JP4991796B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine or a pachinko machine.

  Conventionally, a gaming table represented by a pachinko machine is configured so that a predetermined profit can be obtained by firing a ball from a launching device and entering a predetermined winning opening provided in a predetermined gaming area. ing. As one of such gaming machines, there has been proposed a gaming machine configured to output information relating to the gaming state and information relating to the number of payouts to an external device (for example, a hall computer) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2008-183317 A

  In the gaming machine described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a description in the patent specification such as “... a prize ball signal that is output every time a payout sensor signal is input .... output to the information input circuit 550”. In addition, information relating to the number of game medium payouts is output to the outside based on detection of game medium payout. However, for example, if the hall computer counts the number of payouts for each gaming state based on the information on the gaming state and the information on the number of payouts input from the gaming table, the game medium payout is determined from the satisfaction of the game medium payout conditions. If the gaming state has changed before the game is actually performed, there is a possibility that the total number of payouts for each gaming state may not be accurately calculated.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and provides a gaming table capable of accurately outputting information on the number of paid-out gaming media in each gaming state. Objective.

  The present invention provides a payout number setting means for setting the number of game media payouts when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied, and a payout means for paying out the game media based on the payout number set by the payout number setting means. And an information output means for outputting payout information relating to the payout number to an external device based on the payout number set by the payout number setting means, the information output means when the predetermined payout condition is satisfied The game machine is characterized in that the payout means outputs the payout information to the external device before starting to pay out the game medium based on the number of payouts.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, information relating to the number of game media payouts can be accurately output in each gaming state.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front side (player side). It is the external view which looked at the same pachinko machine from the back side. It is the schematic front view which looked at the game board from the front. The circuit block diagram of a control part is shown. (A) An example of the stop symbol form of the special figure is shown. (B) An example of a decorative design is shown. (C) An example of a usual stop display symbol is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which CPU of a 1st sub control part performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of a 1st sub control part. (C) It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process of a 1st sub control part. (A) It is a flowchart of the main process which a payout control part performs. (B) It is a flowchart of the command reception interruption process of a payout control part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a payout control part interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a payout process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a signal output process. It is the figure which showed the modification 1 of command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the initialization process of a payout control part. It is the figure which showed the modification 2 of command analysis processing. It is the schematic front view which looked at the slot machine from the front.

  Hereinafter, the gaming machine (for example, a ball game machine such as the pachinko machine 100 or a spinning game machine such as a slot machine) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine 100 from the front side (player side).

  As an external structure, the pachinko machine 100 includes an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, a door 108 with a ball storage tray, a launching device 110, and a game board 200 on the front surface.

  The outer frame 102 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body 104 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space 114 inside.

  The front frame door 106 is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be openable and closable with a lock function, and is configured in a frame shape so that the inside Is a door member having an opening. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. A game area 124 is defined by the rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200.

  The door 108 with a ball storage tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. The ball storage tray-equipped door 108 is capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter simply referred to as “balls”), and an upper plate 126 provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device 110. A lower plate 128 that stores game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 126, a ball removal button 130 that discharges the game balls stored in the upper plate 126 to the lower plate 128 by the player's operation, A ball discharge lever 132 that discharges game balls stored in the lower plate 128 to a game ball collection container (common name, dollar box) by operation, and a game ball guided to the launching device 110 by operation of the player 200 ball launching handles 134 for launching into the game area 124, chance buttons 136 for changing the effects of the various effects devices 206 by the player's operation, and the chance button 136 to emit light. Sub button lamp 138, ball lending operation button 140 for instructing ball lending to a card unit (CR unit) installed in the game store, and return operation button for instructing the card unit to return the player's balance 142, and a ball rental display unit 144 for displaying the balance of the player and the state of the card unit.

  The launching device 110 is attached to the lower side of the main body 104, and a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching rod 148 that strikes the game ball at the tip of the launching rod 146. .

  The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front surface, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 114 of the main body 104. The game area 124 can be observed from the opening after the game board 200 is mounted on the main body 104.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the pachinko machine 100 of FIG. 1 viewed from the back side. The upper part of the back surface of the pachinko machine 100 has an opening that opens upward, a ball tank 150 for temporarily storing game balls, and a lower part of the ball tank 150 that is positioned below the ball tank 150. A tank rail 154 is provided for guiding a ball passing through the formed communication hole and dropping to the dispensing device 152 located on the right side of the back surface.

  The payout device 152 includes a cylindrical member, and includes a payout motor 602 (see FIG. 4), a sprocket, and a payout sensor 604 (see FIG. 4).

  The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by a payout motor 602. The sprocket that temporarily passes through the tank rail 154 and flows down into the payout device 152 is temporarily retained, and the payout motor 604 is driven to rotate by a predetermined angle. By doing so, the game balls that are temporarily retained are sent out one by one downward to the payout device 152.

  The payout sensor 604 is a sensor for detecting the passage of the game ball sent out by the sprocket, and when the game ball is not passing, either the high or low signal is passed. Outputs either the high signal or the low signal to the payout controller 600. The game ball that has passed through the payout sensor 604 passes through a ball rail (not shown) and reaches the upper plate 126 arranged on the front side of the pachinko machine 100. The pachinko machine 100 The ball is paid out to the player according to the configuration.

  On the left side of the payout device 152 in the figure, a main board case 158 that houses the main board 156 that constitutes the main control section 300 that performs control processing for the entire game, and control related to effects based on the processing information generated by the main control section 300 The first sub-board case 162 that houses the first sub-board 160 that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 that performs processing, and the second sub-board that performs control processing related to effects based on the processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 400. An error release switch that constitutes a second sub-board case 166 that houses the second sub-board 164 that constitutes the control unit 500, a payout control unit 600 that performs control processing related to the payout of game balls, and that releases an error by the operation of a game clerk Discharge board case 172 storing the payout board 170 having 168, launch base constituting the launch control unit 630 that performs control processing relating to the launch of the game ball A launch board case 176 that houses 174, a power management unit 660 that supplies power to various electrical gaming machines, and a power switch 178 that turns the power on and off by the operation of a game store clerk and an RWM clear by being operated when the power is turned on A power board case 184 that houses a power board 182 that includes an RWM clear switch 180 that outputs a signal to the main controller 300, and a CR interface 186 that transmits and receives signals between the payout controller 600 and the card unit are provided. ing.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 as viewed from the front. In the game board 200, an outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged, and a game area 124 in which a game ball can roll is defined.

  An effect device 206 is disposed in the approximate center of the game area 124. The effect device 206 is provided with a decorative symbol display device 208 substantially in the center, and around the normal symbol display device 210, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, and the ordinary device. A symbol holding lamp 216, a first special symbol holding lamp 218, a second special symbol holding lamp 220, and a high-probability medium lamp 222 are provided. Hereinafter, the normal symbol may be referred to as “general symbol” and the special symbol may be referred to as “special symbol”.

  The effect device 206 performs the effect by operating the effect movable body 224, and details thereof will be described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 208 is a display device for performing various displays used for decorative symbols and effects. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 208 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device (Liquid Crystal Display). The decorative symbol display device 208 is divided into four display areas, a left symbol display area 208a, a middle symbol display area 208b, a right symbol display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d, and the left symbol display area 208a and the middle symbol display area 208b. The right symbol display area 208c displays different decorative symbols, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used for the effect. Furthermore, the position and size of each display area 208a, 208b, 208c, 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208. In addition, although the liquid crystal display device is employ | adopted as the decoration symbol display apparatus 208, it is not a liquid crystal display device, What is necessary is just the structure which can display various effects and various game information, for example, a dot matrix display device Other display devices including a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a reel (drum) display device, a leaf display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be adopted.

  The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying a general map, and is configured by a 7-segment LED in this embodiment. The first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214 are display devices for displaying a special figure, and are configured by 7 segment LEDs in this embodiment.

  The multi-purpose hold lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of general-purpose variable games (details will be described later) that are on hold. In this embodiment, the general-purpose variable games are reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, two). It is possible to do. The first special figure hold lamp 218 and the second special figure hold lamp 220 are lamps for indicating the number of special figure variable games (details will be described later) that are being held. In this embodiment, the special figure variable games are displayed. It is possible to hold up to a predetermined number (for example, four). The high-probability medium lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the gaming state is a high probability state in which a big hit is likely to occur or a high probability state, and the gaming state is changed from a low probability state in which a big hit is unlikely to occur. Turns on when switching to the probability state, and turns off when switching from the high probability state to the low probability state.

  In addition, a general prize opening 226, a general figure starting opening 228, a first special figure starting opening 230, a second special figure starting opening 232, and a variable winning opening 234 are provided around the effect device 206. ing.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of general winning holes 226 are arranged on the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detecting sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering the general winning holes 226 (in the general winning holes 226). In the case of winning, the payout device 152 is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of balls are discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The player can freely take out the balls discharged to the upper plate 126. With these configurations, the player can pay out the winning balls to the player based on winning. The ball that has entered the general winning opening 226 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side. In this embodiment, a ball to be paid out to a player as a consideration for winning is sometimes referred to as a “prize ball”, and a ball lent to a player is sometimes referred to as “rental ball”. They are called “balls (game balls)”.

  The normal start port 228 is constituted by a device called a gate or a through chucker for determining whether or not a ball has passed a predetermined area of the game area 124. In this embodiment, the left side of the game board 200 is used. One is arranged. Unlike the ball that has entered the general winning opening 226, the ball that has passed through the usual starting port 228 is not discharged to the amusement island side. When the predetermined ball detection sensor detects that the ball has passed the usual figure starting port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts the usual figure variable game by the usual figure display device.

  In the present embodiment, only one first special figure starting port 230 is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special figure starting port 230, a payout device 152, which will be described later, is driven, and a predetermined number (for example, three) of balls is used as a prize ball for the upper plate 126. And the special figure changing game by the first special figure display device is started. The ball that has entered the first special figure starting port 230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The second special figure starting port 232 is called an electric tulip (electric Chu). In the present embodiment, only one second special figure starting port 232 is disposed directly below the first special figure starting port 230. The second special figure starting port 232 has a wing that can be opened and closed to the left and right, and the sphere cannot be entered while the wing is closed. When stopped, the blades open and close at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special figure starting port 232, the payout device 152 is driven and a predetermined number (for example, four) of balls is discharged to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. At the same time, the special figure variable game by the second special figure display device is started. The ball that has entered the second special figure starting port 232 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  The variable winning opening 234 is called a large winning opening or an attacker, and in the present embodiment, only one variable winning opening 234 is disposed below the center of the game board 200. This variable winning opening 234 has a door member that can be freely opened and closed, and it is impossible to enter a ball while the door member is closed, and the special figure display device stops and displays the jackpot symbol when the special figure variable game is won. In this case, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and at a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, the payout device 152 is driven to discharge a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) of balls to the upper plate 126 as prize balls. The ball that entered the variable winning opening 234 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the amusement island side.

  Further, a plurality of disc-shaped hitting direction changing members 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged in the vicinity of these winning openings and start openings, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, After guiding a ball that has not won any prize opening or start opening to the back side of the pachinko machine 100, an out opening is provided for discharging to the game island side.

  This pachinko machine 100 supplies the ball stored in the upper plate 126 by the player to the launch position of the launch rail, drives the launch motor with strength according to the operation amount of the player's operation handle, and launches 146 Further, the outer rail 202 and the inner rail 204 are passed by the launcher 148 and driven into the game area 124. Then, the ball that has reached the upper part of the game area 124 falls downward while changing the advancing direction by the hitting direction changing member 236, the game nail 238, etc., and a winning opening (general winning opening 226, variable winning opening 234) or start opening (First special figure starting port 230, second special figure starting port 232), winning out any winning port or starting port, or just passing through the normal drawing start port 228, out port 136 To reach.

<Directing device 206>
Next, the rendering device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  On the front side of the effect device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and an effect movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. . In addition, a decorative symbol display device 208 and a shielding device 246 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a door) are disposed on the back side of the effect device 206. That is, in the effect device 206, the decorative symbol display device 208 and the shielding device 246 are positioned behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, and the effect movable body 224.

  The warp device 242 discharges the game balls that have entered the warp inlet 242a provided at the upper left of the effect device 206 to the stage 244 below the front surface of the effect device 206 from the warp outlet 242b.

  The stage 244 can roll a ball discharged from the warp outlet 242b, a ball carried on by a nail of the game board 200, or the like, and the passed ball is a first special figure starting port 230 at the center of the stage 244. A special route 244a is provided to facilitate entry into the golf course.

  In this embodiment, the effect movable body 224 includes an upper arm portion 224a and a forearm portion 224b simulating the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm. A forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm 224b at a position is provided. The effect movable body 224 moves in front of the decorative symbol display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

  The shielding device 246 includes a lattice-like left door 246a and right door 246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the front stage 244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are fixed to the upper portions of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, respectively. That is, the left door 246a and the right door 246b move to the left and right as the belt driven by the motor through the pulley moves. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are closed, the shielding device 246 covers the inner end portions of the shielding device 246 so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the decorative symbol display device 208. In the state where the left door 246a and the right door 246b are opened, each inner end portion slightly overlaps the outer end portion of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, but the player can visually recognize all of the display of the decorative symbol display device 208. It is. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b can be stopped at arbitrary positions, respectively, for example, only a part of the decorative design so that the player can identify which decorative design the displayed decorative design is. Can be shielded. In addition, the left door 246a and the right door 246b may be configured so that a part of the decorative symbol display device 208 behind the lattice hole can be visually recognized, or the shoji part of the lattice hole is closed with a translucent lens body. The display by the decorative symbol display device 208 may be made vaguely visible to the player, or the shoji part of the holes in the lattice is completely blocked (shielded), and the decorative symbol display device 208 behind is made completely invisible. Also good.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the pachinko machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 can be roughly classified into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. A first sub-control unit 400 that controls the second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400, and a command transmitted by the main control unit 300 A payout control unit 600 that mainly performs control related to payout of game balls, a launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of game balls, and a power management unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100. Yes.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and temporary data. RAM 308 for storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency, and WDT 314 for monitoring abnormalities in program processing are mounted. . Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 316 as a system clock.

  In addition, the basic circuit 302 includes a counter circuit 318 used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time a clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 316 is received (this circuit includes two circuits). And a signal output from various sensors 320 including a ball detection sensor provided inside each start opening, winning opening and variable winning opening, and receiving an amplification result and a reference voltage. A sensor circuit 322 for outputting the comparison result to the counter circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302, a drive circuit 324 for performing display control of the first special figure display device 212 and the second special figure display device 214, A drive circuit 326 for performing display control of the figure display device 210, and various status display units 328 (for example, a general map hold lamp 216, a first special figure hold lamp) 18, a second special figure holding lamp 220, a high-accuracy middle lamp 222, and the like) and a solenoid 332 that opens and closes the second special figure starting port 232, the variable prize opening 234, and the like. A drive circuit 334 for controlling is connected.

  When the ball detection sensor 318 detects that a ball has won the first special figure starting port 126, the sensor circuit 320 outputs a signal indicating that the ball has been detected to the counter circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the counter circuit 316 latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126 at that timing, and stores the latched value in the built-in counter value corresponding to the first special figure starting port 126. Store in the register. Similarly, when the counter circuit 316 receives a signal indicating that the ball has won the second special figure starting port 128, the counter circuit 316 latches the value at the timing of the counter corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128. The latched value is stored in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special figure starting port 128.

  Further, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 660 to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a voltage value of the power source. Is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When an activation signal is input, game control is started (main control section main processing described later is started).

  The main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for transmitting a command to the payout control unit 600. With this configuration, the first control unit 300 Communication with the sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is enabled. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 sends commands and the like to the first sub-control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600. The first sub control unit 400 and the payout control unit 600 are configured such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404 and ROM 406 for storing control programs and various effects data, RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and for measuring time, frequency, etc. The counter timer 412 is mounted. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 may store the control program and various effect data in separate ROMs.

  The basic circuit 402 includes a sound source IC 416 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 420 for controlling various lamps 418 (for example, the chance button lamp 138), and a shielding device 246. A drive circuit 432 for performing drive control, a shielding device sensor 430 that detects the current position of the shielding device 246, a chance button detection sensor 426 that detects pressing of the chance button 136, a shielding device sensor 430, and a chance button detection sensor The sensor circuit 428 that outputs the detection signal from the 426 to the basic circuit 402, and the image data stored in the ROM 406 based on the signal from the CPU 404 are read, and the display image is generated using the work area of the VRAM 436 to decorate A VDP 434 (image) that displays an image on the symbol display device 110. Are connected Oh and display processor), the.

  Next, the second sub control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512 is installed. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock, and controls a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, and an image display A ROM 506 storing data and the like is provided.

  The basic circuit 502 includes a drive circuit 516 for controlling the drive of the effect movable body 224, an effect movable body sensor 424 that detects the current position of the effect movable body 224, and a detection signal from the effect movable body sensor 424. Is output to the basic circuit 502, a game board lamp drive circuit 530 for controlling the game board lamp 532, and a game table frame lamp drive for controlling the game table frame lamp 542 The circuit 540 is connected to a serial communication control circuit 520 that performs lighting control by serial communication between the game board lamp drive circuit 530 and the game stand frame lamp drive circuit 540.

<Discharge control unit, launch control unit, power supply management unit>
Next, the payout control unit 600, the launch control unit 630, and the power management unit 660 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

  The payout control unit 600 controls the payout motor 602 of the payout device 152 mainly based on a command signal or the like transmitted from the main control unit 300, and a prize ball or a rental ball based on a control signal output from the payout sensor 604 It is detected whether or not the payout has been completed, and communication with a card unit 608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 is performed via the interface unit 606.

  The launch control unit 630 outputs a control signal output from the payout control unit 600 to permit or stop the launch, or a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 to operate the ball launch handle 134 by the player. Control of the launch motor 632 that drives the launcher 146 and launcher 148, and control of the ball feeder 634 that supplies the launcher 110 with a ball from the upper plate 126 based on a control signal that indicates the launch intensity according to the amount. I do.

  The power management unit 660 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the pachinko machine 100 into a DC voltage, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and controls each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, the payout device 152, etc. Supply to each device. Further, the power management unit 660 supplies a power storage circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off. , Capacitor). In the present embodiment, a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power management unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub control unit 500, and the main control unit 300, the second sub control unit 500, and the launch control unit are supplied from the payout control unit 600. Although a predetermined voltage is supplied to 630, the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device through another power supply path.

<Type of design>
Next, using FIGS. 5A to 5C, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100 are stopped and displayed. The types of special maps and general maps to be described will be described. Fig.5 (a) shows an example of the stop symbol aspect of a special figure.

  The special figure 1 variable game is started on the condition that the first start port sensor detects that the ball has entered the first special figure start port 230, and the ball has entered the second special figure start port 232 The special figure 2 variable game is started on the condition that the second start port sensor has detected. When the special figure 1 variable game is started, the first special symbol display device 212 performs “variable display of special figure 1” by repeating all lighting of seven segments and lighting of one central segment. In addition, when the special figure 2 variable game is started, the second special symbol display device 214 displays “fluctuation display of special figure 2” which repeats lighting of all seven segments and lighting of one central segment. Do. These “variation display of special figure 1” and “variation display of special figure 2” correspond to an example of the symbol fluctuation display according to the present invention. Then, when the variation time determined before the variation start of the special figure 1 (corresponding to the variation time referred to in the present invention) elapses, the first special symbol display device 212 stops and displays the special symbol form of the special figure 1. When the variation time determined before the start of variation 2 (this also corresponds to the variation time according to the present invention) has elapsed, the second special symbol display device 214 stops and displays the stop symbol form of the special diagram 2. Therefore, from the start of “figure display of special figure 1” until the stop symbol form of special figure 1 is stopped, or after the start of “fluctuation display of special figure 2”, the stop symbol form of special figure 2 is displayed. Until stop display corresponds to an example of the symbol variation stop display referred to in the present invention, hereinafter, after the “variable display of special figure 1 or 2” is started, the stop symbol form of special figure 1 or 2 is stopped and displayed. The series of displays up to is referred to as symbol variation stop display. As will be described later, the symbol variation stop display may be continuously performed a plurality of times. FIG. 5A shows ten types of special drawings from “Special Figure A” to “Special Figure J” as the stop symbol forms in the symbol variation stop display. In the figure, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

  “Special Figure A” is a 15 round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and “Special Figure B” is a 15R jackpot symbol. In the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, as will be described later, the determination as to whether or not the big hit in the special figure variable game is made by lottery of hardware random numbers, and the decision as to whether or not it is a special big hit is made by lottery of software random numbers. The difference between the jackpot and the special jackpot is the difference in whether the probability of winning the jackpot is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot) in the next special figure variation game. Hereinafter, a state having a high probability of winning the jackpot is referred to as a special figure high probability state, and a state having a low probability is referred to as a special figure low probability state. Moreover, after the 15R special jackpot game ends and after the 15R jackpot game ends, both shift to the time-saving state. Although the time reduction will be described in detail later, the state that shifts to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal high probability state, and the state that does not shift to the time reduction state is referred to as a normal low probability state. “Special figure A”, which is a 15R special jackpot symbol, is a special figure high probability normal figure high probability state, and “Special figure B”, which is a 15R jackpot symbol, is a special figure low probability ordinary figure high probability state. These “special chart A” and “special chart B” are symbols that give a relatively large profit amount to the player.

  "Special figure C" is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden probability change, and is a special figure high probability ordinary figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure C” is 2R compared to “Special Figure A” which is 15R. "Special figure D" is a 2R jackpot symbol called sudden time reduction, and is a special figure low probability normal figure high probability state. That is, “Special Figure D” is 2R compared to “Special Figure B” which is 15R.

  “Special figure E” is a 2R jackpot symbol called hidden probability change, and is a special figure high probability normal figure low probability state. "Special figure F" is a 2R jackpot symbol suddenly called normal, and is a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. These “special drawing E” and “special drawing F” are both 2R and are in a state in which they do not shift to the time-saving state.

  "Special figure G" is a first small hit symbol, and "Special figure H" is a second small hit symbol, both of which are in a special figure low probability normal figure low probability state. The small hit here is equivalent to the same short hit big hit with 2R. That is, “Special Figure G” and “Special Figure H” are in the same state as “Special Figure F”, but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 are different in both cases. By providing “G”, “Special Figure H”, and “Special Figure F”, the interest of the game is enhanced.

  In addition, “Special Figure I” is a first off symbol, and “Special Figure J” is a second off symbol, and the profit amount given to the player is a relatively small profit amount.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of the present embodiment, symbols other than “Special Figure A” are prepared as 15R special jackpot symbols, and the same applies to other symbols such as 15R jackpot symbols.

  FIG. 5B shows an example of a decorative design. There are 10 types of decoration patterns of the present embodiment: “Decoration 1” to “Decoration 10”. The first start port sensor detects that a ball has won the first special figure start port 230 or the second special view start port 232, that is, the ball has entered the first special view start port 230; or On the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 232, the left symbol display area 208a, the middle symbol display area 208b, and the right symbol display of the decorative symbol display device 208 are displayed. Displayed in the order of “decoration 1” → “decoration 2” → “decoration 3” →... “Decoration 9” → “decoration 10” → “decoration 1” →... “Decoration display of decorative pattern” is performed. When the 15R jackpot of “special drawing B” is notified, a symbol combination (for example, “decoration 1-decoration 1-decoration”) corresponding to the 15R jackpot corresponding to the 15R jackpot in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c. 1 ”or“ decoration 2—decoration 2—decoration 2 ”). When the 15R special jackpot of “special drawing A” is notified, a combination of three symbols of the same odd number of decorative symbols (for example, “decoration 3—decoration 3—decoration 3” or “decoration 7—decoration 7—decoration 7”). Etc.) is stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the 2R jackpot called “hidden probability change” of “Special Figure E”, the 2R jackpot called “Special Figure F” suddenly, or the first small hit of “Special Figure G”, “Special Figure H” When notifying the second small hit, “decoration 1-decoration 2—decoration 3” is stopped and displayed. Furthermore, in order to notify the 2R jackpot called “sudden change” of “special drawing C” or the 2R jackpot called “sudden time reduction” of “special drawing D”, “decoration 1-decoration 3—decoration 5” is displayed. Stop display.

  On the other hand, when notifying the first deviation of “Special Figure I” and the second deviation of “Special Figure J”, the symbol combinations other than the symbol combinations shown in FIG. 5B are stopped in the symbol display areas 110a to 110c. indicate.

  FIG.5 (c) shows an example of the usual stop display symbol. In the present embodiment, there are two types of stoppage display modes for ordinary maps: “general diagram A” which is a winning symbol and “general symbol B” which is a missed symbol. Based on the fact that the above-mentioned gate sensor has detected that a sphere has passed through the general-purpose start opening 228, the normal symbol display device 210 repeats all lighting of the seven segments and lighting of the central one segment. Perform a “normal change display”. Then, when notifying the winning of the common figure variable game, the “normal figure A” is stopped and displayed, and when notifying the usual figure variable game, the “normal figure B” is stopped and displayed. Also in the figure, the white portions in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that are turned off, and the black portions indicate the locations of the segments that are turned on.

<Main control unit main processing>
Next, main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal is input executes a main control unit main process according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306 after resetting by a reset interrupt.

  In step SA01, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, stack initial value setting (temporary setting) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, interrupt mask setting, I / O 310 initial setting, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, and WDT 313 The operation is permitted and the initial value is set. In the present embodiment, a numerical value corresponding to 32.8 ms is set in WDT 313 as an initial value.

  In step SA03, the counter value of WDT 313 is cleared, and the time measurement by WDT 313 is restarted.

  In step SA05, whether or not the low voltage signal is on, that is, the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit 660 to the main control unit 300 by the voltage monitoring circuit 338 is a predetermined value (in this embodiment). 9v), it is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. If the low voltage signal is on (when the CPU 304 detects that the power supply is cut off), the process returns to step SA03. If the low voltage signal is off (if the CPU 304 does not detect that the power supply is cut off), the step returns. Proceed to SA07. Even if the predetermined value (9 V) is not yet reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process returns to step SA03, and step SA05 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value.

  In step SA07, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a process for setting a numerical value for determining a cycle for executing a main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later, in the counter timer 312 and a predetermined port of the I / O 310 (for example, a test output port, A process of outputting a clear signal from the output port to the first sub control unit 400, a setting for permitting writing to the RAM 308, and the like are performed.

  In step SA09, it is determined whether or not to return to the state before the power interruption (before the power interruption), and the state before the power interruption is not restored (when the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is set to the initial state). ) Proceeds to an initialization process (step SA13).

  Specifically, first, a RAM clear signal transmitted when a store clerk or the like of an amusement store operates the RWM clear switch 180 provided on the power supply board is turned on (indicates that there has been an operation). That is, it is determined whether or not RAM clear is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (RAM clear is necessary), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to the initial state. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is OFF (when the RAM clear is not necessary), the power status information stored in the power status storage area provided in the RAM 308 is read, and the power status information is information indicating suspend. It is determined whether or not. If the power status information is not information indicating suspend, the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the basic circuit 302 to an initial state. If the power status information is information indicating suspend, a predetermined area of the RAM 308 is set. A checksum is calculated by adding all the 1-byte data stored in (for example, all areas) to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and the calculated checksum results in a specific value (for example, 0) (whether or not the checksum result is normal). If the checksum result is a specific value (eg, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step SA11 to return to the state before the power interruption, and the checksum result is a specific value. If the value is other than 0 (for example, 0) (if the result of the checksum is abnormal), the process proceeds to step SA13 to set the pachinko machine 100 to the initial state. Similarly, when the power status information indicates information other than “suspend”, the process proceeds to step SA13.

  In step SA11, power recovery processing is performed. In this power recovery process, the value of the stack pointer stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power failure is read out and reset to the stack pointer (this setting). In addition, the value of each register stored in the register save area provided in the RAM 308 at the time of power interruption is read out and reset in each register, and then the interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, as a result of the CPU 304 executing the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state when the power is turned off. That is, the processing is resumed from the instruction next to the instruction (predetermined in step SA15 and step SA17) performed immediately before branching to the timer interrupt process (described later) immediately before the power interruption. A RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with a transmission information storage area. In step SA11, a power recovery command is set in the transmission information storage area. This power recovery command is a command indicating that the power has been restored to the state at the time of power interruption, and is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

  In step SA13, initialization processing is performed. In this initialization process, interrupt prohibition setting, stack initial value setting to the stack pointer (this setting), initialization of all storage areas of the RAM 308, and the like are performed. Further, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization process (step SA13) of the main control unit 300 has been performed. Like the power recovery command, the normal return command is the first command in step SB33 in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 300. 1 is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In step SA15, after setting for prohibition of interruption, a basic random number initial value update process is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two initial value generation random number counters for generating the initial values of the normal figure winning random number counter and the special figure random number value counter, the general figure timer random number value, and the special figure timer, respectively. Two random number counters for generating each random number value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as normal timer random numbers is 0 to 20, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal timer random value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 21, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are similarly updated. Further, after this basic random number initial value update process is completed, an interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to Step SA17.

  In step SA17, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated. In the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, a first special figure notice lottery random number counter for generating a first special figure notice lottery random number value that can take a value in the range of 0 to 127, and a value in the range of 0 to 127 are also taken. A second special figure notice lottery random number counter for generating a second special figure notice lottery random number value to be obtained is provided. In step SA17, the values of these counters are updated.

  The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the processes of step SA15 and step SA17 except during the timer interrupt process that starts every predetermined period.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step SB01, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step SB03, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interrupt occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step SB05, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port state update processing, detection of various sensors 318 including the above-mentioned front frame door open sensor, inner frame open sensor, lower pan full sensor, and various ball detection sensors via the input port of the I / O 310. A signal is input to monitor the presence / absence of a detection signal, and stored in a signal state storage area provided for each sensor 318 in the RAM 308. If the detection signal of the sphere detection sensor is described as an example, information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected in the timer interruption process (about 4 ms before) is stored in the RAM 308 for each sphere detection sensor. This information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area partitioned and stored in the RAM 308 in the previous detection signal storage area partitioned for each sphere detection sensor, and the previous timer interrupt processing (about 2 ms before) ) Is read from the current detection signal storage area provided for each sphere detection sensor in the RAM 308, and this information is read out from the previous detection signal storage area described above. To remember. Further, the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor detected this time is stored in the above-described current detection signal storage area.

  In step SB05, the information on the presence / absence of the detection signal of each sphere detection sensor stored in each storage area of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area is compared. It is determined whether or not the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times in the ball detection sensor matches the winning determination pattern information. This main control unit timer interrupt process that is repeatedly started at a very short interval of about 2 ms while one game ball passes one ball detection sensor is started several times. For this reason, every time the main control unit timer interruption process is started, in the above-described step SB05, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is confirmed. As a result, a detection signal indicating that the same game ball has passed the same ball detection sensor is stored in each of the detection signal storage area, the previous detection signal storage area, and the current detection signal storage area. That is, when the game ball starts to pass through the ball detection sensor, there is no detection signal before, a previous detection signal, and a current detection signal. In the present embodiment, in consideration of erroneous detection of the sphere detection sensor and noise, it is determined that there is a prize when the detection signal is stored twice continuously after no detection signal. The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 4 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is no previous detection signal, that there is a previous detection signal, and that there is a current detection signal). In this step SB05, information on presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times in each sphere detection sensor is predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, no previous detection signal, previous detection signal, current detection signal present). In the case of the general winning port 226, the variable winning port 234, the first special figure starting port 230, and the second special figure starting port 232, or the ordinary drawing starting port 228. Is determined to have passed. In other words, it is determined that there has been a winning at these winning ports 234, 230 and the starting ports 230, 232, 228. For example, when the information on the presence / absence of the detection signals for the past three matches with the above-described winning determination pattern information in the general winning opening sensor for detecting the winning at the general winning opening 226, there is a winning at the general winning opening 226. If the information on the presence / absence of detection signals for the past three times does not match the above-described winning determination pattern information, the subsequent general winnings are performed. The process branches to the subsequent process without performing the process associated with winning the prize to the mouth 226. Note that the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there is a detection signal before the previous time, no previous detection signal, and no current detection signal). After it is determined that there has been a single win, it is not determined that there has been a win until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals for the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information in each ball detection sensor, and the winning determination is cleared. If it matches the pattern information, it is next determined whether or not it matches the winning determination pattern information.

  In step SB07 and step SB09, a basic random number initial value update process and a basic random number update process are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processing and basic random number update processing, the value of the initial value generation random number counter performed in step SA15 is updated, and then the normal winning random number value used in the main control unit 300, Two random number counters for generating the special figure 1 random value and the special figure 2 random value are updated. For example, if the range of values that can be taken as a random number value for a normal winning number is 0 to 100, a value is acquired from a random number counter storage area for generating a normal winning random number value provided in the RAM 308, and 1 is added to the acquired value. Then, it is stored in the original random number counter storage area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the acquired value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. If it is determined that the random number counter has made one round as a result of adding 1 to the acquired value, the value of the initial value generating random number counter corresponding to each random number counter is acquired and stored in the storage area of the random number counter. set. For example, a value is acquired from a random number counter for generating a regular winning random number that fluctuates in a numerical range of 0 to 100, and a result obtained by adding 1 to the acquired value is stored in a predetermined initial value storage area provided in the RAM 308. If the value is equal to the previously set initial value (for example, 7), the value is acquired as an initial value from the initial value generation random number counter corresponding to the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal number, The initial value set this time is stored in the above-described initial value storage area in order to determine that the random number counter for generating the winning random number value has made one round next time, in addition to setting it in the random number counter for generating the winning random value Keep it. Further, apart from the above-described initial value storage area for determining that the random number counter for generating the random number for winning the normal signal has made one round next, it is determined that the random number counter for generating the special figure random number has made one round. An initial value storage area is provided in the RAM 308. In the present embodiment, the counter for acquiring the random number value of FIG. 1 and the counter for acquiring the random value of FIG. 2 are separately provided, but the same counter may be used.

  In step SB11, effect random number update processing is performed. In this effect random number update process, a random number counter for generating an effect random number used by the main control unit 300 is updated. Here, the random number counter for generating the effect random number performed in step SA17 is updated. Accordingly, the values of the special figure 1 notice lottery random number counter and the special figure 2 notice lottery random number counter are updated in this step SB11.

  In step SB13, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, the normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped on the normal symbol display device 210, and the time for the symbol to be changed / stopped to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 212 are timed. Special symbol 1 display symbol update timer for performing, special symbol 2 display symbol update timer for measuring the time for the symbol to be changed and stopped on the second special symbol display device 214, a predetermined winning effect time, a predetermined opening time Various timers including a timer for measuring a predetermined closing time, a predetermined end effect period, and the like are updated.

  In step SB15, winning prize counter updating processing is performed. In this winning opening counter update process, when winning holes 234, 230 and starting holes 230, 232, 228 are won, the RAM 308 stores the winning ball number storage area provided for each winning hole or for each starting hole. The value is read out, 1 is added, and the original prize ball number storage area is set.

  In step SB17, a winning acceptance process (details will be described later) is performed. In step SB19, a payout request number transmission process is performed. The output schedule information and the payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 are composed of 1 byte, strobe information in bit 7 (indicating that data is set when on), and power supply in bit 6. Input information (indicating that it is the first command transmission after power-on when turned on), bits 4-5 for the current processing type for encryption (0-3), and bits 0-3 for encryption processing The number of subsequent payout requests is indicated.

  In step SB21, a normal state update process is performed. This normal state update process performs one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal state. For example, in the normal state update process in the middle of the normal symbol display (the above-described general symbol display symbol update timer value is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is repeatedly turned on and off. Turns off drive control. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a usual fluctuation display (ordinary figure fluctuation game).

  Also, in the normal state update process at the timing when the normal symbol change display time has elapsed (the timing when the value of the general symbol display symbol update timer has changed from 1 to 0), if the hit flag is on, the win symbol is displayed. The normal symbol display device 210 is controlled so that the 7-segment LED constituting the normal symbol display device 210 is turned on / off, and when the hit flag is off, the normal symbol display device 210 is configured to be in the off symbol display mode. 7 segment LED on / off drive control is performed. Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a setting area for performing various settings in various processes, not limited to the normal state update process. Here, the above-described lighting / extinguishing drive control is performed, and the setting area is set to indicate that the normal stop display is being performed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 determines the symbol of either the winning symbol (the common symbol A shown in FIG. 5C) or the off symbol (the common symbol B shown in FIG. 5C). Display. Thereafter, information indicating the stop period is set in a storage area of a normal stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 msec). With this setting, the symbol that has been confirmed and displayed is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the result of the normal game.

  Further, if the result of the usual figure variable game is a hit, the usual figure hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the usual figure hit flag is on, in the usual figure state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (when the usual figure stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), The normal operation is set in the setting area, and the blade member is held open by the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member of the second special figure starting port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds). In addition, a signal indicating the open period is set in the storage area of the blade open time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  In the usual state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the value of the blade opening time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the blade member has a predetermined closing period (for example, 500 milliseconds). A signal for holding the blade member in the closed state is output to the opening / closing drive solenoid 332, and information indicating the closing period is set in the storage area of the blade closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308.

  Further, in the normal state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined closing period ends (when the value of the blade closing time management timer is changed from 1 to 0), the non-operating state is set in the setting area of the RAM 308. To do. Furthermore, if the result of the usual figure fluctuation game is out, the usual figure out flag is turned on as will be described later. When the off-normal flag is on, the normal state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing at which the normal stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0) In the setting area of the RAM 308, normal operation inactive is set. In the general state update process in the case where the general map is not in operation, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB23.

  In step SB23, a general drawing related lottery process is performed. In this general map-related lottery process, the open / close control of the general map variable game and the second special map start port 232 is not performed (the state of the general map is not in operation), and the pending general map variable game is not held. When the number is 1 or more, it is decided whether to win or not to win the result of the variable figure game by random lottery based on the random number value stored in the random number value storage area. When the winning judgment is made and the winning is made, the winning flag provided in the RAM 308 is set to ON. If unsuccessful, turn off the winning flag. Regardless of the result of the hit determination, next, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal figure timer random value is acquired as the normal figure timer random number value, and a plurality of fluctuation times are obtained based on the acquired general figure timer random number value. One time for displaying the variable map on the general map display device 112 is selected from among them, and this variable display time is stored in the general map variable time storage area provided in the RAM 308 as the normal map variable display time. In addition, the number of pending general figure variable games is stored in the usual figure pending number storage area provided in the RAM 308, and from the number of pending custom figure variable games each time a hit determination is made. The value obtained by subtracting 1 is re-stored in the usual figure number-of-holds storage area. Also, the random number value used for the hit determination is deleted.

  Subsequently, the special figure state update process for each of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 is performed. First, the special figure state update process (the special figure 2 state update process) for the special figure 2 is performed (step SB25). In the special figure 2 state update process, one of the following eight processes is performed in accordance with the state of the special figure 2. For example, in the special figure 2 state update process in the middle of the special figure 2 fluctuation display (the value of the above-mentioned special figure 2 display symbol update timer is 1 or more), the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is turned on. Performs lighting / extinguishing drive control that repeatedly turns off. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 performs the variable display of the special figure 2 (special figure 2 variable game).

  Further, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a 15R big hit flag, a 2R big hit flag, a first small hit flag, a second small hit flag, a first off flag, a second off flag, a special figure probability variation flag, and a normal figure. A flag for each probability variation flag is prepared. In the special figure 2 state update process starting at the timing when the special figure 2 fluctuation display time has elapsed (the timing when the special figure 2 display symbol update timer value has changed from 1 to 0), the 15R big hit flag is on, and the special figure probability fluctuation When the flag is also on and the normal figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure A, 15R jackpot flag shown in FIG. 5A is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, and the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on. When the special figure B, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and the general figure probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special figure C, 2R big hit flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is off, When the probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure D, 2R jackpot flag is on, the special figure probability fluctuation flag is on, and when the common figure probability fluctuation flag is on, the special figure E, 2R jackpot flag is on, special chart Probability flag is off, normal When the rate fluctuation flag is also off, the special figure F, when the first small hit flag is on, the special figure G, when the second small hit flag is on, the special figure H, and the first off flag are on. In such a case, the 7-segment LED constituting the second special symbol display device 214 is controlled to be turned on / off so that the special figure I and the second off flag are turned on, respectively, so that the special figure I is in the respective mode. A setting indicating that the special figure 2 stop display is in progress is made in the setting area of the RAM 308. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 has a 15R special jackpot symbol (special symbol A), a 15R jackpot symbol (special symbol B), a sudden probability variation symbol (special symbol C), and a sudden time-short symbol symbol (special symbol). D), hidden probability variation (special E), suddenly normal (special F), first small hit (special G), second small hit (special H), first off symbol (special) Any one of the symbols I) and the first off-set symbol (special symbol J) is confirmed and displayed. After that, information indicating the stop period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 stop time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 milliseconds). With this setting, the specially displayed special figure 2 is stopped and displayed for a predetermined period, and the result of the special figure 2 variable game is notified to the player. In addition, if the time reduction number stored in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the time reduction number. If not (details will be described later), the time reduction flag is turned off. Further, the hourly flag is also turned off during the big hit game (in the special game state).

  In addition, in order to execute the general command rotation stop setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33), 4H is additionally stored as transmission information (general information) in the transmission information storage area described above, and the variable display is stopped. The special figure 2 identification information indicating that is special figure 2 is additionally stored in the RAM 308 as information to be included in command data, which will be described later, and the processing is terminated.

  If the result of the special figure 2 variable game is a big hit, the big hit flag is turned on as will be described later. When the jackpot flag is on, in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the RAM 308 In the setting area, the special figure 2 is in operation and waits for a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, a period during which an image for notifying the player that the big win by the decorative symbol display device 208 is started is displayed. Therefore, information indicating the winning effect period is set in the storage area of the special figure 2 standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, 5H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command winning effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  Further, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined winning effect period ends (the timing when the value of the special figure 2 standby time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a predetermined release period (for example, 29 seconds) Or, until a winning of a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) is detected in the variable winning opening 234.) The door member is opened to the open / close driving solenoid (332) of the variable winning opening 234. A signal to be held is output, and information indicating an opening period is set in a storage area of a door opening time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Further, 7H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening release setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  In the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined opening period ends (the timing when the door opening time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the predetermined closing period (for example, 1.5 seconds) A signal for holding the door member in a closed state is output to a solenoid (332) for opening and closing the door member of the variable prize opening 234, and a closing period is indicated in a storage area of a door closing time management timer provided in the RAM 308. Set the information. Further, 8H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  In addition, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the door member opening / closing control is repeated a predetermined number of times (15 rounds or 2 rounds in this embodiment) and finished, a predetermined end effect period (for example, 3 seconds) In other words, the effect standby period is stored in the storage area of the effect standby time management timer provided in the RAM 308 in order to set to wait for a period during which an image for informing the player that the big hit by the decorative symbol display device 208 is to be ended is displayed. Set the information indicating. Also, if the normal probability fluctuation flag is set to ON, at the same time as the end of the jackpot game, the time reduction number 100 is set in the time reduction number storage unit provided in the RAM 308, and the time reduction flag provided in the RAM 308 is set. Turn on. If the usual time probability variation flag is set to OFF, the time reduction number is not set in the time reduction number storage unit, and the time reduction flag is not turned ON. The short time here means that the pachinko machine is in an advantageous state for the player in order to shorten the time from the end of the big hit in the special figure variable game to the start of the next big hit. If the short time flag is set to ON at this time, it is a normal high probability state. In the ordinary high probability state, compared to the ordinary low probability state, if the common figure variable game is hit, there is a high possibility that the variation time will be shortened. Also, the fluctuation time of the normal figure variable game is shorter in the normal figure high probability state than in the normal figure low probability state. Further, in the normal high-probability state, the opening time in one opening of the pair of blade members of the second special start port 232 tends to be longer than in the normal low-probability state. In addition, the pair of blade members are more likely to be opened in the normal high probability state than in the normal low probability state. In addition, as described above, the hourly flag is set to off during the big hit game (in the special game state). Therefore, the normal low probability state is maintained during the jackpot game. This is because, if the game is in a high probability state during a jackpot game, a large number of games will be placed in the second special figure start port 232 until a predetermined number of game balls are entered during the jackpot game. There is a problem that a ball enters and the number of game balls that can be acquired during the jackpot increases, resulting in an increase in euphoria. This is to solve this problem.

  Furthermore, 6H is additionally stored as transmission information (command type) in the above-described transmission information storage area in order to execute the general command end effect setting transmission process in the command setting transmission process (step SB33).

  Also, in the special figure 2 state update process that starts at the timing when the predetermined end production period ends (when the production standby time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), the special figure 2 is not activated in the setting area of the RAM 308. Set medium. Further, if the result of the special figure 2 variable game is out of the way, the off flag is turned on as will be described later. When this miss flag is on, even in the special figure 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (the timing when the special figure 2 stop time management timer value changes from 1 to 0), In the setting area of the RAM 308, special figure 2 inactive is set. In the special figure 2 state update process when the special figure 2 is not operating, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step SB27.

  Subsequently, special figure state update processing (special figure 1 state update process) for special figure 1 is performed (step SB27). In the special figure 1 state update process, each process described in the special figure 2 state update process is performed according to the state of the special figure 1. Each process performed in the special figure 1 state update process is the same as the process in which “special figure 2” in the contents described in the special figure 2 state update process is replaced with “special figure 1”. Omitted. The order of the special figure 2 state update process and the special figure 1 state update process may be reversed.

  When the special figure state update process in step SB25 and step SB27 is completed, a special figure related lottery process for each of special figure 1 and special figure 2 is performed. Also here, the special figure related lottery process (special figure 2 related lottery process) for special figure 2 is performed first (step SB29), and then the special figure related lottery process for special figure 1 (special figure 1 related lottery process) (Step SB31). Also for these special drawing related lottery processes, the main control unit 300 performs the special figure 2 related lottery processing before the special figure 1 related lottery processing, so that the special figure 2 variable game start condition and the special figure 1 fluctuation Even if the game start conditions are satisfied at the same time, since the special figure 2 variable game is changing first, the special figure 1 variable game does not start changing. Further, the notification of the result of the jackpot determination of the special figure variable game by the decorative symbol display device 208 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, and the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the second special figure starting port 232 is notified. However, it is performed in preference to the notification of the lottery result of the lottery based on the winning at the first special figure starting port 230.

  In step SB33, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, commands such as basic command, symbol variation start command, symbol variation stop command, winning effect start command, end effect start command, jackpot round number designation command, power recovery command, FRAM clear command, etc. Information that can specify the type), bits 0 to 10 are composed of command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off in the command transmission process described above. If the command type is a symbol variation start command, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, the timer number selected in the special figure related lottery process, etc. is included in the command data. In the case of the symbol variation stop command, the value of the 15R jackpot flag, 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. are included. In the case of a jackpot round number designation command, the value of the special variation probability flag, the number of jackpot rounds, and the like are included. When the command type indicates a basic command, device information in the command data, presence / absence of winning at the first special figure starting port 230, presence / absence of winning at the second special figure starting port 232, winning of the variable winning port 234 Includes presence or absence.

  In the general command rotation start setting transmission process described above, the value of the 15R jackpot flag or 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the special figure related lottery process, and the special figure stored in the RAM 308 as command data 2. Information indicating the timer number selected in the related lottery process, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the general command rotation stop setting transmission process described above, information indicating the value of the 15R jackpot flag, the 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special figure probability variation flag, etc. stored in the RAM 308 is set in the command data. In the above-mentioned general command winning effect setting transmission process, the command control data stored in the RAM 308, the effect control information output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and the speaker 120 during the winning effect period, the special figure probability variation Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the above-described general command end effect setting transmission process, command control data stored in the RAM 308, effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 423, and the speaker 120 during the effect standby period, special figure probability variation Information indicating the value of the flag, the number of the first special figure variable game or the second special figure variable game held, etc. is set. In the general command big prize opening release transmission process described above, the number of big hits stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the first special figure fluctuation game or the second special figure fluctuation held. Information indicating the number of games is set. In the above-mentioned general command big prize opening closing setting transmission process, the number of big hit rounds stored in the RAM 308 in the command data, the value of the special figure probability fluctuation flag, the first special figure fluctuation game or the second special figure fluctuation held Information indicating the number of games is set. In step SB33, general command special figure hold increase processing is also performed. In this general command special figure pending increase process, special figure identification information (information showing special figure 1 or special figure 2) stored in the transmission information storage area of the RAM 308, command notice information (preliminary notice information, false) Set either advance notice information or no advance notice information).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step SB35, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 (for example, the current game state (normal game, jackpot game, etc.)) is separated from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit 336. Output to the input circuit 350.

  In step SB37, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step SB05 are read and monitored for the presence or absence of a front frame door opening error or a bottom pan full error, etc. Device information indicating whether or not there is a front frame door open error or a lower plate full error is set in the transmission information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 when a lower plate full error is detected. Further, various solenoids 332 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special figure starting port 232 and the variable prize opening 234, and the normal symbol display device 210 and the first special symbol display via the display circuits 324, 326 and 330. Display data to be output to the device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the various status display units 328, and the like is set in the output port of the I / O 310. Further, the output schedule information set in the payout request number transmission process (step SB19) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

  In step SB39, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step SB43. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step SB41.

  In step SB41, a timer interrupt end process is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step SB01 is set in each original register, interrupt permission is set, and the like, and then the process returns to the main control part main process.

  On the other hand, in step SB43, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
Next, processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. FIG. 5A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 5C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step SC01 in FIG. 9A, various initial settings are performed. When power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in SC01. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step SC03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SC05.

  In step SC05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step SC07, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command has been received from the main control unit 300. In step SC09, an effect control process is performed. For example, when there is a new command in SC07, the effect data corresponding to this command is read from the ROM 406, and the effect data is updated when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SC11, when pressing of the chance button is detected, processing for changing the effect data updated in step SC09 to effect data corresponding to the pressing of the chance button is performed.

  In step SC13, if there is a command to the sound source IC 416 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the sound source IC 416.

  In step SC15, if there is a command to various lamps 418 in the effect data read in SC09, this command is output to the drive circuit 420.

  In step SC <b> 17, when there is a command to the shielding device 246 in the effect data read in SC <b> 09, this command is output to the drive circuit 426.

  In step SC19, when there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in SC09, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to SC03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step SD01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms). Execute in the cycle.

  In step SE01 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step SC03 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. Is stored in the timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SC03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step SE03 of the first sub control unit timer interrupt process, a control command is transmitted to the second sub control unit 500 set in step SC19, an effect random number value is updated, and the like.

<Processing of payout control unit 600>
Next, processing executed by the payout control unit 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the payout control unit 600, and FIG. 2B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the payout control unit 600.

  The payout control unit 600 is provided with a reset signal output circuit that outputs a reset signal when the power is turned on. The CPU of the payout control unit 600 to which this reset signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the following processing in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM.

  In step SF01, initial setting 1 is performed. In the initial setting 1, a stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU. In step SF02, it is determined whether or not the low voltage signal is ON, that is, the voltage value of the power source that the voltage monitoring circuit supplies from the power source management unit 660 to the payout control unit 600 is a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment). ), It is monitored whether or not a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped is output. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process of step SF02 is repeated, and when the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), step is performed. Proceed to F03.

  In step SF03, initial setting 2 is performed. In the initial setting 2, settings for permitting writing to the RAM, initial settings for the I / O port, and the like are performed. In step SF04, initial setting 3 is performed. In this initial setting 3, among the error statuses stored in the error status storage area provided in the RAM, an illegal payout error (an error based on a payout being detected in a state where a payout payout request has not occurred) and payout Information other than excess error (error based on paying out more than the expected number of payouts, such as when a payout exceeding the specified number of game balls to be paid out based on winning a prize at the winning slot is detected) Clear the interrupt or enable interrupts.

  In step SF05, it is determined whether or not there is unanalyzed data in the data (command) input from the main control unit 300. If there is unanalyzed data, command analysis processing (details will be described later) is performed in step SF06. If there is no unanalyzed data, the process proceeds to step SF07.

  In step SF07, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is off. If the low voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step SF05, and the low voltage signal is on. In the case of detecting the power shutoff, the process proceeds to step SF08.

  In step SF08, a power interruption process is performed. In this power interruption process, the current stack pointer value is stored in the stack pointer save area provided in the RAM, and information indicating suspend is set in the power status storage area provided in the RAM. Further, all 1-byte data stored in a predetermined area (for example, all areas) of the RAM is added to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0 and stored in a checksum calculation numerical storage area. A value obtained by subtracting the addition result from the value is calculated as a checksum (checksum at power interruption), and the calculated checksum at power interruption is stored in a numerical storage area for checksum calculation provided in the RAM. Set to prohibit writing.

  In step SF09, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. When the low voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process of step SF09 is repeatedly executed to turn off the low voltage signal. When the low-voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process returns to step SF01 to start the payout control unit main process from the beginning.

  Next, a command reception interrupt process of the payout control unit 600 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the payout control unit 600 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step SG01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM.

<Command analysis processing>
Next, the command analysis process in the payout control unit main process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of command analysis processing.

  In step SH01, encryption decoding processing is performed. In this encryption decoding process, the encryption applied to the unanalyzed data is decoded to decode the unanalyzed data. In step SH02, it is determined whether or not the encryption decoding in step SH01 has been normally completed. If unanalyzed data has been successfully decoded, the process proceeds to step SH03. If not, the process is terminated.

  In step SH03, the request number (number of payout requests) obtained by the encryption decoding is added to the payout number information in the payout payout number storage unit provided in the RAM. In step SH04, the request number obtained by the encryption decoding is added to the payout number information in the set-up external output payout number storage unit provided in the RAM. When the addition result exceeds the upper limit value (for example, 65535) in step SH03 or SH04 (when a carry occurs), the upper limit value (65535 in this example) is set as the payout number information. .

  In step SH05, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout number information in the set-up external output payout number storage unit calculated in step SH04 is greater than a predetermined number (10 in this example). Then, if applicable, the process proceeds to step SH06, and if not applicable, the process is terminated.

  In step SH06, the value of the setting external device output counter provided in the RAM is incremented (added by 1), and in step SH07, 10 is subtracted from the value of the payout number information in the payout number storage unit for setting external output. The subtraction result is stored in the payout number information.

<Discharge control unit interrupt processing>
Next, a payout control unit interrupt process executed by the CPU of the payout control unit 550 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the payout control unit interrupt process.

  The payout control unit 550 includes a counter / timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 1 ms). With this timer interrupt as a trigger, the payout control unit timer interrupt processing is performed at a predetermined cycle. Start.

  In step SI01, port input processing is performed. In this port input process, the value of the I / O port is acquired and the state of various sensors is detected. Specifically, the state of various signals input from the card unit 608 via the interface unit 606, the ball payout signal input from the payout sensor 604, the signal input from the lower plate sensor, the state of the signal input from the error release switch, etc. Is stored in an input signal information storage area provided in the RAM.

  In step SI02, timer update processing is performed. In this timer update process, various timers including a lending request waiting timer and a lending instruction waiting timer provided in the RAM, timers for timing the turn-on / off time of the payout notification LED, motor driving / non-driving time, etc. Update.

  In step SI03, error management processing is performed. In this error management process, it is determined whether various errors have occurred or not, and information related to the error is stored in an error status storage area provided in the RAM.

  In step SI04, an error release switch monitoring process is performed. In this error release switch monitoring process, it is determined whether or not the error release switch has been pressed based on the state of the error release switch acquired in the port input process in step SI01.

  In step SI05, CR unit communication processing is performed. In this CR unit communication process, communication with the card unit 608 is performed based on the state of various signals input from the card unit 608 via the interface unit 606. For example, when a game ball lending request signal is received from the card unit 608, the number of lending requests included in the lending request signal is added to the number of payouts in the lending number of payout storage unit described later.

  In step SI06, a payout process is performed. Although details will be described later, in this payout process, the payout device 552 is controlled.

  In step SI07, LED processing is performed. In this LED process, when the pachinko machine 100 is in an error state, an LED (for example, an LED disposed on the upper part of the pachinko machine 100) for notifying the player that an error has occurred is turned on. When the error is resolved, the LED is turned off. For example, when the payout excess error flag provided in the RAM is set, the LED for notifying the player that a payout excess error has occurred is turned on, and the payout excess error flag is cleared. In that case, the LED is turned off. In addition, when the lower plate full tank error flag provided in the RAM is set, the LED for notifying the player that the lower plate full tank error has occurred is turned on, and the lower plate full tank error is set. When the flag is cleared, the LED is turned off. In step SI08, signal output processing (details will be described later) is performed.

<Payment processing>
Next, the payout process in the payout control unit interrupt process described above will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the payout process.

  In step SJ01, it is determined whether or not a ball payout signal is input from the payout sensor 604. If applicable, the process proceeds to step SJ02, and if not, the process proceeds to step SJ11.

  In step SJ02, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout amount information in the payout payout number storage unit provided in the RAM is greater than 0. If so, the process proceeds to step SJ03, and if not, the process proceeds to step SJ04. . In step SJ03, the value of the payout number information in the payout payout number storage unit is decremented (subtracted by 1).

  In step SJ03, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout number information in the payout payout number storage unit is larger than 0. If so, the process proceeds to step SJ05, and if not, the process proceeds to step SJ10.

  In step SJ05, the value of the payout amount information in the payout amount storage part is decremented (subtracted by 1). In step SJ06, the payout number information in the payout external output payout storage unit provided in the RAM is incremented (added by 1).

  In step SJ07, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout number information in the payout number output unit for payout is larger than 10. If so, the process proceeds to step SJ08, and if not, the process proceeds to step SJ11.

  In step SJ08, the payout external device output count provided in the RAM is incremented (added by 1). In step SJ09, 10 is subtracted from the value of the payout number information in the payout number output unit for payout at the time of payout, and the subtraction result is stored in the payout number information.

  In step SJ11, whether or not it is in a payout prohibition state, that is, during a payout excess error, receiving tray full sensor detection, not connected to the main control unit, not connected to the card unit 608, abnormal communication with the card unit 608, etc. It is determined whether it corresponds to. If it is not in the payout prohibition state, the process proceeds to step SJ12. If it is in the payout prohibition state, the process ends.

  Even during detection of the pan full sensor, the payout control is performed so that the payout operation is stopped when the ball is full up to the passage connecting the payout device and the lower pan, and the payout device cannot physically pay out. You may comprise. Moreover, you may comprise so that the sub-control part 400 may alert | report a dish full tank based on the detection of a dish full tank sensor.

  In step SJ12, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout amount information in the loan payout number storage unit is larger than 0. If so, the process proceeds to step SJ14, and if not, the process proceeds to step SJ13. In step SJ13, it is determined whether or not the value of the payout number information in the payout payout number storage unit is greater than 0. If so, the process proceeds to step SJ14, and if not, the process ends. In step SJ14, the payout motor 602 of the payout device 152 is driven to pay out the game ball.

<Signal output processing>
Next, a signal output process in the above-described payout control unit interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of signal output processing.

  In step SK01, it is determined whether or not the setting external device output counter is greater than 0. If applicable, the process proceeds to step SK02, and if not, the process proceeds to step SK04. In step SK02, the number-of-payout information at the time of setting (for example, a pulse signal indicating the set number of balls to be paid out) is output to an information output circuit (not shown). In step SK03, the value of the external device output counter is set. Decrement (subtract one).

  More specifically, the payout control unit 600 receives the above-described output schedule information and payout request information from the main control unit 300, and the value of the payout number information in the set-up external output payout number storage unit exceeds 10. If so, in step SH06 of the command analysis process, the external device output counter at the time of setting is incremented. Accordingly, the payout control unit 600 outputs the set-time payout number information to the information input circuit 350 separate from the pachinko machine 100 via the information output circuit in step SK02 of the signal output process (interrupt process). That is, the payout control unit 600 outputs the set-time payout number information to the information input circuit 350 via the information output circuit before starting the payout of the ball in the payout process.

  In step SK04, it is determined whether or not the payout external device output counter is greater than 0. If applicable, the process proceeds to step SK05, and if not, the process proceeds to step SK07. In step SK05, payout amount information (for example, a pulse signal indicating the number of completed ball game balls) is output to the information output circuit. In step SK06, the value of the external device output counter is decremented (subtracted by 1). To do.

  More specifically, the payout control unit 600 receives the output schedule information and the payout request information from the main control unit 300 and then pays out in the payout external output payout number storage unit in step SJ07 of the payout process. If the information value exceeds 10, the payout external device output counter is incremented in the next step SJ08. Thereby, the payout control unit 600 outputs the payout amount information to the information input circuit 350 via the information output circuit in step SK05 of the signal output process (interrupt process). That is, the payout control unit 600 outputs payout-time payout number information to the information input circuit 350 via the information output circuit even after starting the payout of balls in the payout process.

  In step SK07, other processing is performed. Here, for example, when output information of “request acknowledged” is stored in the output signal storage area of the RAM, a Low signal is output to the card unit 608 as an EXS signal, and “rental completed” is output to the output signal storage area. Is output to the card unit 608 as an EXS signal. Also, game information stored in the RAM (for example, a prize ball signal output every time a payout sensor signal is input) is output to an information input circuit 350 that is separate from the pachinko machine 100 via an information output circuit. In this embodiment, the main control unit 300 outputs game information to the outside in the external output signal setting process, but the payout control unit 600 further refers to the current game state stored in the RAM. Information on the current gaming state (for example, information indicating that the current gaming state is a normal game or information indicating that the current gaming state is a jackpot game) is input via the information output circuit. You may comprise so that it may output to the circuit 350. FIG.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first modification of the command analysis process. In this command analysis process, the process of step SH03 of the command analysis process shown in FIG. 10 is replaced with the process of step SH04.

  This command analysis process is configured such that when the payout control unit interrupt process is executed, the payout amount information at the time of setting can be immediately output in the signal output process. With such a configuration, the external apparatus can quickly grasp the set-time payout number information, and may be able to quickly start various processes based on the set-time payout number information.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of initialization processing, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a second modification of command analysis processing.

  In this example, the initialization process shown in FIG. 15 is further executed in the initial setting 2 of step SF03 of the payout control unit main process. In this initialization process, in step SL01, the payout amount information (information on the number of game media paid out) in the payout amount storage unit is stored in the non-output number counter provided in the RAM. The RAM area other than the non-output counter is initialized.

  In the command analysis processing shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not the non-output counter is 0 in newly added step SH11. If the counter is 0, the process proceeds to step SH05. Proceed to step SH12. In step SH12, it is determined whether or not the payout number information in the set-up external output payout number storage unit is equal to or greater than the value of the non-output counter. If yes, the process proceeds to step SH13. finish. In step SH13, the value of the non-output counter is subtracted from the payout information in the set-up external output payout number storage unit.

  For game tables where the set number of game media is greater than the number of payouts, if the player does not clear the RAM, the player who sits at the start of the game the next day will receive a game ball even though he has not won a prize. It may be paid out, which may be advantageous only for a specific player and harm fairness and may have a bad impression on the player. However, by adopting the above configuration, it is possible to prevent such a problem in advance.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment has a payout number setting means (for example, a payout number setting means for setting a payout number of game media when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied (for example, when winning a jackpot game). A payout request number transmission process of the main control unit 300 and a command analysis process of the payout control unit 600) and a payout means (for example, a payout process) for paying out the game medium based on the payout number set by the payout number setting means ) And information output means (for example, signal output processing) for outputting payout information relating to the number of payouts to an external device (for example, information input circuit 350 of the hall computer) based on the number of payouts set by the payout number setting means The information output means before the payout means starts paying out the game medium based on the payout number when the predetermined payout condition is satisfied. Characterized in that the output information output to the external device, a gaming table.

  Assuming that the hall computer (external device) counts the number of payouts for each gaming state based on the information on the gaming state and the information on the number of payouts input from the gaming table, the game medium is paid out when the game medium payout condition is satisfied. There is a possibility that the number of payouts for each gaming state may not be accurately counted because the gaming state changes before the game is actually performed. The hall computer obtains information on whether or not the number of payouts for each gaming state has been accurately calculated. For example, the number of payouts per unit time (base) during normal games is the average during normal games. When the number of payouts is larger than the base, the player illegally causes the game ball to enter the winning opening (for example, nail bending goto, glass that makes it easier to enter the winning opening by bending the nail illegally, glass There is a case of doubting a glass frame opening goto that opens a door and wins a game ball, an electric chew opening goto that makes it easy to enter a winning opening by illegally opening an electric chew. However, for example, because the player did not remove the ball during the big hit, the payout was stopped by the full sensor detection (or the passage was filled with game balls, and the payout was physically stopped). If a game ball is paid out at the end of the jackpot, the hall computer may determine that the payout is a normal game payout. If such a determination is made, fraudulent acts such as nail bending goto are performed. There is a case where a player is misunderstood as having performed an illegal act, and the player feels unpleasant. In addition, if the misconception is proved, the reputation of the amusement store may deteriorate. If the average base during normal games is high, the game store clerk may confirm that the average base during the jackpot was low and determine that it is not a fraudulent act. In some cases, quick countermeasures against fraud may not be taken, which may be disadvantageous. According to the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, information regarding the number of payouts of game media can be accurately output in each game state, and in addition, a quick measure against fraud may be taken.

  In addition, the information output means may provide payout information relating to the payout number based on the payout number of the game medium paid out by the payout means after the payout means starts paying out the game medium based on the payout number. May be further output to the external device.

  With such a configuration, the hall controller (external device) can also grasp the number of balls that have been actually paid out, and can more accurately calculate the number of payouts for each gaming state than before. However, it is possible to accurately grasp the actual number of payouts as in the past. Also, on the hall control side, the output signal at the time of setting (payout information before starting the payout of game media (when setting the number of payouts of game media)) and the output signal at the time of payout (payout after starting payout of game media) Information), it is possible to identify gaming machines that have not been paid out for the corresponding number of payouts, even though the number of payouts has been set. It is possible to accurately grasp the clogging of game balls such as. In addition, since the number of balls that have been paid out for reasons such as ball clogging but have not been paid out can be ascertained with the hall control, it is possible to grasp the game table that should be cleared of RAM after closing. Specifically, for a gaming table in which the set number is greater than the number of payouts, if the RAM is not cleared, the game player who sits at the start of the next day's game will receive a game even though he has not won a prize. The ball may be paid out, which may be advantageous only for a specific player, harm fairness, and may have a bad impression on the player. The RAM should be cleared to prevent this from happening, but general game machines have a certain standard for RAM clearing (for example, while pressing a specific button provided on the main control board or power supply board) If the RAM is cleared for all the game machines, for example, when the power is turned on, the burden on the game shop side will increase. According to the pachinko machine 100 according to the present embodiment, since the hall controller side can grasp a game table that has not been paid out, performing RAM clear on the game table may harm fairness among players. In some cases, it is possible to prevent the game store from having a bad impression.

  The payout means is set when the predetermined payout condition is satisfied (for example, winning a big hit game) and the payout number set by the payout number setting means satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, set) The payout of the game medium may be started when the payout number is greater than 0).

  With such a configuration, it may be possible to more accurately perform payout control by preventing an error in paying out game media.

  Further, the information output means sends the payout information via the first signal line (or the first control unit) before the payout means starts paying out the game medium based on the payout number. A second signal line (or second control unit) different from the first signal line after the payout means starts paying out the game medium based on the number of payouts. Via the external device.

  With such a configuration, the output signal at the time of setting (payout information before starting the payout of game media (when the number of payouts of game media is set)) and the output signal at the time of payout (after the start of payout of game media) (Payout information) may be reliably output to an external device.

  The information output means may output the payout information to the external device after the predetermined payout condition is satisfied and before the payout amount setting means sets the payout number of the game medium.

  With such a configuration, there are cases where information regarding the number of game media payouts can be output accurately and quickly in each gaming state.

  The information output means may further output game information indicating a game state (for example, a game state such as a normal game or a jackpot game) to the external device.

  With such a configuration, since the external device can know the gaming state of the gaming table, the external device may be able to more accurately grasp information relating to the number of game media paid out in each gaming state.

  Also, a first control unit (for example, main control unit 300) having at least the number-of-payout setting means, and a second control unit (for example, payout control unit 600) having at least the payout means and the information output means, The payout means in the second control unit pays out the game medium based on the payout amount information received from the first control unit, and the second control unit The information output means may output payout information relating to the payout number received from the first control unit to the external device.

  With this configuration, the control burden can be distributed between the first control unit and the second control unit, and the control unit for setting the number of payouts is different from the control unit for performing the actual payout process. Even in such a configuration, there are cases where information regarding the number of game media payouts can be accurately output in each gaming state.

  The first control unit is a main control unit (for example, the main control unit 300) that performs execution control of the game process (for example, each process executed in the main control unit timer interrupt process), and the second control unit. The control unit may be a payout control unit (for example, a payout control unit 600) that performs payout control of the game medium (for example, each process executed in the payout control unit interrupt process).

  With such a configuration, while the process for managing the progress and state of the game and the process for paying out the game medium are executed by separate control units, the information regarding the number of payout of the game medium is accurately obtained in each game state. In some cases, the control load on each control unit can be reduced.

  It should be noted that the game table according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in addition to the pachinko machine 100 (1 type), it can be applied to a pachinko machine (2 types, 3 types), a sealed pachinko machine, a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball game machine, a ball ball game machine, It can also be applied to smart balls and the like.

  Further, for example, the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine 1000 using a medal (coin) as a game medium as shown in FIG. This slot machine 1000 is provided with a plurality of types of symbols, a plurality of reels 1002 that are rotationally driven, a start lever 1004 for instructing the rotation of the reels, and a corresponding reel. A stop button 1006 for individually stopping, a lottery means for determining whether or not an internal winning of a plurality of types of winnings is won by lottery (winning part internal lottery), and a stop of reel rotation based on a lottery result of the lottery means The symbol combination displayed by the reel stop control means (reel stop control process) that performs stop control and the reels that are stopped based on the lottery result of the lottery means is a symbol combination that is predetermined according to the winning combination internally. When the determination means (winning determination process) for determining whether or not there is a predetermined winning mode of the symbol stop mode, the game corresponding to the predetermined winning mode In addition to payout control means (medal payout device 1008) for performing game medium payout processing for paying out media, effect means 1010 for executing effects based on the lottery result of the lottery means, and launching a ball in a predetermined game area 1012 Launching device 1014, winning port 1016 configured to be able to enter a ball launched from launching device 1014, detecting unit 1018 for detecting a ball entering the winning port 1016, and detecting unit 1018 detecting the ball In this case, the payout means 1020 for paying out a ball, a variable display device 1022 for variably displaying a predetermined pattern (identification information), a shutter 1024 movable to a position where the variable display device 1022 is shielded, and a predetermined operation mode are operated. And a movable body 1026. The slot machine 1000 is configured to produce a game by causing the variable display device 1022 to stop display after changing the symbol when the game ball enters the winning opening 1016 and wins.

  In addition, the output of information to the hall control is performed every predetermined number of balls (in the above embodiment, 10 shots), but may be output, for example, one by one. Further, the information on the number of balls in the set-out payout number external output and the payout-time payout number external output may be different from each other. In particular, it is desirable that the output unit of the set-out payout number external output is smaller than the output unit of the payout-time payout number external output. This is because the information on the number of payouts at the time of setting external output is for Hallcon to know the number of outputs for each gaming state, so the gaming state is kept while holding the information until it exceeds the number of output units. This is to prevent as much as possible that it has changed. In addition, if both are used one by one, there is a problem that the processing load of at least one of the game machine and the hall control becomes high, so that the payout amount at the time of setting is paid in a payout unit smaller than the payout amount at the time of payout. Is desirable. Note that the payout amount at the time of setting may be paid out in a payout unit larger than the payout amount at the time of payout.

  In addition, although the example in which the payout control unit 600 performs the set-time payout number external output and the payout-time payout number external output has been shown, the main control unit 300 may perform the set-time payout number external output and the payout-time payout number external output. Alternatively, the main control unit 300 may output one of the outputs, and the payout control unit 600 may output the other.

  In addition, when the main control unit outputs the set number of payouts to the hall control, the output timing may be when the payout number is set in the command output storage area for outputting the payout command or when the payout command is output. Good. With such a configuration, it is possible to output information to the hall control more quickly than when the payout control unit outputs the set number of payouts to the hall control. However, if the main control unit outputs the number of loans to the hall control at the time of setting, if the payout number command to the payout control unit is garbled due to noise etc., the exact value of the number of payouts at the time of setting is not In some cases, the payout control unit may output the set-time payout number to the hall control.

  Further, the payout control unit may also be configured to output the loan based on the loan request from the CR unit (card unit). Note that the loan based on the loan request from the CR unit may not be output at the time of setting, but may be output only at the time of paying, and the signal line is different from the signal line for the output based on the loan request based on the winning of the main control unit. May be output.

  Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to things.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to gaming machines represented by slot machines and gaming machines (such as pachinko machines).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 104 Main body 106 Front frame door 110 Launching device 124 Game area 126 1st special figure starting port 128 2nd special figure starting port 136 Launch button 152 Dispensing device 200 Game board 206 Production device 208 Decorative design display device 210 Universal display Device 212 First special figure display device 214 Second special figure display device 224 Production movable body 226 General winning opening 228 General drawing starting port 230 First special drawing starting port 232 Second special drawing starting port 234 Variable winning port 246 Shielding device 300 Main control unit 400 First sub control unit 500 Second sub control unit 600 Discharge control unit 630 Launch control unit 660 Power management unit

Claims (2)

A payout means for paying out prize media;
A payout control microcomputer capable of controlling the payout means;
A main control microcomputer capable of transmitting, to the payout control microcomputer, a command signal indicating a payout number that is the number of award media scheduled to be paid out from the payout means when a predetermined payout condition is satisfied;
A dish portion for receiving the prize medium paid out from the payout means;
A game machine equipped with
The main control microcomputer is capable of executing a payout number information output process for outputting a signal related to the payout number from a first signal line to an external device,
The payout control microcomputer does not output a signal related to the planned payout amount to the external device, and sends a signal related to the payout completion number, which is the number of award media paid out by the payout means, to the external device. The payout completion number information output process for outputting from a second signal line different from the signal line can be executed,
The main control microcomputer is capable of executing game information output processing for outputting game information indicating a game state to an external device without outputting a signal related to the number of payout completions to the external device,
The payout control microcomputer is configured to stop the payout operation of the prize medium by the payout means when the dish portion is full.
The main control microcomputer is configured to transmit a command signal indicating the scheduled number of payouts to the payout control microcomputer when the predetermined payout condition is satisfied, regardless of whether the dish portion is full. And
Regardless of whether the dish portion is full or not by the planned payout number information output process, each time the planned payout number reaches a predetermined unit number, a signal related to the payout number is output to an external device.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
Each time the planned payout number reaches the predetermined unit number by the payout planned number information output process, a signal related to the planned payout number is output to an external device,
The payout completion number information output process outputs a signal related to the payout completion number to an external device every time the payout completion number reaches the predetermined unit number.
A game stand characterized by that.