JP6532501B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine provided with a payout device for gaming balls.

  For example, a so-called pachinko gaming machine is known as a gaming machine for playing a game using gaming balls. In such pachinko gaming machines, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out by the payout device when the game balls fired in the game area win in the starting opening, large winning opening, general winning opening, etc. .

  Conventionally, as a pachinko game machine of this type, a sprocket as a game ball control means rotated by a stepping motor, a ball supply passage for supplying game balls from a storage tank at the top of the game machine to the sprocket, and a ball supply passage. It is equipped with a passage ball cut switch that detects whether or not the ball is out of the game ball, and a slit sensor that detects the rotational position of the sprocket by detecting the detection slit of the slit member fixed to the rotary shaft of the sprocket. There is known one equipped with a dispensing device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The pachinko gaming machine described in this patent document 1 is configured to execute a retry operation for canceling the bite when a so-called bite occurs in which the gaming ball bites into a sprocket in the payout device. . This retry operation is to control the excitation and non-excitation of the stepping motor according to the detection state of the slit sensor to eliminate the bite of the ball.

JP 2003-205146 A

  In recent years, with pachinko gaming machines, the need to save space in the casing of the gaming machine has increased with the increase in the size of display devices, etc., and the recycling of components has been promoted for the purpose of environmental preservation and part cost reduction. There is also a need to For this reason, reduction of the number of parts and simplification of components are desired from the viewpoint of space saving, recycling, etc. described above.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of making the configuration of the gaming machine simple and inexpensive.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention passes through a first passage (first and second ball supply passages 171A and 171B) through which game media can pass, and the inside of the first passage. First detecting means (first and second 15-ball collateral switches 172A and 172B) for detecting game media to be played, and moving means (for moving the game media having passed through the first passage to the second passage) The first and second sprockets 173A, 173B), a drive means (dispense motor 174) for driving the moving means, a drive control means (payout CPU 301) for controlling the drive of the drive means, and the moving means Second detection means (first and second counting switches 181A, 181B) for detecting gaming media moved to the second passage, and condition that predetermined payout (rental, winning balls) conditions are established Said transfer A payout amount determination means (main control circuit 70 and card unit 150) for determining the payout amount, which is the number of gaming media moved through the means, and the total of the payout amounts determined by the payout amount determination means Drive amount determination means for determining the payout amount of gaming media to be moved by one drive of the drive means at a predetermined value (15 balls) as the upper limit, and for determining the drive amount of the drive means according to the payout amount (The payout CPU 301), and the drive control means starts the home point adjustment control for driving the moving means when the predetermined condition is satisfied (when the home point adjustment flag is set to 1). It is capable of performing the origin adjustment control until the game medium is detected by said second detecting means repeats a predetermined period stops driving and該駆movement of said drive means, said origin adjustment control, the predetermined After the condition is established, the first game medium to be paid out according to the payout amount is used, and the drive amount set by the drive amount determination unit after the completion of the origin adjustment control is during execution of the origin adjustment control. wherein the number of detected game medium by the second detection means, Ri driving amount der according to the number of one game medium subtracted from the payout amount of game media to be moved by the drive of the drive means, the The fixed period includes at least a holding period for holding the attitude of the moving means and a cooling period for cooling the driving means, and during the holding period, a current applied to the driving means is supplied to the driving means. The current during driving is maintained, and during the cooling period, the current applied to the driving means is switched to a current lower than the current during driving of the driving means .

With this configuration, the gaming machine according to the present invention determines the payout amount of gaming media to be moved by one drive according to the total payout amount as a predetermined value as the upper limit, and the driving amount according to the payout amount. It has a drive amount determination means to determine, and can perform origin adjustment control until a game medium is detected by the second detection means, and the origin adjustment control is initially paid out according to the payout amount after a predetermined condition is satisfied. The driving amount set after completion of the home position adjustment control is the number of game media detected by the second detection means during execution of the home position adjustment control as one driving Since the drive amount corresponds to the number of game media subtracted from the payout amount of the game media to be moved by drive, it is possible to control including the payout during origin adjustment , and the configuration of the gaming machine is simple and low cost It can be done.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of making the configuration of the gaming machine simple and inexpensive.

It is a figure showing a functional flow of a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board of the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the payout unit in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a front view which shows the structure of the winning ball case unit of the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit random number determination table (at the time of 1st starting opening prize winning) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit random number determination table (at the time of 2nd starting opening prize winning) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit symbol random number determination table (at the time of a 1st starting opening prize winning) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit symbol random number determination table (at the time of 2nd starting opening prize winning) in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the big hit type determination table in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern determination table in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation production table in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the main control main processing performed by main CPU in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol control processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol memory check processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol determination processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol change time management processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol display time management processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special symbol display time management processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of big hit start interval management processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of big hit end interval processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the normal symbol control processing in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the system timer interruption process performed by main CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the switch input detection process in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of starting opening passage detection processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the subcontrol main process performed by sub CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of command analysis processing in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the sub control circuit interruption process performed by sub CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the power activation process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the main processing performed by payout CPU in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the system timer interrupt process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detection processing with a collateral ball with which it is performed by the payout CPU in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the collateral ball absence detection process performed by the payout CPU in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the count switch detection process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the motor start-up waiting process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of motor starting initialization processing performed by payout CPU in a pachinko machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart which shows an excitation system of a payout motor in a pachinko game machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart regarding reception of prize ball control data of a payout control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart regarding transmission of payout error information data by the payout control circuit in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the communication form between the main control circuit in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a payout control circuit. It is a timing chart at the time of error information transmission by a payout control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the synthesis | combining method of the error information in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the alerting | reporting aspect of the error information in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart of origin adjustment control using a prize ball control process by a payout control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart of origin adjustment retry operation after origin adjustment incompleteness using a prize ball control process by a payout control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart of basic payout operation of a prize ball control processing by a payout control circuit in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the excitation data according to the drop request | requirement number in basic payout operation | movement of the prize ball control processing by the payout control circuit in the pachinko gaming machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart when a retry operation is required during the basic payout operation of the prize ball control processing by the payout control circuit in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows the delivery state alerting display apparatus in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart at the time of the error occurrence of overpayment in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart at the time of error occurrence of a dispensing ball clogging in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart when an error occurs in the lower tray full in the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart when a payout motor abnormality occurs in a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart regarding reception processing of the payout control circuit at the time of a power failure of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the structure of the winning ball case unit of the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the system timer interrupt process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the count switch detection process performed by payment CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the motor drive process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the origin adjustment excitation data setting process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the count switch detection process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko game machine which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the motor start-up waiting process performed by payout CPU in the pachinko gaming machine which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of motor starting initialization processing performed by payout CPU in a pachinko game machine concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and various operations of a pachinko gaming machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 56, a pachinko gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[Function flow]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional flow of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  The pachinko game, as shown in FIG. 1, is a game in which a game ball is fired by the user's operation, and when the game ball wins various prizes, payout control processing of the game ball is performed. In addition, the pachinko game includes a special symbol game using a special symbol and an ordinary symbol game using an ordinary symbol.

  When a "big hit" in a special symbol game or a normal symbol game results in a "hit", the possibility that the game ball will win is relatively increased, and the game ball payout control processing is easily performed. Become.

  In addition, for various winnings, special symbol start winning which is one condition for performing variable display of special symbol in special symbol game, and one condition for performing variable display of normal symbol in normal symbol game It also includes a certain normal symbol start winning game.

  Note that "variable display" as used in the present specification is a concept that can be displayed in a variable manner, for example, "variation display" that is actually displayed as it is changed, or "stop display that is actually stopped and displayed. And so on.

  In "variable display", for example, "derivative display" can be performed in which a special symbol (identification information) is displayed as a result of the special symbol game. That is, in the present specification, the operation from the start of the “variable display” to the “derivative display” is referred to as one “variable display”.

  Hereinafter, an outline of the processing flow of the special symbol game and the normal symbol game will be described.

(1) When there is a special symbol starting winning in the special symbol game, the random number value (the big hit determination random number value and the symbol determination random number value) is extracted and extracted from the big hit determination counter and the symbol determination counter, respectively. The respective random number values are stored (refer to the flow of the special symbol start winning process in the special symbol game shown in FIG. 1).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the special symbol control process during the special symbol game, it is first determined whether a condition for starting variable display of the special symbol is established. In this determination processing, it is referred to whether or not the random number value is stored by the special symbol start winning, and the condition to start the variable display of the special symbol is established with the random number value stored as one condition. judge.

  Next, when the variable display of the special symbol is started, the jackpot determination random number value extracted from the jackpot determination counter is referred to, and the jackpot determination of whether or not to make the "big hit" is performed. Thereafter, stop symbol determination processing is performed. In this processing, the symbol determination random number value extracted from the symbol determination counter and the result of the above-described big hit determination are referred to, and the special symbol to be displayed in a stopped state is determined.

  Next, a fluctuation pattern determination process is performed. In this process, a random number value is extracted from the fluctuation pattern determination counter, and the random pattern value, the result of the above-described big hit determination, and the special symbol to be displayed for stop described above are referenced to determine the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol.

  Next, an effect pattern determination process is performed. In this process, random number values are extracted from the effect pattern determination counter, and the random number values, the result of the above-described big hit determination, the special symbol to be displayed in the stop mentioned above, and the variation pattern of the special symbol mentioned above are referred to. The effect pattern to be executed along with the variable display of the special symbol is determined.

  Next, a variable display control process for controlling the variable display of the special symbol with reference to the special symbol to be stopped and displayed, the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the effect pattern accompanying the variable display of the special symbol as a result of the determined big hit determination. And, production control processing which performs specified production is executed.

  Then, when the variable display control process and the effect display control process are finished, it is determined whether or not the "big hit" is to be made. In this determination process, when it is determined that the "big hit" has been made, a big hit game control process for playing a big hit game is executed. In the big hit game, the possibility of the various winnings mentioned above increases. On the other hand, when it is determined that the "big hit" has not been made, the big hit game control process is not executed.

  If it is determined that the "big hit" has not been made, or if the big hit game control process has ended, a game state transition control process is performed to shift the game state. In this gaming state transition control process, management of the gaming state at the normal time which is different from the big hit gaming state is performed.

  As the gaming state at the normal time, for example, in the above-described jackpot determination, the gaming state in which the probability of being determined as a "big hit" increases (hereinafter referred to as "probability variation gaming state") or special symbol start winning is easily obtained The gaming state (hereinafter referred to as "time-saving gaming state") and the like can be mentioned. Thereafter, it is determined again whether or not to start the variable display of the special symbol, and thereafter, the various types of processing of the special symbol control processing described above are repeated.

  In the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the game ball gets a start prize during the variable display of the special symbol, various data (big hit determination random number value, symbol determination random number value) acquired at the start prize combination. Etc.) is put on hold.

  That is, when the game ball wins a starting prize during the variation display of the special symbol, the variable display (variation display) of the special symbol corresponding to the starting prize is suspended, and after the variation display of the special symbol currently being executed is ended. Variable display of the special symbol held is started. Below, the variable display of the special symbol held is also referred to as a "holding ball".

  In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment, as described later, two types of special symbol start winnings (first start opening winning and second starting opening winning) are provided, and a maximum of 4 for each special symbol starting winning You can get the number of holding balls. That is, in the present embodiment, a maximum of eight holding balls can be acquired.

  Although the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment is not shown in FIG. 1, it determines the hit of the holding ball (presence or absence of “big hit” winning) based on the information of the holding ball described above, and further, the judgment result It may have a function of performing a predetermined effect based on the above, that is, a pre-reading effect function.

  (2) When there is a normal symbol start winning in the normal symbol game, a random number value is extracted from the hit determination counter, and the random number value is stored (the normal symbol starting winning in the normal symbol game shown in FIG. Processing flow).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the normal symbol control process during the normal symbol game, first, it is determined whether or not a condition for starting variable display of the normal symbol is established. In this determination process, it is referred to whether or not the random number value is stored by the normal symbol starting winning, and the condition to start the variable display of the normal symbol is established with the random number value stored as one condition. judge.

  Then, when the variable display of the normal symbol is started, the random number value extracted from the hit determination counter is referred to, and a hit determination is made as to whether or not to make it a "hit". Thereafter, fluctuation pattern determination processing is performed. In this process, the result of the hit determination is referred to, and the variation pattern of the normal symbol is determined.

  Next, the variable display control process for controlling the variable display of the normal symbol and the effect control process for performing a predetermined effect are executed with reference to the determined result of the hit determination and the variation pattern of the normal symbol.

  When the variable display control process and the effect display control process are finished, it is determined whether or not a "hit" is to be made. In this determination process, when it is determined that "hit" is to be made, a hit game control process for performing a hit game is executed.

  In the hit game control process, the possibility of the various winnings mentioned above, in particular, the possibility of the special symbol starting winning of the gaming ball in the special symbol game is increased. On the other hand, if it is determined that "hit" is not made, the hit game control processing is not executed. Thereafter, determination processing as to whether or not to start variable symbol display of the normal symbol is performed again, and thereafter, various processing of the above-mentioned normal symbol control processing is repeated.

  As described above, in the pachinko game, the payout control of the game ball according to conditions such as whether or not the "big hit" in the special symbol game, the transition state of the gaming state, or the "hit" in the normal symbol game. The ease of treatment varies.

  In the present embodiment, a soft random number system that generates random number values by executing a program is used as a method for extracting various random number values. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the pachinko gaming machine includes a random number generator in which random numbers are updated at a predetermined cycle, random number values from counters (so-called ring counters) in the random number generator. A hard random number system for extracting H may be adopted as an extraction system of various random number values described above.

  When the hard random number method is used, it is possible to prevent extraction of the same random value in a predetermined cycle by determining the initial value of the random number at a timing different from the predetermined cycle.

[Structure of pachinko machine]
Next, the structure of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a main body 2, a base door 3 attached to the main body 2 so as to be openable and closable, and a glass door attached to the base door 3 so as to be openable and closable. And 4.

[Body]
The main body 2 is formed of a frame-like member having a rectangular opening 2a (see FIG. 3). The main body 2 is formed of, for example, a material such as wood.

[Base door]
The base door 3 is formed of a plate-like member having a rectangular outer shape substantially equal to the outer shape of the main body 2. The base door 3 is disposed in front of the main body 2 (front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), and the base door 3 is pivoted around one side edge of the main body 2 as an axis. The opening 2a is opened and closed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base door 3 is provided with a rectangular opening 3 a. The opening 3a is formed over a region from the substantially central portion of the base door 3 to the upper side, and is formed so as to occupy most of the region.

  In addition, the base door 3 includes a speaker 11, a game board 12, a liquid crystal display device 13 (effect notification means, effect display means), a plate unit 14, a launch device 15, a payout unit 16, and a substrate unit 17. And are attached.

  The speaker 11 is disposed at the upper portion (near the upper end portion) of the base door 3. The game board 12 is disposed in front of the base door 3 (front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1), and is disposed to cover the opening 3a of the base door 3.

  The game board 12 is formed of a plate-shaped resin member having light transparency. In addition, as resin which has light transmittance, an acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, methacryl resin etc. can be used, for example.

  Further, on the front surface of the game board 12 (the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1), a game area 12a is formed in which the game balls fired from the launch device 15 roll. The game area 12a is an area surrounded by the guide rails 41 (specifically, the outer rails 41a shown in FIG. 4 described later), and the outer peripheral shape thereof is substantially circular.

Furthermore, in the game area 12a, a plurality of game nails (see FIG. 4 described later) are inserted.
The structure of the game board 12 (game area 12a) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4 described later.

  The liquid crystal display device 13 is attached to the back side of the game board 12 (opposite to the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1). The liquid crystal display device 13 has a display area 13a for displaying an image. The size of the display area 13a is set so as to occupy the whole or a part of the surface of the game board 12.

  In the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13, various images such as an identification pattern for effect, an effect image, and an image for decoration (decorative pattern) are displayed. The player can visually recognize various images displayed on the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13 through the game board 12.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 13 is used as the display device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as the liquid crystal display device 13, for example, a plasma display, a rear projection display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) A display device such as a display may be applied.

  Further, a spacer 19 is provided on the back side of the game board 12 (the side opposite to the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1). The spacer 19 is provided between the back of the game board 12 (the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1) and the front of the liquid crystal display device 13 (the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1). A space is formed which is a flow path of the game ball rolling on the game area 12a.

  The spacer 19 is formed of a light transmitting material. In addition, this invention is not limited to this, For example, one part may be formed with the material which has light transmittance, and may be formed with the material which does not have light transmittance. .

  The tray unit 14 is disposed below the gaming board 12. The tray unit 14 has an upper tray 21 and a lower tray 22 disposed below the upper tray 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper tray 21 and the lower tray 22 are respectively provided with a payout opening 21a and a payout opening 22a for lending game balls and paying out (winning balls) the game balls.

  When a predetermined payout condition is satisfied, gaming balls are discharged from the payout opening 21a and the payout opening 22a, and are stored in the upper tray 21 and the lower tray 22, respectively. In addition, the game balls stored in the upper tray 21 are fired by the launcher 15 to the game area 12 a.

  Further, the dish unit 14 is provided with an effect button 23. The effect button 23 is mounted on the upper tray 21. Further, a dial operation unit (jog dial) 24 is rotatably attached to the periphery of the effect button 23 with respect to the effect button 23.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a predetermined effect function performed using at least one of the effect button 23 and the dial operation unit 24, and in the case of performing a predetermined effect, the pachinko game machine 1 of the liquid crystal display device 13. An image prompting the operation of at least one of the effect button 23 and the dial operation unit 24 is displayed in the display area 13a.

  The launcher 15 is disposed in the lower right region (near the lower right corner) on the front surface of the base door 3. The launcher 15 includes a launch handle 25 operable by the player and a panel 26 engaged with the lower right portion of the tray unit 14. The firing handle 25 is disposed on the front side of the panel body 26 and is rotatably supported by the panel body 26.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on the back side of the panel body 26, a solenoid actuator (drive device) for controlling the firing operation of the game balls is provided. Also, although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a touch sensor is provided at the periphery of the firing handle 25, and a firing volume is provided inside the firing handle 25. The firing volume changes the resistance according to the amount of rotation of the firing handle 25 to change the power supplied to the solenoid actuator.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player's hand contacts the touch sensor of the launch handle 25, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal. As a result, it is detected that the player grips the firing handle 25, and the firing of the gaming ball by the solenoid actuator is enabled.

  Then, when the player holds the firing handle 25 and rotates it clockwise (clockwise when viewed from the player), the resistance value of the firing volume changes in accordance with the pivot angle of the firing handle 25. Power corresponding to the resistance value is supplied to the solenoid actuator. As a result, the gaming balls stored in the upper tray 21 are sequentially fired, and the launched gaming balls are guided to the guide rails 41 (see FIG. 4 described later) and released to the gaming area 12 a of the gaming board 12.

  Also, although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the side of the firing handle 25 is provided with a firing stop button. The firing stop button is a button provided to stop the firing of the game ball by the solenoid actuator. When the player depresses the release stop button, the release of the game ball is stopped even in a state in which the release handle 25 is held and turned.

  The dispensing unit 16 and the substrate unit 17 are disposed on the back side of the base door 3. The game unit is supplied to the payout unit 16 from a storage unit (not shown). The payout unit 16 pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls to the upper tray 21 or the lower tray 22 from among the gaming balls supplied from the storage unit, based on the fulfillment of the payout conditions.

  The substrate unit 17 has various control substrates. The various control boards are provided with a main control circuit 70, a sub control circuit 200, a payout control circuit 300, and the like described later (see FIG. 7 described later).

[Glass door]
The glass door 4 is comprised by the plate-shaped member whose surface is a substantially square shape. The glass door 4 is disposed on the front side of the game board 12 and has a size that covers the game board 12. A speaker cover 29 is provided in an upper region facing the speaker 11 on the front surface of the glass door 4.

  Further, in the central portion of the glass door 4, an opening 4a of a size that exposes at least the game area 12a is formed in the area facing the game area 12a of the game board 12. A light transmitting protective glass 28 is attached to the opening 4a of the glass door 4, whereby the opening 4a is closed.

  Therefore, when the glass door 4 is closed to the base door 3, the protective glass 28 is disposed to face at least the game area 12 a of the game board 12.

[Game board]
Next, the configuration of the game board 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 12.

  On the front of the game board 12, as shown in FIG. 4, a guide rail 41, a ball passage detector 43, a first starting opening 44, a second starting opening 45 (starting area), and an ordinary electric role 46 And are provided. Also, on the front of the game board 12, there are a plurality of general winning openings 51 and 52, a first large winning opening 53 (variable winning device), a second large winning opening 54 (variable winning device), and a plurality of out-openings 55 Game nails 56 are provided.

  Furthermore, on the front of the game board 12, a special symbol display device 61 (identification information display means, special symbol display means) and an ordinary symbol display are provided in the upper part of the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13 disposed substantially in the center. A device 62, a normal symbol hold display 63, a first special symbol hold display 64, and a second special symbol hold display 65 are provided.

  In this embodiment, a notification LED (Light Emitting Diode) which lights up when the result of the stop display of the special symbol is "big hit", a round number display LED which displays the number of rounds in the big hit game, etc. are provided. May be

[Various components of the game area]
The guide rail 41 is configured of an outer rail 41a extending in an arc shape partitioning the gaming area 12a, and an inner rail 41b extending in an arc shape disposed on the inner side (inner circumferential side) of the outer rail 41a. Be done.

  The game area 12a is formed inside the outer rail 41a. The outer rail 41a and the inner rail 41b are arranged to face each other near the left end of the game area 12a when viewed from the player side, whereby a launcher is provided between the outer rail 41a and the inner rail 41b. A guide path 41c is formed which guides the game ball fired by the camera 15 to the top of the game area 12a.

  Further, at the end of the inner rail 41b located on the upper left side of the game area 12a, a ball discharge port 41d is formed by the end of the inner rail 41b and a part of the outer rail 41a opposed thereto. A ball return prevention piece 42 is provided at the end of the inner rail 41b so as to close the ball outlet 41d.

  The ball return prevention piece 42 prevents the game balls discharged from the ball discharge opening 41d to the game area 12a from passing through the ball discharge opening 41d again and entering the guide path 41c.

  The game balls discharged from the ball discharge opening 41d flow downward from the top of the game area 12a. At this time, the game ball collides with various members provided in the game area 12a such as the plurality of game nails 56, the first starting opening 44, the second starting opening 45, etc., and changes the traveling direction of the game area 12a. Flow down from the top to the bottom.

  A display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13 is provided substantially at the center of the game area 12a. An obstacle 13 b is provided at the upper end of the display area 13 a. By providing the obstacle 13b, the gaming ball does not pass over the area overlapping the display area 13a in the gaming area 12a.

  The ball passing detector 43 is disposed near the right end of the display area 13a as viewed from the player. The ball passage detector 43 is provided with a passage ball sensor 43a (see FIG. 7 described later) for detecting gaming balls passing through the ball passage detector 43. Further, by the game ball passing through the ball passage detector 43, a lottery is performed to determine whether it is a "hit" or not, and the variation display of the normal symbol is started based on the result of the lottery.

  The first start opening 44 is disposed below the display area 13 a, and the second start opening 45 is disposed below the first start opening 44. The first starting opening 44 and the second starting opening 45 are made of members capable of receiving game balls.

  Hereinafter, that the game ball enters or passes through the first starting opening 44 or the second starting opening 45 is referred to as "winning". Then, when the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 44 or the second starting opening 45, a first predetermined number (three in the present embodiment) of gaming balls is paid out.

  In addition, by the game ball entering the first starting opening 44, the lottery whether or not it is either "big hit" and "small hit" is performed, the variation of the special symbol based on the result of the lottery Display starts. Further, by the game ball entering the second starting opening 45, a lottery for "big hit" is performed, and the variation display of the special symbol is started based on the result of the lottery.

  The first starting opening 44 is provided with a first starting opening winning ball sensor 44 a (see FIG. 7 described later) for detecting a game ball that has won a prize in the first starting opening 44. In addition, the second starting opening 45 is provided with a second starting opening winning ball sensor 45a (see FIG. 7 described later) for detecting a game ball winning a prize in the second starting opening 45. In addition, the game ball which has won the first start port 44 and the second start port 45 passes through the recovery port (not shown) provided on the game board 12 and is conveyed to the recovery section (not shown) of the game ball .

  The ordinary motor-operated part 46 is provided at the second start port 45. The common electric combination 46 includes a pair of blade members rotatably mounted on both sides of the second starting port 45, and a common combination electric solenoid 46a (see FIG. 7 described later) for driving the pair of blade members. Have.

  The ordinary electric character 46 is driven by the ordinary electric character solenoid 46a to expand the pair of wing members to facilitate winning of the game ball in the second starting opening 45 and to close the pair of wing members. The second starting port 45 generates one of the closed states which makes it impossible to win the game ball.

  In the present embodiment, when the ordinary motorized character 46 is in the closed state, the opening form of the pair of wing members is not a form that makes winning impossible, but a form that makes winning of the game ball difficult. May be

  The general winning opening 51 is disposed near the lower left portion of the game area 12a as viewed from the player. The general winning opening 52 is disposed below the ball passage detector 43, and is disposed near the lower right portion of the game area 12a as viewed from the player.

  The general winning opening 51 and the general winning opening 52 are made of members capable of receiving game balls. In the following, the game ball entering or passing through the general winning opening 51 or the general winning opening 52 is also referred to as "winning". When the gaming ball is won in the general winning opening 51 or the general winning opening 52, a second predetermined number (10 in the present embodiment) of gaming balls is paid out.

  The general winning opening 51 is provided with a general winning ball sensor 51a (see FIG. 7 described later) for detecting the gaming ball that has won the general winning opening 51. In addition, the general winning opening 52 is provided with a general winning ball sensor 52a (see FIG. 7 described later) for detecting the gaming ball that has won the general winning opening 52.

  The first large winning opening 53 and the second large winning opening 54 are disposed below the ball passage detector 43 and between the first starting opening 44 and the general winning opening 52. The first big winning opening 53 and the second big winning opening 54 are arranged vertically along the flow path of the game ball, and the first big winning opening 53 is arranged above the second big winning opening 54. Ru.

  The first large winning opening 53 and the second large winning opening 54 are both so-called attacking type opening and closing devices, and shutters 53a and 54a which can be opened and closed, and a solenoid actuator for driving the shutters (the first in FIG. A large winning opening solenoid 53b and a second large winning opening solenoid 54b).

  Each of the first large winning opening 53 and the second large winning opening 54 receives the gaming ball when the corresponding shutter is open (opened state: first state), and the shutter is closed (closed) State: In the second state, the game ball is not accepted.

  Hereinafter, the game ball entering or passing through the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54 is also referred to as a "winning". When the game ball is won in the first large winning opening 53, the game balls of the third predetermined number ball (10 in the present embodiment) are paid out. On the other hand, when the game ball is won in the second big winning opening 54, the game balls of the fourth predetermined number ball (15 in the present embodiment) are paid out.

  Further, a count sensor 53c (see FIG. 7 described later) for counting gaming balls having won a prize in the first large winning opening 53 is provided in the first large winning opening 53. Further, a count sensor 54c (see FIG. 7 described later) for counting gaming balls having won a prize in the second large winning opening 54 is provided in the second large winning opening 54.

  The out port 55 is provided at the bottom of the game area 12a. A game in which the out opening 55 does not win any of the first starting opening 44, the second starting opening 45, the general winning opening 51, the general winning opening 52, the first large winning opening 53, and the second large winning opening 54 I accept the ball.

  When the arrangement of various components in the game area 12a of the present embodiment is arranged as shown in FIG. 4, the game ball is thrown into the area on the right side of the game area 12a by the player (when it is hit right) The game ball is guided to the second starting opening 45 by the game nail 56 or the like.

  In this case, there is almost no possibility of winning the first starting opening 44. In the present embodiment, as described later, it is easier for the player to receive the “big hit” lottery, which is advantageous for the player, than when the first starting opening 44 is won if the second starting opening 45 is won.

  Therefore, in the "time saving game state" described later in which winning to the second starting opening 45 is relatively easy, the possibility of winning to the first starting opening 44 (convenient to the player by hitting the right) The possibility of becoming a gaming state can be reduced.

[Special symbol display device]
As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 61 is disposed substantially at the center of the upper portion of the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  The special symbol display device 61 is a display device that variably displays (variation display and stop display) the special symbol in the special symbol game. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol display device 61 is configured by a device that displays a special symbol by a symbol made up of numbers, symbols and the like.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to this, You may comprise the special symbol display device 61 by several LED, for example. In this case, a display pattern configured by turning on / off a plurality of LEDs is represented as a special symbol.

  The special symbol display device 61 performs variation display of the special symbol (identification information), triggered by the game ball winning in the first starting opening 44 or the second starting opening 45 (special symbol starting winning). Then, the special symbol display device 61 performs the change display of the special symbol for a predetermined time, and then performs the stop display of the special symbol.

  Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the special symbol display device 61 when the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 44 is referred to as a first special symbol. Also, when the gaming ball wins the second starting opening 45, the special symbol that is variably displayed on the special symbol display device 61 is referred to as a second special symbol.

  In the special symbol display device 61, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol stopped and displayed is a specific mode (a mode of "big hit"), the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state It shifts to the big hit game state which is a state.

  That is, in the special symbol display device 61, it is a "big hit" that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of shifting to the big hit gaming state.

  In the big hit game state, the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54 is opened. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 44 and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific mode in the special symbol display device 61, the first big prize The mouth 53 is open.

  On the other hand, when the gaming ball wins the second starting opening 45 and the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific mode in the special symbol display device 61, the second big winning opening 54 is in the open state.

  The open state of each big winning opening is maintained until a predetermined number of gaming balls have been won, or until a certain period (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. Then, when the elapsed period of the open state of each big winning opening satisfies any one of these conditions, the big winning opening that was in the open state is closed.

  Hereinafter, a game in which the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54 is in a state (opened state) in which the game ball can be easily received is referred to as a round game. During the round game, the big winning opening is closed.

In addition, the round game is counted as the number of rounds such as one round and two rounds.
For example, the first round game is referred to as a first round, and the second round game is referred to as a second round.

  In addition, in the special symbol display device 61, when the special symbol stopped and displayed is an aspect other than the specific aspect (an aspect of “loss”), the gaming state does not shift except in the case of winning the fall lottery.

  That is, the special symbol game is a game in which the special symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol display device 61 and then the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and as a result, the gaming state is shifted or maintained.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the game ball wins the first starting opening 44 during the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first special symbol corresponding to the winning is Variable display (hold ball) is suspended.

  Then, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed, the variation display of the held first special symbol is started. In the present embodiment, the number of variable displays of the first special symbol to be suspended (so-called "number of suspended balls (number of balls for suspension)") is specified at a maximum of four times (pieces).

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the gaming ball wins the second starting opening 45 during the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the variable display of the second special symbol corresponding to the winning (hold ball ) Is put on hold.

  Then, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed, the variation display of the held second special symbol is started. In the present embodiment, the number of variable displays of the second special symbol to be suspended (the number of suspended units) is specified at a maximum of 4 times (pieces). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the maximum number of reserved variable designs for special symbols is eight in total.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the holding ball of the first special symbol and the holding ball of the second special symbol are mixed, the variable display of one special symbol is executed preferentially to the variable display of the other special symbol. Do. In addition, this invention is not limited to this, When the holding ball of a 1st special symbol and the holding ball of a 2nd special symbol are mixed, you may make it perform the fluctuation display of a special symbol in the held order.

[Normal symbol display device]
The normal symbol display device 62 is disposed substantially at the center of the upper portion of the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13, as shown in FIG. Then, in the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 62 is disposed on the right side of the special symbol display device 61 when viewed from the player side.

  The normal symbol display device 62 is a display device that variably displays (variable display and stop display) a normal symbol in a normal symbol game. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the normal symbol display device 62 is configured by two LEDs (normal symbol display LEDs) arranged in the vertical direction. Then, in the normal symbol display device 62, a display pattern configured by turning on / off each normal symbol display LED is indicated as a normal symbol.

  The normal symbol display device 62 alternately turns on / off the two normal symbol display LEDs in response to the game ball passing through the ball passage detector 43, and performs the variation display of the normal symbol. Then, the normal symbol display device 62 performs the variable display of the normal symbol for a predetermined time, and then performs the stop display of the normal symbol.

In the normal symbol display device 62, when the normal symbol stopped and displayed is in a predetermined mode (a mode of "hit"), the normal motorized role 46 is changed from the closed state to the open state only for a predetermined period.
On the other hand, when the normal symbol stopped and displayed is a mode other than the predetermined mode (a mode of “losing”), the normal motorized role 46 maintains the closed state.

  That is, the normal symbol game is a game in which the normal symbol is variably displayed by the normal symbol display device 62, and then the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, and the normal electric character 46 operates according to the result.

  When the gaming ball passes the ball passage detector 43 during the variation display of the normal symbol, the variable display of the normal symbol is suspended. Then, when the normal symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed, the variation display of the suspended normal symbol is started. In the present embodiment, the number of variable displays of normal symbols to be suspended (that is, the "number of suspended units") is specified at a maximum of four times (pieces).

[Normal symbol hold display device]
The normal symbol holding display device 63 is disposed substantially at the center of the upper portion of the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13, as shown in FIG. And, in the present embodiment, the normal symbol hold display device 63 is disposed below the special symbol display device 61 and the normal symbol display device 62.

The normal symbol holding display device 63 is a device for displaying the number of holdings of the variable display of the normal symbol.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the normal symbol holding display device 63 is configured by four LEDs (normal symbol holding display LEDs) arranged in the left-right direction. Then, in the normal symbol holding display device 63, the number of holdings of variable symbols of normal symbols is displayed by turning on / off each normal symbol holding display LED.

  Specifically, when the number of pending variable symbols of normal symbols is one, the normal symbol suspension indicator LED (the first ordinary symbol suspension indicator LED from the left) located at the leftmost position seen from the player side Lights up and the other normal symbol hold display LED goes out.

  In the case where the number of held variable display of the normal symbol is 2, the first and second normal symbol hold display LEDs from the left light, and the other normal symbol hold display LEDs turn off. In the case where the number of held variable display of normal symbols is 3, the first to third normal symbol hold display LEDs from the left light and the other normal symbol hold display LEDs are extinguished. And, in the case where the number of pending variable display of normal symbols is four, all the normal symbol holding display LEDs are lit.

[First special symbol hold display device]
The first special symbol holding display device 64 is disposed on the left side of the special symbol display device 61 as viewed from the player on the upper side of the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13 as shown in FIG.

  The first special symbol hold display device 64 is a device that displays information on the variable display of the first special symbol being held (the holding ball of the first special symbol). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the first special symbol hold display device 64 is configured of a first special symbol hold number display unit 64a and a first special symbol hold information display unit 64b.

  The first special symbol hold information display unit 64b is disposed to the left of the special symbol display device 61, and the first special symbol hold number display unit 64a is disposed to the left of the first special symbol hold information display unit 64b. Be done.

  The first special symbol hold number display unit 64a has four LEDs (first special symbol hold indication LED) arranged in the left-right direction. In addition, the display mode of the 1st special symbol holding number display part 64a is the same as the display mode of the normal symbol holding display device 63.

  That is, when the variable display of the first special symbol is being held, the first special symbol holding indication LED from the first special symbol holding indication LED located from the first special symbol holding indication LED located from the player side to the number of holdings as seen from the player side Lights up.

  In addition, the first special symbol hold information display unit 64b displays information on the hold ball of the first special symbol. For example, the first special symbol holding information display unit 64b displays information (identification information) related to the holding ball of the first special symbol to be variably displayed next by a symbol made of numerals, symbols, and the like.

  In addition, the configuration of the first special symbol hold display device 64 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4 and can be arbitrarily configured as long as it can display at least the number of pending variable displays of the first special symbol. .

[Second special symbol hold display device]
As shown in FIG. 4, the second special symbol hold display device 65 is disposed on the right side of the normal symbol display device 62 as viewed from the player on the upper side of the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  The second special symbol hold display device 65 is a device for displaying information on the variable display of the second special symbol being held (the holding ball of the second special symbol). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the second special symbol hold display device 65 is configured of a second special symbol hold number display unit 65a and a second special symbol hold information display unit 65b.

  The second special symbol hold information display unit 65b is disposed to the right of the normal symbol display device 62, and the second special symbol hold number display unit 65a is disposed to the right of the second special symbol hold information display unit 65b. Be done.

  The 2nd special symbol reservation number display part 65a has 4 LED (2nd special symbol suspension display LED) arranged in the left-right direction. In addition, the display mode of the 2nd special symbol hold number display part 65a is the same as the display mode of the normal symbol hold display apparatus 63. FIG.

  That is, when the variable display of the second special symbol is being held, the second special symbol holding indication LED from the second special symbol holding indication LED located at the leftmost position to the number of holdings as seen from the player side Lights up.

  In addition, the second special symbol hold information display unit 65b displays information on the holding ball of the second special symbol. For example, the second special symbol hold information display unit 65b displays information (identification information) regarding the holding ball of the second special symbol to be variably displayed next by a symbol made of numerals, symbols, and the like.

  In addition, the configuration of the second special symbol hold display device 65 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 4 and can be arbitrarily configured as long as it can display at least the number of pending variable displays of the second special symbol. .

[Liquid crystal display device]
As described above, the liquid crystal display device 13 is made of liquid crystal, and performs various effects in the display area 13a.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, an effect image associated with the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 61 is displayed in the display area 13a. Under the present circumstances, for example, when the special symbol is being variably displayed in the special symbol display device 61, a plurality of effect identification symbols (for example, decoration (decor The symbol is variably displayed in the display area 13a.

  Then, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the special symbol display device 61, a plurality of decorative symbols (such as liquid crystal symbol alignment eyes described later) corresponding to the special symbol are also stopped and displayed in the display area 13a.

  Then, if the special symbol displayed in the special symbol display device 61 in the stop display is a specific mode (the result of the stop display is "big hit"), the player is made to know that it is a "big hit". An effect image is displayed on the display area 13a.

  As an effect for making a player know that it is a "big hit", for example, first, a plurality of stop-displayed decorative symbols are in a specific mode (for example, a mode in which the same decorative symbols are arranged along a predetermined direction) Then, there is an effect such as displaying an image notifying "big hit".

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13, an effect image associated with the display contents of the first special symbol hold display device 64 and the second special symbol hold display device 65 is displayed. For example, in the display area 13a, holding information (for example, a holding symbol having the same number as the holding number) for displaying the holding number of the variable display of the special symbol is displayed. In addition, when performing pre-reading effect based on the information of the holding ball of a special symbol, the advance notice at this time may be displayed on the display area 13a.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 62 is in the predetermined mode, the effect image for causing the player to grasp the information is displayed in the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13. You may further provide the function to display.

[Schematic Configuration of Dispensing Unit]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the payout unit 16 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a view showing the entire configuration of the payout unit 16, and is a view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back side. Moreover, FIG. 6 is a figure which shows the structure of the prize ball case unit 170 as a payment apparatus mentioned later.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the payout unit 16 is supplied with gaming balls from a storage unit (not shown) at the top of the gaming machine, and a ball tank 161 as a ball storage tank for storing the supplied game balls, and a ball tank The ball tank lower passage 162 connected to the ball tank 161 to communicate with 161 and the game balls can be managed to be paid out to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1, ie, the upper tray 21 or the lower tray 22, etc. And a prize ball case unit 170.

  In addition, a substrate unit 17 in which various control boards including a payout control circuit 300 are incorporated is disposed below the ball tank 161 and the ball tank lower passage 162 in parallel with the winning ball case unit 170. .

  Here, the storage unit (not shown) described above is, for example, a replenishment device as an accessory facility of a hall (gaming hall) installed to supply gaming balls to the ball tank 161 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the payout unit 16, the gaming balls supplied from the storage unit are guided to the prize ball case unit 170 through the ball tank 161 and the ball tank lower passage 162 and are stored.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the winning ball case unit 170 is provided with a first starting opening 44, a second starting opening 45, and a general winning opening 51 as a plurality of winning openings provided in the game area 12a (see FIG. 4) described above. The game ball is paid out from the inside of the ball tank 161 to the payout passage 180 described later on condition that the game ball has won in any of the general winning opening 52, the first large winning opening 53 and the second large winning opening 54. is there. The dispensing passage 180 is disposed at the lowermost part of the winning ball case unit 170.

  The prize ball case unit 170 includes a first ball supply passage 171A, a first 15-ball collateral switch 172A as a replenishment detection means, and a first sprocket 173A as a movement means. Here, the prize ball case unit 170 is omitted in FIG. 6 except for a part thereof, but is identical to the first ball supply passage 171A, the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A and the first sprocket 173A described above. The second ball supply passage 171B, the second 15-ball collateral switch 172B, and the second sprocket 173B as moving means are disposed on the back side in the paper surface direction (the front-rear direction of the pachinko gaming machine 1) of FIG. There is.

  That is, the winning ball case unit 170 has a structure in which the ball supply passage 171, the 15-ball collateral switch 172 and the sprocket 173 are provided in two rows.

  However, the first sprocket 173A and the second sprocket 173B are disposed out of phase with each other by 60 °. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the first ball supply passage 171A and the second ball supply passage 171B are collectively referred to as "ball supply passage 171", and the first 15-ball-secured switch 172A and The two 15-ball collateral switches 172B are collectively called "15-ball collateral switches 172", and the first sprocket 173A and the second sprocket 173B are collectively called "sprockets 173".

  Also, the dispensing passage 180 is actually a two-row structure having a first dispensing passage 180A and a second dispensing passage 180B. However, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the first dispensing passage 180A and the second dispensing passage 180B are collectively referred to as "dispensing passage 180".

  The ball supply passage 171 communicates with the ball tank 161 via the ball tank lower passage 162, and gaming balls are supplied from the ball tank 161 via the ball tank lower passage 162. The ball supply passage 171 can store up to a specified number (15 in the present embodiment) of gaming balls supplied from the ball tank 161. In actuality, since the first payout passage 180A and the second payout passage 180B have a two-row structure, a total of 30 game balls can be stored in these passages.

  The 15-ball collateral switch 172 is for detecting gaming balls supplied into the ball supply passage 171. Specifically, the 15-ball collateral switch 172 detects that the game ball is being replenished by detecting the ball detection shield plate 172a by the detection sensor 172b each time the game ball is replenished (passed). Do.

  Therefore, when the number of gaming balls stored in the ball supply passage 171 is insufficient, that is, less than 15 balls, the ball detection shield plate 172a is actuated and deviates from the detection area of the detection sensor 172b. It is detected that the specified number (15 in the present embodiment) is not stored.

  Further, while detecting that the gaming ball is being replenished, the 15-ball collateral switch 172 is in the ON state. In addition, in FIG. 6, the state which is detecting the gaming ball with which 15 ball security switch 172 was replenished is shown.

  In addition, the 15 ball security switch 172 is in the ON state while detecting that the gaming ball supplied into the ball supply passage 171 is passing over the 15 ball security switch 172. “The game ball is replenished” means that the 15-ball collateral switch 172 detects that the game ball passes through the ball supply passage 171 and that the game ball is present in the ball supply passage 171. Then, on the premise that the gaming balls are in series, it is included that the specified number of gaming balls in the ball supply passage 171 is secured.

  The sprocket 173 is connected to a payout motor 174 as a drive unit constituted by a stepping motor, and rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure according to the drive of the payout motor 174. Sprocket 173 receives the game balls accumulated in ball supply passage 171 one ball at a time, rotates by driving payout motor 174 by a predetermined number of steps, and moves one ball at a time to payout passage 180, that is, pays out It has become.

  In addition to the above, the sprocket 173 is rotated by driving the payout motor 174 by a predetermined number of steps, and as a result, it becomes a rotation that can receive the game balls stored in the ball supply passage 171 one by one, It is also possible to include a mode dependent on the rotation of the dispensing motor 174.

  In other words, the sprocket 173 can rotate so as to accept one ball at a time by the payout motor 174 and can also be expressed as paying out one ball at a time. As a result of the predetermined rotation of the payout motor 174, one sprocket ball 173 results. It can be expressed as accepting and paying out one ball at a time.

  Further, the sprocket 173 is premised to rotate, but is not limited to this, and is not limited to this, and it is a sliding type that moves or drives parallel or perpendicular to the dispensing passage 180 by making the sprocket 173 into a plate shape. The shape of the sprocket 173 may be any shape as long as a predetermined number of gaming balls are received and paid out.

  The payout motor 174 is common to the first sprocket 173A and the second sprocket 173B. The sprocket 173 and the payout motor 174 in the present embodiment constitute gaming ball control means and payout means capable of moving the gaming ball having passed through the ball supply passage 171.

  In addition, a first counting switch 181A and a second counting switch 181B are provided in the first dispensing passage 180A and the second dispensing passage 180B, respectively. However, in the following, unless otherwise specified, the first counting switch 181A and the second counting switch 181B are collectively referred to as "counting switch 181".

  The counting switch 181 is for detecting the gaming balls paid out to the payout passage 180 by the sprocket 173. Counting switch 181 in the present embodiment constitutes a payout detection means.

In the vicinity of the top of the ball supply passage 171, a ball removing shutter 175 is provided.
When the ball release shutter 175 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the figure, the ball supply passage 171 is opened, and gaming balls accumulated in the upper portion of the ball supply passage 171 are discharged through the ball removal passage 176. It has become. The ball removing shutter 175 is normally locked, and is used, for example, when discharging the game balls stored in the ball tank 161.

[Circuit configuration of pachinko gaming machine]
Next, referring to FIG. 7, configurations of various circuits provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the pachinko gaming machine 1 mainly includes a main control circuit 70 for controlling the game operation, a sub control circuit 200 for controlling the rendering operation according to the progress of the game, and mainly the game ball. And a payout control circuit 300 for controlling the payout.

[Main control circuit]
The main control circuit 70 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, and a main RAM (Random Access Memory) 73.
The main control circuit 70 also includes a reset clock pulse generation circuit 74, an initial reset circuit 75, and a serial communication IC (Integrated Circuit) 76. As described above, in the present embodiment, the lottery process of the special symbol is performed at the time of winning of the first starting opening 44 or the second starting opening 45, but this processing is controlled by the main control circuit 70. That is, the main control circuit 70 doubles as a means (lottery means) for performing a lottery process as to whether or not to shift the gaming state to a state advantageous to the player.

  A main ROM 72, a main RAM 73, a reset clock pulse generation circuit 74, an initial reset circuit 75, a serial communication IC 76, and the like are connected to the main CPU 71. The main ROM 72 stores various programs (see FIGS. 15 to 27) for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 by the main CPU 71, various data tables (see FIGS. 8 to 13), and the like.

  The main CPU 71 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the main ROM 72. The main RAM 73 acts as a temporary storage area when the main CPU 71 executes various processes, and stores values of various flags and variables that the main CPU 71 needs for various processes.

  Although the main RAM 73 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 71 in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and any recording medium can be used as a temporary storage area as long as it is a readable and writable storage medium. Good.

  The reset clock pulse generation circuit 74 generates a clock pulse at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process described later. The initial reset circuit 75 generates a reset signal when the power is turned on. Then, the serial communication IC 76 supplies a command to the sub control circuit 200.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, various devices that operate according to the output signal sent from the main control circuit 70 are connected to the main control circuit 70.

  Specifically, the main control circuit 70 is connected to the special symbol display device 61, the normal symbol display device 62, the normal symbol hold display device 63, the first special symbol hold display device 64, and the second special symbol hold display device 65. Be done.

  Each of these devices performs a predetermined operation based on the output signal sent from the main control circuit 70. For example, when a predetermined output signal is transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the special symbol display device 61, the special symbol display device 61 performs operation control of the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game based on the output signal. Do.

  Further, the main control circuit 70 is connected to a normal motorized product solenoid 46a, a first large winning opening solenoid 53b and a second large winning opening solenoid 54b. Then, the main control circuit 70 drives and controls the ordinary electric service combination solenoid 46 a to bring the pair of blade members of the ordinary electric combination 46 into an open state or a closed state.

  Further, the main control circuit 70 drives and controls the first large winning opening solenoid 53b and the second large winning opening solenoid 54b, respectively, to make the first large winning opening 53 and the second large winning opening 54 open or closed. Do.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the main control circuit 70 is connected to various sensors, and receives output signals from the various sensors. Specifically, the main control circuit 70 includes count sensors 53c and 54c, general winning ball sensors 51a and 52a, a passing ball sensor 43a, a first starting opening winning ball sensor 44a and a second starting opening winning ball sensor 45a, and a backup. The clear switch 121 or the like is connected.

  The count sensor 53c counts the game balls that have won the first large winning opening 53, and outputs a predetermined output signal indicating the result to the main control circuit 70. The count sensor 54c counts the gaming balls that have won the second big winning opening 54, and outputs a predetermined output signal indicating the result to the main control circuit 70.

  The general winning ball sensor 51a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when the gaming ball has won in the general winning opening 51, and the general winning ball sensor 52a has the gaming ball in the general winning opening 52 In this case, a predetermined detection signal is output to the main control circuit 70.

  In addition, when the gaming ball passes the ball passage detector 43, the passage ball sensor 43a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70. The first starting hole winning ball sensor 44 a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when the gaming ball has won the first starting hole 44.

  The second starting opening winning ball sensor 45 a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 when the gaming ball has won the second starting opening 45. Further, the backup clear switch 121 outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 70 and the payout control circuit 300 when the backup data is cleared according to the operation of the game arcade manager or the like at the time of power interruption or the like. .

  Further, a payout control circuit 300 is connected to the main control circuit 70. Here, the main control circuit 70 determines the number of winning balls which is the number of gaming balls to be paid out via the winning ball case unit 170 described later on the condition that a predetermined payout condition is established.

  The main control circuit 70 for determining the number of winning balls constitutes a payout amount determining means. The predetermined payout condition is that the game ball has won in the above-described various starting openings and various winning openings.

  Further, the main control circuit 70 transmits information including the number of winning balls determined as described above to the payout control circuit 300 as a winning ball control command. Therefore, the main control circuit 70 constitutes a signal transmission means.

[Payout control circuit]
The payout control circuit 300 includes a payout CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The ROM 302 stores, for example, various programs (see FIGS. 31 to 38) for controlling the payout operation of the game balls by the winning ball case unit 170 and the like.

  The payout CPU 301 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 302. The RAM 303 acts as a temporary storage area when the payout CPU 301 executes various processes, and stores values of various flags and variables that the payout CPU 301 needs for various processes.

  Although the RAM 303 is used as a temporary storage area of the payout CPU 301 in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and any recording medium may be used as a temporary storage area as long as it is a readable and writable storage medium. .

  The payout control circuit 300 is connected to a winning ball case unit 170 that pays out a gaming ball. Specifically, the first and second 15-ball collateral switches 172A and 172B, the payout motor 174, and the first and second count switches 181A and 181B are connected to the payout control circuit 300, respectively.

  The first and second 15-ball collateral switches 172A and 172B detect gaming balls replenished in the first and second ball supply passages 171A and 171B, and a predetermined output signal indicating the result is a payout control circuit Output to 300.

  The payout motor 174 is driven in response to a control signal from the payout CPU 301. The first and second counting switches 181A and 181B detect the gaming balls paid out to the first and second payout passages 180A and 180B by the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B, respectively, and indicate the result A predetermined output signal is output to the payout control circuit 300.

  Further, to the payout control circuit 300, a payout state notification display device 178 and a lower tray full-toner switch 179 are connected. The payout state notification display device 178, which will be described in detail later, is a display device for notifying of the type of the abnormality when an abnormality occurs with regard to the payout of the game ball, and constitutes a notification means.

  The payout state notification display device 178 is formed of a 7-segment display as shown in FIG. 51, and is provided, for example, at a predetermined position on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 so that only the manager of the hall can visually recognize.

  When the gaming balls stored in the lower tray 22 become full, the lower countersink switch 179 detects this and outputs the result to the payout control circuit 300. The payout control circuit 300, when receiving a signal indicating that the lower tray is full from the lower tray full switch 179, performs notification via the payout state notification display device 178, and causes the main control circuit 70 to lower the lower tray. It outputs a signal indicating that the tank is full.

  Thereby, the main control circuit 70 transmits the effect control command to the sub control circuit 200, and the sub tray 22 is full through the speaker 11, the lamp 18, the LED and the liquid crystal display device 13 by the sub control circuit 200. To inform

  Furthermore, to the payout control circuit 300, the launch device 15 for launching the gaming ball, the external terminal board 140, and the card unit 150 are connected. In addition, a data display 141 is connected to the external terminal board 140, and a lending operation unit 151 is connected to the card unit 150.

  Here, the card unit 150 determines the number of rental balls, which is the number of gaming balls to be paid out via the request case unit 170 described later on condition that a predetermined payout condition is established. The card unit 150 for determining the number of balls for lending constitutes a payout amount determining means. The predetermined payout condition is that the lending operation unit 151 described above is operated.

  The payout control circuit 300 supplies power to the solenoid actuator of the launch device 15 according to the rotation angle when the launch handle 25 is held by the player and turned clockwise. Thus, the launcher 15 performs control to launch the gaming ball.

  The external terminal board 140 is used to transmit data to a hall computer that manages all pachinko gaming machines in a hall (game hall). The data display 141 is installed as an incidental facility of a hall, for example, at the top of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and has a function of calling a hall clerk and a function of displaying the number of hits.

  When operated by the player, the lending operation unit 151 outputs a signal requesting the card unit 150 to lend a game ball. When the card unit 150 receives a signal for requesting a game ball to be borrowed from the lending operation unit 151, the card unit 150 transmits, to the payout control circuit 300, a rental ball control signal including information on the determined number of rental balls. Therefore, the card unit 150 constitutes a signal transmission means.

  The payout control circuit 300 receives a prize ball control command transmitted from the main control circuit 70 and a rental ball control signal transmitted from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the prize ball case unit 170.

  Thereby, the winning ball case unit 170 pays out the gaming ball. The payout control circuit 300 that receives the prize ball control command and the rental ball control signal as described above constitutes a signal receiving means.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the payout CPU 301 has first and second security ball counters 305A, 305B and first and second security ball timers 306A, 306B. The first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B and the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B are provided as a function of the payout CPU 301.

  First and second security ball counters 305A and 305B are each configured from the initial value ("1950 times in this embodiment") set in the security ball monitoring initial setting process (see S309 and S312 in FIG. 31) described later. While the first and second 15-ball security switches 172A and 172B detect a game ball, the counter is decremented by 1 each time a predetermined time ("1 ms" in this embodiment) elapses .

  Although the countdown counters are used as the first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B in the present embodiment, counters for count up may be used.

  Therefore, the payout CPU 301 requires that the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B start the payout of the game ball, and the first and second 15-ball collateral switches 172A and 172B detect the game ball. Every time a predetermined time ("1 ms" in this embodiment) elapses an initial value ("1950 times" in this embodiment), that is, every time a system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) described later is performed. Is decremented by one, that is, updated.

  The payout CPU 301 that performs such updating constitutes a second updating unit. The values updated by the first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B can be set to values in a narrower range than the values updated by the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B described later. This corresponds to the time during which the first and second 15-ball collateral switches 172A and 172B detect the gaming ball and constitutes a second value.

  The first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B are each set from the initial value ("2000 ms" in this embodiment) set in the security ball monitoring initial setting process (see S309 and S312 in Fig. 31) described later. It is a timer that is decremented by "1" each time a predetermined time ("1 ms" in this embodiment) elapses. In the present embodiment, timers for counting down are used as the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B, but timers for counting up may be used.

  Therefore, the payout CPU 301 sets the initial value ("2000 ms" in the present embodiment) for a predetermined time (the present embodiment) on condition that the payout of the gaming ball has been started by the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B. In this case, "1" is subtracted from, ie, updated every time "1 ms") elapses, that is, whenever a system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) described later is performed.

  Here, the initial value ("2000 ms" in the present embodiment) set in the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B described above is the time when it is assumed that the security of 15 gaming balls is completed, That is, it is set to a time sufficient to pay out a predetermined number (15 in the present embodiment) of game balls from the ball tank 161. The payout CPU 301 that performs such updating constitutes a first updating unit. The values updated by the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B constitute a first value.

[Sub control circuit]
The sub control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 76 of the main control circuit 70. Then, the sub control circuit 200 controls the display 18 in the liquid crystal display device 13, controls the sound generated from the speaker 11, controls the lamp 18 including a decoration lamp, etc. in accordance with various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 70. I do.

  That is, based on the command from the main control circuit 70, the sub control circuit 200 executes various effects according to the progress of the game. In the present embodiment, the sub control circuit 200 can not supply a signal to the main control circuit 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub control circuit 200 transmits a signal to the main control circuit 70. A possible configuration may be provided.

  The sub control circuit 200, as shown in FIG. 7, includes a sub CPU 201, a program ROM 202, a work RAM 203, a display control circuit 205, an audio control circuit 206, and a lamp control circuit 207. A program ROM 202, a work RAM 203, a display control circuit 205, an audio control circuit 206, and a lamp control circuit 207 are connected to the sub CPU 201.

  The program ROM 202 stores various programs (see FIGS. 28 to 30) for controlling the rendering operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 by the sub CPU 201 and various data tables (see FIG. 14). Then, the sub CPU 201 executes various processes in accordance with the program stored in the program ROM 202. In particular, the sub CPU 201 controls the entire sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 70.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 72 and the program ROM 202 are applied as storage means for storing programs, various tables and the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. As such storage means, a storage medium of another aspect may be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium provided with control means, for example, a hard disk device, a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM, a ROM cartridge, etc. Storage media may be applied.

  Also, each of the programs may be recorded on separate storage media. Furthermore, the program may be recorded in advance in a recording medium, or may be downloaded from the outside after power-on and may be recorded in the main RAM 73, the work RAM 203, or the like.

The work RAM 203 acts as a temporary storage area when the sub CPU 201 executes various processes, and stores values of various flags and variables that the sub CPU 201 needs for various processes.
Although the work RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 201 in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and any recording medium may be used as a temporary storage area as long as it is a readable and writable storage medium. .

  The display control circuit 205 controls the liquid crystal display device 13 to display an image related to the effect. Although not shown, the display control circuit 205 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as a VDP (Video Display Processor)), an image data ROM, a frame buffer, a D / A (Digital to Analog) converter, and the like.

  The image data ROM stores data for generating various image data. The frame buffer temporarily stores image data. Further, the D / A converter converts image data (digital electrical signal) into an image signal (analog electrical signal).

  The display control circuit 205 performs various processes for displaying an image on the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13 based on the data supplied from the sub CPU 201. In addition, the display control circuit 205 temporarily displays image data such as decoration symbol image data indicating a decoration symbol (identification symbol for effect), background image data, image data for effect, etc. based on an image display instruction supplied from the sub CPU 201. In the frame buffer.

  Then, the display control circuit 205 supplies the image data stored in the frame buffer to the D / A converter at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter converts the image data into an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 13 at a predetermined timing. Thereby, a predetermined effect image is displayed on the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  The voice control circuit 206 has a sound source IC for controlling voice, a voice data ROM for storing various voice data, and an amplifier (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying a voice signal.

  The sound source IC controls the sound generated from the speaker 11. The sound source IC selects one audio data from a plurality of audio data stored in the audio data ROM based on an audio generation command supplied from the sub CPU 201.

  Then, the sound source IC reads the selected sound data from the sound data ROM, converts the read sound data into a predetermined sound signal, and supplies the predetermined sound signal to the AMP. The AMP also amplifies the audio signal to generate audio from the speaker 11.

  The lamp control circuit 207 includes a drive circuit for supplying a lamp control signal, a lamp data ROM in which a plurality of lamp lighting patterns are stored, and the like. The drive circuit selects one lamp lighting pattern from the plurality of lamp lighting patterns stored in the lamp data ROM based on the lamp lighting instruction supplied from the sub CPU 201.

  Then, the selected lamp lighting pattern is read out from the lamp data ROM, the read audio data is converted into a predetermined lamp control signal, and the lamp 18 including the decoration lamp and the like is turned on and off.

[Type of gaming state]
First, before describing the contents of the various effect modes controlled by the sub CPU 201, the types of gaming states controlled and managed by the main CPU 71 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, as the types of gaming states controlled and managed by the main CPU 71, “big hit gaming state” (special gaming state) and “small hit gaming state” (specific gaming state) in which expectations of prize balls are different from each other ).

  The “big hit gaming state” is a game in which a round game occurs in which the open period (that is, the period of one round) of the shutter of the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54 is long (30 seconds in this embodiment) This is a gaming state where a player can expect a big winning ball. That is, in the "big hit gaming state", the repetition mode of the open state and the closed state of the shutter of the big winning opening is advantageous by the player.

  On the other hand, the "small hit gaming state" is a gaming state in which a round game occurs in which the period of one round is shorter than the "big hit gaming state" (1.8 seconds in the present embodiment), which is a big prize for the player It is a game state where a ball can not be expected. That is, in the "small hit gaming state", the repetition mode of the open state and the closed state of the shutter of the big winning opening is disadvantageous to the player.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as the types of gaming states controlled and managed by the main CPU 71, “probability changing gaming state” (high probability gaming state) and “normal gaming state” different in winning probability of “big hit” from each other There is a low probability gaming state).

  The "probable variation gaming state" is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the "big hit" (1 / 131.86 in the present embodiment) is high. On the other hand, the "normal game state" is a game state in which the probability of winning the "big hit" (1 / 932.43 in the present embodiment) is lower than that in the "probability game state".

  In the present embodiment, the “probable change gaming state” is always started after the “big hit game” is finished. Then, the "probable variation gaming state" is maintained after the "big hit game" is finished, until a predetermined number of times of drawing (with a special symbol variation display) having an upper limit of 200 times is performed.

  On the other hand, when the "small hit game" is finished, basically, the gaming state does not shift, and the gaming state at the time of the "small hit" is maintained. That is, if the gaming state at the time of winning the "small hit" is the "probability changing gaming state", even after the "small hitting gaming" ends, the "probable changing gaming state" is maintained and the game at the time of winning the "small hitting" If the state is the "normal game state", the game state is maintained at the "normal game state" even after the "small hit game" is over.

  However, in the present embodiment, for example, when the player wins the "small hit" in the last variation display (for example, the 200th variation display described later) of the "probable variation gaming state" (or "time reduction gaming state"), the next time In the variable display, the gaming state is shifted from the "probability changing gaming state" to the "normal gaming state" (or the "time saving gaming state" to the "non-time saving gaming state"). That is, in such a case, as an exception, the gaming state shifts before and after the "small hit game".

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the type of gaming state controlled and managed by the main CPU 71, “time saving game state” in which the winning probability of the normal symbol (the probability that the normal symbol is the form of “hit”) is mutually different There are "high winning game state" and "non time saving game state" (low winning game state).

  The "time-saving gaming state" in the present specification is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a normal symbol is high. That is, the "time saving game state" is a game state in which the normal motorized combination 46 (feather members) provided in the second start port 45 is likely to be in the open state (a game state in which the second start port winning is likely to occur) , It is a game state advantageous to the player. It should be noted that the "time saving gaming state" is ended when "big hit" is determined or when variation display of a special symbol for a predetermined number of time reductions to be described later is executed.

  On the other hand, "non-time-saving (no time-saving) gaming state" is a gaming state in which the probability of winning a normal symbol is lower than "time-saving gaming state". Therefore, the "non-time-saving gaming state" is a gaming state (a gaming state in which it is difficult for the second start opening winning to be generated) in which the ordinary electric character 46 (feather members) are not easily opened. It is a state.

  And, in the present embodiment, the combination of the above-described gaming states other than the “big hit gaming state” and the “small hit gaming state” changes in accordance with the effect mode. Specifically, in the present embodiment, according to the effect mode, the gaming state (the state of "high probability time short" in FIG. 12) in which "the probability variation gaming state" and the "time saving gaming state" occur simultaneously is Provided.

  In addition, according to the effect mode, a gaming state (a state of "high probability time saving none" in FIG. 12) in which "a probability variation gaming state" and a "non-short time gaming state" occur simultaneously is provided. Furthermore, according to the effect mode, there is provided a gaming state in which "non-short time gaming state" and "normal gaming state" occur simultaneously (a state of "low probability time short none" in FIG. 12).

  In the present embodiment, a gaming state in which the "normal gaming state" and the "time saving gaming state" are simultaneously generated (a state of "low probability time shorting") is not provided. In addition, in the gaming state where the "probable variation gaming state" and the "non-short time gaming state" occur at the same time (the "high probability time reduction none state"), the player determines whether the gaming state is the "probable variation gaming state" Since it is difficult to determine, here, such gaming state is also referred to as "latency gaming state".

  The transition operation between the various game states described above is controlled by the main control circuit 70. That is, the main control circuit 70 doubles as means (first game state control means, second game state control means, third game state control means) for controlling the transition operation between the various game states.

[Configuration of data table stored in main ROM]
Next, configurations of various data tables stored in the main ROM 72 of the main control circuit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

[Big hit random number judgment table (at the time of the first start mouth winning)]
First, with reference to FIG. 8, the big hit random number determination table (at the time of winning at the first starting opening) will be described. The big hit random number judgment table (at the time of the first starting opening winning), "big hit", "small hit" based on the big hit judging random number value acquired when the game ball enters the first starting opening 44 (winning) And it is a table referred when determining any of "loss" by lottery.

  In addition, the random number value for big hit judgment is a random number value for judging the lottery result performed triggered by the starting opening winning combination, more specifically, the lottery of the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) It is a random value indicating the result. In the present embodiment, the jackpot determination random number value is selected from 0 to 65535 (65,536 types).

  In the present embodiment, when the game ball is won in the first starting opening 44, one of "big hit", "small hit" and "loss" is determined by lottery. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, in the big hit random number determination table (at the time of the first starting hole winning), for each value (“0 (= off)” or “1 (= on)”) of the probability change flag The range of the jackpot judgment random number value for which the jackpot of "big hit", "small hit" and "lost" is determined, and the corresponding judgment value data ("big hit judgment value data", "small hit judgment value data") And the relationship with any one of “loss determination value data”.

  The definite change flag is one of the management flags stored in the main RAM 73, and is a flag for managing whether the gaming state is the "probable changing gaming state". When the gaming state is the "probable variation gaming state", the probable variation flag is "1".

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when the first starting opening 44 is won, the probability change flag is “0”, and the jackpot determination random number value is any of “777” to “943”. "Big win" is won, and "big hit judgment value data" is determined. That is, the winning probability (big hit probability) of the “big hit” in this case is 167/65536.

  In addition, when the first start opening 44 winning a prize, the probability change flag is "0" and the big hit judgment random number value is any of "1" to "300", "small hit" is won, and " The small hit judgment value data are determined. That is, the winning probability of "small hit" in this case is 300/65536.

  Furthermore, when the first start opening 44 winning, the probability change flag is "0" and the jackpot determination random number value is neither "1" to "300" nor "777" to "943", the "loss" Is won, and "loss determination value data" is determined.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the first start opening 44 winning a prize, the probability change flag is "1", and the big hit determination random number value is any of "777" to "1273", as shown in FIG. Is won, and "big hit judgment value data" is determined. That is, the winning probability (big hit probability) of “big hit” in this case is 497/65536, which is higher than that when the probability change flag is “0”.

  In addition, when the first start opening 44 winning a prize, the probability change flag is "1" and the big hit judgment random number value is any of "1" to "300", "small hit" is won, and " The small hit judgment value data are determined. That is, the winning probability of "small hit" in this case is 300/65536, which is the same as that when the probability change flag is "0".

  Furthermore, when the first start opening 44 winning, the probability change flag is "1", and the jackpot determination random number value is neither "1" to "300" nor "777" to "1273", the "loss" Is won, and "loss determination value data" is determined.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the gaming ball is won in the first starting opening 44, the jackpot probability fluctuates depending on whether or not the gaming state at the time of winning is the “probable change gaming state”. Specifically, the jackpot probability when the game ball is won in the first starting opening 44 when the gaming state is the "probability gaming state" is about three times that of the gaming state not being the "probability gaming state" Get higher.

[Big hit random number judgment table (at the time of the 2nd starting opening winning)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the big hit random number determination table (at the time of second starting opening winning) will be described. The big hit random number determination table (at the time of second start opening winning) is a lottery whether "big hit" or not based on the big hit determination random number value acquired when the game ball enters the second start opening 45 (winning) Is a table that is referred to when

  In the present embodiment, when the game ball is won in the second starting opening 45, either "big hit" or "loss" is determined by lottery. When the game ball is won in the second starting opening 45, the "small hit" is not won.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, in the jackpot random number determination table (at the time of second starting hole winning), every value (“0 (= off)” or “1 (= on)”) of the probability change flag “ The relationship between the range of the jackpot judgment random number values for which the jackpot of "big hit" and "loss" is determined, and the corresponding judgment value data (either "big hit judgment value data" or "loss judgment value data") Is defined.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second starting opening 45 is won, the probability change flag is “0” and the jackpot determination random number value is any of “777” to “943”. "Big win" is won, and "big hit judgment value data" is determined. That is, the winning probability (big hit probability) of the “big hit” in this case is 167/65536.

  Also, when the second start opening 45 winning, the probability change flag is "0" and the big hit determination random number value is neither "777"-"943", "loss" is won and "loss determination" Value data is determined.

  On the other hand, if the probability change flag is "1" and the jackpot determination random number value is any of "777" to "1273" at the time of the second start opening 45 winning, as shown in FIG. Is won, and "big hit judgment value data" is determined. That is, the winning probability (big hit probability) of “big hit” in this case is 497/65536, which is higher than that when the probability change flag is “0”.

  In addition, when the second start opening 45 winning a prize, the probability change flag is "1" and the big hit judgment random number value is neither "777" nor "1273", it becomes "lost" and "loss judgment value data" "Is determined.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the jackpot probability also changes depending on whether or not the gaming state at the time of winning is the "probability changing gaming state", even when the game ball is won in the second starting opening 45 . Specifically, similarly to the first start opening 44 winning, also when the second start opening 45 winning, when the gaming state is "probability game state" when the game ball wins in the second start opening 45 The jackpot probability is about three times higher than that when the gaming state is not "probable gaming state".

[Big hit symbol random number judgment table (at the time of the first start opening winning)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the big hit symbol random number determination table (at the time of the first starting opening winning) will be described.

  In the present embodiment, when "big hit" is determined from a lottery based on a big hit determination random number value performed when the game ball is won in the first starting opening 44, a big hit symbol random number value is acquired, and the big hit symbol The jackpot symbol is selected based on the random value.

  The big hit symbol random number determination table (at the time of the first starting opening winning) is a table to be referred to when selecting the big hit symbol. The jackpot symbol random number value is a random number value for determining the jackpot symbol when “big hit” is determined, and is selected from 0 to 99 (100 types).

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the jackpot symbol random number determination table (at the time of winning the first starting opening), symbol designation commands (“z0” to “z16”) for designating jackpot symbols and the symbol designation command are selected The relationship with the jackpot symbol random number value to be done is defined. In the jackpot symbol random number determination table (at the time of the first starting opening winning), the probability (selection rate) that each symbol designation command is selected is also defined.

  For example, in the jackpot symbol selection process, when the jackpot symbol random number value is any of "77" to "96", as shown in FIG. 10, the symbol designation command "z13" is selected and the selection rate thereof Is 20/100.

[Big hit symbol random number judgment table (at the time of the 2nd starting opening winning)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the big hit symbol random number determination table (at the time of second starting opening winning) will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the jackpot symbol random number is also acquired when the "big hit" is determined by the lottery based on the jackpot determination random number value performed when the game ball is won in the second starting opening 45, A big hit symbol is selected based on the big hit symbol random number value. The big hit symbol random number determination table (at the time of second starting opening winning) is a table to be referred to when selecting the big hit symbol.

  In the big hit symbol random number determination table (at the second start opening winning), as shown in FIG. 11, a symbol specifying command (“z17”) for specifying a big hit symbol and a big hit symbol for which the symbol specifying command is selected A relationship with a random value (one of 0 to 99) is defined. In the jackpot symbol random number determination table (at the time of second start opening winning), the probability (selection rate) that each symbol designation command is selected is also defined.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when "big hit" is determined at the time of the second start opening 45 winning, in the selection process of the big hit symbol, regardless of the big hit symbol random number value, it is always a symbol designation command “Z17” is selected (selectivity = 100/100).

[Big hit type decision table]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the big hit type determination table will be described. In the present embodiment, when the symbol designation command (one of “z0” to “z17”) is determined with reference to the jackpot symbol random number determination table (see FIGS. 10 and 11), the determined symbol designation is performed. Based on the command, the type of "big hit" (content of the big hit game) is determined. The big hit type determination table is a table to be referred to when deciding the type of "big hit" (content of the big hit game) based on the symbol designation command.

  In the big hit type determination table, as shown in FIG. 12, the relationship between symbol designation commands (“z0” to “z17”) and various parameters for determining the type of “big hit” is defined. As various parameters that determine the type of "big hit" (content of big hit game), the upper limit value of the number of rounds in big hit game, the number of rounds where payout balls are relatively easy to be obtained in big hit game, open at big hit game The type of the special winning opening to be played, the number of winning balls, and the short time flag and the number of shorting times set in the game state of the transition destination are defined.

  Note that "the number of rounds where it is relatively easy to obtain the balls" defined in the big hit type determination table means the number of rounds in which the opening time of the big winning opening is relatively long in the big hit game.

  For example, when the upper limit of the number of rounds is 16 and the number of rounds where it is relatively easy to obtain balls (prize balls) is six, in the first to sixth round games of the big hit game, the big winning opening is 30 The game is opened for a second, and the opening time of the special winning opening is 0.1 second in the remaining seventh to sixteenth round games.

  In this way, depending on the type of jackpot symbol (design designation command), even if the upper limit of the number of rounds is the same by changing the number of rounds in which the ball (prize ball) is relatively easy to obtain, the jackpot symbol Depending on the type of (design designation command), a difference can be given to the total number of payout balls finally obtained in the big hit game.

  Further, the type “1” of the open special winning opening defined in the big hit type determination table corresponds to the first large winning opening 53, and the type “2” corresponds to the second large winning opening 54. Then, the number of prize balls at the time of the first large winning opening 53 is "10", and the number of winning balls at the second large winning hole 54 is "15" (see FIG. 12).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by changing the type of the large winning opening to be opened at the time of the big hit, even if the number of times winning in the large winning opening in one big hit game is the same, It can be changed.

  As shown in the big hit type determination table of FIG. 12, the value of the time saving flag (“1” (on) or “0” (off)) and the number of time delays granted are prescribed for each gaming state at the time of the big hit. Be done. Specifically, in the present embodiment, if the "big hit" is determined in the gaming state of "no probability of short time absence", the "big hit" is determined in the gaming state of "high probability of time short none", In each of the cases where the "big hit" is determined in the gaming state of "high probability time reduction", the value of the time reduction flag and the number of time reduction times are separately defined.

  Note that the time saving flag is one of the management flags stored in the main RAM 73, and is a flag for managing whether or not the gaming state is the "time saving gaming state". When the gaming state is "time saving game state", the time saving flag is "1 (on)".

  In addition, since the "normal game state" and the "non-time short game state" are simultaneously occurring in the "low probability time short none" described in FIG. 12, the value of the probability change flag is "0 (off)" And the value of the time saving flag is “0 (off)”.

  In addition, since "high probability time reduction none" is a game state ("latency game state") in which "probable variation gaming state" and "non-short time gaming state" are simultaneously occurring, the value of the probability change flag is "1 ( It is a game state where the value of the time saving flag is “0 (off)”.

  In addition, since "high probability time reduction" is a gaming state in which "probability variation gaming state" and "time reduction gaming state" are occurring at the same time, the value of the probability variation flag is "1 (on)", and time reduction It is a gaming state in which the value of the flag is “1 (on)”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to change the presence or absence of the time saving game and the number of times of time saving according to the gaming state at the time of the big hit. That is, in the present embodiment, the gaming state after the end of the big hit game can be changed according to the gaming state at the time of the big hit.

  For example, when the symbol designation command is "z9", as shown in FIG. 12, the number of rounds is determined as various parameters for determining the type (content) of "big hit" regardless of the gaming state at the time of big hit. The upper limit value “16”, the number of rounds “6” which is relatively easy to get out balls, the type “1” of the big winning opening to be opened at the big hit game, and the number of winning balls “10” are obtained.

  However, in this case, when the gaming state at the time of the big hit is "no low probability time saving", the time saving flag "0" and the number of time saving "0" are selected, and the gaming state at the big hit winning "no high probability time saving" When it is, the time saving flag “1” and the time saving “100” are selected, and when the gaming state at the time of the big hit is “high probability time reducing”, the time saving flag “1” and the time saving “200” are selected Ru.

  Also, in the present embodiment, after the big hit game is over, the gaming state is always "probable change gaming state", so in the big hit type determination table shown in FIG. 12, a probability change flag for the symbol designation command (big hit symbol) Does not specify the value of. The present invention is not limited to this, and in the jackpot type determination table, the value of the probability change flag may be defined for the symbol designation command (big hit symbol).

  Further, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the gaming state is always "probable gaming state" after the big hit game is over, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the big hit game is over, the gaming state You may set the type of "big hit" that does not shift to "probable variation gaming state", or depending on the type of "big hit", it is decided whether or not the gaming status is shifted to "probability variation gaming state" It may be configured as follows. In this case, in the jackpot type determination table, the value of the probability change flag is defined with respect to the symbol designation command (jackpot symbol).

[Variation pattern determination table]
Next, the variation pattern determination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 70 (main CPU 71) selects the win type ("big hit", "small hit" or "lost"), symbol designation command, change time, etc. at the start of the change display of the special symbol. , And determines the variation pattern of the special symbol, and transmits the variation pattern as a variation command to the sub control circuit 200 (sub CPU 201).

  The variation pattern determination table is a table that is referred to when determining a variation pattern based on information such as a winning type, a symbol designating command, and a variation time at the start of variation of a special symbol. In addition, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol determined by the fluctuation pattern determination table is also information for specifying the effect pattern of the effect performed during the fluctuation display period of the special symbol, as described later.

  In the variation pattern determination table, as shown in FIG. 13, types of variation patterns (“HN00” to “HN27”) and information to be referred to when selecting the variation pattern (design designation command, variation time and winning type) The relationship with) is defined. Further, in the fluctuation pattern determination table, the value of the time saving flag and the number of times of time reduction corresponding to each fluctuation pattern are also defined.

  The value of the time saving flag and the number of times of time saving are defined for each gaming state at the time of the big hit. Specifically, if "big hit" is determined in the gaming state of "no probability of short time", if "big hit" is determined in the gaming state of "no probability of short time", and "there is high probability time." When the "big hit" is determined in the gaming state of "," the value of the time saving flag and the number of times of saving are respectively defined.

[Configuration of data table stored in program ROM]
Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the program ROM 202 of the sub control circuit 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  [Variation Effect Table] As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, various effects are executed during the variation display of the special symbol by the control of the sub control circuit 200 (sub CPU 201).

  The contents (render pattern) of the effect performed at this time are based on the information of the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol included in the fluctuation command transmitted from the main control circuit 70 to the sub control circuit 200 at the start of the fluctuation display of the special symbol. Is determined.

  The fluctuation effect table described below is referred to when determining the contents of the effect (rendering pattern) based on the information of the fluctuation pattern or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the variation effect table is for selecting (determining) types ("HN00" to "HN27") of variation patterns of special symbols and effect patterns ("EN00" to "EN54"). The correspondence between the random number value and the data set of the effect pattern determined by the random value and the value of the pseudo sequential effect flag is defined.

  In addition, in the fluctuation production table, fluctuation time (variation display period of special symbol) corresponding to fluctuation pattern of each special symbol, winning classification ("big hit", "small hit" or "lost") and symbol designation command, and The selection rate of each effect pattern and the contents of the effect are also defined.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the fluctuation time specified in the fluctuation presentation table is substantially the same as the presentation time of the corresponding presentation pattern. Moreover, the random number value prescribed | regulated to the fluctuation production table is a random number value acquired at the time of starting opening prize winning, and is either "0"-"999" (1000 types).

  The pseudo-series effect flag specified in the fluctuation effect table changes the special symbol several times by performing temporary stop display and re-variation display of the decorative symbol at least once in the variable display period of one special symbol. It is a flag that determines whether or not to perform a pseudo-series effect to be shown as if the display is repeated, and when the pseudo-series effect is performed, “1 (on)” is set to the value of the pseudo-series effect flag Be done.

  For example, the variation pattern of the special symbol determined at the start of the variation display of the special symbol is "HN10", and any of the random numbers acquired at the time of winning to select the effect pattern is "500" to "999" In the case of the value of “K”, “EN20” is selected as the effect pattern, and “1” is set in the pseudo continuous effect flag.

  In this case, the pseudo-series effect is performed during the variation display period (25000 milliseconds) of the special symbol. Specifically, first, a “pseudo-series effect” of a predetermined number of pseudo-sequences is performed, and then a “reach effect” called “normal reach effect A” is performed. Then, with the end of the "normal reach effect A", the display of the "big hit" mode is performed on the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13, and the special symbol stops fluctuating.

  In the present embodiment, as "reach effect", there are effects called "special effect A" or "special effect D" in addition to "normal reach effect A", and "normal change" as "non-reach effect" There is an effect called "effect A".

  [Description of Operation of Main Control Circuit] Next, contents of various processes executed by the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main control main processing]
First, main control main processing under control of the main CPU 71 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main control main process in the present embodiment.

  When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is powered on, first, the main CPU 71 performs an initial setting process (S1). In this processing, the main CPU 71 performs processing such as, for example, access permission to the main RAM 73, backup restoration, initialization of a work area, and the like. Next, the main CPU 71 executes an update process of the initial value random number (S2). In this process, the main CPU 71 updates the initial random number counter value.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol control processing (S3). In this process, the main CPU 71 conducts predetermined control processes regarding the progress of the special symbol game and the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) displayed on the special symbol display device 61. In addition, the details of the special symbol control process will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs normal symbol control processing (S4). In this processing, the main CPU 71 conducts predetermined control processing regarding the progress of the normal symbol game and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display device 62. The details of the normal symbol control process will be described later with reference to FIG. 24 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes control processing of the symbol display device (S5). In this process, the main CPU 71 changes the special symbol (first special symbol and second special symbol) and the ordinary symbol based on the execution result of the special symbol control processing (S3) and the normal symbol control processing (S4). Control display of display.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes game information data generation processing (S6). In this process, the main CPU 71 generates game information data to be transmitted to a hall computer or the like of the game arcade, and stores the game information data in the main RAM 73.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes storage and gaming state data generation processing (S7). In this process, the main CPU 71 generates storage / playing state data to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 based on the value of the probability change flag and the value of the time saving flag, and stores the storage / playing state data in the main RAM 73.

  Then, after the process of S7, the main CPU 71 returns the process to the process of S2, and repeats the processes after S2 described above.

[Special symbol control process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the special symbol control process performed in S3 in the main control main process (see FIG. 15) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing a procedure of special symbol control processing in the present embodiment. The numerical values ("00" to "08") written in parentheses below the reference numerals of the respective processing steps shown in FIG. 16 indicate the values of the control state flags, and the control state flags are stored in the main RAM 73. It is stored in a fixed storage area. The main CPU 71 advances the special symbol game by executing each processing step corresponding to the numerical value of the control state flag.

  First, the main CPU 71 loads a control state flag (S11). In this process, the main CPU 71 reads the value of the control state flag stored in the main RAM 73.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether to execute various processes of S12 to S20 described later based on the value of the control state flag loaded in S11. The control state flag indicates the game state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes in S12 to S20 to be performed.

  Further, the main CPU 71 executes the processing of each step at a predetermined timing determined in accordance with the waiting time or the like set for each processing of S12 to S20. Before this predetermined timing is reached, other subroutine processing is performed without executing the processing of each step. Of course, system timer interrupt processing described later (see FIG. 25 described later) is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  When the process of S11 is completed, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol storage check process (S12).

  In this process, the main CPU 71 checks the number of pending display of the variable display of the special symbol when the control status flag is the value ("00") indicating the special symbol storage check process, and the number of pending objects is not "0". (When there is a holding ball), processing such as determination of a hit, determination of a special symbol, determination of a variation pattern of a special symbol, etc. is performed.

  Further, in this process, the main CPU 71 sets a control state flag to a value (“01”) indicating a special symbol fluctuation time management process (S13) described later, and corresponds to the fluctuation pattern determined in the current process. The variation time of the special symbol is set to the waiting time timer. That is, by this process, after the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the process of S12 has elapsed, it is set so that the below-mentioned special symbol variation time management process is executed.

  On the other hand, when the number of held items is “0” (when there is no holding ball), the main CPU 71 executes a demonstration display process for displaying a demonstration screen. In addition, the details of the special symbol storage check process will be described later with reference to FIG. 17 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol variation time management processing (S13). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is a value ("01") indicating the special symbol variation time management process, and when the variation time of the special symbol has passed, the control symbol indicates the special symbol described later. A value ("02") indicating the time management process (S14) is set, and the wait time after decision is set in the wait time timer.

  That is, by this process, after the waiting time after the determination set in the process of S13 has elapsed, it is set so that the later-described special symbol display time management process is executed. In addition, the details of the special symbol variation time management process will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol display time management processing (S14). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines that the control state flag is a value indicating the special symbol display time management process ("02"), and the waiting time after determination set in the process of S13 has passed, the result of the hit determination. It is determined whether or not "big hit" or "small hit".

  Then, when the result of the hit determination is "big hit" or "small hit", the main CPU 71 sets a value ("03") indicating the big hit start interval management process (S15) described later in the control state flag, The time corresponding to the big hit start interval is set in the waiting time timer. That is, by this processing, after the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval set in the processing of S14 has elapsed, it is set so that the jackpot start interval management processing described later is executed.

  On the other hand, when the result of the hit determination is not "big hit" or "small hit", the main CPU 71 sets a value ("08") indicating the special symbol game end process (S20) described later in the control state flag. That is, in this case, it is set to execute a special symbol game end process described later. In addition, the details of the special symbol display time management process will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 described later.

  Next, when the main CPU 71 determines in S14 that the result of the hit determination is "big hit" or "small hit", it performs a big hit start interval management process (S15). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines that the control state flag is a value (“03”) indicating the big hit start interval management process, and the first CPU 71 receives the time corresponding to the big hit start interval set in the process of S14. In order to open the special winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54, the variable positioned in the main RAM 73 is updated based on the data read from the main ROM 72.

  Further, in this process, the main CPU 71 sets a control status flag to a value ("04") indicative of a process for opening a special winning opening (S16) described later, and an opening upper limit time of the special winning opening (for example, 30 seconds). ) Is set to the special winning opening opening time timer. That is, it is set by this process that a special winning opening open processing described later is executed. The details of the big hit start interval management process will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes a special winning opening open process (S16). In this process, the main CPU 71 first opens the condition that the number of big winning opening winning counters is equal to or more than the predetermined number when the control status flag is a value ("04") indicating the big winning opening opening processing. It is determined whether one of the conditions that the upper limit time has elapsed (the special winning opening open time timer is “0”) is satisfied (a predetermined closing condition is satisfied).

  In S16, when one of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 71 updates the variable located in the main RAM 73 in order to close the predetermined large winning opening (the first large winning opening or the second large winning opening). Do.

  Then, the main CPU 71 sets a value ("05") indicating the big winning opening residual ball monitoring process (S17) described later in the control status flag, and sets the big winning opening residual ball monitoring time in the waiting time timer . That is, by this process, it is set so that the below-mentioned in-game winning hole in-house residual ball monitoring process is executed after the in-game winning hole in-game remaining ball monitoring time set in S17 has elapsed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process (S17). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is a value ("05") indicating the residual ball monitoring process in the special winning opening, and when the residual ball monitoring time in the special winning opening has elapsed, It is determined whether the condition that the value is equal to or more than the maximum value of the number of times of opening of the special winning opening (the final round) is satisfied.

  When the main CPU 71 determines in S17 that the above condition is not satisfied, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“06”) indicating the special winning opening reopening waiting time management process in the control state flag.

  Further, the main CPU 71 sets a time corresponding to the inter-round interval in the waiting time timer. That is, by this processing, after the time corresponding to the inter-round interval has elapsed, it is set so that the waiting time management processing before the special winning opening reopening described later is executed.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the above condition is satisfied in S17, the main CPU 71 sets a value ("07") indicating the big hit end interval processing in the control state flag, and the time corresponding to the big hit end interval. (Big win end interval time) is set to the waiting time timer. That is, by this processing, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval set in S17 has elapsed, it is set so that the big hit end interval process described later is executed.

  Next, in S17, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the special winning opening open frequency counter is not greater than or equal to the maximum value of the special winning opening opening frequency, the main CPU 71 executes waiting time management processing before the special winning opening reopening ( S18).

  In this process, the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is a value ("06") indicating the waiting time management process before the big winning opening reopening, and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has passed, the big winning opening opening. The value of the number counter is updated so as to increase "1".

  Further, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“04”) indicating the special winning opening open processing to the control state flag. Then, the main CPU 71 sets the open upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the special winning opening open time timer. That is, this process is set to execute the above-mentioned process for opening a special winning opening (S16) again after the process of S18.

  When the main CPU 71 determines in S17 that the value of the special winning opening open frequency counter is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the special winning opening opening frequency, it performs a big hit end interval process (S19).

  In this process, the main CPU 71 determines that the control state flag is a value indicating the big hit end interval process ("07") and the special symbol game end process is executed when the time corresponding to the big hit end interval has elapsed (" Set 08 ") in the control status flag. That is, it is set by this process that the special symbol game end process described later is executed after the process of S19. The details of the big hit end interval process will be described later with reference to FIG. 23 described later.

  Then, the main CPU 71 performs control to shift the gaming state to the probability variation gaming state when the jackpot symbol is the odd symbol, and shifts the gaming state to the normal gaming status when the jackpot symbol is the non-probability symbol Control. If the big hit symbol is a symbol corresponding to "small hit", the main CPU 71 performs control to maintain the gaming state.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol game end processing when the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state ends, or when the player loses the winning game (S20).

  In this process, the main CPU 71 updates and stores data (starting storage information) indicating the number of held pieces by 1 when the control status flag is the value ("08") indicating the special symbol game end processing. Do. In addition, the main CPU 71 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next variable display of the special symbol.

  Furthermore, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“00”) indicating the special symbol storage check process in the control state flag. That is, by this process, the special symbol storage check process (S12) described above is set to be performed after the process of S20.

  Then, after the processing of S20, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol control processing, and shifts the processing to S4 of the main control main processing (see FIG. 15).

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol game is advanced by sequentially setting various values in the control state flag. Specifically, when the gaming state is neither the big hit gaming state nor the small hit gaming state, and the result of the hit determination is “loss”, the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”. , "02", "08" in the order.

  Thus, the main CPU 71 checks the special symbol storage check process (S12), the special symbol variation time management process (S13), the special symbol display time management process (S14) and the special symbol game end process (S20) in this order. Execute at a predetermined timing.

  Further, when the gaming state is neither the big hit gaming state nor the small hit gaming state, and the result of the hit determination is the "big hit" or the "small hit", the main CPU 71 sets the control status flag to "00", " Set in the order of 01 "," 02 "and" 03 ".

  Thus, the main CPU 71 checks the special symbol storage check process (S12), the special symbol variation time management process (S13), the special symbol display time management process (S14) and the big hit start interval management process (S15) in this order. It executes at a predetermined timing, and executes transition control to the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state.

  Furthermore, when transition control to the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 71 sets the control state flag in the order of “04”, “05”, and “06”. As a result, the main CPU 71 executes the above-mentioned special winning opening open processing (S16), the special winning opening residual ball monitoring processing (S17) and the special winning opening reopening waiting time management processing (S18) in this order at a predetermined timing. Run in and run a big hit game or a small hit game.

When the big hit gaming state ending condition is satisfied during the big hit game, the main CPU 71 sets the control state flag in the order of “04”, “05”, “07”, and “08”.
As a result, the main CPU 71 executes the above-mentioned big winning opening open processing (S16), big winning opening residual ball monitoring processing (S17), big hit end interval processing (S19) and special symbol game ending processing (S20) in this order. The game is executed at a predetermined timing, and the big hit gaming state is ended.

  As described above, in the special symbol control process, the processing flow is branched according to the status. In addition, the normal symbol control process (see FIG. 24 described later) in S4 in the main control main process shown in FIG. 15 also branches the processing flow according to the status as in the special symbol control process as described later. .

  The processing program of this embodiment is programmed so that a pure return processing from the small module to the parent module can be performed by a call instruction when the processing is branched according to the status. As a result, in the present embodiment, the program capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the jump table is arranged to execute the above-described processing.

[Special symbol memory check process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the special symbol storage check process performed in S12 in the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16) will be described. In addition, FIG. 17 is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special symbol memory check process in this Embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value ("00") indicating a special symbol storage check process (S31). In S31, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is not "00" (when the determination in S31 is NO), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol storage check processing, and the processing is the special symbol control processing (FIG. 16) See).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is "00" (when the determination in S31 is YES) in S31, the main CPU 71 wins the second starting opening (variable display of the second special symbol) It is determined whether the pending number (second start memory number) is "0" (S32).

  In S32, when the main CPU 71 determines that the hold number of the second starting opening winning is not "0" (when the determination of S32 is NO), the main CPU 71 corresponds to the second holding number corresponding to the second starting opening winning. The value of the starting memory number is decremented by "1" (S33).

  In the present embodiment, main CPU 71 determines whether or not data is stored in second special symbol start storage area (0) to second special symbol start storage area (4) provided in main RAM 73. It is determined whether or not there is a start-up memory of the special symbol game corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol being changed or pending.

  In the second special symbol start storage area (0), data (information) of the special symbol game corresponding to the variable display of the second special symbol in change is stored as start storage. And, in the second special symbol starting memory area (1) ~ the second special symbol starting memory area (4), a special symbol game corresponding to the variable display (holding ball) of the second special symbol for 4 times being held Data (information) is stored as a starting memory.

  The data contained in the start memory stored in each second special symbol start storage area is, for example, data such as a jackpot determination random number value and a jackpot symbol random number value acquired at the time of winning of the second start port 45 .

  After the processing of S33, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol storage transfer processing based on the second starting opening winning combination (S34). In this process, the main CPU 71 transfers (stores) data of the second special symbol start storage areas (1) to (4) to the second special symbol start storage areas (0) to (3), respectively. Then, after the process of S34, the main CPU 71 performs the process of S39 described later.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S32 that the number of reserved second starting hole wins is "0" (when the determination in S32 is YES), the main CPU 71 selects the first starting hole win (first special symbol). It is determined whether or not the pending number (first start storage number) of variable display of (1) is "0" (S35).

  In S35, when the main CPU 71 determines that the number of held first starting hole wins is "0" (when the determination in S35 is YES), the main CPU 71 performs a demonstration display process (S36). Then, after the process of S36, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol storage check process, and returns the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  In the demonstration display process of S36, the main CPU 71 sets a demonstration display permission value in the main RAM 73. That is, the main CPU 71 causes a state in which the number of reserved first start hole wins and the number of reserved second start hole wins is “0” (state in which the special symbol game start memory is “0”) is a predetermined time (for example, When maintained for 30 seconds, a predetermined value is set as the demonstration display permission value.

  When the demonstration display permission value is a predetermined value in the demonstration display process of S36, the main CPU 71 sets demonstration display command data in the main RAM 73. The demonstration display command data is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. When receiving the demonstration display command data, the sub control circuit 200 causes the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13 to display a demonstration screen.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S35 that the number of first start opening winnings held is not "0" (when the determination in S35 is NO), the main CPU 71 corresponds to the number of first starting openings winnings held. The value of the first starting memory number is decremented by "1" (S37).

  In the present embodiment, main CPU 71 determines whether or not data is stored in first special symbol start storage area (0) to first special symbol start storage area (4) provided in main RAM 73. It is determined whether or not there is a starting memory of a special symbol game corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol being changed or suspended.

  In the first special symbol start storage area (0), data (information) of the special symbol game corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol in change is stored as start storage. And, in the first special symbol starting memory area (1) ~ the first special symbol starting memory area (4), a special symbol game corresponding to the variable display (holding ball) of the first special symbol for 4 times being held Data (information) is stored as a starting memory.

  The data contained in the start memory stored in each first special symbol start storage area is, for example, data such as a jackpot determination random number value and a jackpot symbol random number value acquired at the time of winning of the first start port 44 .

  After the processing of S37, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol storage transfer processing based on the first start hole winning (S38). In this process, the main CPU 71 transfers (stores) data of the first special symbol start storage areas (1) to (4) to the first special symbol start storage areas (0) to (3), respectively. Then, after the process of S38, the main CPU 71 performs the process of S39 described later.

  Next, after the processing of S34 or S38, the main CPU 71 sets a value ("01") indicating a special symbol variation time management process in the control state flag (S39).

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts a big hit determination process (S40). In this process, the main CPU 71 is extracted at the time of winning opening winning opening, and is a random number value for jackpot determination previously set in the first special symbol start storage area (0) or the second special symbol start storage area (0). Based on the jackpot random number judgment table (FIG. 8 or FIG. 9) corresponding to the type of the winning start opening, judgment value data is acquired. Then, based on the acquired determination value data, the main CPU 71 determines (hit determination) which one of “big hit”, “small hit”, and “losing” has been won.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol determination processing (S41). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines a big hit symbol as a special symbol when the result of the hit determination is “big hit”.

  At this time, the main CPU 71 reads the jackpot symbol random number value extracted at the start winning combination, determines the special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number value and the result of the hit determination, and displays the main symbol data indicating the special symbol It is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 73.

  Specifically, when the result of the hit determination is "big hit", the main CPU 71 determines the big hit symbol as a special symbol, and when the result of the hit determination is "small hit" or "losing" , As a special symbol, a predetermined symbol set for each of "small hit" and "loss" is determined. Further, at this time, when the main CPU 71 determines the special symbol as the special display mode (the display mode in which the big hit symbol becomes the definite variation symbol), the main CPU 71 performs control to shift to the probability variation gaming state.

Data indicating the special symbol stored in this manner is supplied to the special symbol display device 61.
As a result, the special symbol is derived and displayed by the special symbol display device 61. Further, data indicating the special symbol stored in this manner is supplied from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200 as a derived symbol specification command.

  Thus, in the sub control circuit 200, the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol is derived and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. The details of the special symbol determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines the type of gaming state (certain change, time saving and normal), the result of the hit determination (win selection: “big hit”, “small hit” or “missing”), the number of reserved symbols of special symbols (starting A variation pattern determination process is performed based on the number of memories) and a special symbol (such as a big hit symbol) (S42).

  In this process, the main CPU 71 extracts the effect condition selection random number value. The main CPU 71 refers to the jackpot type determination table (see FIG. 12) for determining the fluctuation pattern, based on the special symbol (big hit symbol etc.) determined as described above.

  Then, the main CPU 71 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the effect condition selection random number value extracted from the effect condition selection random number counter and the big hit type determination table, and stores it in a predetermined area of the main RAM 73. The main CPU 71 determines a variation display mode (variation display time or the like) of the special symbol based on the data indicating the variation pattern of the special symbol.

  Data indicating the variation pattern of the stored special symbol is supplied to the special symbol display device 61. As a result, by the special symbol display device 61, the special symbol is variably displayed in the determined variation pattern.

  Further, data indicating the stored variation pattern of the special symbol is supplied from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200 as a variation command (variation pattern designation command). Then, the sub CPU 201 executes the effect display with the effect pattern corresponding to the received fluctuation command.

  After the processing of S42, the main CPU 71 sets a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern of the special symbol in the waiting time timer (S43). Next, the main CPU 71 clears the information (data) of the storage area used for the current variable display (S44). Then, after the process of S44, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol storage check process, and returns the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

[Special symbol determination process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the special symbol determination process performed in S41 in the special symbol storage check process (see FIG. 17) will be described. In addition, FIG. 18 is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special symbol determination processing in this Embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the result of the hit determination performed in the process of S40 in the special symbol storage check process is a "big hit" (S51).

  In S51, when the main CPU 71 determines that the result of the hit determination is "big hit" (when S51 is YES determination), the main CPU 71 determines a big hit symbol based on the big hit symbol determination random number value (S52) ).

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets data of the determined jackpot symbol (S53). Then, after the processing of S53, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol determination processing, and shifts the processing to S42 in the special symbol storage check processing (see FIG. 17).

  In the process of S52, the main CPU 71 supplies data of the jackpot symbol to the special symbol display device 61. Thereby, the special symbol display device 61 variably displays the special symbol, and stops the special symbol in the mode based on the data of the big hit symbol.

  Further, the main CPU 71 sets a big hit symbol command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 73, and transmits the command to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200 as a derived symbol designation command. Thereby, the sub control circuit 200 causes the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13 to display the big hit of the identification symbol.

  On the other hand, if the main CPU 71 determines in S51 that the result of the hit determination is not a "big hit" (if the determination in S51 is NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether the result of the hit determination is "small hit" or not. It discriminates (S54).

  In S54, when the main CPU 71 determines that the result of the hit determination is "small hit" (when S54 is a YES determination), the main CPU 71 selects a predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) corresponding to "small hit". Is set in a predetermined area of the main RAM 73 (S55). Then, after the processing of S55, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol determination processing, and shifts the processing to S42 in the special symbol storage check processing (see FIG. 17).

  In the process of S55, the main CPU 71 supplies data of the small hit symbol to the special symbol display device 61. Thereby, the special symbol display device 61 variably displays the special symbol, and stops the special symbol in a mode based on the data of the small hit symbol.

  Further, the main CPU 71 sets a small hit symbol command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 73, and transmits the command as a derived symbol designation command to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Thereby, the sub control circuit 200 causes the small hit aspect of the identification symbol to be derived and displayed on the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S54 that the result of the hit determination is not "small hit" (in the case of NO determination in S54), the main CPU 71 selects a predetermined special symbol (miss symbol) corresponding to "loss". Are set (S56). Then, after the processing of S56, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol determination processing, and shifts the processing to S42 in the special symbol storage check processing (see FIG. 17).

  In the process of S56, the main CPU 71 supplies data of the lost symbol to the special symbol display device 61. Thereby, the special symbol display device 61 variably displays the special symbol, and stops the special symbol in the mode based on the data of the lost symbol.

  Further, the main CPU 71 sets a lost symbol command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 73, and transmits the command as a derived symbol designation command to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. As a result, the sub control circuit 200 causes the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13 to derive and display the lost pattern of the identification symbol.

[Special symbol variation time management process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the special symbol variation time management processing performed in S13 in the special symbol control processing (see FIG. 16) will be described. In addition, FIG. 19 is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special symbol variation time management process in this Embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control state flag is a value (“01”) indicating a special symbol variation time management process (S61). In S61, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is not the value (“01”) indicating the special symbol variation time management processing (when the determination in S61 is NO), the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol variation time management processing The process is returned to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is the value indicating the special symbol variation time management processing (“01”) in S61 (when the determination of S61 is YES), the main CPU 71 determines that the waiting time timer is It is determined whether the value is "0" (S62). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the fluctuation time set in the waiting time timer has been absorbed.

  In S62, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the waiting time timer is not “0” (in the case of NO determination in S62), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol variation time management processing, and the processing is a special symbol control processing Return to (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S62 that the value of the waiting time timer is "0" (when the determination in S62 is YES), the main CPU 71 indicates the special symbol display time management process in the state control flag. The value ("02") is set (S63).

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets a symbol stop command in the main RAM 73 (S64). The symbol stop command set in the main RAM 73 is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Upon receiving the symbol stop command, the sub control circuit 200 recognizes that the special symbol is stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets the waiting time (for example, 10 milliseconds) after the fluctuation is determined in the waiting time timer (S65). In addition, the waiting time (variation start waiting time) after the fluctuation determination is a waiting time from the end of the fluctuation display of the special symbol to the start of the fluctuation display of the next special symbol. Then, after the processing of S65, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol variation time management processing, and returns the processing to the special symbol control processing (see FIG. 16).

[Special symbol display time management process]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the special symbol display time management process performed in S14 in the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16) will be described. In addition, FIG.20 and FIG.21 is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special symbol display time management process in this Embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (“02”) indicating a special symbol display time management process (S71). In S71, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is not the value ("02") indicating the special symbol display time management process (when the determination in S71 is NO), the main CPU 71 conducts special symbol display time management process The process is returned to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control status flag is the value indicating the special symbol display time management process ("02") in S71 (when the determination in S71 is YES), the main CPU 71 determines that the waiting time timer is It is determined whether the value (waiting time) is "0" (S72). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the waiting time (variation start waiting time) set in the waiting time timer has been settled.

  In S72, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the waiting time timer is not "0" (when the determination in S72 is NO), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management processing, and the processing is a special symbol control processing. Return to (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the waiting time timer is "0" in S72 (when the determination in S72 is YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether the special symbol game is "big hit" or not. It discriminates (S73).

In S73, when the main CPU 71 determines that the special symbol game is a "big hit" (when the determination in S73 is YES), the main CPU 71 performs the processing of S85 described later.
On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S73 that the special symbol game is not a "big hit" (when the determination in S73 is NO), the main CPU 71 indicates a special symbol game end process in the control state flag ("08" ) Is set (S74).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the time saving state change number counter is “0” (S75).

  When the main CPU 71 determines in S75 that the value of the hour reduction state fluctuation number counter is “0” (when the determination in S75 is YES), the main CPU 71 performs processing of S77 described later. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S75 that the value of the time saving state variation counter is not "0" (when the determination in S75 is NO), the main CPU 71 subtracts "1" from the value of the time saving state variation counter. (S76).

  After the processing of S76, or if S75 is a YES determination, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the probability variation state fluctuation number counter is “0” (S77).

  In S77, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the probability variation state fluctuation number counter is “0” (when the determination in S77 is YES), the main CPU 71 performs processing of S79 described later.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S77 that the value of the probability variation state variation counter is not "0" (when the determination in S77 is NO), the main CPU 71 subtracts "1" from the value of the probability variation state variation counter (S78).

  After the processing of S78, or if S77 is a YES determination, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the time saving state change number counter is “0” (S79).

  When the main CPU 71 determines in S79 that the value of the time reduction state variation counter is not "0" (when the determination in S79 is NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the probability change state variation counter is "0" It is determined whether or not it is (S80).

  In S80, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the probability variation state fluctuation number counter is not “0” (when the determination in S80 is NO), the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process, and the process is special symbol control Return to processing (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S80 that the value of the probability variation state change number counter is “0” (when the determination in S80 is YES), the main CPU 71 clears the gaming state flag (S81).

  Specifically, the main CPU 71 clears the probability change flag. Next, the main CPU 71 sets a game state command corresponding to the “low probability time short” game state (“normal game state” and “time short game state”) (S 82). Then, after the process of S82, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process, and returns the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  In S79, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the hour reduction state variation counter is “0” (when the determination in S79 is YES), the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the probability variation state variation counter is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S83).

  In S83, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the probability variation state change number counter is not “0” (when the determination in S83 is NO), the main CPU 71 clears the gaming state flag (S84).

  Specifically, the main CPU 71 clears the time saving flag. Next, the main CPU 71 sets a gaming state command corresponding to the gaming state of “high probability without time reduction” (state with “probable change gaming state” and “non-short time gaming state”) (S 85). Then, after the process of S85, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process, and returns the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S83 that the value of the probability variation state change number counter is “0” (when the determination in S83 is YES), the main CPU 71 clears the gaming state flag (S86). Specifically, the main CPU 71 clears the time saving flag and the probability change flag.

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets a gaming state command corresponding to the gaming state of “no low probability time short” (a state of “normal gaming state” and “non-short time gaming state”) (S87). And after processing of S87, main CPU71 ends special symbol display time management processing, and returns processing to special symbol control processing (refer to Drawing 16).

  Here, returning to the process of S73 again, the process performed when S73 is a YES determination will be described. If the determination in S73 is YES, the main CPU 71 sets the big hit flag to the on state (S88). The big hit flag is a flag indicating whether or not to play a big hit game.

  Next, the main CPU 71 clears the value of the special winning opening open frequency counter, the value of the gaming state flag, and the value of the time saving state fluctuation frequency counter (S89). Next, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“03”) indicating a big hit start interval management process in the control state flag (S90).

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets a jackpot start interval time (for example, 5000 milliseconds) corresponding to the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) in the waiting time timer (S91). Next, the main CPU 71 sets a big hit start command corresponding to the special symbol in the main RAM 73 (S92).

  Next, the main CPU 71 refers to the big hit type determination table (see FIG. 12) and sets the round number upper limit value (big winning opening open frequency upper limit value) corresponding to the special symbol (type of symbol designation command) in the main RAM 73 (S93).

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets the round number display LED pattern flag to the on state (S94). The number-of-rounds display LED pattern flag is a flag indicating whether or not to display the number of remaining rounds in a predetermined pattern. Then, after the process of S94, the main CPU 71 ends the special symbol display time management process and returns the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

[Big hit start interval management processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the big hit start interval management process performed in S15 in the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16) will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the big hit start interval management process according to the present embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the control state flag is a value (“03”) indicating a big hit start interval management process (S101).

  In S101, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control state flag is not the value (“03”) indicating the big hit start interval management process (when S101 is NO determination), the main CPU 71 ends the big hit start interval management process. , The process returns to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S101 that the control status flag is a value (“03”) indicating the big hit start interval management process (when S101 is YES determination), the main CPU 71 determines the value of the waiting time timer. It is determined whether or not is "0" (S102). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the big hit start interval time set in the waiting time timer has been consumed.

  In S102, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the waiting time timer is not “0” (when the determination in S102 is NO), the main CPU 71 ends the big hit start interval management processing, and the processing is a special symbol control processing ( Return to FIG.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the waiting time timer is "0" in S102 (when the determination in S102 is YES), the main CPU 71 sets the main winning opening display command data in the main RAM 73. (S103).

  Note that the special winning opening open display command data set in the main RAM 73 in this process is transmitted from the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200.

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“04”) indicating the process of opening the special winning opening in the control state flag (S104). Next, the main CPU 71 clears the special winning opening winning counter (S105). Next, the main CPU 71 sets the special winning opening open time to the waiting time timer (S106).

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets data on the special winning opening open (S107). The special winning opening open data is data indicating that the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54 is open.

  In this process, the main CPU 71 updates the variable positioned in the main RAM 73 based on the data read from the main ROM 72 in order to open the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54.

  By thus updating the variable, the solenoid actuator associated with the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54 is driven to open the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54. Then, after the process of S107, the main CPU 71 ends the big hit start interval management process, and returns the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

[Big hit end interval processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the big hit end interval process performed in S19 in the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16) will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the big hit end interval process according to the present embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether the control state flag is a value (“07”) indicating the big hit end interval process (S111).

  In S111, when the main CPU 71 determines that the control state flag is not the value (“07”) indicating the big hit end interval processing (when S111 is NO determination), the main CPU 71 ends the big hit end interval processing, and processing Is returned to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S111 that the control status flag is the value indicating the big hit end interval processing ("07") (when S111 is YES determination), the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the waiting time timer is It is determined whether it is "0" (S112). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the big hit end interval time set in the waiting time timer has been consumed.

  In S112, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the waiting time timer is not “0” (when the determination in S112 is NO), the main CPU 71 ends the big hit end interval processing, and the processing is a special symbol control processing (FIG. Return to 16). On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S112 that the value of the waiting time timer is "0" (when the determination in S112 is YES), the main CPU 71 clears the round number display LED pattern flag (S113).

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“08”) indicating the special symbol game end process in the control state flag (S114). Next, the main CPU 71 clears the game state flag (S115).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value of the probability change flag is “1” (is the probability change flag on) (S116). As described above, in the present embodiment, since the gaming state becomes “probable change gaming state” after the end of the big hit game, the value of the probability change flag is also “1”.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, S116 is normally determined as YES. When the value of the probability change flag is specified for the symbol designation command (big hit symbol) in the big hit type decision table shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 71 refers to the big hit type decision table in S116. Whether or not the value of the probability change flag is "1" is determined according to the type of the big hit symbol (design designation command) determined by the special symbol determination processing.

In S116, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the probability change flag is not "1" (when the determination in S116 is NO), the main CPU 71 performs the processing of S119 described later.
On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S116 that the value of the probability change flag is "1" (when the determination in S116 is YES), the main CPU 71 sets a gaming state flag (S117). Specifically, the main CPU 71 sets a positive change flag. Next, the main CPU 71 sets “200” to the value of the probability variation state variation frequency counter (S118).

  Then, after the process of S118, or when S116 is NO, the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the time saving flag is “1” (the time saving flag is in the on state) (S119).

  In this process, the main CPU 71 refers to the big hit type determination table, and according to the type of big hit symbol (design designation command) determined by the special symbol determination process and the gaming state at the time of the big hit, the value of the time saving flag It is determined whether or not is "1".

  In S119, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the time saving flag is “1” (when the determination in S119 is YES), the main CPU 71 sets a gaming state flag (S120).

  Specifically, the main CPU 71 sets a time saving flag. Next, the main CPU 71 refers to the jackpot type determination table, and according to the type of jackpot symbol (design designation command) determined by the special symbol determination process and the gaming state at the time of jackpot win, the corresponding time-shortened number Is set in the time short state fluctuation number counter (S121). Then, after the process of S121, the main CPU 71 ends the big hit end interval process, and returns the process to the special symbol control process (see FIG. 16).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S119 that the value of the time saving flag is not "1" (when the determination in S119 is NO), the main CPU 71 ends the big hit end interval processing, and the processing is a special symbol control processing ( Return to FIG.

[Normal symbol control process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the normal symbol control process performed in S4 in the main control main process (see FIG. 15) will be described. FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing a procedure of normal symbol control processing in the present embodiment.

  In addition, the numerical value ("00"-"04") described in parentheses below the code of each processing step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 24 shows a normal symbol control state flag, and this normal symbol control state flag is the main It is stored in a predetermined storage area in the RAM 73. The main CPU 71 advances the normal symbol game by executing each processing step corresponding to the value of the normal symbol control state flag.

  First, the main CPU 71 loads a normal symbol control state flag (S131). In this process, the main CPU 71 reads the normal symbol control state flag stored in the main RAM 73.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether or not to execute various processes of S132 to S136 described later based on the value of the normal symbol control state flag loaded in S131. The normal control state flag indicates the game state of the normal symbol game, and enables one of the processes of S132 to S136 to be performed.

  Further, the main CPU 71 executes the processing of each step at a predetermined timing determined in accordance with the waiting time or the like set for each processing of S132 to S136. Before this predetermined timing is reached, other subroutine processing is performed without executing the processing of each step. Of course, system timer interrupt processing described later (see FIG. 25 described later) is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  Then, when the process of S131 is completed, the main CPU 71 conducts a normal symbol storage check process (S132).

  In this process, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value ("00") indicating normal symbol storage check processing, the main CPU 71 checks the number of pending variable display of normal symbols, and the pending number is "0". If not, processing such as hit determination is performed.

  Further, in this process, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“01”) indicating a normal symbol variation time monitoring process (S133) described later in the normal symbol control state flag, and the variation time determined in the current process Set to the waiting time timer. That is, by this process, after the variation time of the normal symbol determined in the process of S132 has elapsed, it is set so that the below-mentioned normal symbol variation time monitoring process is executed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts normal symbol fluctuation time monitoring processing (S133). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines that the normal symbol control state flag is a value ("01") indicating normal symbol change time monitoring processing, and the normal symbol control state flag is described later when the normal symbol change time has elapsed. The value ("02") indicating the normal symbol display time monitoring process (S134) is set, and the wait time after decision (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set in the wait time timer.

  That is, by this process, after the waiting time after determination set in the process of S133 elapses, it is set so that the below-mentioned normal symbol display time monitoring process is executed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts normal symbol display time monitoring processing (S134). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines the hit if the normal symbol control state flag is a value (“02”) indicating normal symbol display time monitoring processing and the waiting time after determination set in the processing of S133 has elapsed. It is determined whether the result of is a hit.

  And, if the result of the hit determination is "hit", the main CPU 71 executes the ordinary electric symbol opening setting process, and the ordinary symbol control state flag shows a value indicating the ordinary electric symbol opening process (S135) described later (S135) Set "03"). That is, by this processing, it is set so that the below-mentioned normal motor-operated combination release processing is executed.

  On the other hand, when the result of the hit determination is not “hit”, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“04”) indicating a normal symbol game end process (S136) described later in the normal symbol control state flag. That is, in this case, it is set such that a normal symbol game end process described later is executed.

  Next, when the main CPU 71 determines in S134 that the result of the hit determination is "hit", the main CPU 71 conducts a normal electric combination release process (S135). In this process, when the normal symbol control state flag is a value ("03") indicating the ordinary electric character opening process, the main CPU 71 has a predetermined number of start winnings during the opening of the ordinary electric character 46 It is determined whether or not one of the following conditions and the condition that the opening upper limit time of the normal motorized symbol 46 has passed (the normal electric power releasing timer is “0”) is satisfied.

  In S135, when the above one condition is satisfied, the main CPU 71 updates the variable positioned in the main RAM 73 in order to close the blade member, which is the normal motorized product 46. Then, the main CPU 71 sets a value (“04”) indicating a normal symbol game end process (S136) described later to the normal symbol control state flag. That is, by this processing, it is set so that the below-mentioned normal symbol game end processing is executed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts normal symbol game end processing (S136). In this process, the main CPU 71 decreases the data indicating the number of pending displays of the variable display of the normal symbol by “1” when the normal symbol control state flag is the value (“04”) indicating the normal symbol game end processing. Update to memory.

  Further, the main CPU 71 updates the normal symbol storage area in order to perform variable display of the next normal symbol. Further, the main CPU 71 sets a value ("00") indicating the normal symbol storage check process in the normal symbol control state flag. That is, by this processing, after the processing of S136, the above-described normal symbol storage check processing (S132) is set to be executed.

  Then, after the processing of S136, the main CPU 71 ends the normal symbol control processing, and shifts the processing to S5 of the main control main processing (FIG. 15).

[System timer interrupt processing]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main CPU 71 interrupts the main processing at a predetermined cycle and executes the system timer interrupt processing even while the main processing is being performed. Specifically, the main CPU 71 executes system timer interrupt processing in response to a clock pulse generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 74 in a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 25, the system timer interrupt process executed by the main CPU 71 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing a procedure of system timer interrupt processing in the present embodiment.

First, the main CPU 71 saves data (information) of each register (S141).
Next, the main CPU 71 conducts random number update processing (S142). In this process, the main CPU 71 updates various random number values extracted from the big hit determination counter, the symbol determination counter, the hit determination counter, the fall determination counter, the variation pattern determination counter, the effect pattern determination counter, etc. .

  The jackpot determination counter and the symbol determination counter lack fairness when the update timing of the counter value is indefinite. Therefore, the jackpot determination counter and the symbol determination counter are updated at a fixed timing every two milliseconds to secure fairness.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts switch input detection processing (S143). In this process, the main CPU 71 detects winning or passing to the various starting openings, various winning openings, and the ball passing detector 43. The details of the switch input detection process will be described later with reference to FIG. 26 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts timer update processing (S144). Specifically, the main CPU 71 controls various timers such as a waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 70 and the sub control circuit 200, and a special winning opening opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the special winning opening. Update process of

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes command output processing (S145). In this process, the main CPU 71 outputs various commands such as a winning command and a fluctuation command to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts game information output processing (S146). In this process, the main CPU 71 outputs various information relating to the game processed by the main control circuit 70, the sub control circuit 200, the payout / firing control circuit 123 and the like to the hall computer of the game arcade or the like.

  Next, the main CPU 71 restores the data of each register saved in S141 (S147). Then, after the process of S147, the main CPU 71 ends the system timer interrupt process.

[Switch input detection processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the switch input detection process performed in S143 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 25) will be described. FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a procedure of switch input detection processing in the present embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 executes start opening passage detection processing (S151). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the gaming ball has entered the first starting opening 44 or the second starting opening 45.

  That is, the main CPU 71 detects whether or not the winning of the gaming ball has been detected by the first starting opening winning ball sensor 44a or the second starting opening winning ball sensor 45a. The details of the starting opening passage detection process will be described later with reference to FIG. 27 described later.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts a general winning opening passage detection process (S152). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether the game ball has entered the general winning opening 51 or 52. That is, the main CPU 71 detects whether or not the winning of the gaming ball has been detected by the general winning ball sensor 51a or 52a. Then, when a winning of the gaming ball to the general winning opening 51 or 52 is detected, the main CPU 71 performs various predetermined processing corresponding to the winning.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts a special winning opening passage detection process (S153). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether the game ball has entered the first large winning opening 53 or the second large winning opening 54.

  That is, the main CPU 71 detects whether or not the winning of the game ball has been detected by the first large winning opening solenoid 53b or the second large winning opening solenoid 54b. Then, when a winning of the gaming ball to the first big winning opening 53 or the second big winning opening 54 is detected, the main CPU 71 performs various predetermined processing corresponding to the winning.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts gate passage detection processing (S154). In this process, the main CPU 71 determines whether the gaming ball has passed the ball passage detector 43 or not. That is, the main CPU 71 detects whether or not passage of the game ball is detected by the passage ball sensor 43a.

  Then, when it is detected that the game ball has passed the ball passage detector 43, the main CPU 71 performs various predetermined processes corresponding to the passage. Then, after the processing of S154, the main CPU 71 ends the switch input detection processing, and shifts the processing to S144 of the system timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 25).

[Starting mouth passage detection processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the starting opening passage detection process performed in S151 in the switch input detection process (see FIG. 26) will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the starting opening passage detection process according to the present embodiment.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the winning of the game ball to the first starting opening 44 has been detected based on the output signal of the first starting opening winning ball sensor 44a (S161).

  In S161, when the main CPU 71 determines that the winning of the gaming ball to the first starting opening 44 is not detected (when the determination of S161 is NO), the main CPU 71 performs the processing of S167 described later.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S161 that the game ball has been detected to win the first starting opening 44 (when the determination in S161 is YES), the main CPU 71 pays out information corresponding to the first starting opening winning Are set in the main RAM 73 (S162). In the present embodiment, three game balls are paid out when the game ball wins the first starting opening 44. Therefore, in the process of S162, payout information of three gaming balls is set.

  After the processing of S162, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the number of reserved first winning opening winnings (variable display of the first special symbol) (number of holding balls) is less than "4" (S163).

  In S163, when the main CPU 71 determines that the number of held first starting hole wins is not less than “4” (when the determination of S163 is NO), the main CPU 71 performs the processing of S167 described later. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S163 that the number of first start hole winnings held is less than “4” (when the determination in S163 is “YES”), the main CPU 71 determines the number of first starting holes winnings. A process of adding "1" is performed (S164).

  After the process of S164, the main CPU 71 acquires various random number values used for the lottery, and stores the acquired various random number values in a predetermined area of the main RAM 73 (S165). Specifically, the main CPU 71 obtains a jackpot determination random number value and a jackpot symbol random number value.

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets the hold number increase command data of the first starting opening winning combination in the main RAM 73 (S166). In this process, the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 sends command data for holding the first starting opening winning combination set in the main RAM 73 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200.

  After the processing of S166, or if S161 or S163 is NO, the main CPU 71 detects a winning of the gaming ball to the second starting opening 45 based on the output signal of the second starting opening winning ball sensor 45a It is determined whether or not it is (S167).

  In S167, when the main CPU 71 determines that the winning of the game ball to the second starting opening 45 is not detected (when the determination in S 167 is NO), the main CPU 71 ends the starting opening passing detection process, and processing Is transferred to S152 of the switch input detection process (see FIG. 26).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S167 that a game ball winning in the second starting opening 45 is detected (when the determination in S167 is YES), the main CPU 71 pays out information corresponding to the second starting opening winning Are set in the main RAM 73 (S168). In the present embodiment, when the gaming ball wins the second starting opening 45, three gaming balls are paid out. Therefore, in the process of S168, payout information of three gaming balls is set.

  After the processing of S168, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the number of holdings (the number of holding balls) of the second starting opening winning (variable display of the second special symbol) is less than "4" (S169).

  In S169, when the main CPU 71 determines that the number of held second starting hole winnings is not less than “4” (S169 is NO determination), the main CPU 71 ends the starting opening passage detection processing, and switches the processing. The process moves to S152 in the input detection process (FIG. 26).

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in S169 that the number of reserved second starting hole wins is less than “4” (when the determination in S169 is YES), the main CPU 71 determines the number of reserved second starting mouth wins. A process of adding "1" is performed (S170).

  After the processing of S170, the main CPU 71 acquires various random number values used for the lottery, and stores the acquired various random number values in a predetermined area of the main RAM 73 (S171). Specifically, the main CPU 71 obtains a jackpot determination random number value and a jackpot symbol random number value.

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets the hold number increase command data of the second starting opening winning combination in the main RAM 73 (S172). In this process, the main CPU 71 of the main control circuit 70 transmits command data for holding the second starting opening winning combination set in the main RAM 73 to the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200. Then, after the processing of S172, the main CPU 71 ends the starting opening passage detection processing, and shifts the processing to S152 of the switch input detection processing (FIG. 26).

  As described above, in the starting opening passing detection process, when the starting opening winning combination occurs during the variation display period of the special symbol, the lottery result (various random number values) to be performed at the time of winning is stored as a holding ball. , And by the main control circuit 70.

  That is, the main control circuit 70 doubles as a means (holding ball storage means) for storing the lottery result performed at the time of winning when the starting opening winning is generated during the variation display period of the special symbol.

[Description of operation of sub control circuit]
Next, contents of various processes executed by the sub CPU 201 of the sub control circuit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. The sub control circuit 200 receives various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 70, and performs various processing based on the various commands.

[Sub control main processing]
First, sub-control main processing under control of the sub CPU 201 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the sub control main process in the present embodiment. The sub control main process is a process that is started when the power is turned on.

  First, the sub CPU 201 performs initialization processing (S181). In this process, the sub CPU 201 performs various initial setting processes such as, for example, an access permission process of the work RAM 203 and an initialization process of a work area of the work RAM 203.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs random number update processing (S 182). In this process, the sub CPU 201 updates the random number value stored in the predetermined area of the work RAM 203.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs command analysis processing (S183). In this process, the sub CPU 201 analyzes the contents of the command stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 203. The details of the command analysis process will be described later with reference to FIG. 29 described later.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs effect processing (S184). In this process, the sub CPU 201 sets (registers) various data required to execute various notification effects in each of the effect modes described above.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs display control processing (S185). In this process, first, the sub CPU 201 transmits data for displaying a predetermined effect image in the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13 to the display control circuit 205.

  Next, based on the data supplied from the sub CPU 201, a VDP (Video Display Processor) provided in the display control circuit 205 is used to image various image data such as decorative symbol data, background image data, and effect image data. Read from data ROM. Then, the VDP superimposes the various read image data and causes the display area 13 a of the liquid crystal display device 13 to display a predetermined effect image.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs voice control processing (S186). In this processing, the sub CPU 201 controls the audio control circuit 206 to perform control processing of audio generated from the speaker 11. Next, the sub CPU 201 performs lamp control processing (S187).

  In this process, the sub CPU 201 controls the lamp control circuit 207 to control the light emission of the lamp 18. Then, after the processing of S187, the sub CPU 201 returns the processing to the processing of S182, and repeats the processing of S182 and thereafter.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the various effects described above are executed by the sub control circuit 200 by the series of effect control processes of S184 to S187.

Command analysis processing
Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the command analysis processing performed in S183 in the sub control main processing (see FIG. 28) will be described. FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing a procedure of command analysis processing in the present embodiment.

  First, the sub CPU 201 determines whether there is a command received in a sub control circuit interrupt process (see FIG. 14 described later) described later (S191). Specifically, the sub CPU 201 determines whether or not the received command is stored in the reception buffer of the work RAM 203.

  In S191, when the sub CPU 201 determines that there is no received command (when S 191 is NO), the sub CPU 201 ends the command analysis process, and the process proceeds to S 184 of the sub control main process (see FIG. 28). Move.

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 201 determines that there is a received command in S191 (if YES in S191), the sub CPU 201 reads the received command and analyzes the content of the received command (S192).

  Next, the sub CPU 201 determines whether or not the received command is a variation command (a command for designating the content of the variation pattern of the special symbol) based on the analysis result of the reception command of S192 (S193).

  In S193, when the sub CPU 201 determines that the received command is a change command (when the determination in S 193 is YES), the sub CPU 201 performs change effect pattern determination processing (S 194).

  In this process, the sub CPU 201 determines a variation effect pattern of the special symbol based on the variation pattern of the special symbol. Specifically, the sub CPU 201 refers to the variation effect table of FIG. 14 and selects the effect pattern and the pseudo-sequence effect flag by lottery based on the variation pattern of the special symbol. Then, after the processing of S194, the sub CPU 201 ends the command analysis processing, and shifts the processing to S184 of the sub control main processing (see FIG. 28).

  On the other hand, if the sub CPU 201 determines in S193 that the received command is not a change command (if S193 is NO), the sub CPU 201 determines whether or not the received command is a derived symbol specification command ( S195).

  In S195, when the sub CPU 201 determines that the received command is a derived symbol designating command (when S 195 is determined as YES), the sub CPU 201 displays the display area 13a of the liquid crystal display device 13 based on the derived symbol designating command. A decorative symbol to be displayed on the screen is determined (S196). Then, after the process of S196, the sub CPU 201 ends the command analysis process, and shifts the process to S184 of the sub control main process (see FIG. 28).

  On the other hand, when the sub CPU 201 determines in S195 that the received command is not a derived symbol specification command (when the determination in S195 is NO), the sub CPU 201 sets effect control data corresponding to the reception command (S197). Then, after the processing of S197, the sub CPU 201 ends the command analysis processing, and shifts the processing to S184 of the sub control main processing (see FIG. 28).

[Sub control circuit interrupt processing]
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the sub CPU 201 interrupts the sub control main process at a predetermined cycle and executes the interrupt process even while the sub control main process is being executed. Specifically, sub CPU 201 executes interrupt processing according to a clock pulse generated in a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) from a reset clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) in sub control circuit 200. .

  Here, with reference to FIG. 30, the sub control circuit interrupt processing executed by sub CPU 201 will be described. FIG. 30 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the sub control circuit interrupt processing in the present embodiment.

  First, the sub CPU 201 performs random number update processing (S261). In this process, the sub CPU 201 updates the random number value stored in the predetermined area of the work RAM 203. At this time, the sub CPU 201 performs random number update processing so as to increase the value of the effect pattern determination counter by “1”.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs command reception processing (S262). In this process, the sub CPU 201 receives various commands transmitted from the various control circuits (the main control circuit 70, the display control circuit 205, the audio control circuit 206, the lamp control circuit 207, etc.) to the sub control circuit 200.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs timer update processing (S263). In this process, the sub CPU 201 updates various timers stored in the work RAM 203 for counting various processing times.

  Next, the sub CPU 201 performs command output processing (S 264). In this process, the sub CPU 201 outputs various commands to various control circuits (display control circuit 205, audio control circuit 206, lamp control circuit 207, etc.).

  Then, after the processing of S264, the sub CPU 201 ends the sub control circuit interrupt processing. As a result, the address of the processing program returns to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt processing.

[Various notification processing by the payout control circuit]
Next, the contents of various processing executed by the payout CPU 301 of the payout control circuit 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 38.

Power on process
First, the power-on process by the payout CPU 301 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure of power on processing in the present embodiment. The power on process is a process started when the power is turned on. When the power-on process is started, the payout CPU 301 first sets the stack pointer, the interrupt mode, and the interrupt vector.

  First, the payout CPU 301 performs an entry / output port setting process (S301). Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether or not the power failure is detected (S302). In this process, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the power failure detection signal is at the H level (high level).

  In S302, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the power failure detection signal is at the H level (when the determination in S302 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that the power failure is detected, and performs the processing of S302.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S302 that the power failure detection signal is not at the H level (S302 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that the power failure detection state is not and the write permission process of the RAM 303 is performed. Perform (S303).

  In this processing, the payout CPU 301 performs various initial setting processing such as initialization processing of a work area of the RAM 303, in addition to the writing permission processing of the RAM 303.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the backup clear switch 121 is pressed or not, that is, whether the backup clear switch 121 (see FIG. 7) is on (S304).

  In S304, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the backup clear switch 121 is on (when the determination in S304 is YES), the payout CPU 301 performs the processing of S310 described later.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S304 that the backup clear switch 121 is not on (S304 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines whether there is a power failure detection flag (S305). In this process, the payout CPU 301 confirms the power failure detection flag.

  In S305, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the power failure detection flag is not present (when the determination in S305 is NO), the payout CPU 301 performs the processing of S310 described later. On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a power failure detection flag in S305 (when the determination in S305 is YES), the payout CPU 301 calculates a work damage check value (S306). In this process, the payout CPU 301 performs damage check of the work area in the RAM 303 and calculates a work damage check value.

  Specifically, the payout CPU 301 executes error detection processing such as parity check or CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check), and sets the checksum obtained as the execution result as the operation damage check value.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the work damage check value is normal (S307). In S307, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the work damage check value is not normal (when the determination in S305 is NO), the payout CPU 301 performs the processing of S310 described later.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S307 that the work damage check value is normal (when the determination in S307 is YES), the payout CPU 301 performs initial processing at the time of power recovery (S308).

  That is, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the backup clear switch 121 is not on, the power failure detection flag is present, and the operation damage check value is normal, the payout CPU 301 is in a state before the power is turned off. It is determined that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be restored, and initialization processing at power recovery is performed based on the data stored in the RAM 303.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 performs security ball monitoring initial setting processing (S309). In this process, the payout CPU 301 performs initialization for determining whether or not 15 gaming balls are secured in the first and second ball supply passages 171A and 171B.

  Specifically, the payout CPU 301 sets initial values to the first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B. In the present embodiment, the first and second security ball counters 305A, 1950 times corresponding to the falling time 1950 ms (= 130 ms × 15) of 15 gaming balls as the falling time 130 ms of one gaming ball, This is the initial value of 305B.

  Further, the payout CPU 301 sets initial values in the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B. In this embodiment, the first and second security ball timers 306A are set to 2000 ms as the time when it is assumed that the security of 15 gaming balls is completed based on the falling time 1950 ms (1950 times) of 15 gaming balls. , 306 B as initial values.

  After the processing of S309, the payout CPU 301 restores the value of the program counter to the address before the power failure. Specifically, the payout CPU 301 ends the power on process and continues the process of the program that was being executed when the power on process was performed.

  When S304 is YES determination, S305 is NO determination, or when S307 is NO determination, the payout CPU 301 determines that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can not be restored to the state before the power is turned off, and the power supply Execute processing when the is input.

  Specifically, the payout CPU 301 clears the entire work area of the RAM 303 (S310), and performs an initialization process when the power is turned on (S311). In this process, the payout CPU 301 resets the cause for stopping the overpayment and the payout motor abnormality. At this time, the overdelivery specified number (10) to be described later is also initialized.

  In addition, in the state where the stop factor due to the ball breakage occurs, the display by the payout state notification display device 178 described later is turned off for 2 seconds so as not to be influenced by the accumulated state of the collateral balls in the ball supply passage 171.

  Specifically, when the predetermined initialization operation is performed when the driving of the payout motor 174 is stopped due to the above-described stop factor, the payout state informing display device 178 performs the process 2 until the determination of the ball breakage ends. During the second, the result of the determination is not displayed.

  As a result, for example, it is possible to determine that the ball has run out after a predetermined initialization operation, and not to perform notification by the payout state notification display device 178 when it is determined that the ball is normal. Thus, unnecessary notification can be eliminated. Here, the predetermined initialization operation is, for example, that the power is turned on again after the backup clear switch 121 is pressed.

  In the above embodiment, when the power is turned on again after the backup clear switch 121 is pressed, the payout CPU 301 clears the entire work area of the RAM 303, but the present invention is limited thereto. Instead of turning the power on again by performing a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the backup clear switch 121), at least the entire work area of the RAM 303, the number of overpays, or the work area of the error information portion A work area including one, that is, three work areas may be cleared, or may be selectively combined to clear the work area according to the purpose.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 performs the security ball monitor initial setting process described above (S312), and executes the main process (S313).

  When the power is turned off, the use register, the interrupt state, and the stack pointer are saved and the excitation data of the payout motor 174 is forcibly set to 0 and the current is switched to the low current.

  In addition, since it is also possible to assume that it is not the origin (the number of steps is a multiple of 4) when the power is turned off during the payout operation, the game ball can freely fall at the time of power cut by forcibly setting the excitation data to 0. To prevent. Alternatively, the game ball is forcibly dropped at the time of power interruption.

  When the game ball is forcibly dropped at the time of power cut off, the power cut-off process may be on standby or interrupted for an amount of time necessary for the game ball to drop, and the execution period may be extended.

  Also, instead of forcibly dropping the game ball, the game ball may be controlled to fall freely. In this case, the power-off process may be on standby or interrupted, and the execution period may be extended, in order to provide a sufficient time for detecting the free-falling game ball.

[Main processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 32, the main processing performed in S313 in the power on processing (see FIG. 31) will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the procedure of main processing in the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the system timer of the payout CPU 301 is 4 or less (S321). If the payout CPU 301 determines in S321 that the system timer is not 4 or less (if S321 is NO), the payout CPU 301 returns the process to S321.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the system timer is 4 or less in S321 (if S321 is YES), the payout CPU 301 subtracts "4" from the system timer (S322). In this process, the payout CPU 301 initializes a system timer.

  That is, if the system timer is a timer that counts every 1 ms, the payout CPU 301 executes S321 and S322 to execute the processing of S323 and later, which will be described later, every 4 ms.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 updates the values of all the timers used in the main processing (S323). Next, the payout CPU 301 executes ball lending control processing (S324). In this process, the payout CPU 301 receives game ball control and creation of a command to be sent to the card unit 150 when the lending operation unit 151 is operated, and a ball lending command sent from the card unit 150. When you do, you manage the number of game balls which it lends out.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 executes a winning ball control process (S325). In this process, the payout CPU 301 pays out when the game ball has won in the first start opening 44, the second start opening 45, the general winning openings 51, 52, the first large winning opening 53, and the second large winning opening 54. Manage the game balls to be put out.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 controls the payout status notification display device 178 so that the payout control circuit 300 displays that the error has occurred on condition that the payout control circuit 300 has an error (S326).

[System timer interrupt processing (1 ms)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 33, a system timer interrupt process by the payout CPU 301 will be described. FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing a procedure of system timer interrupt processing in the present embodiment.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the payout CPU 301 interrupts the main processing at a predetermined cycle and executes the system timer interrupt processing even while the main processing shown in FIG. 32 described above is being executed.

  Specifically, the payout CPU 301 executes system timer interrupt processing according to a clock pulse generated in a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 millisecond) from a reset clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) in the payout control circuit 300. Do.

  First, the payout CPU 301 receives detection commands (signals) of the main control circuit 70 and various sensors, and executes command reception processing for analyzing the received commands simultaneously (S331).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 updates the values of all the timers (for example, the first and second security ball timers 306A, 306B, etc.) used in the system timer interrupt process (S332). Next, the payout CPU 301 executes a security ball presence detection process (see FIG. 34) described later (S333).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 executes a security ball absence detection process (see FIG. 35) described later (S334). Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 executes count switch detection processing (see FIG. 36) described later (S335). Next, the payout CPU 301 executes a motor activation waiting process (see FIG. 37) described later (S336).

  Finally, the payout CPU 301 executes command transmission processing for transmitting a command indicating payout error information of the payout control circuit 300 to the main control circuit 70 (S337). For example, when the payout CPU 301 receives a signal indicating that the lower tray is full from the lower tray full switch 179, the main control circuit outputs a payout error information command indicating that the lower tray is full. Send to 70

  However, since the main control circuit 70 holds the start-up waiting time of the sub control circuit 200 for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) immediately after the power is turned on, dispensing error information is received until the main control circuit 70 can receive data. Do not send commands.

  Here, when the power is turned on, the history information on the dispensing error information is cleared. In addition, even if the lower bowl full tank state is canceled by discharging the gaming balls stored in the lower tray 22 during the power down, for example, before the power down, the lower tray after the power failure return There is no transmission of information to the effect that the full tank condition has been released. However, with regard to the dispensing motor abnormality and the over-dispensing abnormality, which are canceled when the power is turned on again, they are initialized at the time of power failure recovery.

[Collateral ball detection process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 34, the security ball presence detection process performed in S333 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the security ball presence detection process according to the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the value of the first security ball counter 305A is 0 (S341). In S341, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the first security ball counter 305A is 0 (when the determination in S341 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that the gaming ball to the first ball supply passage 171A is It is determined that the supply is not necessary, and the process proceeds to S347.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S341 that the value of the first collateral ball counter 305A is not 0 (when the determination in S341 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that the gaming ball to the first ball supply passage 171A is It is determined that the first 15 ball security switch 172A is in the ON state (S342).

  In S342, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A is not in the ON state (when the determination in S342 is NO), the payout CPU 301 sets a predetermined number (this embodiment) in the first ball supply passage 171A. In the case of (15), it is determined that 15 gaming balls are not stored, that is, it is determined that there is no security ball, and the processing is transferred to S347.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A is in the ON state in S342 (when the determination in S342 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines the predetermined number in the first ball supply passage 171A. It is determined that (15 in the present embodiment) gaming balls are stored, that is, there are security balls, and the value of the first security ball counter 305A is decremented by "1" (S343).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the value of the first security ball counter 305A is 0 (S344). In S344, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the first security ball counter 305A is not 0 (when the determination in S344 is NO), the payout CPU 301 replenishes the gaming ball to the first ball supply passage 171A. Is determined to be necessary, and the process proceeds to S347.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S344 that the value of the first collateral ball counter 305A is 0 (when the determination in S344 is YES), the payout CPU 301 plays the game to the first ball supply passage 171A. It is determined that the replenishment of the ball is not necessary, and the first falling ball confirmation flag is set to 1 (S345).

  Here, the first falling ball confirmation flag is set to “1” when the game ball need not be supplied to the first ball supply passage 171A, that is, when there is a collateral ball, and the first ball supply passage is determined. This flag is set to "0" when the game ball needs to be supplied to 171A, that is, when there is no collateral ball.

Next, the payout CPU 301 sets the first stop factor flag to 0 (S346).
Here, the first stop factor flag is a flag in which “0” or “1” is set depending on whether there is a factor (stop factor) for stopping the payout of the gaming ball by the winning ball case unit 170. There is a flag that is set to “1” when there is a stop factor, and to “0” when there is no stop factor, particularly with regard to the payout of gaming balls accumulated (secured) in the first ball supply passage 171A. It is.

  In the process of S346, the supply of gaming balls to the first ball supply passage 171A is completed, and it is determined in S344 that a predetermined number (15 in the present embodiment) of gaming balls are stored. Thus, the first stop factor flag is set to 0 in order to release the ball breakage which is the stop factor. In addition, although it mentions later as a stop factor, there exist various stop factors other than a ball breakage. Here, a broken ball is given as an example.

  Next, if S341 is a YES determination, S342 is a NO determination, or S344 is a NO determination, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the value of the second security ball counter 305B is 0 (S347). ).

  In S347, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the second security ball counter 305B is 0 (when the determination is YES in S347), the payout CPU 301 controls the game ball to the second ball supply passage 171B. It is determined that the supply is not necessary, and the security ball presence detection process is ended.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S347 that the value of the second collateral ball counter 305B is not 0 (if the determination in S347 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that the gaming ball to the second ball supply passage 171B is It is determined whether or not the second 15-ball collateral switch 172B is ON (S348).

  In S348, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the second 15-ball collateral switch 172B is not in the ON state (when the determination in S348 is NO), the payout CPU 301 sets a predetermined number of the second ball supply passages 171B. In the case of (15), it is judged that 15 game balls are not stored, that is, it is judged that there is no security ball, and the security ball presence detection process is ended.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the second 15-ball collateral switch 172B is in the ON state in S348 (if YES in S348), the payout CPU 301 determines the predetermined number of second ball supply passages 171B. It is determined that (15 in the present embodiment) gaming balls are stored, that is, there are security balls, and the value of the second security ball counter 305B is decremented by "1" (S349).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the value of the second security ball counter 305B is 0 (S350). In S350, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the second security ball counter 305B is not 0 (when the determination in S350 is NO), the payout CPU 301 supplies the gaming ball to the second ball supply passage 171B. Is determined to be necessary, and the security ball presence detection process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S350 that the value of the second security ball counter 305B is 0 (when the determination in S350 is YES), the payout CPU 301 plays the game to the second ball supply passage 171B. It is determined that the replenishment of the ball is not necessary, and 1 is set in the second falling ball confirmation flag (S351).

  Here, the second falling ball confirmation flag is set to “1” when it is not necessary to supply gaming balls to the second ball supply passage 171 B, that is, when there is a collateral ball, and the second ball supply passage This flag is set to “0” when the game ball needs to be supplied to 171 B, that is, when there is no collateral ball.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets the second stop cause flag to 0 (S352), and ends the processing for detecting the security ball presence. Here, the second stop factor flag is a flag in which “0” or “1” is set depending on whether there is a factor (stop factor) for stopping the payout of the gaming ball by the winning ball case unit 170. There is a flag that is set to “1” when there is a stop factor, and to “0” when there is no stop factor, particularly with regard to the payout of gaming balls accumulated (secured) in the second ball supply passage 171B. It is.

  In the process of S352, the supply of gaming balls to the second ball supply passage 171B is completed, and it is determined in S350 that a predetermined number (15 in the present embodiment) of gaming balls are stored. Thus, the second stop factor flag is set to 0 in order to cancel the ball breakage which is the stop factor.

  In this way, in the security ball presence detection process, the security ball counter and the 15 ball security switch, the presence or absence of the security ball, the judgment of the replenishment of the gaming ball, and the stop factor (of the payout motor or sprocket or payout) Since it is possible to determine whether or not to cancel, it is possible to more accurately manage the collateral balls in the payout.

[No collateral ball detection process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 35, the security ball absence detection process performed in S334 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) will be described. FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing a procedure of the security ball absence detection process in the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the value of the first security ball timer 306A is 0 (S361). In S361, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the first security ball timer 306A is not 0 (when the determination of S361 is NO), the payout CPU 301 is supplying the gaming ball to the first ball supply passage 171A. The process moves to S371.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S361 that the value of the first collateral ball timer 306A is 0 (when the determination of S361 is YES), the payout CPU 301 plays the game to the first ball supply passage 171A. It is judged that the supply of the balls is completed, and it is judged whether or not the value of the first security ball counter 305A is 0 (S362).

  In S362, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the first security ball counter 305A is 0 (when the determination in S362 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines the predetermined number of the first ball supply passage 171A (this number In the embodiment, it is determined that 15 game balls are stored, that is, it is determined that there is a security ball, and it is determined whether or not the first 15 ball security switch 172A is in the OFF state (S363).

  Here, the payout CPU 301 subtracts “1” each time the system timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 33 is performed every 1 ms in S361 and S362, that is, the updated value of the first security sphere timer 306A and the security In step S343 of the ball presence detection process (see FIG. 34), “1” is subtracted, ie, the value of the updated first collateral ball counter 305A is compared, and based on the comparison result, the gaming ball by the first sprocket 173A It is determined whether or not the payout is prohibited.

  For example, if S361 is a YES determination and S362 is a YES determination, both the value of the first security ball timer 306A and the value of the first security ball counter 305A are 0 as predetermined values. Therefore, when 2000 ms, which is the initial value of the first security ball timer 306A set as a time sufficient to pay out 15 gaming balls from the ball tank 161, has elapsed, the first security ball counter It means that 1950 times (1950 ms), which is the initial value of 305A, has elapsed.

  The initial value of the first security ball counter 305A, 1950 times (1950 ms), is a value that is not subtracted if the first 15-ball security switch 172A does not detect the game ball, so when 2000 ms has elapsed (0 When 1950 times (1950 ms), which is the initial value of the first security ball counter 305A, becomes 0), the first ball supply passage 171A is refilled with 15 gaming balls. Is guaranteed.

  On the other hand, when S361 is a YES determination and S362 is a NO determination, when the value of the first security ball timer 306A becomes 0, the value of the first security ball counter 305A becomes 0. It will not be.

  That is, when 2000 ms, which is the initial value of the first security ball timer 306A, has elapsed, 1950 times (1950 ms), which is the initial value of the first security ball counter 305A, have not elapsed. Thereby, it can be estimated that there was a time in which the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A did not detect the gaming ball, that is, there was a time in which the replenishment of the gaming ball was interrupted, until 2000 ms passed. Therefore, if S361 is a YES determination and S362 is a NO determination, it is determined that the first ball supply passage 171A is not replenished with 15 gaming balls.

  The payout CPU 301 that performs processing of comparing the value of the first security ball timer 306A with the value of the first security ball counter 305A constitutes a determination unit.

  Next, in S363, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A is not in the OFF state (when S363 is NO), the payout CPU 301 selects 15 in the first ball supply passage 171A. It is determined that the gaming ball is being replenished, and the process proceeds to S371.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A is in the OFF state in S363 (when the determination in S363 is YES), the payout CPU 301 once performs the above-described S361 and S362. Even though 15 game balls are guaranteed to be supplied to 1 ball supply passage 171A, 15 game balls are not supplied to first ball supply passage 171A due to any factor, that is, It is determined that there is no security ball, and the first falling ball confirmation flag is set to 0 (S364).

  Here, as a factor to be judged as YES in S363, there may be mentioned, for example, the case where the game balls are excessively paid out due to a defect of the first sprocket 173A or the payout motor 174 or the like. Also, at this time, the payout of the gaming balls by the first sprocket 173A is prohibited.

  Here, when the gaming balls are paid out excessively, for example, as a result of the first sprocket 173A rotating excessively, from 15 to 14 gaming balls being supplied to the first ball supply passage 171A The first 15-ball collateral switch 172A detects that the gaming balls supplied to the first ball supply passage 171A move in the direction of the first sprocket 173A in a row following the dropped gaming balls that have been paid out. Since the game ball also moves in the direction of the first sprocket 173A, the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A is in the OFF state.

  That is, even if the value of the first collateral ball counter 305A is 0 when the value of the first collateral ball timer 306A is 0, the payout CPU 301 causes the game balls to be dispensed by the first sprocket 173A. When the gaming ball is not detected by the first 15-ball collateral switch 172A before, the payout of the gaming ball by the first sprocket 173A through the driving of the payout motor 174 is prohibited.

  As described above, since the payout CPU 301 can grasp whether or not there is a gaming ball supplied to the first ball supply passage 171A, payout management can be performed more accurately.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets 2 seconds (2000 ms) in the first security ball timer 306A as monitoring time of the idle state of the payout motor 174 (S365). When the 2000 ms set here has elapsed, it is determined that there is a stop factor, and the notification by the payout state notification display device 178 is performed.

  Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 sets 1950 times (1950 ms) as the number of times of monitoring of the idle state of the payout motor 174 in the first security ball counter 305A (S366), and shifts the processing to S371.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S362 that the value of the first collateral ball counter 305A is not 0 (if the determination in S362 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines the predetermined number of first ball supply passages 171A ( In the present embodiment, it is determined that 15 gaming balls are not stored, that is, there is no security ball, and 1 is set to the first stop factor flag (S367).

  In this process, as described above, it is determined that 15 game balls are not supplied to the first ball supply passage 171A in S361 and S362, and therefore, the payout of the game balls by the first sprocket 173A is prohibited. , 1 is set to the first stop factor flag.

  In other words, when the value of the first security ball counter 305A is not 0 when the value of the first security ball timer 306A is 0, the payout CPU 301 uses the first sprocket 173A through the drive of the payout motor 174. Prohibit payout of game balls.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets the origin adjustment flag to 1 (S368), and moves the process to S371. In this process, the payout CPU 301 performs a process of requesting origin adjustment control of the first sprocket 173A.

  Here, the origin of the first sprocket 173A is a rotational position (drive position) at which the gaming ball can be paid out to the first payout passage 180A when the first sprocket 173A is rotated. In the present embodiment, the number of steps of the payout motor 174 is controlled based on the origin.

  In addition, when the first sprocket 173A is stopped based on some stop factor (such as "error related to payout" described later), the index for causing the first sprocket 173A to grasp the position detection sensor (for example, the rotational position of the first sprocket 173A) Because the current rotational position (drive position) is unknown because the) is not provided, ie, it is unclear how many steps the payout motor 174 has been driven with respect to the origin, so that the first sprocket 173A The origin may also be unknown.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the first sprocket 173A is stopped based on the stop factor, that is, when the origin adjustment flag is set to 1, the origin adjustment for grasping the origin of the first sprocket 173A Control is performed. That is, when it is determined that the payout of the game ball is prohibited as described above, the payout CPU 301 performs the origin adjustment control. The same applies to retry control described later.

  As described above, since the origin position control of the sprocket 173 can be adjusted by performing the origin adjustment control, for example, the dispensing device using the sprocket 173 not provided with the position detection sensor accurately dispenses, for example. It is possible to do

  In the present embodiment, although the dispensing device in which the position detection sensor is not provided on the sprocket 173 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is a dispensing device in which the position detection sensor is provided on the sprocket Also by performing the origin point adjustment control, it is possible to more accurately manage the position of the sprocket and the payout, so it is possible to perform the payout more accurately.

  The origin adjustment flag is a flag that is set according to the presence or absence of request for origin adjustment control, and is set to “1” when there is a request for origin adjustment control, and when there is no request for origin adjustment control. It is a flag set to "0".

  Specifically, the payout CPU 301 drives the payout motor 174 by a unit drive amount (four steps in the present embodiment) until the gaming ball is detected by the first count switch 181A. Here, the above-mentioned unit drive amount (four steps in the present embodiment) is smaller than a payout drive amount (16 steps in the present embodiment) described later.

  Furthermore, the unit drive amount (4 steps in this embodiment) is obtained by dividing the payout drive amount (16 steps in this embodiment) described later by a specific number of four times (the number of times of origin request retry described later) It is a driving amount.

  Further, the origin adjustment control is control common to retry control described later. Therefore, also in the retry control, the payout CPU 301 drives the payout motor 174 by a unit drive amount (4 steps in the present embodiment) until the gaming ball is detected by the first count switch 181A. Details will be described later. The payout CPU 301 that controls the drive of the payout motor 174 constitutes a control unit and a drive control unit.

  Here, in the above-described S367, although the first stop factor flag is set to 1 to prohibit the payout of the gaming ball by the first sprocket 173A, in the case where the origin adjustment control is required as described above The origin adjustment can not be performed if the payout of the game ball by the first sprocket 173A is not permitted.

  The same applies to retry control. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if it is determined that the payout of the gaming ball is prohibited, the payout CPU 301 permits the payout of the gaming ball on the condition that the origin adjustment control (retry control) is being executed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent that the home point adjustment control (retry control) can not be performed due to the payout of the gaming ball being prohibited.

  Next, if S361 is NO, if S363 is NO, or after S366 or after S368, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the value of the second security ball timer 306B is 0 or not. It discriminates (S371).

  In S371, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the second security ball timer 306B is not 0 (when the determination in S371 is NO), the payout CPU 301 is supplying the gaming ball to the second ball supply passage 171B. It is determined that the security ball is not detected, and the security ball no detection process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S371 that the value of the second security ball timer 306B is 0 (when the determination of S371 is YES), the payout CPU 301 plays the game to the second ball supply passage 171B. It is determined that the supply of the balls is completed, and it is determined whether the value of the second security ball counter 305B is 0 (S372).

  In S372, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the second security ball counter 305B is 0 (when the determination of S372 is YES), the payout CPU 301 sets a predetermined number of the second ball supply passage 171B (this number In the embodiment, it is determined that 15) game balls are stored, that is, it is determined that there is a security ball, and it is determined whether the second 15-ball security switch 172B is in the OFF state (S373).

  Here, the determination as to whether or not the payout of gaming balls by the second sprocket 173B is prohibited is the same as the determination as to whether or not the payout of gaming balls by the first sprocket 173A described above is prohibited, I omit explanation. The payout CPU 301 that performs processing of comparing the value of the second security ball timer 306B with the value of the second security ball counter 305B constitutes a determination unit.

  Next, in S 373, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the second 15-ball collateral switch 172 B is not in the OFF state (when S 373 is NO), the payout CPU 301 selects 15 in the second ball supply passage 171 B. It is determined that the gaming ball is being replenished, and the security ball non-existence detection processing is ended.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the second 15-ball collateral switch 172B is in the OFF state in S373 (when the determination in S373 is YES), the payout CPU 301 once performs the above-described S371 and S372. Even though it is guaranteed that 15 game balls are supplied to the 2 ball supply passage 171B, 15 game balls are not supplied to the second ball supply passage 171B for some reason, that is, It is determined that there is no collateral ball, and the second falling ball confirmation flag is set to 0 (S374).

  Here, as a factor to be judged as YES in S373, there may be mentioned, for example, the case where the game balls are excessively paid out due to a defect of the second sprocket 173B or the payout motor 174 or the like. Further, at this time, the payout of the gaming balls by the second sprocket 173B is prohibited.

  In other words, the payout CPU 301 pays out the game ball by the second sprocket 173B even if the value of the second security ball counter 305B is 0 when the value of the second security ball timer 306B is 0. If the game ball is not detected by the second 15-ball collateral switch 172B before the game is performed, the payout of the game ball by the second sprocket 173B through the drive of the payout motor 174 is prohibited.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets 2 seconds (2000 ms) in the second security ball timer 306B as monitoring time of the idle state of the payout motor 174 (S375). When the 2000 ms set here has elapsed, it is determined that there is a stop factor, and the notification by the payout state notification display device 178 is performed.

  Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 sets 1950 times (1950 ms) as the monitoring count of the idle state of the payout motor 174 in the second security ball counter 305B (S376), and ends the security ball absence detection processing.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S372 that the value of the second security ball counter 305B is not 0 (when the determination of S372 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines the predetermined number of second ball supply passages 171B ( In the present embodiment, it is determined that 15 game balls are not stored, that is, it is determined that there is no security ball, and 1 is set to the second stop factor flag (S377).

  In this process, as described above, it is determined that 15 game balls are not supplied to the second ball supply passage 171B in S371 and S372, and therefore, the payout of the game balls by the second sprocket 173B is prohibited. , 1 is set to the second stop factor flag.

  In other words, when the value of the second security ball counter 305B is not 0 when the value of the second security ball timer 306B is 0, the payout CPU 301 uses the second sprocket 173B through the driving of the payout motor 174. Prohibit payout of game balls.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets the origin adjustment flag to 1 (S378), and ends the security ball absence detection process. In this process, the payout CPU 301 performs a process of requesting origin adjustment control of the second sprocket 173B. Here, since the origin adjustment control of the second sprocket 173B is the same as the origin adjustment control of the first sprocket 173A, the description will be omitted.

[Counting switch detection processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 36, the count switch detection process performed in S335 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the count switch detection process according to the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether or not the first count switch 181A or the second count switch 181B detects the passage of the game ball (S381). In S381, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first count switch 181A or the second count switch 181B does not detect passage of the game ball (when S381 is NO), the payout CPU 301 counts the switch End the detection process.

  Here, when the home point adjustment control is in progress, the gaming ball is not detected yet by the first count switch 181A or the second count switch 181B, so the determination of S381 is NO.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S381 that the first counting switch 181A or the second counting switch 181B has detected the passage of the game ball (if the determination in S381 is YES), the payout CPU 301 performs the first operation. It is determined that the gaming ball has been paid out by the second sprocket 173A or the second sprocket 173B, and the payout request number is decremented by "1" (S382).

  At this time, the payout CPU 301 can count the number of gaming balls detected by the first counting switch 181A and the second counting switch 181B. Therefore, the payout CPU 301 constitutes counting means.

  Here, the payout request number is transmitted from the main control circuit 70 based on the winning of the gaming machine to the various starting opening and the various winning openings and the lending of the gaming balls, and the winning sphere control command or lending received by the payout control circuit 300. It is a value obtained by successively adding the number of winning balls or the number of lending balls based on the ball control signal, and is the total number of gaming balls to be paid out by the winning ball case unit 170 (the total of the payout amount).

  The requested payout number is stored in the RAM 303 of the payout control circuit 300. The number of winning balls and the number of lending balls described above correspond to the amount of payout. Further, the RAM 303 of the payout control circuit 300 constitutes a payout storage unit. Further, the payout request number is subtracted by the payout of the game ball.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 subtracts “1” from the drop request number (S383). Here, the requested number of drops is determined as the number of gaming balls to be paid out by one drive of the payout motor 174 based on the number of requested payouts (total amount of payouts) stored in the RAM 303 of the payout control circuit 300. The maximum is 15 pieces.

  For example, if the requested number of payouts (total amount of dispensed amounts) is 15 or more, the requested number of drops is 15 and if the requested number of dispenseds (total amount of dispenseds) is 14 or less, the requested number of drops is: It becomes the same number as the stored payout request number.

  Further, the drop request number is determined by the payout CPU 301 in accordance with the payout request number (the total of the payout amount). The requested drop number corresponds to the amount of withdrawal. Further, the payout CPU 301 corresponds to the cut-off amount determination means.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the origin adjustment flag is 1 (S384). If the payout CPU 301 determines in S384 that the origin adjustment flag is not 1 (if NO in S384), the payout CPU 301 shifts the processing to S387.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment flag is 1 in S384 (if S384 is YES), the payout CPU 301 sets the origin adjustment flag to 0 (S385).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets an origin adjustment completion flag to 1 (S 386). Here, the home position adjustment completion flag is a flag for determining whether home position adjustment control is in progress or home position adjustment control completion, and is set to "0" when home position adjustment control is in progress, and home position adjustment control is completed. When it is set, it is a flag that is set to "1".

  Next, if S364 is NO, or after S386 is completed, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the number of drop requests is less than 0 (S387). If the payout CPU 301 determines in S387 that the number of drops requested is not less than 0 (if NO in S387), the payout CPU 301 ends the count switch detection process.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S387 that the number of requested drops is less than 0 (if YES in S387), the payout CPU 301 has an excess of gaming balls actually paid out with respect to the requested number of drops. It is determined that the number of over pays is “1” (S388).

  Here, the overpaid number is the number of gaming balls exceeding the number of drops required when the number of gaming balls actually paid out is excessive with respect to the number of drops required, that is, when the excess payout occurs. For example, if the number of game balls actually paid out is 16 while the number of requested drop is 15, since one game ball is overpaid, "1" is added.

  The payout CPU 301 counts the total number of gaming balls detected by the first counting switch 181A and the second counting switch 181B by adding the above-described overpaid number (total number of gaming balls actually paid out) Can be stored in the RAM 303 as the difference between the.

  Therefore, the RAM 303 constitutes a difference storage unit. The overpaid number is accumulated in the RAM 303 until a predetermined initialization operation is performed. As the predetermined initialization operation mentioned here, for example, power on / off and the like can be mentioned.

  In the above embodiment, when the power is turned on again after the backup clear switch 121 is pressed, the payout CPU 301 clears the entire work area of the RAM 303, but the present invention is limited thereto. Instead of turning on the power again by performing a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the backup clear switch 121), at least one of the total work area of the RAM 303, the number of overpays, or the work area of the error information portion. A work area including one, that is, three work areas may be cleared, or may be selectively combined to clear the work area according to the purpose.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the number of overpay has reached 10 or more (S 389). In other words, the payout CPU 301 compares the total number of gaming balls detected by the first counting switch 181A and the second counting switch 181B (the total number of gaming balls actually paid out) with the payout request number. It is determined whether or not the difference (the total number of overpayers) has reached 10 or more.

  In S389, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the number of overpay is not 10 or more (when the determination in S389 is NO), the payout CPU 301 allows the number of gaming balls relating to overpayment to be within the allowable range (allowable value). The count switch detection process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the number of overpaid pieces is 10 or more in S 389 (when the determination in S 389 is YES), the number of gaming balls relating to over payout is not within the allowable range If it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than the value, the overpay flag is set to 1 (S390), and the count switch detection process is ended.

  Here, the overpay flag is a flag for determining whether or not the number of gaming balls relating to overpayment is within the allowable range (allowable value), and the number of gaming balls relating to overpayment is within the allowable range. When it is, it is a flag which is set to 0 and which is set to 1 when the number of gaming balls relating to overpayment is not within the allowable range (above the allowable value).

  In addition, when the overpay flag is set to 1, the payout CPU 301 controls the payout motor 174 to stop the first sprocket 173A and the second sprocket 173B until the predetermined initialization operation described above is performed. .

[Motor start wait process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 37, the motor activation waiting process performed in S336 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) will be described. FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing a procedure of motor start waiting process in the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the origin adjustment completion flag is 1 (S401). If the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment completion flag is not 1 in S401 (if S401 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that origin adjustment control is in progress, and shifts the processing to S406.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment completion flag is 1 in S401 (when the determination in S401 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment control has been completed, and the first Alternatively, it is determined whether the second stop factor flag is 1 (S402).

  In S402, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first or second stop cause flag is 1 (when the determination in S402 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a stop cause and starts the motor activation. End the waiting process.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S402 that neither the first nor the second stop cause flag is 1 (when the determination in S402 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no stop cause. Then, it is determined whether the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 (S403).

  In S403, when the payout CPU 301 determines that neither the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 (when the determination in S403 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no security ball, and the motor End the startup waiting process.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 in S403 (when the determination in S403 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a collateral ball and pays out. It is determined whether the requested number is greater than 0 (S404).

  When the payout CPU 301 determines in S404 that the payout request number is not greater than 0 (when the determination in S404 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no payout request, and ends the motor activation waiting process.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the payout request number is greater than 0 in S404 (when S404 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a payout request, and a motor start initialization process (see FIG. 38) is executed (S405).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the origin adjustment flag is 1 (S406). If the payout CPU 301 determines in S406 that the origin adjustment flag is not 1 (if the determination in S406 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no request for origin adjustment control, and shifts the processing to S407. Therefore, when the determination in S406 is NO, the origin adjustment control is not performed.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment flag is 1 in S406 (if S406 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a request for origin adjustment control, and the retry count is 12 It is determined whether or not it is large, that is, whether or not the origin adjustment control has been performed 12 times (S408). Therefore, if the determination in S406 is YES, origin adjustment control is performed.

  Here, the number of retries is the number of times of origin adjustment control, and more specifically, is a value that is added each time the number of motor operations to be described later is updated. In the home point adjustment control, a driving amount necessary for paying out one gaming ball to the sprocket 173 and then paying out the next gaming ball, that is, a driving amount necessary for paying out one gaming ball (payout driving amount) Because only the payout motor 174 is driven, the payout drive amount required to pay out this single game ball (in this embodiment, 16 steps = unit drive amount (4 steps) x 4 times (origin request retry count) The number of motor operation | movement numbers was set to 1). Here, the unit drive amount as excitation data is 4 steps × 5 ms.

  Therefore, each time the motor operation number is set (updated) at S410 described later, the number of retries is added, assuming that the home position adjustment control is completed once. As described above, since the origin adjustment control is the control common to the retry control, it can be said that the number of times of retry is the number of times of retry control.

  Thus, the payout CPU 301 updates the number of motor operations as a retry value on condition that the drive amount of the payout motor 174 has reached the payout drive amount (16 steps in the present embodiment).

  The payout CPU 301 that updates the number of motor operations as described above constitutes retry value update means. Further, the payout CPU 301 manages the number of times the motor operation number has been updated, or the number of times the excitation data has been set, that is, the number of retries as the number of times of origin adjustment control (retry control).

  In this embodiment, three grooves are formed in each sprocket for receiving the game balls so that three game balls are paid out each time the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B make one rotation. ing.

  For this reason, when the number of motor operation is updated six times, the drive amount for only one rotation of each of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B (in this embodiment, 96 steps = 16 steps (unit drive amount The payout motor 174 is driven by 4 steps) × 4 times (origin request retry number)) × 6 times (half the number of 12 times of retry numbers)).

  Therefore, if the number of retries is greater than 12, the driving amount for two rotations of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B (in this embodiment, 192 steps = 96 steps (driving amount for one rotation)) This means that the dispensing motor 174 has been driven by a driving amount exceeding x 2). The number of times of retrying of 12 times is the upper limit number of times of retry control in which 16 steps (unit driving amount (4 steps) × 4 times) are set as one set.

  In S408, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the number of retries is greater than 12 (when the determination in S408 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that the number of origin adjustment controls has reached the upper limit number (12 times). Then, the process moves to S407.

  At this time, the payout CPU 301 detects that the game ball is not detected by the first and second count switches 181A and 181B, and the drive amount of the payout motor 174 exceeds 192 steps (upper limit drive amount) or the retry count is The driving of the payout motor 174 is controlled so as to stop the payout of the gaming balls until the predetermined initialization operation is performed, on the condition that the number of times exceeds the upper limit number of times. Thus, the home position adjustment control (retry control) is completed. As the predetermined initialization operation mentioned here, for example, power on / off and the like can be mentioned.

  In the above embodiment, when the power is turned on again after the backup clear switch 121 is pressed, the payout CPU 301 clears the entire work area of the RAM 303, but the present invention is limited thereto. Instead of turning the power on again by performing a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the backup clear switch 121), at least the entire work area of the RAM 303, the number of overpays, or the work area of the error information portion A work area including one, that is, three work areas may be cleared, or may be selectively combined to clear the work area according to the purpose.

  In S407, the payout CPU 301 sets an activation state of the payout motor 174 (S407), and shifts the processing to S414. In this process, when the determination in S406 is NO, the origin adjustment control is not performed, so that the acceleration state or the like of the payout motor 174 according to the drop request number is set so that the normal game ball payout is performed. When the determination in S408 is YES, the payout motor 174 is set in the idle state to stop the payout of the gaming ball.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S408 that the number of retries is not greater than 12 (if the determination in S408 is NO), the payout CPU 301 steps the step counter mask value 4 steps in preparation for the next origin adjustment control. It sets to (S409). In this process, four steps are set as a unit drive amount of the payout motor 174 at the time of origin adjustment control execution.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets the number of motor operations to one (S410), and sets four times as the origin request retry number (S411). In this process, the payout drive amount necessary to pay out one gaming ball is obtained by multiplying the four steps set as the step counter mask value in the above-described S409 by the four times set as the origin request retry frequency. 16 steps are set.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 clears the value of the falling ball monitoring timer to 0 (S412). Here, after the dropping ball monitoring timer drives the dispensing motor 174 with excitation data for a unit driving amount (4 steps) in the origin adjustment control, whether there is a falling ball or not and whether or not a stop factor occurs Is a timer for measuring the falling ball monitoring time (130 ms in the home position adjustment control) for monitoring.

  The falling ball monitoring time (130 ms) is an excitation data holding period as a holding period for holding the postures of the first and second sprockets 171A and 171B after driving the dispensing motor 174 for four steps (this embodiment) Then, it is composed of 30 ms) and a cooling period (100 ms in the home position adjustment control) for cooling the dispensing motor 174.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets “0” in the origin adjustment completion flag (S413). Next, after the end of S407, or after the end of S413, the payout CPU 301 sets excitation data of the payout motor 174 (S414), and ends the motor activation waiting process.

In this process, for example, when performing origin adjustment control, 16 steps (unit driving amount (4 steps) x 4 times (origin request retry count)) as a payout driving amount necessary to pay out one gaming ball Set the excitation data. Further, when a normal game ball is to be paid out, excitation data for a predetermined number of steps is set as a drive amount necessary to pay out the game balls for the number required to be dropped.
The excitation data is set to 0 when the payout motor 174 is set to the idle state so that the payout of the gaming ball is stopped.

[Motor start initialization process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 38, motor start initialization processing performed in S405 in the motor start waiting processing (see FIG. 37) will be described. FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing a procedure of motor start initialization processing in the present embodiment.

First, the payout CPU 301 sets the drop request number from the payout request number (S421).
In this process, a maximum of 15 drop request numbers are set in accordance with the payout request number (total amount of payout amounts). For example, in the case where the number of requested dispensings (the total of the dispensing amount) is 20, the number of requested droppings is set to 15. On the other hand, when the requested payout number (total amount of payout amount) is 10, the drop requested number is set to 10, which is the same number as the requested payout number.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 performs security ball monitoring setting processing (S422). In this process, the payout CPU 301 sets the number of times of ON detection monitoring in the first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B according to the number of drops requested.

  For example, when the number of drops requested is 9 to 10, 650 times (650 ms) are set as the number of ON detection monitoring times. Further, the payout CPU 301 sets the monitoring time in the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B according to the number of drops requested. For example, when the number of drops requested is 9 to 10, 850 ms is set as the monitoring time.

  Here, the above-mentioned ON detection monitoring frequency and monitoring time are initial values of the first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B which are set in the security ball monitoring initial setting process of S312 during the power-on process of FIG. , And different from the initial values of the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets “0” to the first and second falling ball confirmation flags (S 423). Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 initializes the number of retries (S424), and sets the origin adjustment completion flag to "1" (S425).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 clears the value of the falling ball monitoring timer to 0 (S426). The falling ball monitoring timer, which is cleared here, drives the dispensing motor 174 with the excitation data for the driving amount necessary for dispensing the drop request number in the normal dispensing control in which the origin adjustment control and the retry control are not executed. It is a timer that measures a falling ball monitoring time (500 ms in normal payout control) that monitors whether or not there are falling balls for the number of the drop request number and whether or not a stop factor has occurred.

  The falling ball monitoring time (500 ms) here is composed of an excitation data holding period (30 ms in the present embodiment) and a cooling period of the dispensing motor 174 (470 ms in normal dispensing control). This falling ball monitoring time corresponds to a fixed period.

Next, the payout CPU 301 clears the step counter to 0 (S427).
Here, the step counter is a counter that counts the number of steps of the payout motor 174.

  For example, in the case where the requested number of drops is 15, when the dropping operation of 15 gaming balls, ie, the payout operation is completed, the value of the step counter becomes a value of 240 steps. In this process, the payout CPU 301 clears, for example, the value of 240 steps counted as described above.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets the step counter mask value to 16 steps (S428), and ends the motor start initialization process. As a result, 16 steps are set as the number of steps of the payout motor 174 required to pay out one gaming ball.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 39 to 50, the characteristic portions relating to the payout control in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 39 is a time chart showing an excitation method of the payout motor 174 of the present embodiment.
Dispensing motor 174 is a two-phase excitation method, and employs a method capable of switching between high current and low current.

  As shown in FIG. 39, the payout CPU 301 rotates the payout motor 174 forward by changing the excitation data in the order of t1, t2, t3 and t4. However, in the present embodiment, the dispensing motor 174 is structurally incapable of reverse rotation.

  Here, a position where both “A−” and “B−” of the payout motor 174 are on is set as the origin. Note that “A + and B + (indicated by“ S ”in the figure)” of the payout motor 174 indicate on / off by software control, and “A− and B− (indicated by“ H ”in the figure)” indicate that software is It represents on / off by logic inversion of the output.

  However, in the present embodiment, since the conventional detection means such as the index sensor is not provided, it is necessary to perform phase alignment of the apparent origin (excitation data 0) and the structural origin. Such phasing of the origin is origin adjustment, and controlling the payout motor 174 to perform phasing is referred to as origin adjustment control.

  The origin adjustment control is performed using the first payout operation when the first payout request is made when origin adjustment is required (if there is a target factor of origin adjustment). For example, origin adjustment control is performed using the payout operation of the first gaming ball of the drop request number at the first payout request after power-on.

  Here, the payout request is made from the main control circuit 70 to the payout control circuit 300. Specifically, it is transmitted to the payout control circuit 300 as prize ball control data including information such as the number of requested payouts. . As shown in FIG. 40, the payout control circuit 300 receives award ball control data from the main control circuit 70 by reception interruption.

  On the other hand, the payout control circuit 300 transmits payout error information data to the main control circuit 70 as shown in FIG. 40 when an error occurs with regard to the payout of the gaming ball.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the main control circuit 70 and the payout control circuit 300 unilaterally communicate, but as shown in FIG. 42, the main control circuit 70 and the payout control The circuit 300 may communicate with each other.

  Here, when the main control circuit 70 and the payout control circuit 300 communicate with each other, the serial communication system is used as the most desirable form, but the present invention is not limited to the serial communication system, and a parallel communication system Various communication methods such as can be used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 43, the payout control circuit 300 transmits error information including payout control error information to be described later to the main control circuit 70 using a serial communication method after detecting an error by self-diagnosis.

  At this time, the minimum transmission interval of error transmission from the payout control circuit 300 is set to a predetermined time (12 ms in the present embodiment), and when error information changes continuously, it is indicated in S 337. As shown in FIG. 43, instead of transmitting error information to the main control circuit 70 each time error information changes using command transmission processing that can be executed every 1 ms, The combining is performed, and the error information is transmitted after the minimum transmission interval or the minimum transmission interval has elapsed.

  In addition, as a method of synthesizing error information, as shown in FIG. 44, each bit numerical value of parameter 1 and parameter 2 composed of 8 bits is updated or changed, and error information is transmitted.

  At this time, when the parameter 1 and the parameter 2 are received as error information, the main control circuit 70 performs masking on each parameter to acquire error information (payment control error information).

  Management of error information in the payout control circuit 300, management of error information in the main control circuit 70, and management of error information in the sub control circuit 200 are as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 45 shows a notification mode of error information in the payout control circuit 300, a notification mode of error information in the main control circuit 70, and a notification mode of error information in the sub control circuit 200.

  Specifically, the lower control full state in the payout control circuit 300 is recognized as the lower control full detection by the main control circuit 70, and the sub control circuit 200 determines based on the error information transmitted from the main control circuit 70. A message "Please remove the ball" is notified via the liquid crystal display device 13.

  In addition, regarding the one out of ball state, the two out of ball state, the motor abnormal state, the VL unconnected state, the CR side communication abnormality, the excessive payout abnormality, the dispensing ball jam, the reception command abnormality, the reception abnormality and the communication error in the payout control circuit 300. The main control circuit 70 recognizes the abnormal delivery detection, and based on the payout error information sent from the main control circuit 70, the sub-control circuit reports "Please call a clerk" via the liquid crystal display device 13.

  As described above, the main control circuit 70 manages a plurality of pieces of error information related to the delivery control to be sent, divided into two types of "lower balance full error information" and "other information".

  By transmitting and receiving such error information, in an environment where the main control circuit 70 and the payout control circuit 300 perform serial communication with each other, the error information is continuously transmitted at the minimum transmission interval of the payout control circuit 300. Even in the case where the error information is changed (error information, multiple occurrences of errors can be expressed), it is possible to perform synthesis of the error alert.

  For this reason, the payout control circuit 300 does not transmit the error information after being requested to transmit the error information from the main control circuit 70 (or after there is a transmission request), and the minimum transmission of the payout control circuit 300 is performed. It is possible to transmit error information at intervals or at predetermined times.

  Further, although the error information (disbursement control error information) has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and various commands can be synthesized as the synthesis of commands.

  Next, winning ball control processing in the present embodiment will be described. In the prize ball control process, at least the above-described origin adjustment control, normal payout control, and retry control are performed. First, origin adjustment control in the prize ball control process will be described.

  As described above, the origin adjustment control is executed when the target factor of the origin adjustment occurs. Here, as the target factors when performing home adjustment control using the winning ball control processing, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shipped, when the power is turned on, when the power is restored, when an underpayment occurs after the home adjustment control is completed, At the time of cancellation of the cause of suspension, at the time of cancellation of the cause of abnormal dispensing, and at the time of overpayment.

  At the time of underpayment occurrence after completion of origin adjustment control, for example, when a step out of the payout motor 174 occurs or a predetermined number (15 in the present embodiment) of gaming balls is secured in the ball supply passage 171 There is a case where the 15-ball security switch 172 detects the game ball due to a short circuit, and an intermittent state occurs due to a short circuit.

  The origin adjustment control at the time of cancellation of the stop factor is performed, for example, as a response to the backflow of the gaming ball at the time of the short circuit of the lower plate full tank switch 179. Further, the origin adjustment control at the time of cancellation of the payout abnormality factor is performed, for example, as a response when the origin is physically shifted due to a disconnection, a short circuit, or radio wave irradiation. Furthermore, the origin adjustment control at the time of overpay occurrence is performed in consideration of the step out of the payout motor 174 thereafter.

  In the origin adjustment control, one game ball can be dropped (payout) when the payout motor 174 is driven 16 steps as described above, so 4 step × 5 ms drive as a unit drive amount is performed, The point at which the falling ball confirmation is finished within the falling ball monitoring time (130 ms = the excitation data holding period 30 ms + the cooling period 100 ms) is regarded as the physical origin (origin adjustment completed). When it is not possible to check the falling ball within the falling ball monitoring time, the above-described driving of the dispensing motor 174 is performed 16 steps in 4 steps.

  However, when the falling ball can not be detected even if the payout motor 174 is driven for 16 steps, it is determined that normal payout can not be performed (or it may be determined that there is a stop factor), The drive of the payout motor 174 in units of four steps is repeated for two rotations.

  In addition, “repetition of driving of the dispensing motor 174 for two rotations” means that the state of the dispensing motor 174 or the position of the sprocket 173 at the point when it is determined that the falling ball can not be detected even if the dispensing motor 174 is driven. As (or the rotation start position), for example, when 48 steps are required for one rotation of the motor, it is indicated that driving for 96 steps is performed.

  This can also be expressed as equivalent to driving capable of dropping 12 balls, and driving of the payout motor 174 or sprocket 173 (or rotational drive or rotation angle for allowing a predetermined number of game balls to be dropped) It can also be expressed that driving is performed.

  Note that although the origin adjustment control is completed when a falling ball is detected, if the falling ball is not counted as a paid-out game ball, over-payment will result. Therefore, it is necessary to count the falling ball at the time of completion of the origin adjustment control as the paid-out game ball.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the payout CPU 301 subtracts one from the requested drop number to 14 on condition that the falling ball is detected by the counting switch 181 when the origin adjustment control is being executed. . As a result, upon completion of the home position adjustment control, the remaining drop request number (14 pieces) excluding one drop is paid out with respect to the drop request number. Thereafter, a normal payout operation is performed.

  FIG. 46 is a timing chart of origin point adjustment control using a winning ball control process. For example, as shown in FIG. 46, the stop factor is canceled after the power is turned on again, and thereafter, when the payout request is generated, the home point adjustment control is executed, and first excitation data for 4 steps × 5 ms The dispensing motor 174 drives four steps based on the above. At this time, the current of the payout motor 174 is switched from the low current to the high current with the start of the home position adjustment control.

  Thereafter, when driving of the payout motor 174 for four steps is finished, the current of the payout motor 174 is maintained at a high current for 30 ms (excitation data holding period). Then, when the excitation data holding period has elapsed, the current of the payout motor 174 is switched to the low current, and thereafter the current is maintained at the low current for 100 ms (cooling period).

  Further, the falling ball monitoring time (130 ms) is constituted by 30 ms (excitation data holding period) and 100 ms (cooling period). The falling ball monitoring time (130 ms) can be calculated based on the free fall theoretical formula.

  Thereafter, when the falling ball is detected by the second counting switch 181B within the falling ball monitoring time (130 ms), the number of drop requests which were three at the start of the origin adjustment is updated to two. Further, detection of the falling ball completes the home position adjustment control, and the phase shift with the structural home position is eliminated.

  FIG. 47 is a timing chart of an origin adjustment retry operation after the origin adjustment is not completed using the prize ball control process. For example, as shown in FIG. 47, the falling ball can be obtained by only one operation of driving the dispensing motor 174 for four steps based on the above-described excitation data for 4 steps × 5 ms (this is called an origin adjustment cycle). If it can not be detected, the same home position adjustment cycle is repeated up to 16 steps. That is, after the start of the home position adjustment control, a total of 4 home position adjustment cycles are repeated.

  However, if the falling ball can not be detected even after four home adjustment cycles have been performed, four home adjustment cycles are performed again. Here, a period during which the first four home adjustment cycles are performed is referred to as a basic retry operation period. The origin adjustment cycle is unit drive amount (4 steps) × 5 ms, and the basic retry operation period is unit drive amount (4 steps) × 4 times (origin request retry frequency). In FIG. 47, although the operation started when the counting switch counting switch 181 does not detect the falling ball during the basic retry operation period is the origin adjustment retry, the operation is not limited to this, and the basic retry operation period The mode of repeating up to the upper limit number of times may be used as the origin adjustment retry.

  FIG. 48 is a timing chart of the basic payout operation of the prize ball control processing, that is, the normal payout operation. Further, FIG. 48 is a timing chart taking a payout operation when 15 gaming balls are paid out as an example.

As shown in FIG. 48, when 15 pieces of drop request numbers are determined, the drive amount of the payout motor 174 is determined by the payout CPU 301 based on the determined drop request numbers (15 pieces). Specifically, excitation data required to pay out 15 gaming balls is determined.
The payout CPU 301 that determines the drive amount of the payout motor 174 constitutes a drive amount determination unit.

  Next, when the excitation data required to pay out 15 gaming balls is set, the current of the payout motor 174 is switched to the high current and the payout motor 174 is driven based on the set excitation data. The excitation data at this time is set so that the dispensing motor 174 gradually accelerates to become a steady state, and then decelerates and stops.

  Thereafter, when driving of the payout motor 174 based on the set excitation data is finished, the current of the payout motor 174 is maintained at a high current for 30 ms (the excitation data holding period as a holding period). Then, when the excitation data holding period has elapsed, the current of the payout motor 174 is switched to the low current, and thereafter, the current is maintained at the low current for 470 ms (cooling period).

  Further, the falling ball monitoring time (500 ms) is configured by 30 ms (excitation data holding period) and 470 ms (cooling period). During this falling ball monitoring time (500 ms), the driving of the payout motor 174 is stopped. Also, the falling ball monitoring time (500 ms) at this time is different from the falling ball monitoring time (130 ms) during the origin adjustment control.

  Then, during the falling ball monitoring time (500 ms) described above, it is monitored by the payout CPU 301 whether or not the falling of the game balls for the required number of drops (15) can be confirmed. That is, the payout CPU 301 determines whether or not gaming balls corresponding to the requested number of drops (15) are detected through the first and second count switches 181A and 181B during the falling ball monitoring time (500 ms). The payout CPU 301 that performs such determination constitutes a payout determination unit.

  When the payout CPU 301 can not confirm the drop of the game ball for the requested drop number (15 pieces) during the above-mentioned drop ball monitoring time (500 ms), the game ball corresponding to the drop request number (15) is the first When it is determined that the detection is not detected through the second count switch 181A, 181B, it is determined that the stop cause has occurred, and the idle state is shifted to stop the driving of the payout motor 174 thereafter. As a result, the dispensing operation can not be performed continuously.

  On the other hand, also in the case where it is possible to confirm the drop of the game balls for the drop requested number (15) during the drop ball monitoring time (500 ms) described above, the idle state is entered in preparation for the subsequent payout operation.

  Here, the excitation data corresponding to the drop request number in the basic payout operation of the winning ball control process is as shown in FIG. For example, when the number of drop requests is 5 to 15, as shown in FIG. 49A, excitation data for performing the acceleration state and the deceleration state for two game balls is obtained.

  49B shows the case where the requested number of drops is four, FIG. 49C shows that when the requested number of drops is three, and FIG. 49D shows the case where the requested number of drops is two. (E) represents excitation data in the case where the number of drop requests is one. The above-described drop ball monitoring time (500 ms) is provided regardless of the number of drop requests required.

  FIG. 50 is a timing chart of the payout operation in the case where the retry operation is required during the basic payout operation of the prize ball control processing. Further, FIG. 50 is a timing chart taking a payout operation when paying out five gaming balls as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 50, when the requested number of drops (five pieces) of payout operations are executed, if the second counting switch 181B does not detect the gaming ball relating to the fourth payout, the falling is performed. When the ball monitoring time (500 ms) has elapsed, one drop is required for the drop request number (five). As a result, it is determined that the payout CPU 301 can not confirm the dropping of the game balls for the requested drop number (five pieces) within the dropping ball monitoring time (500 ms).

  As described above, when an underpayment occurs in which the number of game balls paid out with respect to the requested number of drops (5) is insufficient, an origin adjustment retry similar to the origin adjustment retry operation after the origin adjustment is not completed shown in FIG. The action is taken. The contents of this origin adjustment retry operation are the same as those shown in FIG.

  Next, error processing according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

The errors relating to the payout of the game ball in the present embodiment include (1) excessive payout, (2) blocked-out ball, (3) full bowl, (4) out-of-round ball, (5) malfunction of the payout motor, etc. Be
If at least one of these errors occurs, the error is notified via the payout status notification display 178 (see FIG. 7). Each of these errors will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 51 is a view showing the payout state notification display device 178. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 51, the payout state notification display device 178 comprises seven segments a to g and an eighth segment DP. One of these segments a to g and DP is turned on according to the error type and the like.

  For example, (1) the segment b lights when notifying an error of over-dispensing, (2) the segment d lights when notifying an error of a dispensing ball jam, (3) lower plate When notifying a full error, the segment of f lights up, (4) When notifying an error of out-of-balls, the segment of e lights up, and (5) When notifying a payout motor abnormality The segment of c lights up.

The DP segment is turned on to notify that the ball is being rented.
Therefore, by visually recognizing the lighting state of the segment of the payout state notification display device 178, the manager of the hole can easily determine what kind of error has occurred.

  First, (1) Overdelivery is not considered as a stop factor even if it occurs, and it is an error that can continue the dispensing operation. The notification trigger for this overpayment error is, as shown in FIG. 52, that the number of gaming balls overpaid after the completion of the number of requested falling pieces is over the prescribed number (over 10 in this embodiment). It is the timing when it became.

  In FIG. 52, the payout detection signal A is a signal indicating whether or not the gaming ball has been detected by the first count switch 181A, and is turned on when the gaming ball is detected. The payout detection signal B is also a signal indicating whether or not the gaming ball has been detected by the second count switch 181B.

  Also, this overpayment error is canceled by turning on the power again. That is, the trigger for canceling the overpayment error is when the power is turned on again. At this time, the notification of the overpayment error is also canceled.

  Next, (2) the dispensing ball clogging is an error based on a stopping cause generated due to, for example, ball clogging due to backflow of gaming balls, adhesion of dust or contamination, foreign matter or disconnection or short circuit of the counting switch 181. As shown in FIG. 53, for example, when the discharging detection signal A of the first counting switch 181A is not turned off even after 100 ms has passed, the discharging ball is clogged, that is, the stopping cause is generated. It is judged. When it is determined that the cause of the stoppage has occurred, it is considered as a notification timing of an error of the dispensing ball jam.

  When the counting switch 181 is short-circuited, the discharge control circuit 300 can not directly determine the presence or absence of the short-circuit. Therefore, the stop control can not be performed until the above-described 12 home position adjustment control retry operations are completed. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that the stopping cause has occurred when the falling ball monitoring time after the completion of the retry operation of the home position adjustment control for 12 times has elapsed.

  In addition, if the short circuit of the counting switch 181 can be recognized or determined by constantly monitoring a change in voltage that may occur between the payout control circuit 300 and the counting switch 181, an error occurs without performing a retry operation. The notification may be performed, or the retry operation may be started simultaneously with the notification of the error.

  Further, the notification of the error of the discharge ball clogging is canceled by removing the above-mentioned factors such as the ball clogging due to the reverse flow, the adhesion of dust and contamination, the disconnection of the counting switch 181, and the short circuit.

  Next, (3) the lower tray full tank is an error based on the stopping factor generated when the gaming balls stored in the lower tray 22 are full. As shown in FIG. 54, for example, it is determined that the stopping cause based on the lower filling condition has occurred when the lower filling condition switch 179 has not been turned off even after 1 second since it is turned on. When it is determined that the cause of the stoppage has occurred, it is considered as a notification trigger of the error of the lower bowl full tank.

  Further, the notification of the error of the lower tray full is released by discharging the gaming balls stored in the lower tray 22 in the full state.

  Next, (4) when the ball breakage is detected, for example, by the 15 ball security switch 172 that there is a shortage of security balls, the ball supply passage 171 is in a waiting state for refilling the game balls to the ball tank 161. This is an error based on a stop factor that occurs when a ball jam occurs or when the 15-ball collateral switch 172 is broken.

  Such an error of the ball breakage is caused by the first stop factor flag or the second stop factor flag based on the comparison result between the first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B and the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B. This occurs when the stop factor flag of is set to 1.

  The notification trigger of this ball breakage error is at the time when the above-mentioned stop factor occurs. In addition, the error of this ball breakage, the game ball being replenished to the ball tank 161, or the game ball which is the cause of the ball clogging is removed by the specified number (15 pieces) of game ball in ball supply passage 171 It is canceled by being secured. At this time, notification of the ball breakage error is also canceled.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 55, for (5) withdrawal motor abnormality, a retry operation for 12 times is executed based on, for example, an origin adjustment cycle, and a falling ball monitoring time (130 ms) in the 12th retry operation elapses. Is an error based on the stopping cause that occurs due to the fact that the falling ball can not be confirmed.

  As a cause of occurrence of such a stop factor, for example, when the game ball having tackiness does not stick to the sprocket 173, when the ball bites between the sprocket 173 and the storage ball (motor rotation failure), foreign matter There may be a case where a step out occurs due to a motor non-rotation state (only excitation data is updated) such as mixing.

  The notification trigger of this payout motor abnormality is, as shown in FIG. 55, when the above-mentioned stop factor occurs. Further, this dispensing motor abnormality is canceled by turning on the power again. That is, the trigger for canceling the dispensing motor abnormality is when the power is turned on again. At this time, the notification of the dispensing motor abnormality is also canceled.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 56, the reception processing of the payout control circuit 300 when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is disconnected in the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 56, when an XINT interrupt (power failure) at the time of power failure occurs as a non-maskable interrupt prior to the reception interrupt on the delivery control circuit 300 side, polling the received data in the XINT interrupt results in 1 byte Relieve.

  Also, assuming that a power failure occurs immediately after the main control circuit 70 writes to the transmission buffer, the payout control circuit 300 can receive after the delay of the baud rate time even during the processing of the XINT interrupt. It is preferable to take into account the elapsed time to receive in the XINT interrupt. However, it is a condition that XINT of the interruption processing of the payout control circuit 300 does not occur earlier than the main control circuit 70 electrically.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment has the values (first value) of the first and second security ball timers 306A and 306B, respectively, on the condition that the payout of gaming balls has been started. And the value (second value) of the first and second security ball counters 305A and 305B.

  For this reason, if the first and second 15-ball collateral switches 172A and 172B continuously detect the gaming balls after the game balls have been started to be paid out, when the first value becomes 0, The second value smaller than the first value is already zero. In this case, it is ensured that the game balls are replenished in accordance with the payout of the game balls.

  On the other hand, if the second value is not 0 when the first value is 0, it means that the game ball is not replenished according to the payout of the game ball for some reason.

  Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment compares the updated first value with the second value to determine whether or not the replenishment of the game ball has been properly performed according to the payout of the game ball. It can be judged.

  As a result, the first and second ones are compared with the case where it is determined whether or not the game balls are replenished based on the presence or absence of the game balls simply detected by the first and second 15-ball collateral switches 172A and 172B, for example. Management and security of the game balls accumulated in the ball supply passages 171A and 171B can be performed accurately.

  In addition, since the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment prohibits the game balls from being paid out when the first value is 0 and the second value is not 0, the first and second ball supply passages are provided. It is possible to confirm the presence or absence of abnormality relating to the supply of gaming balls to 171A and 171B. Thereby, the security regarding the supply and the payout of the game balls can be further improved.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the first value is 0, the second value becomes 0 and it is temporarily ensured that the game ball is replenished. Then, until the game balls are paid out, the game balls are paid out excessively due to, for example, a defect in the first and second sprockets 173A, 173B, and the inside of the first and second ball supply passages 171A, 171B. If the number of game balls has decreased, the payout of the game balls can be prohibited.

  As a result, the game balls in the first and second ball supply passages 171A and 171B can be more accurately managed, and the security regarding the supply and payout of the game balls can be further improved.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs retry control to drive the payout motor 174 by the unit driving amount (4 steps) until the gaming ball is detected by the first and second counting switches 181A and 181B. Since it is practicable, even if a slit sensor or the like for detecting the drive position of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B is not provided, it is possible to perform, for example, a retry operation for canceling a bite.

  In addition, when such a retry operation is performed, the drive positions of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B when the first and second count switches 181A and 181B detect the game balls are adjusted as the origin. It is possible to adjust the origin of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B without using a slit sensor or the like.

  As described above, since the retry operation can be used not only at the time of ball biting and the like but also at the time of adjusting the origin, the retry control can have versatility, and as a result, the processing by the payout CPU 301 can be simplified. .

  In addition, since the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is not provided with the slit sensor or the like, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine can be simplified and cost-effective.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the unit drive amount (4 steps) of the payout motor 174 at the time of retry control execution pays out one gaming ball to the first and second count switches 181A and 181B. Because it is smaller than the payout driving amount (16 steps) required to pay out the next game ball after letting it go, the first and second counting switches 181A and 181B are made multiple times in order to pay out one game ball It can be divided and driven. Thereby, for example, in the case where a ball bite or the like has occurred, this can be eliminated, and when the adjustment of the origin is performed, the adjustment can be made to the accurate origin.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment pays out one game ball because the unit driving amount (4 steps) described above is a driving amount obtained by dividing the payout driving amount (16 steps) into four times. The number of times the payout motor 174 is driven can be divided into a plurality of times.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the driving amount of the payout motor 174 exceeds the upper limit driving amount (192 steps) without the game ball being detected by the first and second counting switches 181A and 181B. Sometimes the dispensing means can be stopped until an initialization operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a defect in the winning ball case unit 170 due to the repetition of the excessive retry operation.

  Further, since the payout motor 174 is stopped until the initialization operation is performed, there is no game ball stored in, for example, the first and second ball supply paths 171A and 171B by stopping the payout motor 174. It is possible to urge that it is necessary to restore the winning ball case unit 170 and thus the pachinko gaming machine 1 from an abnormal state.

  In addition, since the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs origin adjustment control (retry control) when it is determined that the payout of the game ball is prohibited, that is, when the stop factor flag is set to 1, After the drive of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B is stopped due to an abnormality, a retry operation can always be performed.

  As described above, by performing the retry operation in conjunction with the driving stop of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B, the process can be smoothly performed as compared with the case where the retry operation is performed alone.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment executes the retry operation in the origin adjustment control (retry control) until the gaming ball is detected by the first or second count switch 181A, 181B, and the motor operation Since the number of times the number has been updated (retry number) is managed as the number of retry operations, it is ensured how many times the retry operation has been performed regardless of whether or not the gaming ball is detected by the first or second count switch 181A, 181B. Can be easily grasped. Moreover, even if the slit sensor or the like is not provided, the number of retry operations can be grasped reliably and easily. Thus, management of the retry operation can be smoothly performed.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the number of retries exceeds the upper limit number (12 times) without detecting the gaming ball by the first or second counting switch 181A, 181B, the origin adjustment control ( Since the retry control is completed, it is possible to prevent the failure of the winning ball case unit 170 due to the repetition of the excessive retry operation.

  Further, since the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment compares the total number of gaming balls actually paid out with the number of payouts requested, as a result of the comparison, the total number of gaming balls actually paid out and the payout request If there is a difference between the number and the number, it can be grasped as an overpayment of gaming balls.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned difference resulting in overpayment becomes equal to or more than the allowable value (10), the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B are stopped until the initialization operation is performed, for example, It is possible to prevent further overpayment from taking place when there is an unnatural overpayment.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is an overpayment that is the difference between the total number of gaming balls actually paid out and the requested number of payouts until the initialization operation is performed when the overpayment occurs. The number of game balls related to can be accumulated.

  This makes it possible to reliably detect, for example, the fact of an unnatural over-payment caused by a wrongdoing and the like, and the unnecessary game ball payout amount (the number of winning balls and the number of lent balls) caused by the over-payment.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, during the falling ball monitoring time after the payout motor 174 is driven, the game balls corresponding to the requested number of falling balls are the first or second counting switch 181A, 181B. It is possible to cool the payout motor 174 during the falling ball monitoring time and check whether or not the payout of the game balls corresponding to the required number of falling balls has been made at the same time. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently manage the amount of payout (the number of winning balls and the number of lending balls) while securing a sufficient cooling period of the payout motor 174.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the falling ball monitoring time after driving the payout motor 174 is a holding period and the payout motor for holding the postures of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B. Since the cooling period of 174 is provided, the postures of the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B can be maintained after the discharge motor 174 is stopped, and the first and second sprockets 173A and 173B have inertia force. Over rotation can be prevented. Further, the discharge motor 174 can be cooled by providing the cooling period.

  Furthermore, when the game balls corresponding to the drop request number are not detected by the first or second counting switch 181A, 181B during the holding period and the cooling period, the driving of the payout motor 174 is stopped, so the holding period and The driving of the dispensing motor 174 can be efficiently managed using the cooling period.

Second Embodiment
Next, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Although the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment of the present invention in that it is possible to switch the pay-out destination (moving destination) of the gaming ball by the sprocket 173, in particular, the other configuration is as follows. It is configured substantially the same. Therefore, in the following, description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and in particular, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 57, the winning ball case unit 170 of this embodiment has a first dispensing passage 180A and a second dispensing passage 180B, as in the first embodiment, and these passages are the same as in the first embodiment. The two-row structure is the same. Therefore, the configuration of the first delivery passage 180A will be described as an example.

  The first payout passage 180A of the present embodiment is a first ball passage for paying out (or guiding, supplying, circulating) the gaming ball to the interior (for example, the upper tray 21 etc.) of the pachinko gaming machine 401A and a second ball passage 402A for guiding (or moving, paying out, supplying, circulating) the gaming ball to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine (for example, the ball circulation path of the island management facility etc.) Have.

  Here, the island management facility is a device that can be connected to a plurality of or a single game machine and a game device (for example, a sand machine, a counter, a data display, etc.) provided for the game machine. Is a management device for managing the state of the gaming ball or gaming machine, and is usually connected to a facility (for example, a computer or data management device) for managing a gaming place called a hall computer, to the hall computer Information about the gaming machine is aggregated and data transmission is performed.

  Here, the ball circulation path is a facility that enables sharing of gaming balls among a plurality of or single game machines provided in the island management device, and the ball circulation path can be independently driven as a ball circulation device. It may not be required to be included in the island management device, but may be included in the gaming machine, or it may be a device for circulating the gaming balls in the gaming machine.

  Similarly, the second dispensing passage 180B has a first ball passage 401B and a second ball passage 402B. Hereinafter, the first ball passage 401A and the first ball passage 401B are collectively referred to as “first ball passage 401”, and the second ball passage 402A and the second ball passage 402B are collectively referred to as “first 2 ball passage 402 ".

  In addition, the first ball passage 401A is provided with a first counting switch 481A as a first detection means for detecting gaming balls passing through the first ball passage 401A, and the second ball passage 402A is provided. A first ball pull switch 482A is provided as a second detection means that passes through the second ball passage 402A.

  Similarly, a second counting switch 481B and a second ball removing switch 482B are provided for the first ball passage 401B and the second ball passage 402B. The first counting switch 481A and the second counting switch 481B are collectively referred to as "counting switch 481", and the first ball tapping switch 482A and the second ball tapping switch 482 B are collectively referred to as "ball tapping switch 482". There is a thing called ".

  Further, between the first ball passage 401 and the second ball passage 402, the first ball passage 401 and the second ball passage can be used as the payout destination of the gaming ball by the sprocket 173. First and second flappers 400A and 400B as passage switching means controlled by the payout CPU 301 are provided so as to switch to any one of 402. The first and second flappers 400A and 400B may be collectively referred to as "flapper 400".

  The flapper 400 has a flapper drive device 410 (see FIG. 58), and the drive of the flapper drive device 410 is controlled by the payout CPU 301, so that it can be turned in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

  Specifically, the flapper 400 sets the payout destination of the game ball on the second ball passage 402 side (the position shown by the broken line in the figure), and the payout destination of the game ball on the first ball passage 401 side. It is pivoted to the position where it is shown (the position shown by the solid line in the figure).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 58, in the payout control circuit 300 according to the present embodiment, the first counting switch 481A, the second counting switch 481B, the first ball removing switch 482A, and the second ball described above are included. The removal switch 482B and the flapper drive device 410 are connected. Although the flapper drive device 410 is common to the first flapper 400A and the second flapper 400B, it may be provided separately.

  Further, when the payout CPU 301 according to the present embodiment executes the above-described retry operation without the number of winning balls and the number of lending balls (payout amount) stored in the RAM 303 of the payout control circuit 300, the gaming ball The flapper 400 is switched via the flapper drive device 410 so that the second ball passage 402 is discharged to.

  Further, the payout CPU 301 according to the present embodiment executes the game ball by the ball removing switch 482 when the retry operation is performed in a state where the flapper 400 is switched so that the payout destination of the game ball becomes the second ball passage 402. The retry operation is ended on the condition that is detected.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 59 to 62, the contents of various processes executed by the payout CPU 301 of the payout control circuit 300, particularly, only processes including steps different from those of the first embodiment will be described.

[System timer interrupt processing (1 ms)]
First, with reference to FIG. 59, a system timer interrupt process by payout CPU 301 of the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 59, in the system timer interrupt process in the present embodiment, each step of S431 to S435 is similar to S331 to S335 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of those steps is omitted.

  After the processing of S435, the payout CPU 301 executes motor drive processing described later (S436), and executes origin adjustment excitation data setting processing (S437). Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 executes command transmission processing (S438), and ends the system timer interrupt processing. The command transmission process (S438) of this embodiment is the same as the command transmission process (S337) of the first embodiment.

[Counting switch detection processing]
First, with reference to FIG. 60, count switch detection processing performed in S435 in the system timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 59) of the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 60, in the count switch detection process according to the present embodiment, steps S481 to S490 are the same as steps S381 to S390 in the count switch detection process (see FIG. 36) according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of those steps is omitted.

  If S481 is NO, if S487 is NO, if S489 is NO, or after S490, the payout CPU 301 determines that the first ball pull switch 482A or the second ball pull switch 482B is a game ball It is determined whether the passage of the object has been detected (S491).

  In S491, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first ball pull switch 482A or the second ball pull switch 482B does not detect passage of the game ball (when S491 is NO), the payout CPU 301 The count switch detection process is ended.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S491 that the first ball pull switch 482A or the second ball pull switch 482B has detected the passage of the game ball (if YES at S491), the payout CPU 301 It is determined whether the origin adjustment flag is 1 (S492).

  If the payout CPU 301 determines in S492 that the origin adjustment flag is not 1 (if the determination in S492 is NO), the payout CPU 301 ends the count switch detection process.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S492 that the origin adjustment flag is 1 (if the determination in S492 is YES), the payout CPU 301 sets the origin adjustment flag to 0 (S493).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets an origin adjustment completion flag to 1 (S494). Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 controls the flapper drive device 410 to automatically switch the first and second flappers 400A and 400B to the first ball passage 401A and 401B side (dispense side) (S495), and the counting switch End the detection process.

[Motor drive processing]
First, with reference to FIG. 61, motor drive processing performed in S436 in the system timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 59) of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the first or second stop factor flag is 1 (S501).

  When the payout CPU 301 determines that the first or second stop cause flag is 1 in S501 (when the determination in S501 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a stop cause and drives the motor. End the process.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S501 that neither the first nor the second stop cause flag is 1 (when the determination in S501 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no stop cause. Then, it is determined whether the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 (S502).

  In S502, when the payout CPU 301 determines that neither the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 (when the determination in S502 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no security ball, and the motor End the driving process.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 in S502 (when the determination in S502 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a collateral ball and pays out. It is determined whether the requested number is greater than 0 (S503).

  In S503, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the payout request number is not larger than 0 (when the determination in S503 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no payout request, and ends the motor drive processing.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the payout request number is greater than 0 in S503 (if YES in S503), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a payout request and executes the motor start initialization process ( S504). The motor start-up initialization process is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 performs an activation state setting process of the payout motor 174 (S505). In this process, since the payout CPU 301 does not perform origin adjustment control, the CPU sets the acceleration state or the like of the payout motor 174 according to the number of requested drops, so that the normal game ball payout is performed.

  Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 sets excitation data of the payout motor 174 (S506). In this process, the payout CPU 301 sets excitation data for a predetermined number of steps as a drive amount necessary to pay out the game balls for the number required to be dropped, assuming that the normal game balls are paid out.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets “1” in the payout control flag (S507), and ends the motor driving process. Here, the payout control flag is a flag in which “0” or “1” is set in accordance with whether or not to switch the flapper 400, and is set to “1” when switching the flapper 400. This flag is set to “0” when the flapper 400 is not switched.

[Home adjustment excitation data setting process]
First, with reference to FIG. 62, the origin adjustment excitation data setting process performed in S437 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 59) of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the origin adjustment flag is 1 (S511). If the payout CPU 301 determines in S511 that the origin adjustment flag is not 1 (if S511 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no request for origin adjustment control, and ends the origin adjustment excitation data setting process. Do. Therefore, when the determination in S511 is NO, the origin adjustment control is not performed.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment flag is 1 in S511 (if S511 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a request for origin adjustment control, and the retry count is 12 It is determined whether or not it is large, that is, whether or not the origin adjustment control has been performed 12 times (S512). Therefore, if the determination in step S511 is YES, origin adjustment control is performed.

  If the payout CPU 301 determines in S512 that the number of retries is greater than 12 (if the determination in S512 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that the number of origin adjustment controls has reached the upper limit number (12 times). Then, the process proceeds to step S513.

  In S513, the payout CPU 301 sets an activation state of the payout motor 174 (S513), and shifts the processing to S523. In this process, the payout CPU 301 sets the payout motor 174 to an idle state in order to stop the payout of the gaming ball.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S512 that the number of retries is not greater than 12 (when the determination in S512 is NO), the payout CPU 301 resets the activation state of the payout motor 174 (S514).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 resets the excitation data (S515), and determines whether the payout control flag is 1 (S516). If the payout CPU 301 determines in S516 that the payout control flag is not 1 (if the determination in S516 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that switching between the first and second flappers 400A and 400B is unnecessary. Then, the process proceeds to S518. In this case, the switching of the first and second flappers 400A and 400B is not performed, and the payout destinations of the game balls are maintained on the first ball passages 401A and 401B (payout side).

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the payout control flag is 1 in S516 (if S516 is YES), the payout CPU 301 needs to switch the first and second flappers 400A and 400B. Then, the flapper driving device 410 is controlled to automatically switch the first and second flappers 400A and 400B to the second ball passages 402A and 402B side (ball extraction side) (S517).

  Next, if the determination in S516 is NO, or after the end of S517, the payout CPU 301 sets the step counter mask value to four steps in preparation for the origin adjustment control (S518). In this process, four steps are set as a unit drive amount of the payout motor 174 at the time of origin adjustment control execution.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets the number of motor operations to one (S519), and sets the origin request retry number to four (S520). In this process, the payout driving amount necessary to pay out one gaming ball is obtained by multiplying the four steps set as the step counter mask value in the above-mentioned S518 by four times set as the origin request retry frequency. 16 steps are set.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 clears the value of the falling ball monitoring timer to 0 (S521). The falling ball monitoring timer is the same as that of the first embodiment. Next, the payout CPU 301 sets “0” to the origin adjustment completion flag (S522).

Next, after the end of S513, or after the end of S522, the payout CPU 301 sets the excitation data of the payout motor 174 (S523), and ends the origin adjustment excitation data setting process.
In this process, for example, in the case of performing origin adjustment control, excitation data for 16 steps is set as a payout driving amount necessary to pay out one gaming ball.

  Further, when a normal game ball is to be paid out, excitation data for a predetermined number of steps is set as a drive amount necessary to pay out the game balls for the number required to be dropped. The excitation data is set to 0 when the payout motor 174 is set to the idle state so that the payout of the gaming ball is stopped.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment exhibits the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

  That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in each of the first and second payout passages 180A and 180B, the payout destination of the game ball is either the first ball passage 401 or the second ball passage 402. Since a flapper 400 is provided to switch to one or the other, home position adjustment control (retry control) is executed when payout of the game ball to the outside of the gaming machine is performed, for example, when the game ball is rented or winning. When doing this, it is possible to switch the payout destination of the gaming ball by the sprocket 173 to the first ball passage 401 by the flapper 400.

  On the other hand, when the origin adjustment control (retry control) is executed without paying out the gaming ball to the outside of the gaming machine, the payout destination of the gaming ball by the sprocket 173 is switched to the second ball passage 402 by the flapper 400. Can. As a result, excessive payout of the game ball due to the origin adjustment control (retry control) is prevented.

  Therefore, by switching to either the first ball passage 401 or the second ball passage 402 by the flapper 400, the home point adjustment control (retry control) is executed regardless of the presence or absence of payout of the game ball to the outside of the gaming machine. be able to.

  Further, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment executes origin adjustment control (retry control) in a state where there is no payout amount (the number of winning balls and the number of lending balls) stored in the RAM 303 of the payout control circuit 300. Since the flapper 400 is switched so that the payout destination of the gaming ball by the sprocket 173 becomes the second ball passage 402, the home point adjustment control (retry control) is executed without performing the payout of the gaming ball to the outside of the gaming machine Even in this case, it is possible to prevent excessive payout of the gaming ball by the sprocket 173.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the home point adjustment control (retry control) is terminated under the condition that the ball pulling switch 482 detects the game ball, the payout amount stored in the RAM 303 (the number of winning balls) And, even if the home position adjustment control (retry control) is executed in a state where there is no rental ball number), the counting switch 481 does not detect the gaming ball.

  For this reason, the game ball paid out from the sprocket 173 is paid out to the outside of the gaming machine by the origin adjustment control (retry control) executed without the payout amount (the number of winning balls and the number of lending balls) stored in the RAM 303. It can be prevented from being detected as a game ball. Thereby, the range of operation of origin adjustment control (retry control) can be expanded.

Third Embodiment
Next, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, after the completion of the home position adjustment control, the remaining drop request number (for example, 15 before subtraction is obtained by subtracting one ball from the drop request number after the completion of the origin adjustment control). If the number is different, the remaining requested number of drops is 14) and the game balls are paid out, but the other configurations are configured in substantially the same manner.

  Therefore, in the following, description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and in particular, only differences from the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, only processing different from that of the first embodiment will be described. The processing (for example, system timer interrupt processing) other than the processing described below is the same as the processing in the first embodiment.

[Counting switch detection processing]
First, with reference to FIG. 63, the count switch detection process performed in S335 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) similar to that of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 63 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the count switch detection process according to the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether or not the first count switch 181A or the second count switch 181B detects the passage of the game ball (S581). In S581, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first counting switch 181A or the second counting switch 181B does not detect passage of the gaming ball (when S581 is NO), the payout CPU 301 counts the counting switch. End the detection process. Here, when the home point adjustment control is in progress, the gaming ball is not detected yet by the first count switch 181A or the second count switch 181B, so the determination in S581 is NO.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S581 that the first counting switch 181A or the second counting switch 181B has detected passage of the game ball (if YES at S581), the payout CPU 301 requests drop The number is decremented by "1" (S582).

  That is, the payout CPU 301 updates the drop request number on condition that the gaming ball has been detected by the first count switch 181A or the second count switch 181B. The payout CPU 301 that performs such updating constitutes a breakout payout amount update unit.

  Here, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the subtraction of the requested payout number in the count switch detection process is not performed. The requested number of payouts is equal to the number of gaming balls for the requested number of drops determined (set) when the requested number of drops is determined (set) in S627 in the motor start-up initial process (see FIG. 65) described later. It is being subtracted.

  In other words, when the number of requested drops is determined (set), the payout CPU 301 subtracts the number of gaming balls for the determined number of requested drops (set) from the requested number of payouts. There is. The payout CPU 301 which performs such subtraction of the game balls constitutes subtraction means.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the origin adjustment flag is 1 (S583). If the payout CPU 301 determines in S583 that the origin adjustment flag is not 1 (if the determination in S583 is NO), the payout CPU 301 ends the count switch detection process.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S583 that the origin adjustment flag is 1 (if YES in S583), the payout CPU 301 sets the origin adjustment flag to 0 (S584).

  Next, the payout CPU 301 sets an origin adjustment completion flag to 1 (S585). Thereafter, the payout CPU 301 sets a flag after origin adjustment execution to 1 (S586), and ends the count switch detection processing.

Here, the flag after origin adjustment execution is a flag in which "0" or "1" is set according to whether it is after execution of origin adjustment control or before execution (not executed), and the origin adjustment control is performed. It is a flag that is set to “1” after execution of and is set to “0” before execution of home position adjustment control.
[Motor start wait process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 64, the motor activation waiting process performed in S336 in the system timer interrupt process (see FIG. 33) similar to that of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 64 is a flow chart showing a procedure of motor start waiting process in the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the origin adjustment completion flag is 1 (S601). If the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment completion flag is not 1 in S601 (if S601 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that origin adjustment control is in progress, and shifts the processing to S605.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment completion flag is 1 in S601 (when the determination in S601 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that the origin adjustment control has been completed, and the first Alternatively, it is determined whether the second stop factor flag is 1 (S602).

  In S602, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first or second stop cause flag is 1 (when the determination in S602 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a stop cause and starts the motor activation. End the waiting process.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines in S602 that neither the first nor the second stop cause flag is 1 (when the determination in S602 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no stop cause. Then, it is determined whether the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 (S603).

  In S603, when the payout CPU 301 determines that neither the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 (when S603 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no security ball, and the motor End the startup waiting process.

On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the first or second falling ball confirmation flag is 1 in S603 (when the determination in S603 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is a collateral ball and will be described later. The motor start initialization process (see FIG. 65) is executed (S604).
In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, it is not determined whether the number of requested payouts is larger than zero.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a payout request flag described later is set, and whether or not there is a payout request from the main control circuit 70 to the payout control circuit 300 is determined by the payout request flag. The payout request flag is simultaneously transmitted, for example, when information on the number of payout requests is sent from the main control circuit 70 to the payout control circuit 300. The payout request flag is set to “1” when a payout is requested, and is set to “0” when no payout is requested.

  Here, since the processing of S605 to S613 is the same as the processing of S406 to S414 in the first embodiment, the description will be omitted.

[Motor start initialization process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 65, motor start initialization processing performed in S604 in the motor start waiting processing (see FIG. 64) of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 65 is a flow chart showing a procedure of motor start initialization processing in the present embodiment.

  First, the payout CPU 301 determines whether or not the flag after origin adjustment execution is 1 (S621). In S621, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the flag after origin adjustment is not 1 (when S621 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that it is before (or not executed) origin adjustment control. , And moves the process to S623.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the flag after origin adjustment execution is 1 in S 621 (if S 621 is YES), the payout CPU 301 determines that origin adjustment control has been executed, and the drop CPU 301 falls. It is determined whether the requested number is 0 or less (S 622).

  If the payout CPU 301 determines in step S622 that the number of dropped requests is not 0 or less (if NO in step S622), the payout CPU 301 leaves the number of dropped requests as it is, that is, in the count switch detection process (see FIG. 63). The process proceeds to step S628 with the number of drops requested after being decremented by "1" in step S582.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines in S622 that the number of dropped requests is 0 or less (if S622 is YES), the payout CPU 301 resets (or initializes) the number of dropped requests. Then, the value of the drop request number is reduced to the payout request number (S623).

  For example, when the value of the drop request number becomes “−1” due to excessive payout of the game ball, the payout CPU 301 subtracts “1” from the payout request number that has already been subtracted by the drop request number.

  That is, the payout CPU 301 reflects the drop request number (“−1” in the case of overpayment) after being decremented by “1” in S582 of the above-described count switch detection process (see FIG. 63) in the payout request number. The payout CPU 301 that performs such reflection constitutes reflection means. When the process of S623 is performed for the first time (first time), both the number of requested payout and the number of requested drop are “0”.

  Here, when all the game balls for the requested number of payouts have been paid out, the payout CPU 301 determines that the number of requested drop is “1” after being decremented by “1” in S582 of the count switch detection process described above (see FIG. 63). If it is not "0", it is determined that a payout error has occurred. The payout CPU 301 that performs such determination constitutes a payout error determination unit.

  For example, when the number of game balls for the required payout number is paid out and the required drop number after subtraction is larger than “0”, it can be determined that a payout error due to underpayment has occurred.

  On the other hand, when the number of balls required to be paid out is paid out and the requested number of drops after subtraction is smaller than “0”, it can be determined that a payout error due to overpayment has occurred.

  Next, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the value of the payout request number is smaller than “−10” (S624). That is, the payout CPU 301 determines whether the number of overpays has reached 10 or more.

  In S624, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the requested payout number is smaller than “−10” (when the determination in S 624 is YES), the payout CPU 301 does not have the number of gaming balls relating to over-payout within the allowable range. Then, the overpay flag is set to 1 (S625), and the motor start initialization process is ended.

  On the other hand, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the value of the payout request number is not smaller than “−10” in S 624 (when S 624 is NO), the payout CPU 301 allows the number of gaming balls relating to over payout. It is determined that it is within the range, and it is determined whether or not the payout request flag is 1 (S626).

  In S626, when the payout CPU 301 determines that the payout request flag is not 1 (when S626 is NO), the payout CPU 301 determines that there is no payout request of the game ball from the main control circuit 70, End motor start initialization processing.

  On the other hand, if the payout CPU 301 determines that the payout request flag is 1 in S626 (if YES in S626), the payout CPU 301 sets the number of drop requests from the number of payout requests (S627).

  In this process, a maximum of 15 drop request numbers are set in accordance with the payout request number (total amount of payout amounts). At this time, simultaneously with the setting of the drop request number, the payout request number is subtracted by the set drop request number.

  Here, since the processing of S628 to S634 is the same as the processing of S422 to S428 in the first embodiment, the description will be omitted.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment exhibits the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

That is, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment performs the update of the drop request number on condition that the gaming ball is detected by the first or second counting switch 181A, 181B.
That is, the required number of drops is updated each time a gaming ball is detected by the first or second counting switch 181A, 181B.

  Thereby, for example, when there is a payout (over payout) exceeding the number required to be dropped when the payout motor 174 is driven to dispense the game balls according to the number required to be dropped, The drop request quantity can be updated in consideration of the number.

  On the other hand, the requested payout number is decremented by the number of gaming balls for the requested drop number when the requested drop number is determined, and then the updated requested drop number is reflected. As a result, even if the above-described over-payment is caused by driving the payout motor 174 once, the number of gaming balls subtracted from the requested payout number and the number of gaming balls actually paid out It can be matched.

  As a result, since it is not necessary to stop the payout motor 174 each time an excessive payout occurs by driving the payout motor 174 once, the payout of the game ball can be continued. Therefore, smooth payout can be performed.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is an enclosed type gaming machine, and a launching means for launching the gaming ball is installed at the upper portion of the gaming machine, and the launched gaming ball passes through the gaming area provided in the gaming board. (The game board itself may be a game area.) The present invention is also applicable to an enclosed type game machine collected in a ball polishing apparatus or a pumping apparatus provided in a game machine.

  In the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to such a gaming machine, a means (for example, a screw or the like) for pumping the gaming ball provided in the pumping device with a sprocket, a payout motor Drive means for driving the means for pumping (for example, the lifting motor), and the counting switch is the discharge detection means from the pumping device (for example, a sensor for managing the circulation of the game ball, etc.) Good.

  According to the present embodiment, the game ball passes through the payout passage 180, is paid out to the upper tray 21 provided on the front of the gaming machine, and moves from the upper tray 21 to the launcher 15, as described above. The gaming machine according to the present invention is also applicable to a device for transporting to and from the launcher 15.

  In the present embodiment, the ball tank lower passage 162, the ball supply passage 171, the ball passage in the vicinity of the sprocket 173, and the delivery passage 180 may be integrally formed. The term "integrally" as referred to herein includes an integrally formed state by welding, die cutting, screwing, caulking or the like.

  In the case where the ball tank lower passage 162 and the ball supply passage 171 are integrally formed, the four configurations exemplified in the case where the ball supply passage 171 and the ball passage in the vicinity of the sub rocket 173 are integrally formed. The two configurations may be extracted and integrally formed according to the configurations separated.

  Similarly, in the case where the ball passage near the sprocket 173 and the dispensing passage 180 are integrally formed, the ball tank lower passage 162, the ball supply passage 171, and the ball passage near the sprocket 173 are integrally formed. Three configurations may be extracted from the four configurations to be performed, and may be formed by a case-separated configuration.

  In addition, the ball supply passage 171 may be provided in a game member (for example, a ball polishing device of a decoration unit or an enclosed type game machine, etc.) constituting the game machine. This is nothing less than the application of the gaming machine according to the present invention even when the device provided with the member corresponding to the sprocket 173 is connected to the gaming member acting as the ball supply passage 171.

  Further, the ball supply passage 171 may be provided with a configuration capable of moving the game ball like the sub rocket 173, and in general, the game existing in the ball supply passage 171 interlockingly with and in synchronization with the sprocket 173 If the ball can move, the gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied.

  Further, in the embodiment, the current of the payout motor 174 is maintained at a high current for 30 ms (excitation data retention period), and when the excitation data retention period elapses, the current of the payout motor 174 becomes low. It is switched and maintained at low current for 470 ms (cooling period) thereafter. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the falling ball monitoring time (500 ms) is configured by 30 ms (excitation data holding period) and 470 ms (cooling period), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The falling ball monitoring time (500 ms + 0 to 100 ms) may be configured by the holding period), 470 ms (cooling period), and 0 to 100 ms (sprocket adjusting period).

  By having such a configuration, it is also possible to finely adjust the position of the sprocket 173 in the sprocket adjustment period, and forward rotation and reverse rotation assuming ball catching may be repeated. In addition, heat detection means capable of detecting the heat generation of the payout motor 174 is provided, and the payout control circuit 300 can determine that the payout motor 174 is abnormal that the heat generation of the payout motor 174 is a predetermined value or more than a predetermined range. May use the sprocket adjustment period as a continuous cooling period.

  Furthermore, even if the heat detecting means is not provided, the payout more than a predetermined value (for example, the payout of 10 balls or more when the maximum 16 balls are paid out) continues continuously more than a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times or more) The sprocket adjustment period may be set to a specific value (for example, 50 ms). At this time, the set sprocket adjustment period may be a predetermined value or a fixed value. Normally, there is no need to set the sprocket adjustment period to perform cooling because a sufficient cooling period is provided, but since the environment is different for each game arcade where the gaming machines are installed, the payout motor is performed in the original cooling period. The cooling of 174 may be insufficient. Therefore, assuming such a case as described above, it is possible to pay for the cooling period of the payout motor 174 when the payout is continuous. As a result, it is possible to pay out more safely.

  As described above, when the falling ball monitoring time (500 ms + 0 to 100 ms) is configured by 30 ms (excitation data holding period), 470 ms (cooling period), and 0 to 100 ms (sprocket adjustment period), falling occurs. It can also be expressed that the cooling period of the dispensing motor 174 is extended based on the extended ball monitoring time, and is also expressed as the falling ball monitoring time is extended based on the extended cooling period. Is possible.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the shape, the material, and the driving method are particularly limited as long as the payout CPU 301 controls the flapper 400 to be switched to any one of the first ball passage 401 and the second ball passage 402. It is not a thing. For example, as shown in FIG. 57, it may be in the form of a plate, or it may be horizontally moved by treating a game ball falling from the top of the ball passage so that the game ball can not pass through one ball passage. As a result, it may be a mechanism capable of distributing game balls, or provided with a mechanism similar to that of the sprocket 173, and in such a manner as to receive the game balls once and then guide the game balls in any direction. It may be.

  Further, in the present embodiment, 5 ms × 4 steps are defined as excitation data corresponding to unit drive amount, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the unit drive amount is not set, and the number of retries per one time is set. Drive the payout motor 174 of 5 ms × 16 steps as excitation data in the above, set the excitation data holding period 30 ms + cooling period 470 ms = 500 ms after the drive stop of the payout motor 174 of 5 ms × 16 steps, and set the basic retry operation engine Set the time to 5000 ms (basic retry operation period) and drop the time from the basic retry operation period by subtracting the excitation data holding period, cooling period and the time required for one retry (5 ms x 16 = 80 ms). Set as monitoring time, stop factor occurrence within the falling ball monitoring time, or the specified number (240 times) If the try is ended, it is also possible to transition to the idle state. At this time, the upper limit number of times for the number of retries is 240, and the time taken for one retry is set as the basic retry operation period. As a result, since a sufficient monitoring time is set as the falling ball monitoring time, it becomes possible to use the falling ball monitoring time as the time for storing by intermittent prevention when the 15-ball collateral switch 172 is disconnected, It becomes possible to pay out more safely.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the number of requested fall is made by subtracting the number of gaming balls moved by one drive of the payout motor 174 based on the number of detected gaming balls by the count switch 181 in retry control. Although the amount of payout) is set, the term “setting the number of drops required to be dropped (the amount of divided payout)” may include contents such as determination, update, and change.

  Further, the payout in the present embodiment is premised on the payout of gaming balls as gaming media, but the present invention is not limited to this, and as gaming media, medals, credits, the number of electronically controlled gaming media, It is considered to pay out various media such as pseudo media handled in monetary terms.

  Note that the "movement" described in the claims of the present application includes the case where the position of the game ball is moved by the game ball control means, such as payout, lending, retry control, lifting and the like. Therefore, the present invention is applicable to any case as long as the position of the gaming ball is moved by the gaming ball control means described above.

  In addition, “the game ball moves” means that the game ball is freed when the game ball is directly pressed by the game ball control means, is pulled, or the locking of the game ball is released. The game ball moves indirectly, which is assumed when one or a plurality of game balls move indirectly as a result of moving one game ball by the game ball control means when starting to fall or as a result of moving one game ball by the game ball control means Including the case.

[Application example]
Although the pachinko gaming machine has been described as an example of the gaming machine in each of the above-described embodiments and the above various modifications, the present invention is not limited to this. The various techniques of the present invention described above can also be applied to other game machines, and can also be applied to various game machines such as a ball and ball game machine, a gaming machine, and an enclosed game machine, for example.

[Supplementary note]
In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 described above, a slit sensor is an essential component to execute the above-described retry operation. Therefore, if the detection means such as the slit sensor is eliminated to reduce the number of parts as described above, the retry operation can not be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a retry operation without requiring a detection means for detecting the drive position of the game ball control means. I assume.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of executing a retry operation without requiring a detection means for detecting the drive position of the game ball control means.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of efficiently managing the drive of the drive means.

1 Pachinko machine (game machine)
12a game area 44 first starting opening (prize opening)
45 2nd starting opening (winning opening)
51 general winning a prize mouth (winning prize mouth)
52 General winning opening (winning opening)
53 first big prize mouth (prize mouth)
54 Second winning prize opening (winning opening)
70 Main control circuit (payment amount determination means)
150 card unit (payment amount determination means)
161 ball tank (ball storage tank)
170 award ball case unit 171 ball supply passage 171A first ball supply passage 171B second ball supply passage 172 15 ball security switch (supply detecting means)
172A 1st 15 ball security switch (supply detection means)
172B Second 15-ball security switch (supply detection means)
173 Sprocket (game ball control means, payout means)
173A 1st sprocket (game ball control means, moving means)
173B Second sprocket (game ball control means, moving means)
174 Payout motor (game ball control means, drive means)
178 Dispensing status notification display device (notification means)
180 dispensing passage 180A first dispensing passage 180B second dispensing passage 181 counting switch (dispensing detection means)
181A first counting switch (dispensing detection means)
181B Second Counting Switch (Delivery Detection Means)
300 Payout control circuit 301 Payout CPU (control means, drive control means, first update means, second update means, determination means, retry value update means, counting means, cut-off amount determination means, drive amount determination means, payout Judgment means, subtraction means, breakout amount update means, reflection means, withdrawal error judgment means)
302 ROM
303 RAM (payment storage means, difference accumulation means)
305A 1st security ball counter 305B 2nd security ball counter 306A 1st security ball timer 306B 2nd security ball timer 400 flapper (passage switching means)
400A First flapper (passage switching means)
400 B Second flapper (passage switching means)
401 first ball passage 401A first ball passage 401B first ball passage 402 second ball passage 402A second ball passage 402B second ball passage 410 flapper drive device 481 counting switch (first detecting means, Disbursement detection means)
481A First Counting Switch (First Detection Means, Payout Detection Means)
481B Second Counting Switch (First Detection Means, Payout Detection Means)
482 Ball pull switch (second detection means, payout detection means)
482A First ball removal switch (second detection means, payout detection means)
482B Second ball pull switch (second detection means, payout detection means)

Claims (1)

A first passage through which game media can pass;
First detection means for detecting gaming media passing through the first passage;
Moving means for moving gaming media having passed through the first passage to the second passage;
Driving means for driving the moving means;
Drive control means for controlling the drive of the drive means;
Second detection means for detecting gaming media moved to the second path by the movement means;
Payout amount determining means for determining a payout amount which is the number of gaming media moved through the moving means on condition that a predetermined payout condition is satisfied;
According to the total of the payout amount determined by the payout amount determination means, the payout amount of the game medium to be moved by one drive of the drive means is determined as a predetermined value as the upper limit, and the amount according to the payout amount Drive amount determination means for determining the drive amount of the drive means;
The drive control means starts origin adjustment control for driving the moving means when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the drive means is driven until the game medium is detected by the second detection means. It is possible to execute the above-mentioned home position adjustment control which repeatedly stops driving for a fixed period of time ,
The origin adjustment control is performed using the first game medium to be paid out according to the payout amount after the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The drive amount set by the drive amount determination unit after the completion of the origin adjustment control corresponds to the number of game media detected by the second detection unit during execution of the origin adjustment control once drive amount der according to the number of game media is subtracted from the payout amount of game media to be moved by driving the is,
The predetermined period of time includes at least a holding period for holding the posture of the moving means and a cooling period for cooling the driving means, and during the holding period, the current applied to the driving means is the driving means A game machine characterized in that the current during driving is maintained, and the current applied to the driving means is switched to a current lower than the current during driving of the driving means during the cooling period .

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