JP6124250B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of managing game results based on electronic data.

At present, attention is being focused on next-generation gaming machines (electronic data-type gaming machines) that can manage gaming results using electronic data, and movement toward market introduction is about to begin in earnest.
The core technologies are summarized as follows.

(1) It is an enclosed game machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
(2) A gaming machine capable of being monitored by a third party as a gaming machine resistant to fraud.
(3) As a gaming machine that is resistant to fraudulent behavior, it should be a gaming machine with enhanced anti-goto measures.
(4) A gaming machine in which a game ball enters and exits (IN / OUT) is digitized (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
(5) The machine should be environmentally friendly.

  And the game machine which satisfy | filled all the requirements of said (1)-(5) can take a new step as a next-generation game machine.

JP 2009-273576 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-211342

  Here, among the core technologies described above, consideration is given to the point of strengthening countermeasures against fraud in (2) and (3) above, the point of converting to electronic data in (4) above, and the environment in (5) above. This is considered to be a technology that may bring about beneficial results for the future gaming machine industry.

  However, the point that the above-mentioned (1) enclosed game machine is used as a core is more harmful. Encapsulated technology is a technology that has been proposed for a long time, and many patent applications have been filed. However, when encapsulated technology is applied to an actual game machine, there are various problems (disadvantages). ) Will occur.

The main issues of encapsulated gaming machines are listed below.
(1) In an enclosing type gaming machine, not many game balls are encapsulated (actually, about 60 game balls are circulated inside the gaming machine), so that the enclosing route does not cause a game interruption. It is necessary to develop a mechanism that does not cause ball clogging.
However, as a practical matter, it is technically difficult if not impossible to develop a mechanism that does not cause ball clogging at all. For this reason, in the enclosed game machine, it is necessary to take measures such as stopping the game so that the player is not disadvantaged assuming that a ball clogging occurs, but this measure is troublesome. In addition, since it is necessary to keep track of whether the encapsulated ball is normally circulated, a large number of sensors are required, and it is difficult to say that the cost will be reduced even if there is no prize ball device. .

(2) In the enclosed game machine, a mechanism for circulating the game ball and a mechanism for polishing the game ball are required for each game table, which increases the manufacturing cost. In particular, the mechanism for polishing a game ball has a problem in that human costs also increase because periodic maintenance, such as replacement of polishing cloth, must be performed for all units.
In this respect, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above are no exception, and a mechanism for polishing a game ball is required for each game machine, which increases manufacturing costs and human costs. . Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, although the game balls are electronically entered and exited, the game balls are temporarily paid out and converted into electronic data. Therefore, there is a mechanism for converting the payout device and the paid game balls into electronic data. There is a problem that it is necessary and the configuration becomes complicated.

(3) In an enclosed game machine, in order to enclose a game ball inside the game machine, a ball replacement goto is assumed in which the winning ball is increased by replacing the enclosed ball with a small-diameter ball, and a corresponding goto countermeasure is required. It becomes.

(4) On the other hand, since the enclosed game machine is a system in which game balls are circulated inside, there is an advantage that an existing island facility (such as an island return machine) becomes unnecessary. Therefore, in theory, it may be possible to remove all existing island facilities, but in reality it is not so easy. This is because, even if encapsulated gaming machines enter the market in the future, not all conventional gaming machines will be removed at once, but gradually encapsulated gaming machines through a certain stage It is because it is assumed that it will shift to.

  As described above, when a game machine is gradually replaced with an enclosed game machine, there is always a stage in which a conventional game machine and an enclosed game machine are mixed. And in order to allow this mixed state, existing island facilities cannot be removed completely. That said, the enclosed game machine is a system that circulates the game balls inside, so even if you leave the existing island equipment, you can not divert it to the enclosed game machine, When an enclosed game machine is introduced, there is a problem that existing island facilities become idle assets.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can solve the problems of enclosed game machines while utilizing existing facilities.

The present invention employs the following means for solving the above problems. In addition, the wording in the following brackets is an illustration to the last, and this invention is not limited to this.
Solution 1: A gaming machine of the present solution includes a launcher that launches a game ball toward a game area formed on a game board surface, a game ball supplied to the launcher or a game ball by the launcher. A launch detection means for detecting that the launch has been launched, and a launch ball for receiving the game ball launched by the launch device from an external game ball supply device and supplying the received game ball to the launch device as a launch ball Managing a receiving device, a ball detection means for detecting that a game ball has entered a winning opening arranged in the game area, and holding ball data indicating the number of game balls that can be launched by the launch device And when the winning ball is detected when a winning ball is detected by the winning ball detecting unit, winning data indicating that the winning ball has been generated is stored as the winning ball ball management unit. A game control unit that transmits to the game and an external ball lending management device for controlling the ball lending of the game balls, and at least when the ball lending management device executes the ball lending of the game balls, Communication means for receiving ball lending data from the ball lending management device, game balls launched by the launching device and entering the winning opening, and launched by the launching device and not entering the winning opening When the ball lending data is received from the ball lending management device via the communication means, the ball lending data received from the ball lending management device is provided in the discharge device for discharging the game balls to the outside and the launching ball management unit. Sphere lending possession ball data addition processing execution means for executing a process of adding a quantity corresponding to data to the possession ball data, and the launch possession ball management unit. When supply of a game ball or launch of a game ball is detected by the launch detection means, the possession ball data at launch for executing processing for subtracting a quantity corresponding to the number of supplied or launched game balls from the possession ball data A subtraction processing execution means, provided in the launching ball management unit, and when receiving the winning data from the game control unit, the winning is executed to add a quantity corresponding to the received winning data to the holding ball data A gaming machine comprising hourly ball data addition processing execution means.

A game by the gaming machine of the present invention has the following characteristics.
(1) A launching device that launches a game ball toward a game area formed on the game board surface is provided. When the game ball is fired by the launching device, the game ball is driven into the game area, and the game ball driven into the game area flows down the game area.

(2) A launch detection means is provided for detecting that a game ball is supplied to the launching device of (1) or that a game ball is launched by the launching device of (1). Here, the reason why the present solution means “supplied” or “launched” is as follows. That is, the launch detection means only needs to be able to detect the launch of the game ball, so basically it is only necessary to detect the launch of the game ball, but if “supply and launch” is regarded as a series of operations, Even if the supply is detected, it means that the fire has been detected. Therefore, “supplied” or “fired” is detected. Here, the launch detection means can be, for example, a sensor that detects the passage of a game ball.

(3) The game ball launched by the launching device of (1) is received from an external game ball supply device (island equipment, ball feeding device), and the launch of (1) is performed using the received game ball as a launch ball. A launch ball receiving device is provided for feeding to the device. A game ball supplied from an external game ball supply device is temporarily received by the launch ball receiving device, and then directly supplied to the launch device (1).

  Normally, game balls from an external game ball supply device are stored in a launch ball receiving device (storage tank) inside the game machine, and then released to an upper plate or the like via a payout device unit. However, in this solution, the game balls from the external game ball supply device are directly supplied to the launch device of (1) above without passing through the payout device unit or the upper plate. Supplied.

(4) A ball entry detecting means for detecting that a game ball has entered the winning opening is provided. In the case where there are a plurality of types of winning ports such as a start winning port, a large winning port, a normal winning port, and the like as such a winning port, it is necessary to provide a pitch detection means for each of the plurality of types of winning ports. In addition, when there are a plurality of the same type of winning holes, such as when there are four ordinary winning holes, only one ball detecting means may be provided or may be provided for each of the winning holes.

(5) A launching ball management unit is provided that manages possession ball data indicating the number of game balls that can be launched by the launching device of (1). The launch ball management unit is a unit that manages at least the possession ball data, and can control the launch device of (1) above. Here, the “held ball data” is a variable that holds the number of game balls that can be fired (number of rights to launch), and is stored in a storage element in the gaming machine. For example, in a state where “0” is stored in the possession ball data, no game ball can be launched, but in a state where “10” is stored in the possession ball data, 10 game balls are stored. It will be in a state where it can be fired individually.

(6) In the event that a winning occurs when the entering of a game ball is detected by the winning detecting means in (4) above, winning data indicating that the winning has occurred is transmitted to the launching ball management unit. A game control unit is provided. That is, the game control unit transmits winning data to the launching ball management unit when a winning occurs. Here, the winning data is data corresponding to the type of the winning opening, for example, winning data corresponding to the starting winning opening, winning data corresponding to the large winning opening, winning data corresponding to the normal winning opening, etc. exist. doing.

  Even if a game ball is detected, if it is not valid, it can be determined that no winning has occurred. An example of such a case is the detection of a ball entered at a big winning opening other than during the big hit game. In such a case, the winning data is not transmitted to the firing ball management unit.

(7) Communication means, which is an interface for connecting to an external ball lending management device (card unit) that controls ball lending of game balls, is provided. The communication means receives ball lending data from the ball lending management device when the ball lending management device executes lending of a game ball. The ball lending data includes information related to ball lending, and is data transmitted when lending a ball from cash or lending a ball from a stored ball. Here, the stored ball refers to a ball that is left in the game hall as it is without exchanging the ball that has been won by a big hit or the like for a predetermined prize or the like. The player can play the game without using cash by withdrawing the stored ball from the game hall.

(8) Any of the game balls launched by the launching device of (1) and entering the winning opening, and the game balls launched by the launching device of (1) and not entering the winning entrance. A discharge device (out passage assembly) for discharging outside (outside the machine) is provided. For this reason, all the game balls launched by the launching device of (1) above are collected by the ejecting device and ejected outside the machine regardless of whether or not they have entered the winning opening. In addition, a discharge sensor for detecting a discharge ball is provided in this discharge device, and if compared with the number of shots, the result of the number of game balls actually fired can be confirmed. If this value does not match even after a predetermined time has elapsed, error detection (tampering detection) can be performed.

(9) When the ball holding management unit of (5) receives ball lending data from the ball lending management device via the communication means of (7), the ball holding unit has a quantity corresponding to the received ball lending data. Execute processing to add to data. For example, when the value of the possessed ball data is “0” and the value of the ball lending data is “125”, a process of adding “125” to “0” is executed, and finally the possessed ball data A process of updating the value to “125” is executed.

(10) The fired ball management unit of (5) corresponds to the number of supplied or fired game balls when the supply of game balls or the launch of game balls is detected by the launch detection means of (2). A process of subtracting the quantity to be stored from the ball data is executed. For example, when the value of the possessed ball data is “125” and it is detected that “1” game ball has been fired, a process of subtracting “1” from “125” is executed, and finally Processing to update the value of the possessed ball data to “124” is executed.

(11) When the winning ball management unit of (5) receives winning data from the game control unit of (6), it executes a process of adding a quantity corresponding to the received winning data to the holding ball data. . For example, if the value of the held ball data is “124” and the value of the winning data is “3”, a process of adding “3” to “124” is executed, and finally the value of the held ball data Is updated to “127”.

  Thus, according to this solution, the game balls are directly received from the external game ball supply device (island equipment, ball feeding device) and fired, and all of the launched game balls are collected by the discharge device. Therefore, a gaming machine that does not enclose a game ball (non-enclosed gaming machine) can be provided. As a result, the problems (detrimental) of the enclosed type can be eliminated, and the existing island facilities can be used as they are. Further, by adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible for the player to advance the game without touching the game ball, and a clean and simple game form can be realized. Furthermore, since the game balls are constantly replenished from outside the machine as compared with the enclosed game machine, even if the ball is clogged on the game board surface or the like, there is no shortage of fired balls.

  In addition, in this solution, the three elements necessary for the gaming machine such as “the number of loans”, “the number of shots”, and “the number of prize balls” are set as “ball rental data”, “launch data”, and “winning data” Since the handball data is managed based on these data, the game result can be managed by electronic data. Thereby, an error ball (IN / OUT mismatch) of game balls can be eliminated, and a game machine in which game results are completely digitized can be provided.

Also, by providing an electronic gaming machine, it is not necessary to carry, count, and confirm the dollar box, which occupies most of the work of employees, and labor costs can be greatly reduced.
Furthermore, since the game results are managed by electronic data, no prize balls are required, the number of game balls that are circulated and held throughout the island facilities can be reduced, and maintenance of existing island facilities is facilitated.

In addition, if the introduction of encapsulated gaming machines is promoted, there will always be a stage where both conventional gaming machines and enclosed gaming machines exist. Although it is an electronic data type gaming machine, it can divert the existing island equipment, so it can serve as a bridge between the conventional gaming machine and the next generation gaming machine of the enclosed type, It is possible to provide a gaming machine that is less likely to cause trouble when introduced to the market.
According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the problems of the enclosed gaming machine can be solved while utilizing existing facilities.

  Solution 2: The gaming machine of the present solution is the solution 1, wherein the launch ball management unit transmits game machine status information indicating the status of the game machine to the ball lending management device via the communication unit. The gaming machine state information includes launch information indicating that a game ball has been launched and the possession ball data.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The launching ball management unit transmits gaming machine state information indicating the state of the gaming machine to the ball lending management device (card unit) via the communication means.
(2) The gaming machine state information of (1) above includes launch information and possession ball data indicating that a game ball has been launched.

In this way, in this solution, since the gaming machine state information is transmitted from the gaming machine side to the external ball lending management device, the gaming machine and the ball lending management device have a double relationship regarding the gaming state. Management can be performed, and as a result, security can be improved.
Further, by including the launch information in the gaming machine state information, it is possible to easily detect an illegal act such as increasing the ball data even though there is no fact of launch.

  Solution 3: The gaming machine of the present solution means that, in the solution 2, when a lottery opportunity occurs during the game, an internal lottery execution unit that executes a predetermined internal lottery, and when the internal lottery is executed, As a trigger, the symbol is displayed in a predetermined winning manner by the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is displayed variably for a predetermined fluctuation time. Or a special game execution means for executing a special game when a transition condition to a special game state that becomes a more advantageous game state than the normal game state is satisfied, and a vibration is detected. A fraud detecting means for detecting fraud using at least one of a vibration detecting means, a magnetic detecting means for detecting magnetism, and a radio wave detecting means for detecting radio waves; Game error detection means for detecting an on-line error, operation detection means for detecting a predetermined operation on the gaming machine, game control unit identification information storage means for storing identification information of the game control unit, and the game control unit Security information storage means for storing security information for confirming the authenticity of the game machine, and gaming machine identification information storage means for storing identification information of the gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine status information includes the internal lottery execution means Result of lottery, information on game results including at least one of the number of special game executions by the special game execution means, information on cheating by the cheating detection means, the game Information on game errors by error detection means, information on predetermined operations by the operation detection means Game control unit identification information stored in the game control unit identification information storage means, information based on the security information stored in the security information storage means, and game machines stored in the gaming machine identification information storage means The game machine is characterized in that at least one piece of information is included in the identification information.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) When a lottery opportunity occurs during a game (a game ball enters an upper start winning opening or a lower starting winning opening), a predetermined internal lottery (special symbol lottery) is executed.

(2) When the internal lottery of the above (1) is executed, the symbol (special symbol) is variably displayed over a predetermined variation time, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner representing the result of the internal lottery. It takes a certain amount of time (fluctuation time and stop display time) from the start of the symbol display to the stop display. Once the symbol display is started, the stop display is completed. The next lottery will not be held until

(3) When a symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning mode, or a condition for shifting to a special game state that is more advantageous than the normal game state is satisfied (for example, a game ball is A special game is executed when the vehicle passes through a specific area. For example, when a symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to a 6-round jackpot as a winning type of the symbol, a 6-round jackpot game is executed, and a symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to a 15-round jackpot as a winning type of the symbol. Then, the 15 round big hit game is executed. Special games are basically 6-round jackpots or 15-round jackpot games, etc., but even 15-round jackpots include jackpots that can provide the same profit as the 6-round jackpot. In addition, in the case of a gaming machine (so-called bladed thing) in which a big hit game is executed when a game ball passes a specific area, a closed blade is released by a predetermined opening opportunity in a normal gaming state, The game ball is guided to the blade and flows into the accessory device, and when the game ball passes through a specific area formed in the accessory device (when winning V), the big hit game is executed.

(4) Fraud using at least one detection means among vibration detection means (vibration sensor) for detecting vibration, magnetic detection means (magnetic sensor) for detecting magnetism, and radio wave detection means (radio wave sensor) for detecting radio waves There is provided a fraud detection means for detecting. The vibration detection means outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnitude of vibration. The magnetic detection means outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnetic flux density (magnetic strength). The radio wave detection means outputs a detection signal corresponding to the radio wave reception intensity. And it is possible to monitor fraud by analyzing these detection signals.

(5) A game error detecting means for detecting an error in the progress of the game is provided. Here, “game progress error” is an error that cannot be detected by the various sensors in (4) above. For example, an illegal winning error outside the valid time, an illegal excessive winning error, or various sensors not connected. This includes an error, an error in the number of balls entering and discharging in the accessory device, an error in the number of movable bodies, and a movable body position error.

(6) Operation detection means for detecting a predetermined operation on the gaming machine is provided. Here, the “predetermined operation” can be exemplified by an opening / closing operation of a door (opening / closing of the glass frame unit or inner frame assembly) provided in the gaming machine, for example. A predetermined operation on the gaming machine can be detected by such operation detection means.

(7) The game control unit identification information is stored. This identification information is information for identifying the game control unit, and is preferably a unique ID of the main control CPU, for example.

(8) Security information for confirming the authenticity of the game control unit is stored. This security information is information for confirming whether the game control unit is genuine or fake, and whether the game control unit program is a legitimate program or an illegal program. Or the data for authenticity determination. For example, in the case of a program for authenticity determination, this corresponds to a program that returns specific encrypted data when specific encrypted data is transmitted. On the other hand, if it is data for authenticity determination, it is possible to confirm whether the game control unit is genuine or fake by transmitting the data to the outside.

(9) The identification information of the gaming machine is stored. This identification information is information for identifying the gaming machine, and is preferably a unique ID of the gaming machine, for example. Since the unique ID of the gaming machine is generally affixed to the gaming machine as a two-dimensional code, it is necessary to store the unique ID of the gaming machine in a predetermined storage element.

(10) And, the gaming machine state information includes “information relating to gaming results”, “information relating to fraud”, “information relating to gaming errors”, “information relating to predetermined operations”, “identification information of gaming control units”, At least one or more of “information based on security information” and “identification information of gaming machine” is included.

  In this way, in this solution, since various information is included in the gaming machine state information, fraud monitoring by a third party through an external ball lending management device is possible as a gaming machine resistant to fraud. It can be a gaming machine and a gaming machine with enhanced anti-goto measures. The individual advantages of various types of information are as follows.

  By including "game result information" in the gaming machine status information, the ball data has increased even though the winning result has not been obtained, or the ball data has increased even though the number of fluctuations has not increased. It is possible to confirm on the external ball lending management device side the illegal act that the possessed ball data is increasing even though the special game (big hit game) is not executed.

By including “information on fraud” in the gaming machine state information, the fact that vibration, magnetism, and radio waves are detected during the game can be confirmed on the external ball lending management device side.
By including “information relating to gaming errors” in the gaming machine state information, it is possible to confirm on the external ball lending management apparatus side the fact that some trouble has occurred during the game.

By including “information regarding a predetermined operation” in the gaming machine state information, for example, the fact that the door has been opened many times during the game can be confirmed on the external ball lending management device side.
By including “game control unit identification information” in the gaming machine state information, the fact that the game is executed by a non-genuine game control unit can be confirmed on the external ball lending management device side.

Whether the game control unit is genuine or fake, and whether the game control unit program is a legitimate program or an unauthorized program by including "information based on security information" in the gaming machine status information Can be confirmed on the external ball lending management device side.
By including “gaming machine identification information” in the gaming machine state information, it is possible to confirm on the external ball lending management apparatus side whether or not the gaming control unit and the gaming table are matched.

  Solution 4: The gaming machine of the present solution is any one of Solution 1 to 3, wherein the launching device is disposed on an upper end side in the vertical direction of the game area, and is substantially horizontal to the game area. A gaming machine characterized by firing a game ball in a direction.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The launching device is arranged on the upper end side in the vertical direction of the game area. Here, the upper end side means the upper side when the game area is divided into upper and lower parts. By arranging the launching device on the upper end side in the up and down direction of the game area, the path for the game ball to reach the game area can be shortened compared with the case where the launching device is placed on the lower end side, and the return is made accordingly. It can be set as the launcher which does not generate | occur | produce a ball | bowl (foul ball | bowl) easily. Here, the return ball is a game ball that has been launched by the launcher, but does not reach the game area, or even if it reaches the game area, it is bounced by some obstacle and returns to the launcher again. That is.

(2) The launching device launches a game ball in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the game area. For this reason, compared with the launching device which launches the game ball in the vertical direction, the launching device is less burdensome, and the launching device is less likely to generate a return ball. Here, the substantially horizontal direction includes not only a complete horizontal direction but also a substantially horizontal direction. How much is included in the substantially horizontal direction depends on the arrangement and configuration of the launching device, but at least a range in which a game ball after launching can fall freely from the launching device (for example, about 40 degrees to the upper right, Up to about 30 degrees to the upper right, more preferably about 15 degrees to the upper right) is included in the substantially horizontal direction.

(3) The launching device can also have a free fall passage that discharges a game ball that is stagnating due to free fall of the game ball to the game area when the game ball stays in the launch passage of the game ball. In this way, even if the launch force of the game ball is not sufficient due to having the free fall passage, the launch device is such that the game ball will not return to the launch standby position and a return ball is unlikely to occur. Can do.

  Here, in the above-described solution means, the game result is managed by electronic data. Therefore, when a return ball (foul ball) is generated, the accurate number of shots cannot be grasped.

  Therefore, in the present means for solving, by adopting the configuration of the above (1) and (2), preferably (1) to (3), the launching device is less likely to generate a return ball. Thus, the reliability of the game result by computerization can be improved while accurately managing the game result with electronic data.

  Moreover, in this solution, since the launching device is arranged on the upper end side in the vertical direction of the game area, it is possible to make it easy to accept the launch ball from the existing island facility, and the existing island facility is used as it is. In addition, it is possible to provide a launching device that has improved compatibility with existing island facilities.

  Solution 5: The gaming machine of the present solution is the game machine according to any one of solutions 1 to 4, wherein the launching device is driven based on a firing handle for determining a launch intensity of a game ball and an operation of the launching handle. A game ball that has a drive source and a concave shot ball holding unit that holds a shot ball that is a game ball to be launched, is rotated and reciprocated by driving of the drive source, and is held in the shot ball holding unit. A gaming machine comprising: a driven member that launches a game ball by throwing a ball.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The launching device includes a launching handle that determines the launch intensity of the game ball. The player can determine the strength of the game ball launch by operating the launch handle, and can launch the game ball at a desired position in the game area.

(2) The launcher includes a drive source (motor) that is driven based on the operation of the launch handle of (1) above. The driving source operates when the player touches the firing handle, and operates with strength depending on the operation amount of the firing handle.

(3) The launcher includes a driven member that is driven by the drive source of (2). The driven member has a concave launching ball holding unit that holds a launching ball that is a game ball to be launched, and is rotated and reciprocated by driving of the driving source of (2), and is held by the launching ball holding unit. A game ball is launched by throwing a game ball.

  Thus, according to this solution, since the launching device launches a game ball by throwing using a reciprocating rotary motion, the launching operation is stable each time compared to launching by hitting a ball, and the accuracy of launching Can also be improved.

  Solution 6: The game machine of the present solution is the game machine according to any one of Solution 1 to 4, wherein the launching device includes a launch handle for determining a launch intensity of the game ball and a launch ball that is the game ball to be fired. By hitting a game ball waiting in the firing ball waiting unit, which is driven by the operation of the firing handle, a driving source driven based on the operation of the launching handle, and a rectilinear reciprocating drive by driving the driving source, A gaming machine comprising: a driven member that launches a game ball.

The following features are added to the gaming machine of this solution.
(1) The launching device includes a launching handle that determines the launch intensity of the game ball. The player can determine the strength of the game ball launch by operating the launch handle, and can launch the game ball at a desired position in the game area.

(2) The launching device includes a launching ball standby unit that waits for the launching ball. The game ball supplied to the launching device is sent to the launching ball standby unit and waits there until the launching operation is performed.

(3) The launcher includes a drive source (motor) that is driven based on the operation of the launch handle of (1). The driving source operates when the player touches the firing handle, and operates with strength depending on the operation amount of the firing handle.

(4) The launcher includes a driven member that is driven by the drive source of (3) above. The driven member is linearly reciprocated by the driving of the driving source (3), and hits the waiting game ball in the shooting ball standby section (2) to fire the game ball.

  Thus, according to the present solution, the launching device launches a game ball by hitting using a rectilinear reciprocating drive, so that the operating range of the driven member can be narrowed compared to the rotational reciprocating drive. A game ball can be launched in a space-saving manner. For this reason, regarding a launcher, size reduction is realizable.

  Solution 7: The gaming machine of the present solution is characterized in that, in any of Solution 1 to 6, the launch ball receiving device includes a tank for storing game balls supplied from the game ball supply device. It is a gaming machine that

  In the present solution, the launch ball receiving device includes a tank for storing game balls supplied from an external game ball supply device (island equipment, ball feeding device). For this reason, according to this solution, since the game ball before launch can be temporarily stored in the tank, if the existing island facility uses the tank, the compatibility with the existing island facility Can be improved.

  Solution 8: The game machine of the present solution is the game machine according to any one of the solutions 1 to 6, wherein the launch ball receiving device receives the game ball supplied from the game ball supply device via a tank that stores the game ball. A game machine characterized by including a game ball receiving port for receiving directly without a game.

  In the solution described above, the game ball is supplied directly to the launching device, so it is not desirable to clog the game ball as much as possible, but the tank has the property of storing the game ball, so a ball clogging rarely occurs. is there.

  Therefore, in this solution, the launch ball receiving device includes a game ball receiving port that directly receives a game ball supplied from an external game ball supply device (island equipment, ball feeding device) without going through a tank. Yes. For this reason, a bellows hose or the like can be connected to the game ball receiving port, and the fired ball can be directly received therefrom.

  Thus, in this solution means, since it becomes a structure which does not go through a tank at the time of reception of a game ball, a simpler structure can be realized. In addition, since the configuration does not pass through the tank, it is possible to create a state in which game balls are aligned in a row from the beginning, and to reduce clogging of balls. Furthermore, even if a tank is not installed in the gaming machine, the compatibility with existing island facilities can be maintained by using a flexible bellows hose or the like.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention can solve the problems of the gaming machine sealing Irishiki.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is the front view which showed the game board unit independently. It is a front view which expands and shows a part of game board unit. It is a figure which shows the detail of a structure of a launching device. It is a figure which shows the detail of operation | movement of a launcher (the 1). It is a figure which shows the detail of operation | movement of a launcher (the 2). It is a figure which shows the modification of a launching device. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of supply at the time of supplying a game ball from a ball feeder unit to a launcher. It is a figure which shows the structure and operation | movement detail of a ball feeder. It is a figure which shows the 2nd supply example at the time of supplying a game ball from a ball feeder unit to a launcher. It is a figure which shows the example of attachment of a launching device. It is a figure which shows the connection relation of a pachinko machine and peripheral devices. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a pachinko machine and island facilities. It is a block diagram which shows the various electronic devices with which the pachinko machine was equipped. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the example of a procedure of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a power-off occurrence check process concretely. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an interruption management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a switch input event process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol memory update process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the production | presentation determination process at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol change pre-processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern selection table at the time of loss. It is a figure which shows the structure row | line | column of the 1st special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows the structure column of the 2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit hour fluctuation pattern selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a special symbol memory | storage area shift process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the special symbol stop display process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a display output management process. It is a flowchart which shows the structural example of a variable winning apparatus management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening opening pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big prize opening / closing operation | movement process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a big winning opening closing process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an end process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a launch management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the possession ball data addition process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a launch control process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a card unit process. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of the control processing performed among a card unit, a firing ball management apparatus, and a main control apparatus. It is a continuation figure showing an example of a production picture corresponding to change display and stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuation figure showing the flow of reach production performed at the time of big hit (winning). FIG. 10 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-game effect performed during a big hit game when “6 round probability variation 1” is applied. FIG. 10 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of a big-bodied effect executed during a big hit game when the “15-round probability variation symbol” is met. It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (1/8). It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (2/8). It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (3/8). It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (4/8). It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (5/8). It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (6/8). It is a continuous figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (7/8). It is a continuation figure which shows the flow of the game by a pachinko machine and a card unit (8/8). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an operation | movement memory production | presentation management process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of effect design management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of an effect design change pre-process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and a player borrows a game ball from a game hall operator to play a game with the pachinko machine 1. Here, since the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is an electronic data type gaming machine, the borrowed game balls do not pass directly to the player's hand, and the possession ball data indicating the number of borrowed game balls is It is stored inside the gaming machine or in a valuable medium (for example, a general card such as a magnetic recording medium or a storage IC built-in medium or a membership card). When the value of the possessed ball data remains (when it is larger than 0), the player can advance the game by firing the game ball. However, when the value of the possessed ball data no longer remains (when it becomes 0), it is necessary to lend a game ball or the like and increase the value of the retained ball data. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each of the game balls is a medium having a game value, and a privilege (benefits) enjoyed by the player as a result of the game is, for example, a game acquired by the player. The game value can be converted based on the number of balls. The overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (a plastic frame, a gaming machine frame) as its main body. The integrated door unit 4 is located on the foremost side when viewed from the front facing the player. An inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (back side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is disposed so as to surround the outer side of the inner frame assembly 7.

  The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame unit 2 has a fastener such as a screw attached to an island facility (not shown) in the game hall. It is used and fixed. In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for a portion corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and a metal material is used for a portion corresponding to the left and right long sides.

  The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which an operation display unit 6 is integrated at a lower position thereof. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island facility via the outer frame unit 2, and these operate in an openable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). An opening / closing axis of a hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

  A unified lock unit 9 is provided on the inner side of the right edge (the left edge in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, a locking tool (not shown) is also provided on the right side edge (back side) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in FIG. 1, in the state where the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly together with the locking device. 7 cannot be opened.

  Further, a cylinder lock 6 a with a key hole is provided on the right edge portion of the operation display unit 6. For example, when an administrator of the game hall inserts a dedicated key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 operates and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. . If these are opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed on the front side.

  On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the locking of the integrated door unit 4 is released while the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the integrated door unit 4 can be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as ball clogging in the board surface. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the operation display unit 6 is also opened to the front side.

  The pachinko machine 1 includes the game board unit 8 described above as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7 with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. The integrated door unit 4 is formed with a vertically oval window 4a at the center thereof, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached in the window 4a. The glass unit is a combination of, for example, two transparent plates (glass plates) cut in accordance with the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space in which a game ball can flow down is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface.

  The operation display unit 6 is formed with a protruding portion 6b at a part thereof, and the protruding portion 6b has a shape protruding from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side. The pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (model connected to the CR unit), but since it is an electronic data type gaming machine, the card unit 210 executes a ball rental process for gaming balls. However, the game ball is not actually paid out to the player. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment does not have an upper plate or a lower plate.

  In addition, an effect switching button 45 is provided in the center of the upper surface of the protruding portion 6b of the operation display unit 6. The effect switching button 45 has, for example, a combination of a push-type circular button and a rotary jog ring (jog dial) around it. The player switches the contents of the effect (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pushing or rotating the effect switching button 45, or during the change of the symbol, the display of the big hit, or the like During the big hit game, some kind of effect (notice effect, probability change promotion effect, promotion effect while playing a big role, etc.) can be generated.

  Further, a holding ball data display 123 is arranged on the front surface of the protrusion 6 b of the operation display unit 6, and the remaining data of the valuable medium put in the card unit 210 is displayed on the holding ball data display 123. And the value of the ball data stored in the pachinko machine 1 are displayed. In the illustrated example, “100” is displayed as the remaining frequency, and “11500” is displayed as the value of the possessed ball data.

  A handle unit 16 (launching handle) is installed at the lower right portion of the operation display unit 6. The player operates the handle unit 16 to operate the launch control board set 174 and can launch (shoot) a game ball toward the game area 8a (launch device). The launched game ball is thrown into the game area 8 a from the vicinity of the upper left end of the game board unit 8. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the drawing) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown-in game balls flow down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface) will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  A card information display device 200 is disposed at the lower left part of the operation display unit 6. The card information display device 200 is a unit that is operated by the player at the start or end of the game or at a break during the game.

  A plurality of operation buttons such as a ball lending button 10, a holding ball button 11, a break button 12, and a checkout button 13 are provided at the bottom of the card information display device 200.

  When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with the valuable medium inserted in the card unit 210 (CR unit), the number (for example, 125) corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees) is held ball data. Is added to In addition, when the player presses the possession ball button 11 while the value of the possession ball data stored in the valuable medium is larger than “0”, a part or all of the possession ball data stored in the valuable medium is stored. , Transition to the possession ball data stored in the pachinko machine 1. Further, when the player presses the break button 12, the break card is discharged from the card insertion slot 214. On the other hand, when the player operates the checkout button 13, it is possible to receive a return of the valuable medium in which the remaining frequency and possession ball data are written. At this time, as the number corresponding to the unit frequency, a number obtained by subtracting the consumption tax in advance (for example, 112) may be added to the possession data. This subtraction calculation may be performed on the card unit 210 side or on the gaming machine side (launched ball management device 92).

In addition, a data display unit 14 that displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium loaded in the card unit 210, the possession ball data, and the like is provided on the upper portion of the card information display device 200.
The data display unit 14 displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium loaded in the card unit 210 and the value of the possessed ball data stored in the valuable medium. It should be noted that the data display unit 14 may display information such as a game hall advertisement, a gaming method of the gaming machine, a display indicating that a break is in progress, and a ball graph.
Here, the card information display device 200 may be a touch panel type input device. In this case, since the data display unit 14 serves both as an input function and a display function, a plurality of operation buttons are not necessary.

[Card unit]
A card unit 210 (ball rental management device) is installed on the left side of the pachinko machine 1.
The card unit 210 is an information processing apparatus that takes in valuable media, returns valuable media, reads and writes various data on the valuable media, and the like. The card unit 210 is connected to the launching ball management device 92 of the pachinko machine 1 via the gaming ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 (communication means) of the pachinko machine 1 (see FIG. 15). Then, the card unit 210 transmits a ball lending data command to the pachinko machine 1 when executing the ball lending of the game ball.

  In addition, a cash insertion slot 212 is disposed on the upper part of the card unit 210, and the player can insert, for example, banknotes from the cash insertion slot 212. The type of the inserted banknote is determined inside the card unit 210, and the remaining frequency corresponding to the type of banknote is written in the valuable medium.

  Furthermore, a card insertion slot 214 is arranged at the bottom of the card unit 210, and the player can input a valuable medium into the card insertion slot 214, receive a valuable medium discharged from the card insertion slot 214, You can put in and out of a break card.

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for production. Among these, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decoration lamp 48, and the upper right electrical decoration unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decoration lamp 50. In addition, left and right glass frame decoration lamps 52 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 so as to be connected to the lower part of the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. It extends from the left and right edge portions of the integrated door unit 4 to the protruding portion 6 b of the operation display unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, 52, and the like are arranged so as to surround the glass unit (no reference symbol).

  The various lamps 46, 48, 50, and 52 described above perform effects by, for example, the light emission of the built-in LEDs (lighting and blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, and the like). In addition, on the upper part of the integrated door unit 4, speakers on the glass frame 54 and 55 are incorporated in the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. On the other hand, an outer frame speaker 56 is incorporated in the lower left position of the handle unit 16. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, etc. (sound in general) and execute effects.

[Configuration on the back side]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a ball feeder unit 172, a launch ball alignment path 173 a, a launch ball supply path 173 b, and a launch control board. A set 174, a launch ball management board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown), a power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) that constitute the power system and control system of the pachinko machine 1 are provided. 166, connection wiring (not shown) is installed. The electronic devices will be further described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 15). The card unit is not shown.

  The above ball feeder unit 172 includes, for example, a storage tank 172a (fired ball receiving device) and a storage case (no reference symbol), and among these, the storage tank (launched ball receiving tank) 172a is the inner frame assembly 7's. A game ball replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored in a state of being installed on the upper edge (back side). The game balls stored in the storage tank 172a are guided to the launch device 300 (see FIG. 3) via the launch ball alignment passage 173a and the launch ball supply passage 173b.

  The power cord 164 secures a power source (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power source device (for example, AC 24V) installed in an island facility of a game arcade. In addition, the ground wire 166 is connected to a ground terminal that is also installed in the island facility, thereby securing the ground (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Configuration of the board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. In the game area 8a, a relatively large effect unit 40 is arranged at the center position, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part and a lower part with the effect unit 40 as the center. Further, in the game area 8a, an upper start winning opening 26, a starting gate 20, normal winning openings 22, 25, a variable start winning apparatus 28, a variable winning apparatus 30 and the like are distributed and installed around the effect unit 40. Yes. Among these, the upper start winning opening 26 and the variable start winning device 28 are respectively arranged up and down in the center of the lower part of the game area 8a, and the start gate 20 is arranged in the right part of the game area 8a. In addition, the three normal winning holes 22 are arranged on the lower side of the left side of the game area 8a. The other remaining regular winning opening 25 is arranged on the right side of the game area 8a. Further, the variable winning device 30 is arranged on the lower side of the right side portion of the game area 8a.

  The game ball thrown into the game area 8a passes through the start gate 20 in the process of flowing down, enters the upper start winning port 26, the normal winning ports 22, 25, or the variable start at the time of operation. For example, the player enters the winning device 28 or the variable winning device 30 during the opening operation. There is a possibility that game balls flowing down the left area of the game area 8 a mainly enter the upper start winning opening 26 or enter the normal winning opening 22. The game balls flowing down the right area of the game area 8a mainly pass through the start gate 20, enter the normal winning opening 25, enter the variable winning device 30 during the opening operation, or when activated. There is a possibility of entering the variable start winning device 28. The game balls that have passed through the start gate 20 continue to flow down in the game area 8a, but the game balls that have entered the upper start winning port 26, the normal winning ports 22, 25, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30 are It is recovered to the back side of the game board unit 8 through a through hole formed in the game board (plywood material, transparent board, etc. constituting the game board unit 8).

  Here, the start gate 20 is arranged in the right area of the game area 8a. Therefore, in the present embodiment, due to the configuration of the game area 8a (board surface), when the game ball is allowed to pass through the start gate 20, or when the game ball is entered into the variable winning device 30, the variable start winning device 28 is played with the game ball. When the player enters the game ball, it is necessary to hit the game ball in the right side area (right hit area) in the game area 8a (so-called “right hit” is executed).

  In the present embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is satisfied (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed for a predetermined stop display time in a winning manner), and accordingly. It is possible to enter the lower start winning opening 28a (ordinary electric accessory). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening / closing members 28b, and these opening / closing members 28b reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. That is, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the left and right opening / closing members 28b are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time, it is impossible to enter the lower start winning opening 28a (the game ball is (There is no gap to enter). On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is operated, the left and right open / close members 28b are displaced (expanded) from the closed position toward the open position, and the opening width is expanded to the left and right to open the lower start winning opening 28a. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which it is possible to enter a game ball, and can enter the lower start winning opening 28a (variable start winning means). At this time, the opening / closing member 28b also functions as a member for guiding the entry of the game ball into the start winning opening 28a. Further, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed in the game board unit 8 is basically an aspect that does not extremely impede the flow of the game ball toward the variable start winning device 28 (the lower start winning port 28a at the time of opening). However, the game ball does not necessarily enter the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a) at the time of the opening operation, and the balls are generated randomly.

  The variable winning device 30 operates when a prescribed condition is satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode other than non-winning), and enters the big winning opening (no reference sign). (Special electric equipment, special winning event generation means). The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and this opening / closing member 30a reciprocates in the front-rear direction with respect to the board surface by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) along the board surface, and at this time, it is impossible to enter the big prize opening (the big prize opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is operated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall forward with its lower end edge as a hinge, thereby opening the large winning opening (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where the inflow of the game ball is not impossible, and can generate an event of entering the big winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball to the special winning opening.

  In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and the game balls that have not entered the winning ports are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board unit 8. In addition, all of the game balls 8 that have been driven into the game area 8a, including the game balls that have entered the normal winning ports 22, 25, the variable starting winning device 28 (lower starting winning port 28a), and the variable winning device 30 (large winning port). The game balls are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged out of the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (discharge device) (not shown), and further join a supply path of an island facility (not shown).

  A launching device 300 that launches a game ball toward the game area 8a is attached to the upper left portion of the game board unit 8. The launching device 300 is disposed on the upper end side in the vertical direction of the game area 8a, and launches a game ball in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the game area 8a. Details of the configuration of the launching device 300 will be described later.

[Other configuration of game board unit]
The production unit 40 has an upper edge portion 40a that functions as a guide member that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and includes various decorative parts 40b, 40c, 40k, and 40m inside thereof. The decorative parts 40b, 40c, 40k, and 40m improve the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by three-dimensional modeling and, for example, emit transmitted light by a built-in light emitter (LED or the like), thereby performing a stunning operation. can do. In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including effect symbols corresponding to special symbols. . In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (design of a cell plate (not shown)) and the decoration of the effect unit 40.

  A ball guide passage 40d is formed at the left edge of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed at the lower edge thereof. The ball guide passage 40d is opened obliquely upward to the left in the game area 8a. When a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide path 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. Released onto the stage 40e. The rolling stage 40e is formed, for example, in two upper and lower stages, of which the upper stage is located at the back as viewed from the player and the lower stage is located at the front as viewed from the player. In both the upper and lower stages, the upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface. Here, the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball that rolls on the rolling stage 40e eventually flows down from the lower stage into the lower game area 8a.

  An inflow passage 40g is formed at a substantially central position of the rolling stage 40e, and game balls can randomly flow into the inflow passage 40g from the upper rolling stage 40e. The inflow passage 40g is formed by extending the lower edge portion of the effect unit 40 downward and then bent in an L shape toward the front side, and a ball discharge port 40h is formed at the end thereof. The ball discharge opening 40h is open toward the front surface, and the opening position thereof is located immediately above the upper start winning opening 26. For this reason, the game ball that has flowed into the inflow passage 40g from above the rolling stage 40e is discharged from the ball discharge port 40h and easily passes through the upper start winning port 26 just below it (however, it does not always pass). Absent.).

  In addition, the effect unit 40 is provided with a drive source (for example, a motor, a solenoid, and the like) (not shown) together with a movable body 40f (for example, a heart-shaped ornament) for effect. The effect movable body 40f can execute an effect accompanied by an operation of a tangible object in addition to an effect using an image by the liquid crystal display 42 and an effect by a light emitter. Due to such an effect using the movable body 40f, an appealing power different from the effect using a two-dimensional image can be exhibited.

  FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower right position in the window 4a). That is, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, for example, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device. 35, a first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, a second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and a game state display device 38 are provided (normal symbol display means, special symbol display means, lottery element storage means).

  Among these, the normal symbol display device 33, for example, turns on two lamps (LEDs) alternately to display the normal symbols variably, and stops and displays the normal symbols when the lamps are turned on or off. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 memory numbers depending on, for example, a combination of turning off, lighting, or blinking of two lamps (LEDs). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are extinguished, a memory number of 0 is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is lit, a memory number of 1 is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, and in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is four. For example, the individual is displayed. Here, although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps to be lit.

  The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing the occurrence of an operation lottery trigger each time a game ball passes through the start gate 20. Then, every time a change of the normal symbol is started with the passage (up to 4) as a trigger, the display mode is changed by one by one. In this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state in which the normal symbol can already start to change (during stop display). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the memorized number (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passages at which the variation of the normal symbol has not started yet.

  Further, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can display the variation state and the stop state of the special symbol by, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means, first symbol). Symbol display means, second symbol display means). In addition, the special symbol display device 34 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

  Further, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a have 0 to 4 each, for example, depending on a display mode constituted by a combination of extinction or lighting and blinking of two lamps (LEDs). Is stored (memory number display means). For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, 0 stored number is displayed, in a display mode in which one lamp is turned on, 1 stored number is displayed, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. In the display mode in which two stored numbers are displayed, in addition to blinking one lamp, the other lamp is lit, three stored numbers are displayed, and in the display mode in which the two lamps are flashed together, the stored number is stored. For example, four are displayed.

  The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a changes to the display mode after being incremented one by one in the sense of memorizing that every time a game ball enters the upper start winning opening 26. Every time the change of the special symbol is started, the display mode is decreased one by one every time the ball is entered (up to 4). Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is incremented by one in the sense of memorizing that every time a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port). The display mode changes to a later display mode (up to a maximum of 4), and changes to the display mode after being reduced by one each time the change of the special symbol is started with the entry. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the first start symbol 26 is in a state where the first special symbol can already start to change (when stopped). Even if a game ball enters, the display mode does not change. In addition, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port) in a state in which the second special symbol can already start to change (during stop display). The display mode does not change even if a game ball enters the ball. That is, the number of memories (maximum of 4) represented by the display mode of each special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, 35a is the number of incoming balls for which the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started. It represents the number of times.

  In addition, the game state display device 38 includes, for example, five LEDs corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38a, the short time state display lamp 38b, the big hit type display lamps 38c and 38d, and the launch position designation display lamp 38e, respectively. Yes. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol are described. The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game state display device 38 are attached to the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of the launching device 300.
The launching device 300 is a device that launches a game ball into the game area by a reciprocating rotary pitching mechanism.
The launching device 300 includes a firing motor 302 serving as a driving source, and a stepping motor, a rotary solenoid, a swing motor, or the like can be applied to the firing motor 302.
The firing motor 302 has a rotating shaft 304 serving as an output shaft, and a firing arm 306 serving as a driven member is connected to the rotating shaft 304.

The launch arm 306 is an arm-shaped member, and a rotary shaft 304 is connected to one end, and a concave launch ball holding portion 308 that holds the launch ball is formed at the other end.
As shown in FIG. 5 (B), the launching ball holding portion 308 of the launching arm 306 has a bowl-like shape with the inside hollowed out, and the inner surface has an arc shape, so that one game ball is provided. Can only be accommodated. Further, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5A, in the state where the launch arm 306 is standing up, the inner lower wall of the launch ball holding unit 308 is a continuous slope with a downward slope to promote free fall of the game ball. Thus, the upper surface of the inner surface of the launch ball holding portion 308 forms a smooth continuous curved surface so that the launch direction of the game ball is slightly upward.
The firing arm 306 can reciprocate in the arc direction continuously at intervals of, for example, 600 ms by driving the firing motor 302.

In addition, a game ball supply hole 310 is formed at a lower left center position (a position above the shot ball holding unit 308) of the base 322 of the launch device 300, and one game ball is inserted from the game ball supply hole 310. These are supplied one by one and sent to the firing ball holding unit 308.
Furthermore, a downwardly inclined game ball passage 312 (free fall passage) is formed at the center on the right side of the launching device 300, and the game ball passage 312 is formed in the base 322 so as to be laterally cut out.

  A launch arm stop member 314 is disposed at the upper and lower portions of the entrance of the game ball passage 312. The launch arm stop member 314 is a member for stopping the rotation of the launch arm 306 and plays two roles. . The first role is to receive the rotational force of the firing arm 306, and the second role is to accurately define (position) the stop position of the firing arm 306 in the rotational direction. Therefore, the lower side of the launch arm stop member 314 provided in two places is installed for shock buffering with a member such as rubber or sponge having excellent shock absorbing performance, and the upper member is less deformed and the reference position is determined. Necessary requirements can be satisfied by using hard rubber or the like which can be accurately performed and has excellent wear resistance. In this case, after the lower shock absorbing member first comes into contact with the firing arm 306 to weaken the rotational force, the firing arm stop member 314 is brought into contact with the upper reference position determining firing arm stop member. It is preferable to consider the shape and arrangement. For example, the size of the shock absorbing member on the lower side is larger than the firing arm stop member for positioning the upper reference position, or the impact absorbing member on the lower side than the firing arm stopping member for positioning the upper reference position is used. The member can be protruded and arranged on the firing arm 306 side. In the present embodiment, the firing motor 302 is rotated to abut the firing arm 306 against the firing arm stop member 314. However, if the firing arm 306 is configured to be completely stopped by the electromagnetic brake at the standing position, The firing arm stop member 314 can be omitted.

  In addition, a game ball launch detection sensor 316 (launch detection means) that detects that a game ball has been fired by the launching device 300 is disposed near the center of the game ball passage 312. When fired, the game ball launch detection sensor 316 detects the launch of the game ball. Although various sensors can be applied to the game ball launch detection sensor 316, a photocoupler, a switch that detects the passage of the game ball by changing the impedance of the detection coil, or the like can be applied.

  A launch port 318 is formed at the exit (terminal position) of the game ball passage 312, and the launch port 318 is open on the right side of the launch device 300. For this reason, when a game ball is launched by the launching device 300, the game ball is launched in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the game area.

  Further, a return ball prevention valve 320 is arranged outside the launch port 318 so as to close the launch port 318. The return ball prevention valve 320 prevents the game ball launched into the game area from returning to the launching device 300 (returning back). The return ball prevention valve may be a return ball prevention valve 320 using a leaf spring as shown in FIG. 5A, and a return using a plate door as shown in FIG. A ball prevention valve 321 may be used.

  The base 322 includes a launch motor 302, a launch arm 306, a game ball supply hole 310, a game ball passage 312, a launch arm stop member 314, a game ball launch detection sensor 316, a launch port 318, and a return ball prevention valve 320. Can be unitized (parts).

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5D, the launching device 300 can be arranged to be inclined with respect to the game area. Even in this way, the launching device 300 can launch a game ball in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the game area. Since the launching device 300 is arranged on the upper end side in the up and down direction of the game area, if the shape of the launch ball holding portion 308 is a shape that allows the game ball to fall freely at the end of rotation, the return ball of the return ball is not required to be horizontal. There can be no launcher configured. That is, even if the firing direction vector is not horizontal (for example, about 30 degrees to the upper right), the game ball can be freely dropped at the rotation stop end by the shape of the launch ball holding unit 308. The launching device 300 may be tilted up to about 40 degrees in the upper right direction, and if it is tilted up to about 15 degrees in the upper right direction, the generation of the return sphere can be further suppressed. Moreover, the launching device 300 may be inclined in the lower right direction. In this way, the free fall of the game ball can be further promoted.

6 and 7 are diagrams showing details of the operation of the launching device 300. FIG.
Here, FIG. 6 shows an example when a game ball is launched from the launching device 300 in a normal intensity range, and FIG. 7 shows a case where a game ball is launched from the launching device 300 with the weakest strength. An example is shown.

As shown in FIG. 6A, in the standby state before the game ball is launched, the launch arm 306 is in a collapsed state.
When the ball feeding device 500 (see FIG. 9) operates in this state, only one game ball is discharged from the game ball supply hole 310 and supplied to the launch ball holding unit 308 as shown in FIG. The

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the shooting motor 302 drives the shooting arm 306 while the game ball is held by the shooting ball holding unit 308, the shooting arm 306 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise together with the rotating shaft 304. The game ball jumps out from the shot ball holding unit 308 toward the game ball passage 312 with the momentum. The initial speed of the launch ball at the release point at which the launch arm 306 is vertical is determined by the rotational speed of the launch motor 302, thereby determining the launch strength of the launch ball. Since the game ball passes through the game ball passage 312, the game ball launch detection sensor 316 detects the passage of the game ball. Note that the rotation speed of the firing motor 302, that is, the firing intensity is performed by power control by adjusting the duty ratio of the PWM drive of the firing motor 302.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6D, the game ball is released from the launch port 318 to the game area, but when released from the launch port 318, the return ball prevention valve 320 is pushed to play the game. Proceed to the area. On the other hand, the firing arm 306 is held at a standing position (launching position) for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.1 to 0.3 seconds).
Here, after the launch arm 306 reaches the end position, the game ball is launched into the game area while maintaining its initial speed. If the launch intensity is above a certain level, the launch ball is From the bottom of the launching ball holding unit 308 in the rotation direction of 306, it is released to the game area while being pressed against the upper inner wall of the launching ball holding unit 308 of the launching arm 306 by a centrifugal force. That is, the vector of the firing direction is determined depending on the firing strength (centrifugal force), the inclination angle of the launching device 300, and the shape of the inner upper wall of the launch arm 306. Thus, since the shape of the launch arm 306 affects the launch direction of the game ball, it is desirable that a part or all of it is made of a metal having excellent wear resistance.

When a predetermined holding time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 6E, the firing arm 306 returns to the original standby position by its own weight due to the positional relationship of the center of gravity. The firing arm 306 may return to the original standby position by reverse rotation control of the firing motor 302 instead of its own weight.
The launching device 300 can continuously launch game balls into the game area by repeating such operations.

  The above is an operation example when a game ball is launched from the launch device 300 in a normal intensity range. However, the rotational force of the launch motor 302 is insufficient, and the game ball is launched from the launch device 300 with the weakest strength. An example of the operation in such a case is as follows.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in the standby state before the game ball is launched, the launch arm 306 is in a collapsed state.
When the ball feeding device 500 (see FIG. 9) operates in this state, only one game ball is discharged from the game ball supply hole 310 and supplied to the launch ball holding unit 308 as shown in FIG. The

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the shooting motor 302 is driven with the game ball held by the shooting ball holding unit 308, the shooting arm 306 rotates 90 degrees clockwise together with the rotating shaft 304. Standing up. However, in the illustrated example, since the rotational force of the firing motor 302 is insufficient, the game ball does not jump out of the launching ball holding unit 308 but remains in the launching ball holding unit 308.

  However, as shown in FIG. 7D, since the inner surface of the launch ball holding portion 308 has an arc shape, the game ball rolls on the arc-shaped slope and is guided to the game ball passage 312. Further, since the game ball passage 312 is inclined downward, the game ball is released from the launch port 318 to the game area by free fall. When the game ball is released from the launch port 318, the return ball prevention valve 320 is pushed to advance to the game area. In this case, since the game ball passes through the game ball passage 312, the game ball launch detection sensor 316 detects the passage of the game ball.

  On the other hand, the firing arm 306 is held at a standing position (launching position) for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.1 to 0.3 seconds). As described above, since the launch arm 306 is held in a vertical position for a predetermined time, and the game ball passage 312 is formed so as to fall freely at a minimum even when the firing strength of the launch ball becomes weak again. The fired ball does not remain in the fired ball holding unit 308.

When a predetermined holding time has elapsed, the firing arm 306 returns to the original standby position as shown in FIG.
Thus, in this embodiment, since the inner surface of the launch ball holding portion 308 has an arc shape and the game ball passage 312 has a downward slope, the launch force of the launch device 300 is not sufficient. Even in this case, the game ball is released to the game area by free fall. Therefore, it is possible to provide the launching device 300 that does not generate a return ball.

[Modified example of launcher]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the launching device.
The above-described launch device 300 has been described as an example of a device that launches a game ball by a reciprocating rotary throwing mechanism. Here, an example of a device that launches a game ball by a reciprocating rectilinear hitting mechanism will be described.

  The launching device 400 includes a linear solenoid 402, a driven member 404, a game ball supply hole 406, a game ball passage 408, a game ball launch detection sensor 410, a launch port 412, a return ball prevention valve 414, and a base 416. .

  The rectilinear solenoid 402 is an actuator that operates with a driving force corresponding to the amount of rotation when the handle unit 16 is rotated more than the free angle, and is fixed near the center of the base 416 (drive source).

The driven member 404 is a cylindrical bar-like member, and can move forward and backward in a substantially horizontal direction continuously at intervals of 600 ms, for example, by operating the linear solenoid 402.
A buffer material 404a is attached to the front end portion of the driven member 404, and a stopper 404b is attached to the rear end portion. The shock absorbing material 404a is used as a hammer for hitting (horizontal hitting) a game ball at the game ball standby position 405 (launch ball standby portion) when the driven member 404 advances. The game ball hit by the driven member 404 is released to the game area through the game ball passage 408 and the launch port 412.

  A game ball supply hole 406 is formed diagonally to the upper right of the game ball standby position 405. One game ball is supplied from the game ball supply hole 406 and sent to the game ball standby position 405.

The game ball passage 408 is a game ball launch passage connecting the game ball standby position 405 to the launch port 412, and is formed in the base 416 so as to be laterally cut out.
The game ball passage 408 starts with an upward slope (uphill) and ends with a downward slope (downhill). The upward inclination of the game ball passage 408 plays a role of stably stopping the game ball with respect to the game ball standby position 405. On the other hand, the downward inclination of the game ball passage 408 plays a role of allowing the game ball to freely fall into the game area (free fall passage). The game ball standby position 405 is a position where the game ball immediately before being hit by the driven member 404 waits.

  The game ball launch detection sensor 410 is a sensor that detects the passage of the game ball at a position before the launch port 412. The game ball launch detection sensor 410 is composed of a reflective photocoupler provided on the base 416 so as to surround the game ball passage 408 at a position beyond the top of the upward slope of the game ball passage 408, and allows the passage of the game ball. Can be detected. The game ball launch detection sensor 410 is not limited to such a reflection type photocoupler, and may be a switch that detects the passage of the game ball by a change in impedance of the detection coil.

  The launch port 412 forms a terminal end of the game ball passage 408 and is opened on the right side surface of the base 416. For this reason, in the launch port 412, the game ball is directed substantially in the horizontal direction with respect to the game area.

  The return ball prevention valve 414 is disposed outside the launch port 412 and closes the launch port 412. The return ball prevention valve 414 prevents the game ball that has been launched into the game area from returning to the launching device 400. The return ball prevention valve 414 may be a plate door as shown in FIG.

  The base 416 is attached with a linear solenoid 402, a driven member 404, a game ball supply hole 406, a game ball passage 408, a game ball launch detection sensor 410, a launch port 412, and a return ball prevention valve 414. Therefore, the launching device 400 can be unitized (partified).

Next, an operation example of the launching device 400 using the reciprocating linear hitting mechanism will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8A, the driven member 404 is retracted in a standby state before the game ball is launched.
When the ball feeding device 500 (see FIG. 9) is operated in this state, as shown in FIG. 8B, only one game ball is released from the game ball supply hole 406, and the game ball is in the game ball standby position 405. Sent to.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the linear solenoid 402 drives the driven member 404 while the game ball is waiting at the game ball standby position 405, the driven member 404 moves forward (right side in the figure). The game ball is played at that momentum. Since the game ball passes through the game ball passage 408, the game ball launch detection sensor 410 detects the passage of the game ball.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8D, the game ball is released from the launch port 412 to the game area. When the game ball is released from the launch port 412, the return ball prevention valve 414 is pushed away to play the game. Proceed to the area. On the other hand, the driven member 404 is held for a predetermined time (for example, about 0.1 to 0.3 seconds) at the position where it jumps out (launch position).

  Here, when the driving force of the linear solenoid 402 is insufficient (when the linear solenoid 402 operates with the weakest strength), the game ball is not played so vigorously. However, since the game ball passage 408 has a downward slope, even in such a case, the game ball is released from the launch port 412 to the game area by free fall.

Then, when a predetermined holding time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 8E, the driven member 404 returns to the original standby position.
The launching device 400 can continuously launch game balls into the game area by repeating such operations.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first supply example when a game ball is supplied from the ball feeder unit 172 to the launching device 300.
The first supply example is an example in which game balls are supplied from an external island facility via the storage tank 172a of the ball feeder unit 172.
Here, in the first supply example, the launching device 300 is arranged on the left side of the game board unit 8, and the ball feeder unit 172 is arranged on the back side of the game board unit 8 and the launching device 300.

  In the first supply example, a game ball is supplied from an island facility (not shown) to the storage tank 172a of the ball feeder unit 172. The game balls supplied to the storage tank 172a are sent to the launch ball alignment passage 173a, and are aligned in a line in this passage.

  The ball feeder 500 of the ball feeder unit 172 supplies the game balls aligned in the shot ball alignment passage 173a to the launcher 300 one by one in accordance with the timing of launch. Details of the ball feeder 500 will be described later.

The game ball from the ball feeder 500 passes through the launch ball supply passage 173b and reaches the launch ball holding portion 308 of the arm-like launch arm 306. The shot ball supply passage 173b is an L-shaped passage that extends in the vertical direction and then faces the front side of the game board unit 8.
A game ball supply detection sensor 106 (launch detection means) is provided in the shot ball supply passage 173b, and the game ball supply detection sensor 106 supplies a game ball from the ball feeding device 500 to the launch device 300. Is detected.

  The launching device 300 and the ball feeding device 500 can be separately attached to the game board unit 8 and the ball feeding device unit 172, respectively, but by assembling them into the base 322 as a unit, Installation can be simplified.

  Thus, according to the first supply example, the game ball before launch can be temporarily stored in the storage tank 172a, so that the existing island facility uses a game machine equipped with a tank corresponding to the storage tank 172a. If it has been done, the affinity with the existing island facilities can be improved.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the configuration and operation of the ball feeding device 500.
The ball feeding device 500 is a device that supplies a game ball to the launching device 300, and includes a ball feeding rotating body 504 that is rotationally driven by a ball feeding motor 502 (see FIG. 9).
The ball feed rotator 504 is formed with a notch 506 capable of receiving only one game ball at a part thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (A), the game balls from the storage tank are aligned in a line in the firing ball alignment passage 173a. In the state before the ball feeding device 500 supplies the game balls, the top game balls arranged in the firing ball alignment passage 173 a are in contact with the side surface of the ball feed rotating body 504.

  When the ball feeding operation of the ball feeding device 500 is started, as shown in FIG. 10B, the ball feeding rotating body 504 rotates counterclockwise, and the notch 506 moves in the direction of the launching ball alignment passage 173a. Therefore, the leading game ball enters the notch 506.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the ball feed rotator 504 rotates clockwise, the game ball that has entered the notch 506 is discharged to the shot ball supply passage 173b, and then supplied to the launch device. The
The ball feeder 500 can supply game balls one by one to the launcher by repeating such an operation.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second supply example when a game ball is supplied from the ball feeder unit 172 to the launching device 300. 11A shows a plan view of the launching device 300 and the ball feeding device 500, and FIG. 11B shows a side view of the launching ball alignment passage 173a and the bellows hose 510. Show.
The second supply example is an example in which game balls are supplied directly without going through the storage tank 172a of the ball feeder unit 172.
In the illustrated example, a launch ball receiving port 173c (a launch ball receiving device, a game ball receiving port) for receiving a fire ball is formed at the right end of the fire ball alignment passage 173a.

  In the second supply example, as shown in FIG. 11 (B), the bellows hose 510 (spring passage), which is a part of the replenishment passage of an island facility (not shown), is connected to the firing ball receiving port 173c. Thus, the game ball is sent to the launch ball alignment passage 173a. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first supply example described above, description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, in the 2nd supply example, since it becomes a structure which does not go through a storage tank in the case of reception of a game ball, a simpler structure can be realized. Further, since the configuration does not go through the storage tank, it is possible to create a state in which the game balls are aligned in a row from the beginning in the launch ball alignment passage 173a, and it is possible to reduce clogging of the balls.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of attachment of the launching device.
The launching device 300 can be attached to the game board unit 8 as described above, but can also be attached to the gaming machine frame as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the launcher 300 is attached to the upper left portion of the inner wall of the inner frame assembly 7.

  Thus, by attaching the launching device 300 to the inner frame assembly 7, it is not necessary to replace the launching device 300 when the game board unit 8 is replaced. That is, when replacing the new stand, if only the game board unit 8 is replaced without replacing the inner frame assembly 7, the launching device 300 attached to the inner frame assembly 7 can be used as it is. There are advantages.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between a pachinko machine and peripheral devices.
In the pachinko machine 1A shown in FIG. 13A, the card unit 210 and the card information display device 200 are integrated. For this reason, the integrated card unit 210 and the card information display device 200 can be separated from the pachinko machine 1A. The handle unit 16 can also be separated from the pachinko machine 1A. However, the handle unit 16 may be integrated with the pachinko machine 1A. Thus, by making each part separable from the pachinko machine 1A, when each part fails, each part can be replaced individually, and maintainability can be improved. Note that the description after FIG. 13 is based on the connection form of the pachinko machine 1A.

  In the pachinko machine 1B shown in FIG. 13B, the card unit 210 and the card information display device 200 are not integrated. For this reason, the card unit 210 can be separated from the pachinko machine 1B, and the card information display device 200 can be separated. The handle unit 16 can also be separated from the pachinko machine 1B.

  In the pachinko machine 1 </ b> C shown in FIG. 13C, the card unit 210 and the card information display device 200 are integrated, and the card information display device 200 is attached to the front surface of the card unit 210. For this reason, the integrated card unit 210 and the card information display device 200 can be separated from the pachinko machine 1C. The handle unit 16 can also be separated from the pachinko machine 1C. Moreover, since the card information display device 200 is not arranged in the area A shown in FIG. 13C, it can be used as a utility space. As a method for utilizing the utility space, for example, it can be used as a player's accessory storage or as an ashtray space.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pachinko machine and the island facility.
The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is an electronic data game machine, but can use the existing island equipment as it is.
In the upper part of the island facility 600, an upper tank 602 (game ball supply device) for storing game balls, an illegal ball detection device 606 for detecting illegal balls, and a supply passage 608 for supplying game balls to each pachinko machine 1 ( A game ball supply device) is arranged.

In the lower part of the island facility 600, a collection device 610 for collecting game balls, a collection passage 612 for passing game balls collected by the collection device 610, and a lower tank 614 for storing collected game balls are arranged. Yes.
Between the upper tank 602 and the lower tank 614, a lifting and polishing device 616 (lifting passage) for raising the game ball while polishing the game ball is installed.

Next, the flow of game balls will be described.
The game sphere stored in the upper tank 602 is sent to the illegal sphere detection device 606, where it is detected whether or not it is an illegal sphere (whether or not it is a game sphere having a sphere diameter smaller than a prescribed sphere diameter). The

The game balls that are not determined to be illegal balls by the illegal ball detection device 606 are sent to the storage tank 172a of the pachinko machine 1 through the supply passage 608, and are sent from the storage tank 172a to the launching device 300.
The game balls launched from the launching device 300 flow down the game area, and then are discharged out of the machine via the out passage assembly 250 and sent to the lower tank 614 through the collection device 610 and the collection passage 612.
The game ball sent to the lower tank 614 is sent to the upper tank 602 while being removed by dirt and dust by being polished by the lifting and polishing device 616.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, game balls are directly received and fired from the island facility 600, and all the launched game balls are collected by the out passage assembly 250 and discharged out of the machine. The pachinko machine 1 that does not enclose the game ball can be provided. As a result, the problems (detrimental) of the enclosed type can be eliminated, and the existing island facilities such as the game ball circulation mechanism, the polishing device 604, the illegal ball detection device 606, and the like can be used as they are.
Further, by adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible for the player to advance the game without touching the game ball, and a clean and simple game form can be realized.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the launching device 300 is arranged on the upper end side of the pachinko machine 1, it is possible to make it easy to accept the launch ball from the supply passage 608, and the existing island facility 600 can be used as it is. In addition to the above, it is possible to make the launching device 300 further improved in consistency with the existing island facility 600.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer, game control unit) serving as the center of the control operation. The main control device 70 mainly functions to control the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. have. The main controller 70 is built in the main control board unit 170 described above.

  The main controller 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72 as a central processing unit is mounted. The main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74, a RAM ( RWM) 76 and other semiconductor memories are integrated as an LSI. The main controller 70 is equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for the big symbol determination of the special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery, and the random number generated here is generated. Is input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. In addition, the main controller 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input / output (I / O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), a counter / timer circuit (CTC), etc. It is mounted on the board. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

  The semiconductor memory of the main controller 70 can store ID information of the main control CPU 72, ID information of the pachinko machine 1, security information for confirming the authenticity of the main control CPU 72, etc. (game) Control unit identification information storage means, security information storage means, gaming machine identification information storage means). These pieces of information become information constituting a part of the gaming machine state information command, and are transmitted from the pachinko machine 1 to the card unit 210.

  The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, the game board unit 8 includes an upper start winning port switch 80 (a ball detecting means) and a lower start winning port switch 82 (corresponding to the upper start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, and the variable winning device 30, respectively. (Incoming detection means) and a count switch 84 (incoming detection means) are provided. Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the upper start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (lower start winning port 28a). The count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of a game ball to the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number. Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a winning port switch 86 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning ports 22 and 24. Here, a configuration using a common winning opening switch 86 for all the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is given as an example, but for example, separate winning opening switches 86 are installed on the left and right sides of the board, and the left winning opening switch is provided. In 86, a winning of a game ball for the normal winning ports 22, 24 located on the left side of the board surface is detected, and in the right winning port switch 86, a winning of a game ball in the normal winning port 24 located on the right side of the board surface is detected. Also good.

  In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches 78 to 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). In the present embodiment, a winning detection signal from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, and the winning opening switch 86 is transmitted via the panel relay terminal plate 87 and the panel relay terminal plate 87 due to the configuration of the game board unit 8. Are provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying each winning detection signal.

  The above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a and game The state display device 38 is controlled in display operation based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals for the display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. The display devices 33, 34, 35, and 38 and the lamps 33a, 34a, and 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89 as described above. A control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the display substrate 89 through the panel relay terminal board 87.

  Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a big prize opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. These solenoids 88 and 90 are operated (excited) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72 to open and close (activate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 respectively. The solenoids 88 and 90 also transmit control signals from the main control CPU 72 through the panel relay terminal plate 87 described above.

  Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a magnetic sensor 202 (magnetic detection means), a vibration sensor 204 (vibration detection means), and a radio wave sensor 206 (radio wave detection means), of which the magnetic sensor 204 is installed. The magnetic flux flying to the game board unit 8 at the position is detected, and a detection signal corresponding to the density (magnetic strength) is output. Further, the vibration sensor 206 detects acceleration (vibration) applied to the game board unit 8 at the installation position, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the magnitude. Furthermore, the radio wave sensor 206 detects a radio wave that reaches the game board unit 8 at the installation position, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the reception intensity of the radio wave. Detection signals from the magnetic sensor 202, vibration sensor 204, and radio wave sensor 206 are input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72) through the panel relay terminal board 87, respectively.

  In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 (operation detecting means) is installed in the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 (operation detecting means) is installed in the inner frame assembly 7. Yes. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72), and the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main controller 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 or the inner frame assembly 7, the main control CPU 72 generates a door open information signal as an external information signal.

  On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a launching ball management device 92 (launching ball management unit) is equipped. The launch ball management device 92 includes a circuit board on which a launch control CPU 94 is mounted. The launch control CPU 94 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98 is integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). . The launch ball management device 92 controls the operation of the launch device 300 and manages the possession ball data indicating the number of game balls that can be launched by the launch device 300.

  A ball holding data display board 122 is connected to the launch ball management apparatus 92, and a ball holding data display 123 (LED display) is connected to the ball holding data display board 122. From the card unit 210, frequency data representing the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the possessed ball data display substrate 122 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120 and the launching possessed ball management device 92. A display circuit (not shown) on the possessed ball data display board 122 drives the retained ball data display 123 to display numerically the remaining frequency of the valuable medium and the retained ball data stored in the launched possessed ball management device 92. Further, no valuable medium has been inserted into the card unit 210, the remaining frequency of the inserted valuable medium becomes zero, or the value of possessed ball data stored in the launching possession ball management device 92 becomes zero. In this case, the display circuit of the holding ball data display substrate 122 can drive the holding ball data display 123 to perform a demonstration display (display for prompting the introduction of a valuable medium).

  In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a launch motor 302 and a ball feed motor 502 are installed together with the launch control board 108. The firing control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the firing motor 302 and the ball feed motor 502. Among these, the launch motor 302 performs the operation of throwing the game balls sent to the launch position and throwing the game balls one by one continuously (intermittently) toward the game area 8. The interval between game balls is about 0.6 seconds (within 100 per minute), for example. In addition, when adopting the launching device 400 (see FIG. 8) that launches a game ball by a reciprocating rectilinear hitting mechanism, a rectilinear solenoid 402 is installed instead of the firing motor 302. In addition, the ball feed motor 502 performs an operation of sending the game balls stored in the shot ball supply passage 173b one by one to the launch device 300.

  In addition to the supply path ball cut switch 104 installed at the upstream position of the storage case, the game ball supply detection sensor 106 is installed at the downstream position of the shot ball supply passage 173b, and in the vicinity of the game ball launch port. Is provided with a game ball launch detection sensor 316. Further, a discharge sensor 107 for detecting a discharge ball is set in an out passage assembly (not shown).

  When a ball break occurs at an upstream position of the storage case, a contact signal from the replenishment path ball break switch 104 is input to the firing control board 108. Further, each time a game ball is supplied to the launching device 300 by driving the ball feed motor 502, a detection signal from the game ball supply detection sensor 106 is input to the launch control board 108. Further, each time a game ball is launched from the launch device 300 by driving the launch motor 302, a detection signal from the game ball launch detection sensor 316 is input to the launch control board 108. Further, each time a game ball is collected in the out-passage assembly, a detection signal from the discharge sensor 107 is input to the launch control board 108. The launch control board 108 transmits the input detection signal and contact signal to the launch ball management device 92. Based on the signal received from the launch control board 108, the launch ball management device 92 can ascertain the actual number of shots and the ball-out condition. In addition, since the fireball management device 92 can grasp the number of fires and the number of discharges based on these input signals, it can detect an error state in which the number of fires and the number of discharges do not match. In the present embodiment, detection signals from the game ball supply detection sensor 106, the game ball launch detection sensor 316, and the discharge sensor 107 are input to the launch control board 108 and then transmitted to the launch ball management device 92. However, these sensors may be directly connected to the launch ball management device 92 without going through the launch control board 108, and management related to the launch ball (held ball data) and error detection may be performed.

  On the other hand, the handle unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Among these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the operation amount (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Further, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the handle unit 16 (launching handle) from the change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal thereof. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in accordance with the player's operation.

  Further, a launch relay terminal plate 118 is installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is fired via the launch relay terminal plate 118. It is transmitted to the control board 108. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the operation amount, and the firing motor 302 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength of launching the game ball is adjusted according to the operation amount of the player. It should be noted that the driving circuit of the firing control board 108 has a firing ball data of “0” when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level), and when the firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. In some cases, drive of firing motor 302 is prohibited. In addition, a game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the launch relay terminal plate 118, and when the card unit 210 is not connected to the game ball lending device connection terminal plate 120, the launch control is also performed. The drive circuit of the substrate 108 prohibits the driving of the firing motor 302.

  In addition, the game machine of this embodiment is not provided with an external terminal board. Therefore, the game ball rental device connecting terminal board 120 assumes the role of the external terminal board. Specifically, the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 120 serves to connect the pachinko machine 1 to the external management device 260 (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, a network management device, etc.) via the card unit 210. From the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 120, various external information signals (for example, award ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot, etc.) indicating the game progress status and maintenance status of the pachinko machine 1 are played. Information, start port information, etc.) is output by a serial signal or the like.

  Further, the card information display device 200 is connected to the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120 via the card unit 210. The card information display device 200 is equipped with switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10, the holding ball button 11, the break button 12, and the checkout button 13, and when these buttons are operated, the operation signals Is transmitted to the card unit 210. The card unit 210 includes a CPU that controls the card unit 210, and the card information display device 200 includes a CPU that controls the card information display device 200, a VDP that is a display processor, and the like.

  Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes an effect control device 124 (effect control computer) as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 controls the effect accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which an effect control CPU 126 that is a central processing unit is mounted. The effect control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and a semiconductor memory such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control device 124 is provided at a position covered with the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

  The effect control device 124 is equipped with an input / output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and an acoustic drive circuit 134. The production control CPU 126 performs production control based on the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp driving circuit 132 and the acoustic driving circuit 134 to emit various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53. Or a process of actually outputting sound effects, voices, and the like from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other via, for example, a communication harness (not shown). However, the communication between these is performed only in one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the reverse direction is not performed. The communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus widths of various commands transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and each driver IC (I / O). A serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration.

  The lamp driving circuit 132 includes a switching element such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC or a MOSFET (not shown). The lamp driving circuit 132 switches driving voltages (or duty switching) applied to various lamps including LEDs. ) And manage the operation such as light emission and flashing. In addition to the glass frame top lamp 46 and the glass frame decoration lamps 48, 50, 52, the various lamps include a decoration / production board lamp 53 installed in the game board unit 8. The panel lamp 53 corresponds to an LED incorporated in the above-described effect unit, or an LED incorporated in the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, or the like.

  The acoustic drive circuit 134 is, for example, a sound generator that includes a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, and the like (not shown). The acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the upper speaker 54 and the lower speaker 56 to perform acoustic output. .

  In the present embodiment, a glass frame decoration board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 pass through the glass frame decoration board 136 and various lamps 46. To 52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Also, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player operates the effect switching button 45, the contact signal is sent to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. Entered. Furthermore, the jog dial 45a is connected to the glass frame decorating board 136, and when the player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the glass frame decorating board 136. .

  In addition, a panel board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a movable body solenoid 57 is connected to the panel board 138 in addition to the panel lamp 53. The movable body solenoid 57 drives the movable body 40f, for example, via a link mechanism (not shown). The driving signal from the lamp driving circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 and the movable body solenoid 57 via the panel electric decoration board 138, respectively.

  The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display screen is visible through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power source that is applied to a backlight (for example, a cold cathode tube) of the liquid crystal display 42. Further, an effect display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the effect display control device 144. The effect display control device 144 is equipped with a display control CPU 146 that is a general-purpose central processing unit and a circuit board (effect display control board) on which a VDP 152 that is a display processor is mounted. Among these, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as a ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are integrated together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor core such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 is integrated with a processor core (not shown). The VRAM 156 can use a part of the storage area as a frame buffer.

  The ROM 128 of the effect control CPU 126 stores a basic program related to effect control, and the effect control CPU 126 executes effect control according to this program. The production control includes production control using various lamps 46 to 53 and speakers 54, 55, and 56 as described above, and production control by image display using the liquid crystal display 42. . The effect control CPU 126 transmits basic information (for example, effect number) related to the effect to the display control CPU 146, and the display control CPU 146 that receives the information transmits a specific effect image based on the basic information. Control the display.

  The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. Receiving this, the VDP 152 accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads necessary image data therefrom, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Further, the VDP 152 expands the image data on the VRAM 156 for each frame (still image per unit time) in a frame buffer, and each pixel (full color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 is expanded based on the buffered image data. Drive individually.

  In addition, a power control unit 162 (power control means) is provided on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit. When external power (for example, AC 24V) is taken from the island facility through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V) can be generated therefrom. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the firing ball management device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Further, power is supplied to the launch control board 108, the launch motor 302, and the ball feed motor 502 via the launch ball management device 92, and the card unit 210 via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 120. Is receiving power. The low voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 164 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

  The above is a configuration example relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be described.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process restores the gaming state based on the backup information saved at the previous power shutdown (so-called power recovery) or conversely clears the backup information, thereby adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 Process. The reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing a stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the reset start process. Hereinafter, the process performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

  Step S101: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

  Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-type interrupt mode (mode 2) and corrects the default RST-type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thus, thereafter, the main control CPU 72 can refer to an arbitrary address (however, the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a designated interrupt handler.

  Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes a standby process at reset. This process is for securing a certain standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on) and checking the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. If the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. As a result, for example, the system can be protected when a main power switch (not shown) is turned on and off repeatedly within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

  Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value in the work area is reset (00H). As a result, thereafter, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

  Step S105: Also, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of a mask register in order to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value for enabling the CTC interrupt is stored in the mask register.

  Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the previously cleared RAM clear switch and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), step S107 is executed next.

  Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not a backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, “A55AH”) is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

  Step S108: The main control CPU 72 executes a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sum-checks all areas of the work area of the RAM 76 (a user work area including a use-prohibited area and a stack area) except the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, “0000H”).
Step S110: Also, the main control CPU 72 clears the command waiting for transmission immediately before the previous power-off occurrence.

  Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 instructs the effect control device 124 to return a command (for example, a model designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command when the working memory number is increased, and the action memory number. (Decrease effect command, count counter remaining command, special game state designation command, etc.). In response to this, the effect control device 124 performs the effect state (for example, the internal probability state, the effect symbol display mode, the operation memory count effect display mode, the sound output content, and the various lamps being executed at the time of the previous power shutdown. Light emission state, etc.) can be restored.

  Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and the gaming state (for example, the display state of special symbols, the internal probability state, The operation memory contents, various flag states, random number update states, etc.) are restored. Further, the main control CPU 72 restores the backed up PC register value.

  On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is operated at power-on (step S106: Yes), when the backup validity determination flag is not set (step S107: No), or when the backup information is not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to Step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the use prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, the contents are erased.
Step S114: Also, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

  Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for effect control) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124 after the initial setting.

  Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a ball management start process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command for starting management of the possessed ball data to the firing possessed ball management device 92.

  Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing, and performs initial setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) that is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, when a CTC interrupt occurs next time, the main control CPU 72 can continue the processing from the program address of the PC register that has been backed up.

  When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 17 (connection symbol A → A).

  Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 executes the power interruption occurrence check process after prohibiting interruption. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs bit check on the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (decrease in drive voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88, the big prize opening solenoid 90, etc., and the entire area excluding the backup validity judgment flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76. Is backed up, and the sum result value is stored in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the above effective value (for example, “A55AH”) in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops (NOP) the process. On the other hand, if the power shutoff does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes the process at the time of the occurrence of power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

  Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, jackpot determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) and various random numbers excluding hit determined random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to ordinary symbols (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) Is generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 19). In this process, the initial value of the loop counter (all The random number of may not be the target). The initial value updating random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S120, the initial value updating random number is updated. Note that the reason why step S120 is executed after the interruption is prohibited in step S118 is the same as another interruption management process (step S202 in FIG. 19). ) To prevent the above). As described above, in the present embodiment, the big hit determined random number and the hit determined random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update cycle is faster than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms). Since it is (for example, several μs), it is not necessary to update the big hit determined random number and the initial value of the hit determined random number.

  Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this processing are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, variation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 19). The contents of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power failure check processing]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure example of the power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking the occurrence of power interruption. This check condition can be set as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output, for example.

  Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power-off detection switch input port and confirms whether or not the main power-off detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly illustrated, the main power-off detection switch is mounted on the main controller 70, for example, and this main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power control unit 162, and the voltage level is monitored. When the voltage falls below the reference voltage, the main power-off detection signal is output. Note that the main power-off detection switch may be built in the power control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not output at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the main power-off detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

  Step S134: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, for example, 1 is subtracted from the on-counter value set in the previous step S130, and it is confirmed whether or not the result is 0. If the on-counter value is not yet 0 at this time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power-off detection switch input port. When the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S136.

  Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output port corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer in the work area of the RAM 76 in units of 1 byte, and repeats until the addition is completed for all areas. .
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum is completed for all the areas (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: Further, the main control CPU 72 stores “01H” indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the use prohibition area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: Then, the main control CPU 72 enters a standby loop, and stops all other processes in preparation for shutting off the main power supply. After the main power is cut off, the backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main controller 70), so the stored contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power is turned off. Held without. The backup power supply circuit may be incorporated in the power supply control unit 162, for example.

  Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (sum added) is retained in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. The stored memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off after confirming the normality of the checksum in the previous reset start process (FIG. 16).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure of interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes an interrupt management process every predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request signal from the counter / timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and general-purpose registers B to L) used during execution of the main loop in the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written in the registers (A to L) after the value is saved in the interrupt management process.

  Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76 and loops within a specified range. Various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

  Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process also here. The content of the process is the same as described above.

  Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from an input / output (I / O) port 79. Specifically, an input state (ON / OFF) of a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78 and a winning detection signal from the upper starting winning port switch 80, the lower starting winning port switch 82, the count switch 84, and the winning port switch 86. Lead.

  Step S203a: The main control CPU 72 executes security management processing (injustice detection means, game error detection means). In this processing, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not an illegal winning has occurred based on the input state (ON / OFF) of the winning detection signal read in the previous input processing (step S203), and excessive winning. It is determined whether or not the error has occurred. In addition, the main control CPU 72 monitors fraud by the magnetic sensor 202, the vibration sensor 204, and the radio wave sensor 206. If the main control CPU 72 determines that an illegal act has been executed, the main control CPU 72 generates an illegal error command or a firing prohibition command. Note that the main control CPU 72 then executes the fraud handling process. The fraud handling process is, for example, a process of rewriting a bit of a winning detection signal due to an illegal prize from ON to OFF, a process of generating a warning, or a process of stopping a game.

  Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, the determination of an event occurring during the game is made based on the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the upper start winning opening switch 80, and the lower starting winning opening switch 82. Depending on the event that occurred, further processing is executed. The specific contents of the switch input event process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 or the lower starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 performs internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, respectively. It is determined that an event that triggers the event (lottery opportunity) has occurred. Further, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event serving as a lottery trigger corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. If it is determined that any event has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes a process corresponding to each event. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82 will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol game process and a normal symbol game process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for specifically proceeding with the game in the pachinko machine 1. Of these, in the special symbol game process (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 34. (2) The variable display and stop display by the special symbol display device 35 are controlled, and the operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. Details of the special symbol game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  In the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. Or control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (ordinary random number per symbol) acquired in response to the passage of the start gate 20 in the previous switch input event processing (step S204). The random number value is read out from the memory, and it is determined whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random number value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner, and after stopping the normal symbol in a predetermined hit state, the main control CPU 72 switches the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 on. Excitingly activates the variable start winning device 28 (movable piece actuating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a normal symbol stop display in a manner of deviation after the variable display.

  Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a winning data command generation process. In this process, a winning data command to be transmitted to the firing ball management device 92 is generated based on the winning detection signal input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 86 in the previous input process (step S203). Execute the process. For example, when a winning detection signal from the upper start winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82 is confirmed, a value of “3” corresponding to the winning ball at the upper starting winning port switch 80 or the lower starting winning port switch 82. A winning data command including is generated. When the winning detection signal from the count switch 84 is confirmed, a winning data command including a value “15” corresponding to the winning ball in the count switch 84 is generated. Further, when the winning detection signal from the winning opening switch 86 is confirmed, a winning data command including a value of “10” corresponding to the winning ball at the winning opening switch 86 is generated. The winning data command generated here is transmitted to the launching ball management device 92 in the firing ball management device output process (step S212a) described later.

  Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination number information, jackpot information) to the hall computer of the game hall through the gaming ball lending device connection terminal board 120 and the card unit 210. In order to transmit the start port information, etc.), the external information signal is stored in the port output request buffer.

  In this embodiment, among the various external information signals, for example, “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” are output to the outside as jackpot information, so that an external electronic device (data display) connected to the pachinko machine 1 is displayed. Various jackpot information can be provided (external information signal output means). In other words, the jackpot information is divided into a plurality of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” and output, so that the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations can be tabulated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) or internal Recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) or shortened state of symbol variation time, or generate a small hit (a hit where the condition device does not work) that is not classified as a “big hit” even if it is not winning Can be aggregated and managed. Based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each jackpot is currently hit Or can recognize whether or not each symbol is currently in a shortened state of the symbol variation time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls each output state (set of ON or OFF) of “big hit 1” to “big hit 5” in detail.

  Step S209: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, probability variation function in operation, time reduction function in operation). These are stored in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main controller 70.

  Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol. The lighting state of the operation memory lamp 35a, the game state display device 38, etc. is controlled. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer is output to the port in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or the normal symbol game process (step S206). The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode of performing symbol variation display, stop display, working memory number display, game state display, etc.).

  Step S211: The main control CPU 72 executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the special prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer to the port.

  Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect control output process. In this processing, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (command necessary for presentation control) that the main control CPU 72 should transmit to the presentation control device 124 in the command buffer. Output port.

  Step S212a: The main control CPU 72 executes a firing ball management device output process. In this process, it is confirmed whether or not there is a command (winning data command, illegal error command, launch prohibition command, gaming machine state information command, etc.) to be transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the firing ball management device 92 in the command buffer. If there is an unsent command, the output target command is output to the port. Although details of the contents included in the gaming machine state information command will be described later, the main control CPU 72 generates a gaming machine state information command as necessary and transmits it to the launching ball management device 92.

  Step S213: The main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored by the current CTC interrupt.

  In the present embodiment, an example is given in which the processing (game control program module) in steps S205 to S212a is executed as a timer interrupt processing. However, these processing may be executed by being incorporated in the main loop of the CPU. it can.

  Step S214: When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) for designating the end of interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

  Step S215, Step S216: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. Thereafter, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 19). Each procedure will be described below.

  Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the upper start winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol (the first event is generated). When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process (lottery element storage means). Specific processing contents will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, when no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

  Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input (second event occurs) from the lower start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 to execute the second special symbol memory update process (lottery element storage means). Here again, the details of the specific processing will be further described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of a winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

  Step S18: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and executes a large winning mouth count process. In the big winning opening counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls to the variable winning device 30 every round during the big hit game. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

  Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol working memories is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit number, obtains a random number per normal symbol To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the normal symbol operation memory number by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if no winning detection signal is input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 19).

[First special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 20). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (the number of sets) of big hit determination random numbers and big hit symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. That is, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into four sections (for example, 2 bytes each) for each symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol), and each section contains a big hit decision random number and a big hit symbol random number. Each can be stored as a set. At this time, if the value of the working memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the upper limit (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 20). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

  Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol working memory number. The first special symbol operation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the operation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 19).

  Step S32: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of first lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The random value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. In the case where the main control CPU 72 performs 8-bit processing, the address designation is performed twice for each upper byte and lower byte. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The acquisition of the random number value is also performed by designating the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number value from the designated address, the main control CPU 72 saves it at the transfer destination address as a jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

  Step S34: Also, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as a random value related to the variation condition of the first special symbol (variation pattern determination element acquisition). means). Similarly, these random number values are acquired by designating the address of the random number counter area for variation. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves them in the transfer destination address.

  Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and these random numbers are stored in the empty section in the area. Are stored as a set (storage means). The order (for example, first to fourth) is set in the plurality of sections. If all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, the random numbers are stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, the random numbers are stored in order from the second section. Note that the random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

  Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management state (internal state) is in operation of the time reduction function or whether it is a big hit. If the time reduction function is not in operation other than the big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S37 and S38. If the time reduction function is in operation or is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the pre-reading effect is not performed during the big hit. In addition, when the operation memory of the first special symbol and the operation memory of the second special symbol both remain except during the big hit, the second special symbol is prioritized over the first special symbol (the second special symbol). This is because the operation of the variable start winning device 28 is performed frequently, especially during the operation of the time shortening function. In addition, while the time shortening function is activated, the special symbol variation time is shortened, and the normal symbol winning probability is high (for example, low probability is about 25/251 → about 249/251), and In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened (for example, about 10 seconds when not in operation → about 1 second) and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended (for example, about 0.3 seconds when not in operation → 2 .5 seconds), and the number of times of release increases (for example, increases from 1 to 2 when not in operation), so that the game ball can be fired for a long time (all memory of normal symbols is interrupted and variable) As long as the change of the second special symbol is prioritized, the operation memory is less likely to be interrupted (so-called electric chew support) unless the start winning device 28 is interrupted for a period of time until the operation is stopped. However, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be determined (fluctuated) in the order in which the prizes are generated, without providing a priority order. Note that step S36 may be divided into, for example, step S36a for determining “time reduction function in operation” and step S36b for determining “big hit”.

  Step S37: When the time shortening function is not activated (step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the first special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the jackpot determination random number and the jackpot symbol random number of the first special symbol respectively acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, and thereby the production contents This is for determination (so-called “look ahead”). The specific processing contents will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

  Step S38: After returning from the at-acquisition effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 next sets the upper bytes (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the first special symbol”. Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), the upper byte is combined with the lower byte, for example. Will be generated.

  Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. Specifically, for the preceding value (for example, “BBH”) of the upper byte representing the type of command, a 1-word length in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte. A production command is generated. At this time, for the lower byte, the second place is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “result (change information) due to increase in number of working memories”. That is, if the lower byte is “01H”, it indicates that the current working memory number has become “01H” as a result of increasing by one from the previous working memory number “00H”. Similarly, if the lower byte is “02H” to “04H”, it is increased by one from the previous working memory numbers “01H” to “03H”, so that the current working memory number is “02H” to “02H”. 04H ". The preceding value “BBH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

  Step S39: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in the previous step S38, the effect command for increasing the number of working memories generated in step S38a, and the start opening winning tone control command to the effect control device 124. (Memory number notification means).

  When the above procedure is finished or the first special symbol operation memory number has reached 4 (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 20).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 20). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described in order.

  Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter to check whether or not the working memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol actuated memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot symbol random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 20). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and thereafter.

  Step S41: The main control CPU 72 increments the second special symbol working memory number by one (increments the value of the second special symbol working memory number counter). Similarly to the previous step S31 (FIG. 21), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled by the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 19) based on the counter value added here. Will be.

  Step S42: The main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of second lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The method for acquiring the random number value is the same as step S32 (FIG. 21) described above.

  Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires a jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method for acquiring the random value is the same as that in step S33 (FIG. 21) described above.

  Step S44: Also, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (variation pattern determination element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random values is also performed in the same manner as step S34 (FIG. 21) described above.

  Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and these random numbers in the empty section in the area Are stored as a set (storage means). The storage method is the same as step S35 (FIG. 21) described above.

  Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game management state (internal state) is a big hit. If it is not a big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S46 and S47. Conversely, if it is a big hit (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S46 and S47 and proceeds to step S48. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the pre-reading effect is not performed during the big hit.

  Step S46: When it is other than big hit (step S45a: No), next, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect determination process at the time of acquisition for the second special symbol. This process determines the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the start of the change) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the second special symbol obtained in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, It is for judging. Here, it is determined only in the previous step S45a whether or not the big hit is made, and the operating state of the time reduction function is not determined. As described above, in the present embodiment, in the game other than the big hit, the first special In order to change the second special symbol over the symbol, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance for the second special symbol, regardless of the operating state of the time reduction function, except during the big hit, and the result is pre-readed. This is because it can be used. The specific processing contents will be described later.

  Step S47: After returning from the effect determination process at the time of acquisition, the main control CPU 72 sets the upper byte (for example, “B9H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is “for special figure destination determination effect relating to the second special symbol”. Similarly, since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous effect determination processing at the time of acquisition (step S46), for example, one word is synthesized by combining the upper byte with the lower byte. A long command will be generated.

  Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for increasing the number of working memories with respect to the second special symbol. Here, a one-word-length production command in which the increased number of working memories (for example, “01H” to “04H”) is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) representing the command type. Is generated. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second place of the lower byte is set to “0” by default to indicate that the value is “a result of an increase in the number of working memories (change information)”. it can. The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S49: The main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, preparation for transmitting a special figure destination determination effect command, an effect command when increasing the number of operating memories, a start opening winning sound control command, and the like regarding the second special symbol to the effect control device 124 is performed (memory number notifying means). . When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 20).

[Acquisition process during acquisition]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 performs this acquisition effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 21 and step S46 in FIG. 22) (predetermined determination). Execution means). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when winning the upper start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when winning the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to a process related to the first special symbol and a process related to the second special symbol. Hereinafter, the contents of the processing will be described along each procedure.

  Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (for example, “00H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command (point determination information). The byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (at the time of loss).

  Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the first determination random value. The random numbers to be loaded here are those stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 21) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 22). .

  Step S54: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, the lower limit value or less) (lottery result destination determining means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register, and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is defined in advance according to the winning probability of the internal lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is 0 or a positive value from the value of the flag register, for example. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S80.

  Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a variation pattern information preliminary determination process at the time of deviation (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the variation pattern destination determination command described above for the variation time at the time of disconnection. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, prior determination information regarding the variation time (or variation pattern number) particularly when the “time reduction function” is activated is reflected. For example, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is activated, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “out-of-reach fluctuation fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)” based on the loaded reach determination random number. Judge whether there is. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “short-time / non-shortening fluctuation time”. In the case of reach variation, it is also possible to determine a “reach group (type of reach)” from the reach mode random number and generate a variation pattern destination determination command from the result. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the “outlier reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the “short / mid-shortening fluctuation time”. Alternatively, if the current state is when the “time reduction function” is inactive (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the “normally out of reach reach fluctuation” based on the loaded reach determination random number. It is determined whether or not. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normally deviation reach fluctuation time”. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to “normally deviation reach fluctuation”, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to “normal deviation fluctuation time”. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49) as described above. In this process, the main control CPU 72 may generate a change pattern destination determination command for the change pattern at the time of the small hit, similarly to the process at the time of the above-described loss.

  When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition-time effect determination process, and returns to the caller's first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 21) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 22). On the other hand, if it is determined in the previous step S54 that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

  Step S56: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set. The probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set when there is a winning value among the jackpot determination random numbers stored so far, although the fluctuation has not yet started. Specifically, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, if the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to “probability variation”, for example, the probability state schedule flag “A0H” is set. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a high probability state is to be set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the jackpot determined random number acquired after the jackpot determined random number. On the other hand, if there is a winning value in the jackpot decision random number stored so far, and the jackpot symbol random number paired with this corresponds to "non-probable (normal) symbol", the probability state For example, “01H” is set in the schedule flag. This value represents a flag value for setting as a schedule that a normal (low) probability state is set in advance determination (prefetching determination) of the big hit determination random number acquired after this big hit determination random number. If the winning value does not exist in the big hit determination random numbers stored so far, the flag value is reset (00H). Further, the value of the probability state schedule flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76, for example. Here, an example is given in which the advance hit determination is strictly performed using the “probability state schedule flag”. However, when the advance hit determination is simply performed based on the current probability state, step S56 and the subsequent steps are performed. Step S58, step S60, step S62, step S76, etc. may be omitted.

  If the probability state schedule flag has not yet been set (step S56: No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S66.

  Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the comparison value for the next low probability (normal time) in the A register. The low probability comparison value is also defined in advance according to the winning probability at the low probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S68: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the “current probability state flag”. This probability state flag indicates whether or not the current internal state has a high probability (probably changing), and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the current probability state is a high probability (probably changing), the value “01H” is set as the state flag, and if the current probability state is low (normally), the value of the state flag is reset (“00H”). ").

  Step S70: Then, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded current special symbol probability state flag does not represent a high probability (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high probability (No Then, step S64 is executed.

  Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a comparative value for high probability. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in the previous step S66 is rewritten. The high probability comparison value is defined in advance according to the winning probability at the high probability in the pachinko machine 1.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is not yet set and the current internal state is high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for high probability and the next step S72 is performed. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S70 that the current probability state flag does not represent a high probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips step S64 and executes the next step S72.

  Step S72: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the random number loaded in the previous step S52 is out of the winning value range (lottery result destination determination means). That is, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the jackpot determination random number value from the comparison value set for each state. Similarly, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the calculation result is a negative value (<0) from the value of the flag register, and if the result is that the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes) ), The main control CPU 72 executes the above-described variation pattern information preliminary determination process (step S80). On the other hand, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S74.

  Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the big hit type (winning type) at that time based on the big hit symbol random number paired with the big hit decision random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 21) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 22). Then, the calculation using the comparison value is executed in the same manner as in step S54 described above, and it is determined from the result whether the jackpot type corresponds to “non-probable variation (normal) symbol” or “probability variation symbol”. However, in this embodiment, a non-probable variation symbol is not set. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

  Step S76: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result. Specifically, when the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 represents “non-probable change (normal) symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “01H” in the probability state schedule flag. On the other hand, when the special symbol destination determination value represents “probability variation symbol”, the main control CPU 72 sets the value “A0H” in the probability state schedule flag. As a result, in the subsequent processing, it is determined that “flag set has been completed” in step S56.

  Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 as the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination effect command. As the special symbol destination determination value, for example, “01H” is set when it corresponds to “non-probable (normal) symbol”, and “A0H” is set when it corresponds to “probable variation”. In any case, by setting the lower byte data here, the standard lower byte data “00H” set in the previous step S50 is rewritten.

  Step S79: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern information prior determination process (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the above-described variation pattern destination determination command for the variation time at the big hit. In the variation pattern destination determination command generated here, for example, prior determination information related to the reach variation time (or variation pattern number) at the time of big hit is reflected. Further, the variation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49) as described above.

  The above is the procedure before the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is set (before the internal first hit). On the other hand, when the probability state schedule flag is set through the previous step S76, the following procedure is executed. However, when the previous hit determination is performed only with the current probability state as described above, it is not necessary to execute the following step S56, step S58, step S60, step S62, and step S76.

  Step S56: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that a value has already been set in the probability state schedule flag (Yes), it next executes step S58.

  Step S58: The main control CPU 72 first sets a low probability (normal time) comparison value in the A register.

  Step S60: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a “probability state schedule flag”. The probability state schedule flag is for setting a probability state in a subsequent determination based on the immediately preceding determination result as described above, and is stored in the flag area of the RAM 76. . If the probability state based on the immediately preceding destination determination result is scheduled to shift to a high probability (probability change), “A0H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag as described above. If the probability state based on is scheduled to return to a low probability (normal), “01H” is set as the value of the probability state schedule flag.

  Step S62: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the loaded probability state schedule flag does not represent a high-probability schedule (≠ 01H), and if the result indicates a high-probability schedule ( No) Next, step S64 is executed, and a comparative value for high probability is set.

  As described above, when the probability state schedule flag based on the previous determination result is already set and the value is a high probability, the next step S72 and subsequent steps after rewriting the comparison value for the high probability. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state schedule flag does not represent a schedule with a high probability but a schedule with a normal (low) probability (Yes), the main control CPU 72 performs a step. S64 is skipped and the subsequent step S72 and subsequent steps are executed. Thus, in the present embodiment, it is possible to make a prior jackpot determination in consideration of subsequent changes in internal state (normal probability state → high probability state, high probability state → normal probability state) based on the previous determination result. .

  When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 21) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 22).

[Special design game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interrupt management process (FIG. 19) will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes an execution selection process (step S1000), a special symbol change pre-process (step S2000), a special symbol change process (step S3000), a special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and a variable winning device management process. This is a configuration including a subroutine (program module) group of (Step S5000). First, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along each process.

  Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S2000 to S5000) from the “jump table”. For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the special symbol game process as the return address in the stack pointer.

  Which process is selected as the next jump destination differs depending on the progress of the process performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started changing display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol variation is in progress. If the process has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the special symbol stop displaying process (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified by the “jump table” and the process is selected. However, apart from such a selection method, a “process flag”, a “process selection flag”, or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects a process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU CALLs each process in a single way, and at the top step, the conditional branch (continuation / return) is performed by referring to the flag one by one. However, in the selection method of this embodiment, the main control There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

  Step S2000: In the special symbol variation pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation to prepare conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S3000: In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dot (0th to 7th) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, whereby a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner.

  Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED. However, the pattern of the drive signal is constant, whereby a special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode (a mode other than non-winning) in the previous special symbol stop display process. For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner of 15 round probability variation big hit, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state advantageous to the player) occurs. During the big hit game, the jump destination is set in the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol variation display is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the large winning opening solenoid 90 is excited for a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or until 9 winnings are counted) for a predetermined number of continuous operations (for example, 6 times, 15 times), As a result, the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric accessory). In the meantime, by allowing the variable winning device 30 to win the game balls intensively, the player is given an opportunity to collect a lot of prize balls (special game execution means). Note that the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of the big win is referred to as “round”, and if the total number of continuous operations is 15 times, these may be collectively referred to as “15 rounds”. In the present embodiment, not only 15 round big hits but also other types of 6 round big hits are provided as types of big hits. Moreover, about 15 round big hits and 6 round big hits, a plurality of winning types (winning symbols) may be provided therein.

  Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 performs the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 for one round. Each time it is finished, the value of the round number counter is incremented by one. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command representing the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 19). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the big hit game (big player) only for that round.

  When the big hit game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the big hit game (high probability state, time reduction state) based on the game state flag (probability variation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag) ( High probability time shortening state transition means). In the “high probability state”, the probability variation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about ten times higher than usual (specific game state transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means). Further, in the “time reduction state”, the time reduction function is activated, and the normal symbol operation lottery has a high probability as described above, and the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is reduced. Is extended and the number of times of opening increases (so-called electric Chu support is performed). Note that the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state” may be transferred to only one of them in terms of control, or may be transferred in accordance with both of them.

[Multiple winning types]
In the present embodiment, for the above “15 round jackpot”, for example, (1) “15 round probability variable jackpot” is provided as a plurality of winning types (there may be more). In addition to the “15 round jackpot”, (2) “6 round probability variation big hit 1” and (3) “6 round probability variation big hit 2” are provided as a plurality of winning types (may be more than this) ).

  The winning type corresponds to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. For example, “15 round probability variation jackpot” corresponds to the jackpot of “15 round probability variation jackpot”, “6 round probability variation jackpot 1” corresponds to jackpot of “6 round probability variation jackpot 1”, “6 round probability variation jackpot 2” Corresponds to the big hit of “6 round probability variation 2”. Therefore, hereinafter, the “winning type” will be appropriately referred to as “winning symbol”.

[15 round probability variation pattern]
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “15 round probability variation symbol” in the previous special symbol stop display processing, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game execution means) . In this case, the special winning opening is opened once each over a sufficiently long time (for example, a maximum opening time of 29.0 seconds) from the first round, and this continues until the 15th round. The jackpot game of the “15-round probability variation pattern” is to give the player 15 balls (prize balls) for 15 rounds. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the special winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the big hit game is finished, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player as a result. In this case, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the game up to that point, the “time reduction function” is activated after the big hit game is finished, so that the “time reduction state” is transferred. A privilege is given to the player.

[6 round probability variation 1]
Also, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the “6 round probability variation 1” mode in the previous special symbol stop display process, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the big hit gaming state occurs (special game) Execution means). In this case, the winning opening is opened once for a sufficiently long time from the first round (for example, 29.0 seconds at the longest), and this continues until the sixth round. The jackpot game of this “6 round probability variation 1” is to give 6 rounds (prize balls) to the player. Further, when a predetermined number of times (for example, 9 times = 9 game balls) is generated within one round, the special winning opening is closed without waiting for the longest opening time to elapse. Then, for example, by operating the “probability changing function” after the big hit game is finished, a privilege to shift to the “high probability state” is given to the player as a result. In this case, even if the “time reduction function” is inactive in the game up to that point, the “time reduction function” is activated after the big hit game is finished, so that the “time reduction state” is transferred. A privilege is given to the player.

[6 round probability variation 2]
Furthermore, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of “6 round probability variation 2” in the previous special symbol stop display process, an opportunity to shift from the normal state until then to the short-term jackpot gaming state occurs. . In this case, the 6-round jackpot game ends in an extremely short time compared to the 15-round jackpot game, and therefore, the winning in the big winning opening hardly occurs. Accordingly, the big hit game of “6 rounds probable variation 2” is completed within a short period of time without giving a substantial play (prize ball) to the player. Instead, if the winning type corresponds to “6 round probability variation 2”, after the jackpot game ends, for example, by operating both the “probability variation function” and the “time reduction function”, the result is “high probability A privilege that shifts to the “time reduction state” is given to the player together with a privilege that shifts to the “state”. Such a “six-round probability variation 2” has an impression that a “high probability state” and a “time reduction state” have suddenly occurred.

  In any case, if the winning symbol is one of the above “15 round probability variation symbol”, “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2”, the internal state is changed to “high probability state” after the jackpot game is over. ”And a privilege to shift to the“ time reduction state ”are given to the player. In addition, if the internal lottery is won in the “high probability state” and the winning symbol at that time corresponds to any of “15 round probability variation symbol”, “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2”, The “high probability state” continues (restarts) after the big hit game ends.

[Small hits]
Further, in the present embodiment, small wins are provided as winning types other than non-winning. When winning a small winning game, a small winning game is performed separately from the big winning game, and the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed (special game executing means). That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small hit state in the special symbol stop display process, the small hit game (the variable winning device 30 is activated in the normal probability state or the high probability state). (Game) is executed (in this embodiment, no small hit is set for the second special symbol). In such a small win game, the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice), but hardly wins a big winning opening. In addition, even if the small hit game ends, the “probability variation function” does not operate and the “time reduction function” does not operate, so “high probability state” and “time reduction state” The privilege to transfer to is not granted (it is not a prerequisite for that). Also, even if you win a small hit in the “high probability state”, the “high probability state” will not end after the game of that small hit, and even if you win a small hit in the “time reduction state” The “time reduction state” does not end after the end of the small hit game (except when the upper limit is reached). In the present embodiment, the game specification for setting a small hit is used, but it may be a game specification for not setting a small hit.

[Special symbol change pre-treatment]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be made with reference to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes a demonstration setting process in step S2500.

  Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demonstration effect command. The demonstration effect command is output to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 19). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. At the time of return, it returns to the end address as described above (and so on).

  On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2200.

  Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random number, big hit symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76, which corresponds to the second special symbol. At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections, the main control CPU 72 reads and erases (consumes) the random numbers in order from the first section, and then moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. ) The read random number is stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. When the random number corresponding to the second special symbol is not stored, the main control CPU 72 reads the random number corresponding to the first special symbol and stores it in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially performed over the first special symbol. In addition, the program which reads a random number in the order memorize | stored simply may be sufficient, without providing the priority order according to such special symbols. Further, in this processing, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value from the working memory number counter (the one of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, which has been subjected to the random number shift) stored in the RAM 76, and subtracts it. The later value is set to “Number of working memories at start of change”. Thereby, the display mode of the number stored by the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a changes (decreases by 1) in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 19). . When the procedure so far is finished, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2300.

  Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of the big hit value and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (internal lottery execution means). The range of the jackpot value set at this time is different between the normal probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated). In the high probability state, the range of the jackpot value is expanded to about 10 times that of the normal probability state. The If the random value read at this time is included in the range of the big hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the big hit flag (01H), and then proceeds to step S2400.

  When the above big hit flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 sets the range of the small hit value next in the same big hit determination process, and determines whether or not the read random number value is included in this range (lottery execution). means). The “small hit” here is other than non-winning (out of), but is different from “big hit”. In other words, “big hit” generates an opportunity (game milestone) to shift to the above “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, but “small hit” does not generate such an opportunity. However, “small hit” is positioned as satisfying the condition for operating the variable winning device 30 as in the case of “big hit”. The range of the small hit value set at this time may be different between the normal probability state and the high probability state (when the probability variation function is activated), or may be the same. In any case, if the read random number value is included in the range of the small hit value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small hit flag, and then proceeds to step S2400. As described above, in the present embodiment, as the hit range corresponding to other than the non-winning, the range of the big hit value and the small hit value is defined in advance in the program. Each of them may be written in the ROM 74, read out, and the big hit determination may be performed while comparing with the random value.

  Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set for the big hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

  Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) is set in the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404. The main control CPU 72 may determine the big hit (for example, 01H is set) or the small hit (for example, 0AH is set) according to the value of the common hit flag without separately preparing the big hit flag and the small hit flag.

  Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes an off-time stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets stop symbol number data at the time of disconnection by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of losing) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process (step S212 in FIG. 19).

  In this embodiment, since the 7-segment LED is used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of disconnection is always set to one segment (the center It is possible to fix the stop symbol number data to one value (for example, 64H) by keeping only the lighting display of the bar "-"). In this case, the storage capacity used in the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

  Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a deviation variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of deviation for the special symbol (fluctuation pattern selection means). The variation pattern number is used to distinguish the variation display type (pattern) of the special symbol or to correspond to the variation time required for the variation display. Since the fluctuation time at the time of loss differs depending on whether or not it is the above “time reduction state”, in this process, the main control CPU 72 loads the gaming state flag and the current state is “time reduction state”. Check if it exists. In the “time reduction state”, except for the case where reach fluctuation is basically performed, the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection is set to a shortened time (for example, about 2.0 seconds) (shortening fluctuation time determination means) ). In addition, even if not in the “time shortening state”, the fluctuation time at the time of losing is based on, for example, “the number of operating memories at the start of fluctuation display (0 to 3)” set in step S2200, except when the reach fluctuation is performed. (For example, the number of working memories at the start of variable display 0 to about 12.5 seconds, the number of operating memories at the start of variable display 1 to about 8 seconds, the number of operating memories at the start of variable display 2 to 5 → About 3 seconds, the number of working memories at the start of variable display is 3 → 2.5 seconds). Note that the symbol stop display time at the time of disconnection is constant (for example, about 0.6 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (at the time of disconnection) in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of disconnection in the stop symbol display timer.

  In the present embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery is a non-winning result, for example, a “reach effect” is generated and the control is performed so that the “reach effect” is not generated. It is said. The “variation pattern selection table at the time of loss” preliminarily defines variation patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of effects such as “non-reach effect” and “reach effect”. One of the fluctuation patterns is selected from the inside. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, and the like.

[Example of variation pattern selection table for loss]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the deviation variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table used in the case of non-winning in the internal lottery (special symbol lottery) (variation pattern defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “1” to “8” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  Fluctuation pattern numbers “1” to “5” correspond to fluctuation patterns that are out of reach without performing a reach effect, and fluctuation pattern numbers “6” to “8” are fluctuation patterns that are out of reach after reaching. It corresponds. The variation pattern selection table may have different table contents depending on the number of operation memories at the start of variation (the same applies hereinafter).

  Here, the length of the set fluctuation time is greatly different between the non-reach fluctuation pattern and the reach fluctuation pattern. That is, the “non-reach variation pattern” basically corresponds to a short variation time (for example, about 3.0 seconds to 12.0 seconds depending on the number of working memories), whereas the “reach variation pattern” This corresponds to a long fluctuation time (for example, about 30 seconds to 150 seconds) more than twice as long.

  Then, the main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, The corresponding variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determining means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “2” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Fig. 25: Special symbol change pre-processing]
The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the big hit determination result is out of place (in the case other than non-winning), but the determination result is a big hit (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes). The main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be described.

  Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a big hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the winning symbol (stop symbol number at the time of jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in advance in the special symbol determination data table (winning type defining means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can determine the type of winning symbol based on the big hit symbol random number from the stored contents by referring to the big hit symbol stop selection table in the big hit symbol stop determination process.

[Winning pattern at the time of big hit]
In the present embodiment, there are roughly three types of winning symbols that are selectively determined at the time of a big hit. The three types are “6 round probability variation 1”, “6 round probability variation 2”, and “15 round probability variation”. Each of the three types of winning symbols may further include a plurality of winning symbols. For example, “6 round probability variation 1”, “6 round probability variation 1a”, “6 round probability variation 1b”, “6 round probability variation 1c”, and so on.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the selection ratio of the winning symbol selected at the time of the big winning of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is different. For this reason, the main control CPU 72 distinguishes the winning symbol to be selected depending on whether the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[First Special Symbol Big Stop Stop Symbol Selection Table]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 refers to the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) shown in FIG. decide.

  In the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value by winning symbol, and each of the distribution values “87”, “8” and “5” has a denominator of 100. Corresponds to the ratio of cases. In the second column from the left, “6 round probability variation 1”, “6 round probability variation 2”, and “15 round probability variation” corresponding to each distribution value are shown. That is, at the big hit corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of selecting “6 round probability variation symbol 1” is 87/100 (= 87%), and the proportion of selecting “6 round probability variation symbol 2” is It is 8/100 (= 8%). In addition, the ratio at which “15 round probability variation” is selected is 5/100 (= 5%). The size of each distribution value corresponds to the selection ratio for each winning symbol using a jackpot symbol random number. Therefore, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol for the first special symbol as a whole is 100%.

  In any case, if the current jackpot result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol jackpot stop symbol selection table To select the winning symbol selectively. Further, in the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is described by, for example, a combination of MODE value-EVENT value, and among these, the MODE value “B1H” of the upper byte is selected when the winning symbol of this time is the big hit of the first special symbol. Represents. Further, the EVENT values “01H”, “02H”, and “03H” in the lower byte represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to each other in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the first special symbol, and “6 round probability variable symbol 1” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning is described as “B1H01H”. Will be.

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Time reduction]
In the right column of the first special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the value of the number of time reductions (limit number) given after the end of the big hit game is shown.

[Non-temporary]
In the state where the time reduction function is not operating (non-short-time), when the “6 round probability variation 1” is met, the number of time reductions is given 8 times.
In the state where the time reduction function is not activated (non-temporary short), when the “6 round probability variation 2” or “15 round probability variation” is met, the time reduction is given 100 times.

[Short time]
When the time shortening function is activated (short time), if any of “6 round probability variation symbol 1”, “6 round probability variation symbol 2” or “15 round probability variation symbol” is met, the time reduction count is 100. Granted once.

[2nd special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration column of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table. When the result of the big hit this time corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 refers to the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means) shown in FIG. decide.

  Also in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the left column shows the distribution value by winning symbol, and each of the distribution values “95” and “5” is the case where the denominator is 100. It corresponds to the ratio. Similarly, in the second column from the left, “6 round probability variation 1” and “15 round probability variation” corresponding to each distribution value are shown. That is, at the big hit corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of selecting “6 round probability variation symbol 1” is 95/100 (= 95%), and the proportion of selecting “15 round probability variation symbol”. Is 5/100 (= 5%). Therefore, also for the second special symbol, the selection ratio of the probability variation symbol as a whole is 100%. However, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for “six-round probability variation symbol 2” is not set.

  When the result of this big hit corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the big hit symbol random number, and selects the winning symbol with the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table To decide. Similarly, in the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as the stop symbol command at the time of winning as shown in the third column from the left. Again, the stop symbol command is described by the combination of the above MODE value-EVENT value. Among these, the MODE value “B2H” of the upper byte is the one selected when the winning symbol of the second special symbol is the current winning symbol. It represents that. Further, the EVENT values “01H” and “03H” in the lower bytes represent the types of winning symbols corresponding to the selection table. For this reason, for example, if the result of this jackpot corresponds to the second special symbol, and “6 round probability variable symbol 1” is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command is described as “B2H01H”. Become.

  As described above, when the selected symbol is selected from the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process described above, for example. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines a big hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Time reduction]
The fourth column from the left (right column) of the second special symbol big hit stop symbol selection table shows the value of the number of short hours given after the big hit game ends. In the present embodiment, the number of time reductions is given regardless of the case of “6 round probability variation 1” or “15 round probability variation”. The number of time reductions given is the same as in the case of a big hit with the first special symbol.

  Note that the selection ratio of the winning symbol differs between the first special symbol and the second special symbol as described above, for example, for the following reason. That is, when shifting to the “high probability state” or “time shortening state”, the variable start winning device 28 operates more frequently than in the normal time (when the time shortening function is not activated), so the second special symbol The working memory of is difficult to break. And in this embodiment, since the memory about the second special symbol is prioritized and consumed over the first special symbol, it is possible to exclude “6 rounds probable big hit 2” from the winning type for the second special symbol. In particular, the “high probability time reduction state” is less likely to correspond to “6 rounds probable big hit 2”, so that there is an advantage that the player can be less annoyed accordingly.

[Refer to Fig. 25: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined variation time in the variation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of big hit reach fluctuation, a fluctuation time longer than that at the time of loss is determined.

  In this embodiment, if the result of the internal lottery corresponds to 15 rounds probable big hit or 6 rounds probable big hit 1, for example, a “reach effect” is generated to control the big hit or “reach effect” is performed. Controls to make a big hit without generating. In the “big hit variation pattern selection table”, variation patterns corresponding to multiple types of “reach effects” are defined. If the hit pattern is a 15 round probability variation big hit or 6 round probability variation big hit 1, Either variation pattern is selected. The reach production includes various reach production such as normal reach production, long reach production, super reach production, and the like. Also, when winning with the time shortening function activated, a variation pattern with a short variation time (a variation pattern without a reach effect) may be selected without selecting a variation pattern with a long variation time. Good.

[Example of big hit fluctuation pattern selection table]
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the big hit hour variation pattern selection table.
This selection table is a table used when winning in the internal lottery (special symbol lottery) (fluctuation pattern defining means). In addition, this selection table has a structure in which, for example, “comparison value” and “variation pattern number” are stored as a set of 1 byte each in order from the head address. The “comparison value” includes, for example, eight different values “101”, “201”, “211”, “221”, “231”, “241”, “251”, “255 (FFH)”. “13” to “20” of “variation pattern number” are assigned to each “comparison value”.

  The variation pattern numbers “13” to “20” all correspond to the variation pattern that is a hit when the reach effect is performed.

  The main control CPU 72 sequentially compares the obtained variation pattern determination random value with the “comparison value” in the variation pattern selection table, and if the random value is equal to or less than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the comparison value. A variation pattern number is selected (variation pattern determination means). For example, if the variation pattern determination random value at that time is “190”, the main control CPU 72 determines that the random value exceeds the comparison value when compared with the first comparison value “101”. 201 "is compared with the random value. In this case, since the random value is equal to or smaller than the comparison value, the main control CPU 72 selects “14” as the corresponding variation pattern number.

[Refer to Fig. 25: Special symbol change pre-processing]
Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a big hit other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines that the winning symbol type (stop symbol number at the time of big hit) determined in the previous step S2410 is “6 round probability variation symbol 1”, “6 round probability variation symbol 2” or “15 round probability variation symbol”. In either case, the value (01H) of the probability variation function activation flag is set as a gaming state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 (high probability state transition means, probability variation function activation means).

  Further, the main control CPU 72 determines whether the winning symbol type (stop symbol number at the time of big hit) determined in the previous step S2410 is “6 round probability variation symbol 1”, “6 round probability variation symbol 2” or “15 round probability variation symbol”. If it is, the main control CPU 72 sets the value (01H) of the time shortening function operation flag as a game state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 (time shortening state transition means, time shortening function operation means).

  In the process of step S2414, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (big hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the big hit time stop symbol number. At the same time, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the big hit) together with the stop symbol command (at the time of the big hit). The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

Next, processing for small hits will be described.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of small hit (stop symbol number at small hit) based on the big hit symbol random number. Similarly, the relationship between the big winning symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of small hitting is preliminarily defined in the special symbol selection table at small hitting (winning type defining means). In this embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the winning symbol at the time of the small hit is determined using the big hit symbol random number, but a dedicated random number may be used separately.

[Winning pattern for small hits]
In the present embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of small hitting is only one type of “twice open small hitting symbol”. However, other types such as “one time opening small hit symbol” and “three times opening small hit symbol” may be prepared. As described above, “small hit” as a result of the internal lottery is not an opportunity for the subsequent state to change to “high probability state” or “time reduction state”, and thus is essential for this type of pachinko machine. A “one-time small hit symbol” can be provided without being bound by the definition of “two rounds (two times open) or more”.

  Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit hour variation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the variation pattern (variation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (variation pattern selection means). ). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variation time value in the variation timer, and sets the stop display time value in the stop symbol display timer. In the present embodiment, the reach variation pattern can be selected in the case of a small hit, or a variation pattern equivalent to that in the normal variation can be selected.

  Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hitting and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbol (small hit symbol) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the stop symbol number at the time of small hit. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The stop symbol command and the lottery result command are also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects the fluctuation pattern data based on the fluctuation pattern number (out of time / hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a change start command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. This variation start command is also transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol changing process (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special symbol game process.

[FIG. 24: Special symbol changing process, special symbol stop display process]
In the special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the fluctuation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then the timer according to the passage of time (clock pulse count number or interrupt counter value). Decrement the counter value. Then, while referring to the value of the timer counter, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol variation display as described above until the value becomes zero. When the value of the timer counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display in-progress process (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

  In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the special symbol stop display based on the stop symbol determined in the stop symbol determination process (steps S2404, S2407, and S2410 in FIG. 25). The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124. The symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. When the stop symbol is displayed for a predetermined time in the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 deletes the symbol changing flag.

[Special symbol memory area shift processing]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol storage area shift process. When the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is larger than “0” in the previous special symbol variation pre-processing (step S2100: Yes in FIG. 25), the main control CPU 72 Executes this special symbol storage area shift process (second lottery element priority consumption means). Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol that is preferentially consumed is “0”. At this time, if the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol is “1” or more (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S2212.

  Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as a special symbol for shifting the storage area. This designation is performed, for example, by setting “02H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2214: On the other hand, when the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol is “0” (step S2210: Yes), the main control CPU 72 uses the first special symbol as a special symbol to be shifted in the storage area. Is specified. The designation in this case is performed, for example, by setting “01H” as the target symbol designation value.

  Step S2216: The main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76 for the target special symbol designated in either step S2212 or step S2214. The details of the specific processing are as already described in the previous special symbol change pre-processing.

  Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the operation memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the target to shift the current storage area is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

  Step S2220: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “the number of operation memories at the start of fluctuation” from the value of the operation memory counter after the subtraction. Here, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the value of the operation memory counter may be added and the “number of operation memories at the start of change” may be set.

Step S2222: Further, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the special symbol to be shifted in the current storage area is the second special symbol.
Step S2224: When the target is the second special symbol (step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the working command when the number of working memories is reduced for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a one-word-length command, but its structure is in contrast to the above-described “effect command when increasing the number of working memories”. That is, the production command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is lower than the value of lower bytes (for example, “00H” to “03H” that represents the number of working memories after reduction with respect to the preceding value (for example, “BCH”) of the upper bytes representing the command type. )) And an additional value (for example, “10H”) meaning “decrease in the number of working memories accompanying consumption” is further added (logical sum) to the lower byte value. Therefore, for the lower byte, the second value becomes “1” by ORing the added value “10H”, and this value represents “the result (change information) due to the decrease in the number of working memories”. It will be a thing. In other words, if the lower byte of the command is “13H”, it means that the number of working memories up to the previous time “4” (command notation is “14H”) is reduced by one, so that the number of working memories this time is “3” (command The notation is “13H”). Similarly, if the lower byte is “12H” to “10H”, it means that the number of working memories “3” to “1” up to the previous time (command notation is “13H” to “11H”) is decreased by one respectively. This indicates that the current operation memory number is “2” to “0” (command notation is “12H” to “10H”). The preceding value “BCH” is a value indicating that the current effect command is the working memory number command for the second special symbol.

  Step S2226: If the current target is the first special symbol (Step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for reducing the number of working memories regarding the first special symbol. The command in this case is the same as the above except that the preceding value is a value (for example, “BBH”) indicating that the previous value is the working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes an effect command output process. This process is for transmitting the production command for reducing the number of working memories set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 to the production control device 124 (memory number notification means).
When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol variation pre-processing (FIG. 25).

[Special symbol stop display processing]
Next, FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the special symbol stop display process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the stop symbol display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

  Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the stop display time has ended based on the value of the stop symbol display timer subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is not 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process, and jumps from the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 24) and repeatedly executes the special symbol stop display process in the next interrupt cycle.

  On the other hand, if the value of the stop symbol display timer is 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stop display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4250.

  Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a symbol stop command and a stop display time end command. The symbol stop command and the stop display time end command are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process. In addition, the main control CPU 72 erases the symbol changing flag here. The “stop display time end command” is a command indicating that the stop display time of the special symbol has ended (elapsed).

  Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set. When the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4350.

[When winning]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to “variable winning device management process”. The main control CPU 72 executes processing for setting various functions to non-operation in this processing. Specifically, the probability variation function is deactivated and the time reduction function is deactivated. Thereby, before the special game (big player) is started, the state is shifted to the low probability non-time shortening state.
Step S4400: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “start of big role (during big hit game)” as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the continuous operation number status according to the type of jackpot symbol. For example, when the type of jackpot symbol is “15 round probability variation symbol”, a value corresponding to “15 rounds” is set in the continuous operation count status. When the type of jackpot symbol is “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2”, a value representing “6 rounds” is set in the continuous operation count status. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that the big hit. The state command representing the big hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4500: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation number command. The continuous operation number command can be generated based on the type of jackpot symbol (stop symbol number) determined in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 25). For example, when the type of jackpot symbol is “15 round probability variation symbol”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “15 rounds”. When the type of jackpot symbol is “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2”, the continuous operation number command is generated as a value representing “6 rounds”. The generated continuous operation number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  When the above procedure is completed at the time of the big hit, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process.

[When not winning]
On the other hand, the following procedure is executed in cases other than the big hit.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the big hit flag (01H) is not set (No), it next executes step S4600.

  Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 next checks whether or not the value of the small hit flag (01H) is set. If the value of the small hit flag (01H) is not set and is simply shifted (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4602.

  Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol variation pre-processing address as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4605: On the other hand, if the value (01H) of the small hit flag is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table.

  Step S4606: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets “small hit start (during small hit)” as an internal state flag for control. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a status command indicating that a small hit is being made. The state command representing the small hit is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  Step S4610: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the number cut counter. In the “counting counter”, the counter values are set in the probability variation count area and the time reduction count area of the RAM 76 in the “high probability state” and the “time reduction state”. In the present embodiment, since the so-called frequency cut probability changing function is employed, when shifting to the “high probability state” and “time reduction state”, the frequency cut counter relating to the high probability state has a predetermined numerical value (for example, 8 times). Is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 8 times or 100 times).

  Step S4620: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the loaded counter value is zero. At this time, if the count cut counter value is already 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, when the count cut counter value is not 0 (No), after generating the count cut counter value command, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S4630.

Step S4630: The main control CPU 72 decrements (subtracts 1) the count-down counter value.
Step S4640: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the subtraction result is not zero. As a result of the subtraction, when the value of the number cut counter is not 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. On the other hand, if the value of the number cut counter becomes 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S4650.

  Step S4650: Here, the main control CPU 72 resets a flag at the time of turning off the number of times function. In the present embodiment, the count-off counter for the high probability state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 8 times), so that the probability variation function operation flag is reset after the special symbol fluctuates 8 times after the special game. In addition, since the turn-off counter related to the time shortening state is set to a predetermined numerical value (for example, 8 times or 100 times), the time shortening function operation flag is reset after the special symbol fluctuates 8 times or 100 times after the special game. . Thereby, the time shortening state and the high probability state are ended through the special symbol stop display. When the above procedure is completed, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Display output management processing]
Next, FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 19) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a state display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation number display setting. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

  Among these, the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are the first special symbol display device 34, the second, as already described. Generates drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the special symbol display device 35, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special symbol operation memory number display lamp 35a. And output processing.

  The state display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming state display device 38. First, in the state display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the probability variation state display lamp 38a and the short time state display lamp 38b, respectively, according to the value of the probability variation function activation flag or the time shortening function activation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the probability variation function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the probability variation state display lamp 38a. The probability variation state display lamp 38a continues to be lit until the jackpot game related to the special symbol is started or until the probability variation function is turned off after the special symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times. The display can be switched (off). On the other hand, if the value (01H) is set in the time reduction function operation flag, the main control CPU 72 turns on the lighting signal for the LED corresponding to the time reduction state display lamp 38b, regardless of whether or not the power is turned on. Is output.

  The main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the big hit type display lamps 38c and 38d in the continuous operation number display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal for one of the big hit type display lamps 38c, 38d based on the value of the above-mentioned continuous operation number status. At this time, one of the display lamps 38c and 38d corresponding to the jackpot symbol designated by the value of the continuous operation count status is the target of outputting the lighting signal. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status designates “15 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38c representing “15 rounds (15R)”. Further, if the value of the continuous operation number status specifies “6 rounds”, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38d representing “6 rounds (6R)”.

  In the state display setting process (step S1220), the main control CPU 72 also controls the firing position designation display lamp 38e of the gaming state display device 38. For example, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation display lamp 38e when the special game is being executed or when the time is reduced.

[Variable winning device management process]
Next, details of the variable winning device management process will be described. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a configuration example of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a gaming process selection process (step S5100), a special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a special winning opening / closing operation process (step S5300), a special winning opening closing process (step S5400), and an end. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S5500).

  Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device management process in the stack pointer as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening / closing operation) of the variable winning device 30 has not started yet, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the winning opening opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the winning opening opening / closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and has completed the winning opening opening / closing operation process. Then, the special winning opening closing process (step S5400) is selected as the next jump destination. When the big prize opening / closing operation process and the big prize opening closing process are repeatedly executed over the set number of continuous operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects an end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. . Hereinafter, each process will be described in more detail.

[Big prize opening pattern setting process]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening opening pattern setting process. This process is for setting conditions such as the number of times that the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed and the time for each opening at the time of big hit or small hit. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each procedure.

  Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current gaming state is a big game, that is, whether or not the big hit flag value (01H) is set in the flag area of the RAM 76. If the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5204. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5212. Note that this procedure may be rewritten to refer to the value of the small hit flag (however, the logic of Yes / No is reversed).

[Procedure for jackpot]
First, the procedure for the big hit is as follows.
Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a design-specific release pattern setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the winning pattern opening pattern (number of times of opening for each round and the time of each opening), the interval time between rounds, and the number of counts in one round (maximum) according to the current winning symbol. Set the number of winnings). The opening pattern for each winning symbol is as described in the item “plurality of winning types” in the special symbol game process (FIG. 24). The interval time between rounds is set to about several seconds (for example, 2 seconds to 2.5 seconds) for “6 round probability variation 1” and “15 round probability variation”, for example, “6 round probability variation 2”. Is set to about 1 second. Note that the number of counts in one round (maximum number of winnings) is, for example, 9 for all winning symbols, but winnings rarely occur during an extremely short opening (about 0.1 seconds) ( Not impossible but extremely difficult).

  Step S5206: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds in the current jackpot game based on the jackpot winning symbol selected in the previous jackpot stop symbol determination process (step S2410 in FIG. 25). Specifically, if the large category “15-round probability variation symbol” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to fifteen. If “6 round probability variation symbol 1” or “6 round probability variation symbol 2” is selected as the winning symbol, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of execution rounds to six. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example, as a corresponding value on the program (“5” for 6 times, “14” for 15 times).

  Step S5208: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a big hit opening timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. If a value of about 29.0 seconds is set as the value of the big hit release timer, the release time is a sufficient time (for example, a launch control board) that the big winning opening is easily generated during one release. The set 174 is a time during which 10 or more game balls are fired, preferably 6 seconds or more. On the other hand, if the value of the big hit release timer is set to 0.1 seconds, the release time is short (becomes difficult) even if it is not possible to win a big prize opening during one opening. This is a time (for example, a time shorter than 1 second, preferably a time shorter than a game ball firing interval by the firing control board set 174).

  Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 sets a big hit interval timer based on the big winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5204. The timer value set here is the waiting time between rounds of big hits.

  Step S5220: When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing.

[Procedure for small hits]
Step S5212: On the other hand, in the case of a small hit (step S5202: No), the main control CPU 72 sets a “small hit opening pattern”. In the case of the present embodiment, for the “small hit opening pattern”, for example, an opening pattern of “0.1 second opening” is set for the first time and the second time. Since “small hit” has no concept of “round”, “open pattern” is also expressed as “first open” and “second open”.

  Step S5214: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of times that the special winning opening is opened based on the large winning opening opening pattern set in the previous step S5212, for example, two times. The number of releases set here is stored in a buffer area of the RAM 76, for example.

  Step S5216: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting release timer. The timer value set here is the opening time per operation when the variable winning device 30 is operated. In the present embodiment, as described above, 0.1 seconds is set as the value of the small hit release timer, and in such an open time, most of the winnings at the big prize opening occur during one open. No (becomes difficult) short time (for example, a time shorter than one second, preferably a time shorter than the interval between game balls fired by the launcher unit).

  Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets a small hitting interval timer. The timer value set here is a waiting time for each time when the variable winning device 30 is opened and closed a plurality of times at the time of a small hit, and this timer value is set to about 2 seconds, for example.

  Step S5220: When the above procedure is completed at the time of the small hit, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large winning opening / closing operation processing, and returns to the variable winning device management processing. The main control CPU 72 then executes a special winning opening / closing operation process.

[Big prize opening / closing operation processing]
FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the special winning opening / closing operation process. This process is mainly for controlling the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 opens the special winning opening. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is output. Thereby, the variable prize-winning apparatus 30 operates and shifts from the closed state to the open state.

  Step S5304: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an open timer countdown process. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous special winning opening release pattern setting process (step S5208 or step S5216 in FIG. 34) is executed.

  Step S5306: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the opening time has expired. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the value of the release timer is not yet 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5308. Execute.

  Step S5308: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls won in the variable winning device 30 (open winning opening) within the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 within the opening time.

  Step S5310: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the current count number is less than a predetermined number (9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of winning balls) allowed per opening (one round in the big hit, one in the small hit) as described above. If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, since the jump destination is set to the large winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the procedure of the above steps S5302 to S5310.

  If it is determined in step S5306 that the opening time has expired (Yes), or if it is confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached a predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312. Note that the release at the time of the small hit is that the value of the release timer is set to a short time, and therefore, the main control CPU 72 normally confirms that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S5310 before step S5306. In most cases, it is determined that the opening time has ended.

  Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 closes the special winning opening. Specifically, the output of the drive signal applied to the special winning opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the variable winning device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

  Step S5314: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the above-described special winning opening opening pattern setting process (step S5210 or step S5218 in FIG. 34). When the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5316. Although not specifically shown here, until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0), the main control CPU 72 manages the variable winning device management that is the caller from step S5314 for each interrupt. Return to the end address of the process (FIG. 33). When the special winning opening opening / closing operation process is executed at the next call, step S5314 is executed directly, not from the top step S5302.

  Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not it is in a big role (during big hit game). If the current game is a big game (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5318. On the other hand, if the current game is a small hit (No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5322.

  Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening number counter. Note that the value of the number-of-releases counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76 with an initial value of 0, for example.

  Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the number set within the current round. Here, the reason why the “number of times set in the current round” is determined is to deal with an opening pattern of “opening the variable winning device 30 multiple times within one round of big hit”, for example. . In the present embodiment, since such an open pattern is not particularly employed, the “number of times set in the current round” is set once for each round. Accordingly, since the counter value reaches the set number of times in one opening / closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S5322.

  If a pattern in which a plurality of opening / closing operations are repeated in one round as described above is employed, the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process, the jump destination is set to the big winning opening / closing operation process at the present stage, and thus the procedure from step S5302 to step S5320 is repeatedly executed. As a result, the increment of the number-of-releases counter proceeds in step S5318, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5322.

  Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the big winning opening closing process, and returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is executed next, the main control CPU 72 executes a special winning opening closing process.

[Large prize closing process]
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a special prize closing process. This special winning opening closing process is for continuing the operation of the variable winning device 30 or terminating the operation. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along a procedure.

  Step S5401: First, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current game is a big game (big hit game), and if it is a big game (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5402.

  Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. Thereby, for example, the value of the round number counter is “1” at the stage where the first round ends and the second round is reached.

  Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the incremented round number counter value has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value (1-14) of the round number counter after increment, and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (1-14 after 1 subtraction) (No) Next, step S5405 is executed.

  Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current round number counter value. This command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process as described above. The effect control device 124 can confirm the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

  Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the big prize opening / closing operation process.

  Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 33). Then, after execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 is continuously executed until the actual round number reaches the set execution round number (6 times or 15 times).

  When the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: YES), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5410.

  Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, when the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (= 0), it sets the next jump destination to the end process.

  Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

[Small hit]
On the other hand, in the case of a small hit, the procedure is as follows (special operation execution means).
Step S5411: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current game is not playing a major role (step S5401: No), the main control CPU 72 increments the value of the number-of-releases counter.

  Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the incremented number-of-releases counter has reached the set number of times of release. The number of times of opening is set in the previous big opening opening pattern setting process (step S5214 in FIG. 34). If the value of the opening number counter has not yet reached the set opening number (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the special winning opening / closing operation process.
Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

  When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 executes a big prize opening opening / closing operation process which is the next jump destination in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 33). Then, after the execution of the special prize opening / closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the special prize opening closing process again through the execution of the special prize opening closing process, and goes through the above steps S5401 to S5413 (No) to step S5416. Step S5408 is repeatedly executed. Thereby, the opening / closing operation of the variable prize device 30 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of times of opening reaches the set number of times of opening (2 times).

  When the actual number of times of opening at the small hit reaches the set number of times of opening (step S5413: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5414.

  Step S5414, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the end process when the release counter is reset (= 0).

  Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, the end process is selected this time.

〔End processing〕
FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the end process. This end process is for preparing conditions for ending the operation of the variable prize apparatus 30. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the big hit flag (01H) is set, and if the value of the big hit flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5503. To do.

  Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the big hit flag (00H). As a result, the big hit gaming state ends on the control processing of the main control CPU 72. In addition, the main control CPU 72 deletes “big hit” from the internal state flag and declares the end of the major role as the internal state in the control processing. The main control CPU 72 resets the value of the continuous operation number status.

  Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value (01H) of the probability variation function operation flag is set. This flag is set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 25) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-process.

  Step S5508: When the value of the probability variation function operation flag is set (step S5506: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the probability variation number (for example, eight times). The set value of the probability variation number is stored, for example, in the probability variation counter area of the RAM 76 and becomes the above-described number cut counter value. The probability variation number set here is the upper limit number of times that the variation of the special symbol (internal lottery) is performed in a high probability state in the subsequent games. In this embodiment, since a substantial upper limit is set for the high probability state, the winning result may not be obtained in the high probability state and the state may return to the low probability state (so-called frequency cut probability changer; ST machine). . If the value of the probability variation function activation flag is not set (step S5506: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5508, but since the probability variation ratio is 100% in the present embodiment, step S5508 is always performed. Executed.

  Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not the value of the time reduction function operation flag (01H) is set. This flag is also set in the big hit other setting process (step S2414 in FIG. 25) during the previous special symbol fluctuation pre-processing.

  Step S5512: If the value of the time reduction function activation flag is set (step S5510: Yes), the main control CPU 72 determines the number of time reductions (for example, 8 times) according to the winning symbol and the presence or absence of the time reduction state at the time of winning. Or 100 times). The value of the set time reduction count is stored in the time count area of the RAM 76 as described above. The number of times of time reduction set here is the upper limit number of times to shorten the variation time of the special symbol in subsequent games. If the value of the time shortening function activation flag is not set (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute step S5512.

  Step S5514: Then, the main control CPU 72 generates a state designation command based on various flags. Specifically, a state designation command representing “normal” is generated as the gaming state when the big hit flag is reset or the big game ends. If the high-probability state function activation flag is set, a state designation command indicating “high probability” is generated as the internal state, and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the internal state is “reduced time”. A state designation command representing “medium” is generated. These state designation commands are transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect control output process.

  The procedure so far is a big hit, but in the case of a big hit (step S5502: No), the following procedure is executed.

  Steps S5520 and S5522: In the case of a small hit, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small hit flag (00H) and deletes “small hit” from the internal state flag. It should be noted that in the case of a small hit, the internal condition device does not operate in particular, so such a procedure is merely for the purpose of erasing the flag.

  Step S5516: After the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination in the special winning opening opening pattern setting process.

  Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 24) in the special symbol game process as the special symbol variation pre-process. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Launch management processing]
FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the launch management process executed by the launch control CPU 94. This launch management process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) for launch control. The firing control CPU 94 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of a reset start process similar to the reset start process in the main control CPU 72, for example, and the timer interrupt process Execute.

  The launch management process includes a command reception process (step S6000), a possession ball data addition process (step S6010), a launch control process (step S6020), a possession ball data display management process (step S6030), and a command transmission process (step S6040). ) Subroutine group. Hereinafter, the basic flow of the launch management process will be described along each process.

  Step S6000: In the command receiving process, the launch control CPU 94 receives a winning data command transmitted from the main controller 70 and a ball lending data command transmitted from the card unit 210. The launch control CPU 94 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 98 according to type.

  Step S6010: In the possession ball data addition process, the launch control CPU 94 executes the possession ball data addition process based on the contents of the received winning data command or ball lending data command. The specific processing contents will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S6020: In the launch control process, the launch control CPU 94 executes a process for controlling the launch device 300, and also executes a subtraction process for the possessed ball data based on the game ball supply signal and the game ball launch signal. The specific processing contents will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S6030: In the possession ball data display management process, the launch control CPU 94 controls the display content of the possession ball data display 123. Specifically, the ball data is displayed based on the information of the ball data stored in the RAM 98, and the remaining number data is displayed based on the remaining number information transmitted from the card unit 210.

  Step S6040: In the command transmission process, the launch control CPU 94 transmits a game stop command to the main controller 70 or transmits a gaming machine state information command to the card unit 210.

  Through the above-described launch management process, the launch control CPU 94 can comprehensively control the launch of game balls in the pachinko machine 1 and the contents of possession ball data.

[Handball data addition processing]
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the above-mentioned holding ball data addition processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S6100: The launch control CPU 94 confirms whether or not a winning data command is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the launch control CPU 94 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 98 and confirms whether or not a winning data command is stored.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the winning data command is stored (Yes), the firing control CPU 94 executes Step S6102. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the winning data command is stored (No), the firing control CPU 94 does not execute Step S6102.

  Step S6102: The firing control CPU 94 executes a firing ball data addition process. In this shot possession ball data addition process, the launch control CPU 94 executes a process of adding a quantity corresponding to the received winning data to the possession ball data (winning ball data addition process execution means). For example, when the value of the possession ball data is “124” and the value of the winning data included in the winning data command is “3”, a process of adding “3” to “124” is executed, and finally The process of updating the value of the possession ball data to “127” is executed. When this process is executed, the firing control CPU 94 executes a process for deleting the winning data command from the command buffer area of the RAM 98.

  Step S6104: The launch control CPU 94 confirms whether or not a ball lending data command is received from the card unit 210. Specifically, the launch control CPU 94 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 98 and confirms whether or not the ball lending data command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the ball lending data command is stored (Yes), the launch control CPU 94 executes Step S6106. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the ball lending data command is stored (No), the launch control CPU 94 does not execute Step S6106.

Step S6106: The firing control CPU 94 executes a firing ball data addition process. In this launching ball data addition process, the launch control CPU 94 executes a process of adding a quantity corresponding to the received ball rental data to the ball data (ball rental time ball data addition process execution means). For example, when the value of the possessed ball data is “0” and the value of the ball lending data included in the ball lending data command is “125”, a process of adding “125” to “0” is executed. Finally, a process of updating the value of the possession ball data to “125” is executed. When this process is executed, the launch control CPU 94 executes a process of deleting the ball lending data command from the command buffer area of the RAM 98.
When the above processing is completed, the firing control CPU 94 returns to the firing management processing (FIG. 38).

(Launch control process)
FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the above-described launch control process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S6200: The firing control CPU 94 checks whether or not the value of the possessed ball data is “0”. Specifically, the launch control CPU 94 accesses the data buffer area of the RAM 98 and confirms whether the value of the possessed ball data is “0”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the possessed ball data is “0” (Yes), the launch control CPU 94 returns to the launch management process (FIG. 38). On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the value of the possessed ball data is “0” (No), the firing control CPU 94 executes Step S6202. When it is confirmed that the value of the possession ball data is “0”, an effect (visual or auditory effect) that prompts the player to add the possession ball data may be executed. .

  Step S6202: The firing control CPU 94 checks whether or not it is in a firing permitted state. Specifically, the launch control CPU 94 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 98, and can determine that the launch is permitted when the launch prohibit command is not stored.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that it is in the firing permission state (Yes), the firing control CPU 94 executes Step S6204. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that it is in the launch permitted state (No), the process returns to the launch management process (FIG. 38).

  Step S6204: The launch control CPU 94 checks whether or not the launch status value is “waiting for supply”. Here, the launch status is a variable indicating the operating state of the launcher 300 and is stored in the data buffer of the RAM 98. As values stored in the launch status, for example, “waiting for supply (00H)”, “supplying (01H)”, “waiting for launch (02H)”, and “being fired (03H)” are available. The firing control CPU 94 can confirm the operation state of the launching device 300 by confirming the value of the launch status.

  If it is confirmed that the value of the launch status is “waiting for supply” (Yes), the launch control CPU 94 executes step S6206 and step S6208. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the launch status is “waiting for supply” (No), the launch control CPU 94 executes step S6210 without executing steps S6206 and S6208.

  Step S6206: The launch control CPU 94 executes a launch ball supply process. Specifically, the ball feed motor 502 is driven to execute a process of supplying a game ball to the launching device 300.

  Step S6208: The launch control CPU 94 executes a process of storing “supplying (01H)” in the launch status.

  Step S6210: The launch control CPU 94 confirms whether or not the launch status value is “supplying”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the launch status is “supplying” (Yes), the launch control CPU 94 executes step S6212. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the launch status is “supplying” (No), the launch control CPU 94 executes step S6220 without executing step S6212 or the like.

  Step S6212: The launch control CPU 94 executes a stable time timer countdown process. Specifically, when the module is called for the first time, the firing control CPU 94 sets an initial value for the value of the stabilization time timer here, and when calling for the first time or later, the firing control CPU 94 sets the stable stability that has been set. Decrement time timer value. The initial value of the stable time timer is a waiting time (for example, 0.1 to 0.3) after the game ball supply detection sensor 106 detects the passage of the game ball until the game ball stably stops in the launching device 300. Second).

  Step S6214: The launch control CPU 94 checks whether or not the stabilization time has elapsed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether the value of the stable time timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value is not yet 0 or less (No), the launch control CPU 94 executes step S6220 and subsequent steps. However, since the current launch status value is “supplying”, the launch management process is continued. Return to FIG. Then, when the launch control process is executed next, since the launch status is set to “supplying” at the present stage, the launch control CPU 94 repeatedly executes the procedures of step S6212 and step S6214 described above. If it is determined in step S6214 that the stabilization time has elapsed (Yes), the firing control CPU 94 executes steps S6216 and S6218.

  Step S6216: The firing control CPU 94 executes possessed ball data subtraction processing. In this holding ball data subtraction process, the firing control CPU 94 executes a process of subtracting a quantity corresponding to the number of game balls supplied by the game ball supply detection sensor 106 from the holding ball data (the holding ball data subtraction at the time of launching). Processing execution means). For example, when it is detected that the value of the possession ball data is “125” and “1” gaming ball is supplied, a process of subtracting “1” from “125” is executed, and finally Processing to update the value of the possessed ball data to “124” is executed.

  Step S6218: The launch control CPU 94 executes a process of storing “waiting for launch (02H)” in the launch status.

  Step S6220: The launch control CPU 94 confirms whether or not the launch status value is “waiting for launch”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the launch status is “waiting for launch” (Yes), the launch control CPU 94 executes step S6222. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the launch status is “waiting for launch” (No), the launch control CPU 94 executes Step S6226 without executing Steps S6222 and S6224.

  Step S6222: The launch control CPU 94 executes a launch output process. Specifically, the launch motor 302 is driven to execute a process of launching a game ball from the launch device 300.

  Step S6224: The launch control CPU 94 executes a process of storing “launching (03H)” in the launch status. At this time, when the firing intensity is digitally controlled by the duty ratio of the PWM drive, the firing control CPU 94 sets the intensity here.

  Step S6226: The launch control CPU 94 checks whether or not the launch status value is “being fired”.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the launch status is “being fired” (Yes), the launch control CPU 94 executes Step S6228. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the launch status is “launching” (No), the launch control CPU 94 returns to the launch management process (FIG. 38).

  Step S6228: The firing control CPU 94 executes a holding time timer countdown process. Specifically, when the module is called for the first time, the firing control CPU 94 sets an initial value for the value of the holding time timer here, and when calling for the first time or later, the firing control CPU 94 holds the set holding value. Decrement time timer value. The initial value of the holding time timer is a waiting time (for example, 0.1 to 0.3) after the game ball launch detection sensor 316 detects the passage of the game ball until the game ball is reliably discharged from the launching device 300. Second).

  Here, the possession ball data subtraction process in step S6216 may be executed when the game ball launch detection sensor 316 detects the passage of the game ball.

  Step S6230: The launch control CPU 94 checks whether or not the holding time has elapsed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the holding time timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value is not yet 0 or less (No), the launch control CPU 94 returns to the launch management process (FIG. 38). Then, when the launch control process is executed next, since the launch status is set to “being fired” at the present stage, the launch control CPU 94 repeatedly executes the procedures of step S6228 and step S6230 described above. If it is determined in step S6230 that the holding time has elapsed (Yes), the firing control CPU 94 executes steps S6322 and S6234.

  Step S6322: The launch control CPU 94 executes a retreat position transition process. Specifically, a process of returning the firing arm 306 of the launching device 300 to the original standby position by driving the firing motor 302 is executed.

Step S6234: The launch control CPU 94 executes a process of storing “waiting for supply (00H)” in the launch status. Thereby, a series of operations in one launch is completed, and the launching device 300 is in a state of waiting for a game ball to be supplied.
When the above processing is completed, the firing control CPU 94 returns to the firing management processing (FIG. 38).

[Card unit processing]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of card unit processing executed by the card unit CPU built in the card unit 210. This card unit process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) for controlling the card unit. The card unit CPU generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  Step S7000: The card unit CPU executes a rented unit price setting process. The lending unit price setting process is a process for setting a unit price for lending, and is a process for determining how many game balls to lend for one lending. For example, if one ball lending is for 500 yen and the ball lending unit price is set to 4 yen, 125 gaming balls will be lent. In addition, if one ball lending is a lending for 500 yen and the lending unit price is set to 1 yen, 500 gaming balls will be lent out. The rented unit price setting process may be a process that can be executed only by an attendant having the authority to change the setting of the card unit 210.

  Step S7002: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not a member card as a valuable medium has been inserted into the card insertion slot 214. Confirmation of the card type can be confirmed by reading the card type information stored in the card.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the membership card is inserted (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7004. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the membership card has been inserted (No), the card unit CPU executes step S7006.

  Step S7004: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not the member card has been successfully authenticated. Here, the authentication of the member card is, for example, accepting an input of a password from an input button (not shown) provided in the card unit 210, and confirming whether the input password matches a pre-registered password. It is processing.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the membership card has been successfully authenticated (Yes), the card unit CPU executes step S7010. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the membership card has been successfully authenticated (No), the firing control CPU 94 returns to step S7000 and repeats the processing so far.

  Step S7006: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not a general card as a valuable medium is inserted into the card insertion slot 214.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the general card has been inserted (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7010. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that a general card has been inserted (No), the card unit CPU executes step S7008.

  Step S7008: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not cash has been inserted into the cash slot 212.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that cash has been inserted (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7010. On the other hand, if it is not possible to confirm that cash has been inserted (No), the card unit CPU returns to step S7000 and repeats the processing so far.

  Step S7010: The card unit CPU executes a card information display process. Specifically, the card information display device 200 is executed to display the balance data and the ball data stored in the card.

  Step S7012: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not the holding ball button 11 has been pressed. Specifically, the card unit CPU determines that the holding ball button 11 is pressed when a pressing signal is input from the holding ball button 11.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the holding ball button 11 is pressed (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7014. On the other hand, if it is not possible to confirm that the holding ball button 11 has been pressed (No), the card unit CPU executes Step S7020.

  Step S7014: The card unit CPU confirms whether the value of the possessed ball data is greater than zero. The value of possessed ball data is stored in a general card or a membership card.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the possessed ball data is larger than 0 (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7016. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the possessed ball data is greater than 0 (No), the card unit CPU executes Step S7020.

  Step S7016: The card unit CPU executes a process of transmitting a ball lending data command to the launch ball management device 92. In the ball lending data command in this process, the total number of possessed ball data of a predetermined unit (for example, 125) or less than a predetermined unit number is transmitted.

  Step S7018: The card unit CPU executes a process of subtracting the value of the ball data transmitted by the ball lending data command from the value of the ball data stored in the general card or the member card.

  Step S7020: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not the ball lending button 10 has been pressed. Specifically, the card unit CPU determines that the ball lending button 10 has been pressed when a depression signal is input from the ball lending button 10.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the ball lending button 10 has been pressed (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7022. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the ball lending button 10 has been pressed (No), the card unit CPU executes step S7028.

  Step S7022: The card unit CPU confirms whether the value of the amount data is greater than zero. The value of the amount data is stored in a general card or a membership card.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the amount data is greater than 0 (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7024. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the amount data is greater than 0 (No), the card unit CPU executes Step S7028.

  Step S7024: The card unit CPU executes a process of transmitting a ball lending data command to the firing ball management device 92. In the ball lending data command in this process, a command including ball lending data corresponding to the settlement amount is transmitted. Note that the ball lending data may include a function of transmitting data obtained by subtracting the consumption tax.

  Step S7026: The card unit CPU executes processing for subtracting the amount corresponding to the value of the possessed ball data transmitted by the ball lending data command from the amount data stored in the general card or the membership card.

  Step S7028: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not the break button 12 has been pressed. Specifically, the card unit CPU determines that the break button 12 is pressed when a press signal is input from the break button 12.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the break button 12 has been pressed (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7030. On the other hand, when it is not possible to confirm that the break button 12 has been pressed (No), the card unit CPU executes Step S7036.

  Step S7030: The card unit CPU executes a break process. In this break process, a card dedicated to break is ejected from the card insertion slot 214, a break display is displayed on the display screen of the card information display device 200, or a non-gameable command is transmitted to the pachinko machine 1. It is possible to perform non-game play processing.

  Step S7032: The card unit CPU confirms whether or not the break has ended. Specifically, when a break-only card is inserted into the card insertion slot 214, or when a break forced termination operation is executed by a store clerk when a preset break time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, the card unit The CPU determines that the break has ended.

  Step S7034: The card unit CPU executes a break end process. In this break end process, it is possible to end the break on the display screen of the card information display device 200, or to perform a game resumable process by transmitting a game enable command to the pachinko machine 1.

  Step S7036: The card unit CPU confirms whether the settlement button 13 has been pressed. Specifically, the card unit CPU determines that the clearing button 13 has been pressed when a press signal is input from the clearing button 13.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the settlement button 13 has been pressed (Yes), the card unit CPU executes Step S7038. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the settlement button 13 has been pressed (No), the card unit CPU returns to step S7010 and repeats the processing so far.

  Step S7038: The card unit CPU executes a settlement process. In this clearing process, the card unit CPU acquires the ball data from the launching ball management device 92 through communication, and executes a process of recording the ball data on a general card or a membership card. Thereafter, the card unit CPU executes a process of discharging the general card and the membership card using a card discharge mechanism (not shown). The membership card is discharged unconditionally, but the general card is discharged when there is a balance or when there is possession data. For this reason, the general card is held inside the card unit 210 without being discharged when there is no balance and no ball data. When this settlement process is completed, the card unit CPU returns to step S7000 and repeats the processes so far.

  FIG. 42 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of control processing executed among the card unit 210, the firing ball management device 92, and the main control device 70.

[F10: Ball rental process]
When starting the gaming machine with the pachinko machine 1, a ball lending process is executed in the card unit 210.

[F12: Send ball rental data command]
When the ball lending process is executed, the card unit 210 transmits a ball lending data command to the launch ball management device 92.

[F14: Ball data addition processing]
Upon receiving the ball lending data command, the launching ball management device 92 executes a ball holding data addition process.

[F16: Launch process]
When the handle unit 16 is operated by the player in a state where the value of the possessed ball data is greater than 0, the launching ball management device 92 operates the launching device 300 to launch the game ball.

[F18: Ball data subtraction processing]
When a game ball is fired, the fired ball management device 92 executes a possessed ball data subtraction process according to the number of shots.

[F20: Winning occurrence]
Here, it is assumed that a winning occurs when a gaming ball launched into the gaming area enters a predetermined winning opening.

[F22: Send winning data command]
When a winning occurs, the main control device 70 transmits a winning data command to the throwing ball management device 92.

[F24: Ball data addition processing]
Upon receiving the winning data command, the launching ball management device 92 executes a holding ball data addition process according to the winning data.

[F26: Clearing process]
When the settlement button 13 is pressed by the player, the settlement process is started in the card unit 210.

[F28: Clearing command transmission]
When the clearing process is started, the card unit 210 transmits a clearing request command to the firing ball management device 92.

[F30: Game machine status information command transmission]
Upon receiving the clearing request command, the launching ball management device 92 transmits a gaming machine state information command to the card unit 210.

[Details of gaming machine status information command]
The gaming machine state information command includes a command generated by the main control device 70 and a command generated by the firing ball management device 92. The gaming machine state information command generated by the main controller 70 is transmitted to the card unit 210 via the launching ball management device 92. The gaming machine state information command generated by the firing ball management device 92 is directly transmitted to the card unit 210 by the firing ball management device 92.

  Further, the gaming machine state information command includes launch information and possessed ball data indicating that a game ball has been launched. Since the launch information and the possession ball data are information managed by the launch ball management device 92, the launching ball management device 92 generates a gaming machine state information command including the launch information and the possession ball data. . As described above, by including the launch information in the gaming machine state information, it is possible to easily find an illegal act such as increasing the ball data even though there is no fact of launch.

  In addition, the gaming machine status information command includes “information on game results such as lottery results, number of fluctuations, number of jackpots”, “information on fraud”, “information on game errors”, “predetermined operations such as door opening” Information of at least one of “information”, “ID information of main control CPU”, “authentication information of device or program based on security information”, and “ID information of game machine” may be included. Since these pieces of information are information managed by the main controller 70, the main controller 70 generates a gaming machine state information command including these pieces of information. Thus, by including various information in the gaming machine state information, it is possible to provide a pachinko machine 1 that can be fraudulently monitored by a third party through the external card unit 210, and to enhance anti-goto measures. The pachinko machine 1 can be used.

  Also, the transmission timing of the gaming machine state information command is not limited to this timing, and the gaming machine state information command can be transmitted at an arbitrary timing. For example, when the gaming machine state information command includes “information on fraud”, “information on gaming error”, “information on predetermined operation such as door opening”, etc. You may make it transmit by.

[F32: Command transmission processing]
The card unit 210 that has received the gaming machine state information command executes processing for transmitting the gaming machine state information to a hall computer or the like as necessary.

[F34: Information writing process]
The card unit 210 executes a process of writing the possessed ball data included in the received gaming machine state information command to a valuable medium (general card or member card).

[F36: Card discharge processing]
When the information writing process is completed, the card unit 210 executes a process of discharging the valuable medium (general card or member card).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the three elements necessary for the gaming machine such as “the number of loans”, “the number of shots”, and “the number of prize balls” are expressed as “ball rental data command (F12)” and “launching process (F16). ) ”And“ winning data command (F22) ”, and the ball data is managed based on these data and events, so that the game result can be managed by electronic data. Thereby, an error ball (IN / OUT mismatch) of game balls can be eliminated, and a game machine in which game results are completely digitized can be provided.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the big hit internal lottery is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the variation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lighted and blinked by 7-segment LEDs, so that they have poor appeal. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, the variable display effect using the effect symbol is performed as described above.

  The effect designs include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each effect design is a design of a picture card with a character attached together with the numbers “1” to “9”, for example. Among these, for the left effect symbol, a symbol row is arranged in ascending order of “1” to “9”, and for the middle effect symbol and the right effect symbol, the numbers are “9” to “1”. ”Are arranged in descending order. Such a symbol sequence is variably displayed so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in the left region, middle region, and right region on the screen.

  FIG. 43 is a continuous diagram showing examples of effect images corresponding to the change display and stop display of special symbols. Note that, here, an example of a change display effect and a stop display effect (result display effect) performed using the effect symbol is shown for the variation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (losing). This variable display effect is performed between the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol, but may be the second special symbol) and the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of productions. Further, the stop display effect is an effect that represents that the special symbol is stopped and displayed and the result of the internal lottery at that time is a combination of the effect symbols. Here, before explaining the specific contents of the control processing, the basic flow of the change display effect and stop display effect for each change employed in the present embodiment will be described.

[Before change display]
43 (A): For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts to change (a state in which the demonstration effect is not being performed), a row of three effect symbols is displayed large on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect symbol is also stopped.

  In addition, on the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, markers indicating the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (reference numerals M1 and M2 are attached in the figure) are displayed. . These markers M1 and M2 indicate the number of operating memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol corresponding to the respective display numbers (the number of displays of the first special symbol operating memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol operating memory lamp 35a). The number of displays is increased or decreased in conjunction with the change in the number of working memories during the game. In addition, for the markers M1 and M2, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed as, for example, a circle (◯) in order to facilitate visual discrimination, and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is, for example, a heart It is displayed with the shape. In the example of (A) in FIG. 43, all four markers M1 are lit and displayed, indicating that the number of working memories of the first special symbol is four, and all the markers M2 are not displayed (in broken lines). This indicates that the number of working memories of the second special symbol is 0 (stored number display effect execution means).

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, for example, the fourth symbol (reference numerals Z1 and Z2 are added in the diagram) is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are “fourth effect symbols” following the left, middle, and right effect symbols, and are displayed in a synchronized manner during the change display of the effect symbols. Note that the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are simple marks (for example, “□” figure) with colors, and for example, changing the display color can express a variable display. The fourth symbol Z1 corresponds to the first special symbol, and the fourth symbol Z2 corresponds to the second special symbol.

  Further, the fourth symbols Z1, Z2 are stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation. This is to objectively clarify that the stop display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is actually “6 rounds probable big hit 1” or “15 rounds probable big hit” instead of “out of”, the corresponding mode (for example, blue display color or red display color) is used. The fourth symbol Z1, Z2 is stopped and displayed.

[Variable display production start]
43 (B): For example, in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol, the change display effect is started by the scroll change of the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (the symbol effect). Execution means). In other words, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the display of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol is scrolled (flowed) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 so as to change the display. Production begins. In the figure, the effect symbol variation display is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Also, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), and at this time, an image (background image) that is the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen in an easily visible state. Has been.

  The background image in this case represents, for example, a landscape in which a female character wearing a yukata is sitting on a chaise lounge and relaxing as if the evening is cool. Such a background image expresses that the stay mode in the production is, for example, “normal mode”. In the present embodiment, the “normal mode” corresponds to a normal state in which the fluctuation time shortening function is inactive and the probability fluctuation function is inactive. In addition to this, various modes are provided for effects, and background images with different landscapes and scenes are prepared for each mode (status display effect execution means). The difference between these modes may correspond to an internal “time reduction state” or a “high probability state”. The mode corresponding to each internal state will be further described later. Although not specifically illustrated here, a mode in which a notice effect is performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen after that is also possible.

  Further, during the variation display of the effect symbols, the fourth symbol Z1 is variably displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the fourth symbol Z1 expresses the variation display by changing its display color.

[Left design stop]
In FIG. 43 (C): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) has elapsed, the left effect design first stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “8” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Here, illustration of the background image is omitted (the same applies to the following).

[Example of production when the number of working memories decreases]
Here, as shown in (B) of FIG. 43, since the number of working memories of the first special symbol decreases by one as the fluctuation starts, the number of markers M1 displayed is linked accordingly. It is reduced by one. For example, if there are four working memories so far, only the oldest (older) memory number display is hidden in the marker M1, and an effect consumed by the internal lottery is also performed. Thereby, it is possible to tell the player that the number of working memories for the first special symbol has decreased.

  In the example of (C) in FIG. 43, since the first operation memory in the storage order is consumed and the remaining number is three, the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are each one by one. An effect of shifting in the direction (here left direction) is performed. As a result, the context of the change in the number of working memories can be accurately expressed in the production, and the player can be intuitively and easily informed that the working memory has been consumed and decreased by one. it can.

[Right production symbol stop]
43 (D): Following the left effect symbol, the right effect symbol thereafter stops changing. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number “3” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. Since it has already been determined that the reach state does not occur at this point, it is almost clear on the appearance that the current fluctuation is a non-reach (normal) fluctuation. Here, reach fluctuations due to slip patterns and the like are excluded. “Slip pattern” means, for example, that once the design symbol representing the number “7” stops, the design symbol slips by one symbol and the design symbol representing the number “8” stops, thereby developing reach It is to do. Alternatively, once the design symbol representing the number “9” stops, the design symbol that represents the number “8” stops as the design sequence slips by one symbol in the opposite direction. is there. In addition, for example, when a production symbol representing a completely different number such as “5” is temporarily stopped and a character appears on the screen and the right production symbol row is changed again, the number “8” is changed. There is also a pattern in which the effect design to be expressed stops and develops to reach.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 43 (E): The last medium effect symbol stops in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol. If the result of the current internal lottery is non-winning and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner, the staging display effect is also performed in a non-winning (out-of-game) manner. Is called. That is, in the illustrated example, the effect symbol representing the number “1” is stopped at the middle position of the screen. In this case, the combination of the effect symbols is “8”-“1”-“3”. Since this is a gap, it is expressed in the production that the current variation corresponds to the normal “out of range”. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, white display color) corresponding to the dislocation.

  The above is an example of the change display effect and the stop display effect (during non-winning) performed using the effect symbol for each change. Through such an effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning, and finally the result of the internal lottery can be clearly taught in the effect.

  In addition, the above example is for the case of non-winning, but at the time of big win (winning), after the reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode in the stop display effect. At this time, the stop display mode of the effect symbol basically corresponds to the winning symbol (stop display mode of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35) selected internally by the main control CPU 72. Selected.

[Production example at the time of big hit]
FIG. 44 is a continuous diagram showing the flow of reach production executed at the time of big hit (winning). Here, in addition to the reach effect, a variable display effect, a stop display effect, and a notice effect are included. In addition, an example of the notice effect (the notice effect before the occurrence of reach, the notice effect after the occurrence of reach) executed during the variable display effect will be described.

  In the following reach effect, after the first special symbol display device 34 (or the second special symbol display device 35 may be used), the first special symbol is “6 rounds probable big hit 1 ”Or“ 15 rounds probable big hit ”(for example, 7-segment LED“ self ”,“ yo ”,“ mouth ”,“ 巳 ”,“ F ”,“ E ”,“ L ”,“ Γ ”, etc.) It is executed until the stop display is made (reach effect execution means). In addition, in FIG. 44, each production | presentation symbol is simplified and shown only as the number. The markers M1 and M2 and the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are not shown here. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the flow of production.

[Variable display effects]
44 (A): In line with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol (or second special symbol), the columns of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol are vertically displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The variable display effect is started by scrolling in a direction (for example, from top to bottom).

[Preliminary production before reach (first stage)]
44 (B): Next, in a relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the first stage pre-reach notice effect using the character's picture image (picture card) is performed. This pre-reach pre-announcement effect is a pre-announcement effect in which the change of the mode progresses in stages from one stage to a plurality of stages (for example, 2 to 5 stages) according to a predetermined order. The pattern image used in the pre-reach notice effect is located in front of the effect pattern that is displayed on the screen in a variable manner, for example, so as to appear suddenly from the left edge of the screen (other appearance modes) May be.) Note that the “pre-reach notice” means that a reach or a big hit is announced before any effect symbol is stopped and displayed. By executing such a “pre-reach announcement effect”, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big hit increases” is obtained.

[Advance notice before the reach occurs (second stage)]
44 (C): After the first stage of the pre-reach notice effect is executed, the change of the pre-reach notice effect proceeds to the second stage. Here, an effect using a character pattern image different from the previous one is performed as the notice effect before the occurrence of reach in the second stage. Specifically, another pattern image additionally appears from the right end of the screen, and is displayed so as to overlap the front of the previously displayed pattern image. The picture image displayed at this time is larger in size than the picture image displayed previously. And the effect by the sound output that the character expressed by the picture image emits a dialogue (for example, “I will reach” etc.) is also performed.

  Such a pre-reach notice effect (second stage) using the second picture image is one step further than the pre-reach notice effect (first stage) performed in FIG. 44 (B). It is a development type. In general, it may be expressed as “step-up notice” or the like, referring to the “pre-reach notice notice effect” that develops in this way. Here, an example is given in which the second-stage pattern image appears in the pre-reach notice effect, but the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. There may be. Further, for example, the size may be enlarged each time the third, fourth, and fifth-stage pattern images appear and appear one after another. Even at this stage, the variation display of the effect symbols is continued. In any case, it is possible to indicate to the player that there is a high possibility (expectation) that this change will be a big hit by making the change in the aspect of the pre-reach notice effect to more stages. (For example, the maximum expectation is suggested when progressing to the fifth stage).

[Stop of left design]
In FIG. 44 (D): The middle stage of the variable display effect is approached, and the variable display of the left effect symbol is eventually stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped at the left position of the screen.

[Occurrence of reach condition]
In FIG. 44 (E): Next to the left effect symbol, for example, the change display of the right effect symbol is stopped. At this point, the effect symbol representing the number “5” is stopped at the right position of the screen, so that a reach state of “5”-“being changed”-“5” has occurred. On the screen, an image that emphasizes one line that is in a reach state is also displayed. In addition, an effect of outputting a voice such as “Reach!” Is performed.

  After the reach state occurs, the reach production at the time of winning is executed (however, at this point in time, the winning result has not yet been expressed). In the reach effect, only the effect symbol corresponding to the tempered number (here, “5”) is displayed on the screen, and the others are not displayed. At this time, the effect symbols may be displayed in a reduced state at the four corners of the screen.

[Preliminary notice after reach occurs (first time)]
In FIG. 44, (F): After a reach state has occurred, for example, an image representing a “heart” figure forms a group, and a post-reach notice effect (first time) is performed that passes diagonally on the screen. . In this case, the image of the “heart group” is suddenly displayed on the screen so that the visual appeal to the player can be enhanced. By executing such a notice effect after the visually lively reach occurs, the player can have an even greater expectation.

[Progress of reach production]
44 (G): Following the notice effect after the first reach, for example, images representing the numbers “2” to “8” are displayed in a three-dimensional column on the screen. There is an effect in which numerical images are erased from the screen in the order of “2”, “3”, “4”. Such an effect is also performed for the purpose of suggesting (impliciting) or reminding the player that the number “5” is left as it is without being erased. If the number “4” is erased and “5” remains in front of the screen, it means “big hit”, and if the number “5” is also erased, it means “out of place”. In the case of a loss, for example, the number “6” is displayed on the screen after the number “5” is deleted. Therefore, during this time, the numbers “2”, “3”, “4”,... Are erased in order, and as the number “5” approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After this, for example, if the number up to “4” is erased on the screen, the possibility of a “big hit” increases, so the player's tension also increases at a stretch.

[Preliminary notice after the occurrence of reach (second time)]
In FIG. 44 (H): When the reach production is approaching the final stage, the content that the character image suddenly appears on the screen as if it was split into a large copy and that character emits some dialogue (or silently) (The content may be a smile) The notice effect (second time) is performed after the occurrence of reach (cut-in effect). At this time, for example, the content of the reach effect is a development that “if the number“ 4 ”is deleted, then the possibility of a big hit of“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”-“ 5 ”increases” ”. Therefore, by causing a character image to appear greatly at this timing, an effect of giving the player a sense of expectation that “may be a big hit” is obtained.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 44 (I): The last medium effect symbol stops substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In this example, since the winning symbol internally corresponds to “6 rounds probable big hit 1”, the effect symbol representing “5” on the effect is stopped and displayed at the center of the screen.

  (J) in FIG. 44: For example, the stop display effect is also displayed for the stop display effect as the effect symbol substantially in synchronization with the fixed stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The effect design fixed stop display is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle, and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such confirmation stop display, the player can be informed that the final winning type has been confirmed in the production. Further, in this case, the fourth symbol Z1 or the fourth symbol Z2 is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, red display color) corresponding to “6 round probability variation big hit 1”.

  In addition, if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as the off symbol, so that the staging display effect is also performed in a manner of deviation in the same manner. Execution means). In this case, by displaying the numbers “4” and “6” other than “5” in the center of the screen, unfortunately, an effect is provided informing that the current change did not result in a big hit. Such an effect is executed as an “out of reach reach effect”.

[Director during big role]
FIG. 45 is a continuous diagram that partially shows an example of a big-game effect executed during a big hit game when “6 round probability variation 1” is applicable.

[At the start of one round]
45 (A): When the first round of the jackpot game is started, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen, and an effect image unique to the jackpot game (for example, Female character) is displayed. In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, the numeral “5”) is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. In this way, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) during the big hit game, the player is told that “the game is in a big hit promising big hit game” to the player. Can communicate.

[6 rounds]
(B) in FIG. 45: After this, the big hit game proceeds smoothly and shifts to the final six rounds. At this time, character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND6” is displayed on the screen, and a unique effect image is displayed during the big hit game. In addition, at the lower right corner position of the screen, the effect symbol (number “5”) as the above “remaining eye” is displayed.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 45 (C): At the timing when the big hit game is ended (during the end process), the big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, the character information “Enter Chance Mode” is displayed on the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, it is possible to convey that a special state called “chance mode” is transferred as a privilege after the big hit game ends. The chance mode is a high probability time shortening state limited to eight variations.

[Director during big role]
FIG. 46 is a continuous diagram partially showing an example of the big-game effect performed during the big hit game when the “15-round probability variation symbol” is met. This big role production is executed when the effect design is stopped and displayed in a combination of three of “7”-“7”-“7” through the reach production.

[1 round]
In FIG. 46, (A): When the first round of the big hit game is started, the big role effect of the content corresponding to the progress status of the game, “big hit” is executed. In the role-playing effect, for example, character information corresponding to the number of rounds “ROUND1” is displayed on the screen. In addition, an effect symbol corresponding to the current winning symbol (here, the number “7”) is displayed at the lower right corner of the screen. Thus, by continuously displaying the winning symbol (so-called “remaining eye”) even during the big hit game, it is possible to continuously instruct the player of the information “winning with the seven effect symbols”. In the lower left area of the display screen, the characters “Special Bonus” are displayed. Therefore, the player can be informed that the current big hit is a special big hit different from the normal big hit.

[15 rounds]
In FIG. 46 (B): After that, when the big hit game progresses smoothly and moves to the final 15 rounds, the character information corresponding to the number of rounds of “ROUND15” is displayed on the screen, and the big hit game is being played. A unique effect image is displayed. Further, the effect symbol (the number “7”) as the “remaining eye” is continuously displayed at the lower right corner position of the screen.

[At the end of a major role]
In FIG. 46, (C): At the timing when the big hit game is ended (during the end process), the big end effect of the content teaching the internal state to be transferred thereafter is executed. In this example, for example, character information “special chance mode entry” is displayed in the screen. By executing such a big game end effect, the player can be instructed to shift to the “special chance mode” as a privilege after the big hit game ends. The special chance mode is a mode in which the high probability time shortening state continues for 8 fluctuations, and the low probability time shortening state continues for 92 fluctuations thereafter.

[Game flow]
47 to 54 are continuous diagrams showing a flow of games by the pachinko machine 1 and the card unit 210. FIG.

[Game start]
47 (A): In the state before the game is started on the pachinko machine 1, there is no balance and no ball. Therefore, “0” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “0” is displayed as the value of the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. In the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200, “0 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount, and “0” is displayed as the value of the possessed ball data.

  And when starting a game with the pachinko machine 1, first, it is necessary to throw cash into the cash slot 212 of the card unit 210. In the illustrated example, an example in which a thousand yen bill is inserted is shown.

  47 (B): When cash is inserted into the card unit 210, the display of the handball data display 123 and the card information display device 200 is updated. In the illustrated example, “10” is displayed as the remaining frequency on the ball data display 123, and “1000 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount on the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200.

  47 (C): In this state, it is assumed that the player has pressed the ball lending button 10.

  In FIG. 48 (D): Then, game balls (125 balls) of a preset frequency (here, 500 yen) are lent out to the player. In this case, the display of the possession ball data display 123 and the card information display device 200 is updated. In the example shown in the figure, “5” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “125” is displayed as the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. Further, “500 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount on the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200.

  (E) in FIG. 48: When the value of the possession ball data on the possession ball data display 123 becomes a value larger than 0, a game ball can be launched. When the player holds the handle unit 16 in this state, a game ball is launched from the launching device 300. In the illustrated example, five game balls are fired. Each time one game ball is fired, the possession ball data is decremented by one. For this reason, the held ball data display 123 displays “120”, which is a value obtained by subtracting “5” from “125” as the held ball data. It is assumed that the player has released his hand from the handle unit 16 when five game balls have been launched.

  In FIG. 48 (F): It is assumed that one game ball out of the five game balls fired enters the upper start winning opening 26. Then, a game ball entry is detected by the upper start winning opening switch 80, and a winning data command corresponding to the upper start winning opening is transmitted from the main control device 70 to the firing ball management device 92. Then, the throwing ball management device 92 executes a process of adding the value of the ball data according to the winning at the upper start winning opening. As a result, in the illustrated example, the held ball data display 123 displays “123”, which is a value obtained by adding “3” to “120” as the held ball data.

  49 (G): In this state, it is assumed that the clearing button 13 is pressed by the player.

  (H) in FIG. 49: Then, the display of the possessed ball data display 123 and the card information display device 200 is updated. In the illustrated example, “0” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “0” is displayed as the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. In the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200, “500 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount, and “123” is displayed as the possession ball data.

  49 (I): After that, the information displayed on the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200 (remaining amount “500 yen”, possession ball data “123 pieces”) is stored in the general card 700 as a valuable medium. Written. When the information writing process is completed, the general card 700 is ejected from the card insertion slot 214. It is assumed that the player resumes the game with another pachinko machine 1 with the general card 700.

[Resumption of game]
(J) in FIG. 50: When the game is resumed with another pachinko machine 1, the game can be resumed using the general card 700 that has been ejected first. Here, it is assumed that the player has inserted the general card 700 that was previously ejected into the card insertion slot 214.

  In FIG. 50 (K): When the general card 700 previously ejected is inserted into the card insertion slot 214, the display of the handball data display 123 and the card information display device 200 is updated. In the illustrated example, “5” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “0” is displayed as the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. In the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200, “500 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount, and “123” is displayed as the possession ball data.

  In FIG. 50 (L): In this state, it is assumed that the break button 12 is pressed by the player.

  In FIG. 51 (M): In this case, the break-only card 710 is discharged from the card insertion slot 214. When the break-only card 710 is discharged, a break process is executed, and the display of the holding ball data display 123 and the card information display device 200 is updated. In the illustrated example, all hyphens are displayed in the display area of the holding ball data display 123, and character information “resting” is displayed on the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200. At this time, instead of the break-only card 710, the remaining number data, the fired ball data, the break start data, the card unit identification information, the game machine identification information, etc. may be stored and discharged on the member card or the general card. In this case, there is basically the same effect as the settlement, but the break release is executed when a card is inserted within the predetermined time on the same game stand. However, if the member card or the general card in this case is used on another game machine, the game becomes impossible. Of course, before the set break time elapses, cash insertion and other cards are not accepted, and a break stand state (a state incapable of being played) that cannot be played except for the card subjected to the break process is maintained.

  In FIG. 51 (N): When the player finishes the break and inserts the break-only card 710 into the card insertion slot 214, the break end process is executed.

  In FIG. 51 (O): When the break end process is completed, the display of the handball data display 123 and the card information display device 200 returns to the original state. In the illustrated example, “5” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “0” is displayed as the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. In the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200, “500 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount, and “123” is displayed as the possession ball data.

  In FIG. 52 (P): In this state, it is assumed that the player has pressed the ball button 11.

  In FIG. 52 (Q): Then, the value of the ball data stored in the general card shifts to the ball data stored in the pachinko machine 1. For this reason, in the illustrated example, “5” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “123” is displayed as the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. In the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200, “500 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount, and “0” is displayed as the possession ball data.

  In FIG. 52, (R): When the value of the possessed ball data on the possessed ball data display 123 becomes a value larger than 0, it becomes possible to launch a game ball. When the player holds the handle unit 16 in this state, a game ball is launched from the launching device 300. In the illustrated example, five game balls are fired. Each time one game ball is fired, the possession ball data is decremented by one. For this reason, the held ball data display 123 displays “118” as a value obtained by subtracting “5” from “123” as the held ball data. It is assumed that the player continues to hold the handle unit 16 and continues to fire the game ball thereafter.

  In FIG. 53 (S): It is assumed that a big hit occurs when the value of the held ball data on the held ball data display 123 reaches “20”.

  In FIG. 53 (T): In this embodiment, since the big hit game is digested by right-handed, the player is twisting the handle unit 16 to the right side and firing a game ball on the right side of the game area. During the big hit game, since the variable winning device 30 is in the open state, the game ball enters the big winning opening of the variable winning device 30. Then, a game ball entry is detected by the count switch 84, and a winning data command corresponding to the big winning opening is transmitted from the main control device 70 to the launching ball management device 92. Then, the throwing ball management device 92 executes a process of adding the value of the ball data according to the winning at the big winning opening. As a result, in the illustrated example, “610” is displayed as the ball data by the ball data display 123.

  In FIG. 53 (U): It is assumed that the jackpot game and the subsequent time reduction state have ended. In the illustrated example, “5” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “1200” is displayed as the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. In the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200, “500 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount, and “0” is displayed as the possession ball data. It is assumed that the player has released his hand from the handle unit 16 when the time reduction state has ended.

  54 (V): In this state, it is assumed that the settlement button 13 is pressed by the player.

  In FIG. 54 (W): Then, the display of the possessed ball data display 123 and the card information display device 200 is updated. In the illustrated example, “0” is displayed as the remaining frequency and “0” is displayed as the held ball data on the held ball data display 123. In the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200, “500 yen” is displayed as the remaining amount, and “1200” is displayed as the possessed ball data.

  54 (X): Thereafter, the information displayed on the data display unit 14 of the card information display device 200 (remaining amount “500 yen”, possession ball data “1200 pieces”) is stored in the general card 700 as a valuable medium. Written. When the information writing process is completed, the general card 700 is ejected from the card insertion slot 214. The player can go to the clearing counter of the game hall with the general card 700 and obtain a prize according to the value of the possessed ball data.

  Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the effect described above will be described. The above-described variable display effect, reach effect, pre-reach notice effect, memory number display effect, big-time effect, etc. are all controlled through the following control process.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of effect control processing executed by the effect control CPU 126. This effect control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separately from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The effect control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt cycle (for example, a period of several tens of μs to several ms) during execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

  The effect control process includes command reception process (step S400), working memory effect management process (step S401), effect symbol management process (step S402), display output process (step S404), lamp driving process (step S406), and acoustic driving. This includes a subroutine group of processing (step S408), effect random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect control process will be described along each process.

  Step S400: In the command receiving process, the effect control CPU 126 receives an effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The effect control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 according to type. The command for the effect transmitted from the main control CPU 72 includes, for example, a special figure destination determination effect command, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number increases, a (special symbol) effect command when the operating memory number decreases, a start port Winning sound control command, demonstration effect command, lottery result command, variation pattern command, variation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, state designation command, round number command, error notification command, jackpot end effect command, number cut There are a counter value command, a change pattern destination determination command, a stop display time end command, and the like.

  Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the execution of the above-described stored number display effect and the pre-reading notice effect using the markers M1 and M2. The contents of the working memory effect management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbols, and controls the effect contents during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects effect patterns of various notice effects (notice effect before reach occurrence, notice effect after reach, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be further described later with reference to another drawing.

  Step S404: In the display output process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) with basic control information of the effect contents (for example, the number of working memories of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). , An operation memory effect pattern number, a prefetch notice effect pattern number, a change effect pattern number, a change notice effect number, a background pattern number, etc.). Thereby, the effect display control device 144 (the display control CPU 146 and the VDP 152) controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 based on the instructed effect content (effect executing means).

  Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes in luminance gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46 to 52 and the panel lamp 53 based on the control signal.

  Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the effect control CPU 126 sends the effect contents (for example, BGM, sound data, etc. during the variable display effect, during the reach effect, during the mode transition effect, during the jackpot effect) to the sound drive circuit 134. Instruct. Thereby, the sound according to the production content is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

  Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random number includes, for example, a random number used for selecting a notice and a random number used for a normal background change lottery (effect lottery).

  Step S412: In other processing, for example, the effect control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body solenoid 57 as a drive source, and produces an effect in synchronization with the display of the image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.

  Through the above-described effect control process, the effect control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the effect contents in the pachinko machine 1.

[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 56 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of the working memory effect management process. Hereinafter, the contents will be described along a procedure example.

  Step S700: First, the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130, and confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories increases is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command when the number of working memories increases is saved (step S700: Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S702. When it is not possible to confirm that the production command when the number of working memories increases is saved (step S700: No), the production control CPU 126 does not execute step S702.

  Step S702: The effect control CPU 126 executes an effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect for displaying the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

  Step S704: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the effect command at the time when the number of working memories decreases is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored. When it is confirmed that the production command when the number of working memories decreases is saved (step S704: Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S706. If it is not possible to confirm that the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced is stored (step S704: No), the effect control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control CPU 126 executes effect selection processing when the number of working memories decreases. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects an effect in which the markers M1 and M2 corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol are erased or slid.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 55).

[Direction design management processing]
FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of effect symbol management processing. The effect symbol management process includes an execution selection process (step S500), an effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), an effect symbol change process (step S504), an effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and a variable winning device operation. This is a configuration including a subroutine group of processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along each process.

  Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the “jump table” as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the situation has not yet started the variation display effect, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol variation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control CPU 126 selects the effect symbol variation processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol variation in-process has been completed, As a jump destination, the effect symbol stop display in-progress process (step S506) is selected. Further, the variable winning device operating process (step S508) is selected as a jump destination only when the variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 24) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

  Step S502: In the effect symbol variation pre-processing, the effect control CPU 126 performs an operation of preparing conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect symbol. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, variation pattern, etc.), or the effect pattern for the notice effect (the reach other than the pre-reading notice effect pattern). Pre-occurrence notice pattern, reach notice notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the production control CPU 126 also performs demonstration production control when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific processing content will be described later using another flowchart.

  Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information instructing the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of the variable display effect using the effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player has operated the effect button, and an effect corresponding to the result is displayed. The control information on the contents (button effect) is instructed to the display control CPU 146.

  Step S506: In the effect symbol stop display processing, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the stop display effect using the effect symbols and moving images in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) ends the variable display effect that has been actually executed in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. Thereby, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be effectively taught (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player (design effect execution). means). In addition, when it corresponds to 6 round probability variation big hit 2, the stop display effect is executed in a manner in which the special effect symbol is stopped and displayed, and the stop display effect is executed in a manner similar to or approximated to the loss at the small hit.

  Step S508: In the variable winning device operation process, the effect control CPU 126 controls the contents of the effect during the small hit or the big hit. In this processing, the effect control CPU 126 selects the contents of the prominent effect according to various conditions (for example, winning type). For example, in the case of 15 rounds probable big hit or 1 in 6 rounds probable big hit, the production control CPU 126 selects the 15th and 6th round prominent production patterns as the production contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and uses them as the production display control device 144. (Display control CPU 146) As a result, the image of the prominent effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the effect contents change as the round progresses. On the other hand, when the 6 round probability variation big hit 2 is met, the effect control CPU 126 selects a special effect pattern (for example, an effect pattern that directly shifts to the special chance mode) as the effect content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and displays this effect display. The controller 144 (the display control CPU 146) is instructed.

[Preliminary design change processing]
FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect symbol variation pre-processing. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along the example of a procedure.

  Step S600: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a demonstration effect command is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the command for demonstration effect is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S602.

  Step S602: The effect control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects a demonstration effect pattern. The demonstration effect pattern defines the contents of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the last address of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process as it is, and controls the contents of the demonstration effect based on the demonstration effect pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 55) and lamp driving process (step S406 in FIG. 55). To do.

  On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demonstration effect command is not stored (No), the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S604.

  Step S604: The effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is out of place (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not a lottery result command at the time of non-winning is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S612. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S606. Note that whether or not the current variation is off can be confirmed based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the outlier normal variation or outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is outlier. Alternatively, if the current stop symbol command specifies a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is out of sync.

  Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (missing) (step S604: No), the effect control CPU 126 confirms whether or not the current fluctuation is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is stored. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is stored (Yes), the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not stored (No), since only the lottery result command at the time of small hit is left, in this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S608. Whether or not the current variation is a big hit can also be confirmed based on a variation pattern command or a stop symbol command. That is, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to the big hit variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a big hit. If the current stop symbol command corresponds to the jackpot symbol, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot.

  Step S608: The effect control CPU 126 executes a small hit hour variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command received from the main control CPU 72 (for example, “C0H00H” to “D0H7FH”). The effect pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the effect control CPU 126 can select an effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time by referring to an effect pattern selection table (not shown). it can. The production pattern numbers may be prepared in pairs with the variation pattern commands, or a plurality of production pattern numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

  When the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), changes the effect schedule (change time, reach type, and reach occurrence timing) corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, and stops. The display mode and the like are determined. Note that the types of effect symbols determined here correspond to the “combination of symbols at the time of a small hit”.

  The above procedure corresponds to the case of “small hit”, but in the case of hitting the big hit, the effect control CPU 126 confirms that it is “big hit” in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control CPU 126 executes step S610.

  Step S610: The effect control CPU 126 executes a big hit hour fluctuation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern command (for example, “E0H00H” to “F0H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. Note that, in the big hit effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched for each big hit stop symbol.

  In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. In other words, when the effect control CPU 126 confirms that there is a shift in step S604 (Yes), it next executes step S612.

  Step S612: The effect control CPU 126 executes a deviation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 determines the effect pattern number at the time of deviation based on the variation pattern command (for example, “A0H00H” to “A6H7FH”) received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of losing are classified into “ordinary deviation fluctuation”, “short-time deviation fluctuation”, “outlier reach fluctuation”, and the like, and a fine reach fluctuation pattern is defined in “outlier reach fluctuation”. Note that which effect pattern number is selected by the effect control CPU 126 is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

  When the effect pattern number at the time of detachment is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the effect symbol change schedule corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time (change time, presence / absence of reach, occurrence of reach) , Reach type and reach occurrence timing) and stop display mode (for example, “7”-“2”-“4”, etc.).

  When any one of the above steps S608, S610, and S612 is executed, the effect control CPU 126 next executes step S614.

  Step S614: The effect control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process (notice effect executing means). In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the notice effect to be executed during the current variable display effect by lottery. The content of the notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). As described above, the notice effect is for notifying the player of the possibility that the reach state will occur during the variable display effect, or for notifying that there is a possibility that it will eventually be a big hit. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the notice effect is set to be relatively high to increase the player's expectation at the time of winning.

  When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent effect symbol variation processing (step S504 in FIG. 57), the variation display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (effect execution means), and various A notice effect is executed based on the notice effect pattern. In addition, various stay mode effects are executed based on the background (stay) mode pattern selected here (effect execution means).

  Thus, since the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is an electronic data type gaming machine and is a non-enclosed type gaming machine, the existing island equipment can be diverted as it is. Thus, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which troubles at the time of market introduction are less likely to occur while serving as a bridge between the enclosed next-generation gaming machines.

  In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a non-enclosed game machine and employs a launching device 300 that does not generate a return ball, so a return ball detection switch, a ball amount detection switch, a ball polishing There is no need to mount a motor, a sphere polishing motor rotation detection switch, an illegal sphere detection switch, a sphere polishing device, a sphere circulation passage, and a lifting device in each pachinko machine.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. The aspect of the effect mentioned in one embodiment is an example, and is not limited to the aspect of the effect described above.

  The images given in other production examples are merely examples, and these can be appropriately modified. Further, the structure, board surface configuration, specific numerical values and the like of the pachinko machine 1 are preferable examples including those shown in the drawings, and it goes without saying that these can be appropriately modified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 20 Start gate 26 Upper start prize port 28 Variable start prize device 28a Lower start prize port 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 35 Second special symbol Symbol display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game state display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Effect switching button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (7)

A launcher that launches a game ball toward the game area formed on the game board surface;
Launch detection means for detecting that a game ball has been supplied to the launch device or that a game ball has been launched by the launch device;
A launch ball receiving device that receives a game ball launched by the launch device from an external game ball supply device and supplies the received game ball as a launch ball to the launch device;
A ball entry detecting means for detecting that a game ball has entered the winning opening arranged in the game area;
A launch ball management unit that manages ball data indicating the number of game balls that can be launched by the launch device;
A game control unit that transmits winning data indicating that a winning has occurred to the launching ball management unit when a winning occurs when a winning of a gaming ball is detected by the winning detection means;
It is an interface for connecting to an external ball lending management device that controls the ball lending of game balls, and at least when the ball lending management device executes a ball lending of game balls, the ball lending data is sent from the ball lending management device A communication means for receiving;
A discharge device that discharges the game ball that has been launched by the launching device and entered the winning port, and a game ball that has been launched by the launching device and has not entered the winning port, and
When the ball lending data is received from the ball lending management device via the communication means provided in the firing ball management unit, a process of adding a quantity corresponding to the received ball lending data to the ball holding data Ball lending time ball data addition processing execution means to be executed,
When the supply of game balls or the release of game balls is detected by the launch detection means provided in the launch ball management unit, a quantity corresponding to the number of supplied or fired game balls is subtracted from the possession ball data. Firing ball data subtraction processing execution means for executing processing to perform,
In the winning ball management unit, when the winning data is received from the game control unit, the winning ball data adding process for executing a process of adding a quantity corresponding to the received winning data to the holding ball data Execution means ,
The launcher is
It is arranged on the upper end side in the vertical direction of the game area, and fires a game ball in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the game area,
The firing ball receiving device,
A gaming machine, which is disposed on an upper portion of the launching device. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The launch ball management unit is:
Transmitting gaming machine state information indicating the state of the gaming machine to the ball lending management device via the communication means;
The gaming machine state information includes
1. A game machine characterized in that it includes launch information indicating that a game ball has been fired and the possession ball data. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
An internal lottery execution means for executing a predetermined internal lottery when a lottery opportunity occurs during the game;
When the internal lottery is executed, the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol in a mode representing the result of the internal lottery after the symbol is variably displayed over a predetermined fluctuation time triggered by this,
Triggered when the symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning manner by the symbol display means, or when a condition for transition to a special gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state is satisfied Special game execution means for executing a special game as
A fraud detection means for detecting fraud using at least one detection means among a vibration detection means for detecting vibration, a magnetic detection means for detecting magnetism, and a radio wave detection means for detecting radio waves;
Game error detection means for detecting an error in the progress of the game;
Operation detecting means for detecting a predetermined operation on the gaming machine;
Game control unit identification information storage means for storing identification information of the game control unit;
Security information storage means for storing security information for confirming the authenticity of the game control unit;
A gaming machine identification information storage means for storing identification information of the gaming machine;
The gaming machine state information includes
Information related to a game result including at least one of a lottery result by the internal lottery execution means, a number of symbol fluctuations by the symbol display means, and a special game execution number by the special game execution means;
Information on fraud by the fraud detection means,
Information on gaming errors by the gaming error detection means,
Information on a predetermined operation by the operation detection means;
Game control unit identification information stored by the game control unit identification information storage means,
Information based on security information stored by the security information storage means;
A gaming machine comprising at least one piece of information of gaming machine identification information stored by said gaming machine identification information storage means. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The launcher is
A launch handle that determines the strength of the launch of the game ball;
A drive source that is driven based on an operation of the firing handle;
By having a concave launching ball holding unit that holds a launching ball that is a game ball to be launched, and rotating and reciprocatingly driven by driving of the drive source, and throwing the game ball held in the launching ball holding unit A gaming machine comprising: a driven member that launches a game ball. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The launcher is
A launch handle that determines the strength of the launch of the game ball;
A launch ball standby unit that waits for a launch ball that is a game ball to be launched,
A drive source that is driven based on an operation of the firing handle;
A gaming machine comprising: a driven member that is reciprocated linearly by driving of the driving source and launches a game ball by hitting a game ball waiting in the firing ball standby unit. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The firing ball receiving device,
A game machine comprising a tank for storing game balls supplied from the game ball supply device. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The firing ball receiving device,
A game machine comprising a game ball receiving port for directly receiving a game ball supplied from the game ball supply device without going through a tank for storing the game ball.