shown in FIG. 12. In step S551, the winning determination unit 301 receives a signal of the state in the flow path of the game ball from the winning opening device 203, and the step In S552, it is determined whether clogging has occurred in the flow path. As a result, if it is determined that clogging has occurred, in step S553, the winning determination unit 301 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an instruction to output a clogging error signal, and has received it. The external signal output unit 308 outputs an error signal indicating clogging and further executes the processing from step S551. In the present embodiment, the external signal output unit 308 turns on all the voltages of the first to fourth signal lines.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S552 that no clogging has occurred, the winning determination unit 301 further determines in step S554 whether an error signal is being output.

As a result, if it is determined that the error signal is being output, in step S555, the winning determination unit 301 notifies the external signal output unit 308 of an error signal stop instruction, and the external signal output unit 308 that has received the error signal output unit 308 receives the error signal stop instruction. The output of the error signal indicating clogging is stopped, and the processing from step S551 is further executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the error signal is not being output, the processing from step S551 is further executed. Through such processing, it is possible to appropriately detect an error in the gaming machine and output an error signal while performing game control.
[Processing of the stand management device 4]
Next, an example of processing of the table management device 4 according to the present embodiment will be described.

(Signal detection processing)
First, signal detection processing for a signal input from the ball game machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 20.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining signal detection processing by the table management apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 10.
In the signal detection process, in step S601, the determination unit 62 clears the error information signal line flag. This error information signal line flag has the number of bits of each signal line, and when the bit is turned on, it indicates that error information is output on the corresponding signal line.

  Next, in step S602, the input receiving unit 61 inputs a signal transmitted from the ball game machine 100 via the signal wire bundle 6, and based on the input signal, 1-bit data for each signal line in step S603. Is set as signal data to be assigned. Next, in step S604, the determination unit 62 acquires error setting information from the error setting table 70 (see FIG. 11) in the setting storage unit 63, and in step S605, the determination unit 62 includes error information in the signal data. It is determined whether there is data corresponding to the signal. For example, in the case where the error setting shown in FIG. 11 is performed, when the signal data input through the first to fourth signal lines 6a to 6d is “1” indicating that the signal is on. It can be determined that an error signal indicating a clogging error is included.

  If the determination unit 62 determines in step S605 that there is data corresponding to an error signal including error information in the signal data, in step S606, the determination unit 62 sets the error flag to ON, and step S607. Thus, the bit corresponding to the signal line including the error information of the error information signal flag is turned on (“1”). For example, in the case where the error setting shown in FIG. 11 is performed, when error information is detected, the bits corresponding to the first to fourth signal lines 6a to 6d are turned on.

  Next, in step S <b> 608, the determination unit 62 acquires the error execution process from the error setting table 70 of the setting storage unit 63 and notifies the second process execution unit 65 of the error execution process. In step S609, the second process execution unit 65 executes the notified error execution process, and proceeds to step S610.

  As the error process execution process, for example, in the case of a clogging error process, the second process execution unit 65 outputs a sound indicating that a clogging error has occurred by the speaker 51 of the calling device 5 and The decorative lamp 52 is lit and blinks in a manner indicating that a clogging error has occurred. Thereby, the staff in the hall can easily recognize that a ball clogging error has occurred in the ball game machine 100. Further, at this time, it is not necessary for a player who is playing with the ball game machine 100 to operate the call switch 54 of the call device 5.

On the other hand, if the determination unit 62 determines in step S605 that there is no data corresponding to an error signal including error information in the signal data, the process proceeds to step S610.
In step S610, the determination unit 62 determines whether there is another error setting in the error setting table 70 of the setting storage unit 63.

  As a result, if there is another error setting, the processing from step S604 is executed. If there is no other error setting, the first processing execution unit 64 performs each signal line processing described later in step S611. In step S612, the output unit 67 notifies the island management device 7 of various information data obtained by the processing by the first processing execution unit 64 and the second processing execution unit 65 via the LAN 8. The data to be transmitted to the island management device 7 includes, for example, information indicating an error that has occurred, the number of jackpots in the ball game machine 100, the number of start winning prizes, the number of special symbol lotteries, the number of normal symbol lotteries, the normal symbol operation gate There is information data such as the number of passes.

  Thereafter, in step S613, the first process execution unit 64 and the second process execution unit 65 cause the liquid crystal display 53 of the calling device 5 to display information according to the result of the process. The information to be displayed includes, for example, error information, the number of jackpots in the ball game machine 100, the number of probability variation jackpots, the number of start winning a prize (start count), and the like.

  Next, in step S614, the determination unit 62 determines whether or not to end the process. If it is determined that the process is to be ended, the process ends. If it is determined that the process is not to be ended, the process from step S601 is performed. Try again.

(Each signal processing)
Next, each signal processing in step S611 in FIG. 20 will be described.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are flowcharts for explaining signal processing by the first process execution unit 64 of the table management apparatus.
In step S701, the first process execution unit 64 determines whether or not the first signal line includes error information based on the error information signal line flag. If error information is included, no further processing by the signal of this signal line is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S712 which is processing for the next signal line.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S702 whether or not the first signal line is on. As a result, if it is determined that the first signal line is on, it is determined in the next step S703 whether or not the first signal line is turned on from OFF. If it is determined in step S703 that the first signal line has been switched from OFF to ON, it means that a special jackpot special game has been started. Therefore, in step S704, time measurement is started, and in step S705. Then, “1” is added to the number of jackpots stored in the information storage unit 66, and the process proceeds to step S710.

  If it is determined in step S703 that the first signal line is not turned on from off, the process proceeds to step S707. In step S707, it is determined whether the error flag is on. As a result, if the error flag is not on, it means that the special game being executed has been continued, and the process proceeds to step S710.

  On the other hand, if the error flag is on, this means that an error has occurred after the special game is executed, and the possibility that a special game has been newly started during the error is determined. The process proceeds to step S707. In step S707, it is determined whether or not the measurement time from the start time of the special game is a predetermined time or more. In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is, for example, the longest time when a special game is performed. Specifically, a time obtained by multiplying the maximum number of rounds (15 times) by the maximum time (29.5 seconds) for which the grand prize opening 113 is open in one round, and the special prize opening 113 are closed. The time (469.1 seconds) obtained by adding the time (1.9 seconds) until the grand prize winning opening 113 is opened again to the time obtained by multiplying the number of rounds (14 times). According to this determination, it can be determined that a new special game has been started if the predetermined time has elapsed.

Therefore, if it is determined in step S707 that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it can be determined that the game is a new special game. Therefore, in step S708, “1” is added to the number of jackpots stored in the information storage unit 66. In step S709, the error flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S710.
In step S702, if the first signal line is not turned on, it indicates that no special game is being performed. Therefore, in step S711, the time measurement is terminated, and the process for the next signal line is performed. The process proceeds to S712.

In step S711, the decoration lamp is turned on and blinking in a manner indicating that a special game is being performed by the electric decoration component 52, and the process proceeds to step S712, which is processing for the next signal line.
In step S712, the first process execution unit 64 determines whether or not the second signal line includes error information based on the error information signal line flag. If the error information is included, no further processing by the signal of the second signal line is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S715 which is processing for the next signal line, that is, the third signal line.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S713 whether or not the second signal line is on. As a result, when it is determined that the second signal line is turned on, it is one of “special game”, “probability variation game”, or “time-short game”, so in the next step S714, the electrical component 52 Thus, notification is made by turning on and blinking the decoration lamp in a manner indicating either “special game”, “probability game”, or “time-short game”, and the process proceeds to step S715. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second signal line is not on, it is neither “special game”, “probability variation game”, or “time-short game”, so the process proceeds to step S715 without performing any processing.

  In step S715, the first process execution unit 64 determines whether the third signal line includes error information based on the error information signal line flag. If error information is included, no further processing by the signal on the third signal line is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S718, which is processing for the next signal line, that is, the fourth signal line.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S716 whether the third signal line is on. As a result, when it is determined that the third signal line is on, it is one of “time saving game”, and therefore, in the next step S717, the electric decoration component 52 indicates “time saving game”. In this manner, the decoration lamp is turned on and blinked to notify the user, and the process proceeds to step S718. On the other hand, if it is determined that the third signal line is not on, it is not “time saving game”, and the process proceeds to step S718 without performing the process.

  In step S718, the first process execution unit 64 determines whether or not the fourth signal line includes error information based on the error information signal line flag. If the error information is included, no further processing by the signal of the fourth signal line is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S723 which is processing for the next signal line, that is, the fifth signal line.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S719 whether the fourth signal line is on. As a result, when it is determined that the fourth signal line is turned on, it is determined in the next step S720 whether or not the fourth signal line is turned on from off. If it is determined in step S720 that the fourth signal line has been switched from OFF to ON, it means that a special game of two rounds of jackpot has started, so in step S721, the information is stored in the information storage unit 66. Then, “1” is added to the number of hits for 2 rounds, and the process proceeds to step S722. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fourth signal line is not turned on from off, it means that the special game of 2 rounds jackpot has already been started, and therefore, in step S722, 2 rounds are played by the electrical component 52. Is notified by turning on and blinking the decorative lamp in a manner indicating that it is a “special game”, and the process proceeds to step S723. If it is determined that the fourth signal line is not on, the process proceeds to step S723 without performing the process.

  In step S723, the first process execution unit 64 determines whether or not the fifth signal line includes error information based on the error information signal line flag. If error information is included, no further processing by the signal on the fifth signal line is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S726, which is processing for the next signal line, that is, the sixth signal line.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S724 whether or not the fifth signal line has been turned on. If it is determined in step S724 that the fifth signal line has been switched from OFF to ON, in step S725, “1” is added to the number of winning prizes in the start winning opening stored in the information storage unit 66. The process moves to S726. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fifth signal line is not turned on from off, the process proceeds to step S726 without performing the process.

  In step S726, the first process execution unit 64 determines whether or not the sixth signal line includes error information based on the error information signal line flag. If error information is included, no further processing by the signal of the sixth signal line is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S729 which is processing for the next signal line, that is, the seventh signal line.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S727 whether or not the sixth signal line is turned on. If it is determined in step S727 that the sixth signal line has been switched from OFF to ON, in step S728, “1” is added to the special symbol lottery number stored in the information storage unit 66, and the process proceeds to step S729. Transition. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sixth signal line is not turned on from off, the process proceeds to step S729 without performing the process. In step S729, the first process execution unit 64 sets the error information signal line flag. Thus, it is determined whether or not the seventh signal line includes error information. If error information is included, no further processing by the signal on the seventh signal line is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S732, which is processing for the next signal line, that is, the eighth signal line.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S730 whether or not the seventh signal line has been turned on. If it is determined in step S730 that the seventh signal line has been turned on from off, “1” is added to the normal symbol lottery number stored in step S731, information storage unit 66, and the process proceeds to step S732. To do. On the other hand, if it is determined that the seventh signal line is not turned on from off, the process proceeds to step S732 without performing the process.

  In step S732, the first process execution unit 64 determines whether or not the eighth signal line includes error information based on the error information signal line flag. If the error information is included, no further processing by the signal of the eighth signal line is necessary, so the processing of step S611 is terminated and the processing shifts to the signal detection processing shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the error information is not included, it is determined in step S733 whether or not the eighth signal line is turned on. If it is determined in step S733 that the eighth signal line has been switched from OFF to ON, “1” is added to the number of gate passes stored in the information storage unit 66 in step S734, and the process of step S611 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the signal detection process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the eighth signal line is not turned on from off, the process of step S611 is terminated, and the process proceeds to the signal detection process shown in FIG.
FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of a signal output from the ball game machine according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the special game is started at time T0, the voltage is turned on in the first signal line and the second sign line. Thereafter, when an error is detected at time T1, all the voltages of the first to fourth signal lines are turned on. When all the voltages of the first to fourth signal lines are turned on in this way, the stand management device 4 detects that the signal indicates an error. When the error state is resolved at time T2, the state returns to the state of each signal at that time, and the voltages of the first signal line and the second signal line are turned on. According to the state of the first signal line shown in FIG. 23, it can be seen that the special game is executed before the error occurs and the special game is executed even after the error is solved. From this situation, it can be considered that the special game before the occurrence of the error and after the error is solved is due to the same jackpot, or can be considered to be due to another jackpot. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine whether a special game based on the same jackpot or another special jackpot is performed by the processing in step S707 described above, and the number of jackpots can be managed appropriately. it can.

Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be applied to various other modes.
For example, in the above embodiment, a ball ball game machine has been described as an example of a game machine, but the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a revolving game machine.
In the above embodiment, the processing for detecting the error signal is performed by the stand management device 4, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be performed by the island management device 7, or the centralized management device 9. You may make it carry out.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in step S707, when the error is resolved, it is determined whether or not it is a new jackpot based on the time from the start of the special game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the range of the number of prize balls in one special game falls within a certain range. For example, the number of prize balls after the start of the special game is counted. Then, based on the number of prize balls, it may be determined whether or not it is a new jackpot.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first type state has been described by taking the state indicated by the first signal to the eighth signal as an example, but other states related to the normal operation in the ball game machine 100 may be used. Moreover, you may make it include the abnormal state in the ball game machine 100 as a 1st type state. In the above embodiment, the abnormal state of the ball game machine 100 has been described as an example of the second type state. However, for example, a state related to normal operation in the ball game machine 100 may be used. Here, the first type state may be a state having a higher occurrence frequency than the second type state.

  The present invention is applicable not only to so-called pachinko machines, but also to other ball game machines such as sparrow balls and arrange balls. In addition, it can be applied not only to a ball game machine but also to a revolving game machine.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the game system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the game area | region of the ball game machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of a ball game machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the external terminal board which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection state of the signal wire | line in the external terminal board which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the main control apparatus of a ball game machine. It is a figure explaining the signal output from the main controller which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of a functional structure of the sub-control apparatus of a ball game machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the stand management apparatus and call apparatus which concern on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of the stand management apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting table for errors stored in the setting memory | storage part of a stand management apparatus. It is a main flowchart of the control processing in the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a general winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a 1st flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a special game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a probability fluctuation | variation control process. It is a flowchart which shows the error detection process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the signal detection process by a stand management apparatus. It is a 1st flowchart explaining each signal processing by a stand management apparatus. It is a 2nd flowchart explaining each signal processing by a stand management apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the signal output from the bullet ball game machine concerning this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming system, 3 gaming machine management system, 4 unit management device,
5 Calling device, 6 Harness, 7 Island management device, 8 LAN, 9 Centralized management device,
10 LAN, 20 game board, 41 I / F, 42 RAM, 43 ROM, 44 CPU, 45 data storage unit, 46 I / F, 47 I / F,
61 input reception unit, 62 determination unit, 63 setting storage unit, 64 first process execution unit, 65 second process execution unit, 66 information storage unit, 67 output unit,
100 bullet ball machines, 102a, 102b windmills,
103 Normal symbol operation gate, 104 Magnifier, 105 Center decoration parts,
106 special symbol display device, 107 decorative symbol display device, 108 normal symbol display device,
109 inner rail, 110 outer rail, 111 general prize opening, 112 start prize opening,
113 Grand Prize Exit,
114 out mouth, 115 game area, 117 hold lamp,
120 grand prize entrance doors, 121 specific areas,
123 LED lamp,
130 lighting parts, 131 launch handle, 133 speaker,
201 main controller, 201a main CPU, 201b ROM,
201c RAM, 201d I / F circuit, 201e bus
202 Sub-control device, 202a Sub CPU, 202b ROM,
202c RAM, 202d image control processor, 202e image data ROM,
202f video RAM, 202g sound source circuit, 202h amplifier,
202i I / F circuit, 202j bus, 203 prize opening device,
204 LED drive device, 205 launch control device, 206 payout control device,
207 power receiving device, 208 electric decoration device, 209 power supply device,
210 Start prize opening switch, 211 Normal symbol operation gate switch,
212 general prize opening switch, 213 large prize opening switch,
214 Specific area detection switch, 215 Enlarging device solenoid,
216 grand prize opening solenoid, 217 power switch, 218 payout device,
211 Normal symbol operation gate switch, 219 Clogging sensor, 220 External terminal board,
221 signal bundle,
301 winning determination unit, 302 flag storage unit, 303 payout instruction unit,
304 special symbol lottery section, 305 special symbol winning determination section, 306 special symbol display instruction section,
307 Grand prize opening opening instruction unit, 308 external signal output unit, 309 normal symbol lottery unit, 310 normal symbol winning determination unit, 311 normal symbol display instruction unit, 312 enlargement device drive instruction unit,
313 Production command generator,
701 Production command analysis unit, 702 decoration design determination unit, 703 decoration design pattern determination unit, 704 decoration design variation pattern, 705 image generation unit, 706 sound generation unit,

Claims (4)

A plurality of signal lines for outputting an outside signal of the gaming machine, a signal indicating a plurality of different first type state, a game machine for outputting by said different signal lines, respectively,
Detecting means for detecting a second type state different from the first type state;
Based on the second type state is detected by said detecting means, by said set of different first type state a plurality of signal lines for outputting a signal indicative of a signal indicating the second type state An output means for outputting to the outside of the gaming machine. The output means outputs a signal indicating a second type state by a set of signal lines including a plurality of signal lines for outputting a signal indicating a plurality of first type states that do not occur simultaneously. The gaming machine according to claim 1 . The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first type state is a state relating to a normal operation in the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second type state is an abnormal state in the gaming machine.

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