JP6674184B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing a predetermined game.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a gaming machine, there is a gaming machine in which an effect mode in the gaming machine can be set according to a state of a switch when power is turned on (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Further, there is a case where the setting of the effect can be changed during the game (for example, see Patent Literature 2).

JP 2010-184154 A JP 2008-264287 A

In Patent Document 1 described above, the effect mode can be changed only when the power is turned on. Therefore, in order to change the effect mode, it is necessary to turn off the power and turn on the power again, which is troublesome. In order to enhance the convenience of these effect settings, it is conceivable that the effect mode can be changed and set even during a game, as in Patent Document 2.

  However, if the effect setting can be performed even during the game in order to enhance the convenience of the effect setting, there is a problem that the progress of the game may be hindered due to the effect setting.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing a progress of a game from being hindered in setting an effect.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention,
A gaming machine (eg, a pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of performing variable display,
Sound output means capable of outputting sound,
Operation means including a first operation means that cannot be operated by the player and can be operated by the game clerk and a second operation means that can be operated by the player (for example, the setting changeover switch 300, the operation button 516 in the modification, Operation lever 600),
Based on the operation of the second operation means (for example, when the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F, or when a specific operation is performed by the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600 in the modification) A display means (for example, a portion in which the CPU 86 executes the processing of step Sn9 or step Sn10 in the setting changeover switch monitoring processing) capable of displaying a setting screen (for example, a setting screen for setting processing for a hall or a setting adjustment screen in a modified example) In the modification example, a portion for executing the effect setting adjustment process in step Ss37);
When the setting screen is displayed, a setting relating to a volume can be made in accordance with a setting operation (for example, a pressing operation of the operation button 516 or a tilting operation of the operation lever 600) by the second operation means (for example, a power saving function). On / off setting, setting of time information, setting of sound volume and light amount in the modified example) setting means (for example, a part in which the CPU 86 executes the processing of steps Sn24 to Sn27 in the setting changeover switch monitoring processing, or a step in the modified example) Sh12 and step Sh16).
Whether a predetermined condition that is satisfied by the player not playing a game and at least not performing the variable display is satisfied (for example, a state in which a customer waiting demonstration designation command is transmitted, A determination means (for example, a part in which the CPU 86 executes the processing of step Sn6 in the setting changeover switch monitoring processing, which is not in a win game, does not have a hold memory, and the effect of changing the effect symbol is not executed), and is modified. In the example, a portion for determining whether or not the game is in a non-game state),
A special setting unit capable of setting on the game arcade side according to a setting operation by the first operation unit;
With
The display means,
It is possible to display the setting screen in a different display mode according to the setting of the special setting means,
The setting screen is displayed when a predetermined period elapses after at least the predetermined condition is determined to be satisfied by the determination unit, and when the variable display is executed before the predetermined period elapses, the setting screen is displayed. Without displaying the screen (for example, when the CPU 86 determines that the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set in the process of step Sn6 in the setting changeover switch monitoring process (Yes), the process of step Sn9 or step Sn10 , A setting display for displaying a setting adjustment screen when it is determined to be inactive in the modified example),
When the variable display is started during the display of the setting screen, the setting screen is deleted,
When the second operating means is operated when the determining means determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the setting screen is not displayed, and thereafter, the predetermined condition is satisfied by the determining means. When it is determined, the setting screen can be displayed without operating the second operation means,
The initialization notification sound is output at a predetermined volume regardless of the volume setting.
A gaming machine according to claim 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The setting relating to the volume by the second operating means can be restricted by operating the first operating means.
According to these features, since the setting screen is displayed in the non-game state, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered by displaying the setting screen for performing these effect settings.

A gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the display means determines that the game is not in the non-game state by the determination means (for example, the CPU 86 determines that the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is not set in the processing of step Sn6 of the setting changeover switch monitoring processing) The setting screen is not displayed when the operating means is operated at the time of the determination (No), and even when the operating means is not operated when the determining means determines that the game mode is the non-game state, the setting screen is not displayed. A setting screen is displayed (for example, after the CPU 86 determines that the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F in the processing of step Sn3 in the setting changeover switch monitoring processing (Yes), and waits for a customer in the processing of step Sn6. When it is determined that the demonstration designation command reception flag is not set (No), the setting change switch When the viewing process is terminated and thereafter it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set (Yes), the process of step Sn9 or step Sn10 is executed to newly set the setting changeover switch 300 to the channel F. A part for displaying the setting screen of the setting processing for the hall shown in FIG.
It is characterized by:
According to this feature, it is not necessary to execute the predetermined operation again to display the setting screen when the game state is set to the non-game state, so that the convenience of the setting operation can be improved.

The gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect or the first aspect,
The operation means is provided at a position where the player cannot operate (for example, the setting change switch 300 is an effect control arranged in the game island when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed in the game island of the game arcade). (It is arranged on the substrate 80 so as to face the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1)
It is characterized by:
According to this feature, the setting can be prevented from being changed by the player.

A gaming machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first, second and third aspects.
The display means is configured to display the setting screen (for example, when the setting screen display flag is set) and determine that the game is not in the non-game state by the determining means (for example, the CPU 86 performs the setting changeover switch monitoring processing). When it is determined (No) that the effect process flag is not 0 in the processing of step Sn21 in (2), the display of the setting screen is ended (for example, the CPU 86 executes the processing of step Sn31 and executes the processing of step Sn31 to return to the hall shown in FIG. To display the setting screen of the setting process
It is characterized by:
According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered by continuing to display the setting screen.

A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects,
Production output devices (for example, speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b, decoration LED 25a, stage decoration LED 25b, ceiling lamp module 530, left frame LED 28b) capable of outputting a predetermined effect output (for example, sound output or light emission) in the production. , Right frame LED 28c),
Effect executing means for executing a predetermined effect using the effect output device as the game progresses (for example, a portion where the CPU 86 executes an effect control process);
With
The effect setting means,
First setting means (for example, a part where the clerk of the hall sets the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 to any one of 0 to B) for setting the effect setting by the game hall where the gaming machine is installed; ,
Second setting means for setting the output level of the effect output to the output level received from the player (for example, a portion where the CPU 86 executes the effect setting adjustment process);
Including
Backup means (for example, a part where the CPU 86 executes power-off detection processing) for holding the output level setting by the second setting means at the time of power failure;
Return time setting processing means for restoring the setting of the output level of the effect output output from the effect output device by the setting by the second setting means held by the backup means when returning from a power interruption (For example, a part where the CPU 86 executes the processing of step Ss9 in the sub CPU main processing);
Invalidating means for invalidating the setting by the second setting means by initialization on the condition that the determination means determines that the game is in the non-gaming state (for example, the processing of steps Sr4 and Sr5 in the CPU 86 in the setting invalidating processing). Part), and
Is further provided.
According to this feature, it is not necessary for the player to set the output level again when returning from the power interruption, so that it is possible to eliminate the complexity and to initialize the setting of the second setting means each time. It can also be eliminated.

The gaming machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect,
A time measuring means (for example, RTC200) for measuring time information capable of specifying time;
The invalidating unit is configured to perform a predetermined time during a non-business period from the end of business of the game arcade to the start of business on the next day based on the time specified from the time information measured by the clocking unit (for example, The setting by the second setting means is invalidated by initialization on the condition that the determination means determines that the game is in the non-game state at a predetermined time after the hall is closed in step Sr3 of the invalidation processing). (For example, the CPU 86 executes the processing of step Sr5 in the setting invalidation processing)
It is characterized by:
According to this feature, the setting of the second setting means can be reliably set as the initial setting at the start of business the next day.

The gaming machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the fourth or fifth aspect,
The second setting means is provided on condition that the output level can be set by the player by the first setting means (for example, the setting switch 300 is set to channels 0 to 5). , The output level is set.
According to this feature, the amusement arcade can set whether or not the output level can be set by the player, so that the operational convenience of the gaming machine can be improved.

A gaming machine according to means 7 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any of means 4 to 6,
The first setting means can set a maximum value of an output level that can be set by the player by the second setting means,
The second setting means sets an output level within a range having the maximum value set by the first setting means as an upper limit (for example, in the processing of the effect setting adjustment processing, the processing of steps Sh9 to Sh11 is performed). part)
It is characterized by:
According to this feature, it is possible to prohibit a player from setting an output level exceeding the maximum value set by the game arcade side, so that the output level exceeding the maximum value is inappropriate for operation of the game arcade. Execution can be prevented.

The gaming machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the first aspect or the first to seventh aspects,
The effect setting means,
Whether the operating state of the gaming machine is to be shifted from the normal operating state to a power saving state (power saving mode) in which the power consumption is smaller than the normal operating state, A power saving setting means for setting by a person in charge of the hall (for example, a part where the clerk of the hall sets the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 to F),
A power saving mode that shifts to the power saving state on condition that a transition to the power saving state is set by the power saving setting means (for example, the power saving mode is set to ON in the hall setting process). It is characterized by having a shifting means (for example, a part where the CPU 86 executes the power saving mode processing).
According to this feature, by performing the setting for shifting to the power saving state, the power consumption of the gaming machine can be reduced, and the shifting to the power saving state can be set. Performance can be improved. Note that the power saving shifting unit may be formed by a part of the first setting unit.

It is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine which is a gaming machine of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a rear view showing a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a circuit structure in an effect control board. It is a simplified diagram showing arrangement of each circuit and a member in an effect control board. It is a figure showing a setting change switch. It is a figure showing a setting mode in a setting change switch. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command, etc. It is a flowchart which shows a 2ms timer interruption process. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design process processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol normal process. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a sub CPU main process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a sub CPU timer interruption process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power-off detection process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of effect control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power saving mode process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect setting adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a setting invalidation process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting changeover switch monitoring process. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting changeover switch monitoring process. It is a figure showing an example of setting of an effect set value. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the effect display device in the setting process for halls. It is a figure showing a screen displayed on an effect display device in an effect adjustment setting process. It is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a pachinko gaming machine of Embodiment 2. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the content of an effect control command according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process according to the second embodiment. 15 is a flowchart showing a game ball detection process in Embodiment 2. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command analysis process according to the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power saving mode process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a period during which the count of the power saving counter is executed / not executed in the second embodiment. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an effect setting adjustment process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a customer waiting demonstration display and an execution mode of a power saving state according to the second embodiment.

  Embodiments for implementing a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on embodiments.

  First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine which is an example of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the front. In the following description, the front side (player side) of FIG. 1 will be described as the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the back side (inner side) will be described as the back side. In addition, the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is an opposing surface facing the player when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the player side.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame 100 formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a front frame (not shown) attached to the outer frame 100 so as to be openable and closable. Is configured. On the front surface of the front frame, a glass door frame 102 and a lower door frame 103 are provided so as to be openable and closable around one side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game ball (hit ball) as a game medium (game ball) is provided on a front upper portion of a lower door frame 103 attached below the glass door frame 102 as a game ball storage unit. An upper plate portion 3a formed on the upper surface of the hit ball supply tray (also referred to as upper plate) 3 is protruded toward the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (toward the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1). Below the upper plate portion 3a, an operation lever 600, which will be described later, is pivotally supported, and a lower plate portion 4a (also referred to as a lower plate) 4 having a surplus sphere storage plate (also referred to as a lower plate) 4 formed on the upper surface. A protruding portion is protruded toward the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (toward the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1). On the right side, a hit ball operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a game ball is provided.

  The operation lever 600 includes an operation rod gripped by the player, and a trigger switch is provided at a predetermined position of the operation rod (for example, a position where the operator's index finger is hooked when the player grips the operation rod). Trigger button is provided. The trigger button can perform a predetermined instruction operation by performing a push-pull operation with a predetermined operation finger (for example, an index finger or the like) in a state where the player holds the operation rod of the operation lever 600 with an operation hand (for example, a left hand). What is necessary is just to be comprised as follows. Lever switches 510a to 510d arranged in four directions may be provided in the lower part of the operation lever 600, inside the main body of the lower plate portion 4a, for example, to detect a tilting operation on the operation rod.

  In addition, the member forming the upper plate 3 can be operated by a player to perform a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation at a predetermined position on the near side of the upper plate 3 main body (for example, above the operation lever 600). An operation button 516 is provided. The operation button 516 may be configured to be able to mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically detect a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation from the player. A button switch 516a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a player's operation performed on the operation button 516 may be provided inside the upper plate at the installation position of the operation button 516.

  A pair of left and right speakers 27a and 27b, which will be described later, are provided on the front left and right sides of the lower door frame 103.

  On the back of the glass door frame 102, a game board 6 detachably attached to the front frame 101 is arranged. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the board and various parts attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front of the game board 6.

  The game board 6 includes a veneer plate in which the game area 7 is formed on the game board surface (front surface) side, and on the back side of the game board 6 is a variable display control unit (shown in FIG. A game board unit 250 to which game parts related to a game such as "omitted" are mounted (see FIG. 2).

  In the vicinity of the center of the gaming area 7, an effect display device 9 (variable display device) including a plurality of variable display areas for displaying (also referred to as variable display) variable display of a decorative symbol for effect (also referred to as effect design) is provided. 6 is provided so as to face the opening. The effect display device 9 for variably displaying effect symbols is controlled by an effect control microcomputer 81 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the effect control board 80.

  In this embodiment, since the opaque game board 6 is used, the effect display device 9 is arranged so as to face an opening (not shown) of the game board 6. However, when the transparent game board 6 is used. Since the player can visually recognize the display on the effect display device 9 through a transparent game board, no opening may be provided.

  At a predetermined portion of the game board 6, a special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 (see FIG. 3) for variably displaying a special symbol as a plurality of types of identification information capable of identifying each is provided. The effect display device 9 has, for example, three variable display areas (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The effect display device 9 is a design for decoration (for effect) during a special symbol change display period by the special symbol display 8, and is a design symbol (decorative design) as a plurality of types of identification information capable of identifying each of them. (Variable) display. The effect display device 9 is controlled by devices such as an effect control microcomputer 81 (see FIG. 3) mounted on an effect control board 80 (effect effecting means) described later.

  The special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, a 7-segment LED) capable of variably displaying numbers from 0 to 9, for example. The special symbol display 8 includes a first special symbol display (first variable display means) 8a for variably displaying the first special symbol as the first identification information, and a second special symbol for the second identification information. A second special symbol display (second variable display means) 8b for displaying is provided.

  The change display of the first special symbol is performed after a first start condition which is an execution condition of the change display is satisfied (for example, a game ball has won a first start port 15a described later), and then a start condition of the change display (for example, , When the number of reserved storages is not 0, and the variation display of the first special symbol is not executed, and the big hit game is not executed), the variation is started. When the time (variable display time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. In addition, the variation display of the second special symbol is performed after a second start condition, which is an execution condition of the variation display, is satisfied (for example, a game ball has won a second startup port 15b described later). (For example, the case where the number of retained storages is not 0, the state in which the fluctuation display of the second special symbol is not executed, and the state in which the big hit game is not executed) is started based on the establishment. When the fluctuation time (variable display time) elapses, the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Note that the prize means that the game ball has entered an area, such as a winning opening, which is determined in advance as a prize area. Deriving and displaying a display result means that a symbol (an example of identification information) is finally stopped and displayed.

  The fluctuation display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b and the fluctuation (variable) display of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9 are performed by the first special symbol display 8a as described later. It starts in conjunction with the start of the variable display on the second special symbol display 8b, and stops in conjunction with the stop of the variable display on the first special symbol display 8a and the second special symbol display 8b. Also, the variation (variable) display of the effect symbol, which is the identification information, in the effect display device 9 satisfies the first start condition or the second start condition that is the execution condition of the variation display (for example, After the game ball has won the first starting port 15a or the second starting port 15b described later), the start condition of the variable display (for example, when the number of stored memories is not 0 and the first special symbol or the second special symbol special It is started based on the fact that the pattern variation display is not executed and the big hit game is not executed), and when the variable display time (variation time) elapses, the display result (the production symbol The stop symbol by combination is derived and displayed.

  Below the effect display device 9, there is provided a start winning device 15 having a first starting port 15a and a second starting port 15b as a winning area in which game balls can be received. In the starting winning device 15, a first starting port 15a is provided in an upper part, and a second starting port 15b is provided in a lower part. A pair of movable pieces 13, 13 are provided on the left and right sides of the second starting port 15b so as to be able to open and close. The first starting port 15a is open upward and is in a state where a game ball can always enter (accept). On the other hand, when the structure around the first starting port 15a is provided above the second starting port 15b and the movable pieces 13 and 13 are provided on the left and right, when the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in the closed state. When the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in the open state, the game ball can enter (accept). As described above, the easiness of winning is not changed in the first starting port 15a, and the easiness of winning is changed in the second starting port 15b by the opening and closing operation of the movable pieces 13, 13.

  In the state where the movable pieces 13 and 13 are in the closed state, it is difficult for the starting winning device 15 to win a prize in the second starting port 15b, but it is possible to win a prize (that is, a game ball wins). (Hard). In addition, the start winning device 15 may be provided with only a first start port 15a whose easiness of winning does not change as a start port, and the opening and closing operation of the movable pieces 13, 13 makes it easy to win. May be provided only with the second starting port 15b of which the temperature varies.

  The movable pieces 13, 13 of the start winning device 15 are driven by the solenoid 16 when the opening condition described later is satisfied, so that the movable piece 13 is opened from the closed state for a predetermined period of time, and then is closed. When the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the start winning device 15 are in the open state, the game balls can easily win the second start port 15b (the start winning can be easily performed), and a state advantageous to the player (the first state). ). On the other hand, when the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the starting winning device 15 are closed, the game ball does not win the second starting port 15b (it becomes difficult to start winning), which is disadvantageous for the player (second). State). The winning ball that has entered the first opening 15a is guided to the back of the game board 6, and is detected by the first opening switch 14a. The winning ball that has entered the second starting port 15b is guided to the back of the game board 6, and is detected by the second starting port switch 14b.

  At a predetermined position of the game board 6, there are displayed four numbers indicating the number of effective winning balls stored in the first starting port switch 14a or the second starting port switch 14b, that is, the number of reserved memories (also referred to as starting memory or starting winning memory). A special symbol hold storage display 18 (see FIG. 3) is provided. The special symbol reservation storage display 18 displays up to four reservation storage numbers in the order of winning. Each time the first winning opening 15a or the second starting opening 15b has a winning prize, the special symbol hold storage display 18 increases the storage data of the hold storage by one and increases the number of lighted LEDs by one. Then, each time the special symbol display 8 starts the variable display, the special symbol hold storage indicator 18 decreases the storage data of the hold memory by one and reduces the number of LEDs in the lighting state by one (that is, one LED). Off). Specifically, the special symbol hold storage display 18 shifts the lighting state each time the special symbol display 8 starts the variable display. Note that, in this example, an upper limit (up to four) is set for the number of storages held by winning the first opening 15a or the second opening 15b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper limit of the number of reserved storages may be a value of four or more, or may be a value less than four.

  Below the start winning device 15, a special variable winning ball device 20 using an opening / closing plate opened and closed by a solenoid 21 is provided. The special variable winning prize ball device 20 is provided with a big winning opening that is opened and closed by the opening and closing plate, and the opening and closing plate is controlled to an advantageous open state (first state) for the player in the big hit game state, and the big hit game state In other states, the open / close plate is controlled to a closed state (second state) disadvantageous to the player. In this manner, the special variable winning ball device 20 satisfies the opening condition when the big hitting game state is set. The winning ball that has won the special variable winning ball device 20 and has been guided to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the count switch 23 as it is.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variation display on the ordinary symbol display device 10 for varyingly displaying the ordinary symbol as a plurality of types of identification information is started. In this embodiment, the variable display is performed by alternately lighting left and right LEDs (the symbols become visible when lit) (not shown). For example, if the left LED is lit at the end of the variable display, it is a hit. . Then, when the stop symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10 becomes a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the opening condition of the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the starting winning device 15 is satisfied, and the movable pieces 13 and 13 is opened for a predetermined number of times and for a predetermined time. In the vicinity of the ordinary symbol display 10, an ordinary symbol hold storage indicator 41 (see FIG. 3) having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the number of stored effective passing balls passing through the gate 32, that is, the number of starting passage memory. ) Is provided. Every time a game ball passes through the gate 32, the stored data of the starting passage memory is increased by one, and the symbol holding storage display 41 usually increases the number of lit LEDs by one. Then, every time the variable display is started on the ordinary symbol display 10, the stored data of the start passage memory is reduced by one, and the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The gaming board 6 is provided with a plurality of normal prize holes including a first normal prize port 29 and a second normal prize port 30 as a prize area of a prize apparatus for accepting a game ball and permitting a prize. The winning of the game ball to the first normal winning opening 29 is detected by the first winning opening switch 29a. The winning of the game ball to the second normal winning opening 30 is detected by the second winning opening switch 30a. The first starting port 15a, the second starting port 15b, and the big winning port also form a winning area of a winning device that accepts a game ball and allows a winning. Further, decorative light emitting portions 25L and 25R each having a built-in decorative LED 25a that blinks during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and an outlet 26 for collecting game balls that did not win is provided below. There is.

  Two speakers 27L and 27R that emit sound effects are provided at upper left and right sides outside the game area 7, and two speakers 27a and 27b that emit sound effects are provided at lower left and right. In the following description, the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b may be collectively referred to as the speakers 27. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a ceiling lamp module 530 in which various LEDs such as a rotating body LED are built, a left light emitting unit 28L and a right frame LED 28c in which a left frame LED 28b (see FIG. 3) is built (see FIG. 3). ) Are provided. Further, decorative LEDs are installed around each structure (such as a special winning opening) in the game area 7. The rotating body LED, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the decoration LED are examples of a decoration light emitting body provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 illuminated during the prize ball payout is provided at a predetermined location of the left light emitting unit 28L, and a ball out LED 52 illuminated when the supply ball runs out is provided at a predetermined location of the right frame LED 28c. Is provided.

  Various light emitting means such as the prize ball LED 51, the ball cut LED 52, the decoration LED 25 a, the left frame LED 28 b, the right frame LED 28 c, and each LED in the ceiling lamp module 530 are effect control output from the main board (also referred to as a game control board) 31. Lighting control (LED control) is performed based on a signal output from the effect control microcomputer 81 based on the command. The sound generation control (sound control) from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b is also performed by the effect control microcomputer 81.

  A game ball fired from a hit ball firing device (not shown) by a player operating the hit ball operation handle 5 enters a game area 7 through a hit ball guiding rail (not shown), and thereafter flows down the game area 7. When the game ball enters the first starting port 15a and is detected by the first starting port switch 14a or enters the second starting port 15b and is detected by the second starting port switch 14b, a special symbol change display is displayed. If it can be started, the special symbol display 8 starts to display the special symbol in a variable manner. If it is not in a state where the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of stored storages is increased by one.

  The variable display of the symbols on the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 is stopped when the set variable display time elapses each time the variable display is performed. If the symbol at the time of stop (stop symbol) is a big hit symbol (also referred to as a big hit display result) as a specific display result, it becomes a big hit and shifts to a big hit gaming state. In the big hit game state, the special variable prize ball device 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are won. The state in which the special variable winning ball device 20 is opened is called a round, and is executed a predetermined number of times, such as 15 rounds, in the big hit game state.

  If the symbol on the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 at the time of stoppage is a special special jackpot symbol (probably variable jackpot symbol) among the jackpot symbols, it is determined that the jackpot will be a jackpot after the jackpot game state. The probability variation state (hereinafter, referred to as a probability change state) in which the probability (big hit probability) is higher than the normal game state, which is a normal state different from the big hit game state, is more advantageous for the player. Hereinafter, the probable change state is also referred to as a high probability state (sometimes referred to as a highly probable state). The non-probable state is also referred to as a low-probability state (sometimes referred to as a low-probability state).

  In addition, when the display result of the symbol at the time of stopping the variable display on the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 is the probability variable big hit symbol, the symbol is changed to the time-saving state in which the variable time is shortened after the big hit game state for a predetermined period. Is controlled over The time-saving state is different from the normal gaming state in that the variable display time of each of the special symbol display 8, the effect display device 9, and the ordinary symbol display 10 (the time from the start of the fluctuation to the time when the display result is derived and displayed). ) Is a control state in which the display result is derived and displayed early by shortening the display result. Furthermore, during the time saving state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the opening time of the movable pieces 13, 13 of the starting winning device 15 is lengthened, and the number of times of opening is increased. , So-called electric tue support control is executed. During the time-saving state, the fluctuation display time of the symbol is shortened, so that the number of reserved storages described later is exhausted early, and the starting prize which has exceeded the upper limit (for example, “4”) of the reserved storage number becomes invalid. It is easy to derive and display the display results frequently in a short period of time, and to easily derive and display the big hit display results early, so that the display result of the variable display easily becomes the display result of the big hit symbol from the viewpoint of time efficiency That is, the game state becomes advantageous for the player. As described above, in the case of the probability change big hit, the state is controlled to the high probability state and the time saving state for a predetermined period after the end of the big hit game state. The time-saving state for a predetermined period after the end of the big hit gaming state is either until the next big hit gaming state occurs, or until the special symbol and the effect symbol are displayed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). It is continued until one of the conditions is satisfied.

  Also, considering the payout of the game balls according to the winning, in the time saving state, the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol is shortened as compared with the non-time saving state, and the stopped symbol in the ordinary symbol display 10 becomes a hit symbol. The probability is increased, the opening time of the movable pieces 13, 13 of the starting winning device 15 at the time of hitting is lengthened, and the number of times of opening of the movable pieces 13, 13 of the starting winning device 15 at the time of hitting is increased. Based on this, the movable pieces 13, 13 of the starting winning device 15 are more likely to be in an open state than in the normal gaming state. Accordingly, in the time-saving state, winning in the second starting opening 15b (including both the case where the starting winning is valid and the case where the starting winning is invalid) is likely to occur, and therefore the number of game balls hit into the game area 7 ( The ratio of the number of game balls (number of paid-out balls) paid out as prize balls according to the winning with respect to the number of hit balls) is larger than that in the normal game state. In general, the ratio of the payout ball number of the winning prize ball by the winning to the launch ball number is referred to as “base”. For example, if there are 40 payout balls for 100 hit balls, the base is 40 (%). In the case of this embodiment, for example, a time saving state in which the base is higher than a non-time saving state such as a normal gaming state is called a high base state, and conversely, in a normal gaming state in which the base is lower than such a high base state. Such a non-time saving state is called a low base state.

  As described above, the ratio of the number of payout balls of the winning prize to the number of fired balls is generally referred to as “base”, but the maximum number of game balls fired per unit time such as one minute is limited to a certain number. ing. For this reason, the "base" can also be indicated by the total value of the number of payout balls of prize balls by winning a plurality of winning openings provided in the game area in a unit time. For example, assuming that the maximum number of game balls fired per unit time is 100 balls, the total value of the number of payout balls of prize balls by winning in the unit time matches the general “base” value. On the basis of such a relationship, in the present embodiment, each of the first starting port 15a, the second starting port 15b, the first normal winning port 29, and the second normal winning port 30 is set as an abnormality monitoring target winning port. The total value of the number of payout balls of the prize balls due to the winning of the prize hole of the abnormality monitoring target prize port is called a base, and is used as a target of the abnormality monitoring for the prize.

  Whether the state is the probable state (high-probability state) or the non-probable state (low-probability state) is determined based on whether or not the probable variable flag that is set in the probable state is set. . Further, whether the state is the time saving state (high base state) or the non-time saving state (low base state) is determined based on whether the time saving flag which is a flag set in the time saving state is set. Is done.

  Further, in a state in which the special time saving state is not controlled, every time the number of special symbols to be stored is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the special symbol and the effect symbol are changed to a memory fluctuation reducing state in which the variable display time is shortened. Fluctuation reduction control is performed. The memory variation reduction control ends when the number of reserved symbols of the special symbol is less than a predetermined number. Therefore, even when the time reduction state is not controlled, the fluctuation display time of the special symbol and the effect symbol may be reduced.

  The effect symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device 9 are decorations that are variably displayed in a predetermined relationship with the variably displayed special symbols in order to enhance the decorative effect of the variably displayed special symbols on the special symbol display 8. It is a symbol with a typical meaning. The predetermined relationship for such a symbol includes, for example, a relationship in which the variation display of the effect symbol starts when the variation display of the special symbol is started, and a display result of the special symbol at the end of the variation display of the special symbol. Is derived and displayed, and the relationship where the display result of the effect symbol is derived and the variable display of the effect symbol ends is included. When a predetermined big hit symbol is derived and displayed as a display result by the special symbol display 8, the effect display device 9 derives and displays a combination of big hit symbols in which the left, middle, and right symbols are zigzag as a display result. You. The display result of the big hit symbol by the special symbol and the display result of the combination of the big hit symbol by the effect symbol are called the big hit display result.

  Since the special symbol display 8 and the effect display device 9 correspond to the variable display result as described above, they may be collectively referred to as a variable display unit in the following description.

  Next, the reach display mode (reach) will be described. The reach display mode (reach) in the present embodiment means that a symbol that has not been stopped when the stopped symbol constitutes a part of the big hit symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and all or all symbols are displayed. This is a state in which some symbols constitute all or a part of the big hit symbol and are synchronously displayed while being changed.

  For example, in the effect display device 9, an effective line (one horizontal line in this embodiment) that becomes a big hit when the symbol stops is determined in advance, and a partial display area on the effective line is determined in advance. A state in which the variable display is performed in the display area on the activated line that has not been stopped when the predetermined symbol is stopped (for example, among the left, middle, and right variable display areas in the effect display device 9). In the state where the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the left and right display areas, the middle display area is still in a state of variable display), and all or a part of the display area on the activated line is displayed. A state in which all or part of the big hit symbol is synchronously displayed while being changed (for example, the variable display is performed in all of the left, middle, and right display areas in the effect display device 9 and is always the same). The state) variable display in a state where the handle is aligned is made that reach the display mode or reach.

  In addition, at the time of the reach, an unusual effect may be performed by the LED or the sound. This production is called reach production. Further, at the time of the reach, a character (a production display imitating a person or the like, which is different from a design (a production design or the like)) is displayed, or a display mode (for example, a color or the like) of a background image of the production display device 9 is displayed. ) May change. This change in the display of the character and the display of the background is called reach effect display. Some reach is set so that when it appears, a big hit is more likely to occur than in a normal reach. Such special (specific) reach is called super reach.

  In addition, in the effect display device 9, in a variable display that is a trigger for generating a big hit, a big hit announcement effect such as a pseudo-ream for notifying that there is a possibility of a big hit may be performed.

  In the case of this embodiment, a plurality of types of big hits, such as a normal big hit C and a probable big hit A, are provided as big hits as described later. In the following description, when simply indicating "big hit" without specifying the type of big hit, it is a case where these plural types of big hits are represented.

  Normally, the big hit C is a big hit (non-probable big hit) which becomes the low probability state and the low base state by not being in the above-described probability change state and not being in the time saving state after the end of the big hit game state. Such a low probability state and a low base state are referred to as a low-probability low base state. The probability-variable jackpot A is a probability-change state after the big-hit game state ends, a high-probability state in which the time-saving state is set for a predetermined period, and a large-hit state in which the base state is high. Such a state that has become a high probability state and a high base state is referred to as a high-probability high base state. After the probability change jackpot, the time saving state ends when a predetermined period elapses, and the state changes to the high probability state and the low base state. Such a state that has become the high probability state and the low base state is referred to as a high-probability low base state.

  Next, the structure of the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine as viewed from the rear. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a variable display control unit (not shown) including an effect control board 80 on which an effect control microcomputer for controlling the effect display device 9 is mounted. A game control board (main board) 31 on which a microcomputer and the like are mounted, a voice control board 70, a lamp driver board (not shown), and a payout control board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for executing ball payout control and the like are mounted. Various substrates such as are provided. Note that the game control board 31 is stored in the board storage case 150, and the effect control board 80 is stored in the board storage case 270. Each of the substrate storage cases 150 and 270 is made of a member such as an acrylic plate having a light transmitting property.

  Further, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is provided a power supply board 90 on which a power supply circuit for generating various power supply voltages such as DC30V, DC21V, DC12V and DC5V is mounted. The power supply board 90 is supplied with the game control board 31 and each electric component control board (effect control board 80 and payout control board 37) in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and each electric component (electric power) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. A power switch as power supply permitting means for executing or interrupting power supply to the components operated by the operation, and a clear switch for clearing the RAM 55 of the game control microcomputer 156 of the game control board 31 are provided. ing. Further, a replaceable fuse is provided inside the power switch (inside the substrate).

  In this embodiment, the main board 31 is provided on the game board side, and the payout control board 37 is provided on the game frame side. Even with such a configuration, as described later, communication between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 is performed by serial communication, thereby facilitating the routing of wiring when replacing the game board. .

  Note that control means including a control microcomputer is mounted on each control board. The control means is an electric component (game device: ball payout device 97, effect display device 9, lamp or LED (light emitting diode) provided in the game machine in accordance with a command signal (control signal) as a command from the game control device or the like. ), The speaker 27, etc.). Hereinafter, the description may include the main board 31 included in the control board. In that case, the control means mounted on the control board indicates a game control means and a means for controlling an electric component provided in the gaming machine in accordance with a command signal from the game control means or the like. A board other than the main board 31 on which a microcomputer is mounted may be called a sub-board. The ball payout device 97 is a device for paying out a game ball guided by a passage for guiding the game ball and a sprocket driven by a stepping motor or the like to the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 4.

  On the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a terminal board 91 having terminals for outputting various information to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided. The terminal board 91 is provided with an information output terminal for externally outputting an information output signal (for example, a start port signal or the like) such as big hit information indicating occurrence of a big hit gaming state.

  The game balls stored in the storage tank 38 pass through the guide rail, and reach the ball dispensing device 97 covered by the dispensing case 97a via the curve gutter. Above the ball payout device 97, a ball out switch 43 is provided as a game medium out detecting means. When the out-of-ball switch 43 detects the out-of-ball, the payout operation of the ball payout device 97 stops. When the ball-out switch 43 detects the shortage of the game balls, the supply mechanism provided on the game machine installation island supplies the pachinko game machine 1 with the game balls.

  When a large number of game balls as prizes based on winnings and game balls based on ball lending requests are paid out and the hitting ball supply plate (upper plate) 3 becomes full, the game balls are guided to the lower plate 4 via the surplus ball guiding path. . Further, when the game balls are paid out, the sensing lever (not shown) presses a full tank switch (not shown) as the storage state detection means, and the full switch as the storage state detection means is turned on. In this state, the rotation of the payout motor in the ball payout device stops, the operation of the ball payout device stops, and the driving of the hit ball firing device also stops.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 3 also shows a payout control board 37 and an effect control board 80 mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board (game control board) 31 includes a game control microcomputer 156 serving as a basic circuit (corresponding to game control means) for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 32a, and a first starting port switch 14a. , The second starting port switch 14b, the count switch 23, the first winning port switch 29a, the second winning port switch 30a, as well as various signals such as a power-off signal, a clear signal, and a reset signal. 156, an output for driving a solenoid 16 for opening and closing the movable pieces 13 and 13 of the starting winning device 15 and a solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable prize ball device 20 in accordance with commands from the game control microcomputer 156. And a circuit 59.

  The game control microcomputer 156 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (variation data storage means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, and a program. Therefore, it includes a CPU 56 which is a processor performing a control operation, and an I / O port 57. The game control microcomputer 156 is a one-chip microcomputer.

  The game control microcomputer 156 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means (variation data storage means for storing variation data) used as a work memory, and a program. Therefore, it includes a CPU 56 which is a processor performing a control operation, and an I / O port 57. The game control microcomputer 156 is a one-chip microcomputer.

  In the game control microcomputer 156, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 54. Therefore, to be executed (or to perform processing) by the game control microcomputer 156 as described below means that the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to the microcomputer mounted on a board other than the main board 31. The game control means is realized by a game control microcomputer 156 including the CPU 56.

  Further, the game control microcomputer 156 includes a clock circuit for generating a clock signal, a reset controller functioning as a system reset unit, a random number circuit, and a CTC for sending an interrupt request signal to the CPU 56.

  The random number circuit is a hardware circuit used to generate a random number for determination for determining whether or not to make a big hit based on the display result of the change display of the special symbol and the effect symbol. This random number circuit updates numerical data in accordance with a set updating rule within a numerical range in which an initial value (for example, 0) and an upper limit value (for example, 65535) are set, and at random timing. It has a random number generation function in which the read numerical data becomes a random value based on the fact that the generated start winning time is the time of reading (extracting) the numerical data.

  The game control microcomputer 156 reads the numerical data from the random number circuit as the random number value MR1 when the first start port switch 14a or the second start port switch 14b receives a start winning, and based on the specific numerical data, It is determined whether or not to display the big hit as a display result, that is, whether or not to make a big hit. Then, when it is determined to be a big hit, the game state is shifted to a big hit game state as a specific game state advantageous to the player. It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not to make a big hit is actually executed based on the random number value extracted at the time of starting winning when starting the display of the change of the special symbol and the effect symbol. In addition, the random number generated by the random number circuit is a random change determination random number for determining whether or not to make a probability change, a variation pattern determination random number for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol, a large hit or not. It may be used as a random number for determination other than determination.

  The clock circuit outputs a system clock signal to the CPU 56, and outputs a reference clock signal CLK having a predetermined cycle generated by dividing the system clock signal to each random number circuit. The reset controller outputs a predetermined initialization signal to the CPU 56 and each of the random number circuits when a low-level signal is input for a predetermined period, and resets the game control microcomputer 156 to a system.

  Further, the RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on a power supply board (not shown). In other words, even when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, that is, when the power supply is stopped, a part of the RAM 55 is maintained for a predetermined period (until the backup power supply becomes incapable of discharging the backup power supply capacitor). Or the entire contents are preserved. In particular, at least data (such as a special symbol process flag) according to the control state of the game and data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are stored in the RAM 55 as backup data. The data according to the control state is data necessary for restoring the control state before the occurrence of a power failure or the like based on the data when the power is restored after a power failure or the like occurs.

  In this embodiment, backup power is supplied to the effect control board 80 together with the main board 31, and the effect control board 80 is also backed up similarly to the main board 31. Further, in the present embodiment, the mode in which the output circuit of the power interruption signal and the power supply circuit of the backup power supply are provided on the power supply board is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and The main circuit board 31 and the effect control board 80 may be provided with separate power cut-off signal output circuits and backup power supply circuit circuits. May be.

  Further, a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage from a power supply board (not shown) has dropped below a predetermined value is input to the input circuit 58. The power-off signal is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58. A clear signal indicating that a clear switch for instructing to clear the contents of the RAM has been operated is input to the input circuit 58 to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156. The clear signal is input to the input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58.

  In this embodiment, backup power is supplied to the effect control board 80 together with the main board 31, and the effect control board 80 is also backed up similarly to the main board 31. Further, in the present embodiment, the mode in which the output circuit of the power interruption signal and the power supply circuit of the backup power supply are provided on the power supply board is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and The main circuit board 31 and the effect control board 80 may be provided with separate power cut-off signal output circuits and backup power supply circuit circuits. May be.

  Further, each of the plurality of switches is connected to an input port of the game control microcomputer 156 via the input circuit 58. Thus, the game control microcomputer 156 receives an input detection signal indicating the input state of each switch from each of the plurality of switches.

  The output circuit 78 mounted on the game control microcomputer 156 transmits (outputs) an effect control command output by the CPU 56 to the effect control board 80. The output circuit 78 transmits (outputs) the control signal output by the CPU 56 to the special symbol display 8, the special symbol reservation storage display 18, the ordinary symbol display 10, and the ordinary symbol reservation storage display 41.

  The microcomputer 156 for game control sends an effect control command (effect control signal) as a control signal for instructing the effect control board 80 to perform display control, sound control, and effect control including LED control to the output circuit 78. To send through. The effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 156 to the effect control board 80 include a customer waiting demonstration designation command and a fluctuation display result designation command.

  The customer waiting demonstration designation command is a production control command in which the game control microcomputer 156 designates the execution of a customer waiting demonstration production. The command is not during a big hit game or a small hit game, and there is no hold memory. When the change is not executed, the command is sent in response to the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the effect control board 80, and after a predetermined time elapses, a predetermined customer waiting demonstration screen is displayed on the effect display device 9. Is done. In other words, normally, when the player is replaced, there is a period during which the player is absent, and therefore these customer waiting demonstration designation commands indicate that the player is absent due to the replacement of the player in a non-gaming state or the like. Output when it is assumed that it has become.

  In addition, the microcomputer 156 for game control of the present embodiment is not in the big hit game or the small hit game, and the effect control board 80 is Although the customer waiting demo designation command is transmitted, the present invention is not limited to this. The game control microcomputer 156 determines that the starting prize does not occur, the number of storages held is 0, and a big hit game or small hit is performed. If the game is not being played, a customer wait demonstration designation command may be sent to the effect control board 80 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the change of the special symbol. In this way, when the game control microcomputer 156 sends the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the effect control board 80 after a predetermined time elapses after the change of the special symbol, the effect control board 80 receives the command in the command analysis processing. The effect display command may be displayed on the effect display device 9 when the effect control command is determined to be the customer wait demonstration designation command.

  In the present embodiment, a state in which the special symbol is not being executed during the big hit game or the small hit game, the holding of the special symbol is not performed, and the change of the special symbol is not executed is defined as the non-game state. Therefore, even if the player is playing the game, the start winning does not occur, the big hit game or the small hit game is not in progress, and the special symbol is not changed without the holding memory. Although the customer waiting demonstration designation command is transmitted as the non-gaming state also in the state, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, a hitting ball guide through which a game ball fired from a hitting ball firing device passes A driving sensor for detecting a game ball may be provided near the rail or the like, and a period during which the firing of the game ball is detected by these driving sensors may be excluded from the non-game state.

  In the present embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the player is in the non-gaming state is made, as described later, by a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted from the gaming control microcomputer 156 in accordance with the fact that the player is in the non-gaming state. Although the determination is made based on the reception, the present invention is not limited to this. On the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80, the value of the effect control process flag described later is Depending on whether the value corresponds to the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process or the status of the timer that measures the elapsed time from the stoppage of the fluctuation of the effect symbol, whether the fluctuation display is performed or not, the fluctuation display is performed. It is also possible to specify the elapsed time since the disappearance, and determine whether or not the game is in the non-game state based on the execution of the specified variable display and the elapsed time. .

  Further, the fluctuation display result designation command is a production control command transmitted at the start of the fluctuation in order to specify the fluctuation pattern of the effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the fluctuation display of the special symbol, This command is used to specify the start of fluctuation.

  The effect control board 80 receives an effect control command from the game control microcomputer 156, and controls the display of the effect display on the effect display device 9 and the output control of the effect sound (effect sound). An electric component control means such as 81 is mounted. Further, on the effect control board 80, a setting changeover switch 300 for setting various settings described later in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and an RTC 200 capable of outputting time information are mounted. The setting changeover switch 300 is disposed on the effect control board 80 so as to face the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, and through a cutout 270 a formed in the board storage case 270. The game board unit 250 can be operated from outside. Note that the setting changeover switch 300 is disposed in the gaming island by installing the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the gaming island in the gaming arcade. Therefore, in order to operate the setting changeover switch 300, a game frame that can be opened like a door on which various boards constituting the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted is opened to expose the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Therefore, the player cannot operate the setting changeover switch 300 in the game arcade, and only the relevant person of the game arcade that can unlock and open the locked game frame can be operated. 300 can be operated.

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 156, and controls the display of the effect display device 9 for variably displaying the effect symbols. , And sound output control from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b.

  Further, the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects the detection signals from the lever switches 510a to 510d and the button switch 516a, so that the operation of the operation lever 600 and the player of the operation button 516 are detected. Detects the operation by.

  The effect control microcomputer 81 controls the display of the stage decoration LED 25b provided on the game board 6, and also includes the prize ball LED 51, the ball cut LED 52, the left frame LED 28b, and the right frame LED 28c provided on the frame side. , And lighting control of each LED in the ceiling lamp module 530.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command used in this embodiment. The effect control command has, for example, a 2-byte configuration. The first byte indicates MODE (classification of command), and the second byte indicates EXT (type of command). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always "1", and the first bit of the EXT data is "0". The command form shown in FIG. 8A is an example, and another command form may be used. In this example, the control command is composed of two control signals. However, the number of control signals constituting the control command may be one, or may be three or more.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, a command 8001H is a first variation start command for designating a variation start in a special figure game using the first special figure on the first special symbol display 8a. The command 8002H is a second variation start command for designating a variation start in the special figure game using the second special figure on the second special symbol display 8b. The command 81XXH is a variation pattern designating command that designates a variation pattern such as an effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variation display of the special symbol in the special figure game. Here, XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be any value that is arbitrarily set according to the instruction content of the effect control command. In the variation pattern designation command, different EXT data is set according to the variation pattern to be designated.

  The command 8CXXH is a variable display result specifying command for specifying a variable display result such as a special symbol or an effect symbol. In the variable display result designation command, as shown in FIG. 8B, for example, a determination result (predetermined result) as to whether the variable display result is “losing” or “big hit” or a variable display result is “big hit” , Different EXT data is set in accordance with the result of determining which of the plurality of types is the big hit type (big hit type determination result). More specifically, the command 8C00H is a first variable display result designation command indicating a predetermined result indicating that the variable display result is “losing”. The command 8C01H is a second variable display result designation command for notifying a preliminary determination result indicating that the variable display result is "big hit" and the jackpot type is "non-probable change" and a jackpot type determination result. The command 8C02H is a third variable display result designation command for notifying a preliminary determination result indicating that the variable display result is "big hit" and the big hit type is "probable change" and a big hit type determination result. The command 8C03H is a fourth variable display result designation command for notifying a preliminary determination result indicating that the variable display result is “big hit” and the big hit type is “probable” and a big hit type determination result. The command 8C04H is a fifth variable display result designation command indicating a predetermined result indicating that the variable display result is “small hit”.

  The command 8F00H is a symbol confirmation command for designating the stop (decision) of the effect symbol on the effect display device 9. The command 95XXH is a game state designation command for designating the current game state in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the gaming state designation command, different EXT data is set according to the current gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1, for example. As a specific example, the command 9500H is a first game state designation command corresponding to a game state (low-probability low-base state, normal state) in which neither time-saving control nor probable change control is performed. This is a second game state designation command corresponding to a game state (low-probability / high-base state, time-saving state) in which the probability change control is not performed. In addition, the command 9502H is a third game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which the time saving control is performed while the time saving control is not performed (the high accuracy low base state and the time saving no probability changing state), and the command 9503H is changed to the time saving control. This is a fourth game state designation command corresponding to the game state in which the control is performed together (high-precision high-base state, time-saving accurate change state).

  The command A0XXH is a hit start designation command (also referred to as a “fan fare command”) for designating the display of an effect image indicating the start of a big hit game state or a small hit game state. The command A1XXH is a special winning opening opening notification command for notifying that the special winning opening is in the open state in the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state. The command A2XXH is a notification command after the opening of the special winning opening that notifies that the special winning opening has changed from the open state to the closed state in the big hit gaming state or the small hit gaming state. The command A3XXH is a hit end designation command for designating the display of the effect image at the end of the big hit game state or the small hit game state.

  In the hit start designation command and the hit end designation command, different EXT data may be set according to the pre-determined result or the big hit type decision result, for example, by setting the same EXT data as the variable display result designation command. . Alternatively, in the hit start designation command and the hit end designation command, the correspondence between the pre-determined result and the big hit type decision result and the set EXT data may be different from the correspondence in the variable display result designation command. . The notification command during opening of the special winning opening and the notification command after opening of the special winning opening, for example, correspond to the number of executions of the round (for example, “1” to “15”) in the state of the normal opening big hit state or the short opening big hit state. Is set.

  The command B100H is based on the fact that a game ball that has passed (entered) the first starting port 15a is detected by the first starting port switch 14a and a start winning (first starting winning) has occurred, and the first special symbol display 8a Is a first start opening winning designation command for notifying that the first start condition for executing the special figure game using the first special figure in step 1 is satisfied. The command B200H is based on the fact that a game ball that has passed (entered) the second starting port 15b is detected by the second starting port switch 14b and a start winning (second starting winning) has occurred, and the second special symbol display 8b Is a second starting port winning designation command for notifying that a second starting condition for executing the special figure game using the second special figure is satisfied.

  The command C1XXH is a first reserved storage number for notifying the first special figure reserved storage number so that the special figure reserved storage number can be specified in a start winning storage storage display area set in the effect display device 9 or the like. This is a notification command. The command C2XXH is a second reserved storage number notification command for notifying the second special figure reserved storage number so that the second special figure reserved storage number can be specified in the start winning storage storage display area or the like. The first reserved storage number notification command is, for example, when the first starting port winning designation command is transmitted based on the fact that the game ball has passed (entered) the first starting port 15a and the first starting condition has been satisfied. Are transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. The second reserved storage number notification command is, for example, when the second starting port winning designation command is transmitted based on the fact that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting port 15b and the second starting condition is satisfied. Are transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. In addition, the first reserved storage number notification command and the second reserved storage number notification command correspond to the start of the special figure game when either the first start condition or the second start condition is satisfied. Alternatively, it may be transmitted.

  The first reserved storage number notification command is transmitted as notification of an increase in the first special figure reserved storage number when the first startup condition is satisfied due to the occurrence of the first startup prize. The second reserved storage number notification command is transmitted as a notification of an increase in the second special figure reserved storage number when the second start condition is satisfied due to the occurrence of the second start winning.

  In this embodiment, a first start opening winning designation command or a second starting opening winning designation command for designating which of the first starting opening 15a and the second starting opening 15b has won the winning is transmitted as the hold storage information. At the same time, a first reserved storage number notification command and a second reserved storage number notification command for designating the first special figure reserved storage number and the second special figure reserved storage number are transmitted. When the number of reserved storages increases, a reserved storage number addition designation command (a first reserved storage number addition designation command or a second reserved storage number addition designation command) indicating that the first special figure reserved storage number or the second special figure reserved storage number has increased. While transmitting the reserved storage number addition specifying command), when the reserved storage number decreases, the reserved storage number subtraction specifying command (the second special figure reserved storage number) indicating that the first special figure reserved storage number or the second special figure reserved storage number has decreased. Alternatively, a command for designating a subtraction of one reserved storage number or a command of subtracting a second reserved storage number may be transmitted.

  Instead of the first reserved storage number notification command and the second reserved storage number notification command, a total reserved storage number notification command for notifying the total reserved storage number may be transmitted. That is, a total reserved storage number notification command for notifying an increase (or decrease) of the total reserved storage number may be used.

  The command C4XXH and the command C6XXH are effect control commands (winning-time determination result designation command) indicating the content of the winning-time determination result. Among them, the command C4XXH is a symbol designation command that indicates whether or not the variable display result is “big hit” or “small hit” as the prize-winning determination result, and the determination result of the big hit type. Also, the command C6XXH is a fluctuation category command indicating, as a prize-winning-time determination result, a determination result (determination result of the variation pattern type) as to which range of the random value for determining the variation pattern type falls.

  In addition, the command C700H is used to display the customer waiting demonstration on the effect display device 9, so that the special symbol is not changed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 but in the big hit game or the small hit game, and the hold memory exists. This is a production control command for notifying that the game is in a non-game state in which a special symbol is not changed.

  In this embodiment, in the first starting port switch passing process or the second starting port switch passing process (see FIG. 10), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display result is determined to be "big hit" based on the occurrence of the start winning. It is determined whether or not it is determined to be "small hit", and which of the determined value ranges the random value for determining the type of the big hit and the variation pattern type. Then, in the EXT data of the symbol designating command, a value designating that the variable display result is determined to be "big hit" or "small hit" or a value designating the big hit type is set. Control transmission. In addition, the EXT data of the variation category command is set to a value that specifies a range of a determined value that includes a random number value as a determination result, and control is performed to transmit to the effect control board 80. The CPU 86 of the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80 determines whether or not the variable display result is determined to be "big hit" or "small hit" based on the value set in the symbol designating command. In addition, the type of the big hit can be recognized, and the variation pattern type can be recognized based on the value set in the variation category command when the random value for determining the variation pattern type is included in the determined value of the predetermined range.

  The effect control commands shown in FIG. 8 are a part of the effect control commands transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and effect control other than these effect control commands. The command is also transmitted to the effect control board 80.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control board 80 includes an effect control microcomputer 81 including a CPU 86 and a RAM 85. In the effect control board 80, the CPU 86 operates according to the program stored in the built-in ROM 84 and receives the effect control command via the input circuit 260. Among them, the ROM 84 stores data relating to images displayed on the effect display device 9 in various effects, time charts such as display start timing and end timing, etc. for each effect type. In such a manner, data such as a player set value set by the player is stored. Further, the CPU 86 controls the VDP (video display processor) 262 to control the display of the effect display device 9 such as generation of an image to be displayed on the effect display device 9 and adjustment of the light emission intensity of the backlight, based on the effect control command. A display control process is performed.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 262 for controlling the display of the effect display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 81 is mounted on the effect control board 80.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the VDP 262 includes a CGROM 205 in which data such as a character (also referred to as image data such as a person, an animal, a character, a graphic, or a symbol, or CG data) as image element data to be used as a sprite image, and a frame. A display control circuit is configured together with the SDRAM 210 (synchronous DRAM) used as a buffer area (VRAM area).

  The CPU 86 outputs to the VDP 262 a command for reading necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) according to the received effect control command. The CGROM previously stores character image data and moving image data to be displayed on the effect display device 9, specifically, data of persons, characters, figures and symbols (including decorative patterns), and background image data. ROM. The VDP 262 reads out image data from the CGROM in accordance with a command from the CPU 86. Then, the VDP 262 executes display control based on the read image data.

  In this embodiment, the sound processing IC 173 and the D / A converter IC 177, which generate the sound output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b, in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 81 (CPU 86), and the D / A converter IC 177. A digital amplifier 175 for amplifying the sound signal (generated sound) converted into an analog signal by the / A converter IC 177 is mounted on the effect control board 80, and the CPU 86 performs sound control based on the effect control command from the main board 31. The number (ID) data is output to the sound processing IC 173, and the sound corresponding to the sound number (ID) data is generated by the sound processing IC 173.

  When sound number data is input from the effect control microcomputer 81, the sound processing IC 173 individually outputs a sound or a sound effect corresponding to the input sound number data for each of the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b. It is generated and output to the digital amplifier 175. The digital amplifier 175 amplifies the output level of the D / A converter IC 177 to the volume set by the effect control microcomputer 81 (CPU 86), and outputs it to the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a sound data ROM 174 is locally connected to the sound processing IC 173. In the sound data ROM 174, the speakers 27R and 27L for outputting sounds corresponding to various effects performed by the effect commands corresponding to the sound number (ID) data in association with the sound number (ID) data. Sound control data for each of 27a and 27b is stored. In other words, these sound control data are output in the sound effect or sound output mode (volume, position at which the sound image is localized, echo, etc.) output from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b during the production period (for example, the period during which the decorative pattern fluctuates). Is a group of data in which the sound source data is described in chronological order together with the sound source data.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the effect control board 80 is individually equipped with the effect control microcomputer 81, the sound processing IC 173, and the VDP 262. In addition, the above-described RTC 200 is locally connected to the effect control microcomputer 81 together with the setting changeover switch 300, and time data output from the RTC 200 is input to the effect control microcomputer 81, and from the setting changeover switch 300 Is input to the effect control microcomputer 81.

  Next, the setting changeover switch 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the setting changeover switch 300 is provided with a total of 16 channels from 0 to F, and is a selector switch that switches these channels by rotating the knob 301. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, a clerk in a hall (game hall) switches the knob 301 of the setting changeover switch to one of the channels 0 to B and then turns on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Thus, the game mode in which the player can play a game, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 turning on the power after turning the knob 301 of the setting changeover switch to one of the channels D to F by the clerk of the hall (game hall). Thus, it is possible to select a setting mode for the clerk of the hall (game hall) to make various settings of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, although the details will be described later, even after the power is turned on (after the power is turned on), the knob 301 of the setting changeover switch 300 is switched to the channel F so that the power saving mode is achieved. It is possible to execute a setting process for a hall for setting ON / OFF of the setting and setting of time information of the RTC 200. In this embodiment, even after the power is turned on (after the power is turned on), the setting process for the hall can be executed by switching the knob 301 of the setting switch 300 to the channel F. However, the present invention is not limited to this. By turning the knob 301 of the setting changeover switch 300 to the channel D or E even after the power is turned on, the unique setting for each model of the pachinko gaming machine 1 described later is performed. And a special setting process for performing detailed settings of backup data, clearing of backup data, and the like. In this embodiment, since the channel C is a spare channel, it does not have a specific function. However, a specific function may be given to the channel C depending on the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Specifically, channels 0 to B are assigned to the game mode. As shown in FIGS. 7 (B) and 7 (C), in this game mode, channel 0 and channel 6 set the volume level of the sound output from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b to the lowest level 1 This is a channel set to (volume 1). Channel 1 and channel 7 are channels for setting the volume level of the sound output from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b to level 2 (volume 2) larger than level 1, and channel 2 and channel 8 Is a channel for setting the volume channel of the sound output from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b to level 3 (volume 3) which is larger than level 2.

  Further, channels 3 and 9 are channels for setting the volume level of the sound output from each of the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b to level 4 (volume 4) larger than level 3, and channel 4 and channel A. Is a channel for setting the volume level of the sound output from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b to level 5 (volume 5) which is higher than level 4. Channel 5 and channel B are the channels 27R, 27L. , 27a, 27b are set to the level 6 (volume 6) which is larger than the level 5. In this embodiment, level 6 (volume 6) is the loudest volume level.

  Further, when the setting change switch 300 is set to the channels 0 to 5 among the channels 0 to B, when the player plays the pachinko gaming machine 1, the speakers 27 R, 27 L, 27 a, 27 b It is possible to adjust the volume of the sound output and the light amounts of various light-emitting units such as the decoration LED 25a, the stage decoration LED 25b, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530. Note that the maximum value (maximum level) of the volume level that can be set by the player when the setting switch 300 is set to channels 0 to 5 is up to the level (volume) corresponding to each channel. The player can be set only within the range of the value.

  Further, when the setting change switch 300 is set to the channels 6 to B among the channels 0 to B, during the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the decoration LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, It is possible to adjust only the light amounts of the various light emitting means such as the ceiling lamp module 530, and the volume level cannot be set. The light amount of the various light emitting means can be adjusted up to four levels in both cases where the setting changeover switch 300 is set to channels 0 to 5 and when the setting changeover switch 300 is set to channels 6 to B. Can not set the upper limit of the setting, but the present invention is not limited to this, and also for the adjustment of these light amounts, similarly to the case of the volume, the game hall can set the upper limit of the setting by the player You may do it. In the present embodiment, when the setting changeover switch 300 is set to channels 6 to B, as described above, only the adjustment of the light amount is possible and the adjustment of the volume is disabled. The present invention is not limited to this, and when the setting changeover switch 300 is set to these channels 6 to B, it is possible to adjust only the volume and disable the adjustment of the light amount. In addition, both the adjustment of the light amount may be disabled.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7A, channels D to F are assigned to the setting mode. Of these, channel D is assigned to a model-specific setting process for making unique settings for each model of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and channel E is a special setting process for executing detailed settings of backup data, clearing of backup data, and the like. Assigned to. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (D), channel F is assigned to a hole setting process for turning on / off the setting of the power saving mode and setting the time information of the RTC 200.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. When power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and power supply is started, the input level of a reset terminal to which a reset signal is input becomes high, and the game control microcomputer 156 (specifically, the CPU 56) Executes a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are legitimate, and then starts a main process (not shown) after step S1. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After the initialization of the built-in device (initialization of CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) (step S4), the RAM can be accessed. (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, an address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is: This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal (clear signal) of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input through the input port (step S6). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S15).

  If the clear switch is not in the ON state, it is checked whether or not data protection processing (for example, processing for stopping power supply such as addition of parity data) of the backup RAM area has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine has been stopped. (Step S7). The backup RAM area is a storage area provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 55. After confirming that such a protection process has not been performed, the CPU 56 executes an initialization process. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop processing.

  After confirming that the power supply stop processing has been performed, the CPU 56 checks the data in the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is restored after an unexpected power outage or other power supply interruption, the data in the backup RAM area should have been saved, and the check result (comparison result) becomes normal (match). If the check result is not normal, it means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state at the time of stopping the power supply, the initialization processing executed at the time of turning on the power other than the recovery from the stop of the power supply is executed.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 returns the game state restoring process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control means to the state at the time of stopping the power supply. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in a work area (an area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power supply. In the backup setting table, initialization data is set for an area of the work area that may be initialized. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that must not be initialized remain. The part that should not be initialized includes, for example, data indicating the game state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probable change flag, time saving flag, etc.), and an area where the output state of the output port is stored (output port buffer). ), A portion where data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, control goes to a step S14. In this embodiment, the CPU 56 also transmits to the effect control board 80 a total pending storage number designation command in which the value of the total pending storage number counter stored in the backup RAM is set in the process of step S43.

  In this embodiment, whether or not the data in the backup RAM area is stored is confirmed using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, one of the backup flag and the check data may be used as a trigger for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). In the RAM clear processing, predetermined data (for example, data of a count value of a counter for generating a random number for determining a normal symbol hit) is initialized to 0, but an arbitrary value or a predetermined value is set. May be initialized. Alternatively, predetermined data (for example, data of the count value of a counter for generating a random number for determining a normal symbol hit) may be left as it is without initializing the entire area of the RAM 55. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state, such as a random number counter for determining a normal symbol hit, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball storage buffer, and a special symbol process flag, is initialized. The value is set.

  The CPU 56 also issues an initialization designation command (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 156 has executed initialization processing) for initializing a sub-board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted). Is transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the effect control microcomputer 81 receives the initialization designation command, the effect display device 9 displays a screen for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized, that is, performs an initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit (step S14). The CPU 56 makes settings for causing the random number circuit to update the value of MR1, for example, by executing processing according to a random number circuit setting program.

  Then, in step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC incorporated in the game control microcomputer 156 so that a timer interrupt is periodically performed every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically performed every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (Steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (Step S17) and the initial value random number update process (Step S18) in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt is prohibited (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are completed, the interrupt is enabled. It is set (step S19). In this embodiment, the random number for display is a random number for determining a stop symbol of a special symbol when it is not a big hit or a random number for determining whether or not to reach when a big hit is not made. The random number update process is a process of updating the count value of a counter for generating a display random number. The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of a counter for generating an initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is used to determine an initial value of a count value of a counter (normal symbol hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not a symbol is a hit. It is a random number to perform. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game described later (the game control microcomputer 156 controls a game display device, a variable prize ball device, a ball payout device, and other game devices provided in the game machine by itself. In this process, the count value of the random number for determining whether or not a symbol has been hit is usually one round (in the process of transmitting a command signal for controlling another microcomputer, or the process of controlling the gaming machine). (Step by the number of numerical values between the minimum value and the maximum value of possible values)), the initial value is set to the counter.

  In this embodiment, the reach effect is executed using an effect symbol (decorative symbol) that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9. In addition, when the display result of the special symbol is a big hit symbol, the reach effect is always executed. When the display result of the special symbol is not a big hit symbol, the game control microcomputer 156 determines whether or not to execute a reach effect by a lottery using random numbers. However, it is the effect control microcomputer 81 that actually controls the reach effect.

  When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes a timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S34 shown in FIG. In the timer interruption process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal has been output (whether or not the power-on signal has been turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output, for example, when the power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. Then, in the power-off detection processing, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop processing for storing necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, the detection signals of the gate switch 32a, the first starting port switch 14a, the second starting port switch 14b, and the count switch 23 are input via the input circuit 58, and the state of them is determined (switch processing: step S21). .

  Next, the CPU 56 controls the display of the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, the ordinary symbol display 10, the special symbol reservation storage display 18, and the ordinary symbol reservation storage display 41. The process is executed (Step S22). Regarding the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b and the ordinary symbol display 10, a drive signal is output to each display according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S32 and S33. Execute control.

  In addition, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each random number for determination, such as a random number for large hit determination and a random number for normal symbol hit, used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S23). . The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number updating process, display random number updating process: steps S24 and S25).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S26). In the special symbol process process, the corresponding process is executed according to the first special symbol display 8a, the second special symbol display 8b, and the special symbol process flag for controlling the special winning opening in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, a normal symbol process is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of transmitting an effect control command for which the transmission setting has been made in the variation pattern setting process to the effect control microcomputer 81 (effect control command control process: step S28).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs an information output process of outputting data such as big hit information, start information, and probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the first start port switch 14a, the second start port switch 14b, and the count switch 23 (step S30). Specifically, in response to a winning detection based on one of the first starting port switch 14a, the second starting port switch 14b, and the count switch 23 being turned on, the payout control microcircuit mounted on the payout control board 37. A payout control command (prize ball number signal) indicating the number of prize balls is output to the computer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in response to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 determines the contents related to ON / OFF of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. Is output to the output port (step S31: output processing).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol display control process for setting special symbol display control data for performing a special symbol effect display according to the value of the special symbol process flag in an output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data ( Step S32). For example, if the start flag set in the special symbol process is set and the end flag is set, the CPU 56 sets the change speed at 1 frame / 0.2 second if 0.2 seconds elapses. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. In addition, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer, so that the first special symbol display device 8a and the second special symbol display device 8b can output the first special symbol and The variable display of the second special symbol is executed.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting the ordinary symbol display control data for performing the effect display of the ordinary symbol in the output buffer for setting the ordinary symbol display control data according to the value of the ordinary symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“O” and “X”) of the fluctuation speed of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag relating to the fluctuation of the normal symbol is set. At such a speed, every time 0.2 seconds elapse, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “○” and 0 indicating “×”) is switched. In addition, the CPU 56 outputs a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer, thereby executing the effect display of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol display 10.

  Thereafter, an interrupt permission state is set (step S34), and the process ends.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable symbol display is started. Without reaching the reach state, a combination of predetermined effect symbols that do not reach the reach may be stopped and displayed. Such a variation display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal loss”) variation display mode when the variation display result is a lost symbol.

  When the lost symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the effect display device 9, the variable display state of the effect symbol is changed after the variable symbol display is started. The reach effect is executed after the reach state is reached, and a predetermined effect symbol combination that does not ultimately become a big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed. Such a variation display result of the effect symbol is referred to as a variation display mode of “reach” (also referred to as “reach loss”) when the variation display result is “losing”.

  In this embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the reach effect is executed after the change display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state. Finally, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" symbol display areas of the effect display device 9 together.

  In the case where a predetermined symbol that is a small hit (a predetermined symbol corresponding to the type of the small hit) is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b, the effect is displayed on the effect display device 9. After the effect symbols are displayed in the same manner as in the case where the symbol variation display mode is “probably variable big hit B” described later, a predetermined small hit symbol (the same symbol as the probable variable big hit B symbol, such as “355”). May be stopped. The display effect in the effect display device 9 corresponding to the stop display of a predetermined symbol (symbol) as a small hit symbol on the first special symbol indicator 8a or the second special symbol indicator 8b is changed by "small hit". It is called a display mode.

  FIGS. 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of a program for a special symbol process (step S26) executed by the game control microcomputer 156 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process processing, processing for controlling the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process process, the CPU 56 determines that the first starting port switch 14a for detecting that the game ball has won the first starting port 15a is on, that is, the starting winning to the first starting port 15a. If so, a first start-up switch for determining whether a big hit or a super reach is to be made in the variable display corresponding to the start winning and transmitting a start winning determination result specifying command including the result of the determination. A passing process is executed (steps S311 and S312). Further, if the second starting port switch 14b for detecting that the game ball has won the second starting port 15b is turned on, that is, if the starting winning to the second starting port 15b is generated, the CPU 56 sets It is determined whether it is a big hit or a super reach, and a second starting port switch passing process of transmitting a starting winning determination result specifying command including the determination result is executed (steps S313 and S314). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed. If the first starting port switch 13a or the second starting port switch 14b is not turned on, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed according to the internal state.

  The processing in steps S300 to S310 is as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 0. The game control microcomputer 156 checks the number of stored numerical data stored in the number-of-reserved-storing buffer (total number of reserved storages) when the special symbol change display can be started. The storage number of the numerical data stored in the reserved storage number buffer can be confirmed by the count value of the total reserved storage number counter. If the count value of the total pending storage number counter is 0, a customer waiting demonstration designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 80. If the count value of the total reserved storage number counter is not 0, it is determined whether or not the display result of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a big hit. In the case of a big hit, a big hit flag is set. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) according to step S301. The big hit flag is reset when the big hit game ends.

  Variation pattern setting processing (step S301): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. In addition, a variation pattern is determined, and the variation time (variable display time: the time from when the variation display is started until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) in the variation pattern is set as the variation time of the special symbol variation display. Decide to do so. Also, a fluctuation time timer for measuring the fluctuation time of the special symbol is started. Then, transmission settings for transmitting various effect control commands to the effect control microcomputer 81 are performed, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to step S302. .

  Display result designation command transmission processing (step S302): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result designation command to the effect control microcomputer 81 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to step S303.

  Special symbol change processing (step S303): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern setting processing elapses (the fluctuation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the value of the fluctuation time timer becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is stepped. The value is updated to a value corresponding to S304 (4 in this example).

  Special symbol stop processing (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the first special symbol display 8a or the second special symbol display 8b is stopped and the stopped symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, the control for transmitting the symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 81 is performed. If the big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If neither the big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300. Note that the effect control microcomputer 81 controls the effect display device 9 to stop the effect symbols when the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 156 is received.

  Big winning opening pre-processing (step S305): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the special winning opening opening pre-processing, control for opening the special winning opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter for counting the number of game balls entering the special winning opening) and the like are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. The execution time of the special winning opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to step S306. Note that the pre-winning opening process is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process is also a process of starting a big hit game.

  Big winning opening processing (step S306): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. The control to transmit the effect control command of the round display during the big hit game state to the effect control microcomputer 81 and the process of confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening are performed. If the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all rounds have been completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to step S307.

  Big hit end processing (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control is performed to cause the effect control microcomputer 81 to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. In addition, a process of setting a flag indicating a game state (for example, a probability change flag or a time saving flag) is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit opening pre-processing (step S308): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the small hit opening pre-processing, control for opening the big winning opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter for counting the number of game balls entering the special winning opening) and the like are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening. The execution time of the special winning opening process is set by a timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (9 in this example) corresponding to step S309. Note that the small hit pre-open processing is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the small hit pre-open processing is also processing for starting a small hit game.

  Small hit opening processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening is performed. If the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. When all rounds have been completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (10 (decimal number) in this example) corresponding to step S310.

  Small hit end processing (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. The control for making the effect control microcomputer 81 perform display control for notifying the player of the end of the small hitting game state is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process process shown in FIGS. In the special symbol normal processing, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the total number of reserved storages (step S151). Specifically, it is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and is incremented by one every time a game ball is won in the first starting port 15a and the second starting port 15b, with the upper limit being 8, and the fluctuation based on the starting winning is changed. The count value of the total pending storage number counter, which is decremented and updated by one each time display is performed, is confirmed. If the total number of pending storages is not 0 (step S151; No), it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completed flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S151a). If the customer waiting demo designation command transmitted flag is not set (step S151a; No), the process proceeds to step S152. If the customer waiting demo designation command transmitted flag is set (step S151a; Yes). Then, the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completed flag is cleared (step S151b), and the process proceeds to step S152.

  The CPU 56 determines that the first data among the data set in the non-illustrated reserved specific area in which the winning in the first starting port 15a and the second starting port 15b is stored in the winning order is the winning in the first starting port 15a. It is determined whether the data is “first” indicating “1” (step S152). When the first data set in the hold specific area is not data indicating “first” (that is, data indicating “second” indicating winning in the second starting port 15b) (step S152; No) ), The CPU 56 stores data indicating “second” in the special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process is being performed on the first special symbol or the special symbol process is being performed on the second special symbol). It is set (step S153). If the first data set in the reserved specific area is data indicating “first” (step S152; Yes), the CPU 56 sets data indicating “first” in the special symbol pointer (step S154). ).

  In this embodiment, the first special symbol change display or the second special symbol change display is executed in accordance with the start winning order in which the game balls have won the first start port 15a and the second start port 15b. Although the case is shown, a configuration may be adopted in which any one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is displayed with priority. In this case, for example, when the state is shifted to the high base state, the starting winning is easily made in the second starting opening 15b and the second holding memory is easily accumulated, so that the change display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed. You may make it.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storages = 1 indicated by the special symbol pointer in the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (Step S155). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 determines that each of the random numbers stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = 1 in the first reserved storage number buffer. The numerical value is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = 1 in the second reserved storage number buffer. In the random number buffer area of the RAM 55.

  Then, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer by one and shifts the content of each storage area (step S156). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 decrements the count value of the first reserved storage number counter by one and stores each of the storage areas in the first reserved storage number buffer. Shift the contents of When the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the count value of the second reserved storage number counter is decremented by one, and the contents of each storage area in the second reserved storage number buffer are shifted.

  That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates “first”, the CPU 56 stores the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved storage number buffer of the RAM 55. Is stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved storage number = n−1. When the special symbol pointer indicates “second”, the special symbol pointer is stored in the second reserved storage number buffer of the RAM 55 in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4). Each random number value is stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved storage number = n-1. Also, the CPU 56 sums the values (values indicating “first” or “second”) stored in the storage area corresponding to the total number of reserved storages = m (m = 2 to 8) in the reserved specific area. It is stored in the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storages = m-1.

  Therefore, the order in which the random numbers stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective first reserved storage numbers (or the respective second reserved storage numbers) are always the first reserved storage number (or (The number of the second reserved storage) = 1, 2, 3, and 4. In addition, the order in which the values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the respective summed pending storage numbers are extracted always matches the order of the summed suspended storage number = 1 to 8.

  Then, the CPU 56 saves the count value of the total pending storage number counter in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S157), and then reduces the value of the total pending storage number by one. That is, the count value of the total pending storage number counter is decremented by 1 (step S158). The CPU 56 stores the value of the total pending storage number counter before the count value is decremented by 1 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55.

  In addition, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit the reserved storage number designation command indicated by the special symbol pointer to the effect control microcomputer 81 based on the value of the reserved storage number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer after the subtraction. (Step S159). In this case, when the value indicating “first” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 controls to transmit the first reserved storage number designation command. When a value indicating “second” is set in the special symbol pointer, the CPU 56 controls to transmit a second reserved storage number designation command.

  Next, the CPU 56 reads out the random number value MR1 (big hit determination random number) from the fluctuation random number buffer, and determines whether or not the random number value MR1 is a big hit determination value in the normal state or the time saving state (step S160). If MR1 is the jackpot determination value (step S160; Yes), the process proceeds to step S163. If MR1 is not the jackpot determination value (step S160; No), it is determined whether or not the random number value MR1 is the small hit determination value. Determination (Step S160a) If the random number value MR1 is a small hit determination value (Step S160a; Yes), a small hit flag flag is set (Step S160b), and the process proceeds to Step S166. If the value is not a value (step S160a; No), it is determined whether or not the probability change flag is set (step S161).

  If the probability change flag is not set (step S161; No), the process proceeds to step S166. If the probability change flag is set (step S161; Yes), whether the random number value MR1 is the jackpot determination value in the probability change state It is determined whether or not it is (step S162). If the random number value MR1 is not the big hit determination value (Step S162; No), the process proceeds to Step S166, and if the random value MR1 is the big hit determination value (Step S162; Yes), the big hit flag is set (Step S163).

  Then, the random number value MR2 (big hit type determination random number) is read out from the random number buffer for fluctuation, and the big hit type is determined from a plurality of big hit types such as a probable big hit and a non-probable (normal) big hit based on the random number value MR2. (Step S164), the determined big hit type is stored (Step S165).

  Next, the CPU 56 determines a stop symbol of the special symbol (step S166). Specifically, when the big hit flag and the small hit flag are not set, “-”, which is a lost symbol, is determined as a special symbol stop symbol. When the small hit flag is set, the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined to be the special symbol indicating the number “2” as the small symbol. When the big hit flag is set, the numbers "3", "5", "7", and "9", which are big hit symbols, are shown according to the large value type stored in step S165. One of the special symbols is set as a stop symbol.

  After the special symbol stop symbol is set in step S166, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “1” corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S167), and the special symbol normal process is performed. finish.

  On the other hand, if the total number of pending storages is 0 in the processing of step S151 (step S151; Yes), it is determined whether or not the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completed flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and If the demo designation command transmitted flag is set (step S170; Yes), the special symbol normal process is terminated, and if the customer waiting demo designation command transmitted flag is not set (step S170; No), At the same time as performing control to transmit and set the customer waiting demonstration designation command to the effect control microcomputer 81 (step S171), a customer waiting demonstration designation command transmission completed flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S172), and special symbol normal processing is performed. To end.

  Next, the operation of the effect control board 80 as the effect control means will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the sub CPU main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 81 (specifically, the CPU 86) mounted on the effect control board 80.

  In the sub-CPU main process, the CPU 86 first sets interrupt prohibition (step Ss1). Next, an interrupt mode of a maskable interrupt is set (step Ss2), and a stack pointer designated address is set as a stack pointer (step Ss3). In step Ss2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the effect control microcomputer 81 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is: Set the mode to indicate the interrupt address. When an interrupt that can be masked occurs, the CPU 86 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter on the stack.

  Next, the internal device register is set (initialized) (step Ss4). By the process of step Ss4, the setting (initialization) of the CTC (counter / timer) and the PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits), is performed.

  The effect control microcomputer 81 used in this embodiment also includes an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC) (both not shown).

  Next, the CPU 86 sets the RAM 85 to an accessible state (step Ss5), and shifts to a check process of the setting switch 300.

  In the check processing of the setting changeover switch 300, the CPU 86 determines whether or not the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 is set to any of D to F (step Ss6). When the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 is set to any one of D to F (Step Ss6; Yes), an effect setting process in which a clerk of a hall (game hall) performs various settings of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (FIG. 14) (step Ss25), and if the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 is not set to any of D to F (step Ss6; No), as a backup process, a step in a power-off detection process described later is performed. It is determined whether or not the processes of Sd2 and Sd3 are being executed based on whether or not check data is stored in a predetermined backup area (Step Ss7).

  If the backup process has not been executed (the check data has not been stored) (step Ss7; No), the process proceeds to step Ss11. If the backup process has been executed (the check data has been stored), (Step Ss7; Yes), a data check (a parity check in this example) of the backup data storage area provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 is performed (Step Ss8). In this embodiment, the clear data (00) is set in the checksum data area, and the checksum calculation start address is set in the pointer. In addition, the number of checksum calculations corresponding to the number of data to be checked is set. Then, an exclusive OR of the contents of the checksum data area and the contents of the RAM area pointed to by the pointer is calculated. The calculation result is stored in the checksum data area, the value of the pointer is increased by one, and the value of the number of checksum calculations is decremented by one. The above process is repeated until the value of the number of checksum calculations becomes zero. When the value of the number of checksum calculations becomes 0, the CPU 86 inverts the value of each bit of the contents of the checksum data area and uses the inverted data as a checksum.

  In a power-off detection process described later, a checksum is calculated by a process similar to the above process, and the checksum is stored in the backup data storage area as check data. In step Ss8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum stored as check data. If the power is restored after an unexpected power outage or other power interruption, the data in the backup data storage area should have been saved, and the check result (comparison result) becomes normal (match). If the check result is not normal, it means that the data in the backup data storage area may be different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, erroneous backup data is stored in the backup data storage area. Therefore, initialization processing to be described later (steps Ss11 to Ss11 to be executed at the time of power-on, not at the time of recovery from the stop of power supply) Ss12).

  If the check result is normal (step Ss8; Yes), the CPU 86 performs a restoration process for returning the effect control board 80 to the state at the time of stopping the power supply. Specifically, based on the backup data stored in the backup data storage area of the RAM 85, the amount of light of the decoration LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, the LEDs in the ceiling lamp module, and the like set by the player during the game. The setting data such as the sound volume emitted from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b is restored (step Ss9), and the backup data stored in the backup data storage area of the RAM 85 is cleared (step Ss10). Then, control goes to a process of step Ss14.

  In the present embodiment, the backup data is cleared after restoring the setting data such as the light amount and volume set by the player during the game in the restoration processing of the effect control board 80, but the present invention is not limited to this. The backup data may be retained after the player recovers the setting data such as the light quantity and volume set during the game, and the backup data may be stored in the SRAM. It may be something that does not disappear. In addition, the backup data in the present embodiment is not only the setting data such as the light amount and volume set by the player during the game, but also the time when the power saving mode setting is turned on / off and the power-off detection processing is executed. , A reception history of a predetermined number (for example, 50) of effect control commands, the number of storages held, the total time during which the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been turned on, the total number of firing balls, the base and the big hit in the pachinko gaming machine 1 It includes game data such as winning probability, the total number of balls to be played, and the like.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 86 performs a RAM clear process (Step Ss11). Then, setting data such as the decoration LED 25a, the stage decoration LED 25b, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, the light amounts of the LEDs in the ceiling lamp module 530 and the like, and the sound volumes emitted from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b are initialized (step Ss12). ). After the execution of the processing in step Ss10 or step S12, the CPU 86 sets a random number circuit (not shown) mounted on the effect control board 80 for use in determining an effect to be executed during the fluctuation display of the effect symbol. A random number circuit setting process for initial setting is executed (step Ss14).

  Then, the CPU 86 starts the initialization processing of the audio processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 (step Ss15), and determines whether the initialization processing of the audio processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 is completed (step Ss17). The determination of the completion of these initializations may be made by, for example, determining whether or not a predetermined signal indicating that the initialization has been completed and a transition to an operable state has been output from the audio processing IC 173 or the VDP 262. good. If the initialization processing of the audio processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 is not completed (Step Ss17; No), the processing of Step Ss17 is performed in a loop until the initialization processing of the audio processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 is completed. When the initialization process is completed (Step Ss17; Yes), the initialization completion notification of the audio processing IC 173 is started by outputting a notification sound of a predetermined volume from the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b (Step Ss17a). . Then, it is determined whether or not the notification period of the initialization completion notification has ended (step Ss17b). Note that the notification period of the initial completion notification in this embodiment is set to 10 seconds. If the notification period of the initialization completion notification has not ended (step Ss17b; No), the process of step Ss17b is cyclically performed until the initialization completion notification period ends.

  In this embodiment, as described above, an example in which the initialization completion notification is executed in the initialization processing is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. By executing the sub CPU timer interrupt process or the loop process, the CPU 86 may execute a process other than the initialization by the timer interrupt during the initialization of the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262.

  Further, in this embodiment, the form in which the initialization of the voice processing IC 173 and the initialization of the VDP 262 are performed simultaneously is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initialization of the audio processing IC 173 and the initialization of the VDP 262 are performed. And the completion of initialization are individually performed, and the pattern of the notification sound of each initialization is made different to determine which of the initialization of the voice processing IC 173 and the initialization of the VDP 262 has been completed by the speakers 27L and 27R. , 27a, 27b.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the notification of the completion of the initialization of the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 is notified by a notification sound of a predetermined volume. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The processing may be executed during initialization of the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 or when an error occurs in the initialization.

  When the notification period of the initialization completion notification has ended (step Ss17b; Yes), it is determined whether or not the player set values of the volume and the light amount set by the player exist (step Ss18). If the player setting value exists (step Ss18; yes), the volume and the light amount are set to the player setting value (step Ss19a). If the player setting value does not exist (step Ss18; No), the CPU 86 Determines the channel on which the setting changeover switch 300 is set, and sets the initial value of the sound volume and the initial value of the light amount corresponding to the channel as the hall setting value in the sound volume and the light amount of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Next, the CPU 86 executes a timer interrupt setting process for setting the register of the CTC built in the effect control microcomputer 81 so that the timer interrupt is periodically performed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 4 ms) ( Step Ss20). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 4 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically performed every 4 ms.

  When the setting of the timer interrupt is completed, the CPU 86 first sets the interrupt disabled state (step Ss21), executes a display random number update process (step Ss22), and executes an initial value random number update process (step Ss23). The interrupt is permitted again (step Ss24). That is, the CPU 86 sets the interrupt prohibition state when the initial value random number update processing and the display random number update processing are executed, and sets the interrupt permission state when the execution of the initial value random number update processing and the display random number update processing ends. To

  The display random number update process is a process of executing a random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determination random number, and the initial value random number update process is an initial value random number update process. This is a process of updating the count value of a counter for generating a random number for use. The random number for an initial value is, for example, a random number for determining an initial value of a count value of a counter or the like for generating a random number for determination for determining an effect mode during a change of an effect symbol.

  In the present embodiment, after the initialization processing of the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 is started in step Ss15, the initialization completion notification of only the voice processing IC 173 is started in step Ss17a, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, notification of initialization completion of the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 may be simultaneously executed in step Ss17a. In the case where the initialization completion notification of the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 is simultaneously executed in step Ss17a, the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b such as notification LEDs that execute the initialization completion notification of the VDP 262 by emitting light. A notification means having a notification method different from the notification means for notifying the initialization completion notification of the voice processing IC 173 by a notification sound is separately provided, and the player can grasp the initialization completion of the VDP 262 by the light emission of the notification LED or the like. You may do it. When the notification of the completion of initialization of the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 is separately executed, the notification of the completion of initialization of the voice processing IC 173 and the notification of the completion of initialization of the VDP 262 may be executed at different timings.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by backing up the player setting values of the volume and the light amount in the power interruption detection process, if the player setting values exist at the time of turning on the power, the sound volume and the light amount of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are reduced. Although the player setting value is set, the present invention is not limited to this. In the power interruption detection processing, the player setting value of the volume and the light amount may not be backed up. In this case, when the CPU 86 determines the channel on which the setting changeover switch is set when the power is turned on, the initial value of the volume and the initial value of the light amount in each channel are set to the volume and the light amount of the pachinko gaming machine 1. good.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an effect setting process (Sa25) in the sub CPU main process shown in FIG. In the effect setting process, the CPU 86 first determines whether or not the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 is set to D (St1). When the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 is set to D (Step St1: Yes), for example, a model-specific setting process for performing a unique setting is executed (Step St3). As the model-specific setting process, for example, the effect display device 9 displays a setting change screen for changing the display mode of the effect symbols for each model of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the display mode of the reach effect, the display mode of the big hit effect, and the like. Then, by receiving the operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600, the display mode of these effect symbols, the display mode of the reach effect, the display mode of the big hit effect, and the like are changed.

  If the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 is not set to D (Step St1; No), it is determined whether or not the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 is set to E (Step St2). When the channel of the setting change switch 300 is set to E (Step St2; Yes), for example, a special setting process (St4) for executing detailed setting of backup data, clearing of backup data, and the like is executed. In this special setting process, for example, first, a password input screen is displayed on the effect display device 9, and an input of a password by operating the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 is received. If the password input by operating the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 is correct, the backup data stored in the backup area of the RAM 85 is accessed, and the operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 reads and writes the backup data. And clear the backup data.

  If the channel of the setting switch 300 is not set to E (Step St2; No), it is determined that the channel of the setting switch 300 is set to F, and as shown in FIG. A hole setting process (Step St5) for turning on / off the setting of the power mode) and setting the time information of the RTC is executed. In the setting process for the hall in this step St5, as in steps Sn23 to Sn31 of the setting changeover switch monitoring process shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 described later, the clerk of the hall (game hall) operates the operation lever 600 and the operation button 516. By doing so, it is possible to switch on and off the power saving mode (setting to shift to the power saving mode) and to set the time information of the RTC 200.

  In the present embodiment, the setting of the time information of the RTC 200 is a process executed in the setting process for the hall. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The setting of the time information of the RTC 200 is performed by the special setting process described above. May be executed.

  In the effect setting process in this embodiment, after executing any of the model-specific setting process (Step St3), the special setting process (Step St4), and the hall setting process (Step St5), the model-specific setting process is performed. By executing again the processing executed among the processing (Step St3), the special setting processing (Step St4) and the hall setting processing (Step St5), it becomes possible to execute again the various settings in the executed processing. ing. Further, the effect setting process in the present embodiment is performed again after execution of any of the model-specific setting process (Step St3), the special setting process (Step St4), and the hall setting process (Step St5). By executing the processing of Step St2, the model-specific setting processing (Step St3) and the special setting are performed again by operating the setting change switch 300 without turning on the power again after the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off. Any of the processing (Step St4) and the hole setting processing (Step St5) may be executed.

  When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 86 executes the sub CPU timer interrupt process of steps Ss30 to Ss40 shown in FIG. In the sub CPU timer interrupt processing, first, the timer interrupt flag stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 is cleared (step Ss30), and it is determined whether or not the power-off signal has been output (whether or not it has been turned on). The power-off detection process to be performed is executed (step Ss31). The power-off signal is output, for example, when the power supply monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a decrease in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. Then, in the power-off detection process, upon detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 86 stores necessary data in a backup data storage area. Next, a command analysis process is performed (step Ss32). In the command analysis process executed in step Ss32, for example, after reading out various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 156 of the main board 31 and stored in the effect control command receiving buffer, the reading is performed. Settings and controls corresponding to the issued effect control commands are performed.

  After executing the command analysis processing in step Ss32, the effect control process processing is executed (step Ss33). In the effect control process of step Ss33, for example, the effect image display operation in the display area of the effect display device 9, the sound output operation from the speakers 27, 27R, 27a, and 27b, and the lighting of the decorative light emitters such as the decorative LED 25a and the stage decorative LED 25b. With respect to the control contents of the production operation using various production devices such as the operation and the driving operation in the production model, determination, determination, setting, and the like are performed according to the production control command transmitted from the main board 31 and the like.

  Next, a random number update process for updating a count value of a counter for generating a random number such as a jackpot symbol determination random number is executed (step Ss34), and thereafter, a power saving mode process is executed (step Ss35). In the power saving mode process executed in step Ss35, for example, it is determined whether or not a condition for shifting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the power saving state with low power consumption has been satisfied, and to shift to the power saving state. In addition to performing the process of shifting to the power saving state when the condition of the above is satisfied, it is also necessary to determine whether a condition for ending the power saving state is satisfied, and to end the power saving state. When the condition is satisfied, the setting for terminating the power saving state is performed.

  After the end of the power saving mode process in step Ss35, an effect setting adjustment process is executed (step Ss37). In the effect setting adjustment process of step Ss37, the decorative LED 25a, the stage decorative LED 25b, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, the light amount of the decorative luminous body such as the ceiling lamp module 530 and the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b in the pachinko gaming machine 1 The adjustment of the volume is received and set by the operation of the player. After the end of the effect setting adjustment processing in step Ss37, the time at that time is specified based on the output of the RTC 200 mounted on the effect control board 80, and the specified time is determined after the closing of the hall (game room). When the predetermined time is reached, the setting invalidation processing of invalidating the set values of the volume and the light amount set by the player and setting the set value of the hall (game hall) or the preset initial level is performed. This is performed (step Ss38). After the end of the setting invalidating process in step Ss38, a setting changeover switch monitoring process is executed (step Ss39). In the effect setting adjustment process of step Ss39, the display of the effect display device 9 is switched to the setting screen of the setting process for the hall according to the channel to which the setting change switch 300 is set, and the setting and time of the power saving function on the setting screen are set. Accept information setting operations. Then, an interrupt permission state is set (step Ss40), and the process ends.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a power-off detection process (step Ss31) in the sub CPU timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the power-off detection process, the CPU 86 first determines whether or not there is a power-off signal indicating that the power supply voltage has dropped below a predetermined value from a power supply board (not shown) (step Sd1). If there is no power-off signal input (step Sd1; No), the process is terminated. If there is a power-off signal input (step Sd1 Yes), the backup including the player setting data of the volume and light amount shown in FIG. The data is specified (step Sd2), and the specified backup data is stored in a backup data storage area provided in the RAM 85 (step Sd3). Then, after the check data used for restoring the backup data is created as described above and stored in the backup data storage area (step Sd4), a loop process in which no processing is executed until the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off. Move to

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a command analysis process (step Ss32) in the sub CPU timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the command analysis process, the CPU 86 first checks whether a received command is stored in the command receiving buffer (step S611). Whether or not it is stored is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where they match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the received command is stored in the command receiving buffer, the CPU 86 reads the received command from the command receiving buffer (Step S612). After reading, the value of the read pointer is set to +2 (step S613). The reason for adding +2 is that reading is performed in units of 2 bytes (1 command).

  If the received effect control command is a variation pattern designation command (step S614), the CPU 86 stores the variation pattern designation command in a variation pattern designation command storage area formed in the RAM 85 (step S615). Then, a variation pattern designation command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result designation command (step S617), the CPU 86 stores the display result designation command (display result 1 designation command to display result 5 designation command) in the display result designation command formed in the RAM 85. It is stored in the command storage area (step S618).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the CPU 86 sets a symbol confirmation command reception flag (step S620).

  If the received effect control command is the first symbol variation designation command (step S631), the first symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S632). If the received effect control command is the second symbol variation designation command (step S633), the second symbol variation designation command reception flag is set (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is a customer waiting demonstration designation command (step S635), the CPU 86 sets a customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag (step S636). If the received effect control command is another definition command, the CPU 86 sets a flag corresponding to the received command (step S637).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an effect control process (step Ss33) in the sub CPU timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the effect control process processing, the CPU 86 performs any one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. In the effect control process, the display state of the effect display device 9 is controlled, and the variation display of the effect symbol (decorative symbol) is realized. However, the effect symbol (decorative symbol) synchronized with the variation of the first special symbol is displayed. Both the control relating to the variable display and the control relating to the variable display of the effect symbol (decorative symbol) synchronized with the variation of the second special symbol are executed in one effect control process.

  Variation pattern designation command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received from the game control microcomputer 156. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation pattern designation command reception flag set in the command analysis processing is set. If the variation pattern designation command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (step S801).

  Effect design variation start process (step S801): Control is performed so that the variation of the effect symbol (decorative symbol) is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change process (step S802).

  Processing during effect symbol fluctuation (step S802): The switching timing of each fluctuation state (fluctuation speed) constituting the fluctuation pattern is controlled, and the end of the fluctuation time is monitored. Then, when the fluctuation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change stop process (step S803).

  Effect design variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design confirmation designation command) for instructing stop of all the symbols, the variation of the effect symbol (decorative symbol) is stopped and the display result (stop symbol). Is derived and displayed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the hit display processing (step S804) or the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting processing (step S800).

  Hit display processing (step S804): After the end of the fluctuation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of a big hit or a small hit on the effect display device 9. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the hit game processing (step S805).

  Winning game processing (step S805): Control during a big hit game or a small hit game is performed. For example, when the special winning opening opening command or the special after opening opening command is received, display control of the number of rounds on the effect display device 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the hit end effect process (step S806).

  Hit end effect processing (step S806): In the effect display device 9, display control for notifying the player that the big hit game state or the small hit game state has ended is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern designation command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. In the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process, the CPU 86 first determines whether or not a customer waiting demonstration display flag indicating that the display of the customer waiting demonstration is being executed on the effect display device 9 is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85. Is determined (Step Sp1). If the customer waiting demonstration display flag is set (step Sp1; Yes), a customer waiting demonstration display process for updating the display of the customer waiting demonstration on the effect display device 9 is executed (step Sp2).

  When the customer waiting demonstration display flag is not set (Step Sp2; No) or after executing the process of Step Sp2, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern designation command reception flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (Step Sp2). Step Sp3). If the variation pattern designation command reception flag is set (step Sp3; Yes), it is determined whether or not the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step Sp3a). If the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set (step Sp3a; Yes), the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is cleared (step Sp3b), and the flow advances to step Sp4 to set the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag. If not (Step Sp3a; No), the process proceeds to Step Sp4. Then, the change pattern designation command reception flag is reset (step Sp4), and it is determined whether or not the customer waiting demonstration display flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step Sp5). If the customer waiting demonstration display flag is set (step Sp5; Yes), the display of the customer waiting demonstration being executed on the effect display device 9 is terminated (step Sp6), and the customer waiting demonstration display flag is reset. (Step Sp7).

  When the customer waiting demonstration display flag is not set (Step Sp5; No), the setting of the power saving function (on / off of the power saving mode) or the update of the time information is performed in the hall setting process. After that, it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter indicating the time until the display of the customer waiting demonstration is started on the effect display device 9 is set (step Sp8). If the customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter is set (step Sp8), the customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter is reset (step Sp9).

  If the customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter is not set (Step Sp8; No), after executing the processing of Step Sp7 or Step S9, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to the effect symbol variation start process (Step S801). , And the process for waiting for the reception of the fluctuation pattern designation command ends.

  If the fluctuation pattern designation command reception flag is not set (step Sp3; No), it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step Sp11). If the customer waiting demo display waiting counter is set (step Sp11; Yes), the customer waiting demo display waiting counter is updated by subtracting 1 (step Sp12), and it is determined whether the customer waiting demo display waiting counter has counted up. A determination is made (step Sp13). When the customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter has counted up (Step Sp13; Yes), the display of the customer waiting demonstration on the effect display device 9 is started (Step Sp14), and the customer waiting demonstration displaying flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85. It is set (step Sp15), and the process of waiting for the reception of the fluctuation pattern designation command is ended.

  If the customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter is not set (step Sp11; No), it is determined whether the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step Sp16). If the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is not set (Step Sp16; No), the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process is ended, and if the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set (Step Sp16; Yes), it is determined whether or not the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F (Step Sp17). If the setting changeover switch 300 is set to channel F (step Sp17; Yes), the process of waiting for the reception of the variation pattern designation command is ended, and if the setting changeover switch 300 is not set to channel F (step Sp17; No), a customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter is set (step Sp19), and the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process ends.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process in FIG. 19, the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is not cleared until the variation pattern designation command reception flag is set. The present invention is not limited to this. When it is determined that the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set, the set customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is cleared, and the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception is performed. A flag instead of the flag (for example, a customer waiting demonstration determined flag or the like) may be set.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the power saving mode process (step Ss35) in the sub CPU timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the power saving mode processing, the CPU 86 first determines whether or not a power saving flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step Sm1). If the power saving flag is not set (step Sm1; No), it is determined whether the power saving timer is counting (Sm2). If the power saving timer is not counting (step Sm2; No), it is determined whether or not the effect process flag is 0 (step Sm3).

  If the effect process flag is not 0 (Sm3; No), the process is terminated, and if the effect process flag is 0 (Sm3; Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a power saving mode transition setting (Sm4). ). The power saving mode transition setting is set in a hole setting process (Step St5) described later. If there is no setting for shifting to the power saving mode (step Sm4; No), the process ends. If there is a setting for shifting to the power saving mode (step Sm4; Yes), the reception of the effect control command from the main board 31 is stopped. It is determined whether or not there is (step Sm5). Note that whether or not an effect control command has been received from the main board 31 may be determined by determining whether or not there is a received command in the command receiving buffer. If an effect control command has been received from the main board 31 (step Sm5; Yes), the process is terminated. If no effect control command has been received from the main board 31 (step Sm5; No), a player operation input has occurred. That is, it is determined whether the player has operated either the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600 (step Sm6). If there is a player operation (Step Sm6; Yes), the process is terminated, and if there is no player operation (Step Sm6; No), the count of the power saving timer (for example, a count corresponding to three minutes) is started. And terminate the processing.

  If the power saving timer is counting in step Sm2 (step Sm2; Yes), it is determined whether or not an effect control command has been received from the main board 31 (step Sm8). Note that whether or not an effect control command has been received from the main board 31 may be determined by determining whether or not there is a received command in the command receiving buffer. If an effect control command has been received from the main board 31 (step Sm8; Yes), the process proceeds to step Sm23. If an effect control command has not been received from the main board 31 (step Sm8; No), a player operation input is present. That is, it is determined whether the player has operated either the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600 (step Sm9). If there is a player operation (step Sm9; Yes), the process proceeds to step Sm23. If there is no player operation (step Sm9; No), the power saving timer is decremented by 1 (step Sm11), and the power saving timer is set to the timer. It is determined whether or not it has been raised (step Sm12). If the power saving timer is not up (Step Sm12; No), the process is terminated. If the power saving timer is up (Step Sm12; Yes), the processing from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b is performed. The sound output and the decoration LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, the LEDs of the various light emitting means such as the ceiling lamp module 530 are turned off, and the state shifts to the power saving state (step Sm13). Then, after execution of step Sm13, the power saving flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85, and the process ends.

  If the power saving flag is set in step Sm1 (step Sm1; Yes), it is determined whether or not an effect control command has been received from the main board 31 (Sm21). If an effect control command has been received from the main board 31 (step Sm21; Yes), the process proceeds to step Sm23. If an effect control command has not been received from the main board 31 (step Sm21; No), the player operation is performed. It is determined whether there is an input, that is, whether or not one of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 has been operated by the player (step Sm22). When there is a player operation (Step Sm22; Yes), the process proceeds to Step Sm23, and when there is no player operation (Step Sm22; No), the process ends.

  In step Sm21, when an effect control command is received from the main board 31 (step Sm21; Yes), when there is a player operation in step Sm22 (step Sm22; Yes), when a command is received in step Sm8 (step Sm8) Yes), or when there is a player operation input in step Sm9 (step Sm9; Yes), sound output from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b and decoration LED 25a, stage decoration LED 25b, left frame LED 28b, right frame The LEDs in the various light emitting means such as the LED 28c and the ceiling lamp module 530 are started to end the power saving state (step Sm23), the power saving timer is cleared (step Sm23 '), and the power saving flag is reset (step Sm23'). Sm2 ) And the process ends. Note that the volume of the sound output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b and the decoration LED 25a, the stage decoration LED 25b, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, the LED of the various lamps such as the ceiling lamp module 530 are started in step Sm23. The light emission amount is set to the player setting value if the player setting value exists, and is set to the hall setting value if the player setting value does not exist. Further, when the hall setting value does not exist, the volume and the light amount are set to the preset initial levels.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an effect setting adjustment process (step Ss37) in the sub CPU timer interrupt process shown in FIG. In the effect setting adjustment process, the CPU 86 first determines whether or not the effect control process flag is 0 (step Sh1). If the effect control process flag is not 0 (Step Sh1; No), the process proceeds to Step Sh17, and if the effect control process flag is 0 (Step Sh1; Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a hold storage (Step Sh1). Sh2). The presence / absence of the number of reserved storages may be referred to the command of the first retained storage number notification and the second reserved storage number notification included in the effect control command received from the main board 31. If there is a pending storage (Step Sh2; Yes), the process proceeds to Step Sh17, and if there is no pending storage (Step Sh2; No), it is determined whether or not there is an unanalyzed command in the command receiving buffer (Step Sh3). ). If there is an unanalyzed command in the command receiving buffer (Step Sh3; Yes), the process proceeds to Step Sh17. If there is no unanalyzed command in the command receiving buffer (Step Sh3; No), the player long-presses the operation button 516. It is determined whether or not there is an operation (step Sh4).

  If there is no long-pressing operation of the operation button 516 (Step Sh4; No), the process proceeds to Step Sh17. If there is a long-pressing operation of the operation button 516 (Step Sh4; Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a user-adjustable setting. Then, it is determined whether or not the channel of the setting change switch 300 is set to any one of 0 to 5 in which the player can adjust the set value of the volume (Step Sh5). If it is determined in step Sh4 that the operation button 516 is once pressed and held (step Sh4; Yes), step Sh4 in the effect setting adjustment process executed in the next sub CPU timer interrupt process is performed. Also, it is determined that there is a long press operation of the operation button 516 (Step Sh4; Yes). By executing the processing of step Sh4 in this way, in the effect setting adjustment processing executed over a plurality of times of the sub CPU timer interruption processing, it is possible to continuously determine the long press operation of the operation button 516. . If there is no user-adjustable setting (Step Sh5; No), the process proceeds to Step Sh13. If there is a user-adjustable setting (Step Sh5; Yes), as shown in FIG. A setting adjustment screen capable of adjusting the volume of the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b and the amount of light of various light emitting means such as the decoration LED 25a, the stage decoration LED 25b, the ceiling lamp module 530, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530. Display is performed (Step Sh6), and a first setting operation receiving process for receiving a volume / light amount adjustment operation by the player operating the operation lever 600 and the operation button 516 is executed (Step Sh7).

  Note that the volume level (selected numerical value) in the present embodiment is set to six levels from level 1 to level 6, as in the case of channels 0 to B of the setting changeover switch 300. There are four levels up to level 4. The level of light quantity is set to be the smallest at level 1 and the largest at level 4. In the setting adjustment screens of Step Sh6 and Step Sh7, specifically, as shown in FIG. 27A, the volume levels 1 to 6 of the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b can be selected by the operation lever 600. And a dialog in which the light levels of the various light emitting means can be selected from the level 1 to 4 by the operation lever 600. The player can select one of the two dialogs by tilting the operation lever 600 back and forth, and by moving the operation lever 600 left and right, the volume or light amount of the selected dialog is changed. The level can be changed. By operating the operation button 516 lastly, the player can execute the operation of determining the volume of the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b and the light amounts of various light emitting units.

  After the execution of the processing of Sh7, the CPU 86 determines whether or not there is a determination operation for determining the adjustment of the volume and the light amount in the first setting operation reception processing (Step Sh8). If there is no determination operation (Step Sh8; No), the process proceeds to Step Sh19, and if there is a determination operation (Step Sh8; Yes), the selected numerical value of the volume is equal to or less than the upper limit, that is, the level of the volume selected by the player. It is determined whether (set value) is equal to or less than the hole set value shown in FIG. 25 set by the setting changeover switch (step Sh9). If the selected value of the volume is equal to or less than the upper limit (Step Sh9; Yes), the selection value selected by the player as the volume is specified (Step Sh10), and the process proceeds to Step Sh12, where the selected value of the volume exceeds the upper limit. In this case (Step Sh9; No), the upper limit value which is also the hall set value as the volume is specified (Step Sh11). Then, the numerical value (the numerical value selected by the player or the hole setting value) specified in step Sh10 or Sh11 is updated as the player setting value of the volume as shown in FIG. 25 (step Sh12). If the hall setting value has not been set in step Sh11, the preset initial level is specified as the upper limit value, which is the hall setting value, and the volume of the initial level is determined by the processing in step Sh12. Update as player settings.

  After the execution of step Sh12, the CPU 86 specifies the selection value selected by the player as the volume (step Sh16-), updates the light amount player set value (step Sh16), and ends the process.

  If there is no determination operation in step Sh8 (step Sh8; No), “return to menu” or the like displayed on the setting adjustment screen is selected and input by the operation of the operation lever 600 and the operation button 516 by the player. Then, it is determined whether or not to end the setting operation receiving process (Sh19). If the end of the setting operation receiving process is not selected (Step Sh19; No), the process is ended, and if the end of the setting operation receiving process is selected (Step Sh19; Yes), Step Sh18 is performed. Proceed to.

  In step Sh5, when there is no user-adjustable setting (step Sh5; No), the stage display LED 25b, the top lamp module 530, the left frame LED 28b are displayed on the effect display device 9 as shown in FIG. A second setting operation for displaying a setting adjustment screen capable of adjusting only the light amounts of various light emitting means such as the right frame LED 28c (Step Sh13), and accepting only the light amount adjustment operation by the operation of the operation lever 600 and the operation button 516 by the player. The receiving process is executed (Step Sh14). On the setting adjustment screens of Step Sh13 and Step Sh4, specifically, as shown in FIG. 27B, a dialog is displayed in which the light levels of the various light emitting units can be selected from the level 1 to 4 by the operation lever 600. ing. The player can change the light level in the town dialog by moving the operation lever 600 left and right. By operating the operation button 516 at the end, the player can execute the operation of determining the light amounts of the various light emitting units.

  After the execution of the processing of Sh14, the CPU 86 determines whether or not there is a determining operation for determining the adjustment of the light amount in the second setting operation receiving processing (Step Sh15). If there is no deciding operation (Step Sh15; No), the process ends, and if there is a deciding operation (Step Sh15; Yes), the process proceeds to Step Sh16-.

  Further, if the effect control process flag is not 0 in step Sh1 (step Sh1; No), if there is a pending storage in step Sh2 (step Sh2; Yes), if there is an unanalyzed command in step Sh3 (step Sh3; Yes) If there is no long press operation of the operation button 516 in step Sh4 (step Sh4; No), the first setting operation receiving process in step Sh7 or the second setting operation receiving process in step Sh14 is being executed. It is determined whether or not there is (Step Sh17).

  If neither the first setting operation receiving process nor the second setting operation receiving process of Step Sh14 is being executed (Step Sh17; No), the effect setting adjustment process is terminated, and the first setting operation receiving process or the first of Step Sh14 is stopped. If the second setting operation receiving process is being executed (Step Sh17; Yes), the currently executing first setting operation receiving process or second setting operation receiving process is ended (Step Sh18), and the effect setting adjusting process is ended. I do.

  In the present embodiment, the range of the settable sound volume is limited to the upper limit value or less by determining whether or not the selected numerical value of the volume is equal to or less than the upper limit value in Step Sh9. The present invention is not limited to this, and the lower limit of the volume may be set according to the channel set by the setting switch 300, so that the volume can be set between the lower limit and the upper limit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, in the setting adjustment screen, a dialog in which the volume levels 1 to 6 of the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, and 27b can be selected by the operation lever 600, and the light amount of various light emitting units. By displaying a dialog in which the levels 1 to 4 can be selected by the operation lever 600 and operating the operation button 516 after selecting the volume and light level from each dialog by operating the operation lever 600, the volume and light amount can be adjusted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an adjustment panel capable of directly adjusting the volume and light level is provided on the upper plate 3a of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the adjustment panel is provided. The volume and light amount may be adjusted by the player's operation.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by determining whether or not the selected numerical value of the volume is equal to or less than the upper limit corresponding to the channel set by the setting change switch 300 in step Sh9, the volume is set within the range of the upper limit. Although set, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume may be updated without providing an upper limit value in the processing after step Sh6.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the setting invalidation processing (step Ss38) in the sub CPU timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. In the setting disabling process, the CPU 86 first determines the volume of the sound output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b and various light emitting means such as the decoration LED 25a, the stage decoration LED 25b, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530. It is determined whether or not there is an adjustment setting by the player for the light amount (step Sr1). Whether or not there is an adjustment setting by the player may be determined based on whether or not the player setting value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 as shown in FIG. If there is no adjustment set value by the player (step Sr1; No), the process is terminated. If there is an adjustment set value by the player (step Sr1; Yes), a customer waiting demonstration display flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85. Is determined (step Sr1a).

  When the customer waiting demonstration display flag is set (step Sr1a; Yes), the CPU 86 is not in the big hit game or the small hit game, and the special symbol is not changed without the hold memory. By determining that the state is the non-game state, the process proceeds to step Sr4, and if the customer waiting demonstration displaying flag is not set (step Sr1a; No), the current time is specified based on the output of the RTC 200 ( Step Sr2).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the time specified in step Sr2 is a predetermined time after the hall (game room) is closed (step Sr3). The predetermined time in the present embodiment is a period from the closing time of the hall (game hall) to the completion of the closing work or the like, that is, the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is reliably turned on after the closing time. It is desirable to set the time. If the time specified in step Sr2 is not the predetermined time after the closing of the hall (game room) (step Sr3; No), the process ends, and the time specified in step Sr2 is the predetermined time after the closing of the hall (game room). If there is (Step Sr3; Yes), the light amount stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 85 or the player setting values of the sound volume and the light amount (see FIG. 25) are cleared (Step Sr4), and the volume and the light amount are switched. If the Hall setting level (Hall setting value) set by the switch 300 or the Hall / light volume setting value is not set, the volume / light setting level (Setting value) is set to an initial value. Set the level and end the process.

  In this embodiment, the setting invalidation processing is executed every time the sub CPU timer interrupt processing is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be executed only when the power is turned on immediately before the opening time of the game hall).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the light amount or the sound volume and light amount set by the player set in the predetermined area of the RAM 85 are cleared at the predetermined time after the closing of the hall (game hall). The present invention is not limited to this. The player can set the light amount, or the sound volume and the light amount stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 after the power saving timer is up in the processing of step Sm12 of the power saving mode processing described above. By clearing the value, the light amount or volume stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 on the condition that the game is not performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 even during the opening hours of the hall (game hall). Alternatively, the player setting value of the light amount and the light amount may be cleared.

  FIGS. 23 and 24 are flowcharts showing the setting changeover switch monitoring processing (step Ss39) in the sub CPU timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. In the setting changeover switch monitoring process, the CPU 86 first determines whether or not a setting change completed flag indicating that the setting of the power saving function or the update of the setting of the time information has been performed in the hall setting process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85. Is determined (step Sn1). If the setting change completed flag is not set (Step Sn1; No), a setting screen displaying flag indicating that the setting screen for the hall setting process is displayed on the effect display device 9 in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 is displayed. It is determined whether or not it is set (step Sn2).

  If the setting screen display flag is not set (step Sn2; No), it is determined whether or not the setting changeover switch 300 is set to channel F (step Sn3). If the setting changeover switch 300 is not set to the channel F (Step Sn3; No), the setting changeover switch monitoring process is ended, and if the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F (Step Sn3; Yes). Then, it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step Sn6). If the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag has not been set (step Sn6; No), the setting changeover switch monitoring process ends, and if the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag has been set (step Sn6; Yes). , The CPU 86 determines that the game is not in the big hit game or the small hit game, is in the non-game state in which the special symbol is not changed without the holding memory, and the hole is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 85. It is determined whether or not the carry-over memory of the setting screen of the hall setting process based on the execution of the variation display of the effect symbol during the execution of the setting process is stored (step Sn8).

  When the carry-over storage of the setting screen for the hall setting process is not stored (step Sn8; No), the effect display device 9 turns on / off the setting of the power saving function (power saving mode) as shown in FIG. A setting screen of the initial state of the setting process for the hall for executing the setting of the time information of the RTC is displayed (step Sn9), and if the carry-over storage of the setting outer surface of the setting process for the hall is stored (step Sn8; Yes) 26, the effect display device 9 displays a setting screen based on the carry-over storage of the hall-specific setting process for turning on / off the setting of the power saving function (power saving mode) and setting the RTC time information, as shown in FIG. It is displayed (Step Sn10). Note that the setting screen based on the carry-over of the hall setting process displayed on the effect display device 9 in step Sn10 is the effect display device 9 when the effect process flag is determined not to be 0 in the process of step Sn21 described later. 7 is a setting screen of the setting processing for the hall displayed in the example of FIG. Then, after executing the processing of step Sn9 or step Sn10, the CPU 86 sets a setting screen display flag in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step Sn11), and ends the setting changeover switch monitoring processing.

  If the setting change completed flag is set (step Sn1; Yes), it is determined whether or not the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F (step Sn12). If the setting changeover switch 300 is set to channel F (step Sn12; Yes), the setting changeover switch monitoring process ends, and if the setting changeover switch 300 is not set to channel F (step Sn12; No). Then, the setting change completed flag is cleared (step Sn13), and the setting changeover switch monitoring processing ends.

  When the setting screen display flag is set (step Sn2; Yes), the effect control process flag is “0”, that is, the effect control process flag is a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process. It is determined whether or not (Step Sn21). If the effect control process flag is not “0” (Step Sn21; No), the setting screen for the hall-specific setting process displayed on the effect display device 9 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 as carry-over storage (Step Sn30). , The process proceeds to a step Sn31. As described above, after the setting screen of the setting process for the hall displayed on the effect display device 9 is stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 85 in step Sn30 as the carry-over memory, the process of step Sn31 described later is executed, so that the effect display is performed. The display of the setting screen for the hall setting process displayed on the device 9 ends.

  In the present embodiment, when the effect process flag is 0 in step Sn21 of the setting changeover switch monitoring process, the setting screen of the hall setting process displayed on the effect display device 9 in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 is carried over. By executing the processing of step Sn31 described later after storing the information as the storage, the display of the setting screen of the setting processing for the hall displayed on the effect display device 9 is ended, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in response to receiving a specific command other than the door opening notification command indicating that the glass door frame 102 has been opened in the effect control board 80, the specific command is displayed on the effect display device 9 in a predetermined area of the RAM 85. After storing the setting screen of the setting process for the hall that has been carried out as the carry-over storage, the process of step Sn31 described later is executed, and the effect display device It is also possible to end the display of the setting screen for the hall setting process, which is displayed in the.

  As described above, in step Sn21 of the setting changeover switch monitoring process, the effect process flag is set to 0, that is, the effect design changes, so that the setting screen for the hole setting process displayed on the effect display device 9 is temporarily displayed. After the pachinko gaming machine 1 is temporarily stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 85 as the carry-over memory, the setting screen of the setting process for the hall stored in the predetermined area of the RAM 85 as the carry-over memory is rendered again by the non-playing state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters the non-gaming state, the setting changeover switch 300 is again displayed even if the variation display of the effect symbols is started for some reason during the execution of the hall setting process. The setting process for the hall can be restarted without any operation.

  Next, when the effect control process flag is “0” (Step Sn21; Yes), it is determined whether or not the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F (Step Sn22).

  When the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F (Step Sn22; Yes), the CPU 86 acquires time information from the RTC 200 (Step Sn23), and detects input of the button switch 516a and the lever switches 510a to 510d. To specify the operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 (Step Sn25). Then, it is determined whether or not a determination operation such as setting of the power saving function (on / off of the power saving mode) or update of the setting of the time information is accepted by operating the specified operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 ( Step Sn26).

  If the determination operation has not been received (Step Sn26; No), the setting changeover switch monitoring process is terminated. If the determination operation has been received (Step Sn26; Yes), the setting content of the setting screen for the hall setting process is displayed. Based on this, the setting of the power saving function (switching of the sound / off of the power saving mode) or the setting of the time information is updated (step Sn27), and a customer waiting demonstration display waiting counter is set (step Sn28). The setting changed flag is set (step Sn29).

  If the setting changeover switch 300 is not set to the channel F (Step Sn22; No), after executing the processing of Step Sn29 or Step Sn30, the CPU 86 displays the setting screen of the hall setting processing in the effect display device 9. Is ended (step Sn31), the flag for displaying the setting screen is cleared (step Sn32), and the setting changeover switch monitoring process ends.

  In the setting switch monitoring process according to the present embodiment, whether the setting switch 300 is set to the channel F in the process of step Sn3 is determined even when the state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is a gaming state. Although the embodiment is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the channel of the setting changeover switch 300 when the variable display is started from the non-gaming state and the gaming state is started. When the position is stored, and when the game state is first set to the non-game state, the channel position of the setting change switch 300 is specified, and it is determined that the channel position has changed (for example, changed to channel F). By displaying the setting screen, the setting change switch 300 may be monitored only in the non-game state.

  In this embodiment, the setting change switch 300 is a channel selection type switch capable of always specifying the selected channel, so that there is no need to store the channel at the time of operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as these setting changeover switches 300, a switch that can specify the selected channel only at the time of operation may be used. In this case, at the time of operation, What is necessary is just to memorize the selected channel.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the setting screen of the setting process for the hall is displayed on the effect display device 9 by being determined to be in the non-gaming state. By displaying the setting screen of the setting process, it is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered by displaying the setting screen for performing these hole settings.

  In addition, when the operation of the setting change switch 300 is performed while it is determined that the game state is the game state in which the special symbol change display is being executed, the effect display device 9 keeps changing the effect symbol. The setting screen of the setting process for the hall is not displayed, and thereafter, it is determined that the game is not in the big hit game or the small hit game, there is no hold memory, and the special symbol is not changed, and the non-game state. By doing so, even if there is no operation of the setting changeover switch 300 in the non-game state, the effect display device 9 is displayed based on the operation of the setting changeover switch 300 being performed in the game state in which the special symbol change display is being executed. By displaying the setting screen for the setting process for halls, when the game is not played, the setting is turned off again to display the setting screen for the setting process for halls. It is not necessary to perform the operation of the switch 300, thereby improving the convenience of the setting operation.

  Further, since the setting changeover switch 300 is provided at a position where the player cannot operate, the setting change can be prevented from being changed by the player.

  In addition, when it is determined that the gaming state during the display of the setting screen for the hall setting process, the display of the setting screen for the hall setting process is continued by terminating the display of the setting screen for the hall setting process. It is possible to prevent the progress of the game from being hindered.

  Further, the volume and the light amount as the player setting values set in the effect setting adjustment processing are backed up at the time of power interruption, and the volume and the light amount as the backed up player setting values are sub-set when the power interruption is restored. By restoring in the CPU main process, furthermore, by invalidating the volume and the light amount as the player setting values by initializing the condition that the player is determined to be in the non-game state, the player can return from the power cut when returning from the power cut. Since it is not necessary to set the output levels of the sound volume and the light amount again, the complexity can be eliminated, and the complexity of initializing the player setting values one by one can also be eliminated.

  Further, since the player setting value is initialized on the condition that it is determined to be in the non-gaming state at a predetermined time of the non-business period from the end of business of the game hall to the start of business on the next day, At the start of business on the next day, the player setting value can be reliably set as the initial setting.

  Further, since the player setting value can be set according to the channel to which the setting change switch 300 is set, the operational convenience of the gaming machine can be improved.

  In addition, since the player setting value can be set to the maximum value corresponding to the channel set by the setting change switch 300 as an upper limit, the player setting value exceeding the maximum value set by the game hall side is: Since it is possible to prohibit the setting by the player, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate effect from being performed in the operation of the game hall by the player setting value exceeding these maximum values.

  In addition, since the transition to the power saving mode is performed on condition that the transition to the power saving mode is set, the pachinko gaming machine can be set by performing the setting for shifting to the power saving mode. The power consumption of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be improved because the power consumption of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be reduced and the transition to the power saving mode can be set.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are changes and additions without departing from the gist of the present invention, they are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the setting for shifting to the power saving state is performed using the setting switch 300 in the same manner as the setting of the volume and the light amount is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. These settings may be performed by individual setting switches.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F in a state where the player is playing a game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the setting is made again when the game is in the non-gaming state. Although the setting screen of the setting process for the hall is displayed on the effect display device 9 without performing the operation of setting the changeover switch 300 to the channel F, the present invention is not limited to this. Then, the setting screen may be displayed again when the operation of setting the setting changeover switch 300 to the channel F is performed again.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is operated only when the setting changeover switch 300 is set to the channel F in a gaming state in which a player is playing a game (not in a non-gaming state). 1 illustrates a mode in which the setting screen for the setting process for the hall is displayed when the game device 1 is in the non-game state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, even when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to the channel E, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the non-gaming state, a setting screen for the model-specific setting processing and the special setting processing is displayed on the effect display device 9. May be displayed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the target of the display screen displayed when the non-game state is set is the setting screen of the setting process for the hall set by the hall, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, these setting screens may be setting adjustment screens (see FIG. 27) for the player to make volume / light amount adjustment settings. In this case, the player uses the pachinko gaming machine 1 to play the game. When a specific operation is performed on the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600 in the game state where the game is being executed, it is determined whether or not the game state has been changed to the non-game state thereafter, similarly to the determination in step Sn6 described above. A determination is made based on the presence or absence of the demonstration designation command reception flag, etc., and when it is determined that the game has not been played, a setting adjustment screen is displayed on the effect display device 9 and shown in FIG. 21 described above. It may be so to run out setting adjustment processing.

  Further, in the above embodiment, after the customer wait demonstration designation command reception flag is set, the setting changeover switch 300 is set to F to display the setting screen for the hall setting process. Although the setting is not performed until the designated command reception flag is set, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the setting changeover switch 300 is set to F after the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set. Even if the setting screen for the hall setting process is not displayed, the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is cleared after step Sp19 of the fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process or after step Sn6 of the setting changeover switch monitoring process. You may do it. Further, instead of a configuration in which the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is not cleared until the fluctuation pattern designation command reception flag is set, when the customer waiting demonstration designation command reception flag is set, a predetermined timing (multiple At the same timing), it is determined whether or not the setting changeover switch 300 has been changed to “F”, that is, whether or not the position of the setting changeover switch has been changed. In such a case, a setting screen for the hall setting process may be displayed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 86 exemplifies a mode in which the setting screen for the hall setting process is displayed based on the reception of the customer waiting demonstration designation command. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The display of the screen, when the time during which the fluctuation display is not performed after the end of the fluctuation display of the effect symbol has reached a predetermined time, that is, the next fluctuation display even if the predetermined time has elapsed since the fluctuation display of the last effect symbol May be executed when it is determined that is not started.

  In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is illustrated as an example of the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a gaming ball having a predetermined number of balls is provided inside the gaming machine. The number of game balls used for the game is subtracted, while the number of balls used for the game is subtracted while the number of rented balls and the number of awarded balls awarded according to the winning are added. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called enclosed game machine that stores and stores information.

  Further, for example, a game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game value, and a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols each of which can be identified. One game is completed by deriving the display result, and the present invention is applicable to a slot machine in which a prize can be generated according to the display result derived on the variable display device.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the CPU 86 of a variation pattern such as an effect symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 9 in response to the variation display of the special symbol in the special figure game, when the variation is started, 1 Although the example in which one variation pattern designation command is transmitted has been described, the variation pattern may be notified to the CPU 86 by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the CPU 56 uses the first command to determine whether or not there is a pseudo-run or a sliding effect, and to determine whether or not a reach has been reached (if a reach has not been reached, a so-called second stop). A command indicating a fluctuation time and a fluctuation mode is transmitted, and the second command is used to change the type of reach, the presence or absence of a re-lottery effect, and the like after the reach (after the so-called second stop, if the reach is not reached). A command indicating a time or a variation mode may be transmitted. In this case, the CPU 86 may perform the effect control in the variable display based on the variable time derived from the combination of the two commands.

  Note that the CPU 56 may notify the fluctuating time by each of the two commands, and the CPU 86 may select a specific fluctuating mode executed at each timing. When two commands are sent, two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt. After the first command is sent, a predetermined period elapses (for example, the next timer interrupt). The second command may be transmitted. Note that the variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the order of transmission can be changed as appropriate. As described above, the variation pattern is notified by two or more commands, so that the amount of data that must be stored as the variation pattern designation command can be reduced.

  Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the form in which the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 are formed as separate integrated circuits is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the voice processing IC 173 and the VDP 262 are integrated into a single integrated circuit. It may be a circuit (IC).

  In the above embodiment, the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 are operated in a state where the setting screen of the setting process for the hall is displayed on the effect display device 9 to turn on / off the setting of the power saving mode, and the time of the RTC 200. Although the setting of the information is executed, the present invention is not limited to this. The effect control board 80 is provided with a switch operable by a person related to the game arcade similarly to the setting changeover switch 300, and the effect display device 9 is provided. By operating the switch while the setting screen for the hall setting process is displayed, turning on / off the setting of the power saving mode and setting the time information of the RTC 200 may be executed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, by setting the setting changeover switch 300 to F, it is possible to perform both the setting of the power saving mode and the setting of the time information of the RTC 200 as the hall setting processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in the hole setting process, only one of ON / OFF of the setting of the power saving mode and setting of the time information of the RTC 200 may be performed.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the setting screen of the hall setting process is displayed on the effect display device 9 by setting the setting change switch 300 to F, and the power saving mode is set by operating the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600. ON / OFF and setting of the time information of the RTC 200 can be executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. By setting the setting changeover switch 300 to F, the display of the password input screen on the effect display device 9 is performed. At the same time, the input of the password by the operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 is received, and if the password input by the operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 is correct, the setting screen of the setting processing for the hall is displayed. 9 and the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 are operated to set the power saving mode. On and off, it may be capable of executing the setting of the time information of RTC200.

  The setting that can be changed by the player by operating the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600 is, as exemplified in the above-described embodiment, the setting of the power saving mode that may be hindered if changed by the player. The setting of the effect mode (change of the effect to be executed), the setting of the volume and the brightness, excluding the setting of the time and the time information, etc., can be considered.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the determination as to whether or not the game is in the non-game state is made based on the reception of the customer waiting demonstration designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 156 in response to the non-game state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a non-operating state is performed after the first variable display is executed after the power is turned on, a customer waiting demonstration designation command Is output to the pachinko gaming machine 1 in order to prevent that the period from when the power is turned on to when the first variable display is executed is not included in the non-gaming state. In addition, a specific command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 156 when the game is put into a non-game state without performing the first fluctuation display after the power is turned on. The game control microcomputer 156 may also determine that the game control microcomputer 156 is in the non-game state without executing the first variable display after the power is turned on. Alternatively, a customer waiting demo designation command may be transmitted.

  Next, a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and step numbers, and description thereof is omitted. Although the configuration is different between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the pachinko gaming machines.

  The feature of the second embodiment is that a shooting ball detection sensor 1505 that detects a game ball fired from the hitting ball firing device 1550 by operating the hitting ball operation handle 5 is located near the hitting ball firing device 1550 on the hitting ball guide rail. And detects the firing of a game ball, and shifts to the power saving mode or terminates the power saving mode in response to the detection of the firing of the game ball.

  These shooting ball detection sensors 1505 are provided on the front frame 101 together with the hit ball shooting device 1550, so that even when the game board 6 is replaced, the shooting ball detection sensor 1505 can be used continuously. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, not only the launch ball detection sensor 1505 and the hit ball launching device 1550 need not be provided for each game board 6, but also the same launch ball detection sensor after the game board 6 is replaced. Since the 1505 and the hitting ball firing device 1550 can be continuously used, the manufacturing cost of the game board 6 can be reduced.

  In the second embodiment, since the proximity sensor that outputs a signal during a period in which the game ball approaches within a predetermined distance is used as the launch ball detection sensor 1505, the launch that is guided by the hit ball guide rail is performed. A detection signal (firing signal) for a period corresponding to the passing period of the immediately succeeding game ball is output.

  In other words, when the passing speed of the game ball is high, that is, when the shooting ball detection sensor 1505 is close to the shooting position 1550a, the period during which the game ball is within a predetermined distance of the shooting ball detection sensor 1505 becomes short. Therefore, while the output period of the detection signal (firing signal) is shortened, when the passing speed of the game ball is slow, that is, when the firing ball detection sensor 1505 is farther than the firing position 1550a, the game ball detects the firing ball. Since the period during which the sensor 1505 is within a predetermined distance becomes longer, the output period of the detection signal (emission signal) also becomes longer.

  Therefore, when the launch sphere detection sensor 1505 is close to the launch position 1550a as in the second embodiment, the output period of the detection signal (fire signal) is shortened, and the detection signal (fire signal) depends on the launch intensity. Since the output period of the detection signal (emission signal) is shorter than the detectable time of the input circuit to which the input signal is input, the detection signal (emission signal) may not be detected. By providing an extension circuit 99 as shown in FIG. 28 and extending the output period of the detection signal (emission signal), the detection signal (emission signal) can be reliably detected.

  Note that, as the extension circuits 99, a monostable multivibrator circuit or the like that can output a pulse signal having a predetermined width when a pulse signal having a predetermined width or less is input may be used. In the second embodiment, a proximity sensor is illustrated as the launching ball detection sensor 1505, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, these sensors include an output period corresponding to a passing period of a game ball. It may be a photosensor that outputs a signal in response to blocking light when a game ball passes.

  The launch sphere detection sensor 1505 is connected to the game control microcomputer 156 of the game control board 31 via the extension circuit 99 mounted on the payout control board 37 as shown in FIG. Based on the signal (firing signal), the game control microcomputer 156 can detect the firing of the game ball.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, in addition to the effect control command of the first embodiment, the detection of the fired game ball is notified to the effect control microcomputer 81 mounted on the effect control board 80. A game ball detection start notification command and a game ball detection end notification command are added.

  As shown in FIG. 29, a command C800H is assigned to the game ball detection start notification command, and the detection of one fired game ball by the fire ball detection sensor 1505 causes the fire ball detection sensor 1505 to issue a command. Is an effect control command for notifying that the input of the detection signal has started. A command C900H is assigned to the game ball detection end notification command, and the detection signal from the shot ball detection sensor 1505 is input when the detection of one shot game ball by the shot ball detection sensor 1505 is completed. Is an effect control command for notifying that the process has ended.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the input of the detection signal from the shooting sphere detection sensor 1505 and the end of the input of the detection signal are determined by the game ball detection process following the switch process of step S21 in the timer interrupt process of the first embodiment described above. It is detected by executing (Step S21 +).

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the game ball detection process (step S21 +) executed by the game control microcomputer 156 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. In the game ball detection process, the CPU 56 first determines whether or not a firing signal (detection signal) has been input from the shooting ball detection sensor 1505 (step S51). If there is an input of a firing signal (detection signal) from the shooting ball detection sensor 1505 (step S51; Yes), the game ball is already detected by the shooting ball detection sensor 1505 with reference to a predetermined area of the RAM 55, and the shooting signal is detected. It is determined whether or not a game ball detection flag indicating that the (detection signal) is being input is set (step S52).

  If the game ball detection flag is set (step S52; Yes), the CPU 56 determines that the game ball has already been detected by the launch ball detection sensor 1505 (the launch signal (detection signal) has already been input). State), and ends the game ball detection processing. If the game ball detection flag is not set (step S52; No), it is determined that a new game ball has been detected, and the game ball detection is performed. A start notification command transmission setting is executed (step S53), and a game ball detection flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 (step S54), thereby terminating the game ball detection process.

  If there is no input of the firing signal (detection signal) from the shooting ball detection sensor 1505 in step S51 (step S51; No), the CPU 56 refers to a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and sets the game ball detection flag. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S52). If the flag for detecting a game ball is not set (step S55; No), the CPU 56 continues to launch the game ball from the time when the previous game ball detection process is executed to the time when the current game ball detection process is executed. It is determined that it has not been detected by the detection sensor 1505, and the game ball detection processing ends. If the game ball detection flag is set (step S55; Yes), the point at which the input of the firing signal (detection signal) input in the previous game ball detection process ends, that is, the game ball is It is determined that the range of detectable game ball of the launching ball detection sensor 1505 is out of the detectable range, the game ball detection end notification command transmission setting is executed (step S56), and the game ball detection flag is cleared (step S57). The sphere detection process ends.

  As shown in FIG. 32, the reception of the game ball detection start notification command and the game ball detection end notification command transmitted in this manner is detected in step S1635 or step S1637 in the command analysis process. If the received effect control command is a game ball detection start notification command (step S1635), the CPU 86 sets a game ball detection start notification command reception flag (step S1636). If the received effect control command is a game ball detection end notification command (step S1637), the CPU 86 sets a game ball detection end notification command reception flag (step S1638).

  If the received effect control command is the first starting opening winning designation command (step S1639), the first starting opening winning designation command reception flag is set (step S1640). If the received effect control command is the second starting opening winning designation command (step S1641), the second starting opening winning designation command reception flag is set. Then, after execution of step S1640 or step S1642, it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demonstration display flag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 85 (step S1643). (Step S1643; Yes), the customer waiting demonstration display flag is cleared (Step S1644), the customer waiting demonstration display on the effect display device 9 is ended, and the display on the effect display device 9 is returned to the display of the effect symbol. (Step S1645). Then, if the customer waiting demonstration display flag is not set (step S1643; No) or after execution of the processing of step S1645, if the power saving counter described later is counting (clearing the power saving counter to 0) ) (Step S1646).

  If the received effect control command is another definition command, the CPU 86 sets a flag corresponding to the received command (step S1647).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the power saving mode processing according to the second embodiment. In the power saving mode process of the second embodiment, the CPU 86 first determines whether or not the effect process flag is 0 (step Sm100). If the effect process flag is not 0 (step Sm100; No), the power saving mode process is ended. If the effect process flag is 0 (step Sm100; Yes), the power saving set in step Sm114 described later. It is determined whether the middle flag is set (step Sm101). If the power saving flag is not set (step Sm101; No), it is determined whether the power saving counter is counting (Sm102).

  The power-saving counter according to the second embodiment may be provided in the effect control counter setting unit set in the RAM 85. Whether or not the power saving counter is counting may be determined by whether or not the CPU 86 has set 0 to the power saving counter. However, when the power saving counter is set in step Sm107 described later, the power saving is performed. By setting the counter operation flag, it may be determined whether the power saving counter operation flag is set. When the power saving counter operation flag is set as described above, the power saving counter operation flag is cleared when the power saving counter is cleared in step Sm115 described later.

  If the power saving counter is not counting (step Sm102; No), it is determined whether or not the game ball detection end notification command reception flag is set (step Sm106a). If the game ball detection end notification command reception flag is not set (step Sm106a; No), the power saving mode process is ended, and if the game ball detection end notification command reception flag is set (step Sm106a; Yes). ), Clears the game ball detection end notification command reception flag (step Sm106b), and corresponds to 20 minutes (1200000 milliseconds) as the second period in the second embodiment as an initial value that is subtracted and updated from the power saving counter. The value is set (step Sm107), and the power saving mode process ends.

  On the other hand, when the power saving counter is counting in step Sm102 (step Sm102; Yes), it is determined whether or not the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is set (step Sm111). If the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is set (step Sm111; Yes), the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is cleared (step Sm111a), and the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is set. If not (step Sm111; No), the power saving counter is updated by subtracting 1 (step Sm112), and it is determined whether the value of the power saving counter is the same as the value of the first period in the second embodiment (step Sm112). Step Sm112a). Note that the value of the first period in the second embodiment is a value equivalent to 15 seconds elapsed since the power saving counter was set, specifically, 15 seconds from the value set in step Sm107. This is a value obtained by subtracting the corresponding counter value.

  When the value of the power saving counter is the same as the value of the first period, that is, when 15 seconds have elapsed since the power saving counter was set (step Sm112a; Yes), the CPU 86 sets the effect display device 9 At the same time (step Sm112b), a flag for displaying a customer waiting demonstration is set (step Sm112c), and the power saving mode process ends.

  On the other hand, if the value of the power saving counter is not the same as the value of the first period in the second embodiment (step Sm112a; No) in step Sm112a, the value of the power saving counter is equal to the value of the second period in the second embodiment. It is determined whether they are the same (step Sm113). Note that the value of the second period in the second embodiment is a value corresponding to 20 minutes (1200000 milliseconds) which is an elapsed time since the setting of the power saving counter. It is sufficient to determine whether or not is zero. As described above, the elapsed time determined in step Sm113 is set to 20 minutes (1200000 milliseconds), which is longer than the longest fluctuation pattern in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment. Therefore, no matter which variation pattern is used for the variation display, the power saving counter is set to 0 so that the transition to the power saving mode is prevented from being erroneously performed during the variation display. In the second embodiment, the values in the second period are described as values corresponding to 20 minutes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A value shorter than 20 minutes may be set as long as the value corresponds to a time longer than the longest fluctuation pattern.

  If the value of the power saving counter is not the same as the value of the second period (step Sm113; No), the power saving mode processing is terminated, and if the value of the power saving counter is the same as the value of the second period, that is, If the elapsed time from the detection of the last game ball is 20 minutes (step Sm113; Yes), the CPU 86 determines that the firing of the game ball has not been executed for the second period (20 minutes). It is determined that it is in the gaming state, and it is determined whether or not there is a setting for shifting to the power saving mode (Sm113a).

  The power saving mode transition setting is set in the hall setting process (Step St5) as in the first embodiment. If there is a setting to shift to the power saving mode (step Sm113a; Yes), the sound output from each of the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b is stopped based on the non-game state, and the decorative LED 25a and the left The LEDs in the various light emitting means such as the frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530 are turned off, and the sound output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b and the decoration LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module Control is performed from the normal state in which the LEDs of the various light emitting means such as 530 are turned on to the power saving state (step Sm113b). Further, the flag for displaying the customer waiting demonstration is cleared (step Sm113c), and the power saving flag is set (step Sm114).

  Note that the "non-game state" in the present invention is a state in which no game is played, and in the second embodiment, the elapsed time since the last game ball was detected is 20 as described above. Although the state of the minute is a non-game state, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a state where an out ball is not detected at the out opening 26, a state where the hitting operation handle 5 is not operated Some or all of the states may be considered, such as a state in which the fluctuation display is not performed, and a state in which the player is not detected if a human sensor for detecting the player playing the game is mounted.

  That is, in the “state where no game is performed”, the game control for performing a game such as the variable display control is performed in the pachinko gaming machine 1 as in the “state where the variable display is not performed” described above. Is not performed, a state in which the player does not operate the hitting operation handle 5 for firing or firing a game ball, that is, a state in which the player is not going to play a game.

  Therefore, the “state in which no game is played” in the present invention is not limited to the state in which it is clearly determined whether or not the “state in which no game is played”. 5 is not operated ", the elapsed time from a predetermined trigger becomes a predetermined time, such as a state in which the elapsed time after the ball hitting operation handle 5 is no longer operated becomes a predetermined time. For example, a state in which there is a high possibility of being a “state in which no game is played” (a state estimated to be a non-game state) is included.

  In the second embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled from the normal state to the power saving state to stop the sound output from each of the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b, and the decoration LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, and the right frame LED 28b. Although the LEDs in the various light emitting means such as the frame LED 28c and the ceiling lamp module 530 are turned off, the present invention is not limited to this, and when controlling to the power saving state, the above speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b Of the sound output from the display, the turning off of LEDs in various light emitting means such as the decorative LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530, and a liquid crystal display constituting the display screen of the effect display device 9. A part of the control such as the reduction of the brightness of the light may be executed. Further, when controlling to the power saving state, the sound output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b is stopped, the decorative LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, Some of the controls such as turning off the LEDs of various light emitting means such as the right frame LED 28 c and the ceiling lamp module 530, and reducing the brightness of the liquid crystal backlight constituting the display screen of the effect display device 9 are partially executed. Is also good.

  After the execution of steps Sm111a and Sm114, or when there is no setting of the power saving mode in step Sm113a (step Sm113a; No), the power saving counter is cleared (the power saving counter is set to 0) (step Sm115). ), End the power saving mode processing.

  In the second embodiment, in step Sm107, a value corresponding to 20 minutes (1200000 milliseconds) as the second period is set in the power saving counter, and the set value is subtracted every time step Sm112 is executed. 1, that is, the count is down, but the present invention is not limited to this. In step Sm107, the power saving counter is set to 0, and the value of the power saving counter is incremented by 1, ie, incremented every time step Sm112 is executed. You may do it. When the power saving counter is counted up in this way, in step Sm112a, it is determined whether or not the value of the power saving counter is a value corresponding to 15 seconds which is the first period, and in step Sm113, the power saving counter is determined. What is necessary is just to determine whether or not the value of the power counter is a value corresponding to 20 minutes which is the second period.

  On the other hand, if the power saving flag is set in step Sm101 (step Sm101; Yes), it is determined whether the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is set (step Sm121a). If the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is not set (step Sm121; No), it is determined whether there is a player operation input, that is, whether the player has operated either the operation button 516 or the operation lever 600. Is determined (step Sm122). If there is no player operation input (Step Sm122; No), the power saving mode process ends.

  If the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is set in step Sm121a (step Sm121; Yes), the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is cleared (step Sm121a). If there is a player operation input in step Sm121a or step Sm122 (step Sm122; Yes), sound output from each speaker 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b and decoration LED 25a, stage decoration LED 25b, left frame LED 28b, right frame The lighting of the LEDs in the various light emitting means such as the LED 28c and the ceiling lamp module 530 is started, the state is shifted from the power saving state to the normal state (step Sm123), and the power saving counter is cleared (step Sm124).

  Then, by pressing and holding the operation button 516 on the player, the volume and the decoration LED 25a of the speakers 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b, the stage decoration LED 25b, the ceiling lamp module 530, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp A message for prompting a transition to a setting adjustment screen indicating that a setting adjustment screen capable of adjusting the amount of light of various light emitting means such as the module 530 can be displayed is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 9 (step Sm125) to save power. The mode processing ends.

  In the second embodiment, when the power saving state ends (step Sm123) due to the player operation input (step Sm122; Yes), the game ball detection end notification command is not received again (fire detection). If the sensor does not detect the launch of the game ball), the game does not shift to the power saving state again, but the present invention is not limited to this. By setting the power saving counter after clearing the power saving flag in step Sm124. Alternatively, the game machine may shift to the power saving state again without receiving the game ball detection end notification command.

  As described above, in the power saving mode processing of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34, when the game ball detection end notification command reception flag is set, that is, the detection of the game ball by the shot ball detection sensor 1505 is performed. When the power saving counter starts counting at the time of the end, the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is set, that is, when the detection of the game ball by the launching ball detection sensor 1505 is started, the power saving is started. The counting of the counter is terminated. For this reason, the period from the start of the detection of the game ball by the launching ball detection sensor 1505 to the end thereof is a power saving counter non-execution period in which the count of the power saving counter is not performed. From the time when the detection of the game ball by 1505 is completed to the time when the next game ball is detected by the launch ball detection sensor 1505, regardless of whether the launch of the game ball is continuously generated or not. The power saving counter count execution period in which the count of the power saving counter is performed.

  In the second embodiment, the CPU 56 transmits the game ball detection start notification command when the detection of the game ball is started by the fired ball detection sensor 1505, and detects the game ball when the detection of the game ball is completed. The CPU 86 transmits the end notification command, and the CPU 86 executes the count of the power saving counter in a period from when the game ball detection end notification command is received to when the game ball detection start notification command is received. Without being limited, the CPU 56 does not transmit any command when the detection of the game ball is completed by the fired ball detection sensor 1505, and transmits the game ball detection start notification command only when the detection of the game ball is started. After transmitting the game ball detection start notification command, the CPU 86 receives the next game ball detection start notification command. In the period until the may be executed the counting of the power saving counter. In other words, instead of using both the game ball detection start notification command and the game ball detection end notification command, only one of the game ball detection start notification command and the game ball detection end notification command is used, The detection may be notified to the effect control board 80 (CPU 86). Incidentally, in this case, the mode shifts to the power saving mode based on the elapsed time from the reception of either the game ball detection start notification command or the game ball detection end notification command, and during the shifted power saving mode, The power saving mode may be ended when either the game ball detection start notification command or the game ball detection end notification command is received.

  In the second embodiment, the CPU 86 detects that a game ball is fired by receiving two commands, a game ball detection start notification command and a game ball detection end notification command. The invention is not limited to this, and it may be detected that a game ball is fired only by receiving one of the game ball detection start notification command and the game ball detection end notification command, and furthermore, The CPU 56 continuously transmits the game ball detection notification command while the game ball is detected by the shooting ball detection sensor 1505, and the CPU 86 controls the game ball detection notification command while receiving the game ball detection notification command. It may be configured to detect that a game ball is being fired only by using the game ball alone.

  In the power saving mode process of the second embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 ends the power saving state based on the setting of the game ball detection start notification command reception flag in step Sm121. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a start winning is generated and the variable display is started in a situation where the game ball is not fired by the hitting ball firing device 1550 (when a store clerk manually starts the game ball). Since the first start winning port designation command receiving flag, the second starting winning port designation command receiving flag, and other flags corresponding to the command received from the main board 31 are set, the pachinko gaming machine 1, the power saving state may be ended.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating the effect setting adjustment processing (step Ss37) according to the second embodiment. The effect setting adjustment process of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35, except for the step Sh4a.

  Specifically, it is determined whether or not a long press operation of the operation button 516 is performed by the player (step Sh4). If there is no long press operation of the operation button 516 (step Sh4; No), the process proceeds to step Sh17. If there is a long press operation of the operation button 516 (Step Sh4; Yes), if the power saving counter is counting, it is cleared (sets the power saving counter to 0) (Step Sh4a). In this way, when the player has pressed and operated the operation button 516 for a long time, the power saving counter being counted is cleared, and the first period up to the demonstration display and the transition to the power saving mode are performed. The counting of the second period until the start is performed from the beginning by the long press operation.

  Next, a display mode of the effect display device 9 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 36 (a), in a state where the number of stored memories is 0 and the variation of the effect symbol is being executed, the effect symbol is derived in a combination indicating "losing" as shown in FIG. 36 (b). When the display of the game ball is stopped by the hit ball firing device 1550, the power saving counter is set in the power saving mode processing as described above.

  When the game ball is not newly fired by the hit ball firing device 1550 in a state where the power saving counter is set, 15 seconds elapse from the time when the power saving counter is set, as shown in FIG. 36 (c). Thus, the display of the customer waiting demonstration is started on the effect display device 9.

  Then, in the state where the display of the customer waiting demonstration is being executed on the effect display device 9, if the game ball is not newly fired by the hit ball firing device 1550, 20 minutes have elapsed since the power saving counter was set. By doing so, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the power saving state. At this time, as shown in FIG. 36 (d), the effect display device 9 displays a display indicating that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the power-saving state (“energy saving” display in FIG. 36 (d)). Be started.

  Note that, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 36D is in the power saving state and the player operates the hitting operation handle 5 to restart the firing of the game ball by the hitting ball firing device 1550, the firing is performed. When the ball detection sensor 1505 detects the game ball, as shown in FIG. 36 (e), the player presses the operation button 516 for a long time to operate the speaker 27L, 27R, 27a, 27b, Setting adjustment screen transition indicating that it is possible to display a setting adjustment screen capable of adjusting the light amounts of various light emitting means such as the decoration LED 25a, the stage decoration LED 25b, the ceiling lamp module 530, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530. A display screen including a message for promotion is displayed on the effect display device 9.

  When the setting adjustment screen is displayed on the effect display device by a long press operation of the operation button 516 by the player, the power saving counter is cleared in the effect setting adjustment process. Is prevented from suddenly displaying the customer waiting demonstration display screen on the effect display device 9 when the change of the volume or the light amount is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 36 (e), when the game ball wins the first start winning opening or the second starting winning opening in a state where a message for promoting the setting adjustment screen is displayed on the effect display device 9. , The display of the effect display device 9 is switched to a change display of the effect symbol. Further, if a game ball is not newly fired by the hit ball firing device 1550 after the message for promoting the setting adjustment screen is displayed on the effect display device 9, the power saving counter is set again. As shown in f), the display of the customer waiting demonstration is started on the effect display device 9 when 15 seconds have elapsed since the power saving counter was set.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 36 (c) or FIG. 36 (f), when the customer waiting demonstration is displayed on the effect display device 9, the player operates the hit ball operation handle 5 to fire the hit ball. When the launch of the game ball by the device 1550 is resumed, the launch ball detection sensor 1505 detects the game ball, and as shown in FIG. The display shifts to the effect symbol change display.

As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment is a gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) capable of performing a predetermined game using a game medium (for example, a game ball),
A firing device (eg, a hit ball firing device 1550) for firing a game medium toward the game area,
Detecting means (for example, a shooting ball detection sensor 1505) for detecting a game medium fired by the shooting device;
The operating state of the gaming machine is set to a normal state (for example, sound output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b and lighting of LEDs in various light emitting means such as the decorative LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, the ceiling lamp module 530, etc.) State) or a power-saving state in which power consumption is smaller than the normal state (for example, sound output from speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, 27b and decorative LED 25a, left frame LED 28b, right frame LED 28c, ceiling lamp module 530, etc.) Operating state control means (for example, a part in which the CPU 86 executes a power saving mode process) for controlling the lighting of the various light emitting means to a state in which the LED is not lit;
With
The operating state control means,
In the power saving state, control is performed in the normal state based on the detection of the game medium by the detection means (for example, based on the fact that the CPU 86 sets the power saving flag in step Sm101 of the power saving mode processing). Execute step Sm123),
Based on the non-game state in which no game is performed in the normal state (for example, a state in which the power saving counter has counted up because the firing of the game ball by the hit ball firing device 1550 has not been executed for 20 minutes). The power saving state is controlled (for example, the CPU 86 executes step Sm113b based on the fact that the value of the power saving counter has become 0 which is the value of the second period in step Sm113 of the power saving mode processing, and State), so that the sound output from the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b and the lighting of the LEDs in various light emitting means such as the decorative LED 25a, the left frame LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530 are normally performed. In the non-game state where no game is played in the state, power saving from the normal state Because it is controlled by the state, it is possible to perform the power saving without imposing a burden on the clerk.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the timer means (for example, the CPU 86 receives a game ball detection end notification command) for counting the elapsed time from the end of the game (for example, detection of the last shot game ball). The power saving counter that is set based on the determination that the flag is set is subtracted and updated in step Sm112 for each timer interrupt),
Demonstration effect execution means (for example, when the CPU 86 executes the power saving mode process, executes a predetermined demonstration effect (for example, a customer waiting demonstration) when the elapsed time counted by the time measuring means becomes a predetermined first period. Based on the determination in Sm112a that the value of the power-saving counter is the same as the value in the first period, a part for starting the customer waiting demonstration display in step Sm112b);
With
The determining means may determine that the elapsed time measured by the time measuring means is a period longer than the first period, and the second period is at least the first period plus the execution period of the demonstration effect (for example, 20 Minutes), it is determined that the game is not in the gaming state. Therefore, the execution period of the customer waiting demonstration effect from the time when the first period elapses to the time when the second period elapses after the power saving counter is set is set. Since it is not controlled to the power saving state, these customer waiting demonstration effects are appropriately executed in the normal state, so that the effect of the customer waiting demonstration effect can be prevented from being reduced.

Further, according to the second embodiment, based on the fact that the game medium emitted from the launching device passes through the starting area (for example, the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening) provided in the gaming area. And a variable display means (for example, a first special symbol display 8a, a variable display means for performing a variable display of a plurality of types of identification information (for example, a first special symbol or a second special symbol) capable of identifying each of them. A second special symbol display 8b),
The variable display is not executed (for example, in the effect setting adjustment process, the CPU 86 determines that the effect symbol process flag is 0 in step Sh1, no hold storage in step Sh2, and no unanalyzed command in step Sh3). Under the condition that the setting operation (for example, operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600) by the player is accepted, and the predetermined setting (for example, the volume of the speakers 27R, 27L, 27a, and 27b, the decoration LED 25a, the left frame, A player setting means (for example, the CPU 86 sets the light amount of various light emitting units such as the LED 28b, the right frame LED 28c, and the ceiling lamp module 530). Is displayed, and the operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 is performed in step Sh7. A portion for accepting, display the adjustable adjustment display light quantity at step SH 13, the portion) for receiving an operation of the operation button 516 and the operation lever 600 at step SH14,
In the power saving state, when the launching ball is detected by the detection means (for example, when the CPU 86 determines in the power saving mode process that the game ball detection start notification command reception flag is set in step Sm121), Informing means (for example, the CPU 86 adjusts the setting screen on the display screen of the effect display device 9 in step Sm125 in the power saving mode process in order to notify a predetermined operation (for example, a long press operation of the operation button 516) for performing the predetermined setting. A part for displaying a message for promoting screen transition), when the shooting sphere is detected in the power saving state and the power saving state is released and the normal state is reached, the volume and light amount of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are reduced. A setting adjustment screen for prompting a long-press operation of the operation button 516 for performing at least one of the settings Since the display of the message for promoting the line is executed, it is prevented as much as possible that a situation in which at least one of the volume and the light amount in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not set and the variable display is started and the setting cannot be performed. be able to.

Further, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to identify each of the game media based on the fact that the game medium has passed through a starting area (for example, a first starting winning opening or a second starting winning opening) provided in the gaming area. A plurality of types of identification information (for example, a first special symbol or a second special symbol) are displayed in a variable manner to derive a display result, and a predetermined specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol) is displayed as the identification information display result. A gaming machine that, when derived and displayed, controls a specific gaming state (eg, a jackpot gaming state) that is advantageous to the player,
Non-detection elapsed time counting means for counting the non-detection elapsed time since the last detection of the game ball by the detection means (for example, the CPU 86 determines that the game ball detection end notification command reception flag is set. The power saving counter that is set based on the above is subtracted and updated in step Sm112 for each timer interrupt).
The determination means may include a predetermined determination period (for example, 20 minutes) in which the non-detection elapsed time measured by the non-detection elapsed time timer is longer than the longest period of the fluctuation display (for example, the fluctuation pattern having the longest fluctuation time). ), It is determined that the game is in the non-game state. Therefore, when the power saving counter determines that the game is in the non-game state when the second period is longer than the longest period of the fluctuation display, the fluctuation display becomes Since it is possible to accurately prevent the power saving state from being controlled when there is a possibility that the game is being executed, the interest in the game is reduced by being controlled to the power saving state during the execution of the variable display. Can be prevented as much as possible.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the detection means is provided at a position near the launching device (for example, a position adjacent to the launching position 1550a), and according to the passage period of the game medium launched from the launching device. Output a detection signal,
An extension circuit (extension circuit 99) for extending the output period of the detection signal output from the detection means to a predetermined output period longer than the passing period is provided, so that the launch ball detection sensor 1505 is located near the hit ball launch device 1550. Since the detection signal is extended by the extension circuit 99 even if the signal output period of the detection signal output from the launching ball detection sensor 1505 is shortened by providing at the position, the launching of the game ball can be reliably detected.

1 pachinko gaming machine 9 effect display device 27 speaker 25a decorative LED
25b Stage decoration LED
28b Left frame LED
28c Right frame LED
80 effect control board 86 CPU
200 RTC
300 Setting changeover switch 516 Operation button 530 Top lamp module 600 Operation lever

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of performing variable display,
Sound output means capable of outputting sound,
First operation means which is inoperable by the player and which can be operated by the game clerk; operation means including second operation means which can be operated by the player;
Display means for displaying a setting screen based on the operation of the second operation means;
Setting means capable of setting a volume in response to a setting operation by the second operation means when the setting screen is displayed;
Determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined condition that is satisfied by the player not playing the game and at least not performing the variable display,
A special setting unit capable of setting on the game arcade side according to a setting operation by the first operation unit;
With
The display means,
It is possible to display the setting screen in a different display mode according to the setting of the special setting means,
The setting screen is displayed when a predetermined period elapses after at least the predetermined condition is determined to be satisfied by the determination unit, and when the variable display is performed before the predetermined period elapses, the setting screen is displayed. Without displaying the screen,
When the variable display is started during the display of the setting screen, the setting screen is deleted,
When the second operating means is operated when the determining means determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the setting screen is not displayed, and thereafter, the predetermined condition is satisfied by the determining means. When it is determined, the setting screen can be displayed without operating the second operation means,
A game machine wherein the notification sound for initialization is output at a predetermined volume regardless of the volume setting. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a setting relating to a volume by the second operation means can be restricted by an operation of the first operation means.

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