JP5811160B2 - 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. The pachinko machines, for example, firing the game region game balls by the firing device performs whether spruce lottery game ball to the predetermined starting ball entrance means provided in the game area to generate an equivalent or state when ball entrance , the identification information in the accompanying display device which displays variations, the the identification information is displayed stopped at a particular manner based on the lottery result of the spruce lottery, favorable person or condition occurs to the player, the player it becomes possible to earn a lot of game value. Here, the display device and the like are generally controlled by the sub-control device based on a command from the main control device.

In recent years, after the completion of a particular person or state, the gaming machine equivalent or winning probability impart high possibility mode be increased as compared to the normal mode is also seen numerous (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, since the main control devices and the like have a backup function in recent gaming machines, even when the power is cut off due to a power failure etc., various data including the game mode at that time can be stored and retained, Even if the power is cut off during the high probability mode, the player can resume the game in the high probability mode when the power is restored.

JP 2004-000736 A

Here, it is desired to construct a command system suitable for a gaming machine provided with main control means and sub-control means.

Note that this is not limited to pachinko machines, and the same applies to other gaming machines such as slot machines.

The present invention has been made for such exemplified above circumstances, an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine which can build their suitable command system.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the present invention provides:
A main control means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to a player at a predetermined opportunity, and generating the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the lottery;
Based on the command received from the main control unit, a gaming machine and a sub-control means for performing predetermined control,
The main control means includes
As a game mode after completion of the special game state, at least a first mode and a second mode and a configurable mode setting means for the winning probability was higher than winning probability in the first mode in the spruce lottery ,
Mode determining means for determining the type of game mode after the end of the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the winning / losing lottery;
And command output means for transmitting the selected commands from the plurality of types based on the lottery result of the spruce lottery to said sub-control means,
If the power supply to the gaming machine is interrupted, and information capable of storing backup storage means according to the game mode being set at that time,
And return means for returning to the game mode before power-off based on the information stored in the backup storage means at the time of power restoration,
The stored contents of the backup storage means and an initializable initialization means,
At least a specific command among commands selected based on the lottery result of the success / failure lottery includes mode information capable of determining the game mode being set when the command is selected,
The sub-control means includes
Mode information storage means capable of storing the mode information;
When receiving said specific command from the previous SL main control unit, a mode comparing means for comparing the mode information contained in the specific command, and said mode information mode information stored in the storage unit in advance,
When both mode information is compared by the mode comparing means are different, and that a notification control means for performing by switching the representation embodiment of definitive a notification to that effect to the predetermined effect means its gist.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, there is an excellent effect that a suitable command system can be constructed .

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 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 NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a jackpot determination process. (A) is a flowchart which shows a 2nd mode determination process, (b) is a flowchart which shows a 1st mode determination process. It is a flowchart which shows reach determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a through gate passage 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 a counter. It is a flowchart which shows a command determination process. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation display aspect of the symbol in the display part of a decoration symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a command. It is a flowchart which shows a mode switching setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation display setting process in another embodiment.

As described above, there is a pachinko machine as a kind of gaming machine. In a pachinko machine, for example, a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and if a game ball enters a predetermined starting entrance means provided in the game area, whether or not to generate a big hit state is determined, Along with this, the identification information is variably displayed on the special display device, and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner based on the lottery result of the success / failure lottery, a big hit state advantageous to the player occurs, and there are many players. It becomes possible to acquire the game value (prize ball).

In recent years, after the end of a specific jackpot state, there are many gaming machines that provide a high probability mode (so-called probability variation mode) in which the jackpot winning probability is increased compared to the normal mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, since the main control devices and the like have a backup function in recent gaming machines, even when the power is cut off due to a power failure etc., various data including the game mode at that time can be stored and retained, Even if the power is cut off during the high probability mode, the player can resume the game in the high probability mode when the power is restored.

However, when the above backup function is used, an act of setting the gaming machine in the high probability mode from the start of business in the game hall, or the so-called “morning”, becomes possible. Such an action is performed in order to increase the ability to attract customers at the start of business as a game hall, but there is a risk of mischievous player gambling. Various methods are conceivable as the setting method of the above action. As an example, there is a method in which the gaming machine whose game mode is the high probability mode at the end of the previous day is not initialized and reset.

In a general gaming machine, when a presentation is performed by a display presentation means such as a liquid crystal display device, the player can change the display mode (for example, background color) between the normal mode and the high probability mode. It makes it easy to grasp the current game mode.

In general, a sub-control device that controls a liquid crystal display device or the like does not have a backup function, and therefore, when the power is turned off, control related to the default game mode is performed.

Therefore, if this is used, the display mode of the liquid crystal display device can be set to the normal mode regardless of the actual game mode set by the main control device even in the high probability mode. In such a case, the current game mode cannot be easily determined by looking at the liquid crystal display device or the like at a glance, so that it is substantially difficult to confirm this action by a predetermined survey or the like.

Such a problem is not limited to pachinko machines, but is inherent in other gaming machines such as slot machines.

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 suppressing a game mode setting action and the like.

  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. In addition, an effect button 125 with a built-in LED is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15, and by pressing the effect button 125, a corresponding effect is performed on a decorative symbol display device 42 described later. Or the production content is changed.

  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 the game balls and guides them toward a game ball launching device (hereinafter simply referred to as launching device) 60 as launching means, which will be described later, while being aligned in a row. When the upper plate 19 is full of game balls, the game balls to be paid out are guided to the lower plate 15 via the lower plate communication passage 71 and the discharge port 16 described later.

  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.

  Further, the upper plate 19 is provided with a ball removal button 123. When the ball removal button 123 is pressed, a communication hole (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the ball guide path of the upper plate 19 and communicating with the lower plate 15 is opened and stored in the upper plate 19. The game ball is guided (dropped) to the lower plate 15. That is, the player can move the game ball on the upper plate 19 to the lower plate 15 at any time by operating the ball removal button 123.

  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, a frame lamp 102 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided on the periphery of the window 101. Further, on both sides of the frame lamp 102, there are provided error display lamps 104 that are turned on when a predetermined error occurs. Note that a number of fine through holes corresponding to the speaker SP (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14 are formed in the frame lamp 102 above the error display lamps 104.

  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 for guiding the launch device 60 and the game ball immediately after being launched from the launch device 60. 61 is attached. In the present embodiment, a solenoid-type firing device is employed as the firing device 60. In addition, above the launching device 60, a ball feeding device that guides the game balls guided from the upper plate 19 one by one to the launching position of the launching device 60 by driving a built-in driving means (for example, a solenoid). 63 is provided.

  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 starting winning unit (starting port) 33, a through gate 34, a variable display device unit 35, a first special display device 43L, a second special display device 43R, and the like. It is disposed in a through hole formed by router processing, and is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with a wood screw 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, the start winning unit 33, etc., it is detected by various detection switches, and is sent to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. For example, when there is a ball entering the start winning unit 33, there are three balls when there is a ball entering the general winning slot 31, and when there is a ball entering the variable winning device 32. Fifteen game balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (lower 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 start winning unit 33 is provided at both sides of the upper winning opening 33a (first starting entering means) and the lower winning opening 33b (second starting entering means) as starting start means and the lower winning opening 33b. A pair of opening / closing members 33c for opening and closing is provided. The upper winning opening 33a allows a game ball to always enter, while the lower winning opening 33b is a game that flows down the gaming area by the opening / closing member 33c opening and closing in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined condition. The state can be changed between an open state in which a ball can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter. As will be described in detail later, the start winning unit 33 is a first start winning switch serving as a condition establishment detecting means (ball entering detecting means) for detecting the game balls that have entered the upper winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b. 224a, a second start winning switch 224b, and when a game ball is detected by the start winning switch 224a, 224b, whether or not to generate a big hit state is determined, and a special display device 43L and 43R (and a decorative symbol display device 42 described later) are configured to perform variable display. And, when winning in the winning / losing lottery, a big win state (special game state) is given.

  In the present embodiment, the jackpot types include “16R probability variation jackpot”, “16R normal variation jackpot”, “2R probability variation jackpot”, and “2R latent probability variation jackpot”. In the jackpot state of “16R probability variable jackpot” and “16R normal jackpot”, the variable winning device 32 is opened for 30 seconds, or eight game balls win the variable winning device 32 as one round, This is repeated 16 times. On the other hand, in the jackpot state of “2R probability variation jackpot” and “2R latent probability variation jackpot”, the variable winning device 32 is opened for 0.4 seconds, or eight game balls win the variable winning device 32. This is repeated twice with one round. That is, the big hit state of “16R probability variable jackpot” and “16R normal jackpot” can expect a large increase in game balls, but the big hit state of “2R probability variable jackpot” and “2R latent probability big jackpot” is in the jackpot state. Thus, the number of game balls that can be acquired is extremely small (the increase of game balls cannot be almost expected). Instead of the above configuration, the configuration of one round in the jackpot state of “2R probability variation jackpot” and “2R latent probability variation jackpot” is changed to the configuration of one round in the jackpot state of “16R probability variation jackpot” and “16R normal jackpot” The same configuration may be used. That is, the variable winning device 32 may be opened for 30 seconds, or eight game balls may be won in the variable winning device 32 as one round.

  Further, when “16R probability variation jackpot”, “2R probability variation jackpot”, or “2R latent probability variation jackpot” occurs, a high probability state (high probability mode as a specific mode) is given after the jackpot state ends. However, when “2R latent probability variation jackpot” occurs, the player is in a state where it is difficult for the player to recognize the state in which the high probability mode is given, that is, the latent state (latency probability variation mode). On the other hand, when “16R normal jackpot” occurs, a low probability state (low probability mode such as a time reduction mode or a normal mode) is given after the jackpot state ends.

  In addition, although mentioned later in detail, in this embodiment, when the game ball enters the top winning opening 33a and the case where it wins the bottom winning opening 33b, it is a big hit that is awarded when winning in the winning lottery The distribution of types is different. If the winning lottery is triggered by the game ball entering the top winning opening 33a, any one of “16R probability variation jackpot”, “16R normal variation jackpot”, “2R probability variation jackpot” or “2R latency probability variation jackpot” When the winning lottery with the game ball entering the lower winning prize opening 33b is won, the game is distributed to either “16R probability variable big hit” or “16R normal big hit”.

  The first and second special display devices 43 </ b> L and 43 </ b> R are configured by 7-segment display devices and are installed on the right side of the variable winning device 32. Then, when the game ball enters the top winning port 33a of the start winning unit 33, the first special display device 43L performs switching display (variable display), and the game ball enters the lower winning port 33b. As a trigger, switching display (variation display) is performed on the second special display device 43R. The display contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are directly controlled by a main control device 261 described later.

  In addition, after the variable display is performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, whether or not a big hit is determined is displayed depending on the display mode (for example, characters) when the variable display is stopped. The For example, when a game ball wins in the top winning opening 33a, “-” → “7” → “3” → “2” → “1” → “−” → ... on the corresponding first special display device 43L.・ Switching display (variation display) is performed at high speed (for example, every 4 msec), and when a predetermined time has elapsed, one of the display modes is stopped (for example, stopped for several seconds). Then, when the big hit lottery is won, any one of “7”, “3”, “2”, and “1” is displayed when the fluctuation is stopped, and a big win state is generated. However, as will be described later, when the game ball wins the lower winning opening 33b, “2R probability variation jackpot” and “2R latent probability variation jackpot” do not occur, so that “2”, “ “1” is not determined and displayed.

  Specifically, when “16R probability big hit” is given, “7” is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and when “16R normal big hit” is given, When “3” is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and “2R probability variation big hit” is given, “2” is stopped and displayed on the first special display device 43L, and “2R latency” When “probable big hit” is given, “1” is stopped and displayed on the first special display device 43L.

  In addition, when either the first special display device 43L or the second special display device 43R is performing variable display or determination display, the other is turned off ("-" is displayed). However, if neither the change display nor the determination display is performed in either case, “-” is displayed in both cases.

  In addition, when a game ball newly wins the start winning unit 33 during the variation display of the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, the corresponding variation display is performed at that time. It is the structure performed after the end of. 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 the present embodiment, it corresponds to the game ball won in the top winning port 33a and the game ball won in the lower winning port 33b. Then, the variation display up to four times (total eight variation display) is put on hold. In addition, the number of times of holding is lit and displayed by the first holding lamp 46a and the second holding lamp 46b. If a new game ball wins the start winning unit 33 during the big hit state, the corresponding change display is also suspended.

  Basically, the variable display triggered by winning in the top winning opening 33a is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls have entered the top winning opening 33a and is digested in the order in which they entered, and the bottom winning opening 33b. The change display triggered by winning a prize is stored in the order in which the corresponding game balls have entered the lower winning opening 33b and digested in the order in which they entered. However, when both the variable display triggered by winning in the upper winning opening 33a and the variable display triggered by entering the lower winning opening 33b are held (the first holding lamp 46a and the second holding hold) In the case where one or more lamps 46b are lit), the variable display triggered by the entry into the lower prize opening 33b is preferentially digested. In other words, unless all the variable displays triggered by winning in the lower winning opening 33b are digested, the variable display triggered by entering the upper winning opening 33a is not performed. For example, in the state where one first holding lamp 46a is lit, when a game ball enters the lower winning opening 33b and one second holding lamp 46b lights, the player enters the upper winning opening 33a. The change display that is triggered is postponed, and the change display that is triggered by the ball entering the lower prize opening 33b is performed first. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the fluctuation display triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a is also referred to as “first fluctuation display”, and the fluctuation display triggered by entering the lower winning opening 33b is referred to as “second fluctuation display”. Is also referred to.

  Further, the through gate 34 is configured such that game balls flowing down the game area can pass one by one. As will be described in detail later, the through gate 34 includes a through gate switch 225 that can detect a game ball passing through the through gate 34. When the game ball is detected by the through gate switch 225, the through gate 34 is started. An open lottery for determining whether or not the winning unit 33 is in an open state is performed, and variable display is performed on the normal symbol display device 41. When the winning lottery is won, the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is opened for a specified time.

  The variable display device unit 35 includes a normal symbol display device 41 that variably displays triggered by the passage of the through gate 34, and a decorative symbol display device that variably displays in accordance with the variable display by the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. 42 is provided. Further, the variable display device unit 35 indicates a variation indicating whether the variation display performed on the decorative symbol display device 42 corresponds to which of the top winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b. A lamp 40, the first holding lamp 46a and the second holding lamp 46b, and a holding lamp 44 are provided.

  The normal symbol display device 41 is configured so that “○” or “×” can be lit as a normal symbol. For example, each time a game ball passes through the through gate 34, the normal symbol is displayed as “O” → “×” → “○” →... Is displayed at high speed (change display). Then, when the change display is stopped for several seconds with the “◯” symbol (winning symbol), the start winning unit 33 is opened 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 a game ball newly passes through the through gate 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 at that time. It has become. 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 decorative symbol display device 42 constituting the rendering means in the present embodiment is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a sub control device 262 and a display control device 45 as sub control means described later. That is, in the decorative symbol display device 42, the sub-control is performed based on the command from the main control device 261 as the main control means so as to correspond to the results displayed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R. The auxiliary display content is determined by the device 262, and the display is performed by the display control device 45 described later.

  The decorative symbol display device 42 is provided with, for example, three symbol display areas, upper, middle, and lower, and a plurality of types of symbols (numerals) are sequentially displayed (variably displayed) in each symbol display area. The symbols are stopped and displayed in order for each display region (for example, in the order of the upper symbol display region → the lower symbol display region → the middle symbol display region). For example, when “16R probability variation jackpot” or “16R normal jackpot” is confirmed in the main controller 261, a display corresponding to the jackpot is made on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R, and the decorative symbol display device At 42, the symbol is stopped and displayed in a combination corresponding to the jackpot (for example, the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area are the same), and the jackpot state is started. The In the case of “2R probability variation jackpot” or “2R latent probability variation jackpot”, the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 does not correspond to the jackpot as will be described later.

  Further, when symbols are stopped and displayed in combinations corresponding to jackpots, the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area, for example, as a preceding stage. In this way, the state where the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area and the variable display is still being performed in the middle symbol display area is the reach state.

  If the big hit state does not occur even if the reach state occurs, the symbols different from the symbols stopped and displayed in the upper symbol display area and the lower symbol display area are stopped and displayed in the middle symbol display area. Further, in the case of “16R probability variation jackpot” or “16R normal jackpot”, the numbers of the flat eyes are stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 as described above, but “2R probability variation jackpot” is obtained. In this case, a predetermined combination of numbers (hereinafter referred to as a chance symbol) is stopped and displayed instead of a doublet. For example, “3”, “4”, and “1” are stopped and displayed in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas. In the case of “2R latent probability variation big hit”, the stop display is made with a combination of random outsets on the surface as in the case of outage rather than a predetermined combination of specific numbers. Of course, in the case of “2R latent probability variation jackpot”, it is not a combination of random deviations, for example, “2”, “8”, “5” are stopped and displayed in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas, etc. Alternatively, a predetermined combination of specific numbers may be stopped and displayed.

  In addition, the variation specifying lamp 40 includes a blue light emitting LED and a red light emitting LED, and the decorative symbol display device 42 displays a variation display triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a. When the display is changed, the light is emitted in blue, and when the variable display is triggered by the entry into the lower prize opening 33b, the light is emitted in red.

  The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the decorative symbol display device 42. A ball entrance 151 is provided in the upper portion of the center frame 47, and a game ball that has entered the ball entrance 151 is formed inside the center frame 47 along the side of the decorative symbol display device 42. It is guided on a stage 153 formed below the decorative symbol display device 42 via a warp channel 152 extending vertically. The game ball guided on the stage 153 falls from the stage 153 to the front game area, or rolls on the stage 153 and then enters the pocket 154 formed at the center back side of the stage 153. . The pocket 154 communicates with a guide passage 155 that leads to a game area directly above the start winning unit 33 (upward winning opening 33a), and a game ball that has entered the pocket 154 has a relatively high probability. The start winning unit 33 (upward winning opening 33a) is entered.

  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).

  The game board 30 includes an inner rail component 51 and an outer rail component 52, and a rail 50 that guides a game ball launched from the launch device 60 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, since the game ball launched by the launching device 60 may flow backward through the rail 50 until it passes through the return ball prevention member 53, the parallel portions of the inner and outer rail constituting portions 51 and 52 are excluded from the game area. It is burned.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a ball passage unit 70 is provided on the back side of the front frame set 14 below the window portion 101. The ball passage unit 70 includes a lower plate communication passage 71 connected from a payout mechanism portion 352 described later to the discharge port 16 of the lower plate 15, and an upper plate communication passage 73 connected from the payout mechanism portion 352 to the upper plate 19. In addition, there is a gap of a predetermined interval between the launch rail 61 provided on the inner frame 12 and the rail unit 50 (outer rail constituting portion 52), and the ball path unit 70 receives a game ball dropped from the gap. A foul ball passage 72 for guiding to the lower plate 15 is formed. Thereby, if the game ball launched from the launching device 60 does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the rail 50 as a foul ball, the foul ball is returned 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, and an upper plate communication passage 73 (upper plate 19). And a passage leading to the lower plate communication passage 71 (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 inlet side rear end of the lower plate communication path 71. In addition, the inlets (sphere inflow portions) of the lower plate communication passage 71 and the upper plate communication passage 73 are adjacent to each other, and in the closed state of the front frame set 14, the inlets and the discharge passage 67 are separated by a predetermined distance. A game ball can pass through the gap between the two. For this reason, when the upper plate 19 and the upper plate communication passage 73 are filled with game balls, the game balls to be dispensed flow to the lower plate communication passage 71 side (overflow to the inlet side of the lower plate communication passage 71), and the lower plate connection It will be paid out to the lower plate 15 through the passage 71.

  In addition, the ball path unit 70 is provided with a full detection switch (not shown) that detects a game ball located in the lower dish communication path 71. Due to the presence of the full detection switch, it is grasped that the lower plate 15 is full of game balls (the lower plate 15 is full of game balls and the game balls are retained in the lower plate communication path 71). be able to. In the present embodiment, based on the fact that the game ball is continuously detected for a predetermined time by the full detection switch, the control of prohibiting the launching device 60 from being launched is performed. When the game ball stays in the lower tray communication path 71 and the game ball is not detected by the full detection switch (when it is not detected continuously for a predetermined time), the launching device 60 is allowed to be launched.

  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 start winning 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 box 263 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. In addition, the start winning unit 33 includes a first start winning switch 224a (first condition establishment detecting means) and a second start winning switch 224b (second condition establishment detection) corresponding to the upper winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b, respectively. Means). Further, a through gate switch 225 is provided at a position corresponding to the through gate 34.

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

  On the other hand, the start winning switches 224a and 224b that detect a ball entering the starting winning unit 33 (upper winning port 33a or lower winning port 33b) are directly connected to the main controller 261 via the connector cable without passing through the relay board. It is connected.

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 through gate switch 225).
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 by the variable winning apparatus 32, and the start winning unit 33 has a pair of opening / closing members 33c. A winning opening solenoid that opens and closes 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 payout mechanism portion 352 for a game ball 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 of the substrate box 263 (the left portion in FIG. 5). 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 box 263), there is provided a lower frame set 251 that is pivotally supported at 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-rear direction. 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 the normal procedure (for example, at the end of the game hall), the state before the power is turned off is stored. .

  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 60). 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) 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 ROM 502 stores various commands such as a variation pattern command to be transmitted to the sub-control device 262 in a table configuration, and constitutes a variation pattern command storage unit in the present embodiment.

  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. The RAM 503 constitutes backup storage means in the present embodiment.

  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 the main process. Conversely, the return of each value written to the backup area 503a is the main process at the time of power-on (including power-on due to power failure cancellation, and so on). Executed in 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) 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, first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, a normal symbol display device 41, and the like are connected to the input / output port 505. With this configuration, the special display devices 43L and 43R 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 various detection switches such as a prize opening switch 221, a count switch 223, start winning prize unit switches 224a and 224b, a through gate switch 225, 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, the effect button 125, various illumination units, and the 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 (for example, a variation pattern command) transmitted from the main control device 261 and causes the decoration symbol display device 42 to display the display control device. As described above, in the present embodiment, the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R controlled by the main control device 261 display whether or not the big hit, and the sub control device 262 In the decorative symbol display device 42 to be controlled, display in accordance with the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R 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, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area 513a is executed in the main process when the power is turned on. 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; 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 returning to the front, and turned off when the command received by the command determination process is determined.

  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 60, and the launch device 60 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 60 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, analyzes the received command, or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received command to control the VDP 526. (Specifically, generation of an internal command for the 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, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. 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 a power failure and execute a power failure process (NMI interrupt processing).

  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 provided in the main control device 261 performs lottery using various counter information in the game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a jackpot random number counter C1 as a hit random number generating means used for jackpot lottery (whether or not lottery) whether or not to generate a jackpot state, and a type used for determining the jackpot type A jackpot type determination counter C2 as a random number generation means, a variation selection counter C3 used for determining whether or not the reach state is generated in the decorative symbol display device 42, and an initial value used for setting an initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1 Rotting (starting) the random number counter CINI, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 used for determining the variation display time of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R (decorative symbol display device 42), and the normal symbol display device 41 A normal symbol random number counter C4 used for an open lottery for determining whether or not to open / close the opening / closing member 33c of the winning unit 33). It is set to be there. Note that the variation selection counter C3 is also used for 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 of the decorative symbol display device 42. Specifically, the variation time of the special display devices 43L and 43R is determined based on the determined variation pattern, and the variation mode and variation time in the decorative symbol display device 42, that is, the variation pattern 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 stores a special variable reservation area as a storage area for storing the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the variation selection counter C3, and the normal symbol random number counter C4. A variable holding area is provided. The normal variation holding area includes one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to holding fourth areas).

  The special variable reserved area includes a first special variable reserved area and a second special variable storage area each having four reserved areas (first to fourth reserved areas), and one execution area. In each holding area of the first special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the top winning opening 33a. Stored. In each holding area of the second special variable holding area, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2, and the fluctuation selection counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the lower winning opening 33b. Stored. In each holding area of the normal variation holding 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 through gate 34. By adopting this configuration, the variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the normal symbol display device 41 can be suspended up to four times as described above.

  In detail, each jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 599, for example, and after reaching an upper limit value (ie, 599) 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 599), 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 big hit random number counter C1 stored in the big hit random number counter buffer at the timing when the game ball wins the upper winning hole 33a or the lower winning hole 33b of the start winning unit 33 is changed to the first special variable holding area or the first 2 Stored in the special variable holding area. There are two types of random numbers that are big hits: low probability state (low probability mode such as normal mode and time reduction mode) and high probability state (high probability mode such as probability variation mode and latent probability variation mode). In this embodiment, the number of random number values that are jackpots in the low probability state is two, the values are “7, 307”, and the number of random number values that are jackpots in the high probability state. Is 20, and the values are “7 to 16, 307 to 316”. That is, in the low probability state, the winning lottery is won with a probability of 1/300 (a jackpot state occurs), and in the high probability state, the winning lottery is won with a probability of 1/30. In the present embodiment, the ROM 502 is provided with a success / failure determination table as a winning value storage means that is referred to when determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 corresponds to the jackpot. In the present embodiment, there are two success / failure determination tables, and there are a first success / failure determination table storing “7, 307” and a second success / failure determination table storing “8-16, 308-316”.

  Here, various game modes will be described. In the present embodiment, the game mode (game state) is switched between “normal mode”, “probability change mode”, “latent probability change mode”, and “time reduction mode”.

  “Normal mode” refers to a normal state that is not “probability change mode”, “latent probability change mode”, and “time reduction mode”. Therefore, in the “normal mode”, the jackpot probability (winning probability in the jackpot state) is a normal low probability (for example, 1/300). That is, the “normal mode” of the present embodiment is a low probability mode to which a time shortening state and a high pitching state described later are not added.

  “Probability change mode” means that “7” is stopped and displayed on the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (the probability change symbol is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42) and “16R probability change big hit”. Or “2” is stopped and displayed on the first special display device 43L (the chance symbol is stopped and displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42), and “2R probability variation big hit” is obtained. A state where the jackpot probability is higher than that in the “normal mode” (for example, 1/30). The “probability change mode” continues until the next jackpot state occurs.

  Furthermore, in the “probability change mode” of the present embodiment, not only the jackpot probability is increased, but also the time display state in which the variable display time in the special display devices 43L and 43R is short is reduced. In addition, as compared with the “normal mode”, the opening time of the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) per winning is longer and the number of opening is increased. As a result, the time period during which the start winning unit 33 is in the open state is lengthened, so that a high winning state in which game balls frequently enter the starting winning unit 33 (the lower winning opening 33b) becomes a big hit lottery. Will be done continuously and will be in good condition. That is, the “probability change mode” of the present embodiment is a high probability mode to which a time reduction state and a high pitching state are added.

  In “probability change mode”, the fluctuation time in the normal symbol display device 41 is shortened, or the probability that the “○” symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display device 41 (winning probability of the open lottery) is set to “normal mode”. It is good also as making it high and making it into a high pitched state.

  “Hidden probability change mode” means that “1R” is stopped and displayed on the first special display device 43L, so that “2R latent probability change big hit” is obtained, and the jackpot probability after the big hit ends is similar to the above “probability change mode”. This means a state (for example, 1/30) that is higher than that in the “normal mode”. It should be noted that the “latency probability change mode” is continued until the next jackpot state is generated, similarly to the “probability change mode”.

  However, in the “latency probability changing mode”, the jackpot probability is merely increased, and the others are not different from those in the “normal mode” on the surface. In other words, unlike the “probability change mode”, the game display ball is frequently entered into the start winning unit 33 (the lower winning opening 33b) instead of being in a time shortening state in which the variable display time in the special display devices 43L and 43R is short. It will not be a high pitched state where the ball is sphered. That is, the “latency probability variation mode” of the present embodiment is a high probability mode in which the time reduction state and the high pitching state are not added.

  In the “time reduction mode”, the first or second special display device 43L, 43R is stopped and displayed with “3” (the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped and displayed with a normal symbol other than a predetermined probability variation symbol). This is a game mode set over a total of 100 variable displays performed on the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R after the jackpot state ends. The “time reduction mode” has the same low probability as the jackpot probability in the “normal mode”, and the ratio of the open state to the closed state per unit time in the start winning unit 33 is higher than the ratio in the “normal mode”. It is a game mode. That is, except for the difference in the jackpot probability (winning probability in the jackpot state), the state is the same as the “probability change mode”. That is, the “time reduction mode” of the present embodiment is a low probability mode to which a time reduction state and a high pitching state are added. In the “time reduction mode”, even if a big hit state does not occur, after the variable display is performed 100 times in total on the special display devices 43L and 43R, the mode shifts to the “normal mode”.

  The jackpot type determination counter C2 is configured such that, for example, one by one is added in order within a range of 0 to 19, for example, and after reaching the upper limit value (that is, 19), it returns to the lower limit value of 0. In the present embodiment, the jackpot type determination counter C2 determines which of the jackpot types, that is, “16R probability variation jackpot”, “16R normal variation jackpot”, “2R probability variation jackpot”, or “2R latent probability variation jackpot” is assigned. It is like that.

  The ROM 502 is provided with a jackpot type determination table as a jackpot type determination value storage means that is referred to when determining which jackpot the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 corresponds to. Further, as described above, in this embodiment, the distribution of the jackpot type differs depending on whether the game ball has won the top winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b. That is, in this embodiment, there are two jackpot type determination tables, and the first jackpot type determination table that is considered when a game ball wins the top winning opening 33a and the game ball wins the top winning opening 33a. There is a second jackpot type determination table that is considered in some cases.

  Specifically, when the game ball wins the top winning opening 33a, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is “0 to 5”, the grant of “16R probability variation jackpot” is determined, and “6, 7” If there is, “2R probability variation jackpot” is determined. If “8-11”, “2R latent probability variation jackpot” is determined. If “12-19”, “16R normal jackpot” is determined. Is done. In other words, if the winning lottery with the winning of the top winning opening 33a is won, it becomes “16R probability variation big hit” with a probability of 30% and “2R probability variation big hit” with a probability of 10%, and a probability of 20%. Becomes “2R latent probability variation jackpot”, with a probability of 40% “16R normal jackpot”.

  On the other hand, when the game ball wins the lower winning opening 33b, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is “0 to 11”, the grant of “16R probability variation jackpot” is determined, and if it is “12 to 19”, “ Grant of “16R normal jackpot” is determined. That is, when the winning lottery with the winning of the lower winning opening 33b is won, it becomes “16R probability variation big hit” with a probability of 60% and “16R normal big hit” with a probability of 40%. As described above, when the game ball wins the lower winning opening 33b, “2R probability variation jackpot” and “2R latent probability variation jackpot” do not occur.

  The jackpot type determination counter C2 is periodically updated (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is stored in the jackpot type determination counter buffer. The value of the big hit type determination counter C2 stored in the big win type determination counter buffer at the timing when the game ball wins the top winning port 33a or the lower winning port 33b of the start winning unit 33 is changed to a special variable holding area ( Stored in the first special fluctuation holding area or the second special fluctuation holding 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. It is decided to draw “Reach other than front / rear detachment” where the symbol stops other than before and after the reach symbol, and “Complete detachment” where no reach occurs. In the present embodiment, the reach determination table referred to when determining whether or not the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 is a value corresponding to the occurrence of the reach state and which reach corresponds to the ROM 502. Is provided. In the reach determination table, a value of “0 to 238” is stored, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to the reach out of front and back, C3 = 2 to 21 corresponds to the reach other than back and forth, and C3 = 22 to 238 is complete. It has a configuration that corresponds to a detachment. A variation pattern storage unit is configured by the reach determination table 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 stored in the special variation holding area (first area) of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball is won in the upper winning opening 33a or the lower winning opening 33b of the start winning unit 33. Stored in the special fluctuation holding area or the second special fluctuation holding 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 “16R probability variation big hit” or “16R normal big hit” occurs, any one of normal reach, super reach, and premium reach is selected, and “front and back outreach” occurs. Is selected from the normal reach and the super reach, and when the “reach other than front / rear out” occurs, the 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 9, for example, and returns to the upper limit value (that is, after reaching 9 and to the lower limit value of 0). The random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right through gate 34. The number of random number values to be won is six and the range is “3 to 8.” When the value of the normal symbol random number counter C4 to be won is acquired, the normal symbol display device 41 displays a variable display. Is performed for a predetermined time, the symbol corresponding to the winning (“◯” in this example) is stopped and displayed, and the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is in the open state for a predetermined time.

  In the present embodiment, the probability that the symbol corresponding to the winning is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 41, that is, the winning probability of the open lottery for determining whether or not the start winning unit 33 is in the open state is in any mode. But it is common. However, as described above, in the case of the “probability change mode” and the “time reduction mode”, the change time of the change display performed in the normal symbol display device 41 is in the case of the “normal mode” and the “latency probability change mode”. It is shortened in comparison. Of course, as described above, the winning probability of the open lottery may be changed according to the game mode.

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

  In FIG. 11, first, in step S301, reading processing of various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information (winning 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 (599 in this example).

  In step S303, random number update processing is executed. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type 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 maximized (in this embodiment, 599, 19 respectively). , 238, 9) are 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 start winning unit 33 is executed. In step S305, a through gate passing process accompanying passing of the game ball to the through gate 34 is executed. Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is temporarily terminated.

  Here, the start winning process in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The execution area of the special variable holding area and each holding area include a jackpot random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a jackpot type random number storage area for storing the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2, and a variation selection counter C3. A reach random number storage area is provided for storing the values. In the present embodiment, the jackpot random number storage area stores the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 using 2 bytes. The jackpot type random number storage area and the reach random number storage area each use 1 byte to store the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 and the value of the variation selection counter C3.

  First, in step S501, it is determined from the detection information of the second start winning switch 224b whether or not the game ball has won the lower winning opening 33b. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, in step S502, the value of the lower hold counter Nb that counts the number of variable display holds triggered by winning in the lower winning opening 33b is the upper limit (in this embodiment, “4”). ) Is determined. If a negative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S502, the process proceeds to step S503, and the lower hold counter Nb is incremented by one.

  In the subsequent step S504, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2 and the variation selection counter C3 updated in the random number updating process in the above step S303 are obtained from the vacant reserved areas in the second special variable reserved area. Store in the first area. After step S504, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variable suspension area is a value corresponding to the jackpot. Details of the jackpot determination process will be described later.

  In subsequent step S506, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, it is based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variable holding area. Then, the second mode determination process for determining the type of jackpot is performed. Details of the second mode determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S507, when it is determined in step S505 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variation holding area. Reach determination processing for determining the type of reach is performed. After step S507, the process proceeds to step S509. Details of the reach determination process will be described later.

  Here, the details of the jackpot determination process in step S505 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5101, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation holding area is a value corresponding to the jackpot (value stored in the first hit / fail judgment table) “7”, “307”. It is discriminated whether it matches either of the above. In FIG. 14, for convenience, the process of step S5101 is simplified. However, in practice, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is “7”, and the determination is negative. If it is determined, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is “307”. If an affirmative determination is made in either of these determinations, an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, and which determination is made. If a negative determination is made in step S5101, a negative determination is made in step S5101.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5101, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state occurs, the winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then the present process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5101, it is determined in step S5103 whether or not a high probability state flag, which will be described later, is on, and a high probability state (high probability mode such as probability variation mode or latent probability variation mode). It is determined whether or not.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S5103, that is, in the case of a high probability state, in step S5104, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the second special variation holding area is stored in the second success / failure determination table. It is determined whether or not any of “8 to 16, 308 to 316”. Note that in the determination process, it is actually determined one by one whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 matches each value corresponding to the jackpot as described above.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S5104, that is, if it is determined that a big hit state occurs in the high probability state, the winning flag is turned on in step S5102, and then the present process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S5103 or step S5104, that is, if it is “out”, this processing is terminated as it is.

  Next, the second mode determination process in step S506 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5201, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If a negative determination is made in step S5201, this processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5201, in step S5202, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the second special variation holding area is set to “16R” in consideration of the second jackpot type determination table. It is determined whether or not it matches any of the values “12 to 19” corresponding to “normal jackpot”. If a negative determination is made in step S5202, that is, if the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is one of the values “0 to 11” corresponding to “16R probability variation big hit”, the 16R probability variation flag is turned on in step S5203. Then, this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5202, the normal flag is turned on in step S5204, and then this process ends.

  Next, the reach determination process in step S507 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5301, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if a big hit state occurs, this processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5301, that is, if a big hit state does not occur, in step S5302, the value of the variation selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special variation holding area is taken into account in the reach determination table. Is determined to be equal to one of the values “0, 1” corresponding to “out-of-front / rear reach”. If the determination in step S5302 is affirmative, in step S5303, the front / rear flag indicating the occurrence of front / rear out of reach is turned on, and then the process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5302, the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 newly stored in the second special fluctuation holding area in consideration of the reach determination table in step S5304 is “reach other than front / rear out”. It is determined whether or not it matches any of the values “2 to 21” corresponding to. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5304, the flag is turned on other than before and after in step S5305, and then the present process ends.

  Also, if a negative determination is made in step S5304, that is, if it is “completely off”, this processing is terminated as it is.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 13, after the process of step S507, or when a negative determination is made in step S501, in step S509, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the top winning opening 33a. This is determined based on the detection information of the switch 224a. If a negative determination is made in step S509, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made, in step S510, the value of the upper hold counter Na that counts the number of variable display holds triggered by winning in the upper winning opening 33a is the upper limit (in this embodiment, “4”). ) Is determined. If a negative determination is made in step S510, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S510, the process proceeds to step S511, and the upper hold counter Na is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S512, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type determination counter C2 and the variation selection counter C3 are stored in the first area among the reserved areas in which the first special variable suspension area is vacant. After step S512, the process proceeds to step S513.

  In step S513, a jackpot determination process is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 newly stored in the first special variable suspension area is a value corresponding to the jackpot. Note that the jackpot determination process in step S513 is the same as the jackpot determination process in step S505 described above, except that the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on the ball entering the top winning opening 33a. Different. For this reason, detailed description is omitted for convenience.

  In the following step S514, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot, it is based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable holding area. Then, a first mode determination process for determining the type of jackpot is performed. Details of the first mode determination process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S515, when it is determined in step S513 that the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is not a value corresponding to the jackpot, based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 newly stored in the first special variation holding area. Reach determination processing for determining the type of reach is performed. After step S515, this process ends. Note that the reach determination process in step S515 is the same as the reach determination process in step S507, except that the information regarding the variable display to be processed is based on the ball to the top winning opening 33a. For this reason, detailed description is omitted for convenience. However, in the reach determination process in step S515, when a later-described latent flag is turned on, the same process as that in the case of a miss (winning flag is turned off) is performed.

  Next, the first mode determination process in step S514 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S5401, it is determined whether or not a winning flag is set in the jackpot determination process performed immediately before. If a negative determination is made in step S5401, this processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S5401, in step S5402, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 newly stored in the first special variable suspension area is set to “16R” in consideration of the first jackpot type determination table. It is determined whether or not it matches any of the values “12 to 19” corresponding to “normal jackpot”. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5402, the normal flag is turned on in step S5403, and then this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5402, in step S5404, the first jackpot type determination table is taken into consideration, and the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is a value “8 to 11” corresponding to “2R latency probability variable jackpot”. It is discriminated whether or not it matches any of the above. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5404, the latent flag is turned on in step S5405, and then this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5404, in step S5406, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 is “6, 7” corresponding to “2R probability variable jackpot” in consideration of the first jackpot type determination table. It is determined whether or not it matches either one. If an affirmative determination is made in step S5406, the 2R probability variation flag is turned on in step S5407, and then this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S5406, the 16R probability variation flag is turned on in step S5408, and then this process ends.

  In addition, the mode determination means in this embodiment is comprised by the 2nd mode determination process of step S506, the 1st mode determination process of step S514, etc.

  Next, the through gate passing process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S601, whether or not the game ball has passed through the through gate 34 is determined based on detection information of the through gate switch 225.

  If a negative determination is made in step S601, the present process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S601, that is, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 34, the number of suspensions of the variable display performed on the normal symbol display device 41 is counted in step S602. It is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). If a negative determination is made here, this processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S602, that is, if the passing of the game ball to the through gate 34 is confirmed and the value of the normal holding counter Nc <4, the process proceeds to step S603, where the normal holding counter Nc 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 normal variation holding area of the RAM 503. Thereafter, the through gate passing process is terminated.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 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 S401, 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 in FIG. 12 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 process is executed for about 2 seconds. In the subsequent step S102, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S103, 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 S112 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 S104 whether or not occurrence information of power supply interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Here, if it is not set, no backup data is stored, so in this case as well, the process proceeds to step S112. If power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area 503a, a RAM determination value is calculated in step S105, and in the subsequent step S106, 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 has been destroyed, and in this case, the process also proceeds to step S112. The backup area 503a of the RAM 503 constitutes a backup storage unit in the present embodiment.

  In the process of step S112, an initialization command is transmitted in order to initialize the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like, which are the control devices on the sub side. The sub-control device 262 that has received the initialization command executes its own initialization process as described later, and sets the game mode to the normal mode that is the initial setting. That is, the initialization command corresponds to a command that can determine the normal mode to be set as the default game mode.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to RAM initialization processing (step S113 and the like). 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. The RAM initialization process (step S113 and the like) constitutes the initialization means in the present embodiment.

  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 S113, 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 S113 or the like). That is, the use area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0 in step S113, and the initial value of the RAM 503 is set in subsequent step S114. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed (step S103: NO), it is a condition that the information on occurrence of power interruption is set and 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 S107, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S108, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared.

  In step S109, a return command for returning the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311 and the like serving as the sub control devices to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted. Note that the return command transmitted to the sub-control device 262 includes mode information related to the game mode at the time of power-off stored in the RAM 503. That is, it corresponds to a command capable of determining the game mode (“normal mode”, “probability change mode”, “latent probability change mode”, or “time reduction mode”) when the power is turned off. The mode information here does not have to exactly match the mode information included in the variation pattern command to be described later, as long as the sub control device 262 can determine the game mode. The initialization command transmission process in step S112 and the return command transmission process in step S109 constitute the power-on mode information output unit in this embodiment.

  In step S110, the used register is restored from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Thereafter, interrupt permission is set in step S111, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later. The return means in the present embodiment is configured by a series of processes from step S101 to step S111.

  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 devices 43L and 43R, the start winning unit 33, etc. 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 that is transmitted to the control device is executed. The command output means (variation pattern command output means) in this embodiment is configured by the external output processing in step S201.

  For example, when the decorative symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the decorative symbol, a variation pattern command, a symbol command, or the like is transmitted to the sub-control device 262. 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, as shown in FIG. 34, for example, in the “normal mode”, “FF08”, “FF09”, “FF11”, “FF12”, “FF13”, “FF14”, “FF15”, “FF16” , “FF17” is set as the variation pattern command. Similarly, in the “probability change mode”, “FD07”, “FD08”, “FD09”, “FD11”, “FD12”, “FD13”, “FD14”, “FD15”, “FD16”, “FD17” are set. The In the “time reduction mode”, “FE07”, “FE08”, “FE09”, “FE11”, “FE12”, “FE13”, “FE14”, “FE15”, “FE16”, “FE17” are set. .

  In the “latency probability change mode”, commands related to various reach are the same as those in the “normal mode” except for the change pattern commands “FB08” and “FB09” corresponding to “completely out” as will be described later. “FF11”, “FF12”, “FF13”, “FF14”, “FF15”, “FF16”, and “FF17” are set. As described above, in the “latency probability variation mode”, the state in which the high probability mode is given is set to a latent state that is difficult for the player to recognize for production purposes. A display effect is performed in the same display mode. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to share most commands in the “normal mode” and the “latency probability changing mode”, thereby suppressing an increase in the storage capacity of the commands. It should be noted that the variation pattern command corresponding to the “complete deviation” that is output most frequently differs between the “normal mode” and the “latency probability variation mode”, as will be described later. This is because the game mode can be determined based on the variation pattern command. Further, instead of the present embodiment, for example, some commands in the “probability change mode” and the “latency probability change mode” may be shared.

  On the other hand, the sub-control device 262 stores the relationship between these variation pattern commands and the variation types of the decorative symbols in a table. Then, the sub control device 262 executes the variation 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 “normal mode” and “latent probability change mode”, “FD11” is set in “probability change mode”, and “FE11” is set in “time reduction mode”. Is set. In the present embodiment, the fluctuation display time from which the normal reach is derived is “20 seconds” in “normal mode” and “latent probability change mode”, “8 seconds” in “probability change mode”, and “time reduction mode”. Is set to “10 seconds”.

  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 the present 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” and the “latency probability changing mode”. The variation display time in the “probability change mode” and the “time reduction mode” is shortened in comparison with the “normal mode” and the “latency probability change mode” in the same manner as the normal reach. Corresponding to each reach pattern, in the case of Super Reach SR1, “FF12” in “normal mode” and “latent probability change mode”, “FD12” in “probability change mode”, and “FE12” in “time reduction mode”. Set to the fluctuation pattern command. In the case of the super reach SR2, “FF13” is set in the “normal mode” and “latent probability change mode”, “FD13” is set in the “probability change mode”, and “FE13” is set in the “time reduction mode”. In the case of the super reach SR3, “FF14” is set in the “normal mode” and “latent probability change mode”, “FD14” is set in the “probability change mode”, and “FE14” is set in the “time reduction mode”.

  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” and the “latency probability changing mode”. The variation display time in the “probability change mode” and the “time reduction mode” is shortened in comparison with the “normal mode” and the “latency probability change mode” in the same manner as the normal reach. Corresponding to each reach pattern, premium reach PR1 is “FF15” in “normal mode” and “latent probability change mode”, “FD15” in “probability change mode”, and “FE15” in “time reduction mode”. Set to the fluctuation pattern command. In the premium reach PR2, “FF16” is set in the “normal mode” and “latent probability change mode”, “FD16” is set in the “probability change mode”, and “FE16” is set in the “time reduction mode”.

  In addition, the fluctuation pattern command corresponding to “completely missed” that does not reach any reach state is an upper hold counter Na that counts the number of hold of the fluctuation display (first fluctuation display) triggered by winning in the top winning opening 33a. Depending on the difference between the total value (total number of holds) and the value of the lower hold counter Nb that counts the number of holds in the variable display (second change display) triggered by entering the lower prize opening 33b. Multiple settings are made. In the present embodiment, three types of patterns of 10 seconds, 5 seconds, and 3 seconds (“completely disconnected (10 s)”, “completely disconnected (5 s)”, and “completely disconnected (3 s)”) are prepared. However, the “completely off (3 s)” pattern can be output only in the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”.

  Specifically, when the total number of holds is “0” to “2” in “normal mode”, “FF09” corresponding to “completely off (10 s)” is set as the fluctuation pattern command, and “normal mode” If the total number of holds is “3” or more, “FF08” corresponding to “complete out (5 s)” is set.

  When the total number of holds is “0” to “2” in “latency probability change mode”, “FB09” corresponding to “completely off (10 s)” is set as the variation pattern command, and in “latency probability change mode” When the total number of holds is “3” or more, “FB08” corresponding to “completely off (5 s)” is set.

  When the total number of holds is “0” in the “probability change mode”, “FD09” corresponding to “complete out (10 s)” is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and in the “probability change mode”, the total number of holds is “ In the case of “1” to “3”, “FD08” corresponding to “completely off (5 s)” is set, and when the total number of holdings is “4” or more in “probability mode”, “completely off” “FD07” corresponding to “(3s)” is set.

  When the total hold count is “0” in the “time reduction mode”, “FE09” corresponding to “completely off (10 s)” is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the total hold count in the “time reduction mode”. Is “1” to “3”, “FE08” corresponding to “completely off (5 s)” is set, and when the total number of holds is “4” or more in the “time reduction mode”, “FE07” corresponding to “completely off (3 s)” is set.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, when “2R probability variation big hit” is achieved, the reach state is not generated in the decorative symbol display device 42, and “3” is displayed in the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas.・ The symbols “4” and “1” (chance symbols) are stopped and displayed. Therefore, in this embodiment, “FF17” is set as the variation pattern command in the “normal mode” and “latent probability variation mode” for the variation pattern command corresponding to “2R probability variation jackpot”, and “FD17” in the probability variation mode. In the time reduction mode, “FE17” is set.

  As described above, the variation pattern command has a 2-byte structure. Of the command consisting of 2 bytes, the first byte (upper byte) is composed of mode information that can determine the game mode at that time. More specifically, “FF” corresponds to mode information indicating “normal mode”, “FB” corresponds to mode information indicating “latent probability change mode”, and “FD” corresponds to mode information indicating “probability change mode”. Correspondingly, “FE” corresponds to mode information indicating “time reduction mode”.

  However, regarding the “latency probability change mode”, the mode information “FB” indicating the “latency probability change mode” is included only in the variation pattern command corresponding to “completely out” in order to standardize the command as described above. It is the composition which becomes. Since the variation pattern command corresponding to the “complete deviation” has the highest probability of being selected most frequently, the influence on the mode determination performed by the sub-control device 262 is extremely small. Of course, if the storage capacity of the command is not concerned, the commands related to the same kind of effect may be different for each game mode.

  The second byte (lower byte) is composed of time information related to effects such as normal reach and pattern information corresponding to more specific instruction contents indicating a variation pattern.

  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. 6 divisions, that is, combination of chance symbols, are designated. These divisions are indicated by, for example, “A1”, “A2”, “A3”, “A4”, “A5”, “A6”, 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. In addition, “A6” is set in the symbol command corresponding to the combination of chance symbols. Incidentally, there is one type of chance symbol, and in this example, the decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed in each symbol display area are “3”, “4”, and “1” from the top.

  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. When “A6” is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 selects a chance symbol as a combination of decorative symbols. In this embodiment, three commands “A3” to “A5” are prepared as the symbol commands for removal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration with only one symbol command for separation is also possible. Good.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 10, 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 contents of the special display devices 43L and 43R are set as to what control is performed in the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R, and the jackpot determination and decoration in the decorative symbol display device 42 are performed. A design variation pattern is set. 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 start winning unit 33 is set as to what kind of control is performed in the start winning 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 (599 in this example).

  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 example). 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. 18, in step S801, a jackpot flag, which will be described later, is referred to in detail to determine whether or not the jackpot is currently being hit. The jackpot includes a jackpot state (special game state) and a predetermined time after the jackpot state ends. Here, the predetermined time after the end of the jackpot state is the time until the normal game (variable display on the special display devices 43L and 43R) starts after the end of the jackpot state. In general, this time zone is a decorative symbol display. The end of the jackpot state is displayed on the device 42, and various modes given after the jackpot are displayed. In addition, a period from when the variable display is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the jackpot on the special display devices 43L and 43R and the decorative symbol display device 42 until the variable winning device 32 (big winning opening) is opened. (In general, this time zone is displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 to indicate the start of the big hit state) and is included in the big hit.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S801, that is, if the game is a big hit, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S801, in step S802, a first display, which will be described later in detail, is performed. It is determined whether the first or second special display device 43L, 43R (decorative symbol display device 42) is in a variable display mode by looking at the flag setting status. Specifically, when the first display flag is set (on state), it is regarded as a variable display, and when the first display flag is released (off state), the variable is displayed. It is considered that the stop display corresponding to the display stop state is in progress. As will be described in detail later, the first display flag is turned on when starting the variable display of the first and second special display devices 43L and 43R (see step S920), and the first and second special displays. It is turned off when the variable display of the devices 43L and 43R is stopped and displayed (see step S814).

  If a negative determination is made in step S802, that is, if there is no big win and further fluctuation display is not being performed, the process proceeds to step S803, and the fluctuation display (second fluctuation display) triggered by entering the lower prize opening 33b. It is determined whether or not the value of the lower hold counter Nb that counts the number of holds is greater than zero.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S803, that is, if at least one second variation display is held, 1 is subtracted from the lower hold counter Nb in step S804. In the present embodiment, when the second variation display is suspended and stored by the determination processing in step S803, the second variation display is executed without executing the first variation display. In other words, even when the first variation display is stored on hold earlier than the second variation display, the second variation display is preferentially digested (the first variation display is postponed). ing.

  In a succeeding step S805, a process for shifting the data stored in the second special variation holding 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 special variable holding 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. After step S805, in step S806, a process for turning on / off the second holding lamp 46b and a process for causing the fluctuation specifying lamp 40 to emit red light are performed, and then the process proceeds to step S807.

  If a negative determination is made in step S803, that is, if no second variation display is stored on hold, a variation display (first display) triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a in step S808. It is determined whether or not an upper hold counter Na for counting the number of hold (variable display) is greater than zero. If a negative determination is made in step S808, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S808, 1 is subtracted from the upper hold counter Na in step S809. In a succeeding step S810, a process for shifting the data stored in the first special variation holding 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 first special variable holding 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. After step S810, in step S811, a process for turning on / off the first holding lamp 46a and a process for causing the variation specifying lamp 40 to emit blue light are performed, and then the process proceeds to step S807. In the present embodiment, the execution area of the special variable reservation area is one, and the data stored in the first special variable reservation area and the second special variable reservation area are displayed when the variable display based on the data is performed. Therefore, it is shifted to a common execution area.

  In step S807, a variable display setting process is performed. Here, the details of the variable display setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The variation pattern selection means in this embodiment is configured by the variation display setting processing in step S807, the processing in steps S504 and S512, and the like.

  First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the variable display corresponds to the jackpot by determining whether or not the winning flag (see the jackpot determination process in FIG. 14) is on.

  If it is determined that the jackpot corresponds to the jackpot, the process proceeds to step S902. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit, that is, when it is out of place, the process proceeds to step S912.

  In step S902, it is determined whether or not the variation flag corresponds to “2R latent probability variation big hit” by determining whether or not the latent flag is ON.

  If it is determined that the latent flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S903. If it is determined that the latent flag is on, the process proceeds to step S912.

  In step S903, by determining whether or not the 16R probability variation flag is ON, it is determined whether or not the variation display corresponds to “16R probability variation big hit”.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S903, that is, if “16R probability variation jackpot” is determined, a variation pattern corresponding to “16R probability variation jackpot” is determined and set in a variation pattern command in step S904. Thereafter, in step S905, the probability variation symbol ("A1" in this embodiment) is set as the symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S920.

  If a negative determination is made in step S903, the process proceeds to step S906, and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display corresponds to “16R normal jackpot” by determining whether or not the normal flag is on. Determine. If an affirmative determination is made in step S906, that is, if it is “16R normal big hit”, the fluctuation pattern corresponding to “16R normal big hit” is determined in step S907 and set to the fluctuation pattern command. Thereafter, in step S908, the normal symbol (“A2” in the present embodiment) is set as the symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S920.

  In step S904 and step S907, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 are checked, and the decorative symbols are displayed based on the values of the first and second variation type counters CS1 and CS2. The pattern variation mode is determined. 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.

  Here, the correspondence relationship between the numerical values of the first variation type counter CS1 and the second variation type counter CS2 and the variation type at the time of winning will be described. For example, at the big hit time in 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.

  If a negative determination is made in step S906, the process proceeds to step S909, where it is determined whether or not the 2R probability variation flag is on, so that the variation display corresponds to “2R probability variation big hit”. Determine whether or not. If an affirmative determination is made in step S909, that is, if “2R probability variation jackpot”, the variation pattern corresponding to “2R probability variation jackpot” is determined in step S910 and set in the variation pattern command. Thereafter, in step S911, the chance symbol (“A6” in the present embodiment) is set as the symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S920. As described above, the variation pattern command corresponding to “2R probability variation jackpot” includes “FF17” in “normal mode” and “latent probability variation mode”, and “FD17” in “probability variation mode” depending on the gaming state. "FE17" is set in the "time reduction mode".

  If a negative determination is made in step S901 or step S902, that is, if it is “displacement” or “2R latent probability variation big hit”, it is determined in step S912 whether or not the front / rear flag is on.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S912, that is, if “rearward / rearward reach” is determined, a fluctuation pattern corresponding to “rearward / rearward reach” is determined in step S913, the fluctuation pattern command is set, and the front / rear flag is set. Turn off. After that, in step S914, the back and forth symbols are set as symbol commands, and the process proceeds to step S920.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 912, it is determined in step S915 whether or not the other than front and rear flags are on. If the determination in step S915 is affirmative, that is, if “reach other than front / rear deviation” is determined, a variation pattern corresponding to “reach other than front / rear deviation” is determined in step S916 and set as a variation pattern command. Turn off all other flags. Thereafter, in step S917, symbols other than back and forth are set as symbol commands, and the process proceeds to step S920.

  If a negative determination is made in step S915, that is, if it is “completely out”, an outlier variation pattern is determined in step S918 and set in the variation pattern command. Thereafter, in step S919, the completely off symbol is set as a symbol command, and the process proceeds to step S920.

  Note that when determining the variation pattern at the time of “out” or “2R latent probability variation big hit” at step S913, step S916, and step S918, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 The variation pattern is determined based on the same as in step S904 and step S907.

  Here, the correspondence relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation type at the time of “out” when the reach state occurs or “2R latent probability variation big hit” will be described. For example, at the time of forward / backward reach in the “normal mode”, the correspondence relationship is defined by the front / back off reach time table in 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. In addition, when it is completely out of place (C3 = 22 to 238), regardless of the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2, when the total number of holds is “0” to “2” in the “normal mode”, “ When “FF09” corresponding to “completely out (10 s)” is set in the fluctuation pattern command, and the total number of holdings is “3” or more in “normal mode”, “completely out (5 s)” FF08 "is set. When the total number of holds is “0” to “2” in the “latency probability change mode”, “FB09” corresponding to “completely off (10 s)” is set as the variation pattern command, and the “latency probability change mode” is set. When the total number of holds is “3” or more, “FB08” corresponding to “completely off (5 s)” is set.

  Also, the symbol commands in step S914, step S917, and step S919 indicate the predetermined division of the combination of symbols that are out of the same manner as in step S905, step S908, and the like. Specifically, when “A3” indicating the combination of the front and rear off symbols is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 that has received the symbol command stores the front and rear stored in the front and rear outreach symbol buffer of the RAM 553. A combination of symbols corresponding to the detachment reach is determined as a stop symbol. When “A4” indicating a combination of symbols other than the front / rear detachment is set in the symbol command, the sub-control unit displays a combination of symbols corresponding to the reach other than the front / rear detachment stored in the reach symbol buffer of the RAM 553. 262 is determined as a stop symbol. When “A5” indicating a combination of completely disconnected symbols is set in the symbol command, the sub-control device 262 uses the combination of symbols stored in the completely disconnected symbol buffer of the RAM 553 as a stop symbol. decide.

  In step S920, a start setting process is performed to indicate that a condition for performing switching display (variable display) is established in the special display devices 43L and 43R. In the start setting process, the first display flag indicating whether or not the variable display is being performed on the special display devices 43L and 43R is turned on, and the first display timer setting process is performed. The first display timer is a means for measuring the variation time (residual time for variation display) in the special display devices 43L and 43R, and is considered when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the beginning of the variation display. . 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 devices 43L and 43R in the present embodiment. Based on the setting of the first display timer, when a control signal for starting the switching display (variation display) is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the next external output process of the normal process. In the special display devices 43L and 43R, switching display (variation display) is started. The special display devices 43L and 43R are 7-segment display devices as described above. If the displayed character is “−”, it is “7”, if it is “7”, it is “3”, and if it is “3”. “2”, “2” is “1”, “1” is “−” (“2” and “1” are not displayed for the second special display device 42R, and are displayed. If the current character is “3”, the display is switched to “−”). Then, after step S920 ends, the variable display setting process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 18, if an affirmative determination is made in step S <b> 802, that is, if the variable display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S <b> 812 to perform a first display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the value of the first display timer is decremented by 4 msec. For example, when the fluctuation time is 10 seconds (10000 msec), “2500” is set for the first display timer, and 1 is subtracted every 4 msec.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S813, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed with reference to the value of the first display timer after the subtraction. At this time, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the first display timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S813.

  When a negative determination is made in step S813, in step S817, a switching display setting for continuously performing switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is performed, and this process is terminated. Based on the setting contents of the switching display setting, a control signal for switching display is output to the special display devices 43L and 43R in the external output processing in the next normal processing. Specifically, "7" if the currently displayed character is "-", "3" if "7", "2" if "3", "1" if "2" "," 1 "is set to switch to"-"(the second special display device 43R is"-"if it is" 3 "). Thereby, the switching display (variable display) of the special display devices 43L and 43R is realized at the timing of the first display control process, that is, every 4 ms.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S813, the first display flag is canceled (turned off) in step S814, and stop display setting is performed in order to perform stop display on the special display devices 43L and 43R in step S815. . Based on the setting contents of the stop display setting, a control signal for performing stop display is output to the special display devices 43L and 42R in the external output process in the next normal process. In other words, in the case of “16R probability variation big hit” with the transition to “probability change mode”, “7” is stopped and displayed (for example, lighted only for a few seconds), and “16R normal big hit with the transition to“ time reduction mode ”is made. "3" is stopped and displayed, and if it is "2R probability change big hit" with the transition to "probability change mode", "2" is stopped and the transition to "latency probability change mode" is made. If it is accompanied by “2R latent probability variation jackpot”, “1” is stopped and displayed, and if it is out of place, “−” is stopped and displayed. Again, such a stop display by the special display devices 43L and 43R is the main display, and the display of the decorative symbols by the decorative symbol display device 42 is only auxiliary.

  Subsequently, after the discrimination information setting process is performed in step S816, the present process is terminated. Here, the discrimination information setting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S1001, the winning flag is taken into consideration to determine 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, setting processing such as a jackpot flag, a first variable flag, a first variable timer, a round number counter, and a winning 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 (turned on) as a flag value.

  The first variable flag is discrimination information for discriminating whether or not the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening) is in an open state.

  The first variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time or the like of the variable winning device 32, and is considered when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the start of opening. In this example, “7500” or “100” is set as the value for the first variable timer. As a result, the maximum opening time per round (the longest time during which the variable winning device 32 is opened) is 30 seconds or 0.4 seconds.

  The round number counter is discriminating information for discriminating the number of rounds executed during the jackpot state (the number of times a special prize state is generated, that is, the number of executions of the opening / closing process of the variable winning device 32). “16” indicating “2” or “2” indicating two rounds is set as a value.

  The winning counter is a means for counting the number of game balls that have entered the variable winning device 32. In this process, “8” indicating the maximum number of winning balls per round is set as a value. In addition, in the switch reading process of the timer interrupt process (see FIG. 11), it is determined whether there is a ball entering the variable winning device 32 based on the detection information of the count switch 223, and there is a ball entering the variable winning device 32. When determined, the value of the winning counter is decremented by 1.

  In the present embodiment, in the case of “16R probability variable jackpot” and “16R normal jackpot”, as described above, the round counter is “16”, the first variable timer is “7500”, and the winning counter is “8”. ”Is set, but in the case of“ 2R probability variation jackpot ”or“ 2R latent probability variation jackpot ”,“ 2 ”is set in the round number counter,“ 100 ”is set in the first variable timer, and“ 8 ”is set in the winning counter. The

  If it is determined in step S1001 that the jackpot does not correspond, that is, the winning flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the variation counter is “0”. 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 16R normal jackpot.

  If the counter value of the variation counter is “0”, the process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the variation counter is set (when the counter value is other than “0”), 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. The process proceeds to step S1005.

  In step S1005, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the variation counter is “0”. That is, it is determined whether or not the current variation display is the 100th variation display after the end of the 16R normal jackpot (after the provision of the time reduction state). Here, if the value of the variation counter is “0”, a process of turning off a high-ball entering state flag, which will be described later, is performed in step S1006, and a process of turning off a time shortening state flag, which will be described later, is performed in step S1007. The process ends.

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

  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 jackpot flag is on. If a negative determination is made here, this processing is terminated as it is.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1201, 1 is subtracted from the count value of the first variable timer in step S1202. In a succeeding step S1203, it is determined whether or not the first variable flag is ON.

  If a positive determination is made in step S1203, that is, if the variable winning device 32 is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S1204, whether or not the count value of the first variable timer is “0”, that is, one round. It is determined whether or not the open time of the winning variable winning device 32 remains.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1204, the process proceeds to step S1205, and whether or not the value of the winning counter is “0”, that is, the number of game balls won to the variable winning device 32 is per round. It is determined whether or not the prescribed number (eight in this example) has been reached. If a negative determination is made in step S1204, that is, if the timing for turning the variable prize-winning device 32 to the closed state (the timing of the end of the round) has not yet arrived, this processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1204 or step S1205, the process proceeds to step S1206, and whether or not the counter value of the round number counter is “0”, that is, the number of rounds (the number of times the variable winning device 32 is released). ) Has reached the specified number of times.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1206, an end setting process is performed in step S1207, and this process ends.

  In the end setting process of step S1207, the first variable flag and the jackpot flag are turned off, and the high probability state flag setting process, the time shortening state flag setting process, the high pitching state flag setting process, and the variation counter setting Processing, mode switching command setting processing, and the like are performed. Accordingly, the mode switching means in the present embodiment is configured by the end setting process in step S1207, the second mode determination process in step S506, the first mode determination process in step S514, and the like.

  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 above-described “16R probability change flag”, “normal flag”, Based on the “2R probability variation flag” and the “latency flag”, the high probability state flag is switched. As a result, when the probability variation mode is set after the jackpot is ended (“16R probability variation flag”, “2R probability variation flag”, or “latency flag” is on), “1” indicating the occurrence of a high probability state is a flag value. When “time reduction mode” is set (“normal flag” is on), “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 in the time reduction state. In the time reduction state flag setting process, the “16R probability change flag” and “2R probability change flag” described above are used. Based on the “normal flag”, the switching setting of the time reduction state flag is performed. Thus, when the time reduction state is set after the jackpot is ended (“16R probability change flag”, “2R probability change flag” or “normal flag” is on), “1” indicating that the 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. In the high entry state flag setting process, the above-described “16R probability change flag”, “2R” Based on the “probability change flag” and the “normal flag”, the high pitching state flag is switched. As a result, when the high pitching state is set after the big hit (“16R probability variation flag”, “2R probability variation flag”, or “normal flag” is on), “1” indicating that the high pitching state is to be generated. "Is set as the flag value.

  The mode determination by the main controller 261 in the present embodiment is performed by a combination of the above-described high probability state flag, time reduction state flag, and high entry state flag on / off state. For example, if the high probability state flag, the time shortening state flag, and the high pitching state flag are all on (flag value “1”), it is determined as “probability change mode”. Further, if the high probability state flag, the time shortening state flag, and the high pitching state flag are all in an off state (flag value “0”), it is determined that the mode is “normal mode”. Further, if only the high probability state flag is on and the time reduction state flag and the high ball entering state flag are off, it is determined that the “latency probability variation mode”. If only the high probability state flag is off and the time shortening state flag and the high pitching state flag are on, it is determined that the time shortening mode is set.

  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, switching setting of the variation counter is performed based on the “16R probability variation flag” or the like. Thus, when the time reduction mode is set (16R normal big hit), “100” corresponding to 100 fluctuation displays is set as the value of the fluctuation counter.

“16R probability variation flag”, “normal flag”, “2R probability variation flag”, “latency flag”
Is turned off after the high probability state flag setting process or the like. Further, when the jackpot setting (step S1002) is performed in the discrimination information setting process of FIG. 20, the high probability state flag, the time shortening state flag, the high pitching state flag, and the variation counter are reset once (“0”). May be configured).

  The mode switching command is a command for instructing the sub-control device 262 to switch the game mode (“normal mode”, “probability change mode”, “latent probability change mode” or “time reduction mode”). The command includes mode information related to a new game mode that is grasped by the mode discrimination. As will be described later, the sub-control device 262 that has received this switches the game mode that it has grasped to a new game mode. Alternatively, the mode switching command may be omitted, and instead of this, for example, the mode information may be included in an ending command or the like that notifies the end of the jackpot state.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1206, that is, if the number of rounds has not reached the prescribed number, round feed processing is performed in step S1208, and this processing is terminated. In the round feed process, 1 is subtracted from the value of the round number counter. That is, the opening / closing process is repeated until the number of executed rounds reaches a predetermined number of times set in advance. In the round feed process, the first variable flag is turned off, and the time (wait time) until the next round is started is set for the first variable timer.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1203, that is, if the wait period between rounds is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1209 to determine whether or not the value of the first variable timer is “0”. .

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1209, that is, if the wait period ends and the timing for starting the next round is reached, a round start process is performed in step S1210. In the round start process, the first variable flag is turned on, the opening time of the variable winning device 32 per round is set for the first variable timer, and the maximum number of winnings per round ( In this example, “8”) is set. The opening time of the variable winning device 32 is set to “7500” for the first variable timer in the case of “16R probable big hit” or “16R normal big hit”, and “2R probable big hit” or “2R latency” In the case of “probable big hit”, “100” is set for the first variable timer. If a negative determination is made in step S1209, or if the round start process is completed in step S1210, this process ends.

  Various control signals are output to the variable winning device 32 in the next external output process of the normal process based on the ON / OFF state of the first variable flag. When the first 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 first variable flag is OFF, a control signal for closing the big prize opening is output to the variable winning device 32, and the variable winning device 32 is closed.

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

  In FIG. 23, in step S2101, the normal symbol display device 41 is in the switching display (variable display) while looking at the setting state of the second display flag indicating whether or not the normal symbol display device 41 is performing the variable display. It is determined whether or not there is. Specifically, when the second display flag is on, it is considered that the normal symbol display device 41 is performing variable display, and when the second display flag is off, the normal symbol display device 41 varies. It is considered that the stop display corresponding to the display stop state is in progress.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2101, the process proceeds to step S2102, and it is determined whether or not the value of the normal hold counter Nc is greater than zero. At this time, if the value of the normal hold counter Nc is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  If the variable display is not being performed and the value of the normal hold counter Nc> 0, the process proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, 1 is subtracted from the normal hold counter Nc. In step S2104, a process for shifting the data stored in the normal variation holding 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 normally variable holding area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold 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 second display timer flag is turned on, and the second display timer setting process is performed. The second display timer is a means for measuring the fluctuation time (residual time) of the fluctuation display performed by the normal symbol display device 41, and is used when determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation display. Is done. In the present embodiment, in the “normal mode” and the “latency probability change mode”, since the change time of the change display performed by the normal symbol display device 41 is 2 seconds, “500” is set in the second display timer. Is done. In the “probability change mode” and the “time reduction mode”, “100” is set in the second display timer. Based on the setting in the start setting process, when a control signal for starting the switching display (variation display) is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output process of the normal process, the normal symbol display is performed. Switching display is started in the 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 the determination in step S2101 is affirmative, that is, if the normal symbol display device 41 is performing variable display, the process proceeds to step S2106 to perform a second display timer subtraction process. Each time this process is performed, the count value of the second display timer is decremented by one.

  In step S2107, it is determined whether or not the count value of the second display timer is “0”, that is, whether or not the variation time has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, the second display flag is turned off in step S2108, and normal symbol stop display setting for performing stop display on the normal symbol display device 41 is performed in step S2109. Then, based on the setting contents of the normal symbol stop display setting, a control signal to stop display is output to the normal symbol display device 41 in the next external output processing in the normal processing. 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 normal variation holding area. Specifically, “5-153” is the winning value among the numerical values 0-250 of the normal symbol random number counter C4.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S2110, a normal symbol discrimination information setting process is performed, and this process ends. In this process, when the stop display corresponds to winning, a setting process for performing the opening / closing process of the start winning unit 33 is performed. Specifically, the second variable flag is turned on, and the release time is set in the second variable timer.

  The second variable flag is determination information for determining whether or not the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is in an open state.

  The second variable timer is a means for measuring the opening time (remaining time) of the start winning unit 33, and is considered when determining whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the opening start. In the present embodiment, the opening time of the start winning unit 33 is high in the high pitch state (“probability change mode” and “time reduction mode”) and in the low pitch state (“normal mode” and “latency probability change mode”). In contrast, in the high pitching state, “1000” is set for the second variable timer, and in the low pitching state, “100” is set for the second variable timer.

  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 (variation 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 process in step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not a second variable flag indicating whether or not the start winning unit 33 (opening / closing member 33c) is in an open state is ON. Here, when it is determined that the second variable flag is not on (the start winning unit 33 is in the closed state), the present process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, that is, if the second variable flag is on, it is considered that the start winning unit 33 is in the open state, and a second variable timer subtraction process is performed in step S2202. Each time this process is performed, the value of the second variable timer is decremented by one.

  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 second variable timer after the subtraction. Here, when the specified opening time has elapsed, that is, when the value of the second variable timer becomes “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S2203. If a negative determination is made here, this processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2203, the process proceeds to step S2204, and after an end setting process is performed in step S2204, this process ends. In the end setting process of step S2204, a process of turning off the second variable flag is performed.

  Various control signals are output to the start winning unit 33 in the next external output process of the normal process based on the ON / OFF state of the second variable flag. When the second variable flag is on, a control signal for opening the opening / closing member 33c is output to the start winning unit 33, and the start winning unit 33 is opened. On the other hand, when the second variable flag is OFF, a control signal for closing the opening / closing member 33c is output to the start winning unit 33, and the starting winning unit 33 is closed (the opening / closing member 33c is closed). , It is impossible to enter the game ball into the lower winning award 33b).

  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. 25, and then the main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a reception interrupt process executed by the payout control apparatus 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 storage pointer is referred to and stored in a predetermined storage area, and the storage pointer is stored in order to store the next received command 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. 26 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. 28 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. 25).

  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 process of step S3311, the process 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 process of step S3311, the process 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, 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, when the lower pan 15 is detected based on the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, when the lower pan is full, the lower pan full state is set, and when the lower pan full is not reached , Set the lower pan full 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. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S3207, for example, the presence / absence of a state to be notified, such as an error state, is determined. If there is a state to be notified, a notification is made.

  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 to execute the ball removal process by driving the payout motor 358a on the condition that the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In a succeeding step S3212, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the timer interrupt process.

  Next, normal processing of the sub-control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S3901, the port corresponding to the command input of the input / output port 554 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is received.

  If a command has been received, the command is stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553 in step S3902. The command buffer of the RAM 553 is a ring buffer that temporarily stores commands transmitted from the main control device 261. The ring buffer has a predetermined storage area, and commands are stored with regularity from the beginning to the end of the storage area. When commands are stored in all storage areas, the ring buffer is at the start of the storage area. The return command is configured to be updated. Therefore, when the command is stored and when the command is read, the storage pointer and the read pointer in the command buffer are updated, and the command is stored and read based on each pointer.

  In a succeeding step S3903, a command determination process is performed. Here, the command determination processing will be described with reference to FIG. In step S4101, the received command is read from the command buffer of the RAM 553. In subsequent step S4102, it is determined whether or not the command is an initialization command. In step S4103, it is determined whether or not the command is a return command. In step S4104, it is determined whether or not the command is a variation pattern command. Then, it is determined whether or not it is a mode switching command.

  If the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is an initialization command, it means that the initialization of the RAM 553 is instructed from the main control device 261 when the power is turned on. Therefore, the RAM 553 is cleared in step S4105, and in step S4106. The initial value of the RAM 553 is set. Thus, mode information (for example, “FF”) corresponding to the “normal mode” that is the initial setting is stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553. The mode information storage area constitutes mode information storage means in the present embodiment. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  Further, if the command transmitted from the main control device 261 is a return command (step S4102: NO, step S4103: YES), the main control device 261 returns to the state before power-off, so that the sub that does not have a backup function. In step S4107, the control device 262 reads out mode information (for example, mode information “FD” corresponding to “probability change mode”) included in the return command, and stores it in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  Furthermore, if the command transmitted from main controller 261 is a variation pattern command (step S4103: NO, step S4104: YES), in step S4108, mode information (for example, “latency probability variation mode” included in the variation pattern command). And the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553 is compared. The mode comparison processing constitutes the mode comparison means in the present embodiment. Here, the mode information included in the variation pattern command (for example, mode information “FB” corresponding to the “latency probability variation mode”), the RAM 553 The mode information (for example, mode information “FF” corresponding to “normal mode”) stored in the mode information storage area is compared. If the two match, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the mode information is different, the mode error flag is turned on in step S4109, and the process is terminated.

  If the command transmitted from the main controller 261 is a mode switching command (step S4104: NO, step S4110: YES), it is the timing at which the game mode is switched in the main controller 261, so in step S4107, The mode information (for example, mode information “FD” corresponding to “probability change mode”) included in the mode switching command is read and stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553. Thereafter, this process is terminated.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, after step S3903 or when a negative determination is made in step S3901, the process proceeds to step S3904, whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, the start of the previous normal process It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (1 msec in this example) has elapsed. If the predetermined time has already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3905. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed from the start of the previous normal process, the process proceeds to step S3912.

  In step S3905, 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. 30, the upper, middle, and lower symbols used for setting the off-set symbols of the big symbol decoration symbol counter C5, the upper symbol display area, the middle symbol display area, and the lower symbol display area. Each off symbol counter CL, CM, 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 a symbol when the variation stop of the decorative symbol display device 42 (a jackpot symbol) in the case of a jackpot ("16R probability variation jackpot" or "16R normal jackpot"), this embodiment In the decorative symbol display device 42, five patterns of probability variation and five patterns of normal symbols are set. 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 of step S3905, 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, and CR indicate that each stop symbol in the top, middle, and lower symbol display areas (out) when the big hit lottery is “out” or “2R latent probability variation big hit”. A combination of symbols) is determined, and each of the ten decorative symbols is displayed in each column, so that ten counter values (0 to 9) are prepared for each. The stop symbol in the upper symbol display area is determined by the up / down symbol counter CL, the stop symbol in the middle symbol display area is determined by the middle / off symbol counter CM, and the stop symbol in the lower symbol display area is determined by the bottom / off symbol counter CR. Is determined.

  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, and the combination of these outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the front / rear outreach symbol buffer of RAM 553, the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear out, and 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. 31, in step S4001, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the up / down symbol counter CL. In step S4002, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the center / out symbol symbol CM. The upper, middle, and lower outlier counters CL, CM, and CR are configured to be sequentially updated one by one in one update process. Therefore, if the down / out symbol counter CR has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4001. If the up / down symbol counter CL has been updated in the previous update process, an affirmative determination is made in step S4002. If it is time to update the up / down symbol counter CL (YES in step S4001), the flow advances to step S4003 to update the up / down symbol counter CL. If it is the time to update the middle / outgoing symbol counter CM (YES in step S4002), the process proceeds to step S4004 to update the middle / outlier symbol counter CM. Further, if it is time to update the down / out symbol counter CR (both steps S4001 and S4002 are NO), the process proceeds to step S4005, and the down / out symbol counter CR 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 up, middle, and lower outlier counters CL, CM, and CR are updated one by one in one update processing, and the update times of the counter values overlap. There is nothing. 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, the combination of the updated symbol counters CL, CM, CR is a combination of reach symbols (the symbols in the upper symbol display area and the symbols in the lower symbol display area are the same, and the upper and lower symbol display areas And the symbol in the middle symbol display area are different from each other), and in the case of a combination of reach symbols (S4006 is YES), in step S4007, it is a back-and-forth outreach. It is determined whether or not there is. 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.

  The chance symbol that is stopped and displayed in the case of “2R probable big hit” is one pattern (“3”, “4”, “1”) for the combination of decorative symbols. There is no need to use.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 29, display setting processing is performed in step S3907. In this processing, various arithmetic processing such as generating a display command to be output to the display control device 45 and command output setting are performed based on information stored in the command buffer of the RAM 553. More specifically, the sub-control device 262 determines a display mode to be displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 based on a table that associates the variation type of the decorative symbol with the variation pattern command, and corresponds to the variation time of the variation pattern command. Set the value to the variable time timer.

  The display command described above 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. 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.

  In the display setting process in step S3907, 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. When “A3” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols stored in the front / rear reach reach symbol buffer (see FIG. 30) 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. When “A6” is set in the symbol command, the combination of symbols “3”, “4”, and “1” corresponding to the upper, middle, and lower symbol display areas of the decorative symbol display device 42 is stopped. Determine as.

  Note that 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 the main control device 261, the sub-control device 262 is used until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern has elapsed (until the variation time timer set in step S3907 becomes 0). And the display control device 45 cooperate with each other to continue the variable display of symbols.

  Here, the display mode in the display unit of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. As shown in FIG. 33, the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided with three symbol display areas, upper, middle and lower, and a plurality of types of decorative symbols are variably displayed for each symbol display area. In the present embodiment, various symbols Z are displayed as decorative symbols with numbers “1” to “9”. The various symbols Z are scrolled and displayed from right to left with periodicity in ascending or descending numerical order, thereby forming a series of symbol strings.

  In such a case, in the upper symbol row, various symbols Z are displayed in descending order (in the order in which the attached numbers decrease), and in the middle symbol row and the lower symbol row, the various symbols Z are also in ascending order (indicated numbers increase). Are displayed in order). Then, the variable display stops in the order of the upper symbol display area → the lower symbol display area → the middle symbol display area, and at the time of the stop, the symbol Z is, for example, a combination of jackpot symbols on a predetermined jackpot line (the same in this embodiment) If they are arranged in a combination of types of symbols), the jackpot state is started as “16R probability variation jackpot” or “16R normal jackpot”. Note that immediately before the above-mentioned combination of jackpot symbols is displayed, a so-called reach state (reach state establishment state) is established. However, even if it reaches a reach state, it may not reach a big hit state.

  In this embodiment, the jackpot line is composed of left, middle and right vertical lines and two diagonal lines (referred to as five lines). Therefore, in the upper, middle, and lower symbol rows, when the same type of the various symbols Z is displayed in a fixed stop state along with any of the five lines, a big hit state occurs.

  In the display setting process in step S3907, the mode switching setting process is also performed. The mode switching setting process is a process for setting a display command for causing the display control device 45 to execute a process for performing the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 in a mode corresponding to the type of the game mode. The aspect switching means in the present embodiment is configured.

  As for the display mode in the decorative symbol display device 42, the color tone or the like of the background image BG is appropriately switched according to the game mode based on the mode information stored in the mode information storage area. Specifically, in the “normal mode” and the “latency probability changing mode”, the background image BG has a colorful full-color arrangement using a plurality of colors. In the “probability change mode”, the background image BG has a reddish monotone color scheme, and in the “time reduction mode”, the background image BG has a greenish second monotone color scheme.

  Therefore, the “latency probability variation mode” in which the background image BG is the first color mode as in the “normal mode” is equivalent to the first specific mode among the high probability modes (specific modes) in the present embodiment. In addition, the “probability change mode” that is the first monotone color arrangement mode that is the second mode different from the “normal mode” corresponds to the second specific mode.

  Here, the mode switching setting process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In step S7001, it is determined whether or not the mode error flag (see step S4109) is on. That is, it is determined whether the mode information included in the received variation pattern command is different from the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553.

  If the mode error flag is on, in step S7002, a display command setting process is performed to set the background image BG to the third monotone color scheme with a purple color that cannot be normal, and the process ends. . In the present embodiment, once the mode error flag is turned on, it is not turned off unless the RAM 553 is initialized. For this reason, once the background image BG becomes the third monotone color scheme, the background image BG can be normally taken again unless the power is turned on again while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 from the back side of the pachinko machine 10. There is no color scheme.

  On the other hand, if the mode error flag is off, it is determined in step S7003 whether or not the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553 corresponds to the “normal mode”. If an affirmative determination is made here, in step S7004, a display command setting process for setting the background image BG to the full color arrangement is performed, and this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7003, it is determined in step S7005 whether or not the mode information stored in the mode information storage area corresponds to the “latent probability change mode”. If an affirmative determination is made here, as in the case of the “normal mode”, in step S7004, a display command setting process for setting the background image BG to the full color arrangement mode is performed, and this process ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step S7005, it is determined in step S7006 whether or not the mode information stored in the mode information storage area corresponds to the “probability change mode”. If an affirmative determination is made here, in step S7007, a display command setting process is performed to set the background image BG to the first monotone color arrangement mode, and this process ends.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S7006, it is considered that the mode information stored in the mode information storage area corresponds to the “time reduction mode”, and in step S7008, the background image BG is converted to the second image. A display command setting process for effecting the monotone color arrangement is performed, and this process is terminated.

  If the mode information included in the received variation pattern command is different from the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553, the decorative symbol display device 42 is notified of this. It becomes. That is, the decorative symbol display device 42 corresponds to the notification unit in the embodiment, and the notification control unit is configured by the display setting process in step S3907.

  In step S3907, the presence / absence of the operation of the effect button 125 is also checked. When the operation of the effect button 125 is confirmed, settings corresponding to this are performed.

  In the lamp setting process in step S3908, the lighting pattern of the lamp / electrical accessories is set in order to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42.

  In the sound setting process in step S3909, the output pattern of the speaker 24 is set to synchronize with the display effect performed by the decorative symbol display device 42. In addition, when a voice-related command such as an error notification is transmitted from the main control device 261, settings for performing these controls are also performed in step S3909.

  In step S3910, other processing such as control setting of a waiting-for-waiting effect (for example, a demonstration screen display set to be displayed when a predetermined time elapses without the decorative symbol display device 42 being changed) is performed. Do.

  In step 3911, an external output process for transmitting a control signal based on the setting contents in steps S3905 to 3910 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.

  After the processing of steps S3905 to S3911 performed every 1 msec is performed, or when a negative determination is made in step S3904, the process proceeds to step S3912, and whether or not the information on occurrence of power interruption is stored in the RAM 553 is determined. Is determined. The information on the occurrence of power interruption is stored when a power interruption command is received from the main controller 261.

  If the occurrence information of the power interruption is not stored, the process proceeds to step S3913, and it is determined whether or not the RAM 553 is destroyed. If the RAM 553 is not destroyed here, the process returns to step S3901 and the normal process is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the RAM 553 is destroyed, the processing is looped infinitely in order to stop the subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3912 that the power-off occurrence information is stored, power-off processing is executed in step S3914. In power-off processing, interrupt processing is prohibited and each output port is turned off. Further, the storage of the information on occurrence of power interruption is also erased. After executing the power-off process, the process loops infinitely.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the sub-mode information included in the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262 is taken into account as the game progresses. The control device 262 can grasp the appropriate game mode at that time. Further, the mode information included in the variation pattern command is compared with the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553, and if they are different, the player or the like is notified. As a result, in the gaming hall, an act of setting the gaming machine to the high probability mode is performed from the start of business, and the actual gaming mode set by the main controller 261 is not limited to the high probability mode. Even if the display mode in the symbol display device 42 is the mode in the normal mode, when the variation pattern command corresponding to “completely out” is received, it is notified that the game mode is different. A player or the like can grasp that fact. As a result, the above action by the game hall can be suppressed.

  As an example of an act of setting a gaming machine in the high probability mode from the start of business in the game hall, the following can be cited as an example. As described above, mode information related to the game mode is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262 by a return command or the like when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on. Therefore, for example, if the cable connector that connects the main control device 261 and the sub control device 262 is removed when the power is turned on, the sub control device 262 grasps the actual game mode set by the main control device 261. In this case, control relating to the default game mode, that is, the “normal mode” is performed.

  In addition, in the gaming machine in which a high probability mode that is difficult to distinguish from the “normal mode” like the “latency probability change mode” of the present embodiment is set, the high probability mode is started to operate the game hall by the above action. If it is set from time, the actual game mode cannot be determined from the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42. For this reason, the above notification is more effective particularly in a gaming machine having a game mode such as the “latency probability changing mode”.

  Note that it is not impossible to determine the game mode if attention is paid to the display of the special display devices 43L and 43R, but the special display devices 43L and 43R are merely jackpot notification means and are not the main production means. . For this reason, the special display devices 43L and 43R are provided in an inconspicuous place such as the lower corner of the game area that is not easily noticeable by the player, the size of the display portion is small, and the characters for determination are stopped and displayed. The time required is relatively short. Accordingly, it is practically impossible to grasp the game mode unless the user carefully keeps an eye on the special display devices 43L and 43R and observes them carefully. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the notification is performed in the decorative symbol display device 42 of the main effect means that the player is usually gazing at, the player can easily notice the notification.

  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, it is configured that the distribution of the big hit type is different between the case where the game ball enters the top winning opening 33a and the case where the game ball enters the bottom winning opening 33b. Also good. Further, the content of the jackpot type is not particularly limited, and for example, a type in which a low probability state is given after two rounds of jackpot may be set.

  (B) In the above-described embodiment, there is a possibility that “2R probability variation jackpot” and “2R latent probability variation jackpot” may occur only when there is a ball entering the top winning mouth 33a. You may comprise so that "2R probability variation jackpot" and "2R latent probability variation jackpot" may generate | occur | produce in the ball to 33b. In the case of adopting such a configuration, the ratio (distribution rate) at which “2R probability variation jackpot” and “2R latent probability variation jackpot” are generated may be different. For example, the “2R probability variation jackpot” and the “2R latent probability variation jackpot” may be more likely to occur when entering the upper winning opening 33a than when entering the lower winning opening 33b.

  (C) In the above embodiment, two starting ball entry means (upper winning hole 33a and lower winning hole 33b) are provided, but one may be provided, or three or more may be provided. In addition, the number of game balls paid out when a game ball enters the upper winning opening 33a may be different from the number of game balls paid out when entering the lower winning opening 33b.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the starting winning means (upper winning opening 33a and lower winning opening 33b) are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and in the normal mode or the like, it is hardly possible to enter the lower winning opening 33b. Although it has a configuration, it is not particularly limited to such a configuration. For example, two start ball entering means may be arranged on the left and right, or the opening / closing member 33c may be omitted.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the second variation display based on the ball entering the lower winning opening 33b is given priority over the first variation display based on the ball entering the upper winning port 33a. Although it is configured, the present invention is not particularly limited to such a configuration, and it may be configured such that the variable display corresponding to the order in which balls are entered in the top winning opening 33a and the lower winning opening 33b is executed.

  (E) In the above-described embodiment, the “normal mode”, “latent probability change mode”, “probability change mode”, and “time reduction mode” can be set as the game mode. In particular, two game modes of “probability change mode” and “latent probability change mode” can be set as a specific mode which is a high probability mode. Not limited to this, one or three or more specific modes that are high probability modes may be switched. For example, the “latency probability change mode” may not be set, and only the “probability change mode” may be set.

  (F) In the above embodiment, when the sub-control device 262 determines that the mode information included in the received variation pattern command is different from the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553, This is notified by switching the display mode of the background image BG to a third monotone color scheme different from that in the normal state in the decorative symbol display device 42 as a notification unit. The notification means is not limited to this.

  For example, instead of or in addition to the above embodiment, notification by other display means controlled by the sub-control device 262, notification by sound generation means such as the speaker SP, notification by light emitting means such as the frame lamp 102, etc. are performed. It is good also as a structure.

  Moreover, the alerting | reporting aspect by the decoration symbol display apparatus 42 is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, when the mode information included in the received variation pattern command corresponds to “probability change mode” and the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553 corresponds to “normal mode”. By switching the display mode of the background image BG in the decorative symbol display device 42 from the currently set full-color color scheme related to the “normal mode” to the normal first monotone color scheme related to the “probability change mode”, It is good also as a structure which alert | reports. Further, the decorative symbol display device 42 may be configured to display and notify a message in a conspicuous manner.

  Further, the mode comparison process in step S4108 may be omitted, and the fact that the game mode corresponding to the mode information included in the variation pattern command is set is notified as it is by the above-described various methods. For example, if the mode information included in the received variation pattern command corresponds to “probability variation mode”, the mode information is newly stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553 and the background in the decorative symbol display device 42 is displayed. The display mode of the image BG may be set to the normal first monotone color scheme related to the “probability change mode”. In this way, for example, when the mode information previously stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553 corresponds to the “normal mode”, the background image BG in the decorative symbol display device 42 is the same as described above. The display mode is switched from the currently set full-color color scheme related to the “normal mode” to the normal first monotone color scheme related to the “probability change mode” and notified.

  (G) In the above-described embodiment, once the mode error flag is turned on, the background image BG remains in the third monotone color scheme when it is not normal unless the RAM 553 is initialized. Not limited to this, for example, when the mode information stored in the mode information storage area of the RAM 553 switches from the one corresponding to the predetermined game mode to the one corresponding to the “normal mode”, or after the occurrence of the big hit, the variable display The mode error flag may be turned off at a predetermined trigger, such as after a predetermined number of times, and the display mode of the decorative symbol display device 42 may return to a normal state.

  (H) You may implement as a different type of pachinko machine from the said embodiment. In addition to pachinko machines, the game is implemented as an arrangement ball machine, various types of game machines such as sparrow balls, slotted machines such as slot machines, and a game machine that combines slot machines and pachinko machines. Also good.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the return command transmitted to the sub-control device 262 when the main control device 261 is returned includes the mode information related to the game mode at the time of power-off stored in the RAM 503. . Not limited to this, the return command does not include mode information, and the sub-control device 262 appropriately recognizes the game mode based on the mode information included in the variation pattern command transmitted when the game progresses. Also good.

  (J) In the above embodiment, the variation pattern command is stored in advance with the configuration including the mode information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a command that is output relatively frequently, such as a symbol command, is included in other commands. The mode information may be included. In a gaming machine that outputs a command (confirmation command) for confirming the stop at the time of a variable stop, the confirmation command or the like may include mode information.

  (K) In the above embodiment, the variation pattern command is stored in advance with the configuration including the mode information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the command transmission process, the mode information is newly added to the variation pattern command (pattern information). A configuration may be added.

  (L) In the above embodiment, in the start winning process (step S304) included in the timer interrupt process of the main controller 261, the jackpot determination is performed to determine whether or not the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is a value corresponding to the jackpot Processing (step S505, step S513), mode determination processing for determining the jackpot type based on the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 (step S506, step S514), reach type based on the value of the variation selection counter C3 Reach determination processing (step S507, step S515) is performed, and on / off setting of various flags such as a winning flag is performed based on the reach determination processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which these processes are performed in the normal process of the main controller 261 may be employed. At this time, the processing related to the ON / OFF setting of various flags such as the winning flag may be omitted, and the various determinations such as the jackpot determination may be performed by directly taking into account the various counter values stored in the special variation holding area at the start of the variation. . Of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the various determination processes such as the jackpot determination performed by directly taking into account such various counter values are performed in the timer interrupt process.

  For example, it is good also as a structure performed in the variable display setting process (step S807) of a 1st display control process (step S205). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 36, first, in step S8101, the value of the big hit random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the special fluctuation holding area that is taken into consideration when starting the fluctuation display is the value “ 7 ”or“ 307 ”is discriminated.

  If an affirmative determination is made here, that is, if it is determined that it corresponds to a jackpot, the process moves to step S8104.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S8101, it is determined in step S8102 whether or not the high probability state flag is on, and the state is a high probability state (high probability mode such as probability variation mode or latent probability variation mode). It is determined whether or not.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8102, that is, if the state is a high probability state, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the special variable holding area is “8-16, 308-316” in step S8103. It is determined whether or not any of the above.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8103, that is, if it is determined that a jackpot state occurs in the high probability state, the process proceeds to step S8104.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S8102 or step S8103, that is, if it is “out”, the process proceeds to step S8115 and subsequent fluctuation pattern distribution setting processing.

  When it is determined that a big hit state occurs (when affirmative determination is made in step S8101 or step S8103), in step S8104, the value of the big hit type determination counter C2 stored in the execution area of the special variable suspension area is “ By determining whether or not it matches any of the values “12 to 19” corresponding to “16R normal jackpot”, it is determined whether or not the change display corresponds to “16R normal jackpot”.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8104, that is, if it corresponds to “16R normal jackpot”, a variation pattern corresponding to “16R normal jackpot” is determined in step S8105 and set in the variation pattern command. . Thereafter, in step S8106, the normal symbol is finally set to a symbol command for stopping and displaying, and the process proceeds to the start setting process in step S8123.

  If a negative determination is made in step S8104, in step S8107, whether the change display is the first change display triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a in consideration of a predetermined flag, winning history, or the like. Determine whether or not.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8107, that is, if the change display is the first change display triggered by entering the top winning opening 33a, the process proceeds to step S8108. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S8107, that is, if the change display is the second change display triggered by entering the lower winning opening 33b, the process proceeds to step S8113.

  In step S8108, it is determined whether or not the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 stored in the execution area of the special variable holding area matches any of the values “8 to 11” corresponding to “2R latent probability variable jackpot”. Then, it is determined whether or not the variation display corresponds to “2R latent probability variation jackpot”.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8108, that is, if it corresponds to “2R latent probability variation big hit”, the process proceeds to a variation pattern distribution setting process at the time of deviation after step S8115.

  If a negative determination is made in step S8108, the value of the jackpot type determination counter C2 stored in the execution area of the special variable holding area is any of the values “6, 7” corresponding to “2R probability variable jackpot” in step S8109. It is determined whether or not the change display corresponds to “2R probability variation big hit”.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8109, that is, if it corresponds to “2R probability variation jackpot”, the variation pattern corresponding to “2R probability variation jackpot” is determined in step S8110 and set in the variation pattern command. Thereafter, in step S8111, the chance symbol is finally set as a symbol command for stopping display, and the process proceeds to the start setting process in step S8123.

  In addition, when a negative determination is made in step S8107 (when the second variation display is performed and the value of the counter C2 is not any of “12 to 19”), or when a negative determination is made in step S8109 (the first variation display described above). And the value of the counter C2 is not “6 to 19”), it is considered that the variation display corresponds to “16R probability variation big hit” and corresponds to “16R probability variation big hit” in step S8113. The fluctuation pattern to be determined is determined and set in the fluctuation pattern command. Thereafter, in step S8114, the probability variation symbol is set as a symbol command for finally stopping display, and the process proceeds to the start setting process in step S8123.

  Now, when the variation display corresponds to “displacement” (when a negative determination is made in step S8102 or step S8103), or when “2R latency probability change big hit” is determined (when an affirmative determination is made in step S8108). In step S8115, it is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the execution area of the special fluctuation holding area matches one of the values “0, 1” corresponding to “front / rear out of reach”. To do.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8115, that is, “front / rear out of reach”, a fluctuation pattern corresponding to “front / rear out of reach” is determined in step S8116 and set in a fluctuation pattern command. After that, in step S8117, a symbol command for finally stopping and displaying the back and forth symbols is set, and the process proceeds to the start setting process in step S8123.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 8115, in step S8118, the value of the fluctuation selection counter C3 stored in the execution area of the special fluctuation holding area is a value “2 to 21” corresponding to “reach other than forward / backward deviation”. It is discriminated whether or not it matches any of the above.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S8118, that is, “reach other than front / rear deviation”, a fluctuation pattern corresponding to “reach other than front / rear deviation” is determined in step S8119 and set in a fluctuation pattern command. Thereafter, in step S8120, a symbol command for finally stopping and displaying symbols other than the back and forth deviation is set, and the process proceeds to the start setting process in step S8123.

  If a negative determination is made in step S8118, it is considered that the fluctuation display corresponds to “complete deviation”, and a deviation fluctuation pattern is determined in step S811, and set in a fluctuation pattern command. After that, in step S8122, the symbol command is set to the symbol command for finally stopping and displaying the completely off symbol, and the process proceeds to the start setting process in step S8123.

  In step S813, a start setting process is performed to indicate that a condition for performing switching display (variable display) is established in the special display devices 43L and 43R. And after completion | finish of step S813, a fluctuation | variation display setting process is complete | finished.

  Hereinafter, the technical idea that is not described in the claims and that can be grasped from the above embodiment will be described together with the effects thereof.

Means 1. A main control means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to a player at a predetermined opportunity, and generating the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the lottery;
A gaming machine comprising sub-control means for controlling predetermined presentation means based on a command received from the main control means,
The main control means includes
A mode switching means capable of switching and setting the gaming mode after the end of the special gaming state to at least a normal mode and a specific mode in which a winning probability in the winning / failing lottery is higher than a winning probability in the normal mode;
Mode determination means for determining the type of game mode after the end of the special gaming state related to the winning result when the winning result is obtained by the winning / losing lottery;
The configuration is such that a command selected from a plurality of types based on the lottery result of the success / failure lottery is transmitted to the sub-control means, and at least a specific command of the plurality of types is selected when the command is selected. Command output means for transmitting in a configuration including mode information capable of determining the game mode being set;
Backup storage means capable of storing mode information relating to the game mode being set when normal power supply is interrupted,
Return means for returning to the game mode before power-off based on the mode information stored in the backup storage means at the time of power return;
Initializing means capable of erasing the stored contents of the backup storage means,
The sub-control means includes
Mode information storage means capable of storing mode information received from the main control means;
Aspect switching means capable of switching the effect mode in the effect means to a mode according to the type of game mode in consideration of at least the mode information stored in the mode information storage means;
A gaming machine comprising: a notification control unit that, when a command is received from the main control unit, notifies a game mode corresponding to mode information included in the command by a predetermined notification unit.

  According to the above means 1, the sub control means can select the appropriate game mode at that time by referring to the mode information included in the command transmitted from the main control means to the sub control means at any time as the game progresses. Can be grasped. In addition, a game mode corresponding to the mode information included in the command is notified to the player or the like. As a result, in the game hall, the act of setting the gaming machine to the high probability mode is performed from the start of business, and the actual game mode set by the main control means is in spite of the high probability mode. Even if the effect mode in the mode is the mode in the normal mode, when the specific command among a plurality of types is received, it is notified that the high probability mode is set, so that the player or the like Can understand that. As a result, the above action by the game hall can be suppressed.

  The same applies to the following means, but as the “predetermined opportunity”, for example, “an opportunity to detect the entry of a game ball into a predetermined entry means provided in the game area by a predetermined detection means” And “an opportunity when the predetermined detection means detects that the start operation means for starting the variable display on the display means is operated”, and the like.

  In addition, as an example of a mode for “sending a command with a configuration including mode information”, for example, a command is stored in advance with a configuration including mode information, or mode information is newly added at the time of command transmission And so on.

Mean 2. A main control means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to a player at a predetermined opportunity, and generating the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the lottery;
A gaming machine comprising sub-control means for controlling predetermined effect means based on a variation pattern command received from the main control means,
The main control means includes
A mode switching means capable of switching and setting the gaming mode after the end of the special gaming state to at least a normal mode and a specific mode in which a winning probability in the winning / failing lottery is higher than a winning probability in the normal mode;
Mode determination means for determining the type of game mode after the end of the special gaming state related to the winning result when the winning result is obtained by the winning / losing lottery;
Fluctuation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns related to the presentation performed by the presentation means;
Along with the success / failure lottery, a variation pattern selection means for selecting one of the variation pattern storage means,
A variation pattern command output means for transmitting a variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection means to the sub-control means;
A variation pattern command to be transmitted to the sub-control unit corresponding to each of the plurality of types of variation patterns is stored, and at least a variation pattern command related to a specific variation pattern among the plurality of types of variation patterns, A variation pattern command storage means for storing a plurality of types in a configuration including mode information capable of determining a game mode being set when a variation pattern is selected;
Backup storage means capable of storing mode information relating to the game mode being set when normal power supply is interrupted,
Return means for returning to the game mode before power-off based on the mode information stored in the backup storage means at the time of power return;
Initialization means capable of erasing the stored contents of the backup storage means;
When mode information is stored in the backup storage means at the time of power-on, a command that can determine the game mode related to the mode information is used, and when mode information is not stored in the backup storage means Comprises a power-on mode information output means for transmitting to the sub-control means a command capable of determining the normal mode to be set as the default game mode,
The sub-control means includes
Mode information storage means capable of storing mode information received from the main control means;
Aspect switching means capable of switching the effect mode in the effect means to a mode according to the type of game mode in consideration of at least the mode information stored in the mode information storage means;
A mode comparison unit that compares mode information included in the variation pattern command with mode information stored in the mode information storage unit when a variation pattern command is received from the main control unit;
A game machine comprising: a notification control means for performing control to notify a predetermined notification means when both mode information compared by the mode comparison means is different.

  According to the above means 2, the sub-control means can select the appropriate information at that time by referring to the mode information included in the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means at any time as the game progresses. The game mode can be grasped. Further, the mode information included in the variation pattern command is compared with the mode information stored in the mode information storage means, and if they are different, the player or the like is notified. As a result, in the game hall, the act of setting the gaming machine to the high probability mode is performed from the start of business, and the actual game mode set by the main control means is in spite of the high probability mode. Even if the effect mode in the mode is the mode in the normal mode, when the variation pattern command related to the specific variation pattern among a plurality of types is received, it is notified that the game mode is different. The player or the like can grasp that fact. As a result, the above action by the game hall can be suppressed.

  Means 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the specific variation pattern is a variation pattern having the largest proportion of the plurality of types of variation patterns.

  If the variation pattern command related to the variation pattern having the highest selected ratio includes the mode information that can determine the game mode as in the above means 3, the sub-control means frequently checks the game mode. be able to. Of course, it is preferable from the viewpoint of accuracy that the mode information is included in all the variation pattern commands. However, in consideration of an increase in the storage capacity of the command, the configuration of the means 3 is more efficient and sufficient. Effects can be obtained.

  Means 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the notification means is the effect means.

  According to the means 4, by using the effect means as the notification means, the notification can be made more conspicuous and the player or the like can easily notice early. Examples of the production means (notification means) include a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

Means 5. In the specific mode,
A first specific mode in which the production means is the first mode as in the normal mode;
5. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, characterized in that, unlike the normal mode, the rendering means includes a second specific mode in which the second aspect is the second mode.

  In the gaming machine configured as described above, it is substantially difficult to determine whether the gaming mode is the normal mode or the first specific mode on the surface. For this reason, in the game hall, there is a risk that the act of setting the gaming machine in the high probability mode from the start of business may be easily performed. Therefore, in the gaming machine having the structure as the means 5, the structure of the means 1 is more effective.

  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.

  D. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine. As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (a symbol string; specifically a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel Variable display means (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information sequence after the rotation of the starting information means. The identification information (symbol) starts to fluctuate and the identification information (symbol) fluctuates due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button). A spinning-type gaming machine configured to be given game value on condition that the information is specific identification information.

  E. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are fused (especially a gaming machine of a slot machine specification that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium). As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (a symbol string; specifically a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel Variable display means (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) that stops and displays the identification information sequence after the rotation of the starting information means. The identification information (symbol) starts to fluctuate and the identification information (symbol) fluctuates due to the operation of the stop operation means (specifically, the stop button). The game value is provided on the condition that the information is specific identification information, and a ball receiving tray (upper plate or the like) is further provided, taking-in means for taking the game ball from the ball receiving tray, and the ball receiving tray Payout means for paying out game balls Comprising a configuration and gaming machine "and the like as starting condition of the game is satisfied by the game ball is captured by the capturing means.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 42 ... Decoration symbol display device, 45 ... Display control device, 261 ... Main control device, 262 ... Sub control device, 502 ... ROM, 503 ... RAM, 503a ... Backup area.

Claims (2)

A main control means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a special gaming state advantageous to a player at a predetermined opportunity, and generating the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the lottery;
Based on the command received from the main control unit, to a gaming machine and a sub-control means for performing predetermined control,
The main control means includes
As a game mode after completion of the special game state, at least a first mode and a second mode and a configurable mode setting means for the winning probability was higher than winning probability in the first mode in the spruce lottery ,
Mode determining means for determining the type of game mode after the end of the special gaming state when a winning result is obtained by the winning / losing lottery;
And command output means for transmitting the selected commands from the plurality of types based on the lottery result of the spruce lottery to said sub-control means,
If the power supply to the gaming machine is interrupted, and information capable of storing backup storage means according to the game mode being set at that time,
And return means for returning to the game mode before power-off based on the information stored in the backup storage means at the time of power restoration,
The stored contents of the backup storage means and an initializable initialization means,
At least a specific command among commands selected based on the lottery result of the success / failure lottery includes mode information capable of determining the game mode being set when the command is selected,
The sub-control means includes
Mode information storage means capable of storing the mode information;
When receiving said specific command from the previous SL main control unit, a mode comparing means for comparing the mode information contained in the specific command, and said mode information mode information stored in the storage unit in advance,
When both mode information is compared by the mode comparing means are different, the gaming machine characterized by comprising a notification control means for performing by switching the representation embodiment of definitive a notification to that effect to the predetermined effect means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, a swing-type gaming machine, or a ball-using gaming machine.

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