JP6810002B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and slot machines.

As a game machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when the game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined prize value is given to the player. There is one configured in. Further, a variable display means capable of variable display (also referred to as “variation”) of the identification information is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information becomes the specific display result in the variable display means, a predetermined game value. There is something that is configured to give the player (so-called pachinko machine).

Further, after setting a predetermined number of bets for one game on a predetermined game medium, the player operates the start lever to start variable display of the identification information by the variable display device, and the player changes each. By operating the stop button provided corresponding to the display device, the variable display of the identification information is stopped within the range of the maximum delay time predetermined from the operation timing, and the variable display of all the variable display devices is displayed. When a prize is generated according to the display result derived when the game is stopped, a predetermined game medium is paid out according to the prize, and a specific prize is generated, the player sets the game state to the predetermined game value. There is something that is configured to give to (so-called slot machine).

The winning value is to pay out the winning ball or give a score or a prize according to the winning of the game ball in the winning area. Further, the game value means that the state of the variable winning ball device provided in the game area of the game machine becomes an advantageous state for the player who is likely to win a prize when a specific display result is obtained, or for the player. It is to generate the right to be in an advantageous state and to be in a state where the conditions for paying out prize balls are easily satisfied.

In the pachinko gaming machine, as a display result of the variable display of the special symbol (identification information) started by the variable display means based on the winning of the game ball in the starting winning opening, a predetermined specific display mode is derived and displayed. If this is done, a "big hit (advantageous state)" will occur. The derivation display is to stop and display the symbol. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening opens a predetermined number of times to shift to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each opening period, if a predetermined number (for example, 10) is won in the large winning opening, the large winning opening is closed. The number of times the large winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the large winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Hereinafter, the opening period of each large winning opening may be referred to as a round.

In such a game machine, a control means for performing the effect control and a storage unit for storing the effect information related to the effect control are provided. For example, in Patent Document 1, an effect control microcomputer (control means) executes an initial effect data transfer process when the power is turned on to the game machine, and is stored in a ROM or an image data memory (storage means). Among the programs and data used to execute the effect by the effect device, it is described that the predetermined initial data is transferred to RAM, VRAM, etc., and the effect control is performed using the transferred program or data. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-202659 (paragraph 0126, FIG. 9)

However, in a game machine as described in Patent Document 1, the control means and the storage means may be provided on different substrates. In this case, if an appropriate connection relationship between the board provided with the control means and the board provided with the storage means is not secured, improper effect control may be performed.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of ensuring an appropriate connection relationship between a substrate provided with a control means and a substrate provided with a storage means.

(Means A) The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game, and is an effect control including a main control means, a movable body movable from an initial position, and control of the movement of the movable body. A first board provided with a control means for performing the operation and a second board provided with a storage means for storing the effect information related to the effect control, and the storage means stores the authentication information in advance. The control means can execute the authentication process based on the authentication information stored in the storage means after receiving the information from the main control means, and is based on the fact that the authentication is successful in the authentication process. Therefore, it is possible to execute the effect control and set the waiting time, and based on the elapse of the waiting time, an inspection process for detecting an error in the effect information stored in the storage means. The storage means includes a first area and a second area, and the control means is stored in the first area according to the result of the error detection in the inspection process. When the data is stored in the second area and the control for moving the movable body to the initial position is executed when the authentication is successful in the authentication process, while the authentication fails in the authentication process. It is characterized in that the control for moving the movable body to the initial position is not executed.
(Means 1) The other gaming machine is a gaming machine capable of playing a game, and is a first substrate (for example, an effect control board) provided with a control means (for example, an effect control CPU 120) for performing effect control. 12) and a second board (for example, a relay board 16A for effect control) provided with a storage means (for example, CGROM 141) for storing effect information (for example, various image data) related to the effect control, and storing the data. Authentication information is stored in advance in the means (for example, authentication data is stored in the CGROM 141), and the control means can execute the authentication process based on the authentication information stored in the storage means (for example, the authentication data is stored in the CGROM 141). For example, the effect control microcomputer 120A executes step S50B, collates the authentication data read from the CGROM 141 with the authentication data stored in the ROM 135, and performs the authentication process), and the authentication is successful in the authentication process. Based on this, the effect control can be executed (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A shifts to the processing of step S51 or later when the time is Y in step S50C, and the initial effect is based on the success of the authentication. It is characterized in that various effect control processes including a data transfer process (S51D) are executed). According to such a configuration, it is possible to secure an appropriate connection relationship between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means.

(Means 2) In the means 1, the control means can execute the effect information transfer process (for example, the initial effect data transfer process (step S51D)) stored in the storage means, and the authentication is successful in the authentication process. The transfer process can be executed based on the fact (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A can execute step S51D at the time of Y in step S50C, and the initial effect is based on the success of the authentication. It may be configured so that the data transfer process (S51D) can be executed). According to such a configuration, it is possible to execute an appropriate transfer process of the effect information.

(Means 3) The means 1 or the means 2 includes a game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game, and the game control means has started supplying power to the game machine. It is possible to output a power-on start command (for example, a power-on designation command) and a power-off recovery command (for example, a power-off recovery designation command) indicating that the computer has recovered from a power-off state, and the control means is a power-on start command or a power-off. The authentication process can be executed based on the input of the recovery command (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A can execute step S50B when the time is Y in step S50A, and is a power-on designation command or a power-off recovery designation command. It may be configured so that the authentication process can be executed based on the receipt of. According to such a configuration, the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the game control means side is normally activated.

(Means 4) In means 1 or means 2, the control means can monitor the power supply voltage (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A is derived from the power supply monitoring circuit (not shown) in the modification shown in FIG. 48. It is possible to execute the authentication process based on the fact that the power supply voltage has reached the predetermined value (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A). In the modified example shown in FIG. 48, step S50B can be executed when the time is Y in step S50X, and the authentication process can be executed based on the power supply voltage reaching a predetermined value). May be good. According to such a configuration, the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage of the control means itself can be secured.

(Means 5) An authentication failure notification means (for example, an authentication failure notification means) that notifies the effect display means that the authentication has failed based on the authentication failure in the authentication process in any of the means 1 to the means 4. It may be configured to include a portion for executing the authentication error notification process (step S50D) in the effect control microcomputer 120A. According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify that the connection relationship between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means could not be secured.

(Means 6) In any one of means 1 to 5, a game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game is provided, and the second substrate is connected to the game control means. Connection unit (for example, connector 16Z) and a plurality of effect means (for example, effect display device 5, first decorative symbol display 5A, second decorative symbol display 5B, LEDs 9a to 9e, speakers 8L, 8R, It may be configured so that a connecting portion (for example, connector 16S) for connecting the movable portion 302, the movable member 321 and the like is provided. According to such a configuration, since the second board may be designed for each model of the game machine, the first board can be shared among different models of the game machine, and the development cost and manufacture of the game machine can be made common. The cost can be reduced.

(Means 7) In any one of the means 1 to the means 6, the control means (for example, the effect control CPU 120) controls the display of the effect display means (for example, the effect display device 5) by a display control function (for example, for example). It has a VDP function), includes a temperature monitoring means (for example, a temperature sensor 136) for monitoring the temperature of the control means, and can gradually limit the display control function according to the temperature of the control means (for example). The effect control microcomputer 120A executes steps S101 to S118, and when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 reaches 60 ° C. to 70 ° C., the mode shifts to the first limiting mode, and the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. Then, it shifts to the second limiting mode, and when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 becomes 95 ° C. or higher, it shifts to the third limiting mode). According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize more appropriate heat countermeasures for the control means having the display control function.

(Means 8) In the means 7, a plurality of types including at least a first limiting mode (for example, a first limiting mode) and a second limiting mode (for example, a second limiting mode) having a higher degree of limitation than the first limiting mode. The display control function can be restricted by the restriction mode (for example, as shown in FIG. 32 (B), in the first restriction mode, only the background image is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5, and the display is shown in FIG. 32 (C). As shown, in the second restriction mode, the effect symbol display in the symbol display areas of the left 5L, the middle 5C, and the right 5R may be further erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5). According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

(Means 9) In the means 8, the display control function can be restricted by the first limiting mode according to the temperature of the control means reaching a predetermined temperature (for example, 60 ° C. to 70 ° C.), and the temperature of the control means can be changed. The display control function can be restricted by the second restriction mode when a specific temperature higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 71 ° C. to 94 ° C.) is reached (for example, steps S102 to S112 in the effect control microcomputer 120A). The part that executes) may be configured. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

(Means 10) In means 9, display control is performed by a display stop mode in which display control of the effect display means is stopped when the temperature of the control means reaches a special temperature (for example, 95 ° C. or higher) higher than a specific temperature. The function can be limited (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A executes steps S113 to S118, and as shown in FIG. 32 (D), all the displays on the effect display device 5 (however, the third temperature abnormality). (Except for notification E1) is erased), and the restriction of the display control function by the display stop mode can be released according to the decrease in the temperature of the control means from the special temperature (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 drops below 90 ° C. while the steps S152 to S157 are executed and the mode is shifted to the third restricted mode, the mode may be shifted to the second restricted mode). According to such a configuration, the heat countermeasures of the control means having the display control function can be strengthened, and the display stop mode can be automatically restored after the transition to the display stop mode.

(Means 11) In any of the means 8 to the means 10, when the display control function is restricted by the first restriction mode, it is controlled so that a part of the effects is not executed (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A). May be configured such that the background image is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5 or the image is displayed with the scaler function stopped). According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize appropriate display control according to the temperature of the control means.

(Means 12) In any of the means 8 to the means 11, the sound output can be limited according to the type of the limiting mode (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A changes the effect symbol in the first restriction mode. It is configured to limit the effect sound effects such as some notice effects and the sound output of BGM during display, and do not output the sound related to the variable display of the effect symbol in the second restricted mode and the third restricted mode). You may. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a mismatch between the display control and the sound output.

(Means 13) In any of the means 7 to the means 12, display control is performed by causing the light emitting body (for example, the first decorative symbol display 5A, the second decorative symbol display 5B) to emit light of information regarding the progress of the game. The light emitting display control means (for example, a portion for executing steps S251 to S253 in the effect control microcomputer 120A) is provided, and the light emitting display control means can perform display control for commonly emitting a light emitting body regardless of the restricted mode. (For example, the effect control microcomputer 120A has a variable display of the first decorative symbol or a second decorative symbol on the first decorative symbol display 5A regardless of whether or not the state has been shifted to any of the restricted modes based on the temperature abnormality. It may be configured to execute the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the decorative symbol display 5B). According to such a configuration, the progress of the game can be appropriately notified.

(Means 14) In any of the means 7 to the means 13, an abnormality notification means capable of notifying a temperature abnormality according to the temperature of the control means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A performs steps S105, S110, S116. It may be configured to execute and display the first temperature abnormality notification E1 to the third temperature abnormality notification E3 as shown in FIGS. 32 (B) to 32 (D). According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform appropriate notification according to the temperature of the control means.

(Means 15) In any one of the means 7 to the means 14, the operation mode of the cooling means for cooling the control means (for example, the cooling fan 142) and the operation mode of the cooling means can be changed according to the temperature of the control means. The cooling mode changing means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 120A executes steps S104, S109, S115, operates the cooling fan 142 at a low speed in the first limiting mode, and operates the cooling fan 142 at a medium speed in the second limiting mode. In the third limiting mode, the cooling fan 142 may be operated at high speed). According to such a configuration, it is possible to realize more appropriate heat countermeasures for the control means having the display control function.

(Means 16) In any one of means 1 to means 15, a first for rotating electrical parts (for example, panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, top frame LED 9a, left frame LED 9b, right frame LED 9c, and movable portion 302). A control means (for example, a production control CPU 120) for controlling the effect motor 303 and a second effect motor 330 for sliding the movable member 321) and an electric component according to a control signal from the control means. Output means (for example, illuminant drivers 411a, 411b) capable of outputting a specific signal for driving (for example, output signals from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) and outputting an input control signal. , Motor drive driver 412, illuminant driver 413a to 413c), and the output means has a stop function (for example, 1 second) for stopping the output of a specific signal after a predetermined period (for example, 1 second) has elapsed from the input of the control signal. It has a time-out function (for example, the time-out function is set to the enabled state by setting the T terminal to H (high). See FIG. 11), and a plurality of layers in which priorities are set (for example, FIG. 33). A data setting area (for example, a control data area shown in FIG. 33) having layers 1 to 5) shown in the above is provided, and at least a light emitting body (for example, LEDs 9a to 9e) among electrical components is provided in each layer of the data setting area. It is possible to set the light emission data for controlling the light emission (for example, the control data for causing the LEDs 9a to 9e to emit light), and the control means can control the light emission of the light emitting body based on the light emission data. (For example, the effect control CPU 120 outputs the control data set in the control data area shown in FIG. 33 to the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F), and the light emission data is generated in a plurality of layers of the data setting area. When is set, the light emission control of the light emitting body is performed based on the light emission data set in the layer having the higher priority (for example, the effect control CPU 120 has the control data set in a plurality of layers). In the case, the control data set in the layer to which the highest priority value is assigned may be output to each light emitter control board 16C to 16F). According to such a configuration, the electric component can be stably controlled.

(Means 17) In the means 16, the electric parts (for example, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the first effect motor 303 for rotating the movable portion 302, and the movable member 321). A control means for controlling the second effect motor 330) for sliding the motor (for example, the effect control CPU 120) and a control signal for driving an electric component according to a control signal by a serial communication method from the control means. A plurality of output means (for example, light emitter drivers 411a, 411b, motor) capable of outputting a specific signal (for example, output signals from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) and outputting an input control signal. The drive driver 412 and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c) are provided, and each of the plurality of output means is configured so that the output state when the input control signal is output raises a waveform according to a predetermined mode (for example). For all the serial-parallel conversion circuits, the through output may be set to the output of the normal through rate). With such a configuration, the design can be simplified while considering noise immunity.

(Means 18) In the means 16, the electric parts (for example, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the first effect motor 303 for rotating the movable portion 302, and the movable member 321). A control means for controlling the second effect motor 330) for sliding the motor (for example, the effect control CPU 120) and a control signal for driving an electric component according to a control signal by a serial communication method from the control means. A plurality of output means (for example, light emitter drivers 411a, 411b, motor) capable of outputting a specific signal (for example, output signals from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) and outputting an input control signal. The drive driver 412 and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c) are provided, and each of the plurality of output means is configured so that the output state when the input control signal is output rises more gently than the predetermined mode. (For example, for all serial-parallel conversion circuits, the through output may be set to a low through rate output). With such a configuration, the design can be simplified while considering noise immunity.

(Means 19) In any one of the means 16 to the means 18, the output means sets the output state when the input control signal is output to another output means as a first output state (for example, a waveform rises according to a predetermined mode). , A normal slew rate output state (see FIG. 12 (1))) and a second output state in which the waveform rises according to a mode of change that is slower than the first output state (for example, a low slew rate output state (FIG. 12). It can be set to any of the output states (see (2))) (for example, if the S terminal is set to L (low), it is set to a normal slew rate output, and the S terminal is set to H (high). If it is set, it may be set to a low slew rate output (see FIG. 11)). According to such a configuration, the setting can be changed according to the usage environment, and the noise immunity of the control signal for preventing malfunction can be enhanced according to the setting.

(Means 20) In any of the means 16 to the means 19, the output means is parallel from a specific signal output unit (for example, each driver output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) grouped into a plurality of different groups. Outputs specific signals (for example, output signals from each driver output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) according to the communication method (for example, in the case of a 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, one group as shown in FIG. It is grouped into 6 groups of 4 channels per group. In the case of a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, it is grouped into 3 groups of 4 channels per group), from the specific signal output unit. The output timing of the specific signal is different for each group (for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the output timings of the output signals from the driver output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11 are distributed for each group). It may be configured. According to such a configuration, radio wave radiation from the substrate can be further suppressed.

(Means 21) The means 20 includes a movable member (for example, a movable portion 302 and a movable member 321) for operating the movable member, and a driving means for operating the movable member (for example, a first effect motor 303 and a second effect motor 330). ) Is driven based on the specific signal output from the specific signal output unit of the same group of the output means (for example, as shown in FIG. 16, the signals input to the same operation motor are in the same group. It may be configured to be connected to the drive output terminal to which it belongs). According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in driving accuracy of the driving means while suppressing radio wave radiation from the substrate.

(Means 22) In any of the means 16 to the means 21, the control signal continuation means for continuously outputting the control signal (for example, the effect control CPU 120 is used in the effect control process process (see step S55). By repeatedly outputting control signals at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example), lighting control of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c can be continuously executed. It may be configured to include (controlling the drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 to be continuously executed). According to such a configuration, control corresponding to the stop function of the output means can be realized.

(Means 23) In any of the means 16 to the means 22, the output means can enable or disable the stop function (for example, by setting the T terminal to L (low), the timeout function is disabled. The time-out function may be set to the enabled state by setting the state and setting the T terminal to H (high). See FIG. 11). According to such a configuration, it is possible to change the setting of the stop function of the output means according to the application, and it is possible to reduce the cost by standardizing the parts.

(Means 24) In any of the means 16 to the means 23, different light emission data is set in each layer of the data setting area according to the gaming state (for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the gaming state is set. The combination of control data set in layers 1 to 5 is different depending on whether it is a low base state, a high base state, or a big hit state). According to such a configuration, it is possible to control the light emission of the light emitting body according to the priority order according to the game state, and it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

(Means 25) In the means 24, light emission data for controlling light emission of the light emitting body according to the error notification is set in the layer in which the highest priority is set among the layers of the data setting area, regardless of the game state. (For example, as shown in FIG. 33, control data corresponding to the error notification is set in the layer 5 having the highest priority, regardless of the gaming state). According to such a configuration, it is possible to control the light emission of the light emitting body by giving priority to error notification regardless of the gaming state.

It is a front view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure example of the game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit composition example of the effect control board and the effect control relay board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the production control microcomputer. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the mechanism which outputs a video signal in an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the video signal output setting register. It is a block diagram which shows the modification in the case of having a plurality of image display devices. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the drive control board, and the structural example of the light emitting body control board for performing lighting control of a panel side LED. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the light emitting body control board for performing lighting control of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating each input / output terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the slew rate setting of the through output of a clock signal and data. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the control data format. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the output timing of the signal from each drive output terminal in a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the connection example of a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the connection example of a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the connection example of a serial-parallel conversion circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the connection example of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in the modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the connection example of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in the modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the connection example of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in the modification. It is a flowchart which shows an example of timer interrupt processing for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows the temperature limiting process. It is a flowchart which shows the temperature limit return processing. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect control process process. It is a flowchart which shows the effect symbol variation start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the small symbol process processing. It is a flowchart which shows the decorative pattern process process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display mode of the effect display device at the time of shifting to the restriction mode based on a temperature abnormality. It is a figure which shows an example of the control data area. It is a time chart which shows the LED control example. It is a time chart which shows the LED control example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect execution setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect execution setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the memory inspection process under control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect data transfer processing during control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the memory inspection process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the storage area in an effect data memory. It is a figure which shows the structure example of moving image data. It is a sequence diagram which shows the moving image reproduction control example. It is a sequence diagram which shows the moving image reproduction control example. It is a sequence diagram which shows the moving image reproduction control example. It is a sequence diagram which shows the start winning prize notification control example. It is a sequence diagram which shows the start winning prize notification control example. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of the effect control main processing.

[Configuration of pachinko game machines]
A mode for carrying out the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below. First, the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 which is an example of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration on the main board. In the following, the front side of FIG. 1 is the front (front, front) side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the back side is the back (rear) side, and the vertical and horizontal directions when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front side. It will be explained as a standard. The front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is a facing surface facing the player playing the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko game machine (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as a game machine) 1 is roughly divided into a game board (gauge board) 2 constituting the game board surface and a game machine frame (underframe) for supporting and fixing the game board 2. It is composed of 3. The game board 2 is formed with a game area 10 having a substantially circular shape in front view surrounded by a guide rail 2b. A game ball as a game medium is launched from a hitting ball launching device (not shown) into the gaming area 10. Further, the game machine frame 3 is provided with a glass door frame 50 having a glass window 50a so as to be rotatable around the left side, and the game area 10 can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 50. When the glass door frame 50 is closed, the game area 10 can be seen through the glass window 50a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game board 2 is made of a translucent synthetic resin material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin, and is formed in a substantially square shape on the front surface. It is mainly composed of a board surface plate (not shown) provided with a guide rail 2b and the like (not shown), and a spacer member (not shown) integrally attached to the back surface side of the board surface plate. The game board 2 is formed of a non-transmissive member such as a veneer board in a substantially square shape in front, and is provided on a board surface board provided with obstacle nails (not shown), guide rails 2b, etc. on the front game board surface. May be configured.

A first special symbol display 4A and a second special symbol display 4B are provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, a lower right position of the game area 10). The first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are each composed of, for example, 7 segments or dot matrix LEDs (light emitting diodes), and are identified in a special symbol game which is an example of a variable display game. A special symbol (also referred to as a "special figure"), which is a plurality of types of possible identification information (special identification information), is displayed in a variable manner (also referred to as a variable display or a variable display). For example, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each variablely display a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are limited to those composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9" and symbols indicating "-". However, for example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns having different combinations of those to be turned on and those to be turned off in the 7-segment LED may be preset as a plurality of types of special symbols.

In the following, the special symbol that is variablely displayed on the first special symbol display 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol" or "first special symbol", and the special symbol that is variablely displayed on the second special symbol display 4B is ". Also called "second special symbol" or "second special symbol".

An effect display device 5 as a display means is provided near the center of the game area 10 on the game board 2. The effect display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like, and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the effect display device 5, the variation display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 4A and the variation display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 4B in the special symbol game are supported. In the effect symbol display area, which is a plurality of variable display units such as three, the effect symbols, which are a plurality of types of identification information (decorative identification information) capable of identifying each, are variablely displayed. The variable display of this effect symbol is also included in the variable display game.

As an example, in the display area of the effect display device 5, "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged. When the confirmed special symbol is stopped and displayed as the variable display result in the special symbol game, the effect is produced in the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the "left", "middle", and "right" effect display devices 5. The final stop symbol (final stop symbol), which is the result of the variation display of the symbol, is stopped and displayed.

As described above, in the display area of the effect display device 5, the special figure game using the first special figure in the first special symbol display 4A or the special figure using the second special figure in the second special symbol display 4B is used. In synchronization with the figure game, a plurality of types of effect symbols that can be identified by each are displayed in a variable manner, and a definite effect symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “deriving”). In addition, to derive and display various display symbols such as special symbols and effect symbols is to end the variable display by displaying the identification information such as the effect symbols as a stop display (also referred to as a complete stop display or a final stop display). ..

There are eight types of symbols (alphanumeric characters "1" to "8" or Chinese characters) that are variablely displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It may be a number, an English character, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, a combination of numbers, characters or symbols and a character image, and the character image may be, for example, a person or an animal, an object other than these, or an object other than these. , Characters and other symbols, or decorative images showing any other figure). Each of the production symbols is given a corresponding symbol number. For example, a symbol number of "1" to "8" is assigned to each of the alphanumeric characters indicating "1" to "8". The production symbols are not limited to eight types, and may be any number (for example, seven types, nine types, etc.) as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a jackpot combination and a losing combination can be configured.

Further, in this embodiment, small symbols of "left", "middle", and "right" in a reduced form of the effect symbol ("1" in this example) are displayed on the upper left edge of the display screen of the effect display device 5. The variable display of ~ "8") is also executed.

A first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B are provided above the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B. In each of the first hold display 25A and the second hold display 25B, the hold storage number (special figure hold storage number) as the number of hold storage information of the variable display corresponding to the special figure game is identifiablely displayed. Memory display is performed.

Here, the holding of the variable display corresponding to the special figure game is such that the game ball passes through the first starting winning opening formed by the ordinary winning ball device 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B. It occurs based on the starting prize by (entering). That is, the start condition (also referred to as "execution condition") for executing the variable display game such as the special figure game or the variable display of the effect symbol is satisfied, but the variable display game based on the previously established start condition is being executed. When the start condition that allows the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko game machine 1 is controlled to the jackpot game state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Will be done.

In the first special symbol display 4A, it is possible to specify the number of reserved storage information (first reserved storage information) generated based on the first starting winning when the game ball passes (enters) the first starting winning opening. The first special figure hold storage number is displayed by lighting (the number of lighting) of the LED. In the second hold indicator 25B, the number of hold storage information (second hold storage information) generated based on the second start prize caused by the game ball passing (entering) the second start prize opening can be specified. 2 The number of reserved special figures is displayed by lighting the LED (number of lights).

A first hold display area 5D and a second hold display area 5U are set at two lower left and right positions in the display area of the effect display device 5. In the first hold display area 5D, the number of first special figure hold storage that can specify the number of first hold storage information generated based on the first start winning is displayed by the number of images of the hold image H of the sphere (circle). Will be done. In the second hold display area 5U, the number of second special figure hold storage that can specify the number of second hold storage information generated based on the second start winning is displayed by the number of images of the hold image H of the sphere (circle). Will be done.

In the first hold display area 5D, the hold image H is displayed in such a manner that the hold image increases on the left side each time the first hold storage information is generated, and the variable display based on the first hold storage information is executed. Each time, the reserved image H at the right end corresponding to the first reserved stored information is erased, and the remaining reserved image H is displayed to be shifted to the right one by one. In the second hold display area 5U, the hold image is displayed in a manner in which the hold image H increases on the right side each time the second hold storage information is generated, and the variable display based on the second hold storage information is executed. Each time, the reserved image H at the left end corresponding to the second reserved storage information is erased, and the remaining reserved images are displayed to be shifted to the left one by one.

Shows the variation correspondence display corresponding to the variation display during execution of the variation display corresponding to the deleted (moved, shifted) hold display from each of the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U. An active display area AHA for displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as an active image or an active display) AH is formed in a central portion of a hold display area. In the active display area AHA, the hold image H displayed in the first hold display area 5D or the second hold display area 5U is displayed so far, for example, moved (shifted) to the active display area. The active image AH is displayed in a manner that can be identified to correspond to the reserved image. The active display area AHA may be arranged at any position in the display area of the effect display device 5.

In the hold display area, the hold storage information may be displayed in a total display mode without distinguishing between the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U. By such a total hold storage display, it is possible to easily grasp the total number of execution conditions that do not satisfy the start condition of the variable display.

Regarding the hold image H displayed in each of the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U, the hold display mode that changes the hold display mode before the variable display of the target hold storage information is executed. A change effect may be executed. In the hold display mode change effect, the display mode such as the color or shape of the hold image H is changed.

For example, the color of the reserved image H can be changed to blue, green, and red. It is decided that the hold display mode change effect is executed at a predetermined ratio, and when the change display result based on the hold storage information of the effect target becomes the jackpot display result, the change is performed at a ratio of blue <green <red. The color of the reserved image H is selected and determined, while the color of the reserved image H after the change is selected and determined at a ratio of red <green <blue when the variable display result is an off-display result. As a result, the degree of expectation for the jackpot based on the color of the reserved image H after the change when the hold display mode change effect is executed is set so that the ratio of the relationship of blue <green <red. Therefore, when the hold display mode change effect is executed, it is possible to raise the expectation of the player for the big hit based on the color of the hold image after the change.

Further, as for the active image AH, the display mode change effect is executed in the same manner as the hold image H, and the display mode such as the color or shape of the hold image H is changed. Regarding the display mode change effect of such an active display, the display mode such as the color or shape after the change is determined in a mode in which the degree of expectation for the big hit can be specified by the same selection ratio as the hold display mode change effect. To. For the active display, it is not necessary to execute the display mode change effect.

Below the effect display device 5, a normal winning ball device 6A and a normal variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The ordinary winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening as a starting region (first starting region) that is always kept in a constant open state by, for example, a predetermined ball receiving member. The ordinary variable winning ball device 6B is an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state in a vertical position and an expanded open state in a tilting position by a solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory shown in FIG. It is equipped with a tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) and forms a second starting winning opening as a starting area (second starting area).

As an example, in the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening because the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the ordinary electric accessory is in the off state. It becomes a difficult normal open state. On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball device 6B, the game ball passes through the second starting winning opening by the tilt control in which the movable wing piece is in the tilting position when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is on. It will be in an expanded open state where it is easy to enter.

The game ball that has passed (entered) the first starting winning opening formed in the ordinary winning ball device 6A is detected by, for example, the first starting opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The game ball that has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6B is detected by, for example, the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game balls by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure reserved memory number is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "" 4 ”) If it is less than or equal to, the first starting condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game balls by the second start port switch 22B, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure reserved memory number is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, "" 4 ”) If it is less than or equal to, the second starting condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers from each other.

A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided at a position below the normal winning ball device 6A and the normal variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door shown in FIG. 2, and a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state depending on the large winning opening door. Form a big prize opening as.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door is in the off state, the large winning opening door is in the closed state and the game ball passes through (entering) the large winning opening. I can't do it. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning door is on, the big winning door opens the big winning door and the game ball passes through (entering) the big winning door. ) Make it easier. In this way, the large winning opening as a specific area changes into an open state in which the game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enter) and is disadvantageous to the player. To do. In addition, instead of the closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enter) the large winning opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially open state in which the game ball does not easily pass (enter) the large winning opening may be provided.

The game ball that has passed (entered) the large winning opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In this way, when the game ball passes (enters) the large winning opening opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the game ball passes through another winning opening such as the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening. More prize balls will be paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the large winning opening is opened in the special variable winning ball device 7, the game ball can enter the large winning opening, which is a first state advantageous for the player. On the other hand, if the large winning opening is closed in the special variable winning ball device 7, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to pass (enter) the game ball through the large winning opening to obtain the winning ball. It becomes a disadvantageous second state.

On the left side of the special variable winning ball device 7, a first decorative symbol display 5A is provided, which displays the variable display of the first decorative symbol in synchronization with the variable display of the first special symbol. Further, on the right side of the special variable winning ball device 7, a second decorative symbol display 5B is provided, which displays the variable display of the second decorative symbol in synchronization with the variable display of the second special symbol. The first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B are each composed of two lamps (or LEDs) arranged one above the other, and are synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol. By blinking the two lamps (or LEDs), the variable display of the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol is executed. Then, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, the fluctuation display is ended with these two lamps (or LEDs) lit, and when the stop is displayed with the off symbol, these two lamps are stopped. The fluctuation ends with the (or LED) turned off.

The variable display mode of the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and for example, lamps (or LEDs) provided above and below are alternately alternated. The variable display may be performed by repeatedly turning on and off the light.

Further, for example, as the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B, as in the case of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, a 7-segment or dot matrix LED (light emitting diode) is used. ) Etc. may be provided so as to provide a display.

An ordinary symbol display 20 is provided above the second hold display 25B. As an example, the ordinary symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like like the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and has a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbol. The ordinary symbol (also called "ordinary diagram" or "ordinary diagram") is variably displayed (variable display). Such a variable display of a normal pattern is called a normal figure game (also referred to as a "normal figure game").

Above the normal symbol display 20, a normal symbol hold display 25C is provided. The normal figure hold indicator 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the normal figure hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 41.

In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill that changes the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a large number of obstacle nails. Further, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the large winning opening, for example, a single or a plurality of general winning openings that are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. May be done. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as prize balls based on the detection of the game balls that have entered any of the general prize openings by the predetermined general prize ball switch. At the lowermost part of the game area 10, there is provided an out opening for taking in a game ball that has not entered any of the winning openings.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the game machine frame 3, and a top frame LED 9a provided on the front frame is further provided on the outer periphery of the game area 10. A left frame LED 9b and a right frame LED 9c are provided. In this embodiment, the top frame LED9a is provided above the front frame, the left frame LED9b is provided on the left side of the front frame, and the right frame LED9c is provided on the right side of the front frame. There is. Further, the game board 2 is also provided with board-side LEDs 9d and 9e. In this embodiment, the board-side LED 9d is provided on the left side of the game board 2, and the board-side LED 9e is provided on the right side of the game board 2. In addition, decorative LEDs are arranged around each structure (for example, ordinary winning ball device 6A, ordinary variable winning ball device 6B, special variable winning ball device 7, etc.) in the gaming area 10 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. May be good.

At the lower right position of the game machine frame 3, a ball striking operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like to launch a game ball as a game medium toward the game area 10 is provided. For example, the hitting ball operation handle adjusts the elastic force of the game ball according to the amount of operation (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The hitting ball operation handle may be provided with a single-shot firing switch for stopping the drive of the firing motor included in the ball-hitting launching device (not shown) and a touch ring (touch sensor).

At a predetermined position of the game machine frame 3 below the game area 10, a game ball paid out as a prize ball or a game ball rented by a predetermined ball lending machine can be supplied to a launching device (not shown). An upper plate (ball hitting plate) for holding (storing) the ball is provided. At the lower part of the gaming machine frame 3, a lower plate is provided to hold (store) surplus balls and the like overflowing from the upper plate so that they can be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

A stick controller 31A that can be gripped and tilted by the player is attached to a member forming the lower plate, for example, at a predetermined position on the front side of the upper surface of the lower plate body (for example, the central portion of the lower plate). There is. The stick controller 31A includes an operation stick held by the player, and a trigger button is provided at a predetermined position of the operation stick (for example, a position where the index finger of the operator hangs when the player holds the operation stick). There is.

A controller sensor unit 35A for detecting a tilting operation with respect to the operation stick may be provided inside the main body of the lower plate at the lower part of the stick controller 31A. For example, the controller sensor unit is two transmissive photosensors (parallel sensors) arranged parallel to the board surface of the game board 2 on the left side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the side of the player facing the pachinko game machine 1. A pair of) and four transmissive photosensors (vertical sensor pair) that are arranged perpendicular to the board surface of the game board 2 on the right side of the center position of the operation rod when viewed from the player's side. It may be configured to include a shape photo sensor.

The member forming the upper plate includes, for example, a push button 31B capable of a player performing a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like at a predetermined position on the front side (for example, above the stick controller 31A) on the upper surface of the upper plate body. It is provided. The push button 31B may be configured so that the pressing operation from the player can be detected mechanically, electrically, or electromagnetically. A push sensor 35B for detecting a player's pressing operation on the push button 31B may be provided inside the main body of the upper plate at the installation position of the push button 31B.

Next, the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be schematically described. In the pachinko game machine 1, the normal symbol display 20 executes a variable display of the normal symbol, such that a game ball that has passed through the passing gate 41 provided in the game area 10 is detected by the gate switch 21 shown in FIG. After the normal symbol start condition for starting the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol display is based on the fact that the normal symbol start condition for starting the variable display of the normal symbol is satisfied, for example, the previous normal symbol game is finished. The 20-player pachinko game is started.

In this normal symbol game, when a predetermined time, which is the normal symbol fluctuation time, elapses after starting the fluctuation of the normal symbol, the confirmed normal symbol, which is the result of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol, is stopped and displayed (derived display). At this time, if a specific ordinary symbol (symbol per ordinary symbol) such as a number indicating "7" is stopped and displayed as the confirmed ordinary symbol, the variable display result of the ordinary symbol becomes "per ordinary symbol". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than the normal symbol, such as a number or symbol other than the number indicating "7", is stopped and displayed as a confirmed normal symbol, the variable display result of the normal symbol is "normal symbol loss". Become. In response to the fact that the variation display result of the normal symbol is "per normal figure", the expansion / opening control (tilt control) is performed in which the movable wing piece of the electric tulip constituting the normal variable winning ball device 6B is in the tilt position. However, normal opening control is performed to return to the vertical position after a predetermined time elapses.

After the first starting condition is satisfied, for example, after the game ball that has passed (entered) the first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A is detected by the first starting opening switch 22A shown in FIG. Based on the fact that the first start condition is satisfied due to the end of the previous special figure game or the jackpot game state, the special figure game by the first special symbol display 4A is started. Further, the second starting condition is satisfied because the game ball that has passed (entered) the second starting winning opening formed in the normally variable winning ball device 6B is detected by the second starting opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Later, based on the fact that the second start condition is satisfied, for example, due to the end of the previous special figure game or the jackpot game state, the special figure game by the second special symbol display 4B is started.

In the special symbol game by the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, when the variation display time as the special symbol variation time elapses after the variation display of the special symbol is started, the variation display of the special symbol is performed. The final confirmed special symbol (special symbol display result) that is the result is derived and displayed. At this time, if a specific special symbol (big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it becomes a "big hit" as a specific display result, and if a special symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol, " It becomes "missing". In addition, a predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) different from the big hit symbol may be stopped and displayed, and when the predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol) as a result of these predetermined display results is stopped and displayed. , It suffices to control the small hit game state as a special game state different from the big hit game state.

After the variable display result in the special figure game becomes "big hit", it becomes a big hit game state (advantageous state) as a specific game state in which a round (also called "round game") advantageous to the player is executed a predetermined number of times. Be controlled.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as an example, a special symbol indicating the numbers "3", "5", and "7" is used as a jackpot symbol, and a special symbol indicating the symbol "-" is used as a lost symbol. .. When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, for example, the special symbol indicating the number "2" may be used as the small hit symbol. In addition, each symbol such as a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display 4A may be a special symbol different from each symbol in the special symbol game by the second special symbol display 4B. However, the special symbol common to both special symbol games may be a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol.

After the big hit symbol showing the numbers "3", "5", and "7" is stopped and displayed as the confirmed special symbol in the special figure game and becomes the "big hit" as the specific display result, it is specially variable in the big hit game state. During the period until the predetermined upper limit time (for example, 29 seconds or 0.1 seconds) elapses or the predetermined number (for example, 9) of winning balls is generated at the large winning opening door of the winning ball device 7. , Open the big prize opening. As a result, a round is executed in which the special variable winning ball device 7 is set to the first state (open state) which is advantageous for the player.

The large winning opening door that opens the large winning opening during the execution of the round catches the game ball falling on the surface of the game board 2, and then closes the large winning opening, thereby causing a special variable winning ball device. 7 is changed to a second state (closed state) which is disadvantageous to the player, and one round is completed. The round, which is the opening cycle of the big winning opening, can be repeatedly executed until the number of executions reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, "16"). Even before the number of rounds to be executed reaches the upper limit, the execution of the round may be completed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the game ball has not won a prize in the large winning opening). ..

Of the rounds in the jackpot game state, the round in which the upper limit time for setting the special variable winning ball device 7 to the first state (open state) advantageous to the player is relatively long (for example, 29 seconds) is normally open. Also called a round. On the other hand, a round in which the upper limit time for setting the special variable winning ball device 7 in the first state (open state) is relatively short (for example, 0.1 second) is also referred to as a short-term open round.

When the small hit symbols (for example, the number "2") are stopped and displayed, if these small hit symbols are derived as fixed special symbols and then controlled to the small hit gaming state as the special gaming state. good. Specifically, in the small hit game state, for example, the big prize opening is advantageous to the player in the special variable winning ball device 7 as in the above-mentioned short-term open big hit state in which the ball is not substantially obtained (prize ball). It suffices to execute a variable winning operation that changes to the first state (open state).

In the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R provided in the effect display device 5, the special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display 4A , Of the special figure game using the second special figure in the second special symbol display 4B, the variable display of the effect symbol is started corresponding to the start of any of the special symbol games. Then, the period from the start of the variable display of the effect symbol to the end of the variable display due to the stop display of the final effect symbol in the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Then, the variable display state of the effect symbol may become a predetermined reach state.

Here, the reach state is an effect symbol that has not yet been stopped and displayed when the effect symbol that has been stopped and displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5 constitutes a part of the jackpot combination (“reach variable symbol”). (Also referred to as) is a display state in which the fluctuation is continuous, or a display state in which all or part of the effect symbols are fluctuating in synchronization while forming all or part of the jackpot combination. Specifically, some of the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R (for example, the "left" and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5R, etc.) are preliminarily used. When the effect symbol (for example, the effect symbol indicating alphanumeric characters of "7") that constitutes the specified jackpot combination is stopped and displayed, the remaining effect symbol display area (for example, "medium" effect) that has not yet been stopped is displayed. In the symbol display area 5C, etc.), the effect symbol is fluctuating, or the effect symbol is a big hit in all or part of the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". It is a display state that fluctuates synchronously while forming all or part of the combination.

In addition, in response to the reach state, the fluctuation speed of the effect symbol is reduced, or a character image (effect image imitating a person or the like) different from the effect symbol is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5. By changing the display mode of the background image, reproducing and displaying a moving image different from the effect symbol, or changing the variation mode of the effect symbol, a different effect operation than before the reach state is executed. May be done. Such an effect operation such as a character image display, a change in the display mode of the background image, a reproduction display of the moving image, and a change in the variation mode of the effect symbol is called a reach effect display (or simply a reach effect). In addition, the reach effect includes not only the display operation in the effect display device 5, but also the sound output operation by the speakers 8L and 8R, and the light emitters such as the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, and the panel side LEDs 9d, 9e. It may be included that the lighting operation (blinking operation), the operation of the movable member 321 and the like are set to an operation mode different from the operation mode before the reach state is reached.

As the effect operation in the reach effect, a plurality of types of effect patterns (also referred to as "reach patterns") having different operation modes (reach modes) may be prepared in advance. Then, in each reach mode, the possibility of becoming a "big hit" (also referred to as "reliability", "big hit reliability", "expectation", or "big hit expectation") is different. That is, the possibility that the variable display result will be a "big hit" can be different depending on which of the plurality of types of reach effects is executed.

When a special symbol that is a lost symbol is stopped and displayed (derived) as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, the variable display state of the effect symbol does not become the reach state after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. In some cases, a definite effect symbol that is a predetermined non-reach combination may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display mode of the effect symbol is referred to as a “non-reach” (also referred to as “normal loss”) variable display mode when the variable display result is “missing”.

When a special symbol that is a lost symbol is stopped and displayed (derived) as a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state after the variable display of the effect symbol is started. Correspondingly, after the reach effect is executed or without the reach effect being executed, the final effect symbol that is a predetermined reach loss combination may be stopped and displayed. Such a variable display result of the effect symbol is referred to as a variable display mode of "reach" (also referred to as "reach loss") when the variable display result is "missing".

As a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, when the jackpot symbol indicating the number "3" is stopped and displayed among the special symbols that are the jackpot symbols, it corresponds to the fact that the variable display state of the effect symbol is in the reach state. Then, after the predetermined reach effect is executed, the definite effect symbol which is the predetermined normal jackpot combination (also referred to as “non-probability variation jackpot combination”) among the plurality of types of jackpot combinations is stopped and displayed. It should be noted that the non-probability variation jackpot combination may be stopped and displayed as the finalized effect symbol without executing the reach effect.

The finalized effect symbols that are usually the jackpot combination (non-probability variable jackpot combination) are variablely displayed in the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the "left", "middle", and "right" in the effect display device 5, for example. Among the effect symbols whose symbol numbers are "1" to "8", any one of the effect symbols whose symbol numbers are even numbers "2", "4", "6", and "8" is "left", "" It suffices that the production symbols display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "middle" and "right" are aligned on a predetermined effective line and stopped and displayed. The effect symbols whose symbol numbers constituting the normal jackpot combination are even numbers "2", "4", "6", and "8" are referred to as ordinary symbols (also referred to as "non-probability variation symbols").

In response to the confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game becoming a normal jackpot symbol, the finalized effect symbol of the normal jackpot combination (non-probability variable jackpot combination) is stopped and displayed after the predetermined reach effect is executed. The variable display mode is referred to as a variable display mode (also referred to as "big hit type") of "non-probability variation" (also referred to as "normal big hit") when the variable display result is "big hit". It should be noted that the normal jackpot combination (non-probability variation jackpot combination) may be stopped and displayed as the finalized effect symbol without executing the reach effect. Based on the fact that the variable display result is "big hit" in the big hit type of "non-probability change", it is controlled to the normally open big hit state, and after the end, the time reduction control (time reduction control) is performed. By performing the time reduction control, the fluctuation display time (special figure fluctuation time) of the special symbol in the special figure game is shortened as compared with the normal state. In the time saving control, as will be described later, the so-called electric chew support is implemented in which the winning frequency of the normal symbol is increased and the winning frequency of the normal variable winning ball device 6B is increased. Here, the normal state is a normal gaming state different from a specific gaming state such as a jackpot gaming state, and is an initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, after the power is turned on, such as when a system reset is performed). The same control as the state in which the initialization process is executed) is performed. In the time saving control, one of the conditions that the special figure game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) after the end of the big hit game state and that the variable display result becomes "big hit" is satisfied first. Sometimes you just have to quit.

As a confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, when the probabilistic jackpot symbol such as the special symbol indicating the numbers "5" and "7" is stopped and displayed among the special symbols that are the jackpot symbols, the variable display state of the effect symbol is displayed. In response to the fact that is in the reach state, after the same reach effect as in the case where the variation display mode of the effect symbol is "normal" is executed, among the plurality of types of jackpot combinations, the predetermined probability variation jackpot combination and The finalized effect symbol may be stopped and displayed. In addition, the probability variation jackpot combination may be stopped and displayed as a finalized effect symbol without executing the reach effect. The definite effect symbol that is a probabilistic jackpot combination is, for example, the symbol number that is variablely displayed in the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right" in the effect display device 5 is "1". ~ Of the "8" effect symbols, the effect symbols whose symbol numbers are "5" or "7" are in the "left", "middle", and "right" effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. Anything may be used as long as it is aligned on a predetermined effective line and stopped and displayed. The effect symbols whose symbol numbers constituting the probability variation jackpot combination are "5" and "7" are referred to as probability variation symbols. When the probabilistic jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the confirmed special symbol in the special symbol game, the confirmed effect symbol, which is usually a jackpot combination, may be stopped and displayed as a variable display result of the effect symbol.

Regardless of whether the finalized production symbol is a normal jackpot combination or a probabilistic jackpot combination, the variable display mode in which the probabilistic jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed as the finalized special symbol in the special symbol game has a variable display result of "big hit". It is also referred to as a variable display mode (also referred to as "big hit type") of "probability change" in the case. In addition, in the present embodiment, among the jackpot types of "probability change", the normal open jackpot state is set based on the fact that the variable display result of "5" and "7" is "big hit" as the confirmed special symbol. It is controlled, and after the end, probability fluctuation control (probability variation control) is performed together with time reduction control.

By performing these probability variation controls, the probability that the variable display result (special figure display result) becomes a "big hit" in each special figure game is improved so as to be higher than in the normal state. The probabilistic change control may be terminated when the condition that the variation display result becomes "big hit" after the end of the big hit game state and the control is performed again in the big hit game state is satisfied. As with the time reduction control, the probability variation control is terminated when a predetermined number of special figure games (for example, 100 times, which is the same as the time reduction number, or 90 times, which is different from the time reduction number) are executed after the end of the jackpot game state. You may. In addition, even if the probability change control is terminated when the "probability change fall" decision to end the probability change control is made in the probability change fall lottery that is executed every time the special figure game is started after the jackpot game state ends. Good.

When the time reduction control is performed, the normal symbol display 20 controls the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (normal symbol fluctuation time) in the normal symbol game to be shorter than that in the normal state, and the fluctuation of the normal symbol in each normal symbol game. Control to improve the probability that the display result will be "per normal" compared to the normal state, tilt control of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6B based on the variable display result being "per normal" The second is to make it easier for the game ball to pass (enter) the second start winning opening, such as control to make the tilt control time to be longer than in the normal state and control to increase the number of tilts than in the normal state. Control (electric chew support control) that is advantageous to the player is performed by increasing the possibility that the starting condition is satisfied. As described above, the control that makes it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning opening due to the time saving control and is advantageous for the player is also referred to as a high opening control. As the high open control, any one of these controls may be performed, or a plurality of controls may be combined and performed.

By performing the high opening control, the frequency of the second start winning opening being in the expanded open state is increased as compared with the case where the high opening control is not performed. As a result, the second start condition for executing the special figure game using the second special figure on the second special symbol display 4B becomes easy to be satisfied, and the special figure game can be executed frequently. The time until the variable display result becomes a "big hit" is shortened. The period during which the high opening control can be executed is also referred to as the high opening control period, and this period may be the same as the period during which the time saving control is performed.

The gaming state in which both the time saving control and the high opening control are performed is also called a time saving state or a high base state. Further, the gaming state in which the probability change control is performed is also referred to as a probability change state or a high probability state. A gaming state in which time reduction control and high opening control are performed together with probability variation control is also called a high probability high base state. Although not set as the game state to be controlled in the present embodiment, the probability change state in which only the probability change control is performed and the time saving control and the high opening control are not performed is also referred to as a high probability low base state. .. In addition, only the gaming state in which the time reduction control and the high opening control are performed together with the probability change control is sometimes referred to as a "probability change state", and in order to distinguish it from the high probability low base state, it may be referred to as a time reduction probability change state. On the other hand, the probability variation state (high accuracy low base state) in which only the probability variation control is performed and the time reduction control or the high opening control is not performed may be a probability variation state without time reduction in order to distinguish it from the high accuracy high base state. The time saving state in which the time saving control or the high opening control is performed without the probability change control is also called the low probability high base state. The normal state in which the probability change control, the time reduction control, and the high opening control are not performed is also referred to as a low probability low base state. When at least one of the time saving control and the probability variation control is performed in a game state other than the normal state, the probability that the special figure game can be executed frequently and that the variation display result in each special figure game becomes a "big hit". Is increased, which is advantageous for the player. A gaming state that is advantageous for a player different from the jackpot gaming state is also called a special gaming state.

In addition, in the case of stopping and displaying the small hit symbol, after controlling to the small hit game state described above, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the variable display result becomes "small hit" is displayed. You can control it continuously.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with various control boards such as a main board 11 and an effect control board 12 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the effect control relay board 16A, the drive control board 16B, and the effect control board 16B for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11, the effect control board 12, and each effect means, and Light emitter control boards 16C to 16F and the like are also mounted. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and an interface board are arranged on the back surface of the game board 2 and the like in the pachinko game machine 1.

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and is equipped with various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11 is mainly addressed to a sub-side control board including a random number setting function used in a special drawing game, a function of inputting a signal from a switch or the like arranged at a predetermined position, and an effect control board 12. , It has a function to output and transmit a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, and a function to output various information to the hall management computer. Further, the main board 11 controls lighting / extinguishing of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B to control the lighting / extinguishing of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The variable display of a predetermined display symbol, such as controlling the variable display of the normal symbol 20 and controlling the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinguishing / coloring of the normal symbol display 20. It also has a control function.

On the main board 11, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that takes in detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100, and a game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 or the like that transmits a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 81 and 82 is mounted.

The effect control board 12 is a control board on the sub side independent of the main board 11, and receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the effect control relay board 16A to receive the effect control relay board 16A. Directive display device 5, 1st decorative symbol display 5A, 2nd decorative symbol display 5B, speakers 8L, 8R, top frame LED9a, left frame LED9b, right frame LED9c, board side LEDs 9d, 9e, movable part 302 , Various circuits for controlling the production operation by the production electrical parts such as the movable member 321 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 includes all or part of the display operation in the effect display device 5 and the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame provided on the game frame side. Prescribed for production electrical parts such as LED 9c, all or part of the lighting / extinguishing operation of the board side LEDs 9d and 9e provided on the game board 2 side, and all or part of the operation of the movable part 302 and the movable member 321. It has a function to determine the control content for executing the effect operation of. Further, the effect control board 12 is connected to the effect control microcomputer 120A and the cooling fan 142 for cooling each control circuit via the effect control relay board 16A.

The effect control board 12 includes wiring for transmitting a video signal to the effect display device 5 via the effect control relay board 16A, and for the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B. Wiring for transmitting the lighting signal, wiring for transmitting the voice signal (effect sound signal) to the voice control board 13, and the like are connected. Further, wiring for transmitting various signals is also connected to the drive control board 16B, the light emitting body control board 16C, and the light emitting body control board 16D via the effect control relay board 16A.

The information signal transmitted to the drive control board 16B is a drive control signal indicating a command or control data for operating the movable portion 302 or the movable member 321 by driving the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. It may be included.

The information signal transmitted to the light emitting body control board 16C may include a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitting bodies provided as panel side LEDs 9d and 9e.

If the information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16D includes a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitters provided as left frame LEDs 9b on the left side of the game machine frame 3. Good. Further, the information signal transmitted to the light emitter control board 16E includes a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitters provided as a top frame LED 9a above the game machine frame 3. Just do it. Further, the information signal transmitted to the light emitting body control board 16F includes a lighting signal indicating light emission data for lighting a plurality of light emitting bodies provided as a right frame LED 9c on the right side of the gaming machine frame 3. I just need to be there.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the information signal transmitted to the light emitting body control board 16D is only the effect control relay board 16A from the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12. Is relayed and transmitted. Further, the information signal transmitted to the light emitting body control board 16E is transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12 via the effect control board 16D in addition to the effect control relay board 16A. To. Further, the information signal transmitted to the illuminant control board 16F is transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12 to the effect control relay board 16A, as well as the illuminant control board 16D and the illuminant control board 16E. Is relayed and transmitted.

The audio control board 13 is a control board for audio output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and outputs audio from the speakers 8L and 8R based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. It is equipped with a processing circuit that executes audio signal processing for this purpose.

The effect control relay board 16A is installed on a back pack or the like attached to the back surface of the game board 2 to relay various signals transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, or from the effect control board 12. Various signals transmitted to the drive control board 16B, the light emitting body control board 16C, and the light emitting body control board 16D are relayed. The back pack may be attached to a central portion on the back surface side of the game board 2, and an opening facing the effect display device 5 may be formed in the center thereof. The back pack may be provided so as to cover the main board 11, the voice control board 13, the drive control board 16B, the illuminant control board 16C, and the like from the rear. An effect control board box containing the effect control board 12 may be attached to the rear surface side of the back pack.

Further, on the effect control relay board 16A, character image data and moving image data displayed on the effect display device 5, specifically, people, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including effect symbols), and a background image CGROM 141 for storing the data of the above is installed.

The CGROM 141 stores in advance various image data (image element data) indicating the display image in the effect display device 5. The image data stored in the CGROM 141 may include still image data and moving image data. As the still image data, sprite image data which is a plurality of types of image element data corresponding to a plurality of types of effect images, such as a plurality of types of effect symbols variably displayed on the screen of the effect display device 5, may be prepared. .. Further, the characters displayed on the screen of the effect display device 5, specifically, the person, characters, figures, symbols, and the like, and the image data of the background image may be stored in the CGROM 141 in advance. In addition to the image data, the CGROM 141 may store a part or all of the audio data used for the audio output by the speakers 8L and 8R. The CGROM 141 may store a part or all of the lamp drive data used for lighting the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, the panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, and other decorative LEDs. The CGROM 141 may store a part or all of the motor drive data used for rotationally driving the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. The CGROM 141 may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a NAND flash memory that can be electrically erased, written, or rewritten. However, in the normal use state in which the progress of the effect in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled, the CGROM 141 is used as a read-only storage device. The effect control CPU 120 may use the VDP function to read data having an integral multiple of 512 bytes from the CGROM 141 when, for example, a 512-byte sector is the minimum unit for data transfer, and the CGROM 141 can read the data. On the other hand, it may be writable.

In this embodiment, the case where the CGROM 141 is configured by the NAND flash memory is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and the CGROM 141 may be configured by another memory element such as a NOR flash memory. ..

The effect control CPU 120 may read sector data from the CGROM 141 by using the VDP function, and may perform error detection and error correction on the read sector data. In sector data error detection, the number of error bits and the error bit position are specified. At this time, it is determined whether or not error correction is possible. If error correction is possible, it suffices if the error correction can be executed and the sector data can be transferred to VRAM 126 or the like and stored. The management information of the erasing unit block may be stored in the CGROM 141. The erasing unit block is an erasing unit when erasing the stored data of the CGROM 141. The management information of the erasing unit block may include information indicating the number of erasing processes executed in each erasing unit block. The effect control CPU 120 reads the management information of the erasing unit block including the sector data, and determines whether to refresh (data refresh) the memory cell of the sector data in the CGROM 141 based on the information of the number of error bits and the like.

In the CGROM 141, deterioration of the memory cell occurs due to factors such as erasure of stored data and read disturb. The read disturb occurs when the number of times of reading the stored data of the CGROM 141 increases, the electrons accumulated in the floating gate of the memory cell are gradually drawn out, and the threshold voltage of the transistor changes. In addition, even if readdisturbation does not occur, the electrons accumulated in the floating gate of the memory cell may be gradually emitted at an extremely slow rate, causing data retention that changes the threshold voltage of the transistor. is there. Deterioration of memory cells due to read disturb or data retention can be recovered by refreshing the memory cells. Deterioration of a memory cell due to erasure of stored data reduces the life expectancy of the memory cell and may be unrecoverable even if the memory cell is refreshed. In this case, a block including an unrecoverable memory cell is regarded as a bad block (bad area), and an alternative process of transferring data to a separately provided alternative block (alternative area) is executed.

The drive control board 16B is a control board for drive control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and can control the rotation of the movable portion 302 and move based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. A driver IC or the like for controlling the movement of the member 321 is mounted. The output signal from the drive control board 16B is transmitted to the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330.

The illuminant control board 16C is a control board for illuminant output mounted on the game board 2 and provided separately from the effect control board 12, and is a board based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. Various circuits for driving the light emitters for controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters provided as the side LEDs 9d and 9e are mounted.

The light emitter control boards 16D to 16F are control boards for light emitter output mounted on the game machine frame 3 and separately provided from the effect control board 12, such as commands and control data from the effect control board 12. Based on this, various circuits for driving a light emitter for controlling lighting of a plurality of light emitters provided as a top frame LED 9a, a left frame LED 9b, and a right frame LED 9c are mounted.

In addition to the light emitting body control boards 16C to 16F, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with, for example, a board for controlling the lighting of the light emitting unit 321A provided on the movable member 321. It is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 11 is connected to a wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23. The gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 have an arbitrary configuration capable of detecting a game ball as a game medium, such as a sensor. Anything that has it will do. Further, on the main board 11, the first special symbol display 4A, the second special symbol display 4B, the normal symbol display 20, the first hold display 25A, the second hold display 25B, and the general figure hold display 25C Wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control such as is connected.

The control signal transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the effect control relay board 16A. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the effect control relay board 16A is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control command includes, for example, the variation time of the effect symbol, the type of reach effect, and the pseudo-ream (which is originally one variation corresponding to one hold memory, but is multiple times corresponding to a plurality of hold memories. It is an effect display that makes it look like the fluctuations are being performed continuously, and in order to make it look as if the fluctuation display (variable display) of the symbol was executed multiple times for one start prize, one start A variation indicating a variation mode such as the presence / absence of a temporary stop and a re-variation for all the symbol strings (left, middle, right) within the fluctuation time determined for winning a predetermined number of times. Fluctuation pattern specification commands that indicate patterns, display control commands that are used to control image display operations in the effect display device 5, voice control commands that are used to control audio output from speakers 8L and 8R, and top frames. Includes a light emitter control command used to control the lighting operation of the LED 9a, left frame LED 9b, right frame LED 9c, panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, drive control command used to control the operation of the movable member 321 and the like. It has been.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, which is a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101 for storing game control programs, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 that provides the area, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103 that executes the game control program to perform the control operation, and the numerical data indicating the random value are updated independently of the CPU 103. It is configured to include a random number circuit 104 to perform, and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105.

As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, a process for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1 is executed by executing the program read from the ROM 101 by the CPU 103. At this time, a fixed data read operation in which the CPU 103 reads fixed data from the ROM 101, a variable data writing operation in which the CPU 103 writes various variable data to the RAM 102 and temporarily stores them, and various variable data temporarily stored in the RAM 102 by the CPU 103. The variable data read operation, the CPU 103 receives input of various signals from the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105, and the CPU 103 goes to the outside of the game control microcomputer 100 via the I / O 105. A transmission operation that outputs various signals is also performed.

Next, the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the effect control board 12 is equipped with an effect control microcomputer 120A, a RAM 122, and an I / O 125 that perform control operations according to a program.

The CGROM 141 is mounted on the effect control relay board 16A. Further, a cooling fan 142 is connected to the connector 16Y provided on the effect control relay board 16A. Further, a signal line for transmitting the effect control command from the main board 11 is connected to the connector 16Z provided on the effect control relay board 16A. Further, each effect means (in this example, the effect display device 5, the first decorative symbol display 5A, the second decorative symbol display 5B, and the LEDs 9a to 9e) are attached to the connector 16S provided on the effect control relay board 16A. , Speakers 8L, 8R, movable portion 302, movable member 321 and the like), and the signal lines to the effect control relay board 16A, the drive control board 16B, and the light emitter control boards 16C to 16D are connected.

Further, the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A are connected by connecting the connector 12X provided on the effect control board 12 and the connector 16X provided on the effect control relay board 16A by using a cable. Has been done.

The method of mounting the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A is not limited to that shown in this embodiment, and various modes can be considered. For example, the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A may be unitized and housed in one board case. In this case, for example, a cooling fan may be attached to the substrate case, and the cooling fan may be configured to cool the effect control board 12 and the effect control relay board 16A in the board case. Further, the heat radiation fins may be attached to the substrate case, or the heat radiation fins may be attached to the effect control microcomputer 120A.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the effect control microcomputer 120A. As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control microcomputer 120A is configured by using, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a work memory 131, an effect control CPU 120, a host interface 132, a CGROM bus interface 133, and a DRAM. It has an interface 134. Further, the effect control CPU 120 has a built-in VDP (Video Display Processor) function, and the effect control microcomputer 120A includes a VRAM (Video RAM) 126, display circuits 127A to 127C, and a graphic decoder 137. ing. Further, the effect control microcomputer 120A includes a ROM 135 and a temperature sensor 136.

The effect control CPU 120 executes the control process according to the effect control program. The ROM 135 stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like that are read out by the effect control CPU 120 to execute the control process.

Further, in this embodiment, the authentication data is stored in the ROM 135 included in the effect control microcomputer 120A, and the authentication data is also stored in the CGROM 141 mounted on the effect control relay board. Then, as will be described later, in this embodiment, when the power is turned on to the gaming machine, the effect control CPU 120 collates the authentication data read from the CGROM 141 with the authentication data stored in the ROM 135 to perform the authentication process. Then, based on the success of the authentication, various production control processes are started.

In this embodiment, the case where the ROM 135 is built in the effect control microcomputer 120A is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the ROM may be mounted on the effect control board 12 instead of being built in the effect control microcomputer 120A.

Further, for example, apart from the ROM 135 built in the effect control microcomputer 120A, a ROM for authentication data for storing the authentication data is provided on the effect control board 12 outside the effect control microcomputer 120A. It may be configured as follows.

The temperature sensor 136 has a function of measuring the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 and outputting the temperature information.

In this embodiment, the case where the temperature sensor 136 is built in the effect control microcomputer 120A is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the temperature sensor may be mounted on the effect control board 12 instead of being built in the effect control microcomputer 120A. Then, in this case, the temperature of the effect control board 12 may be monitored by the temperature sensor.

Further, in this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 has a VDP function, and reads out image data such as various character image data and moving image data from the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A via the CGROM bus interface 133. The image data is transferred to the VRAM 126 and the image data is expanded (drawn) in the frame buffer on the VRAM 126. Further, the graphic decoder 137 has a function of decoding compressed image data used for drawing into VRAM. Further, the display circuits 127A to 127C have a function of displaying and outputting the image data expanded in the frame buffer of the VRAM 126 to an external display device (effect display device 5 or the like).

In this embodiment, the case where the effect control CPU 120 is configured to incorporate the VDP function is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the effect control microcomputer 120A may be configured to include VDP as a control circuit in addition to the effect control CPU 120. Further, for example, apart from the effect control microcomputer 120A, the effect control board 12 may be configured to mount the VDP as a control circuit. Further, for example, a random number circuit for updating numerical data indicating a random number value may be mounted on the effect control board 12 independently of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a mechanism for outputting a video signal on the effect control board 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the effect control microcomputer 120A mounted on the effect control board 12 includes a VRAM 126, display circuits 127A to 127C, LVDS I / F128, and C-MOS I / in addition to the effect control CPU 120. It is equipped with F129. The effect control CPU 120 reads movie data and character source data from the CGROM 141 and develops (draws) them in the VRAM 126. In addition, each display circuit 127A to 127C has a function of reading the drawing data developed in the VRAM 126 and performing scaling, dithering, color correction, and the like. Further, each of the display circuits 127A to 127C has a function of outputting the drawn data subjected to these processes as an LVDS signal of the differential transmission method via the LVDS I / F128. Further, each display circuit 127A to 127C has a function of outputting the drawn data subjected to these processes as a digital RGB signal via the C-MOS I / F129.

In this embodiment, the LVDS I / F128 is provided with terminals capable of outputting two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2), and the effect control microcomputer 120A has 2 as video signals. It is possible to output a book LVDS signal (LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2). For example, with each pair of lines as one line, one LVDS signal line is formed by four lines for data signals and one line for clock signals, and in the differential transmission method, between the pair of lines. The potential difference of is detected as a signal level.

Further, in this embodiment, the C-MOS I / F129 is provided with a terminal capable of outputting one digital RGB signal, and the effect control microcomputer 120A is provided with one digital RGB signal as a video signal. It is possible to output a signal. The digital RGB signal includes, for example, a red signal, a green signal, a blue signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a vertical synchronization signal, a display enable signal, a clock signal, and the like.

In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device including a 19-inch liquid crystal panel is used as the effect display device 5 (image display device), but generally, two LVDS signals are connected to the 19-inch liquid crystal display device. A possible connection port is provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, two display circuits (for example, display circuit 127A and display circuit 127B) of the display circuits 127A to 127C mounted on the effect control microcomputer 120A are used. , Two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2) are generated, and two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2) output via the LVDS I / F128 are input to the effect display device 5. Then, the display control in the effect display device 5 is performed.

Further, in this embodiment, since the effect display device 5 is controlled by two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2), the digital RGB signal is not used. In this embodiment, each video signal (LVDS signal, digital RGB signal) output from the effect control microcomputer 120A can be individually set to an output enable state or an output non-output state, and the digital RGB signal is output. It is set to the disabled state.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a video signal output setting register for setting the output state of each video signal (LVDS signal, digital RGB signal) provided in the effect control microcomputer 120A. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the lower 3 bits (0 to 2 bits) of the video signal output setting register are used to set the output state of each video signal (LVDS signal, digital RGB signal). For example, the data A2 stored in the bit number [2] of the video signal output setting register indicates the output state of the LVDS signal 1. In the example shown in FIG. 6, if the bit value of the data A2 is set to "0", the LVDS signal 1 is set to the output disabled state. Further, if the bit value of the data A2 is set to "1", the LVDS signal 1 is set to the output enable state. Further, for example, the data A1 stored in the bit number [1] of the video signal output setting register indicates the output state of the LVDS signal 2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, if the bit value of the data A1 is set to "0", the LVDS signal 2 is set to the output disabled state. If the bit value of the data A1 is set to "1", the LVDS signal 2 is set to the output enable state. Further, for example, the data A0 stored in the bit number [0] of the video signal output setting register indicates the output state of the digital RGB signal. In the example shown in FIG. 6, if the bit value of the data A0 is set to "0", the digital RGB signal is set to the output disabled state. If the bit value of the data A0 is set to "1", the digital RGB signal is set to the output enable state.

In this embodiment, the ROM 121 of the effect control microcomputer 120A is provided with a program management area, and the setting contents of various setting registers including the video signal output setting register shown in FIG. 6 are stored in the program management area. ing. Then, when the power is turned on to the game machine or when a system reset occurs, the effect control microcomputer 120A reads out the setting contents stored in the program management area, and the video signal output setting register shown in FIG. 6 is read according to the read setting contents. Set each bit value of. In this embodiment, the data A0 (0th bit) of the video signal output setting register is set to "0", and the data A1 to A2 (1st to 2nd bits) are set to "1". Then, according to the setting of the video signal output setting register, the output terminals of the digital RGB signals of the display circuits 127A to 127C are controlled to the disabled state, and the output terminals of the LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2) are set. Controlled to the enabled state, the digital RGB signal is set to the output non-output state, and only two LVDS signals (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2) are set to the output enable state.

In this embodiment, the case where the output states of all the signals of the two LVDS signals and the digital RGB signals can be set is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, only the output state of the LVDS signal may be settable, or only the output state of the digital RGB signal may be settable.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, a plurality of video signals (in this example, video output signals such as LVDS signal 1, LVDS signal 2, and digital RGB signal) can be output, and a plurality of video signals can be output. It is possible to set whether or not to output at least one system of video signals among the system video signals. Therefore, it is possible to suppress noise while reducing the cost by standardizing the components for the output of the video signal.

Specifically, as shown in this embodiment, a CPU having VDP and VDP functions (in this example, the CPU 120 for effect control) can output a plurality of video signals for driving the liquid crystal display device. In this case, only a part of the video signals of the plurality of systems (LVDS signal 1 and LVDS signal 2 in this example) are actually used for the display control of the liquid crystal display device, and some of the other video signals are used. The video signal (in this example, the digital RGB signal) may not be required. In such a case, it is conceivable to use a circuit element such as a resistor, wiring, or the like to block the output of a video signal that is unnecessary in terms of hardware. However, if the output of the unnecessary video signal is simply blocked in such a way, the output of the unnecessary video signal still remains as noise, and it is used for other controls such as display control and game control. May affect. Therefore, in this embodiment, by making it possible to set whether or not to output the video signal from the video output IC (in this example, the effect control microcomputer 120A), the components are common with respect to the video signal output. It is possible to suppress noise while reducing the cost by increasing the cost.

In this embodiment, the case where only one effect display device 5 (19-inch liquid crystal display device in this example) is provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and for example, a plurality of image displays are displayed. It may be configured to include a device. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a modified example when a plurality of image display devices are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 7, a case where one main display device (main display device) 5M and two sub display devices (sub display devices) 5SA and 5SB are provided as the image display device is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the main display device 5M is a liquid crystal display device including a 15-inch liquid crystal panel. Further, each of the sub-display devices 5SA and 5SB is a liquid crystal display device including a 9-inch liquid crystal panel. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the effect control board 12 is connected to the main display device 5M via the liquid crystal conversion board 200. Further, the effect control board 12 is connected to the sub-display devices 5SA and 5SB via the liquid crystal conversion board and the driver boards 201A and 201B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal conversion substrate includes RGB converters 202A and 202B for converting LVDS signals into RGB signals, and a signal conversion circuit 203A for converting RGB signals into a differential transmission system V-by-One system. , 203B, and an LVDS converter 206 that converts RGB signals into LVDS signals. Further, the driver boards 201A and 201B have signal conversion circuits 204A and 204B for converting video signals from the differential transmission system V-by-One system into RGB signals, and LVDS conversion for converting RGB signals into LVDS signals, respectively. It is equipped with vessels 205A and 205B.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the LVDS signal 1 and the LVDS signal 2 output from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 are input to the sub-display devices 5SA and 5SB, respectively. The LVDS signal 1 and the LVDS signal 2 output from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 are first converted into RGB signals by the RGB converters 202A and 202B mounted on the liquid crystal conversion board 200, respectively. It is input to the conversion circuits 203A and 203B. Next, it is converted into the V-by-One system of the differential transmission system by the signal conversion circuits 203A and 203B, and is output to the driver boards 201A and 201B. Specifically, the signal conversion circuits 203A and 203B use the operating frequencies for the sub-display devices 5SA and 5SB generated by the oscillator (not shown) to transmit RGB signals to the differential transmission method V-by-. Convert to One method.

Next, it is converted into an RGB signal by the signal conversion circuits 204A and 204B mounted on the driver boards 201A and 201B, and input to the LVDS converters 205A and 205B, respectively. Then, it is converted into an LVDS signal by the LVDS converters 205A and 205B, and input to the sub-display devices 5SA and 5SB, respectively. Generally, a 9-inch liquid crystal display device is provided with a connection port to which one LVDS signal can be connected. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, display control in each of the sub-display devices 5SA and 5SB is performed using one LVDS signal, respectively.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal conversion board 200 and each driver board 201A are transmitted between the liquid crystal conversion board 200 and the driver boards 201A and 201B by the V-by-One method of the differential transmission method. , Noise can be reduced even if the distance from 201B is long.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the RGB signal output from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is converted into an LVDS signal by the LVDS converter 206 mounted on the liquid crystal conversion board 200. Then, the converted LVDS signal is input to the main display device 5M. Generally, a 15-inch liquid crystal display device is provided with a connection port to which one LVDS signal can be connected. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, display control in the main display device 5M is performed using the LVDS signal obtained by converting one RGB signal.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, in addition to one main display device (main display device) 5M, two sub display devices (sub display devices) 5SA and 5SB are provided. Not limited to. For example, in addition to one main display device (main display device), only one sub display device (sub display device) may be provided, or three or more sub display devices (sub display devices) may be provided. It may be configured as follows. For example, when configured to include three or more sub-display devices (sub-display devices), the LVDS signals output from the driver boards 201A and 201B are further branched via the branch board, and the respective sub-display devices (subs) are further branched. It may be configured to input to the display device).

Further, in the present embodiment, the effect display device 5 is arranged on the back side of the game board 2 and can be visually recognized through the opening 2c formed in the game board 2. A frame-shaped center decorative frame 51 is provided in the opening 2c of the game board 2. Further, an effect unit 300 is provided between the back surface of the game board 2 and the effect display device 5, and various motors (first effect motor 303, 1) provided on the effect unit 300 are provided on the effect control board 12. A plurality of electronic components such as a second production motor 330), a solenoid, a sensor, and a light emitting diode (LED) are connected. Note that, in FIG. 2, illustrations of these electronic components other than the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 are omitted.

On the side of the effect control board 12, as in the main board 11, for example, a random number value (also referred to as an effect random number) for determining the type of various effects such as a notice effect is set.

The ROM 135 built into the effect control microcomputer 120A shown in FIG. 4 stores various data tables and the like used for controlling the effect operation in addition to the effect control program. For example, the ROM 135 stores table data that constitutes a plurality of determination tables prepared for the effect control CPU 120 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings, pattern data that constitutes various effect control patterns, and the like. There is.

As an example, in the ROM 135, the effect control CPU 120 includes various effect devices (for example, an effect display device 5, speakers 8L, 8R, top frame LED 9a, left frame LED 9b, right frame LED 9c, panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, movable member 321 and the like. An effect control pattern table that stores a plurality of types of effect control patterns used to control the effect operation by the effect model, etc.) is stored. The effect control pattern is composed of data indicating the control content or the like corresponding to various effect operations executed according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the effect control pattern table, for example, an effect control pattern when the special figure fluctuates, a notice effect control pattern, various effect control patterns, and the like may be stored.

The effect control pattern at the time of special symbol fluctuation corresponds to a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns, and is in the period from the start of fluctuation of the special symbol in the special symbol game to the derivation display of the definite special symbol which is the special symbol display result. , It is composed of data showing the control contents of various production operations such as the variation display operation of the effect symbol, the reach effect, the effect display operation in the re-lottery effect, or various effect display operations without the variation display of the effect symbol. Has been done. The notice effect control pattern is composed of, for example, data indicating the control content of the effect operation that is the advance notice effect executed in response to the advance notice patterns in which a plurality of patterns are prepared in advance. The various effect control patterns are composed of data indicating the control contents and the like corresponding to various effect operations executed according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The special figure variation time effect control pattern may include, for example, a plurality of types of reach effect control patterns in which the effect mode in each reach effect is different for each variation pattern for executing the reach effect.

Note that the advance notice effect executed during the variable display of the effect symbol includes, for example, a movable notice in which the movable member 321 as a movable body (movable object) rises as described later, or a stick controller 31A or a push button by the player. A big hit such as an operation notice executed on the condition that 31B is operated, a step-up notice in which a predetermined image is switched stepwise, a dialogue notice in which a character appears and speaks a line, and a cut-in notice in which a predetermined image is interrupted and displayed. A jackpot notice that suggests the possibility of a game, a reach notice that suggests whether or not to reach, a pseudo-ream notice that announces whether or not to become a pseudo-ream, a stop symbol notice that announces a stop symbol, and a game state probability It includes a plurality of notices executed at the start of variable display and at the time of reach establishment, such as a latent notice for notifying whether or not it is in a fluctuating state (whether or not it is latent).

FIG. 8 (1) shows a configuration example of the drive control board 16B. As shown in FIG. 8 (1), the motor drive driver 412 is mounted on the drive control board 16B. A control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is input to the motor drive driver 412 in a serial signal format via the effect control relay board 16A. Then, the motor drive driver 412 performs drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 based on the drive control information indicated by the input control signal.

FIG. 8 (2) shows a configuration example of the light emitter control board 16C for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e. As shown in FIG. 8 (2), the light emitter control board 16C is equipped with light emitter drivers 411a and 411b. A control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is input to the light emitting body driver 411a in a serial signal format via the effect control relay board 16A. Then, the light emitting body driver 411a controls the lighting of the panel side LED 9d based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal. Further, a control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is input to the light emitter driver 411b in a serial signal format via the effect control relay board 16A and further via the light emitter driver 411a. Will be done. Then, the light emitting body driver 411b controls the lighting of the panel side LED 9e based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal.

As shown in FIG. 8 (2), in the illuminant control board 16C, the control signal transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is transmitted between the illuminant drivers on the same illuminant control board 16C. (In this example, it is transmitted from the illuminant driver 411a to the illuminant driver 411b), so that it is transmitted to each illuminant driver.

FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c. As shown in FIG. 9, a light emitter driver 413b is mounted on the light emitter control board 16D. A control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 is input to the light emitting body driver 413b in a serial signal format via the effect control relay board 16A. Then, the light emitter driver 413b performs lighting control of the left frame LED 9b based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal. In FIG. 9, the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F are connected to each other via wiring members such as a flexible cable and a wire harness, for example.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the illuminant driver 413a is mounted on the illuminant control board 16E. In the illuminant driver 413a, the control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 passes through the effect control relay board 16A and further via the illuminant control board 16D in a serial signal format. Entered. Then, the light emitting body driver 413a controls the lighting of the top frame LED 9a based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a light emitting body driver 413c is mounted on the light emitting body control board 16F. In the illuminant driver 413c, the control signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 passes through the effect control relay board 16A, and further via the illuminant control board 16D and the illuminant control board 16E. Is input in serial signal format. Then, the light emitter driver 413c controls the lighting of the right frame LED 9c based on the lighting control information indicated by the input control signal.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F, the control signals transmitted from the effect control microcomputer 120A of the effect control board 12 are mounted on different light emitter control boards 16D to 16F, respectively. It is configured to be transmitted to each of the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c by being sequentially transmitted between the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c.

Further, in this embodiment, the LEDs provided on the game board 2 are comprehensively expressed as board-side LEDs 9d and 9e, respectively. Specifically, the board-side LED 9d is on the left side of the game board 2. It is assumed that a plurality of light emitting bodies (color LED or single color LED) are provided, and a plurality of light emitting bodies (color LED or single color LED) are provided as board side LEDs 9e on the right side of the game board 2. Further, in this embodiment, each LED provided in the game frame is comprehensively expressed as a top frame LED 9a, a left frame LED 9b, and a right frame LED 9c, respectively, but specifically, above the game frame. A plurality of light emitters (color LED or single color LED) are provided as the top frame LED 9a, and a plurality of light emitters (color LED or single color LED) are provided as the left frame LED 9b on the left side of the game frame, and on the right side of the game frame. It is assumed that a plurality of light emitters (color LED or single color LED) are provided as the right frame LED 9c.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to control the lighting of the motor drive driver 412, the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, and the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b and the right frame LED 9c. The light emitter drivers 413a to 413c of the above are realized by using the same type of serial-parallel conversion circuit (integrated circuit (IC)). FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a serial-parallel conversion circuit used as a light emitter driver 411a, 411b, a motor drive driver 412, and a light emitter driver 413a to 413c. Further, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each input / output terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit shown in FIG.

The serial-parallel conversion circuit used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c converts the input serial signal format signal into a 24-channel parallel signal format signal. There are two types, one that outputs the signal in the form of a serial signal, and the other that converts the input serial signal format signal into a 12-channel parallel signal format signal and outputs it. Since the same configurations and functions are provided only by being different, the serial-parallel conversion circuit for 24 channels will be described as a representative in the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and the serial-parallel conversion circuit for 12 channels will be described. Only the differences will be explained. In this embodiment, the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b are realized by a serial-parallel conversion circuit for 24 channels, and the motor drive driver 412 and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c are realized by a serial-parallel conversion circuit for 12 channels. It will be realized.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a clock signal from the effect control microcomputer 120A is input to the serial-parallel conversion circuit via the effect control relay board 16A and the light emitter control boards 16D and 16E. A / I terminal and a DATA / I terminal for inputting data are provided. In addition, a part of the input clock signal and data is branched in the serial-parallel conversion circuit, and can be output through from the serial-parallel conversion circuit as it is, and the CLK / O terminal and data that output the clock signal through can be output. A DATA / O terminal for through output is provided.

For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitting body driver 413b of the light emitting body control board 16D emits a control signal (clock signal and data) input via the effect control relay board 16A. Although the output is output to the illuminant driver 413a of the control board 16E, clock signals and data are transmitted from the CLK / O terminal and the DATA / O terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit that realizes the illuminant driver 413b, respectively. It is configured to be output to a serial-parallel conversion circuit that realizes. Further, for example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitting body driver 413a of the light emitting body control board 16E receives a control signal () input via the effect control relay board 16A and the light emitting body control board 16D. The clock signal and data) are output to the light emitter driver 413c of the light emitter control board 16F, and the clocks are clocked from the CLK / O terminal and the DATA / O terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit that realizes the light emitter driver 413a, respectively. The signal and data are configured to be output to a serial-parallel conversion circuit that implements the light emitter driver 413c.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the clock signal input from the CLK / I terminal and the other part of the data input from the DATA / I terminal are input to the decoder and 24 channels from the serial signal format. It is decoded into a signal of the parallel signal format of. Then, after being temporarily stored in each register provided in the register block, pulse width modulation (PWM) is performed using the internal clock signal (6 MHz internal clock signal in this example) by the internal oscillation clock circuit, and each of them is subjected to pulse width modulation (PWM). It is output from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. In the case of a 12-channel circuit, it is converted into a 12-channel parallel signal format signal and output from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q11. The output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 are supplied to a light emitting body such as an LED or to an operation motor.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the serial-parallel conversion circuit is provided with terminals AD0 to AD4 for decoding address input (AD0 to AD5 in a 12-channel circuit), and terminals AD0 to AD4 are provided. By setting it to H (high) or L (low), respectively, it is possible to set the address for each serial-parallel conversion circuit. The data input from DATA / I also includes address information, and the serial-parallel conversion circuit decodes only the data whose address information contained in the input data matches the set address into a parallelless signal format signal. Output from drive output terminals Q0 to Q23.

Since the 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit is provided with 5 terminals AD0 to AD4 for decoding address input, a maximum of 32 types of addresses can be set, and a maximum of 32 serial-parallel conversions can be set. It is possible to connect circuits. Further, since the 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit is provided with 6 terminals AD0 to AD5 for decoding address input, a maximum of 64 types of addresses can be set, and a maximum of 64 serial-parallel conversions can be set. It is possible to connect circuits.

The S terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting the slew rate of the clock signal output from the CLK / O terminal and the slew rate of the data output from the DATA / O terminal. .. When the S terminal is set to L (low), the clock signal and data slew output is set to the normal slew rate output, and when the S terminal is set to H (high), the clock signal and data slew output is set to a low slew rate. Set to output.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the slew rate setting of the through output of the clock signal and the data. As shown in FIG. 12 (1), when the S terminal is set to L (low) and the output is set to a normal slew rate, the rising and falling slopes of the clock signal and data waveforms (voltage change per unit time). Amount) is large to some extent. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 (2), when the S terminal is set to H (high) and the output is set to a low slew rate, the clock signal and the clock signal are set as compared with the case of setting the normal slew rate. The slope of the rising and falling edges of the data waveform becomes gentle.

Generally, in order to suppress radio wave radiation from the substrate, it is better to keep the slew rate low, and it is better to set the output to the low slew rate shown in FIG. 12 (2). On the other hand, in order to secure resistance to noise, it is preferable that the slope of the rising and falling edges of the waveform is large, and it is better to set the output of the normal slew rate shown in FIG. 12 (1).

The setting of the S terminal is not limited to simply setting the clock signal output from the CLK / O terminal and the waveform of the through output of the data output from the DATA / O terminal, but also the clock signal and DATA input from the CLK / I terminal. It has a function to compensate the output waveform for the data input from the / I terminal. That is, in general, the clock signal and data output from the effect control CPU 120 or the like are output as a square wave at the output stage, but reach the CLK / I terminal and the DATA / I terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit. When the transmission loss due to the wiring is large, a clock signal or data having a waveform collapsed from the original square wave may be input. In this embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion circuit does not simply output the input clock signal or data through as it is, but the clock signal or data input in a state of a waveform collapsed from the original square wave in this way. It has a function to compensate and output a waveform close to the original square wave. In this case, if the output is set to a normal slew rate by setting the S terminal, the output signal is compensated for a waveform with a large rising and falling slope, so the output signal is closer to the original square wave. Can be output, and the influence of external noise can be reduced. However, if the slopes of rising and falling are large, the amount of voltage change momentarily becomes large, so that the radio wave radiation to the outside of the substrate may become large. On the other hand, if the output is set to a low slew rate by setting the S terminal, the rising and falling slopes are compensated for a smaller waveform and output, so compared to the normal slew rate output, it is outpatient. Although it is vulnerable to the influence of noise, the amount of instantaneous voltage change can be reduced, and it is possible to suppress the increase in radio wave radiation to the outside of the substrate.

It should be noted that it may be configured so that it is possible to set whether to enable or disable the function itself for compensating the output waveform, and to disable all the functions for compensating the output waveform. Further, the function of compensating the output waveform may be realized outside the serial-parallel conversion circuit by providing an amplifier circuit or the like outside the serial-parallel conversion circuit.

Further, in the above-mentioned normal through rate output setting, compensation is made so that the rising and falling slopes of the output waveform are larger than the rising and falling slopes of the input waveform, but the normal through rate The output setting may be such that the input waveform is output as it is without compensating for the output waveform (that is, the output waveform has a rising edge equivalent to the rising edge of the input waveform as a predetermined mode). In this case, in the low slew rate output setting, it is sufficient to output a waveform whose slope is smaller than the rising edge of the input waveform.

The T terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting the timeout reset function of the signal output from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23. When the T terminal is set to L (low), the timeout reset function is set to the disabled state, and when the terminal is set to H (high), the timeout reset function is set to the enabled state.

When the T terminal is set to H (high) and the timeout reset function is set to the enabled state, clock signals and data are input from the CLK / I terminal and DATA / I terminal, and signal output is output from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23. When a predetermined period (1 second in this example) elapses after the start, the time-out is assumed, and the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are automatically reset (output stopped). Therefore, when the timeout reset function is set to the enabled state, if it is desired to continuously supply signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 to each LED and the operating motor, for example, from the effect control CPU 120 for at least a predetermined period of time. It is necessary to repeatedly output the control signal every (1 second in this example).

In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 performs a process of rewriting the control signal every 10 ms, and when the output from each drive output terminal is continued, the effect control CPU 120 is performed every 10 ms. By repeatedly outputting the control signal to the serial-parallel conversion circuit, the output from each drive output terminal is continued even if the timeout reset function is set to the enabled state.

The Q / S terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting the drive method of the signal output from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23. When the Q / S terminal is set to L (low), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to be constant current outputs. Further, when the Q / S terminal is set to H (high), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to be sink outputs.

The Q / I terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a setting terminal for setting whether or not to invert the output logic of the signal output from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23. When the Q / I terminal is set to L (low), the output logic of the output signal from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23 is set to be normally output without being inverted. Further, when the Q / I terminal is set to H (high), the output logic of the output signal from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23 is set to be inverted and output.

The R terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is a current reference setting terminal. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the R terminal is connected to each drive output terminal A0 to A23 via a constant current circuit, and an arbitrary resistance value is outside between the R terminal and the ground (GND). By connecting a resistor, the drive current value of all the outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 can be set in a predetermined range (for example, 4 mA to 20 mA).

The VP terminal provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is an electrostatic protection terminal for protection. The power supply voltage used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is connected to the VP terminal. That is, if the power supply voltage used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit is connected to the VP terminal, an overvoltage equal to or higher than the power supply voltage can be released. When a plurality of types of power supply voltages are used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit, the power supply voltage having the higher voltage value may be connected to the VP terminal.

Next, the control data format of the data received by the serial-parallel conversion circuit will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the control data format. The basic control data format of the data received by the serial-parallel conversion circuit is composed of the common format shown in FIG. 13 (1) and the basic format shown in FIG. 13 (2).

As shown in FIG. 13 (1), the common formats are 9-bit header (HD), 4-bit device ID (ID), 5-bit decode addresses AD0 to AD4 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), and 1 It is composed of EX data of bits. The EX data is for setting whether the control data format following the common format is the basic format or the extended format described later, and EX = 0 is set in the basic format.

As shown in FIG. 13 (2), the basic format is configured to include 6-bit data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23. For example, when transmitting data for LED lighting control, lighting control including LED gradation control is performed by setting 6-bit data in time series for each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23 and transmitting the data. It can be carried out.

Further, as the control data format, an extended format can be used instead of the basic format shown in FIG. 13 (2). Specifically, if EX = 1 is set in the common format shown in FIG. 13 (1), the control data format following the common format becomes the extended format shown in FIG. 13 (3).

As shown in FIG. 13 (3), the extended format is configured to include 1-bit binary data for each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23. In the extended format, since the data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is composed of 1 bit, the control data format of the data received by the serial-parallel conversion circuit can be reduced. For example, in the case of driving and controlling the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 using a serial-parallel conversion circuit, gradation control and the like are performed unlike the case of controlling the lighting of a light emitting body such as an LED. Since it is not necessary, it is effective to use the extended format as shown in FIG. 13 (3).

Although the control data format used in the 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit has been described in FIG. 13, the control data format used in the 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit is, for example, the common control data format shown in FIG. 13 (1). The difference is that the format includes 6-bit decode addresses AD0 to AD5. Further, for example, the basic format shown in FIG. 13 (2) is different in that it is shorter because it includes 6-bit data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 for 12 channels. Further, for example, the extended format shown in FIG. 13 (3) is different in that it is shorter because it is configured to include 1-bit binary data for each of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 for 12 channels.

Further, the serial-parallel conversion circuit is configured to disperse the output timing of the signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 to spread the spectrum, prevent the generation of radiation noise, and suppress radio wave radiation. .. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the output timing of signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 in the serial-parallel conversion circuit. In this embodiment, the internal oscillation clock circuit built in the serial-parallel conversion circuit outputs a 6 MHz clock signal. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the 6 MHz internal clock signal is used as a 1 MHz 6-phase clock signal. The drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are grouped into 6 groups of 4 channels per group to distribute the signal output timing.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, group 1 is composed of 4 channels of drive output terminals Q0 to Q3, group 2 is composed of 4 channels of drive output terminals Q4 to Q7, and drive output terminals Q8 to Q8 to Group 3 is composed of 4 channels of Q11, group 4 is composed of 4 channels of drive output terminals Q12 to Q15, group 5 is composed of 4 channels of drive output terminals Q16 to Q19, and drive output terminals Q20 to Q23. Group 6 is composed of 4 channels. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the drive output terminals in the same group (for example, the drive output terminals Q0 to Q3 in the group 1) have the same signal output timing, but the drive output terminals in different groups (for example). For example, the output timing is distributed between the drive output terminal Q0 of group 1 and the drive output terminal Q4) of group 2.

Although FIG. 14 describes the output timing of the signal from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23 in the 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, in the 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, the internal clock signal of 6 MHz is converted to 1 MHz. The clock signals are separated into three phases, and the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 are grouped into three groups of four channels per group to distribute the signal output timing.

Next, a connection example will be described when the serial-parallel conversion circuit described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14 is used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c. 15 to 17 are explanatory views for explaining a connection example of the serial-parallel conversion circuit. Of these, FIG. 15 shows a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel-side LEDs 9d and 9e. Further, FIG. 16 shows a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as a motor drive driver 412 for performing drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. Further, FIG. 17 shows a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED9a, the left frame LED9b, and the right frame LED9c.

First, with reference to FIG. 15, a connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel-side LEDs 9d and 9e will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel-side LEDs 9d and 9e are realized by a 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the address [02] is assigned to the light emitter driver 411a, and as shown in FIG. 15, among the terminals AD0 to AD4 for inputting the decoded address, AD1 is the power supply voltage VCS ( 5V) is connected, AD0, AD2 to AD4 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decoding address is set to 00010 (B) = [02].

Although FIG. 15 shows a mode for setting the decode address in the light emitter driver 411a, it is assumed that the address [03] is assigned to the light emitter driver 411b, and the terminals AD0 to for inputting the decode address It is assumed that AD0 and AD1 of AD4 are connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V), AD2 to AD4 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decoding address is set to 00011 (B) = [03].

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the S terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V). That is, by setting the S terminal to H (high), the slew output of the clock signal and data is set to a low slew rate output. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e are all mounted on the same light emitter control board 16C and are light emitters. Since the control signal is transmitted between the drivers on the same illuminant control board 16C (transmission across the boards is not performed), it is not necessary to pay much attention to noise immunity. Therefore, by setting the slew output of the clock signal and data to a low slew rate output, the radio wave radiation from the substrate is rather suppressed.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V). That is, the timeout reset function is set to the enabled state by setting the T terminal to H (high).

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, both the Q / S terminal and the Q / I terminal are connected to the ground (GND). That is, by setting the Q / S terminal to L (low), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to be constant current output, and the Q / I terminal is set to L (low). As a result, the output logic of the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set to be normally output without being inverted.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, an external resistance having a predetermined resistance value is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this embodiment, it is assumed that an external resistor of 10 kΩ is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this case, for example, the drive current value of all the outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set to 150 / 10kΩ = 15MA.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, a power supply voltage VCL (5V) is connected to the VP terminal and is protected so as to release an overvoltage of 5V or more.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23 is connected to the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e. In the example shown in FIG. 15, for convenience, one light emitting body is connected to each drive output terminal, but when a color LED is connected as the light emitting body, it is used for RGB. The three terminals may be configured to be connected to one color LED, or one terminal may be configured to be connected to one monochromatic LED if a monochromatic LED is used as the light emitter. .. Further, for example, a plurality of monochromatic LEDs may be connected in series to one terminal.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the case where the light emitters are connected to all the terminals of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is shown, but the drive output terminals Q0 to are depending on the number and arrangement of the light emitters. If it is not necessary to use all the terminals of Q23, the unused terminals may be connected to the ground (GND).

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, a connection example in the case where the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the motor drive driver 412 for controlling the drive of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the motor drive driver 412 for controlling the drive of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is realized by a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit. To.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the address [04] is assigned to the motor drive driver 412, and as shown in FIG. 16, of the decoding address input terminals AD0 to AD5, AD2 is the power supply voltage VCS ( 5V) is connected, AD0, AD1, AD3 to AD5 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decoding address is set to 000100 (B) = [04].

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the S terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V). That is, by setting the S terminal to H (high), the slew output of the clock signal and data is set to a low slew rate output. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 (1), the control signal is not transmitted between the motor drive driver 412 and the other driver, so that the S terminal is set to ground (GND). It may be connected (set to L (low)) so that the through output of the clock signal and data becomes the output of the normal slew rate.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V). That is, the timeout reset function is set to the enabled state by setting the T terminal to H (high).

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 16, both the Q / S terminal and the Q / I terminal are connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V). That is, by setting the Q / S terminal to H (high), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 are set to be sink outputs, and the Q / I terminal is set to H (high). Therefore, the output logic of the output signal from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23 is set to be inverted and output.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 16, an external resistance having a predetermined resistance value is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this embodiment, it is assumed that an external resistor of 10 kΩ is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this case, for example, the drive current value of all the outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set to 150 / 10kΩ = 15MA.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 16, a power supply voltage VCS (5V) is connected to the VP terminal and is protected so as to release an overvoltage of 5V or more.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 16, among the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, the terminals of the four channels Q0 to Q3 of the group 1 having the same output timing are connected to the first first effect motor 303. .. Further, among the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, the terminals of the four channels Q4 to Q7 of the group 2 having the same output timing are connected to the second second effect motor 330. In this embodiment, the two operation motors of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 are controlled, and the terminals Q8 to Q11 of the group 3 are unnecessary, so Q8 to Q8 to The terminal of Q11 is connected to the ground (GND).

As described above, in the case of a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, the output timings of the signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 are distributed by being divided into three groups, groups 1 to 3. If the output timings are different between the signals output to the same operation motor (in this example, the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330), the drive accuracy of the operation motor may not be maintained. There is. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the signals input to the same operating motor are connected to the drive output terminals belonging to the same group, and the driving accuracy of the operating motor is increased. It prevents the situation that it becomes impossible to maintain.

On the contrary, for example, when connecting to the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e described with reference to FIG. 15, or when connecting to the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c of FIG. Since the above-mentioned problems of drive accuracy do not occur in the above, even if the output timings are different between the signals output to each light emitter, there is not much trouble. Therefore, when connecting the output signal from the drive output terminal to a light emitting body such as an LED, it is not necessary to pay much attention to the output timing.

Next, a connection example will be described with reference to FIG. 17 when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c. As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED9a, the left frame LED9b, and the right frame LED9c are realized by a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit. To.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the address [07] is assigned to the light emitter driver 413a, and as shown in FIG. 17, of the decoding address input terminals AD0 to AD5, AD0 to AD2 are power supply voltages. It is shown that the case is connected to the VCS (5V), the AD3 to AD5 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decoding address is set to 000111 (B) = [07].

Although FIG. 17 shows a mode for setting the decode address in the light emitter driver 413a, it is assumed that the address [08] is assigned to the light emitter driver 413b, and the terminals AD0 to 4 for inputting the decode address. Of the AD5, it is assumed that AD3 is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V), AD0 to AD2, AD4, and AD5 are connected to the ground (GND), and the decoding address is set to 001000 (B) = [08]. .. Further, it is assumed that the address [09] is assigned to the light emitter driver 413c, and among the terminals AD0 to AD5 for decoding address input, A0 and AD3 are connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V), and AD1 and AD1 It is assumed that AD2, AD4, and AD5 are connected to the ground (GND) and the decoding address is set to 00101 (B) = [09].

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the S terminal is connected to the ground (GND). That is, by setting the S terminal to L (low), the slew output of the clock signal and data is set to the output of a normal slew rate. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED9a, the left frame LED9b, and the right frame LED9c are on different light emitter control boards 16D to 16F. Since the control signal is transmitted between the light emitter drivers mounted on the board and mounted on different substrates, the influence of noise is large. Therefore, by setting the through output of the clock signal and data to the output of a normal slew rate, the resistance to noise is ensured.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V). That is, the timeout reset function is set to the enabled state by setting the T terminal to H (high).

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 17, both the Q / S terminal and the Q / I terminal are connected to the ground (GND). That is, by setting the Q / S terminal to L (low), the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 are set to be constant current output, and the Q / I terminal is set to L (low). As a result, the output logic of the output signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 is set to be normally output without being inverted.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 17, an external resistance having a predetermined resistance value is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this embodiment, it is assumed that an external resistor of 10 kΩ is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND). In this case, for example, the drive current value of all the outputs of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 is set to 150 / 10kΩ = 15MA.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 17, a power supply voltage VDC (12V) is connected to the VP terminal. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 17, since a 12V power supply voltage (VDL) and a 5V power supply voltage (VCL, VCS) are used in the serial-parallel conversion circuit, the voltage value of 12V, whichever is higher, is used. The power supply voltage VDC is connected to the V terminal and is protected so as to allow an overvoltage of 12V or more to escape.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 17, each drive output terminal Q0 to Q11 is connected to a plurality of light emitters as a top frame LED 9a, a left frame LED 9b, and a right frame LED 9c. In the example shown in FIG. 17, for convenience, one light emitter is connected to each drive output terminal, or three light emitters (for example, a single color LED) that perform the same control are connected in series. Although the figure is shown, when a color LED is connected as a light emitting body, it may be configured so that three terminals for RGB are connected to one color LED.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the case where the light emitters are connected to all the terminals of the drive output terminals Q0 to Q11 is shown, but the drive output terminals Q0 to are depending on the number and arrangement of the light emitters. If it is not necessary to use all the terminals of Q11, the unused terminals may be connected to the ground (GND).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, in this embodiment, the T terminals of the light emitter driver 411, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c are set to H (high), respectively, and the timeout function is effective. It is set to the state. In this embodiment, for example, the effect control CPU 120 controls to control the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, and the panel side LEDs 9d, 9e in the effect control process process (see step S55) described later. It outputs a signal or outputs a control signal for driving and controlling the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330, but since the timeout function is set to the enabled state, the control signal Is output only once, and after a predetermined period (1 second in this example) elapses, the output signal from each drive output terminal is automatically reset, and lighting control and drive control cannot be continued. Therefore, in this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 repeatedly outputs a control signal at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example) in the effect control process process (see step S55) described later. , The lighting control of the panel side LEDs 9d, 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c is continuously executed, and the drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is continuously executed. It is controlled to do.

In this embodiment, the timeout function is set to the enabled state as described above, and the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b, the motor drive driver 412, and the light emitting are emitted every predetermined period (1 second in this example). Since the output from the drive output terminals of the body drivers 413a to 413c is configured to be automatically stopped, for example, after the drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is performed, Even though the control for stopping the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 was performed, the drive of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 did not stop due to signal omission or malfunction. , It is possible to prevent a situation in which the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 are seized.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, a case is shown in which the T terminal is uniformly set to H (high) and the timeout function is set to the enabled state. Not limited to this, the setting of the enabled state and the disabled state of the timeout function may be used properly according to the application. For example, for the motor drive driver, the time-out function is set to the enabled state from the viewpoint of preventing seizure of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330, while the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, and the left frame LED 9b. As for the light emitters such as the right frame LED 9c, unlike the first production motor 303 and the second production motor 330, problems such as burn-in do not occur, so the T terminal is set to L (low) and the timeout function is disabled. It may be configured to be set to a state.

Further, in this embodiment, in order to continuously execute the lighting control and the drive control, the effect control CPU 120 repeatedly outputs a control signal at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example) (specifically). Indicates a case where the control signal is rewritten every 10 ms and the control signal is repeatedly output), but the control mode is not limited to that. For example, an output circuit (output IC) may be provided separately from the effect control CPU 120 (may be provided on the effect control board 12 or on another board such as the effect control relay board 16A) to control the effect. When the CPU 120 outputs the control signal once, the output circuit is configured to repeatedly output the control signal at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example) based on the once output control signal. You may.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the T terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V), and the T terminal is physically set to H (high) on the hardware to time out. It shows the case where the reset function is set to the enabled state, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, by connecting the T terminal to the register for setting the T terminal and changing the set value of the register by the setting signal from the effect control CPU 120, whether to enable or disable the timeout function by software. May be configured so that

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, an external resistor having a predetermined resistance value (10 kΩ in this example) is connected between the R terminal and the ground (GND), and the drive output terminal Q0 The drive current values of all outputs of ~ Q23 and Q0 to Q11 are set to 15MA. Here, since a serial-parallel conversion circuit (integrated circuit (IC)) having an internal reference resistor also exists, a serial-parallel conversion circuit having such an internal reference resistor can be used as a light emitter driver or a motor drive driver. Although it is conceivable to use an internal reference resistor, the built-in reference resistor provided in the serial-parallel conversion circuit generally has a fixed drive current value (for example, fixed at 20 mA) or a large error (for example, 20 mA fixed). Error ± 30%). Therefore, in this embodiment, an appropriate drive current value (15MA in this example) is set by connecting an external resistor between the R terminal and the ground (GND) and using an external reference resistor. An error is also proposed (in this example, the error is ± 3%).

As a light emitter driver or a motor drive driver, a serial-parallel conversion circuit (integrated circuit (IC)) that can use both an internal reference resistor and an external reference resistor is used, and is configured to be used properly according to the application. You may. For example, when a plurality of light emitting bodies such as LEDs are densely provided for the production, if the light emission is sparse, the production will be hindered. Therefore, an external reference resistor should be used to reduce the error. It may be configured. On the other hand, when controlling the lighting of an LED that is used independently, such as for error notification, there is no such obstacle in production and an error may be slightly large. May be good.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the first for operating the electric parts (in this example, the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, the right frame LED 9c, and the movable portion 302). The control means (in this example, the effect control CPU 120) for controlling the effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 for operating the movable member 321 and the control signal from the control means by the serial communication method. Output means (in this example, illuminant drivers 411a, 411b, which output specific signals (in this example, output signals from each drive output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) for driving an electric component). It includes a motor drive driver 412 and a light emitter driver 413a to 413c). Further, the output means is a first output state in which the waveform rises according to a change mode equal to or higher than that of the input control signal when the input control signal is output to another output means (in this example, the normal output state). It is possible to set either an output state (through rate output state) or a second output state (in this example, a low slew rate output state) in which the waveform rises according to a mode of change that is slower than the first output state. (In this example, if the S terminal is set to L (low), the output is set to a normal slew rate, and if the S terminal is set to H (high), the output is set to a low slew rate). Therefore, the setting can be changed according to the usage environment, and the radio wave radiation from the substrate can be suppressed according to the setting, while the noise immunity of the control signal for preventing malfunction can be improved. Specifically, if the output state is set to a low slew rate, radio wave radiation from the board can be suppressed, and if the output state is set to a normal slew rate, the noise immunity of the control signal for preventing malfunction can be improved. ..

Further, according to this embodiment, another output means is provided in the same substrate as the output means (in this example, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), a plurality of output means are provided on the light emitting body control board 16C. The illuminant drivers 411a and 411b are mounted, and the control signal is sequentially transmitted between the illuminant drivers 411a and 411b on the same illuminant control board 16C). In this case, the output means is set to the second output state (in this example, as shown in FIG. 15, the S terminal of the light emitter drivers 411a and 411b mounted on the light emitter control board 16C is It is set to H (high) and is set to a low slew rate output state). Therefore, when other output means are provided in the same substrate, radio wave radiation from the substrate can be suppressed.

Further, according to this embodiment, another output means is provided on another board connected to the board on which the output means is provided via a wiring member (for example, a flexible cable or a wire harness) (for example, a flexible cable or a wire harness). In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, the illuminant drivers 413a to 413c are mounted on different illuminant control boards 16D to 16F, and the light emission is mounted on the illuminant control boards 16D to 16F having different control signals. It is sequentially transmitted between the body drivers 413a to 413c). In this case, the output means is set to the first output state (in this example, as shown in FIG. 17, the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c mounted on the light emitter control boards 16D to 16F are S. The terminal is set to L (low) and is set to the normal slew rate output state). Therefore, when another output means is provided on another substrate connected via the wiring member, the noise immunity of the control signal for preventing malfunction can be enhanced.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the circuit board generally has high noise immunity, the suppression of radio radiation is prioritized in the connection relationship in the circuit board, and the output state is set to a low through rate to obtain a gentle signal waveform. On the contrary, the wiring members (for example, flexible cables and wire harnesses) connected between the boards have low noise immunity. The signal waveform is close to. With such a configuration, in this embodiment, it is possible to increase the noise immunity of the control signal for preventing malfunction while suppressing the radiation of radio waves to the outside of the game machine.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the S terminal is connected to the power supply voltage VCS (5V) or the ground (GND), and the S terminal is physically H on the hardware. It shows the case where it is set to (high) and set to a low slew rate output state, or is set to L (low) and set to a normal slew rate output state. I can't be limited. For example, by connecting the S terminal to the register for setting the S terminal and changing the set value of the register by the setting signal from the effect control CPU 120, a low slew rate output state can be obtained by software or a normal slew rate. It may be configured so that it can be set whether to set the output state of.

Further, in this embodiment, control signals are transmitted between output means (in this example, a light emitter driver) mounted on the same board in a low slew rate output state, or output means mounted on different boards. A case is shown in which a substrate (in this example, the illuminant control substrate 16C to 16F) in which only one of the control signals is transmitted according to the output state of the normal slew rate is provided is provided. I can't be limited. For example, when a plurality of illuminant drivers are mounted on one illuminant control board, control signals are transmitted between the illuminant drivers on the same illuminant control board among those illuminant drivers. And a device that transmits a control signal to a light emitter driver mounted on another light emitter control board may be mixed. In this case, for example, even if the illuminant driver is mounted on the same illuminant control board, the one that transmits the control signal between the illuminant drivers is set to a low slew rate output state, and another illuminant is set. Those that output control signals to the illuminant driver mounted on the control board may be configured to be set to the normal slew rate output state.

Further, according to this embodiment, the output means is specified by a parallel communication method from a specific signal output unit (in this example, each driver output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) grouped into a plurality of different groups. Output signals (in this example, output signals from each driver output terminal Q0 to Q23, Q0 to Q11) (in this example, in the case of a 24-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, one group as shown in FIG. It is grouped into 6 groups of 4 channels per group. In the case of a 12-channel serial-parallel conversion circuit, it is grouped into 3 groups of 4 channels per group). The output timing of the specific signal from the specific signal output unit differs for each group (in this example, as shown in FIG. 14, the output timing of the output signals from the driver output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11 is a group. It is distributed by each). Therefore, the output timings of the signals from the drive output terminals Q0 to Q23 and Q0 to Q11 can be dispersed to spread the spectrum, prevent the generation of radiation noise, and further suppress the radio wave radiation from the substrate. ..

Further, according to this embodiment, a movable member (movable portion 302, movable member 321 in this example) that performs an operation is provided. Further, the drive means for operating the movable member (in this example, the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330) is driven based on the specific signal output from the specific signal output unit of the same group of the output means. (In this example, as shown in FIG. 16, the signals input to the same operating motor are connected to the drive output terminals belonging to the same group). Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in driving accuracy of the driving means while suppressing radio wave radiation from the substrate.

Further, according to this embodiment, the output means has a stop function (in this example, a timeout function) for stopping the output of a specific signal after a lapse of a predetermined period (1 second in this example) after inputting a control signal. (In this example, the timeout function is set to the enabled state by setting the T terminal to H (high). See FIG. 11). Therefore, it is possible to avoid operation malfunctions due to wiring defects and the like, and it is possible to stably control electrical components.

Further, according to this embodiment, the control signal continuation means for continuously outputting the control signal is provided (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 is, for example, in the effect control process process (see step S55). By repeatedly outputting the control signal at least every predetermined period (1 second in this example), the lighting control of the panel side LEDs 9d and 9e, the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c can be continuously executed. The drive control of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330 is controlled so as to be continuously executed). Therefore, control corresponding to the stop function of the output means can be realized.

Further, according to this embodiment, the output means can be set to enable or disable the stop function (in this example, the timeout function is set to the disabled state by setting the T terminal to L (low). , The timeout function is set to the enabled state by setting the T terminal to H (high). See FIG. 11). Therefore, it is possible to change the setting of the stop function of the output means according to the application, and it is possible to reduce the cost by standardizing the parts.

In this embodiment, among the serial-parallel conversion circuits, the serial-parallel conversion circuits 411a and 411b in which the clock signal and the slew output of the data are connected to other serial-parallel conversion circuits in the same substrate, and the production For the serial-parallel conversion circuit 412 to which the motors 303 and 330 are connected, the S terminal is set to H (high) and the slew output of the clock signal and data is set to a low slew rate output (FIGS. 15 and 16). For serial-parallel conversion circuits 413a, 413b, 413c in which the slew output of the clock signal and data is connected to a serial-parallel conversion circuit outside the board, the S terminal is set to L (low) for the clock signal and Although the case where the through output of the data is set to the output of the normal slew rate (see FIG. 17) is shown, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. For example, the slew output of all the serial-parallel conversion circuits provided in the game machine may be set to the output of a normal slew rate. On the contrary, for example, the through output of all the serial-parallel conversion circuits provided in the game machine may be set to the output of a low slew rate.

Also, if there are unused terminals in the drive output terminals of the serial-parallel conversion circuit and those unused terminals are disconnected, surge voltage is input to those unused terminals due to factors such as static electricity. , Excessive heat generation and damage to internal circuits may occur. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a protection circuit for surge voltage countermeasures inside the serial-parallel conversion circuit, but this is not preferable because the manufacturing cost of the serial-parallel conversion circuit increases. Therefore, these unused terminals are configured to be connected to a predetermined reference potential so that the surge voltage is released to the reference potential side of the predetermined power supply board (not shown), resulting in excessive heat generation or damage to the internal circuit. It may be configured to suppress the occurrence of such a problem. Hereinafter, a modified example of connecting the unused terminal of the drive output terminal of the serial-parallel conversion circuit to the ground (GND) with the reference potential will be described.

18 to 20 are explanatory views for explaining a connection example of the serial-parallel conversion circuit in the modified example. Of these, FIG. 18 shows a modified example of a connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitting body drivers 411a and 411b for controlling the lighting of the panel-side LEDs 9d and 9e. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the panel side LEDs are connected to 18 drive output terminals Q0 to Q17 out of 24 drive output terminals Q0 to Q24, but the 6 drive output terminals Q18 to Q23 are unused. It is a terminal, and the unused terminals of the six drive output terminals Q18 to Q23 are connected to the ground (LED).

Further, FIG. 19 shows a modified example of the connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the motor drive driver 412 for controlling the drive of the first effect motor 303 and the second effect motor 330. In the example shown in FIG. 19, each effect motor is connected to eight drive output terminals Q0 to Q7 out of twelve drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, but four drive output terminals Q8 to Q11 are not yet connected. It is a used terminal, and the unused terminals of the four drive output terminals Q8 to Q11 are connected to the ground (GND).

Further, FIG. 20 shows a modified example of the connection example when the serial-parallel conversion circuit is used as the light emitter drivers 413a to 413c for controlling the lighting of the top frame LED 9a, the left frame LED 9b, and the right frame LED 9c. In the example shown in FIG. 20, LEDs for each frame are connected to 9 drive output terminals Q0 to Q8 out of 12 drive output terminals Q0 to Q11, but 3 drive output terminals Q9 to Q11 are connected. It is an unused terminal, and the unused terminals of the three drive output terminals Q9 to Q11 are connected to the ground (GND).

According to the modification shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, even if a surge voltage is generated, the surge voltage can be released to the ground (GND) side, causing problems such as excessive heat generation and damage to the internal circuit. It can be suppressed.

Further, in the modified examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, an external resistor of 3 kΩ is further connected to each of the VP terminals, which are electrostatic protection terminals for protection. By configuring the external resistor to be connected to the VP terminal in this way, even if a surge voltage is generated, it is possible to prevent a current exceeding the rated current from flowing to the VP terminal, resulting in excessive heat generation or damage to the internal circuit. It is possible to further suppress the occurrence of such problems.

Further, in the modified examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the case where the unused terminal is connected to the ground (GND) as the reference potential is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode, and it is connected to another fixed potential. It may be configured. For example, the unused terminal may be connected to the same power supply voltage as the VP terminal, and may be configured to be connected to VCL (5V), VCS (5V), or VDC (12V).

[Operation of pachinko game machines]
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described. When the power supply from the predetermined power supply board is started on the main board 11, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process which is the game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 sets the interrupt disabled and then performs the necessary initial settings. In this initial setting, for example, RAM 102 is cleared. In addition, the register of the CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set. As a result, after that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process. When the initial setting is completed, interrupts are permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko game machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed, and then the loop process may be started.

When the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process receives the interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives the interrupt request, the CPU 103 executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 21 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to perform the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, and the second start port via the switch circuit 110. The state of the detection signal input from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 is determined (S11). Subsequently, by executing a predetermined main-side error process, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (S12). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, data such as jackpot information, start information, and probability fluctuation information supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output (S13). ).

Following the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers such as the random number values MR1 to MR4 used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (S14). After that, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process process (S15). In the special symbol process processing, the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit (not shown) is updated according to the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the first special symbol display 4A and the first 2 Various processes are selected and executed in order to control the display operation on the special symbol display 4B and set the opening / closing operation of the large winning opening in the special variable winning ball device 7 according to a predetermined procedure.

Following the special symbol process processing, the normal symbol process processing is executed (S16). By executing the normal symbol process process, the CPU 103 determines the variable display mode of the normal symbol using the random number value MR4 for determining the normal symbol display result, and displays the display operation on the normal symbol display 20 (for example, lighting of the segment LED). , Turns off, etc.) to enable the variable display of the normal symbol and the tilting motion setting of the movable wing piece in the normal variable winning ball device 6B.

After executing the normal symbol process process, the CPU 103 transmits a control command from the main board 11 to a control board on the sub side such as the effect control board 12 by executing the command control process (S17). As an example of these, in the command control process, among the output ports included in the I / O 105, the effect is produced in response to the setting in the command transmission table specified by the value of the transmission command buffer provided in the game control buffer setting unit. After setting the control data in the output port for transmitting the effect control command to the control board 12, the predetermined control data is set in the output port of the effect control INT signal and the effect control INT signal is turned on for a predetermined time. It is possible to transmit the effect control command based on the setting in the command transmission table by turning it off after that. After executing the command control process, the interrupt enable state is set, and then the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in S15 shown in FIG. 21 as the special symbol process process. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (S21). After executing the start winning determination process, the CPU 103 selects and executes any of the processes S22 to S29 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit.

In the start winning prize determination process, first, it is determined whether or not there is a first start prize or a second start prize by the first start port switch 22A or the second start port switch 22B, and if there is a prize, a special figure is displayed. The random value MR1 for determining the result, the random value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern are extracted, and in the case of the first start winning, an empty entry in the first special figure reservation storage unit. If it is the second start winning prize, it is stored at the highest level of the empty entry in the second special figure reservation storage unit.

The special symbol normal processing of S22 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. In this special symbol normal processing, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display are based on the presence or absence of the reserved data stored in the first special symbol reservation storage unit and the second special symbol reservation storage unit. It is determined whether or not to start the special figure game by 4B. Further, in the special symbol normal processing, the variation display result determines whether or not the variation display result of the special symbol or the effect symbol is a "big hit" based on the numerical data indicating the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result. Derived Determined (predetermined) before being displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal processing, the confirmed special symbol (big hit symbol or the large hit symbol) in the special symbol game by the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol display 4B corresponds to the variation display result of the special symbol in the special symbol game. Any of the lost symbols) is set. In the special symbol normal processing, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1" when the variation display result of the special symbol or the effect symbol is determined in advance.

The fluctuation pattern setting process of S23 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. In this fluctuation pattern setting process, any of a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns are performed using numerical data indicating a random number value MR3 for determining the fluctuation pattern, based on a preliminary determination result of whether or not the fluctuation display result is a "big hit". It includes processing to determine the data. When the variation pattern setting process is executed and the variation display of the special symbol is started, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "2".

By the special symbol normal processing of S22 and the variation pattern setting process of S23, the variation pattern including the variation display time of the confirmed special symbol, the special symbol, and the effect symbol, which is the variation display result of the special symbol, is determined. That is, the special symbol normal processing and the variation pattern setting processing use the random value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result, the random value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, and the random value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, and use the special symbol and the effect symbol. Includes processing to determine the variation display mode of.

The special symbol variation process of S24 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. In this special symbol change process, the process of making settings for changing the special symbol on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and the elapsed time since the special symbol starts to change. It includes processing to measure. Then, when the elapsed time from the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol reaches the special symbol fluctuation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3".

The special symbol stop processing of S25 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In this special symbol stop processing, the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped by the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and the confirmed special symbol that is the result of the fluctuation display of the special symbol is stopped and displayed (derivated). It includes a process to set the settings. Then, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag provided in the game control flag setting unit is turned on. Then, when the jackpot flag is on, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is off, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0".

The jackpot opening pre-processing of S26 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. In this big hit pre-opening process, based on the fact that the variable display result is "big hit", the process of starting the execution of the round in the big hit game state and setting to open the big winning opening is performed. include. At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5".

The process of opening the jackpot in S27 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. In this big hit opening process, the big winning opening is measured based on the process of measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is opened, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. It includes a process of determining whether or not it is time to return the device from the open state to the closed state. Then, when the large winning opening is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6" after executing a process of stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door. ..

The post-processing after opening the jackpot in S28 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-opening of the big hit, the process of determining whether or not the number of executions of the round that opens the big winning opening has reached the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening has reached the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening. In some cases, it includes processing to make settings for sending a jackpot end specification command. Then, when the number of round executions has not reached the maximum number of large winning opening openings, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", while when the maximum number of large winning opening openings is reached, the special figure The value of the process flag is updated to "7".

The jackpot end processing of S29 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. In this jackpot end processing, the jackpot game state is terminated by the effect display device 5, the speakers 8L, 8R, the top frame LED9a, the left frame LED9b, the right frame LED9c, the board side LEDs 9d, 9e, the movable member 321 and the like. Various settings for waiting until the waiting time corresponding to the period in which the ending effect is executed as the effect effect to be notified elapses, and for starting the probability variation control and the time reduction control in response to the end of the jackpot game state ( It includes processing to perform (set of probability change flag and time saving flag). When such a setting is made, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0".

In the jackpot end process, the jackpot type buffer value stored in the game control buffer setting unit (not shown) is read out to specify whether the jackpot type is "non-probability variation jackpot" or "probability variation jackpot". .. Then, when it is determined that the specified jackpot type is not "non-probability variation jackpot", a setting (set of probability variation flag) for starting probability variation control is performed. In addition, when the specified jackpot type is "non-probability variable jackpot", the setting for starting the time reduction control (the set of the time reduction flag and the upper limit value of the special figure game that can be executed during the time reduction control are supported in advance. A predetermined count initial value (“100” in this embodiment) is set in the time reduction counter).

Next, the operation of the effect control board 12 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an effect control main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 120A (specifically, the effect control CPU 120) mounted on the effect control board 12. When the power is turned on, the effect control CPU 120 starts executing the main process. In the main process, first, the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not it has received the power-on designation command or the power failure recovery designation command (S50A). The power-on designation command is transmitted based on the fact that the initialization process is executed by the game control microcomputer 100 when the power supply to the game machine is started. Further, the power failure recovery designation command is transmitted based on the fact that the power failure recovery process is executed by the game control microcomputer 100 when the power supply to the game machine is started.

When the power-on designation command or the power failure recovery designation command is received, the effect control CPU 120 executes the authentication process (S50B). In step S50B, the effect control CPU 120 reads the authentication data from the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A, and collates the read authentication data with the authentication data stored in the ROM 135 mounted on the effect control microcomputer 120A. Execute the authentication process.

If the authentication fails in the authentication process (N in S50C), the effect control CPU 120 executes the authentication error notification process for notifying the authentication error (S50D). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the authentication has failed. Then, the process shifts to loop processing as it is, and control is performed so that normal effect control is not performed.

When the authentication is successful in the authentication process (Y of S50C), the effect control CPU 120 is a timer for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and determining the effect control activation interval (for example, 2 ms). Initialization processing for performing initial settings and the like is performed (S51).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 confirms the operation of a plurality of types of movement patterns of the movable member 321 in the effect such as the advance notice effect, and the position detection sensor 333 is used to confirm the initial position of the movable member 321 (in the present embodiment, the first position). (1 position) is detected, and the movable member initialization process for moving the movable member 321 to the initial position is executed (S51A).

Following the movable member initialization process of S51A, the effect control CPU 120 sets the memory inspection at the time of turning on the power (step S51B). For example, the effect control CPU 120 inspects the stored data of the CGROM 141 by executing the memory inspection process. After the setting in step S51B, the effect control CPU 120 sets the memory inspection interval (step S51C). For example, the effect control CPU 120 may set an interval (standby time) until the next memory inspection process is executed based on the inspection result of the memory inspection.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes the initial effect data transfer process (S51D). In the initial effect data transfer process, the effect control CPU 120 performs predetermined initial data (for example, initial display when the power is turned on) among various image data stored in the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A. Image data for this purpose and frequently used image data) are read out and transferred to the VRAM 126 of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

After that, the effect control CPU 120 shifts to the loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (S52). When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 120 sets the timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set (on) in the main process, the effect control CPU 120 clears the flag (S53) and executes the following process.

The effect control CPU 120 first steps the VDP function of the effect control CPU 120 when a temperature abnormality of the effect control CPU 120 is detected based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 136 mounted on the effect control microcomputer 120A. A temperature limiting process for limiting the temperature is executed (step S53A).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes a temperature limit return process for gradually returning from the state in which the VDP function of the effect control CPU 120 is restricted (step S53B).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 analyzes the received effect control command and performs a process of setting a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (command analysis process: S54). In this command analysis process, the effect control CPU 120 confirms the content of the command transmitted from the main board 11 stored in the reception command buffer. The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 is received by the interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in the buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, which command is the effect control command stored in the buffer area is analyzed.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes an error notification process, which is one of the processes for executing the error effect (S54A). In the error notification process of step S54A, for example, the error image display operation in the display area of the effect display device 5 and the error sound from the speakers 8L and 8R correspond to the error designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100. Error notification is performed by output operation, error light emission operation of LEDs 9a to 9e, and the like.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs the effect control process process (S55). In the effect control process process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and the display control of the effect display device 5 is executed.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a small symbol process process (S55A). In the small symbol process process, the process corresponding to the current control state (small symbol process flag) is selected from each process according to the control state, and the small symbol is displayed at the upper left end of the display screen of the effect display device 5. Take control.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a decorative pattern process process (S55B). In the decorative symbol process processing, the process corresponding to the current control state (decorative symbol process flag) is selected from each process according to the control state, and the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B are selected. Execute display control.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a memory inspection process during control (S55C). In the controlling memory inspection process of step S55C, the setting for inspecting the stored data of the CGROM 141 is set according to the elapse of the waiting time, which is the interval of the memory inspection, during the effect control for controlling the progress of the effect. Will be done.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs the effect data transfer process during control (S55D). In the controlling effect data transfer process in step S55D, a setting for transferring the effect data is made during the effect control that controls the progress of the effect.

Next, an effect random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating an effect random number such as a jackpot symbol determination random number is executed (S56), and then the process proceeds to S52.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the temperature limiting process (S53A) in the effect control main process. In the temperature limiting process, the effect control CPU 120 first reads the temperature information from the temperature sensor 136 (step S101). Next, the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. based on the read temperature information (step S102). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. (Y in step S102), the effect control CPU 120 determines that the temperature is abnormal in the first stage, and the limit mode in the first stage (first stage). Shift to restricted mode). In the limited mode of the first stage, the effect control CPU 120 controls to erase the background image display displayed on the effect display device 5 (step S103). Further, the effect control CPU 120 controls the cooling fan 142 to start outputting a drive signal for low-speed operation and to start the low-speed operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S104). Further, the effect control CPU 120 controls to start the first temperature abnormality notification (step S105). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the first temperature is abnormal. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets the first temperature abnormality flag indicating that the temperature abnormality state is in the first stage (step S106).

When the above processing is executed and the mode is shifted to the first restriction mode, the background image is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5, and the effect pattern is displayed in a variable manner or a simple notice is displayed. Then, only the variable display of the small symbol and the display of the hold image and the active image are performed. Further, in the first restriction mode, the effect sound effects such as some advance notice effects and the sound output of BGM are restricted during the variable display of the effect symbol, and the scaler function (image data expanded in the frame buffer on the VRAM 126 is displayed. The function to display and output by enlarging or reducing the size) is also stopped.

Unless the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. (N in step S102), the effect control CPU 120 has a temperature of 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. based on the read temperature information. It is confirmed whether or not (step S107). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. (Y in step S107), the effect control CPU 120 determines that the temperature is abnormal in the second stage, and the limit mode in the second stage (second stage). Shift to restricted mode). In the second stage restriction mode, the effect control CPU 120 controls to erase the left middle right effect symbol display displayed on the effect display device 5 (step S108). Further, the effect control CPU 120 controls the cooling fan 142 to start outputting a drive signal for medium-speed operation and to start the medium-speed operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S109). In addition, the effect control CPU 120 controls to start the second temperature abnormality notification (step S110). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the second temperature is abnormal. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets a second temperature abnormality flag indicating that the temperature abnormality state is in the second stage (step S111). Further, if the effect control CPU 120 is set, the first temperature abnormality flag is reset (step S112).

When the above processing is executed and the mode shifts to the second restriction mode, in addition to the background image, a variable display of the effect symbol or a simple notice display is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5. Is also erased, and only the variable display of small symbols and the display of the hold image and the active image are performed.

If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is not 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. (N in step S107), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 95 ° C. or higher based on the read temperature information. (Step S113). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is 95 ° C. or higher (Y in step S113), the effect control CPU 120 determines that the temperature is abnormal in the third stage, and determines that the temperature is abnormal in the third stage (third limit mode). ). In the third stage restriction mode, the effect control CPU 120 is displayed in the small symbol displayed on the upper left edge of the display screen of the effect display device 5, the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U. Control is performed to erase the pending image and the active image displayed in the active display area AHA, and erase all the displays (however, except for the third temperature abnormality notification described later) on the effect display device 5 (step). S114). Further, the effect control CPU 120 starts to output a drive signal for high-speed operation to the cooling fan 142, and controls to start the high-speed operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S115). In addition, the effect control CPU 120 controls to start the third temperature abnormality notification (step S116). For example, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to display that the third temperature is abnormal. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets a third temperature abnormality flag indicating that the temperature abnormality state is in the third stage (step S117). If the effect control CPU 120 is set, the effect control CPU 120 resets the first temperature abnormality flag and the second temperature abnormality flag (step S118).

The above processing is executed, and in this embodiment, when the mode is shifted to the third restriction mode, all the displays (however, except for the third temperature abnormality notification) on the effect display device 5 are erased.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the temperature limit return process (S53B) in the effect control main process. In the temperature limit restoration process, the effect control CPU 120 first reads the temperature information from the temperature sensor 136 (step S151). Next, the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not the third temperature abnormality flag is set (step S152). If the third temperature abnormality flag is set (that is, if the temperature is abnormal in the third stage), the effect control CPU 120 has the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 90 ° C. or lower based on the read temperature information. It is confirmed whether or not the temperature has dropped to (step S153). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is lowered to 90 ° C. or lower (Y in step S153), the effect control CPU 120 controls the transition from the third stage restriction mode to the second stage restriction mode. That is, the effect control CPU 120 restarts the display of the small symbol at the upper left end of the display screen of the effect display device 5, and displays the hold image and the active display area AHA in the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U. Control is performed to restart the display of the displayed active image (step S154). Further, the effect control CPU 120 switches the cooling fan 142 to output a drive signal for medium-speed operation, and controls the cooling fan 142 to switch to medium-speed operation (step S155). Further, the effect control CPU 120 controls to switch from the third temperature abnormality notification to the second temperature abnormality notification (step S156). Then, the effect control CPU 120 resets the third temperature abnormality flag and sets the second temperature abnormality flag (step S157).

If the third temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not the second temperature abnormality flag is set (step S158). If the second temperature abnormality flag is set (that is, if the temperature is abnormal in the second stage), the effect control CPU 120 has the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 of 66 ° C. or lower based on the read temperature information. It is confirmed whether or not the temperature has dropped to (step S159). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is lowered to 66 ° C. or lower (Y in step S159), the effect control CPU 120 controls the transition from the second stage restriction mode to the first stage restriction mode. That is, the effect control CPU 120 controls to restart the left, middle, and right effect symbol display on the effect display device 5 (step S160). Further, the effect control CPU 120 switches the cooling fan 142 to output a drive signal for low-speed operation, and controls the cooling fan 142 to switch to low-speed operation (step S161). Further, the effect control CPU 120 controls to switch from the second temperature abnormality notification to the first temperature abnormality notification (step S162). Then, the effect control CPU 120 resets the second temperature abnormality flag and sets the first temperature abnormality flag (step S163).

If the second temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not the first temperature abnormality flag is set (step S164). If the first temperature abnormality flag is set (that is, if the temperature is abnormal in the first stage), the effect control CPU 120 has the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 of 55 ° C. or lower based on the read temperature information. It is confirmed whether or not the temperature has dropped to (step S165). If the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 is lowered to 55 ° C. or lower (Y in step S165), the effect control CPU 120 controls to end the restriction mode of the first stage. That is, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect display device 5 to restart the background image display (step S166). Further, the effect control CPU 120 controls the cooling fan 142 to stop the output of the drive signal and stop the operation of the cooling fan 142 (step S167). Further, the effect control CPU 120 controls to erase the first temperature abnormality notification (step S168). Then, the effect control CPU 120 resets the first temperature abnormality flag (step S169).

26 and 27 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (S54). The effect control command received from the main board 11 is stored in the received command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 120 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 120 first confirms whether or not the received command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether or not it is stored is determined by comparing the value of the command reception count counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 120 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). After reading, the value of the read pointer is set to +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that it reads 2 bytes (1 command) at a time.

If the received effect control command is a variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 120 stores the received variation pattern command in the variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM 122 (step S615). Then, the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

If the received effect control command is a display result specification command (step S617), the effect control CPU 120 stores the received display result specification command in the display result specification command storage area formed in the RAM 122 (step S618). ).

If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S619), the effect control CPU 120 sets the confirmation command reception flag (step S620).

If the received effect control command is a jackpot start designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 120 sets the jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S622).

If the received effect control command is a jackpot end designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 120 sets the jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S624).

If the received effect control command is a normal state background specification command (step S625), the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (step S625). Step S626). If neither the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (N in step S626), the effect control CPU 120 displays a background image (for example, blue) according to the normal state in the effect display device 5. Control to display the background image of the background color) (step S627). On the other hand, if any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (Y in step S626), the process proceeds to step S628 without executing the process of step S627. That is, since the control mode is in any of the first to third stages, the process proceeds to step S628 without controlling the display of the background image on the effect display device 5. Then, if the effect control CPU 120 is set, the time saving state flag indicating that the time saving state is set is reset (step S628).

If the received effect control command is a time saving state background specification command (step S629), the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (step S629). Step S630). If neither the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (N in step S630), the effect control CPU 120 displays a background image (for example, green) in the effect display device 5 according to the time saving state. Control to display the background image of the background color) (step S631). On the other hand, if any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (Y in step S630), the process proceeds to step S632 without executing the process of step S631. That is, since the control mode is in any of the first to third stages, the process proceeds to step S632 without controlling the display of the background image on the effect display device 5. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets the time saving state flag (step S632), and if it is set, resets the probability change state flag indicating that it is in the probability change state (step S633).

If the received effect control command is a probability change state background specification command (step S634), the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (step S634). Step S635). If neither the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (N in step S635), the effect control CPU 120 displays a background image (for example, red) according to the probability change state in the effect display device 5. Control to display the background image of the background color) (step S636). On the other hand, if any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set (Y in step S635), the process proceeds to step S637 without executing the process of step S636. That is, since the control mode is in any of the first to third stages, the process proceeds to step S637 without controlling the display of the background image on the effect display device 5. Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets the probability change state flag (step S637).

If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 120 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S638). Then, the process proceeds to step S611.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the effect control process process (S55) in the effect control main process. In the effect control process process, the effect control CPU 120 first confirms whether or not the third temperature abnormality flag is set (S70A). If the third temperature abnormality flag is set, the effect control process processing is terminated. That is, since it is in the state of shifting to the third stage restriction mode and all the displays (however, except for the third temperature abnormality notification) on the effect display device 5 are erased, the effect control is performed as it is. End process processing.

If the third temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 executes a hold display notice effect determination process (S71) that determines the display pattern of the hold storage display together with the presence / absence of the hold display notice effect, and then the effect. The hold display update process for updating the hold storage display in the first hold display area 5D and the second hold display area 5U of the display device 5 to the display according to the storage contents of the start winning command buffer is executed (S72).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not the second temperature abnormality flag is set (S70B). If the second temperature abnormality flag is set, the effect control process processing is terminated. That is, it is in the state of shifting to the second stage restriction mode, and the effect display device 5 displays only the small symbol, the reserved image, and the active image, and does not display the effect symbol. Therefore, step S71. , S72 Only the process of displaying the held image is performed, and the effect control process process is terminated.

If the second temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 performs any of the processes S73 to S79 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following processes are executed.

Fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process (S73): It is confirmed whether or not the variation pattern command is received from the game control microcomputer 100. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the fluctuation pattern command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the variation pattern command is received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation start process (S74).

Effect symbol variation start process (S74): Control is performed so that the effect symbol variation is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (S75). In this embodiment, in the effect symbol variation start process, an effect execution setting process for performing LED control, which will be described later, is also executed.

Processing during effect symbol change (S75): Controls the switching timing of each change state (fluctuation speed) constituting the change pattern, and monitors the end of the change time. Then, when the fluctuation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (S76).

Effect symbol fluctuation stop processing (S76): Control to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol) based on the reception of the effect control command (symbol confirmation command) instructing to stop all symbols. Do. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (S77) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (S73).

Big hit display process (S77): After the end of the fluctuation time, the effect display device 5 is controlled to display a screen for notifying the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot game in-game process (S78).

Process during big hit game (S78): Control during big hit game. For example, when a designated command during opening of the large winning opening or a designated command after opening the large winning opening is received, the display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 5 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (S79).

Big hit end effect processing (S79): In the effect display device 5, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (S73).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the effect symbol variation start process (S74) in the effect control process process shown in FIG. 28. In the effect symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 120 first reads the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S8000). Next, the effect control CPU 120 displays the effect symbol display result (stop) according to the variation pattern command read in step S8000 and the data stored in the display result specification command storage area (that is, the received display result specification command). The symbol) is determined (step S8001). When the pseudo-ream is specified by the variation pattern command, the effect control CPU 120 has a chance eye symbol (for example, "223" or "445") as a temporary stop symbol of the pseudo-ream in step S8001. , A combination of a jackpot symbol that does not reach but one symbol is out of alignment) is also determined. The effect control CPU 120 stores data indicating the determined stop symbol of the effect symbol in the effect symbol display result storage area.

In step S8001, for example, when the received display result designation command indicates "normal jackpot", the effect control CPU 120 determines a combination of the effect symbols in which the three symbols are the same even-numbered symbols as the stop symbols. .. Further, when the received display result designation command indicates "probability variation jackpot", the effect control CPU 120 determines a combination of the effect symbols in which the three symbols are the same odd number symbols as the stop symbols.

Further, when the received display result designation command indicates "sudden probability change big hit" or "small hit", the effect control CPU 120 determines the combination of the effect symbols such as "135" as the stop symbol. Then, in the case of "off", a combination of effect symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, the combination of the effect symbols with the two left and right symbols aligned is determined. Further, the combination of the three symbols derived and displayed on the effect display device 5 is the "stop symbol" of the effect symbol.

The effect control CPU 120 extracts, for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol, and uses a stop symbol determination table in which data indicating a combination of effect symbols and a numerical value are associated with each other to generate a stop symbol of the effect symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting the data indicating the combination of the effect symbols corresponding to the numerical value corresponding to the extracted random number.

As for the production symbols, the stop symbol (a combination of symbols in which the left, middle, and right are all the same symbol) reminiscent of a jackpot is called a jackpot symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that reminds us of a miss is called a missed symbol. Further, a symbol that reminds us of being in a probabilistic state (an odd number symbol in this embodiment) is also called a probabilistic symbol, and a symbol that reminds us that it will not be in a probabilistic state (an even symbol in this embodiment) is a non-probable variation symbol. Also called.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 executes a advance notice effect setting process for determining whether or not to execute the advance notice effect on the effect display device 5 and setting the effect mode of the advance notice effect during the variable display of the effect symbol (step S8002). ).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 confirms whether or not the first temperature abnormality flag is set (step S8003). If the first temperature abnormality flag is set, the effect control CPU 120 selects a variation pattern and, when executing the advance notice effect, a process table for restriction according to the advance notice effect (step S8004). In this embodiment, when the mode is shifted to the restriction mode of the first stage, step S8007 and the effect symbol changing process (S75) described later are executed according to the process table selected in step S8004. The effect sound effects such as some notice effects and the sound output of BGM are restricted during the variable display of the effect pattern, and the size of the image data expanded in the frame buffer on the VRAM 126 is enlarged or reduced. The image is displayed with the function to display and output) stopped.

In this embodiment, in the first restricted mode, the effect sound effects such as a part of the notice effect and the sound output of the BGM are restricted during the variable display of the effect symbol, but the second restricted mode and the third are limited. In the restricted mode, the processes S73 to S79 of the effect control process process are not executed, so that no sound output related to the variation display of the effect symbol is performed.

On the other hand, if the first temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 selects a fluctuation pattern and, when executing the advance notice effect, a normal process table according to the advance notice effect (step S8005).

Then, the effect control CPU 120 starts the process timer in the process data 1 of the process table selected in steps S8004 and S8005 (step S8006).

The process table is a table in which process data to be referred to when the effect control CPU 120 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 120 controls the effect device (effect component) such as the effect display device 5 according to the process data set in the process table. The process table is composed of a collection of a plurality of combinations of process timer setting values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data. The display control execution data includes data and the like indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the effect symbol. Specifically, data related to the change of the display screen of the effect display device 5 is described. Further, in the process timer set value, the fluctuation time in the mode of fluctuation is set. The effect control CPU 120 refers to the process table and controls the display control to display the effect symbol in the variation mode set in the display control execution data only for the time set in the process timer set value. The process table is stored in the ROM 135 mounted on the effect control microcomputer 120A. In addition, the process table is prepared according to each fluctuation pattern.

In the process table used when executing the effect control for the fluctuation pattern accompanied by the reach effect, the left symbol is stopped and displayed when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the fluctuation, and the right symbol is stopped when the predetermined time elapses. Process data indicating that it is to be displayed is set. In addition, instead of setting the symbol to be stopped and displayed in the process table, the image for displaying the symbol is synthesized and generated according to the determined stop symbol, the pseudo-ream, and the temporary stop symbol in the sliding effect. You may.

Further, the effect control CPU 120 serves as an effect device (effect display device 5 as an effect component, effect component 5) according to the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1). Control of various lamps and speakers (8L, 8R) as production parts) is executed (step S8007). For example, in order to display an image corresponding to a fluctuation pattern or a notice effect on the effect display device 5, among various image data stored in the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A, the effect symbol variation display or the advance notice effect Various image data in the display mode of the above are read out and transferred to the VRAM 126 of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 controls the variation pattern command so that the effect pattern is variably displayed according to the variation pattern corresponding to one-to-one. However, the effect control CPU 120 controls the variation pattern command. The fluctuation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns corresponding to.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 sets a value corresponding to the fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation pattern command in the fluctuation time timer (step S8008).

Then, the effect control CPU 120 sets the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (S75) (step S8009).

After that, the effect control CPU 120 switches the process data when the process timer times out in the effect symbol changing process (step S75). When it is determined that the process data to be switched includes the display control execution data, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the memory is being inspected. If it is determined that the memory is not inspected, it is determined whether or not the effect data is being read (for example, it is determined whether or not the effect data is being read by the effect data transfer process during control). .. When it is determined that the effect data is not being read, normal display control such as changing the display mode in the effect display device 5 is performed according to the display control execution data of the next process data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the memory inspection is in progress or the effect data is being read, a setting for simple control (simple display control) of the display mode in the effect display device 5 is performed.

In the simple display control, for example, a setting for performing a simple display may be made using only the image data stored in the VRAM 126. When the memory is being inspected or the effect data is being read, the stored data of the CGROM 141 cannot be read out in real time and used for image display. Therefore, for example, the image data transferred to and stored in the VRAM 126 as the initial data, such as the image data (sprite image data) corresponding to a plurality of types of effect symbols, is used to perform variable display of the effect symbols. May be good. On the other hand, for the image display in which it is necessary to read the stored data of the CGROM 141, such as the reach effect in which the moving image is reproduced using the moving image data, the display may be stopped without displaying. If it is determined that the memory is being inspected, or if it is determined that the effect data is being read, the effect symbol changing process may be terminated without performing the simple display control. In these cases, since the stored data of the frame buffer provided in the VRAM 126 or the like is not updated, the image display may not be updated and the display may be stopped on the screen of the effect display device 5. Alternatively, by erasing (clearing) the stored data in the frame buffer, there is a possibility that the display is stopped (blacked out) without displaying the image on the screen of the effect display device 5.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a small symbol process process (S55A) in the effect control main process shown in FIG. 23. In the small symbol process process, the effect control CPU 120 first confirms whether or not the third temperature abnormality flag is set (step S200). If the third temperature abnormality flag is set, the small symbol process process is terminated. That is, since it is in the state of shifting to the third stage restriction mode and all the displays (however, except for the third temperature abnormality notification) on the effect display device 5 are erased, the small symbol is displayed as it is. End the process process.

If the third temperature abnormality flag is not set, the effect control CPU 120 performs any of steps S201 to S203 according to the value of the small symbol process flag. In each process, the following processes are executed. In the small symbol process processing, the display state of the small symbol in the small symbol display area of the effect display device 5 is controlled, and the variable display of the small symbol is realized, but the small symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the first special symbol Both the control related to the variable display and the control related to the variable display of the small symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the second special symbol are executed in one small symbol process process. It should be noted that even if the variable display of the small symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the small symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the second special symbol are configured to be executed by another small symbol process process. Good. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is executed depending on which small symbol process process is executing the variation display of the small symbol. Further, in this case, the small symbol itself may be displayed in different types depending on whether the first special symbol is variablely displayed or the second special symbol is variablely displayed. For example, when the variable display of the first special symbol is performed, the variable display of the small symbol is executed in the blue display color, and when the variable display of the second special symbol is performed, the small symbol is displayed in the red display color. It is desirable to display in a distinctive manner in some way, such as by performing a variable display.

Small symbol variation start process (step S201): Control is performed so that the variation of the small symbol is started by receiving the variation pattern command. Then, the value of the small symbol process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the processing during the small symbol change (step S202).

Small symbol change processing (step S202): Controls the switching timing of the change state (variation speed) of the small symbol. Then, when the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the value of the small symbol process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the small symbol fluctuation stop process (step S203).

Small symbol fluctuation stop processing (step S203): Control is performed to stop the fluctuation of the small symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the small symbol process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the small symbol variation start process (step S201).

In the processing of steps S201 to S203, for example, in order to display an image corresponding to the variation display of the small symbol on the effect display device 5, various images stored in the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A are displayed at any time. Among the data, various image data corresponding to the variation display of the small symbol are read out and transferred to the VRAM 126 of the effect control microcomputer 120A.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol process process (S55B) in the effect control main process shown in FIG. 23. In the decorative symbol process process, the effect control CPU 120 performs any of steps S251 to S253 according to the value of the decorative symbol process flag. In each process, the following processes are executed. In the decorative symbol process processing, the lighting states of the two lamps (or LEDs) constituting the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B are controlled, and the variable display of the decorative symbol is realized. However, both the control related to the variable display of the first decorative symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the first special symbol and the control related to the variable display of the second decorative symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the second special symbol are executed in one decorative symbol process process. Will be done. It should be noted that the variable display of the first decorative symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second decorative symbol synchronized with the fluctuation of the second special symbol are executed by different decorative symbol process processing. It may be configured. Further, in this case, it may be determined which special symbol variation display is executed depending on which decoration symbol process processing is executing the variation display of the decoration symbol.

Decorative symbol variation start process (step S251): Control is performed so that the decorative symbol variation is started by receiving the variation pattern command. Then, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol changing process (step S252).

Decorative symbol change processing (step S252): Controls the switching timing of the decorative symbol change state (fluctuation speed). Then, when the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to the value corresponding to the decorative symbol fluctuation stop processing (step S253).

Decorative symbol fluctuation stop processing (step S253): Control is performed to stop the fluctuation of the decorative symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Then, the value of the decorative symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S251).

As shown in FIG. 31, in the decorative pattern process processing, steps S251 to S253 are performed without confirming whether or not any of the first temperature abnormality flag to the third temperature abnormality flag is set. Since the process is executed, the variable display of the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol display 5B in the first decorative symbol display 5A are performed regardless of whether or not the mode is shifted to one of the restricted modes based on the temperature abnormality. The variable display of the second decorative symbol in is executed.

Next, the display mode of the effect display device 5 when shifting to the restriction mode based on the temperature abnormality will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display mode of the effect display device 5 when the mode is shifted to the restriction mode based on the temperature abnormality. First, in the case of the normal mode in which no temperature abnormality is detected and the mode is not shifted to any of the restriction modes, as shown in FIG. 32 (A), the background image is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5. (In this example, an image including a pattern of the ground and the sun) is displayed, and a variable display of the effect symbol is displayed in the symbol display areas of the left 5L, the middle 5C, and the right 5R. In addition, the variation display 5S of the small symbol on the left, middle, and right is displayed at the upper left end of the display screen of the effect display device 5, and the hold image and the active image are displayed below the display screen of the effect display device 5 (this). In the example, a case where three reserved images are displayed in the first reserved display area 5D and an active image is displayed in the active display area AHA is shown).

Next, when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 becomes 60 ° C. to 70 ° C. and the mode shifts to the first restriction mode, the background image display is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5 as shown in FIG. 32 (B). (See step S103). As shown in FIG. 32 (B), even after shifting to the first restriction mode, the variation display of the effect symbol in the symbol display areas of the left 5L, the middle 5C, and the right 5R, the variation display of the small symbol, and the variation display 5S are displayed. The display of the pending image and the active image continues. Further, in the first limiting mode, the low-speed operation of the cooling fan 142 is started (see step S104), and as shown in FIG. 32B, the first temperature abnormality notification E1 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5. It is started (see step S105).

Next, when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 becomes 71 ° C. to 94 ° C. and the mode shifts to the second limiting mode, as shown in FIG. 32 (C), on the display screen of the effect display device 5, the left 5L, the middle 5C, and the right The effect symbol display in the symbol display area of 5R is erased (see step S108). As shown in FIG. 32 (C), even if the mode shifts to the second restriction mode, the variation display 5S of the small symbol and the display of the reserved image and the active image are continued. Further, in the second limiting mode, the medium speed operation of the cooling fan 142 is started (see step S109), and as shown in FIG. 32C, the second temperature abnormality notification E2 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5. Is started (see step S110).

Further, when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 becomes 95 ° C. or higher and the mode shifts to the third restriction mode, as shown in FIG. 32 (D), on the display screen of the effect display device 5, the small symbol variation display 5S and the hold are held. The image and the active image are also erased, and all the displays on the effect display device 5 (however, except for the third temperature abnormality notification E1) are erased (see step S114). Further, in the third restriction mode, the high-speed operation of the cooling fan 142 is started (see step S115), and as shown in FIG. 32 (D), the third temperature abnormality notification E3 is displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 5. It is started (see step S116).

Next, the control of the LEDs 9a to 9e will be described. The LEDs 9a to 9e can emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a plurality of types of light emission patterns corresponding to the effect to be executed. The effect control CPU 120 can be controlled so that the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a predetermined light emission pattern when the control data is set in the control data area provided in the RAM 122. ing.

Further, the control data set in the control data area is data for performing light emission (lighting, blinking, etc.) control on the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F. Specifically, an identifier for uniquely identifying them is assigned to each light emission pattern, and the control data described above is data indicating this identifier. When the control data is set in the control data area, the effect control CPU 120 reads the control data and outputs the control data to the light emitter control boards 16C to 16F. In each light emitter control board 16C to 16F, LEDs 9a to 9e are lit by controlling by each light emitter driver 411a, 411b, 413a to 413c, etc. so as to emit light in a light emission pattern identified by an identifier indicated by control data. / Turns off. On the other hand, when the control data area is NULL, it is determined that the control data is not set in the control data area. Further, the timing at which the control data is set is a timing before the timing at which the control is started by the control data or the timing at which the control is started by the control data. In the following description, when the effect of any of the LEDs 9a to 9e is described, it may be simply expressed as an LED effect.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a control data area. The control data area includes at least one control data area and another control data area. Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, five control data areas of layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 are included. Then, each layer corresponds to a sound effect that outputs sound. For example, the "error" effect is an effect in which a screen showing an error is displayed on the effect display device 5, but it corresponds to an effect of outputting an error sound. It should be noted that the sound effect includes an effect that does not produce sound (silence effect), and there may be an LED effect corresponding to this silence effect. The LED effect corresponding to this silent effect is an effect of emitting light instead of turning off the LED.

In addition, priorities are set for layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5, and layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 (layer 1 is the most) in ascending order of priority. The priority is low, and layer 5 has the highest priority). Here, "priority is set" specifically means that when the effect control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e, the order is layer 5, layer 4, layer 3, layer 2, and layer 1. Control that determines whether or not control data is set and outputs the control data set in the control data area determined to be set to each light emitter control board 16C to 16F. In order to perform the above, it is shown that priority is given in the order of layer 5, layer 4, layer 3, layer 2, and layer 1. The example of realizing the priority setting is not limited to this, and for example, a value indicating the priority may be assigned to each layer. In this case, the effect control CPU 120 first refers to the values assigned to all the layers in which the control data is set, and among them (even when the control data is set in a plurality of layers). The control data set in the layer to which the highest priority value (for example, the maximum value) is assigned is output to each light emitter control board 16C to 16F.

In this way, since the priority is set for the layers, only one LED effect is performed in the LED effect, and a plurality of LED effects are not performed at the same time, but the sound effects corresponding to the LED effects are simultaneously performed. May be done. For example, when the control data of the BGM effect is set in the control data area of the layer 1, and the control data of another effect is not set in the control data area of the layer having a higher priority than the layer 1, the BGM BGM is performed as a sound production along with the LED production of the production. In this state, for example, if the control data of another effect is set in the control data area of the layer 3, in the LED effect, the LED effect of the BGM effect ends and the LED effect of the other effect is performed. In the sound production, the BGM and the sound production of other productions are performed at the same time.

When the control data is set in one of the control data areas, the effect control CPU 120 emits (lights) LEDs 9a to 9e in a light emission pattern corresponding to the control data area in which the control data is set. , Blinking, etc.). Specifically, for example, when the game state is a low base state, as shown in FIG. 33, when control data is set in layer 1, it corresponds to the BGM effect (normal variation, reach variation) of layer 1. The LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) according to the light emission pattern. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 2, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the light emitting pattern corresponding to the notice B effect of the layer 2. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 3, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the light emitting pattern corresponding to the notice A effect of the layer 3. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 4, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the final notification effect of the layer 4. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 5, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the light emitting pattern corresponding to the error effect of the layer 5.

Further, in the high base state of the game, as shown in FIG. 33, when the control data is set in the layer 1, the LED 9a has a light emitting pattern corresponding to the BGM effect (normal variation) of the layer 1. ~ 9e is controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.). Further, when the control data is set in the layer 2, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the BGM effect (reach fluctuation) of the layer 2. When control data is set in the layer 3, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the advance notice effect (all) of the layer 3. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 4, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the final notification effect of the layer 4. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 5, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the light emitting pattern corresponding to the error effect of the layer 5.

Further, when the game state is the big hit state, as shown in FIG. 33, when the control data is set in the layer 1, the LEDs 9a to 9e have a light emitting pattern corresponding to the BGM effect (big hit) of the layer 1. Is controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.). Further, when control data is set in the layer 2, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the advance notice effect (holding sequence, promotion) of the layer 2. To do. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 3, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the large winning opening winning effect of the layer 3. When control data is set in the layer 4, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the probability variation winning effect of the layer 4. Further, when the control data is set in the layer 5, the LEDs 9a to 9e are controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the light emitting pattern corresponding to the error effect of the layer 5.

When the control data is set in both control data areas, the effect control CPU 120 emits (lights, lights, lights) LEDs 9a to 9e in a light emission pattern corresponding to the control data area set with a high priority. It can be controlled to blink (blinking, etc.). Specifically, for example, when control data is set in both the control data areas of layer 2 and layer 3, the light emission pattern corresponding to layer 3 which is the control data area in which the priority is set is set high. The LEDs 9a to 9e can be controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.). Further, when the control data is set in the control data area of the layer 2, the layer 3, and the layer 4, the LED 9a has a light emitting pattern corresponding to the layer 4 which is the control data area in which the priority is set high. It is possible to control to make ~ 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.).

Further, in the present embodiment, a light emission pattern when control data is set in one control data area during the first game state and one control during a second game state different from the first game state. The light emission pattern when control data is set in the data area is different. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, the control data area is provided for each gaming state (low base state, high base state, jackpot state). Then, for example, in the low base state, for example, the light emission pattern when the control data is set in the control data area of the layer 2 (light emission pattern corresponding to the notice A effect) and the high base state different from the low base state, for example The light emission pattern (light emission pattern corresponding to the BGM effect) when the control data is set in the control data area of the layer 2 is different.

In principle, the setting for the control data area shown in FIG. 33 is reset every time one game is completed. "One game" indicates a game that starts from the start of the variable display and ends by the stop display of the variable display when the game state is the low base state or the high base state, and when the game state is the big hit state. Indicates a game from the start to the end of the jackpot state.

Therefore, when the gaming state is the low base state or the high base state, the control data is set at the start timing of the variable display or the start timing of the effect during the variable display, and is determined for the stop display of the variable display or each effect. It is reset when the time has passed. Even if the timing for which the time specified for each effect has elapsed does not arrive, the variable display is reset when the variable display is stopped.

Further, when the game state is a big hit state, the control data is set by the special figure hit waiting process in S173 or the big hit in-game process in S176, and the big hit ends, the round ends, or each effect. It is reset when the time specified for each elapses.

Exceptionally, the setting of the control data of the LED effect by the LEDs 9a to 9e corresponding to the effect performed over a plurality of games (for example, the effect including the lookahead notice effect and the effect including multiple big hits) is reset at the end of the game. Will not be done. It should be noted that, as for the LED effect performed over a plurality of games, a combination of one game different depending on the above-mentioned game state is made into one game again, and even if the effect over a plurality of the one game is also an LED effect. Good.

Next, each effect shown in FIG. 33 will be described. As described above, the LED control in the present embodiment corresponds to the sound effect in each effect shown in FIG. 33. In the following explanation, LEDs that emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in each effect are described, but there are cases where only the described LEDs emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) and other LEDs also emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.). (Blinking, etc.) may occur.

In FIG. 33, the error effect corresponds to an error designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100, an error image display operation in the display area of the effect display device 5, and an error audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R. , This is an effect in which an error notification or the like is performed by an error light emitting operation or the like in the LEDs 9a to 9e. The error effect in the present embodiment is an effect in which all of the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.). Then, as shown in FIG. 33, when the control data is set in the control data area (layer 5) in which the highest priority is set, the effect control CPU 120 does not depend on the gaming state. It is controlled to emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in a light emission pattern indicating an error effect.

The definite notification effect is an effect in which LEDs or the like arranged in a V shape blink or a V-shaped symbol is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5, and a big hit performed during the fluctuation of the effect symbol is performed. It is a production (notice) that shows confirmation.

For the probabilistic winning effect, for example, a V probabilistic type gaming machine in which the state after the big hit is determined depending on whether or not the probabilistic winning opening (or a predetermined area provided in the probabilistic winning opening; hereinafter, the probabilistic winning opening, etc.) is won. In, it is a production performed when a prize is won in a probabilistic winning opening or the like. When a prize is won in a probabilistic winning opening or the like, the state after the big hit is generally set as a probabilistic state, and when a prize is not won in the probabilistic winning opening or the like, the state after the big hit is generally set as a non-probable changing state. In this case, an effect is provided in which the player aims to win a prize in the probability change winning opening or the like, and this effect is referred to as a probability change challenge effect in the present embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is not provided with a probability variation winning opening, but in order to explain an example of LED control, the probability variation winning effect in the present embodiment is, for example, in the special variable winning ball device 7. The predetermined area is provided in the above-mentioned area, and when a prize is won in the predetermined area, an LED (for example, an LED provided in the special variable winning ball device 7) emits light (lights, blinks, etc.). Further, in the present embodiment, the probabilistic challenge effect is an effect in which an LED (for example, an LED provided in the special variable winning ball device 7) emits light (lights, blinks, etc.). In addition, this probability change winning opening is also called a probability change attacker.

In the present embodiment, the notice A effect and the notice B effect are effects in the display area of the effect display device 5 while the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.). The character A is an effect displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5, and the notice B effect is an effect in which the character B is displayed in the display area of the effect display device 5. Further, "notice (all)" indicates the notice A production and the notice B production. In addition, among the "notices (holding reams, promotion)", the notices (holding reams) have a big hit hold when there is a big hit hold in the hold held before or during the big hit. It is a production that announces that during the big hit. The notice (promotion) is the above-mentioned big hit medium promotion effect, or, for example, the round number promotion effect in which the number of big hit rounds increases from 8 rounds to 16 rounds. This "notice (holding ream, promotion)" is an effect in the display area of the effect display device 5 while the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.).

The grand prize opening prize production is a production performed when a prize is won in the special variable prize ball device 7. The large winning opening winning effect in the present embodiment is an effect in which the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lights, blinks, etc.) each time the special variable winning ball device 7 is won. In this grand prize opening prize production, a production that is particularly conspicuous at the time of so-called over prize may be performed.

In each of the effects described above, not only the LED effect but also the effects other than the LED effect (for example, the sound effect by sound, the display effect by the effect display device 5, or the effect that combines the sound effect and the display effect, etc.) Although it may be performed, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the "effect" shall indicate only the LED effect in the effect. When indicating the entire effect including the LED effect and the effect other than the LED, it is expressed as "effect (all)". Further, when indicating an effect other than LED, it is expressed as "effect (other than LED)". For example, "BGM effect" indicates only LED effect, and "BGM effect (all)" indicates the entire effect including sound effect and other effects other than LED, and "BGM effect (other than LED)". "" Indicates an effect other than LED, such as a sound effect.

Further, in each of the above-described effects, the priority of the BGM effect is set to be the lowest in any of the gaming states due to the nature of the BGM. In the low base state, the notice A effect has a higher priority than the notice B effect, because the notice A effect has a higher expectation of a big hit than the notice B effect. Further, in the low base state, the definite notification effect has a higher priority than the notice A effect, because the definite notification effect is an effect indicating that the jackpot is confirmed.

In the high base state, the BGM (reach fluctuation) production has a higher priority than the BGM (normal) production, because the BGM (reach fluctuation) production has a higher expectation of a big hit than the BGM (normal) production. Is. In the high base state, the notice (all) production has a higher priority than the BGM (reach fluctuation) production, because the notice (all) production has a higher expectation of a big hit than the BGM (reach fluctuation) production. Is. In the high base state, the definite notification effect has a higher priority than the notice (all) effect, because the definite notification effect has a higher expectation of a big hit than the notice (all) effect.

In the jackpot state, the notice (holding ream, promotion) production has a higher priority than the BGM (big hit) production, but this is a production in which the notice (holding ream, promotion) is more important for the player than the BGM (big hit) production. Because. In the big hit state, the big prize opening prize production has a higher priority than the notice (holding consecutive, promotion) production, but this is because the big winning opening winning production is performed every time a prize is won, and the notice (holding consecutive, promotion) ) The production (other than LED) is generally performed in the display area of the production display device 5 for a relatively longer period of time than the large prize opening prize production. If the priority is raised, any effect can be notified to the player, but if the notice (holding ream, promotion) effect is given a higher priority than the large prize opening prize effect, the notice (hold) This is because only the production (ream, promotion) is performed, and the grand prize opening prize production is not performed. In addition, as described above, in the large prize opening prize production, the production at the time of over winning is generally performed, and the over winning is a benefit that the player cannot normally obtain, so the importance of the production is important. It is also because it is expensive.

The setting of the control data for each effect is reset when the time specified for each effect elapses, except for the BGM effect and the control data for the effect performed across the plurality of games. In addition, as an effect (all) in a general pachinko gaming machine, there is an effect (all) that branches into two or more effects (all). When branching to a plurality of such effects (all), the control data of the corresponding effect is reset when branching.

The control data set in each of the control data areas described above is an example, and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 33, and is appropriately set according to the effect of the pachinko gaming machine or the like.

34 and 35 are time charts showing LED control examples. First, in the time chart shown in FIG. 34, there is a start prize at time T1 in a state where error notification is not executed, the game state is a low base state, variable display is not performed, and there is no hold. , The time chart is shown when the effect symbol starts to fluctuate, the notice B effect occurs at time T2, and the notice A effect occurs at time T3. The BGM effect (other than LED) is performed from time T1 to the end, the notice B effect (other than LED) is performed from time T2 to the end, and the notice A effect (other than LED) is performed from time T3 to the end. It has been. The controlled target LEDs are LEDs 9a to 9e as an example.

In the time chart shown in FIG. 34, the vertical axis shows the LED control corresponding to each layer, and the horizontal axis shows the time.

Further, in FIG. 34, the control data set in the control data area of the layer 5 is used as the control data for the error effect, and the control data set in the control data area of the layer 4 is used for the control of the definite notification effect. The control data set in the control data area of the layer 3 is used as the control data of the notice A effect, and the control data set in the control data area of the layer 2 is used as the control data of the notice B effect. , The control data set in the control data area of layer 1 is used as the control data for the BGM effect.

The LEDs 9a to 9e emit light in color A (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the error effect, emit light in color B (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the final notification effect, and emit light in color C (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the notice A effect. However, in the notice B effect, the color D emits light (lighting, blinking, etc.), and in the BGM effect, the color E emits light (lighting, blinking, etc.).

Further, in the time chart shown in FIG. 34, a display mode showing the emission colors of the LEDs 9a to 9e and the like is shown. In this display mode, "turn off" indicates that the LEDs 9a to 9e are off, and the alphabet indicates that the LEDs are emitting light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in the corresponding color. "Erase" and alphabetical expressions are also used in other time charts described below.

Further, in the time chart shown in FIG. 34, it is also shown whether or not the effect (other than LED) corresponding to each layer is executed. For example, since the BGM effect (all) is an effect that executes the sound effect together with the LED effect, the sound effect can be executed even when the priority is low and the LED effect is not executed.

Further, in the case of FIG. 34, each effect (other than LED) can be executed at the same time. For example, the notice A effect (other than the LED) and the notice B effect (other than the LED) can be executed at the same time.

Based on the above, the time chart of FIG. 34 will be described. First, since the control data is not set in each control data area, the LEDs 9a to 9e are turned off as shown in the LED display mode.

There is a start prize at time T1, and the control data is set in the control data area of the layer 1, so that the BGM LED control is turned on. As a result, the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in color E as shown in the LED display mode.

Next, at time T2, the advance notice BLED control is turned on and the BGMLED control is turned off by setting the control data in the control data area of the layer 2 having a higher priority than the layer 1. As a result, the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in color D as shown in the LED display mode.

Next, at time T3, the advance notice ALED control is turned on and the notice BLED control is turned off by setting the control data in the control data area of the layer 3 having a higher priority than the layer 2. As a result, the LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in color C as shown in the LED display mode. According to the control shown in FIG. 34, the notice B effect, which is important for the player, is prioritized over the BGM effect, and the notice A effect, which is important for the player, is prioritized over the notice B effect. Since the visual effect can be appropriately given, the interest of the game can be improved.

Next, in the time chart shown in FIG. 35, in a state where the game state is a low base state, variable display is not performed, and there is no hold, there is a start prize at time T1, and the effect symbol starts to fluctuate. It is the same as in FIG. 34 that the notice B effect is generated at the time T2 and the notice A effect is generated at the time T3, but the time chart is shown when the error notification is being executed.

In the example shown in FIG. 35, since the error notification is being executed, the error effect (other than the LED) is being executed, and the control data is set in the control data area of the layer 5, so that the LED display mode is displayed. As shown in the above, LEDs 9a to 9e emit light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in color A. Since the control data for error notification set in the layer 5 has the highest priority, it becomes the time T1, the time T2, and the time T3, and becomes the occurrence timing of the BGM effect, the advance notice B effect, and the advance notice A effect. However, the error LED control is continued and the execution of the error effect (other than the LED) is also continued.

As shown in FIG. 35, the BGM effect (other than the LED), the notice B effect (other than the LED), and the notice A effect (other than the LED) can be executed at the same time even while the error notification is being executed.

Further, in FIGS. 34 and 35, an example of LED control when the gaming state is in the low base state is shown as an example, but the case where the gaming state is in the high base state or the jackpot gaming state is also shown in FIG. LED control is performed according to the priority of the layers shown in 33.

36 and 37 are flowcharts showing an example of the effect execution setting process executed in the effect symbol variation start process (step S74). In this flowchart, the control data area shown in FIG. 33 will be used as an example. Further, in the explanation of this flowchart, "setting the control data of the effect Y in the control data area of the layer N and setting the LED control data of the effect control pattern according to the start timing of the effect Y" is simply "effect". The control data of Y is set in the layer N. " For example, the description "setting the control data of the advance notice effect to layer 2" means "setting the control data of the advance notice effect to the control data area of layer 2 and setting the effect control pattern according to the start timing of the advance notice effect". It means "to set LED control data".

In the effect execution setting process shown in FIG. 36, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the error LED is emitting light (for example, whether or not the LEDs 9a to 9e are emitting light (lighting, blinking, etc.) in color A). (Step S901). The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the error notification process in step S54A has been executed.

When the error LED is emitting light (step S901; Yes), since the error effect has the highest priority, the effect control CPU 120 proceeds to step S915 without setting the control data in the lower layer.

When the error LED is emitting light (step S901; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the gaming state is the high base state (step S902). When the gaming state is in the high base state (step S902; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the fluctuation pattern is a reach fluctuation pattern (step S903). When the variation pattern is the reach variation pattern (step S903; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the BGM (reach variation) effect on the layer 2 (step S904), and proceeds to step S906. When the variation pattern is not the reach variation pattern (step S903; NO), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the BGM (normal variation) effect on the layer 1 (step S905), and proceeds to step S906.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a notice determination process for determining whether to execute the advance notice effect (step S906). Here, it is determined by using a lottery process based on a fluctuation pattern or a random number. For example, when the fluctuation pattern indicates super reach α and β, it is determined by using a lottery process based on random numbers. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the advance notice effect from the decision result of the advance notice determination process (step S907). If the advance notice effect is not executed (step S907; No), the process proceeds to step S909. When executing the advance notice effect (step S907; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data of the advance notice effect on the layer 3 (step S908).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a definite notification determination process for determining whether to execute the definite notification effect (step S909). Here, it is determined by using a lottery process based on a fluctuation pattern or a random number. For example, when the fluctuation pattern indicates a big hit, it is determined by using a lottery process based on a random number. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the definite notification effect from the decision result of the definite notification determination process (step S910). If the final notification effect is not executed (step S910; No), the process proceeds to step S912. When executing the final notification effect (step S910; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the final notification effect on the layer 4 (step S911). Next, the effect control CPU 120 selects each effect control pattern determined in each determination process (step S912). Then, the effect execution setting process is terminated.

Returning to the process of step S902, if the gaming state is in the low base state (step S902; No), the process proceeds to step S913 of FIG. 37. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the fluctuation pattern is a reach fluctuation pattern (step S913). When the variation pattern is the reach variation pattern (step S913; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the BGM (reach variation) effect on the layer 1 (step S914), and proceeds to step S916. When the variation pattern is not the reach variation pattern (step S913; NO), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the BGM (normal variation) effect on the layer 1 (step S915), and proceeds to step S916.

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs the advance notice B determination process for determining whether to execute the advance notice B effect (step S916). Here, it is determined by using a lottery process based on a fluctuation pattern or a random number. For example, when the fluctuation pattern indicates super reach α and β, it is determined by using a lottery process based on random numbers. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the advance notice B effect from the decision result of the advance notice B determination process (step S917). If the notice B effect is not executed (step S917; No), the process proceeds to step S919. When executing the notice B effect (step S917; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the notice B effect on the layer 2 (step S918).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs the advance notice A determination process for determining whether to execute the advance notice A effect (step S919). Here, it is determined by using a lottery process based on a fluctuation pattern or a random number. For example, when the fluctuation pattern indicates super reach α and β, it is determined by using a lottery process based on random numbers. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the advance notice A effect from the decision result of the advance notice A determination process (step S920). If the notice A effect is not executed (step S920; No), the process proceeds to step S922. When executing the notice A effect (step S920; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the notice A effect on the layer 3 (step S921).

Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs a definite notification determination process for determining whether to execute the definite notification effect (step S922). Here, it is determined by using a lottery process based on a fluctuation pattern or a random number. For example, when the fluctuation pattern indicates a big hit, it is determined by using a lottery process based on a random number. The effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the definite notification effect from the decision result of the definite notification determination process (step S923). If the final notification effect is not executed (step S923; No), the process proceeds to step S912. When executing the final notification effect (step S923; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets the control data for the final notification effect on the layer 4 (step S924).

In addition to the control of the LEDs 9a to 9e in the effect symbol variation start process described above, the LEDs 9a to 9e are also controlled in the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect symbol variation process, the jackpot game process, and the like. For example, in the variable pattern command reception waiting process, when a customer waiting demo designation command is received when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the effect control CPU 120 immediately displays LEDs 9a to 9e in the LED mode in the customer waiting demo effect. .. On the other hand, when the BGM effect repeats a certain pattern, the effect control CPU 120 displays the LEDs 9a to 9e in the LED mode in the customer waiting demo effect a few seconds after receiving the customer waiting demo designation command. In this way, even if the same customer waiting demo designation command is received, the control content differs depending on the situation.

Further, in the effect symbol change processing, the effect control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e based on the start timing set in the effect symbol change start process, and whether the time determined for each effect elapses. When the variable display ends, the setting of the control data for the effect is reset. Further, in the effect symbol changing processing, the effect control CPU 120 may control the LEDs 9a to 9e according to the operation of the player. As an operation example of the player, for example, there is an operation of pressing the trigger button of the stick controller 31A. In response to such a pressing operation, the effect control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e in the effect symbol changing process. Further, in the processing during the big hit game, the effect control CPU 120 sets each control data shown in FIG. 33 in the control data area to control the LEDs 9a to 9e, and the time set for each effect elapses. Then, the setting of the control data of the effect is reset. Further, even in the process during the big hit game, the LEDs 9a to 9e may be controlled according to the operation of the player, so that the effect control CPU 120 controls the LEDs 9a to 9e according to the pressing operation.

As described above, in this embodiment, the data setting area having a plurality of layers (layers 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 33 in this example) in which priorities are set (in this example, for control shown in FIG. 33). Data area). In addition, light emission data for controlling light emission of at least the light emitting bodies (LEDs 9a to 9e in this example) of the electric components can be set in each layer of the data setting area. Then, the control means (in this example, the effect control CPU 120) can control the light emission of the light emitting body based on the light emission data, and the light emission data is set in a plurality of layers of the data setting area. In addition, the light emission control of the light emitting body is performed based on the light emission data set in the layer having a high priority. Therefore, it is possible to control the light emission of the illuminant by easily switching the priority order by switching the layers.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of light emission patterns (for example, BGM effect, advance notice effect, final notification effect, large winning opening winning effect, probability variation winning effect, error effect, etc.) corresponding to the effect to be executed (for example, BGM effect, advance notice effect, final notification effect, large prize opening effect, error effect, etc.) A light emitting device (for example, LEDs 9a to 9e) capable of emitting light by a color pattern, a blinking pattern, etc.) and a control means (for example, a production control CPU 120 or the like) capable of controlling the light emitting device are provided, and the control means controls. When the data for control is set in the data area for control, it is possible to control the light emitting device to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and the control data area is one control data area (for example, the layer of FIG. 33). 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 control data area, etc.) and other control data areas (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 control data area) Of these, at least one control data area (such as a control data area different from one control data area) is included, and one of the control data areas (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 for control) is included. When control data is set in any of the control data areas of the data areas, a light emission pattern (for example, BGM effect, advance notice effect) corresponding to the control data area in which the control data is set is set. , A fixed notification effect, a large winning opening winning effect, a probability variation winning effect, a light emitting pattern corresponding to an error effect, etc.) to control the light emitting device to emit light, and both control data areas (for example, layer 1 and layer 2). When control data is set in two control data areas of the control data areas of layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5, the priority (for example, layer 1 in ascending order of priority) is set. , Layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5, etc.) can be controlled to emit light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the control data area in which the light emitting device is set high, and during the first gaming state (for example, In the low base state of FIG. 33, one control data area (for example, the control data area of layer 2 in the low base state of FIG. 33) has control data (for example, the layer 2 of the low base state of FIG. 33). During the second game state (for example, the high base state of FIG. 33), which is different from the first game state, and the light emission pattern when the notice B effect control data set in the control data area is set. Control data in one control data area (for example, control data of BGM effect set in the control data area of layer 2 in the high base state of FIG. 33) Is different from the light emission pattern when is set. Therefore, the lamp effect can be performed in the order of priority according to the game state, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of light emission patterns (for example, BGM effect, advance notice effect, final notification effect, large winning opening winning effect, probability variation winning effect, error effect, etc.) corresponding to the effect to be executed (for example, BGM effect, advance notice effect, final notification effect, large prize opening effect, error effect, etc.) A light emitting device (for example, LEDs 9a to 9e) capable of emitting light by a color pattern, a blinking pattern, etc.) and a control means (for example, a production control CPU 120 or the like) capable of controlling the light emitting device are provided, and the control means controls. When the data for control is set in the data area for control, it is possible to control the light emitting device to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and the control data area is one control data area (for example, the layer of FIG. 33). 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 control data area, etc.) and other control data areas (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5 control data area) Of these, at least one control data area (such as a control data area different from one control data area) is included, and one of the control data areas (for example, layer 1, layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5 for control) is included. When control data is set in any of the control data areas of the data areas, a light emission pattern (for example, BGM effect, advance notice effect) corresponding to the control data area in which the control data is set is set. , A fixed notification effect, a large winning opening winning effect, a probability variation winning effect, a light emitting pattern corresponding to an error effect, etc.) to control the light emitting device to emit light, and both control data areas (for example, layer 1 and layer 2). When control data is set in two control data areas of the control data areas of layer 3, layer 4, and layer 5, the priority (for example, layer 1 in ascending order of priority) is set. , Layer 2, layer 3, layer 4, layer 5, etc.) can be controlled to emit light in a light emitting pattern corresponding to the control data area in which the control data area is set high, and priority is given to the control data area. First data area (for example, control data area of layer 1), second data area (for example, control data area of layer 2), third data area (for example, control of layer 3) in ascending order of rank. A data area or the like is provided, and as control data set in the second data area, control data for controlling the light emitting device to emit light (for example, an LED provided in the special variable winning ball device 7) is provided. There are control data for controlling to emit light, etc.) and extinguishing control data for controlling to turn off the light emitting device, and the first data area When the control data (for example, the control data of the BGM effect) is set in, the turn-off control data is set in the second data area, and when the turn-off control data is set, the first Control data (for example, control data for the winning effect of the grand prize opening) can be set in the three data areas. Therefore, the light emission pattern having a high priority can be conspicuous, and the interest of the game can be improved.

The effect description shown in FIGS. 34 to 37 is an example, and the effect shown in this embodiment may be applied to a game state other than the gaming states shown in FIGS. 34 to 37. Specifically, for example, the gaming state shown in FIG. 34 is a low base state, but it may be applied to a big hit state.

Further, although the effect in the control of the LEDs 9a to 9e described above is a sound effect, the effect is not limited to the sound effect, and may be an effect executed by the effect display device 5, an effect of operating an accessory, or the like. Further, although the number of layers is 5, the number of layers may be 2 or more. Further, the setting data area is provided for each of the low base state, the high base state, and the jackpot state, but is not limited to this, and is provided for each of various states such as the low accuracy high base state and the high accuracy high base state. It may be.

As the control data set in the control data area described above, the control data output to the lamp control board 14 is taken as an example, but the address of the data indicating the light emission pattern or the 1-bit data indicating on / off etc. It may be.

When an address of data indicating a light emission pattern is set in the control data area, the effect control CPU 120 refers to the address set in the control data area and lamps the control data stored in the address. It is output to the control board 14, and when the control data area is NULL, it is determined that the control data is not set.

When 1-bit data indicating on / off is set in the control data area, the effect control CPU 120 corresponds to the control data area when "1" indicating on is set in the control data area. The control data indicating the light emission pattern of the effect to be performed is output to the lamp control board 14, and when “0” indicating off is set in the control data area, it is determined that the control data is not set. Therefore, when "0" is set, the control data indicating the light emission pattern of the effect corresponding to the control data area is not output to the lamp control board 14, so that the lamp 9 does not emit light in the light emission pattern. It becomes.

Further, as the light emitting pattern of the lamp, the embodiment based on the difference in color has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a blinking pattern or the like having different light emitting intervals may be used. Further, specific examples of the colors A, B, C, D, and E include blue, yellow, green, red, gold, and rainbow, but they may emit light in a plurality of colors.

Further, in this embodiment, the control means is used when the control data is set in the control data area (for example, the control data area of layer 5 of FIG. 33) in which the highest priority is set. Controls to emit light in a light emission pattern indicating an error regardless of the game state. Therefore, the error can be appropriately notified.

Further, in this embodiment, the first control data (for example, the control data of the notice A effect of FIG. 33) that causes the light emitting device to emit light in the first light emission pattern when set in the control data area There is second control data that causes the light emitting device to emit light in the second light emission pattern when it is set in the control data area, and in one gaming state (for example, the low base state of FIG. 33), the first 1 The control data (for example, the control data of the notice A effect set in the layer 3 of FIG. 33) is the second control data (for example, the control data of the notice B effect set in the layer 2 of FIG. 33). In a game state (for example, the high base state of FIG. 33 (B)) that is set in the control data area having a higher priority than that of one game state and is different from one game state, the first control data (for example, FIG. 33 (for example) The notice A effect control data set in layer 2 of B) has a higher priority than the second control data (for example, the notice B effect control data set in layer 3 of FIG. 33 (B)). Is set in the low control data area. Therefore, the lamp effect can be performed in the order of priority according to the game state, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S55C of FIG. 23 as the controlled memory inspection process. In the controlled memory inspection process shown in FIG. 38, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the memory is being inspected (step S1251). In step S1251, for example, the memory inspection flag is set when the memory inspection is executed, and whether or not the memory inspection is in progress depends on whether the memory inspection flag is on or off. You just have to judge. If it is determined in step S1251 that the memory inspection is not in progress (step S1251; No), it is determined whether or not the waiting time that is the memory inspection interval has elapsed (step S1252). The effect control CPU 120 may determine that the memory inspection interval has elapsed, for example, when the timeout signal output from the timer circuit (not shown) included in the CTC is on. Alternatively, in the effect control CPU 120, the memory inspection interval has elapsed when the current time specified using, for example, RTC (real-time clock: not shown) has elapsed the time set as the memory inspection interval. It may be determined that.

If the memory check interval has elapsed in step S1252 (step S1252; Yes), it is determined whether or not the demo is being displayed (step S1253). In step S1253, it is determined that the demo display is in progress when the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not in progress and the demo display for displaying the effect image to be a demonstration is executed on the screen of the effect display device 5. do it. If the memory inspection interval has elapsed in step S1252, the memory inspection interval may be set again. If it is determined in step S1253 that the demo is not being displayed (step S1253; No), a predetermined predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) is set as the inspection standby time during control (step S1254), and the control is in progress. End the memory inspection process. The predetermined time set as the controlled inspection standby time in step S1254 can normally recover the stored data of the CGROM 141 in response to the case where data refresh or data transfer is executed after the memory inspection interval has elapsed. Alternatively, it may be set within the range in which data refresh and data transfer can be normally executed so that the data can be transferred (substitutable). For example, the predetermined time, which is the control waiting time, may be set differently depending on the number of times the CGROM 141 is read before the memory inspection interval elapses. In this case, when the number of readings of the CGROM 141 executed before the memory inspection interval elapses is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times determination value, a shorter time is set than when it is less than the number of times determination value. You may. Alternatively, the predetermined time, which is the control waiting time, may be set to a different time depending on the number of error bits generated before the memory inspection interval elapses. In this case, if the number of error bits detected before the memory check interval elapses is greater than or equal to the predetermined error determination value, a shorter time is set than when it is less than the error determination value. May be good.

If the memory inspection interval has not elapsed in step S1252 (step S1252; No), it is determined whether or not the controlled inspection waiting time set in step S1254 has elapsed (step S1255). If the inspection waiting time during control has not elapsed (step S1255; No), it is determined whether or not the demo is being displayed (step S1256). If it is determined in step S1256 that the demo is not being displayed (step S1256; No), the controlled memory inspection process is terminated.

When it is determined in step S1253 that the demo is being displayed (step S1253; Yes), when the in-control inspection waiting time has elapsed in step S1255 (step S1255; Yes), or when the demo is being displayed in step S1256. When it is determined that (step S1256; Yes), the control is controlled so as to start the control memory inspection for inspecting the stored data of the CGROM 141 during the effect control (step S1257). For example, the effect control CPU 120 inspects the stored data of the CGROM 141 by executing the memory inspection process. At this time, for example, the memory inspection flag is set and turned on, and the corresponding settings are made during the memory inspection (step S1258), and the controlled memory inspection process is terminated. If the memory inspection interval has elapsed in step S1252, the process proceeds to step S1257 without determining whether or not the demo is being displayed in step S1253, and the controlled memory inspection is immediately started. You may do so.

If it is determined in step S1251 that the memory inspection is in progress (step S1251; Yes), it is determined whether or not the memory inspection is completed (step S1259). If it is determined that the memory inspection is not completed (step S1259; No), the controlled memory inspection process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the memory inspection is completed (step S1259; Yes), control corresponding to the end of the controlled memory inspection is performed (step S1260). At this time, for example, the corresponding setting is made after the memory inspection (step S1261), such as clearing and turning off the memory inspection flag, and the controlled memory inspection process is terminated.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S55D of FIG. 23 as the controlled effect data transfer process. In the controlled effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the effect data is being read (step S271). In step S271, it may be determined whether or not the effect data is being read, for example, depending on whether the effect data reading flag is on or off. If it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is not being read (step S271; No), it is determined whether or not the effect data reading condition is satisfied (step S272). In step S272, for example, when it is necessary to transfer the stored data of the CGROM 141 to the VRAM 126 from the contents of the effect control execution data (display control execution data included in the process data) included in the effect control pattern, the effect data read condition is set. It may be determined that it has been established.

If it is determined in step S272 that the effect data reading condition is not satisfied (step S272; No), the normal WDT clear setting is performed (step S273). In step S273, the watchdog timer is cleared and the measurement time is initialized before the monitoring time of the watchdog timer (not shown) elapses in response to the case where the stored data of the CGROM 141 is not read. You can restart it. For example, the effect control CPU 120 may periodically clear the watchdog timer by writing a plurality of WDT clear data in order to the WDT clear register.

When the effect data reading condition is satisfied in step S272 (step S272; Yes), control is performed so as to start reading the effect data (step S274). For example, the effect control CPU 120 may read the stored data of the CGROM 141, transfer it to the VRAM 126, and store it. At this time, for example, the effect data reading flag is set and turned on, and the corresponding setting is made during the effect data reading (step S275), and the controlled effect data transfer process is terminated. Further, in step S275, a predetermined fixed time is set as the clearing time during reading.

If it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is being read (step S271; Yes), it is determined whether or not the effect data has been read (step S276). When it is determined that the reading of the effect data is completed (step S276; Yes), control corresponding to the end of reading the effect data is performed (step S277). At this time, for example, the effect data reading flag is cleared and turned off, and the corresponding setting is made after the effect data is read (step S278), and the controlled effect data transfer process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S276 that the reading of the effect data is not completed (step S276; No), it is determined whether or not the clearing time during reading has elapsed (step S279). At this time, if the reading clear time has elapsed (step S279; Yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reading clears has reached a predetermined clear upper limit determination value (step S280). The number of times of clearing during reading indicates the number of times that the watchdog timer is cleared by the setting of step S281 after the effect data is started to be read by the control in step S274. For example, in step S275, “0” is set as the initial count value of the clear counter during reading, and the count value may be updated to be incremented by 1 according to the setting in step S282.

If the clearing time during reading in step S279 has not elapsed (step S279; No), or if the clear upper limit determination value has been reached in step S280 (step S280; Yes), the control production data transfer process To finish. On the other hand, if the clear upper limit determination value has not been reached in step S280 (step S280; No), the WDT clear setting during reading is performed (step S281). In step S281, the watchdog timer is cleared and the measurement time is initialized before the watchdog timer monitoring time elapses, in response to the case where the stored data of the CGROM 141 is read. Just start. When the reading WDT clear setting is made in step S281, the reading clear count is updated by 1 or the like (step S282), and the controlled effect data transfer process is terminated.

In the reading WDT clear setting in step S281, the watchdog timer may be set to be cleared at a cycle different from that in the case of the normal WDT clear setting in step S273. For example, in the reading WDT clear setting in step S281, the watchdog timer is cleared in a longer cycle than in the case of the normal WDT clear setting in step S273. In this case, the normal WDT clear setting in step S273 clears the watchdog timer by each setting, whereas the reading WDT clear setting in step S281 sets the watchdog timer a plurality of times. You may clear it. If the watchdog timer is cleared by setting a plurality of WDT clear data in order in the WDT clear register, the plurality of WDT clear data are all ordered when the normal WDT clear setting in step S273 is performed once. On the other hand, when the reading WDT clear setting is performed once in step S281, only 1 WDT clear data is set, and the WDT clear setting during reading is repeated a plurality of times to clear a plurality of WDTs. The data may be set in order. On the contrary, in the reading WDT clear setting in step S281, the watchdog timer may be cleared in a shorter cycle than in the case of the normal WDT clear setting in step S273.

As described above, in the control-controlled effect data transfer process, when the normal WDT clear setting in step S273 is performed, the measurement time by the watchdog timer is initialized before the monitoring time of the watchdog timer elapses. Further, after starting the reading of the effect data by the control in step S274, if it is determined in step S276 that the reading of the effect data is not completed, the watch is set to clear the WDT during reading in step S281. Initialize the measurement time by the watchdog timer before the monitoring time of the dog timer elapses. As a result, when the reading time of the effect data is prolonged, the watchdog timer can be appropriately cleared and the improper reset of the effect control CPU 120 can be suppressed, so that the occurrence of a problem can be prevented.

In the controlled effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, it is determined in step S271 whether or not the effect data is being read, thereby determining whether or not the stored data of the CGROM 141 is being read. .. If data refresh or data transfer (alternative processing) is executed in the CGROM 141 during this read period, the read period may become long and the normal WDT clear setting in step S273 may not be possible. is there. Therefore, if it is determined in step S271 that the effect data is being read, and if it is determined in step S276 that the effect data has not been read, the watchdog timer is monitored by the reading WDT clear setting in step S281. The measurement time by the watchdog timer can be initialized before the time elapses. In this case, when it is determined in step S280 that the number of times of clearing during reading has not reached the clear upper limit determination value, the reading WDT clear setting in step S281 can be performed. When it is determined in step S280 that the number of clears during reading has reached the clear upper limit determination value, the WDT clear setting during reading in step S281 is not set, so that the initialization of the measurement time by the watchdog timer is restricted. .. In this way, after the number of clears during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value, when the monitoring time of the watchdog timer elapses, a timeout signal that becomes a time elapse signal is generated to reset the effect control CPU 120. And restart. When the number of clears during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value, the effect control CPU 120 may be immediately reset and restarted without waiting until the monitoring time of the watchdog timer elapses. For example, when it is determined in step S280 that the number of clears during reading has reached the clear upper limit determination value, a reset interrupt of the effect control CPU 120 may be generated to put the effect control CPU 120 in the reset state.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the memory inspection process executed by the effect control CPU 120. In this embodiment, the case where the effect control CPU 120 executes the memory inspection process or the like by using the VDP function is shown, but the effect control microcomputer 120A includes a memory controller (not shown). It may be configured so that the memory controller starts executing the memory inspection process based on the supply of the inspection request signal from the effect control CPU 120. In this case, the memory controller may be able to execute the memory inspection process on condition that the signal is supplied from the effect control CPU 120. Alternatively, the memory controller can execute the memory inspection process based on the setting at the time of turning on the power, the end of the memory inspection interval, etc., without the condition of the signal supply from the effect control CPU 120. May be good.

In the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40, the effect control CPU 120 (or the memory controller) reads out the status information stored in the CGROM 141 or the like (step S451). The status information may include management information of the erasure unit block, management information of the number of error bits, management information of error correction, management information of data refresh, and the like. The error bit number management information may be any information that is created each time sector data is read from the CGROM 141 and indicates the number of error bits specified by error detection of each sector data. The error correction management information may be information that is created when the sector data read from the CGROM 141 is error-corrected and indicates whether or not the error correction of each sector data has been performed. The data refresh management information may be information that is created when the sector data stored in the CGROM 141 is refreshed and indicates the number of times the data refresh is performed, the execution date and time, and the like.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the data refresh condition is satisfied based on the content of the status information read in step S451 (step S452). For example, when there is sector data in which the number of error bits shown in the management information of the number of error bits exceeds a predetermined error threshold value, it may be determined that the data refresh condition is satisfied. Further, it may be determined that the data refresh condition is satisfied when there is sector data for which the error correction indicated in the error correction management information cannot be performed.

When the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452 (step S452; Yes), control for executing the data refresh is performed (step S453). In step S453, for example, the stored data of the erasing unit block including the sector data to be refreshed is read, error correction is performed, and the correct data is restored. Then, for the erase unit block from which the stored data has been read, the stored data may be erased and then the restored correct data may be written. Alternatively, the restored correct data may be written in an erasing unit block different from the erasing unit block from which the stored data is read. When the restored correct data is written, it may be determined whether or not the data refresh is normally completed by reading the written data again and comparing it with the data before writing.

When the data refresh condition is not satisfied in step S452 (step S452; No), or after the control in step S453 is performed, it is determined whether or not the data transfer condition is satisfied (step S454). For example, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied when there is sector data for which the error correction indicated in the error correction management information cannot be performed. Further, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied when there is sector data in which the number of times the data refresh is performed shown in the data refresh management information exceeds a predetermined transfer threshold value. .. When the data refresh is not normally completed in step S453, it may be determined that the data transfer condition is satisfied.

If the data transfer condition is not satisfied in step S454 (step S454; No), the memory inspection process ends. On the other hand, when the data transfer condition is satisfied (step S454; Yes), the control for executing the data transfer is performed (step S455), and then the memory inspection process is terminated. In step S455, for example, the stored data of the erasing unit block including the sector data to be transferred is read, error correction is performed, and the correct data is restored. At this time, the erasing unit block from which the stored data is read is set as a defective block as a defective area. Then, the restored data may be written to an alternative block that is an alternative area in the redundant area. In addition, the arrangement information included in the address translation table is updated so that the stored data of the alternative block can be read instead of the defective block.

In the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40, when the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452, the data refresh can be executed by the control in step S453. As a result, even if a memory cell deteriorated due to factors such as read disturb or data retention occurs in the CGROM 141, the stored data can be restored to the correct data and protected. Further, when the data transfer condition is satisfied in step S454, the alternative process of performing data transfer can be executed by the control in step S455. Thereby, in the CGROM 141, when there is a defective block that becomes an unrecoverable defective area even if the memory cell is refreshed, the stored data of the defective area can be transferred to the alternative block that becomes the alternative area to be protected.

In the effect control main process shown in FIG. 23, the memory inspection setting at power-on is performed in step S51B, and the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40 is executed at power-on. At this time, the data refresh may be executed by the control in step S453, or the data transfer may be executed by the control in step S455. For example, after the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, such as before the power is cut off last time, the status information of the CGROM 141 is updated, and the data refresh condition can be satisfied or the data transfer condition can be satisfied. Sometimes. However, when the power supply is terminated by turning off the power without performing data refresh or data transfer, the deterioration of the memory cell is left unattended and further progresses, and the stored data of the CGROM 141 contains many errors. There is a risk of becoming. Therefore, when the power supply is started again by turning on the power, the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40 is executed, and if the data refresh condition is satisfied in step S452, the data refresh is executed by the control in step S453. Then, if the data transfer condition is satisfied in step S454, the data transfer is executed by the control in step S455. Further, in the effect control main process shown in FIG. 23, the memory inspection interval is set in step S51C.

In the controlled memory inspection process shown in FIG. 38, when the memory inspection interval has elapsed in step S1252, it is determined that the demo is being displayed in step S1253 or step S1256, or in step S1255. The memory inspection under control can be executed by the control in step S1257 on condition that it is determined that the inspection waiting time during control has elapsed. In this way, data refresh and data transfer can be executed based on the elapse of the memory inspection interval not only when the power is turned on but also when the progress of the production is being controlled. Even if a long time elapses without stopping the supply, the process for protecting the stored data of the CGROM 141 can be executed. In particular, since the alternative process of data transfer can be executed based on the elapse of the memory inspection interval, the stored data of the defective block, which is a defective area where an unrecoverable data error occurs even if the memory cell is refreshed, can be stored. It can be appropriately moved and stored in an alternative block that serves as an alternative area.

FIG. 41 shows a configuration example of a storage area in the CGROM 141. The storage area of the CGROM 141 has three areas, that is, a data area, a control area, and a redundant area. A management table and various effect data can be stored in the data area and the redundant area. The effect data may be audio data, lamp drive data, motor drive data, or the like, in addition to image data including still image data and moving image data. The data area is a normally used area used for normal access of the CGROM 141. The program for controlling the progress of the effect and the effect data used for executing the effect are written and stored in the data area as long as the access is not hindered. The redundant area is an alternative use area that can be used in place of a defective area that interferes with writing or reading in the data area. A defective area such as a defective block determined to interfere with access in the data area is set to prohibit use, and the stored data of the defective area is stored in an alternative area such as an alternative block in the redundant area. The control area is a control information area that stores correspondence information and the like indicating the relationship between the defective area of the data area and the alternative area of the redundant area. As the correspondence information, for example, the arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the address of the data area and the address of the redundant area is stored. The address of the data area and the address of the redundant area may be specified by a page number or a block number, or may be specified by a start address and an end address. Arrangement information indicating the correspondence between the address of the data area and the address of the redundant area may be collectively stored in the address translation table. The address change table is composed of table data of arrangement information that enables the logical block address specified when requesting access from the effect control CPU 120 to the CGROM 141 to be converted into the physical block address assigned to the actual storage area. It suffices if it is done.

In the data area shown in FIG. 41, three defective areas A, B, and D exist. In this case, the redundant area is provided with alternative areas A, B, and D to which the stored data of the defective areas A, B, and D are transferred. Arrangement information A, B, and D that specify the correspondence between the defective areas A, B, and D and the alternative areas A, B, and D are stored in the control area. History information may be written in the redundant area. The history information may be any information indicating the history of data transfer in the CGROM 141, and may include, for example, date information in which the data transfer was performed. History information C is stored in the redundant area shown in FIG. 41. Arrangement information C corresponding to history information C is stored in the control area. The arrangement information C is different from the arrangement information indicating the correspondence relationship between the defective area and the alternative area, and has a history flag indicating that the arrangement information is related to the history information and an address information of a redundant area storing the history information. It may be included. By reading the address information included in the arrangement information in which the history flag is turned on, the history information stored in the redundant area can be read. The number of times data transfer has been performed in CGROM 141 may be specified from the date information of data transfer included in the history information, and it may be determined whether the use of CGROM 141 can be continued or should be discarded. In the control area, in addition to the placement information, various management information constituting the status information such as the management information of the erasing unit block, the management information of the number of error bits, the management information of error correction, and the management information of data refresh are stored in the control area. It may be remembered.

FIG. 42A shows a configuration example of moving image data included in the image data among the effect data stored in the CGROM 141. FIG. 42B shows an operation example in which moving image data is separated into video data and audio data and decoded. FIG. 42C shows an execution example of moving image reproduction using moving image data. The moving image data may be configured by multiplexing video data and audio data, each of which is compressed and encoded, in a predetermined container format. In the moving image data, if the video data block in which the packetized video data is stored and the audio data block in which the packetized audio data are stored are arranged in a predetermined order following the header information. Good. The moving image data read from the CGROM 141 is input to the demultiplexer and separated into video data and audio data. The video data output from the demultiplexer is supplied to the video decoder. The audio data output from the demultiplexer is supplied to the audio decoder. The video decoder decodes the video data supplied from the demultiplexer and outputs it at a timing that matches the header information or the time stamp added to each packet. The audio decoder decodes the audio data supplied from the demultiplexer and outputs it at a timing that matches the header information or the time stamp added to each packet.

In this way, using the moving image data configured by multiplexing the video data and the audio data, the video data and the audio data are separated and decoded, and then output according to the time stamp. This makes it possible to reproduce a moving image in which the video output and the audio output are synchronized. The CGROM 141 stores video data related to the display control of the effect display device 5 and audio data related to output control of the effect sound in the speakers 8L and 8R as a series of moving image data. The sound processing circuit (not shown) of the effect control CPU 120 and the sound control board 13 reproduces the moving image using the moving image data read from the CGROM 141, thereby controlling the display of the effect display device 5 and the speaker. The output control of the effect sound in 8L and 8R can be executed in synchronization with each other.

43 to 45 are sequence diagrams showing an example of moving image reproduction control corresponding to the case where a moving image reproduction command is supplied. FIG. 43 shows the case where the inspection is OK in which the inspection result of the moving image data (read data) read from the CGROM 141 is normal. FIG. 44 shows the case where the data refresh is successful in the CGROM 141. FIG. 45 shows the case of defective block detection in which a defective block is detected in the CGROM 141. In FIGS. 43 to 45, the VDP and the memory controller portion of the functions of the effect control CPU 120 are shown as one block each. In this embodiment, the case where the effect control CPU 120 having the VDP function is used is shown, but the VDP and the memory controller may be provided separately from the effect control CPU 120.

As shown in FIG. 43, in the VDP, when a moving image reproduction command is received from the effect control CPU 120, a moving image data reading request requesting reading of moving image data specified from a register value as a parameter or the like is sent to a memory. Supply to the controller. The memory controller sets the read standby signal to be output to the effect control CPU 120 to ON in response to the reception of the moving image data read request. After that, reading of moving image data is started. When the reading of the moving image data is completed, error detection and error correction of the read moving image data are performed. As a result, when the reading of the moving image data is completed, the VDP starts the reproduction display of the moving image on the screen of the effect display device 5. It should be noted that the reproduction display of the moving image is not started until all the moving image data has been read, and the read moving image data is used every time the moving image data of a predetermined unit is read completed. The reproduction display of the moving image may proceed in sequence. Further, as shown in FIGS. 42 (A) to 42 (C), in the reproduction display of the moving image, the video output in the effect display device 5 and the audio output in the speakers 8L and 8R are executed in synchronization and cooperate with each other. And proceed.

In addition, the memory controller inspects the read data by using the execution results of error detection and error correction. For example, the inspection result of the read data is determined according to whether or not the number of error bits specified by error detection exceeds the error threshold value and whether or not there is sector data that cannot be corrected by error correction. At this time, if it is determined that the inspection result of the read data is normal, the stored data of the CGROM 141 has been read normally, and the read standby signal to be output to the effect control CPU 120 is set to off. After that, when the reproduction display of the moving image by the control of VDP or the like is completed, the VDP may notify the effect control CPU 120 of the completion of the moving image reproduction.

In the case shown in FIG. 44, the memory controller determines that the inspection result of the read data is abnormal. In this case, data refresh is started for the sector data stored in the CGROM 141. After that, when the data refresh is completed normally, the stored data of the CGROM 141 can be newly read, so that the read standby signal output to the effect control CPU 120 is set to off. Note that data refresh based on the inspection result of the read data is executed according to the execution result of error detection and error correction, so even if it can be executed after the playback display of the moving image under the control of VDP or the like is started. Good. As a result, even when the data refresh for the stored data of the CGROM 141 is executed, it is possible to prevent a delay in the reproduction display of the moving image and execute an effect by appropriately reproducing and displaying the moving image. On the other hand, if the reproduction display of the moving image under the control of VDP or the like is not started and waits until the data refresh is completed, the reproduction display of the moving image will be delayed.

In the case shown in FIG. 45, after the data refresh is started by the memory controller, the data refresh is interrupted because a defective block that becomes a defective area is detected. In this case, data transfer is started for the sector data of the erasing unit block stored in the CGROM 141 in response to the detection of the defective block. After that, in the CGROM 141, when the data transfer from the defective block which becomes the defective area in the data area to the alternative block which becomes the alternative area in the redundant area is completed and the stored data of the CGROM 141 can be newly read, the effect control CPU 120 Set the read standby signal to be output toward to to off. As with the data refresh, the data transfer executed after the data refresh based on the detection result of the read data may be executed after the reproduction display of the moving image under the control of VDP or the like is started. As a result, even when data transfer to the stored data of the CGROM 141 is executed, it is possible to prevent a delay in the reproduction display of the moving image and execute an effect by appropriately reproducing and displaying the moving image. On the other hand, if the playback display of the moving image under the control of VDP or the like is not started and waits until the data transfer from the defective area to the alternative area is completed, it is compared with the case where the data refresh is completed normally. Therefore, the reproduction display of the moving image will be further delayed.

In the case shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, when the inspection result of the read data is determined to be abnormal, the data refresh is continuously started. In the case shown in FIG. 45, after the data refresh is started, the data transfer is continuously started when a defective block serving as a defective area is detected. In this way, depending on the inspection result of the read data of the CGROM 141, the data refresh or the data transfer may be executed immediately after the reading is performed. On the other hand, the execution result of error detection and error correction for the read data of CGROM 141 is stored in CGROM 141, and when the memory inspection interval elapses, the data refresh condition and the data transfer condition are satisfied. It may be possible to perform data refresh and data transfer.

In the moving image reproduction control example shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, when a moving image reproduction command is supplied to the VDP from the effect control CPU 120, the VDP supplies a moving image data read request to the memory controller to move the moving image. Reading of image data has started. On the other hand, the instruction corresponding to the moving image data reading request may be supplied from the effect control CPU 120 to the memory controller. In the effect control CPU 120, when it is determined to start playing the moving image from the effect control execution data (display control execution data included in the process data) included in the effect control pattern, the control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39 In step S272 of the above, it is determined that the effect data reading condition is satisfied. Therefore, by controlling in step S274, the effect control CPU 120 may supply a command corresponding to the moving image data read request to the memory controller. However, when the effect control CPU 120 supplies a moving image reproduction command to the VDP and the effect control CPU 120 supplies a command corresponding to the moving image data read request to the memory controller, the effect control CPU 120 Processing load may increase. On the other hand, as in the moving image reproduction control example shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, when the VDP receives the moving image reproduction command supplied from the effect control CPU 120, the VDP requests the memory controller to read the moving image data. By supplying the above, the processing load for reading the moving image data is distributed, so that the processing load of the effect control CPU 120 can be reduced.

When starting the reproduction display of a moving image, a delay may occur due to various factors. For example, as in the moving image reproduction control example shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, a delay may occur due to data refresh or data transfer based on the inspection result of the read data. In addition, when the control to start the controlled memory inspection is performed in step 257 of the controlled memory inspection process shown in FIG. 38, the stored data of the CGROM 141 becomes unreadable, and the moving image is displayed until the controlled memory inspection is completed. There may be a delay in the reproduction display of the image. Further, in the CGROM 141 configured by using the NAND flash memory, the reproduction display of the moving image may be delayed due to the reading of the stored data by random access. The CGROM 141 configured by using the NAND flash memory reads the stored data in sector units. Since the data capacity of the moving image data tends to be larger than that of other effect data, the moving image data may be stored in the CGROM 141 over a plurality of sectors. In the CGROM 141, when the effect data such as moving image data is stored over a plurality of sectors, it is necessary to access each sector and read the stored data. In this case, since random access to the CGROM 141 occurs frequently, the reading of the stored data is delayed, and the reproduction display of the moving image is also affected by the delay.

Among the effects executed in the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is an effect in which a delay is likely to occur depending on the read permission / rejection state of the CGROM 141, as in the case where the reproduction display of the moving image is executed. On the other hand, there is also an effect that can be executed without delay regardless of the read permission / rejection state of the CGROM 141. For example, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include the effect control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the start winning notification SH1. The start prize notification SH1 is the audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the top frame LED9a, the left frame LED9b, the right frame LED9c, the panel side LED9d, 9e, etc. The occurrence of the start winning prize is notified by the lighting mode of the decorative LED, the operation of the movable member for effect, and a combination of a part or all of them. Further, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include the effect control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the post-reach effect AR1 and the post-reach effect AR2. .. The post-reach effect AR1 outputs audio from the speakers 8L and 8R in response to the variable display state of the effect symbol being in the reach state, for example, in response to the period during which the reproduction display of the moving image is normally started. , Top frame LED9a, left frame LED9b, right frame LED9c, panel side LED9d, 9e and other decorative LEDs, lighting mode, operation in the effect movable member, and a combination of some or all of these to notify the start of reach effect. To do. In addition, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include the effect control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the error notification EH1. The error notification EH1 includes audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, a top frame LED 9a, a left frame LED 9b, a right frame LED 9c, a panel side LED 9d, 9e, and other lighting modes in decorative LEDs when various errors occur. The occurrence of an abnormality is notified by a combination of some or all of these. Alternatively, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 may include the effect control execution data (display control execution data) for executing the advance notice effect YA1. The advance notice effect YA1 is the lighting mode and effect of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the top frame LED9a, the left frame LED9b, the right frame LED9c, the panel side LED9d, 9e and other decorative LEDs during the variable display of the effect pattern. It is suggested that the operation of the movable member for use and the combination of a part or all of these are controlled to the jackpot gaming state as an advantageous state.

46 and 47 are sequence diagrams showing a control example when the start winning notification SH1 is executed. FIG. 46 shows a case where there is no read delay in which there is no delay in reading the moving image data. FIG. 47 shows a case where there is a read delay in which the read of the moving image data is delayed. In the control examples shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the control up to the start of the reach effect is common. Specifically, when the variable display of the special symbol on the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol display 4B is started, the variable display start command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. Will be done. For example, the CPU 103 of the game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 makes settings for transmitting a variable display result notification command and a variable pattern designation command. In the effect control board 12, the effect control CPU 120 executes the effect symbol variation start process in response to receiving the variable display start command, and starts the variable display of the effect symbol. In this way, in response to the start of the variable display of the special symbol, the variable display start setting of the effect symbol is performed, and the variable display of the effect symbol is started. After that, the pre-reach effect BR1 may be executed. The pre-reach effect BR1 may be an effect that suggests that the game is controlled to a big hit game state by a variable display mode of the effect symbol, such as a variable display effect of "sliding" or "pseudo-ream". Alternatively, the pre-reach effect BR1 may be an effect that suggests that the effect is controlled to a big hit game state regardless of the variable display mode of the effect symbol, such as a notice effect. After that, in response to reaching the reach establishment in which the variable display state of the effect symbol becomes the reach state, the execution of the reach effect is started, and the reach effect is started.

In the control example shown in FIG. 46, as a reach effect, the reproduction display of the moving image is started without delay. After the reproduction display of the moving image is started, the start prize notification SH1 is executed at the time of the start prize when the first start prize or the second start prize occurs. The start winning notification SH1 can be executed without delay at the time of starting winning by reading the effect control execution data (display control execution data) stored in the ROM 135 in response to the occurrence of the starting winning. The start winning notification SH1 is a passing area (starting area) through which a game ball can pass, such as a first starting winning opening formed in the normal winning ball device 6A or a second starting winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball device 6B. ) Is included in the passage assistance effect regarding the passage of the game ball. The reach effect by reproducing and displaying the moving image includes the audio output on the speakers 8L and 8R, which is executed in synchronization with the video output on the screen of the effect display device 5. This audio output is included in the display auxiliary effect related to the display of the effect display device 5.

After the execution of the reach effect is started in the control example shown in FIG. 46, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed. The post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect suggesting that the game is controlled to a jackpot game state, such as a cut-in display of an effect image prepared in advance. Alternatively, the post-reach effect AR10 may be an effect that does not suggest that the game is controlled to a big hit game state, such as a video output or an audio output that explains the content of the reach effect. In the control example shown in FIG. 46, the shaking display of the effect symbol is started after the reproduction display of the moving image started without delay is completed. Subsequently, the execution of the reach effect ends, the reach effect ends, and the variable display of the special symbol ends. In response to the end of the variable display, the display result in the variable display of the effect symbol is stopped (completely stopped) and confirmed. The effect pattern is displayed.

In the control example shown in FIG. 47, there is a delay in reading the moving image data used to execute the playback display of the moving image included in the reach effect, and the playback display of the moving image is stopped without being started. There is. When the first start prize or the second start prize occurs during this display stop period, the start prize notification SH1 is executed even during the display stop period. For example, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) used for executing the start winning notification SH1 includes a part or all of the voice control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data, but does not include the display control data. It may be configured in. Alternatively, the effect control execution data (display control execution data) used for executing the start winning notification SH1 includes effect control execution data including a part or all of voice control data, lamp control data, and motor control data, and display control data. The effect control execution data including only the effect control execution data may be prepared separately. The effect control CPU 120 does not use the effect control execution data including only the display control data, but uses the effect control execution data including a part or all of the voice control data, the lamp control data, and the motor control data to notify the start prize. SH1 may be made executable. For example, the effect control CPU 120 reads the effect control execution data prepared in response to the occurrence of the first start prize or the second start prize from the ROM 135. Since the start winning notification SH1 is executed using the effect control execution data read out at this time, the start winning notification SH1 can be executed even during the display stop period without being affected by the delay in the reproduction display of the moving image.

After the execution of the reach effect in which the reproduction display of the moving image is delayed in the control example shown in FIG. 47 is started, the post-reach effect AR10 may be executed. In this control example, the shaking display of the effect symbol is started before the reproduction display of the moving image in which the delay has occurred ends. The timing at which the shaking display of the effect symbol is started is the effect control process timer judgment value set in the effect control pattern (process data) read from the ROM 135 regardless of whether or not there is a delay in the reproduction display of the moving image. It may be determined in advance. In the swaying display of the production symbol, in each of the production symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right", the production symbol to be confirmed is accompanied by slight swaying and expansion / contraction. Is displayed, and the display state waits until the stop display (complete stop display) is displayed. The effect symbol to be the final display is a final effect symbol derived as a display result in the variable display of the effect symbol, and may be the final stop symbol determined in step S201 of the variable display start setting process shown in FIG. Just do it. The shaking display period in which the shaking display of the effect symbol is performed may be a period until a time preset in the effect control pattern (process data) elapses, for example, 2 seconds. During this shaking display period, the playback display of the moving image in which the delay has occurred is continuously executed. The reach effect by reproducing and displaying the moving image includes an audio output executed in synchronization with the video output as a display auxiliary effect related to the display on the screen of the effect display device 5. Therefore, if there is a delay in the playback display of the moving image, the audio output that serves as the display auxiliary effect can be delayed and executed according to the stop period of the playback display due to the delay, and even during the shaking display period, it can be executed. Control of the audio output, which is a delayed display auxiliary effect, is executed. In this way, the shaking display period can be a period during which the control delayed due to the occurrence of the read delay can be executed.

For example, when the variable display time from the start of the variable display to the derivation of the display result becomes long, the moving image data used to execute the reach effect by the playback display of the moving image also has a data capacity. Tends to be large. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a delay will occur in the reproduction display of the moving image. Therefore, when the variable display corresponding to the fluctuation pattern having a long variable display time is executed, the shaking display period is longer than when the variable display corresponding to the fluctuation pattern having a short variable display time is executed. May be set to. As a result, even when the reproduction display of the moving image is likely to be delayed, the possibility of completing the reach effect by the reproduction display of the moving image in which the delay has occurred can be improved, and the occurrence of a defect can be prevented by an appropriate effect without discomfort. ..

In the control example shown in FIG. 47, when the execution of the reach effect in which the reproduction display of the moving image is delayed is started, the video output by the reproduction display of the moving image may be faded in. For example, when starting the reproduction display of the delayed moving image, the blending rate of the moving image may be initially set to "0" and updated so as to increase the blending rate with the passage of time. In this way, by fading in the video output due to the delayed display of the reproduced moving image, it is possible to suppress the discomfort of the display effect using the moving image when the reproduced display of the moving image is delayed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the control means (the present invention) having a display control function (VDP function in this example) for controlling the display of the effect display means (in this example, the effect display device 5). In the example, the effect control CPU 120) and the temperature monitoring means (in this example, the temperature sensor 136) for monitoring the temperature of the control means are provided. Further, the display control function can be gradually restricted according to the temperature of the control means (in this example, when the temperature of the effect control CPU 120 reaches 60 ° C. to 70 ° C., the mode shifts to the first restriction mode and the effect control is performed. When the temperature of the CPU 120 for production is 71 ° C. to 94 ° C., the mode shifts to the second limited mode, and when the temperature of the CPU 120 for effect control becomes 95 ° C. or higher, the mode shifts to the third limited mode). Therefore, more appropriate heat countermeasures for the control means having the display control function can be realized. That is, if all the effects are not displayed immediately when the temperature abnormality of the effect control CPU 120 is detected, the interest in the game will be significantly reduced. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the effect display is controlled to be restricted step by step instead of not immediately performing all the effect display, so that the interest in the game is lowered more than necessary. It is possible to prevent this from happening, and it is possible to realize more appropriate heat countermeasures.

In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 determines the specific temperature of the effect control CPU 120 based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor 136 to determine the temperature abnormality. It is not limited to such an aspect. For example, instead of outputting temperature information that can specify a specific temperature from the temperature sensor 136, a predetermined interrupt signal is generated when a specific temperature is reached, and the interrupt signal is input. It may be configured to determine that a temperature abnormality has occurred based on the above. In this case, for example, the mode shifts to the first limiting mode when the interrupt signal is input, and shifts to the second limiting mode when a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the interrupt signal is input. The display control function may be restricted stepwise according to the elapsed time from the input of the interrupt signal.

Further, in this embodiment, the background image is erased in the first restricted mode, the variable display of the effect symbol is also erased in the second restricted mode, and the small symbol, the reserved image, and the active image are also erased in the third restricted mode. The case is shown, but it is not limited to such a restriction mode. For example, as a restriction mode of the display control function, in a certain restriction mode, the advance notice effect before reach may be restricted, or the restriction may be performed according to the type of effect. Further, for example, in a certain restriction mode, the display area unit may be restricted such that only the edge of the display screen of the effect display device 5 is not displayed. Further, for example, when a plurality of display devices such as a main liquid crystal display device and a sub liquid crystal display device are provided, the sub liquid crystal display device is not displayed in a certain restricted mode and only the main liquid crystal display device is continuously displayed. It may be configured to limit the units.

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the display control function is limited to the three stages of the first restriction mode to the third control mode is shown, but the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and for example, only the two stages are restricted. It may be configured so as to impose restrictions of four or more steps.

Further, according to this embodiment, the display control function can be restricted by a plurality of types of restriction modes including at least a first restriction mode and a second restriction mode having a higher degree of restriction than the first restriction mode (this example). Then, as shown in FIG. 32 (B), only the background image is erased on the display screen of the effect display device 5 in the first restricted mode, and as shown in FIG. 32 (C), the effect display device is displayed in the second restricted mode. On the display screen of 5, the effect symbol display in the symbol display areas of the left 5L, the middle 5C, and the right 5R is also deleted). Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game. For example, in this embodiment, in the first restriction mode, only the display of the background image or the like is restricted, and the variable display of the effect symbol and the simple notice display are continued, so that a part of the effect display can be continued. It is possible to suppress the decline in the interest of the game.

Further, according to this embodiment, the display control function can be restricted by the first limiting mode according to the temperature of the control means reaching a predetermined temperature (60 ° C. to 70 ° C. in this example), and the control can be performed. The display control function can be restricted by the second limiting mode when the temperature of the means reaches a specific temperature (71 ° C. to 94 ° C. in this example) higher than the predetermined temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

Further, according to this embodiment, the display stop for stopping the display control of the effect display means when the temperature of the control means reaches a special temperature (95 ° C. or higher in this example) higher than the specific temperature. The display control function can be restricted by the mode (in this example, as shown in FIG. 32 (D), all the displays on the effect display device 5 (however, except for the third temperature abnormality notification E1) are erased. ). Further, it is possible to release the restriction of the display control function by the display stop mode according to the decrease in the temperature of the control means from the special temperature (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 when shifting to the third restriction mode). When the temperature of the temperature drops below 90 ° C, the mode shifts to the second limiting mode). Therefore, the heat countermeasures of the control means having the display control function can be strengthened, and the display stop mode can be automatically restored after the transition to the display stop mode.

Further, according to this embodiment, when the display control function is restricted by the first restriction mode, it is controlled so that a part of the effect is not executed (in this example, the background image on the display screen of the effect display device 5). (Erase or display the image with the scaler function stopped). Therefore, it is possible to realize appropriate display control according to the temperature of the control means.

In this embodiment, the background image is erased or the scaler function is stopped in the first restriction mode, but the mode is not limited to such a mode. For example, the effect control microcomputer 120A may be restricted so as not to select or determine a part of the effect such as the advance notice effect.

Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to limit the sound output according to the type of the limiting mode (in this example, in the first limiting mode, a production effect such as a partial advance notice effect during the variable display of the effect symbol is performed. The sound and BGM sound output is limited, and in the second limited mode and the third limited mode, no sound output related to the variable display of the effect symbol is performed). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the display control and the sound output from being inconsistent with each other.

It is desirable to configure the error sound to be continuously output regardless of whether the display control function is restricted. With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately continue to notify the error.

Further, according to this embodiment, the display of information regarding the progress of the game is controlled by emitting light from the light emitting body (in this example, the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B). In addition, it is possible to control the display so that the light emitting body emits light in common regardless of the restricted mode (in this example, the first decorative symbol display is performed regardless of whether or not the mode is shifted to any restricted mode based on the temperature abnormality. The variable display of the first decorative symbol on the vessel 5A and the variable display of the second decorative symbol on the second decorative symbol display 5B are executed). Therefore, the progress of the game can be appropriately notified.

In this embodiment, whether or not the display control function of the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B is being restricted as the light emitting body whose light emission is controlled on the effect control microcomputer 120A side. The case where the display control is continued regardless of the case is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, as a light emitting body for controlling light emission on the effect control microcomputer 120A side, a lamp (LED) for displaying a hold display, an error lamp (LED), and a right-handed display lamp (LED) for prompting a right-handed operation. , The display control may be continued regardless of whether or not the display control function is restricted.

Further, in this embodiment, the display control of the light emitting body such as the first decorative symbol display 5A and the second decorative symbol display 5B is continued regardless of whether the display control function is restricted or not. However, when the effect control CPU 120 reaches a certain temperature or higher, the display control of these light emitters may also be stopped.

Further, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the temperature abnormality according to the temperature of the control means (in this example, as shown in FIGS. 32B to 32D, the first temperature abnormality notification E1 to 1). The third temperature abnormality notification E3 is displayed). Therefore, it is possible to perform appropriate notification according to the temperature of the control means.

In this embodiment, the case where the first temperature abnormality notification E1 to the third temperature abnormality notification E3 are displayed stepwise according to which of the first restriction mode to the third restriction mode is shown is shown. Not limited to such a mode, for example, regardless of which of the first restricted mode to the third restricted mode, when the effect control CPU 120 reaches a certain temperature, the temperature abnormality notification of the common mode is displayed. It may be configured as.

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the third temperature abnormality notification E3 is displayed even in the third restriction mode is shown (see FIG. 32 (D)), but the temperature abnormality notification is also not displayed in the third restriction mode. , The display screen of the effect display device 5 may be configured so that no display is performed including the temperature abnormality notification.

Further, according to this embodiment, a cooling means (cooling fan 142 in this example) for cooling the control means is provided. Further, the operation mode of the cooling means can be changed according to the temperature of the control means (in this example, the cooling fan 142 is operated at a low speed in the first limiting mode, and the cooling fan 142 is operated at a medium speed in the second limiting mode. , The cooling fan 142 is operated at high speed in the third limiting mode). Therefore, more appropriate heat countermeasures for the control means having the display control function can be realized.

Further, according to this embodiment, the first substrate (in this example, the effect control board 12) provided with the control means (in this example, the effect control CPU 120) and the effect information (book) related to the effect control. In the example, a second substrate (in this example, a relay board 16A for effect control) provided with a storage means (CGROM 141 in this example) for storing various image data) is provided. Further, the storage means stores the authentication information in advance (in this example, the authentication data is stored in the CGROM 141), and the control means performs the authentication process based on the authentication information stored in the storage means. It is feasible (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 collates the authentication data read from the CGROM 141 with the authentication data stored in the ROM 135 to perform the authentication process). Then, the effect control can be executed based on the successful authentication in the authentication process (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 has the initial effect data transfer process (S51D) based on the successful authentication). Execute various production control processes including). Therefore, an appropriate connection relationship can be ensured between the substrate provided with the control means and the substrate provided with the storage means.

For example, when the effect control microcomputer 120A having the VDP function is mounted on one board (in this example, the effect control board 12) and distributed as one effect control unit as in this embodiment, this effect is achieved. After the game machine equipped with the control unit is removed at the game store, the effect control unit is removed from this game machine, and the effect control unit is installed in the game machine of a game machine manufacturer other than the regular purchase manufacturer of the effect control unit. Can be diverted. In this case, the quality of the game machine equipped with the used production control unit cannot be ensured, and the parts cost increases as the regular distribution amount of the production control unit decreases, so that the game machine of the regular purchase manufacturer There is a problem that the manufacturing cost (cost) increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, by executing the authentication process on the effect control board 12 with another board (in this example, the effect control relay board 16A), a game machine other than the officially purchased manufacturer is used. It is possible to suppress the diversion of the production control unit by the manufacturer. On the other hand, in the regular purchase maker, the manufacturing cost of the game machine can be reduced by properly reusing the effect control unit.

It should be noted that the authentication data stored in the ROM 135 built in the effect control microcomputer 120A and the authentication data stored in the CGROM 141 on the effect control relay board 16A are set to unique values for each ROM as authentication data. It may be configured to be stored, or it may be configured to store a unique value for each model of the game machine as authentication data. Further, it may be configured to store a unique value as authentication data for each game machine manufacturer.

Further, according to this embodiment, the control means can execute the effect information transfer process (in this example, the initial effect data transfer process (S51D)) stored in the storage means, and the authentication process is performed. The transfer process can be executed based on the successful authentication (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 can execute the initial effect data transfer process (S51D) based on the successful authentication). .. Therefore, it is possible to execute an appropriate transfer process of the effect information.

Further, according to this embodiment, the game control means (in this example, the game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game is provided, and the game control means is started to supply power to the game machine. It is possible to output a power-on start command (in this example, a power-on specification command) and a power-off recovery command (in this example, a power-out recovery specification command) indicating that the power has been restored from the power failure state. Further, the control means can execute the authentication process based on the input of the power start command or the power failure recovery command (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 receives the power on designation command or the power failure recovery designation command). The authentication process can be executed based on what you have done). Therefore, the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the game control means side is normally activated.

In this embodiment, the case where the authentication process is executed based on the reception of the power-on designation command or the power failure recovery designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 is shown. I can't be limited. For example, on the effect control microcomputer 120A (specifically, the effect control CPU 120), it is confirmed whether or not the power supply voltage has reached a predetermined value based on the detection signal from the power supply monitoring circuit (not shown). , The authentication process may be executed based on the power supply voltage reaching a predetermined value. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the effect control main process when the power supply voltage is monitored on the effect control microcomputer 120A side.

In the modified example shown in FIG. 48, the effect control CPU 120 first confirms whether or not the power supply voltage has reached a predetermined value based on the detection signal from the power supply monitoring circuit (not shown) (S50X). For example, when VCS (5V) is supplied as the power supply voltage to the effect control CPU 120, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the power supply voltage VCS has reached 4.5V. Then, when the power supply voltage reaches a predetermined value, the effect control CPU 120 executes the authentication process (S50B). The processes after step S50B are the same as those processes shown in FIG. 23.

According to the modified example shown in FIG. 48, the control means can monitor the power supply voltage (in the modified example shown in FIG. 48, the effect control CPU 120 is based on the detection signal from the power supply monitoring circuit (not shown). (Confirm whether or not the power supply voltage has reached the predetermined value), and the authentication process can be executed based on the power supply voltage reaching the predetermined value (in the modified example shown in FIG. 48, the effect control CPU 120 , The authentication process can be executed based on the power supply voltage reaching a predetermined value). Therefore, the authentication process can be executed based on the fact that the power supply voltage of the control means itself can be secured.

Further, according to this embodiment, the effect display means is notified that the authentication has failed based on the authentication failure in the authentication process (in this example, the effect control CPU 120 has an authentication error). The notification process (S50D) is executed). Therefore, it is possible to notify that the connection relationship between the board provided with the control means and the board provided with the storage means cannot be secured.

Further, according to this embodiment, a game control means (in this example, the game control microcomputer 100) for controlling the progress of the game is provided, and the second substrate has a connection unit for connecting to the game control means. (In this example, connector 16Z) and a plurality of effect means (in this example, effect display device 5, first decorative symbol display 5A, second decorative symbol display 5B, LEDs 9a to 9e, speakers 8L, 8R, A connecting portion (connector 16S in this example) for connecting the movable portion 302, the movable member 321 and the like) is provided. Therefore, since the second board may be designed for each model of the game machine, the first board can be shared among different models of the game machine, and the development cost and the manufacturing cost of the game machine can be reduced. it can.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the WDT clear setting during reading is performed in step S281 of the control effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, it is possible to suppress an inappropriate reset of the effect control CPU 120. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects.

In the controlled memory inspection process shown in FIG. 38, if it is determined in step S1252 that the memory inspection interval has elapsed, the memory inspection is executed by the control in step S1257, and the data transfer condition is satisfied. Since the alternative process of transferring the stored data in the bad area to the alternative area can be executed, the protection process for protecting the stored data can be appropriately executed.

In the control example shown in FIG. 47, the start winning notification SH1 can be executed even during the display stop period in which the reproduction display of the moving image is not started and the display is stopped, so that the effect can be appropriately executed.

As shown in FIG. 41, since the storage area of the CGROM 141 includes a data area serving as a normal use area and a redundant area serving as an alternative use area, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects and protect the stored data. The protection process for this can be executed appropriately.

In step S455 of the memory inspection process shown in FIG. 40, control is performed to transfer the stored data of the defective block, which is the defective area of the data area, to the alternative area, which is the alternative area of the redundant area, so that the occurrence of a defect can be prevented. In addition, protection processing for protecting the stored data can be appropriately executed.

In step S271 of the controlled effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, it is determined whether or not the effect data stored in the CGROM 141 is being read, so that the occurrence of a defect can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 42 (A), the moving image data is composed of video data related to display control and audio data related to output control of production sound multiplexed as a series of data, and output of display control and production sound. Since it can be executed in synchronization with the control, the effect can be executed appropriately.

In the controlled effect data transfer process shown in FIG. 39, when the number of clearing during reading reaches the clear upper limit determination value in step S280, the clearing of the watchdog timer by the setting in step S281 is restricted, so that a problem occurs. Can be prevented.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention may be changed or added without departing from the gist of the present invention. include.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the pachinko game machine 1 is illustrated as an example of the game machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a game ball having a predetermined number of balls is a game machine. The number of rented balls that are circulated inside and lent out in response to the player's request for rent and the number of prize balls given in response to winning are added, while the number of game balls used in the game is subtracted. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called enclosed gaming machine that is stored and stored. In these enclosed game machines, points and points are given to the player instead of the game ball, and the points and points given are given to the game value. It can also be applied to slot machines.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each change-display a plurality of types of special symbols including the final stop symbol, which is a variable display result, and then display the final stop symbol. Although it is designed to stop and display, the present invention is not limited to this, and the final stop symbol is stopped after displaying a plurality of types of special symbols in a variable manner without including the final stop symbol which is a variable display result. It may be displayed. That is, the final stop symbol that is the variable display result may be a symbol different from the special symbol used for the variable display.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in order to notify the effect control microcomputer of the variation time and the variation pattern indicating the variation mode such as the type of reach effect and the presence / absence of the pseudo-ream, one when starting the variation. Although the example of transmitting the variation pattern command is shown, the variation pattern may be notified to the effect control microcomputer by two or more commands. Specifically, when notifying by two commands, the game control microcomputer 100 uses the first command to determine whether or not there is a pseudo-ream, whether or not there is a sliding effect, etc., before reaching (so-called when not reaching). A command indicating the fluctuation time and fluctuation mode before the second stop is sent, and the second command indicates the type of reach, the presence or absence of a re-lottery effect, etc. after reaching the reach (if it does not reach the so-called first). 2 After the stop, a command indicating the fluctuation time and the fluctuation mode may be transmitted. In this case, the effect control microcomputer may perform the effect control in the variation display based on the variation time derived from the combination of the two commands. It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 100 notifies the fluctuation time by each of the two commands, and the effect control microcomputer selects the specific fluctuation mode to be executed at each timing. You may. When sending two commands, the two commands may be sent within the same timer interrupt, and after a predetermined period has passed after the first command is sent (for example, the next timer interrupt). In), the second command may be sent. The variation mode indicated by each command is not limited to this example, and the transmission order can be changed as appropriate. By notifying the fluctuation pattern by two or more commands in this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of data that must be stored as the fluctuation pattern command.

Further, in the above embodiment, "different ratios" are not limited to those having different ratios due to a relationship such as A: B = 70%: 30% or A: B = 30%: 70%. It is a concept that includes those having different ratios due to the relationship such as A: B = 100%: 0% (that is, one having 100% allocation and the other having 0% allocation).

Further, in the above embodiment, as the substrate on which the circuit for controlling the effect device is mounted, the effect control board 12, the voice control board 13, the drive control board 16B, the illuminant control boards 16C to 16F, and the like are provided. However, a circuit for controlling the effect device may be mounted on one substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the effect display device 5 and the like is mounted, and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (movable body, light emitting body, speaker, etc.) are mounted. Two boards with the second effect control board may be provided.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 100 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer, but the game control microcomputer 100 transmits an effect control command to another board. Then, it may be transmitted to the effect control microcomputer on the effect control board 12 via another substrate. In that case, the command may simply pass on another board, control related to a movable body, a light emitting body, a speaker, etc. may be executed, and the received command may be converted into a command as it is or, for example, a simplified command. It may be changed and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer that controls the effect display device 5. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer performs display control according to the received command in the same manner as performing display control according to the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 100 in the above embodiment. It can be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, there are probabilistic jackpots and normal jackpots as jackpot types, and a gaming machine that is controlled to a probabilistic state after the jackpot game is completed is shown based on the fact that the jackpot type is determined to be probabilistic jackpots. , Not limited to such gaming machines. For example, a special variable winning ball device provided with a predetermined probability variation region inside (a probability variation region may be provided in a special variable winning ball device provided with only one, or a plurality of special variable winning balls provided. A probability variation area may be provided in a part of the device), and the probability variation is determined based on the game ball passing through the probability variation area in the special variable winning ball device during the jackpot game. It is also possible to apply the configuration shown in the above embodiment to the gaming machine controlled to the probabilistic state after the end.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 100 side performs a display result (whether or not it is a big hit) and a winning judgment (look-ahead judgment) of the variation pattern type, and a command (design) indicating the winning judgment result. The case where the pre-reading notice effect is executed based on the command indicating the winning judgment result on the effect control microcomputer side by transmitting the specified command (variable category command) is shown, but it is not limited to such a mode. For example, the effect control microcomputer may be configured to perform a winning determination (look-ahead determination). In this case, for example, the game control microcomputer 100 transmits a command that specifies only the value of the random number extracted when the start winning is generated, and the random number specified by those commands is transmitted on the effect control microcomputer side. It may be configured to perform a winning determination (look-ahead determination) based on the value of.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed this time are examples in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

In addition, in the embodiment shown above, the characteristic configuration of the gaming machine as shown in the following (1) to (7) is also shown.

(1) A game machine capable of playing a game (for example, a pachinko game machine 1) and a storage means (for example, CGROM 141) capable of storing data related to display control, and a storage means for reading and displaying the stored data of the storage means. Display control means including display control means (for example, CPU 120 for effect control) capable of controlling the means and signal generation means (for example, watch dog timer) for generating a time lapse signal when the measurement time elapses. The means reads out the first control (for example, the control by step S273 of the effect data transfer process during control) that initializes the measurement time by the signal generating means before the monitoring time elapses, and the stored data of the storage means. When a predetermined event in which the first control is not executed occurs during the reading period, the second control (for example, the step of the effect data transfer process during control) that initializes the measurement time by the signal generating means before the monitoring time elapses. A game machine capable of executing (control by S281, etc.). According to such a configuration, the occurrence of a defect can be prevented.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above, the storage means may include a normal use area (for example, a data area) and an alternative use area (for example, a redundant area) (see, for example, FIG. 41). In such a configuration, the occurrence of defects can be prevented.

(3) In the gaming machine according to (1) or (2) above, as a predetermined event, a process of storing data stored in a normally used area of a storage means in an alternative used area of the storage means (for example, a step of a memory inspection process). S455, etc.) may be executed. In such a configuration, the occurrence of defects can be prevented.

(4) In any of the game machines (1) to (3) above, the effect control CPU 120 that executes a determination means for determining whether or not the reading period is in progress (for example, step S271 of the control effect data transfer process). Etc.) may be provided. In such a configuration, the occurrence of defects can be prevented.

(5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above is provided with a voice control means (for example, a voice processing circuit) capable of controlling the output of the effect sound, and the storage means includes data related to display control. , Data related to the output control of the effect sound may be stored as a series of data (for example, moving image data), and the control by the display control means and the control by the voice control means may be executed in synchronization with each other (for example). See, for example, FIG. 42). In such a configuration, the occurrence of defects can be prevented.

(6) In any of the game machines (1) to (5) above, a period during which control delayed due to the occurrence of a predetermined event can be executed (for example, after the variable display is started and before the display result is derived. A period during which the shaking display of the effect pattern is performed, etc.) may be provided. In such a configuration, the occurrence of defects can be prevented.

(7) In any of the game machines (1) to (6) above, the measurement time is initialized by the signal generating means based on the number of times the measurement time is initialized by the second control reaches a predetermined number. (For example, in the case of Yes in step S280 of the effect data transfer process during control). In such a configuration, the occurrence of defects can be prevented.

1 Pachinko game machine 5 Production display device 5A 1st decorative design display 5B 2nd decorative design display 12 Production control board 16A Relay board for production control 100 Microcomputer for game control 102 RAM
120 Production control CPU
120 Microcomputer for production control 126 VRAM
135 ROM
136 temperature sensor 141 CGROM
142 Cooling fan 321 Movable member

Claims (1)

It is a game machine that can play games
Main control means and
A movable body that can be moved from the initial position,
A first substrate provided with control means for performing effect control including control of movement of the movable body, and
Comprising a second substrate storage means is provided for storing the presentation information associated with the effect control, and
Authentication information is stored in advance in the storage means.
The control means
After receiving the information from the main control means, the authentication process can be executed based on the authentication information stored in the storage means.
Based on the successful authentication in the authentication process, the effect control can be executed and the waiting time can be set.
Based on the elapse of the waiting time, it is possible to execute an inspection process for detecting an error in the effect information stored in the storage means.
The storage means includes a first region and a second region.
In the inspection process, the control means stores the data stored in the first area in the second area according to the result of the error detection.
The control to move the movable body to the initial position is executed when the authentication is successful in the authentication process, while the movable body is moved to the initial position when the authentication fails in the authentication process. Do not perform control,
A game machine characterized by that.