JP6690690B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachinko machine, a slot machine, and a gaming machine such as a parrot machine capable of playing a game similar to a slot machine by using a game ball used in the pachinko machine instead of a medal.

Conventionally, this type of game machine generates a random number by updating the value of a counter at a constant cycle, for example, in a pachinko machine, a random number is acquired at the timing when the game ball wins the starting winning opening If the random number is a value indicating "those Tari" predetermined after effect display in the symbol display device, the display symbol is stopped at a particular symbol, those Tari such large winning hole or the like is opened A configuration in which a state is started is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

As a method of generating a random number in the gaming machine, for example a random number generator counter value, etc. Update bitter way expression of on the basis of a periodic signal.

JP, 2007-20864, A

By the way, in the case of the above method, if the periodic signal input to the random number generator is stopped due to a failure or other causes, the counting operation is stopped thereafter, and the counter value is not updated . If the value of the counter is stopped when this is a value indicating "those Tari", the trigger, such as, for example, game balls you the starting winning opening becomes, even for those if Re be generated.

In contrast, when the value of the counter has stopped is the value indicating "loss", also for example the trigger such that game balls to the starting winning opening occurs, the result is a wafer misalignment. Therefore, there is a concern that a player or a game hall in which a game machine is installed may be disadvantaged.

The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above exemplified or problem, there is provided a gaming machine to be able to understand the abnormality of the failure or the like in an early stage.

The present invention is
First signal output means for outputting a first signal;
Clock signal output means for outputting a clock signal at a predetermined cycle,
Numerical information generating means for generating numerical information based on the clock signal,
Numerical information acquisition means for acquiring the numerical information generated by the numerical information generation means based on the first signal;
Determination means for determining whether or not to give a privilege to the player based on the numerical information acquired by the numerical information acquisition means,
A pattern display means for variably displaying the pattern,
A variable display control means for controlling the pattern display means so as to start the variable display of the pattern based on the determination by the determination means and then stop the variable display,
Electrically connecting the first signal output means and the determination means via a second signal output means for outputting a second signal to the determination means,
The determination means is configured to perform the determination based on the second signal,
The second signal output means is configured to output the second signal based on a change in the output state of the clock signal when the first signal is output ,
Launching means for launching a game ball toward the game area,
A ball entering portion provided in the game area, into which a game ball can enter,
A payout control means for controlling the payout means so that a predetermined number of game balls are paid out from the payout means when the game ball enters the ball entering portion.
Equipped with
The first signal output means is configured to output the first signal when a game ball enters the ball entering portion,
A storage means for storing the numerical information acquired by the numerical information acquisition means based on the output of the second signal, with a predetermined number as a predetermined upper limit;
The determination means is configured to sequentially perform determination based on the numerical value information stored in the storage means,
A storage number informing unit for informing the storage number of the numerical information stored in the storage unit,
The first signal output means and the determination means are electrically connected via the second signal output means, while the first signal output means and the payout control means operate as the second signal output means. It is electrically connected without going through,
The payout control means is configured to control the payout means based on the first signal .

According to the present onset Ming, it will be able to grasp the abnormality in Yu skill machine at an early stage.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the game board in the pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a figure for demonstrating the display screen of a pattern display device, (a) is the figure which showed the area | region division | segmentation setting and the effective line setting of a display screen typically, (b) shows an example of an actual display screen. It is a figure. It is a block diagram showing the whole electrical composition in a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed circuit structure of a main controller. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the hardware random number mechanism in the main control device. It is a figure showing an example of a wiring pattern of a bus line which connects a random number generator and a CPU in a main control unit. It is a figure which shows the structural concept of various counters in CPU and RAM in a main control unit. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flow chart which shows a detailed processing procedure performed by starting winning processing in timer interruption processing. It is the flowchart which showed the NMI interruption processing. 6 is a flowchart showing a startup process executed by a CPU in the main control device. 7 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU in the main control device. It is a flow chart which shows the detailed processing procedure of fluctuation processing in main processing. It is a flow chart which shows the detailed processing procedure of fluctuation start processing in fluctuation processing.

  First, a group of inventions that can be extracted from the present embodiment will be shown as features n (n = 1, 2, 3 ...), and those will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary.

  Features 1. From the opportunity detection means for detecting the opportunity of the jackpot determination and outputting the detection signal, the cycle signal generation means for generating the cycle signal, the random number generation means for updating the random number based on the cycle signal, and the cycle signal generation means. When the periodic signal is normally output, a detection signal validating unit that outputs the detection signal as a valid detection signal, and a random number is acquired from the random number generation unit in response to the valid detection signal, and the random number is generated. A game machine characterized by comprising a control means for determining a big hit based on.

  According to Feature 1, when the periodic signal is not normally output from the periodic signal generating means, the detection signal validating means does not output the effective detection signal, so that the trigger detecting means detects the jackpot determination trigger. However, the control means does not acquire the random number and does not determine the big hit. Therefore, the subsequent operation based on the result of the jackpot determination is not performed, and the abnormality in the gaming machine can be grasped at an early stage.

  Features 2. The gaming machine according to Feature 1, wherein the control unit operates based on a periodic signal that is asynchronous with the periodic signal generated by the periodic signal generating unit.

  According to the feature 2, the operation of the control unit and the operation of updating the random number in the random number generation unit are asynchronous with each other, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a big hit timing in a certain cycle in the gaming machine.

  Features 3. The random number generation means updates the random number at any one of the rising edge and the falling edge of the periodic signal, and the detection signal validating means changes the half of the periodic signal from the timing when the random number generating means updates the random number. 3. The gaming machine according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the valid detection signal is output at a timing shifted by a cycle.

  According to feature 3, when the control means acquires the random number from the random number generation means in response to the valid detection signal, the random number generation means can acquire the random number in a stable state.

  Features 4. In any one of features 1 to 3, the random number generating means includes a holding means that receives the valid detection signal and holds a random number that is updated based on the periodic signal based on the valid detection signal. The game machine described.

  According to Feature 4, since the holding means holds the random number based on the validity detection signal, when the control means acquires the random number from the random number generation means in response to the validity detection signal, the random number held by the holding means is used. It can be obtained stably.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as "pachinko machine") is exemplified as one embodiment of the gaming machine.

  1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 in the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board 4 of the pachinko machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 is formed with an outer frame 2 formed of a wooden frame or the like combined in a substantially rectangular shape, and an outer shape that is substantially the same as the outer frame 2. The inner frame 3 is supported so that it can be opened and closed. In order to support the inner frame 3, the outer frame 2 is attached with metal hinges 11 at two upper and lower positions on the left side in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the side provided with the hinge 11 serves as an opening / closing shaft. The frame 3 is supported openably and closably on the front side.

  A game board 4 (see FIG. 2) provided with a large number of nails, winning holes, and the like is detachably attached from the back side at substantially the center of the inner frame 3. A ball game is performed by dropping the front surface of the game board 4 while bouncing the game balls. In the inner frame 3, a ball launching unit 603 (see FIG. 5) for launching a game ball into the game area defined on the front surface of the game board 4 and a game ball launched from the ball launching unit 603 are played. A launch rail (not shown) or the like for guiding to the area is attached.

  On the front side of the inner frame 3, a front frame 5 that covers the upper side of the front and a lower plate unit 6 that covers the lower side thereof are provided. To support the front frame 5 and the lower tray unit 6, metal hinges 12 are attached at two upper and lower positions on the left side in a front view (see FIG. 1), and the side provided with the hinges 12 is used as an opening / closing shaft. The lower plate unit 5 and the lower plate unit 6 are supported openably and closably on the front side. Note that the locking of the inner frame 3 and the locking of the front frame 5 are released by inserting a dedicated key into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 13 and performing a predetermined operation.

  The front frame 5 is assembled with a decorative resin component, an electrical component, or the like, and a window portion 14 having a substantially elliptical opening is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. The window portion 14 is provided with a glass member 15 attached from the back side of the front frame 5, and the front surface of the game board 4 can be visually recognized from the front side of the pachinko machine 1 through the glass member 15. ing. On the front frame 5, an upper plate 16 for storing game balls is formed in the shape of a tray with the upper surface open and the game balls such as prize balls and rental balls are primary to the upper plate 16. Is discharged to. The bottom surface of the upper plate 16 is formed to be inclined downward to the right when viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), and the game balls to be inserted into the upper plate 16 by the inclination are provided in the pachinko machine 1 inside a ball launching unit 603. Will be guided to.

  Further, around the window portion 14 of the front frame 5, a plurality of electric decoration portions 17 including a light emitting member such as an LED are provided. In the pachinko machine 1, the plurality of illumination parts 17 function as a production lamp such as a jackpot lamp, and when the jackpot or the reach production is performed, each illumination portion 17 is turned on or blinked by lighting or blinking the built-in LED. Then, the fact that the jackpot is in progress or that the reach before the jackpot is in progress is notified. Further, a light emitting member such as an LED is built in the upper left portion of the front surface frame 5 as viewed from the front (see FIG. 1), and a display lamp 18 capable of displaying during payout of an award ball and occurrence of an error is provided.

  Further, below the window portion 14 of the front frame 5, a ball rental operation portion 20 is arranged. The ball lending operation unit 20 includes a frequency display unit 21, a ball lending button 22, and a return button 23, and bills and cards are stored in a card unit (ball lending unit) installed on the side of the pachinko machine 1. When the ball rental operation unit 40 is operated in a state where the game balls and the like are inserted, the game balls are lent in accordance with the operation. The frequency display unit 41 is an area in which the balance information of the card or the like is displayed, and the built-in segment type LED lights to display a numerical value corresponding to the balance of the card or the like. The ball lending button 42 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on the information recorded on the card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 16 as long as there is a balance on the card or the like. To be done. The return button 43 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted in the card unit.

  The lower plate unit 6 located on the lower side of the upper plate 16 is a substantially box in which a lower plate 25 for secondary storage of game balls which could not be stored in the upper plate 16 is opened at the center thereof. It is formed into a shape. On the right side of the lower plate 25, an operation handle 26 operated by the player to drive the game ball into the front surface of the game board 4 is provided, and inside the operation handle 26, the driving of the ball launching unit 603 is permitted. A touch sensor (not shown) for doing so and a variable resistor (not shown) for detecting the rotational operation amount of the operation handle 26 by a change in electric resistance are incorporated. When the operation handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player, the touch sensor is turned on and the resistance value of the variable resistor changes in accordance with the operation amount, and according to the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 26. A game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the variable resistance value of the variable resistor, whereby the game ball is driven into the front surface of the game board 4 with a jump amount corresponding to the operation of the player.

  The bottom surface of the lower plate 25 is provided with an openable / closable discharge port (not shown) for discharging the game balls stored in the lower plate 25 downward, and this discharge port is provided at the lower front part of the lower plate 25. A ball pull-out lever 27 for opening the valve is provided. The ball pull-out lever 27 is biased in a direction of closing the discharge port (for example, right direction in front view), and resists the biasing force to move the ball pull-out lever 27 in the opening direction (for example, left direction in front view). By sliding, the discharge port of the lower plate 25 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped and discharged from the discharge port. An ashtray 28 is attached to the left side of the lower plate 25.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 4 includes a wooden base plate 30 cut into a substantially square shape when viewed from the front, a large number of nails for guiding balls, a windmill, rails 31, 32, a general winning opening 33, The start winning opening 34, the variable winning device 35, the through gate 36, the variable display unit 7 and the like are assembled, and the peripheral portion thereof is attached to the back surface side of the inner frame 3. The general winning opening 33, the starting winning opening 34, the variable winning device 35, the through gate 36, and the variable display device unit 7 are arranged in through holes formed in the base plate 30 by, for example, router processing, and from the front side of the game board 4. It is fixed with wood screws. The central portion of the front surface of such a game board 4 can be viewed from the front side of the pachinko machine 1 through the window portion 14 of the front frame 5.

  On the front surface of the game board 4, an outer rail 32 formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate into a substantially arc shape is erected, and inside the outer rail 32, a strip-shaped metal plate similar to the outer rail 32. The arc-shaped inner rail 31 formed in step 1 is planted. The inner rail 31 and the outer rail 32 surround the outer periphery of the front surface of the game board 4, and the front-rear width is defined by the game board 4 and the glass member 15. A game area where a game is played is formed by the behavior. This game area is configured as a substantially circular area defined by the two rails 31 and 32 and the arc member 37 on the front surface of the game board 4.

  The two rails 31 and 32 are provided to guide the game balls discharged from the ball discharge unit 603 to the upper part of the game board 4, and these rails 31 and 32 form a ball guide passage. . A return ball prevention member 38 is attached to the tip portion (upper left portion of FIG. 2) of the inner rail 31, and the situation where the game ball once guided to the upper part of the game board 4 returns to the ball guide passage again. To be prevented. At the tip of the outer rail 32 (upper right part in FIG. 2), a return rubber 39 is attached at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball, and the game ball launched with a force of a predetermined amount or more hits the return rubber 39. , It is bounced back toward the center of the style area while the momentum is dampened. Further, between the lower right end portion of the inner rail 31 and the upper right end portion of the outer rail 32, a resin arc member 37 formed by providing an arc connecting the rails on the inner surface side is a base. It is fixed by being driven into the plate 30.

  In the lower left and right of the game area, a plurality of general winning openings 33 are provided in which 5 to 15 game balls are paid out as prize balls when the game balls are won. A variable display device unit 7 is arranged in the center of the game area. This variable display device unit 7 is a symbol display device 51 that is composed of a liquid crystal display (hereinafter simply referred to as "LCD") that changes a display symbol by using a game ball as a trigger to win the start winning port 34, and a game. A specific lamp display section 52 including a light emitting diode (hereinafter, abbreviated as "LED") that changes a lamp display by using a sphere as a trigger to pass through the through gate 36 is provided.

  The display content of the symbol display device 51 is controlled by the display control device 400 described later, and for example, three symbol columns of left, middle and right are displayed. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of symbols, and these symbols are variably displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device 51 by vertically scrolling each symbol row. Such a symbol display device 51 is composed of, for example, an 8-inch size liquid crystal display, and the variable display device unit 7 is provided with a center frame 50 so as to surround the outer periphery of the symbol display device 51. In addition, instead of the LCD, for example, a reel or the like may be used to configure the symbol display device 51.

  After the variable display of the symbols is started in the symbol display device 51, the game ball is started to the winning opening 34 until the stop symbol (any one of the probability variation jackpot symbol, the ordinary jackpot symbol and the lost symbol) is displayed. When a ball is entered, the number of times of entering the ball is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of times of holding is indicated by controlling the number of lighting of a plurality of holding lamps 55 provided on the upper part of the symbol display device 51. In addition, in this embodiment, the winning in the starting winning opening 34 is configured to be held up to four times, but the maximum number of holdings is not limited to four times, three times or less, or The number of times may be set to 5 times or more (for example, 8 times). Further, the hold lamp 55 may be omitted, and the number of times of variable display hold based on the winning of the start winning hole 34 may be displayed in a partial area of the symbol display device 51.

  The specific lamp display unit 52 includes a first lamp display unit 53 that lights the symbol "○" and a second lamp display unit 54 that lights the symbol "X", and the game ball has the through gate 36. Each time it passes, the first lamp display section 53 and the second lamp display section 54 are alternately turned on to perform a variable display, and the variable display is stopped at a predetermined symbol (in the present embodiment, a symbol "○"). In this case, as a winning state, the starting winning opening 34 is operated for a predetermined time. In this hit state, for example, by opening a pair of left and right movable wings provided in the starting winning opening 34 in the left-right direction, the game balls are more likely to enter the starting winning opening 34 than in the normal state. The number of times the game ball has passed through the through gate 36 is reserved up to 4 times, and the number of suspensions is indicated by controlling the number of lighting of a plurality of holding lamps 56 provided at the bottom of the symbol display device 51. The variable display on the specific lamp display unit 52 is performed by switching the lighting and non-lighting of the first lamp display unit 53 and the second lamp display unit 54 as in the present embodiment, and also on the symbol display device 51. You may make it perform using some area | regions. Similarly, the holding lamp 56 may be turned on in a partial area of the symbol display device 51. Further, the number of times of holding the passage through the through gate 36 is not limited to four times, and may be set to three times or less, or five times or more (e.g., eight times).

  Below the variable display device unit 7, there is provided a start winning port 34 through which game balls can enter. A starting winning opening passage sensor 40 is provided in the passage path of the game ball that has entered the starting winning opening 34, and the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 detects the winning of the starting winning opening 34. When the game ball enters the starting winning opening 34, the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 is turned on while the gaming ball is passing, and the turning on of the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 triggers a jackpot determination by the main control device 100 described later. Is performed, and variable display on the symbol display device 51 is started according to the determination result. Therefore, the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 is provided as an opportunity detecting means for detecting the opportunity of the jackpot determination in the pachinko machine 1. Further, the starting winning opening 34 is also one of the winning openings from which 5 gaming balls are paid out as winning balls when a gaming ball enters.

  A variable winning device 35 is arranged below the starting winning opening 34, and a horizontally-long rectangular special winning opening (large opening) 35a is provided at a substantially central portion thereof. In the pachinko machine 1, as a result of the jackpot determination in the main control device 100, when it is a jackpot, after a predetermined time (variable time) has elapsed, a stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot is displayed on the symbol display device 51, Occurrence is indicated. After that, the game state transitions to a special game state (big hit) where the game balls are easy to win. In this special game state, the special winning opening 35a that is normally closed is opened for a predetermined time (for example, until 30 seconds elapse or until 10 game balls are won).

  The special winning opening 35a is closed after a predetermined time has passed, and after the closing, the special winning opening 35a is opened again for a predetermined time. Such an opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 35a can be repeated 16 times (16 rounds) at the maximum. The state in which this opening / closing operation is performed is one form of a special game state that is advantageous to the player, and the player is paid out a larger amount of prize balls than usual in order to give a game value (game value). Is done.

  The variable winning device 35 includes a horizontally long rectangular opening / closing plate that covers the special winning opening 35a, and a solenoid for opening / closing the front side with the lower side of the opening / closing plate as an axis. The special winning opening 35a is normally in a closed state in which the game ball cannot win or is difficult to win. At the time of a big hit, the solenoid is driven to tilt the open / close plate to the lower side of the front face to temporarily form an open state in which the game ball easily wins the special winning opening 35a, and the open state and the normally closed state. It operates to repeat the state of.

  Further, an out port 41 is provided at the lower center of the game board 4. After being hit on the upper part of the game board 4, the game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings 33, 34, 35a in the game area are guided to the ball discharge path (not shown) through the outlet 41.

  As shown in FIG. 3, control board units 60 and 61 and a back pack unit 64 are mainly provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The control board unit 60 is unitized by mounting a main board (main control device 100), a voice lamp control board (voice lamp control device 300), and a display control board (display control device 400). The control board unit 61 is unitized by mounting a payout control board (payout control apparatus 200), a firing control board (fire control apparatus 602), a power supply board (power supply apparatus 500), and a card unit connection board 75. In the back pack unit 64, the back pack 62 forming the protective cover and the payout unit 63 are unitized. In addition, each control board has a CPU configured as a one-chip microcomputer that controls each control, a port for transmitting and receiving electrical signals to and from various devices, a random number generator used in various lottery (including jackpot determination), and a time. A clock generation circuit or the like that generates a clock signal used for counting or synchronization is mounted as necessary. The main control device 100, the audio lamp control device 300, the display control device 400, the payout control device 200, the firing control device 602, the power supply device 500, and the card unit connection board 75 are housed in the board boxes 70 to 74, respectively. . The board boxes 70 to 74 each include a box base and a box cover that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other to house each control device and each board.

  In the board box 70 (main controller 100) and the board box 72 (payout controller 200 and firing controller 602), the box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by a sealing unit (not shown) (connection by caulking structure). )is doing. Further, a seal (not shown) is attached to the connecting portion between the box base and the box cover so as to extend over the box base and the box cover. The seal sticker is made of a brittle material, and when the seal sticker is peeled off to open the board boxes 70 and 72, or when the board boxes 70 and 72 are forcibly opened, the box base side and the box cover are closed. To be cut to the side. Therefore, by checking the sealing unit or the sealing sticker, it is possible to know whether the substrate boxes 70 and 72 have been opened.

  The dispensing unit 63 includes a tank 90 that is located at the uppermost portion of the back pack unit 64 and opens upward, a tank rail 91 that is connected to the lower side of the tank 90 and that gently inclines toward the downstream side, and a downstream of the tank rail 91. A case rail 92 that is vertically connected to the side, and a payout device 93 that is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 92 and that pays out game balls by a predetermined electrical configuration of a payout motor 601 (see FIG. 4). I have it. The tank 90 is sequentially replenished with the balls supplied from the island facility of the game hall, and the necessary number of balls is paid out by the payout device 93. A vibrator 94 for applying vibration to the tank rail 91 is attached to the tank rail 91.

  Further, the payout control device 200 is provided with a state return switch 80, the firing control device 602 is provided with a variable resistor operation knob 81, and the power supply device 500 is provided with a RAM erase switch 82. The state recovery switch 80 is operated to eliminate the ball clogging (return to a normal state) when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball clogging of the dispensing motor 601 (see FIG. 5). The operation knob 81 is operated to adjust the firing force of the firing solenoid. The RAM erase switch 82 is operated when the power is turned on when it is desired to return the pachinko machine 1 to the initial state.

  Next, the display contents of the symbol display device 51 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the display screen of the symbol display device 51, and FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically showing the area division setting and the effective line setting of the display screen. (B) is a figure which shows an example of an actual display screen.

  The symbols displayed on the symbol display device 51 are composed of 10 types of main symbols numbered from "0" to "9" and one type of petal-shaped sub-pattern formed smaller than the main symbols. ing. Each main symbol is formed by attaching numbers from "0" to "9" on the rear symbol made of a wooden box, of which the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are , A large number is added to almost the front of the wooden box. On the other hand, the main symbols with even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are almost completely covered on the front of the wooden box, and the attached symbols imitating characters such as furoshiki and helmet are added. An even number is small in green on the lower right side of the attached design, and is added so as to be displayed on the front side of the attached design.

  In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the result of the jackpot determination (lottery) by the main control device 100 is a jackpot, the variable display in which the same main symbols are arranged is performed, and after the variable display ends, the jackpot is hit. The condition is configured to occur. When transitioning to a high probability state (probability change state) after the jackpot ends, a variable display in which main symbols with odd numbers (corresponding to “high probability symbols”) are arranged is displayed. On the other hand, when transitioning to the low-probability state after the end of the big hit, a variable display in which the main symbols (corresponding to the “low-probability symbol”) to which even numbers are added are arranged is displayed. Here, the high-probability state refers to a state in which the probability of subsequent jackpot increases as a value added after the jackpot is over, and a state in which the jackpot is likely to shift to a special game state, that is, a so-called probability variation (probability change). In the present embodiment, when the pachinko machine 1 shifts to a high probability state, the probability of hitting the specific lamp display section 52 is further increased, and the game ball easily enters the starting winning opening 34 (see FIG. 3). Becomes The normal state (low-probability state) refers to a time when the probability is not probable and the jackpot probability is normal, that is, a state where the jackpot probability is lower than when the probability is probable.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the display screen of the symbol display device 51 is roughly divided into upper and lower parts, and the lower 2/3 is a main display region Dm for variably displaying the above-mentioned main symbol and sub symbol. The other upper third is a sub-display area Ds for displaying the notice effect and the character.

  In the main display area Dm, three symbol columns Z1, Z2, Z3 of left, middle and right are displayed. In each of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3, a main symbol and a sub symbol are displayed in a prescribed order. That is, in each of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3, main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. Therefore, a total of 20 symbols of 10 main symbols and 10 sub symbols are set in each symbol row, and scrolls from top to bottom with periodicity for each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 to change. The display is done. In particular, in the left symbol column Z1, the numbers of the main symbols are arranged in descending order, and in the middle symbol column Z2 and the right symbol column Z3, the numbers of the main symbols are arranged in ascending order.

  Further, in the main display area Dm, symbols are displayed in three rows of upper, middle and lower for each of the symbol columns Z1 to Z3. Therefore, a total of 9 symbols of 3 rows × 3 columns are displayed on the symbol display device 51. Five effective lines, that is, an upper line L1, a middle line L2, a lower line L3, a rightward rising line L4, and a leftward rising line L5 are set in the main display area Dm. Then, every time a variable display of the symbols is performed in the symbol display device 51, the variable display is stopped in the order of the left symbol column Z1 → the right symbol column Z3 → the middle symbol column Z2, and at the time of stopping, a big hit is made on any of the activated lines. If you arrange with a combination of symbols (combination of the same main symbols in this embodiment), a jackpot video is displayed as a jackpot, and then the pachinko machine 1 shifts to a special game state.

  The sub display area Ds is provided horizontally above the main display area Dm, and is further divided into three notice areas Ds1 to Ds3 in the left-right direction. Here, the left and right notice areas Ds1 and Ds3 are normally covered with a pair of left and right opaque doors 59 and 59 (see FIG. 2) provided in the center frame 50. The door 59 is configured to be electrically openable / closable by a solenoid, and the solenoid is sometimes excited to open each door 59 to the front side, thereby allowing the player to access the left and right notice areas Ds1 and Ds3. You can see it. The notice area Ds2 at the center is a display area which is always visible without being covered by the door.

  On the actual display screen, as shown in FIG. 4B, a total of 9 main symbols and sub symbols are displayed in the main display area Dm. In the sub display area Ds, the left and right doors 59 are closed, and the left and right notice areas Ds1 and Ds3 are covered and the display screen is invisible. When one or both of the left and right doors 59 are opened in the middle of the variable display, a moving image is displayed in the left and right notice areas Ds1 and Ds3, which makes it easier for the player to make a big hit transition than usual. Suggested by. In the central notice area Ds2, usually, a predetermined character (in this embodiment, a boy with a hachimaki) performs a predetermined motion, sometimes performs a special motion different from the predetermined motion, or another character A notice production is performed by showing it up. The display screen of the symbol display device 51 is divided into upper and lower display areas Dm and Ds as a general rule, but a larger symbol, character, or the like is displayed across the respective display areas Dm and Ds to provide a display effect. be able to.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with, as its control mechanism, a main control device 100 that totally controls the overall operation of the pachinko machine 1, and a sub-control device that controls each part based on a command from the main control device 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sub control device includes the payout control device 200, the voice lamp control device 300, and the display control unit 400. Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes a power supply device 500, and the power supply device 500 supplies power to each unit.

  The main control device 100 is provided with a CPU 101 configured as an arithmetic device using a one-chip microcomputer, a crystal oscillator or another oscillator, a first clock generation circuit 104 for generating a clock signal CL1 of a constant cycle, and the CPU 101 performing a jackpot determination. Whether the random number generator 105 for generating a random number for performing the game and the detection signal SG1 output from the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 when the game ball is won in the starting winning opening 34 are input and the detection signal SG1 is validated Alternatively, a detection signal determination circuit 106 that determines whether to invalidate, a second clock generation circuit 107 that includes a crystal oscillator or another oscillator and that generates a clock signal CL2 of a constant cycle for driving the CPU 101, and a sub control device. And other parts, and an input / output port 108 for transmitting and receiving data. The main control device 100 sends various commands for instructing operations to the sub control devices such as the payout control device 200 and the voice lamp control device 300. These commands are sent from the main control device 100 to the sub control device. Sent only in the direction.

  The CPU 101 executes arithmetic processing based on various control programs, sends various commands to the sub-control unit to control each unit, and controls lighting of the specific lamp display unit 52 and the holding lamps 55 and 56. Is. For example, the CPU 101 makes a jackpot determination (lottery) when a game ball wins the starting winning opening 34, and controls the operation of each unit based on the determination result. The CPU 101 includes a ROM 102 in which various control programs executed by the CPU 101 and fixed value data are stored, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 102 is executed. A certain RAM 103 and other various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are built in.

  The RAM 103 is a stack area in which the contents of internal registers of the CPU 101 and the return address of a control program executed by the CPU 101 are stored, and a work area in which various flags, counters, I / O, and other values are stored. Area) and. The RAM 103 is configured such that a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply device 500 and data can be retained (backed up) even after the power of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off, and all the data stored in the RAM 103 is backed up.

  When the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the RAM 103 stores the values of I / O and the like when the power is cut off (including the occurrence of a power failure. On the other hand, at the time of power-on (including power-on by elimination of power failure. The same applies hereinafter), the state of the pachinko machine 1 is restored to the state before the power-off based on the information stored in the RAM 103. Writing to the RAM 103 is executed when the power is turned off by the main processing (see FIG. 14), and restoration of each value written in the RAM 103 is executed in the startup processing when the power is turned on (see FIG. 13). The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 101 is configured to receive a power failure signal from the power failure monitoring circuit 502 when the power is shut off due to a power failure or the like, and the power failure signal is input to the CPU 101. Then, the NMI interrupt processing (see FIG. 12) as the power failure processing is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 108 is connected to the CPU 101 of the main control device 100 via a bus line 109 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The payout control device 200, the voice lamp control device 300, the specific lamp display unit 52, the holding lamps 55 and 56, and various switches 610 are connected to the input / output port 108. The various switches 610 include a switch group and a sensor group (not shown) in addition to the start winning opening passage sensor 40. A second clock generation circuit 107 is connected to the CPU 101 via a bus line 114, and the CPU 101 executes arithmetic processing based on various control programs based on a clock signal CL2 generated by the second clock generation circuit 107. .

  In this embodiment, a hardware random number system is adopted as a random number generation system used when the CPU 101 makes a big hit determination, and the hardware random number mechanism is the above-described first clock generation circuit 104 and random number generator 105. And a detection signal determination circuit 106 is provided. The first clock generating circuit 104 is a periodic signal generating means for generating a constant periodic signal, for example, generates a clock signal CL1 which is a periodic signal asynchronous with the clock signal CL2 for driving the CPU 101, and the clock signal CL1. Is output to the random number generator 105 and the detection signal determination circuit 106 via the bus line 111. The random number generator 105 is a hardware random number generator configured to generate a random number based on the clock signal CL1, and updates the random number for each pulse of the clock signal CL1. The random number generator 105 and the CPU 101 are connected by a bus line 112, and the random number generated by the random number generator 105 is output to the CPU 101 via the bus line 112.

  The detection signal determination circuit 106 is connected to the input / output port 108 via a bus line 110, and inputs the detection signal SG1 output from the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 via the bus line 110. Further, as described above, the clock signal CL1 generated by the first clock generation circuit 104 is input to the detection signal determination circuit 106. Further, the detection signal determination circuit 106 is connected to the CPU 101 via the bus line 113. When the detection signal SG1 is input from the starting winning opening passage sensor 40, the detection signal determination circuit 106 validates the detection signal SG1 provided that the clock signal CL1 is normally input from the first clock generation circuit 104. It is configured to output a valid detection signal to the CPU 101 as a valid detection signal. When the CPU 101 receives a valid detection signal from the detection signal determination circuit 106, the CPU 101 acquires a random number from the random number generator 105 and performs a jackpot judgment based on the acquired random number.

  Here, an example of a specific circuit configuration of main controller 100 as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed circuit configuration of main controller 100. The random number generator 105 includes a counter 120 and a latch circuit 121. The counter 120 counts the clock signal CL1 input from the first clock generation circuit 104 pulse by pulse, and in the present embodiment, adds 1 to the count value in response to the rising edge of the clock signal CL1. However, the count value may be incremented by 1 in response to the fall of the clock signal CL1. The counter 120 is composed of, for example, an 8-byte (64-bit) counter, updates its count value each time a clock pulse is input within the range of 0 to 65535, reaches the maximum value (65535), and then again. It is supposed to return to 0. In the pachinko machine 1, the count value of the counter 120 is adopted as a random number that is referred to when the jackpot is determined.

  The latch circuit 121 is a holding unit that receives the count value of the counter 120, holds the count value at an arbitrary timing, and outputs the held count value. The latch circuit 121 is configured to input the valid detection signal SG2 output from the detection signal determination circuit 106, and latches the count value sequentially updated by the counter 120 in response to the input of the valid detection signal SG2. , And outputs the latched count value to the CPU 101 as a random number. The latch circuit 121 continues to latch the count value while the valid detection signal SG2 is on, but the counter 120 also continuously updates the count value based on the clock pulse of the clock signal CL1 during that time.

  In the present embodiment, the frequency f2 of the clock signal CL2 generated by the second clock generation circuit 107 is 8 MHz, and the CPU 101 operates based on this clock signal CL2. On the other hand, the frequency f1 of the clock signal CL1 generated by the first clock generation circuit 104 is 7.9152 ... MHz, which is a periodic signal asynchronous with the frequency f2 of the clock signal CL2. As a result, the operation of the counter 120 is not synchronized with the operation of the CPU 101, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the “big hit” timing in the pachinko machine 1 at regular intervals, and to use the experience sensor or the like to make the “big hit”. It constitutes an effective countermeasure against illegal aiming at the timing that becomes.

  The detection signal determination circuit 106 includes a D flip-flop 130, a Schmitt trigger 131 having a waveform shaping function, and an inverter 132 for inverting the clock signal CL1. When the detection signal SG1 output from the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 is input to the main control device 100 via the input / output port 108, it is input to the Schmitt trigger 131 of the detection signal determination circuit 106. The Schmitt trigger 131 shapes the waveform of the detection signal SG1 and outputs the shaped detection signal to the D input of the D flip-flop 130. As described above, in the present embodiment, the Schmitt trigger 131 is provided as a waveform shaping unit before the detection signal SG1 is input to the D flip-flop 130, and thereby chattering of the detection signal SG1 is prevented. However, the waveform shaping means for preventing chattering is not limited to the Schmitt trigger 131 described above, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, a filter circuit such as a low-pass filter may be provided as the waveform shaping means, and the waveform of the detection signal SG1 may be shaped by this.

  The inverter 132 serves as a timing adjusting unit that shifts the timing at which the counter 120 updates the count value and the timing at which the D flip-flop 130 operates by a predetermined time (a half cycle of the clock signal CL1 in this embodiment). It is provided. The clock signal CL1 is inverted by the inverter 132, and the inverted signal is input to the C input of the D flip-flop 130. With the configuration in which the inverter 132 inverts the clock signal CL1 in this way, the timing adjusting means can be realized by one element, so that the cost of parts can be kept low. However, the timing adjusting unit is not limited to the configuration using the inverter 132, and the timing adjusting unit may be configured by a delay circuit, for example.

  The D flip-flop 130 normally inputs the clock signal CL1 from the first clock generation circuit 104 when the main function of the detection signal determination circuit 106, that is, the detection signal detected by the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 is input. That the detection signal is an effective detection signal on the condition that it is present, and the function of outputting the effective detection signal is realized by one element, thereby reducing the component cost and easily arranging it in the main control device 100. Has become. The D flip-flop 130 has two input ports of D input and C input, and has two output ports of Q output and Q bar output. The detection signal SG1 output by the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 is input to the D input of the D flip-flop 130 via the Schmitt trigger 131. The clock signal CL1 generated by the first clock generation circuit 104 is input to the C input of the D flip-flop 130 via the inverter 132. When the D input detection signal is turned on, the D flip-flop 130 outputs the valid detection signals SG2 and SG3 from the Q output and the Q bar output in response to the rising edge of the C input clock signal. .

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the hardware random number mechanism. The first clock generation circuit 104 outputs the clock signal CL1, and the counter 120 adds the count values at the rising timing of the clock signal CL1. The inversion signal of the clock signal CL1 is input to the C input of the D flip-flop 130, and the D flip-flop 130 determines the state of the D input at the rising timing of this inversion signal, and is in a state different from the previous determination. If it is transited to, the Q output and the Q bar output are transited based on the state of the D input, and if the same state as the previous determination is continued, the Q output and the Q bar output are held as they are. As shown in FIG. 7, when the D input is turned on at a certain timing t1 (that is, when the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 detects a game ball and the detection signal SG1 is turned on), the D flip-flop 130 is C. At the timing t2 of the next rising edge of the input, the ON state of the D input is detected, the Q output is transited from the low level to the high level, and the Q bar output is transited from the high level to the low level. , SG3 are output. The timing t2 at which the D flip-flop 130 outputs the valid detection signals SG2, SG3 is deviated from the timing at which the counter 120 updates the count value by a half cycle of the clock signal CL1. Therefore, the D flip-flop 130 outputs the valid detection signals SG2 and SG3 during the period in which the count value is stably held between the time when the count value is updated in the counter 120 and the time when the next update is performed. .

  The time required for the game ball to pass through the starting winning opening passing sensor 40 is about 8 to 15 ms, and during this period, the detection signal SG1 maintains the ON state. Therefore, when the D input of the D flip-flop 130 is turned on at the timing t1, the on state is maintained as it is for the period T1 (= about 8 to 15 ms), and the timing t3 at which the game ball finishes passing through the starting winning opening passing sensor 40. Turns off. Accordingly, the D flip-flop 130 detects the OFF state of the D input at the next rising timing t4 of the C input, changes the Q output from the high level to the low level, and changes the Q bar output from the low level to the high level. Then, the valid detection signals SG2 and SG3 are turned off. The period T2 during which the valid detection signals SG2 and SG3 are output from the D flip-flop 130 is approximately the same as the ON period T1 of the D input, which is about 8 to 15 ms.

  The valid detection signal SG2 is output to the latch circuit 121 as described above, and the latch circuit 121 latches the count value sequentially input from the counter 120 in response to the rising of the valid detection signal SG2, and the state thereof is the valid detection signal. It is kept held for a period T2 until SG2 is turned off. The valid detection signal SG3 is output to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 sets a flag indicating that the valid detection signal SG3 is turned on, for example, in the RAM 103 in response to the fall of the valid detection signal SG3. Then, the CPU 101 executes a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10) described later each time the built-in timer circuit measures 2 ms, and indicates that the valid detection signal SG3 is turned on in this timer interrupt process. It is determined whether or not the flag is set. If the flag is set, it is determined that the game ball has won the starting winning opening 34, and the random number latched by the latch circuit 121 is acquired from the random number generator 105. , And store the random number in the RAM 103. Further, the CPU 101 reads out the random number stored in the RAM 103 in the variation start process (see FIG. 16) executed every 4 ms, and when the random number is a value indicating “big hit” stored in the ROM 102 in advance, the symbol display device The variable display of the symbols in 51 is stopped by a combination of the big hit symbols, and then a special game state (big hit state) is generated. If the random number read from the RAM 103 is not a value indicating "big hit", the variable display of the symbols on the symbol display device 51 is stopped by a combination of the lost symbols, and the normal game state is continued. In this way, when the CPU 101 receives the valid detection signal SG3 from the D flip-flop 130, it reads a random number from the random number generator 105 in response to the input, but the timer interrupt process for reading this random number is valid. Since the detection signal SG3 is repeatedly output in a shorter period (that is, 2 ms) than the period T2 in which the output is held, the latch circuit 121 can read in a stable state in which the random number is latched.

  Here, consider a case where the first clock generation circuit 104 stops outputting the clock signal CL1 due to a failure or other causes. In this case, since the clock signal CL1 is stopped, the counting operation in the counter 120 is stopped thereafter, the count value is not updated, and the count value at the time when the clock signal CL1 is stopped is maintained. On the other hand, the D flip-flop 130 also stops the C input due to the stop of the clock signal CL1, and thus does not exhibit the above-mentioned function. That is, even when the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 outputs the detection signal SG1 and the D input is turned on, the D flip-flop 130 does not output the effective detection signals SG2 and SG3 because the C input is cut off. Absent. Therefore, in this case, even if the game ball wins the starting winning opening 34, the CPU 101 does not execute the processing associated therewith, so that the variable display of the symbols is not displayed on the symbol display device 51, and some trouble occurs in the pachinko machine 1. It is possible to quickly grasp that there is, and it is possible to promptly take measures such as taking measures to stop the game in the game hall.

  In the example of FIG. 5 (or FIG. 6), when the bus line 111 connected to the random number generator 105 from the first clock generation circuit 104 is branched midway and the clock signal CL1 is input to the detection signal determination circuit 106. However, in this case, it is preferable to provide a branch point at a position where the clock signal CL1 is input to the random number generator 105 or a position in the vicinity thereof as much as possible. As a result, not only when the first clock generation circuit 104 fails to operate due to a failure or other reasons, but also when a connection failure of the bus line 111 occurs, the abnormality can be promptly grasped. .

  In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the first clock generation circuit 104 fails as described above as a cause that the variable display of the symbol on the symbol display device 51 is not performed even though the game ball has won the starting winning opening 34. There are cases where it does not operate normally due to factors such as the above, but as another cause, there is a case where the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 does not operate normally. Therefore, in order to make it easier to distinguish these two causes, for example, when the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 detects a game ball, the detection signal SG1 is input to the detection signal determination circuit 106, and the detection signal SG1 is separately input. The CPU 101 may be directly input to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 may be configured to use the detection signal SG1 directly input from the starting winning opening passage sensor 40 as a signal for paying out a prize ball associated with winning the starting winning opening 34. Good. According to this, even if the game ball has won the starting winning opening 34, even if the variable display of the symbol on the symbol display device 51 is not performed, the payout of the award ball is normally performed. Can easily specify that the first clock generation circuit 104 is not operating normally.

  The first clock generation circuit 104 outputs the clock signal CL1 of 7.9152 ... MHz as described above, and the counter 120 updates the count value for each pulse of the high-speed clock signal CL1. The counter 120 in 1 updates the count value faster than the software random number method. Further, in the ROM 102 of the CPU 101, a plurality of values (about 200) are stored in advance as values indicating “big hit”. Here, by setting each of the plurality of values indicating the “big hit” as a continuous value and setting them as discontinuous jump values, the counter 120 operating at a high speed does not generate random numbers corresponding to the “big hit”. This is advantageous in that it is difficult to generate a big hit by aiming because it can be generated continuously and the period for generating the random number can be as short as one cycle of the clock signal CL1. However, on the other hand, when a plurality of values indicating “big hit” stored in the ROM 102 are set as discontinuous jump values, when the CPU 101 makes a big hit determination, the random numbers acquired from the random number generator 105 are set as jump values. Since it is necessary to make a plurality of determinations one by one while comparing with, the processing efficiency at the time of jackpot determination is reduced. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a configuration as shown in FIG. 8 is adopted as a more preferable form.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a wiring pattern of the bus line 112 that connects the random number generator 105 and the CPU 101. The latch circuit 121 of the random number generator 105 treats the 8-byte random number as 1-byte information, and outputs each information in parallel to the output port 121a. The output port 121a is arranged in order from the upper byte to the lower byte, and has a port for individually outputting the information of each byte output from the latch circuit 121. The CPU 101 is also provided with an input port 101a. The input port 101a is arranged in order from the upper byte to the lower byte, and has a port for individually inputting information of each byte. The bus line 112 is wired so as to electrically connect the output port 121a of the random number generator 105 and the input port 101a of the CPU 101, and a total of 8 transmission lines for individually transmitting 1-byte information. I have it. As shown in FIG. 8, the bus line 112 is wired such that the upper byte and the lower byte cross each other. Therefore, the upper 4-byte information of the random number output from the output port 121a of the random number generator 105 is input as the lower 4-byte information to the input port 101a of the CPU 101 by the cross-wired bus line 112. The information of the lower 4 bytes of the random number output from the output port 121a of the random number generator 105 is input to the input port 101a of the CPU 101 as the information of the upper 4 bytes of the bus line 112 that is cross-wired. Therefore, the random number input to the CPU 101 is a value obtained by exchanging the upper byte and the lower byte of the random number generated by the random number generator 105.

  Then, in the present embodiment, a plurality of values indicating “big hit” stored in advance in the ROM 102 of the CPU 101 are set as continuous values. For example, a continuous value of 0 to 199 is set as a value indicating the "big hit" in the normal state (low probability state). In this case, the random number input to the CPU 101 has a value obtained by exchanging the upper byte and the lower byte of the random number generated by the random number generator 105. , 0 to 199 in which the upper byte and the lower byte are exchanged) are generated discontinuously, and the period for generating the random number is set to a short period of one cycle of the clock signal CL1. You can In addition, in this case, when the CPU 101 makes the big hit determination, it is necessary to make a single determination as to whether or not the random number input to the CPU 101 is within the range of consecutive values (0 to 199) indicating the “big hit”. It is possible to determine whether it is a big hit or a loss, and the processing efficiency at the time of a big hit determination is improved.

  Further, it is preferable to adopt continuous values not only for the normal state (low probability state) but also for the value indicating “big hit” in the high probability state (probability variation state). In the high-probability state, the number of values that indicate "big hits" is greater than in the normal state (low-probability state), but by setting those values as consecutive values as in the above, even in the high-probability state, 1 If it is judged once, it can be decided whether it is a big hit or a loss, and the processing efficiency at the time of a big hit judgment is improved.

  By cross-wiring the bus lines 112 as shown in FIG. 8, it becomes difficult to attach an unauthorized hanging board to the bus lines 112, which is an effective countermeasure against fraud.

  As described above, the main control device 100 of the present embodiment is provided with the hardware random number mechanism as a random number generation method used by the CPU 101 for jackpot determination, and this mechanism allows the first clock generation circuit 104 to operate normally. If it is operating normally, the detection signal determination circuit 106 that activates the detection signal SG1 that triggers the jackpot determination detected by the start winning opening passage sensor 40 and outputs it to the CPU 101 is It is provided. When the first clock generation circuit 104 is not operating normally, the detection signal determination circuit 106 invalidates the detection signal SG1 even if the detection signal SG1 is input from the starting winning opening passage sensor 40, and enables the CPU 101. It does not output the detection signal SG3. Therefore, the jackpot determination (lottery) is not performed in the CPU 101, and the variable display of the symbol display device 51 is also not performed, so that it is possible to quickly grasp that the pachinko machine 1 is in trouble.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the payout control device 200 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout motor 601. The CPU 201, which is an arithmetic unit, includes a ROM 202 storing a control program executed by the CPU 201, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 203 used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 203 of the payout control device 200 is, like the RAM 103 of the main control device 100, a stack area in which the contents of the internal registers of the CPU 201 and the return address of the control program executed by the CPU 201 are stored, and various flags and counters. , I / O and the like are stored in a work area (work area). The RAM 203 is configured to be able to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 500 even after the power of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off, and all the data stored in the RAM 203 is backed up.

  When the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the values of I / O and the like when the power is cut off are stored in the RAM 203. On the other hand, when the power is turned on, the state of the pachinko machine 1 is returned to the state before the power was turned off based on the information stored in the RAM 203. Writing to the RAM 203 is executed when the power is cut off, and restoration of each value written in the RAM 203 is executed when the power is turned on. Note that, like the CPU 101 of the main control device 100, a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal of the CPU 201 from the power failure monitoring circuit 502 when the power is shut off due to a power failure or the like, and the power failure signal is sent to the CPU 201. When input, the NMI interrupt processing as the power failure processing is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 204 is connected to the CPU 201 of the payout control device 200 via a bus line 205 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The main controller 100, the payout motor 601, the firing controller 602, etc. are connected to the input / output port 204.

  The firing control device 602 controls the ball firing unit 603 so that when the main control device 100 issues an instruction to fire a game ball, the launch strength of the game ball is set according to the rotation operation amount of the operation handle 51. is there.

  The voice lamp control device 300 outputs the voice in the voice output device (such as a speaker) 604, the output of lighting and extinguishing in the lamp display device (such as the illumination section 17 and the display lamp 18) 605, and the display control device 400. It is for controlling the setting of the display mode of the symbol display device 51 to be displayed. The CPU 301 provided as an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 302 storing a control program executed by the CPU 301, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 303 used as a work memory and the like.

  An input / output port 304 is connected to the CPU 301 of the audio lamp control device 300 via a bus line 305 including an address bus and a data bus. The main control device 100, the display control device 400, the audio output device 604, the lamp display device 605, and the like are connected to the input / output port 304.

  The display control device 400 controls variable display of symbols on the symbol display device (LCD) 51. The display control device 400 includes a CPU 401, a program ROM 402, a work RAM 403, an input port 404, an image controller 405, a video RAM 406, a character ROM 407, an output port 408, and bus lines 409 and 410. . The output side of the audio lamp control device 300 is connected to the input side of the input port 404, and the CPU 401, the program ROM 402, the work RAM 403, and the image controller 405 are connected to the output side of the input port 404, and also via the bus line 410. The output port 408 is connected. The symbol display device 51 is connected to the output side of the output port 408.

  The CPU 401 of the display control device 400 controls the display content of the symbol display device 51 based on the symbol display command input from the voice lamp control device 300. The program ROM 402 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the CPU 401 and fixed value data. The work RAM 403 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 401 executes various programs.

  The work RAM 403 stores, for example, a variation start flag and a flag during production. The fluctuation start flag is a flag that is turned on when a fluctuation pattern command instructing a display mode displayed on the symbol display device 51 is received, and turned off when variable display is started on the symbol display device 51. The in-production flag is a flag which is turned on when the variable display is continuously performed on the symbol display device 51 and is turned off when the variable display is finished.

  The video RAM 406 is a memory for storing effect data displayed on the symbol display device 51, and the display content of the symbol display device 51 is changed by rewriting the content of the effect data. In addition, the character ROM 407 is a memory in which data for effect such as symbols (numbers, backgrounds, symbols such as characters) displayed on the symbol display device 51 is stored.

  The image controller 405 adjusts the timings of the CPU 401, the video RAM 406, and the output port 408 to intervene in the reading and writing of data, and at the same time, reads the effect data stored in the video RAM 406 and displays it on the symbol display device 51. It is what makes me.

  The power supply device 500 includes a power supply unit 501 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 1, a power failure monitoring circuit 502 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure, etc., and a RAM erase switch circuit 503 having a RAM erase switch 82. ing. The power supply unit 501 supplies a necessary operating voltage to the main control device 100 and each of the sub control devices 200, 300, 400, etc. through a power supply path (not shown). For example, the power supply unit 251 takes in a voltage of 24 V AC supplied from the outside, 12 V voltage for driving various switches, solenoids, motors, etc., 5 V voltage for logic, and RAM backup. A backup voltage or the like is generated, and these 12 volt voltage, 5 volt voltage, and backup voltage are supplied to each unit that requires them.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 502 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal to each NMI terminal of the CPU 101 of the main control device 100 and the CPU 201 of the payout control device 200 when the power is shut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 502 monitors the voltage of DC stable 24 V which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 501, determines that a power failure (power shutdown) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 V, The power failure signal is output to the main controller 100 and the payout controller 200. By the output of the power failure signal, main controller 100 and payout controller 200 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the NMI interrupt processing. The power supply unit 501 outputs the voltage of 5 V, which is the drive voltage of the control system, for a sufficient time to execute the NMI interrupt process even after the voltage of DC stable 24 V becomes less than 22 V. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 100 and the payout controller 200 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 503 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal for clearing the backup data to the main controller 100 and the payout controller 200 when the RAM erase switch 82 is pressed. The main controller 100 and the payout controller 200 clear respective backup data when a RAM erase signal is input when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 of the main control device 100 uses a variety of counter information managed by internal processing of the CPU 101 in addition to the random numbers acquired from the above-described hardware random number mechanism at the time of playing a game such as the symbol display device 51. Determine the display mode. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration concept of various counters in the CPU 101 and the RAM 103. The CPU 101 uses a random number acquired from the random number generator 105 at the time of jackpot determination, and uses it as an internal counter of the CPU 101 to select a jackpot symbol in order to determine the display mode of the symbol display device 51 associated with the jackpot determination. A jackpot type counter C1, a stop pattern selection counter C2, and first to third variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 used for selecting a variation pattern are used. Further, the CPU 101 uses the second random number counter C3, which is an internal counter of the CPU 101, in the winning lottery of the specific lamp display portion 52, and uses the initial value random number counter CINI to set the initial value of the second random number counter C3. I have decided. These internal counters are updated by the internal processing of the CPU 101, and each time the update is performed, the previous value is incremented by 1 and becomes a loop counter that returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. ing.

  Each internal counter is updated at short time intervals of several ms or less, and the updated value is stored in the counter buffer 103a set in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 as appropriate. Further, the RAM 103 is provided with a holding ball storage area 103b including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each area of the reserved ball storage area 103b, the random number acquired from the random number generator 105 in response to the input of the valid detection signal SG3 and the respective values of the jackpot type counter C1 and the stop pattern selection counter C2 are stored. It

  Each internal counter will be described in detail. When the random number acquired from the random number generator 105 is a big hit, the big hit type counter C1 generates a random number for determining whether the state after the big hit is a high probability state or a low probability state. The display mode of the symbol display device 51 at the time of a big hit is determined by this value. The jackpot type counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in a range of 0 to 4, for example, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 4). The value of the jackpot type counter C1 is updated by the CPU 101 periodically (in this embodiment, once every timer interrupt). For example, the value of the random number that is in the high probability state after the jackpot is “1,2,3”, and the value of the random number that is in the low probability state after the jackpot is “0,4”. It is determined.

  The stop pattern selection counter C2 is a counter for generating a random number for determining the stop pattern of the variable symbol in the symbol display device 51 when the random number obtained from the random number generator 105 is not a big hit, and is in the range of 0 to 238, for example. 1 is added one by one in sequence, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238), it returns to 0. By this stop pattern selection counter C2, the pattern of the effect displayed on the symbol display device 51 is selected, and after the reach is generated, the final stop symbol is shifted by one before and after the reach symbol and is stopped "front-rear loose-reach" ( For example, in the range of 0 to 8), similarly, after the reach is reached, the final stop symbol is stopped other than before and after the reach symbol (for example, reach other than front-back loss) (for example, in the range of 9 to 38), and reach is not generated "complete loss". Three stop (effect) patterns (for example, the range of 39 to 238) are selected. The value of the stop pattern selection counter C2 is updated by the CPU 101 periodically (in this embodiment, once every timer interrupt).

  The stop pattern selection counter C2 is provided with a plurality of tables in which the range of random number values for which stop patterns are selected are different. This depends on whether the current state of the pachinko machine 1 is the high-probability state or the low-probability state, in which area of the reserved sphere storage area 103b each random number value is stored (that is, the number of reserved pieces), and the like. , To change the selection ratio of the stop pattern.

  For example, in the high probability state, a large table is selected such that the range of random number values corresponding to the stop pattern of “complete loss” is 10 to 238 and a wide range is selected so that the reach effect is not selected more than necessary because a big hit is likely to occur. It becomes easy to select "Complete loss". This table has a narrow range of "front and back lost reach" of 0 to 5 and a narrow range of "reach other than front and back lost" of 6 to 9, so "front and back lost reach" and "reach other than front and back lost" are selected. It becomes difficult to be done. Further, if each random number value is not stored in the reserved ball storage area 103b in a low probability state, a disturbance corresponding to the stop pattern of "complete loss" in order to secure the time for the game ball to enter the starting winning opening 34. A table with a narrow numerical range of 51 to 238 is selected, and it becomes difficult to select “complete loss”. In this table, the range of the random number value corresponding to the stop pattern of "reach other than front and back" is widened to 9 to 50, and "reach other than front and back" is easily selected. Therefore, in the low probability state, there is a high possibility that the reach effect will be performed, and the time for the game ball to enter the starting winning opening 34 can be secured, so that the variable display on the symbol display device 51 can be easily continued. .

  Of the first and second variation type counters CS1 and CS2, the first variation type counter CS1 is sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches the maximum value (that is, 198), and then becomes 0 again. The second variation type counter CS2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 240, for example, and reach a maximum value (that is, 240), and then return to 0 again. .

  The first variation type counter CS1 is a counter for generating a random number for determining a rough display mode such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. when performing a reach effect. The second variation type counter CS2 is a counter that generates a random number for determining the variation time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the final stop symbol stops after the reach is generated. Based on the variation time determined by the first and second variation type counters CS1 and CS2, the reach type of the symbol displayed on the symbol display device 51 and the detailed symbol variation mode are determined. Therefore, by combining these first and second fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2, it is possible to easily realize a variety of fluctuation patterns. Further, it is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1 or similarly determine the symbol variation aspect by the combination of the first variation type counter CS1 and the stopped symbol. The values of the first and second fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once each time a main process (see FIG. 14) described below is executed once, and are repeatedly updated within the remaining time in the main process. .

  The third variation type counter CS3 is a counter for generating a random number for performing a notice effect such as sliding a changing symbol on the symbol display device 51 or passing a notice character for notifying the occurrence of the reach effect. For example, in the range of 0 to 162, 1 is sequentially added, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 162), the value is returned to 0 again. The effect pattern of the announcement effect is determined by the value of the third variation type counter CS3. For example, based on the value of the third variation type counter CS3, the time required for the announcement effect is added to the variation time, or conversely, the variation time is subtracted to shorten the variation display time, or the variation time is changed. An effect pattern that does not add or subtract is selected. As with the stop pattern selection counter C2, the third variation type counter CS3 is provided with a plurality of tables having different ranges of random number values for which the effect patterns are selected, and the current state of the pachinko machine 1 is a high probability state. The selection ratio of each effect pattern is configured to be different depending on whether there is a low probability state or in which area of the reserved ball storage area 103b each random value is stored.

  As described above, the variation time of the symbol variation is determined by the first and second variation type counters CS1 and CS2, and the time to be added to or subtracted from the variation time is determined by the third variation type counter CS3. Therefore, the final fluctuation time until the final stop symbol stops is determined by the first to third fluctuation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3.

  The second random number counter C3 is configured as a loop counter that is sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 250, for example, and then returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). In the present embodiment, the value of the second random number counter C3 is, for example, periodically updated at every timer interruption, and is acquired at the timing when it is detected that the game ball has passed through either the left or right through gate 36. The number of random number values to be won is 149, and the range is “5 to 153”. The initial value random number counter CINI is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the second random number counter C3 (value = 0 to 250), and is updated once for each timer interrupt process (see FIG. 10). Together with this, it is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the main processing (see FIG. 14).

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 101 in the main control device 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 16. The processing of the CPU 101 is broadly divided into a startup processing that is started when the power is turned on, a main processing that is executed after the startup processing, and a timer allocation that is regularly (in this embodiment, 2 ms cycle) executed. There are an interrupt process and an NMI interrupt process executed by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal. For convenience of explanation, first, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described, and then the startup process and the main process. And explain.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. The timer interrupt process is executed by the CPU 101 of the main control device 100, for example, every 2 ms. In the timer interrupt process, first, a read process of various switches 610 is executed (step S101). That is, the states of various switches (excluding the RAM erase switch 82) connected to the main controller 100 are read, the states of the various switches are determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored. At this time, as for the valid detection signal SG3, a flag is set in the RAM 103 at the timing when the valid detection signal SG3 is input to the CPU 101 as described above, and the CPU 101 saves the detection information based on this flag. Further, when the flag associated with the validity detection signal SG3 is set to valid (on state), the CPU 101 saves the detection information indicating the winning of the start winning port 34 and then sets this flag to be invalid (off state). To do. In the present embodiment, the timer interrupt process may be executed multiple times during the period T2 (about 8 to 15 ms, see FIG. 7) during which the valid detection signal SG3 remains in the ON state. By storing the detection information based on the flag corresponding to the input of the signal SG3 and then setting this flag to be invalid, a plurality of timers can be operated even though the winning at the starting winning opening 34 is one. It is possible to prevent the detection information indicating the winning at the starting winning port 34 from being saved in each of the interrupt processes.

  Next, the initial value random number counter CINI is updated (step S102). Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value (250 in the present embodiment), it is cleared to 0, and the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI is stored in the RAM 103. In the corresponding buffer area of the counter buffer 103a.

  Subsequently, the jackpot type counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C2, and the second random number counter C3 are updated (step S103). Specifically, the jackpot type counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C2, and the second random number counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and their counter values reach the maximum values (4, 238, 250 in the present embodiment, respectively). When you do, clear to 0 respectively. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the counter buffer 103a in the RAM 103.

  After that, the start winning process associated with winning in the starting winning opening 34 is executed (step S104), the firing control process is executed (step S105), and the timer interrupt process ends. Note that the firing control process detects that the player is touching the operation handle 26 with a touch sensor, and the firing stop switch for stopping the firing is not operated, and the firing of the game ball is turned on. This is a process for determining ON / OFF. When the game sphere is turned on, the shooting controller 602 is instructed to fire the game sphere.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure executed in the starting winning process of step S104. In this start winning process (step S104), first, it is determined whether or not the valid detection signal SG3 is input (step S111). Here, it is determined whether or not the detection information indicating the winning of the start winning opening 34 is stored by the processing of step S101 (see FIG. 10), and if it is stored, the input of the valid detection signal SG3 is performed. It is determined that there is (that is, there is a winning in the starting winning opening 34). When it is determined that the valid detection signal SG3 is input (Yes in step S111), it is determined whether or not the number N of operation-holding balls of the symbol display device 51 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). (Step S112). If the valid detection signal SG3 is input and the number N of operation-holding balls is less than the upper limit value (N <4), Yes is obtained in step S112, and 1 is added to the number N of operation-holding balls (step S113). Then, the random number that is latched in the random number generator 105 is read, and the value is stored in the first free area of the reserved ball storage area 103b of the RAM 103 (step S114). At this time, the value stored in the reserved sphere storage area 103b is a value obtained by exchanging the upper byte and the lower byte of the random number held by the random number generator 105 as described above. After that, the respective values of the jackpot type counter C1 and the stop pattern selection counter C2 updated in step S103 are stored in the reserved ball storage area 103b of the RAM 203 (step S115). At this time, the area in which each value is stored is the same as the area in which the random number is stored in step S114, and each value is stored in the first area of the empty reserved areas of the reserved storage area 103b. On the other hand, if the valid detection signal SG3 is not input (No in step S111), or if the number N of operation-holding balls is equal to or more than the upper limit value even if the valid detection signal SG3 is input (in step S112). In the case of No), the processes of steps S113 to S115 are skipped, the start winning process is ended, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt processing. The NMI interrupt process is a process executed by the CPU 101 of the main controller 100 when the pachinko machine 1 is powered off due to a power failure or the like. By this NMI interrupt processing, the power-off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 103. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 502 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 101 in the main control device 100. Then, the CPU 101 interrupts the control under execution to start the NMI interrupt processing, stores the power-off occurrence information in the RAM 103 as the setting of the power-off occurrence information (S201), and ends the NMI interrupt processing. To do.

  Note that the NMI interrupt processing described above is similarly executed in the payout control device 200, and the power failure occurrence information is stored in the RAM 203 by the NMI interrupt processing. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is cut off due to a power failure or the like, a power failure signal is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 502 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 201 in the payout control device 200, and the CPU 201 interrupts the control being executed. , NMI interrupt processing is started.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a startup process executed by the CPU 101 in the main control device 100. This startup process is started by a reset when the power is turned on. In the start-up process, first, an initial setting process accompanying power-on is executed (step S301). Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined value. Then, in order to wait until the sub-side control device (voice lamp control device 300, payout control device 200, etc.) becomes operable, a wait process (for example, a standby process for about 1 second) is executed (step S302). . Then, access to the RAM 103 is permitted (step S303).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 82 provided in the power supply device 115 is turned on (step S304), and if it is turned on (Yes in step S304), the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 82 is not turned on (No in step S304), it is further determined whether or not the power-off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 103 (step S305), and if it is not stored (step S305). Since the backup data is not stored in S305), the process proceeds to step S310 in this case as well. If the power-off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 103 (Yes in step S305), the RAM determination value is calculated (step S306). If the calculated RAM determination value is not normal (that is, the calculated RAM determination value is If it does not match the RAM judgment value saved when the power is turned off), the backed up data has been destroyed, so No in step S307, and even in such a case the process proceeds to step S310. As described above, the RAM determination value is, for example, the checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 103. Instead of this RAM judgment value, the validity of the backup may be judged by whether or not the keyword written in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 is correctly stored.

  In the process of step S310, a payout initialization command is transmitted to initialize the payout control device 200, which is the sub-side control device (step S310). After that, the processing shifts to the initialization processing of the RAM 103 (steps S311 and S312).

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1, when the RAM data is initialized when the power is turned on, for example, when the game hall is opened, the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 82. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 82 is pressed, the process proceeds to the RAM initialization process (steps S311 and S312). Also, when the power-off occurrence information is not set, or when the backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process similarly shifts to the initialization process of the RAM 103. That is, in the RAM initialization processing of steps S311 and S312, the used area of the RAM 103 is cleared to 0 (step S311), and the initial value of the RAM 103 is set (step S312). Then, the process proceeds to step S313.

  On the other hand, the RAM erase switch 82 is not turned on (No in step S304), the power-off occurrence information is stored (Yes in step S305), and the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like) is normal. If so (Yes in step S307), the power-off occurrence information is cleared (step S308). Next, a payout return command at power recovery for returning the sub-side payout control device 200 to the game state when the drive power is shut off is transmitted (step S309), and the process proceeds to step S313. Then, after performing the process of permitting the interrupt in step S313, the process shifts to the main process.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the CPU 101 in the main control device 100. In this main processing, the main processing of the game is executed. As its outline, each process of steps S401 to S406 is executed as a periodic process repeatedly executed every 4 ms, and the counter updating process of steps S409 and S410 is executed in the remaining time.

  In the main process, first, output data such as a command updated in the previous process is transmitted to each sub-side control device (step S401). Specifically, the presence / absence of prize detection information is determined, and if there is prize detection information, a prize ball command corresponding to the number of acquired balls is transmitted to the payout control device 200. Further, the variation pattern command, the stop symbol command, the stop command, the effect time addition command and the like necessary for the variable display of the symbol by the symbol display device 51 are transmitted to the voice lamp control device 300. Furthermore, when a game ball is to be emitted, a ball emission signal is transmitted to the emission control device 602.

  Next, the respective values of the first to third fluctuation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 are updated (step S402). Specifically, each of the values of the first to third fluctuation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 is incremented by 1, and when the respective counter values reach the maximum value (198, 240, 162 in this embodiment), respectively. Clear to 0. Then, the update values of the fluctuation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the counter buffer 103a in the RAM 103.

  When the updating of the first to third fluctuation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 is finished, the prize ball counting signal and the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 200 are read (step S403), and display is performed by the symbol display device 51. And the variation process for setting the variation pattern of the symbol by the symbol display device 51 are executed (step S404). The details of this variation process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

  After the end of the variation process, a large opening opening / closing process for opening or closing the special winning opening (large opening) 35a of the variable winning device 35 is executed in the case of a big hit state (step S405). That is, the special winning opening 35a is opened for each round in the big hit state, and it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the special winning opening 35a has elapsed or whether a specified number of game balls have been won in the special winning opening 35a. Then, when any of these conditions is established, the special winning opening 35a is closed. The opening and closing of the special winning opening 35a is repeated a predetermined number of times.

  Next, a display control process is executed for the first lamp display unit 53 that lights the symbol "O" and the second lamp display unit 54 that lights the symbol "X" in the specific lamp display unit 52 (step S406). ). Briefly described, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the through gate 36, the value of the second random number counter C3 is acquired at the timing when the game ball has passed, and the first lamp display section 53 and the first lamp display section 53 in the specific lamp display section 52 are acquired. The variable display with the two-lamp display unit 54 is performed. Then, a winning lottery is carried out based on the value of the second random number counter C3, and when the value is a winning, the first lamp display section 53 is turned on and stopped, and the electric accessory ( The movable wings that open and close in the left-right direction are opened for a predetermined time.

  After that, it is determined whether or not the power-off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 103 (step S407). If the power-off occurrence information is not stored in the RAM 103 (No in step S407), the next main processing is performed. It is determined whether or not the execution timing has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 ms in the present embodiment) has passed since the start of the previous main processing (step S408), and if the predetermined time has already passed (step S408). (Yes in S408), the process proceeds to step S401, and the processes in step S401 and subsequent steps described above are repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined time has not yet elapsed since the start of the previous main processing (No in step S408), the remaining time until the predetermined time, that is, the execution timing of the next main processing is reached. In the above, the update of the initial value random number counter CINI (step S409) and the update of the first to third variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 (step S410) are repeatedly executed. In the update of the initial value random number counter CINI (step S409), the value of the initial value random number counter CINI is incremented by 1, and is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (250 in the present embodiment). Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the counter buffer 103a in the RAM 103. Further, in updating the first to third variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 (step S410), the values of the respective variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 are incremented by 1 and the counter values thereof reach the maximum value (in the present embodiment. Then, when it reaches 198, 240, 162), it is cleared to 0 respectively. Then, the updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the counter buffer 103a in the RAM 103, respectively.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S401 to S406 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next main process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, the initial value random number counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the second random number counter C3) can be updated at random by repeatedly updating the initial value random number counter CINI using the remaining time. In addition, the first to third fluctuation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 can also be updated at random.

  Further, in the processing of step S407, when the power-off occurrence information is stored in the RAM 103 (Yes in step S407), the power-off processing after step S411 is executed. In this process, first, the occurrence of each interrupt process is prohibited (step S411), and a power cutoff notification command indicating that the power supply has been cut off is sent to another control device (such as the payout control device 200 or the voice lamp control device 300). To (step S412). Then, the RAM judgment value is calculated and stored (step S413), the access to the RAM 103 is prohibited (step S414), and the infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and the processing cannot be executed. Here, the RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value in the stack area and work area of the RAM 103 that are backed up. The processing of step S407 is performed at the end of a series of processing corresponding to the game state change performed at steps S401 to S406, or at the end of one cycle of the processing of steps S409 and S410 performed within the remaining time. It is executed at the timing.

  Next, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowcharts showing the detailed processing procedure of the above-described fluctuation processing (step S404). In this variation process, first, it is determined whether or not the pachinko machine 1 is currently in a big hit (step S420). The jackpot includes the jackpot game displayed on the symbol display device 51 when the jackpot is hit and the predetermined time period after the jackpot game is over. If the result of this determination is that the pachinko machine 1 is currently making a big hit (Yes in step S420), this processing ends.

  If it is not a big hit (No in step S420), it is determined whether or not the display mode of the symbol display device 51 is changing (step S421). If the display mode of the symbol display device 51 is not changing (No in step S421), it is further determined whether or not the number N of operation-holding balls is larger than 0 (step S422). If the number N of operation-holding balls is 0 (No in step S422), this process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if the number N of operation reserve balls> 0 (Yes in step S422), the number N of operation reserve balls is subtracted by 1 (step S423), and the data stored in the reserve ball storage area 103b is shifted. (Step S424). This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the holding sphere storage area 103b to the execution area side, that is, the holding first area → the execution area, the holding second area. The data in each area is shifted in the order of → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area. After the data shift process, the variation start process of the symbol display device 51 is executed (step S425). The fluctuation start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In the process of step S421, when it is determined that the display mode of the symbol display device 51 is changing (Yes in step S421), it is determined whether the changing time has elapsed (step S426). The display time during change of the symbol display device 51 is determined according to the change pattern selected by the first and second change type counters CS1 and CS2 and the addition time selected by the third change type counter CS3, If this variation time has not elapsed (No in step S426), this process ends and the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, if the variation time of the symbol has elapsed (Yes in step S426), the confirmation command set for confirming the stopped symbol is set (step S427), and this processing ends. The confirmation command is received by the voice lamp control device 300, and the voice lamp control device 300 instructs the display control device 400 to stop. As a result, the variable display of the symbols on the symbol display device 51 is stopped, and one variation effect is finished.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed processing procedure of the above-described fluctuation start processing (step S425). In this variation start process (step S425), first, a big hit determination is made (step S430). That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the random number input from the random number generator 105, which is stored in the execution area of the reserved sphere storage area 103b, is a preset “big hit” value. In the present embodiment, as described above, the value indicating “big hit” is set as a continuous value of, for example, 0 to 199. Therefore, at the time of big hit determination, the value of the random number input from the random number generator 105 is in the range of 0 to 199. Since it is only necessary to make a single determination as to whether or not it is within the range, the processing efficiency at the time of the determination is good. In this jackpot determination, different ranges are applied as the range of values indicating "big hit" depending on whether the state of the pachinko machine 1 is the high probability state or the low probability state. Specifically, in the high-probability state, a wider range than the low-probability state is applied as a range of values indicating “big hit”, and the probability of being a big hit is higher than in the low-probability state. Then, if the value of the random number is within a range of consecutive values indicating "big hit", it is determined that the big hit.

  When it is determined that it is a big hit (Yes in step S430), the value of the big hit type counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 103b is confirmed, and the display mode at the time of big hit is set ( Step S431). In the process of step S431, whether to shift to the high-probability state or the low-probability state after the jackpot is set based on the value of the jackpot type counter C1. When the transition state after the big hit is set, the display mode of the symbol display device 51 is set. That is, in the process of step S431, the transition state after the big hit is set, and the stop symbol at the time of the big hit in the symbol display device 51 is set.

  Next, the variation pattern at the time of a big hit is determined (step S432). When the fluctuation pattern is set in the process of step S432, the fluctuation time of the symbol until the big hit symbol is stopped in the symbol display device 51 is determined. At this time, the values of the first and second variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer 103a of the RAM 103 are confirmed, and normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. are determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. While determining the variation time of the rough symbol variation, the variation time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the final stop symbol stops after the reach is generated is determined based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2.

  Note that the relationship between the numerical value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 and the fluctuation time, and the relationship between the numerical value of the second fluctuation type counter CS2 and the fluctuation time are defined in advance by a table or the like. However, it is also possible to set the fluctuation time by using only the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 without using the value of the second fluctuation type counter CS2, and by setting only the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. Whether to set or to set with both values of both fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 is appropriately determined according to the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1 and the game condition at each time.

  When it is determined in the process of step S430 that the jackpot is not the big hit (No in step S430), the display mode at the time of losing is set (step S433). In the process of step S433, based on the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area 103b, the effect to be displayed on the symbol display device 51 is front-back loss reach or other than front-back loss. Set whether it is reach or complete loss. Further, the display mode of the symbol display device 51 is set. That is, in the process of step S433, the aspect of the effect display at the time of loss and the loss stop symbol are set.

  Next, the variation pattern at the time of losing is determined (step S434), and the variation time of the symbol until the symbol is stopped on the symbol display device 51 is determined. At this time, similarly to the processing of step S432, the values of the first and second fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer 103a of the RAM 103 are confirmed, and based on the value of the first fluctuation type counter CS1. Normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and the like, the fluctuation time of the rough symbol fluctuation is determined, and based on the value of the second fluctuation type counter CS2, the fluctuation time until the final stop symbol stops after the reach occurs (in other words, fluctuation Number of symbols) is determined.

  When the process of step S432 or S434 ends, the effect time that is added to or subtracted from the change time determined by the first and second change type counters CS1 and CS2 is determined (step S435). At this time, addition / subtraction of the effect time is determined based on the value of the third variation type counter CS3 stored in the counter buffer 103a of the RAM 103, and the variation time of the symbol display device 51 is set. In the present embodiment, the addition / subtraction of the effect time is determined by changing the variable display time to 2 seconds when the variable display time is not changed and when the variable display time is added by 1 second according to the value of the third variation type counter CS3. In the case of addition, four types of addition values are determined, which are the case where the variable display time is subtracted by 1 second.

  In addition, when the variable display time is added or subtracted, the notice effect that the expectation value of the jackpot on the symbol display device 51 becomes high (for example, the slide effect or notice character in which the variation time of the variable symbol is made longer than usual to cause slippage) The effect of displaying 1) and the effect of immediately stopping by changing the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern of 1 shorter than usual) are performed. When it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit in step S430, the probability that the additional value of 2 seconds is selected is set to be high, and the player can expect the big hit by confirming the notice effect.

  Next, the variation pattern command is set according to the variation pattern (variation time) determined in the process of step S432 or S434 (step S436), and the stop symbol is determined according to the stop symbol set in the process of step S431 or S433. A command is set (step S437). Then, an effect time addition command is set according to the added value of the effect time determined in the process of step S436 (step S438), the present process is ended, and the process returns to the variation process.

  The CPU 101 in the main control device 100 executes the above-described processing to send various commands to the sub-side control devices. Then, each sub-side control device controls each part based on the command received from the main control device 100, so that the pachinko machine 1 emits game balls, pays out prize balls, or displays various effects associated with the game. It is supposed to be.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 1 includes the first clock generation circuit 104 and the random number generator 105, and the random number generator 105 updates the random number based on the clock signal CL1 output from the first clock generation circuit 104. To do. This random number is used in main controller 100 for the jackpot determination. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a detection signal determination circuit 106, which detects the clock signal CL1 and the first clock generation circuit 104 outputs the clock signal CL1 normally. Only in such a case, the detection signal SG1 output by the starting winning opening detection sensor 40 is output to the CPU 101 as an effective detection signal (that is, an effective detection signal SG3). Then, when the CPU 101 receives the valid detection signal SG3, it is configured to acquire a random number from the random number generator 105 by using it as a trigger for the jackpot determination and perform the jackpot determination. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first clock generation circuit 104 stops outputting the clock signal CL1 for some reason (in this case, the pachinko machine 1 is still in a playable state), the start winning opening Even if the detection sensor 40 detects the trigger for the jackpot determination, the detection signal determination circuit 106 does not output the effective detection signal SG3 to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 does not perform the jackpot determination. As a result, even when the game ball is won in the start winning hole 34, the variable display on the symbol display device 51 is not performed, and it becomes possible to quickly grasp that the pachinko machine 1 is in trouble.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above, and various modifications can be applied to the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 has been described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine and a so-called parrot machine. In the case of slot machines and parrot machines, the timing at which the player operates the operation lever to the on state is the trigger for the jackpot judgment, so a random number is obtained from the random number generator in response to the operation lever being turned on. It Therefore, only when the clock signal for updating the random number of the random number generator is normally output, the detection signal for detecting that the operation lever is turned on is output to the CPU as an effective detection signal. In this case, if the clock signal is not output normally, the CPU 101 does not perform the jackpot determination, and as a result, the variable display of the symbols is not performed either, so it is possible that some trouble has occurred in the slot machine or the parrot machine. It can be easily grasped.

1 Pachinko machine (gaming machine)
40 Starting winning opening passage sensor (trigger detection means)
100 Main control device 101 CPU (control means)
104 first clock generation circuit (periodic signal generation means)
105 random number generator (random number generating means)
106 detection signal determination circuit (detection signal validation means)
107 Second Clock Generation Circuit (Drive Signal Generation Means)
120 counter (random number updating means)
121 Latch circuit (holding means)
130 D flip-flop 131 Schmitt trigger (waveform shaping means)
132 Inverter (timing adjusting means)
CL1, CL2 Clock signal (periodic signal)
SG1 detection signal SG2, SG3 valid detection signal

Claims (1)

First signal output means for outputting a first signal;
Clock signal output means for outputting a clock signal at a predetermined cycle,
Numerical information generating means for generating numerical information based on the clock signal,
Numerical information acquisition means for acquiring the numerical information generated by the numerical information generation means based on the first signal;
Determination means for determining whether or not to give a privilege to the player based on the numerical information acquired by the numerical information acquisition means,
A pattern display means for variably displaying the pattern,
A variable display control means for controlling the pattern display means so as to start the variable display of the pattern based on the determination by the determination means and then stop the variable display,
Electrically connecting the first signal output means and the determination means via a second signal output means for outputting a second signal to the determination means,
The determination means is configured to perform the determination based on the second signal,
The second signal output means is configured to output the second signal based on a change in the output state of the clock signal when the first signal is output ,
Launching means for launching a game ball toward the game area,
A ball entering portion provided in the game area, into which a game ball can enter,
A payout control means for controlling the payout means so that a predetermined number of game balls are paid out from the payout means when the game ball enters the ball entering portion.
Equipped with
The first signal output means is configured to output the first signal when a game ball enters the ball entering portion,
A storage means for storing the numerical information acquired by the numerical information acquisition means based on the output of the second signal, with a predetermined number as a predetermined upper limit;
The determination means is configured to sequentially perform determination based on the numerical value information stored in the storage means,
A storage number informing unit for informing the storage number of the numerical information stored in the storage unit,
The first signal output means and the determination means are electrically connected via the second signal output means, while the first signal output means and the payout control means operate as the second signal output means. It is electrically connected without going through,
A gaming machine, wherein the payout control means is configured to control the payout means based on the first signal.

Images