JP5163051B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

One type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine. In the pachinko machine, in the game area where the launched game balls are guided, various entrance means for entering the game balls are provided. Each of these entrance means is provided with an entrance detection switch for detecting entrance of a game ball. And when the detection signal output from the entrance detection switch is input to the main control device, the main control device performs various controls relating to the game based on these detection signals .

The upper fill ball detection switch, for example, non-contact switch such as a proximity switch or a photo switches, contact switches, such as micro-switches have been employed (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-107396 A

  Conventionally, regardless of the type of entry detection switch described above, a low level signal is normally output during normal non-detection of a game ball, and a high level is detected when the passing of a game ball is detected. A signal is output. Then, the main control device has entered the entrance means corresponding to the entrance detection switch by receiving an interrupt signal when the signal level output from the entrance detection switch becomes high. It was detected.

However, if the above-described configuration, in such as when noise is mixed in signals outputted from the ball entrance detection switch, there is a fear that misjudged that there is incoming balls.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the accuracy of detecting an incoming ball.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is
A launching means for launching a game ball;
A game area where the launched game ball is guided,
Entry means arranged in the game area;
Entry detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the entry means;
In a gaming machine comprising control means for monitoring the signal output from the entrance detection means and performing predetermined control,
The entrance detection means continuously outputs a high level signal during non-detection of a game ball, and continuously outputs a low level signal during detection of a game ball,
The control means includes
A signal monitoring process for periodically monitoring the signal level input from the entrance detection means;
Level storage processing in which the level information of the signal level is periodically and sequentially stored as binary logical values corresponding to the high level signal or the low level signal;
Logical inversion processing for performing logical inversion of the earliest data among at least three times of data stored by the level storage processing;
A logical product calculation process for calculating a logical product of all the other data of the at least three times of data together with the logically inverted data; and
The gist of the present invention is to perform a ball entry determination process for determining whether or not there is a ball entering the ball entry means based on the calculation result of the logical product calculation process.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of entering detection.

As described above, there is a pachinko machine as a kind of gaming machine. In the pachinko machine, in the game area where the launched game balls are guided, various entrance means for entering the game balls are provided. Each of these entrance means is provided with an entrance detection switch for detecting entrance of a game ball. And when the detection signal output from the entrance detection switch is input to the main control device, the main control device performs various controls relating to the game based on these detection signals.

For example, when a game ball enters a predetermined entrance means, the main control device transmits a payout command corresponding to the detection result to the payout control device. As a result, a predetermined number of prize balls corresponding to predetermined ball entry means are paid out to the player.

In addition, when a game ball enters the starting ball entry means, a winning lottery is performed to determine whether or not a big hit state is to be generated, and when a win result is obtained, a big hit state advantageous to the player is generated. When the big hit state occurs, the player can obtain a lot of prize balls by putting the game ball into the big hitting means.

As an example of the entrance detection switch, for example, a contact-type microswitch that detects the game ball by operating the operating piece by turning on and off the switch by contact of the game ball passing therethrough can be cited.

In addition, a proximity switch that detects the passage of the game ball by detecting a change in magnetic flux accompanying the passage of the game ball, and light that travels from the light emitting element to the light receiving element is blocked by the passage of the game ball. There are also photo switches that detect the passage of a sphere.

Non-contact type switches such as proximity switches and photo switches have been widely used in recent years because they are less prone to problems such as poor contact and superior durability compared to contact type switches such as micro switches. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Conventionally, regardless of the type of entry detection switch described above, a low level signal is normally output during normal non-detection of a game ball, and a high level is detected when the passing of a game ball is detected. A signal is output. Then, the main control device has entered the entrance means corresponding to the entrance detection switch by receiving an interrupt signal when the signal level output from the entrance detection switch becomes high. It was detected.

However, in the case of the above configuration, in the case where noise is mixed in the signal output from the ball detection switch, or when a fraudulent act that intentionally generates a high level signal is performed by inserting or removing the connector, etc. Based on these changes in signal level, there was a risk of erroneously determining that there was a ball.

When this happens, there is a possibility that a prize ball will be paid out or a chance to win a lottery may occur even though the game ball has not actually entered the entry means.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the accuracy of detecting an incoming ball.

  Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above-described problems will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect etc. peculiar to a corresponding means are added as needed.

Means 1. A launching means for launching a game ball;
A game area where the launched game ball is guided,
Entry means arranged in the game area;
Entry detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the entry means;
In a gaming machine comprising control means for monitoring the signal output from the entrance detection means and performing predetermined control,
The entrance detection means continuously outputs a high level signal during non-detection of a game ball, and continuously outputs a low level signal during detection of a game ball,
The control means includes
A signal monitoring means for periodically monitoring the signal level input from the entrance detection means;
Level storage means for periodically and sequentially storing the level information of the signal level as binary logical values corresponding to the high level signal or the low level signal;
Logic inversion means for performing logic inversion processing on the earliest data of at least three times of data stored by the level storage means;
Logical product calculating means for calculating the logical product of all other data of the three or more times of data together with the logically inverted data;
A gaming machine comprising: a ball entry judging means for judging whether or not there is a ball entering the ball entering means based on a calculation result of the logical product calculating means.

  According to the above means 1, there is provided a level storage means, and a predetermined entry processing is performed based on the level information stored therein (for example, logical value “1” or “0”), thereby making a soft entry determination It can be performed. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in circuit scale and an increase in production cost.

  In the case where the logical value corresponding to the high level signal is set to “0”, the logical value corresponding to the low level signal is set to “1”, and the ball entering determination is performed based on the past three data, For example, when the logic values for the last three times stored in the level storage means are “0”, “1”, “1”, the logic inversion process of the earliest (oldest) data “0” is performed. The earliest data is “1”. The logical product of this data and the other two data is “1”. In other words, when the logical product value is “1” here, it means that the signal level has been switched from the high level to the low level, and therefore, the entrance determination means determines that there is an entrance. Can do.

  Thus, in this means 1, since the determination processing is performed based on the data stored three times or more periodically, the conventional configuration for determining the presence / absence of entering the ball simply by looking at the difference in signal level. In comparison with this, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneously determining that the signal level change based on noise, fraud or the like is based on a regular entry, and to improve the entry detection accuracy.

  Furthermore, since the high level signal is output during non-detection of the game ball and the low level signal is output during detection of the game ball, this means 1 maintains the high level signal even if noise is mixed. This makes it difficult to make erroneous determinations as compared to the conventional configuration in which a low level signal is output during non-detection of a game ball.

  The “predetermined control” performed by the “control means” includes, for example, game ball payout control, lottery control for determining whether or not a special game state advantageous to the player is generated, and display for variably displaying identification information For example, control.

  Mean 2. An abnormality determining means is provided for determining whether there is an abnormality when the duration of the low-level signal exceeds a prescribed period set in advance, and when the prescribed period is exceeded. A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine as described above, a thin plate member called a “cell plate” or a wire member such as a wire is inserted from a slight gap of the gaming machine, and the member detects the entrance. By turning on, there is a risk that an illegal act of causing the ball entry means to detect the game ball as if it had entered the ball may be performed.

  When a game ball actually enters the entrance means and a low level signal is output, the output time (signal duration) is at most about several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds. On the other hand, an artificial action such as a fraudulent person inserting and removing a cell board etc. is extremely slow compared to the speed at which a game ball entering the entrance means passes through the entrance detection means. It takes about several hundred msec at the shortest. In other words, it is impossible to generate a pseudo signal similar to the signal duration of an appropriate low level signal by the above-mentioned fraudulent action such as insertion / removal of a cell plate or the like. In particular, it is even more difficult when a cell board or the like is inserted from a narrow gap of a gaming machine through a complicated route to the entrance detection means.

  On the other hand, if the abnormality determination means is provided as in the means 2, it is possible to determine a pseudo signal generated by an artificial action of an unauthorized person, and consequently suppress the unauthorized action. be able to.

  Means 3. The abnormality determination means is based on the calculation result by the logical inversion means and the logical product calculation means using more data than the number of data (number of level information) used in the determination by the entrance determination means. The gaming machine according to the means 2, characterized in that it makes its own determination.

  According to the means 3, both the entrance determination means and the abnormality determination means can perform determination processing based on the same information source, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, there is no need to set a timer for measuring the duration of the low level signal.

  Means 4. 4. The gaming machine according to means 2 or 3, further comprising a notifying means for notifying that when there is an abnormality by the abnormality determining means.

  According to the above means 4, by providing the notifying means, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the fact is notified. Thereby, a person concerned with a game hall or the like can know that some abnormality has occurred, such as an illegal act being performed on the incoming ball detecting means. As a result, it leads to early detection of fraud. Examples of the notification means include light emission means such as a lamp, sound generation means such as a speaker, display means, and an external output means such as an external terminal board that outputs a signal to an external device such as a hall computer.

Means 5. An abnormality number storage means capable of storing the number of times determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination means;
4. A gaming machine according to means 2 or 3, further comprising a notifying means for notifying that when the number of times determined to be abnormal is not less than a predetermined number.

  According to the means 5, the same effect as that of the means 4 can be obtained. If there is only one abnormality, there is a possibility that it is not a fraudulent act but an accidental failure due to noise or poor connector contact. On the other hand, if there are multiple abnormalities, there is a high possibility of fraud. Therefore, by adopting the configuration of the means 5, it is possible to eliminate accidental factors as much as possible and increase the accuracy of fraud determination.

  Means 6. The means 2 for determining whether or not the ball has entered is that the low level signal is determined to be invalid when the low level signal is determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination unit. A gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 5.

  According to the means 6, even when it is determined that there is an abnormality, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the same processing (for example, paying out a game ball) as when there is a regular entry is performed. .

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, A ball ball game machine including a game area where a game ball is guided and each ball entry means (general prize opening, variable prize winning device, operation opening, etc.) arranged in the game area.

  B. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a bullet ball gaming machine having a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. As a more detailed mode example, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a launching means (shot motor, etc.) for playing and launching a game ball based on an operation of the operation means, The game balls are guided and extended along a substantially vertical direction (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface), and each ball entry means (general winning mouth, And a ball game machine configured to be able to visually recognize the behavior of a game ball flowing down the game area.

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are opened. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the inner frame 12, the game board 30, and the like. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the inner frame 12, the back pack unit 203, and the like are opened. However, in FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, nails and accessories placed on the surface of the game board 30, a glass unit 137 attached to the front frame set 14, and the like are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that constitutes an outline of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is supported at one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. .

  As shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the outer frame 11 has an upper side frame constituting portion 11a and a lower side frame constituting portion 11b made of a wooden plate material, and the left side frame constituting portion 11c and the right side frame constituting portion 11d are made of aluminum alloy. Each of the frame components 11a to 11d is assembled in a rectangular frame shape as a whole by a detachable fastener such as a screw.

  An upper hinge 81 and a lower hinge 82 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the left side frame constituting portion 11c (see FIG. 1). The upper and lower hinges 81 and 82 support the upper and lower portions of the inner frame 12 so that the inner frame 12 can be rotated. As a result, the inner frame 12 can be opened and closed. And the inner frame 12 etc. are accommodated in the space part formed inside the outer frame 11.

  The right side frame constituting portion 11d is formed with an extending wall portion 83 that protrudes from the vicinity of the rear end portion in the width direction toward the inside of the outer frame 11. The extending wall 83 covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 (see FIG. 6) provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12 from the back side of the inner frame 12 (see FIG. 5). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower receiving portions 84 and 85 to which the locking member of the locking device 600 is locked are provided on the front surface side of the extending wall portion 83. Further, a pressing portion 86 that abuts on an inner frame opening detection switch 92 described later is provided on the lower receiving portion 85 so as to protrude toward the inner side of the outer frame 11.

  Furthermore, a resin curtain decoration 87 is attached to the lower frame constituting portion 11b. A rib 88 projecting upward is integrally formed at the back of the upper surface of the curtain decoration 87. This makes it difficult to form a gap with the inner frame 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set up and down on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, so that the inner frame 12 can be opened forward with the opening / closing axis serving as an axis. It has become. The inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 38 whose outer shape is rectangular, and a substantially elliptical window hole 39 is formed at the center of the resin base 38.

  A front frame set 14 is attached to the front side of the inner frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed. As with the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 can be opened forward with an opening / closing axis set along the top and bottom on the left side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  The front frame set 14 has a rectangular outer shape like the inner frame 12, and covers almost the entire front side of the inner frame 12 in the closed state. A substantially elliptical window 101 is formed at the center of the front frame set 14. Thereby, the game board 30 (game area) attached to the rear surface of the inner frame 12 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 101 of the front frame set 14 and the window hole 39 of the inner frame 12. The detailed configuration of the game board 30 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, on the front side of the front frame set 14, a lower tray 15 as a ball tray is provided at the lower center, and game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 are stored in the lower tray 15. It is possible. In addition, on the front side of the lower plate 15, a ball removal lever 25 for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 is provided.

  On the right side of the lower plate 15, a game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as a handle) 18 protruding toward the front side is provided. The handle 18 is provided with a touch sensor (not shown) and an operation amount detection means (not shown) for detecting the operation amount of the operation unit of the handle 18.

  An upper plate 19 is provided above the lower plate 15. The upper plate 19 is a ball tray that temporarily stores game balls and guides them toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter simply referred to as launching device) 70 as launching means described later while aligning them in a line. When the upper plate 19 is filled with game balls, the game balls to be paid out are guided to the lower plate 15.

  The upper plate 19 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. Thereby, in the game hall or the like, when the ball lending button 121 is operated with a bill or a card inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, depending on the operation Rental balls are supplied to the upper plate 19. On the other hand, the return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. However, the ball lending button 121 and the return button 122 are not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are directly lending to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, so-called cash machine.

  In addition, light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the front surface of the front frame set 14. These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In addition, error display lamps 104 that are turned on when a predetermined error occurs are provided on both sides of the annular illumination portion 102. In addition, a large number of small through holes are formed in the annular illumination portion 102 above the error display lamps 104 corresponding to the speakers SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. .

  A glass unit 137 is attached to the back side of the front frame set 14. The glass unit 137 is not attached to a pair of conventional front and rear rectangular glass plates separately in front and rear pairs, but is formed into a round shape as a whole and attached after being assembled.

  Next, the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the game board 30 is mounted on the inner frame 12 (resin base 38) on the rear side of the window hole 39. The game board 30 is attached in a state in which the peripheral edge thereof is in contact with the back side of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38). Therefore, a substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 39 of the resin base 38.

  Further, at the lower part of the front surface of the inner frame 12 (resin base 38), that is, below the window hole 39 (game board 30), a launch rail that guides the launch device 70 and the game ball immediately after being launched from the launch device 70. 61 is attached. In the present embodiment, a solenoid-type firing device is adopted as the firing device 70.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a first opportunity corresponding unit (operating port) 33, a second opportunity corresponding port 34, a variable display device unit 35, etc. in through holes formed by router processing. The game board 30 is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. As is well known, when a game ball enters (wins) various winning ports such as the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, and the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, it is detected by various detection switches described later, and the upper plate 19 (or lower) A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and the game balls that have not won the various winning ports such as the general winning port 31 are discharged out of the game area through the out port 36. . In addition, the game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game balls, and various members such as windmills (servants).

  The first opportunity corresponding unit 33 includes an upper winning opening 33a and a lower winning opening 33b, and a pair of opening / closing members 33c corresponding to the lower winning opening 33b. As a result, the upper winning opening 33a is in an open state in which a game ball can always enter, whereas the lower winning opening 33b is opened and closed by the opening / closing member 33c according to the establishment of a predetermined condition. There is a switch between a closed state where the ball cannot enter and an open state where the game ball can enter. For example, the lower winning opening 33b is when the opening / closing member 33c is in the open state in the normal mode and a specified time (for example, 0.2 seconds) elapses or when a specified number (for example, 1) of game balls have entered. Closed. This opening / closing process is performed only once in the normal mode. Instead of the above configuration, the lower winning opening 33b may be switched between a closed state in which a game ball is difficult to enter and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than the closed state.

  The variable display device unit 35 receives a prize for the normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays with the passage of the second opportunity corresponding port 34 as a trigger, and the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (upper winning port 33a or lower winning port 33b). A special display device 43 that performs variable display as a trigger and a decorative symbol display device 42 that performs variable display in accordance with the variable display by the special display device 43 are provided.

  The normal symbol display device 41 is configured so that “O” or “X” can be lit and displayed as a normal symbol, and each time the game ball passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, for example, the normal symbol is changed from “O” to “ Switching display (fluctuation display) is performed at high speed such as “×” → “◯” →. When the change display is stopped for a few seconds with the “◯” symbol (winning symbol), the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is activated for a predetermined time. The display contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are directly controlled by a main control device 261 described later.

  In addition, when the game ball newly passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34 during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display device 41, the corresponding fluctuation display is performed after the end of the fluctuation display performed at that time. It is configured to be performed. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. Yes.

  The special display device 43 is provided on the right side of the normal symbol display device 41, and is composed of three-color light emitting diodes (three-color LEDs) having red, green, and blue emission colors. Then, each time the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, a color change display (variable display) is performed, and the lighting mode (lighting color) when the variable display stops determines whether or not it is a big hit. Is displayed.

  More specifically, when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, the special display device 43 displays the three-color LED at a high speed such as red → green → blue → red →. When a predetermined time elapses, it is determined and displayed in one of the colors. High-speed color change display means, for example, that red, green, and blue are displayed in order every 4 msec. In the case of winning the big hit lottery, at this time, it is determined and displayed in red or green (for example, stopped for several seconds), and a special gaming state occurs. In particular, red is a display indicating that the game mode after the jackpot ends is a high probability mode described later, and green is a display indicating that the game mode after the jackpot ends is a time reduction mode described later. The display content of the special display device 43 is also directly controlled by the main control device 261.

  Further, when a new game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 during the variable display of the special display device 43, the corresponding variable display is performed after the end of the variable display at that time. It has a configuration. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 46. Yes. In addition, when a new game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 during the big hit state, the corresponding change display is also suspended.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a sub-control device 262 and a display control device 45 described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, auxiliary display contents are determined by the sub-control device 262 based on a command from the main control device 261 so as to correspond to the result displayed on the special display device 43, Display is performed by the display control device 45. On the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, three symbol rows of upper, middle and lower are displayed. Each symbol sequence is composed of a plurality of symbols, and these symbols are scrolled and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 so as to be scrolled for each symbol sequence, and then the upper symbol sequence → the lower symbol sequence → the middle symbol sequence. Stops are displayed in order. The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won, and is in an open state in which a game ball can be won in the case of a big hit (occurrence of a special game state). Specifically, the passage of a specified time (for example, 29 seconds) or a specified number (for example, 10) of winnings is regarded as one round (special prize state), and the large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeated a predetermined number of times (a predetermined number of rounds). Opened.

  The game board 30 includes an inner rail constituting part 51 and an outer rail constituting part 52, and a rail 50 for guiding a game ball launched from the launching device 70 to the upper part of the game board 30 is attached. As a result, the game balls fired in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 are guided through the launch rail 61 and the rail 50 into a game area formed between the game board 30 and the glass unit 137.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the rail 50 to the game area returns to the rail 50 again.

  In the present embodiment, the outer rail component 52 is interrupted at the upper right portion of the game board 30, and the inner rail component 51 is interrupted at the lower right portion of the game board 30. For this reason, the game area is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the rail 50 and the window hole 39 of the resin base 38. However, the parallel part of the inner and outer rail components 51 and 52 is excluded.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the front frame set 14, a ball passage 71 is provided below the window portion 101 so as to connect to a discharge port 16 of the lower plate 15 from a payout mechanism portion 352 described later. In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined interval between the firing rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail constituting portion 52), and the rear side of the front frame set 14 has dropped from the gap. A foul ball passage 72 for guiding the game ball to the lower plate 15 is formed. Thus, if the game ball launched from the launching device 70 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is transferred to the lower plate 15 via the foul ball passage 72. Discharged.

  3 and 4 is a payout passage for guiding a game ball paid out by a payout mechanism portion 352, which will be described later, to the front of the inner frame 12, a passage leading to the upper plate 19, and a ball passage. 71 and the passage leading to the lower plate 15. A shutter 68 is provided below the payout passage 67. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the shutter 68 protrudes forward by an urging force of a spring or the like so that the outlet of the payout passage 67 is almost closed. ing. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by the rear end portion on the entrance side of the ball passage 71.

  Next, the back configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Various control boards are arranged on the back of the pachinko machine 10 so as to be lined up, down, left and right, and partially overlapped in the front and back, and further, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls And a protective cover made of resin. The dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally sometimes referred to as a back pack. Therefore, this unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”.

  First, the back configuration of the game board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, on the back side of the variable display device unit 35 (see FIG. 4) arranged corresponding to the through hole in the center of the game board 30, a resin frame cover that covers the center frame 47 from the back side. 213 is provided to protrude rearward. Further, on the back side of the frame cover 213, a decorative symbol display device 42, a display control device 45, and a sub control device 262, which are liquid crystal display devices facing forward from the opening of the frame cover 213, can be attached and detached in a state where they are stacked in front and back. Is attached.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is housed in a housing box 42 a in which an opening for exposing the display unit (liquid crystal screen) of the decorative symbol display device 42 to the front side of the pachinko machine 10 is formed, and the rear surface of the frame cover 213. It is fixed on the side. The display control device 45 is accommodated in the substrate box 45a and fixed to the back side of the decorative symbol display device 42 (accommodation box 42a). The sub-control device 262 is accommodated in the substrate box 262a and fixed to the back side of the display control device 45 (substrate box 45a). In the frame cover 213, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47 is disposed. The storage box 42a and the substrate boxes 45a and 262a are made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

  Under the frame cover 213, a back frame set 215 is attached to the game board 30 so as to cover the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, and the like from behind. The back frame set 215 includes a ball collection mechanism (not shown) for collecting game balls that have won prizes in various winning ports. The game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism are guided to a discharge passage portion 217 described later, and discharged from the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

  In the present embodiment, the back frame set 215 functions as a mounting base for the main controller 261. More specifically, the board mounting unit 701 on which the main controller 261 is mounted is pivotally supported with respect to the back frame set 215 and can be opened rearward.

  The main controller 261 is accommodated in a substrate box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base, and the box base and the box cover are connected by a sealing member. The board | substrate box 263 connected with the sealing member becomes a structure which cannot be opened unless a predetermined trace is left. As a result, it is possible to easily find out that the board box 263 has been illegally opened.

  In addition, the game board 30 corresponds to various winning ports such as a general winning port 31 as a winning means and detects a game ball that has entered the various winning holes (entrance detecting means). Is provided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a winning opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning opening 31, and a count switch 223 is provided in the variable winning device 32. The first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is provided with first opportunity corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b corresponding to the upper winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b, respectively. Further, a second opportunity corresponding port switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the second opportunity corresponding port 34.

  Although not shown, the back frame set 215 is provided with a first board surface relay board that is electrically connected to the prize opening switch 221, the count switch 223, and the second opportunity corresponding port switch 225 via a cable connector. It has been. The first board surface relay board relays the prize opening switch 221 and the like and the main control device 261 as control means, and is electrically connected to the main control device 261 through a cable connector.

  On the other hand, the first opportunity corresponding switches 224a and 224b that detect the entry into the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (the upper winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b) are directly connected via the connector cable without passing through the relay board. It is connected to the control device 261.

As will be described in detail later, the detection results detected by the various entrance detection switches are taken into the main controller 261. Then, a payout command (the number of game balls to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation at each time is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and a predetermined number of game balls are based on the output signal from the payout control device 311. Is dispensed (except when detected by the second opportunity corresponding port switch 225).
Here, the configuration of various incoming ball detection switches will be described. In the present embodiment, as a prize opening switch 221, a count switch 223, first trigger corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b, and a second trigger corresponding opening switch 225, a penetration type proximity switch that is conventionally used is employed.

  The penetration type proximity switch has a passage hole through which a game ball passes. A detection coil connected to a high-frequency oscillation circuit is disposed around the passage hole. When the game ball passes through the passage hole, an induced current flows through the metal game ball due to electromagnetic induction. In this case, the oscillation amplitude, the oscillation frequency, and the like change in the high-frequency oscillation circuit due to changes in the inductance and loss of the detection coil. By detecting this with the detection circuit, the passage of the game ball can be detected in a non-contact manner. A signal detected by the detection circuit is output to the outside through an output circuit including a comparator.

  Next, an electrical configuration relating to the above-described entrance detection switch and the main control device 261 will be described with reference to an example of the relationship with the winning opening switch 221 shown in the schematic block diagram of FIG. However, in FIG. 8, for the sake of convenience, the first board surface relay board that relays both of them is omitted.

  The award opening switch 221 formed of a through-type proximity switch as described above includes an input terminal 221a, an output terminal 221b, and a ground terminal 221c.

  The input terminal 221a of the prize opening switch 221 is connected to the power supply terminal 227 of the main controller 261 via a predetermined electric path 226 constituted by a cable connector, a first board surface relay board, or the like. As a result, +12 V power generated by the power supply device 313, which will be described later, is supplied to the winning opening switch 221 as the operating power.

  The output terminal 221b of the prize opening switch 221 is connected to the inverting circuit 229 of the main controller 261 via a predetermined electric path 228 constituted by a cable connector, a first board surface relay board, or the like. The inverting circuit 229 of the main control device 261 is connected to a CPU 501 described later. As a result, the output signal from the winning opening switch 221 is logically inverted by the inverting circuit 229 of the main controller 261 and input to the CPU 501.

  The ground terminal 221c of the prize opening switch 221 is electrically connected (grounded) to the ground level of the main controller 261 via a predetermined electrical path 230 constituted by a cable connector, a first board surface relay board, or the like. Although not shown, the CPU 501 (earth terminal) is naturally connected to the ground level. Here, the ground level refers to the entire electrical path that is at the reference potential of 0 V in the main controller 261.

  With the above configuration, a high level signal of + 12V is output from the output terminal 221b during normal times when the game ball does not pass through the through hole of the winning hole switch 221. On the other hand, when the game ball is passing through the passage hole, a low level signal having a reference potential of 0 V is output. Therefore, a low level signal is normally input to the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 via the inverting circuit 229, and a high level signal is input when the passage of a game ball is detected.

  The reason why the winning opening switch 221 outputs a high level signal during normal time and outputs a low level signal during game ball detection is to prevent erroneous detection by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261.

  In a configuration in which a low level signal is output during normal time and a high level signal is output when a game ball is detected as in the prior art, noise is applied to the electrical path 228 between the winning port switch 221 and the main control device 261. There is a possibility that the CPU 501 may mistakenly recognize that a game ball has passed though it has been input to the main control device 261 as a high level signal, and the game ball has not actually passed through the prize opening switch 221. there were. Causes of noise include static electricity generated by various electronic devices, vibrations caused by the player shaking or hitting the pachinko machine 10, and the like.

  Furthermore, for example, the connector of the cable connector that connects the prize opening switch 221 and the main control device 261 is intentionally inserted or removed, or the connection state of the connector is loosened in advance, and vibration is applied to the pachinko machine 10 to Since there is a possibility that a fraudulent act of generating a high level signal by causing a male / female pin to collide may occur, the above configuration also has an effect of suppressing this.

  Although not described in detail, the relationship between the main controller 261 and other ball detection switches (count switch 223, first trigger corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b, second trigger corresponding port switch 225) is also a prize opening. The configuration is the same as that of the switch 221.

  In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the back of the game board 30 is provided with a large winning opening solenoid that opens the large winning opening in the variable winning apparatus 32, and a pair of opening / closing members is provided in the first opportunity corresponding unit 33. A lower winning opening solenoid that opens and closes 33c is provided. The back frame set 215 is also provided with a second board surface relay board (not shown) that relays between the solenoid and the main controller 261.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a back pack 351 formed of resin and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated. Further, the back pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the left side portion (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame 12, and can be opened rearward with an open / close axis extending along the vertical direction as an axis. ing. In addition, an external relay terminal plate 240 is provided in the upper left part of the back pack unit 203 (upper right part in FIG. 5).

  The external relay terminal board 240 is for relaying various information transmissions to a hall computer or the like in a game hall, and is provided with a plurality of external connection terminals. For convenience, no reference numeral is given, but for example, a terminal for outputting information on the current gaming state (such as a big hit state or a high probability state), the front frame set 14 detected by the opening detection switches 91 and 92 described later, A terminal for outputting information relating to the opening of the frame 12, a terminal for outputting information relating to various error states such as a ball entry error, a lower tray full tank error, a tank ball no error, a payout error, and the payout from the payout control device 311 A terminal for outputting information on the number of winning balls is provided.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine 10 and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to cover at least the frame cover 213. However, in the present embodiment, the protective cover portion 354 covers the upper portion and the right portion (the left portion in FIG. 5) of the substrate mounting unit 701. Thereby, in the closed state of the back pack unit 203, the sealing member provided at the right part of the board box 263 and the terminal part (board side connector) provided along the upper edge part of the main controller 261 are covered. It will be.

  The payout mechanism 352 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided above the protective cover portion 354, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, a case rail 357 is formed vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. It is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. Then, the game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 and the like.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. Yes. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power supply via a voltage converter, and the power switch 382a is switched on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  Below the back pack unit 203 (substrate mounting unit 701), there is provided a lower frame set 251 that is pivotally supported on the left side of the inner frame 12 (right side in FIG. 5) and can be opened rearward. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower frame set 251 is formed with a discharge passage portion 217 into which the game balls collected by the ball collection mechanism described above flow, and a game ball is placed in the most downstream portion of the discharge passage portion 217. A discharge chute (not shown) for discharging to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 is formed. In other words, the game balls that have won the respective winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 are gathered through the ball collecting mechanism of the back frame set 215 and further discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute of the discharge passage portion 217. In addition, the out port 36 leads to the discharge passage portion 217 in the same manner, and the game balls that have not won any winning port are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge chute. In this embodiment, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are configured separately and can be opened and closed independently. However, the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 are integrally formed. It is also good to do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are detachably attached to the back side of the lower frame set 251 in a state where they are overlapped in the front and rear. It has been.

  The launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are accommodated in the substrate box 313a and fixed to the back side of the lower frame set 251. Although the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313 are described as independent control devices for convenience, they are actually configured by a single board (printed board).

  The payout control device 311 is housed in the substrate box 311a and is fixed to the back side of the substrate box 313a (the launch control device 312 and the power supply device 313). The substrate box 311a in which the dispensing control device 311 is accommodated is provided with a sealing member in the same manner as the substrate box 263 in which the main control device 261 is accommodated, so that an unsealed trace of the substrate box 311a remains. It has become.

  In addition, the card unit connection board 314 is accommodated in the board box 314a and fixed to the back side of the board box 313a (the firing control device 312 and the power supply device 313).

  Each of the board boxes 311a, 313a, and 314a is made of a transparent resin material or the like so that the inside can be visually recognized.

  Further, the dispensing control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 311a. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogged in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to a normal state).

  Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323 that protrudes outward from the substrate box 313a. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even if a power failure occurs, the pachinko machine 10 retains the state at the time of the power failure and can be restored to the state at the time of the power failure when returning from the power failure (power recovery). it can. Therefore, if the power is turned off in a normal procedure (for example, when the game hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored. If you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, hold down the RAM erase switch 323 and hold the power Is input.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a locking device 600 is provided on the back side of the right side of the inner frame 12. The locking device 600 includes a cylinder lock 700 (see FIG. 1 and the like) exposed on the front surface side of the front frame set 14, and a key is inserted into the key hole of the cylinder lock 700, and the inside is operated by rotating to one side. The frame 12 can be unlocked, and the front frame set 14 can be unlocked by rotating to the other side. In the present embodiment, the inner frame 12 is locked to the outer frame 11, and the front frame set 14 is locked to the inner frame 12.

  In addition, as described above, the extending wall portion 83 that covers the entire upper and lower sections corresponding to the locking device 600 from the back side of the inner frame 12 is formed in the right side frame constituting portion 11d of the outer frame 11 (FIG. 5). reference). Thereby, it becomes difficult to make a wire etc. approach from the back side of outer frame 11, and to operate locking device 600 with the wire etc. As a result, the defense performance can be improved. Further, the extending wall portion 83 is configured to cover the right end portion (the left end portion in FIG. 5) of the back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 from the back side, and in the closed state of the inner frame 12, The back pack unit 203 and the lower frame set 251 cannot be opened.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a front frame open detection switch 91 for detecting the opening of the front frame set 14 is provided on the lower right side of the front side of the inner frame 12 (on the right side of the launching device 70). As shown in FIG. 5, an inner frame opening detection switch 92 for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is provided on the lower right side on the back side of the inner frame 12 (lower left in FIG. 5). Each of the front frame opening detection switch 91 and the inner frame opening detection switch 92 includes a detection unit that can move in and out of the switch main body, and the front frame opening detection switch 91 is provided so that the detection unit faces forward. The inner frame opening detection switch 92 is provided so that the detection unit faces rearward. When the detection unit is in a state of protruding from the switch main body, an ON signal is output to the main controller 261, and when the detection unit is pressed toward the switch main body and is immersed in the switch main body, an OFF signal is output. It is configured to output to the main controller 261. That is, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the front frame opening detection switch 91 is turned off when the detection unit is pressed on the back surface of the front frame set 14, and when the front frame set 14 is opened, the detection unit returns to the protruding state. Turns on. Similarly, when the inner frame 12 is closed, the inner frame opening detection switch 92 is turned off by the pressing portion 86 integrally formed with the receiving portion 85 of the outer frame 11 and is detected when the inner frame 12 is opened. The part returns to the protruding state and is turned on.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The main controller 261 (main board) of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a RAM 503 that is a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. Various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. However, the CPU, the ROM, and the RAM may not be integrated into one chip but may be configured as a chip for each function.

  The RAM 503 is a stack area that stores the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 501, the return address of a control program executed by the CPU 501, and a work area (work area) that stores various flags, counters, I / O values, and the like. ) And a backup area 503a.

  The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and is stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 503a. All data is backed up.

  In the backup area 503a, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. (Similarly) is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by normal processing (see FIG. 11), and on the contrary, returning of each value written to the backup area 503a includes turning on the power (including turning on the power due to power failure cancellation). The same processing is performed in the main process (see FIG. 10). Note that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) of FIG. 16 is immediately executed.

  Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 503a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 503a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a sub control device 262, a special display device 43, a normal symbol display device 41, etc., which will be described later, are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the special display device 43 and the normal symbol display device 41 described above are directly controlled by the main control device 261. On the other hand, the decorative symbol display device 42 is controlled via the sub-control device 262.

  In addition, for convenience, illustration of various relay boards and the like is omitted, but the input / output port 505 includes a prize opening switch 221, a count switch 223, first opportunity corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b, a second opportunity corresponding opening switch 225, and the like. Various detection switches and various electrical components such as various substrates are connected. That is, the main controller 261 is provided with a plurality of terminal portions (board side connectors) for connecting connectors of various cable connectors, and the input / output port 505 is configured by these terminal portions.

  The sub-control device 262 (sub-control board) includes a CPU 551 that is an arithmetic unit, various control programs executed by the CPU 551, a ROM 552 that stores fixed value data, and various control programs that are stored in the ROM 552. In addition to a RAM 553 that is a memory for temporarily storing data, an input / output port 554, a bus line 555, various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit (not shown) are also provided. The RAM 553 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 551 executes various programs.

  A CPU 551, ROM 552, and RAM 553 are connected to the input / output port 554 via a bus line 555 and a display control device 45 is connected. Further, the speaker SP, various illumination units, and lamps 102 to 104 are connected to the input / output port 554.

  The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 causes the display control device 45 to execute display control based on, for example, a command signal (for example, a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display the display control device. As described above, in the present embodiment, the special display device 43 controlled by the main control device 261 displays whether or not it is a big hit, and the decorative symbol display device 42 controlled by the sub control device 262. Then, display according to the display of the special display device 43 is performed.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 358. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261, has a stack area for storing the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 511 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 511, various flags and counters, A work area (work area) in which values such as I / O are stored, and a backup area 513a are provided.

  The RAM 513 is configured to hold (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and all stored in the stack area, work area, and backup area 513a. Data is backed up. Note that if data stored in at least the stack area and the backup area 513a is backed up, it is not always necessary to back up data stored in all areas. For example, the data stored in the stack area and the backup area 513a may be backed up, and the data stored in the work area may not be backed up.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power off, each register, so that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off. This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the main process (see FIG. 25), and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process at the time of turning on the power (see FIG. 25). . As with the CPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SK1 is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. When input to the CPU 511, NMI interrupt processing as power failure processing is immediately executed.

  In the work area, a payout permission flag for which the payout control device 311 is set to allow the payout of prize balls, a command reception flag set when a command transmitted from the main control device 261 is received, and the main control device 261 And a command buffer for storing a command transmitted from.

  The payout permission flag is a flag for setting a prize ball payout permission, and is turned on when a specific command for permitting the payout of the prize ball is transmitted from the main control device 261 and received, and is initially set. It is turned off when it is restored before the process or power shutdown. In the present embodiment, the specific commands are a payout initialization command for instructing the initial processing of the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, a prize ball command for instructing payout of a prize ball, and the main controller 261 having been restored to power. There are three payout return commands to be transmitted in this case.

  The command reception flag is a flag for confirming whether or not the payout control device 311 has received a command, and is turned on when any command is received. Similar to the payout permission flag, an initial setting process or power-off is performed. It is turned off when it is returned to the front, and it is turned off when the received command is determined by a command determination process (see FIG. 27) described later.

  The command buffer is configured by a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main controller 261, a launch controller 312 and a payout device 358 are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The card unit connection board 314 includes a ball rental operation unit (a ball rental button 121 and a return button 122) on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10, and a card unit (a ball rental unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10 in a game hall or the like. Are electrically connected to each other, and receive a ball lending operation command from the player and output it to the card unit. In a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate 19 from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch device 70, and the launch device 70 is permitted to drive when predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, a sensor signal is detected that the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing stop switch that stops firing is operated. On the condition that it is not done, the launching device 70 is driven, and the game ball is launched at an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18.

  The display control device 45 executes the variable display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42 in accordance with an instruction from the sub-control device 262. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, a video display processor (VDP) 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. And. An input / output port 554 of the sub control device 262 is connected to the input port 527. Further, a CPU 521, a program ROM 522, a work RAM 523, and a VDP 526 are connected to the input port 527 through a bus line 530. An output port 529 is connected to the VDP 526 via a bus line 531, and a decorative symbol display device 42 as a liquid crystal display device is connected to the output port 529.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives the display command transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527 and analyzes the received command or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to control the VDP 526 ( Specifically, internal command generation for VDP 526 is performed. Thereby, display control in the decorative symbol display device 42 is performed.

  The program ROM 522 is a memory that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data. The work RAM 523 is a memory that temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. It is.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory that stores character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The VDP 526 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since the VDP 526 is an IC chip, it is also referred to as a “drawing chip”, and the substance of the VDP 526 can be said to be a microcomputer chip with a dedicated firmware for drawing processing. The VDP 526 adjusts the respective timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 at a predetermined timing and causes the decorative symbol display device 42 to display it.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 that supplies power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 connected to the RAM erase switch 323. And.

  The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in AC 24 volt power supplied from the outside, generates + 12V power for driving various switches and motors, + 5V power for logic, backup power for RAM backup, etc. These + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311. Similarly, operating power is supplied to various switches, motors and the like via a control device to which these are connected.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit that outputs a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 16).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that takes in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clears backup data in the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 in accordance with the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. The

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 performs lottery (big hit lottery) using various counter information in the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the jackpot random number counter C1 as a lottery random number counter used for the jackpot lottery and the mode determination used for determining the transition to the high probability mode or the low probability mode described later when the jackpot is won. The counter C2, the variation selection counter C3 used for determining the variation display time of the special display device 43, the initial value random number counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the variation display time of the special display device 43 The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 used for determining the normal symbol and the normal symbol random number counter C4 used for the lottery of the normal symbol display device 41 are used. Note that the variation selection counter C3 is also used for a variation pattern and reach type lottery when the decorative symbol display device 42 is deviated and varied. The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are also used for variation pattern selection (effect pattern selection) of the decorative symbol display device 42. Specifically, the variation time of the special display device 43 is determined according to the determined variation pattern, and the variation mode and variation time in the decorative symbol display device 42, that is, the effect pattern (effect mode) are determined.

  Each of the counters C1, C2, C3, CINI, CS1, CS2, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated and returns to the lower limit value of 0 after reaching the upper limit value. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 (except for the random number initial value counter CINI).

  The RAM 503 is provided with a first reserved ball storage area and a second reserved ball storage area as a storage area composed of one execution area and four reserved areas (first to fourth reserved areas). In each area of the first reserved ball storage area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the first opportunity corresponding unit 33. It is designed to be stored. In addition, in each area of the second reserved ball storage area, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is stored in time series in accordance with the passing history of the game ball to the second opportunity corresponding port 34. Yes.

  In detail, each jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 676, for example, and after reaching an upper limit value (ie, 676) as a closing price, 0 is a lower limit value as a starting price. It is the composition which returns to. Normally, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI at that time is read as the next initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676), and is updated once for each timer interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. On the other hand, the jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer. The value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the jackpot random number counter buffer at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (upward winning port 33a or lower winning port 33b) is stored in the first reserved ball of the RAM 503. Stored in the area. There are two types of jackpot random numbers, a low probability state (normal mode, time reduction mode, etc.) and a high probability state (high probability mode). The number of random number values to be 2 is “337, 673”, the number of random number values that are jackpots in the high probability state is 10, and the value is “67, 131, 199, 269,337,401,463,523,601,661 ".

  Here, various game modes will be described. In the present embodiment, the game mode (game state) is switched between a normal mode (normal state) and a plurality of specific modes that are more advantageous to the player than the normal mode. More specifically, as the specific mode, two modes, a high probability mode and a time reduction mode, are set. Among these, the high probability mode is a game mode that continues until the next jackpot, and the time reduction mode is a mode that shifts to the next mode after the predetermined period.

  The normal mode refers to a normal state that is not a specific mode such as the high probability mode. Therefore, in the normal mode, the jackpot probability (winning probability of the jackpot state) is a normal low probability.

  In addition, the high probability mode is a big hit when the special display device 43 is stopped and displayed with “red” (the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed with a predetermined probability variation symbol), and the subsequent big hit A state in which the probability is higher than that in the low probability state. In the following description, the case where the decorative symbol display device 42 is a jackpot due to the probability variation symbol is referred to as “probability variation jackpot”, and the case where the bonus symbol is a jackpot due to a normal symbol other than the probability variation symbol is referred to as “normal jackpot”.

  In the high probability mode, the jackpot probability is increased and a high probability state is obtained. In addition, in this embodiment, (1) a state in which the variable display time in the special display device 43 is shortened (time shortening state). (2) A state in which the variable display time in the normal symbol display device 41 is shortened, and (3) a specified time (opening time) related to the opening / closing process of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (lower winning award 33b) as compared with the normal mode. In the state where it is lengthened, or the prescribed number (winning number) is increased as compared with the normal mode, (4) when the winning result indicating that the symbol “○” is stopped on the normal symbol display device 41 is obtained. (5) Probability that the symbol “○” is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 (the current number of times the opening / closing process of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is executed more times than in the normal mode) The probability) is a state of being higher than the winning probability of the normal mode is given. More specifically, in the high probability mode, the opening / closing member 33c of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is in an open state, and when a specified time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses or a specified number (for example, 3) of game balls enter. Closed when there is a ball. This opening / closing process is repeated twice. As a result, the bottom winning opening 33b of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is frequently opened, and the big win lottery is continuously made, and the ball is well held. In addition to this, as a high probability mode, in addition to increasing the jackpot probability (winning probability of the jackpot state), any combination of the above configurations (1) to (5) (for example, (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (1) and (2), (1) and (3), (1) and (4), (1) and (5), (2) and (3 ), (2) and (4), (2) and (5), (3) and (4), (3) and (5), (4) and (5), (1) and (2) (3), (1) and (2) and (4), (1) and (2) and (5), (1) and (3) and (4), (1) and (3) and (5 ), (1) and (4) and (5), (2) and (3) and (4), (2) and (3) and (5), (2) and (4) and (5), (3), (4) and (5), (1), (2), (3) and (4), (1), (2), (3) and (5), (1) and (2 ) And (4) (5) can be employed (1) and (3) and (4) (5), and (2) and (3) and (4) (5)). Note that, according to the states (2) to (5), the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time at the lower winning opening 33b of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is higher than the ratio in the normal mode. That is, such a state corresponds to the high ball entering state in the present embodiment. Therefore, the high probability mode can be paraphrased as a high probability, a time reduction, and a high pitching mode. On the other hand, a state that is not in the states (2) to (5) as in the normal mode corresponds to a low entry state.

  In addition, the time reduction mode is a big hit when the special display device 43 is stopped and displayed in “green” (the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed with a normal symbol other than a predetermined probability variation symbol). Thereafter, the game mode is set while the variable display of the special display device 43 is performed 100 times, which means a state more advantageous to the player than the normal mode. In the time shortening mode, the jackpot probability is as low as that in the normal mode, and the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time at the lower winning opening 33b of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is higher than the ratio in the normal mode. It is a high game mode. In the present embodiment, the states (1) to (5) given in the high probability mode are given in the same manner. That is, except for the difference in jackpot probability (winning probability in the jackpot state), the same state (time shortening state and high pitching state) is obtained. Of course, as in the high probability mode, any combination of the configurations (1) to (5) can be adopted. Therefore, the time shortening mode can be restated as a low probability / time shortening / high pitching mode.

  For example, the mode determination counter C2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 9, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 9), the mode determination counter C2 returns to the lower limit value of 0. In the present embodiment, the mode determination counter C2 determines whether or not to shift to the high probability mode after the big hit. Specifically, if the counter value is an odd number such as “1, 3, 5, 7, 9”, the transition to the high probability mode is determined, and if the counter value is an even number such as “0, 2, 4, 6, 8”. In this case, the transition to the time reduction mode is determined. Although the term “transition” is used here, the high probability mode is continued if the counter value is odd when originally in the high probability mode, and the counter value is even when originally in the time reduction mode. If so, the time shortening mode is continued. The mode determination counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the mode determination counter C2 is stored in the mode determination counter buffer. The value of the mode determination counter C2 stored in the mode determination counter buffer is the first reserved ball in the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (upward winning port 33a or lower winning port 33b). Stored in the storage area.

  Further, the variation selection counter C3 is configured so that, for example, one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 238), it returns to 0 that is the lower limit value. In this embodiment, after the reach is generated with respect to the decorative symbol by the variation selection counter C3, the final stop symbol is shifted by one by one before and after the reach symbol and stopped, and the last stop after the occurrence of reach is also performed. “Reach other than front / rear detachment” where the symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol and “completely disengagement” where reach does not occur are selected by lottery. For example, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to front / rear outreach and C3 = 2 to 21 correspond to reach other than front / rear disengagement, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to complete disengagement. The reach lottery may be individually set according to the state of the lottery probability, the number of starting reserved balls at the start of change, and the like. The fluctuation selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is stored in the fluctuation selection counter buffer. The value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the variation selection counter buffer is the first reserved ball in the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (upper winning opening 33a or lower winning opening 33b). Stored in the storage area.

  In addition, one of the two variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 198), and then reaches the lower limit value. The other variation type counter CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 240, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 240) and then returns to the lower limit value of 0. It has become. In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as “first variation type counter”, and CS2 is also referred to as “second variation type counter”. This is also shown in FIG. The first variation type counter CS1 determines the reach type (reach pattern) of the decorative symbol such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and other rough symbol variation modes, and the second variation type counter CS2 determines the final after the reach occurrence. A more detailed symbol variation mode such as an elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the stop symbol (in this embodiment, the middle symbol) stops is determined. Accordingly, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1, or to determine the symbol variation mode in combination by combining the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol.

  In the present embodiment, when a “big hit” occurs, one of normal reach, super reach, and premium reach is selected. When either one is selected and “reach other than front / rear out” occurs, normal reach is selected. In addition, in the case of “completely off”, none of normal reach, super reach, and premium reach is selected.

  Further, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal process. Then, the buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the decorative symbol by the decorative symbol display device 42.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the big hit random number counter C1, the variation selection counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

  Further, the normal symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 250, for example, and reaches the upper limit value (that is, 250) and then returns to the lower limit value of 0. The normal symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right second opportunity corresponding port 34. Is done. Normally, there are 149 random numbers to be won, and the range is “5 to 153”. On the other hand, in the high probability mode and the time reduction mode, that is, in the case where the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is in the high pitching state, there are 224, and the range is “5-228”. That is, the probability of stopping the symbol “◯” in the normal symbol display device 41 is higher than that in the normal mode. When the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 to be won is acquired, after the variable display is performed for a predetermined time in the normal symbol display device 41, the symbol corresponding to the winning (in this example, “◯”) is stopped and displayed. Then, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is activated for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability mode and the time reduction mode, the time until the lottery result is displayed on the normal symbol display device 41 (variable display time of the normal symbol) is shortened. The ratio at which the unit 33 is in a high entrance state increases. As a result, the bottom winning opening 33b of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is frequently opened, and lottery lottery is continuously performed.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to a flowchart. The processing of the CPU 501 is broadly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 2 msec, for example.

  In FIG. 12, first, in step S301, various incoming ball detection switch reading processes are executed. As will be described in detail later, here, the state of various ball detection switches connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switches is determined and the detection information is stored.

  In step S302, random number initial value update processing is executed. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment).

  In step S303, random number update processing is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, the variation selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1 and their counter values are the maximum values (in this embodiment, 676, 9 respectively. , 238, 250) is cleared to 0 respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1, C2, C3, and C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Thereafter, in step S304, a start winning process associated with winning the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is executed, and in step S305, a second opportunity corresponding port passing process accompanying the passing of the game ball to the second opportunity corresponding port 34 is performed. Run. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

  Here, the switch reading process in step S301 will be described in detail. In this switch reading process, each ball detection switch (winning port switch 221, count switch 223, first opportunity corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b, second opportunity corresponding port switch 225) is individually monitored and individually received. Similar processing is performed. Therefore, the switch reading process related to the winning opening switch 221 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 as an example, but the same process as the process shown in FIG.

  First, in step S401, the signal level of the input signal from the winning opening switch 221 is checked. The function of this processing constitutes the signal monitoring means in this embodiment.

  For example, when the game ball is not passing through the passage hole of the winning opening switch 221, a high level signal (H) of + 12V is output from the winning opening switch 221 (see timing t1 in FIG. 32A), and main control is performed. On the device 261 side, a low level signal (L) having a reference potential of 0 V is input to the CPU 501 through the inverting circuit 229 (see timing t1 in FIG. 32B). FIG. 32A is a timing chart for explaining an output signal from the winning opening switch 221, and FIG. 32B is a timing chart for explaining an input signal to the CPU 501.

  On the other hand, while a game ball enters the general winning port 31 and the game ball is passing through the passage hole of the winning port switch 221, a low level signal (L) is output from the winning port switch 221 [ In the main controller 261 side, the high level signal (H) is input to the CPU 501 via the inverting circuit 229 (see timings t2 and t3 in FIG. 32B).

  In the subsequent step S402, the signal level checked in step S401 is stored in the signal level buffer for the winning opening switch 221 provided in the work area of the RAM 503.

  In addition, the signal level buffer is provided corresponding to each ball detection switch (award opening switch 221, count switch 223, first trigger corresponding unit switches 224 a and 224 b, second trigger corresponding opening switch 225), The signal level for each entrance detection switch is stored. The signal level buffer corresponds to the level storage means in this embodiment.

  The signal level buffer is configured by a ring buffer. What is a ring buffer conceptually? Is the start address and end address in the buffer area ring-shaped? Thus, the buffer is controlled so that writing is performed in order from the top address using the two address pointers of the write pointer and the read pointer, and when the final address is reached, the write back to the top address can be performed again. After data is written at a predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer, the value of the write pointer is updated to a value indicating the next address. Similarly, after data is read from a predetermined address position indicated by the read pointer, the value of the read pointer is updated to a value indicating the next address.

  In addition, the latest 200 msec data, that is, 100 cycles of data is stored in the ring buffer that constitutes each signal level buffer of this embodiment, and the oldest data beyond this is erased in order. Yes. Further, the position of the read pointer indicates a predetermined address position where the latest data is stored. As described later, the data for the past plural times is read based on the position of the read pointer. .

  Returning to the description of step S402, each time the signal level is checked at a cycle of 2 msec, the logical value corresponding to the signal level is sequentially written in the predetermined address position indicated by the write pointer in the signal level buffer for the winning prize switch 221. To go. Here, when the signal level of the input signal to the CPU 501 is “H (high)”, a logical value “1” is stored as level information indicating this, and the signal level is “L (low)”. Stores a logical value “0” as level information indicating this.

  Thereafter, in step S403, a calculation process which is a pre-process for determining whether or not a game ball has entered the general winning opening 31 is performed.

  More specifically, logical inversion processing is performed on the earliest data (oldest data) of the latest three data stored in the signal level buffer, and the earliest data that has been logically inverted and the remaining 2 data. Calculate the logical product of all the batch data. Then, this value is temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 503. The function of this processing constitutes the logic inversion means and the logical product calculation means in this embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 32B, when the logical values of the signal levels stored at timings t1, t2, and t3 are “0”, “1”, and “1”, the logical inversion of the earliest data When processing is performed, the earliest data is “1”. Therefore, the logical product of this data and the other two data is “1”.

  In a succeeding step S404, it is determined whether or not the logical product value calculated in the step S403 is “1”. Here, when the logical product value is “1”, it means that the signal level has been switched from “L” to “H”. In step S405, “1” is set to the value of the ball entry discrimination flag for the prize opening switch 221 (general winning opening 31). In addition, the entrance discrimination flag is a discriminator for discriminating whether or not there is an entrance and is provided corresponding to each entrance detection switch. In the start winning process in step S304 and the second opportunity corresponding port passing process in step S305, the presence / absence of a ball is determined based on this.

  On the other hand, when the logical product value is “0”, the signal level remains “L” or “H” for the past 4 msec, or the signal level does not switch from “H” to “L”. Therefore, it is determined that there is no entry to the general winning opening 31, and in step S406, the value of the entering determination flag for the winning opening switch 221 is set to “0”. The function of a series of processes (entrance determination processing) in steps S403 to S406 described above constitutes the ingress determination unit in the present embodiment.

  In step S407 following steps S405 and S406, a calculation process, which is a pre-process for determining the validity of the input signal from the winning prize switch 221 is performed.

  More specifically, the logic inversion processing of the earliest data (oldest data) of the latest 11 data stored in the signal level buffer is performed, and the logic inverted data and the remaining 10 data are processed. Calculate all logical products. Then, this value is temporarily stored in the work area of the RAM 503. The function of this processing constitutes the logic inversion means and the logical product calculation means in this embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the logical values of the signal levels stored at the timings t1 to t11 are t1 = “0”, t2 = “1”, t3 = “1”, t4 = “1”, t5 = “ 1 ”, t6 =“ 1 ”, t7 =“ 1 ”, t8 =“ 1 ”, t9 =“ 1 ”, t10 =“ 1 ”, t11 =“ 1 ”, logical inversion processing of the earliest data As a result, the earliest data is “1”. Therefore, the logical product of this data and the other 10 data is “1”.

  In the subsequent step S408, it is determined whether or not the logical product value calculated in step S407 is “1”. When the logical product value is “1”, it is confirmed that the high level signal is continuously input for at least 18 msec after the signal level is switched from “L” to “H”. For this reason, it is determined that the input signal is not based on the entry of the game ball and that there is some abnormality, and in step S409, the value of the ball entry abnormality determination flag for the prize opening switch 221 is set to “1”. Note that the incoming ball abnormality determination flag is a discriminator for determining an abnormality related to the incoming ball detection switch, and is provided corresponding to each incoming ball detection switch. That is, it is determined that a high-level signal that continuously exceeds the specified period of 18 msec is an abnormal input signal based on some failure or an artificial operation caused by an illegal act. Further, in this embodiment, based on the value of the above-mentioned entrance abnormality determination flag, an entrance error signal is output to the hall computer of the game hall in the external output process of the normal process described later.

  Then, in step S410 following step S409, 1 is added to the value of the abnormality count counter provided in the work area of the RAM 503. The abnormality count counter is an abnormality number storage unit that adds and stores the number of times determined to be abnormal. The value of the abnormal count counter can be cleared by operating the RAM erase switch 323.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S408 that the logical product value is “0”, the signal level remains “L” for at least the past 20 msec, or the signal level changes from “L” to “H”. This means that it has been switched to “L” again within 18 msec after switching to, so that it is determined that there is no abnormality, and in step S411, the value of the entrance abnormality determination flag for the winning hole switch 221 is changed to “ Set to “0”. Even if the signal level remains “H” during the past 20 msec, the logical product value is “0”, and it is determined that there is no abnormality. In this case, the previous stage, that is, the signal level However, there is no problem because it is determined that there is an abnormality once when it is not switched to “H” for the past 18 msec. The function of the series of processing (abnormality determination processing) in steps S407 to S409 and step S411 described above constitutes the abnormality determination means in the present embodiment.

  In step S412, following steps S410 and S411, it is determined whether or not the value of the abnormality count counter is 5 or more.

  Here, when it is determined that the value of the abnormality count counter is 5 or more, the notification setting process is performed in step S413, and then this process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the abnormality count counter is not 5 or more, the present process is terminated as it is.

  In the notification setting process in step S413, a setting process for notifying that there is an abnormality is performed. For example, in this embodiment, the blinking control of the error display lamp 104 is performed based on the setting contents of the notification setting process.

  More specifically, when it is determined that the value of the abnormality count counter is 5 or more, a setting for outputting a command for blinking the error display lamp 104 to the sub-control device 262 is performed. Based on this, in the external output process of the normal process described later, the command is output to the sub-control device 262, and the blinking control of the error display lamp 104 is performed by the sub-control device 262. The error display lamp 104, the external relay terminal plate 240 that outputs a ball entry error signal, and the like constitute notification means in the present embodiment.

  Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S501, whether or not the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (upper winning opening 33a or lower winning opening 33b) is determined by the value of the above described ball determination flag corresponding to the first opportunity corresponding unit switches 224a and 224b. Determine based on. If it is determined that the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, in the subsequent step S502, it is determined whether or not the number N of starting reserved balls is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). The process proceeds to step S503 on condition that there is a winning in the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 and the number N of starting reserved balls is smaller than 4, and the number N of starting reserved balls is incremented.

  In subsequent step S504, a random number related to the success or failure is acquired. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the mode determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3 updated by the random number update process in step S303 are used as the first free storage area in the first reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. Store in the area. Thereafter, the start winning process is temporarily terminated.

  Next, the second opportunity corresponding port passing process of step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S601, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port 34 based on the value of the above-mentioned entrance determination flag corresponding to the second opportunity corresponding port switch 225. When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, in the subsequent step S602, it is determined whether or not the number N of retained balls of the normal symbol display device 41 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). Determine. The process proceeds to step S603 on the condition that there is a passage to the second opportunity corresponding port 34 and the number of reserved balls N <4, and the number of reserved balls N is incremented by one. In subsequent step S604, a random number related to the success or failure is acquired. Specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 updated by the random number update process in step S303 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the second reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the second opportunity corresponding port passing process is temporarily ended.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt processing. This processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

  That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process. In step S701, the CPU 501 stores the power interruption occurrence information in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 as the setting of the power interruption occurrence information, and performs the NMI interruption process. finish.

  The above NMI interrupt processing is executed in the same manner in the payout control device 311, and information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the backup area 513 a of the RAM 513 by the NMI interrupt. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 16 is started. The contents are as described above.

  Next, the flow of main processing executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This main process is started upon reset when power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, for example, 1 is set in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. Wait processing is performed for about 2 seconds. In the subsequent step S103, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S113 to clear (erase) the backup data. To do. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, it is determined in the subsequent step S105 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, no backup data is stored. In this case as well, the process proceeds to step S113. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S106, and in the subsequent step S107, whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. That is, the effectiveness of the backup is determined. If the RAM determination value calculated here does not match the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, the backed up data is destroyed, and the process also proceeds to step S113 in this case.

  In the process of step S113, an initialization command is transmitted in order to initialize the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like that are the sub-side control devices. Thereafter, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Note that the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Instead of the RAM determination value, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 is correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall starts business. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S114 or the like). That is, in step S114, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S115, the initial value of the RAM 503 is set. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step S104: NO), it is a condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set and that the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal. In addition, the process at the time of power recovery (process at the time of power failure recovery) is executed. That is, in step S108, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S109, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S110, a command for returning the control device on the sub side to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted, and in step S111, the used register is returned from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S112, and the routine proceeds to normal processing described later.

  Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As its outline, the processing of steps S201 to S210 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S211 and S212 is executed with the remaining time.

  First, in step S201, a control signal based on the setting contents of the special display device 43 and the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 updated in the previous process is transmitted to each device, and output data such as a command is transmitted to each sub-side. External output processing to be transmitted to the control device is executed. Here are some more specific examples.

  For example, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been awarded to various winning openings such as the general winning opening 31 with reference to the various winning determination flags, and if there is a winning prize ball corresponding to the number corresponding to the winning prize. A payout command is transmitted to the payout control device 311. Then, after the transmission of the command, the value of the corresponding entry discrimination flag is returned to “0”.

  Further, when a command or the like for blinking the error display lamp 104 is set, the command is output to the sub-control device 262.

  Further, in the external output process, information for grasping the game state is output to the hall computer of the game hall in consideration of various discrimination information such as a jackpot flag, which will be described later. Furthermore, output of error information and the like to the hall computer is also executed in this output process.

  For example, when “1” is set in any of the entry abnormality determination flags, an ON signal (pulse signal) is sent to the hall computer of the game hall via a predetermined terminal of the external relay terminal board 240. Is output, and an off signal is output when the values of all the entrance abnormality determination flags are “0”.

  Further, when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the decorative symbol variation, a variation pattern command, a symbol command, and the like are transmitted to the sub-control device 262. That is, the variation pattern command and the symbol command are commands that are output to the sub-control device 262 in order to cause the decorative symbol display device 42 to perform a display effect that matches the display performed on the special display device 43. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the variation mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and displays the variation mode on the decorative symbol display device 42. An instruction is issued to the display control device 45 so as to display (variable display).

  For convenience, the variation pattern command and the like will be described here. The variation pattern command includes information for specifying the variation type of the decorative symbol such as normal reach, super reach, and premium reach. In the present embodiment, for example, in the normal mode, any one of “FF10”, “FF11”, “FF12”, “FF13”, “FF14”, “FF15”, and “FF16” is set as the variation pattern command. In the high probability mode, “FD10”, “FD11”, “FD12”, “FD13”, “FD14”, “FD15”, “FD16” are set, and in the time reduction mode, “FE10”, “FE11”. , “FE12”, “FE13”, “FE14”, “FE15”, “FE16” are set. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores a relationship between these variation pattern commands and decoration symbol variation types in a table (see FIG. 31). Then, the sub control device 262 executes the effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern command.

  Hereinafter, the variation type of the decorative symbol and the correspondence between the variation type and the variation pattern command will be described.

  Normal reach is a reach pattern that does not display any special effects other than the variation of the decorative design. In the variation pattern command corresponding to the normal reach, “FF11” is set in the normal mode, “FD11” is set in the high probability mode, and “FE11” is set in the time reduction mode. In this embodiment, the variable display time for which the normal reach is derived is set to “20 seconds” in the normal mode, “8 seconds” in the high probability mode, and “10 seconds” in the time reduction mode.

  Super Reach is a reach pattern in which characters and the like are displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 in addition to the decorative symbol during the variation display of the decorative symbol (after the reach state is established), thereby giving the player a sense of expectation. is there. In this embodiment, three types (super reach SR1, SR2, SR3) of 30 second, 40 second, and 50 second patterns are prepared for the super reach in the normal mode. Note that the variable display time in the high probability mode and in the time reduction mode is shortened compared to that in the normal mode, as in the normal reach. Corresponding to each reach pattern, in the case of the super reach SR1, “FF12” in the normal mode, “FD12” in the high probability mode, and “FE12” in the time reduction mode are set as the variation pattern commands. In the case of the super reach SR2, “FF13” in the normal mode, “FD13” in the high probability mode, and “FE13” in the time reduction mode are set. In the case of the super reach SR3, “FF14” in the normal mode, “FD14” in the high probability mode, and “FE14” in the time reduction mode are set.

  Premium reach is an effect that can be derived only when a big hit state occurs. During the decorative symbol variation display (after reaching the reach state), in addition to the decorative symbol, a character with a different pattern from the super reach is displayed. This is a reach pattern that makes the player have a sense of expectation. In the premium reach of this embodiment, two types (premium reach PR1, PR2) of 60-second and 70-second patterns are prepared in the normal mode. Note that the variable display time in the high probability mode and in the time reduction mode is shortened compared to that in the normal mode, as in the normal reach. Corresponding to each reach pattern, in the premium reach PR1, “FF15” in the normal mode, “FD15” in the high probability mode, and “FE15” in the time reduction mode are set as the variation pattern command. In the premium reach PR2, “FF16” in the normal mode, “FD16” in the high probability mode, and “FE16” in the time reduction mode are set.

  In addition, the fluctuation pattern command corresponding to “complete out” that does not reach any reach state is set to “FF10” in the normal mode, “FD10” in the high probability mode, and “FE10” in the time reduction mode. The In the present embodiment, the variable display time that is completely off is set to 10 seconds in the normal mode. Of course, the variable display time in the high probability mode and the time shortening mode is shortened compared to the normal mode as in the normal reach.

  Further, the sub-control device 262 determines a stop symbol (combination of stop symbols) based on the symbol command, and displays it after the fluctuation time has elapsed. The symbol command is a command for causing the sub-control device 262 to determine a stop symbol, a combination of probability variation symbols, a normal symbol combination, a front / rear off symbol combination, a front / rear off symbol combination, a complete out symbol design combination. Five classifications are designated, which are the combinations. These divisions are indicated by “A1”, “A2”, “A3”, “A4”, “A5”, and any of these is set as a symbol command. On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these commands and stop symbols in a table. Then, the sub control device 262 displays a stop symbol corresponding to the symbol command.

  Hereinafter, the stop symbol classification and the correspondence between the stop symbol and the symbol command will be described.

  The combination of probability variation symbols is a combination of symbols composed of numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 and “A1” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of probability variation symbols. Then, when “A1” indicating the probability variation symbol is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 is one of the combinations of symbols consisting of the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 in the form of a slot. Is determined as a stop symbol.

  The combination of normal symbols is a combination of symbols consisting of numbers 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8, and “A2” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of normal symbols. Then, when “A2” indicating the normal symbol is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 is one of the combinations of symbols consisting of the numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Is determined as a stop symbol.

  The combination of back and forth symbols corresponds to the combination of back and forth symbols, where after reaching, the final stop symbol is stopped by one shift before and after the reach symbol. “A3” is set in the symbol command. The combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment corresponds to the “reach other than front / rear detachment” that occurs after reach occurs, and the final stop symbol stops other than before / after the reach symbol. “A4” is set in the command. The combination of complete detachment symbols corresponds to “complete detachment” in which no reach occurs, and “A5” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of complete detachment symbols. As will be described in detail later, when “A3” to “A5” are set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 stops the combination of symbols stored in the counter buffer of the corresponding RAM 553. Determine as. In the present embodiment, three commands “A3” to “A5” are prepared for the symbol command for detachment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration having only one symbol command for detachment may be used.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 11, in step S202, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. More specifically, like the other counters, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the upper limit values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). To do. Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In the subsequent step S203, the prize ball counting signal received from the payout control device 311 is read. Next, in step S204, the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 is read.

  Thereafter, in step S205, a first display control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the special display device 43 is set as to what kind of control is performed in the special display device 43, and the jackpot determination and the decorative pattern variation pattern (effect pattern) in the decorative design display device 42 are performed. Settings are made. Details of the first display control process will be described later.

  In step S206, variable winning device control processing is executed. In this process, the control content of the variable winning device 32 is set as to what control is performed in the variable winning device 32. As a result, when the big win state (special game state) is reached, the opening / closing process of the big winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds. Details of the variable winning device control process will be described later.

  In step S207, the second display control process is executed. In this process, the control contents of the normal symbol display device 41 are set as to what kind of control is performed in the normal symbol display device 41. Details of the second display control process will be described later.

  In step S208, an opportunity handling unit control process is executed. In this process, the control content of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is set as to what control is performed in the first opportunity handling unit 33.

  After that, in step S209, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if the occurrence information of power interruption is not set in the backup area 503a, it is determined in step S210 whether or not the next normal processing execution timing has been reached, that is, a predetermined time from the start of the previous normal processing (this embodiment) It is determined whether or not 4 msec) has elapsed. And if predetermined time has already passed, it will transfer to Step S201 and will repeat the processing after the above-mentioned Step S201.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process. Repeatedly execute (step S211, step S212).

  That is, in step S211, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment).

  In step S212, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the change values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S209 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the next execution timing of the normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, it is possible to update the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) at random by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, and similarly change The type counters CS1 and CS2 can also be updated at random.

  Now, if the occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 (step S209: YES), the power is cut off, so that the processing after step S213 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power interruption. Is called. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S213, the contents of each register used by the CPU 501 are saved in the stack area in step S214, and the value of the stack pointer is saved in the backup area 503a in step S215. To remember. Thereafter, in step S216, a power-off notification command indicating that the power has been cut off is transmitted to other control devices (such as the payout control device 311). In step S217, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. Thereafter, RAM access is prohibited in step S218, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  The process of step S209 is performed at the end of a series of processes corresponding to the game state change performed at steps S201 to S208, or at the end of one cycle of the processes of steps S211 and S212 performed within the remaining time. It is executed at the timing. Therefore, in the normal process of the main controller 261, the occurrence information of the power interruption is confirmed at the end of each process, so that the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503 is less than that in the middle of each process. And can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 503a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the main control device 261 can be reduced. . Further, since the interruption processing is prohibited before the data is stored (step S213), it is possible to prevent the data from being changed when the power is shut off and to reliably store the state before the power is shut off. .

  Next, the first display control process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 17, in step S801, it is determined whether or not a big hit is currently being made. The jackpot includes a jackpot state (special game state) and a predetermined time after the jackpot state ends.

  In the subsequent step S802, it is determined whether or not color change display (variation display) is being performed by the special display device 43 by looking at the setting status of the display timer. Specifically, when the display timer is set (when it is in the on state), it is regarded as a variable display, and when the display timer is released (when it is in the off state), the variable display is in a stopped state. It is considered that the stop display is in progress. If it is not a big hit and is not being displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to step S803, where it is determined whether or not the number N of starting reserved balls is greater than zero. At this time, if it is a big hit or if the number N of starting reserved balls is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  Further, if neither the big hit or the variable display is being displayed and if the number of starting reserved balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S804, 1 is subtracted from the number N of starting reserved balls. In step S805, processing for shifting the data stored in the first reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the first to fourth areas on hold in the first holding ball storage area to the execution area side. Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area.

  Thereafter, in step S806, a variable display setting process is executed. Here, the details of the variable display setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not a big hit is made based on the value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the first reserved ball storage area. Specifically, whether or not the jackpot is determined is determined based on the relationship between the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the mode at that time, and the numerical value 0 to 676 of the jackpot random number counter C1 in the low probability state such as the normal mode as described above. Among them, “337, 673” is a winning value, and in the high probability mode, “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661” is a winning value. If it is determined that the game is a big hit (step S901: YES), the process proceeds to step S902. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (step S901: NO), that is, when it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S909.

  In step S902, it is determined whether or not the probability variation jackpot. In the present embodiment, the system is configured to shift to the high probability mode or the time reduction mode with a probability of 1/2 in the case of a big hit. Specifically, whether or not to shift to the high probability mode is determined based on the value of the mode determination counter C2 stored in the execution area of the first reserved ball storage area. If the value of the stored mode determination counter C2 is an odd number “1, 3, 5, 7, 9” among the numerical values 0 to 9, the transition to the high probability mode is determined (probability large hit), and the even number “ If it is 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 ", the transition to the time reduction mode is determined (usually a big hit).

  Here, when it is determined that the probability variation jackpot (step S902: YES), the jackpot variation pattern is determined in step S904, and the probability variation symbol (“A1” in the present embodiment) is set to the symbol command in step S905. Then, the process proceeds to step S917.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S902 that it is not a probable big hit (step S902: NO), that is, if it is a normal big hit, a big hit variation pattern is determined in step S907, and a normal symbol (this embodiment) is determined in step S908. Then, “A2”) is set as the symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S917.

  In steps S904 and S907, the variation pattern at the time of the big hit is determined, and the variation pattern is set in the variation pattern command. At this time, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 are checked, and the symbol variation mode of the decorative symbol is determined based on the values of the first and second variation type counters CS1 and CS2. . The relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the reach pattern (variation type) and the relationship between the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the variation time are defined in advance by a table or the like for each game mode. . Note that the mode determination in the present embodiment is performed by a combination of an on / off state of a high probability state flag, a time shortening state flag, and a high entry state flag, which will be described later. For example, if the high probability state flag, the time shortening state flag, and the high pitched state flag are all on (flag value “1”), it is determined that the mode is a high probability mode.

  Here, the correspondence between the numerical values of the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2 and the variation type will be described. For example, at the big hit time during the normal mode, the correspondence is defined by a normal mode big hit table as shown in FIG. That is, when CS1 = 0 to 9, “FF11” (normal reach) is set in the variation pattern command regardless of the value of CS2. When CS1 = 10 to 196 and CS2 = 0 to 69, “FF12” (super reach SR1) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 196 and CS2 = 70 to 149, “FF13” (super reach SR2) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 196 and CS2 = 150 to 240, “FF14” (super reach SR3) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 197, 198 and CS2 = 0-120, “FF15” (premium reach PR1) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 197, 198 and CS2 = 121-240, “FF16” (premium reach PR2) is set in the variation pattern command.

  The symbol commands in step S905 and step S908 indicate the jackpot symbol in a predetermined section, and the sub controller 262 determines the stop symbol as will be described later. Specifically, when “A1” indicating the combination of probability variation symbols is set in the symbol command (step S905), the symbol combination of any one of the first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth slots is sub-selected. The control device 262 determines the stop symbol. On the other hand, when “A2” indicating the combination of normal symbols is set in the symbol command (step S908), any combination of symbols 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 is changed to the sub-control device 262. Is determined as a stop symbol. After the symbol command is set in step S905 and step S908, the process proceeds to step S917.

  In step S909, which is shifted when a negative determination is made in step S901, it is determined whether or not a reach is reached. This determination is made based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 stored in the execution area of the first reserved ball storage area. As described above, in the present embodiment, the fluctuation selection counter C3 causes the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach to stop by shifting by one by one before and after the reach symbol, and the final stop after the occurrence of reach. “Reach other than front / rear detachment” where the symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol and “completely disengagement” where reach does not occur are selected by lottery. For example, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to front / rear outreach and C3 = 2 to 21 correspond to reach other than front / rear disengagement, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to complete disengagement. Here, when it is determined that it is reach (step S909: YES), the process proceeds to step S910. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not reach (step S909: NO), that is, if it is “completely out”, a dislocation variation pattern is determined in step S915, and a complete out symbol is set as a symbol command in step S916. Then, the process proceeds to step S917.

  In step S910, it is determined whether or not the front / rear reach is reached. If it is determined that the front / rear reach is out of step (step S910: YES), a deviation variation pattern is determined in step S911, the front / rear pattern is set as a symbol command in step S912, and the process proceeds to step S917. . On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not front / rear detachment (step S910: NO), that is, when it is reach other than front / rear detachment, a detachment variation pattern is determined in step S913, and symbols other than front / rear detachment are determined in step S914. The command is set, and the process proceeds to step S917.

  When the outlier variation pattern is determined in steps S911, S913, and S915, the variation pattern is determined based on the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503. And so on.

  Here, the correspondence between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation type will be described. For example, at the time of front / rear detachment during the normal mode, the correspondence is defined by a table for front / rear detachment during the normal mode as shown in FIG. That is, when CS1 = 0 to 9, “FF11” (normal reach) is set in the variation pattern command regardless of the value of CS2. When CS1 = 10 to 198 and CS2 = 0 to 90, “FF12” (super reach SR1) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 198 and CS2 = 91 to 170, “FF13” (super reach SR2) is set in the variation pattern command. When CS1 = 10 to 198 and CS2 = 171 to 240, “FF14” (super reach SR3) is set in the variation pattern command. At the time of reach other than forward / backward deviation (C3 = 2 to 21), the reach is normal regardless of the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2, and “FF11” is set in the variation pattern command. Further, at the time of complete deviation (C3 = 22 to 238), “FF10” is set in the variation pattern command regardless of the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2.

  Further, the symbol command in step S912, step S914, and step S916 indicates a predetermined division of the combination of symbols that are out of the same manner as in step S905 and the like. Specifically, when “A3” indicating a combination of front and rear symbols is set as a symbol command (step S912), the sub-control device 262 that has received the symbol command stores it in the front and rear error symbol buffer of the RAM 553. The combination of symbols corresponding to the front / rear out of reach is determined as the stop symbol. When “A4” indicating a combination of symbols other than front / rear detachment is set in the symbol command (step S914), a combination of symbols corresponding to reach other than front / rear detachment stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear detachment of RAM 553 is selected. The sub-control device 262 determines the stop symbol. When “A5” indicating the combination of completely out of symbols is set in the symbol command (step S916), the combination of symbols corresponding to the complete out of the symbol stored in the complete out of symbol buffer of the RAM 553 is sub-control unit 262. Is determined as a stop symbol.

  In step S917, start setting processing is performed to indicate that a condition for performing color change display (variation display) is satisfied in the special display device 43. In this start setting process, a display timer setting process is performed. The display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time, and is considered when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. For example, when the variation time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), it is set to 10000 msec. As will be described later, the display timer is decremented by 4 msec every time the normal process is performed once. In addition, the value corresponding to the variation pattern of the decorative design selected by the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is set as the variation display time of the special display device 43 in the present embodiment. Based on such setting of the display timer, when a control signal for starting color change display (variation display) is output to the special display device 43 in the next external output processing of normal processing, special display is performed. Color change display is started in the device 43. The special display device 43 is a three-color LED as described above, and changes color to green if the lit color is red, blue if it is green, and red if it is blue. Then, after step S917 ends, the variable display setting process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 17, if step S802 is YES, that is, if the variable display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S807 to perform display timer subtraction processing. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec. For example, when a display timer of 10000 msec is set, the value of the display timer is 9996 msec in the display timer subtraction process in the next normal process for the time when the display timer is set.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S808, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed with reference to the value of the display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S808. If an affirmative determination is made in step S808, the display timer is canceled [turned off (cleared)] in step S809, and stop display setting for performing a stop display on the special display device 43 is performed in step S810. Then, based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the special display device 43 in the next external output process in the normal process. In other words, if it is a promiscuous jackpot with a transition to the high probability mode, the red is stopped (for example, lighted only for a few seconds), and if it is a regular jackpot with a transition to the time reduction mode, the green is stopped and displayed. If it is off, blue is stopped and displayed. Again, the main display is such a stop display by the special display device 43, and the display of the decorative symbols by the decorative symbol display device 42 is only auxiliary.

  In step S811, discrimination information setting processing is performed. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, it is determined in step S1001 whether or not the stop display corresponds to a jackpot. Here, when it corresponds to jackpot, it transfers to step S1002 and performs jackpot setting. Specifically, processing for setting a jackpot flag, a variable flag, a variable timer, and a round number counter is performed. And after completion | finish of step S1002, a discrimination | determination information setting process is complete | finished.

  The jackpot flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the jackpot state is a special gaming state, and here, “1” indicating the occurrence of the jackpot state is set as the flag value. The value of the jackpot flag is determined based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1.

  The variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the variable winning device 32 is in an open state.

  The variable timer is means for measuring the opening time of the variable winning device 32, and is considered when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the start of opening.

  The round number counter is discriminating information for discriminating the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of special prize occurrences, that is, the number of executions of the opening / closing process of the variable winning device 32), as will be described later. “15” indicating 15 rounds is set as a value.

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the jackpot does not correspond, that is, it is determined that the game is out of place, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether or not a variation counter is set. The variation counter is a means for measuring the duration of the time-reduced state (how many variations are displayed). As will be described later, “100” is set as the counter value after the end of the normal jackpot.

  Here, when the variation counter is canceled (in the off state), this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the variation counter is set (in the ON state), it is regarded that the time reduction state is being set, and in step S1004, the value of the variation counter is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S1005. To do.

  In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the value of the variation counter is zero. That is, it is determined whether or not the current variation display is the 100th variation display after the end of the normal jackpot (after the provision of the time reduction state). Here, if the remaining value of the variation counter is 0 count, a process of resetting a high pitching state flag described later in step S1006 is performed (set to “0”), and a time shortening state flag described later is set in step S1007. A process of resetting (setting “0”) is performed, a process of canceling (turning off) the variation counter is performed in step S1008, and the present process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1005 that the value of the variation counter is not 0 count, the present process is terminated.

  Returning to FIG. 17, after the discrimination information setting process in step S <b> 811 is finished, the first display control process is finished. If the determination in step S808 is negative, in step S812, the color change display setting for continuously performing the color change display (fluctuation display) of the LED of the special display device 43 is performed, and this process is terminated. To do. Based on the setting contents of the color change display setting, a control signal for performing color change display is output to the special display device 43 in the external output process in the next normal process. Specifically, it is set to change the color to green if the current lighting color is red, blue if it is green, and red if it is blue. Thereby, the color change display (variable display) of the LED of the special display device 43 is realized at the timing of the first display control process, that is, every 4 ms. In the present embodiment, the determination information setting process (step S811) is performed after the stop display setting process (step S810). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the variable display setting process (step S806). It is good also as a structure performed after.

  Next, the variable winning device control process in step S206 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the variable flag of the variable winning device 32 is on. Here, when it is determined that the variable flag is not ON (OFF), this processing is ended as it is.

  As described above, the variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the variable winning device 32 is in the open state, and when the variable flag is set in the determination processing of step S1201 ( When the variable flag is released (in the off state), it is regarded as being in the closed state.

  Based on the ON / OFF state of the variable flag, various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the next external output process of the normal process. When the variable flag is ON, a control signal for opening the big prize opening is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is opened. On the other hand, when the variable flag is OFF, a control signal is output to the variable winning device 32 to close the big winning opening, and the variable winning device 32 is closed.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, that is, if the variable flag is on, the variable winning device 32 is considered to be in the open state, and variable timer subtraction processing is performed in step S1202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the variable timer is decremented by 4 msec.

  In step S1203, the value of the variable timer after the subtraction is taken into consideration to determine whether or not the specified open time has elapsed. Here, when the specified opening time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the variable timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S1203. If a positive determination is made in step S1203, the process proceeds to step S1204.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1203, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 32 in step S1205 has reached a specified number. If a positive determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S1204. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1205, that is, if the number of winnings to the variable winning device 32 has not reached the prescribed number, this processing is terminated as it is. Therefore, the variable winning device 32 maintains the open state until the specified opening time elapses or until the specified number of game balls wins, and becomes the closed state when the condition is satisfied.

  Proceeding to step S1204, it is determined whether or not the number of times the variable winning device 32 has been released, that is, the number of executed rounds has reached a specified number (the value of the round number counter is 0), taking into account the value of the round number counter. . Here, if the number of rounds has not reached the specified number, in step S1206, 1 is subtracted from the value of the round number counter, and this process is terminated as it is. That is, the opening / closing process is repeated until the number of executed rounds reaches a predetermined number of times set in advance.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1204 that the number of rounds has reached the specified number, an end setting process is performed in step S1207, and the process ends.

  In the end setting process of step S1207, the variable flag and variable timer reset process (cancellation process), the jackpot flag reset process, the round number counter reset process, the high probability state flag setting process, and the time reduction state flag setting process Then, a process for setting a high pitching state flag, a process for setting a variation counter, etc. are performed.

  More specifically, the variable flag and the variable timer are released (turned off) by the reset process of the variable flag and the variable timer.

  In the jackpot flag reset process, “0” indicating the end of the jackpot state is set as the flag value.

  The round number counter is canceled (off) by the reset processing of the round number counter.

  The high probability state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game mode is a high probability state. In the high probability state flag setting process, the high probability state flag is stored in the execution area of the first reserved ball storage area. The flag value is switched and set based on the value of the current mode determination counter C2. As a result, when the high probability mode is set after the jackpot ends (probability jackpot), “1” indicating the occurrence of a high probability state is set as the flag value, and the time reduction mode is set (normal jackpot) “0” indicating the occurrence of a low probability state is set as the flag value.

  The time reduction state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game mode is a time reduction state. In the time reduction state flag setting process, “1” indicating that a time reduction state is generated is set. Set as a flag value.

  The high entry state flag is state determination information for determining whether or not the game mode is a high entry state, and indicates that the high entry state is generated in the high entry state flag setting process. “1” is set as the flag value.

  The variation counter is a means for measuring the duration of the time-reduced state (how many variations are displayed) as described above. In the variation counter setting process, the high probability state flag setting process and Similarly, the change count counter is switched based on the value of the mode determination counter C2. Thus, when the high probability mode is set after the jackpot is finished (probability jackpot), the variation counter is canceled (off). On the other hand, when the time reduction mode is set (usually a big hit), “100” corresponding to 100 fluctuation displays is set as the value of the fluctuation counter.

  Next, the second display control process of step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 22, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not switching display (variation display) by the normal symbol display device 41 is in progress by looking at the setting state of the display timer. Specifically, when the display timer is set (when it is in the on state), it is regarded as a variable display, and when the display timer is released (when it is in the off state), the variable display is in a stopped state. It is considered that the stop display is in progress. If it is not in the variable display, the process advances to step S2102 to determine whether or not the number of reserved balls N is greater than zero. At this time, if the number of reserved balls N is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if the variable display is not being performed and the number of held balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the number of reserved balls N. In step S2104, a process for shifting the data stored in the second reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the second holding ball storage area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area.

  Thereafter, in step S2105, start setting processing is executed. In this process, the normal symbol display device 41 performs a process indicating that a condition for performing switching display (variable display) is established. Specifically, the display timer setting process of the normal symbol display device 41 is performed. The display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time, and is considered when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. Note that the variable display time of the normal symbol display device 41 in the present embodiment is set in advance in each of the high and low entrance states as described above. Based on such setting of the display timer, when a control signal for starting switching display (variation display) is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output processing of the normal processing, the normal symbol is output. Switching display is started on the display device 41. As described above, the normal symbol display device 41 is configured to light up and display “O” or “X” as an ordinary symbol. If the displayed symbol is “O”, “X”, “X” "Is switched to" ○ ". Then, after step S2105 ends, the second display control process ends.

  If step S2101 is YES, that is, if variable display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S2106 to perform display timer subtraction processing. Each time this process is performed, the value of the display timer is subtracted by 4 msec.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2107, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed with reference to the value of the display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S2107. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, the display timer is released [turned off (cleared)] in step S2108, and stop display setting for performing stop display in the normal symbol display device 41 is performed in step S2109. Then, based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output process in the normal process. That is, in the case of winning, the “◯” symbol (winning symbol) is stopped (for example, lit only for a few seconds), and in the case of being off, the “x” symbol is stopped.

  As described above, it is determined whether or not the winning is made based on the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the second reserved ball storage area. Specifically, whether or not it is won is determined based on the relationship between the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 and the mode at that time, and as described above, the numerical value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 in the low entry state such as the normal mode. Of the 0 to 250, “5-153” is the winning value, and “5 to 228” is the winning value in a high pitched state such as the high probability mode.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2110 to perform discrimination information setting processing, and this processing is terminated. In this process, when the stop display corresponds to winning, a setting process for performing an opening / closing process of the opening / closing member 33c of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is performed. Specifically, a setting process of a variable flag, a variable timer, and an opening number counter is performed.

  The variable flag is discrimination information for discriminating whether or not the opening / closing member 33c of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is open.

  The variable timer is means for measuring the opening time of the opening / closing member 33c of the first opportunity handling unit 33, and is considered when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the opening start.

  The opening number counter is determination information for determining the number of execution times of the opening / closing process of the opening / closing member 33c of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2111 a switching display setting for continuously performing the switching display (variable display) of the normal symbol display device 41 is performed, and this process is terminated. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal for performing switching display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the external output processing in the next normal processing. Specifically, if the current lighting is “◯”, “×” is displayed, and if “×”, the display is switched to “◯”. Thereby, the switching display (variable display) of the normal symbol display device 41 is realized at the timing of the second display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

  Next, the opportunity handling unit control processing in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not the variable flag of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is on. Here, when it is determined that the variable flag is not ON (OFF), this processing is ended as it is.

  As described above, the variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the opening / closing member 33c (the lower winning opening 33b) of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is in the open state, and the determination process in step S2201 described above. In this case, when the variable flag is set (in the on state), it is regarded as being in the open state, and when the variable flag is released (in the case of the off state), it is regarded as being in the closed state. .

  Based on the ON / OFF state of the variable flag, various control signals are output to the first opportunity handling unit 33 in the next external output process of the normal process. When the variable flag is on, a control signal for opening the opening / closing member 33c is output to the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, and the lower prize opening 33b of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is opened. On the other hand, when the variable flag is OFF, a control signal for closing the opening / closing member 33c is output to the first opportunity corresponding unit 33, and the lower prize opening 33b of the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 is closed.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, that is, if the variable flag is on, it is considered that the lower winning opening 33b of the first opportunity handling unit 33 is open, and variable timer subtraction processing is performed in step S2202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the variable timer is decremented by 4 msec.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2203, and it is determined whether or not the specified open time has elapsed by taking into account the value of the variable timer after the subtraction. Here, when the specified opening time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the variable timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S2203. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2203, the process advances to step S2204.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2203, whether or not the number of game balls won in the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 (upper winning opening 33a and lower winning opening 33b) has reached a prescribed number in step S2205. Is determined. If an affirmative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S2204. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2205, that is, if the number of winnings to the first opportunity handling unit 33 has not reached the specified number, this processing is terminated. Therefore, the first opportunity corresponding unit 33 maintains the open state of the lower winning opening 33b until a specified opening time elapses or until a specified number of game balls wins, and enters a closed state when the above condition is satisfied.

  Proceeding to step S2204, it is determined whether the number of times of opening / closing of the opening / closing member 33c of the first opportunity handling unit 33 has reached a specified number by taking into account the value of the number of times of opening counter (the value of the opening number counter is 0). . If the number of times of opening has not reached the specified number of times, 1 is subtracted from the value of the number of times of opening counter in step S2206, and this process is terminated. That is, the opening / closing process is repeatedly performed until a predetermined number of times set in advance is reached.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2204 that the number of times of opening has reached the specified number of times, an end setting process is performed in step S2207, and this process ends.

  In the end setting process in step S2207, the variable flag and variable timer reset process (release process), the release number counter reset process, and the like are performed.

  More specifically, the variable flag and the variable timer are released (turned off) by the reset process of the variable flag and the variable timer. Further, the release number counter is released (turned off) by the reset process of the release number counter.

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. For convenience of explanation, the reception interrupt process will be described first with reference to FIG. 24, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control device 311. The reception interrupt process is a process executed by interruption when the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261. When the payout control device 311 confirms that the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, the other processing executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 is temporarily waited, and the reception interrupt process is executed. When the reception interrupt process is executed, the command transmitted from the main control device 261 in step S3001 is first stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513, and the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is stored in step S3002. Turns on the command reception flag and ends this reception interrupt processing. As described above, when a command is stored in the command buffer, the write pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the next received command is stored in the next storage area. Is updated.

  In the present embodiment, the reception process of the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is performed by the interrupt process executed when the command is received. For example, as illustrated in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, before the command determination process (step S3201) is performed, it is confirmed whether or not a command is received. If a command is received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 513. The command reception flag may be turned on, and if no command is received, the process may proceed to command determination processing. In such a case, it is confirmed whether or not a command has been received by confirming a port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port at predetermined intervals.

  Next, main processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S3101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S3103, the RAM access is permitted, and in step S3104, an external interrupt vector is set.

  Thereafter, in step S3106, it is determined whether or not occurrence information of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. If the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S3107, and in step S3108, whether the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off. No, that is, the validity of the backup is determined. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513. It should be noted that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If no power-off occurrence information is set in step S3106, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) in step S3108, the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 513 after step S3115. Transition.

  In step S3115, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in step S3116, the initial value of the RAM 513 is set. Thereafter, in step S3117, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S3114 to permit interruption.

  On the other hand, on the condition that the power failure occurrence information is set in step S3106 and the RAM judgment value (checksum value etc.) is normal in step S3108, the process at the time of power recovery (at the time of power failure recovery) Process). That is, in step S3109, the stack pointer before power-off is restored, power-off occurrence information is cleared in step S3110, and a payout permission flag that permits payout of prize balls is cleared in step S3111. In step S3112, the CPU peripheral device is initialized. In step S3113, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. In step S3114, an interrupt is permitted.

  After the interruption is permitted in step S3114, it is determined in the process of step S3122 whether power-off occurrence information is set in the backup area 513a. Here, if the information on occurrence of power supply interruption is set, the power supply is cut off. Therefore, the processing after step S3123 is performed as a power failure process at the time of power supply interruption. In the power failure process, first, the generation of each interrupt process is prohibited in step S3123, and a command determination process described later is executed in the next step S3124. Thereafter, the contents of each register used by the CPU 511 are saved in the stack area in step S3125, the stack pointer value is stored in the backup area 513a in step S3126, and the RAM determination value is calculated in step S3127 to calculate the backup area 513a. In step S3128, RAM access is prohibited, and the infinite loop is continued until the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area to be backed up in the RAM 513.

  Note that since the process of step S3122 confirms the occurrence information of the power-off after the process performed at the time of turning on the power, the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513 is smaller than that in the middle of each process. Less and can be easily memorized. Further, when returning to the state before power-off, since the amount of data stored in the backup area 513a is small, it can be easily restored and the processing load of the payout control device 311 can be reduced. .

  Next, timer interrupt processing of the payout control device 311 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This timer interrupt process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  In the timer interrupt process, first, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and a determination process for the command is performed (step S3201). This command determination process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating command determination processing performed by the payout control device 311. In the command determination process (steps S3124 and S3201), first, it is determined whether or not the command reception flag is turned on in step S3301. The command reception flag is turned on when a command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received in the above-described reception interrupt process (see FIG. 24).

  If it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is OFF, a new command has not been received from the main control device 261, and thus this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3301 that the command reception flag is on, the received command is read from the RAM 513 in step S3302, and the command reception flag is turned off in step S3303. By turning off the command reception flag in step S3303, the processing in steps S3302 to S3311 can be skipped until a new command is received, so that the control of the payout control device 311 can be reduced.

  The type of command read from the RAM 513 is determined in the processing of step S3304 to step S3306. In step S3304, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout initialization command. In step S3305, it is determined whether or not it is a payout return command. In step S3306, it is determined whether the command is a prize ball command. It is determined whether or not.

  If the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a payout initialization command, it is determined in step S3307 whether or not the payout permission flag has already been turned on. If the payout permission flag has been turned off, the main power is turned on. Since the initialization of the RAM 513 is instructed from the control device 261, the work area (area) other than the stack area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0 in step S3308, and the initial value of the RAM 513 is set in step S3309. Thereafter, in step S3311, the payout permission flag is turned on, and the payout permission for the winning ball is set.

  As described above, the main controller 261 performs initialization processing of the RAM 503 after transmitting the payout initialization command, and the payout control device 311 initializes processing of the RAM 513 after receiving the payout initialization command. Therefore, the timing at which the RAM 503 is initialized and the timing at which the RAM 513 is initialized are substantially at the same time. Therefore, even if the payout control device 311 receives a command transmitted from the main control device 261 due to a shift in the initialization timing, the RAM 513 is initialized, and control corresponding to the received command cannot be performed. The occurrence of adverse effects can be prevented. In addition, since the payout permission flag is turned on after the RAM 513 is initialized, it is possible to reliably set the payout allowance for prize balls.

  On the other hand, if the payout permission flag has already been turned on in step S3307, the command determination process is terminated without clearing the work area of the RAM 513 and the initialization process of the RAM 513. That is, the processing in step S3307 prohibits initialization of the RAM 513 with the payout permission flag set. The payout initialization command is a command that is transmitted only when the RAM erase switch 323 is turned on when the power is turned on. Therefore, the payout initialization command is not received in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on. It is conceivable that the payout control device 311 has recognized the payout initialization command due to the influence of noise or the like. Therefore, if the work area of the RAM 513 is cleared (step S3308) and the initial value setting of the RAM 513 (step S3309) is executed in a state where the payout permission flag is turned on, the payout is not made when a prize ball remains. Although an adverse effect occurs and causes a loss to the player, since the RAM 513 is prevented from being initialized while the payout permission flag is turned on, it is possible to prevent the player from being lost.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a payout return command (step S3304: NO, step S3305: YES), the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power cut-off. In order to permit the payout of the prize ball, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. That is, when there is information on occurrence of power interruption and the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 return to the state before the power interruption, the payout of the prize ball is permitted. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the processing of step S3311, processing based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Further, if the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a prize ball command (step S3305: NO, step S3306: YES), the received prize ball number is added to the total prize ball number and stored in step S3310. In order to permit the payout of prize balls, the payout permission flag is turned on in step S3311. At this time, the payout control device 311 sequentially reads out the prize ball commands stored in the command buffer (ring buffer), and adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the command to the total number of prize balls stored in a predetermined buffer area. And remember. Since a prize ball corresponding to the number of prize balls is paid out based on the prize ball command transmitted from the main controller 261, the prize ball command is a payout instruction command for instructing the prize ball to be paid out. . In addition, when a winning ball command is received, the payout permission is immediately set, so that the winning ball can be paid out early for winning. When the payout permission flag is turned on in the processing of step S3311, processing based on the command stored in the predetermined storage area of the command buffer is completed, so the read pointer is changed to the read pointer corresponding to the next storage area. Updated.

  Note that the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is not a payout initialization command (step S3304: NO), is not a payout return command (step S3305: NO), and is not a prize ball command (step S3306: NO), The command determination process is terminated without turning on the payout permission flag.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When the command determination process ends, it is determined in step S3202 whether or not the payout permission flag is turned on in the command determination process. Here, if the payout permission flag is not turned on, this processing is ended as it is. That is, it is possible to prevent award balls from being paid out before a command is transmitted from the main controller 261.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S3202, the launch permission is set for the launch control device 312 in step S3203, and the state return switch 321 is checked in step S3204, and the state return operation is determined to be started. Perform a return operation. With this process, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, for example, when the payout motor is clogged, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse to eliminate the ball clogging (return to the normal state). .

  Thereafter, in step S3205, setting of the lower plate full state or the lower plate full state is performed according to the change in the state of the lower plate 15. That is, the full state of the lower plate 15 is determined based on the detection signal from the lower plate full switch (not shown), and when the lower plate is full, the setting of the lower plate full state is executed. When it is no longer, execute the setting of the lower pan full tank release state. In step S3206, setting of a tank ball absence state (out of ball state) or a tank ball absence release state (ball state) is executed in accordance with a change in the state of the tank ball. That is, the absence of the tank ball is discriminated based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch (not shown), and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Execute the setting of the no-release state.

  After that, in step S3207, if there is a state to be notified, for example, when various error states such as a bottom pan full error, a tank ball no error, and a payout error have occurred, the main control device uses this as an error signal. To H.261.

  Subsequently, a payout control process for prize balls and rental balls is executed. Specifically, a payout number setting process is performed in step S3208, a motor control state acquisition process is performed in step S3209, and a motor drive process is performed in step S3210.

  In step S3211, the state return switch 321 is checked, and the dispensing device 358 is driven to execute the ball removal process on the condition that the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the timer interrupt process.

  Next, processing of the sub control device 262 will be described. The sub-control device 262 that has input the variation pattern command, the symbol command, etc. determines the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and the display mode is transferred to the display control device 45 in the decorative symbol display device 42. Display.

  Here, the normal processing of the sub-control device 262 will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This normal process is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 4 msec).

  First, in step S3901, external output processing for transmitting a control signal based on the setting content updated in the previous processing to each device is executed. For example, a display command is transmitted to the display control device 45 when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol.

  In step S3902, various counter update processes are executed. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses various counter information when displaying decorative symbols. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 and the upper, middle, and lower outlier counters CL, CM, and the like used for setting the outlier symbols in the upper row, middle row, and lower row, CR is used. The off symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 551, and as a result, the numerical values change randomly.

  The jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 determines the symbol when the variation of the decorative symbol display device 42 stops when the jackpot is hit (the jackpot symbol). In the present embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 determines the decorative symbol. There are 5 patterns and 5 normal symbols. Accordingly, five (0 to 4) counter values are prepared as the big hit decoration symbol counter C5. That is, the jackpot decoration symbol counter C5 is incremented by 1 in order within the range of 0 to 4, and reaches 0 to the upper limit value (that is, 4). When the symbol command transmitted from the main control device 261 is “A1” indicating a combination of probability variation symbols, for example, based on a table (a table that associates counter values with decorative symbols), the counter value is If it is 0, it is “1”. ) If it is 4, the combination of probability variation symbols is determined in such a manner as “9” (the flat eye). When the symbol command is “A2” indicating a combination of normal symbols, for example, if the counter value is 0, “0” (based on a table (not shown) that associates the counter value with the decorative symbol) ( 1) “2” (for the doublet), 2 for “4” (for the doublet), 3 for “6” (for the doublet), 4 for “8” ”(The doublet) and the normal symbol combination is determined. The jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is periodically updated in the counter update process in step S3902, and is read from the counter buffer of the RAM 553 at the timing when the sub-control device 262 receives the symbol command as will be described later. In this embodiment, the jackpot decorative symbol counter C5 is stored in the jackpot decorative symbol counter buffer of the RAM 553, but is not stored in the buffer, and the counter value is referred to at the timing of receiving the symbol command. It may be.

  The upper, middle and lower off symbol counters CL, CM, CR determine the stop symbol (combination of the off symbol) of the upper row ornament symbol, middle row ornament symbol, and lower row ornament symbol when the big hit lottery is missed. Since each of 10 decorative symbols is displayed in each column, 10 (0 to 9) counter values are prepared for each column. The stop symbol of the upper symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CL, the stop symbol of the middle symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CM, and the stop symbol of the lower symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CR.

  In the present embodiment, the values of the counters CL, CM, and CR are randomly updated by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 551. That is, when each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value, 10 is subtracted to determine the current value. The Each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated so that the update times do not overlap. It is stored in one of the completely off symbol buffers.

  Here, the update process of each off symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 30, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the out symbol counter CL of the upper symbol row, and in step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the out symbol counter CM in the middle symbol row. . It should be noted that each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the upper symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the lower symbol row is configured to be updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the out symbol counter CR in the lower symbol row has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4001. If the out symbol counter CL in the upper symbol row has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4002. If the upper symbol sequence is updated (YES in step S4001), the process advances to step S4003 to update the out symbol symbol CL of the upper symbol sequence. If the middle symbol row update time (step S4002 is YES), the process proceeds to step S4004, and the middle symbol row outlier symbol counter CM is updated. Further, if the lower symbol sequence is updated (NO in steps S4001 and S4002), the process proceeds to step S4005, and the out symbol counter CR of the lower symbol sequence is updated. In updating the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S4003 to S4005, the lower 3 bits of the R register are added to the previous counter value, and 10 is subtracted when the addition result exceeds the upper limit value. The calculation result is set as the current value of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR.

  According to the above-described CL, CM, and CR update processing, the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the upper symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the lower symbol row are updated one by one in a single update process. The update times of the values do not overlap. As a result, every time the update process is executed three times, the set symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated for one set.

  Thereafter, in step S4006, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated out symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a reach symbol combination, and if it is a reach symbol combination (YES in S4006), Further, in step S4007, it is determined whether or not it is a front-rear reach. If the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of front / rear out of reach (front / rear out symbol) (YES in S4007), the process proceeds to step S4008, and the combination of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the RAM 553. Is stored in the front / rear reach reach symbol buffer. If the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of reach other than front / rear disengagement (design other than front / back disengagement) (NO in S4007), the process proceeds to step S4009, and the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time The combination is stored in the reach symbol buffer other than the front and rear deviation of the RAM 553.

  If the combination is other than the reach symbol (NO in S4006), the process proceeds to step S4010 to determine whether or not the combination of the symbol symbols CL, CM, and CR is out of the combination, and the symbol is separated. If it is a combination of symbols (completely deviated symbols) (YES in S4010), the process proceeds to step S4011, and the combination of deviated symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the completely deviated symbol buffer of the RAM 553. If NO in both steps S4006 and S4010, the symbols are aligned at the top, middle, and bottom, that is, it corresponds to a combination of jackpot symbols. In this case, the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR are used as buffers. This process is terminated without storing.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 28, in step S3903, it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received. In this case, by confirming the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554, it is confirmed whether or not the command is received. If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553 in step S3904. On the other hand, if no command has been received, the process proceeds to step S3906.

  The command buffer of the RAM 553 temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261, and is composed of a ring buffer similar to the above.

  In the subsequent effect setting process in step S3905, for example, based on the information stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553, various arithmetic processes such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are performed. Accordingly, the display mode to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 is determined here, and a value corresponding to the variation time of the variation pattern command is set in the variation time measurement timer. At this time, the sub-control device 262 performs processing based on a table associating, for example, a decoration symbol variation type and a variation pattern command as shown in FIG.

  The display command is, for example, a command for designating a series of display effects from the start to the end of variable display, or a command for designating a display effect during a jackpot, based on information stored in the command buffer. Each time a necessary display command is generated.

  Here, the stop symbol is also determined based on the symbol command. As described above, when “A1” is set in the symbol command, any combination of symbols 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 is determined as a stop symbol. On the other hand, when “A2” is set in the symbol command, a combination of symbols 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 is determined as a stop symbol. If “A3” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the front / rear reach reach symbol buffer (see FIG. 29) of the RAM 553 is determined as a stop symbol. When “A4” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear deviation is determined as a stop symbol. When “A5” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the completely off symbol buffer is determined as a stop symbol.

  Then, a display command to be output to the display control device 45 is generated based on these pieces of information. Usually, the display commands related to the variable display generated by the sub-control device 262 are roughly divided into a normal variable data group, a reach effect data group, and the like. Basically, each data constituting these data groups is the variable time timer. Are sequentially output in accordance with a predetermined time order, thereby providing display effects according to various variation patterns. For example, the normal fluctuation data group includes normal fluctuation data 1, normal fluctuation data 2,..., And normal fluctuation data m, and the reach effect data group includes reach effect data 1, reach effect data 2,. In the case of n, data output is sequentially performed in the order of normal fluctuation data 1 → 2 →... → m with the start of normal fluctuation, and subsequently reach effect data 1 → 2 → with the start of reach effect. ... → Data is sequentially output in the order of n.

  Then, the display control device 45 performs a drawing process in response to a command from the sub-control device 262, and starts a variable display of symbols on the decorative symbol display device. Once the variation pattern command is received from main controller 261, sub-control is performed until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (until the variation time timer set in step S3905 becomes 0). Under the cooperation of the device 262 and the display control device 45, the variable display of symbols is continued.

  Then, when the main control device 261 determines the jackpot, the special display device 43 displays that fact, and the decorative symbol is supplementally combined with the jackpot symbol on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the special game video is displayed as the jackpot. Is displayed (a jackpot is started).

  In step S3906, other processing such as control settings for driving sounds and lamps and display control settings during display of the demonstration screen is performed, and then the present processing is terminated. For example, when a command for performing blinking control of the error display lamp 104 is received from the main control device 261, setting for controlling blinking of the error display lamp 104 is performed.

  As described above in detail, in this embodiment, every time a signal level is checked at a cycle of 2 msec, logical values corresponding to the signal level are sequentially written in the signal level buffer. In the entry determination process (or abnormality determination process), the logic inversion process of the earliest data among the latest three (or 11) data stored in the signal level buffer is performed, and the logic The logical product of all the inverted data and the remaining 2 (or 10) data is calculated, and a determination process is performed based on the calculation result. Since such software processing is possible, it is possible to suppress an increase in circuit scale and an increase in production cost.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the entry determination process, the determination process is performed based on the data stored three times on a regular basis. Compared to the conventional configuration in which the determination is made, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneously determining that the signal level change based on noise, fraud, etc. is based on the regular entry, and to improve the entry detection accuracy.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the game ball is not passing through the passing hole such as the winning opening switch 221 or the like, a + 12V high level signal (H) is output from the winning opening switch 221 or the like. On the other hand, while a game ball enters the general prize opening 31 and the like and the game ball passes through a passage hole such as the prize opening switch 221, a low level signal (L) is output from the prize opening switch 221 and the like. Is output. Therefore, even if noise is mixed, a high level signal can be maintained, and erroneous determination is less likely to be made as compared with a conventional configuration in which a low level signal is output during non-detection of a game ball.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 10 as in the present embodiment, a thin plate member called a “cell plate” or a linear member such as a wire is inserted from a slight gap of the pachinko machine 10, and a prize opening switch is used by the member. By turning on 221 etc., there is a possibility that a fraudulent act may be performed such that a game ball is detected as if it has entered the general winning opening 31 or the like.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, after the signal level input to the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 from various entrance detection means such as the prize opening switch 221 is switched from “L” to “H”, at least 18 msec. An abnormality determination process is performed in which it is determined whether or not a high level signal is continuously input. This is because a high-level signal that continuously exceeds the specified period of 18 msec is not based on the entrance of a game ball, but is an abnormal signal based on some failure or an artificial operation due to fraud. It is because it can be regarded.

  When a game ball actually enters various entry means such as the general winning opening 31 and a high level signal is input to the CPU 501, the signal duration is about several milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds at the longest. On the other hand, an artificial action in which a fraudulent person inserts and removes a cell board or the like is extremely much faster than the speed at which a game ball that has entered the general prize opening 31 etc. passes through the prize opening switch 221 etc. Slow, no matter how short, it takes several hundred msec. It is impossible to generate a signal having a length equivalent to a signal based on regular entry by the above fraudulent act such as insertion / extraction of a cell plate or the like.

  Therefore, by performing the abnormality determination process, it is possible to determine a pseudo signal generated by an artificial action of a fraudulent person, thereby suppressing the fraudulent action.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, a penetration type proximity switch is adopted as various ball detection switches such as the prize opening switch 221. The type of the entrance detection switch is not limited to this. For example, another non-contact type switch such as a photo switch or a contact type switch such as a micro switch may be employed.

  (B) In the above embodiment, at a normal time when the game ball does not pass through the passing hole such as the winning opening switch 221 or the like, a high level signal (H) of + 12V is output from the winning opening switch 221 or the like, and the main controller 261. On the side, a low level signal (L) having a reference potential of 0 V is input to the CPU 501 through the inverting circuit 229. On the other hand, while a game ball enters the general prize opening 31 and the like and the game ball passes through a passage hole such as the prize opening switch 221, a low level signal (L) is output from the prize opening switch 221 and the like. The high level signal (H) is input to the CPU 501 through the inverting circuit 229 on the main controller 261 side.

  For example, the inverting circuit 229 may be omitted, and the signal output from the winning prize switch 221 or the like may be input to the CPU 501 as it is.

  (C) In the above embodiment, when performing the ball entering determination process, the logic inversion process of the earliest data among the latest three data stored in the signal level buffer is performed and the logic inversion is performed. The logical product of all the data and the remaining two data is calculated, and determination processing is performed based on the calculation result. The number of data used for the entry determination process is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be at least three times.

  Similarly, the number of data used in the abnormality determination process is not limited to the above embodiment. It is sufficient that there is at least the number of data used in the ball entering determination process. However, it is more preferable to provide a large difference between the number of data used for the abnormality determination process and the number of data used for the ball entry determination process in order to prevent erroneous determination. Regarding the abnormality determination process, a configuration in which the logic inversion process of the earliest data is omitted may be employed.

  (D) In the above embodiment, when a ball entry error occurs (when it is determined that there is an abnormality by the abnormality determination process), a ball entry error signal is output from the external relay terminal board 240 to the hall computer of the game hall. The When this is repeated a predetermined number of times or more (5 times or more), the error display lamp 104 is controlled to blink.

  The notifying means for notifying a ball entry error is not limited to these, and sound generating means such as a speaker S, various display means such as a decorative symbol display device 42, and the like may be used.

  Further, it may be configured to output a ball entering error signal to the hall computer only when the value of the abnormal count counter becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or each time the abnormal count counter is omitted and the abnormality determination process determines that there is an abnormality. The error display lamp 104 may be controlled to blink.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the winning ball is paid out as it is even when a ball entry error occurs. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when it is determined that there is an abnormality by the abnormality determination process, A configuration may be adopted in which a signal that is a determination target is regarded as invalid, and processing is performed in which it is determined that there is no entry. In this way, it is possible to prevent a problem such that award balls are paid out in the same manner as when there is a regular entry.

  (F) You may implement as a different type of pachinko machine from the said embodiment. In addition to pachinko machines, various game machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a sparrow ball can be implemented.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows structures, such as an inner frame and a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which open | released the inner frame, the back pack unit, etc. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection structure of a winning opening switch and a main controller. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a switch reading process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd opportunity corresponding | compatible opening passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation display setting process. It is a flowchart which shows discrimination | determination information setting processing. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows various table structures. It is a flowchart which shows a variable winning apparatus control process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd display control process. It is a flowchart which shows an opportunity corresponding unit control process. It is a flowchart which shows a reception interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the normal process of a sub control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for the determination of a decoration design. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of an off symbol counter. It is explanatory drawing which shows a table structure. (A) is a timing chart for demonstrating the output signal from a winning opening switch, (b) is a timing chart for demonstrating the input signal to CPU. It is a timing chart for demonstrating abnormality determination processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 221 ... Winning opening switch, 223 ... Count switch, 224a, 224b ... 1st opportunity corresponding | compatible unit switch, 225 ... 2nd opportunity corresponding | compatible opening switch, 261 ... Main controller.

Claims (1)

A launching means for launching a game ball;
A game area where the launched game ball is guided,
Entry means arranged in the game area;
Entry detection means for detecting a game ball that has entered the entry means;
In a gaming machine comprising control means for monitoring the signal output from the entrance detection means and performing predetermined control,
The entrance detection means continuously outputs a high level signal during non-detection of a game ball, and continuously outputs a low level signal during detection of a game ball,
The control means includes
A signal monitoring process for periodically monitoring the signal level input from the entrance detection means;
Level storage processing in which the level information of the signal level is periodically and sequentially stored as binary logical values corresponding to the high level signal or the low level signal;
Logical inversion processing for performing logical inversion of the earliest data among at least three times of data stored by the level storage processing ;
A logical product calculation process for calculating a logical product of all the other data of the at least three times of data together with the logically inverted data; and
A game machine that performs a ball entry determination process for determining whether or not a ball has entered the ball entry means based on a calculation result of the logical product calculation process .

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