JP6149191B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a variable winning device having a specific area that can be converted into an open state and a closed state, and through which a received game ball can pass, and a regulating member that can regulate the flow of the game ball to the specific area The present invention relates to a gaming machine having

Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine as a gaming machine using game balls, a game area formed on the game board has a winning area, and award balls are paid out based on the passing of the gaming ball to the winning area. Amusement machines are widespread.
In addition, as such a gaming machine, the game board is equipped with a variable winning device, and a distribution device (regulatory member) provided in the variable winning device is operated in accordance with the opening of the variable winning device and is received in the variable winning device. There is disclosed a gaming machine in which whether or not to make a winning game ball in a specific area is distributed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-29455 A

By the way, in a gaming machine provided with a variable winning device, it is conceivable that a plurality of opening patterns of the variable winning device are provided in order to enhance the fun of the game, and randomly determined by lottery of the open pattern.
However, as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, in a gaming machine in which a sorting device that changes the flow path of a flowing game ball is provided in the variable winning device, the sorting device is operated in accordance with the opening timing of the variable winning device. It is necessary to provide a plurality of operation patterns of the distribution device for each open pattern.
Therefore, in the inspection for checking whether or not the distribution device operates normally in the inspection at the time of shipment, all open patterns need to be selected, and there is a problem that the inspection cannot be performed efficiently. I found out.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and the object of the present invention is to convert into an open state and a closed state, and to a specific region through which an accepted game ball can pass and a specific region An object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform inspection efficiently in a gaming machine having a variable winning device having a regulating member capable of regulating the flow of the game ball .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
A variable prize device that can be converted into an open state and a closed state, and has a specific area through which the received game ball can pass, and a regulating member that can regulate the flow of the game ball to the specific area;
Extracting a random basis to the passage of the game ball into the starter region, when the extracted person random number determining result is predetermined result, special for converting the variation winning device only open state for a predetermined time period from the closed state In a gaming machine comprising a game control means for executing a game,
The game control means includes
As the special game, it is possible to execute a first control for converting the variable prize apparatus from the closed state to an open state for a predetermined time, or a second control for converting the open state to an open state for a shorter time than the first control,
Corresponding to the fact that the variable winning device is converted to the open state, the control ball is controlled so that a game ball won in the variable winning device cannot pass through the specific area. Control to convert from to passable state,
And when the variation winning device is converted to an open state by said first control, in the case of being converted by the second control to the open state, the conversion control aspects of the regulation member is controlled to be equal,
While performing control to monitor whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area,
By controlling the number of game balls won in the variable prize apparatus and the number of game balls discharged from the variable prize apparatus, the presence or absence of game balls remaining in the variable prize apparatus is monitored,
When the variable winning device is converted to the open state, the variable winning device is opened in the open state on condition that a predetermined number of game balls have won the variable winning device or a predetermined opening time has elapsed. To the closed state,
In response to the fact that the variable winning device is converted from the open state to the closed state, a predetermined effective time is set, and monitoring whether the predetermined effective time has passed,
If a game ball remains in the variable winning device, even if the game ball passes through the specific area until the predetermined valid time has elapsed, an abnormality notification is not made.
When there is no game ball remaining in the variable winning device, an abnormality notification is given when the game ball passes through the specific area even before the predetermined valid time has elapsed. It is characterized by.

Here, the “specific region” means a region or the like that gives a condition that the passing of the game ball shifts to a state (probability variation state) in which the probability that the random number determination result is a predetermined result is higher than normal .

According to the present invention, a variable prize having a specific area that can be converted into an open state and a closed state and through which a received game ball can pass and a restriction member that can regulate the flow of the game ball to the specific area. In the gaming machine having the device, there is an effect that the inspection can be performed efficiently.

It is a perspective view which shows the example of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the game board of the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system and game control apparatus which are provided in the back surface of the game machine of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the presentation control apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of distribution of the opening pattern of the 1st and 2nd big winning opening when the big hit occurs in the 1st special figure fluctuation display game and the 2nd special figure fluctuation display game in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view which shows the 2nd special variation prize-winning apparatus in the gaming machine of the embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the example of the conventional special fluctuation prize-winning apparatus. It is a timing chart in the case of opening the lower prize winning opening in the embodiment of the present invention for a short time. It is a timing chart in the case of opening the lower prize winning opening in the embodiment of the present invention for a long time. It is a timing chart which shows the other example at the time of opening the lower big prize opening in the embodiment of the present invention for a long time. It is a timing chart which shows the further another example at the time of opening the lower large prize winning opening in embodiment of this invention for a long time. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the specific procedure of a main process among the game control performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the latter half part (continuation of FIG. 12) of the specific procedure of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the specific procedure of a timer interruption process among the game controls performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special figure game process performed during the timer interruption process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the probability fluctuation function action | operation area | region switch process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the specific procedure of the lever solenoid control process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the lever solenoid setting table referred during the lever solenoid control process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special figure normal process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special figure change process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special figure display process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the process during a fanfare / interval performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special winning opening open | release process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the big winning opening remaining ball process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the jackpot end process performed during the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the abnormal discharge | emission monitoring process performed during the timer interruption process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of a winning opening switch / error monitoring process performed during the timer interruption process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the discharge timing monitoring process performed during the winning opening switch / error monitoring process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the remaining ball | bowl monitoring process performed during the winning opening switch / error monitoring process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special winning opening residual ball process in a 1st modification. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing when it is a short time opening of the lower large winning opening in the 1st modification and there is a winning ball. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing when it is a short time opening of the lower large winning opening in the 1st modification, and there is no winning ball. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing in the case where it is long-time opening of the lower prize-winning opening in the first modification and the remaining sphere becomes “0” before the lever solenoid is turned off. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing when it is a short time opening of the lower prize-winning opening in the first modification and the remaining sphere becomes “0” after the lever solenoid is turned off. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the fanfare / interval process in a 2nd modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the special winning opening residual ball process in a 2nd modification. It is a rear view which shows the internal structure of the 2nd special variable prize-winning apparatus (lower large prize opening) in 2nd Example of 1st Embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the internal structure of the 2nd special variable prize-winning apparatus (lower large prize opening) in 3rd Example of 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing at the time of the short time opening of the lower prize winning opening in the 3rd example of a 1st embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing in the time of the short time opening of the lower big prize opening in the 4th example of a 1st embodiment (there is no remaining ball at the time of opening end). It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing in the time of the short time opening of the lower big prize opening in the 4th example of a 1st embodiment (there is a ball at the time of opening end). It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing in the time of the long time opening of the lower big prize opening in the 4th example of a 1st embodiment (there is no ball at the time of opening end). It is a timing chart which shows the example of the control timing at the time of the long time opening of the lower prize-winning opening in the 4th example of the 1st embodiment (there is a ball remaining at the time of opening end). It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the fluctuation start process of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 in 4th Example of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the fluctuation pattern setting process in the special figure fluctuation start process of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the example of the execution timing of the variable display game immediately after completion | finish of the big hit game in the conventional game machine and the Example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the mode of a change of an external information signal in case the time saving function operates after the end of the big hit game in the example of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the jackpot end process in the Example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the first half part of the special figure display process in the Example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the second half part of the special figure display process in the Example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the mode of a change of an external information signal in case a time saving function operates after a big hit game in a modification of a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the big hit end process in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the first half part of the special figure display middle process in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the start state identification signal ON monitoring process of the special figure display process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process in 2nd Example of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common process in the start port switch monitoring process of FIG. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the external information terminal board in the conventional game machine and the external information terminal board in the game machine of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit block diagram which shows the equivalent circuit of the external information terminal board | substrate in the gaming machine of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the structural example of the signal receiving circuit by the side of the external information collection apparatus which receives an external information signal. FIG. 59 is a circuit configuration diagram showing another example of the external information terminal board of FIG. 58.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a front frame 12, and the front frame 12 is assembled to a main body frame (outer frame) 11 via a hinge 13 so as to be openable and closable. The game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in a storage portion (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. Further, a glass frame 15 having a cover glass (transparent member) 14 covering the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame (inner frame) 12.

  Further, an illuminating device (moving light) 16 having a built-in lamp and motor and a lamp (LED) 17 for paying out abnormality notification are provided in the upper part of the glass frame 15. Further, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, there are provided a frame decoration device 18 with a built-in lamp and the like for emitting light for decoration and production, and a speaker (upper speaker) 19a for emitting sound (for example, sound effects). Yes. Further, a speaker (lower speaker) 19 b is also provided below the front frame 12.

  In addition, at the lower part of the front frame 12, an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown hitting ball launcher, and game balls paid out from a ball payout device provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out. There are provided a dish tray outlet 22, a lower dish 23 for storing game balls paid out in a state in which the upper dish 21 is full, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. Further, an effect button 25 having a built-in operation switch for receiving an operation input from the player is provided on the upper edge of the upper plate 21. Further, a key 26 for opening and locking the front frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12.

In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation dial 24, the hitting ball launching device launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 toward the game area on the front surface of the game board 30. In addition, when the player operates the effect button 25, a login operation is performed at the start of the game, a logout operation is acquired at the end of the game, and a variable display game (see FIG. 2) executed on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). In the decorative special figure variation display game), it is possible to perform effects and the like with the intervention of the player's operation.
Further, on the front surface of the glass frame 15 above the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 27 that is operated when a player receives a ball lending from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a prepaid card to be discharged from the card unit of the ball lending machine. A discharge button 28 for operating the balance, a balance display section (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card, and the like are provided.

Next, an example of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 of the present embodiment.
On the surface of the game board 30, a substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by the guide rail 31 is formed. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at the four corners of the game board 30.
In the game board of this embodiment, a center case 40 provided with a display device 41 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 32. The display device 41 is attached to a recessed portion provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40 so that the display portion of the display device 41 faces the opening window formed at the center of the center case 40. Is arranged. That is, a decorative member is formed on the periphery of the center case 40 so as to surround the display area of the display device 41 and to protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 41.

  The display device 41 is configured by a device having a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (CRT). A plurality of pieces of identification information (special symbols), a character that produces a special figure variation display game, a background image that enhances the effect, and the like are displayed in an area (display area) in which an image of the display screen can be displayed. On the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed), and a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special diagram variation display game is played. In addition, an image for an effect based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

In the present embodiment, movable accessories 43 and 44 as a board effect device having a plurality of movable members that are movable forward of the screen of the display device 41 are provided above and below the center case 40 in the center of the game area 32. ing. Further, a normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided on the right side of the center case 40. Three general winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the gaming area 32, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the gaming area 32.
In each of the general winning ports 35,..., Winning port switches 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered each of the general winning ports 35 are arranged.
A start winning opening 36 is provided below the center case 40 to give a start condition for the special figure variation display game. In addition, the right side portion of the center case 40 is provided with a movable member 37b that is tilted outward from a substantially vertical posture to open the winning opening so that the game ball can easily flow in, and has a second starting winning opening inside. An ordinary variable winning device (Fuden) 37 is provided.

The opening / closing member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 always maintains a substantially vertical posture (a disadvantageous state for the player), and in this state, the game ball is in a state where it cannot win or is in a difficult state.
Then, when the result of the normal-variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, the game is rotated clockwise and tilted outward by a general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. The ball can be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) where the ball can easily flow. FIG. 2 shows this state.
Further, below the normal variation winning device 37, between the general winning port 35 on the right side and the starting winning port 36, there are a state where a game ball is not accepted and a state where it is easy to accept depending on the result of the special figure display game. A first special variable winning device (first big prize opening) 38 and a second special variable winning device (second big prize opening) 39 that can be converted into the above are arranged.

The first special variable prize-winning device (first big prize opening) 38 and the second special variable prize-winning device (second big prize-winning mouth) 39 can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side falls to the near side. Each type has an open / close door, and depending on the result of the special figure variation display game as an auxiliary game, the state where the big prize opening is closed (blocking state disadvantageous to the player) to the open state (favorable state for the player) ).
That is, the first and second special variable prize-winning devices 38 and 39 include, for example, a grand prize opening that is opened and closed by an open / close door that is driven by a large prize opening solenoid 38b and 39b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. During the special gaming state, the game winning ball opening is converted from the closed state to the opened state, thereby facilitating the inflow of gaming balls into the winning game opening and giving a predetermined game value (prize ball) to the player. It is like that.

  In addition, count switches 38a and 39a (see FIG. 3) as detecting means for detecting game balls that have entered each of the special winning awards are disposed inside the special variable winning devices (large winning awards) 38 and 39. Yes. Further, below the second special variable winning device 39, a perspective made of a transparent member that makes it possible to visually recognize how the game balls that have won the second special variable winning device 39 pass through a specific area provided inside. A window portion 32A is provided. Then, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the specific area, control (probability variation control) is performed to generate a high probability state (probability variation state) in which the probability that the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit is higher than usual. It is like that. In addition, on the condition that the game ball has passed through a specific area, when executing a cycle game in which the opening / closing of the big prize opening is repeated a plurality of times, control to shift to the next cycle (cycle continuation control) may be performed. Good. When performing probability variation control, the specific region in the special winning opening can be referred to as a probability variation region, and when performing cycle continuation control, the specific region can be referred to as a continuation region.

Below the start winning port 36, an out port 32B is provided for collecting game balls that have flowed down the game area 32 and have not won the winning port.
In addition, on the outside of the game area 32 (for example, the lower right corner of the game board 30), the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game that form the special figure fluctuation display game and the normal figure start gate 34 are displayed. There is provided a collective display device 50 for executing a common figure variable display game triggered by winning a prize at one place.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display section (a special figure 1 display) for a first special figure fluctuation display game and a second special figure fluctuation display game which are configured by a 7-segment display or the like. LED having a second special figure fluctuation display section (special figure 2 indicator), a fluctuation display section for a normal figure fluctuation display game constituted by an LED lamp, and a memory display section for informing the start memory number of each fluctuation display game A display part is provided. Further, the LED display portion of the collective display device 50 is lit when a big hit occurs and is lit to notify the occurrence of the big hit (first gaming state indicator). A second gaming state display unit (second gaming state display unit) for notifying the occurrence, and an error display unit (third gaming state) for displaying an error in which the jackpot probability state is a high probability state when the gaming machine 10 is turned on. Display) and a round display section for displaying the number of rounds at the time of the big hit (the number of opening / closing of the special variable prize-winning devices 38 and 39).

The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display is, for example, while the fluctuation display game is being executed, that is, while the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is being performed on the display device 41, the central segment is displayed. Display blinking drive to indicate that it is changing. When the result of the game is “out of”, for example, the central segment is turned on as a result mode of out of game, and when the result of the game is “win”, the result of out of game (special result mode) is not. A game result is displayed with a result mode other than the result mode (for example, a number such as “3” or “7”) in a lit state.
Thus, since the special figure 1 display device and the special figure 2 display device for executing the special figure variation display game are provided separately from the display device 41, the display device 41 produces effects related to the variable display game of the gaming machine. Instead of performing an effect linked to the effect of another gaming machine, the original variation display game of the gaming machine can be executed properly.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launcher (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction change members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 32, and the normal start gate 34 and the general winning opening 35 The winning prize opening 36, the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the special variable prize winning devices 38, 39 are won, or they flow into the out port 32B provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and are discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 35, the start winning opening 36, the normal variation winning apparatus 37, or the special variable winning apparatus 38, 39, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is paid out. It is discharged from the dispensing unit controlled by 200 to the upper plate or the lower plate of the front frame.

On the other hand, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) including a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. When a game ball that has been driven into the area 32 passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a and a usual figure change display game is played.
In addition, the normal variation display game cannot be started, for example, the normal variation display game has already been played and the normal variation display game has not been completed, When 37 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the general figure start gate 34, if it is less than the upper limit of the normal figure start memory number, the general figure start memory number is added (+1) and the general figure start memory number is increased. One figure start memory is stored. The number of memorized start prizes is displayed on the memory display unit for notifying the number of start prizes in the LED display unit 53 of the collective display device 50.

In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.
The general-purpose variable display game is executed by a variable display unit (standard map display) of the LED display unit provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (normal diagrams, normal symbols) in the lit state and indicating a shift in the unlit state. Fluctuation display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.

Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, which is displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure variation display game is a specific result, it becomes a hit of the ordinary figure, and the movable member 37b of the ordinary variation winning device 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). Become. This makes it easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening inside the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the number of times the second special figure changing display game is executed increases.
When the random number value extracted at the time of detection of the passage to the general map start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the general display indicator of the LED display unit stops in the winning state and enters the winning state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 37 is in a state in which the movable member 37b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3). It is converted and the winning of the game ball is allowed.

The winning ball to the starting winning port 36 and the winning ball to the normal variation winning device 37 are respectively detected by the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a provided inside. The game ball that has won the start winning opening 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the first special figure variable display game, is stored up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4), and is awarded to the normal variable winning device 37. The played game balls are detected as start winning balls for the second special figure variation display game, and stored with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, four) as a limit.
In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure memory in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 3). Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special chart start memory is displayed on the memory display section for notifying the start winning number of the collective display device 50 and also displayed on the display device 41 of the center case 40.

The game control device 100 is configured to display a special figure 1 display or a special figure 2 display (variation) provided in the collective display device 50 based on a winning at the start winning opening 36 or the normal variation winning award device 37, or their start memory. The first or second special figure variation display game is played on the display device.
The first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures, identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game for displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 41 is executed. ing. As a result of the special figure variation display game, when the display form of the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display becomes a special result form, it becomes a big hit and a special game state (so-called big hit state). Become. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 is also a special result mode.
In this embodiment, the special figure variation display game of either the first special figure fluctuation display game of the special figure 1 display or the second special figure fluctuation display game of the special figure 2 display may be a big hit. The special variation winning device 38 or 39 is selectively opened according to the game execution cycle, etc., but the stop result mode becomes the special result mode in the first special diagram variable display game of the special figure 1 display. Only the first special variable prize winning device 38 is opened, and when the stop result mode becomes the special result mode in the second special figure variable display game of the special figure 2 display, only the second special variable prize winning device 39 is opened. You may make it open.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 41, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 performs a variable display game with a special decoration pattern corresponding to the number of special figure starting memories, and various effect displays such as the appearance of a character are performed to improve interest.

Further, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game. That is, if there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the second special figure fluctuation display game is It is supposed to be executed.
In addition, in the state where the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started and the number of start memories is zero, the start winning opening 36 (or the normal fluctuation prize winning device 37) is entered. When the game ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the first special figure variation display game (second special figure) is immediately added based on the start memory. (Variable display game) is started, and at this time, the start memory number is decremented by one.

  On the other hand, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the first or second special figure fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game has ended. If the game ball is won in the start winning opening 36 (or the normal variable prize winning device 37) in a state that is not in the special game state or in the special game state, the start memory number is 1 if the start memory number is less than the upper limit number. By adding, one start memory is stored. Then, in a state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started (the end of the previous special figure fluctuation display game or the special game state) (End), the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) is started based on the stored start memory.

It should be noted that the second special figure variation display game may be executed in the order in which the start winnings are generated, without being executed in preference to the first special figure variation display game.
Further, although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, large The count switches 38a and 39a of the winning opening (38, 39) are provided with a magnetic detection coil, and a non-contact type magnetic proximity that detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. Sensors (hereinafter referred to as proximity switches) are used. For the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame or the like of the gaming machine 10 or the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) or the like, a micro switch having a mechanical contact may be used. it can.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a control system of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) for comprehensively controlling games, and a gaming microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a gaming microcomputer) 111 is provided. The CPU unit 110 includes an input unit 120 having an input port, an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, and the like, and a data bus 140 connecting the CPU unit 110, the input unit 120, and the output unit 130.
The CPU section 110 receives signals (starting winning detection signals) from a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and a proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 in the input section 120. An inversion circuit 112 composed of an inverter or the like that is logically inverted and input to the gaming microcomputer 111 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator are provided to generate a clock for a CPU operation clock, a timer interrupt, and a random number generation circuit. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 is included. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 so as to be operable. Is done.

The power supply apparatus 400 includes a normal power supply including an AC-DC converter that generates the DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power source, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC 12V and DC 5V from the DC 32V voltage, and the like. Unit 410, backup power supply unit 420 for supplying power supply voltage to the internal RAM of gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch to inform gaming control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of power failure A control signal generation unit 430 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.
In this embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 100, that is, the main control device 100. You may comprise so that it may provide on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly, the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM is held even during a power failure or after the power is shut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when it drops to, for example, 17V or less, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored.
The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

The game microcomputer 111 constitutes a game control means for comprehensively controlling the game. Specifically, the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written as needed.
The ROM 111B stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C stores a work area for the CPU 111A and various signals and random number values during game control. Used as As the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

In addition, the ROM 111B stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern that defines, for example, the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the production contents, and the presence or absence of the reach state.
The variation pattern table is a table to which the CPU 111A refers to the variation pattern random number stored as the start memory in order to determine the variation pattern. The variation pattern selection table will be described in detail later.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the game state becomes a game state advantageous to the player (special game state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. This means a display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state is a display state when the display control of the display device proceeds and the display result is reached before the display result is derived and displayed, and the display result is derived and displayed. This means a display state in a case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas determined before the determination satisfies the condition for the special result mode. The reach state includes, for example, a state (so-called full-rotation reach) in which variable display is performed using a plurality of variable display areas while maintaining a state in which special result modes are aligned.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on a display device corresponding to a special figure fluctuation display game fluctuates a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas on the display device. After displaying, when the display of the result mode is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle, the condition that becomes the special result mode is satisfied in the left and right variable display areas (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state in which the identification information is obtained (except for the special result mode) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state.

  This reach state includes a plurality of reach productions, and the possibility that a special result mode is derived (different reliability) includes normal reach, long reach, special 1 reach, special 2 reach, etc. Is set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <long reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach. In addition, this reach state is included in a variable display mode at least in a case where a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). That is, when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when it is out of date), it may be included in the variable display mode. Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state that is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes a game control program in the ROM 111B, generates a control signal (command) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, or generates a drive signal for the solenoid or the display device and outputs it. The entire gaming machine 10 is controlled.
Although not shown, the game microcomputer 111 is a jackpot determining random number for the special figure variation display game, a big hit symbol random number for determining the big hit symbol, a variation pattern in the special figure variation display game (various reach and reach). A random number generation circuit for generating a variation pattern random number for determining a variation display game in a variation display without a game), a random number for determining a hit of a normal variation display game, and the like from the oscillation circuit 113 Based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal), a clock generator is provided that generates a timer interrupt signal for a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) for the CPU 111A and a clock that gives the update timing of the random number generation circuit.

In addition, the CPU 111A stores a plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B in a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) and a special figure routine process (step A9) in a special figure game process (see FIG. 15) described later. Any one variation pattern table is acquired from the inside. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as a state, the number of start memories, etc., one of the variation pattern tables is selected and acquired. To do.
In the selection of the fluctuation pattern, a fluctuation pattern having a fluctuation time longer than that of the normally selected fluctuation pattern may be selected only for the fluctuation display in the first rotation after the end of the big hit.
It is possible to prevent the symbol stop signal output every time the variable display is stopped during a specific period from being erroneously counted when attempting to count with the hall control.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. , Control for paying out a prize ball. In addition, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on the ball rental request signal from the card unit, and performs control for paying out the ball.

  The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, and a general winning port. Switches 35a to 35n are connected. In addition, the input unit 120 includes count switches 38 a and 39 a in the special variation winning device (large winning opening) 38 and 39, and a switch that detects a game ball passing through a specific area (probability variation region) in the special variation winning device 39. 39c, a switch 39d for detecting a game ball passing through a passing area (an area other than the probability changing area) in the special variation winning device 39, and detecting a gaming ball flowing down the specific area and the discharge saddle portion 393d passing through the passing area. A remaining ball discharge switch 39e and a winning confirmation switch 39g (not shown) for detecting a game ball passing through a recount area, which will be described later, are connected. A negative level such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches is connected. An interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 that receives a logic signal and converts it into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V is provided.

When the special variable winning device (large winning opening) 38, 39 is opened and a game ball is won and detected by the internal count switches 38a, 39a, the gaming microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 pays out the winning ball. A payout command for instructing payout of the winning ball is transmitted to the payout control device that performs control. In other words, the gaming microcomputer 111 is based on the fact that the count switches 38a and 39a serving as the ball detecting means in the counting area provided in the special variable winning devices (large winning mouths) 38 and 39 detect the passage of the gaming ball. Then, a payout command for instructing payout of the prize ball is transmitted.
Proximity I / F 121 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. An abnormal state can be detected, and an abnormality detection signal is output.

  Further, all the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are supplied to the second input port 122 and read into the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, and also supplied from the main board 100 to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 70. It has come to be. In addition, detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are input to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 in addition to the second input port 122. It is configured. The inversion circuit 112 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 detects that a signal from a micro switch or the like is input, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, the detection signal can be directly input to the gaming microcomputer 111 without providing the inverting circuit 112. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the gaming microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

  Further, the input unit 120 includes a signal from the fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 provided on the front frame of the gaming machine 10 and the start winning opening 36 converted by the proximity I / F 121. The start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, the signals from the count switches 38a and 39a, and the game via the data bus 140 A second input port 122 for supplying to the microcomputer 111 is provided. The data held in the second input port 122 is read out by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the second input port 122. be able to. The same applies to other ports described later.

  Further, the input unit 120 includes signals from the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 of the gaming machine 10 and the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) and the payout control. A first status signal indicating a payout abnormality from the device 200, a shot ball break switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating overflow are fetched and supplied to the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. An input port 123 is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 124 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 and the like. The circuit 124 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 400, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once inputted to the first input port 123 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 is limited.

On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test board. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70.
The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122 and 123 of the input unit 120. Data set to each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but each data of the input unit 120 is input immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 111 is reset.

The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs a 4-bit data signal output to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating validity / invalidity of the data, and a data strobe signal SSTB output to the effect control device 300. 1 and a second output port 132 for generating an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 by parallel communication.
In addition, the data strobe signal from the first output port 131 is input to the output unit 130 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control apparatus 100 from the side of the effect control apparatus 300, that is, in order to guarantee one-way communication. A unidirectional buffer 133 that outputs an 8-bit data signal from the SSTB and the second output port 132 is provided. A buffer may be provided for a signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200.

  Further, the output unit 130 receives data indicating special symbol information of the variable display game to a test firing test apparatus of an accredited organization connected to the data bus 140 and a signal indicating the probability status of the jackpot via the relay board 70. The output buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game store. A detection signal output from the proximity I / F 121, such as a start port switch, that is not required to be processed is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134.

  On the other hand, detection signals such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 that cannot be supplied to the test fire testing device as they are are once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. An error signal indicating that the control is not possible is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 134 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits a signal line of a switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. ing. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

  The output unit 130 includes a solenoid (upper large prize opening solenoid) 38b that is connected to the data bus 140 and opens the special variable winning device 38, and a solenoid (lower large prize opening solenoid) 39b that opens the special variable winning device 39. A solenoid (general power solenoid) 37c that opens the movable member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37, and a solenoid that moves a shutter that restricts the flow of the game ball to a specific area provided in the special variation winning device 39 (hereinafter, referred to as "the solenoid"). Lever solenoid) 39f for opening / closing data of 39f and on / off data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected. In response, the on / off data of the segment line connected to the anode terminal of the LED is output. The fourth output port 136 of the order, the fifth output port 137 for outputting information about the gaming machine 10, such as jackpot information to an external information terminal 71 is provided. Information relating to the gaming machine 10 output from the external information terminal 71 is supplied to, for example, an information collection terminal installed in a game store or a game hall internal management device (not shown).

  Further, the output unit 130 receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135, and receives the solenoid driving signal and the opening / closing data signal of the power solenoid 37c to generate the solenoid driving signal. A first driver (drive circuit) 138a for outputting, a second driver 138b for outputting an on / off drive signal for a digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 outputted from the third output port 135, and a fourth output port 136 The external information signal supplied to the external device such as the management device from the third driver 138c and the fifth output port 137 for outputting the ON / OFF drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the external information A fourth driver 138d for outputting to the terminal 71 is provided.

  The first driver 138a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 138b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. A dynamic drive method is achieved by flowing current to the anode terminal of the LED through the segment line by the third driver 138c that outputs 12 V, and drawing the current from the cathode terminal through the segment line by the second driver 138b that outputs the ground potential. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. Note that the buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output board 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be capable of bi-directional communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in the case of a general general-purpose microprocessor, and therefore, ports such as the input ports 122 and 123 are not provided.

Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 as effect control means will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311, a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 that performs video control exclusively under the control of the 1stCPU 311, and the display device 41 according to commands and data from the 2ndCPU 312. A VDP (Video Display Processor) 313 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display, and a sound source LSI 314 that controls the output of sound for reproducing various melody and sound effects from the speakers 19a and 19b are provided. Yes.

The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are connected to program ROMs 321 and 322 each composed of a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program executed by each CPU. Is connected to an image ROM 323 storing character images, video data, and command lists, and the sound source LSI 314 stores compressed audio data, sequences necessary for phrase reproduction processing, command sequences for simple access, and the like. A ROM 324 is connected.
The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 111, decides the contents of the presentation, instructs the video control microcomputer 312 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 314 about the reproduced sound. Then, processing such as lighting of the decoration lamp, motor drive control, and production time management is executed. The RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are provided inside each chip, but may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, a serial system is used between the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the sound source LSI 314. Data transmission / reception is performed, and data transmission / reception is performed in parallel with the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the VDP 313. By transmitting and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the case of serial. The VDP 313 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 305 that is used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 323, and for rendering image data. A scaler 306, a signal conversion circuit 308 that converts image data into a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) system, and the like are provided.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 313 to the main control microcomputer 311 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 41 and the lighting of the decorative lamp provided on the front frame and the game board 30. In addition, the VDP 313 notifies the video control microcomputer 312 that it is waiting to receive an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 312 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT is input. Further, the video control microcomputer 312 receives from the main control microcomputer 311 a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 312 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 311 and the tone generator LSI 314 in order to transmit and receive commands and data in the handshake method.

  Note that the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 uses a CPU that is faster or more expensive than the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311. By providing a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 separately from the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 alone. It is possible to display on the display device 41, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are used. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to separately develop the control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of the new model.

In addition, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 that receives the effect control command transmitted from the game control device 100. A variation start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error designation command, and the like transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 via the command I / F 331 are used as an effect control command signal. Receive. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 331 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.
In the present embodiment, the effect control command is composed of 16 bits, and the 16-bit effect control command is transmitted as the 8-bit data bus and the strobe signal SSBT. ) And the latter half command (ACTION), the strobe signal SSBT is transmitted by rising twice, and the receiving side takes in the command in synchronization with the rising edge of the SSB.

  The effect control device 300 is provided with a panel decoration LED control circuit 332 for driving and controlling a panel decoration device 42 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), and provided on the front frame. Frame decoration LED control circuit 333 for driving and controlling a frame decoration device (for example, frame decoration device 18) having LEDs (light emitting diodes), and a board effect device provided in the game board 30 (including the center case 40) A panel effect motor / SOL control circuit 334 that drives and controls (for example, a decorative accessory that enhances the effect of the effect in cooperation with the effect display on the display device 41), a frame effect device such as an LED or a motor provided on the front frame A frame effect motor control circuit 335 for driving and controlling 45 (for example, a motor of the moving light 16) is provided. Note that these control circuits 332 to 335 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 via an address / data bus 304.

  Furthermore, the effect control device 300 includes a switch 25a provided in the effect button 25 provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine and operable by the player, and motors in the movable accessories 43 and 44 serving as board effect devices. A switch input circuit 336 for detecting the on / off state of the effect motor switches 43a and 44a for detecting the initial position and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the upper speaker 19a provided on the front frame are driven. An amplifier circuit 337a composed of an audio power amplifier and the like, and an amplifier circuit 337b for driving the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame are provided.

  The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply apparatus 400 drives a motor or a solenoid to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control apparatus 300 having the above-described configuration and electronic components controlled thereby. In addition to DC12V for driving the display device 41 composed of a liquid crystal panel, DC5V serving as a power supply voltage for the command I / F 331, DC18V for driving an LED or a speaker, or a standard for these DC voltages, It is configured to generate a voltage of 24 V NDC used to turn on the power monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 or the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, DC 3. The effect control device 300 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3V or DC 1.2V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

  The reset signal RST generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply apparatus 400 includes a main control microcomputer 311, a video control microcomputer 312, a VDP 313, a sound source LSI 314, control circuits 332 to 335 for driving and controlling lamps and motors, speakers, and the like. Are supplied to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b, which are in a reset state. In this embodiment, the general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 312 is used to generate and supply a reset signal to the VDP 313. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 312 and the VDP 313 can be improved.

Next, rough game control performed in the game control device 100 and the effect control device 300 will be described.
The CPU 111A of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number value for determining the hit of the universal figure display game based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the universal figure start gate 34. Then, the determination value stored in the ROM 111B is compared with the determination value to determine whether or not the normal variation display game is hit. Then, in the LED display unit (not shown) of the collective display device 50, after the identification symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, a process for displaying a general-use variable display game to be stopped is performed. When the result of the general-purpose variable display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the collective display device 50, the general-purpose solenoid 37c is operated, and the open / close member 37b of the normal variable winning device 37 is operated for a predetermined time (for example, , 0.3 seconds) Control to open as described above.

In the present embodiment, when the result of the normal fluctuation display game is out of order, the batch display device 50 is controlled to display the outage result mode.
Further, the start winning (starting memory) is stored in the RAM 111C based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the start winning port 36, and the first special figure variation display is based on the start memory. A game jackpot determination random number value is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the first special figure variation display game is missed is performed. Therefore, the RAM 111C functions as a start winning storage unit.

In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variation winning device 37. A random number value is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the second special figure variation display game is missed is performed.
Then, the CPU 111 </ b> A of the game control device 100 outputs control information (production control command) including the determination results of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game to the presentation control device 300. Then, after the identification symbols are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time on a special figure 1 display or a special figure 2 display (not shown) of the collective display device 50, a special figure fluctuation display game for stopping and displaying is performed.

On the other hand, the effect control device 300 performs a process of displaying a decoration special figure fluctuation display game corresponding to the special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 41 based on a control signal from the game control apparatus 100. In addition, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b, the process of controlling the light emission of various LEDs, and the like are performed.
Then, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display of the collective display device 50 and the special game when the result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit. Processing to generate a state (big hit). Further, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out of order, control is performed to display the result form of the deviation on the special figure 1 display or the special figure 2 display of the collective display device 50.
In the process of generating the special game state, for example, the CPU 111A opens the open / close door of the special variable prize winning device 38 or 39 by the big prize opening solenoid 38b or 39b, and allows the game ball to flow into the big prize opening. Take control.

In the case of a big win, either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the big winning opening or a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.2 seconds) elapses after the opening of the big winning opening. Until one of these conditions is achieved, one round is defined as opening the grand prize opening, and control (cycle game) is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 16 times). Hereinafter, the 29-second opening of the big prize opening is referred to as long opening, and the 0.2-second opening is referred to as short opening.
It should be noted that the opening of the special fluctuation winning device 38 or 39 may correspond to the first special figure fluctuation display game or the second special figure fluctuation display game. Control may be made so that the special variable prize-winning device 38 or 39 is selectively opened according to the execution cycle of the game.

FIG. 5 (A) shows an example of the distribution of the opening patterns of the first and second big prize openings when a big hit occurs in the first special figure variation display game, and FIG. 5 (B) shows the second An example of the distribution of the opening patterns of the first and second big winning openings when a big hit occurs in the special figure variation display game is shown. In FIG. 5, “10R”, “16R”, etc. represent rounds in the cycle game, “(upper) 2900 ms, (upper) 200 ms” indicates the opening time of the upper first big prize opening, and “(lower) 2900 ms. , (Lower) 20 ms "means the opening time of the lower second big prize opening.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the first special figure fluctuation display game according to the jackpot symbol random number, one of the four types of opening patterns A to D is displayed, and the second special figure fluctuation display. In the game, each of the two open patterns A and E is distributed. In the example of FIG. 5, the first and second big prize opening are opened when a big win occurs in the first special figure fluctuation display game and when a big hit occurs in the second special figure fluctuation display game. The distribution of the patterns is different, but they may be the same, thereby simplifying the control and reducing the ROM capacity.

Further, the game control device 100 of the present embodiment is in a special gaming state on condition that the game ball that has flowed in with the second special variation winning device 39 opened has passed through a specific region (probability variation region) inside. After the end, control is performed to generate a probability variation state with a high probability of jackpot in the special figure variation display game. In addition, only when the special figure fluctuation display game is a so-called “big hit with a probable change symbol”, the probability of a big hit is high on the condition that the game ball has passed a specific area (probability change area) inside the special fluctuation winning device 39. A probability variation state may be generated.
In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a short-time state as a gaming state after the special gaming state is ended, based on the result mode (stop symbol) of the special figure variation display game.

Then, in this time-short state, control is performed so that the ordinary-variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 are in the time-short operation state. Specifically, in the short-time state, the execution time of the above-described usual-type variable display game is set to a second variable display time (for example, 1 second) that is shorter than the first variable display time (for example, 10 seconds). Thus, the number of times of opening the normal variation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled to be substantially increased. Further, in the short time state, the probability that a fluctuation pattern having a fluctuation time shorter than normal such as 0.5 seconds or 1.0 seconds is selected is also increased in the special figure fluctuation display game.
In the short-time state, when the normal variation winning game 37 is released as a result of the normal variation display game being won, the release time is longer than the first release time (eg, 0.3 seconds) in the normal state. The second opening time (for example, 1.7 seconds) is controlled. In the short-time state, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 is not the first opening number of one time but a plurality of times of two or more times (for example, (3 times) the second number of times of opening.

It should be noted that the execution time of the normal variation display game is set to the second variation display time (for example, 1 second), and the release mode of the normal variation winning device 37 is the second release time (for example, 1.7). Second), and the number of times of opening with respect to one hit result of the normal variation display game is the second number of times of opening (for example, 3 times), either one or both may be performed. May be. In the short-time operation state, control may be performed so that the probability of a hit result of the normal-variable display game is higher than that in the normal operation state.
As a result, the game ball can easily win the normal variation winning device 37, and the second special figure variation display game can be easily started.
It should be noted that the jackpot probability variation state, the normal variation display game and the normal variation prize-winning device 37 can be generated independently, and both can be generated simultaneously, or only one of them can be generated. It is also possible.

Next, the internal configuration of the second special variable winning device (lower large winning port) 39 in the gaming machine of this embodiment and the functions of a plurality of ball detection switches provided in the device will be described. FIG. 6 is a front view of the second special variation winning device 39 cut from a plane parallel to the game board and viewed from the front.
The second special variable winning device 39 shown in FIG. 6 is provided on the back of the open / close door that opens the winning opening by turning about 90 degrees forward (front side in FIG. 6) with the lower side as a fulcrum facing the game area. A surrounding frame 391 that forms a winning area 391a, and an inclined bottom wall 392 that collects all the game balls that flow inside the surrounding winning area 391a inside the surrounding frame 391 to one side (right in FIG. 6). And a count switch 39a for detecting a game ball flowing down the inclined bottom wall 392, and an inflow port 393a at a portion corresponding to the count switch 39a and a specific region (probability variation region) 393b therein. A flow-down processing trough 393 that causes the game ball to flow down while being branched. Therefore, the area where the count switch 39a is provided is a count area through which all of the game balls received by the special variation winning device 39 pass.

  The flow-down treatment saddle portion 393 is provided at the end of the guide portion 393c and the guide portion 393c for flowing the game ball flowing in from the inlet 393a in the direction opposite to the inclined bottom wall 392 (leftward in FIG. 6). A discharge basket 393d that discharges the game ball downward, a branch basket 393e that guides the game ball that is branched from the middle of the guide section 393c to the discharge basket 393d, and an entrance of the branch basket 393e. And a shutter 395 for restricting the flow of the game ball, and the inside of the branch rod 393e is a specific area (probability changing area) 393b. When the shutter 395 is moved rearward by the lever solenoid 39f (see FIG. 3) not shown in FIG. 6, the game ball flowing down the guiding portion 393c is allowed to flow down to the branch rod 393e.

  A specific area switch (hereinafter referred to as “probability changing area switch”) 39c for detecting a game ball that has flowed toward the specific area (probability changing area) 393b with the shutter 395 opened is disposed at the entrance of the branch rod 393e. It is installed. Further, at the end of the guiding portion 393c, a switch for detecting a game ball that has flowed down in a state where the shutter 395 is closed, that is, a game ball that has not flowed into the specific area 393b (hereinafter referred to as a passage port switch). 39d is disposed. Therefore, the area where the passage port switch 39d is provided is a non-specific area through which game balls that have not passed the specific area 393b among the game balls received by the special variation winning device 39 pass. Further, a remaining ball discharge port switch 39e for detecting a game ball that has flowed down the specific area 393b or the non-specific area is disposed at a position downstream of the junction with the branch rod 393e of the discharge rod portion 393d. It is installed.

The switches 39a, 39c, 39d and 39e may be magnetic detection proximity switches or mechanical micro switches. Further, in the special variable winning device 39 of FIG. 6, the count switch 39a and the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e are provided at the entrance and the exit, respectively, but at least the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e on the exit side may be provided. .
Further, the lower end of the discharge basket for guiding the game ball won in the upper first special variation winning device (upper university prize opening) 38 is joined to the upstream side of the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e of the discharge bowl portion 393d of FIG. By doing so, the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e can be configured to be shared by the upper large winning opening (38) and the lower large winning opening (39).

Here, the reason why the second special variation winning device 39 of FIG. 6 is provided with the passage port switch 39d in addition to the count switch 39a or the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e and the probability variation region switch 39c will be described.
In a conventional special variable winning device having a specific area inside, a configuration in which a count switch 39a and a probability changing area switch 39c are provided inside as shown in FIG. 7 (A), or as shown in FIG. In general, a count switch 39a, a probability change area switch 39c, and a remaining ball discharge port switch 39e are provided. However, in the case of the switch arrangement as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the game ball in which the thread is bound is caused to flow into the big winning area 391 of the special variable winning device 39, and the specific area (393b ) To cause the player to flow down and stay there, and when the shutter 395 is opened, the thread is pulled to lift the game ball at the tip, thereby causing a fraud that is detected by the specific area switch (probability changing area switch 39c). And it was difficult to detect such fraud.
In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the above-described fraud can be prevented by arranging four ball detection switches in the second special variation winning device 39.

Next, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the opening and production control of the lower second special variation winning device 39 (lower prize winning opening), and monitoring processing based on signals from a plurality of ball detection switches provided inside Will be described.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart in the case where the lower grand prize opening (special electric accessory (39)) is opened for a short time (for example, 200 milliseconds), and FIG. 9 is the lower major prize opening (39) for a long time (for example, 29 seconds). It is a timing chart in the case of opening. The lower major winning opening (39) is closed at that point when the number of winning balls reaches a specified number (for example, 10) before the specified time elapses after opening. In addition, a special electric accessory operating signal indicating that the special winning opening (special electric accessory (39)) is opened and at the same time is output from the external terminal (t1). The special electric instrument operating signal is output for a predetermined time from when the lower large prize opening (special electric combination (39)) is opened and after the lower large prize opening (special electric combination (39)) is closed. (Remaining sphere processing time (T3)).
The remaining ball processing time (T3) is set to a time (for example, 1300 ms) in which a game ball that has won a prize in the lower large winning opening can sufficiently pass through the count switch.

8 and 9, the “probability variation function” is a period in which the detection signal from the probability variation area switch 39c in the lower prize winning opening (39) is validated using a timer function or the like provided in the game control device 100. This function is implemented by a program.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the probability variation function allows the detection signal from the probability variation area switch 39c to be output from the winning prize opening (39) at the timing t1 when the winning prize opening (39) is opened. It is valid for a period from the closing timing t2 until a predetermined time T2 (for example, 3 seconds) elapses, that is, the special winning opening opening period T1 + the predetermined time T2.
Further, a period T3 from the timing t2 when the special winning opening (39) is closed until a predetermined time elapses is a processing time for validating the signal from the lower large winning prize count switch 39a. The time is 3 seconds. Then, during the special winning opening opening period T1 + period T3, a special electric accessory operating signal is output.

  In addition, when a winning is made during the short opening of the lower big winning opening in FIG. 8 and the game ball passes through the probability changing area 393b, and there is a detection signal from the probability changing area switch 39c, the remaining ball discharge opening switch 39e is used. After a predetermined time T4 (for example, 100 milliseconds) elapses from the timing t4 when the detection signal is input, the probability of occurrence of the special figure variation display game is shifted from the low probability state to the high probability state. In addition, when a prize is received while the lower big prize opening of FIG. 9 is opened for a long time and the game ball passes through the probability changing area 393b and a detection signal is received from the probability changing area switch 39c, a special electric-worker operating signal is displayed. After a predetermined time T4 (for example, 100 milliseconds) elapses from the output stop timing t3, the occurrence probability of the special figure variation display game is shifted from the low probability state to the high probability state.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the special winning opening (39) is opened, the lever solenoid 39f that drives the shutter 395 at the entrance of the probability changing region 393b is operated to control the opening of the shutter. As shown, the method of operation (operation pattern) is characteristic. That is, in either case, the lever solenoid 39f is operated twice in accordance with the opening of the special winning opening (39), and the first operation period is a short opening period T1 of the special winning opening as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the second operation period is from the end time t5 of the long opening period T1 of the grand prize opening until a predetermined time T5 elapses.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, in the case where the big winning opening is opened for a short time, the second operation of the lever solenoid 39f is performed while the big winning opening is closed, and no winning ball is generated. Whether or not the sphere passes the probability variation region 393b has no meaning. However, as described above, even when the special winning opening is opened for a short time, by performing the control to operate the lever solenoid 39f twice, it is possible to simplify the inspection performed at the factory before shipping the product.
In other words, if the operation pattern of the lever solenoid 39f in the case of the short opening of the big prize opening is different from the operation pattern in the case of the long opening of the big winning opening, the inspection process is performed for both the short opening and the long opening. An inspection is required to confirm that the lever solenoid operates normally. However, if the operating pattern of the lever solenoid 39f is the same regardless of the special winning opening opening pattern as in this embodiment, it is only necessary to inspect one of the opening patterns, so that the inspection time can be shortened. Become.
In the inspection process, whether or not the lever solenoid has been normally operated can be determined by visually recognizing the movement of the shutter 395 from the see-through window 32A provided on the game board.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart in the case where the lower prize winning opening (39) is opened for a long time, and the detection signal from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e is input after the output stop timing t3 of the special electric accessory operating signal. It is. In this case, after waiting for elapse of, for example, 8700 milliseconds as the predetermined time T4 from the timing t4 when the detection signal from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e is received, the probability of occurrence of the special figure variation display game is changed from the low probability state. Transition to a high probability state.
Note that the predetermined time T4 may be 100 milliseconds when shifting to the low probability state, and 8700 milliseconds when shifting to the high probability state, and the ending display indicating the end of the big hit may be performed at this time.
Further, in the control of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 (open for a long time), the timing t6 for invalidating the probability variation function is set later than the output stop timing t3 of the special electric accessory operating signal. When all winning balls are discharged at the time, that is, when the remaining balls are “0”, as shown in FIG. 11, the timing for invalidating the probability variation function is the output stop timing t3 of the special electric-worker-in-operation signal. It may be the same. In this case, when a predetermined time T4 has elapsed from the timing t3, the occurrence probability of the special figure variation display game is shifted from the low probability state to the high probability state.

Hereinafter, processing executed by the gaming microcomputer (gaming microcomputer) 111 of the gaming control apparatus 100 that executes gaming control as described above will be described. Control processing by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly includes main processing shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 14 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).
First, the main process will be described. The main process is started when the power is turned on. In this main process, as shown in FIG. 12, first, an interrupt prohibition process (step S1) is performed, and then an interrupt vector setting process (step 1) for setting a jump destination vector address to be executed when an interrupt occurs. S2), a stack pointer setting process (step S3) for setting a stack pointer that is the start address of an area in which a value of a register or the like is saved when an interrupt occurs, and an interrupt mode setting process (step S4) for setting an interrupt processing mode. )I do.

  Next, in order to wait for the program of the payout control apparatus (payout board) 200 to start up normally, for example, a time of 4 msec is waited (step S5). As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 rises first and sends the command to the payout control device 200 before the payout control device 200 starts up, thereby avoiding the payout control device 200 from losing the command. be able to. Thereafter, access to a readable / writable RWM (read / write memory: RAM 111C) such as a RAM or EEPROM is permitted, and all output ports are set to OFF (no output) (steps S6 and S7). In addition, the serial port ((port previously installed in the gaming microcomputer 111) is not used in this embodiment because it is in parallel communication with the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300). Processing is performed (step S8).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the initialization switch in the power supply device 400 is turned on (step S9). If it is determined that the initialization switch is off (step S9; No), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (step S10). (Step S11; Yes), it is checked whether the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is normal power interruption inspection area check data (Step S12). Next, if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (step S13; Yes), the checksum of the predetermined area in the RWM is calculated (step S14), and the calculated checksum and the checksum at the time of power interruption are calculated. Compare (step S15) and determine whether they match (step S16). And when it corresponds (step S16; Yes), it transfers to step S17 of FIG. 13, and performs the process at the time of recovering normally from a power failure.

When the initialization switch is determined to be on (step S9; Yes), or when it is determined that the check data in the power failure inspection area is not normal data (step S11; No or step S13; No), the checksum Is determined to be not normal (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. 13 to perform initialization processing.
In step S17 of FIG. 13, all the power outage inspection areas are cleared, the checksum area is cleared (step S18), and the area related to error and fraud monitoring is reset (step S19). Next, an area for storing the gaming state in the RWM is examined to determine whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (step S20). If it is determined that the probability is not high (step S20; No), steps S21 and S22 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S20 that the probability is high (step S20; Yes), the ON information is saved in the high probability notification flag area (step S21), and the high probability notification LED (for example, provided in the batch display device 50) The ON (lighted) data of the error indicator is saved in the segment area (step S22). And the process (step S23) which transmits the command at the time of the power recovery corresponding to the process number prepared in order to rationally perform the below-mentioned special figure game process is performed (step S23), and it progresses to step S29 .

  On the other hand, when jumping from step S9, S11, S13, S16 to step S24, all work areas before the access prohibited area are cleared (step S24), and all stack areas after the access prohibited area are cleared. (Step S25), the initial value upon power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (Step S26). And the time value of the period which outputs the external information regarding RWM clear is set (step S27), the command at the time of power-on is transmitted to the effect control apparatus 300 (step S28), and it progresses to step S29. In step S29, a process of starting a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) is performed.

  After the CTC activation process in step S29, a process for activating and setting the random number generation circuit is performed (step S30). Specifically, the CPU 111A performs setting of a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Then, the values of the predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are changed to various initial value random numbers (random numbers for determining the big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, big hit symbol random number 2) After saving the initial value (start value) of a random number (winning random number) that determines the win of the usual variable display game in a predetermined area of the RWM (step S31), the interruption is permitted (step S32). The random number generation circuit in the CPU 111A used in this embodiment is configured so that the initial value of the soft random number register changes every time the power is turned on. Therefore, this value is used as the initial value (start value) of various initial value random numbers. By doing so, it is possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to obtain illegal random numbers.

Subsequent to step S32, an initial value random number update process (step S33) is performed to update the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers. In the present embodiment, although not particularly limited, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number (big hit random number) generated in a random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number is a soft random number generated by software.
After the initial value random number update process in step S33, the number of times the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply 400 is read and checked via the port and the data bus is set (step S34), and the power failure monitoring signal is ON. It is determined whether or not there is (step S35). If the power failure monitoring signal is not ON (step S35; No), the process returns to the initial value random number update process (step S33). That is, when no power failure has occurred, the initial value random number update processing and the power failure monitoring signal check (loop processing) are repeated.

  If the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes), it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is in the ON state for the number of checks set in step S34 (step S36). And when the ON state of the power failure monitoring signal is not continued for the number of checks (step S36; No), the process returns to the determination of whether the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes). Further, when the power failure monitoring signal is ON for the number of checks (step S36; Yes), that is, when it is determined that a power failure has occurred, processing for temporarily prohibiting interruption (step S37), all A process of outputting OFF data to the output port (step S38) is performed.

  Thereafter, the power failure recovery inspection region check data 1 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 1 (step S39), and the power failure recovery inspection region check data 2 is saved in the power failure recovery inspection region 2 (step S40). Further, after performing the process of calculating the checksum when the RWM is turned off (step S41) and the process of saving the checksum (step S42), the process of prohibiting access to the RWM (step S43) is performed. Wait until the gaming machine is powered off. In this way, the check data is saved in the power failure recovery inspection area and the checksum at the time of power shutdown is calculated, so that whether or not the information stored in the RWM before the power shutdown is correctly backed up can be checked. This can be determined when the power is turned on again.

Next, timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 14 is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A.
When the timer interrupt process is started, a register saving process (step S51) is performed in which a value held in a predetermined register is first transferred to the RWM. In the Z80 microcomputer used as the gaming microcomputer in this embodiment, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register. Next, input from various sensors (a start port 1 switch 36a, a start port 2 switch 37a, a gate switch 34a that gives a start condition for a general fluctuation display game, a count switch 38a, etc.), that is, the state of each input port Is input (step S52). Then, based on the output data set in various processes, an output process (step S53) for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening SOL38b, general electric power SOL37c) and the like is performed.

Next, a command transmission process (step S54), a random number update process 1 (step S55), and a random number update process 2 (step S56) is performed. Thereafter, it is monitored whether there is a normal signal input from the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a... 35n, and the count switch 38a. A prize opening switch / error monitoring process (step S57) for performing (such as whether the glass frame is opened) is performed.
The abnormal discharge monitoring area in the RAM set by the abnormal discharge monitoring process (step S63, FIG. 26) is checked (step S58). Then, in the next step S59, it is determined whether or not error occurrence data is stored in the abnormal discharge monitoring area. If it is determined that there is no error occurrence data (step S59: No), a process related to the special figure variation display game is performed. The process moves to a figure game process (step S60), and then a figure game process (step S61) for performing a process related to the figure variation display game is executed.

Next, a segment LED editing process (step S62), which is provided in the gaming machine 10 and drives a segment LED that displays various information related to display of a special figure variation game or a game to display a desired content, a special variation winning device An abnormal discharge monitoring process (step S63) for monitoring the discharged state of the winning game balls at 39 is performed. If it is determined in step S59 that there is error occurrence data in the abnormal discharge monitoring area (Yes), steps S60 to S62 are skipped and abnormal discharge monitoring processing (step S63) is performed. The abnormal discharge monitoring process will be described later in detail.
In step S58, it is checked whether abnormal winning data is stored in the probability changing function operating information area set by the probability changing function operating area switch process (step A3 and FIG. 16 in FIG. 15), which will be described later. If there is, the abnormal discharge monitoring process (step S63) may be performed by skipping steps S60 to S62.
Thereafter, a magnet fraud monitoring process (step S64) in which detection signals from the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 are checked to determine whether there is an abnormality, and external information for setting signals to be output to various external devices to the output buffer. Edit processing (step S65) is performed. Subsequently, processing for clearing the interrupt request and declaring the end of the interrupt (step S66) is performed, processing for restoring the register data saved in step S51 (step S67), and processing for permitting the interrupt (step S67). Step S68) is performed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

Next, details of the special game process (step S58) in the timer interrupt process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
In the special figure game process, the input of the start port 1 switch 36a provided in the start winning port 36 and the input of the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variation winning device 37 forming the second start winning port, Control of the overall processing related to the figure variation display game and setting of display of special figure.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the special game process, first, a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) for monitoring winnings of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is performed.
In this start port switch monitoring process, if a game ball wins in the normal variable winning device 37 that forms the start winning port 36 and the second start winning port, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted and based on the winnings. Prior to the start of the special figure variation display game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which a game result based on a winning is determined in advance.

Next, the signal of the count switch 38a provided in the first special variable prize winning device (upper large prize opening) 38 and the signal of the count switch 39a provided in the second special variable prize winning device (lower large prize winning opening) 39. The upper university winning opening and lower university winning opening switch monitoring process (step A2) is performed. Subsequently, the probability variation function operation region switch process for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality by monitoring the signal of the probability variation region switch 39c provided in the specific region (probability variation region) 393b in the special variation prize winning device (Shimodai prize opening) 39 (Step A3) is performed.
Next, the special figure game process timer is updated (-1) to check whether or not the game process timer has expired (step A4), and the special figure game process timer has expired (step A5; If YES, the process (step A6) of setting a special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is performed in the register (step A6), and the special figure game is used. A process (step A7) for acquiring the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the process number is performed.

Then, after performing the process of saving the return address after the branch process to the stack area (step A8), the game branch process (step A8) is performed according to the game process number.
If the game process number is “0” in step A9, the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game is monitored, the fluctuation start setting of the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of effects, and the special figure fluctuation processing are performed. A special figure routine process (step A10) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.
In step A9, when the game process number is “1”, the special figure is being changed to set the special display stop display time or to set the information necessary for the transition to the special figure display processing. Processing (step A11) is performed.
Furthermore, if the game processing number is “2” in step A9, if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, the fanfare command setting corresponding to the big hit (16R) or the big win for each big hit A special chart display process (step A12) is performed for setting the fanfare time according to the mouth opening pattern and setting information necessary for performing the fanfare / interval process.

If the game process number is “3” in step A9, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for shifting to the process of opening the big prize opening, etc. The fanfare / interval processing (step A13) to be performed is performed.
In step A9, if the game process number is “4”, if the big hit round is not the final round, an interval command is set, whereas if it is the final round, a big hit end screen command is set. A large winning opening opening process (step A14) is performed for setting information necessary for shifting to the winning ball remaining ball processing.

If the game process number is “5” in step A9, if the big hit round is the final round, a process for setting a time for discharging the remaining balls in the big prize opening and a big hit end process are performed. The big winning opening remaining ball processing (step A15) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.
If the game process number is “6” in step A9, a big hit end process (step A16) for setting information necessary for shifting to the special figure normal process (step A10) is performed.

When the above steps A10 to A16 are executed, the process proceeds to step A17, and each data of the table prepared in each branch process is saved in the work area in the RAM. Then, after preparing the fluctuation pattern table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of a special figure 1 display (step A18), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A19) which concerns on a special figure 1 display is performed. Then, after preparing the fluctuation pattern table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of a special figure 2 indicator (step A20), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A21) which concerns on a special figure 2 indicator is performed.
Next, a control process (step A22) related to the operation of the lever solenoid 39f for operating the shutter 395 provided at the entrance of the specific area (probability changing area) 393b in the special variable winning device (lower large prize opening) 39 is executed. , Get out of the special figure game process.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step A5 that the special figure game process timer has not expired (step A5; No), the process proceeds to step A18 and the subsequent processes are performed.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the game control device 100 functions as a variable display game execution unit and a special game state control unit.

Next, the specific contents of the process related to the present invention in the certain process in the special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be sequentially described.
[Probability change function operation area switch processing]
First, details of the probability variation function operation region switch process (step A3) in the special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the probability variation function operation region switch process, it is first determined whether or not the current state is a big hit, for example, whether or not the special figure game process number is a number after “3”. (Step A201). Here, if it is determined that the jackpot is not being hit (No), nothing is done and the process goes out of the probability variation function operation region switch process. If it is determined in step A201 that the game is a big hit (Yes), the process proceeds to step A202, where the probability changing area switch 39c provided in the probability changing area 393b in the second special variable winning device (lower prize winning opening) 39 is set. Get state.

Then, it is determined whether or not the signal of the probability change area switch 39c has been input (step A203). If it is determined in step A203 that the signal of the probability change area switch 39c has been input (Yes), the process proceeds to step A204, and data relating to winning in the probability variation function operation information area is checked. Here, if it is determined that the winning data is abnormal winning data (step A205: Yes), the process exits from the probability variation function operating region switch process.
If it is determined in step A205 that the data is not abnormal winning data (No), the process proceeds to the next step A206, where it is determined whether or not the winning data is normal winning data. If it is determined that the data is not normal winning data (step A206: No), it means that the winning data has not been stored yet, so in the next step A207, the probability change function switch 39c is switched to the probability variation function operation information area. After the winning command is set, a command setting process (step A208) for setting the command to the transmission buffer is executed to transmit the command to the effect control device 300, and the process proceeds to step A209.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A206 that the winning data is normal winning data (Yes), the winning in the probability variation area has already been transmitted, so steps A207 and A208 are skipped and the process proceeds to step A209.
In step A209, the discharge switch in the RAM for storing data relating to the state of the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e provided in the discharge confirmation area (discharge port portion 393d) in the second special variable winning device (lower prize winning port) 39. Check the monitoring area. In this discharge switch monitoring area, a monitoring timer is set to 3 seconds (3000 ms) in a large winning opening opening process (FIG. 23), which will be described later, and thereafter, in the winning opening switch / error monitoring process (FIG. 27). When the discharge ball is detected before the monitoring timer counts 3 seconds, the discharge normal timing data is stored, and when the discharge ball is detected after 3 seconds, the discharge abnormality timing data is stored.

Therefore, in the next step A210, it is determined whether or not the discharge normal timing data is stored in the discharge switch monitoring area, and if it is determined that the discharge normal timing data is stored (Yes), the process proceeds to step A211 and the probability Normal winning data is set in the dynamic function operation information area, and the process leaves the probability variation function operation area switch process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A210 that normal discharge timing data is not stored (step A210: No), the process proceeds to step A212, where abnormal winning data is set in the probability variation function operation information area, and then the probability variation area. An abnormal winning notification command for the switch 39c is set (step A213), and a command setting process (step A214) for setting the command to the transmission buffer in order to transmit the command to the effect control device 300 is executed, and the probability variation function Exit from working area switch processing.
In Steps A210 and A211, the current lower big winning opening 39 opening pattern is confirmed, and abnormal winning data is displayed when the opening time is short, and normal winning data is displayed when the opening time is long. It may be set in the function operation information area.

[Lever solenoid control processing]
Next, details of the lever solenoid control process (step A22) in the above-described special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG. This lever solenoid control process is a process for controlling the lever solenoid 39f for moving the shutter 395 provided at the entrance of the probability variation area 393b in the second special variable prize winning device (lower large prize opening) 39. Thus, the inflow of game balls into the probability variation area 393b is allowed.
As shown in FIG. 17, in the lever solenoid control process, first, the contents of the next pointer area indicating the process to be performed next in the lever solenoid control area provided in the RAM are checked (step A221). As shown in FIG. 18A, the lever solenoid control area includes a next pointer area (address + 00H), a control timer (lower) area (address + 01H), and a control timer (upper) area (address + 02H). Consists of.

Next, it is determined whether or not the next pointer area checked in step A221 is “no update code” (step A222). Here, if it is determined that the next pointer area is a no-update code (Yes), the lever solenoid control process is terminated without doing anything. This is because when the operation of the lever solenoid 39f has been completed, the “no update code” is stored in the next pointer area, so that it is not necessary to perform the processing after step A223.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A222 that the next pointer area is not the “no update code” (No), the process proceeds to the next step A223, where the timer in the lever solenoid control area is updated (−1). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer has expired (step A224), and if it is determined that the timer has not expired (No), the process exits from the lever solenoid control process. If it is determined in step A224 that the timer has timed up (Yes), the process proceeds to the next step A225, and the next pointer in the lever solenoid control area is referred to with reference to the lever solenoid setting table as shown in FIG. Set the timer value corresponding to the contents of the area in the timer.

Thereafter, the lever solenoid setting table is referenced to obtain lever solenoid output data corresponding to the contents of the next pointer area (step A226). Subsequently, the output data (ON or OFF) acquired in step A226 is set in the solenoid region (step A226). In this process, when the ON output data is set in the solenoid area, the lever solenoid 39f is turned on only for the time set in the timer, and when the OFF output data is set in the solenoid area, the time set in the timer is set. Only the lever solenoid 39f is turned off.
When a big hit occurs and the second special variable prize winning device (lower big prize winning opening) 39 is opened, the next pointer area in the lever solenoid control area includes a fanfare / interval process (described later) (FIG. 22). Thus, “operation 1” in the lever solenoid setting table is first set at a predetermined timing after the lower large winning opening 39 is opened.

Thereby, the lever solenoid 39f is operated only for 200 ms. Then, since the content of the next pointer area of “actuation 1” is “actuation 2”, the process shifts to “actuation 2” in the lever solenoid setting table, and after operation of 200 ms, the lever solenoid 39f is operated for 3200 ms. Turned off. Subsequently, since the content of the next pointer area of “actuation 2” in the lever solenoid setting table is “actuation 3”, the process proceeds to “actuation 3” in the lever solenoid setting table, and only for 12500 ms. The lever solenoid 39f is activated. Then, since the content of the next pointer area of “operation 3” is “stop”, the processing shifts to “stop” in the lever solenoid setting table, and the lever solenoid 39f is turned off.
By the control according to the above procedure, the lever solenoid 39f is operated twice as shown in FIGS.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, details of the special figure routine process (step A10) in the special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 19, in the special figure normal processing, first, it is checked whether or not the second special figure holding number (second starting memory number) is 0 (step A301). Then, in the next step A302, it is determined whether or not the second special figure hold number is 0. If it is determined that the second special figure hold number is 0 (Yes), the process proceeds to step A303.
In step A303, it is determined in the next step A304 whether or not the first special figure hold number (first start storage number) is 0, and the first special figure hold number is 0 (step A304; Yes). If it is determined that the customer waiting demo has already started (step A305), and if it is determined that the customer waiting demo has not started (ie, has not started (step A306; No)), the customer waiting demo is started. Processing for setting the demo flag during the customer waiting demo (step A307) is performed.

Subsequently, a customer waiting demonstration command is prepared (step A308), command setting processing (step A309) is performed, and the process proceeds to step A310.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A305 that the customer waiting demo has already started (step A306; Yes), the customer waiting demo flag is already set during the customer waiting demo (step A307), and the customer waiting demo command is also prepared ( Step A308) and the command setting process (Step A309) are also executed, so the process proceeds to Step A310 without performing these processes.
In step A310, a process for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure normal process, specifically, a flag for specifying the process number “0” relating to the special figure normal process and the special prize opening fraud monitoring period in the table. The processing for setting (big prize opening fraud monitoring information) etc. is performed, and the special figure routine processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A302 that the second special figure hold number is not 0 (step A302; No), the process proceeds to step A311 to start the fluctuation of the second special figure fluctuation display game. (Step A311) is performed.
Then, a process (step A312) for preparing a table (for the second special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process (step A312), specifically, the process number “1” relating to the special figure changing process is included in the table. , Information related to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, test signals related to the fluctuation of the second special figure, information for controlling the second special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 2 display (for example, fluctuation of the special figure 2 display) The processing for setting the flag relating to the inside, the initial value of the timer of the blinking period of the special figure 2 indicator, etc.) is performed, and the special figure ordinary process is terminated.
Also, in step A304, if it is determined that the number of first special figure hold is not 0 (step A304; No), the process proceeds to step A313 to start the fluctuation of the first special figure fluctuation display game. I do. Thereafter, a process (step A314) for preparing a table (for the first special figure) for shifting to the special figure changing process is performed (step A314), and the special figure ordinary process is terminated.

[Special figure changing process]
Next, the details of the special figure changing process (step A11) in the special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the special figure changing process, first, a special figure 2 stop command (MODE, ACTION) is prepared to stop the second special figure change display game to be transmitted to the rendering device 300 in step A521. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step A522 to determine whether or not the special figure 1 is changing, that is, whether or not the first special figure change display game is being executed (step A522). Here, if it is determined that the special figure 1 is changing (step A522; Yes), the process proceeds to step A522, and the special figure 1 stop command (in order to stop the first special figure fluctuation display game) ( (MODE, ACTION) is prepared, a command setting process (step A524) for transmitting a command is executed, and the process proceeds to step A525. If it is determined in step A522 that the special figure 1 is not changing (No), steps A523 to A524 are skipped and the process proceeds to step A525.

  In step A525, the stop symbol information set in the special symbol 1 stop symbol setting process is checked to determine whether or not the stop symbol information is an outlier symbol (step A526). Here, if it is determined that the stop symbol information is a missing symbol (step A526; Yes), the process proceeds to step A527, and it is checked whether or not the latter half variation number is a number without reach. Then, if it is determined that the latter-half variation number is a non-reach number (step A528; Yes), the process proceeds to step A529, and processing for setting a special figure display time pointer in the case of losing is performed. If it is determined in step A528 that the latter-half variation number is not a reachless number (No), the process proceeds to step A530 to perform a process of setting a special figure display time pointer at the time of the reach reach.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A529 that the stop symbol information is not out of symbol information (No), that is, it is jackpot symbol information, the process proceeds to step A531, where a special symbol display time pointer at the time of jackpot is set.
Thereafter, processing for setting a special figure display time table (step A532) is performed. Subsequently, the stop time corresponding to the special figure display time pointer set in any one of steps A529, A530, and A531, that is, the special figure at the time of failure set at step A529 (when there is no reach occurrence). The stop display time corresponding to either the display time pointer, the special figure display time pointer at the time of the loss of reach set in step A530, or the special figure display time pointer at the big hit time set in step A531 is acquired. After performing the process (step A533), the acquired stop display time is saved in the special figure game process timer area (step A534).

  Thereafter, a process for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure display process (step A535), specifically, the process number “2” relating to the special figure display process, the first special figure and the first 2 Test signal for stoppage of fluctuation of special figure, symbol determination frequency signal for number of executions of special figure fluctuation display game for output to external information terminal, special figure 1 display or special figure 2 display of collective display device 50 Perform processing for setting information for controlling the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game (for example, a flag related to fluctuation suspension of the special figure 1 display and the special figure 2 display). Then, the special figure changing process is terminated.

[Special figure display processing]
Next, the details of the special figure display process (step A12) in the special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 21, in the special figure displaying process, first, the big hit flag 2 set in the special figure 2 fluctuation start process of step A311 of the special figure usual process (FIG. 19) is checked (step A541). ), It is determined whether or not the variable display game of FIG. 2 is a big hit (step A542). Here, if it is determined that the special figure 2 is not a big hit (step A542; No), the process proceeds to step A543, and the big hit flag set in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process of step A312 of the special figure normal process (FIG. 19). Check 1 Then, it is determined whether or not the variable display game shown in FIG. 1 is a big hit (step A544). If it is determined that Special Figure 1 is a big hit (step A544; Yes), the process proceeds to step A545.

If it is determined in step A542 that Special Figure 2 is a big hit (Yes), steps A543 to A544 are skipped and the process proceeds to step A545.
In step A545, the output of the jackpot signal is set as the test signal to be output to the outside, the process proceeds to step A546, and the output is set to the round display LED of the collective display device 50 (step A546).
Subsequently, the output of the jackpot signal is set as the external information signal (step A547), and the opening pattern of the big prize opening is checked (step A548). Then, in the next step A549, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening is short open (short time open).

If it is determined that the special winning opening is short open (step A549; Yes), the process proceeds to step A550, where 100 ms is set as the fanfare time, and then the fanfare command to be transmitted to the effect device 300 is set. (Step A551). If it is determined in step A549 that the special winning opening is not short open (step A549; No), it means that the winning opening is open for a long time. A fanfare command to be transmitted to the apparatus 300 is set (step A553).
Then, after executing a command setting process for transmitting a command (step A554), a process for setting a table for shifting to a fanfare / interval process (step A555), specifically, a fanfare is set in the table. / The processing for setting the processing number “3” related to the processing during the interval, the clearing of the number of illegal winnings at the big winning opening, etc. are performed, and the processing during the special figure changing is completed. It should be noted that the clearing of the number of illegal prizes at the big prize opening may be performed at the time of opening the big prize opening.

  On the other hand, as a result of checking the special figure 1 big hit flag 1 in step A543, if it is determined that special figure 1 is not big hit (step A544; No), the process proceeds to step A556, and the special figure fluctuation display game is executed in the short-time operation state. A process for setting (step A 557) for shifting to the special figure normal processing after updating the time shortening fluctuation number related to the number of times (for example, 100 times) (−1), specifically, a table for time reduction end In addition, the processing number “0” relating to the special figure normal processing, the short-time operation state of the special figure fluctuation display game and the normal figure fluctuation display game, and the end of the state of extending the opening time of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 (short time state) The processing for invalidating the setting of information and the like and the function of monitoring the illegal winning of the special winning opening is performed, and the special figure display processing is ended. Note that the processing for enabling the illegal winning monitoring function for the special winning opening is performed at the end of the fanfare / interval processing described below.

[Fanfare / In-interval processing]
Next, the details of the fanfare / interval process (step A13) in the above-described special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 22, in the fanfare / interval processing, first, the remaining ball counter that counts the remaining balls of the first special variable winning device (upper prize winning port) 38 in the remaining ball monitoring area in the RAM is counted. The value is checked (step A561). The remaining sphere counter is updated in a remaining sphere monitoring process (FIG. 29) described later. Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining sphere counter is “0” (step A562). If it is determined that the value of the remaining sphere counter is not “0” (step A562; No), the process proceeds to step A563 and is continuously operated. After obtaining the number of times, that is, the number of rounds in the special gaming state and updating (+1), processing for setting a table for shifting to fanfare / interval processing is executed in order to return to this processing (step A564). .

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step A565, where it is determined whether or not the next round is the opening of the second special variable winning device (lower large winning opening). The reason why the number of rounds is updated in step A563 is to perform the determination in step A565, and the value updated in step A563 is not stored.
If it is determined in step A565 that the second round is the opening of the second special variable prize winning device (lower big prize opening) (Yes), the process exits from the fanfare / interval process. As a result, when the next round is the opening of the lower prize winning opening, it does not advance to the next round until the remaining ball of the upper winning prize becomes 0, and the transition to the probability variation state is prevented. . In other words, for example, if a game ball is illegally charged in advance in the lower major prize opening in order to ensure that the probability change will occur whenever a big hit occurs, it will not proceed to the lower big prize opening opening round. Can be.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A565 that the next round does not open the lower prize winning opening (No), the process proceeds to step A566. If it is determined in step A562 that the value of the remaining sphere counter is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A566. In step A566, processing (including storage) for updating (+1) the number of rounds, which is the number of continuous operations in the special gaming state, is performed. Subsequently, a round command for notifying the effect control device 300 of the number of rounds is set (step A567), and a setting process (step A568) for transmitting the command is performed.
Then, in accordance with the opening pattern as shown in FIG. 5, the processing for setting the number of consecutive operations, that is, the opening time of the special winning opening corresponding to each round of the special gaming state, in the special game processing timer is performed (step A569). As a result, when the next round is the opening of the top prize winning opening, the cycle game can proceed at a good tempo by proceeding to the next round even if the value of the remaining ball counter does not become “0”.

Next, the process proceeds to step A570, and it is determined whether or not the next round is the opening of the second special variable winning device (lower big winning port). Here, if it is determined that the second special variable prize winning device (lower big prize opening) 39 is opened (step A570: Yes), the next round is for lower big prize opening in order to shift to the big prize opening opening process. Processing for preparing the setting table 2 (step A571), “actuation 1” (see FIG. 18B) is set in the next pointer of the lever solenoid control area related to the control of the lever solenoid 39c in the lower prize winning port 39. Processing (step A572) is performed, and the processing during the fanfare / interval is exited.
If it is determined in step A570 that the second special variable winning device (lower prize winning opening) 39 is not opened (No), that is, the upper winning prize opening 38 is opened in the next round, the big prize opening opening process is performed. In order to shift, the process of setting the setting table 1 for the top prize winning opening (step A573) is performed, and the process is finished from the fanfare / interval process. In the setting processing of steps A571 and A573, setting of whether or not to monitor a prize in a prize opening switch / error monitoring process described later, setting of a big prize opening state flag indicating that the big prize opening is open, Setting for outputting an operation signal to the opening solenoid of the winning opening and setting for enabling the illegal winning monitoring function (FIG. 26, etc.) of the large winning opening are also performed.

[Processing during the grand prize opening]
Next, details of the special winning opening opening process (step A14) in the above-described special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 23, in the special prize opening opening process, first, the special prize opening state flag set in steps A571 and A573 of the fanfare / interval process in FIG. 22 is checked (step A611). It is determined whether or not a winning opening opening state flag is set (step A612). Here, if it is determined that the lower big prize opening open state flag is set (step A612; Yes), the process proceeds to step A613, and the discharge switch in the RAM for monitoring the remaining ball outlet switch 39 in the lower big prize opening 39. For example, 3000 ms (= 3 seconds) is set in the monitoring timer of the monitoring area, and the process proceeds to step A614. If it is determined in step A612 that the lower big prize opening open state flag is not set (No), step A613 is skipped and the process proceeds to step A614.

In step A614, the number of continuous operations in the special gaming state, that is, the number of rounds is checked to determine whether it is the final round (step A615). Here, if it is determined that it is not the final round (step A615; No), an interval command related to display control of the interval display screen performed in the interval between rounds is prepared (step A616), and the command setting process (step A618) is performed. Do. If it is determined in step A615 that the final round is (Yes), an ending command related to display control of the ending display screen performed at the end of the big hit game, that is, the cycle game is prepared (step A617), and command setting is performed. Processing (step A618) is performed.
Thereafter, a process of preparing a table for shifting to the winning prize remaining ball process (step A619), specifically, the process number “5” relating to the winning prize remaining ball process, the special game process The processing for setting the processing time related to the winning ball remaining ball processing to be saved in the timer, the control signal (off signal) related to the driving of the large winning port solenoids 38b and 39b for closing the big winning port, etc. is performed. The process for opening the winning opening is completed.

[Large winning ball remaining ball processing]
Next, details of the special winning opening remaining ball process (step A15) in the above-described special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 24, in the winning prize remaining ball processing, first, the number of continuous operations in the special gaming state, that is, the number of rounds is checked (step A621). Then, it is determined whether or not the final round is due to the opening of the lower prize winning opening (step A622). Here, if it is determined that the final round is (Yes), the process proceeds to the next step A624, and the remaining sphere counter in the remaining sphere monitoring area updated in the remaining sphere monitoring process (FIG. 29) described later is checked. Then, it is determined whether or not the remaining sphere counter is “0” (step A625). Here, if it is determined that the remaining ball counter is not “0” (step A625; No), the process proceeds to step A628, and the process proceeds to the big winning opening remaining ball process in order to return to the large winning opening remaining ball process. The process of preparing the setting table for performing (Step A 628) is performed, and the process leaves the winning prize remaining ball process.

If it is determined in step A622 that it is not the final round due to the opening of the lower prize opening (No), or if it is determined that the remaining ball counter is “0” (Yes) in step A625, the process proceeds to step A629. Check the number of continuous operations, ie rounds. And it is determined whether it is the last round (step A630). Here, if it is determined that it is not the final round (step A630; No), the process proceeds to step A631, the interval time is set in the special-purpose game process timer, and a setting table is prepared for shifting to the fanfare / inter-interval process. The process of setting the process number “3” related to the fanfare / interval process (step A632) is performed in the table, and the process leaves the winning prize remaining ball process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A630 that it is the final round (Yes), the process proceeds to the next step A633, where the ending time is set in the special-purpose game process timer, and a setting table for shifting to the jackpot end process is prepared. The process of setting the process number “6” related to the big hit end process (step A634) is performed in the table, and the process leaves the winning prize remaining ball process.

[Big hits end processing]
Next, the details of the jackpot end process (step A16) in the above-described special figure game process (FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 25, in the jackpot end process, first, the probability variation function operation information area in the RAM set by the above-described probability variation function operation region switch process (FIG. 15) is checked (step A641). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a winning in the probability variation area 393b in the lower large winning opening 39 (step A642). Specifically, if normal winning data or abnormal winning data is stored in the probability varying function operation information area, it is determined that there is a winning, and normal winning data or abnormal winning data is stored in the probability varying function operating information area. If not, it is determined that there is no prize.

  In step A642, the process proceeds to step A643 where it is determined that there is a winning (Yes), and it is determined whether or not the stored winning data is abnormal winning data. If it is determined in step A643 that the data is not abnormal winning data (No), that is, it is normal winning data, the process proceeds to step A644, and a process of preparing a setting table for shifting to the special figure normal processing when there is a winning is performed. Specifically, the game number of the special figure normal processing is set as the special figure game number, the hit probability in the special figure fluctuation display game and the common figure fluctuation display game is set to a high probability, and the number of fluctuations of the short time and high probability (For example, 170 times) is set, and the process proceeds to Step A646.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A642 that there is no winning in the probability variation area 393b (No) or abnormal winning data is determined in step A643 (Yes), the process proceeds to step A645 to shift to the special figure normal processing when there is no winning. Process to prepare the setting table. Specifically, the game number of the special figure normal processing is set as the special figure game number, the hit probability in the normal figure fluctuation display game is set to a high probability, and the number of fluctuations of the short time (for example, 70 times) is set. The process proceeds to step A646. In the case of abnormal winning data, the abnormality notification command is set in step A213 in FIG. 16, but the abnormality notification command may be set here. Moreover, after performing the abnormality notification, the hit probability in the special figure variation display game may be set to a high probability.
In step A646, a probability information command for informing the effect control device 300 of the probability state after the jackpot for the probability variation state is set, and a command setting process (step A647) is performed to transmit the command. finish.

[Abnormal emission monitoring processing]
Next, an example of a specific procedure of the abnormal discharge monitoring process (step S63) executed during the timer interrupt process of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. This abnormal discharge monitoring process is performed when the passing port switch 39d and the probability change area switch 39c in the lower large winning opening 39 detect a game ball exceeding the number of winning balls detected by the lower large winning port count switch 39a, or the remaining balls This is for detecting an abnormal discharge error when the discharge port switch 39e detects a game ball exceeding the number of balls detected by the passage port switch 39d and the probability variation region switch 39c.

  In the abnormal discharge monitoring process of FIG. 26, first, setting data in the RAM at that time is acquired (step S631). When abnormal discharge is detected in the following processing, the setting data acquired in step S631 becomes setting data when an abnormal discharge error is detected. Subsequently, the status information in the abnormal discharge monitoring area in the RAM set in the final step S655 of the abnormal discharge monitoring process is checked (step S632). Then, it is determined whether or not error occurrence data is stored (step S633). If it is determined that no error occurrence data is stored (step S633; No), the process proceeds to step S634 to check the input from the count switch 39a of the lower prize winning port 39 and determine the presence or absence of the input (step S635).

If it is determined that there is an input from the count switch 39a of the lower large winning opening 39 (step S635; Yes), the winning number counter 1 is updated (+1) (step S636). In other words, the winning number counter 1 counts the number of game balls won in the lower large winning opening 39. If it is determined in step S634 that there is no input from the count switch 39a of the lower large winning opening 39 (No), step S636 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S637.
In step S637, the input from the probability changing area switch 39c in the lower major prize opening 39 is checked to determine whether or not there is an input (step S638). If it is determined that there is an input from the probability changing area switch 39c (step S638; Yes), the winning number counter 2 is updated (+1) (step S639). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number counter 1 is “0” (step S640). If it is not “0”, the process proceeds to the next step S641, and the value of the winning number counter 1 is updated (−1), that is, reduced. Then, the process proceeds to step S642. Accordingly, for example, when one game ball is won while the lower major winning opening 39 is released and is detected by the count switch 39a and the probability variation area switch 39c, the value of the winning number counter 1 becomes “0”. .

If it is determined in step S638 that there is no input from the probability change area switch 39c of the lower large winning opening 39 (No), steps S639 to S641 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S642. If it is determined in step S640 that the value of the winning number counter 1 is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step S655, the status update process is executed, and the abnormal discharge monitoring process is exited.
In step S642, the input from the passage port switch 39d in the lower prize winning port 39 is checked to determine whether or not there is an input (step S643). If it is determined that there is an input from the passage port switch 39d (step S643; Yes), the winning number counter 2 is updated (+1) (step S644). That is, the winning number counter 2 counts the total number of game balls that have passed through the probability change area switch 39c and game balls that have passed through the passage port switch 39d.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number counter 1 is “0” (step S645). If it is not “0”, the process proceeds to the next step S646, and the value of the winning number counter 1 is updated (−1), that is, decremented. To do. Accordingly, the winning number counter 1, which is counted up when the count switch 39a detects a winning ball, is counted down when there is an input from the probability changing area switch 39c or the passage port switch 39d, so that there is no abnormality such as fraud or clogged balls. In the end, it becomes “0” (normal).
If it is determined in step S643 that there is no input from the passing port switch 39d of the lower prize winning port 39 (No), steps S644 to S646 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S647. If it is determined in step S645 that the value of the winning number counter 1 is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step S655, the status update process is executed, and the abnormal discharge monitoring process is exited.

  In step S647, the input from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e in the lower prize winning port 39 is checked to determine whether or not there is an input (step S648). If it is determined that there is an input from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e (step S648; Yes), the process proceeds to step S649, where it is determined whether or not the value of the winning number counter 2 is “0”. Proceeding to the next step S650, the value of the winning number counter 2 is updated (−1), that is, decremented, and then the process proceeds to step S654. Accordingly, the winning number counter 2 which is counted up when the probability changing area switch 39c or the passing port switch 39d detects a game ball is counted down when there is an input from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e. If there is no abnormality, it finally becomes “0” (normal).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S633 that the error occurrence data is stored (Yes), the process proceeds to step S651 to check the input from the RAM data clear switch provided in the backup power supply unit, and The presence or absence is determined (step S652). If it is determined that there is no clear switch input (step S652; No), the abnormal discharge monitoring process is terminated without doing anything. If it is determined that there is an input from the clear switch (step S652; Yes), the values of the winning number counter 1 and the winning number counter 2 are cleared (step S653), and the process proceeds to step S654.

In step S654, the setting data in the RAM at that time is acquired. At this time, if the abnormal discharge error has already been canceled by RAM clear or the like, the setting data acquired in step S654 becomes the setting data at the time of abnormal discharge error cancellation.
Then, it progresses to step S655, a status update process is performed, and it escapes from the said abnormal discharge | emission monitoring process. In the status update process in step S655, the status data in the abnormal discharge monitoring region is updated when the state has changed by comparing the setting data acquired in steps S631 and S654, and in response to the change in state. An error notification start command or an error notification release command to be transmitted to the effect control device 300 is set.

[Prize mouth switch / error monitoring process]
Next, an example of a specific procedure of the winning opening switch / error monitoring process (step S57) executed during the timer interrupt process of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the winning opening switch / error monitoring process of FIG. 27, first, a winning monitoring process (step S571) is executed. In this winning monitoring process (step S571), winning based on a signal from a detection switch provided at each winning opening in the game area 32 is checked, and a corresponding winning counter is updated. Also, if a game ball wins outside the opening of the grand prize opening, it counts the number of fraudulent wins and sets an error notification command (illegal prize error at the lower big prize mouth) when the number of fraudulent wins reaches a predetermined number To do. Then, the illegal winning number is cleared when the error notification is finished.

Thereafter, a game frame monitoring process (step S572) is executed. In this game frame monitoring process (step S571), the state of the front frame (glass frame 15) and the game frame (front frame 12) based on signals from the front frame release detection switch 63 and the game frame release detection switch 64 is monitored. . In addition, it also monitors whether there are any switch abnormalities, shot ball breaks, overflows, and payout abnormalities.
Subsequently, a special winning opening opening state flag indicating that the special winning opening is being opened, which is set in the setting process of steps A571 and A573 of the fanfare / interval process of FIG. 22 is checked (step S573). Then, it is determined whether or not the big prize opening state flag is set (step S574), and if the flag is not set, that is, the big prize opening is not open (No), that is, the big prize opening is closed. If it determines, it will progress to step S575 and will update the monitoring timer of the discharge | emission switch monitoring area | region in RAM set by step A613 of the process (FIG. 23) during a special winning opening open | release (-1). In this monitoring timer, for example, 3 seconds is set in step A613 in the above-described special winning opening opening process (FIG. 23).

  Then, in the next step S575, it is determined whether or not the monitoring timer (for example, 3 seconds) has expired. If it is determined that the time has not expired (step S576; No), the process proceeds to step S577. If it is determined in step S576 that the time is up (Yes), the process proceeds to step S578. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S574 that the special winning opening open state flag is set (Yes), steps S575 and S576 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S577.

In step S577, normal discharge timing data is set in the winning monitoring flag in the discharge switch monitoring area in the RAM. In step S578, the discharge abnormality timing data is set in the winning monitoring flag in the discharge switch monitoring area in the RAM. In other words, normal discharge timing data is set within 3 seconds after closing the big prize opening, and abnormal discharge timing data is set when 3 seconds have passed after closing the big prize opening. The monitoring timer is not limited to 3 seconds, and is appropriately determined according to the structure of the special variable winning device.
Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S579, and after the discharge timing monitoring process is executed, the remaining ball discharge process (step S580) is executed to exit from the winning port switch / error monitoring process. Specific contents of the discharge timing monitoring process in step S579 and the remaining ball discharge process in step S580 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[Discharge timing monitoring process]
Next, an example of a specific procedure of the discharge timing monitoring process executed in step S579 during the winning opening switch / error monitoring process of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to FIG. This discharge timing monitoring process is a discharge timing error when the probability change area switch 39c or the pass-port switch 39d detects a game ball after the period from the opening of the lower major prize opening 39 to 3 seconds after the lower major prize opening is closed. Monitoring and notification processing.
In the discharge timing monitoring process of FIG. 28, first, the address of the discharge timing monitoring area in the RAM is acquired (step S781). Next, the winning monitor flag in the discharge switch monitoring area set in steps S577 and S578 during the winning opening switch / error monitoring process of FIG. 27 is checked (step S782). Then, it is determined whether or not the normal discharge timing data is set in the winning monitoring flag (step S783).

  If it is determined in step S783 that the discharge normal timing data is not set (No), the process proceeds to step S784, and the input of a signal from the probability changing area switch 39c is checked. Then, it is determined whether or not a signal is input from the probability change area switch 39c (step S785). If it is determined that there is no input (No), the process proceeds to step S786, and the input of the signal from the passage port switch 39dc is checked. Then, it is determined whether or not a signal is input from the passage port switch 39d (step S787). If it is determined that there is an input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S788. If it is determined in step S785 that a signal is input from the probability variation area switch 39c (Yes), steps S786 and S787 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S788.

  In step S788, the setting data in the RAM at that time is acquired as setting data when a discharge timing error occurs. That is, if a signal is input from the probability changing area switch 39c or the passage port switch 39dc after 3 seconds have passed since the lower large winning opening (39) is closed, a discharge timing error is determined. Thereafter, in step S789, the error notification timer is set to 60000 ms (60 seconds), for example, and the process proceeds to step S793. Based on the address acquired in step S781, the status information of the discharge timing monitoring area is updated to the discharge abnormality timing. Exit from the discharge timing monitoring process. Accordingly, the monitoring timer in step S575 of FIG. 27 functions as a setting means for setting validity / invalidity of the signal of the probability variation area switch (probability variation function).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S783 that the normal discharge timing data is set (Yes), or if it is determined in step S787 that there is no input (No), that is, the normal discharge timing data is not stored and is not changed. If no signal is input from the area switch 39c and no signal is input from the pass-through switch 39dc, the process proceeds to step S790, and the notification timer is updated (-1). It is determined whether or not (step S791).
If it is determined in step S791 that the timer is not up (No), the process exits from the discharge timing monitoring process. If it is determined in step S791 that the timer has expired (Yes), that is, 60 seconds have elapsed after the error notification has started, the process proceeds to step S788, and the setting data in the RAM at that time is set as the setting data when the discharge timing error is canceled. Get as. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S793, where the status information in the discharge timing monitoring area is updated to the discharge normal timing based on the address acquired in step S781, and the process exits from the discharge timing monitoring process.

[Remaining sphere monitoring process]
Next, an example of a specific procedure of the remaining ball monitoring process executed in step S580 during the winning opening switch / error monitoring process of FIG. 27 will be described with reference to FIG. In this remaining ball monitoring process, the count number of the signal from the count switch 39a in the lower large prize winning port 39 is larger than the count number of the signal from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e. This is an error monitoring process when a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the count switch 39a detected a game ball.
As shown in FIG. 29A, in the remaining sphere monitoring process, first, the address of the remaining sphere monitoring area in the RAM is acquired (step S801). FIG. 29B shows the configuration of the remaining sphere monitoring area. Next, the input of the signal from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e in the lower prize winning port 39 is checked (step S802), and it is determined whether or not the signal is input from the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e (step S803). ). If it is determined that there is an input (step S803: Yes), the process proceeds to step S804, where the value of the remaining sphere counter in the remaining sphere monitoring area (FIG. 29B) is updated (-1), and step S805 is performed. Proceed to If it is determined in step S803 that there is no input (No), step S804 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S805.

In step S805, the signal input from the count switch 39a in the lower major prize opening 39 is checked to determine whether or not there is a signal input from the count switch 39a (step S806). If it is determined that there is an input (step S806: Yes), the process proceeds to step S807, and the value of the remaining sphere counter in the remaining sphere monitoring area (FIG. 29B) is updated (+1) before monitoring. A timer value (for example, 5 seconds) is set in the timer (step S808), and the process proceeds to step S809. If it is determined in step S806 that there is no input (No), steps S807 and S808 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S809.
Normally, after the value of the remaining sphere counter is incremented by 1 in step S807, this remaining sphere monitoring process is executed again, and it is determined in step S803 that there is an input of a signal from the remaining sphere outlet switch 39e (Yes). The value of the remaining sphere counter is decremented by -1.

  In step S809, the status information in the remaining sphere monitoring area (FIG. 29B) is checked. Then, it is determined whether or not error occurrence data is stored (step S810). If it is determined that no error occurrence data is stored (step S810; No), the process proceeds to step S811, the remaining sphere counter in the remaining sphere monitoring area is checked, and the value of the remaining sphere counter is “0”. Is determined (step S812). If it is determined that the value of the remaining sphere counter is not “0” (step S812: No), the process proceeds to step S813, where the monitoring timer is updated (−1), and it is determined whether the timer has expired. Is performed (step S814). Here, if it is determined that the timer has not timed up (step S814; No), the process exits from the remaining sphere monitoring process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S814 that the timer has expired (Yes), the process proceeds to step S815, and the setting data in the RAM at that time is acquired as setting data when a residual sphere error occurs. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S819, where the status information of the remaining sphere monitoring area is updated to the remaining sphere error occurrence data based on the address acquired in step S801, and the process leaves the remaining sphere monitoring process.
If it is determined in step S810 that the error occurrence data is stored (Yes), the process proceeds to step S816 to check the remaining sphere counter in the remaining sphere monitoring area (FIG. 29B). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the remaining sphere counter is “0” (step S817). If it is determined that the value of the remaining sphere counter is not “0” (step S817: No), the process leaves the remaining sphere monitoring process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S817 that the value of the remaining sphere counter is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step S818, and the setting data in the RAM at that time is acquired as setting data when the remaining sphere error is canceled. To do. If it is determined in step S812 that the value of the remaining sphere counter is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step S818, and the setting data in the RAM at that time is acquired as setting data when the remaining sphere error is canceled. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S819, where the status information of the remaining sphere monitoring area (FIG. 29B) is updated to data with no remaining sphere error, and the process leaves the remaining sphere monitoring process.

Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.
(Modification 1)
In the first modified example, similarly to the above-described embodiment, an opening pattern (number of times of opening and opening time) of the shutter 395 (see FIG. 6) provided at the entrance of the specific area 393b by the lever solenoid 39f is set in advance. However, if a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls enter the lower major winning opening 39 and the remaining balls become “0” before the shutter opening end time elapses, the lever at that time Control to turn off the solenoid 39f is performed. By performing such control, the cycle game can be advanced at a high tempo by accelerating the timing of proceeding to the next round in the cycle game at the time of big hit.

FIG. 30 shows a specific procedure for the special winning opening remaining ball processing in the first modified example.
30 in this modified example is similar to the winning ball remaining ball process of FIG. The difference from the winning ball remaining ball process in FIG. 24 is that the remaining winning ball remaining process in FIG. 30 is followed by step A625 in which it is determined whether the remaining ball counter is “0” or not. Steps A626 for setting “stop” to the next pointer in the lever solenoid control area and steps A627 for clearing the control timer in the lever solenoid control area, which are not included in the ball processing, are added.

For example, when the big winning opening is opened for a short time, the number of winning balls generated is small and the remaining ball counter quickly becomes “0”. Therefore, by adding steps A626 and A627 to the large winning opening remaining ball processing as described above. As shown at timing t4 in FIG. 31, when the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e detects a winning ball and the remaining ball counter becomes “0”, the shutter provided at the entrance of the specific area 393b is driven. The lever solenoid 39f is turned off, the flow of the winning ball to the specific area 393b is restricted, the round of that round is completed, and the start of the next round can be accelerated.
In addition, in the case of a short time opening of the grand prize winning opening, it is difficult to generate a winning ball in the first place. In this case, it is determined in step A625 that the remaining ball counter is “0” and steps A626 and A627 are executed, so that the second operation of the lever solenoid 39f indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 32 does not occur.

Further, in this first modified example, when the special winning opening is opened for a long time, the number of winning balls is reduced to a prescribed number (for example, ten) before the predetermined opening time of the lower major winning opening 39 ends. When it has been reached, as shown in FIG. 33, the lower large prize opening 39 is closed at a timing t2 earlier than the specified timing, and the timing at which the last remaining ball is detected is determined in advance. In some cases, the lever solenoid 39f is turned off at the detection timing t4 of the last remaining sphere.
Also in this modified example, if the detection timing timing t4 of the last remaining sphere where the remaining sphere counter becomes “0” is delayed, as shown in FIG. Thus, the lever solenoid 39f is turned off.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 35 shows a specific procedure of fanfare / interval processing in the second modification.
The fanfare / interval process of FIG. 35 in this modification is similar to the fanfare / interval process of FIG. 22 is different from the fanfare / interval process of FIG. 22 in the fanfare / interval ball process of FIG. 35. Next to step A565 for determining whether or not the next round is the opening of the lower prize winning opening, the fanfare / interval of FIG. Step A565a for determining whether or not to open for a short time, which is not included in the processing, is provided, and when it is determined that the opening is for a short time (Yes) in this step, the fanfare / interval processing is omitted.

In this modified example, when the winning opening is opened for a short time, the process immediately shifts to the winning ball remaining ball processing (FIG. 36) and waits for the remaining ball counter to become “0”. The special winning opening is not opened until the counter reaches “0”.
As a result, when the lower prize opening is opened for a long time, the thread fishing ball is charged in the specific area (393b), and the probability change area switch 39c is turned on by the thread fishing ball previously charged during the short-time opening. Can be prevented in advance.
If the lower prize opening is open for a long time, there is a high possibility that the game ball will pass through the probability variation area, so it is difficult for the player to bother the above-mentioned fraud. When waiting for the remaining ball counter to become “0”, the progress of the cycle game is delayed, so that the above control is performed in order to avoid it.

FIG. 36 shows a specific procedure of the special winning opening remaining ball process in the second modified example.
36 is similar to the big winning opening remaining ball processing of FIG. The difference from the prize winning ball remaining ball process in FIG. 24 is that in the prize winning ball remaining ball process in FIG. Step A623 for determining whether or not the short-time opening is not provided in the winning opening remaining ball processing is provided, and when it is determined that the short-time opening is not performed (No) in this step, the process proceeds to Step A629.
As a result, it is possible to control to advance to the next round after confirming that the remaining ball counter has become “0” only when the lower major winning opening is open and the opening is short-time. . Since there is no probability variation area at the top winning prize opening, it is unlikely that fraud will be performed, so there is no problem even if the remaining ball counter goes to the next round without confirming that it has become “0”. .

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 37 shows the internal configuration of the second special variable winning device (lower large winning opening) 39 in the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, a re-counting area is provided between the count switch 39a and the probability-changing area switch 39c in the second special variable prize-winning device (lower large prize opening) 39, and the game ball passes through the re-count area. A winning confirmation switch 39g is provided for detecting the number of game balls counted based on a detection signal from the winning confirmation switch 39g provided in the re-count area from the count switch 39a provided in the count area. When the number of game balls counted based on this detection signal is exceeded, abnormality notification is performed.
As a result, a plurality of illegal balls having a thread attached to a game ball are retained in the specific area (393b) by manipulating the thread between the count area and the specific area or between the specific area and the discharge area. It is possible to more reliably prevent an illegal act that causes the ball detection means (39c) to react and illegally generate a specific gaming state.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 38 shows the internal configuration of the second special variable winning device (lower large winning opening) 39 in the third embodiment.
In the third embodiment, apart from the shutter 395 provided at the entrance of the specific area 393b and the lever solenoid 1 (39f) as the drive source, the shutter 396 and the drive lever solenoid thereof are also provided at the exit of the specific area 393b. 2 (not shown), an illegal ball is inserted from the downstream side of the discharge rod portion 393d, or a thread fishing ball is retained in the discharge rod portion 393d, and the yarn is synchronized with the opening timing of the lower large prize opening. It is possible to prevent an illegal act of generating a probabilistic state by pulling up.

FIG. 39 shows an example of the control timing when the lower prize opening (39) is opened for a short time in the third embodiment. As can be seen from the figure, in this third embodiment, when the detection signal of the remaining ball discharge port switch 39e is input, the lever solenoid 1 (39f) and the lever solenoid 2 are turned off and the shutters 395 and 396 are closed. Control is performed. By performing such control, the cycle game can be advanced at a high tempo by accelerating the timing of proceeding to the next round in the cycle game at the time of big hit.
Further, in response to the detection of the game ball by the probability change area switch 39c provided in the specific area 393b, the lever solenoid 2 is activated (turned on) so that the game ball can pass through the shutter 396. Control to convert can be performed.
In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, a winning confirmation switch 39g may be arranged between the count switch 39a and the probability changing area switch 39c.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth example of the first embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the opening pattern of the special winning opening for a long time and the operation pattern of the lever solenoid are different from those of the above embodiment. Specifically, in the embodiment, when the grand prize opening is opened for a long time, the grand prize opening is continuously opened until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of prizes are received, whereas in the fourth embodiment, When opening the grand prize opening for a long time, first open the short time as the opening of the big prize opening for a short time, and then close the big prize opening once and continuously open it after a predetermined time. It is designed to be opened. As a result, immediately after the start of the round, it becomes difficult to know whether the grand prize opening is open for a long time or for a short time.
In the above embodiment, the lever solenoid is operated in two steps, whereas in the fourth embodiment, the lever solenoid is operated in four steps. Note that this operation is the same output data as “operation 1” or “operation 2” between “operation 2” and “operation 3” in the lever solenoid setting table shown in FIG. Thus, it can be easily realized by providing “operation 1 ′”, “operation 2 ′”; “operation 1 ″”, “operation 2 ″” having different values of the next pointer and the control timer.

40 and 41 show examples of control timing when the lower prize opening (39) is opened for a short time in the fourth embodiment. FIGS. 42 and 43 show examples of control timing when the lower prize opening (39) is opened for a long time in the fourth embodiment.
First, the short time opening of the lower prize winning opening (39) of FIGS. 40 and 41 will be described.
In short-time opening, the control differs depending on whether or not there was a winning while the big winning opening was opened (exactly whether or not there is a remaining ball at the end of the remaining ball processing time). FIG. 40 shows the timing when there is no remaining sphere at the end of the remaining sphere processing time, and FIG. 41 shows the timing when there is a remaining sphere at the end of the remaining sphere processing time.

  As shown in FIG. 40, when the lower prize opening (39) is opened for a short time, the lever solenoid 39f is operated simultaneously with the opening of the big prize opening, but the operation time is shorter than the big prize opening time T1. In addition, the probability variation function is enabled simultaneously with the opening of the big prize opening, and the probability variation function is disabled when a predetermined time T2 (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed from the operation stop timing of the lever solenoid 39f. Further, the special electric accessory operating signal is output simultaneously with the opening of the special winning opening, and the special electric accessory operating signal is output at a time point t3 when a predetermined monitoring period T3 (eg, 1300 ms) has elapsed from the closing timing t2 of the special winning opening. Stop output. If there is no remaining ball at the time t3 (including the case where there is no winning while the big winning opening is open), then the lever solenoid 39f is not operated or the probability variation function is not enabled.

On the other hand, when there is a remaining ball at the timing t3 (at the end of the remaining ball processing time) after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed from the closing timing t2 of the big prize opening, as shown in FIG. 41, the lever solenoid 39f is operated. / Stop, enabling / disabling of probability changing function and stopping of output of special electric instrument operating signal are the same as above, but after timing t3, lever solenoid 39f is operated again and probability changing function is enabled The lever solenoid 39f is stopped at the time t4 when the last remaining sphere is detected, and the probability variation function is disabled. When it is detected that the winning ball has passed through the specific area (probability changing area) 393b during the opening, the probability state is changed to a high probability when a predetermined time T4 has elapsed from the timing t4.
Here, the stop of the lever solenoid 39f at the timing t4 is the aforementioned “operation 1 ′” corresponding to “operation 3” in which the output data of the lever solenoid setting table shown in FIG. 18B is “ON”. This control timer can be cleared by detecting the last remaining sphere (the number of remaining spheres in step A625 in FIG. 30 = 0) (step A627).

Also, in the timing chart of FIG. 40, if the number of remaining balls is 0 at the output stop timing t3 of the signal during operation of the special electric accessory, the lever solenoid is originally off, but it is not apparent, but the lever solenoid setting The “operation 2” control timer in which the output data of the table is “OFF” is cleared.
In the fourth embodiment, (passage port switch 39d detection number + probability change area switch 39c detection number)> remaining ball discharge port switch 39e detection number, and finally pass port switch 39d or probability change. It may be monitored whether or not 3 seconds have passed since the time when it passed through the area switch 39c, and when 3 seconds passed, it may be determined as abnormal.

Next, the long time opening of the lower prize winning opening (39) of FIGS. 42 and 43 will be described.
Even in the case of long-time release, the control differs depending on whether or not there was a prize while the big prize opening was open (exactly whether or not there is a remaining ball at the end of the remaining ball processing time). FIG. 42 shows the timing when there is no remaining sphere at the end of the remaining sphere processing time, and FIG. 43 shows the timing when there is a remaining sphere at the end of the remaining sphere processing time.
As shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43, in the long opening of the lower prize winning opening (39) in the present embodiment, first, after opening for a short time the same as the short opening of the big winning opening, Is closed continuously after a predetermined time, that is, the special winning opening is opened twice.

In the first opening, the lever solenoid 39f is operated simultaneously with the opening of the big prize opening as in the case of the short time opening, but the operation time is made shorter than the opening time of the big prize opening. Then, the lever solenoid 39f is operated in synchronism with the second opening, and the solenoid is temporarily turned off during the opening and then operated again, and after the opening is completed, the solenoid is temporarily turned off and operated again. Yes.
In addition, the probability variation function is enabled simultaneously with the opening of the first big prize opening, and the probability variation function is disabled when a predetermined time T2 (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed from the operation stop timing of the lever solenoid 39f. Then, the probability variation function is made effective again in synchronization with the second opening. Further, the special electric accessory operating signal starts to be output simultaneously with the opening of the special winning opening, and is stopped at a time t3 when a predetermined monitoring period T3 (for example, 1300 ms) has elapsed from the closing timing t5 of the special winning opening.

When there is no remaining sphere at the timing t3 (at the end of the remaining sphere processing time), the operation of the lever solenoid 39f is stopped and the probability variation function is disabled as shown in FIG. In addition, when it is detected that the winning ball has passed through the specific area (probability changing area) 393b, the probability state is set to a high probability when a predetermined time T4 has elapsed from the output stop timing t3 of the special electric accessory operating signal. Change.
On the other hand, if there is a remaining ball at time t3 when the predetermined period T3 has elapsed from the closing timing t5 of the big prize opening, as shown in FIG. 43, the predetermined period T3 from the stop timing t6 when the specified time of the lever solenoid 39f elapses. At the time t7 when only elapses, the probability variation function is disabled. When it is detected that the winning ball has passed through the specific area (probability changing area) 393b, the probability state is changed to a high probability when a predetermined time T4 has elapsed from the last remaining ball detection timing t8.

From the above description, in the above embodiment,
A variable winning device (39) that is convertible between an open state and a closed state;
Random numbers are extracted based on the passing of the game ball to the start area (36, 37), and when the random number extraction result is a predetermined result, the variable winning device is converted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time. A game machine having a game control means (100) for executing a special game to be performed,
In the variable prize device,
A specific area (393b) through which the accepted game ball can pass and a non-specific area through which a game ball that has not passed through the specific area of the received game balls passes,
The game ball that has passed through the specific area and the non-specific area is configured to pass through a discharge area (393d) provided downstream of the specific area and the non-specific area,
The game control means includes
Based on detection signals from the ball detecting means (39c, 39d, 39e) provided for each of the specific area, the non-specific area, and the discharge area, whether or not a game ball has passed for each area. While monitoring,
When a game ball passes through the specific area during the special game, control is performed to generate a game state advantageous to the player after the special game is finished,
Further, it has a function of counting the number of game balls passing for each area based on the detection signal of the ball detection means, and is detected from the ball detection means (39e) provided in the discharge area (393d). The number of game balls counted based on the signal exceeds the number of game balls counted based on the detection signals from the ball detection means (39c, 39d) provided in the specific area and the non-specific area. It can be seen that the present invention includes an invention in which abnormality notification is performed when the

Here, “special game” means a game such as a big hit cycle game, and “gaming state advantageous to the player” means a state in which the probability of a random number extraction result being a predetermined result is higher than usual. (Probability change state).
According to the invention as described above, the number of game balls counted based on the detection signal from the ball detection means provided in the discharge area is determined from the ball detection means provided in the specific area and the non-specific area. When the number of game balls counted based on the detection signal is exceeded, abnormality notification is performed, so that the illegal ball with the thread attached to the game ball is retained between the discharge area and the specific area, and the thread is operated. If an illegal act that causes a ball detection means provided in a specific area to react to generate a gaming state advantageous to the player is performed, an abnormality notification is made, and such an illegal act can be prevented. .

In the above embodiment,
The variable winning device (39)
All of the game balls received by the variable winning device are configured to pass through the count area provided upstream of the specific area (393b) and the non-specific area, and the game balls pass through the count area. Sphere detecting means (39a) for detecting
The game ball that has passed through the count area is configured to pass through either the specific area or the non-specific area,
The game control means (100)
Based on the detection signal of each of the ball detection means, the number of game balls passing through the specific area, the non-specific area, and the count area is counted, and the ball detection means provided in the specific area and the non-specific area The number of game balls counted based on the detection signals from (39c, 39d) exceeds the number of game balls counted based on the detection signals from the ball detection means (39a) provided in the count area. In the case of being present, an invention for notifying abnormality is included.

  And according to this invention, the number of game balls counted based on the detection signal from the ball detection means provided in the specific area and the non-specific area is the ball detection means provided in the count area. When the number of game balls counted based on the detection signal from is exceeded, an abnormality is notified, so the illegal ball with the thread attached to the game ball stays between the count area and the specific area, and the thread is operated Accordingly, if an illegal act that causes the ball detecting means provided in the specific area to react to generate a game state advantageous to the player is performed, an abnormality notification is made, and thus such an illegal act can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
A ball detection means (between the count area and the specific area and the non-specific area) that detects a game ball that passes through the recount area and a game ball that passes through the recount area. 39g), and
The game control means (100)
The payout control device (200) for paying out the winning ball is sent a payout command for instructing payout of the winning ball based on the detection of the passing of the game ball by the ball detecting means (39a) in the counting area. Done
Based on the detection signal of each ball detection means, the number of game balls passing through each area is counted and counted based on the detection signal from the ball detection means (39g) provided in the recount area. An invention in which abnormality notification is performed when the number of game balls exceeds the number of game balls counted based on the detection signal from the ball detection means (39a) provided in the count area is included. .
And according to this invention, the illegal ball | bowl which attached the thread | yarn to the game ball | bowl is made to stay in the plurality between a count area | region and a specific area, a specific area | region, and a discharge | emission area | region, and it provides in a specific area | region by operating a thread | yarn If an illegal act that causes the player to react with the detected ball detecting means to generate a game state advantageous to the player is notified of an abnormality, such an illegal act can be prevented.

In the above embodiment,
The game control means (10)
It has a timer that measures the elapsed time from any point in time,
As the special game, a first control for converting the variable winning device (38, 39) from the closed state to an open state for a predetermined time, or a second control for converting the variable prize device (38, 39) to an open state for a shorter time than the first control. Repetitive games can be executed,
In response to the game ball passing through the count area, the timer starts timing, and when the timer expires, if the game ball has not been detected passing through the discharge area, Judgment and notification of abnormality,
The invention includes an invention in which the determination of the discharge abnormality is performed during the second control, and the determination of the discharge abnormality is not performed during the first control.
And according to this invention, since it was made not to perform abnormality determination of discharge | emission in the 1st control with high possibility that the game ball | bowl to a variable winning apparatus (large winning opening) will win, it is large by special game. The time during which the winning opening is closed can be shortened, and the special game can be advanced promptly when a cycle game in which the opening of the big winning opening is repeated as a special game.

In the above embodiment,
A first regulation that is provided upstream of the specific area (393b) and that converts a game ball that has won a prize in the variable winning device from a state in which it cannot pass to the specific area to a state in which it can pass through. A member (395);
A second restricting member (396) that is provided downstream of the specific region and converts from a state in which it is impossible to pass the game ball that has passed through the specific region to a state in which it can pass,
The game control means (100)
Corresponding to the fact that the variable winning device (39) is converted to an open state, the first restricting member (395) is converted into a state in which a game ball can pass to the specific area,
The present invention includes an invention in which the game ball is converted into a state in which the game ball can pass in response to detection of the game ball in the specific area.
According to this invention, the first restriction member for restricting the flow of the game ball is provided upstream of the specific area, and the second restriction member for restricting the flow of the game ball is provided downstream of the specific area. An illegal ball with a thread attached thereto is retained on the downstream side of the specific area, and the illegal ball is allowed to pass through the specific area by manipulating the thread, and the ball detection means provided in the specific area is reacted to cause the player It is possible to effectively prevent an illegal act that generates a gaming state advantageous to the player.

Furthermore, from the above description, the above embodiment includes
A first variable winning device (38) capable of converting between an open state and a closed state;
A second variable winning device (39) that can be converted into an open state and a closed state and has a specific area (393b) through which an accepted game ball can pass;
When a random number is extracted based on a winning game ball to the starting area (36, 37), and the random number extraction result is a predetermined result, the first variable winning device or the second variable winning device is In a gaming machine comprising a game control means (100) for executing a special game for converting from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined time,
In the second variable winning device,
A non-specific area through which a game ball that has not passed through the specific area among the received game balls passes is provided,
The game ball that has passed through the specific area and the non-specific area is configured to pass through a discharge area (393d) provided downstream of the specific area and the non-specific area,
The game control means includes
Based on detection signals from the ball detecting means (39c, 39d, 39e) provided for each of the specific area, the non-specific area, and the discharge area, whether or not a game ball has passed for each area. While monitoring,
During the special game, at least the second variable winning device is controlled to be converted to the open state, and when a game ball passes through the specific area during the special game, the player is informed after the special game is over. Control to generate an advantageous gaming state,
Further, it has a function of counting the number of game balls passing for each area based on the detection signal of the ball detection means, and is detected from the ball detection means (39e) provided in the discharge area (393d). The number of game balls counted based on the signal exceeds the number of game balls counted based on the detection signals from the ball detection means (39c, 39d) provided in the specific area and the non-specific area. It can be seen that the present invention includes an invention in which abnormality notification is performed when the

  According to the invention as described above, in the gaming machine including the first variable winning device and the second variable winning device having the specific area, the detection from the ball detecting means provided in the discharge area of the second variable winning device. When the number of game balls counted based on the signal exceeds the number of game balls counted based on the detection signal from the ball detection means provided in the specific area and the non-specific area, an abnormality is notified. Therefore, a gaming state advantageous to the player by causing the illegal ball having a thread attached to the game ball to stay between the discharge area and the specific area and reacting the ball detecting means provided in the specific area by operating the thread. If a fraudulent act that generates a warning is made, an abnormality notification is made, and such a fraudulent act can be prevented.

In addition, from the above description, in the above embodiment,
A variable winning device (39) that is convertible between an open state and a closed state;
Random numbers are extracted based on the passing of the game ball to the start area (36, 37), and when the random number extraction result is a predetermined result, the variable winning device is converted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time. A game machine having a game control means (100) for executing a special game to be performed,
In the variable prize device,
The specific area (393b) through which the received game ball can pass, the non-specific area through which the game ball that has not passed through the specific area among the received game balls, and the flow of the game ball to the specific area are restricted. A possible regulating member (395),
The game ball that has passed through the specific area and the non-specific area is configured to pass through a discharge area (393d) provided downstream of the specific area and the non-specific area,
The game control means includes
Based on detection signals from the ball detecting means (39c, 39d, 39e) provided for each of the specific area, the non-specific area, and the discharge area, whether or not a game ball has passed for each area. While monitoring,
Corresponding to the fact that the variable winning device is converted to the open state, the control ball is controlled so that a game ball won in the variable winning device cannot pass through the specific area. Control to convert from to passable state,
When a game ball passes through the specific area during the special game, control is performed to generate a specific game state in which the probability that the extraction of the random number has the predetermined result becomes a high probability state after the special game ends. ,
Further, it has a function of counting the number of game balls passing for each area based on the detection signal of the ball detection means, and is detected from the ball detection means (39e) provided in the discharge area (393d). The number of game balls counted based on the signal exceeds the number of game balls counted based on the detection signals from the ball detection means (39c, 39d) provided in the specific area and the non-specific area. It can be seen that the present invention includes an invention in which abnormality notification is performed when the

  According to the invention as described above, in the gaming machine provided with the variable prize device having the specific area and the regulating member capable of regulating the flow of the game ball to the specific area, the game machine is provided in the discharge area of the variable prize device. The number of game balls counted based on the detection signal from the ball detection means exceeds the number of game balls counted based on the detection signal from the ball detection means provided in the specific area and the non-specific area. In such a case, an abnormal ball with a thread attached to the game ball is retained between the discharge area and the specific area, and the ball detecting means provided in the specific area is reacted by operating the thread to play the game. If an illegal act that causes a game state advantageous to a person is performed, an abnormality notification is made, so that such an illegal act can be prevented.

In the above embodiment,
The variable prize apparatus includes a first variable prize apparatus and a second variable prize apparatus,
The second variation winning device includes an invention in which the specific region through which the received game ball can pass and the regulating member are provided.
And according to this invention, in the gaming machine provided with the 1st variable prize apparatus which does not have a specific field, and the 2nd variable prize apparatus which has a specific field, it is a game ball with respect to the 2nd variable prize device. The illegal ball with the thread attached is retained between the discharge area and the specific area, and the ball detecting means provided in the specific area is reacted by operating the thread to generate a game state advantageous to the player. When an illegal act is performed, an abnormality notification is made, so that such an illegal act can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is devised so that information on events occurring in gaming machines can be accurately grasped by an external information collection device.
Therefore, in the first example of the second embodiment, when shifting to the probability change state (high probability state) or the short time state (including the electric support state) after the big hit game ends, The execution time of the figure change display game was extended.
In general, immediately after the end of the big hit game, the control device is often chased to control the discharge of prize balls generated in large quantities during the end of the big hit game. In the probability variation state (high probability state) or the short time state (including the electric support state), control is performed to shorten the execution time of the special figure variation display game.

Therefore, when the execution time of the special figure fluctuation display game is shortened, as shown in FIG. 44A, the special figure fluctuation display game is ended during the prize ball discharge delay processing period T0 immediately after the end of the big hit game. Since the symbol confirmation signal may be output to the outside, and the symbol confirmation signal is handled as a big hit game, the external information collection device can grasp the exact number of fluctuations (number of times the special figure fluctuation display game is executed) May become difficult.
Also in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the probability variation state (high probability state) or the short time state (including the electric support state), control is performed to shorten the execution time of the special figure variation display game and the symbol confirmation signal is externally transmitted. Therefore, the execution time of the special figure variation display game that is executed first after the end of the big hit game is extended. This makes it possible to accurately grasp the number of fluctuations in the external information collection device.

  45 and 46 show specific procedures of the special figure fluctuation start process and the fluctuation pattern setting process executed by the game control device 100 in order to realize the execution time extension function of the special figure fluctuation display game as described above. It is shown. 45 is a process executed in steps A313 and 311 in the special figure routine process of FIG. 46 is executed in steps A330 and A330 'during the special figure 1 fluctuation start process and the special figure 2 fluctuation start process of FIG.

[Special Figure 1, Fluctuation Start Processing]
Next, details of the above-described special figure 1 fluctuation start process (step A313) will be described. Since the special figure 2 variation start process is the same as the special figure 1 variation start process, the special figure 1 variation start process will be described below, and the description of the special figure 2 variation start process will be omitted.
The special figure 1 fluctuation start process is a process performed at the start of the first special figure fluctuation display game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 45A, first, the first special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit. A jackpot flag 1 setting process (step A321) for setting outlier information and jackpot information is performed on the jackpot flag 1 for determining whether or not there is.

Next, after performing the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process (step A322) related to the setting of the first special figure stop symbol (special figure 1 stop symbol), the first special figure stop symbol number (special figure 1 stop symbol number) ) Is saved in the output data area of the test signal (step A323).
Subsequently, the stop symbol information set in the special symbol 1 stop symbol setting process is loaded, and the stop symbol information is saved in the symbol information area for work of the RWM (step A324).
Next, the special figure 1 fluctuation flag is set and prepared (step A325), and the special figure 1 fluctuation flag is saved in the fluctuation symbol discrimination flag area of the RWM (step A326).

Thereafter, a table for setting information related to the variation pattern of the first special figure variation display game is prepared (step A327), and special figure information setting processing (step A328) for setting special figure information is performed. Subsequently, among the variation modes in the first special figure variation display game, after performing the latter half variation pattern setting process (step A329) for setting the latter half variation pattern, the variation for setting the variation aspect of the first special figure variation display game. Pattern setting processing (step A330) is performed. Then, the fluctuation start information setting process (step A331) for setting the fluctuation start information of the first special figure is performed, and the special figure 1 fluctuation start process is ended.
The contents of the special figure 2 fluctuation start process shown in FIG. 45B are the same as the special figure 1 fluctuation start process shown in FIG.

[Variation pattern setting process]
Next, details of the variation pattern setting process (steps A330 and A330 ′) in the above-described special figure 1 fluctuation start process and special figure 2 fluctuation start process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 46, in the variation pattern setting process, first, the first variation group information is loaded from the target first variation group information area (Step A471), and the address of the first variation group table corresponding to the first variation group information is obtained. Calculate (step A472). Subsequently, the latter half variation number is loaded from the target area (step A473), and the address corresponding to the latter half variation number is calculated using the first half variation selection address table of the calculated address (step A474).

Next, it is checked whether or not the latter half variation number is a reachless variation number (step A475), and if the latter half variation number is a reachless variation number (step A476; Yes), the target first-half variation information 1 is determined. First half variation information 1 is loaded from the area (step A477). If it is determined in step A476 that the latter half variation number is not the reachless variation number (No), the first half variation information 2 is loaded from the target first half variation information 2 area (step A478).
Next, an address corresponding to the first-half fluctuation information is calculated using the first-half fluctuation group table of the address calculated in Step A472 (Step A479), and the address of the first-half fluctuation table is obtained from the calculated address and prepared. (Step A480). After that, as a determination random number for selecting the first half variation pattern of the special figure variation display game, the variation pattern random number 3 is prepared by loading from the target area (step A481), and a distribution process for identifying the first variation number (step A481). A482) is performed.

Then, after performing the process of obtaining and preparing the first half variation number obtained as a result of the distribution process (step A483), the process proceeds to step A484, and it is determined whether or not it is the first variation after the end of the big hit game. Here, if it is determined that the change is not the first change after the big hit game is finished (step A484; No), the change pattern setting process is terminated without doing anything. Further, if it is determined in step A484 that the variation is the first time after the big hit game (Yes), the process proceeds to step A485, and it is determined whether or not the gaming state at that time is short or high in probability. If it is determined that the time is not short or the probability is not high (step A485; No), the variation pattern setting process is terminated.
If it is determined in step A485 that the time is short or high (Yes), the first half variation number is replaced with the variation pattern number for the first time having a long variation time (for example, 5 seconds) in step A486. The pattern setting process ends. With the above processing, the variation pattern of the special figure variation display game is set, and in the case of the first variation after the big hit game, the variation pattern with a long variation time is replaced.

In the variation pattern setting process of FIG. 46, the variation pattern is replaced when the time is short or during high probability. However, only during the high probability, the variation pattern with short variation time is changed to the variation pattern with long variation time. You may make it replace. Further, it may be determined whether or not the replacement is performed according to the first selected variation time. Furthermore, without determining the gaming state, it may be determined whether or not to replace according to the selected variation time.
If the 2R jackpot opening time is set shorter than the 16R jackpot opening time, depending on the type of jackpot, the 2R jackpot will change the first time after the jackpot game ends. You may make it change (extend) the 1st fluctuation | variation time after the big hit game only when 16R big hit is left as it is.

By performing the control as described above and extending the execution time of the special figure variable display game that is executed first after the big hit game for a predetermined period T0 or more, the control device can be used during the big hit game. Even if it is chased by the discharge control of the prize ball generated at the time, the variable display game is continued during that period, and as shown in FIG. 44 (B), after the extended variable display game ends, that is, the prize ball discharge delay processing period A symbol determination signal (start signal) indicating that the stop symbol has been determined after the elapse of T0 is output, and the accurate number of fluctuations in the external information collection device can be grasped.
In the first embodiment, steps A484 to A486 of the variation pattern setting process of FIG. 46 are omitted, and when the first half variation number of step A483 is acquired and prepared, control is performed so that the variation pattern setting process is immediately exited. As a result, when the time is short or the probability is high, as shown in FIG. 44A, a variation display game with a short variation time is executed immediately after the end of the big hit game. 45 is common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

Next, a description will be given of a first example of signals output to an external information collecting apparatus and timing thereof in the present embodiment.
Conventionally, a signal confirming that the stop symbol of the variable display game has been confirmed, and a signal notifying that the variable time shortening function is working (including the power support state for extending the normal power extension) (big hit 2 There is a gaming machine that outputs a signal) to an external information collecting device. However, as shown in FIG. 47A, the conventional gaming machine outputs a symbol determination signal in synchronization with the end of the special symbol variation display game, that is, the symbol stop. Further, as shown in FIG. 47B, the big hit 2 signal is set to the high level only while the variable time shortening function (open extension function) is operating. Further, there is a gaming machine that executes the variable display game of FIG. 2 in preference to the variable display game of FIG. 1, and in such a gaming machine, the special map 2 based on the start-up memory of the special map 2 that occurred in a short time. The variable display game may be continuously executed.

However, if the jackpot 2 signal is set to the high level only while the fluctuation time shortening function (open extension function) is working, the fluctuation display game of the special figure 2 based on the start memory of the special figure 2 generated during the time reduction will be executed after the time reduction. There is a problem that it is counted as a game based on the generated start memory, and accurate information cannot be collected.
Therefore, in the present embodiment (second embodiment), as shown in FIG. 47 (B), the variable display game of the special figure 2 based on the start memory of the special figure 2 generated from the start of the time reduction to the time reduction ends. In the meantime, a signal that becomes a high level (this is referred to as a start state identification signal in this specification) is output.

FIG. 48 shows the procedure of the big hit end process in the second embodiment, and FIGS. 49 and 50 show the procedure of the special figure display process in the second embodiment. Of these, the big hit end process in FIG. 48 replaces FIG. 25 showing the big hit end process in the first embodiment, and the special figure display process in FIGS. 49 and 50 shows the special figure display process in the first embodiment. This is a substitute for FIG.
48 is different from the jackpot end process in FIG. 48 in that the big hit end process in FIG. 48 is preceded by the “start state identification signal and jackpot 2” which is not in the jackpot end process in FIG. Step A645a is added to “turn ON the signal”. Thereby, at the end of the big hit game (special game state), the start state identification signal and the big hit two signals are simultaneously changed to a high level. The change to the low level is performed in a special figure display process described below. The process of step A645a “turns ON the start state identification signal and the jackpot 2 signal” is performed in the process of setting a setting table (steps A644 and A645) for shifting to the special process. It is also possible.

49 and FIG. 50 is different from the special figure display processing in FIG. 21 in FIG. 49 in that the start state identification signal OFF monitoring process including steps A536 to A540 is performed before step A541 in FIG. Steps A558 to A569 as shown in FIG. 50 are provided instead of Steps A556 and A557 shown in FIG. 21 that shift when the special figure 1 is determined not to be a big hit (No) in Step A544. There is in point.
49, first, it is determined whether or not the start state identification signal continuation flag indicates “continuation” (step A536). The start state identification signal is set to “continue” (= 1) in step A567 described later. If it is determined in step A536 that the start state identification signal continuation flag is “continuation” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A537, where the start state identification signal OFF counter prepared in advance is updated (−1), and then It is determined whether or not the counter has reached “0” (step A538). The start state identification signal OFF counter is set to the total value of the number of suspensions (remaining start memory number) of the start port 2 (ordinary variable winning device 37) at the time-short-time end in step A564 described later.

If it is determined in step A538 that the start state identification signal OFF counter has become “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A539, and after the start state identification signal is turned OFF, the start state identification signal is set to “non-continuation” (= 0) (step A540), the process proceeds to step A541. If it is determined in step A536 that the start state identification signal continuation flag is not "continuation" (No), steps A537 to A540 are skipped and the process proceeds to step A541. In step A538, the start state identification signal OFF counter is set. If it is determined that it is not “0” (No), Steps A539 to A540 are skipped and the process proceeds to Step A541.
According to the above processing, the start state identification signal is changed from the high level to the low level when the number of holds in the start port 2 becomes “0”. Since the processing of steps A541 to A555 is the same as the special figure display processing in FIG. 21, detailed description is omitted, but the three jackpot signals for which output is set in steps A545 and A547 are the normal ones. It is a signal indicating a big hit (low probability). In the setting process for shifting to the fanfare / interval process in step A555, a process of clearing the start state identification signal hold flag and the ON counter to “0” is performed.

In step A 558 of FIG. 50, the process proceeds to step A 544 in FIG. 49, where it is determined that the special figure 1 is a big hit (Yes) in step A 544 in FIG. If it is determined that the time is not short (No), the process proceeds to step A569, the setting process 1 for shifting to the special figure normal process is performed, and the special figure display process is exited.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A558 that the time is short (Yes), the process proceeds to step A559, where the number of time reduction fluctuations is updated (−1), and then it is determined whether or not the time reduction fluctuation number has become “0” ( Step A560). Here, if it is determined that the number of time reduction fluctuations is not “0” (No), the process proceeds to step A569, the setting process 1 for shifting to the special figure normal process is performed, and the special figure display process is exited. If it is determined in step A560 that the number of time shortening fluctuations is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A561, where a short-time end probability information command for notifying the effect control device of the probability of short-time end is prepared. . Then, the process (step A562) which sets a command to a transmission buffer in order to transmit this command to an effect control apparatus is performed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of winning prizes stored in the starting port 2 (ordinary variable prize winning device 37) is “0” (step A563). If it is determined in this step A563 that the number stored in the start port 2 is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A564, the start state identification signal is set to OFF and the low level is changed, and then step A567 is performed. Proceed to
On the other hand, if it is determined that the number stored in the starting port 2 is not “0” (step A563; No), the process proceeds to step A565, and the total value of the number of holdings in the starting port 2 is set in the aforementioned start state identification signal OFF counter. Then, “continuation” (= 1) is set to the start state identification signal continuation flag (step A566), and the process proceeds to step A567.

  In step A567, the jackpot 2 signal is set to OFF (off) and changed to a low level, and then setting process 1 (step A568) for shifting to the special figure normal process is performed to exit the special figure display middle process. As a result of the above processing, the jackpot 2 signal is changed to a low level simultaneously with the end of the time reduction, and the start state identification signal continuation flag is set to “continue” (= 1) when the start port 2 is stored at the time end of the time reduction. Thus, the change of the start state identification signal to the low level is postponed. It should be noted that the process of step A567 for turning off the two jackpot signals can also be performed in process 1 (step A568) for setting a setting table for shifting to the special figure normal process.

(Modification)
Next, a modified example of the timing of the signal output to the external information collecting apparatus in the present embodiment will be described.
In the timing example shown in FIG. 47 (B) described above, a signal (two jackpot signals) that informs that the time is short at the same time as the start of the time reduction (including the power support state for extension of the normal transmission) and the start state identification signal Is trying to launch.
As shown in FIG. 51, the timing of this modification is that the big hit 2 signal rises at the same time as the start of the short time, while the start state identification signal changes in the special figure 2 based on the start memory of the special figure 2 at the end of the big hit game. The game is started when the display game ends. Thereby, it is possible to accurately grasp the number of winnings at the starting port (ordinary variable winning device 37) of FIG.

However, even if there is a start memory of FIG. 1 at the end of the big hit game, the variable display game of FIG. 1 based on it is ignored and the start state identification signal is raised. As for special figure 1, special start-up winnings in special figure 1 may occur while executing the variable display game of special figure 2 based on the starting memory of special figure 2 at the end of the big hit game. This is because it is difficult to accurately determine the number of winnings. Further, if the start state identification signal is started at the timing shown by the broken line in FIG. 51, a special feature is newly added while the variable display game of FIG. 1 based on the start memory of FIG. Since the start winning in FIG. 2 may occur, the number of start winnings in FIG. 2 cannot be accurately grasped. However, if the timing is as indicated by the solid line, at least the starting winning number in FIG. 2 can be accurately grasped.
Note that the timing of the fall of the jackpot 2 signal and the start state identification signal is the same as in FIG. 47B. The jackpot 2 signal is lowered at the end of the time reduction, and the start state identification signal remains at the end of the time reduction. 2 is controlled so as to fall when the variable display game of FIG.

52 shows the procedure of the big hit end process in this modification, FIG. 53 shows the procedure of the special figure display process in this modification, and FIG. 54 shows the start state identification signal in the special figure display process of FIG. The procedure of the ON monitoring process is shown. Of these, the jackpot end process in FIG. 52 replaces FIG. 48 showing the jackpot end process in the previous embodiment, and the special figure display process in FIG. 53 replaces FIG. 49 showing the special figure display process in the above embodiment. It is. Note that the latter half flowchart of FIG. 50 is common to the above-described embodiment and the present modification, and thus illustration is omitted.
The big hit end process of FIG. 52 differs from the big hit end process of FIG. 48 in the big hit end process of FIG. 52 instead of “turning ON the start state identification signal and the big hit two signal” in step A645a. In addition to setting the timing for turning on the start state identification signal by providing Steps A645b to A645e that are not included in the jackpot end processing in FIG. is there.

In the big hit end process of FIG. 52, after only the big hit two signal is turned on in step A645a, it is determined whether or not the number of winning prizes stored in the starting port 2 (the starting port in FIG. 2) is “0”. (Step A645b). If it is determined that the number of winning prizes stored at the start port 2 is not “0” (step A645b; No), the process proceeds to step A645c, where the total value of the number of holds at the start port 2 is set in the start state identification signal ON counter. Then, “hold” (= 1) is set in the start state identification signal hold flag (step A645d), and the process proceeds to step A646.
If it is determined in step A645b that the number of winning prizes stored in the start port 2 is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A645e, the start state identification signal is set to ON (on), and the process proceeds to step A646. move on.
As a result of the above processing, the jackpot 2 signal is changed to the high level simultaneously with the end of the jackpot (the start of a short time), and when the start port 2 is stored at the end of the jackpot, the start state identification signal hold flag is set to “hold” ( = 1), the change to the high level of the start state identification signal is postponed, and if the winning memory number of the start port 2 is “0”, the start state identification signal is changed to the high level at the end of the big hit. It will be.

The difference between the special figure display process of FIG. 53 and the special figure display process of FIG. 49 is that the start state identification signal ON monitoring process (step A530) not shown in FIG. The next start state identification signal OFF monitoring process is the same as the process performed in steps A536 to A540 of FIG.
FIG. 54 shows the procedure of the start state identification signal ON monitoring process (step A530) in FIG. In the start state identification signal ON monitoring process of FIG. 54, it is first determined whether or not the start state identification signal hold flag indicates “hold” (step A531). The start state identification signal is set to “pending” (= 1) in the above-described step A645d. If it is determined in step A531 that the start state identification signal continuation flag is “pending” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A532, and the start state identification signal ON counter prepared in advance is updated (−1). It is determined whether or not the counter has reached “0” (step A533). The start state identification signal ON counter is set with the total value of the number of suspensions at the start port 2 at the end of the big hit in the above-described step A645c.

If it is determined in step A533 that the start state identification signal ON counter is “0” (Yes), the process proceeds to step A534, the start state identification signal is set to ON (on), and then the start state identification signal continuation flag is cleared. (= “0”) is performed (step A535), and the process proceeds to the start state identification signal OFF monitoring process of the special chart display process of FIG. Further, when it is determined in step A531 that the start state identification signal continuation flag is not “pending” (step A531; No), or in step A533, the start state identification signal ON counter is not “0” (step A533; No). If it is determined, steps A534 and A535 are skipped, and the process proceeds to the start state identification signal OFF monitoring process in the special figure display process of FIG.
As a result of the above processing, if the start port 2 is stored at the end of the big hit, the start state identification signal continuation flag is set to “pending” (= 1), and the change of the start state identification signal to the high level is postponed. The start state identification signal is changed to a high level when the number of winning prizes stored in the start port 2 becomes “0”.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second example of signals output to an external information collecting apparatus and timing thereof in the second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, on the condition that the start memory does not overflow, a start opening winning signal is output based on the winning of a game ball to the starting opening 1 or 2. In the above-described embodiment, the symbol determination signal is output when the fluctuation of the special figure variation display game is stopped, so that the number of executions of the special figure fluctuation display game can be grasped by counting the signal. Since the figure change display game is executed with a delay based on the start memory, it is impossible to accurately grasp in which gaming state the executed special figure change display game is executed and won. In the second embodiment, on the condition that the start memory has not overflowed, a special opening variation game is selected by outputting a start opening winning signal based on the fact that a game ball has won a winning opening 1 or 2 It becomes possible to accurately grasp whether the game was executed based on the start winning that occurred in the gaming state.

FIG. 55 shows the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process for enabling the output of the start port winning signal as described above, and FIG. 56 shows the procedure of the special chart start port switch common process executed in the monitoring process. An example is shown. 55 is a process executed in step A1 of the special game process shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 55, in the start port switch monitoring process, first, after preparing a table for setting information on hold by the first start port (start winning prize port 36) (step A111), the special view start port switch is common. Processing (step A112) is performed.
Next, it is determined whether or not the ordinary electric winning component (ordinary variation winning device 37) is in operation, that is, whether or not the ordinary variation winning device 37 is activated and the game ball can be won (step). A113).

Here, when it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory is operating (step A113; Yes), the process proceeds to step A116, and the subsequent processes are performed.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A113 that the normal electric accessory is not in operation (No), it is checked whether the number of fraudulent winnings to the normal variable winning device 37 is equal to or greater than the fraud occurrence determination number (step A114). ), Whether or not the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud occurrence determination (step A115). The normal variation winning device 37 cannot win a game ball in the closed state, and can win a game ball only in the open state. Therefore, when the game ball wins in the closed state, it is a case where some abnormality or fraud occurs, and when there is a game ball won in such a closed state, the number is counted as an illegal winning number. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of illegal winnings thus counted is equal to or greater than a predetermined fraud occurrence determination number (upper limit value).

If it is determined in step A115 that the number of fraudulent winnings is not equal to or greater than the number of fraud determinations (step A115; No), after preparing a table for setting information on hold by the second starting port (ordinary variable winning device 37) ( Step A116), special figure starting port switch common processing (step A117) is performed, and the starting port switch monitoring processing is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step A115 that the number of fraudulent winnings is equal to or greater than the number of fraud determinations (step A115; Yes), the start port switch monitoring process is terminated. That is, the second start memory is not generated any more.

Next, details of the special-purpose start port switch common process (steps A112 and A117) in the start port switch monitoring process will be described.
The special figure start port switch common process is a process performed in common for each input when there is an input from the start port 1 switch 36a or the start port 2 switch 37a.
As shown in FIG. 56, in the special drawing start port switch common process, first, of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, an input is made to the monitored start port switch (for example, the start port 1 switch 36a). Is checked (step A201), and it is determined whether or not there is an input to the monitored start port switch (step A202). In step A202, when it is determined that there is no input to the start port switch to be monitored (step A202; No), the special figure start port switch common process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A202 that there is an input to the monitored start port switch (step A202; Yes), after saving the start port winning flag of the monitored start port switch (step A203), The extracted big hit random number is loaded into the monitored hard random number latch register and prepared (step A204).
Next, among the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a, the number of special figure reservations (starting memory) to be updated corresponding to the monitored starting port switch (for example, the starting port 1 switch 36a) is less than the upper limit value. Is checked (step A205), and it is determined whether or not the special figure hold count is less than the upper limit value (step A206).

If it is determined in step A206 that the number of special figure hold is not less than the upper limit (No), it is checked whether the input of the start port switch related to step A202 is the input of the start port 1 switch 36a (step A207). ), It is determined whether or not the input is the start port 1 switch 36a (step A208).
If it is determined in step A208 that the input of the start port 1 switch 36a is (Yes), a decoration special figure hold number command (hold overflow command) is prepared (step A209), and the command is sent to the effect control device. The command setting process (step A210) for transmitting to is performed, and the special figure start port switch common process is terminated. If it is determined in step A208 that the start port 1 switch 36a is not input (No), steps A209 and A210 are skipped, and the special-purpose start port switch common process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A206 that the number of special figure hold is less than the upper limit (Yes), the process proceeds to step A211 to load the start port signal output count and then update the start port signal output count ( +1) and checks whether the number of outputs overflows (step A212), and determines whether the number of outputs overflows (step A213).
If it is determined in step A213 that the number of outputs does not overflow (No), the updated value is saved in the start signal output number area of the RWM (step A214), and then the process proceeds to step A215. To do. On the other hand, if it is determined in step A213 that the number of outputs has overflowed (Yes), step A214 is skipped and the process proceeds to step A215.

In step A215, the number of reserved start drawings for the target start prize is updated (+1), and the start port switch to be monitored (for example, the start port 1 switch 36a) of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is updated. After the decoration special figure hold number command (MODE) is prepared (step A216), the decoration special figure hold number command (ACTION) corresponding to the special figure hold number is prepared (step A217), and the command setting process (step A218). I do.
Thereafter, the address of the random number save area corresponding to the special figure hold number is calculated (step A219), and the big hit random number is saved in the big hit random number save area of the RWM (step A220). Next, the big hit symbol random number of the start port switch to be monitored is extracted and prepared (step A221), and saved in the big hit symbol random number saving area of the RWM (step A222).

Next, the corresponding variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 are extracted and saved in the save area of each random number of the RWM (steps A223, A224, A225), and the special figure hold information determination process (step A226) is performed to start the special figure The mouth switch common processing is terminated.
By executing the processing as described above, a random number for determining the variation pattern is set, and the game ball is won at the start port 1 or 2 on the condition that the start memory does not overflow. A start opening winning signal can be output. As a result, the information collecting device that has received the start opening winning signal can accurately grasp in which gaming state the special figure variation display game is executed based on the starting winning. .

From the above description, in the above embodiment,
A start memory for storing, as a start memory, the right to execute a variable display game that displays a plurality of pieces of identification information in a variable manner based on the winning of a game ball in the start area (start winning port 36, normal variable winning device 37). Means (RAM 111C);
Game control means (100) for deriving the corresponding variable display game as a special result and generating a special game state advantageous to the player when the random value stored in correspondence with the start-up memory is a specific value )
The game control means includes
When a special result is derived in the variable display game, control is performed to generate a specific gaming state over a predetermined period,
Each time the variable display game is stopped, a predetermined symbol confirmation signal indicating that the variable display game has been stopped is output, and the variable display game that has output the symbol determination signal is in the specific gaming state. Alternatively, it can be seen that the present invention includes an invention configured to output a state identification signal that makes it possible to specify which of the periods other than the specific gaming state is due to winning.

Here, the “starting area” includes not only paying out a prize ball in accordance with winning a prize but also one not paying out a prize ball. In addition, “special gaming state” means a gaming state such as a big hit cycle game, and “specific gaming state” means a state or variation in which the probability that a special result is derived in a variable display game is higher than usual. It means a state in which the execution time of the display game is shorter than usual.
According to the invention with the above configuration, the symbol determination signal output based on the state identification signal is due to a variable display game by winning in any period of a specific gaming state or a period other than the specific gaming state. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately count the number of effective winnings generated during a specific gaming state by the information collecting device (external device).

In the above embodiment,
The start area includes a first start winning area (start winning port 36), a second start that can be converted into a first state in which a game ball is difficult to win and a second state in which a game ball is easy to win. There is a winning area (ordinary variable winning device 37),
The game control means (100)
First winning storage means (RAM 111C) capable of storing as a starting memory up to a predetermined upper limit number of winning game balls to the first starting winning area;
A second winning storage means (RAM 111C) capable of storing as a starting memory up to a predetermined upper limit number of winning game balls in the second starting winning area;
First execution control means (CPU 111A) for performing execution control of the first variable display game based on the start memory stored in the first winning storage means;
Second execution control means (CPU 111A) for performing execution control of the second variable display game based on the start memory stored in the second prize storage means,
When starting memory is stored in the first prize storage means and the second prize storage means, the execution control by the second execution control means is executed in preference to the execution control by the first execution control means,
When a special result is derived in the first variation display game or the second variation display game, the second start winning area is set as the specific gaming state over a predetermined period after the end of the special gaming state. Control to generate a specific gaming state that makes it easy to convert the game ball to the second state where it is easy to win a game ball,
Starting the output of the state identification signal in response to the start of the specific gaming state,
When the specific gaming state ends, if no start memory is stored in the second winning storage means, the output of the state identification signal is stopped with the end of the specific gaming state,
When the specific game state ends, if the start memory is stored in the second prize storage means, the second variable display game corresponding to the start memory stored in the second prize storage means The present invention includes an invention in which the output of the state identification signal is continued until all the operations are completed.

  According to this invention, when the start memory is stored in the second winning storage means when the specific gaming state is ended, the state identification signal is output until all the second variation display games corresponding to the start memory are ended. When the first start winning area and the second starting winning area are provided, and two types of variable display games are executed based on the winning of game balls in the respective winning areas. Even so, the information collecting device (external device) can more accurately count the number of effective winnings generated during a specific gaming state.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment,
The game control means (100)
When starting the specific gaming state, if no start memory is stored in the second winning storage means, the output of the state identification signal is started when the specific gaming state is started,
When starting the specific gaming state, if the start memory is stored in the second prize storage means (RAM 111C), the second corresponding to the start memory stored in the second prize storage means. The present invention includes an invention in which the output of the state identification signal is started when all of the variable display games are finished.

  And according to this invention, when the start memory is stored in the second prize storage means when starting the specific gaming state, at the time when all the second variation display games corresponding to the start memory are completed. Since the output of the state identification signal is started, the first start winning area and the second starting winning area are provided, and two types of variable display games are executed based on the winning of the game ball in each winning area. Even in such a case, it is possible to more accurately count the number of effective winnings generated during a specific gaming state by the information collecting device (external device).

[External information terminal board]
Next, an external information terminal board as a relay terminal board on which an external information signal and an external information terminal 71 (see FIG. 3) for outputting the signal in the gaming machine of the second embodiment are mounted will be described.
In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, as an external information signal from the game control device (main board) 100 on which the gaming microcomputer is mounted to the external information collecting device,
A: Door / frame open / security signal E: Big hit 1 signal B: Main prize ball signal F: Big hit 2 signal C: Start opening prize signal G: Big hit 3 signal D: Symbol confirmation signal H: 8 big hit signals It is possible to output a signal.

Of the above signals, the door / frame open / security signal A indicates that a fraud or game caused by a magnet is detected when the detection switch 63 or 64 detects that the glass frame 15 as the front frame or the front frame 12 as the game frame has been opened. This signal is output when 256 msec has elapsed since the initialization switch of the RAM was turned on when the magnetic sensor switch 61 or the vibration sensor switch 62 detected that there was an irregularity such as shaking the machine.
The main prize ball signal B is a signal that is output by one pulse (128 msec) every time 10 prize balls are to be paid out by the payout control device 200, and the start opening prize signal C is a game at the start opening (36 or 37). Each time the start switch 36a, 37a detects that the ball has won a prize, a signal that is output by one pulse (128 ms), and the symbol determination signal D is output by one pulse (128 ms) every time the special figure variation display game is stopped. Signal.
The jackpot 1 signal E is a signal that is output during all jackpot games, the jackpot 2 signal F is a signal that is output while the open extension function (electric support, etc.) is activated, and the jackpot 3 signal G is a normal probability (low probability) ) Is a signal output during a big hit game of 16R (round) with many balls.

When all of the above eight types of information signals can be output to an external information collecting device, as shown in FIG. 57 (A), the end of the signal line is inserted into the external information terminal board 710 as a relay terminal board. There are provided eight connection terminals 71a to 71h for coupling at the same time. However, when an external information collection device collects information on gaming machines, it is rare to collect all the above eight types of information, and usually about six types of information are often collected. Therefore, in the external information terminal board 710 having the configuration as shown in FIG. 57A, there is a problem that the area of the board becomes large because connection terminals are required for the number of signals.
In FIG. 57, reference numeral 72 denotes a connector to which a signal line for transmitting an external information signal output from the game control device (main board) 100 is connected, and reference numerals 73a to 73h are attached. Is a photocoupler for removing electrical noise from the transmitted external information signal.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 58, signal selection provided with slide switches 74A and 74B that allows any two signals to be selected and output from the big hit 1 signal E to the big hit 4 signal H. A container 75 was provided. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 57B, the number of connection terminals provided on the external information terminal board 710 can be reduced from 8 to 6, and the area of the external information terminal board 710 as a relay terminal board can be reduced. Can be reduced.
Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 58, as the slide switches 74A and 74B, interlocking slide switches capable of simultaneously moving two sets of contacts are used. Specifically, for example, when the selection knob is slid so as to short-circuit the contact a3 of the contacts a1 to a4 of the slide switch 74A, the corresponding contact b3 of the contacts b1 to b4 is also short-circuited. As shown in FIG. 58, when the selection knob is slid so as to short-circuit the contact a1 of the contacts a1 to a4 of the slide switch 74B, the corresponding contact b1 of the contacts b1 to b4 is also short-circuited.

  In the case of FIG. 58, the collector terminal of the receiving side transistor of the photocoupler 73e that transmits the jackpot 1 signal E is connected to the contact a1 of the slide switches 74A and 74B, and the photocoupler 73e that transmits the jackpot 1 signal E to the contact b1. The emitter terminals of the receiving transistors are connected. The contact terminal a2 of the slide switches 74A and 74B is connected to the collector terminal of the receiving side transistor of the photocoupler 73f for transmitting the big hit 2 signal F, and the receiving side of the photocoupler 73f for transmitting the big hit 2 signal F to the contact b2. The emitter terminal of the transistor is connected.

Similarly, the contact terminal a3 of the slide switches 74A and 74B is the collector terminal of the receiving side transistor of the photocoupler 73g that transmits the big hit 3 signal G, and the receiving side transistor of the photocoupler 73gb that sends the big hit 3 signal G to the contact b3. Is connected to the contact a4 of the slide switches 74A and 74B, the collector terminal of the receiving side transistor of the photocoupler 73h that transmits the big hit 4 signal H, and the contact b4 that transmits the big hit 4 signal H. The emitter terminal of the receiving side transistor of the coupler 73h is connected.
ing.
Therefore, when a selection as shown in FIG. 58 is made, the big hit 3 signal G is output to the outside from the slide switch 74A, and the big hit 1 signal E is output to the outside by the slide switch 74B. Further, by changing the position of the contact point where the slide switches 74A and 74B are short-circuited, any two signals out of the big hit 1 signal E to the big hit 4 signal H can be selected and output.

FIG. 59 shows an example of the configuration of a signal receiving circuit on the side of the external information collecting device that receives the external information signal selected and output as described above.
As shown in FIG. 59 (A), the signal receiving circuit transmitted through the photocoupler 73 is configured such that one signal line is connected to the power supply voltage terminal Vcc via the pull-up resistor Ru and the other signal is connected. A pull-up method in which a line is connected to the ground point GND to detect a signal by detecting a voltage change generated in the pull-up resistor Ru, and as shown in FIG. 59B, one signal line is connected to the power supply voltage terminal Vcc. There is a pull-down method in which the other signal line is connected to a ground point GND through a pull-down resistor Rd to detect a voltage change occurring in the pull-down resistor Rd and discriminate the signal.

When an interlocking slide switch as shown in FIG. 58 is used, the signal receiving circuit on the side of the external information collecting device that receives the external information signal can be either the pull-up method or the pull-down method. Yes. Therefore, an external information terminal board corresponding to the case where the signal receiving circuit on the information collecting apparatus side is a pull-up type and an external information terminal board corresponding to the case where the signal receiving circuit on the information collecting apparatus side is a pull-down type are prepared in advance. There is an advantage that the cost can be reduced as compared with the case of designing as a separate external information terminal board (relay terminal board).
When the signal receiving circuit on the information collecting device side is limited to the pull-up system, it is not a linked type, and as shown in FIG. 60, it is common to connect the emitter of the receiving transistor to a common ground point. A slide switch may be used. Similarly, when the signal receiving circuit on the information collecting apparatus side is limited to the pull-down method, a slide switch that connects the collector of the receiving transistor to the common power supply terminal can be used.

From the above description, in the above embodiment,
Control means (game control means 100, effect control device 300);
In a gaming machine comprising a relay terminal board (external information terminal board 710) for relaying an external information signal output from the control means to the outside of the gaming machine,
The relay terminal plate is provided with output signal selection means (slide switches 74A and 74B) for selecting a signal to be output to the outside of the gaming machine from among a plurality of external information signals transmitted from the control means to the relay terminal plate. It can be seen that the invention as described above is included.
And according to this invention, since the signal output to the outside of the gaming machine can be selected by the output signal selection means, the increase in the number of external terminals for outputting the external information signal increases the size of the relay terminal board. Can be prevented.

In the above embodiment,
The signal output to the outside is a signal transmitted as a positive or negative potential with respect to a reference potential (Vcc / GND),
The output signal selection means (slide switches 74A and 74B) include setting means (operation knob) that can be selected and set from the outside, and a signal line that transmits the reference potential and a positive or negative potential with respect to the reference potential. A plurality of contact pairs that can be electrically connected / disconnected, and when one of the contacts (a1 to a4) is selectively connected by the setting means, the other contact (b1 to b4) paired with the contact Are configured to be selectively connected in conjunction with each other.
According to this invention, since the paired contacts are selectively connected in conjunction with each other, the device that receives the external information signal output from the relay terminal plate can be used as a signal with either the power supply voltage or the ground potential as a reference potential. Even if it is the structure which receives, since a signal can be received, cost can be reduced compared with the case where it designs as a separate relay terminal board.

In the above embodiment,
The control means (game control means 100, effect control device 300)
A starting storage means (RAM 111C) is provided that stores a right to execute a variable display game that displays a plurality of pieces of identification information based on a winning of a game ball in the starting area as a starting memory with a predetermined number as an upper limit,
When the random number stored in correspondence with the start-up memory is a specific value, the corresponding variable display game is derived as a special result and a special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated.
When a special result is derived in the variable display game, control is performed to generate a specific gaming state over a predetermined period,
As the external information signal, at least every time the variable display game stops, a symbol determination signal indicating that the variable display game has stopped and a variable display game that has output the symbol determination signal are in a specific gaming state. A state identification signal that makes it possible to specify whether the winning is during a period other than the middle or specific gaming state is output to the relay terminal board (external information terminal board 710),
The output signal selection means (slide switches 74A and 74B) includes an invention configured to output both the symbol determination signal and the state identification signal to the outside of the gaming machine.

Here, the “starting area” includes not only paying out a prize ball in accordance with winning a prize but also one not paying out a prize ball. In addition, “special gaming state” means a gaming state such as a big hit cycle game, and “specific gaming state” means a state or variation in which the probability that a special result is derived in a variable display game is higher than usual. It means a state in which the execution time of the display game is shorter than usual.
According to the invention as described above, the symbol determination signal output based on the state identification signal is based on the variable display game by winning in any period of the specific gaming state or the period other than the specific gaming state. Since it can be specified, the number of effective winnings generated in a specific gaming state can be counted more accurately by the information collecting device (external device).
In the embodiment, an external information signal is output from the game control device. However, a signal indicating information related to the game (external information) may be output from the effect control device.

Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine provided with the first special variable prize winning device (upper university prize opening) 38 and the second special variable prize winning device (lower university prize opening) 39 has been described. It is also possible to apply to a gaming machine provided with a special variable winning device.
The above gaming machine is the first invention,
A variable prize device that can be converted into an open state and a closed state, and has a specific area through which the received game ball can pass, and a regulating member that can regulate the flow of the game ball to the specific area;
Random numbers are extracted based on the passing of the game ball to the starting area, and when the random number extraction result is a predetermined result, a special game is executed that converts the variable winning device from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time. A gaming machine comprising:
The game control means includes
As the special game, it is possible to execute a first control for converting the variable prize apparatus from the closed state to an open state for a predetermined time, or a second control for converting the open state to an open state for a shorter time than the first control,
Corresponding to the fact that the variable winning device is converted to the open state, the control ball is controlled so that a game ball won in the variable winning device cannot pass through the specific area. Control to convert from to passable state,
The conversion control mode of the restriction member is the same between the case where the variable winning device is converted to the open state by the first control and the case where the variable winning device is converted to the open state by the second control. Features.
Here, the “specific region” means a region that gives a condition that the passing of a game ball shifts to a state (probability variation state) in which the probability that a random number extraction result is a predetermined result is higher than normal.
According to the first invention, since the operation of the restricting member is the same regardless of whether the variable winning device is converted to the open state by the first control or the open state by the second control, the variable winning device is the same. In each case where the control is converted by the first control and the second control, it is not necessary to check whether the regulating member operates correctly, so that the inspection can be performed efficiently.
The second invention is the gaming machine of the first invention described above,
The game control means includes
A timer that counts the elapsed time from any point in time;
A storage device storing a data table for controlling the restriction member;
With
In the data table, it is specified whether the restricting member is in a state in which a game ball that has won a prize in the variable winning device cannot pass through the specific area or is allowed to pass through. Possible data and
A timer value defined in correspondence with the data, and
The game control means includes
When the control member is controlled, the same data table is used when the variable winning device is converted to the open state by the first control and when it is converted to the open state by the second control. It is characterized by doing so.
According to the second invention, the regulation member is controlled using the same data table in the case where the variable winning device is converted to the open state by the first control and the case where the variable winning device is converted to the open state by the second control. Since it did in this way, the capacity | capacitance of the memory | storage device (memory) which memorize | stores a program can be saved.
The third invention is the gaming machine of the second invention described above,
The game control means includes
While performing control to monitor whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area,
By controlling the number of game balls won in the variable prize apparatus and the number of game balls discharged from the variable prize apparatus, control is performed to monitor the presence or absence of game balls remaining in the variable prize apparatus.
When the variable winning device has been converted to the open state, the variable winning device is opened on condition that a prescribed number of game balls have won a prize or a predetermined opening time has passed. From the state to the closed state,
In response to the fact that the variable winning device is converted from the open state to the closed state, a predetermined effective time is set, and monitoring whether the predetermined effective time has passed,
If a game ball remains in the variable winning device, even if the game ball passes through the specific area until the predetermined valid time has elapsed, an abnormality notification is not made.
When there is no game ball remaining in the variable winning device, an abnormality notification is given when the game ball passes through the specific area even before the predetermined valid time has elapsed. It is characterized by.
According to the third invention, the predetermined winning time is set according to the fact that the variable winning device is converted from the open state to the closed state, and whether the predetermined effective time has passed is monitored. If the game ball does not remain in the game, the abnormality notification is made when the game ball passes through the specific area even before the predetermined effective time has elapsed. In a gaming machine that generates a specific gaming state in response to passing, an illegal ball with a thread attached to the game ball is retained between the discharge area and the specific area, and is provided in the specific area by manipulating the thread. When an illegal act that causes the ball detecting means to react to generate a specific gaming state is performed, an abnormality notification is made, and thus such an illegal act can be prevented.
A fourth invention is the gaming machine of the third invention described above,
In the portion for guiding the winning game ball of the variable winning device, a window portion is provided to make the inside visible from the front,
The game control means includes
While counting the number of game balls won in the variable prize apparatus, and by counting the number of game balls discharged from the variable prize apparatus, to control the presence or absence of game balls remaining in the variable prize apparatus,
When the game ball does not win the variable winning device, the conversion control of the restricting member is performed for a predetermined time in response to the variable winning device being converted to the open state,
When a game ball is won in the variable winning device, the conversion control of the regulating member is continuously performed after the predetermined time has elapsed while the game ball remains in the variable winning device, The conversion control of the restricting member is stopped on condition that all the game balls remaining in the variable winning device are discharged.
According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the portion where the regulation member of the variable prize apparatus is disposed is provided with the window portion that allows the regulation member to be visually recognized from the front. In addition, it is possible to reliably recognize that the game ball remains in the variable winning device, and when the game ball has won the variable winning device, while the game ball remains in the variable winning device, Since the conversion control of the restricting member is continuously performed after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is possible to prevent the game ball that has flowed into the variable winning device from stopping.
A fifth invention is the gaming machine of the fourth invention described above,
The game control means includes
As the special game, it is possible to repeatedly execute the first control for converting the variable prize apparatus from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time, or the second control for converting to the open state for a shorter time than the first control,
When the timer starts counting in response to the winning of a game ball in the variable winning device, and when the timer has expired, the gaming ball in which the game ball has won is not discharged to the variable winning device Has a function to notify the abnormality by judging that the discharge is abnormal,
The variable winning device is characterized in that the discharge abnormality is not determined in the first control but the discharge abnormality is determined in the second control.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the game control means does not make a determination of abnormal discharge during the first control period during which the game ball is highly likely to win the variable winning device. The time during which the variable winning device is closed in the game can be shortened, and the special game can be advanced promptly.

10 Gaming machines (Pachinko machines)
32 Game Area 38 First Special Variable Prize Winner (Variable Prize Winner, Kamidai Prize Winner)
39 Second Special Variable Prize Winner (Variable Prize Winner, Shimodai Prize Exit)
393b Specific area 393d Discharge trough (discharge area)
395 Shutter (first regulating member)
396 Shutter (second regulating member)
39a Grand prize opening count switch (ball detection means)
39c Probability change area switch (ball detection means)
39d Passage port switch (ball detection means)
39e Afterimage sphere outlet switch (ball detection means)
100 Game control device (game control means, game ball counting means, abnormality notification means)
111B ROM (storage means)

Claims (1)

A variable prize device that can be converted into an open state and a closed state, and has a specific area through which the received game ball can pass, and a regulating member that can regulate the flow of the game ball to the specific area;
Extracting a random basis to the passage of the game ball into the starter region, when the extracted person random number determining result is predetermined result, special for converting the variation winning device only open state for a predetermined time period from the closed state In a gaming machine comprising a game control means for executing a game,
The game control means includes
As the special game, it is possible to execute a first control for converting the variable prize apparatus from the closed state to an open state for a predetermined time, or a second control for converting the open state to an open state for a shorter time than the first control,
Corresponding to the fact that the variable winning device is converted to the open state, the control ball is controlled so that a game ball won in the variable winning device cannot pass through the specific area. Control to convert from to passable state,
And when the variation winning device is converted to an open state by said first control, in the case of being converted by the second control to the open state, the conversion control aspects of the regulation member is controlled to be equal,
While performing control to monitor whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area,
By controlling the number of game balls won in the variable prize apparatus and the number of game balls discharged from the variable prize apparatus, the presence or absence of game balls remaining in the variable prize apparatus is monitored,
When the variable winning device is converted to the open state, the variable winning device is opened in the open state on condition that a predetermined number of game balls have won the variable winning device or a predetermined opening time has elapsed. To the closed state,
In response to the fact that the variable winning device is converted from the open state to the closed state, a predetermined effective time is set, and monitoring whether the predetermined effective time has passed,
If a game ball remains in the variable winning device, even if the game ball passes through the specific area until the predetermined valid time has elapsed, an abnormality notification is not made.
When there is no game ball remaining in the variable winning device, an abnormality notification is given when the game ball passes through the specific area even before the predetermined valid time has elapsed. A gaming machine characterized by

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