JP6764822B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine that controls an effect as the game progresses.

The production performed as the game progresses has increased its expressive power with the progress of technology, and the player's visual sense and the player's visual sense and the reproduction of audio and video are combined in a complex manner such as displacement of the movable body, lighting of the lamp, and reproduction of audio and video. Intuitive production that appeals to the auditory sense is realized in various forms. Of these, the movable body can be displaced by being driven by a connected motor, and a game machine that outputs a drive signal for such a motor via a motor controller is known.

For example, a motor controller mounted inside a composite chip that controls all production operations directly sends a motor drive signal to a driver IC mounted on an external board based on a set value written in a motor control register. A gaming machine that outputs is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, the motor controller provided outside the sub-control circuit that controls the effect operation relays between the sub-control circuit and the movable body, and the motor excitation data transmitted from the inside of the sub-control circuit (host control circuit). There is a gaming machine that indirectly outputs the data to the motor driver installed in the motor controller (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-159030 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-150106

In the former prior art, the motor to be controlled is set in each motor control register, and the motor controller outputs a drive signal for each motor based on this setting. Further, in the latter prior art, the host control circuit specifies a specific motor driver as a transmission destination when transmitting excitation data for driving a specific motor. Since a specific motor is driven in this way, the number of motors that can be controlled in any of the prior arts is physically the hardware specifications in the motor controller (motor control registers and motor drivers). Number) depends.

At this time, no particular problem occurs as long as the total number of motors does not exceed the upper limit according to the hardware specifications. However, in order to achieve fine movement and to displace more moving objects than usual, more motors than the upper limit according to the hardware specifications are required, and in this case, simply connecting the motors is sufficient. , It is not possible to control the drive of all motors.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of controlling the drive of more motors.

The present invention employs the following solutions to solve the above problems. The wording in parentheses below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Solution 1: The gaming machine of the present solution receives the operation instruction through any of a plurality of motors that can be individually operated based on the operation instruction and a predetermined number of information setting areas, and is subject to the operation instruction. A drive control means that generates and outputs a drive signal for a certain motor and a free information setting area for which the operation instruction has not yet been received within the predetermined number of minutes are searched, and the searched information setting area is the target. It is provided with an effect control means for associating a motor.

According to the present solution, for example, the processing of the effect control device is executed in the following flow.
(1) When the game ball is launched, it flows down in the game area while being guided by obstacle nails, windmills, structures, etc., and in the process, it passes through some area or enters the ball entrance (winning opening, etc.). I play a ball. The main control means advances the game by controlling the game in response to these events, and outputs basic information (various commands) related to the game.

(2) The effect control means controls the execution of the effect based on the basic information output in (1) above. For example, when some basic information (for example, a fluctuation start command) is output from the main control means, the effect control means controls the execution of the effect according to the basic information. More specifically, the effect control means instructs an operation according to the effect.

(3) A plurality of motors are used in the process of executing the effect. These motors can operate individually based on individual operation instructions.

(4) When the drive control means receives an operation instruction from the effect control means of (2) above, the drive control means generates and outputs a drive signal for an individual motor that is the target of the instruction. The drive control means has a predetermined number of minutes (for example, 16) of information setting areas, and receives an operation instruction from the effect control means through any of these information setting areas.

(5) The effect control means of the above (2) gives an operation instruction to the drive control means of the above (4) when executing the operation effect using the motor. At this time, the effect control means searches for a free information setting area (an information setting area for which an operation instruction has not yet been received), and associates the target motor with any of the free information setting areas. As a result, the information setting area for receiving the operation instruction and the target motor are uniquely associated with each other.

The drive control means can control one motor for one information setting area, but the number of information setting areas is limited to a predetermined number. On the other hand, although a plurality of motors are controlled in the process of executing the effect, there are motors that are constantly driven (controlled) and motors that are temporarily driven. If the temporarily driven motor is left associated with the information setting area, other motors cannot be associated with the information setting area even though the information setting area is not substantially used. ..

In the present solution, when the effect control means gives an operation instruction of the motor to the drive control means, the free information setting area is searched and the motor is associated with any one of them. Therefore, according to the present solution, the limited number of information setting areas can be effectively utilized by dynamically associating the motor with the information setting area and using the information setting area available at that time. However, the drive of the motor can be controlled efficiently.

SOLUTION: In the game machine of the present solution means, in the solution means 1, the effect control means has a first instruction unit for giving a series of instructions necessary for executing an operation effect using a motor, and the first instruction unit. It has a second instruction unit that analyzes the series of instructions from the above and instructs the drive control means to operate the target motor based on the content thereof, and the second instruction unit is the series. Upon receiving the instruction, the free information setting area is searched and the target motor is associated with the target motor, and when the second instruction unit finishes analyzing the series of instructions, the target motor is associated with the target motor. The information setting area is added to the search candidates of the free information setting area.

According to the present solution, the following features are added.
(6) The effect control means of (5) above has two indicating units. First, when the first instruction unit gives a series of instructions necessary for executing the operation effect using the motor, the second instruction unit analyzes the series of instructions and determines the operation of the target motor based on the contents. Instruct the drive control means of (4). At this time, when the second instruction unit receives a series of instructions, the free information setting area is searched and the motor is associated with the motor, and when the analysis of the series of instructions is completed, the information setting area associated with the motor is vacant. Switch to the state and add it to the search candidates as a free information setting area. As a result, if the free information setting area is searched, this information setting area will be hit as one of the candidates.

In the present solution, the motor for the information setting area is after the second indicator receives a series of instructions to the motor, that is, before the second indicator starts the operation instruction based on the series of instructions to the drive control means. The information setting area is added to the search candidates of the free information setting area after the analysis of the series of instructions is completed, that is, after the operation instruction based on the series of instructions is completed. As a result, the unnecessary information setting area is switched to a state in which a new motor can be associated immediately after that. Therefore, according to the present solution, the unnecessary information setting area can be immediately reused, so that the motor drive can be controlled more efficiently while making more effective use of the information setting area. It will be possible.

Solution 3: In the game machine of the present solution, the number of motors that can be simultaneously driven by the drive signal in the solution 1 or 2 matches a predetermined number in the information setting area, and the plurality of motors are the same. The number is larger than the predetermined number of the information setting areas of the drive control means.

According to the present solution, the following features are added.
(7) The drive control means of (4) above can simultaneously drive a number of motors matching a predetermined number in the information setting area.
(8) The plurality of motors of (3) above are more than a predetermined number of information setting areas, that is, the number of motors that can be driven simultaneously by the drive control means of (4).

The number of information setting areas depends on the hardware specifications and is fixed at a predetermined number. Since the drive control means can control one motor for one information setting area, it is possible to simultaneously drive a number of motors corresponding to a predetermined number. On the other hand, the total number of motors used in the process of executing the effect exceeds the number of motors that can be driven simultaneously. At this time, if the information setting area is not dynamically associated, the effect control means instructs the drive control means to operate through the information setting area until the number of motors to be controlled reaches a predetermined number. However, since there is no information setting area for instructing the effect operation of the motors exceeding a predetermined number, the operation instruction cannot be given to the drive control means. As a result, the motors exceeding a predetermined number cannot be driven.

On the other hand, in the present solution, since the motor is dynamically associated with the information setting area and switched to the vacant state, the unnecessary information setting area can be reused. In addition, considering the limitation of the amount of current consumption that can be used by the entire game machine, the effect using the motor is preconfigured within the range where the total amount of current required by the simultaneously driven motors does not exceed the specified value. Even if the total number of motors used during the production exceeds the number that can be driven simultaneously, the number of motors that are actually driven simultaneously falls within the number that can be driven simultaneously.

Therefore, according to the present solution, the drive of the motors can be efficiently controlled, and even when the total number of motors used in the production process exceeds the number of motors that can be simultaneously driven, each motor is reliably controlled. Can be driven to.

According to the present invention, it is possible to control the drive of more motors.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the game board unit alone. It is a front view which shows a part of a game board unit enlarged. It is a block diagram which shows various electronic devices equipped in a pachinko machine. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure in an effect control device. It is a flowchart (1/2) which shows the procedure example of CPU initialization processing. It is a flowchart (2/2) which shows the procedure example of CPU initialization processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the evacuation process at the time of power-off. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a command reception interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a switch input event processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the 1st special symbol memory update processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the 2nd special symbol memory update processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the effect determination processing at the time of acquisition. It is a flowchart which shows the structure example of the special symbol game processing. It is a continuous figure which shows the example of the effect image corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of a special symbol. It is a continuous figure (1/4) which shows the flow of the reach effect (at the time of a big hit) executed during a special zone effect. It is a continuous figure (2/4) which shows the flow of the reach effect (at the time of a big hit) executed during the special zone effect. It is a continuous figure (3/4) which shows the flow of the reach effect (at the time of a big hit) executed during the special zone effect. It is a continuous figure (4/4) which shows the flow of the reach effect (at the time of a big hit) executed during the special zone effect. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the CPU initialization process which is executed by an effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the effect control processing. It is a figure which shows the outline of the movable body control. It is a figure which shows an example of a motor control table. It is a figure which shows an example of the control instruction which constitutes a motor control table. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration around SMC. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of a motor drive processing. It is a table which shows the transition example of the motor allocation status for each motor control group. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the working memory effect management process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the effect symbol management processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the effect symbol change preprocessing. It is a flowchart which shows the configuration example of the processing at the time of operation of a variable winning device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) 1. Further, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses a game ball as a game medium, and the player borrows the game ball from the game hall operator and plays the game with the pachinko machine 1. In the game of the pachinko machine 1, each of the game balls is a medium having a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball acquired by the player. It can be converted into a game value based on the number of. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

〔overall structure〕
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, game machine frame) as its main body. The integrated door unit 4 is located on the frontmost side of the player when viewed from the front facing the player. The inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (back side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outside of the inner frame assembly 7.

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure in which wood and metal materials are combined in a vertically long rectangular shape, and the outer frame unit 2 provides fasteners such as screws to island equipment (not shown) in the amusement park. It is fixed by using. In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the parts corresponding to the upper and lower short sides, and metal material is used for the parts corresponding to the left and right long sides.

The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the saucer unit 6 is integrated at the lower position thereof. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame unit 2, and each of them operates in an openable and closable manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening / closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends in the vertical direction along the left end portion when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge portion (left edge portion in FIG. 2) of the inner frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. 1. Correspondingly, locking tools (not shown) are also provided on the right side edges (back side) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in FIG. 1, with the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 closed to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side thereof together with the locking tool is the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly. It makes it impossible to open 7.

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

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

Further, the pachinko machine 1 includes a game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7 with the integrated door unit 4 opened to the front side, for example. A vertically elongated circular window 4a is formed in the central portion of the integrated door unit 4, and a glass unit (without reference numeral) is mounted in the window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut according to the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a fixture (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface, game board) is formed on the front surface of the game board unit 8, and the game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface so that the game ball can flow down.

The saucer unit 6 has a shape that protrudes from the integrated door unit 4 to the front side as a whole, and an upper plate 6b is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the upper plate 6b, a game ball (rental ball) lent to the player and a game ball (prize ball) acquired by winning a prize can be stored. Further, in the plate receiving unit 6, a lower plate 6c is formed at a lower position of the upper plate 6b. In the lower plate 6c, a game ball further paid out with the upper plate 6b full is stored. The pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called CR machine (a model connected to the CR unit), and the game ball borrowed by the player is a plate unit 6 (upper) from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from the prize ball. It is paid out to the plate 6b or the lower plate 6c).

A lending operation unit 14 is provided on the upper surface of the saucer unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the lending operation unit 14. When the player operates the ball lending button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a medium with a built-in storage IC, etc.) inserted in a CR unit (not shown), the number corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 frequencies). (For example, 125) of game balls are rented out. Therefore, a frequency display unit (not shown) is arranged on the upper surface of the lending operation unit 14, and the frequency display unit displays the residual frequency of the valuable medium charged in the CR unit. By operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of the valuable medium having the remaining frequency. In the present embodiment, the CR machine is taken as an example, but the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine (a model not connected to the CR unit) different from the CR machine.

Further, on the upper surface of the saucer unit 6, an upper plate ball removing button 6d is installed in front of the upper plate 6b at the upper stage position, and a lower plate ball removing lever 6e is installed in the center thereof in front of the lower plate 6c. Is installed. The player can push the upper plate ball removal button 6d, for example, to cause the game ball stored in the upper plate 6b to flow down to the lower plate 6c. Further, the player can slide the lower plate ball removing lever 6e to the left, for example, to drop the game ball stored in the lower plate 6c downward and discharge it. The discharged game ball is received in, for example, a ball receiving box (not shown).

A handle unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the saucer unit 6. By operating the handle unit 16, the player can operate the launch control board set 174 and launch (launch) the game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launcher). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails, windmills (without reference numerals in the figure) and the like are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down in the game area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle nails and the windmill. The configuration of the game area 8a (board surface, game board) will be described later with reference to another drawing.

[Structure on the front of the frame]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for directing. Of these, the left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decorative lamp 48, and the upper right lighting unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decorative lamp 50. In addition, the left and right glass frame decorative lamps 52 are installed in the integrated door unit 4 so as to be connected below the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right lighting unit 49, respectively. It extends from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front surface of the saucer unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46, the left and right glass frame decorative lamps 48, 50, 52, etc. are arranged so as to surround the glass unit.

The various lamps 46, 48, 50, and 52 described above execute the effect by, for example, emitting light from the built-in LED (lighting or blinking, change in luminance gradation, change in color tone, etc.). Further, in the upper part of the integrated door unit 4, the speakers 54 and 55 on the glass frame are incorporated in the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively. On the other hand, the outer frame speaker 56 is incorporated in the lower left position of the outer frame unit 2. These speakers 54, 55, 56 output sound effects, BGM, voice, and the like (general sound) to execute the effect.

Further, in the center of the plate receiving unit 6, an effect switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper plate 6b (operation input means). The player can switch the effect content (for example, the background screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 42) by pressing the effect switching button 45, for example, while the symbol is changing, the jackpot is confirmed, or the jackpot is being played. It is possible to generate some kind of production (notice production, probabilistic promotion production, promotion production during a major role, etc.).

Further, a jog dial 45a is installed around the effect switching button 45 so as to surround the effect switching button 45 (operation input means, rotary selector). By rotating the jog dial 45a, the player can change, for example, the effect content displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Backside configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the power supply control unit 162, the main control board unit 170, the payout device unit 172, the flow path unit 173, the launch control board set 174, and the payout control board unit 176. , Back cover unit 178 and the like are installed. In addition to this, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, various electronic devices (including a control computer (not shown), which constitute the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), etc. are installed.

The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (without reference numerals), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7. , Game balls replenished from a replenishment route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game ball sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the saucer unit 6 on the front side.

Further, the external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.), and from the external terminal board 160, the game progress state of the pachinko machine 1. Various external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation count information, jackpot information, starting port information, etc.) indicating the maintenance status, etc. are output to external electronic devices. ..

The power cord 164 secures the power supply (electric power) required for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to, for example, a power supply device (for example, AC24V) installed in the island facility of the amusement park. Further, the ground wire 166 is connected to the ground terminal also installed in the island facility to secure the ground of the pachinko machine 1.

[Construction of board]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. The game board unit 8 is provided with a game board 8b as a base, and a game area 8a is formed on the front side of the game board 8b. The game board 8b is made of, for example, a transparent resin plate, and the front surface of the game board 8b is parallel to the glass unit in a state where the game board unit 8 is fixed to the inner frame assembly 7. On the front surface of the game plate 8b, a game area 8a is formed inside a launch rail (without reference numeral) installed in a substantially circular shape.

In the game area 8a, in addition to the starting gate 20, the normal winning openings 22 and 24, the winning device unit 400, the variable winning device 30, and the like are installed. The winning device unit 400 includes a ball sorting device 200 and a starting winning opening unit 300. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 3, the game ball driven into the game area 8a randomly passes through the start gate 20 in the process of its flow, or wins in the normal winning openings 22 and 24. Alternatively, the ball may pass through the ball distribution device 200, or the ball may be entered by the start winning opening unit 300. The starting winning opening unit 300 has, for example, two starting winning openings (left starting winning opening 28a, right starting winning opening 26) arranged side by side, and the game balls distributed by the ball sorting device 200 are The starting winning opening unit 300 can enter either the left or right starting winning opening.

Of the game balls that have been driven in, the game balls that have passed through the starting gate 20 continuously flow down in the game area 8a, but either the normal winning openings 22 and 24 are won, or the starting winning opening unit 300 is left or right. The game balls that have entered the starting winning openings 26 and 28a are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through an opening (not shown) formed in the game board 8b.

In the winning device unit 400, the variable starting winning device 28 is installed on the left side of the starting winning opening unit 300. The variable start winning device 28 corresponds to the left starting winning opening 28a in the winning device unit 400.

The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right movable pieces 28b, and these movable pieces 28b have a board surface (game) by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown in FIG. 3). It reciprocates in the left-right direction along the front surface of the plate 8b). Such a reciprocating motion corresponds to an motion of changing the width of the inflow path of the game ball formed between the pair of movable pieces 28b, and in the present embodiment, this is referred to as an opening / closing motion. Then, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed for the stop display time in a hit manner), and the above opening / closing operation is performed.

The opening / closing operation of the pair of movable pieces 28b is performed in the following manner. That is, as shown by the solid line in the figure, the left and right movable pieces 28b are in the non-operating position with the tip facing upward, and at this time, the opening width through which the game ball can flow is narrowed between the movable pieces 28b. It is in a state of being. At this time, the ball entry by the variable start winning device 28 has not been facilitated, but the ball entry itself is possible. That is, a game ball can flow in from above the pair of left and right movable pieces 28b. For example, the game ball released from the ball distribution device 200 can flow in between the pair of left and right movable pieces 28b.

On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is activated, the left and right movable pieces 28b are displaced (expanded) from the non-operating position to the open position, respectively, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure. The width of the inflow path formed between them is expanded to the left and right. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state in which the inflow of the game ball is facilitated, and the ball can be easily entered into the left starting winning opening 28a as compared with the non-operating state.

Further, in the start winning opening unit 300, a pair of fixed pieces 302a are installed on the right side of the variable starting winning device 28. The pair of fixed pieces 302a correspond to the right-starting winning opening 26 in the winning device unit 400 (however, it is not the winning opening itself).

The pair of fixed pieces 302a also form an inflow path for the game ball between them, but the width thereof is always fixed. Although the width of the pair of movable pieces 28b is fixed, the game balls can flow in from above these movable pieces 28b. For example, the game balls released from the ball distribution device 200 are the starting prizes on the right side (not shown). After entering the mouth, it can flow between the pair of left and right fixed pieces 302a.

The arrangement of the obstacle nails installed on the game board 8b is basically such that it is easy to guide the flow of the game ball toward the ball distribution device 200 and the start winning opening unit 300, but the game ball is always a ball. It does not flow into the sorting device 200 or the left and right starting winning openings (between the pair of movable pieces 28b or between the pair of fixed pieces 302a), and the inflow of game balls occurs randomly.

Further, the variable winning device 30 operates when the specified conditions are satisfied (when the special symbol is stopped and displayed for the stop display time in a mode other than non-winning), and the large winning opening (without reference code). It is possible to enter the ball (winning prize) (special electric accessory). The variable winning device 30 is a winning device provided at an upper position in the game area 8a (so-called upper attacker), and in the present embodiment, the variable winning device 30 is located on the left side of the upper end portion of the effect unit 40 (details will be described later). Have been placed. The variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening / closing member 30a, and the opening / closing member 30a is displaced from the closed position to the open position by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown), for example. As shown in the figure, the opening / closing member 30a is in the closed position (closed state) with the tip facing upward (continuous with the effect unit 40), and at this time, the ball (winning) to the large winning opening is always Impossible (the big prize opening is closed). When the variable winning device 30 is activated, the opening / closing member 30a is displaced so as to fall to the left with respect to a hinge (not shown), and the large winning opening is opened (open state). During this time, the variable winning device 30 is in a state where the inflow of game balls is not impossible, and can generate a winning ball (winning) into the large winning opening. At this time, the opening / closing member 30a also functions as a member for guiding the inflow of the game ball into the large winning opening. The game ball that has flowed into the large winning opening passes through the count switch 84, and after detecting the winning ball (winning), it is collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the collection passage (no reference code).

The above-mentioned effect unit 40 is installed in the game board unit 8 from the central position to the right side portion thereof. The effect unit 40 is provided with various decorative parts 40b, 40c, 40k and the like inside the effect unit 40, in addition to the upper edge portion 40a functioning as a guide member for changing the flow direction of the game ball. The decorative parts 40b, 40c, and 40k enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 by their three-dimensional modeling, and for example, by emitting transmitted light by a built-in light emitter (LED, etc.), they perform a dramatic operation. Can be done. In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed inside the effect unit 40, and various effect images including an effect symbol corresponding to a special symbol are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. .. As described above, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the structure of the board surface and the decorativeness of the effect unit 40. Further, when the game board 8b is a transparent resin board (for example, an acrylic board) as in the present embodiment, various decorative bodies (including movable bodies and light emitting bodies) arranged not only on the front side but also behind the game board 8b are included. ) Can be added.

From the lower edge portion to the right edge portion of the effect unit 40, a plurality of (8 in this case) memory display bodies 41a to 41h and one logo display body 40m are installed. Of these, the memory displays 41a to 41h are arranged so as to surround the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 from the lower position to the right edge position, and are arranged from the memory display 41a located at the left end at the lower position to the right edge position. It has an overall bow shape over the memory display body 41h at the top. The logo display body 40m is arranged at the upper right edge of the display screen, and the memory display body 41h at the uppermost position is adjacent to the logo display body 40m.

The logo display body 40m has a structure based on, for example, a circular decorative part, and a decorative character (logo mark) designed with the alphabets "E" and "Z" is attached to the front surface thereof. Further, the individual memory displays 41a to 41h are configured based on, for example, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped decorative parts, and the numbers "1" to "8" are attached to the front surfaces in a manner that is easy for the player to see. (Not shown in FIG. 3). Further, the logo display body 40m and the plurality of memory display bodies 41a to 41h each have a built-in light emitter (LED) (not shown), and the logo display is performed by changing the lighting state (lighting color, lighting pattern). The body 40m and the memory display bodies 41a to 41h can individually perform an effect operation by emitting light.

Further, the plurality of memory displays 41a to 41h can also be used as the above-mentioned movable body. That is, a memory display motor (not shown) is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and each memory display 41a to 41h is operated by using this motor as a drive source and using a link mechanism, a gear conduction mechanism, or the like (not shown). Can be made to. It should be noted that a specific production mode involving light emission of the logo display body 40 m, light emission of the memory displays 41a to 41h, and movement will be described later.

A ball guide passage 40d is formed on the left edge portion of the effect unit 40, and a rolling stage 40e is formed on the lower edge portion thereof. The ball guide passage 40d opens diagonally upward to the left in the game area 8a, and when a game ball flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flows into the ball guide passage 40d, it passes through the inside and rolls. It is released onto the stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smooth curved surface, where the game ball can roll in the left-right direction. The game ball rolled on the rolling stage 40e eventually flows down into the lower game area 8a. A ball releasing portion 40i is formed in the rolling stage 40e at a substantially central position thereof, and the game ball flowing down from the rolling stage 40e via the ball releasing portion 40i enters the ball sorting device 200 directly below the rolling stage 40e. It becomes easier to ball.

Further, an inflow passage 40g is formed at a substantially central position of the rolling stage 40e, and a game ball can randomly flow into the inflow passage 40g from the rolling stage 40e. The inflow passage 40g is formed by bending the lower edge portion of the effect unit 40 downward and then bending toward the front side in an L shape, and a ball discharge port 40h is formed at the end thereof. The ball discharge port 40h is open toward the front surface, and the opening position is located directly above the ball distribution device 200. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the inflow passage 40g from the rolling stage 40e is discharged from the ball discharge port 40h and easily flows into the ball distribution device 200 directly below the ball discharge port 40h.

Further, in the effect unit 40, a large rotating lamp 41 is installed at the upper right position of the liquid crystal display 42. The large rotating lamp 41 is composed of, for example, a light-transmitting resin cover and a decorative body (neither of which has a reference reference numeral). Of these, the resin cover is formed of, for example, a red translucent material into a container (dome bottom) shape, and a light emitter (for example, LED) and a reflector (not shown) are provided inside the resin cover. There is. The reflector has a structure that imitates a concave mirror, for example, and is arranged so that the mirror surface faces the reflector. Further, the reflector can rotate inside the resin cover, for example, by the power of a motor (not shown). At this time, the reflector moves to rotate its mirror surface along the circumference of the light emitting body. The rotation axis of the motor coincides with the central axis of the resin cover (a virtual line slightly inclined to the right in FIG. 3).

For this reason, the large rotating lamp 41 reflects the light of the light emitter while condensing it with a concave mirror by rotating the reflector while emitting light of the light emitter, and rotates the reflected light like a lighthouse to make a resin. It can be made transparent to the cover. At this time, even if the light emitting body emits white light, since the material of the resin cover is translucent in red, the light emitting operation of the large rotating lamp 41 is as if the red rotating lamp is rotating and emitting light. It will be visible.

In addition, an out opening 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and the game balls that have not entered (winned) in various winning openings are finally collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through the out opening 32. In addition, the game area 8a includes the normal winning openings 22 and 24, the starting winning opening unit 300 (right starting winning opening 26, left starting winning opening 28a), and the game ball that has entered the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening). All the game balls driven inside are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 to the outside of the frame through an out-passage assembly (not shown), and further join the replenishment route of the island facility (not shown).

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing a part of the game board unit 8 (lower left position in the window 4a). That is, the game board unit 8 is provided with, for example, a normal symbol display device 33 and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at a lower left position in the window 4a, as well as a first special symbol display device 34 and a second special symbol display device 35. And a game state display device 38 is provided. Of these, the ordinary symbol display device 33, for example, alternately lights two lamps (LEDs) to display the ordinary symbol in a variable manner, and turns on or off the lamp to stop and display the ordinary symbol. The normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a displays 0 to 4 storage numbers by, for example, a combination of turning off, turning on, and blinking two lamps (LEDs). For example, in the display mode in which both of the two lamps are turned off, 0 storage numbers are displayed, in the display mode in which one lamp is turned on, 1 storage number is displayed, and in the display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. Two memorized numbers are displayed, three memorized numbers are displayed in a display mode in which one lamp is blinked and another lamp is lit, and four memorized numbers are displayed in a display mode in which two lamps are blinked together. The individual is displayed, and so on. Although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, four lamps (LEDs) may be used to form the normal symbol working memory lamp 33a. In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are lit.

The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after being increased one by one in the sense that each time the game ball passes through the starting gate 20, it is memorized that the passage that triggers the operation lottery has occurred. Suddenly (up to 4), each time the change of the normal symbol is started with the passage as a trigger, the display mode is changed by 1 each. In the present embodiment, when the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a is not lit (the number of stored items is 0), the game ball passes through the start gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start changing (when the stop is displayed). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of storages (maximum of 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a represents the number of passages in which the fluctuation of the normal symbol has not yet started at that time.

Further, the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 each display, for example, a variable state and a stopped state of the corresponding first special symbol or the second special symbol by a 7-segment LED (with dots). (Design display means). The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 may have a form in which a plurality of dot LEDs are arranged geometrically (for example, in a circular shape).

Further, the first special symbol operation storage lamp 34a and the second special symbol operation storage lamp 35a are 0 to 4 each depending on the display mode composed of, for example, a combination of turning off or lighting the two lamps (LEDs) and blinking. (Memory number display means). For example, in the display mode in which both of the two lamps are turned off, 0 storage numbers are displayed, in the display mode in which one lamp is turned on, 1 storage number is displayed, and in the display mode in which the same one lamp is blinked. Two memorized numbers are displayed, three memorized numbers are displayed in a display mode in which one lamp is blinked and another lamp is lit, and four memorized numbers are displayed in a display mode in which two lamps are blinked together. The individual is displayed, and so on.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is displayed after increasing by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the right start winning opening 26, the game ball enters the right starting winning opening 26. It changes to the mode (up to 4), and each time the change of the special symbol is started with the ball entering, the display mode is changed by one. Further, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is increased by one in the sense that each time a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28, the game ball enters the left start winning opening 28a. (Up to 4), and each time the special symbol starts to change with the ball entering, the display mode changes to the display mode after decreasing by one. In the present embodiment, when the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of stored items is 0), the right start winning opening 26 is in a state where the first special symbol can already start changing (when the stop is displayed). The display mode does not change even if the game ball enters the ball. Further, when the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of stored items is 0), the game ball is inserted into the variable start winning device 28 in a state where the second special symbol can already start changing (when the stop is displayed). The display mode does not change even if the ball is used. That is, the number of storages (maximum of 4) represented by the display modes of the special symbol operation memory lamps 34a and 35a is that of the incoming ball for which the change of the first special symbol or the second special symbol has not yet started at that time. It represents the number of times.

Further, the game state display device 38 includes, for example, LEDs corresponding to the jackpot type display lamps 38a, 38b, 38c, the probability fluctuation state display lamp 38d, the time saving state display lamp 38e, and the launch position designation lamp 38f, respectively. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned ordinary symbol display device 33, ordinary symbol operation storage lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation storage lamp 34a, second special The symbol operation memory lamp 35a and the game status display device 38 are mounted on the game board unit 8 in a state of being mounted on one integrated display board 89.

[Control configuration]
Next, the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices mounted on the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 (main control computer) that is the center of control operation, and the main control device 70 mainly has a function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. There is. The main control device 70 is built in the main control board unit 170.

Further, the main control device 70 is equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central arithmetic processing unit, is mounted, and the main control CPU 72 includes a ROM 74 and a RAM (main control board) together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). It is configured as an LSI in which semiconductor memories such as RWM) 76 are integrated. Further, the main controller 70 is equipped with a random number circuit 75, an interrupt controller (interrupt CTR) 192, a parallel I / O port 79, a timer circuit (PTC) 194, and a serial communication circuit (SCU) 196. Of these, the random number circuit 75 generates a hardware random number (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for a big hit determination of a special symbol lottery or a hit determination of a normal symbol lottery, and the random number generated here is It is input to the main control CPU 72. Further, the interrupt controller 192 receives each interrupt request (XINT interrupt, PTC interrupt, SCU interrupt) from the parallel I / O port 79, the timer circuit 194, and the serial communication circuit 196, and receives these interrupt requests. Control based on priority. In addition, the main control device 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit (not shown), a reset controller that monitors various states and generates a reset as needed, and these are circuit boards together with the main control CPU 72. Implemented above. A signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or inner layer portion). The I / O port of the main control device 70 may be of a serial type.

The start gate 20 described above is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of a game ball. Further, in the game board unit 8, the right start winning opening switch 80, the left starting winning opening switch 82 and the count corresponding to the right starting winning opening 26, the variable starting winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening), respectively. The switch 84 is equipped. The starting winning opening switches 80 and 82 are for detecting the entry of a game ball into the right starting winning opening 26 and the variable starting winning device 28 (left starting winning opening 28a). Further, the count switch 84 is for detecting the entry of a game ball into the variable winning device 30 (large winning opening) and counting the number of the game balls.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 has a first winning opening switch 86 that detects the entry of a game ball into the ordinary winning opening 22, and a second winning opening switch that detects the entry of a game ball into the ordinary winning opening 24. It is equipped with 81. In addition, although the configuration in which individual winning opening switches 86 and 81 are used for each ordinary winning opening 22 and 24 is given as an example here, for example, one winning opening switch can be used to enter the ordinary winning openings 22 and 24. May be detected altogether.

In any case, the winning detection signals of these switches are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input / output driver (not shown). Due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in the present embodiment, the winning detection signals from the gate switch 78, the count switch 84, the first winning opening switch 86, and the second winning opening switch 81 pass through the panel relay terminal board 87. The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with a wiring pattern, connection terminals, and the like for relaying each winning detection signal.

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

Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a large winning opening solenoid 90 corresponding to each of the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30. These solenoids 88 and 90 operate (excite) based on the control signal from the main control CPU 72, and open / close (operate) the variable start winning device 28 and the variable winning device 30, respectively. The solenoids 88 and 90 are also relayed by the panel relay terminal plate 87, and a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

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

A payout control device 92 is mounted on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which the payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and the payout control CPU 94 also includes semiconductor memories such as ROM 96 and RAM (RWM) 98 together with a CPU core (not shown). It is configured as an integrated LSI. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as an external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

A payout device board 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor) in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on the payout device board 100. There is. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays the instructed number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let me put it out. The paid-out game ball is sent to the saucer unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

Further, for example, a payout path ball out switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When each prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a counting signal from the payout counting switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100. Further, when the ball is broken at the upstream position of the prize ball case, the contact signal from the payout path ball out switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 transmits the input counting signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1, for example, a full tank switch 161 is installed inside the lower plate 6c (the position of the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) actually paid out are discharged to the upper plate 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper plate 6b is full of game balls, the game balls paid out more than that are described above. It flows into the lower plate 6c as described above. Further, when the lower plate 6c is filled with the game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned on, and the full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, the payout control CPU 94 temporarily suspends further prize ball operations even if it receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and stores the remaining number of unpaid prize balls in the RAM 98. The memory of the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, and even if a power failure (including a momentary power failure) occurs during the game, the information on the remaining number of unpaid prize balls will not be lost. ..

Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. Further, a ball feed solenoid 111 is provided in the saucer unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above. Among them, the launch control board 108 is provided with a drive circuit for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Of these, the ball feed solenoid 111 performs an operation of feeding the game balls stored in the saucer unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. Further, the launch solenoid 110 strikes the game balls sent to the launch position, and continuously (intermittently) launches the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a as described above. The firing interval of the game balls is, for example, an interval of about 0.6 seconds (up to 100 in 1 minute).

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

A launch relay terminal plate 118 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is transmitted to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal plate 118. Will be done. Further, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal plate 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. As a result, the strength with which the game ball is launched is adjusted according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when the launch stop signal is input from the launch stop switch 116. To do. In addition to this, when the game ball rental device connection terminal plate 120 is connected to the launch relay terminal plate 118 and the CR unit is not connected to the game ball rental device connection terminal plate 120, the launch control board is also used. The drive circuit of 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110.

Further, the saucer unit 6 contains a frequency display board 122 and a lending / returning switch board 123. Of these, the frequency display board 122 is provided with a display (7-segment LED for 3 digits) of the frequency display unit. Further, a switch module connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12 is mounted on the lending / returning switch board 123, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is lent out. And, it is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. Further, from the CR unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the game ball or the like rental device connection terminal plate 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives the display based on the frequency signal and numerically displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. Further, when the valuable medium is not loaded into the CR unit or the remaining frequency of the loaded valuable medium becomes 0, the display circuit of the frequency display board 122 drives the display to display a demo (valuable medium). It is also possible to perform a display prompting the input of.

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an effect control device 124 (effect control computer) as a control configuration. The effect control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 controls the effect as the game progresses in the pachinko machine 1. The effect control device 124 is also equipped with an effect control CPU 126, which is a central arithmetic processing unit, on a circuit board (composite sub-control board). The effect control CPU 126 is configured as an LSI in which a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (RWM) 130 or an eRAM 131 is built in together with a CPU core (not shown).

In addition, the effect control device 124 is equipped with various functional components necessary for realizing the effect such as VDP152, driver IC132, and audio IC134. Of these, the VDP 152 is a processor for drawing an effect screen reproduced on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The driver IC 132 controls devices such as a large rotary lamp 41, lamps 46 to 52, a board lamp 53, a decorative body motor 57, a decorative body lamp 58, a memory display motor 67, a memory display 68, and a logo display lamp 69. It is equipped with an IC. Further, the voice IC 134 controls the driving of the speakers 54, 55, 56. The internal functional configuration of such an effect control device 124 will be described in detail later with reference to another figure.

The effect control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other via, for example, a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is performed in only one direction from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. The communication harness adopts a parallel format according to the bus width of various effects commands (hereinafter, referred to as "effect commands") transmitted from the main control device 70 to the effect control device 124. Alternatively, the serial format may be adopted according to the hardware configuration of each driver (I / O).

In the present embodiment, the sub-connection board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and the drive signals from the driver IC 132 and the voice IC 134 pass through the sub-connection board 136 to various lamps 46 to 52 and the speakers 54, 55. It is applied to 56. Further, an effect changeover button 45 and a volume adjustment switch (not shown) are connected to the sub-connection board 136, and when the player operates the effect changeover button 45 and the volume adjustment switch, their contact signals are transmitted through the sub-connection board 136. It is input to the effect control device 124. Further, a jog dial 45a is connected to the sub-connection board 136, and when the player rotates the jog dial 45a, the rotation signal is input to the effect control device 124 through the sub-connection board 136. Although an example in which the effect switching button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the sub-connection board 136 is given here, when the saucer illumination board is installed, the effect switching button 45 and the jog dial 45a are connected to the saucer illumination board. You may be.

In addition, a driver board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and in addition to the board surface lamp 53, the decorative body motor 57, the decorative body lamp 58, the memory display motor 67, and the memory display lamp 68 are installed on the driver board 138. , Logo display lamp 69, large rotating lamp 41, etc. are connected. The motors 57 and 67 drive various movable bodies via, for example, a gear transmission mechanism or a link mechanism (not shown). The drive signal from the driver IC 132 is applied to the lamps 41, 53, 68, 69 and the motors 57, 67 to be connected via the driver board 138, respectively. A motor is also attached to the large rotary lamp 41, but the illustration is omitted here.

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and its display screen can be visually recognized through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. Further, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the inverter board 158 generates an AC power supply applied to the backlight (for example, a cold cathode tube) of the liquid crystal display 42.

In addition, a power supply control unit 162 is mounted on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. The power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit, and when external power (for example, AC24V, etc.) is taken from the island equipment through the power cord 164, necessary power (for example, DC + 34V, + 12V, etc.) can be generated from the external power. The electric power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the effect control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Further, electric power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and electric power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball or the like rental device connection terminal plate 120. The low-voltage power for logic (for example, DC + 5V) is generated by a power supply IC (3-terminal regulator or the like) built in each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded (grounded) to the island facility through the ground wire 166.

In addition to this, the power supply control unit 162 is provided with a RAM clear switch 163. The RAM clear switch 163 is a switch for performing RAM clear (initialization of the entire area excluding the use prohibited area of the RAM 76), and when the RAM clear switch 163 is operated at power-on, the RAM clear signal is the main control device. It is input to 70 and the payout control device 92. The RAM clear switch may be provided in the main control device 70. Further, when the RAM clear signal is not input to the payout control device 92 and the main control device 70 receives the input of the RAM clear signal, the main control device 70 transmits a RAM clear command to the payout control device 92. May be good.

The external terminal plate 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are external from the external terminal board 160 via the payout control device 92. It is output to. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output an external information signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal plate 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are aggregated by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in the amusement park. Although the configuration via the payout control device 92 is given as an example here, the configuration may be such that the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal plate 160.

[Internal configuration of production control device]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal functional configuration of the effect control device 124.
As described above, the effect control device 124 has a role as an effect control processor that controls the effect as the game progresses. Therefore, in addition to the effect control CPU 126, the effect control device 124 is equipped with a control ROM 180 and a watchdog timer IC (WDTIC) 188, which are necessary for the effect control device 124 to function as the effect control processor. The control ROM 180 stores a basic program for controlling the effect. The effect control CPU 126 controls the effect by accessing the control ROM 180 via a CPU bus (not shown) and executing a program stored in the control ROM 180. The watchdog timer IC188 is a timer that monitors whether the control executed by the effect control device 124 is normally performed (whether the process is completed within the estimated time), and is connected to the reset terminal of the effect control CPU 126. There is. If the signal (clear pulse) for clearing the monitoring timer of the watchdog timer IC188 is not input within a predetermined time, the watchdog timer IC188 outputs a signal (reset pulse) for resetting and starting the effect control CPU 126. To do. As a result, the effect control device 124 is forcibly reset and activated.

In addition to these, the effect control device 124 has SRAM 182, which is a storage area for backup data, a crystal oscillator 181 that generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency, and a real-time clock (RTC) 184 that manages time. , SRAM 182, a lithium battery 186 that supplies backup power to the real-time clock 184, peripheral ICs such as an input / output driver and a counter / timer circuit (not shown), and the like. The lithium battery 186 stores the electric power and charges itself while the driving electric power is being supplied from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124. The SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 are connected to the lithium battery 186, and can be driven by the lithium battery 186 when the supply of the driving power from the power supply control unit 162 to the effect control device 124 is cut off. Therefore, even if the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is cut off, the SRAM 182 and the real-time clock 184 continue to operate for a period until the lithium battery 186 is depleted (for example, about one and a half months). The SRAM 182 can retain the stored information for a while even when the power is turned off.

The effect control program is configured to store information on security, monitoring, defects, etc. that should not be easily erased in SRAM 182. As a result, for example, when some trouble occurs in the effect control device 124, the pachinko machine 1 is collected (or inspected in the installed state), and the cause of the trouble is investigated by analyzing the information held in the SRAM 182. It becomes possible.

Normally, devices such as a liquid crystal display 42, various lamps 46 to 53, and speakers 54, 55, 56 are used for controlling the effect executed by the effect control CPU 126 according to the program stored in the control ROM 180, as described above. Includes control of the production that was there. The flow of this effect control can be broadly divided into two stages: "overall control (reproduction instruction)" and "individual control (reproduction control)". The effect control CPU 126 first receives an effect command transmitted from the main control device 70, and indirectly instructs each device to reproduce the effect according to the content of the effect command (overall control). Next, the effect control CPU 126 generates instruction data obtained by converting the instruction content into a more specific expression suitable for each device, and relays between the effect control CPU 126 and each device, respectively, control devices 134, 152, 198, 199. Send to (individual control). As a result, each control device 134, 152, 198, 199 controls each device based on the instruction data, and the effect reproduction (screen display, voice output, lamp emission, movable body displacement) using each device in the pachinko machine 1 is performed. Etc.) are realized.

As described above, the effect control CPU 126 has different functions depending on the stage of the effect control, and these functions are realized by properly using the resources of the effect control CPU 126. In FIG. 6, the internal resources of the effect control CPU 126 are divided into several functional blocks: the effect control unit 210, the display control unit 220, the voice control unit 222, the lamp control unit 224, the motor control unit 226, and the sensor control unit 228. Etc. are shown. In the following description, it is assumed that each functional block is treated as an operation subject of the control process.

First, at the stage of overall control, the effect control unit 210 in the effect control CPU 126 becomes the main operating body. Further, in the stage of individual control, the display control unit 220, the voice control unit 222, the lamp control unit 224, the motor control unit 226, or the sensor control unit 228 in the effect control CPU 126 are the main operating units according to the device to be controlled. It becomes. The effect control unit 210 may be configured to directly control the control devices 134, 152, 198, and 199.

The effect control device 124 functions as an effect control processor at the stage of overall control, whereas it functions as an effect reproduction processor at the stage of individual control. Therefore, in addition to the circuit board (effect display control board) and CGROM (image / audio ROM) 190 on which the VDP 152 is mounted, the effect control device 124 also includes an audio IC 134 for controlling various devices used for reproducing the effect. It is equipped with an LED driver 198, an SMC (serial control controller) 199, and a driver IC 132.

The CGROM 190 stores the drawing material (moving image data) constituting the effect screen and the audio material (audio data) output as the effect progresses in a state of being compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. The CGROM 190 is connected to the VDP 152 and the voice IC 134 via a CG bus (not shown).

The VDP152 is a processor dedicated to drawing an effect image, and is integrated into one chip together with the effect control CPU 126. The VDP 152 also incorporates a VRAM 156 and a drawing material decoder 157. Of these, the VRAM 156 is mainly used when developing the drawing material, and the drawing material decoder 157 is used when decompressing (decoding) the drawn drawing material in a compressed state. The VDP 152 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the display control unit 220, reads out the necessary drawing material from the CG ROM 190 via the CG bus, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. Then, the read drawing material is decoded by the drawing material decoder 157, the effect image is drawn on the VRAM 156, and the effect image is expanded in the frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time). By individually driving each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here, the reproduction of the effect screen is realized.

The voice IC 134 is a sound generator that generates sound effects such as sound effects and BGM that are reproduced during the execution of the production, and is integrated with the production control CPU 126 and one chip like the VDP 152. The audio IC 134 is connected to an amplifier (not shown), an external DRAM, or a CG bus. Further, the audio IC 134 has a built-in audio material decoder 135 that decompresses (decodes) the compressed audio material. The voice IC 134 first analyzes the instruction content transmitted from the voice control unit 222, and reads out the necessary voice material from the CGROM 190 via the CG bus. Then, the read audio material is decoded on the external DRAM using the audio material decoder 135. By outputting the decoded audio to the speakers 54 and 55 on the glass frame and the outer frame speaker 56 via the amplifier, stereo 2ch or monaural 2ch audio reproduction (may be a larger number of channels) is realized. Further, the voice IC 134 adjusts the output volume of each speaker 54, 55, 56 based on the contact signal input when the volume adjustment switch is operated.

The LED driver 198 includes various lamps 46 to 53 provided on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 and various lamps 41, 53, 58, 68 for causing the effect structure provided inside the effect unit 40 to emit light. The lighting pattern and the brightness pattern associated with the execution of the 69 effects are controlled. In the LED driver 198, an address designation synchronous serial system is adopted. The LED driver 198 first controls the lighting pattern and the brightness pattern based on the instruction content transmitted from the lamp control unit 224, and transfers the drive data corresponding to the control to the driver IC 132.

The SMC 199 serves as a drive source for various movable bodies (logo display body 40 m, large rotating lamp 41, memory display bodies 41a to 41h, decorative bodies 41x, 41y, 41z, etc.) provided inside the production unit 40. The excitation pattern of various movable motors (decorative motor 57, memory display motor 67, etc.) is controlled. The SMC 199 is also integrated with the effect control CPU 126 in one chip. In SMC199, a clock synchronous serial system is adopted. The SMC 199 first generates an excitation pattern of the movable motor based on the instruction content transmitted from the motor control unit 226, and outputs this to the driver IC 132. Further, when the SMC 199 finishes generating the excitation pattern, the SMC 199 generates an interrupt notifying the motor control unit 226 to that effect. Further, the SMC 199 acquires a detection signal output when the movable body detection sensor detects the associated movable body, and transfers the detection signal to the motor control unit 226. The operation of SMC199 will be described in detail later with reference to another figure.

The driver IC 132 controls the drive voltage applied to the lamp and the motor based on the drive data transferred from the LED driver 198 and the SMC 199. The driver IC 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (pulse width modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown), and switches (or duty switches) the drive voltage applied to various lamps 46 to 53 and the decorative motor 57. By managing the operation, the effect reproduction using the lamp and the movable body is realized. Of the various lamps 46 to 53, the board surface lamp 53 corresponds to the LED built in the effect unit 40, the variable start winning device 28, the variable winning device 30, and the like. Further, although an example in which the glass frame decoration lamp 52 is connected to the sub-connection board 136 is given here, the saucer illumination board is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer illumination board is attached to the glass frame decoration lamp 52. It may be configured to be connected to the driver IC 132 via the driver IC 132.

In addition to this, the driver IC 132 transfers the contact signal input when the effect switching button 45 or the jog dial 45a is operated to the effect control unit 210 via the sensor control unit 228, or the movable body detection sensor is movable. The detection signal input when the body is detected is transferred to the motor control unit 226. The effect control unit 210 or the motor control unit 226 appropriately changes the effect content to be reproduced based on the content of the transferred signal. The driver IC 132 may be installed outside the effect control device 124 at a position of relaying between the lamp, the motor, the sensor, and other controlled target devices.

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

[CPU initialization (main) processing in the main control unit]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control CPU 72 starts the CPU initialization process in the main control device 70. The CPU initialization process restores the game state (so-called power recovery) based on the backup information saved when the power was cut off last time, or conversely clears the backup information to restore the initial state of the pachinko machine 1. It is a process for adjusting. Further, the CPU initialization process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for guaranteeing stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

7 and 8 are flowcharts showing a procedure example of the CPU initialization process. Hereinafter, the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be described step by step.

Step S100: The main control CPU 72 first sets the start address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

Step S102: Subsequently, the main control CPU 72 sets the interrupt vector table. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the interrupt vector table in the I register (interrupt vector register) used for interrupt control. The interrupt vector table defines the priority required to control the interrupt request generated during the execution of the CPU initialization process, and the main control CPU 72 sets the priority defined in the interrupt vector table. Based on this, multiple interrupt requests will be executed in order. The control of the interrupt process will be described in detail later.

Step S104: The main control CPU 72 saves the RAM clear signal (input signal from the RAM clear switch 163). More specifically, the values of the input port into which the RAM clear signal is input are acquired twice in succession, and the logical sum of these values is saved as the input port value.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 executes the standby process here. This process is for securing a certain amount of standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) after the power is turned on, and checking the power off warning signal (signal indicating that the power is being cut off) during that time. It is a thing. Specifically, when the main control CPU 72 sets the loop counter for the standby time, it bit-checks the input port of the power cutoff warning signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The power off warning signal is input by an IC that monitors the voltage level of the drive voltage. Then, if the input of the power off warning signal is confirmed before the loop counter becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. Thereby, for example, it is possible to protect the system when the operation of turning on and off the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly performed within a short time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S108: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, after that, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted.

Step S110: The main control CPU 72 refers to the RAM clear signal by checking the specific bit of the input port value saved in the previous step S104, and confirms whether or not the RAM clear switch 163 has been operated (switch ON). To do. If the RAM clear switch 163 is not operated (No), then step S112 is executed.

Step S112: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether or not the backup valid determination flag is set. If the backup is normally completed by the process executed at the time of the previous power cutoff and the backup valid determination flag (for example, "A5H") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S114. The process executed when the power is cut off will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S114: The main control CPU 72 executes a thumb check for the backup information of the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 thumb-checks all areas of the RAM 76 work area (user work area including the prohibited area and the stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the thumb check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S116.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents of a part of the RAM 76. The partial area of the RAM 76 is a work area within a predetermined range based on the address of the backup valid determination flag to be cleared when the power is restored. By keeping the valid backup information stored as it is while clearing the stored contents in this area, the main control CPU 72 can restore the state when the power is cut off (memory restoration means).

Step S118: The main control CPU 72 should send a power return designation effect command (command to be transmitted to the effect control device 124) and a payout command (to the payout control device 92) indicating that the main control CPU 72 has returned from the power cutoff and started. Command) is set.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 163 is operated when the power is turned on (step S110: Yes), when the backup valid determination flag is not set (step S112: No), or the backup information is not normal. In the case (step S114: No), the main control CPU 72 shifts to step S120.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 clears the stored contents other than the prohibited area of the RAM 76. As a result, the work area and the stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is saved, the contents are erased.
Step S122: Further, the main control CPU 72 performs initial setting of the RAM 76.

Step S124: The main control CPU sets a RAM clear designated effect command (command for the effect control device 124) and a payout command (command for the payout control device 92) indicating that the RAM clear has been started.

Step S126: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the payout command (power recovery designation) set in step S118 or the payout command (RAM clear designation) set in step S124 to the payout command buffer.

Step S128: The main control CPU 72 executes the effect control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 first outputs the effect command (power recovery designation) set in step S118 or the effect command (RAM clear specification) set in step S124 to the effect command buffer. The main control CPU 72 further includes various other effect commands (for example, model designation command, special symbol probability state specification command, special symbol destination determination effect command, effect command when the number of operation memories increases, and decrease in the number of operation memories) required for the effect control. Set the time production command, the number of times cut counter remaining number command, special game state specification command, launch position specification command, etc.) and output these to the production command buffer. At this time, the main control CPU 72 sets different values for these effect commands when the power is restored and when the RAM is cleared.

For example, when the power is restored, the value of each effect command is set based on the backup information. By transmitting these effect commands to the effect control device 124 in the subsequent effect command transmission process (step S142), the effect control device 124 is in the effect state (for example, internal) that was being executed when the power was cut off last time. It is possible to restore the probability state, the display mode of the effect symbol, the effect display mode of the number of working memories, the sound output content, the light emitting state of various lamps, and the like).

Step S130: The main control CPU 72 executes input port processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 acquires the contents of each input port, and stores the result of performing a predetermined operation on the value in the state flag of each input port. When this process is completed, the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S131 (connection symbol A → A).

Step S131: The main control CPU 72 sets the main command permission signal to a specific bit of the output port. The main command permission signal is a signal indicating to the payout control device 92 that the main control device 70 permits the transmission of commands to itself. When the main command permission signal is input to the payout control device 92, the payout control device 92 receives the payout command permission signal to indicate to the main control device 70 that the payout command is permitted to be transmitted. It becomes.

Step S132: The main control CPU 72 resets (OFF) the specific bit of the output port to clear the emission permission signal (specific output information clearing means). The launch permission signal is included in the backup target when the power is cut off. Therefore, when the power of the main control device 70 (pachinko machine 1) is restored, the main control CPU 72 executes the flow at the time of power restoration in the CPU initialization process, and the state of the main control device 70 when the power is cut off based on the backup information. (Step S116), but as part of that, the launch permission signal is also returned to the state when the power was cut off.

The emission permission signal is set in a specific bit (for example, bit 0) of the specific output port buffer (for example, the buffer for the output port 3) stored in the RAM 76. However, the address of the output port buffer targeted here is located in the address space of the RAM 76, which is outside the continuous area targeted for clearing in step S116. Therefore, if, as part of the process of step S116, an attempt is made to clear the value of the specific bit of the specific address in which the launch permission signal is set in addition to the area to be cleared, the specific address is specified. , It is necessary to perform an exceptional process of clearing only the data of a specific bit out of the 8-bit data stored at that address and maintaining the data of the remaining 7 bits, which is a part of the RAM 76. The efficiency of the process of clearing the area becomes very poor. Under such circumstances, the main control CPU 72 handles the launch permission signal in the same manner as other backup target data without clearing it in the previous step S116, and temporarily returns to the state when the power is cut off.

However, at the stage where the backup information is returned in the main control device 70 (step S116), communication with the payout control device 92 has not yet been established, and is the payout control device 92 started normally (main control device 92)? It has not been confirmed whether or not the instruction by the command from 70 can be accepted. When the power is cut off while the launch permission signal is ON, the launch permission signal is returned to ON, and as a result, the game ball can be launched even though the normality of the payout control device 92 is unknown. A condition will occur. Here, tentatively, the payout control device 92 is replaced with a modified product (for example, one in which the number of prize balls is modified) that does not conform to the original inspection while the power is cut off, and the main control device 70 is replaced by the subsequent power return. When activated, the launch permission signal is returned to ON, which makes it possible to launch the game ball. Such a state is not preferable from the viewpoint of security.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the launch permission signal is explicitly cleared once before the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop, regardless of whether the activation is performed by power recovery or the RAM clear designation (starting). (Reset to OFF). After that, the main control CPU 72 confirms that the payout command permission signal has been input from the payout control device 92 to the main control device 70, and then sends the payout command to the payout control device 92. The control that sets the launch permission signal to ON is adopted. By performing such control, even if the game is started (restarted) by the processing of the main loop, the launch of the game ball is not permitted unless the communication between the main control device 70 and the payout control device 92 is established. , It is possible to avoid the illegal launch of the game ball when the above-mentioned fraud is committed.

Step S133: The main control CPU 72 sets the timer interrupt cycle. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a value corresponding to the timer interrupt cycle (for example, 4 ms) in the counter setting register of the timer circuit 194.
Step S134: The main control CPU 72 resets the interrupt daisy chain. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes the RETI instruction after backing up the start address of the main loop, which will be described later, as a preliminary preparation for the interrupt process. By performing this process, it is possible to normally start the interrupt process that occurs thereafter, and to continue the process from the main loop after the interrupt process is executed.

When the above procedure is executed in the CPU initialization process, the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop (steps S136 to S146 described below). As long as the power supply from the power control unit 162 is maintained, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the main loop from beginning to end.

Step S136, Step S138: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interruption and then executes the initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments the random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In the present embodiment, various random numbers other than the jackpot determination random number (hardware random number) and the hit determination random number (hardware random number) corresponding to the ordinary symbol (for example, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, fluctuation pattern determination random number, etc.) Is generated on the program. These software random numbers are updated by the loop counter within a predetermined range in another timer interrupt process (step S212 in FIG. 11), but the initial values of the loop counter (all) are updated every time the random number value makes a round in this process. Random numbers do not have to be the target). The initial value update random number is used to randomly change the initial value, and in step S138, the initial value update random number is updated. It should be noted that the reason why the step S138 is executed after the interrupt is prohibited in the step S136 is that the same process is executed in another timer interrupt process (step S210 in FIG. 11), so that it overlaps with this (conflict). ) To prevent. In the present embodiment, the big hit determination random number and the hit determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number circuit 75, and the update cycle thereof is faster (for example, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms). Therefore, it is not necessary to update the initial values of the big hit determination random number and the hit determination random number. The timer interrupt process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S140: The main control CPU 72 executes the reception command management process. In this process, the data received from the payout control device 92 is analyzed, and the process is performed according to the result. If the received command is a payout start specification command, the main control CPU 72 outputs a payout start confirmation specification command to the payout command buffer. If not, is the received data within a predetermined range (receive command)? If it is out of the range, the payout error specification command is output to the production command buffer, and the payout radio error flag is set according to the situation.

Step S142: The main control CPU 72 executes the effect command transmission process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits each effect command output to the effect command buffer to the effect control device 124.

Step S144, Step S146: The main control CPU 72 permits interruption and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated by this process are random numbers (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) that are not related to the determination of the winning type (winning type) among the software random numbers. This process is performed in the remaining time when an interrupt request is generated during the execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes various interrupt processes. The content of the interrupt process will be described later using another flowchart.

[Evacuation processing when power is turned off]
Next, a process to be executed when a power cutoff (hereinafter, abbreviated as “power cutoff”) occurs will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the evacuation process when the power is turned off. In the main controller 70, the occurrence of power failure and the occurrence of reset are monitored by the same monitoring IC (for example, an IC mounted on a reset controller (not shown)). This monitoring IC monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a power supply cutoff warning signal to the XINT terminal of the parallel I / O port 79 when the voltage level falls below the reference voltage. The main control CPU 72 executes an evacuation process (XINT interrupt process, backup means) when the power is turned off, triggered by an input of a power cutoff warning signal to the XINT terminal (XINT interrupt). Hereinafter, each procedure of the evacuation process when the power is turned off will be described later.

Steps S150 and S152: The main control CPU 72 reads the power failure detection switch input port of the parallel I / O port 79, checks a specific bit, and confirms whether or not the power failure warning signal has been detected. If it cannot be confirmed that the power off warning signal has been detected (No), the main control CPU 72 permits interruption, ends the power off save process, and ends the main loop of the CPU initialization process (FIGS. 7 to 8). Returns to the program address indicated by the stack pointer). On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the power cutoff warning signal has been detected (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S154.

Step S154: The main control CPU 72 clears the test signal terminal and the output port buffer corresponding to the command control signal, in addition to the output port corresponding to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the grand prize opening solenoid 90.

Step S156, Step S158: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 excluding the backup validity determination flag and the thumb check buffer in 1-byte units, and repeats the addition for the entire area until the addition is completed. ..
Step S160: When the calculation of the sum for the entire area is completed (step S158: Yes), the main control CPU 72 saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S162: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores a valid value in the backup valid determination flag area.
Step S164: Further, the main control CPU 72 stores “00H” indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the prohibited area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.

Step S166: The main control CPU 72 sets a predetermined value for counting the number of checks of the power failure warning signal in the loop counter.
Step S168: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the power cutoff warning signal has been detected. The method of confirming the power off warning signal is the same as the method in step S150 described above. When it is confirmed that the power cutoff warning signal has been detected (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the previous step S166 again. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the power cutoff warning signal has been detected (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S170.

Step S170: The main control CPU 72 subtracts 1 from the value of the loop counter.
Step S172: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the value of the loop counter is “0”. If it cannot be confirmed that the value of the loop counter is "0" (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S168. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the value of the loop counter is "0" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S174.
Step S174: The main control CPU 72 shifts from the power outage save process to the CPU initialization process (FIG. 7). At this time, since the RETI instruction is not executed before the transition to the CPU initialization process, the CPU initialization process can be started with other interrupts prohibited.

The processes of steps S166 to S172 described above are so-called standby processes (follow-up processes) executed in preparation for shutting off the power supply from the power supply control unit 162. If the power off warning signal is continuously detected, step S166 to step S168 are repeatedly executed, so that the loop counter does not become "0". Therefore, the standby state will continue as long as the power supply continues. On the other hand, if the detection of the power cutoff warning signal is temporary (for example, detection due to a momentary power failure or the like), steps S168 to S172 are repeatedly executed, and the loop counter is subtracted with the passage of time. Suddenly, when it becomes "0", the process shifts to the CPU initialization process. That is, the main control CPU 72 first calculates the checksum and saves the result before the power supply is completely cut off, and enters the standby state, and performs other processing under the situation where the power supply is being cut off. While the standby state is maintained without execution and the upcoming power supply is cut off in a safe state, the CPU is initialized in a situation where the stable power supply is restored after a temporary power failure occurs. Move to processing and restart main processing. By executing such a standby process, it is possible to guarantee a stable gaming operation of the main control device 70 and thus the pachinko machine 1.

When the power supply from the power supply control unit 162 is cut off, the power supply source to the main control device 70 is automatically switched to the backup power supply. Since the main control device 70 is supplied with backup power from a backup power supply circuit (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main control device 70) (for example, a circuit including a capacitance element mounted on the main control device 70) after a power failure occurs, the stored contents of the RAM 76 are stored. It is retained without disappearing even after the power is turned off. The backup power supply circuit may be built in, for example, the power supply control unit 162.

Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76, which is the backup target (sum addition target), is stored in the RAM 76 even after the power is turned off. Further, the retained memory is restored as backup information when a power failure occurs after confirming the normality of the checksum in the previous CPU initialization process (FIG. 7).

[Command reception interrupt processing]
Next, a process to be executed when a command is received from the payout control device 92 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the command reception interrupt process. The payout control device 92 transmits a command for specifying payout activation indicating that the payout of the game ball has started to the main control device 70, and various devices (for example, for example) related to payout of the prize ball as the game progresses. The command transmitted from the payout device board 100, the full tank switch 161 and the like) to the main control device 70 is relayed and transmitted. These commands transmitted by the payout control device 92 are received by the receive data register of the specific channel of the serial communication circuit 196 of the main control device 70. The main control CPU 72 executes the command reception interrupt process (SCU interrupt process) triggered by this command reception (SCU interrupt process). Hereinafter, each procedure of the command reception interrupt processing will be described step by step.

Step S180: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the A register (accumulator) and the F register (flag register) used during the execution of the main loop to the save area of the RAM 76. Another value can be written to each register after the value is saved in the process of data reception interrupt processing.

Step S182: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks a specific bit of the status register to confirm whether or not there is data in the reception data register (reception FIFO). When it is confirmed that there is data in the received data register (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S184. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that there is data in the received data register (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S186.
Step S184: The main control CPU 72 stores the contents of the data register in the receive command buffer.

Steps S186 and S188: The main control CPU 72 restores the values of the A and F registers saved in step S180 to each register, permits interrupts, and then ends the command reception interrupt process to perform the CPU initialization process. Return to the main loop (FIG. 8).

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, the timer interrupt process will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the timer interrupt process. The main control CPU 72 executes the timer interrupt process (PTC interrupt process) at predetermined time (for example, several ms) based on the interrupt request (PTC interrupt) output by the timer circuit 194. Hereinafter, each procedure of the timer interrupt process will be described later.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 sets the values of the AF register (accumulator / flag register pair), BC, DE, and HL register (general purpose register pair) used during the execution of the main loop into the save area of the RAM 76. Evacuate. Another value can be written to each register after the value is saved in the process of timer interrupt processing.

Step S202: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits interruption. If the interrupt is permitted here, another interrupt can be generated while the next step or later of the timer interrupt process is being executed. In this way, multiple interrupts are permitted for the timer interrupt process. The interrupt controller 192 executes the reception of the interrupt request signal, the priority control of multiple interrupts, and the like. The interrupt management by the interrupt controller 192 will be described later.

Step S204: The main control CPU 72 executes the dynamic port output process. In this process, in order to control the lighting of each lamp mounted on the integrated display board 89 by the dynamic lighting method, port output is performed in common units. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 stores the contents output to the common output request buffer corresponding to the selected common in the output port after clearing the output port.

Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes the port input process. In this process, in order to accurately acquire the latest switch state based on the input port information, the main control CPU 72 is the logical product of the input values of various switch signals from the parallel I / O port 79 and the inversion result value of the previous input value. Is stored in the input port-on detection flag. As a result, the value (ON / OFF) of the input port on detection flag makes it possible to grasp the accurate input state based on the change from the previous time of various switch signals. Specifically, the various switch signals include a passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, a right start winning opening switch 80, a left starting winning opening switch 82, a count switch 84, a first winning opening switch 86, and a second winning opening. The winning detection signal from the switch 81 and the like are included.

Step S208: The main control CPU 72 executes the timer update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts and updates counters such as various timers for external information and timers for security signals, in addition to the timer for managing the game time and the closing time of the ordinary electric accessory.

Step S210: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process. The content of the process is the same as that described in the process of CPU initialization process (step S138 in FIG. 8).

Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes the hit symbol random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the counter for generating various random numbers for lottery of special symbols and ordinary symbols. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76, and each loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, a jackpot symbol random number and the like.

Step S214: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous port input process (step S206), the gate switch 78, the right start winning opening switch 80, the left starting winning opening switch 82, the count switch 84, the first winning opening switch 86, Based on the winning detection signal from the second winning opening switch 81, an event that has occurred during the game is determined, and another process is executed according to each occurrence of the event. The specific contents of the switch input event processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

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

Step S216, Step S218: The main control CPU 72 executes the special symbol game process and the normal symbol game process. These processes are for specifically advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among them, in the special symbol game processing (step S216), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, or the first special symbol display device 34 and the first. 2 The variable display or stop display by the special symbol display device 35 is determined, and the operation of the variable winning device 30 is controlled according to the display result. The details of the special symbol game processing will be described later using a further flowchart.

Further, in the normal symbol game processing (step S218), the main control CPU 72 determines the variation display and the stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. To control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (a random number determined per normal symbol) acquired in the previous switch input event process (step S214) triggered by the passage of the start gate 20, and is in the normal symbol game process. Reads a random number value from the memory and determines whether or not it falls within a predetermined hit range (operation lottery execution means). When the random value falls within the hit range, the normal symbol is fluctuated by the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined hit mode, and then the main control CPU 72 presses the normal electric accessory solenoid 88. The variable start winning device 28 is activated by excitation (movable piece operating means). On the other hand, if the random number value is out of the hit range, the main control CPU 72 performs a stop display of the normal symbol in a disengaged manner after the fluctuation display.

Step S220: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the state management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 is collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 due to an abnormal winning frequency (a state in which the number of balls entered into the right starting winning opening 26 and the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is abnormally large) and a base abnormality (a state in which the number of balls entered into the right starting winning opening 26 and the normal winning openings 22 and 24 is abnormally large). The total number of winning balls to the normal winning openings 22, 24, the starting winning openings 26, 28a, and the large winning openings is larger than the number of game balls driven into the game area 8a), etc. Check if a high-risk condition has occurred. When an abnormal state is detected, the main control CPU 72 causes an abnormality by outputting a security signal to the hall computer of the amusement park and by transmitting a predetermined effect control command to the effect control device 124. Notify that.

Step S222: The main control CPU 72 executes the winning opening switch process. In this process, when each input port on detection flag stored based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 86 in the previous port input process (step S206) is ON, The prize ball control counters for each target are added by 1 and updated.

Step S224: The main control CPU 72 executes the prize ball payout process. Although the detailed flow is not shown, in this process, the main control CPU 72 first checks whether the payout command buffer is not empty (whether the payout command to be transmitted is set), and is not empty (the payout command is not empty). If it is set), various payout commands output to the payout command buffer are transmitted to the payout control device 92. For example, the payout command indicating the start mode when the power is turned on is set in the process of CPU initialization (step S118 and step S124 in FIG. 7) and output to the payout command buffer (step S126 in FIG. 7). However, a payout command indicating this activation mode is sent here. On the other hand, if the payout command buffer is empty, the process proceeds to the process for instructing the payout of the prize ball. The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the prize ball control counter is 0, and if the prize ball control counter is not 0, the payout control device 92 issues a prize ball designation payout command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to this counter. Send to. More specifically, the prize ball designation payout command corresponding to each prize ball control counter updated in the previous step S222 is transmitted here. For the transmission of the payout command, the payout command permission signal is input from the payout control device 92 to the main control device 70, and the number of payout commands set in the transmission data register (transmission FIFO) is a predetermined number. When less than (more specifically, when the payout command set in the transmission FIFO in step S224 executed before the previous time has been transmitted, or when the transmission FIFA is currently being transmitted and there is space in the transmission FIFO. ) Is executed only.

Further, particularly in step S224 at the time of power-on, when the payout command set in the process of CPU initialization processing is normally transmitted, the main control CPU 72 turns on the launch permission signal with this as an opportunity. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 clears the payout command buffer output when the power is turned on, and turns on the emission permission signal by setting a specific bit of the output port (specific output information setting means). As a result, the launch of the game ball is permitted after confirming the normal operation after the power is turned on, and the launch permission signal is sent to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, so that the game ball can be launched. It becomes a state.

Further, the main control CPU 72 outputs a prize ball content command for transmitting the content of the number of prize balls to the effect control device 124 in the prize ball payout process. When a winning detection signal is input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the variable winning device 30, a prize ball content command corresponding to the first profit (for example, 15 game balls) is generated. Further, when the winning detection signal is input from the second winning opening switch 81 corresponding to the normal winning opening 24, the prize ball content command corresponding to the second profit (for example, 10 game balls) is generated. The prize ball content command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 8) in the main loop.

[About the number of prize balls and the number of game balls won]
The number of prize balls at the start port of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls at the start port of the second special symbol are set to a specified number of one or more, respectively. Further, the number of prize balls may be different between the starting port of the first special symbol and the starting port of the second special symbol. Furthermore, the minimum number of prize balls is set based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired (the average number of balls to be obtained in a series of periods from the first hit to the end of the time reduction state). You may. Furthermore, the winning probability of the special symbol, the expected value of the total number of game balls won, the number of opening of the large winning opening, the opening time of the large winning opening, the maximum number of winning of the large winning opening, and the number of winning balls of the large winning opening are predetermined. If the conditions are met, a jackpot may be set in which the number of game balls acquired by one jackpot is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of acquired game balls.

Step S228: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends an external information signal (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation count information, jackpot information, start port information, security signal, etc.) to the hall computer of the amusement park through the external terminal plate 160. Is stored in the port output request buffer.

In the present embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, by outputting "big hit 1" to "big hit 5" as big hit information to the outside, an external electronic device (data display) connected to the pachinko machine 1 It is possible to provide various jackpot information to a vessel or a hall computer (external information signal output means). That is, by outputting the jackpot information by dividing it into a plurality of "big hit 1" to "big hit 5", the jackpot type (winning type) can be aggregated and managed by a hall computer (not shown) from these combinations, or internally. Occurrence of small hits (hits where the condition device does not operate) that are not classified as "big hits" even if they recognize changes in the probability state (low probability state or high probability state) and the shortened state of the symbol fluctuation time. Can be aggregated and managed. In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpot occurrences within the past several business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently hit. It is possible to recognize whether or not the symbol fluctuation time is currently shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail each output state (ON or OFF set) of "big hit 1" to "big hit 5".

Step S230: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes the test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 represents its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, launch position designation, big hit, probability fluctuation function operating, time shortening function operating). Generate test signals and store them in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested outside the main control device 70.

Step S232: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 has a normal symbol display device 33, a normal symbol operation storage lamp 33a, a first special symbol display device 34, a second special symbol display device 35, a first special symbol operation storage lamp 34a, and a second special symbol. Performs processing necessary for managing the lighting state of the working memory lamp 35a, the game status display device 38, and the like. Specifically, in a mode corresponding to the fluctuation display and stop display of the symbol determined in the special symbol game processing (step S216) and the normal symbol game processing (step S218), the operation memory number display, the game state display, and the like. The drive signal for lighting each lamp is stored as byte data in the port output request buffer for each common.

Here, the byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is sequentially stored in the output port one common at a time in the dynamic port output process (step S204) each time the timer interrupt process occurs. It is output. For example, in the timer interrupt process executed next time, the byte data stored for common 1 is output to the port, and in the timer interrupt process executed one after another, the byte data stored for common 2 is output to the port. , And so on, the byte data stored in the port output request buffer for each common is processed one by one in order. As a result, each lamp constituting a predetermined display mode (a mode in which a symbol variation display, a stop display, an operation memory number display, a game state display, etc.) is sequentially driven in a common unit, and lighting control is performed by a dynamic lighting method. Will be.

Step S234: Further, the main control CPU 72 executes the solenoid output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 stores the drive signals, test signals, and the like of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 88 and the large winning port solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer in the port output request buffer.

Step S236: The main control CPU 72 executes the port output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether a value is stored in each output buffer (port output request buffer), and if the value is stored, outputs the port. For example, the drive signals of the solenoids 88, 90, 97, and 99 stored in the port output request buffer in the previous step S234 are output to the port. In this case, each drive signal is transmitted to the corresponding solenoids 88, 90, 97, 99, and each solenoid can be made to operate according to the drive signal.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the processes (game control program module) of steps S216 to S236 are executed as a part of the timer interrupt process is given, but these processes are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed. There are also known programming examples.

Step S238: The control CPU 72 returns the values of the HL, DE, BC, and AF registers saved in step S200 to each register, ends the timer interrupt processing, and enters the main loop (FIG. 8) of the CPU initialization processing. Return.

[Interrupt management by interrupt controller]
As described above, in the main control device 70, during the execution of the CPU initialization process (FIG. 7), which is the main control program, the parallel that is the source of the XINT interrupt (power off / save process (FIG. 9)). I / O port 79 output interrupt request), SCU interrupt (interrupt request output by the serial communication circuit 196 that is the source of the command reception interrupt process (FIG. 10)), PTC interrupt (timer interrupt) An interrupt request output by the timer circuit 194, which is the source of the interrupt process (FIG. 11), may occur. These interrupt requests are managed / controlled by the interrupt controller 192 mounted on the main controller 70. The interrupt controller 192 permits the acceptance of the interrupt request by the interrupt permission instruction (EI instruction) of the main control CPU 72, and prohibits the acceptance of the interrupt request by the interrupt prohibition instruction (DI instruction), that is, so-called masqueradable interrupt. Is being controlled.

Since the XINT interrupt, the SCU interrupt, and the PTC interrupt are all generated based on independent factors that do not depend on each other, it is naturally possible that a plurality of interrupt requests occur at the same time. Therefore, the interrupt controller 192 controls each interrupt request according to a predetermined priority of the interrupt request in consideration of the importance of the interrupt process, the processing efficiency, and the like.

More specifically, the priority of the interrupt request (interrupt processing) is defined in the interrupt vector table, the priority of the XINT interrupt (evacuation processing when the power is turned off) is the lowest, and the SCU interrupt (command). The priority of reception interrupt processing) is set to the highest. By setting the interrupt vector table at the beginning of the CPU initialization process (step S102 in FIG. 7), the interrupt controller 192 can perform priority control of interrupt requests generated at subsequent timings. .. Actually, after the CPU initialization process transitions to the main loop (steps S136 to S146 in FIG. 8), from the time when the interrupt is permitted (step S144 in FIG. 8) until the interrupt is prohibited (FIG. 8). When any of the interrupt requests occurs during step S136) in 8, the interrupt controller 192 controls the received interrupt request based on the priority set in the interrupt vector table. For example, when XINT interrupt and PTC interrupt are accepted at the same time, the higher priority PTC interrupt (timer interrupt process) is processed first. While the timer interrupt process is being executed, the XINT interrupt is in the interrupt waiting state, and after the timer interrupt process is completed, the power outage save process is executed.

Further, when the procedure example of each interrupt process is reconfirmed, in the power failure save process (FIG. 9) and the command reception interrupt process (FIG. 10), immediately before returning from each interrupt process (RETI instruction). Interruption is permitted for the first time (immediately before executing) (step S152 in FIG. 9 and step S188 in FIG. 10), whereas in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11), interrupts are performed at the beginning of the interrupt process. Interrupts are allowed (step S202 in FIG. 11), after which the main steps are performed. That is, the interrupt controller 192 (main control CPU 72) prohibits the execution of multiple interrupts during the execution of the power-off save process and the command reception interrupt process, while the interrupt controller 192 prohibits the execution of multiple interrupts during the execution of the timer interrupt process. Allows execution of interrupts.

By controlling the interrupt request based on the priority in this way, the interrupt controller 192 enables the execution of multiple interrupts in the main controller 70.

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the switch input event processing (step S214 in FIG. 11). Hereinafter, each procedure will be described step by step.

Step S10: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the right-starting winning opening switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 to execute the first special symbol storage update process. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the left starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. When the input of the winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 to execute the second special symbol storage update process. Similarly, the specific contents of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart. On the other hand, when there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

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

Step S22: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not a passage detection signal has been input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. When the input of the passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 to execute the normal symbol storage update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current number of normal symbol operation memories is less than the upper limit (for example, 4), and if it does not reach the upper limit, acquires a random number per normal symbol. To do. Further, the main control CPU 72 increments the number of normal symbol operation memories by one. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random number value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, when there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the timer interrupt processing (FIG. 11).

[1st special symbol memory update process]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described step by step.

Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol operation memory number counter, and confirms whether or not the operation memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The working memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol random number, etc. stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into eight sections (for example, 2 bytes each) commonly used in the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section contains a jackpot determined random number and a jackpot symbol. Random numbers can be stored one by one as a set. At this time, if the value of the working memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol reaches the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the working memory counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one first special symbol operation memory number. The first special symbol operation storage number counter is stored in, for example, the operation storage number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments (+1) the value. Based on the value of the counter added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol operation storage lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 11).

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

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

Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires a reach determination random number and a variation pattern determination random number as random values related to the variation condition of the first special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (acquisition of variation pattern determination element). Means, element acquisition means). Similarly, the acquisition of these random number values is performed by designating the address of the random number counter area for fluctuation. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the designated address, they save them at the transfer destination address.

Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the first special symbol, and transfers these random numbers to an empty section in the area. (Memory means, lottery element storage means). An order (for example, first to fourth) is set for the plurality of sections, and if all the first to fourth sections are empty at this stage, each random number is stored in order from the first section. Alternatively, if the first section is already filled and the other second to fourth sections are empty, each random number is stored in order from the second section. The reading of the random number storage area is in the FIFO (First In First Out) format.

Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current special game management status (game state) is a big hit. If it is not during the big hit (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S37 and S38. If the jackpot is in progress (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. The reason why this determination is made in the present embodiment is that the pre-reading effect is not performed for the ball entering during the big hit.

Step S37: When it is not during the big hit (step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes the acquisition-time effect determination process for the first special symbol. In this process, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the first special symbol acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, respectively, and the effect content is determined accordingly. It is for making a judgment (so-called "look-ahead"). The specific contents of the processing will be described later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S38: After returning from the acquisition-time effect determination process, the main control CPU 72 then sets the upper byte (for example, “B8H”) of the special figure destination determination effect command for the first special symbol. This high-order byte data describes that the command type is "for special figure destination determination effect regarding the first special symbol". Since the lower byte of the special figure destination determination effect command is set in the previous acquisition effect determination process (step S37), here, by synthesizing the upper byte with the lower byte, for example, a command having a length of one word. Will be generated.

Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command when the number of working memories increases with respect to the first special symbol. Specifically, the one-word length obtained by adding the increased working memory number (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, "BBH") of the upper byte indicating the type of the command. Generate a production command. At this time, for the lower byte, the second digit is set to "0" by default, which indicates that the value is "the result (change information) due to the increase in the number of working memories". That is, if the lower byte is "01H", it means that the number of working memories this time is "01H" as a result of increasing by one from the number of working memories "00H" up to the previous time. Similarly, if the lower byte is "02H" to "04H", it is increased by one from the previous working memory numbers "01H" to "03H", and as a result, the working memory number this time is "02H" to "04H". It means that it became "04H". The preceding value "BBH" is a value indicating that the current effect command is a working memory number command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect command output setting process with respect to the first special symbol. This process is for transmitting the special figure destination determination effect command generated in step S38, the operation memory number increase effect command generated in step S38a, and the start opening winning sound control command to the effect control device 124. It is a thing.
Then, when the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in FIG. 12). Hereinafter, the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described step by step.

Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter, and confirms whether or not the operation memory number is less than the maximum value. Similarly to the above, the second special symbol operation storage number counter represents the number (number of sets) of the jackpot determination random number, the jackpot symbol random number, etc. stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory counter reaches the maximum value (for example, 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol operation memory counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 or later.

Step S41: The main control CPU 72 adds one second special symbol operation memory number (increments the value of the second special symbol operation memory number counter). Similar to the previous step S31 (FIG. 13), the lighting state of the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S232 in FIG. 11) based on the value of the counter added here. Will be.

Step S42: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (second lottery element acquisition means, lottery element acquisition means). The method of acquiring the random number value is the same as that of step S32 (FIG. 13) described above.

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method of acquiring the random number value is the same as that of step S33 (FIG. 13) described above.

Step S44: Further, the main control CPU 72 sequentially acquires the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number related to the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (variation pattern determination element acquisition means, element acquisition). means). The acquisition of these random value values is also performed in the same manner as in step S34 (FIG. 13) described above.

Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach determination random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area corresponding to the second special symbol, and transfers these random numbers to an empty section in the area. To memorize as a set (memory means). The memory method is the same as in step S35 (FIG. 13) described above.

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

Step S46: When it is not during the big hit (step S45a: No), the main control CPU 72 then executes the acquisition-time effect determination process for the second special symbol. In this process, the result of the internal lottery is determined in advance (before the start of fluctuation) based on the big hit determination random number and the big hit symbol random number of the second special symbol acquired in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, and the effect content is determined accordingly. It is for judging. The details of the specific processing will be described later.

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

Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command when the number of working memories increases with respect to the second special symbol. Here, a one-word length production command in which the number of operating memories after the increase (for example, "01H" to "04H") is added to the lower byte with respect to the preceding value (for example, "BCH") of the upper byte indicating the type of the command. To generate. Similarly, for the second special symbol, by setting the second digit of the lower byte to "0" by default, it is possible to indicate that the value is "the result (change information) due to the increase in the number of working memories". it can. The preceding value "BCH" is a value indicating that the current effect command is a working memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes the effect command output setting process with respect to the second special symbol. As a result, preparations are made for transmitting the special symbol destination determination effect command, the operation memory number increase effect command, the start opening winning sound control command, and the like to the effect control device 124 with respect to the second special symbol.
Then, when the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (FIG. 12).

[Production judgment processing at the time of acquisition]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the effect determination process at the time of acquisition. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition-time effect determination process in the first special symbol memory update process and the second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 13 and step S46 in FIG. 14) (preliminary determination). means). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when the ball enters the right start winning opening 26) and the second special symbol (when the ball enters the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may correspond to the process related to the first special symbol or the process related to the second special symbol. The contents of the process will be described below according to each procedure.

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

Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads a big hit determination random number as a random number value for first determination. The random number to be loaded here is stored in the RAM 76 in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). ..

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

Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the deviation pattern information pre-determination process (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command for the fluctuation time at the time of disconnection. The fluctuation pattern destination determination command generated here reflects prior determination information regarding the fluctuation time (or fluctuation pattern number) when the "time reduction function" is activated. For example, if the current state is when the "time reduction function" is activated, the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the "off reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)" based on the loaded reach determination random number. Determine if it exists. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to the "out-of-reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "time reduction / medium non-shortening fluctuation time". In the case of reach variation, the "reach group (type of reach)" may also be determined from the reach mode random number, and the variation pattern destination determination command may be generated from the result. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the "out-of-reach fluctuation (non-shortening fluctuation time)", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "time reduction / medium reduction fluctuation time". Alternatively, if the current state is when the "time reduction function" is not operating (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 corresponds to the "normally out-of-reach fluctuation" based on the loaded reach determination random number. Judge whether or not. As a result, when the fluctuation time corresponds to the "normally out of reach fluctuation", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "normally out of reach fluctuation time". On the other hand, when the fluctuation time does not correspond to the "normal deviation reach fluctuation", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "normal deviation fluctuation time". Further, the fluctuation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the effect command output setting process (steps S39 and S49). In this process, the main control CPU 72 may generate a variation pattern destination determination command for the variation pattern at the time of a small hit in the same manner as the above-described processing at the time of loss.

When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition-time effect determination process and returns to the caller's first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 14). On the other hand, in the determination in step S54 above, if the loaded random number is not outside the range of the hit value but within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S56.

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

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

Step S66: In this case, the main control CPU 72 then sets the low probability (normal time) comparison value in the A register. The low-probability comparison value is also predetermined according to the low-probability winning probability of the pachinko machine 1.

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

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

Step S64: The main control CPU 72 sets a high-probability comparison value. As a result, the low-probability comparison value set in step S66 above is rewritten. The high-probability comparison value is predetermined according to the high-probability winning probability of the pachinko machine 1.

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

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

Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the jackpot type (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number that is paired with the jackpot determination random number. For example, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random numbers for each symbol stored in the first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 14). Then, the calculation using the comparison value is executed in the same manner as in step S54, and from the result, it is determined whether the jackpot type corresponds to the "normal symbol" or the "probability variation symbol". The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as a special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S76.

Step S76: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the probability state schedule flag based on the first determination result. Specifically, when the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 represents a "normal symbol", the main control CPU 72 sets the value "01H" in the probability state schedule flag. On the other hand, when the special symbol destination determination value represents the "probability variation symbol", the main control CPU 72 sets the value "A0H" in the probability state schedule flag. As a result, in the next and subsequent processes, it is determined that "flag set has been completed" in step S56.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this way, if the probability state schedule flag based on the first determination result is already set and the value is for a high probability, the comparison value is rewritten for the high probability time, and then the next step S72 or later. Will be executed. On the other hand, when it is confirmed in the previous step S62 that the probability state schedule flag does not represent a high-probability schedule but represents a normal (low) probability schedule (Yes), the main control CPU 72 steps. S64 is skipped and the next step S72 and subsequent steps are executed. As a result, in the present embodiment, the jackpot determination in advance can be performed in consideration of the subsequent changes in the internal state (normal probability state → high probability state, high probability state → normal probability state) based on the first determination result. ..

When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (FIG. 13) or the second special symbol memory update process (FIG. 14).

[Special symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special symbol game processing. The special symbol game processing includes execution selection processing (step S1000), special symbol fluctuation pre-processing (step S2000), special symbol fluctuation processing (step S3000), special symbol stop display processing (step S4000), and variable winning device at the time of big hit. The configuration includes a group of subroutines (program modules) for the management process (step S5000) and the small hit variable winning device management process (step S6000). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the special symbol game processing will be described along with each processing.

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

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far (special symbol game management status). For example, if the special symbol has not yet started the variation display (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation preprocessing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change preprocessing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and the special symbol is changing. If the processing is completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the processing during display of special symbol stop display (step S4000) is selected as the next jump destination. In the present embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the "jump table" to select the process, but apart from such a selection method, a "process flag", a "process selection flag", or the like is used. There is also a known programming example in which the CPU selects the process to be executed next. In such a programming example, the CPU performs each process as a whole, and in the first step thereof, the flag is referred to one by one for conditional branching (continuation / return). However, in the selection method of the present embodiment, the main control is performed. There is no need for the CPU 72 to call each process one by one.

Step S2000: In the special symbol variation preprocessing, the main control CPU 72 performs an operation of adjusting the conditions for starting the variation display of the special symbol. More specifically, the main control CPU 72 first reads out (consumes) the lottery random numbers (big hit determination random numbers, big hit symbol random numbers, etc.) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 in order from the first section. , Move (shift) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. In the present embodiment, since the game specification is such that the second special symbol is preferentially changed over the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 stores the random number corresponding to the second special symbol rather than the memory corresponding to the first special symbol. Priority is given to reading the memory of the area. The main control CPU 72 reads out the memory corresponding to the first special symbol when the memory corresponding to the second special symbol does not exist. In any case, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one value of the working memory counter of the special symbol from which the lottery random number is read. Then, the main control CPU 72 performs an internal lottery for the corresponding special symbol using the read random number, and determines the variation pattern and the stop symbol according to the lottery result. Random numbers for fluctuation (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) are used to determine the fluctuation pattern.

Step S3000: In the special symbol changing process, the main control CPU 72 performs drive control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the fluctuation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output for each segment and dots (Nos. 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, thereby displaying the variation of the special symbol.

Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Here as well, an ON or OFF drive signal is output for each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, and a stop display of a special symbol is performed.

Step S5000: The jackpot variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the jackpot mode in the previous special symbol stop display processing. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a big hit, an opportunity occurs to shift from the normal state up to that point to the big hit gaming state (a special gaming state advantageous for the player). During the jackpot game, the jump destination is set in the jackpot variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the jackpot variable winning device management process, the jackpot solenoid 90 has a preset number of continuous operations (for example, for 29 seconds or 0.1 seconds or until counting the number of 10 game balls). It is excited over 16 times (for example, 16 times), whereby the variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a fixed pattern. During this period, by intensively winning the game balls to the variable prize device 30, the player is given an opportunity to collectively obtain a large number of prize balls (special game execution means). The opening / closing pattern of the variable winning device 30 is defined in advance according to the type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol (winning type, winning symbol) that is stopped and displayed at the time of winning. Further, the opening and closing operation of the variable winning device 30 at the time of a big hit is referred to as "round", and if the number of continuous operations is 16 times in total, these may be collectively referred to as "16 rounds".

When the big winning opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening / closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) is set in the jackpot variable winning device management process, the main control CPU 72 opens / closes the variable winning device 30 for one round. The value of the round count counter is incremented by 1 each time it is completed. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with the initial value set to 0. Further, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command indicating the value of the round number counter. The round number command is transmitted to the effect control device 124 in the effect command transmission process (step S142 in FIG. 8). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of continuous operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the jackpot game (major role) only for that round.

Then, when the big hit game is finished, the main control CPU 72 changes the state (high probability state, time shortening state) after the big hit game is finished based on the game state flag (probability fluctuation function operation flag, time reduction function operation flag) ( High probability time reduction state transition means, advantageous game state transition means, special state transition means). In the "high probability state", the probability fluctuation function is activated, and the winning probability in the internal lottery becomes, for example, about 10 times higher than usual (specific game state transition means, high probability state transition means, high probability state setting means). Further, in the "time reduction state", the time reduction function is activated, the operation lottery of the normal symbol becomes high probability, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended. The number of times of opening increases (so-called electric chew support is performed). It should be noted that the "high probability state" and the "time reduction state" may be shifted to only one of them in terms of control, or may be shifted according to both of them.

Step S6000: The small hit variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the small hit mode in the previous special symbol stop display processing. For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the mode of small hit, an opportunity occurs to shift from the normal state up to that point to the small hit game state. During the small hit game, the jump destination is set in the small hit variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the small hit game, although the variable winning device 30 opens and closes a predetermined number of times (for example, twice) in a predetermined opening time (for example, 0.1 seconds), the winning of the big winning opening is hardly generated.

[Example of production image]
Next, the effect image actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 will be described with some examples. As described above, when the internal lottery of the big hit is performed in the pachinko machine 1, the fluctuation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and the fluctuation display by the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed. (Design display means). However, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol itself are lit / blinking by the 7-segment LED, they lack the apparent appealing power. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variable display effect using an effect symbol is performed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the logo display body 40m and the memory display bodies 41a to 41h are arranged adjacent to the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The logo display body 40m and the memory display bodies 41a to 41h can cooperate with the liquid crystal display 42 to perform an effect operation synchronized with the content displayed on the screen. In particular, the total of eight memory displays 41a to 41h are used, for example, to convey to the player the total number of stored memories, which is the sum of the current number of first special symbol operating memories and the number of second special symbol operating memories, in an easy-to-understand manner. Be done. The logo display body 40m and the memory display bodies 41a to 41h are also used in a special zone effect (special period effect) that is executed when the total number of stored items reaches a specified number (for example, eight).

In these effects, the memory displays 41a to 41h emit light or displace. For example, in the memory displays 41a to 41h, the memory display showing the numerical value corresponding to the added memory blinks, each memory display vibrates as the production progresses, or the memory display 41a on the left side The memory display on the right side changes from the state of falling down to the memory display body 41h in order to the state of rising up, and conversely, the memory display body 41h on the right side changes to the state of rising up in order from the memory display body 41a on the left side. Alternatively, the memory displays 41a to 41h may alternate between a state in which they are collapsed and a state in which they are raised. The logo display body 40m and the memory display bodies 41a to 41h are operated by using the logo display body motor and the memory display body motor 67 (represented by one reference code for convenience of explanation, but actually a plurality of motors), respectively. Can be made to. Further, the logo display lamp 69 and the memory display lamp 68 can emit light.

The effect symbols include, for example, a left effect symbol, a middle effect symbol, and a right effect symbol, and these are displayed side by side on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (see FIG. 1). ). Each production design is, for example, a design of a picture card with a character attached to the numbers "1" to "9". Here, the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol all form a symbol sequence in which the numbers are arranged in descending order of "9" to "1". Such a symbol sequence is displayed in a variable manner so as to flow (scroll) in the vertical direction in each of the left area, the middle area, and the right area on the screen. In addition, the middle effect symbol is shown in a size one size smaller than the left and right effect symbols.

FIG. 17 is a continuous view showing an example of an effect image corresponding to the variable display and the stop display of the special symbol. It should be noted that here, regarding the fluctuation of the special symbol at the time of non-winning (missing), an example of the variation display effect and the stop display effect (result display effect) performed by using the effect symbol is shown. This variable display effect is performed between the time when the special symbol (here, the first special symbol is used, but the second special symbol may be used) starts the variable display and the stop display (including the fixed stop). It corresponds to a series of productions. Further, the stop display effect is an effect of expressing the stop display of the special symbol and the result of the internal lottery at that time as a combination of the effect symbols.

Further, in this example, an example of the effect of operating the eight memory displays 41a to 41h based on the total number of stored memory that increases or decreases during the game is also shown. The eight memory displays 41a to 41h can execute the effect operation corresponding to the current total storage number (1 to 8) by, for example, changing the number of lightings thereof according to the total storage number. Further, by turning off all the eight memory displays 41a to 41h, it can be indicated that the working memory number does not exist for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In the following drawings, some reference numerals are omitted in order to prevent the drawings from becoming complicated. The memory displays 41a to 41h are all shown in an upright state in order to improve visibility, but in reality, they change as appropriate as the production progresses, as described above.

Here, first, before explaining the specific contents of the control process, the basic flow of the variation display effect and the stop display effect for each variation adopted in the present embodiment will be described. In addition, an example of an effect operation corresponding to an increase / decrease in the total number of stored memories during the game will also be described.

[Before fluctuation display]
In FIG. 17 (A): For example, in a state before the first special symbol starts to fluctuate (a state in which the demonstration effect is not in progress), a large row of three effect symbols is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. ing. At this time, the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

[Memory display effect]
For the memory number effect device unit, for example, by turning on the four memory displays 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d corresponding to the numbers "1" to "4" (others are turned off), the current total memory is stored. It is possible to inform the player that the number is "4". That is, the total of eight memory displays 41a to 41h are lit by the number of working memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (the first special symbol operating storage lamp 34a and the second special symbol operating storage lamp 35a). It represents the total number of displayed numbers), and the number of lights increases or decreases in accordance with the change in the number of working memories during the game.

Further, the eight memory display bodies 41a to 41h are lit and displayed in the order in which the operation memory of the first special symbol or the operation memory of the second special symbol is acquired, and the lighting positions are not particularly different for each symbol. That is, in the example of FIG. 42 (A), the four memory displays 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d are lit and displayed. In this case, for example, the operation memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are alternately displayed. It indicates that up to a total of 4 items have been acquired (stored), 2 items each (total storage number display effect execution means). Although not particularly shown here, the memory display 41a to the one corresponding to the working memory of the first special symbol and the one corresponding to the working memory of the second special symbol in the total number of stored items are mutually stored. A difference may be provided in the lighting color of 41h.

Further, although not shown, it is assumed that the fourth symbol is displayed at the lower part of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, for example, during the variable display of the effect symbol. This fourth symbol is a "fourth effect symbol" following the above-mentioned left, middle, and right effect symbols, and is displayed in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the effect symbol. The fourth symbol is simply a simple mark (for example, a figure of "□") with a color, and a variable display can be expressed by changing the display color, for example. The fourth symbol is displayed corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol, respectively.

In the stop display state at the time of disconnection, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode corresponding to the detachment (for example, white display color). This is for objectively clarifying that the stop display effect is correctly performed and the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is actually "7 round jackpot" or "16 round jackpot" instead of "missing", the fourth symbol is in the corresponding mode (for example, red display color, green display color, etc.). Is stopped and displayed.

[Start of variable display production]
In FIG. 17 (B): For example, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the variation display effect is started by scrolling and fluctuating the three symbol rows on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 (symbol effect). Execution means). That is, in synchronization with the start of fluctuation of the first special symbol, the rows of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol scroll (flow) in the vertical direction on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 to display the variation. The production starts.

As for the memory number effect device unit, the total number of stored memory up to that point is reduced by one before the start of fluctuation, and the memory display body 41d representing the number “4” is changed to the off state. After the start of fluctuation, the three memory displays 41a, 41b, and 41c representing the numbers "1" to "3" are lit and displayed. As a result, it is possible to visually and easily convey to the player that "one total memory number has been consumed (decreased) with the start of fluctuation".

Although not particularly shown here, when the total number of stored memory decreases due to the start of fluctuation, for example, the memory display 41a representing the number "1" is turned off first, and the remaining numbers "2" to "4" are turned off. After the lighting state of the memory displays 41b, 41c, 41d representing the above is maintained for a moment (for example, 0.5 seconds), the memory displays 41b, 41c representing the numbers "2", "3", and "4", respectively. , 41d are turned off in order, and the memory displays 41a, 41b, 41c representing the numbers "1", "2", and "3" are turned on and displayed in order. It may be that. As a result, it is possible to visually and easily convey to the player that "the oldest working memory is consumed in the variable display and the remaining working memory is moved (shifted) in the order of memory". it can.

In the figure, the variable display of the effect symbol is simply indicated by a downward arrow. Although not shown here, during the variable display, each effect symbol is displayed in a transparent state (transparent display), so that an image (background image) that becomes the background of the effect symbol is displayed on the display screen at this time. It is assumed that the display is easy to see. Such a background image can be selected according to the stay mode in the production. The stay mode is classified into, for example, a "normal mode" corresponding to a normal game state, a "high probability mode" corresponding to a "high probability state", and a "time saving (chance) mode" corresponding to a "time reduction state". be able to. Further, although not particularly shown here, the advance notice effect may be performed by displaying an image of a character, an item, or the like on the display screen, for example.

[Reach state occurs]
In FIG. 17 (C): For example, when a certain amount of time (about half of the fluctuation time) elapses, the left effect symbol first stops the fluctuation, and after a short time (for example, 1 to 2 seconds later), the right effect symbol is used. Is performed to stop the fluctuation. In this example, the left effect symbol and the right effect symbol representing the number "6" are stopped at the middle position of the screen. The medium production design is still changing. As a result, the effect symbol is displayed as a combination of "6"-(changing)-"6", and a "reach state" is generated in the effect.

[Production to increase total memory]
In addition, since the game balls were continuously launched during this period, winnings to the right starting winning opening 26 and the variable starting winning device 28 were alternately generated through the sorting device 200, for example, the total number of working memories increased by two. And it changes to five. In this case, two new memory displays 41d and 41e are lit and displayed, and an effect indicating that the total number of stored items has increased to 5 (total number of stored items increased effect) is performed. That is, in this example, the two memory displays 41d and 41e corresponding to the numbers "4" and "5" are additionally lit and displayed.

[Reach production]
In FIG. 17 (D): After the reach state occurs, the effect is performed as if the medium effect symbol slowly flows from the numbers "3" to "4" and then to "5". Further, with respect to the left and right effect symbols that are tempered, for example, an effect of emitting an aura image (displaying an image similar to a flame) is performed from the character of each effect symbol. Depending on the color of the aura (blue, yellow, green, red, gold, rainbow, etc.), the reliability of this fluctuation (big hit expectation; the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning mode. It may suggest (high or low possibility of being done). However, if the "normal reach fluctuation pattern (at the time of deviation)" is selected as the fluctuation pattern this time, the fluctuation will not develop into a more highly expected reach production (super reach production, etc.).

[Production to increase total memory]
In any case, when the "normal reach fluctuation pattern" is selected as the fluctuation pattern this time, a fluctuation time (for example, about 20 seconds to 25 seconds) suitable for executing the reach effect is set. During this period, the game balls were continuously launched, so that the right-starting winning opening 26 and the variable-starting winning device 28 were alternately won through the sorting device 200. For example, the total number of working memories was one more. It has increased to 6 pieces. As a result, the memory display body 41f corresponding to the number "6" is newly lit and displayed, and an effect indicating that the total number of stored items has increased to 6 (total number of stored items increased effect) is performed. ing.

[Stop display effect (result display effect)]
In FIG. 17 (E): The middle effect symbol stops fluctuating as the end of the fluctuation time is approaching. In this example, the effect symbol representing the number "6" passes through the middle position (tempai line) of the display screen and falls to the bottom of the screen, and the middle effect symbol representing the number "7" is stopped at the middle position. Is displayed. In this case, the combination of the production symbols is the deviation (reach deviation) of "6"-"7"-"6", which unfortunately expresses in the production that this fluctuation did not result in a big hit. There is.

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

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

[Example of production at the time of big hit]
Next, FIGS. 18 to 21 are continuous views showing the flow of the reach effect (at the time of a big hit) executed during the special zone effect. In this example, among the working memories included in the specified number (for example, 8) as the total number of stored memories, for example, the case where the third working memory in the memory order corresponds to the winning of the "16 round probability variation symbol" is given. However, the working memory corresponding to the winning may be the first or the second (or the fourth or later).

In the following reach effect, after the first special symbol display device 34 (may be the second special symbol display device 35) performs fluctuation display according to the fluctuation pattern at the time of a big hit, the first special symbol is a big hit mode (for example, 7). It is executed until the segment LED is stopped and displayed at "self", "yo", "mouth", "Snake", "F", "E", "L", "Γ", etc.). In each figure, each effect symbol is shown simply by numbers. Hereinafter, the explanation will be given along with the flow of the production.

[Variable display effect]
FIG. 18 (A): Variable display effect of the left effect symbol, the middle effect symbol, and the right effect symbol on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42 substantially in synchronization with the start of the change of the first special symbol (or the second special symbol). The point at which is started is the same as before. However, the above frame image is still displayed on the periphery of the display screen in order to clearly indicate that the current "special zone is being produced". Further, although not shown here, for example, at this time, a background image unique to "during special zone production" is displayed.

Further, since the total number of working memories is reduced to 2, the two memory displays 41a and 41b representing the numbers "1" and "2" are lit and displayed, and the other memory displays 41c to 41h. Is off, but the logo display 40m is on.

[Decorative body notice production]
In FIG. 18 (B): Next, in the relatively early stage of the variable display effect, the entire display screen is blacked out, and an image effect is performed as if a light ray is emitted from the logo display body 40 m.
In FIG. 18 (C): Then, something vibrates around the liquid crystal display 42 (operation fanning). The true nature of this vibration is three decorative bodies located on the left, right, left and right and below the liquid crystal display 42. These ornaments can be vibrated and moved, but at this point, they are in a position (storage position) hidden by other structures in the game area 8a, which makes it difficult for the player to visually recognize them. .. By performing such an effect, it is possible to attract the player to the game and have a sense of expectation for future development.

In FIG. 19 (D): Soon, three decorative bodies 41x, 41y, and 41z vibrating in hidden positions appear from the outside of the liquid crystal display 42. The decorative bodies 41x and 41y appearing from the left and right outside of the liquid crystal display 42 are shaped like the wings of a bird, and the decorative bodies 41z appearing from the lower side of the liquid crystal display 42 are shaped like the neck of a bird. Is. At this time, all of these decorative bodies 41x, 41y, and 41z are not linearly moved but are displaced while slightly changing the angle. For example, the ornaments 41x and 41y move in the left-right direction while gradually inclining their inner edges from a state close to horizontal in the vertical direction, as if a bird gradually spreads its wings. In addition, the decorative body 41z changes from a state in which the face is slightly lowered in a low posture to a state in which the neck is extended and the beak is raised so that the birds gradually rise.

In FIG. 19 (E): When the three ornaments 41x, 41y, and 41z completely appear, they are united to complete the ornament representing the bird with its wings spread as a whole. In accordance with the operation of such a decorative body, an image effect is performed on the display screen as if a radial ray is emitted from behind the display screen. The effect of such an aspect can give a visual impact to the player and improve the expectation for the subsequent flow of the variable display effect. The decorative bodies 41x, 41y, and 41z can be operated by using the decorative body motor 57 (represented by one reference code for convenience of explanation, but actually, a plurality of motors). Further, the decorative body lamp 58 can make each decorative body 41x, 41y, 41z emit light.

[Reach state occurs]
FIG. 19 (F), FIG. 20 (G): The appearing decorative body returns to the initial storage position and becomes invisible, and the right effect symbol stops following the stop of the left effect symbol in the display screen. To do. At this time, a reach state of "7"-(during fluctuation)-"7" occurs in the combination of the effect symbols, and an effect such as "reach!" Is output at the same time. Also, in this case, since the numbers "7" are aligned, it becomes a probable change jackpot, so it is possible to give the player a variety of tensions such as "probability change or loss" as well as just winning or not winning the lottery. ..

[Notice production after reach occurs (1st time)]
In FIG. 20 (H): Following the occurrence of the reach state, for example, a radial flash ray is displayed on the background of the tempered effect pattern, and the character information of "chance!" Is displayed at the center position to generate the reach. Later notice production (first time) will be performed. By executing such a visually impressive post-reach advance notice effect, it is possible to obtain an effect that gives the player a greater sense of expectation.

[Progress of reach production]
In FIG. 20 (I): Following the advance notice effect after the first reach occurs, for example, images representing the numbers "2" to "8" are displayed on the screen in a three-dimensional row. From the beginning (front), the images of numbers are erased from the screen in the order of "2", "3", "4", and so on. Such an effect is performed for the purpose of suggesting (implying) or reminding the player that the number "7" is a "big hit" if it remains unerased until the end. Also, if the number "5" is erased and "6" remains in front of the screen, it is "off", and if the number "7" is erased, it is "off", but the number "6" If the number "7" is not erased and remains in front of the screen after "" is erased, it means that it is a "probability change jackpot". Therefore, during this period, the images are erased in the order of the numbers "2", "3", "4", and so on, and as the number "6" approaches, the player's tension and expectations The feeling will also increase. After that, for example, if the number "5" is erased on the screen, and then the number "6" is erased, the possibility of "probability change jackpot" will finally increase, so the player's tension there. The feeling also increases at once.

[Notice production after reach occurs (second time)]
In FIG. 21 (J): When the reach production approaches the final stage, the image of the character is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it were split into a large copy, and the character utters some kind of dialogue (or silently). After the reach occurs, a notice production (second time) will be performed. At this point, for example, the content of the reach effect is that "if the number" 6 "is erased, the possibility of a probability variation jackpot of" 7 "-" 7 "-" 7 "increases." Therefore, by making a large image of the character appear at this timing, it is possible to obtain an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation that "it may be a big hit".

[Stop display effect (result display effect)]
In FIG. 21 (K): The last middle effect symbol is stopped substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In this example, since the winning symbol internally corresponds to the "16 round probability variation symbol", the effect symbol (form is a heart shape) representing the number "7" is stopped and displayed in the center of the screen. ing.

In FIG. 21 (L): Then, for example, in substantially synchronization with the fixed stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the fixed stop display is also performed for the stop display effect as the effect symbol. The final stop display of the effect symbol is performed, for example, in a state where the left, middle, and right effect symbols are restored to their initial sizes. By performing such a confirmation stop display, it is possible to teach the player that the final winning type has been confirmed in the production. Further, in this case, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, a red display color) corresponding to the "16 round probability variation jackpot".

In addition, although the case of "16 round probability variation symbol" is taken as an example here, if the result of the internal lottery is the above "16 round normal symbol", for example, reach with a production symbol representing the number "6" or the like. A state occurs, and after the subsequent reach effect, the left, middle, and right effect symbols are stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode composed of the same type of combination (for example, "6"-"6"-"6"). Further, in this case, the fourth symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode (for example, green display color) corresponding to the "16 round normal symbol".

Further, if the result of the internal lottery is non-winning, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a missed symbol, so that the effect symbol is also stopped and displayed in the same manner (design effect). Execution means). In this case, by displaying numbers "6" and "8" other than "7" in the center of the screen, unfortunately, an effect is performed to inform that the change did not result in a big hit. It should be noted that such an effect is executed as an "outlier reach effect". Even in this case, since the fluctuation pattern corresponds to, for example, the "super reach fluctuation pattern at the time of loss", it is a specific reach fluctuation that occurs during the special zone production.

[Summary of special zone production]
As described above, after the total number of stored items reaches the specified number (for example, 8), by starting the special zone effect after the success effect, a specific reach effect (big hit) is performed during the 7 fluctuations executed after that. It is possible to notify the player in advance that a reach effect or a super reach effect at the time of loss) will occur. As a result, the expectation of the player can be maintained during the special zone production, and the tension can be maintained even during the game (fluctuation) until a specific reach production occurs.

Further, since the effect of determining whether or not such a special zone effect is started is executed on the condition that the total number of stored items reaches a specified number (for example, 8), it is usually performed for the player. It is possible to make people aware of "setting the total number of memories to the specified number" during the game and to give motivation to "increase the total number of memories to the specified number to see the special zone effect".

By the way, such an effect includes an effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 and a plurality of movable bodies (logo display bodies 40 m, memory displays 41a to 41h, and decorative bodies 41x, 41y, 41z mentioned in the effect example. In addition, it is realized by synchronizing the operations of the large rotating lamp 41 and the like). As described above, in order to operate these movable bodies, a large number of motors are required as drive sources. The drive control of the motor will be described in detail later with reference to another figure.

Next, an example of a control method for concretely realizing the above effect will be described. The above-mentioned variable display effect, reach effect, notice effect, memory display effect, and large-feature effect during the jackpot game are all controlled through the control process executed by the effect control device 124.

[CPU initialization process (main) process in the effect control device]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the CPU initialization process executed by the effect control device 124. FIG. 22 (A) shows the entire CPU initialization process, and FIG. 22 (B) shows the process executed in the main loop among the CPU initialization processes.

The CPU initialization process is a process for adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by clearing various information in the effect control device 124, and more specifically, when the effect control device 124 is started (more specifically, to the pachinko machine 1). It is executed by the effect control CPU 126 when the power is turned on, or when the effect control device 124 is restarted for some reason). By executing the CPU initialization process, the realization of a stable effect in the pachinko machine 1 is guaranteed.

FIG. 22A is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the CPU initialization process executed by the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the processing executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

Step S300: The effect control CPU 126 releases the reset of the CPU. In order to guarantee the normal operation of the effect control device 124, the effect control CPU 126 resets the CPU after the power is turned on to the effect control device 124 until the output voltage rises normally to the operation guarantee level and the peripheral circuits are stabilized. During that time, the reset state is continued. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the program from operating in a state where the effect control device 124 is not stable. When the reset of the CPU is released, the execution of the control program in the effect control device 124 is started with this as an opportunity.

Step S310: The effect control CPU 126 executes the system initialization process. In the system initialization process, initial settings related to hardware, system operation settings, and the like are performed as initial settings required before various interrupt processes corresponding to the substance of the effect control are started. In the system initialization process, for example, in addition to the settings related to the access to each register and I / O port of the effect control device CPU126 and each device connected to the effect control CPU126, the RAM 130 (main memory) and the command buffer are cleared. Will be done. When the system initialization process is completed, the interrupt is enabled.

Step S320: The effect control CPU 126 executes the task execution pre-processing. Here, the "task" refers to an individual process executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In the task execution pre-processing, preparations for executing the task are performed. For example, the effect control device 124 is provided with a plurality of LED lamps (hereinafter, referred to as “status LEDs”) that can be visually recognized from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and the effect control device 124 uses these LED lamps. The internal state is notified by a plurality of lighting patterns, and the setting of the initial state of the status LED is performed in the task execution preprocessing. In addition, the frequency for the command input / output port required for receiving the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70 is set, the RTC184 is set up, and the like. When the task execution pre-processing is completed, the status LED lights up in a manner indicating the completion of the initialization processing, and the state shifts to a state in which various effect commands can be received.

In the effect control device 124, there are various types such as a timer interrupt that occurs at a preset time interval and an event interrupt that occurs due to the occurrence of a predetermined event on the effect control device 124. Interruption can occur. In the following description, interrupts that occur periodically at regular intervals (for example, timer interrupts, event interrupts that occur at regular cycles, etc.) are referred to as "regular interrupts". A priority is set in advance for each interrupt, and when an interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 126 controls the interrupt according to the priority and executes the corresponding interrupt process.

Step S330: The effect control CPU 126 executes the effect control main process. In the effect control main process, among the controls executed as the game progresses, other processes that are not executed in various tasks are performed. The contents of the effect control main process will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 22 (A), the effect control main process is incorporated in an infinite loop, and the effect control CPU 126 waits a predetermined execution interval after executing the effect control main process once. The execution of the next effect control main process is restarted from. Therefore, unless the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is maintained and the effect control device 124 is restarted, the effect control CPU 126 continues to repeatedly execute the effect control main process. Further, during the execution of the effect control main process, various interrupts are generated triggered by various factors, and the effect control CPU 126 executes the process according to each interrupt generated. In these processes, image display control on the liquid crystal display 42, audio output control on the speakers 54 to 56, drive control of the lamps 46 to 53 and the decorative motor 57, etc. are performed, and the effect control device 124 is directly or By controlling each indirectly connected device, the effect content is constructed and the effect is embodied.

As described above, the infinite loop in FIG. 22 (A) corresponds to the main loop in the effect control device 124, and the effect control main process is literally positioned as the main process executed in the effect control device 124.

FIG. 22B is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the effect control main process executed by the effect control device 124. Hereinafter, the processing executed by the effect control CPU 126 will be described step by step.

Step S340: The effect control CPU 126 executes the voltage control monitoring process. In the voltage control monitoring process, the effect control CPU 126 performs a monitoring process for canceling the interruption of the 5V signal supplied to the external driver in a fixed time. If a voltage is applied to the lamp or the movable body at the same time, the lamp or the movable body may generate excessive heat due to the inrush current, which may lead to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the timing of applying the voltage (timing of releasing the signal) is shifted to disperse the inrush current, and the lamp, the movable body, and the like are protected from heat generation.

Step S350: The effect control CPU 126 executes the watchdog clear process. In addition to being equipped with a watchdog timer IC188 connected to the effect control CPU 126 and a watchdog timer using the built-in function of the effect control CPU 126, the effect control device 124 is equipped with a watchdog timer by a control program. There is. That is, in the effect control device 124, a total of three watchdog timers, including two watchdog timers on the hardware and one watchdog timer on the software, are operating, and each watchdog timer has a different monitoring time. , Whether or not the periodic interrupt is normally generated (whether the periodic interrupt process that is executed when the periodic interrupt occurs is executed normally) is monitored. In the watchdog clear process, the effect control CPU 126 clears all the watchdog timers and the like when the periodic interrupt process is normally executed.

When the above procedure is completed, the effect control CPU 126 returns to the main loop of the CPU initialization process ((A) in FIG. 22) and executes the effect control main process again. The effect control main process is executed at substantially constant intervals when the effect control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, in the normal state, in the effect control main process, while returning from the interrupt process executed separately, the frame interrupt occurs twice every 33.3 ms (16.6 ms interval) triggered by the frame interrupt. It is called every), and the processing of each step goes through in the meantime. Therefore, when each step S340 and S350 of the effect control main process completes without delay, the effect control CPU 126 performs the standby process in the remaining time until the next effect control main process is called, and waits for the start process during that time. Transition to the (sleep) state. With the exhaustion of the remaining time, the effect control CPU 126 ends the standby process, returns to the main loop, and calls the next effect control main process.

[Production control processing]
By the way, the effect control device 124 has a function as an effect control processor and a function as an effect reproduction processor as described above, and realizes these two functions by allocating different resources of the effect control CPU 126 to each of them. ing. The effect control CPU 126 as the effect control processor receives the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70, and transmits an effect reproduction command instructing the reproduction of the effect according to the contents. Further, the effect control CPU 126 as the effect reproduction processor operates each device (by the liquid crystal display 42) by giving more specific instructions to each device based on the content of the effect reproduction command transmitted from the effect control processor. Controls screen display, audio output by speakers 54, 55, 56, light emission by various lamps 46 to 52 and board lamp 53, displacement of various movable objects by decorative motor 57, etc.), and realizes production reproduction on pachinko machine 1. Let me.

Therefore, for convenience of explanation, in the following description, the operation subject when the effect control CPU 126 functions as the effect control processor is expressed as the “effect control unit 210”, and the effect control CPU 126 functions as the effect reproduction processor. The operating subject of the case is appropriately expressed as "display control unit 220", "voice control unit 222", "lamp control unit 224", or "motor control unit 226" depending on the content.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the effect control process. This effect control process is executed, for example, in the process of the interrupt process that is periodically executed due to the interrupt that occurs at a fixed cycle during the execution of the main loop in FIG. 22 (A).

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

Step S400: In the command reception process, the effect control unit 210 receives the effect command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. Further, the effect control unit 210 analyzes the received effect commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 for each type. The effect commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special symbol destination determination effect command, a (special symbol) operation memory increase effect command, a (special symbol) operation memory decrease effect command, and a start opening winning sound. Control command, demo production command, lottery result command, fluctuation pattern command, fluctuation start command, stop symbol command, symbol stop command, status specification command, round number command, error notification command, jackpot end production command, count cut counter value command , Fluctuation pattern destination judgment command, stop display time end command, prize ball content command, etc.

Step S401: In the working memory effect management process, the effect control unit 210 controls the execution of the total memory number increase effect and the total memory number decrease effect using the memory displays 41a to 41h. Further, in this process, the effect control unit 210 may control the execution of the memory number increase effect, the memory number decrease effect, and the look-ahead advance notice effect using, for example, the image of the marker. The contents of the working memory effect management process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S402: In the effect symbol management process, the effect control unit 210 controls the content of the variable display effect and the stop display effect using the effect symbol, and controls the effect content during the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device 30 ( Directing execution means). Further, in this process, the effect control unit 210 selects an effect pattern of various advance notice effects (pre-reach advance notice effect, post-reach advance notice effect, etc.). The contents of the effect symbol management process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S404: In the display output process, first, the effect control unit 210 instructs the display control unit 220 to display the effect content (for example, the number of operation memories and the operation memory of each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol). The effect pattern number, the look-ahead advance notice effect pattern number, the variable effect pattern number, the change notice effect number, the background pattern number, etc.) are transmitted. In response to this, the display control unit 220 gives a specific drawing instruction to the VDP 152 based on the content of the received effect reproduction command, and controls the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42.

Step S406: In the lamp drive process, the effect control unit 210 first instructs the lamp control unit 224 of the effect content. More specifically, the effect control unit 210 sets any of the lamp control tables defined in advance in the control ROM 180. In response to this, the lamp control unit 224 analyzes the contents of the set lamp control table, relays the LED driver 198 based on this, outputs a specific control signal to the driver IC 132, and outputs various lamps 46 to 46 to The 52, the board lamp 53, the decorative lamp 58, the memory display lamp 68, the logo display lamp 69, and the like are operated (on / off, blinking, change in brightness gradation, etc.).

Step S407: In the motor drive process, the effect control unit 210 first instructs the motor control unit 226 of the effect content using the movable body. More specifically, the effect control unit 210 sets any of the motor control tables defined in advance in the control ROM 180. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 analyzes the contents of the set motor control table, and based on this, specifies specific control contents to the SMC 199. Further, the SMC 199 is variously connected to various movable bodies (logo display body 40 m, large rotating lamp 41, memory display bodies 41a to 41h, decorative bodies 41x, 41y, 41z, etc.) based on the designation from the motor control unit 226. An excitation pattern of a motor (decorative body motor 57, memory display motor 67, etc.) is generated, and an excitation signal corresponding to this is output to the driver IC. In this way, various movable bodies are operated by exciting and driving various motors. The movable body produces an effect in synchronization with the display of the image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently. The details of the motor drive process will be described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S408: In the acoustic drive process, the effect control unit 210 first transmits an effect reproduction command instructing the voice control unit 222 to indicate the effect content. In response to this, the voice control unit 222 instructs the voice IC 134 of the specific output content based on the content of the received effect reproduction command, and the speakers 54, 55, 56 give a sound (sound effect) according to the effect content. , BGM, etc.) are output.

Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control unit 210 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The production random numbers include, for example, random numbers used for advance notice selection and random numbers used for a normal background change lottery (production lottery).

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the operation of other effect devices that are not executed in steps S400 to S410 is controlled.

Through the above-mentioned effect control process, the effect control unit 210 can comprehensively control the effect content in the pachinko machine 1.

[Overview of movable body control]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an outline of movable body control. As described above, the control of the movable body is performed by the effect control unit 210 (effect control means, first instruction unit), the motor control unit 226 (effect control means, second instruction unit), SMC199 (drive control means), and the driver IC 132. It is realized by coordinating. Here, only the blocks related to the control of the movable body are extracted from the internal functions (FIG. 6) of the effect control device 124, and in addition to the functions and roles of each block, how these act when operating the movable body. Will be described in detail.

In FIG. 24, the direction of control is indicated by an arrow connecting the blocks, and the outline of the process is briefly described. The control processes can be roughly classified into (1) connecting to a movable body. It can be classified into three flows: (2) interruption when a designated step is reached, and (3) notification when a sensor is detected. Hereinafter, the three flows will be described step by step.

[(1) Motor drive control]
When the effect control CPU 126 (effect control unit 210) receives the effect command transmitted from the main control device 70 as the game progresses, the effect control unit 210 first determines a predetermined movable body according to the content of the effect command. Instruct to operate in the mode of. Since each movable body can be operated by being driven by a motor connected to them, the operating mode of the movable body can be rephrased as the driving mode of the motor. The drive mode of the motor is instructed in the form of setting a control table (hereinafter, referred to as "motor control table") in which a plurality of control commands for rotating a certain motor are combined and summarized as a series of operations. In each control command, the rotation speed, rotation direction, number of steps, etc. of the motor are specified. The motor control table is stored in the control ROM 180.

When the operation is instructed by the effect control unit 210, the motor control unit 226 next reads out the set motor control table from the beginning and analyzes each of the described control commands in order. When the motor control unit 226 analyzes one control command, the motor control unit 226 more specifically specifies the operation of the motor with respect to the SMC 199 according to the content of the control command. Here, the excitation method (for example, 1-2 phase excitation) of the motor, the rotation speed, the rotation direction, the number of steps, and the like are specified.

When the operation is specified by the motor control unit 226, the SMC 199 automatically updates the excitation pattern of the motor according to the specified content. "Automatic update of excitation pattern" means that an excitation pattern for four phases for each motor (stepping motor) is generated within a certain period of time according to a specified content, and an excitation pattern for all motors is constant for the driver IC 132. It means that it is transmitted in the cycle of.

By the way, in generating the excitation pattern, the SMC 199 performs a precise calculation (for example, calculation of an acceleration / deceleration curve) based on a designated acceleration operation, deceleration operation, or the like, and generates an appropriate excitation pattern according to the calculation. By generating such an excitation pattern, it is possible to prevent abnormal operation (for example, step-out) of the motor while driving the motor smoothly. If the above calculation is implemented by the motor control unit 226, the calculation load becomes very high and the resources of the effect control CPU 126 are significantly consumed. Therefore, the effect control CPU 126 (effect control unit 210 and each reproduction control unit 220) , 222,224,226,228) may affect other processing performed. In the present embodiment, since the above calculation is implemented by the SMC 199 (a resource different from the effect control CPU 126), the processing load on the effect control CPU 126 can be reduced by that amount.

When the excitation pattern of the motor is generated, the SMC 199 further converts the generated excitation pattern into a serial signal and transmits it to the driver IC 132 at a constant cycle. The driver IC 132 receives the serial signal transmitted from the SMC 199 in a parallel-converted state, and outputs a designated excitation pattern (drive signal) to each motor connected to the driver IC 132. In this way, the effect control unit 210, the motor control unit 226, the SMC 199, and the driver IC 132 cooperate with each other to drive each motor in the specified mode, and as a result, each movable body operates in the specified mode. It becomes.

[(2) Interruption when the specified step is reached]
When the SMC 199 finishes generating the excitation patterns for the specified number of steps, the SMC 199 notifies the motor control unit 226 that the specified number of steps has been reached by outputting an interrupt signal. By the occurrence of this interruption, the motor control unit 226 can grasp that the movement of the number of steps specified immediately before is completed, that is, the motor is stopped. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 analyzes the next control command described in the motor control table.

By the way, some of the control commands described in the motor control table are directly related to the operation of the motor and some are not directly related to the operation of the motor. Control commands that are not directly related to the operation of the motor include, for example, a command that suspends the analysis of the next control command until a specified time elapses (hereinafter referred to as "standby command"), and a predetermined control command that is used between control commands. An instruction for manipulating the value of the flag of, an instruction for conditional branching of a control instruction, or the like is applicable.

When the next control command indicates the operation of the motor, the motor control unit 226 again specifies the specific operation to the SMC 199 in the above flow. On the other hand, when the next control command is not directly related to the operation of the motor, the motor control unit 226 executes the instructed process and completes the process within itself. For example, when the next control command is a standby command, the timer is started inside the motor control unit 226 to enter the standby state, and when the timer ends, the standby state is released and the next control command is analyzed. It will be.

[(3) Notification when sensor is detected]
In addition, the operation of the motor is based on the assumption that the sensor detects the movable body from the start of rotation to the stop of the rotation, that is, while the movable body is operating, and those that do not. And exists. When the control command instructs the operation of the motor on the premise that the moving body is detected by the sensor, the control command specifies the identification information of the sensor, the detection method, and the like as well as the operation of the motor.

When the operation of the motor is specified on the premise of detecting a movable body, the SMC 199 generates an excitation pattern according to this specification to drive the motor, while monitoring the detection signal output by the target sensor. Do. When the sensor detects the movable body, the SMC 199 acquires the detection signal output from the sensor and notifies the motor control unit 226 that the sensor signal has been acquired. In response to this, the motor control unit 226 executes processing according to the control status at that time. For example, when the motor control unit 226 suspends the analysis of the next control command until the signal is input by the designated sensor, the suspension is canceled with the sensor detection notification from the SMC 199 as the trigger for the next analysis. Analyze the control command. If the motor control unit 226 suspends the analysis of the next control command until the specified sensor inputs a signal or reaches the specified number of steps, the sensor detection notification from the SMC 199 is preceded. Depending on whether or not the motor stop notification has been given (whether or not the timeout has been established), different processes will be executed.

[Motor control table]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a motor control table. The left column in FIG. 25 shows the address in the motor control table, and the right column shows the control command described in the address.

As described above, the motor control table is a series of operations in which a plurality of control commands for one motor are combined, and a plurality of control commands are listed in the table in the order of execution from the beginning. For convenience of explanation, only the names of control instructions are listed here, but the actual control instructions are configured as bit strings, and specific information is specified at specific bit positions. .. In addition, the command length differs depending on the content of the control command.

In the motor control table illustrated in FIG. 25, the MOVE_SENSOR command is described at the head (address 00H), the JUMP_CALL command is described at the subsequent position (address 40H), and the JUMP_CALL command is described at the subsequent position (address 80H). The MOVE instruction is described. After that, various instructions follow, and a variable (ExecOnTimeout) for address reference is described at address FF00H. After the address FF00H, control instructions corresponding to the processing to be executed when the timeout is established are described, but the specific description is omitted here. Further, an END command is described at the end of the motor control table. The END command is a control command arranged at the end of the motor control table, and the motor control unit 226 can recognize that this is the last control command in the motor control table by the appearance of the END command.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of control commands constituting the motor control table. Here, among the four instructions appearing in the above-mentioned example of the motor control table (FIG. 25), the specifications of the MOVE instruction, the JUMP_CALL instruction, and the MOVE_SENSOR instruction are shown. Note that the setting data for each control command is described by focusing on only some items necessary for explanation, and in reality, more items may be set. In addition, the description order of the setting data does not necessarily match the order in the actual bit string.

What is common to all instructions is that a 4-bit header code that identifies the control instruction is set at the beginning of each control instruction, and each control instruction has its own instruction length. That is the point. As a result, the motor control unit 226 can identify that the bit string starting from this is a specific control command, and can grasp how long the bit data indicating the control command continues. Based on this rule, the motor control unit 226 analyzes the control commands listed in the motor control table one by one in order. Then, when a header code that identifies the END instruction appears, the motor control unit 226 recognizes that this is the last control instruction in the motor control table, and finally analyzes the END instruction to control the motor. Finish parsing the table.

The MOVE command is a command to suspend the analysis of the next control command until the movable body finishes moving the specified number of steps, that is, until the motor reaches the designated number of steps. In the MOVE command, for example, the driving direction (operating direction of the movable body), the driving speed (the speed at which the motor is rotated), and the number of steps (the number of operating steps of the motor) are set. As the drive direction, any one of four types of forward direction, negative direction, forward direction, and reverse direction is set. The positive and negative directions indicate the absolute movement direction as seen from the movable body, while the forward and reverse directions are the same direction (forward direction) as the previous movement direction of the movable body or the inverted direction. It indicates whether it is (reverse direction). Since the motor control unit 226 knows in which direction the movable body was operating by the previous control command, when a relative operating direction (forward or reverse direction) is specified as the driving direction. The direction to be operated this time can be determined according to the previous operation direction, and the absolute drive direction of the motor can be specified to the SMC 199 accordingly.

The MOVE_SENSOR command is a command to suspend the analysis of the next control command until the designated sensor detects the movable body or the movable body finishes moving the specified number of steps. In the MOVE_SENSOR command, first, information on the operation of the motor is set as in the MOVE command. When operating a movable body on the premise of detection by a sensor, it is necessary to push the movable body from the position at that time to the origin (retracted position) to stop after the sensor detects the movable body. Therefore, in the motor that operates the movable body, the number of steps is set in consideration of the distance for this correction and a certain margin.

In addition to the MOVE_SENSOR command, information such as a sensor signal detection method (sensor detection method) and whether or not to set a timeout flag when a predetermined condition is satisfied (timeout notification) is set. The predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the sensor is not detected by the time the movable body completes the movement of the specified number of steps. When the condition is satisfied, the motor control unit 226 sets the timeout flag to ON (timeout is established) when the timeout notification is set to "1", while the timeout notification is set to "0". Does not set the timeout flag. It is possible to select whether or not to set the timeout flag in consideration of the case where it is not necessary to judge the success or failure of the timeout or the case where the timeout state is not intentionally left.

The timeout flag is stored in the flag area of the RAM 130 and can be used via other control instructions. For example, various control instructions (for example, the JUMP_CALL instruction described below) designed to be able to change the execution contents according to the state of the timeout flag are provided. Therefore, by processing the control commands listed in the motor control table in order, the motor can be driven based on the state of the timeout flag without directly referring to the flag data stored in the RAM 130 to make a judgment. It becomes possible to perform control.

The JUMP_CALL instruction is an instruction to move the execution location of the control instruction to a designated address (JUMP) or to call it as a subroutine starting from the designated address (CALL). Whether to execute as a JUMP instruction or a CALL instruction is set in the CALL flag. When the CALL flag is set to "0", the CALL instruction is executed, while when the CALL flag is set to "1", the JUMP instruction is executed. In addition to this, the JUMP_CALL instruction determines whether or not the instruction set in the CALL flag is executed only when a timeout is established (timeout execution flag), and the address to move the instruction analysis when it is executed as a JUMP instruction (move destination address). It has been set. When the timeout execution flag is set to "1", the motor control unit 226 executes the instruction set in the CALL flag only when the timeout is established (when the timeout flag is ON). On the other hand, when the timeout execution flag is set to "0", the motor control unit 226 executes the instruction set in the CALL flag regardless of the success or failure of the timeout.

In addition to these, various control commands that can be used depending on the situation are provided. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a series of movable body operations (motor drive operations) by constructing a motor control table in which appropriate control commands are combined in an appropriate order.

[Hardware configuration around SMC]
FIG. 27 shows the hardware configuration around SMC199. With reference to this figure, the relationship between the limitation on the number of simultaneous motor drives based on the hardware specifications and the drive control of the motor realized by the present embodiment will be described.

The SMC 199 has 16 register groups for setting the operation of the motor to be controlled, and one motor to be controlled is assigned to each register group. The operation of the motor specified by the motor control unit 226 is set in these register groups. The SMC 199 automatically updates the excitation pattern of the motor to be controlled according to the contents set in these register groups.

In other words, the SMC 199 can simultaneously control a number of motors corresponding to the number of register groups, that is, 16 motors (hereinafter, the number of motors that can be controlled at the same time is referred to as a "simultaneous driveable number"). When the SMC 199 generates the excitation pattern of the motor assigned to each register group, the SMC 199 transmits the excitation pattern for all the driven motors to the driver IC 132 at a constant cycle. The number of register groups depends on the specifications of the hardware (SMC199). In the present embodiment, the number is 16, but the number of register groups increases or decreases due to a change in the model or the like, and the number of motors that can be driven simultaneously can increase or decrease accordingly.

Further, N motors are connected to the driver IC 132. The number of connected motors N may be within the number of motors that can be driven at the same time, or may exceed the number of motors that can be driven at the same time. If the number of connected motors N is equal to or less than the number that can be driven simultaneously, each motor and each register group in the SMC 199 can be fixedly assigned on a one-to-one basis, so that all motors can be controlled without problems. .. On the other hand, when the number of connected motors N exceeds the number that can be driven simultaneously, if the motors are fixedly assigned to each register group, there will be no register group to which the 17th and subsequent motors are assigned. As a result, it becomes impossible to control N motors at the same time.

Here, considering the current consumption required to drive the motor, if the motors are simultaneously driven in excess of a certain number, there is a risk of violating the limit of the current consumption value that can be used by the entire gaming machine. Therefore, the effect using the motor is preconfigured within a range in which the total value of the current consumption required for the simultaneously driven motors does not exceed the limit. Therefore, even if the number of motors used as a whole effect (the number of connected motors) exceeds the number of motors that can be driven simultaneously, the number of motors that are actually driven simultaneously is within the number of motors that can be driven simultaneously and can be driven simultaneously. The situation of driving more than a few motors at the same time does not occur.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the motor control unit 226 dynamically assigns (associates) the motors to the register group, so that all the N connected motors are limited to the hardware specifications. It was made controllable. The motor control unit 226 regards each register group in the SMC 199 as a motor control group, and constantly grasps the availability status (motor allocation status to the register group) of the motor control group. When it becomes necessary to assign a motor, the motor control unit 226 searches for the availability and assigns the motor to be controlled to one of the available motor control groups. The availability data of the motor control group is stored in the RAM 130 as temporary data, for example.

More specifically, when the motor control table is set by the effect control unit 210, the motor control unit 226 first controls the control target before starting the analysis of the individual control commands described in the motor control table. Check whether the motor has already been assigned to one of the motor control groups (whether the previously used motor control group is not used by another motor). If it is already assigned to one of the motor control groups (the previously used motor control group is not used by another motor), the motor control unit 226 will again use the same motor control group and the corresponding register group. Continue to use. On the other hand, if it is not yet assigned to any motor control group, the vacant motor control group is searched at that time, and any one of the motor control groups that hits the search is assigned to the motor to be controlled. And. At this time, the motor control unit 226 rewrites the setting in the SMC 199 in order to assign the motor to be controlled to the register group corresponding to the motor control group.

Further, when the motor control unit 226 finishes analyzing all the control commands listed in the motor control table, the motor control unit 226 releases the assignment of the motor to be controlled. At this time, the motor control unit 226 does not rewrite the settings for the SMC 199 unlike the time when the motors are assigned, and only releases the motor allocation on the availability data in the motor control unit 226. As a result, the motor control group to which the motor assignment has been released is switched to the vacant state, so that another motor can be assigned. Further, unless a new motor is assigned to this motor control group, the operation of the motor is not set in the corresponding register group of SMC199, so that no problem occurs.

In this way, the motor to be controlled is assigned to any register group (motor control group) in SMC199. The motor control unit 226 analyzes the control commands listed in the motor control table one by one, and designates the operation of the motor in the register group of the allocation destination based on the analysis contents. When the SMC 199 generates the excitation patterns of the motors assigned to each register group, these excitation patterns are serially connected in a predetermined order based on the output to each motor, and then the serial signal is transmitted to the driver IC 132. Output. The serial signal output by the SMC 199 is input to the driver IC 132 in a state of being converted into a parallel signal by the S / P converter, and each excitation signal is output to the motor connected to the driver IC 132. As a result, the individual motors to which the excitation signal is output are driven.

Here, an example in which all N motors are connected to one driver IC 132 has been described, but a plurality of driver IC 132s are mounted, and N motors are distributed and connected to these. It may have a configuration that is present. In addition, when a new control table is set, the motor control group that is vacant at that time is searched each time regardless of whether the motor to be controlled is already assigned to any motor control group. Any one of the motor control groups that hit the search may be assigned to the motor to be controlled.

[Motor drive processing]
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the motor drive process. The motor drive process is a process that is periodically executed as one process of the effect control process (FIG. 23). As described above, in the motor drive process (step S407 in FIG. 23), the effect control unit 210 first issues an instruction to the motor control unit 226 by setting the motor control table, and in response to this, the motor control unit 226 receives the instruction. Specifies a specific motor operation for the SMC 199, but for convenience of explanation, only the procedure of the process executed by the motor control unit 226 will be shown here. Further, although this flowchart shows only a series of procedures executed by the motor control unit 226 to control one motor, in reality, the motor control unit 226 repeatedly executes the same process according to the number of motors. .. Hereinafter, each procedure of the motor drive process will be described later.

Step S800: The motor control unit 226 confirms whether or not the target motor has reached the specified number of steps, that is, whether or not the target motor is rotating at that time. The motor control unit 226 can know that the target motor has reached the specified number of steps by the interrupt signal input from the SMC 199. When the target motor reaches the designated number of steps (step S800: Yes), the motor control unit 226 executes step S802. On the other hand, when the designated number of steps has not been reached yet (step S800: No), the motor control unit 226 returns to the process of the caller as it is.

Step S802: The motor control unit 226 confirms whether or not the motor control table in the middle of analysis exists. The term “in the middle of analysis” refers to a state in which control commands that have not yet been analyzed remain among the control commands listed in the motor control table. If there is a motor control table in the middle of analysis (step S802: Yes), the motor control unit 226 executes step S812. On the other hand, when the motor control table in the middle of analysis does not exist (step S802: No), the motor control unit 226 executes step S804.

Step S804: The motor control unit 226 confirms whether or not a new motor control table is set for the target motor. When a new motor control table is set (step S804: Yes), the motor control unit 226 executes step S806. On the other hand, when a new motor control table is not set (step S804: No), the motor control unit 226 returns to the process of the caller as it is.

Steps S806 and S808: The motor control unit 226 searches for the availability of the motor control group (step S806), and hits the search, that is, one of the vacant (motor is not assigned) motor control group. Is reserved as the allocation destination of the target motor (step S808). As a result, the target motor is assigned to this motor control group. The motors are assigned to the vacant motor control groups in order from the smallest group number, for example. For example, when a new motor is assigned while "Group 1" and "Group 2" are vacant, "Group 1" is reserved as the allocation destination.

Step S810: The motor control unit 226 allocates the target motor to the register group corresponding to the motor control group reserved in the previous step S808 by rewriting the hardware setting of the SMC 199.

Step S812: The motor control unit 226 executes the motor control table analysis process. In this process, the motor control unit 226 analyzes the control commands listed in the motor control table one by one.

Step S814: The motor control unit 226 confirms whether or not the control command analyzed in the previous step S812 is the last control command described in the motor control table, that is, the END command. As described above, the END command is a control command indicating that the end of the motor control table is not accompanied by an operation instruction to the motor. When it is an END command (step S814: Yes), the motor control unit 226 executes step S816. On the other hand, if it is not an END command (step S814: No), the motor control unit 226 executes step S818.

Step S816: The motor control unit 226 cancels the reservation for the motor control group. As a result, the motor control group is switched to a state in which a new motor can be assigned (reservable). At this time, in consideration of efficiency when the same motor is assigned next time, the motor allocation information is retained until another motor is assigned. In other words, the reservation of the motor control group is canceled immediately when it is no longer needed, but the assignment of the motor to the motor control group is canceled when another motor is assigned.

Step S818: The motor control unit 226 executes the SMC operation designation process. In this process, the motor control unit 226 designates the specific operation of the motor to the SMC 199 based on the content of the control command analyzed in step S812. At this time, the operation is specified via the register group to which the target motor is assigned in step S810.

As described above, when a new motor control table is set (step S804: Yes), the motor control unit 226 searches for the availability of the motor control group (step S806) and targets the vacant motor control group. After making a reservation as the motor allocation destination (step S808), the SMC hardware setting is rewritten so that the target motor is assigned to the register group corresponding to the reserved motor control group (step S810). However, if the allocation information of the target motor remains, that is, if another motor has not yet been assigned to the motor control group to which the target motor was previously assigned, the motor control unit 226 will perform this time for the target motor. Reserve the same motor control group as the previous one as the allocation destination of. Since the target motor has not been assigned to this motor control group last time, no other motor has been assigned to this motor control group. Therefore, the target motor is still assigned to the register group corresponding to this motor control group. Therefore, when the allocation information of the target motor remains, the previous allocation information can be used as it is without rewriting the hardware setting of the SMC by such control, so that the execution of step S810 becomes unnecessary. , It becomes possible to improve the efficiency of the motor control process.

It is also possible to execute the processes of steps S806 to S810 described above each time regardless of whether or not the allocation information of the target motor remains.

When the above procedure is completed, the motor control unit 226 returns to the process of the caller.

[Motor assignment to motor control group]
FIG. 29 is a table showing a transition example of the motor allocation status for each motor control group. This table shows how the motors assigned to the individual motor control groups change as the production progresses.

In the leftmost column of the table, groups 1 to 6 and groups of 16 motor control groups (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "groups") that can be used to control the drive of the motors. 14 to 16 are shown, and the description of groups 7 to 13 is omitted. These groups 1 to 16 correspond to the 16 register groups of the SMC 199. Further, at the top of the table, six times t1 to t6 showing the transition of time as the production progresses are shown, and the larger the number is, the longer the time elapses. It means that you are.

In this example, it is assumed that at least 21 motors are used during the execution of the effect. Further, it is assumed that any motor is assigned to the groups 7 to 13 for which the description is omitted at any time of time t1 to t6. Hereinafter, they will be described in order in chronological order.

[Time t1]
At this point, "motor 1" is assigned to "group 1", "motor 2" is assigned to "group 2", "motor 4" is assigned to "group 3", and "motor" is assigned to "group 4". "5" is assigned, "motor 6" is assigned to "group 5", and "motor 9" is assigned to "group 6". On the other hand, motors are not assigned to "group 14,""group15," and "group 16." Therefore, at this point, it can be seen that the number of motors being driven is less than the number that can be driven simultaneously.

[Time t2]
At this point, the motor allocation status from "group 1" to "group 6" has not changed at all from time t1, so each motor assigned to these groups 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, It can be seen that 9 is still being driven.
Further, at this point, the "motor 18" is newly assigned to the "group 14", the "motor 20" is assigned to the "group 15", and the "motor 21" is newly assigned to the "group 16". Therefore, at this point, it can be seen that the number of motors being driven has reached the number that can be driven simultaneously.

[Time t3]
At the time t2, motors were assigned to all motor control groups (the number of simultaneous driveable motors had been reached), whereas at this time, the motors were assigned to "group 1,""group3," and "group 16". The motor allocation reservation has been canceled and the motor has been switched to a vacant state.

[Time t4]
Motors are assigned again to the three groups 1, 3 and 16 that were vacant at time t3. Specifically, "motor 4" is assigned to "group 1", "(motor 3)" is assigned to "group 3", and "motor 7" is assigned to "group 16". Motors assigned to "Group 3" are in parentheses. Motors in parentheses indicate that they are not driven at that time and are in a standby or paused state, but that the group is pre-booked to drive them (in the near future). There is.

Advance reservation (securing) of the motor control group is performed when it is desired to surely suppress the motor allocation destination in advance. For example, when the operation of a certain movable body is realized by interlocking a plurality of motors, the plurality of motors are driven one by one in order, but after the first motor is finished to be driven, When driving the second motor, if there is no space in the motor control group, or the timing to switch to the space is too short, and so on, the second motor group cannot be assigned smoothly. The second motor cannot be driven as planned, and as a result, the movable body cannot be operated smoothly. In such a case, by assigning all the interlocking motors to the motor control group in advance and securing them, these motors can be reliably driven and a series of operations of the movable body can be guaranteed. It will be possible.

[Time t5]
At the time t4, motors were assigned to all motor control groups (the number of simultaneous driveable motors had been reached), whereas at this time, "group 4", "group 6", "group 14" and The reservation for allocating the motor to "Group 15" has been canceled, and the state has been switched to a vacant state.

Further, at the time t4, the parentheses were attached to the "motor 3" assigned to the "group 3", whereas at this time, the parentheses were attached to the "motor 4" assigned to the "group 1". It is attached. This indicates that the motor 3 has switched from the standby state to the drive state, while the motor 4 has switched from the drive state to the standby state (pause state). The motors 3 and 4 are motors provided for interlocking operation of the same movable body, and correspond to the above-mentioned application example of advance reservation of the motor control group.

[Time t6]
Motors have been reassigned to some of the four groups 4, 6, 14, and 15 that were vacant at time t5. Specifically, "motor 1" is assigned to "group 4", and "motor 10" is assigned to "group 6". In the present embodiment, as described above, the motors are assigned to the empty groups in ascending order of number. Therefore, when newly allocating the two motors to the motor control group, the two groups 4 and 6 having the smaller number among the four empty groups 4, 6, 14 and 15 are used.

Further, at the time t5, the parentheses were attached to the "motor 4" assigned to the "group 1", whereas at this time, the parentheses were attached to the "motor 3" assigned to the "group 3". It is attached. This indicates that the motor 4 has switched from the standby state (pause state) to the drive state again, while the motor 3 has switched from the drive state to the standby state (pause state) again. The motors 3 and 4 are interlocked in this way, and the same movable body is continuously driven by alternately driving the motor 4 (time t4) → the motor 3 (time t5) → the motor 4 (time t6) → ... It is operating in.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the motor to be controlled is assigned to the motor control group that is vacant at that time. By dynamically changing the association between the motor control group (register group) and the motor in this way, even if the number of connected motors N exceeds the number that can be driven simultaneously, the hardware specifications are limited. It is possible to control all of these N motors without having to. Therefore, the remarkable superiority of this embodiment in the drive control of the motor is clear.

Next, the contents of the working memory effect management process executed in the effect control process will be described.
[Working memory production management process]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the working memory effect management process. The contents will be described below with reference to a procedure example.

Step S700: First, the effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not a effect command for increasing the number of operating memories has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command is saved when the number of working memories increases. When it is confirmed that the effect command at the time of increasing the number of working memories is saved (step S700: Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S702. If it cannot be confirmed that the effect command for increasing the number of working memories is saved (step S700: No), the effect control unit 210 does not execute step S702.

Step S702: The effect control unit 210 executes the effect selection process when the number of working memories increases. In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects an effect pattern (lighting pattern of the memory display lamp 192) for newly lighting the memory displays 41a to 41h corresponding to the total number of stored memory after the increase.

Step S704: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not the effect command when the number of working memories is reduced has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the effect command is saved when the number of working memories is reduced. When it is confirmed that the effect command is saved when the number of working memories is reduced (step S704: Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S706. If it cannot be confirmed that the effect command for reducing the number of working memories is saved (step S704: No), the effect control unit 210 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The effect control unit 210 executes the effect selection process when the number of working memories is reduced. In this process, the effect control unit 210 turns off the memory displays 41a to 41h corresponding to the total number of stored memory before the decrease, and turns on the memory displays 41a to 41h corresponding to the total number of stored items after the decrease. (Turning off and lighting pattern of the memory display lamp 192) is selected.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 23).

[Production design management process]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the effect symbol management process. The effect symbol management process includes execution selection process (step S500), effect symbol change pre-process (step S502), effect symbol change process (step S504), effect symbol stop display process (step S506), and variable winning device operation. The configuration includes a group of subroutines for processing (step S508). Hereinafter, the basic flow of the effect symbol management process will be described along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 210 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S502 to S508). For example, the effect control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the effect symbol management process in the "jump table" as the return destination address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variation display effect has not been started yet, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect symbol change pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the effect symbol change pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the effect symbol change process (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the effect symbol change process is completed, the effect symbol change process is completed. As the next jump destination, the effect symbol stop display processing (step S506) is selected. Further, the variable winning device operation process (step S508) includes a case where the big hit variable winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 16) is selected in the main control CPU 72 or a small hit variable winning device management process (FIG. 16). When step S6000) in the middle is selected, it is selected as the jump destination. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the effect symbol change preprocessing, the effect control unit 210 performs an operation of adjusting the conditions for starting the variation display effect using the effect symbol. Further, in this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type, fluctuation pattern, etc.), and the effect pattern for the advance notice effect (other than the look-ahead advance notice effect pattern). Select a pre-reach notice pattern, a post-reach notice pattern, etc.). In addition, the effect control unit 210 also controls the demonstration effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific contents of the processing will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S504: In the effect symbol changing process, the effect control unit 210 generates control information instructed to the display control unit 220 as needed. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during execution of a variable display effect using an effect symbol, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the effect button is operated by the player, and an effect according to the result. The control information of the content (button effect) is instructed to the display control unit 220.

Step S506: In the process of displaying the stop display of the effect symbol, the effect control unit 210 controls the content of the stop display effect using the effect symbol and the moving image in an manner according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control unit 210 instructs the display control unit 220 to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the display control unit 220 actually ends the variable display effect that has been executed so far in the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. As a result, the stop display effect is executed substantially in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, and the result of the internal lottery can be instructed (disclosure, notification, notification, etc.) to the player in an effect (design effect execution). means). At the time of a small hit, the stop display effect can be executed in a manner similar to or similar to that of the loss.

Step S508: In the process when the variable winning device is activated, the effect control unit 210 controls the effect content during the small hit or the big hit (special game effect execution means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the content of the effect during the major role according to various conditions (for example, the winning type). For example, in the case of a 16-round big hit, the effect control unit 210 selects a 16-round large-duty effect pattern as the effect content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and instructs the display control unit 220 of this. As a result, the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42 displays an image of the effect during the important role, and the content of the effect changes as the round progresses.

[Pre-processing for effect pattern fluctuation]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the effect symbol variation preprocessing. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S600: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not a demo effect command has been received from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the demo effect command is saved. As a result, when it is confirmed that the demo effect command is saved (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S602.

Step S602: The effect control unit 210 executes the demo selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects a demo effect pattern. The demo effect pattern defines the content of the effect indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the address at the end of the effect symbol management process. Then, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect control process as it is, and in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 23) and the lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 23), the content of the demo effect is displayed based on the demo effect pattern. Control.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step S600 that the demo effect command is not saved (No), the effect control unit 210 then executes step S604.

Step S604: The effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not the fluctuation this time is out of order (non-winning). Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is saved (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S612. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of non-winning is not saved (No), the effect control unit 210 executes step S606. It is also possible to confirm whether or not the fluctuation this time is out of order based on the fluctuation pattern command or the stop symbol command in addition to the lottery result command. That is, if the current fluctuation pattern command corresponds to the outlier normal variation or the outlier reach variation, it can be determined that the current variation is out of order. Alternatively, if the stop symbol command this time specifies a non-winning symbol, it can be determined that the fluctuation this time is out of order.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is other than non-winning (missing) (step S604: No), then the effect control unit 210 confirms whether or not this fluctuation is a big hit. Specifically, the effect control unit 210 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and confirms whether or not the lottery result command at the time of a big hit is saved. As a result, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the big hit is saved (Yes), the effect control unit 210 executes step S610. On the contrary, when it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of big hit is not saved (No), only the lottery result command at the time of small hit remains. In this case, the effect control unit 210 executes step S608. .. It is also possible to confirm whether or not this fluctuation is a big hit based on the fluctuation pattern command or the stop symbol command. That is, if the current fluctuation pattern command corresponds to the jackpot fluctuation, it can be determined that the current fluctuation is a jackpot. Further, if the stop symbol command of this time corresponds to the jackpot symbol, it can be determined that the fluctuation of this time is a jackpot.

Step S608: The effect control unit 210 executes a small hit time variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern commands (for example, "C0H00H" to "D0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern number is prepared in advance corresponding to the variation pattern command, and the effect control unit 210 refers to the effect pattern selection table (not shown) and selects the effect pattern number corresponding to the variation pattern command at that time. Can be done. The effect pattern number may be prepared as a pair with the variation pattern command, or a plurality of effect pattern numbers may be prepared for one variation pattern command.

Further, when the effect pattern number is selected, the effect control unit 210 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the variation schedule of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation effect pattern number at that time (variation time, reach type and reach occurrence timing), Determine the mode of stop display. In addition, all the types of effect symbols determined here correspond to "combination of symbols at the time of small hit".

The above procedure corresponds to a "small hit", but when it corresponds to a big hit, the effect control unit 210 confirms that it is a "big hit" in step S606 (Yes). In this case, the effect control unit 210 executes step S610.

Step S610: The effect control unit 210 executes a jackpot variation effect pattern selection process. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at that time based on the variation pattern commands (for example, "E0H00H" to "F0H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. In the jackpot effect pattern selection process, the process may be further branched according to the jackpot stop symbol.

In the case of non-winning, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the effect control unit 210 confirms that there is a deviation in step S604 (Yes), then step S612 is executed.

Step S612: The effect control unit 210 executes a variation effect pattern selection process at the time of disconnection. In this process, the effect control unit 210 determines the effect pattern number at the time of disconnection based on the variation pattern command (for example, "A0H00H" to "A6H7FH") received from the main control CPU 72. The effect pattern numbers at the time of disconnection are classified into "outlier normal fluctuation", "time saving outlier variation", "outlier reach variation", etc., and further, a fine reach variation pattern is defined in "outlier reach variation". Which effect pattern number the effect control unit 210 selects is determined by the variation pattern command transmitted from the main control CPU 72.

When the effect pattern number at the time of disconnection is selected, the effect control unit 210 refers to an effect table (not shown), and the variation schedule of the effect symbol corresponding to the variation effect pattern number at that time (variation time, presence / absence of reach occurrence, reach occurrence). In this case, the reach type and reach occurrence timing) and the mode of stop display (for example, "7"-"2"-"4", etc.) are determined.

When any of the above steps S608, S610, and S612 is executed, the effect control unit 210 then executes step S614.

Step S614: The effect control unit 210 executes the advance notice selection process (notice effect execution means). In this process, the effect control unit 210 selects the content of the advance notice effect to be executed during the variable display effect this time by lottery. The content of the advance notice effect is determined based on, for example, the result of the internal lottery (winning or non-winning) and the current internal state (normal state, high probability state, time reduction state). The notice effect is to give a notice to the player that a reach state may occur during the variable display effect, or to give a notice that there is a possibility of a big hit in the end. Therefore, the selection ratio of the advance notice effect is set low at the time of non-winning, but the selection ratio of the advance notice effect is set relatively high in order to raise the expectation of the player at the time of winning.

When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (end address). As a result, in the subsequent processing during effect symbol variation (step S504 in FIG. 31), the variation display effect and the stop display effect are executed based on the actually selected variation effect pattern (effect execution means), and various types are executed. The notice effect is executed based on the notice effect pattern.

[Processing when the variable winning device is activated]
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of processing when the variable winning device is operated. The variable winning device operating processing is a subroutine of execution selection processing (step S902), variable winning device operation pre-processing (step S904), variable winning device operating processing (step S906), and variable winning device operation post-processing (step S908). It is a configuration including a (program module) group. Here, first, the basic flow of the variable winning device operating process will be described along with each process.

Step S902: In the execution selection process, the effect control unit 210 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of step S904 to step S908) from the "jump table". For example, the effect control unit 210 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the variable winning device operating process as the return destination address in the stack pointer.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variable winning device pre-operation processing has not been started yet, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device pre-operation processing (step S904) as the next jump destination. If the variable winning device operation pre-processing has already been completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the variable winning device operating process (step S906) as the next jump destination. Further, if the process during operation of the variable winning device is completed, the effect control unit 210 selects the post-processing after operating the variable winning device (step S908) as the next jump destination.

Step S904: In the variable winning device operation pre-processing, the effect control unit 210 executes a process of selecting the content of the effect to be executed during the big hit game or the small hit game. For example, in the case of winning with a winning type (normal symbol) that does not shift to the high probability state after the end of the big hit game, a process of selecting an effect in which the ally character is defeated by the enemy character is executed. In addition, in the case of winning with a winning type (probability variation symbol) that shifts to a high probability state after the end of the jackpot game, a process of selecting an effect in which the ally character wins the enemy character is executed.

Step S906: In the process during operation of the variable winning device, the effect control unit 210 generates control information instructed to the display control unit 220 as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 during the execution of the jackpot effect, the effect control unit 210 monitors whether or not the effect button is operated by the player, and the effect content (button effect) according to the result. The control information of is instructed to the display control unit 220.

Step S908: In the post-operation of the variable winning device, the effect control unit 210 executes an effect of transmitting the mode of the transition destination to the player during the end time of the variable winning device. For example, the effect control unit 210 executes a coast mode rush effect or a fireworks rush rush effect according to the winning symbol. Specifically, if any of the probabilistic symbols are applicable, a process of selecting an effect indicating that the fireworks rush is entered is executed, and if any of the normal symbols is applicable, the coast mode is entered. The process of selecting the effect indicating to be performed is executed.
When the above procedure is completed, the effect control unit 210 returns to the effect symbol management process (FIG. 31).

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, there are the following effects.

(1) In the present embodiment, the motor control unit 226 regards the register group in the SMC 199 as a motor control group, and constantly grasps the vacancy status (motor allocation status to the register group). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when starting control of a new motor, the availability of the motor control group at that time is searched, and the target motor is assigned to any of the vacant motor control groups. Therefore, the correspondence between the motor control group (register group) and the motor can be dynamically changed. Therefore, even if the number of connected motors (the number of motors used for the production) exceeds the number that can be driven simultaneously, it is possible to control all the motors by utilizing the vacant motor control group.

(2) In the present embodiment, when a new motor control table is set for a certain motor, the motor control unit 226 assigns the motor to an empty motor control group, while the motor is described in the motor control table. When all the control commands have been analyzed, the motor control unit 226 cancels the reservation for assigning the motor to the motor control group and switches the motor control group to an empty state. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the securing of each motor control group (the state in which the motor is reserved) is kept within the minimum necessary time, and when the securing is no longer necessary, a new motor can be assigned immediately. Therefore, the motor can be efficiently assigned to the motor control group, and as a result, the motor can be reliably driven.

The present invention can be implemented in various modifications without being limited to the above-described embodiment. The mode of production and various numerical values given in one embodiment are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-mentioned contents.

In the above-described embodiment, when allocating a motor to a motor control group, the vacant motor control group numbers are assigned in ascending order, but the allocation method is not limited to this. For example, contrary to the embodiment, the motor control group numbers may be assigned in descending order. Alternatively, when the assignment of the motor to the motor control group is released, the group number is added to the queue, and when a new motor is assigned, the motor control group corresponding to the number taken out from the beginning of the queue is assigned to the queue. By doing so, it becomes possible to use the motor control groups in order from the first vacant motor control group to which the assignment is released (the longest vacant time).

Further, in the above-described embodiment, all the motor control groups are configured to be the motor allocation destinations according to the availability, but can be appropriately changed according to the content of the effect and the like. For example, when some motors (for example, motors 1 to 4) are driven very frequently and hardly stop, or when a movable body of high importance is operated, some motor control groups (for example, motors 1 to 4) are used. , Motor control groups 1 to 4) are fixedly assigned to these motors as a dedicated motor control group, and other motors (for example, motors 5 to 16) are assigned to the remaining motor control groups (for example, motor control groups). It is also possible to allocate to any of 5 to 16) at any time.

Further, although the gaming machine has been described with the example of a pachinko machine, the above-described embodiment may be applied to a pachislot machine (rotating machine, slot machine). Here, the pachislot machine is a lever-shaped start switch, a button-shaped stop switch, and a plurality of rotations that start rotation based on the operation of the start switch and stop the rotation based on the operation of the player's stop switch. A winning combination lottery that determines whether or not a predetermined winning combination is won based on the operation of the start switch in a state where a reel is provided and a sufficient number of medals or game balls as a game medium are inserted to start the game. And rotate a plurality of rotary reels (reel), and based on the operation of the stop switch, stop the rotating rotary reel corresponding to the operated stop switch (reel control), and stop each rotary reel. Based on the combination of symbols displayed on the effective line connecting the predetermined symbol positions of, the winning combination is determined whether or not the winning combination won by the winning combination lottery is won, and the game is played based on the result of the winning determination. It refers to a game machine that gives a person a game medium, a reel game, a character, a character continuous operation device, or the like.

Similarly to the pachinko machine 1 of one embodiment, the pachislot machine also controls the "main control device" and the "directing control device" separately. Therefore, the effect can be obtained by applying the configuration of one embodiment. Obtainable. That is, in the pachislot machine, the games such as the winning combination lottery, reel rotation, reel stop, winning judgment, and privilege grant are controlled by the main control device from the input reception of the game medium as described above, and the main control is performed according to the progress of the game. An effect command is transmitted from the device to the effect control device, and the effect control device controls the motor as a part of controlling the execution of the effect based on the received effect command. Therefore, by applying the configuration of one embodiment, all the motors can be controlled even when the number of connected motors exceeds the number that can be driven simultaneously.

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

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 20 Start gate 28 Variable start winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 1st special symbol display device 35 2nd special symbol display device 34a 1st special symbol operation memory Lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game status display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Effect switching button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU
130 RAM
132 Driver IC
180 control ROM
182 SRAM
199 SMC
210 Production control unit 226 Motor control unit

Claims (1)

Multiple motors that can operate individually based on operation instructions,
Drive control that receives the operation instruction through any of the information setting areas for a predetermined number of minutes, generates and outputs a drive signal for the motor that is the target of the operation instruction, and can simultaneously drive the motors within the predetermined number. Means and
It is provided with an effect control means for searching a free information setting area for which the operation instruction has not yet been received within the predetermined number of minutes and associating the target motor with the searched information setting area .
The plurality of motors
A game machine characterized by having more than the predetermined number .