JP5470361B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a pachinko gaming machine.

As a gaming machine, a special symbol lottery is performed in accordance with the establishment of a start condition that a game ball wins a start winning opening, and a decorative symbol displayed on the image display device based on the lottery result is, for example, “777”. Pachinko machines that are configured to shift to the big hit state, which is a special game state, and to acquire a large number of game balls as award balls by stopping at a three-piece symbol such as, are well known.
The main control board that performs the main game control in the gaming machine as described above is equipped with a non-volatile RAM having a backup function capable of holding various game control information even when power supply is interrupted. Yes.
In order to forcibly erase the game control information held in the nonvolatile RAM of the main control board, it is necessary for the worker to perform a predetermined RAM clear operation. In the present specification, forcibly erasing information stored in the nonvolatile RAM is called “RAM clear”.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the stored contents of the backup RAM are forcibly erased by operating the power-on button while pressing the RAM clear button.

JP 2003-325925 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine as described above, it is difficult to know the operation end timing of the RAM clear button. For example, if the timing at which the operator releases the finger from the RAM clear button is as early as possible, RAM clear will fail. . For this reason, for example, when it takes time until the RAM clear result is known after the RAM clear operation, there is a problem that the work efficiency of the RAM clear is remarkably deteriorated.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and when performing the RAM clear, the operation completion timing of the RAM clear switch is surely grasped so that the operator does not fail the RAM clear operation. It is an object to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized by the following modes.
The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game information storage means (114) for storing information relating to a game, and an operation for erasing information stored in the game information storage means (114) when operated at a predetermined timing. Means (27), display means (11) for displaying the work status, display control means (121) for controlling the display means (11), and control means (111) for executing start-up processing when the power is turned on The control means (111) determines whether or not the operation means (27) is operated continuously from power-on in the start-up process, and continues the operation after power-on. If it is determined that the means (27) is being operated, the game information stored in the game information storage means (114) is erased, and the game information is erased for a predetermined time. After over, the activation process was continued when the operating means (27) is operated again, the display control means (121) when turning, the first display screen (50) on said display means (11) When the control means executes display control and the control means determines that the operation means is operated continuously after the power is turned on, the display on the display means (11) is displayed on the first display screen (50). The control for switching to the second display screen (51) is executed.

According to the present invention, the operator can easily grasp the operation end timing of the operation means from the timing at which the display on the display means is switched from the first display screen to the second display screen. The failure of the erasure work for erasing the stored game information is reduced, and the efficiency of the work for erasing the game information stored in the game information storage means can be increased.
Furthermore, in the present invention, after executing the erasure process, the activation process is continuously performed when the operation means is operated again after a predetermined time period. For example, in order to perform some illegal game, When a player performs an activation process including an erasure process, it is necessary to operate the operation means at least twice, which makes it difficult to perform an unauthorized activation process and prevents an illegal game from being performed. it can.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the back side of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the game control apparatus which performs the game control of the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the random number from which various random numbers are acquired, (a) is a jackpot random number, (b) is a jackpot symbol random number, (c) is a reach random number, (d) is a figure which shows an example of a hit random number, respectively. . It is the flowchart which showed an example of the timer interruption process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the start port SW process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the gate SW process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the special symbol process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the jackpot determination processing which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the change pattern selection process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process during a stop which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the customer waiting setting process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the normal symbol process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the big prize opening process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the figure which showed the example of a setting of the number of rounds / opening pattern of a big prize apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the game state setting process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the electric Chu process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the timer interruption process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the command reception process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the effect selection process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process during the change production completion which CPU of a production control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the win production | presentation selection process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the ending effect selection process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the game main process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the power-off monitoring process which CPU of a game control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of the power-off which CPU of a game control board performs. (A)-(d) is a figure which showed an example of the RAM clear screen at the time of power activation. (A)-(d) is a figure showing an example of a restoration screen at the time of power-on. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the effect main process which CPU of an effect control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the progress condition display process which CPU of an effect control board performs.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
The gaming machine 1 fires a game ball based on the player's launch operation, and when the game ball wins a specific winning opening, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player based on the winning result. It is a pachinko machine.
A card unit 200, which is an external device, is disposed on the side surface of the gaming machine 1, and the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 200 are connected by wire (harness).

  The card unit 200 accepts coins, banknotes, or money information media (IC card or the like), and a ball that allows the gaming machine 1 to pay out a specified number of game balls according to the received money information or the like (amount). Lending control is performed.

The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a rectangular frame 2, and a game board 10 is detachably attached to a window hole of the frame 2. A speaker 6 is disposed below the frame 2.
A glass frame (not shown) is attached to the front side of the game board 10 so as to be openable and closable. In addition, a lower part of the game board 10 is provided with a tray part 3 for storing game balls, a launch lever 4 for firing the game balls of the tray part 3 and the like.
On the upper surface of the saucer portion 3, for example, an effect button 5 is provided that directs the player to perform an operation to produce a sense of participation in the game.
Further, on the upper surface of the saucer unit 3, there are provided a game ball purchase button, a purchase cancel button, a ball removal button for removing the game ball in the saucer unit 3 from below, and the like, although not shown.

On the back side of the game board 10, a synthetic resin mechanism board (none of which is shown) in which back parts related to the progress and production of the game, such as a main control board and a sub control board, are mounted.
An outer rail R1 and an inner rail R2 are provided around the game area 10a in the game board 10. These outer rail R1 and inner rail R2 guide the game ball launched from the launch device when the launch lever 4 is operated to the upper part of the game area 10a or to the out port 18.
An image display device 11 is disposed almost at the center of the game board 10. The image display device 11 is configured by a liquid crystal display panel such as a liquid crystal display device, for example, and displays a plurality of decorative symbols corresponding to special symbols, for example, numerical symbols, alphabet symbols, character symbols, and the like. In the so-called reach state or special game state, an effect image or the like indicating each game state is also displayed.

Below the image display device 11, a variable winning device 12 is arranged. The variable prize winning device 12 includes a first start port 13 and an electric tulip (hereinafter referred to as “electric chew”) 14 having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws (movable pieces).
The first start port 13 generates a right to variably display the first special symbol on the first special symbol indicator 21 when a game ball wins. In addition, the electric Chu 14 generates a right to display the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 22 in a variable manner when the game ball is won. For this reason, a first start port switch (SW) 13a (see FIG. 3) for detecting the entrance of a game ball is provided inside the first start port 13. In addition, a second start port switch (SW) 14a (see FIG. 3) for detecting entry of a game ball is provided inside the electric chew 14.
The electric chew 14 is configured to open for a predetermined time when the normal symbol of the normal symbol display 23 stops in a predetermined manner.
In the present embodiment, the start port SW is provided separately inside the first start port 13 and the electric chew 14, but the start port SW may be shared.

On the left side of the image display device 11, a gate 15 for operating a normal symbol display 23 described later is provided. The gate 15 is provided with a gate switch (SW) (see FIG. 3).
Also, below the variable winning device 12, a big winning opening 16 of the big winning device that is opened in the special gaming state is arranged.
Further, the game area 10a of the game board 10 is provided with a general winning opening 17, and a windmill and a number of game nails (not shown) are provided in a projecting manner. The game nail slows down the falling speed of the game ball and changes the falling direction in a complicated manner to enhance the interest in game progression.

Outside the gaming area on the lower right side of the game board 10, there are a first special symbol display 21 for performing and displaying the first special symbol, a second special symbol display 22 for performing and displaying the second special symbol, and A normal symbol display 23 for displaying and changing normal symbols is provided.
The first special symbol display 21 and the second special symbol display 22 display whether or not the special symbol has been won by winning the special symbol by variably displaying and stopping the variation display after a predetermined time has elapsed.
When the game ball passes through the gate SW 15a, the normal symbol display 23 displays whether or not the normal symbol has been won by variably displaying the normal symbol and stopping the fluctuation display after a predetermined time has elapsed.

The first special symbol hold lamp 24 displays the number of hold (maximum 4) of the right (holding ball) to start the variable display of the first special symbol. The second special symbol hold lamp 25 displays the number of reserved right (up to four) for starting the variable display of the second special symbol.
The normal symbol hold lamp 26 displays the number of hold (up to 4) of the right to start the change display of the normal symbol obtained by passing the gate 15 when the game ball passes the gate 15 while the normal symbol is changing. To do.
In the present embodiment, the first and second special symbol indicators 21 and 22, the normal symbol indicator 23, the first and second special symbol hold lamps 24 and 25, and the normal symbol hold lamp 26 are connected to the game board 10. However, this is merely an example, and it is of course possible to arrange these indicators in the game area 10a of the game board 10.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a game control board 111, an effect control board 121 (including an image control board 131 and a lamp control board 141), a payout control board 151, a power supply board 180, and the like are provided. The game control board 111 is provided with a RAM clear switch 27 not shown in the figure. The power supply board 180 is provided with a power plug 181 and a power-on switch 182 for supplying power to the gaming machine 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a game control device that performs game control of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.
In the game control device shown in FIG. 3, a game control board 111 is provided as a main control board for controlling the progress of the game. As the sub control boards, there are provided an effect control board 121, an image control board 131, a lamp control board 141, a payout control board 151, a panel external information terminal board 160, a frame external information terminal board 170, a power board 180, and the like. Yes.
The game control board 111 includes a CPU 112, a ROM 113, a RAM 114, and the like, and performs main control of the game machine.
The game control board 111 includes a first start port SW13a provided in the first start port 13, a second start port SW14a provided in the electric chew 14, and an electric chew solenoid for opening and closing the electric chew 14 ( SOL) 14b, a gate SW 15a provided in the gate 15, a large winning opening SW 16a for detecting a game ball won in the large winning opening 16, and a large winning opening solenoid (SOL for opening and closing the opening / closing door of the large winning opening 16). ) 16b, a general winning opening SW17a is connected.

Also, on the game control board 111, a first special symbol display 21 that performs and displays the first special symbol, a second special symbol display 22 that performs and displays the second special symbol, and a normal symbol variation and display. A normal symbol display 23 is connected.
The first special symbol display 21 and the second special symbol display 22 display whether or not the special symbol has been won by winning the special symbol by variably displaying and stopping the variation display after a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, the normal symbol display 23 displays whether or not the normal symbol is won by winning the normal symbol by variably displaying when the game ball passes through the gate SW 15a and stopping the variability display after a predetermined time has elapsed. To do.

Further, the game control board 111 has a first special symbol hold lamp 24 for displaying the number of reserved rights (holding ball) for starting the variable display of the first special symbol, and a right for starting the variable display of the second special symbol. A second special symbol holding lamp 25 for displaying the number, and when the game ball passes through the gate 15 while the normal symbol is changing, the number of right holdings that starts the change display of the normal symbol obtained by passing the gate 15 is displayed. A normal symbol holding lamp 26 or the like is connected.
The game control board 111 is configured to preferentially digest the reserved ball of the second special symbol when the reserved ball of the first special symbol and the reserved ball of the second special symbol are both held. . Of course, you may comprise so that the reservation ball | bowl of a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol may be digested in order of winning.

  Further, the game control board 111 is provided with a RAM clear switch (operation means) 27 used for forcibly erasing the contents held in the RAM 114. Note that the RAM clear switch 27 is provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 and cannot be operated by a player or the like.

Further, the game control board 111 is connected to an effect control board 121, a payout control board 151, a board external information terminal board 160, and the like.
The effect control board 121 includes a CPU 122, a ROM 123, a RAM 124, an RTC (real time clock) 125, and the like, and controls the entire game effect.
Connected to the effect control board 121 are an image control board 131 for controlling images and sounds, a lamp control board 141 for controlling various lamps and effects, and an effect button 5.
The image control board 131 includes a CPU 132, a ROM 133, a RAM 134, and the like, and performs image and sound control based on instructions from the effect control board 121. The image display board 11 and the speaker 6 are connected to the image control board 131.
The lamp control board 141 includes a CPU 142, a ROM 143, a RAM 144, and the like, and controls the frame lamp 145, the panel lamp 146, the rendering accessory 147, and the like.
The payout control board 151 includes a CPU 152, a ROM 153, a RAM 154, and the like, and controls a payout motor 155, a payout ball detection SW156, a ball presence detection SW157, a full tank detection SW158, and the like of the game ball payout device. Further, a frame external information terminal board 170 is connected to the payout control board 151.
The board external information terminal board 160 is a terminal board for outputting various information of the game board to the outside. The frame external information terminal board 170 is a terminal board for outputting various information of the frame to the outside.
The power supply board 180 supplies power to each part of the gaming machine 1 when power is supplied from the external power supply device.
The power supply board 180 also supplies power to the card unit 200.
The card unit 200 includes at least a management CPU, a management ROM, and a management RAM. The management CPU reads out a program stored in the management ROM, performs arithmetic processing, and performs ball lending control, external information analysis control, and the like.
The management ROM stores a program for controlling the card unit, various data, and a table. The management RAM is composed of a non-volatile memory, and functions as a data work area during calculation processing of the management CPU. It also has a plurality of storage areas.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of various random numbers acquired in the gaming machine of this embodiment, (a) is a jackpot random number, (b) is a jackpot symbol random number, (c) is a reach random number, (d) is a hit random number FIG.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a special symbol is determined by the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 4A and the jackpot symbol random shown in FIG. Moreover, a normal symbol is determined by the hit random number shown in FIG.

For the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 4A, one random number value is acquired from among 300 random numbers from “0” to “299”, for example, at the start opening prize.
In the case of the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 4A, in the low probability gaming state (normal gaming state), the jackpot ratio is set to 1/300, and the jackpot random number is determined to be a jackpot when the acquired jackpot random number value is “3”. The
On the other hand, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot ratio is set to 10/300, which is 10 times that of the low probability gaming state, and the acquired jackpot random value is “3”, “7”, “37”, “67”, A jackpot is determined when “97”, “127”, “157”, “187”, “217”, “247”. In addition, in the big hit random number shown in FIG. 4A, a lottery lottery, which is a type of loss, is also performed. Here, the small hit ratio is set to 3/300, and it is determined that the small hit is when the acquired big hit random value is “150”, “200”, “250”.

Next, as the jackpot symbol random number shown in FIG. 4B, one random number value is acquired from 250 random numbers from “0” to “249”. And based on the acquired jackpot symbol random number, any one jackpot is determined from a plurality of kinds of jackpots.
In the present embodiment, as a plurality of types of big hits, there are prepared per length with a normal time, short length with a normal time, a long length with a high probability time, a short length with a high probability time, and a short time without a high probability time.

In the case of a long win with a normal time, the opening time of the big winning opening 16 at the time of the big hit game is long, so that a large amount of balls can be expected to be paid out, and the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the big hit game ends. It is a jackpot that gives short-time games for the period up to.
The short win with a normal time is a period until the special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the big hit game ends, although the opening time of the big winning opening 16 at the time of the big hit game is short and the payout of the outgoing ball can not be expected. It is a jackpot that grants short-time games.

The long win with high probability time is a jackpot that gives both a high probability game and a short time game after the jackpot game ends, as well as a long time to open the big prize opening 16 at the time of the jackpot game can be expected to pay out a large number of balls. .
Short win with high probability time is a jackpot that gives both a high probability game and a short time game after the end of the jackpot game, although the opening time of the big prize opening 16 at the time of the jackpot game is short and a payout of the ball cannot be expected.
High probability short / short short hit is a big hit that grants a high probability game after the jackpot game ends, although the open time of the big winning opening 16 at the time of the jackpot game is short and the payout of the ball cannot be expected.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 13 and when a game ball enters the electric chew 14, the ratio of selection of some types of jackpots Are configured differently.
For example, the ratio at which the length per short time is selected is the same at 35/250 both when the game ball wins the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins the electric chew 14. Similarly, the ratio at which the short win with the normal time is selected is the same at 15/250 both when the game ball wins the first start port 13 and when the game ball wins the electric chew 14.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, if the jackpot symbol random number acquired at the time of winning the first start opening or the electric chew is “0” to “34”, the normal per short length is selected. , “35” to “49”, the short hit with the normal time is selected.

On the other hand, the rate at which the per unit with high probability and the short unit with high probability is selected differs depending on whether the game ball has won the first start port 13 or the electric chew 14, for example, high probability The rate at which the winning length is selected is 25/250 when a game ball wins the first start port 13 and 175/250 when a game ball wins the electric chew 14.
In addition, the rate at which the short win with high probability is selected is 75/250 when a game ball wins the first start port 13 and 25/250 when a game ball wins the electric chew 14.
Further, the rate at which the high probability short / short short win is selected is 100/250 only when a game ball wins the first start port 13.
Specifically, if the jackpot symbol random number acquired when the game ball is won at the first starting opening is “50” to “74”, the long per probability with short time is selected, and “75” to “149” is selected. "", A short win with high probability is selected, and a short hit with no high probability is selected from "150" to "249".
On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol random number acquired when the game ball wins the electric chew is “50” to “224”, the long probability with a high probability time is selected, and “225” to “249” If there is, the short chance with high probability is selected.

  Further, the reach random number shown in FIG. 4C is obtained by acquiring one random number value from 250 random numbers from “0” to “249” at the time of starting winning, and the acquired reach random number value is “0” to “0”. When “21”, “reach” is determined, and when the acquired reach random number value is “22” to “249”, “reach” is determined.

In addition, as for the random number of the normal symbol shown in FIG. 4D, one random number value is acquired from 10 random numbers from “0” to “9” when passing through the gate.
And in the low-probability gaming state in which both the short-time flag and the high-accuracy flag are OFF, or in the high-probability short-timeless gaming state in which the short-time flag is OFF and the high-accuracy flag is ON, only when the acquired random number is “7” Judgment is successful.
On the other hand, in the low probability short-time gaming state in which the short-time flag is ON and the high-accuracy flag is OFF, or in the high-probability short-time gaming state in which both the short-time flag and the high-accuracy flag are ON, the acquired hit random numbers are “0” to When it is “9”, it is determined to be a hit.

  Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the game control board 111 of the game control device of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that the processing described below can be realized by the CPU 112 of the game control board 111 executing a program stored in the ROM 113.

[Timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the game control board.
The CPU 112 performs random number update processing (S110), switch processing (S120), symbol processing (S130), electric accessory processing (S140), prize ball processing (S150), output processing (S160), etc. as timer interruption processing. Run.

Next, various processes executed as the timer interrupt process will be described.
[Start-up SW processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the start-up SW process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In this case, in step S201, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the first start port SW13a of the first start port 13 is on. If it is determined that the first start port SW13a is on, step S202 is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the retained number U1 of the first start port SW13a is less than “4”.
If it is determined that the reserved number U1 is smaller than “4”, “1” is added to the reserved number U1 in step S203. Thereafter, in step S204, the jackpot random number for the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number, the reach random number, and the like are acquired and stored in the RAM 114.
Next, in step S205, the CPU 112 sets a first hold number increase command in order to increase the hold number of the first special symbol hold lamp 24. If a negative result is obtained in step S202, that is, if it is determined that the hold number U1 is “4” which is the maximum holdable number, the process of steps S203 to S205 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S206.

Next, in step S206, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the second start port SW14a of the electric Chu 14 is on. If it is determined that the second start port SW14a is on, in step S207, It is determined whether or not the retained number U2 of the second start port SW14a is smaller than “4”.
If it is determined that the reserved number U2 is less than “4”, “1” is added to the reserved number U2 in step S208. Thereafter, in step S209, the jackpot random number for the special symbol, the jackpot symbol random number, the reach random number, and the like are acquired and stored in the RAM 114.
Next, in step S210, the CPU 112 sets a second hold number increase command to increase the hold number of the second special symbol hold lamp 25, and ends the start port SW process.
If a negative result is obtained in step S207, that is, if it is determined that the hold number U2 is “4”, which is the maximum holdable number, the start port SW process is terminated.

[Gate SW processing]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the gate SW process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S221, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the gate SW 15a of the gate 15 is turned on. If the CPU 112 determines in step S221 that the gate SW 15a is turned on, the number of times the gate SW 15a passes through the gate in step S222. It is determined whether G is less than “4”.
If it is determined in step S222 that the number of times of gate passage G is less than “4”, “1” is added to the number of times of gate passage G in step S223, and in step S224, a random number for a normal symbol is acquired. Then, the data is stored in the RAM 114, and the gate SW process is terminated.
If it is determined in step S221 that the gate SW 15a is not on, or if a negative result is obtained in step S222, that is, if it is determined that the gate passing number G is “4”, which is the maximum holdable number, The gate SW process ends.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of special symbol processing executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S311, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the winning game flag is ON, that is, whether or not the jackpot game is being played. If it is determined in step S311 that the winning game is not being played, in step S312 that follows. Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol on the first special symbol indicator 21 or the second special symbol indicator 22 is changing.
If it is determined in step S312 that the special symbol is not fluctuating, in step S313, it is determined whether or not the number U2 of reserved second start ports SW14a to be preferentially digested is greater than “1”. If it is determined in step S313 that the reserved number U2 is greater than “1”, the reserved number U2 is decremented by “1” in step S314.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S313 that the retained number U2 is not ≧ 1, that is, if the retained number U2 is “0”, then in step S315, the retained number U1 of the first start port SW13a is “1”. In step S315, if it is determined that the reserved number U1 is greater than “1”, in step S316, the reserved number U1 is decremented by “1”.

Next, in step S317, the CPU 112 turns OFF if the customer waiting flag is ON, and then executes a jackpot determination process described later in step S318. After the jackpot determination process is executed in step S318, a variation pattern selection process described later is executed in step S319. After execution of the variation pattern selection process in step SS319, in step S320, the corresponding first special symbol display 21 or second special symbol display 22 starts symbol variation, and in step S321, the effect control board 121 is started. Set the variable start command to be sent to.
The variation start command includes a variation pattern command indicating the variation time of the special symbol, a jackpot command indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, a jackpot symbol command indicating the lottery result of the jackpot symbol, a reach command indicating the lottery result of the reach lottery, the current The game state command related to the game state is included.

Next, in step S322, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the variation time of the first or second special symbol has passed a predetermined variation time.
If it is determined in step S322 that the predetermined variation time has elapsed, in the subsequent step S323, the variation of the first special symbol display 21 or the second special symbol display 22 is stopped and the predetermined special symbol is displayed.
Thereafter, in step S324, a variable stop command is set, and in the subsequent step S325, a process during stop to be described later is executed to end the special symbol process.

If it is determined in step S311 that the winning game flag is ON, or if it is determined in step S322 that the variation time of the special symbol has not reached the predetermined variation time, the special symbol processing is terminated.
If it is determined in step S312 that the special symbol is changing, the process proceeds to step S322, and it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol has passed a predetermined variation time.
If it is determined in step S316 that the number of holdings U1 is not ≧ 1, that is, if it is determined that there are no holdings of the holding numbers U1 and U2, in step S326, a special symbol is executed in a customer waiting setting process described later. The process ends.

[Big hit judgment processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the jackpot determination process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S331, the CPU 112 determines the jackpot random number stored in the RAM 114, and in the subsequent step S332, determines whether it is a jackpot.
If it is determined in step S332 that the jackpot is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol random number stored in the RAM 114 is determined in the subsequent step S333. In step S334, based on the determination result, the first special symbol indicator 21 or the second symbol The jackpot symbol to be set on the special symbol display 22 is set, and the jackpot determination process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S332 that the jackpot is not a big hit, in step S335, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on a big hit random number.
If it is determined in step S335 that there is a small hit, in the subsequent step S336, the small hit symbol set in the first special symbol display 21 or the second special symbol display 22 is set, and the big hit determination process is ended.
If it is determined in step S335 that it is not a small hit, in step S337, a lost symbol to be set in the first special symbol display 21 or the second special symbol display 22 is set, and the big hit determination process ends.

[Variation pattern selection processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a variation pattern selection process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S341, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the jackpot is based on the jackpot symbol. If the CPU 112 determines that the jackpot is set, the CPU 112 sets the jackpot table in the RAM 114 in step S342.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S341 that it is not a big hit, then in step S343, a reach random number is determined, and in subsequent step S344, it is determined whether or not it is a reach.
If it is determined in step S344 that it is reach, the reach table is set in the RAM 114 in step S345. If it is determined in step S344 that it is not reach, the lose table is set in the RAM 114 in step S346.
Next, in step S347, the CPU 112 determines the previously obtained variation pattern random number. In subsequent step S348, the CPU 112 sets a variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random number and ends the variation pattern selection process.

[Processing while stopped]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the stop process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S351, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the time reduction flag is ON. If the time reduction flag is determined to be ON in step S351, the CPU 112 stores the time reduction game stored in the RAM 114 in the subsequent step S352. “1” is subtracted from the remaining game count J.
Next, in step S353, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the remaining game count J is “0”. If the remaining game count J is “0”, the special symbol variation display is predetermined in the short-time game. Since this means that the number of times (for example, 100 times) has been performed, in the subsequent step S354, the time reduction flag is turned OFF.
If it is determined in step S351 that the time reduction flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S353 that the remaining game number J is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S355.

Next, in step S355, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the high-accuracy flag is ON. If it is determined that the high-accuracy flag is ON, it is stored in the RAM 114 in the subsequent step S356. “1” is subtracted from the remaining game count X of the high probability game.
Next, in step S357, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the remaining game count X is “0”. If the remaining game count X is “0”, the special symbol variation display is performed in the high-probability game. This means that it has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 10,000 times), so in the subsequent step S358, the high-accuracy flag is turned OFF.
If it is determined in step S355 that the high-accuracy flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S357 that the remaining game number X is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S359.

  Next, in step S359, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the jackpot is based on the special symbol set in the first special symbol display 21 or the second special symbol display 22, and if it is determined that the jackpot is not a big hit Next, in step S360, it is determined whether or not the set special symbol is “small hit”. If it is determined that the game is a small hit, the small hit game flag is turned ON in step S361. Thereafter, in step S362, the jackpot opening is started, and in step S363, the jackpot opening command is set, and the in-stop process is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S360 that it is not a small hit, the variable stop process is terminated without turning on the small hit game flag.
If it is determined in step S359 that the jackpot is a jackpot, then in step S364, it is determined whether the jackpot is a jackpot. If it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot, the long jackpot is determined in step S365. If the winning game flag is turned ON, otherwise, the short winning flag is turned ON in step S366. Thereafter, in step S367, the remaining number J of short-time games and the remaining number X of high-probability games are set to “0”, and the remaining game number J / X is reset. In step S368, the short-time flag Then, the high-accuracy flag is turned OFF and the process proceeds to step S362.

[Customer waiting setting process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a customer waiting setting process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S371, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON. If the CPU 112 determines that the customer waiting flag is ON, the customer waiting setting process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S371 that the waiting flag is not ON, a customer waiting command is set in step S372, and in step S373, the customer waiting flag is turned on and the customer waiting setting process is terminated.
The customer waiting flag is set when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are both suspended, or when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are both suspended for a predetermined period. It turns from OFF to ON.

[Normal pattern processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of normal symbol processing executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S381, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON. If the CPU 112 determines that the auxiliary game flag is ON, the normal symbol process ends.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S381 that the auxiliary game flag is not ON, it is determined in step S382 whether or not the normal symbol is changing. If it is determined in step S382 that the normal symbol is not changing, in step S383, it is determined whether or not the gate passing number G that stores the number of times the game ball has passed through the gate SW15a is greater than “1”. If the gate passing number G is greater than “1”, in the subsequent step S384, “1” is subtracted from the gate passing number G, and if it is determined that the gate passing number G is not greater than “1”, that is, “0”. If so, the normal symbol processing is terminated.
Next, in step S385, the CPU 112 determines a random number for the normal symbol. In subsequent step S386, the CPU 112 sets a stop symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display 23. In step S387, the CPU 112 sets a variation time.
Here, it is conceivable that the variation time is set to, for example, 4.0 seconds if the hour / hour flag is OFF, and is set to, for example, 1.5 seconds if the hour / hour flag is ON.

Next, in step S389, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the variation time of the normal symbol has elapsed, and if it is determined that the predetermined variation time has elapsed, the CPU 112 stops the variation in step S390. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S389 that the normal symbol variation time has not elapsed, the normal symbol processing is terminated.
Next, in step S391, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the normal symbol is a winning symbol. If the normal symbol is a winning symbol, the CPU 112 turns on the auxiliary game flag in step S392 and performs normal symbol processing. Exit. If the stop symbol is not a winning symbol in step S391, the normal symbol processing is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.
If it is determined in step S382 that the normal symbol is changing, the process proceeds to step S389, and it is determined whether or not the normal symbol variation time has passed a predetermined variation time.

[Large winning prize processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the big prize opening process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S410, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON. If the CPU 112 determines that the jackpot game flag is ON, in step S411, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the game is being opened. . If it is determined in step S411 that the jackpot is being opened, it is next determined in step S412 whether or not the opening time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S412 that the opening time has elapsed, then in step S413, “0” is set to the value of the number of rounds R, and the number of rounds (number of Rs) / operation pattern is set.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a setting example of the number of rounds / actuation pattern. When the jackpot is per long, the number of rounds (R number) is 15R, and the operation pattern in 1R is released for 29.5 seconds × Set once. If the big hit is a short hit, the number of rounds (R number) is set to 15R, the operating pattern in 1R is set to 0.1 second open x 1 time, and if the big hit is a small hit, the short As in the case of winning, the number of rounds (R number) is set to 15R, and the operation pattern in 1R is set to 0.1 second opening × 1 time.

Next, in step S414, the CPU 112 sets “0” in the number counter C indicating the number of winnings per round to the big winning opening 16, and in the subsequent step S415, the value of the number R of rounds is set to “1”. Is added.
In step S416, after setting a round command, in step S417, the operation of the special winning opening 16 is started. That is, the special winning opening 16 is changed from the closed state to the open state.
Next, in step S418, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the operating time of the special winning opening 16 has passed a predetermined operating time, and if it is determined that the operating time has not passed the predetermined time, the CPU 112 continues. In step S419, it is determined whether or not the value of the number counter C has reached a specified number.

If it is determined in step S419 that the value of the number counter C is the specified number C, the operation of the big prize opening 16 is terminated in step S420. That is, the special winning opening 16 is changed from the open state to the closed state.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the number counter C has not reached the specified number, the big prize opening process is terminated.
In step S418, if the operation time of the special prize opening 16 has passed the predetermined operation time, the process of step S419 is skipped, and the number of the number counter C is not checked, and in step S420, The operation of the big prize opening 16 is finished.

Next, in step S421, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the jackpot round number is the maximum round number R. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit round is the final round.
If it is determined in step S421 that the big hit round is the final round, ending is started in step S422, and an ending command is set in step S423.
Next, in step S424, the CPU 112 sets the value of the number of rounds R to “0”. Thereafter, in step S425, it is determined whether or not the ending time has passed. If it is determined that the ending time has passed, a game state setting process described later is executed in subsequent step S426. Thereafter, in step S427, the big hit flag is turned OFF, and the big prize opening process is ended.

If it is determined in step S411 that the jackpot opening is not in progress, it is determined in step S428 whether or not ending is in progress. If it is determined that ending is in progress, the process proceeds to step S425 and ending is in progress. If it is determined that it is not, it is determined in step S429 whether or not the special winning opening is in operation.
If it is determined in step S429 that the special prize opening 16 is in operation, the process proceeds to step S418, and if it is determined that the special prize opening 16 is not in operation, the process proceeds to step S414.

  If it is determined in step S412 that the opening time has not elapsed, the special winning opening process is terminated. Similarly, if it is determined in step S419 that the value of the number counter C has not reached the specified number, if it is determined in step S421 that the big hit round is not the final round, or the ending time has not elapsed in step S425. In the case where it is determined that, the special winning opening process is also terminated.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a game state setting process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
First, in step S431, the CPU 112 determines whether or not it is a small hit, and when determining that it is a small hit, ends the gaming state setting process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S431 that it is not a small hit, then in step S432, it is determined whether or not it is a normal hit (per length with normal time or short per hour with normal time). In step S433, the time flag is set to ON, and in step S434, for example, “100” is set as the remaining game count J of the time-short game, and the game state setting process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S432 that the game is not a normal game, it is a big game that gives a high-probability game. Therefore, in step S435, the high-accuracy flag is turned ON. For example, “10000” is set in X.
Next, in step S437, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the hit is with a time reduction. If it is determined that the hit is with a time reduction, the CPU 112 turns on the time reduction flag in step S438 and at step S439. Then, for example, “10000” is set in the remaining game count J of the short-time game, and the gaming state setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S437 that the time is not short, the time flag is turned OFF in step S440, and the remaining game count J of the short game is reset in step S441, and the gaming state setting process is terminated. .

[Den Chu processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of electric chew processing executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In step S511, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON. If the CPU 112 determines that the auxiliary game flag is ON, then in step S512, whether the electric chew 14 is operating. Determine whether or not.
In step S512, if the electric chew 14 is not in operation, the operation pattern of the electric chew 14 is set according to the gaming state in step S513, and the operation of the electric chew 14 is started in step S514.

Next, in step S515, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the operation time of the electric chew 14 has passed a predetermined operation time. If it is determined that the operation time of the electric chew 14 has elapsed, in step S516. Then, the auxiliary game flag is turned off and the electric chew process is terminated.
Here, the operating time of the electric Chu 14 to be set is set to, for example, 0.15 second release × 1 when the hourly flag is OFF, and 1.80 second release × 3 when the hourly flag is ON. It is possible. If it is determined in step S512 that the electric chew 14 is operating, the process proceeds to step S515. If it is determined in step S511 that the auxiliary game flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S515 that the operation time of the electric chew 14 has not elapsed, the electric chew process is terminated.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above, the first special symbol display 21 or the second special symbol display 22 is arranged at the lower center of the image display device 11 while the special symbol fluctuation is stopped. When a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the electric chew 14, the game control board 111 performs lottery such as a big hit random number, a big hit symbol random number, a reach random number, etc. on the occasion of this incoming ball. When a game ball enters the first start port 13, the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 21 is variably displayed based on the lottery result.
When a game ball enters the electric chew 14, the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 22 is variably displayed based on the lottery result.
As a result of the lottery, when it is determined that the jackpot random number is won, the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 21 or the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 22 is stopped at a specific symbol. As a result, the hit game of any one of the long hits, short hits or small hits is executed.
During the big hit game, the player plays the game by aiming at the big prize opening 16 of the big prize device provided below the game board 10, that is, aiming at the big prize opening 16 in the open state. In this way, you can win a ball.

  After the jackpot game is over, based on the lottery result of the jackpot symbol random number, as the bonus game, any one of a normal time short game, a high probability short time game (probability change game), and a high probability short time game is given. As a bonus game, when a short-time game is given, the winning probability of a random number of normal symbols performed when the game ball is passed through the gate 15 of the game ball in the game control board 111 is higher than the normal game state, The opening time of the electric chew 14 becomes longer. In other words, since the winning rate of the electric chew 14 becomes higher than that in the normal gaming state, the player can play the game aiming at the electric chew 14, so that the game efficiency can be greatly increased as compared with the normal gaming state. In such a short time game, as described above, the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches a preset number of times (for example, 100 times for a normal short time game, 10,000 times for a high probability short time game), or a big hit again Will continue until you win.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball wins the electric Chu 14, the probability of winning per length with a high probability shortening is higher than when a game ball wins the first start port 13. Therefore, when a game ball is won in the electric Chu 14 by a bonus game, the player can have a higher expectation for the jackpot than when the game ball wins the first start port 13. There is.
In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 13 or the electric chew 14, normally, for example, about three payouts (prize balls) are performed. It is not always necessary to perform a prize ball accompanying a ball entry.

  Next, interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the effect control board of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described. Note that the processing described below can also be realized by the CPU 122 of the effect control board 121 executing a program stored in the ROM 123.

[Timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interruption processing executed by the CPU of the effect control board. Note that the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 18 can be realized by the CPU 122 of the effect control board 121 executing a program stored in the ROM 123.
In this case, the CPU 122 executes command reception processing (S610), event processing (S620), effect button processing (S630), command transmission processing (S640), and the like.

[Command reception processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of command reception processing executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the CPU 122 determines whether or not a hold number increase command is received in step S701. If it is determined that the hold number increase command is received in step S701, the CPU 122 stores it in the RAM 124 in step S702. The number of held balls is added and the number of held commands is set in the subsequent step S703.
Next, in step S704, the CPU 122 determines whether or not a variation start command has been received. If it is determined in step S704 that a variation start command has been received, an effect selection process is executed in the subsequent step S705. To do.
If it is determined in step S704 that the variation start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S706 without performing the effect selection process.

Next, in step S706, the CPU 122 determines whether or not a variation stop command has been received. If the CPU 122 determines in step S706 that a variation stop command has been received, in step S707, the variation effect end process is performed. Execute.
If it is determined in step S706 that the change stop command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S708 without executing the changing effect end process.

Next, in step S708, the CPU 122 determines whether or not an opening command has been received. If it is determined in step S708 that an opening command has been received, the CPU 122 executes a winning effect selection process in the subsequent step S709. .
If it is determined in step S708 that the opening command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S710 without performing the hit effect selection process.

  Next, in step S710, the CPU 122 determines whether or not an ending command for executing an ending effect selection process has been received. If it is determined in step S710 that an ending command has been received, the CPU 122 proceeds to step S711. Ending effect selection processing is executed. If it is determined in step S710 that the ending command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S712 without executing the ending effect selection process. In step S712, the customer waiting command reception process is performed to execute the command reception process. finish.

[Direction selection process]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the CPU 122 first analyzes the change start command in step S721, and subtracts the number of held balls stored in the RAM 124 in the subsequent step S722.
Next, in step S723, a variation effect pattern is selected based on the analysis result of the variation start command. In subsequent step S724, a variation effect start command is set, and the effect selection process is terminated.

[Processing during variation production]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the process during the end of the changing effect executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the CPU 122 analyzes the change stop command in step S741, performs various processes such as changing the mode flag based on the analysis result, and then sets the change effect end command in the next step S742. Then, the process during the end of the variation effect is terminated.

[Winning effect selection process]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the hit effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the CPU 122 analyzes the opening command in step S751, and performs a winning effect pattern selection process in the subsequent step S752. Thereafter, in step S753, an opening effect start command is set, and the winning effect selection process ends.

[Ending effect selection processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of an ending effect selection process executed by the CPU of the effect control board.
In this case, the CPU 122 analyzes the ending command in step S761, and performs ending effect pattern selection in the subsequent step S762. Thereafter, in step S763, an ending effect start command is set, and the ending effect selection process is terminated.
If comprised in this way, it will become possible to perform various effects according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1.

  By the way, the card unit 200 arranged on the side surface of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a startup time of 8 seconds to 10 seconds until it can communicate with the gaming machine 1 after power is supplied. This is longer than the start time of the gaming machine 1 (for example, 2 to 3 seconds). Therefore, when information is transmitted between the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 200 when the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 200 are activated (when the power is turned on), until the card unit 200 becomes communicable. The gaming machine 1 needs to be on standby. For this reason, when information is transmitted between the gaming machine 1 and the card unit 200 when the power is turned on, the startup time of the gaming machine 1 becomes longer than when information is not transmitted.

  Hereinafter, a game main process executed when the game control board of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is powered on will be described. Here, a case where information is transmitted to and from the card unit 200 when the power is turned on will be described as an example.

[Game main processing]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a game main process executed by the game control board of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment when the power is turned on. The main process described below is a process automatically executed by the CPU 112 of the game control board 111 based on a program stored in the ROM 113 when the power is turned on.

In this case, the CPU 112 first waits for, for example, 1000 ms in step S1001, and then permits access to the RAM 114 in subsequent step S1002.
Next, in step S1003, for example, the CPU 112 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 27 is ON continuously from when the power is turned on, and if the RAM clear switch 27 is ON after the power is turned on. If it is determined, in step S1004, RAM clear for forcibly erasing various game information held in the RAM 114 (for example, information indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine) is executed.

  Next, in step S1005, the CPU 112 sets a clear work area, and then in step S1006, sets a sub-board. The sub-boards are the effect control board 121, the image control board 131, the lamp control board 141, and the payout control board 151. The setting of the sub-board is performed by transmitting an initial setting command for instructing execution of the initial setting to each control board and a display image display command to be displayed on the image display device 11 at the time of initial setting. The processing of the sub board will be described later.

  Next, in step S1007, the CPU 112 waits for a predetermined time (for example, about 8 seconds to 10 seconds) until the card unit 200 is activated to exchange information with the card unit 200 that is an external device. In step S1008, the card unit 200 that is an external device is set. For the setting of the card unit 200, a manufacturer code for identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1, a model code for identifying the model of the gaming machine 1, a unique ID unique to the device, and the like are transmitted to the card unit 200. Is done.

In subsequent step S1009, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch 27 is turned on again. When the RAM clear switch 27 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S1016. Note that the processing in step S1009 is continued until the RAM clear switch 27 is turned on.
Thus, when clearing the RAM 114, if the operator is requested to operate the RAM clear switch 27 twice, for example, it becomes difficult for the suspicious person to clear the RAM 114 in order to perform some illegal game. There is an advantage that a game can be prevented.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1003 that the RAM clear switch is not ON, it is determined in step S1010 whether or not the backup flag is ON. If it is determined that the backup flag is ON, the following steps are performed. In step S1011, it is determined whether the checksum is normal.
If it is determined in step S1010 that the checksum is normal, recovery processing is executed in subsequent step S1012. In this recovery processing, for example, based on various backed up information (information regarding gaming state), recovery to the state before power-off is performed.
Next, in step S1013, the CPU 112 performs the above-described setting of the sub-board. In the subsequent step S1014, the CPU 112 waits for a predetermined time to exchange information with the card unit 200 that is an external device, and then proceeds to step S1015. Then, the card unit 200 which is an external device is set.

  If it is determined in step S1010 that the backup flag is not ON, or if it is determined in step S1011 that the checksum is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1004 to clear the RAM.

Next, in step S1016, the CPU 112 sets a cycle (for example, 4 ms) of a CTC (timer counter) built in the game control board 111. Note that the CPU 112 executes the above-described timer interrupt process using the period set here.
Next, in step S1017, the CPU 112 executes a power-off monitoring process for monitoring power-off. After executing the power-off monitoring process, the fluctuation pattern random number is updated in step S1018, and in the subsequent step S1019, interrupt prohibition setting for the timer interrupt process is performed.
Next, in step S1020, the CPU 112 updates the initial value random number. In subsequent step S1021, the CPU 112 sets an interrupt permission for the timer interrupt process, and proceeds to step S1017. Thereafter, the CPU 112 repeatedly executes the processing from step S1017 to step S1021.

[Power-off monitoring processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a power-off monitoring process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In this case, the CPU 112 prohibits interruption in step S1031, and determines whether or not the power is off in the subsequent step S1032.
If it is determined in step S1032 that the power has been turned off, in step S1033, a power-off process is executed, and the power-off monitoring process is terminated.
If it is determined in step S1032 that the power is not cut off, in step S1034, interrupt is permitted and the power cut monitoring process is terminated.

[Power-off processing]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of a power-off process executed by the CPU of the game control board.
In this case, the CPU 112 clears the output port of the game control board 111 in step S1041. In step S1042, a checksum is created from the contents of the RAM 114 when the power is turned off and stored in the RAM 114. This process is performed in a period from when it is detected that the power supply voltage starts to decrease due to the power supply to the game control board 111 being cut off until the power supply voltage becomes “0”.
Next, the CPU 112 turns on the backup flag in step S1043. Thereafter, in step S1044, access to the RAM 114 is prohibited and the power-off process is terminated.

By the way, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment as described above, when the RAM is cleared when the power is turned on, the RAM clear switch 27 is turned on after the power-on switch 182 is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 27. It is necessary to continue operation for a predetermined time.
However, in this case, the operation end timing of the RAM clear switch 27 is difficult to understand, and the RAM clear fails.

  In particular, since the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment transmits and receives information to and from the card unit 200 when the power is turned on, the gaming machine 1 has a predetermined time (for example, from 8 seconds to 8 seconds) until the card unit 200 is activated. It is necessary to wait about 10 seconds). For this reason, it takes a long time to shift to a state where it can be confirmed whether or not the worker has successfully cleared the RAM, and the working efficiency of the RAM clear is significantly deteriorated.

  In addition, when performing a RAM clear in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is necessary to operate the RAM clear switch 27 again after a predetermined time elapses until the card unit 200 is activated. Or, there is a risk that the operation may be re-performed due to a mistake.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a display screen as shown below is displayed on the image display device 11 when the power is turned on.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a RAM clear screen displayed on the image display device 11 when the power is turned on.
In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the power-on switch 182 is turned on and the power is turned on, the image display device 11 has an image check color bar screen 50 as shown in FIG. Is displayed. When a predetermined time elapses with the operator pressing the RAM clear switch 27 from when the power is turned on, a progress situation screen 51 as shown in FIG. 27B is displayed on the image display device 11. The predetermined time here may be a time required to continue operating the RAM clear switch 27 from the time of turning on the power in order to clear the RAM.

The progress status screen 51 is composed of a character display area 52 in which characters “Please finish the operation of the RAM clear switch” are displayed, and a progress bar display area 53 indicating the progress status of the process. When the progress bar displayed in the display area 53 of the progress situation screen 51 reaches 100% as shown in FIG. 27C, the image display device 11 has an initial state as shown in FIG. Switching to the display of the screen 54 is performed.
On this initial screen 54, characters “Preparing RAM clear” and “Please operate the RAM clear switch again” are displayed.
When configured in this way, the operator clears the RAM clear switch when the screen of the image display device 11 is switched from the color bar screen 50 shown in FIG. 27A to the progress situation screen 51 shown in FIG. Since it is understood that the operation of 27 can be ended, the operator can easily grasp the operation end timing of the RAM clear switch 27.

In the present embodiment, since the progress status is displayed on the progress status screen 51, even if the standby time becomes long because information is transmitted to and received from the card unit 200 when the power is turned on, the work is performed. It is possible to prevent the person from getting irritated or mistaken for a failure and redoing the work.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the operator is requested to operate the RAM clear switch 27 again on the initial screen 54 shown in FIG. 27D, the worker can easily operate the RAM clear switch 27 for the second time. And it can be accurately grasped.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a recovery screen displayed on the image display device when the power is turned on.
Also in this case, when the power-on switch 182 is turned on and the power is turned on, an image check color bar screen 50 as shown in FIG. Then, when a predetermined time elapses when the operator has not operated the RAM clear switch 27 since the power was turned on, or has been operated in the middle of the operation, the image display device 11 has the display shown in FIG. A progress situation screen 61 as shown in (b) is displayed.
The progress screen 61 is composed of a character display area 62 in which the characters “please wait!” Are displayed and a progress bar display area 63 showing the progress. In this case, the progress screen 61 The content of the characters displayed in the character display area 62 is different from the progress situation screen shown in FIG.
Then, when the progress bar displayed in the display area 63 of the progress status screen 61 reaches 100% as shown in FIG. 28C, the image display device 11 has an initial state as shown in FIG. The display is switched to the display of the screen 64.
On this initial screen 64, the characters “power recovery is in progress” are displayed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the progress status is displayed on the progress status screen 61 even during the recovery process, the standby time is required to transmit / receive information to / from the card unit 200 when the power is turned on. Even if it becomes longer, it is possible to prevent the worker from being frustrated or mistaken for a failure and re-doing the work.
When the screen of the image display device 11 is switched from the color bar screen 50 shown in FIG. 28A to the progress status screen 61 shown in FIG. Since the contents displayed in 62 can grasp that the process has shifted to the recovery process instead of the RAM clear process, if the operator makes a mistake in the RAM clear operation, the work can be quickly started again. The work efficiency of clearing can be improved.

Hereinafter, a process executed by the effect control board when the power is turned on in order to realize the display of the image display apparatus 11 as described above will be described.
[Direction main processing]
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the effect main process executed by the effect control board of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment when the power is turned on. The effect main process described below is a process automatically executed by the CPU 122 of the effect control board 121 based on a program stored in the ROM 123 when the power is turned on.

  In this case, the CPU 122 of the effect control board 121 first performs initial setting in step S1101. In subsequent step S1102, control for displaying the color bar screen 50 (see FIGS. 27A and 28A) on the image display device 11 is performed.

Next, in step S1103, the CPU 122 determines whether or not a display command from the game control board 111 has been received. When the display command is received, the CPU 122 displays a progress status screen based on the received display command in step S1104. Display processing to be executed. That is, processing for switching the color bar screen 50 to the progress status screens 51 and 61 is executed. As described above, when the display command is received from the game control board 111 and the color bar screen 50 is switched to the progress status screens 51 and 61, the RAM clear switch 27 is operated from the time of power-on to perform the RAM clear. The display screen can be switched after the time necessary for continuing.
Thereafter, in step S1105, the CPU 122 performs control to display an initial screen (see FIG. 27D and FIG. 28D) on the image display device 11.

  Next, the CPU 122 performs processing for setting the cycle of the RTC 125 in step S1106. In subsequent step S1107, random number update processing for updating various random numbers related to the effects of the gaming machine 1 is performed, and thereafter, the processing in step S1107 is repeated.

[Progress status display processing]
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a progress screen display process executed by the effect control board of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
In this case, the CPU 122 first displays a progress status screen corresponding to the display command from the game control board 111 in step S1111. That is, either the RAM clear progress status screen 51 (see FIG. 27B) or the recovery processing progress status screen 61 (see FIG. 28B) is displayed.
Next, in step S1112, the CPU 122 starts counting for displaying the progress status by the progress bar, and updates the display of the progress bar in accordance with the count value in the subsequent step 1113. In step S1114, the display of the progress bar is updated until it is determined that the count value has reached a predetermined value. The count value of the counter here is a value corresponding to a time corresponding to a predetermined time until the card unit 200 as an external device is activated (a predetermined time for the CPU 112 to wait in step S1007 or step S1014). Set it.
If the effect control board 121 executes such processing, the display of the image display device 11 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 can be realized.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment described so far, in order to prevent illegal RAM clearing, an example is given in which the RAM clear switch 27 is operated twice when performing RAM clearing. Although described, this is merely an example, and the operation of the RAM clear switch for performing the RAM clear may be performed once or three times or more.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the RAM is cleared, the case where the RAM clear switch 27 is continuously operated for a predetermined time from when the power is turned on is described as an example. However, the RAM clear switch is not necessarily required after the power is turned on. The RAM may be cleared even if the operation 27 is not continuously operated for a predetermined time.
Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the progress status screen using the progress bar has been described as an example, but it is merely an example, and the screen configuration may allow the worker to grasp the progress status. For example, there is no particular limitation.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 11 ... Image display apparatus, 27 ... RAM clear switch, 111 ... Game control board, 112 122 132 ... CPU, 113 123 133 ... ROM, 114 124 134 ... RAM, 121 ... Production control board

Claims (1)

Game information storage means for storing information about the game;
Operation means for erasing information stored in the game information storage means when operated at a predetermined timing;
Display means for displaying the work status;
Display control means for controlling the display means;
Control means for executing a startup process when the power is turned on,
The control means determines whether or not the operation means is operated continuously from power-on in the start-up process, and determines that the operation means is operated continuously from the power-on Executes the erasure process of the game information stored in the game information storage means, and executes the activation process when the operation means is operated again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the erasure process of the game information. Continue,
The display control means executes control for displaying a first display screen on the display means when the power is turned on, and when the control means determines that the operation means is operated continuously after the power is turned on. Performs a control to switch the display of the display means from the first display screen to the second display screen.

Images