JP6871644B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine including a plurality of effect devices for producing a game and an effect control means for controlling the plurality of effect devices.

Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that controls power saving for a light emitting unit when waiting for a customer (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-161556

However, in the conventional game machine, since the light emitting state of all the light emitting parts is uniformly changed in the power saving control or the like, the light emitting state of the light emitting part for displaying the information related to the variable display game is also changed and is accurate. There was a problem that information could not be displayed on.

An object of the present invention is to accurately display information about a variable display game in a gaming machine.

In a typical form of the present invention, the plurality of effect devices are divided into a plurality of groups in a game machine including a plurality of effect devices for producing a game effect and an effect control means for controlling the plurality of effect devices. A slave for controlling the effect device belonging to the divided group is provided for each group, and the effect control means functions as a master for executing serial communication with the slave and initializes the slave. The instruction data and the effect control data can be transmitted, and the slave executes its own initialization when the power supply is started or when the initialization instruction data is received, and after the initialization is executed. , when if it contains a predetermined start information at the beginning of the presentation control data received is the next sequential address information matches the address assigned to the slave, an output mode of the previous SL effect device while updating the manner corresponding to said received performance control data, after performing the initialization, if the beginning of the presentation control data received does not contain the predetermined start information, the output of the presentation device The plurality of effect devices are provided with a first light emitting unit capable of notifying the result of the variable display game and a decorative unit different from the first light emitting unit so as not to update the mode to the mode corresponding to the effect control data that has received the mode. The first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are connected to the slaves that are different from each other, and the effect control means is used when the variable display game is not being executed. The light emitting state of the second light emitting unit can be changed, and when the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit is changed, the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit is not changed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, information regarding a variable display game can be accurately displayed on a gaming machine.

It is a perspective view which looked at the game machine from the front side. It is a front view of a game board. It is a figure which shows the structure of the lamp display device. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the game control system of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the production control system of a game machine. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the first half part of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the latter half part of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure game processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the special figure start port switch common processing. Special figure It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of ordinary processing. Special FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure of fluctuation start processing. Special FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a procedure of fluctuation start processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot flag 1 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the jackpot flag 2 setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a jackpot determination process. (A) It is a table which shows the jackpot probability for each setting. (B) It is a table which shows the jackpot symbol distribution for each setting. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a game process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of ordinary processing. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing of an effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows the received command check process. It is a flowchart which shows the received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart which shows the one-shot system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the variable system command processing. It is a flowchart which shows the variation effect setting process. It is a table showing the effect appearance rate for each setting. It is a flowchart which shows the power failure recovery setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the effect button input process. It is a figure which shows the state of displaying the setting information of each game machine (table) provided on the game island. It is a flowchart which shows the hall / player setting mode processing. It is a flowchart which shows the customer waiting demo editing process. It is a time chart showing the timing of the customer waiting demonstration. In the second embodiment, it is a figure which shows the connection state of the effect control device (master IC side), and the board decoration device (slave IC side). It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the slave IC which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the work register assigned to the output setting register provided in the slave IC which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the effect control data transmitted by the master IC which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the transmission order of each data which constitutes effect control data. It is a flowchart which shows the power saving control process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the decoration control processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a time chart which illustrates the state of power saving control which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the player LED brightness adjustment processing (or Hall LED brightness adjustment processing) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in the player LED brightness adjustment processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the error / illegal setting processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the RAM initialization setting processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. In the third embodiment, it is a figure which shows the connection state of the effect control device (master IC side), and a board decoration device and a board effect device (slave IC side). It is a flowchart which shows the main processing of the effect control apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the moving body control timer interrupt processing which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the effect control data transmitted by the master IC which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and the transmission order of each data which constitutes effect control data. It is a flowchart which shows the processing of the slave IC which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the state of the processing in the slave IC which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the game machine, the front, back, left, and right refer to the direction seen by the player during the game.

[Overall view of the gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a gaming machine.

The game machine 10 includes an opening / closing frame that is rotatably attached to the frame 11 fixed to the island equipment via a hinge. The opening / closing frame is composed of a front frame 12 (main body frame) and a glass frame 15.

A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is arranged on the front frame 12, and a glass frame 15 having a cover glass 14 covering the front surface of the game board 30 is attached. The cover glass 14 functions as a game viewing area that makes the game area 32 (see FIG. 2) formed on the game board 30 visible.

The front frame 12 and the glass frame 15 can be opened individually. For example, by opening only the glass frame 15, the game area 32 of the game board 30 can be accessed. Further, by opening the front frame 12 in a state where the glass frame 15 is not opened, the game control device (main board) 100 (see FIG. 3) and the like arranged on the back surface side of the game board 30 can be accessed. Can be done.

Various frame constituent members are arranged on the edge portion around the cover glass 14 of the glass frame 15.

Decorative devices 18a and 18b capable of producing light emission according to the game state are arranged in the upper center and the left side of the glass frame 15. The decoration devices 18a and 18b accommodate lighting members such as LEDs inside, and perform a light emitting effect according to the game state. The lighting members arranged inside the decorative devices 18a and 18b form a part of the frame decorative device 18 (see FIG. 4).

An upper speaker 19a is arranged at the upper right corner portion and the upper left corner portion of the glass frame 15, respectively. Apart from these upper speakers 19a, two lower speakers 19b are provided below the gaming machine 10. The lower speaker 19b is arranged in the lower left corner portion of the glass frame 15 and the lower right corner portion of the front frame 12. The upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, and the like.

On the right side of the glass frame 15, a projecting effect unit 13 that extends in the vertical direction of the game machine 10 and projects forward (on the player side) is arranged. The protrusion effect unit 13 is an effect device that performs a light emission effect or the like according to the progress state of the game. The lighting member arranged inside the protrusion effect unit 13 also constitutes a part of the frame decoration device 18 (see FIG. 4).

An upper plate unit having an upper plate 21 capable of storing game balls is attached to the lower part of the glass frame 15. The upper plate 21 is formed in a box shape with an open upper surface. The game balls stored in the upper plate 21 are supplied to the ball launcher (not shown) one by one.

The upper plate unit further includes an effect operation device that receives an input operation from the player, a ball lending operation device that accepts an input operation from the player, and a decoration device 22 that performs a light emission effect or the like according to the game state. ..

The effect operation device is an operation device in which the touch panel 25b is incorporated in the effect button 25, and is provided in the center of the upper part of the upper plate unit so that the player can easily operate it.

By operating the effect operation device by the player, it is possible to perform an effect in which the player's operation is intervened in the special figure variation display game or the like displayed on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). For example, it is possible to select an effect pattern (effect mode) or execute a notice effect that announces the result of the variable display game corresponding to the start memory in advance. It should be noted that the variable display game includes a special figure variable display game, and when it is simply a variable display game, it is referred to as a special figure variable display game in this specification.

Further, the effect pattern may be changed not only during the execution of the variable display game but also by the player operating the effect operation device during the non-execution.

The game state when the variable display game is executed consists of a plurality of game states. The normal gaming state (normal state) is a gaming state in which no special gaming state has occurred. Further, the special game state is, for example, a time saving state as a specific game state, a state in which a special result (for example, a big hit) is likely to occur in a variable display game (probability variation state, a probability fluctuation state), or a big hit state (special game state). ).

Here, the probability change state (specific game state) continues until the next big hit occurs (loop type), continues until a predetermined number of variable display games are executed (number cut type, ST), and There are things that continue until a predetermined probability fall lottery is won (fall lottery type).

Further, it may be possible to always generate a probabilistic state when a big hit occurs without determining whether or not to generate a probabilistic state by a big hit symbol random number, or to provide a winning device or the like provided with a specific area to specify. A probabilistic state may be generated when the game ball passes through the area.

The ball lending operation device is an operation device operated when a player rents a game ball, and is provided on the upper right side of the upper plate unit. The ball lending operation device includes a ball lending button 27, a return button 28, and a balance display unit 26. The ball lending button 27 is a button operated by the player when renting a game ball, and the return button 28 is a button for ejecting a prepaid card or the like from a card unit (not shown) arranged adjacent to the game machine 10. This is a button operated by the player. The balance display unit 26 is a display area for displaying the balance of a prepaid card or the like.

The decoration device 22 is a device that houses a lighting member such as an LED inside and performs a light emitting effect or the like according to a game state, and is provided on the front side portion of the upper plate unit. The lighting member arranged inside the decoration device 22 constitutes a part of the frame decoration device 18 (see FIG. 4).

An operation handle 24 for controlling the operation of the ball launching device (not shown) and a game ball can be stored in the lower part of the front frame 12 below the glass frame 15 provided with the above-mentioned upper plate unit and the like. A lower plate 23 is provided.

The operation handle 24 is located at the lower right of the front frame 12 and below the lower speaker 19b on the right side. When the player rotates the operation handle 24, the ball launcher launches the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 into the game area 32 of the game board 30. The rate of fire of the game ball launched from the ball launcher is set to increase as the amount of rotation of the operation handle 24 increases. That is, the ball launching device can change the firing force, which is the force (speed) for launching the game ball into the game area, in response to the operation of the operation handle 24 by the player, and the game can be played in various launch modes having different launching forces. Can fire a ball. The launch mode includes a left-handed hit (normal hit) in which the game ball flows down on the left side of the game area 32 and a right-handed hit in which the game ball flows down on the right side of the game area 32.

The lower plate 23 is arranged below the upper plate unit at a predetermined distance from the upper plate unit. The lower plate 23 has a ball extraction hole 23a that penetrates the bottom surface of the lower plate 23 in the vertical direction, and an opening / closing operation unit 23b for opening and closing the ball extraction hole 23a. When the player operates the opening / closing operation unit 23b to open the ball pulling hole 23a, the game ball stored in the lower plate 23 can be discharged to the outside through the ball pulling hole 23a.

[Game board]
Subsequently, the game board 30 of the game machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A is a front view of the gaming board 30 provided in the gaming machine 10.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the game board 30 includes a flat plate-shaped game board main body 30a as a mounting base for various members. The game board main body 30a is made of wood or synthetic resin, and a game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 is provided on the front surface of the game board main body 30a. The game machine 10 is configured to launch a game ball from a ball launcher into a game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 to play a game. A windmill, an obstacle nail, or the like is arranged in the game area 32 as a member for changing the flow direction of the game ball, and the launched game ball flows down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by these members.

A center case (front component) 40 that forms a window portion that serves as a display area for a variable display game is attached to substantially the center of the game area 32. Behind the window portion formed in the center case 40, a display device 41 as an effect display device (variable display device) that variablely displays (variablely displays) a plurality of identification information is arranged. The display device 41 is provided with, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that the displayed contents can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 30 through the window portion of the center case 40. The display device 41 is not limited to the one provided with a liquid crystal display, and may be provided with a display such as an EL or CRT.

A plurality of variable display areas are provided on the display screen (display unit) of the display device 41, and identification information (special symbol) and a character that directs a variable display game are displayed in each variable display area. In addition, images based on the progress of the game (big hit display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) are displayed on the display screen.

Further, the center case 40 has an inflow port 40a to the warp passage 40e for guiding the game ball flowing down the game area 32 to the inside of the center case 40, and a stage on which the game ball passing through the warp passage 40e can roll. A portion 40b is provided. Since the stage portion 40b of the center case 40 is arranged above the starting winning opening 36 and the normal variable winning device 37, the game ball rolled on the stage portion 40b is placed in the starting winning opening 36 or the normal variable winning device 37. It is easier to win a prize.

An upper effect unit 40c and a side effect unit 40d are provided on the upper part and the right side of the center case 40, respectively. The upper effect unit 40c and the side effect unit 40d form a part of the board decoration device 46 (see FIG. 4) and the board effect device 44 (see FIG. 4). The upper effect unit 40c may include a light emitting accessory 481 that notifies the determination of a big hit by emitting light. The light emitting accessory 481 has a big hit confirmation LED 481a that emits light only when the variable display game is a big hit, and the big hit is confirmed when the light is emitted. The jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a (and thus the light emitting accessory 481) does not emit light when the variable display game is out of order.

A normal symbol start gate (normal symbol start gate) 34 is provided in the game area 32 on the right side of the center case 40. Inside the normal drawing start gate 34, a gate switch (SW) 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal drawing start gate 34 is provided. When the game ball driven into the game area 32 passes through the normal map start gate 34, the normal map variation display game is executed.

A general winning opening 35 is arranged in the lower left game area 32 of the center case 40, and a general winning opening 35 is also arranged in the lower right game area 32 of the center case 40. The winning of the game ball into the general winning opening 35 is detected by the winning opening switches (SW) 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) provided in the general winning opening 35.

In the game area 32 below the center case 40, a start winning opening (first starting winning area) 36 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game is provided, and a second starting winning opening (second start winning area) is provided immediately below the start winning opening (first starting winning area) 36. An ordinary variable winning device 37 provided with a starting winning area) is provided. The normal variable winning device 37 includes a movable member (movable piece) 37b that converts the game ball into a state in which the game ball easily flows in by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side falls toward the front side. When the movable member 37b is in the closed state, the game ball cannot win the normal variable winning device 37. When the game ball wins the starting winning opening 36 or the normal variable winning device 37, the special figure variable display game is executed as an auxiliary game.

The movable member 37b is a so-called tongue-type ordinary electric accessory, and rotates via the normal electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) when the result of the normal figure variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode. It opens and changes to an open state (a state in which the game ball is easy to win, which is advantageous for the player), in which the game ball easily flows into the normally variable winning device 37.

The movable member 37b is controlled by the game control device 100, which will be described later. The game control device 100 increases the frequency of occurrence of a winning easy state by shortening the fluctuation time of the normal map variation display game and setting the hit probability of the normal map variation display game to a higher probability than usual, or a normal game state. By making the time for which the easy-to-win state occurs longer than the easy-to-win state that occurs in the above-mentioned specific game state, a time-saving state (general electric support state) is generated. In addition, even in the probability change state (excluding the latent probability change state), the time saving state (normal power support state) occurs in duplicate.

In the game area 32 at the lower right of the normal variable winning device 37, the large winning opening solenoid (39b) (see FIG. 3) rotates in the direction in which the upper end side falls toward the front side to open the large winning opening. A special variable winning device 39 having an opening / closing door 39c is provided. The special variable prize device 39 converts the large prize opening from the closed state (closed state disadvantageous to the player) to the open state (special game state advantageous to the player) according to the result of the special figure variation display game, and wins the large prize. By facilitating the inflow of game balls into the mouth, a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player. A count switch 39a (see FIG. 3) is provided in the large winning opening as a detection means for detecting the game ball that has entered the large winning opening. Further, a large winning opening LED 39d that illuminates the large winning opening is arranged in the large winning opening or in the vicinity of the large winning opening.

When a game ball wins a prize in the general winning opening 35, the starting winning opening 36, the normal variable winning device 37, and the large winning opening of the special variable winning device 39, the payout control device 200 (see FIG. 3) determines the type of winning opening. The number of prize balls corresponding to the above is discharged from the payout device to the upper plate 21. Further, in the game area 32 below the normal variable winning device 37, an out opening 30b for collecting game balls that have not won a prize in the winning opening or the like is provided.

Further, a special figure variation display game (special figure 1 variation display game, special figure 2 variation display game) and a normal figure variation display game are executed in the lower right corner of the game board main body 30a outside the game area 32. A batch display device 50 is provided. The batch display device 50 includes display units 51 to 60 that display information such as the current gaming state.

The batch display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit 51 (special figure 1 display, lamp D1) and a second special figure fluctuation for a fluctuation display game composed of a 7-segment type display (LED lamp) and the like. The display unit 52 (special figure 2 display, lamp D2), the fluctuation display unit 53 (normal figure display, lamps D10, D18) for the normal figure fluctuation display game, and the start (hold) storage number of each fluctuation display game. It has a storage display unit for notification (special figure 1 hold display 54, special figure 2 hold display 55, normal figure hold display 56). Special figure 1 The hold indicator 54 is composed of lamps D11 and D12. The special figure 2 hold indicator 55 is composed of lamps D13 and D14. The normal figure hold indicator 56 is composed of lamps D15 and D16.

Further, the batch display device 50 is informed that it is a right-handed hit (when it should be right-handed) or a left-handed hit (when it should be hit normally). D8), the second game state display unit 58 (second game state indicator, lamp D9) that lights up when a time saving state occurs to notify the occurrence of the time saving state, and the probability state of a big hit when the power of the game machine 10 is turned on is high. The third game status display unit 59 (third game status display, probability status display unit, lamp D17) that displays the status, and the number of rounds at the time of a big hit (the number of times the special variable winning device 39 is opened and closed) are displayed. A round display unit 60 (lamps D3-D7) is provided.

In the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, the variation display game is executed by the variation display in which the identification information (for example, the central segment) is repeatedly turned on and off (blinking). The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are not limited to such a segment type display unit, and may be composed of an aggregate of a plurality of LEDs, and when a variable display is executed. In addition, all the LEDs provided as a display turn on all the lights (all LEDs blink at the same time), or cycle lights (one LED turns on and off in a predetermined order at a predetermined time), or a plurality of LEDs. It may be performed by turning on / off (blinking) or circulating lighting by a predetermined number of LEDs among the LEDs. Also in the normal diagram display 53, the variation display game is executed by the variation display (blinking) in which the lamps D10 and D18 are repeatedly turned on and off. Further, the normal figure display 53 can be appropriately configured in the same manner as the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52.

Further, FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a configuration of a lamp display device 80 provided on the upper part of the center case 40. The lamp display device 80 includes lamp display units 1 and 2 (LEDs) that execute variable display (blinking) that repeats lighting display and extinguishing display as a symbol (fourth special symbol described later), and start of each special figure variation display game. (Hold) It has a lamp display unit 3-6 (LED) for notifying the number of stored items. The lamp display device 80 is controlled by the effect control device 300 (described later).

The lamp display units 1 and 2 blink at a predetermined blinking cycle (for example, 200 msec (millisecond)) as a variation display of the special figure variation display game. While the variation display on the special figure 1 display 51, the special figure 2 display 52, and the general figure display 53 of the batch display device 50 is controlled by the game control device 100, the lamp display unit 1 of the lamp display device 80 The variation display of 2 and 2 is controlled by the effect control device 300 (described later). The lamp display unit 1 (special figure 1 fourth symbol LED) displays the fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) for the special figure 1 variable display game, and the lamp display unit 2 (special figure 2 fourth symbol LED). ) Displays the fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) for the special figure 2 variable display game.

The lamp display units 3 and 4 (special figure 1 hold LED 1, special figure 1 hold LED 2) display the special figure 1 hold number (first start memory number) according to the combination of the off state, the lit state, and the blinking state. Similarly, the lamp display units 5 and 6 (special figure 2 hold LED 1, special figure 2 hold LED 2) display the special figure 2 hold number (second start memory number) depending on the combination of the off state, the lit state, and the blinking state. To do. The lamp display unit 3-6 ends the display of the number of holds due to the occurrence of a big hit, but displays the number of holds when the display device 41 is not in the state of a big hit (including the case where the display device 41 has a reach described later). Do.

Next, the flow of the game in the gaming machine 10, the normal map variation display game, and the special map variation display game will be described in detail.

In the game machine 10, a game is performed by launching a game ball toward the game area 32 from a ball launcher (not shown). The launched game ball flows down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by obstacle nails, windmills, etc. arranged in various places in the game area 32, and the normal drawing start gate 34, the general winning opening 35, and the starting winning opening. 36, the normal variable winning device 37, or the special variable winning device 39 is won, or the ball flows into the out port 30b provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area 32. Then, when a game ball wins a general winning opening 35, a starting winning opening 36, a normal variable winning device 37, or a special variable winning device 39, a number of winning balls corresponding to the types of winning winning openings are dispensed via the payout device. It is discharged to the upper plate 21.

The normal drawing start gate 34 is provided with a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal drawing start gate 34. When the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a, and the normal map variation display game is executed based on the determination result of the hit determination random number value extracted at this time.

When the normal map fluctuation display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal map fluctuation display game has already been played and the normal map fluctuation display game has not ended, or when the result of the normal map fluctuation display game is a hit, it is normal. When the game ball passes through the normal drawing start gate 34 when the variable winning device 37 is converted to the open state, the storage number is added (+1) if the normal drawing start storage number is less than the upper limit number.

The hit judgment random value for determining the hit / miss of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored in the normal figure start memory, and when the hit judgment random value matches the judgment value, the normal figure change display is displayed. The game wins and a specific result mode (specific result) is derived.

The normal map variation display game is executed by the normal map display 53 provided in the batch display device 50. The normal figure display 53 is composed of LEDs that indicate a hit when the normal identification information (normal figure) is lit and a deviation when the normal identification information (normal figure) is off, and the normal identification information fluctuates by blinking the LED. The display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the result is displayed by turning on or off the LED.

When the normal figure random value extracted when passing through the normal figure start gate 34 is a hit value, the normal symbol displayed on the normal figure display 53 stops in the hit state and becomes the hit state. At this time, by driving the normal electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3), the movable member 37b is converted into the open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds), and the game ball to the normal variable winning device 37 Winning is allowed.

The winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 36 and the winning of the normal variable winning device 37 are detected by the starting opening 1 switch 36a (see FIG. 3) and the starting opening 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 3). The game ball that has won the start winning opening 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the special figure 1 variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit, and the game ball that has won the normal variable winning device 37 is special figure 2. It is detected as a start winning ball of a variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit.

When the start winning ball of the special figure fluctuation display game is detected, the jackpot random number value, the jackpot symbol random value, each fluctuation pattern random value, and the like are extracted. These random numbers are stored in the special figure reservation storage area (a part of the RAM) of the game control device 100 as the special figure start winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, up to 8 times). The number of special figure start prize memories stored is displayed on the special figure 1 hold display 54 and the special figure 2 hold display 55 for notifying the start prize number of the batch display device 50, and is also displayed on the display screen of the display device 41. Is displayed.

The game control device 100 executes the special figure 1 variation display game on the special figure 1 display 51 based on the winning of the start winning opening 36 or the first start memory. Further, the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 variable display game on the special figure 2 display 52 based on the winning of the normal variable winning device 37 or the second start memory.

The special figure 1 variable display game (1st special figure variable display game) and the special figure 2 variable display game (2nd special figure variable display game) have identification information (identification information) on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52. This is performed by displaying the special symbol (special symbol) in a variable manner and then stopping and displaying the predetermined result mode. Further, the display device 41 executes a decorative special figure variation display game in which a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character symbols, etc.) are variablely displayed corresponding to each special figure variation display game.

In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 41, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-mentioned numbers and the like is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), and middle (third special symbol). ) Is started, the fluctuating symbols are sequentially stopped after a predetermined time, and the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 performs various effect displays such as the appearance of characters in order to improve the interest. Further, in the decorative special figure variation display game, as another decorative special symbol (identification information), the fourth special symbol (blinking) is repeated (blinking) on the lamp display units 1 and 2 of the lamp display device 80. 4th symbol) fluctuates. The fluctuation display of the lamp display units 1 and 2 is stopped after a predetermined time from the start by "lighting" in the case of a miss and "turning off" in the case of a big hit.

On the contrary, the variable display of the lamp display units 1 and 2 as the fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) can be stopped by "turning off" in the case of a miss and "lighting" in the case of a big hit. .. In addition, a plurality of LEDs (fourth symbol LEDs) are provided as the lamp display units 1 and 2, and one of the plurality of LEDs is lit in the case of disconnection, and all the plurality of LEDs are lit in the case of a big hit. Configuration is also possible.

When the game ball is won in the starting winning opening 36 or the normal variable winning device 37 at a predetermined timing (when the big hit random value at the time of winning detection is the big hit value), as a result of the special figure variation display game. A specific result mode (special result mode) is derived from the displayed symbol, and a jackpot state (special game state) is set. Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 becomes a special result mode (for example, a state in which numbers such as "7, 7, 7" are aligned).

At this time, the special variable winning device 39 is converted from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the large winning opening solenoid (39b) (see FIG. 3). That is, the large winning opening provided in the special variable winning device 39 opens wide until a predetermined time or a predetermined number of game balls are won, during which the player is given the privilege of being able to acquire many game balls. To.

The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be configured as separate indicators or the same indicator, but the special figure variation display games are not executed at the same time. Is set.

Regarding the decorative special figure variable display game in the display device 41, the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game may be executed in different display devices or different display areas, or the same display may be executed. It may be executed in the device or the display area. In this case, the decorative special figure variable display game corresponding to the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game is prevented from being executed at the same time. The special figure 2 variable display game is executed with priority over the special figure 1 variable display game, and there is a memory of starting the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game. When the figure variation display game can be executed, the special figure 2 variation display game is executed.

In the following description, when the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure variable display game.

Further, although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, and the count switch (39a). ) Uses a non-contact magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) which is provided with a coil for magnetic detection and detects a game ball by utilizing the phenomenon that the magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. ing. Further, the glass frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the game machine 10 or the front frame opening detection switch 64 (main body frame opening detection switch) provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like is used as a machine. Microswitches with similar contacts can be used.

[Game control device]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the game control system of the game machine 10. The game machine 10 includes a game control device 100 (main board), and the game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) that comprehensively controls a game, and is a game microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer). A data bus 140 that connects a CPU unit 110 having a 111 (referred to as), an input unit 120 having an input port, an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, and the like, a CPU unit 110, an input unit 120, and an output unit 130. And so on.

The CPU unit 110 includes a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator, and generates an operating clock of the CPU, a timer interrupt, and a clock that serves as a reference for a random number generation circuit. It has an oscillator circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 and the like. A predetermined level of DC voltage such as DC32V, DC12V, DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 is supplied to the game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 to enable operation. Will be done.

The power supply device 400 includes a normal power supply unit 410 having an ACDC converter that generates a DC voltage of DC32V from a 24V AC power supply and a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V and DC5V from the voltage of DC32V. , A backup power supply unit 420 that supplies a power supply voltage to the internal RAM of the game microcomputer 111 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit, and a power failure monitoring signal or reset signal that notifies the game control device 100 of the occurrence or recovery of a power failure. It is provided with a control signal generation unit 430 and the like that generate and output a control signal such as.

In the present embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or with the game control device 100, that is, the main unit. It may be configured to be provided on the substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are mounted on a board different from the power supply device 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing it, it is possible to exclude it from the target of replacement and reduce the cost.

The backup power supply unit 420 can be configured by one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power supply is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM is retained even during a power failure or even after the power is cut off. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when it drops to 17V or less, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and changes the power failure monitoring signal, and also resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. Also, when the power is turned on or when the power is restored, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from that point.

Further, the game control device 100 is provided with an initialization switch 112. When the initialization switch 112 is operated, an initialization switch signal is generated, and based on this, a process of forcibly initializing the information stored in the RAM 111c in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200 is performed. Will be done. Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. A reset signal is a type of forced interrupt signal that resets the entire control system.

The game microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111a, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111b, and a RAM (random access memory) 111c that can be read and written at any time.

The ROM 111b non-volatilely stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, determination values of various random numbers, etc.) for game control, and the RAM 111c is a work area of the CPU 111a and a storage area of various signals and random numbers during game control. It is used as. As the ROM 111b or the RAM 111c, an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM may be used.

Further, the ROM 111b stores, for example, a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode) that defines the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the effect content, the presence / absence of the occurrence of the reach state, and the like. The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111a to refer to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory to determine the variation pattern. Further, the fluctuation pattern table includes a missed fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is missed, a jackpot fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is a jackpot, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a table for determining the latter half fluctuation pattern, which is a fluctuation pattern after reaching the reach state (second half fluctuation group table, second half fluctuation pattern selection table, etc.), and fluctuation before reaching the reach state. A table for determining the first half fluctuation pattern, which is a pattern (first half fluctuation group table, first half fluctuation pattern selection table, etc.) is included.

Here, the reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can be changed, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes an advantageous gaming state (special gaming state) for the player when the special result mode is adopted, a part of the plurality of display results is already derived and displayed at a stage where the display is not yet derived. A display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition of the special result mode. In other words, the reach state is out of the display condition that is the special result mode even when the variable display control of the display device progresses and the display result reaches the stage before the derivation display. Refers to a display mode that does not exist. The reach state also includes, for example, a state in which variation display is performed by a plurality of variation display areas (so-called full rotation reach) while maintaining a state in which the special result modes are aligned. The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. It refers to a display state when at least a part of the display results of a plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition of the special result mode.

Therefore, for example, the decorative special figure variation display game displayed on the display device corresponding to the special figure variation display game changes a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right variation display areas on the display device. After the display, when the variation display is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle to display the result mode, the left and right variation display areas satisfy the conditions for the special result mode (for example,). The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition, when the fluctuation display of all the fluctuation display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition of the special result mode in any two of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas is satisfied (for example, the same identification information). (However, the special result mode is excluded) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variable-displayed from the reach state.

The reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and as a system of reach effects in which the possibility of deriving a special result mode is different (expected value is different), normal reach (N reach) and special 1 reach (SP1 reach) are used. , Special 2 reach (SP2 reach), Special 3 reach (SP3 reach), Premier reach are set. The expected value increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach <premier reach. In addition, the reach state is included in the variation display mode at least when the special result mode is derived (when it becomes a big hit) in the special figure variation display game. That is, it may be included in the variation display mode when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variation display game (when it is out of order). Therefore, the state in which the reach state occurs is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111a executes a game control program in the ROM 111b to generate a control signal (command) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, or generate and output a drive signal for a solenoid or a display device to output the game machine. 10 Control the entire system. Further, although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a jackpot random number for determining a jackpot in a special figure variation display game, a jackpot symbol random number for determining a jackpot symbol, and a variation pattern in a special figure variation display game (various types). Fluctuation pattern for determining the variation display game execution time, etc. in the variation display without reach or reach) The random number generation circuit for generating random numbers, etc., and the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113 Based on this, it is provided with a clock generator that generates a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 msec (milliseconds)) for the CPU 111a and a clock that gives an update timing of the random number generation circuit.

Further, the CPU 111a acquires any one of the fluctuation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b in the process related to the special figure fluctuation display game. Specifically, the CPU 111a determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure variation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure variation display game as the current game state, and the start memory number. Based on the above, one of the fluctuation pattern tables is selected and acquired from the plurality of fluctuation pattern tables. Here, the CPU 111a serves as a variation distribution information acquisition means for acquiring any one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b when the special figure variation display game is executed.

The payout control device 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input interface, output interface, etc., and drives the payout motor 91 of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100 to drive the prize ball. Control to pay out. Further, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor 91 of the payout unit based on the ball lending request signal from the card unit 600, and controls for paying out the ball lending.

The input unit 120 of the game microcomputer 111 includes a radio wave sensor 62 (panel radio wave sensor) that detects the emission of radio waves to the game machine, a gate switch 34a of the normal drawing start gate 34, and a start port 1 in the first start winning opening 36. It is connected to the switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a in the second start winning port 37, the winning port switch 35a, and the large winning port switch 39a of the special variable winning device 39, and the high level supplied from these switches is low level at 11V. An interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 is provided in which a negative logic signal such as 7V is input and converted into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V.

Further, the game machine 10 has a setting changing device 42 (setting changing means) capable of changing the setting related to the game condition, and the interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 is connected to the setting changing device 42 to change the setting. A signal from the device 42 is input. For example, the setting changing device 42 may be a setting changing device usually provided in a slot machine, and may be composed of a key switch, a button switch, a 7-segment type display (LED lamp), or the like. The setting changing device 42 is provided inside the game machine 10, and is provided at a position (inaccessible position) that cannot be operated unless the front frame 12 is opened, for example. That is, a general player cannot access and operate the setting changing device 42. The setting changing device 42 may be provided so as to be assembled on the game control device 100 (on the main board).

The setting change device 42 can change the settings related to the game conditions such as the probability of a big hit and the probability variation inrush rate. In the present embodiment, the settings related to the game conditions include setting 1, setting 2, and setting 3, setting 1 is the most disadvantageous setting (low setting) for the player, and setting 2 is the intermediate setting (intermediate setting). Yes, setting 3 is the most advantageous setting (high setting) for the player.

The output of the proximity I / F 121 is supplied to the second input port 123 or the third input port 124 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. Of the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signals of the gate switch 34a, the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the winning port switch 35a, and the large winning port switch 39a are input to the third input port 124. ..

Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signal of the radio wave sensor 62 and the abnormality detection signal output when an abnormality of the sensor or the switch is detected are input to the second input port 123.

Further, the second input port 123 has a detection signal of a magnetic sensor switch 61 for fraud detection provided on a front frame 12 or the like of the game machine 10, a frame radio wave fraud signal output from the payout control device 200, and a payout busy signal. Is entered. A vibration sensor switch for detecting vibration may be provided in the game machine so that the detection signal is input to the second input port 123. The frame radio wave invalid signal is a signal output based on the frame radio wave sensor provided on the front frame 12 (main body frame) detecting the radio wave, and the payout busy signal is in a state where the payout control device 200 can accept a command. It is a signal indicating whether or not.

Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the output to the third input port 124 is also supplied from the game control device 100 to a test firing test device (not shown) via the relay board 70. Further, among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121, the detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a are configured to be input to the gaming microcomputer 111 in addition to the third input port 124.

As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12V in addition to the voltage such as 5V required for normal IC operation from the power supply device 400. It has become.

The data held by the third input port 124 is read out by asserting the enable signal CE2 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the third input port 124. be able to. The same applies to the second input port 123 and the first input port 122 described later.

Further, the input unit 120 receives a signal from a glass frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the game machine 10, a front frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame 12 or the like, and a status indicating a payout abnormality. A game is played via the data bus 140 by taking in a signal, a shoot ball out switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, an overflow switch signal indicating overflow, and a touch switch signal based on the input of a touch switch provided on the operation handle 24. A first input port 122 for supplying to the dedicated microcomputer 111 is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored (full) in the lower plate 23.

Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmidt buffer 125 for inputting a signal such as a power failure monitoring signal or a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 or the like, and the Schmidt buffer 125 is provided with these input signals. It has a function to remove noise from. The power failure monitoring signal from the power supply device 400 and the initialization switch signal from the initialization switch 112 are once input to the first input port 122, and are taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because there is a limit to the number of terminals provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 that receive signals from the outside.

On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmidt buffer 125 is directly input to the reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is output directly to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130 to turn off the test firing test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test firing test apparatus. It is configured as follows.

Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70. The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122, 123, and 124 of the input unit 120. The data set in each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 just before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset in order to prevent the system from malfunctioning, but each of the input units 120 immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded by resetting the gaming microcomputer 111.

The output unit 130 is provided with a Schmidt buffer 132 arranged on a communication path from the game microcomputer 111 to the effect control device 300 and a communication path from the game microcomputer 111 to the payout control device 200. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 and the payout control device 200 by serial communication. It should be noted that the one-way communication is such that a signal cannot be input to the game control device 100 from the effect control device 300 side.

Further, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140, and data for notifying the special symbol information of the variable display game to the test firing test device of the accreditation body (not shown), a signal indicating the probability state of the jackpot, and the like are transmitted via the relay board 70. The output buffer 133 is configured to be mountable. The buffer 133 is a component that is not mounted on the game control device (main board) of a pachinko game machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in a game store. The detection signal of a switch that does not need to be processed, such as a start port switch output from the proximity I / F 121, is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 133.

On the other hand, a detection signal that cannot be supplied to the test firing test device as it is, such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the radio wave sensor 62, is once taken into the game microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information, for example, the game machine controls the game. It is supplied from the data bus 140 to the test firing test apparatus via the buffer 133 and the relay board 70 as an error signal indicating that the state cannot be achieved.

The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 133 and supplies it to the test firing test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits the signal line of the switch detection signal that does not go through the buffer, and the like. There is. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selectively controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

Further, the output unit 130 receives open / close data of a solenoid (normal electric solenoid) 37c connected to the data bus 140 to open the normal variable winning device 37 and a solenoid (large winning port solenoid) 39b to open the special variable winning device 39. A second output port 134 for output is provided.

Further, the output unit 130 has a third output port 135 for outputting on / off data of the segment line to which the anode terminal of the LED is connected according to the content to be displayed on the batch display device 50, and the batch display device 50. A fourth output port 136 is provided for outputting on / off data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED is connected.

Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a fifth output port 137 for outputting information about the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71. The external information terminal 71 is provided with a photo relay, which can be connected to, for example, an external device (such as an information collection terminal or a game hall internal management device (hall computer)) installed in a game store, and provides information about the game machine 10 to the outside. It can be supplied to the device. Further, a launch permission signal is also output from the fifth output port 137 to the payout control device 200 via the Schmidt buffer 132.

Further, the output unit 130 receives the open / close data signal of the general electric current solenoid 37c and the grand prize opening solenoid 39b output from the second output port 134, generates a solenoid drive signal, and outputs the first driver (drive circuit) 138a. , The current of the batch display device 50 output from the second driver 138b and the fourth output port 136 that output the on / off drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the batch display device 50 output from the third output port 135. The third driver 138c that outputs the on / off drive signal of the digit line on the lead-in side, and the fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal supplied from the fifth output port 137 to the external device such as the management device to the external information terminal 71. It is provided.

DC32V is supplied from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage to the first driver 138a so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Further, DC12V is supplied to the second driver 138b that drives the segment line of the batch display device 50. Since the third driver 138c for driving the digit wire is for pulling out the digit wire corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V.

A dynamic drive system in which a second driver 138b that outputs 12V causes a current to flow into the anode terminal of the LED via the segment wire, and a third driver 138c that outputs a ground potential draws a current from the cathode terminal via the segment wire. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs selected in sequence with, and the LEDs are turned on. The fourth driver 138d, which outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71, supplies the external information signal with a level of 12V, so that DC12V is supplied. The buffer 133, the second output port 134, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output unit 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each game machine to an external inspection device 250. The photocoupler 139 is configured so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can communicate with the inspection device 250 by serial communication. Since such data transmission / reception is performed using the serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in the case of a normal general-purpose microprocessor, ports such as input ports 122, 123, and 124 are not provided.

[Production control device]
Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 (sub-board) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the effect control system of the gaming machine 10.

The effect control device 300 is used to display images on the display device 41 according to commands and data from the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 composed of an amusement chip (IC) and the main control microcomputer 311 like the game microcomputer 111. It is provided with a VDP (Video Display Processor) 312 as a graphic processor that performs image processing, and a sound source LSI 314 that controls sound output in order to reproduce various melody and sound effects from the speaker 19.

The main control microcomputer 311 holds a program ROM 321 consisting of a program executed by the CPU and a PROM (programmable read-only memory) storing various data, a RAM 322 that provides a work area, and a stored content even if power is not supplied in the event of a power failure. A possible FeRAM 323 and an RTC (real-time clock) 338 that serves as a timing means for generating information indicating the current date and time (year, month, day, day, time, etc.) are connected. A RAM that provides a work area is also provided inside the main control microcomputer 311.

A WDT (watchdog timer) circuit 324 is connected to the main control microcomputer 311. The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands from the game microcomputer 111, determines the production content, instructs the VDP 312 of the content of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 314 of the reproduced sound, lights the decorative lamp, and the motor. And the drive control of the solenoid, the management of the production time, and so on.

The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM 312a that provides a work area and a scaler 312b for enlarging / reducing an image. Further, the VDP 312 has an image ROM 325 in which character images and video data are stored, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 325. ) 326 is connected.

Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 312 are configured to transmit and receive data in a parallel manner. By sending and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be sent in a shorter time than in the case of serial.

From the VDP 312 to the main control microcomputer 311 are a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC for synchronizing the video of the display device 41 with the lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the glass frame 15 and the game board 30, and a synchronization signal for giving data transmission timing. STS is input. It should be noted that the VDP 312 informs the main control microcomputer 311 that it is in a state of waiting for reception of interrupt signals INT0 to n and commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in VRAM. The wait signal WAIT and the like for this is also input.

The effect control device 300 is provided with a signal conversion circuit 313 that generates a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) method. Video data, a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, and a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC are input from the VDP 312 to the signal conversion circuit 313, and the video generated by the VDP 312 is transmitted to the display device 41 via the signal conversion circuit 313. Is displayed.

A sound ROM 327 in which audio data is stored is connected to the sound source LSI 314. The main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are connected via the address / data bus 340. Further, an interrupt signal INT is input from the sound source LSI 314 to the main control microcomputer 311. The effect control device 300 is provided with an amplifier circuit 337 including an audio power amplifier for driving the upper speaker 19a provided on the glass frame 15 and the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame 12, and the sound source LSI 314. The generated sound is output from the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b via the amplifier circuit 337.

Further, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 that receives a command transmitted from the game control device 100. The effect control command signal (effect command) is a decorative special figure hold number command, a decorative special figure command, a variation command, a stop information command, etc. transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 via the command I / F331. Receive as. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC 5 V and the main control microcomputer 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC 3.3 V, the command I / F 331 is provided with a signal level conversion function. There is.

Further, the effect control device 300 includes a board decoration LED control circuit 332 and a glass frame 15 for driving and controlling a board decoration device 46 having an LED (light emitting diode) provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40). A board effect provided on a frame decoration LED control circuit 333 and a game board 30 (including a center case 40) for driving and controlling a frame decoration device having an LED (light emitting diode) (for example, a frame decoration device 18 or the like). A panel effect movable body control circuit 334 for driving and controlling a device 44 (for example, a movable accessory that enhances the effect of the effect in cooperation with the effect display on the display device 41) is provided. The board decoration device 46 may include the above-mentioned lamp display device 80.

These control circuits 332 to 334 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, and the like are connected to the main control microcomputer 311 via the address / data bus 340. A frame effect movable body control circuit for driving and controlling a frame effect device such as a motor provided on the glass frame 15 may be provided.

Further, the effect control device 300 includes an effect button switch 25a built in the effect button 25 provided on the glass frame 15, a touch panel 25b provided on the surface of the effect button 25, and a motor in the board effect device 44. A function of detecting the on / off state of the effect switch 47 (effect motor switch) for detecting the initial position and inputting a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311 and a volume control switch provided in the effect control device 300. A switch input circuit 336 that detects the state of 335 and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311 is provided.

The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply device 400 drives a motor or a solenoid in order to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control device 300 having the above-described configuration and the electronic components controlled by the effect control device 300. DC32V, display device 41 consisting of liquid crystal panel, DC12V for driving motors and LEDs, DC5V for driving command I / F331, and DC15V for driving motors, LEDs, and speakers. It is configured to do.

Further, when an LSI operating at a low voltage such as 3.3V or 1.2V is used as the main control microcomputer 311, DC-for generating DC3.3V or DC1.2V based on DC5V A DC converter is provided in the effect control device 300. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

The reset signal generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply device 400 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 311 to put the device in the reset state. Further, the VDP 312 (VDP RESET signal), the sound source LSI 314, the amplifier circuit 337 (SNDRESET signal) for driving the speaker, and the control circuit 332-334 (IOReSET) for driving and controlling the lamp and the motor are output from the main control microcomputer 311. It is supplied to the signal) and puts them in the reset state. Further, a cooling FAN 45 for cooling various parts of the game machine 10 is connected to the effect control device 300, and the cooling FAN 45 is driven when the power of the effect control device 300 is turned on.

Next, the game control performed in these control circuits will be described. The CPU 111a of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random value for hit determination in the normal figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the normal figure start gate 34, and ROM 111b. Compared with the judgment value stored in, the hit / miss of the normal figure fluctuation display game is judged.

Then, after displaying the identification symbol in a variable time for a predetermined time on the normal map display, a normal map variation display game for stopping and displaying is displayed. When the result of the normal fluctuation display game is a hit, a special result mode is displayed on the normal figure display, the normal electric solenoid 37c is operated, and the movable member 37b of the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is operated for a predetermined time (for example,). (0.3 seconds) Control to open as described above. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a conversion control execution means for performing conversion control of the conversion member (movable member 37b). If the result of the normal map variation display game is out of alignment, the normal map display is controlled to display the result mode of the deviation.

In addition, the start winning (starting memory) is memorized based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the starting opening 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning opening 36, and the jackpot determination of the special figure 1 variation display game is made based on the starting memory. The random value for use is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111b to determine the hit / miss of the special figure 1 variation display game.

Further, the start memory is memorized based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variable winning device 37, and the random value for jackpot determination of the special figure 2 variable display game is memorized based on the start memory. Is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111b, and the hit / miss of the special figure 2 variation display game is determined.

Then, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (effect control command) including the determination result of the special figure 1 variation display game and the special figure 2 variation display game to the effect control device 300. Then, the special figure variation display game is displayed on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 after the identification symbol is variablely displayed for a predetermined time and then stopped and displayed. That is, the game control device 100 controls the progress of the variable display game based on the winning of the starting winning area (first starting winning opening 36, normal variable winning device 37) of the game ball flowing down the game area 32. Make.

Further, in the effect control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the display device 41 displays the decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special figure variation display game. Further, the effect control device 300 performs processing such as setting the effect state, outputting sounds from the speakers 19a and 19b, and controlling the light emission of various LEDs based on the control signal from the game control device 100. That is, the effect control device 300 serves as an effect control means for controlling the effect related to the game (variable display game, etc.).

Then, when the result of the special figure variation display game is a hit, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, and generates a special game state. Let me. In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111a controls, for example, by opening the opening / closing door 39c of the special variable winning device 39 by the large winning opening solenoid 39b to allow the game ball to flow into the special winning opening. ..

Then, either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins in the big winning opening, or a predetermined opening time (for example, 27 seconds or 0.05 seconds) elapses from the opening of the big winning opening. One round (R) is to open the big winning opening until the above condition is achieved, and this is continued (repeated) a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times, 11 times or 2 times) control (cycle game). I do. That is, the game control device 100 serves as a large winning opening opening / closing control means for controlling the opening / closing of the large winning opening when the stop result mode becomes the special result mode. Further, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out of alignment, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are controlled to display the result mode of the deviation.

Further, the game control device 100 can generate a high probability state as a game state after the end of the special game state based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. The high probability state (probability change state) is a state in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure fluctuation display game is higher than that of the normal probability state. Further, regardless of which of the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game results in a high probability state, the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game Both are in a high probability state.

Further, the game control device 100 can generate a time saving state (specific game state) as a game state after the end of the special game state, based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. In the time saving state, the normal fluctuation display game and the normal fluctuation winning device 37 are controlled to be in the time saving operation state, and the normal fluctuation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled as compared with the case where the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is in the normal operating state. Since it is controlled so that the opening time of the game is substantially increased, the game is in the normal power support state. In addition, even in the high probability state (normal probability change state) excluding the latent probability change state, the time saving state is duplicated and the normal electric support is executed.

For example, in the time-reduced state, it is possible to shorten the time so that the execution time (normal figure fluctuation time) of the above-mentioned normal figure fluctuation display game is set to the second fluctuation display time shorter than the normal first fluctuation display time (for example). 10000 msec is 1000 msec). In the time saving state, the execution time of the special figure fluctuation display game (special figure fluctuation time) is also shorter than usual, and the time reduction fluctuation of the special figure fluctuation display game is also executed.

Further, in the time saving state, it is possible to control the normal figure stop time for displaying the result of the normal figure fluctuation display game to be a second stop time (for example, 704 msec) shorter than the first stop time (for example, 1604 msec). Is.

Further, in the time saving state, when the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened as a result of the normal fluctuation display game, the opening time (normal power opening time) is the first opening time (for example, 100 msec) in the normal state. It is possible to control the second opening time to be longer (for example, 1352 msec).

Further, in the time saving state, the number of times the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened (the number of times the normal electric power is opened) is larger than the number of times the first opening number (for example, 2 times) is obtained with respect to the result of one hit of the normal fluctuation display game. It is possible to set the second opening number of times (for example, 4 times). Further, in the time saving state, the probability of hitting the result of the normal map variation display game (normal figure probability) can be set to a higher probability than the normal probability (low probability) in the normal operating state.

In the time saving state, the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is opened by changing any one or more of the normal fluctuation time, the normal stop time, the number of times the normal power is opened, the normal power opening time, and the normal probability. Try to extend the conversion time longer than usual. As a result, in the time saving state, the winning of the normal variable winning device 37 becomes easier than in the normal game state, and the number of executions of the special figure variation display game per unit time can be increased as compared with the normal game state. It is also possible to set a plurality of types of time saving states in which different things are changed. Further, the movable member 37b may be set not to be opened in the normal operating state (probability of normal drawing is 0). Further, when a hit occurs, either the first open mode or the second open mode may be selected. In this case, the selection probabilities of the first open mode and the second open mode may be different. Further, the high probability state and the time saving state can be generated independently, and both can be generated at the same time, or only one can be generated.

[Control of game control device]
Hereinafter, control of a game machine that performs such a game will be described. First, the control executed by the game microcomputer (game microcomputer) 111 of the game control device 100 will be described. The control process by the game microcomputer 111 mainly includes the main process shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 9 performed in a predetermined time cycle (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing (game control device)]
First, the main process will be described. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing a procedure of main processing by the game control device 100. The main process is started when the power is turned on. In the flowchart of the process executed by the game control device 100, the code (number) of the step is represented as "A ***".

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the game control device 100 starts the main process, it first executes a process of disabling interrupts (A1001). Further, a stack pointer setting process for setting the stack pointer, which is the start address of the area for saving the value of the register or the like when an interrupt occurs, is executed (A1002).

Subsequently, register bank 0 is designated as the register bank to be used (A1003), and the upper address of the RAM start address is set in a predetermined register (A1004). For example, when the RAM address is in the range of 0000h to 01FFh, 00h is set as the upper address.

Next, the game control device 100 outputs a firing prohibition signal and sets the firing permission signal to the prohibited state (A1005). The launch permission signal is set to a prohibited state when at least one of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 outputs a launch prohibition signal, and the launch of the game ball is prohibited. After that, the game control device 100 reads the state of the input port 1 (first input port 122) (A1006).

Further, the game control device 100 sets a power supply delay timer (A1007). A program of a slave control means (for example, a payout control device 200 or an effect control device 300) that performs various controls according to instructions from a game control device 100 that serves as a main control means by setting a predetermined initial value in the power delay timer. A waiting time (for example, 3 seconds) for waiting until is normally started is set. As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 temporarily starts up first and sends a command to the slave control device before the slave control device (for example, the payout control device 200 or the effect control device 300) starts up, and the slave control device Can prevent the command from being missed. That is, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 delays the activation of the main control means (game control device 100) and waits for the activation of the slave control devices (payout control device 200, effect control device 300, etc.). It serves as a waiting means for setting the waiting time.

Further, the timing of the power delay timer is performed using a storage area (RAM area or register, etc. that is not subject to the validity determination) that is not subject to the validity determination (checksum calculation) of the RAM. As a result, when calculating check data such as a checksum of a RAM area, it is not necessary to exclude a part of the RAM area for calculation, so that it is possible to prevent the control at the time of power-on from becoming complicated.

An initialization switch signal is input to the first input port 122, and by reading the state of the first input port 122 before the start of the standby time, the operation of the initialization switch 112 is ensured. Can be detected. That is, if the state of the initialization switch 112 is read after the standby time has elapsed, the initialization switch 112 is operated after the standby time has elapsed, or the initialization switch 112 is operated from the power-on until the standby time has elapsed. You need to keep doing it. However, by reading the state before the start of the standby time, it can be detected by performing the operation immediately after turning on the power without performing such annoying operation, and the initialization operation performed at the time of turning on the power. Can be prevented from being unacceptable.

When the power delay timer is set (A1007), the game control device 100 executes time counting of the standby time and a process of monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during the standby time (A1008 to A1012).

When the power failure monitoring process is started, the game control device 100 first sets the number of times (for example, twice) to read and check the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 via the port and the data bus (for example, twice). A1008), it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on (A1009).

When the power failure monitoring signal is on (the result of A1009 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is continuously on for the number of checks set in the process of step A1008. Judgment (A1010). Then, if the power failure monitoring signal has not been turned on for the number of checks (the result of A1010 is "N"), the process returns to the process of determining whether or not the power failure monitoring signal in step A1009 is on.

Further, when the game control device 100 determines that the power failure monitoring signal has been turned on for the number of checks (the result of A1010 is "Y"), that is, when it is determined that a power failure has occurred, the game control device 100 is a game machine. Wait until the power is turned off. In this way, by determining that a power failure has occurred when the power failure monitoring signal is continuously received for a predetermined period, it is possible to prevent false detection of a power failure due to noise or the like, and appropriately deal with problems when the power is turned on. can do.

That is, the game control device 100 serves as a power failure monitoring means for monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during a predetermined standby time. As a result, it is possible to deal with a power failure that occurs during the period in which the activation of the game control device 100, which is the main control means, is delayed, and it is possible to appropriately deal with a problem at the time of turning on the power. Note that access to the RAM is not permitted until the end of the standby time, and the stored contents at the time of the previous power cutoff are retained, so backup processing etc. is performed when a power failure occurs here. No need. Therefore, even if a power failure occurs during the standby time, it is not necessary to back up the RAM, and the burden of control can be reduced.

On the other hand, the game control device 100 updates the power-on delay timer by -1 when the power failure monitoring signal is not on (the result of A1009 is "N"), that is, when a power failure has not occurred (A1011). It is determined whether or not the value of the timer is 0 (A1012). If the value of the timer is not 0 (the result of A1012 is "N"), that is, if the standby time has not ended, the process returns to the process of setting the number of times the power failure monitoring signal is checked in step A1008.

Further, when the value of the timer is 0 (the result of A1012 is "Y"), that is, when the standby time has expired, the game control device 100 has a read / write RWM (read / write) such as a RAM or EEPROM. (Memory) access is permitted (A1013), and off-data is output to all output ports (set to no output) (A1014).

Next, the game control device 100 sets a serial port (a port previously mounted on the game microcomputer 111, which is used for communication with the effect control device 300 and the payout control device 200 in the present embodiment) (A1015). ).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the setting changing device 42 is on, that is, whether or not the setting changing device 42 is in a state where the setting can be changed (A1016). For example, when the key switch of the setting changing device 42 is turned on by inserting a key or the like, it can be determined that the setting changing device 42 is turned on.

When the setting change device 42 is on (the result of A1016 is “Y”), the game control device 100 executes the setting change process for changing the setting (A1017). In the setting change process, each time the button switch of the setting change device 42 is pressed by the operator, the setting of the gaming machine 10 is changed and selected in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → setting 3 → setting 1. It should be noted that the setting may be changed by rotating the key to a predetermined position instead of operating the button switch. Then, the selected set values 1 to 3 are displayed on the 7-segment type display of the setting changing device 42. When the key switch of the setting change device 42 is turned off due to a key being removed, the setting (that is, the setting value) is confirmed and stored in the setting information storage area in the RWM (storage means), and the setting change process is completed. To do. The 7-segment type display of the setting changing device 42 may be changed directly in conjunction with the operation of the button switch via the electric circuit, or may be changed via the gaming microcomputer 111.

When the setting change device 42 is not turned on (the result of A1016 is “N”), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the initialization switch 112 is turned on from the state of the first input port 122 read earlier. (A1018). Here, it is determined whether or not to execute the initialization that clears the RAM area.

When the initialization switch 112 is off (the result of A1018 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the value of the power failure inspection area 1 in the RWM is the normal power failure inspection area check data. Judgment (A1019). Then, if it is normal (the result of A1019 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the value of the power failure inspection area 2 in the RWM is the normal power failure inspection area check data (A1020).

Further, if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (the result of A1020 is “Y”), the game control device 100 calculates a checksum of a predetermined area in the RWM (validity determination means). (A1021) is executed, and it is determined whether or not the calculated checksum and the checksum at the time of power failure match (A1022). If the checksums match (the result of A1022 is "Y"), the process proceeds to the process of step A1023 in FIG. 5B, and the process when the power is normally restored from the power failure is executed.

If the processing of steps A1021 and A1022 is performed separately for the setting information storage area and the game information storage area in the RWM, only the area in which the mismatch is detected in the later steps A1028-A1032 is used. May be initialized (for the game information storage area) or set to the default setting (for the setting information storage area), or even if a mismatch is detected in one of the areas, both The area may be initialized (for the game information storage area) and set to the default setting (for the setting information storage area). For example, when an abnormality (checksum mismatch) in the setting information storage area is detected, it is assumed that incorrect setting information is saved in the setting information storage area in the later step A1031, and the setting information storage area is set as the default setting. Setting information (for example, setting 1) can be saved as an initial value. The game information storage area is an area for storing game information (for example, random numbers, customer waiting demo information, effect mode setting, etc.) related to the game (variable display game).

Further, when the setting change process is performed (the result of A1016 is "Y") and the initialization switch 112 is on (the result of A1018 is "Y"), the game control device 100 checks data in the power failure inspection area. Is not normal data (A1019 result is "N" or A1020 result is "N"), and checksum is not normal (A1022 result is "N"), FIG. 5B. The process proceeds to step A1028 of step A1028 and the initialization process is executed. That is, the setting change device 42 and the initialization switch 112 form an initialization operation unit that can be operated from the outside, and the game control device 100 stores data stored in the RAM based on the operation of the initialization operation unit. It serves as an initialization means to initialize. When the setting is changed, the initialization after the setting change process is performed before determining whether or not the initialization switch 112 is turned on. Therefore, the initialization by the setting change and the switch 112 are turned on. It is also possible to configure the system so that initialization is not performed twice.

The game control device 100 saves the initial value at the time of power failure recovery in the area to be initialized (A1023). The area to be initialized is a power failure inspection area, a checksum area, and an area related to error fraud monitoring. The setting information storage area is excluded from the area to be initialized. The busy signal status area for storing the state of the payout busy signal, which is a signal indicating whether or not the payout control device 200 can accept the command, is also cleared, indicating that the state of the payout busy signal has not been determined. It is in an indefinite state. After that, the game control device 100 examines the area in the RWM that stores the game state and determines whether or not the game state is a high-probability state (A1024).

Here, when the game state is not a high probability state (the result of A1024 is "N"), the game control device 100 skips the processes of steps A1025 and A1026 and shifts to the process of step A1027. Further, when the gaming state is a high probability state (the result of A1024 is "Y"), the on information is saved in the high probability notification flag area (A1025), for example, the high probability notification LED provided in the batch display device 50. (Error indicator) On (lit) data is saved in the segment area (A1026). Then, a command at the time of power failure recovery corresponding to the processing number prepared for rationally executing the special figure game processing described later is transmitted to the effect control board (effect control device 300) (A1027), and in step A1033. Execute the process.

On the other hand, when the process of step A1028 is executed after the execution of steps A1018, A1019, A1020, and A1022, the game control device 100 sets the RAM access prohibited area to the access permission (A1028). Further, all the RAM areas (including the busy signal status area) except the setting information storage area are cleared to 0 (A1029), and the RAM access prohibited area is set to access prohibited (A1030). The process of step A1029 constitutes an initialization means for initializing (clearing) an area other than the setting information storage area in the storage means (RAM).

Then, the game control device 100 saves the initial value at the time of RAM initialization in the area to be initialized (A1031). The area to be initialized here is, for example, a part of the game information storage area (such as an area related to customer waiting demo information and an area related to setting an effect mode). Basically, the setting information storage area is not an area to be initialized, but exceptionally when the checksum is not normal (the result of A1022 is "N"), incorrect setting information is saved in the setting information storage area. Therefore, as an initial value, the specified setting information (for example, setting 1 which is the default setting) may be saved in the setting information storage area. As described above, the checksum may be calculated separately for the setting information storage area and the game information storage area in the RWM, and the checksum of either the setting information storage area or the game information storage area is not normal. The value or information may be saved only in the abnormal area, or the value or information may be saved in both areas. Further, the game control device 100 transmits a command at the time of RAM initialization to the effect control board (effect control device 300) (A1032), and executes the process of step A1033.

The command at the time of power failure recovery transmitted in the process of step A1027 and the command at the time of RAM initialization transmitted in the process of step A1032 include a model designation command indicating the type of the gaming machine and the hold of special figures 1 and 2. Includes a decorative special figure 1 hold number command indicating a number, a decorative special figure 2 hold number command, and a probability information command indicating a probability state. Further, the command at the time of power failure recovery and the command at the time of RAM initialization include a setting information command indicating setting information (setting value, setting information) of the game machine 10 and a power recovery (turning on). Contains recovery screen commands to indicate. In addition, depending on the state when the power is turned off or turned on, if the customer is waiting when the power is turned off, a customer waiting demo command is included. Further, depending on the model, an effect mode information command indicating the state of the effect mode and a time reduction number information command indicating the number of remaining games in the time reduction state are included. Since the RAM is initialized when the power is restored (turned on), the command at the time of RAM initialization includes the RAM indicating that the RAM has been initialized (cleared) in addition to the command at the time of power failure recovery. It also includes an initialization command. The game control device 100 only needs to transmit the setting information command to the effect control device 300 only once when the power is restored (turned on), and the effect control device 300 subsequently performs the effect control by referring to the setting information stored by itself. Do.

The game control device 100 activates a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the game microcomputer 111 (clock generator) (A1033). The CTC circuit is provided in the clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator has a frequency dividing circuit that divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113, and a timer interrupt signal having a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) with respect to the CPU 111a based on the divided signal. It also includes a CTC circuit that generates a signal CTC that triggers a random number update to be supplied to the random number generation circuit.

After executing the CTC activation process in step A1033, the game control device 100 activates and sets the random number generation circuit (A1034). Specifically, the CPU 111a sets a code (designated value) for activating the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. In addition, the bit transposition pattern of the hard random number (here, the jackpot random number) generated by the hardware of the random number generation circuit is also set.

The bit transposition pattern is a method of exchanging the extracted random number bits (arrangement before the upper bit transposition) in a predetermined order and storing them as different bit arrangements (arrangement after the lower bit transposition). It is a pattern that determines.

In the present embodiment, by exchanging the bits of the random number according to the bit transposition pattern, the regularity of the random number can be broken and the confidentiality of the random number can be enhanced. The bit transposition pattern may be a fixed single pattern, or may be selected from a plurality of patterns prepared in advance. In addition, the user may be able to set it arbitrarily.

After that, the game control device 100 extracts the values of predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit when the power is turned on, and corresponds to various initial value random numbers (random numbers for determining the big hit symbol (big hit symbol). Random number 1, big hit symbol random number 2), random number that determines the hit of the normal figure (hit random number), random number that determines the hit symbol of the normal figure (win symbol random number), etc.) as the initial value (start value) of the predetermined area of RWM Save to (A1035) and allow interrupts (A1036). In the random number generation circuit in the CPU 111a used in the present embodiment, the initial value of the soft random number register is configured to change each time the power is turned on. Therefore, this value is used as the initial value (start value) of various initial value random numbers. By doing so, the regularity of the random numbers generated by the software can be broken, and it is possible to make it difficult for the player to acquire an illegal random number.

Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes an initial value random number update process for updating the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers (A1037). Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the big hit random number, the big hit symbol random number, and the hit random number are configured to be generated by using the random numbers generated in the random number generation circuit. However, the jackpot random number is a so-called "high-speed counter" that is updated based on a clock whose speed is equal to or higher than the operating clock of the CPU, and the jackpot symbol random number and the hit random number have the same cycle as the timer interrupt processing, which is the processing unit of the program. It is a "low speed counter" that is updated based on the CTC output (CTC (CTC2) different from CTC (CTC0) of timer interrupt processing).

Further, in the big hit symbol random number and the hit symbol random number, a so-called "initial value change method" is adopted in which the start value is changed by using each initial value random number (generated by software) every time the random number goes around. It should be noted that each of the random numbers may be a counter-type update by +1 or 1, or a random-type update in which all the values in the range appear separately without duplication until one cycle is completed. That is, the jackpot random number is a random number updated only by the hardware, and the jackpot symbol random number and the hit random number are random numbers updated by the hardware and software.

After the initial value random number update process in step A1037, the game control device 100 sets the number of times to read and check the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 via the port and the data bus (A1038), and power failure monitoring. It is determined whether or not the signal is on (A1039). If the power failure monitoring signal is not on (the result of A1039 is “N”), the process returns to the initial value random number update process in step A1037. That is, when a power failure has not occurred, the initial value random number update process and the power failure monitoring signal check (loop process) are repeated. By permitting an interrupt before the initial value random number update process (A1037) (A1036), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is preferentially executed, and the timer interrupt is initially executed. It is possible to avoid pressure on interrupt processing by making it wait by the value random number update processing.

In the initial value random number update process of step A1037, in addition to the main process, there is also a method of performing the initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process. If such a method is adopted, the initial value random number is used in both cases. In order to avoid executing the update process, it is necessary to disable the interrupt and then update to release the interrupt when the initial value random number update process is performed in the main process. On the other hand, if the initial value random number update process is not performed in the timer interrupt process as in the present embodiment and only in the main process, there is no problem even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process. It has the advantage of simplifying the main process.

When the power failure monitoring signal is on (the result of A1039 is "Y"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is continuously on for the number of checks set in the process of step A1038. Judgment (A1040). Then, if the power failure monitoring signal has not been turned on for the number of checks (the result of A1040 is "N"), the process returns to step A1039 to determine whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is on.

Further, the game control device 100 interrupts once when the on state of the power failure monitoring signal continues for the number of checks (the result of A1040 is "Y"), that is, when it is determined that a power failure has occurred. (A1041) and output off-data to all output ports (A1042).

After that, the game control device 100 saves the power failure inspection area check data 1 in the power failure inspection area 1 (A1043), and saves the power failure inspection area check data 2 in the power failure inspection area 2 (A1044). Further, a checksum calculation process for calculating the checksum when the power of the RWM is turned off is executed (A1045), and the calculated checksum is saved (A1046). Finally, a process of prohibiting access to the RWM is executed (A1047), and the game waits until the power of the gaming machine is cut off.

In this way, by saving the check data in the power failure inspection area and calculating the checksum when the power is turned off, it is possible to check whether the information stored in the RWM before the power is cut off is correctly backed up. It can be judged at the time of re-input.

From the above, a main control means (game control device 100) that comprehensively controls the game and a sub-control means (payout control device 200, effect control device 300, etc.) that perform various controls according to instructions from the main control means, etc. ), The main control means is a standby means (game control device) that delays the activation of the main control means and sets a predetermined standby time for waiting for the activation of the slave control device when the power is turned on. 100) and a power failure monitoring means (game control device 100) for monitoring the occurrence of a power failure during the predetermined standby time are provided.

Further, a power supply device 400 for supplying electric power to various devices is provided, and the power supply device 400 is configured to output a power failure monitoring signal when the occurrence of a power failure is detected, and the power failure monitoring means (game control device 100) is , It is determined that a power failure has occurred when the power failure monitoring signal is continuously received for a predetermined period.

Further, the main control means (game control device 100) is based on the fact that the RAM 111c capable of storing data, the initialization operation unit (initialization switch) capable of being operated from the outside, and the initialization operation unit are operated. An initialization means (game control device 100) for initializing the data stored in the RAM 111c is provided, and the operation state of the initialization means is read before the start of the standby time.

Further, the main control means (game control device 100) is configured to allow access to the RAM 111c after the standby time has elapsed.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of timer interrupt processing. The timer interrupt process is started by inputting a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator to the CPU 111a. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the timer interrupt processing is started.

When the timer interrupt process is started, the game control device 100 first designates the register bank 1 as the register bank to be used (A1301), and sets the upper address of the RAM start address in the predetermined register (A1302). By switching from register bank 0 used in main processing to register bank 1 at the start of timer interrupt processing, it is equivalent to saving the register used in main processing. When the timer interrupt processing is started, the interrupt is automatically disabled.

Next, the game control device 100 executes input from various sensors and switches, capture of signals, that is, input processing for reading the state of each input port (A1303). Further, based on the output data set in the various processes, the output process for controlling the drive of the actuator such as the solenoid (the winning opening solenoid 39b) is executed (A1304). When a launch prohibition signal is output in the process of step A1005 in the main process, the launch permission signal is output by performing this output process, and the launch permission signal can be set to the permitted state. ..

Next, the game control device 100 executes a payout command transmission process (A1305) that outputs commands set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the payout control device 200, and further, random number update process 1 (A1306) and random number update. Process 2 (A1307) is executed. After that, monitoring of whether or not there is a normal signal input from the starting port 1 switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, and the large winning port switch 39a, and monitoring of errors (front frame and The winning opening switch / status monitoring process for performing (whether the glass frame is not opened, etc.) is executed (A1308).

Further, a special figure game process for performing processing related to the special figure variation display game is executed (A1309), and then a normal figure game process for performing processing related to the normal figure variation display game is executed (A1310).

Next, the game control device 100 executes a segment LED editing process which is provided in the game machine 10 and drives a segment LED for displaying a special figure variation game and various information related to the game so as to display desired contents. (A1311).

Further, the game control device 100 executes a magnet fraud monitoring process of checking the detection signal from the magnetic sensor switch 61 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality (A1312). Further, a radio wave fraud monitoring process (board radio wave fraud monitoring process) for checking the detection signal from the radio wave sensor 62 of the game board and determining whether or not there is an abnormality is executed (A1313).

After that, the game control device 100 executes an external information editing process for setting signals to be output to various external devices in the output buffer (A1314). After that, the timer interrupt processing is terminated. When returning the timer interrupt processing, the interrupt disabled state is restored and the register bank specification is automatically restored. However, depending on the CPU used, interrupts are permitted after the external information editing processing. Processing or processing to return the designation of the register bank to register bank 0 may be performed.

[Special game processing]
Next, the details of the special figure game processing (A1309) in the above-mentioned timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure game processing. In the special figure game process, the inputs of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a are monitored, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the special figure display is set.

First, the game control device 100 executes a start port switch monitoring process for monitoring the winning of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a (A2601). In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball wins a game ball in the start winning opening 36 and the normal variable winning device 37 forming the second starting winning opening, various random numbers (big hit random numbers, etc.) are extracted and a special figure variation display based on the winning is displayed. Predetermine the game result based on the winning at the stage before the start of the game. The game result pre-judgment is performed. The details of the start port switch monitoring process will be described later.

Next, the game control device 100 executes a large winning opening switch monitoring process (A2602). In the large winning opening switch monitoring process, the detection of the game ball by the count switch 39a provided in the special variable winning device 39 is monitored. The details of the large winning opening switch monitoring process will be described later.

Next, the game control device 100 updates -1 (subtracts only 1) if the special figure game processing timer is not 0 (A2603). The special figure game processing timer is clocked by the interrupt cycle (4 msec) of the timer interrupt processing by updating -1. The minimum value of the special figure game processing timer is set to 0. Next, it is determined whether or not the special figure game processing timer is 0 (A2604). If the special figure game processing timer is not 0 (the result of A2604 is "N"), the process proceeds to step A2619.

The game control device 100 corresponds to the special figure game processing number when the special figure game processing timer is 0 (the result of A2604 is "Y"), that is, when the time is up or the time is already up. The special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to the process is set in the register (A2605). Further, the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the special figure game process number is acquired by using the special figure game sequence branch table (A2606). Subsequently, a subroutine call is made with the special figure game processing number to execute the game branching process according to the special figure game processing number (A2607).

When the game processing number is "0" in step A2607, the game control device 100 monitors the variation start of the special figure variation display game, sets the variation start of the special figure variation display game, sets the effect, and sets the effect. The special figure normal processing for setting the information necessary for performing the special figure changing processing is executed (A2608). The details of the special figure normal processing will be described later in FIG.

When the game processing number is "1" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets the stop display time of the special figure, sets the information necessary for performing the processing during the special figure display, and the like. Figure The processing during fluctuation is executed (A2609). For example, in the special symbol changing process, necessary information such as a symbol stop command indicating the stop of the special symbol and the stop display time corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is set, and the process number "2" related to the special symbol display process is set. Set and save in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "2" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets a fanfare command according to the type of jackpot and sets each jackpot if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a jackpot. The special figure display processing for setting the fanfare time according to the large winning opening opening pattern, setting the information necessary for performing the fanfare / interval processing, and the like is executed (A2610). For example, in the special figure display processing, if the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is a big hit, necessary information such as a fanfare command and a fanfare time is set, and the processing number "3" related to the fanfare / interval processing is set. Save to the special figure game processing number area. If the result of the special figure variation display game is not a big hit, the process number "0" related to the special figure normal processing is set and saved in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "3" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets the opening time of the large winning opening, updates the number of opening times, and performs processing during opening of the large winning opening. The fanfare / interval processing for setting and the like is executed (A2611). For example, in the fanfare / interval processing, necessary information such as the round command corresponding to the round of the round game to be executed and the opening time of the large winning opening is set, and the processing number "4" related to the processing during the opening of the large winning opening is set. Set and save in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "4" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets an interval command if the jackpot round is not the final round, while setting an ending command if it is the final round. The processing during the opening of the large winning opening is executed (A2612), in which information necessary for processing the remaining balls of the large winning opening is set. For example, in the processing during the opening of the large winning opening, necessary information such as an interval command and an ending command is set, a processing number "5" related to the processing of the remaining balls of the large winning opening is set, and the game is saved in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "5" in step A2607, the game control device 100 sets a process for setting the time for the remaining balls in the big winning opening to be discharged if the big hit round is the final round. The big winning opening remaining ball processing for setting the information necessary for performing the big hit end processing is executed (A2613). For example, in the processing during the opening of the large winning opening, if it is not the final round, the interval time is saved in the special figure game processing timer area, the processing number "3" related to the fanfare / interval processing is set, and the special figure game processing number area is set. Save. If it is the final round, the ending time is saved in the special figure game processing timer area, the processing number "6" related to the jackpot end processing is set, and the game is saved in the special figure game processing number area.

When the game processing number is "6" in step A2607, the game control device 100 executes a jackpot end process for setting information necessary for executing the special figure normal process (A2614). For example, in the jackpot end processing, the probability state after the end of the jackpot state and the normal power support state after the end of the jackpot state ( Set necessary information such as (time saving state), set the processing number "0" related to the special figure normal processing, and save it in the special figure game processing number area. The probability fluctuation judgment data includes the number of continuous games (number of time reduction fluctuations, number of electric support) of the probability state (high probability / low probability) after the end of the jackpot state and the normal power support state (time reduction state) after the end of the jackpot state. ) Information is included.

When the processing based on the special figure game processing number is completed, the game control device 100 prepares the special figure 1 fluctuation control table for controlling the fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51 (A2615), and then the special figure 1 display. The symbol variation control process according to 51 is executed (A2616). Then, after preparing the special figure 2 fluctuation control table for controlling the fluctuation of the special figure 2 display 52 (A2617), the symbol fluctuation control process related to the special figure 2 display 52 is executed (A2618).

[Starting port switch monitoring process]
Next, the details of the start port switch monitoring process (A2601) in the special figure game process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the start port switch monitoring process.

First, the game control device 100 prepares a winning monitoring table for the starting winning opening 36 (starting opening 1) (A2701), executes a hard random number acquisition process (A2702), and determines whether or not there is a winning in the starting winning opening 36. (A2703). If there is no winning in the starting winning opening 36 (the result of A2703 is "N"), the processes after step A2709 are executed. On the other hand, when there is a prize in the start winning opening 36 (the result of A2703 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the special figure time is shortened (during the normal electric support state) (A2704).

When it is determined that the game control device 100 is not in the special time reduction period (during the normal power support state) (the result of A2704 is "N"), the game control device 100 executes the processes after step A2707. On the other hand, when the special figure time is shortened (the result of A2704 is "Y"), the right-handed instruction notification command is prepared as an effect command (A2705), and the effect command setting process is executed (A2705). A2706). In the effect command setting process, the effect command is written in the serial transmission buffer, and the effect command is transmitted to the effect control device 300.

That is, in the normal electric support state (time saving state), the right-handed instruction notification command is prepared and the effect command setting process is executed regardless of the probability state (high probability state / low probability state) of the variable display game. .. In the case of the present embodiment, the starting winning opening 36 is not won unless it is left-handed, and the normal variable winning device 37 is not won unless it is right-handed. In addition, the game ball does not pass through the normal drawing start gate 34 unless it is hit right. Therefore, in the normal power support state (time saving state), right-handed is more advantageous than left-handed, but when there is a prize in the start winning opening 36 during the normal power support state (that is, during the normal power support state). When left-handed), a right-handed instruction notification command is transmitted to the effect control device 300, and the effect control device 300 executes a notification (warning) instructing right-handed by the display device 41 or the like.

Next, the game control device 100 prepares a table for setting the information of the hold by the start winning opening 36 (starting opening 1) (A2707), and then executes the special figure starting opening switch common process (A2708). Then, a winning monitoring table for the second starting winning opening (normal variable winning device 37) is prepared (A2709), a hard random number acquisition process is executed (A2710), and whether or not there is a winning in the second starting winning opening is determined. Judgment (A2711). If there is no winning in the second starting opening winning opening (the result of A2711 is "N"), the starting opening switch monitoring process is terminated.

On the other hand, in the game control device 100, when there is a prize in the second start winning opening (the result of A2711 is "Y"), whether or not the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary variable winning device 37) is operating. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal variable winning device 37 is activated and the game ball is in the open state in which the winning can be won (A2712). When the normal electric accessory is in operation (the result of A2712 is "Y"), the process proceeds to step A2714.

On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory is not in operation (the result of A2712 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the illegal electric power is occurring (A2713). When the number of fraudulent prizes to the ordinary variable winning device 37 is equal to or greater than the number of fraudulent occurrence determinations (for example, 5), it is determined that the Fuden fraud is occurring. In the normal variable winning device 37, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state, and the game ball can be won only in the open state. Therefore, if a game ball wins in the closed state, it means that some abnormality or fraud has occurred, and if there is a game ball that wins in such a closed state, the number is counted as the number of illegal prizes. Then, when the number of fraudulent winnings counted in this way is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of fraud occurrence determinations (upper limit value), it is determined that fraud has occurred.

The game control device 100 prepares a table for setting information on hold by the second start winning opening (normal variable winning device 37) when the fraudulent electric power is not occurring (the result of A2713 is "N") (A2714). , The special figure start port switch common process is executed (A2715), and the start port switch monitoring process is terminated. Further, even when it is determined in A2713 that an illegal operation is occurring (the result of A2713 is "Y"), the start port switch monitoring process is terminated. That is, the second start memory is prevented from being generated any more.

[Special figure start port switch common processing]
Next, the details of the special figure start port switch common process (A2708, A2715) in the start port switch monitoring process will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for common processing of the special drawing start port switch. The special figure start port switch common process is a process that is commonly performed for each input when the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a are input.

First, the game control device 100 outputs information regarding the number of winnings to the monitoring target start port switch among the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the external management device of the game machine 10. The start port signal output number of times is loaded (A2901), the loaded value is updated by +1 (A2902), and it is determined whether or not the output number of times overflows (A2903). If the number of outputs does not overflow (the result of A2903 is "N"), the updated value is saved in the start port signal output count area of the RWM (A2904), and the process proceeds to step A2905. On the other hand, when the number of outputs overflows (the result of A2903 is "Y"), the process proceeds to step A2905. In the present embodiment, a value from "0" to "255" can be stored in the start port signal output frequency region. Then, when the loaded value is "255", the updated value becomes "0" by +1 update, and it is configured to determine that the number of outputs overflows.

Next, in the game control device 100, among the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, whether or not the number of special figure reservations (start memory number) to be updated corresponding to the start port switch to be monitored is less than the upper limit value. (A2905). If the number of special figure reservations to be updated is not less than the upper limit value (the result of A2905 is "N"), the special figure start port switch common processing is terminated. If the number of special figure reservations to be updated is less than the upper limit (the result of A2905 is "Y"), the number of special figure reservations to be updated (special figure 1 hold number or special figure 2 hold number) is updated by +1. Then (A2906), the target start opening winning flag is saved (A2907).

Next, the game control device 100 calculates the address of the start port switch to be monitored and the random number storage area corresponding to the number of reserved special figures (A2908), and stores the jackpot random number prepared in step A2805 in the RWM jackpot random number. Save to the area (A2909). Next, the jackpot symbol random number of the start port switch to be monitored is extracted, prepared (A2910), and saved in the jackpot symbol random number storage area of the RWM (A2911).

Next, the game control device 100 saves the fluctuation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 in the corresponding fluctuation pattern random number storage area of the RWM (A2912), and executes the special figure reservation information determination process (A2913). In the special figure hold information determination process, the look-ahead stop symbol command corresponding to the saved jackpot random number or the stop symbol information based on the jackpot symbol random number, and the first half variation number based on the saved variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 (number of variation before reach). And the look-ahead fluctuation pattern command corresponding to the latter half fluctuation number (number of fluctuation after reach) is set as an effect command. Then, the start port switch to be monitored and the decorative special figure hold number command corresponding to the special figure hold number are prepared as the effect command (A2914), and the effect command setting process (A2915) is executed to be common to the special figure start port switch. End the process.

Here, the game control device 100 (RAM111c) extracts a predetermined random number based on the inflow of the game ball into the start winning opening 36 and the starting winning area of the normal variable winning device 37, and becomes the execution right of the variable display game. It serves as a start storage means for storing a predetermined number as a start memory up to an upper limit. Further, the start storage means (game control device 100) uses various random value values extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the first start winning opening (starting winning opening 36) as the first starting memory up to a predetermined number. It is stored, and various random value values extracted based on the winning of the game ball to the second starting winning opening (normal variable winning device 37) are stored as the second starting memory up to a predetermined number.

[Special figure normal processing]
Next, the details of the special figure normal processing (A2608) in the special figure game processing will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure normal processing.

The game control device 100 first determines whether or not the special figure 2 hold number (second start storage number) is 0 (A3201). When the special figure 2 hold number is 0 (the result of A3201 is “Y”), it is determined whether or not the special figure 1 hold number (first start storage number) is 0 (A3206). Then, when the number of reserved special figures 1 is 0 (the result of A3206 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the customer waiting demo has started (A3211), and when the customer waiting demo has not started (A3211). The result of (A3212) is that the customer waiting demo flag area is set to the customer waiting demo flag area (A3212).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares a customer waiting demo command as an effect command (A3213), performs an effect command setting process (A3214), and proceeds to the process of step A3215. On the other hand, in step A3211, when the customer waiting demo has already started (the result of A3211 is "Y"), "0" related to the special figure normal processing is set as the processing number (A3215), and the special figure game processing number. The processing number is saved in the area (A3216), and the variable symbol determination flag area is cleared (A3217). Then, the flag is saved during the fraud monitoring period in the large winning opening fraud monitoring period flag area (A3218), and the special figure normal processing is terminated.

Further, when the special figure 2 hold number is not 0 (the result of A3201 is "N"), the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (A3202), and the decorative feature corresponding to the special figure 2 hold number. The figure hold number command (decorative special figure 2 hold number command) is prepared as an effect command (A3203), and the effect command setting process is executed (A3204). Then, the process transition setting process during the change of the special figure 2 of the special figure 2 is executed (A3205), and the normal process of the special figure is terminated.

Further, when the special figure 1 hold number is not 0 (the result of A3206 is "N"), the game control device 100 executes the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (A3207), and the decorative feature corresponding to the special figure 1 hold number. The figure hold number command (decorative special figure 1 hold number command) is prepared as an effect command (A3208), and the effect command setting process is executed (A3209). Then, the process transition setting process during the change of the special figure of the special figure 1 is executed (A3210), and the normal process of the special figure is terminated.

In this way, by checking the special figure 2 hold number before the check of the special figure 1 hold number, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (A3202) is executed when the special figure 2 hold number is not 0. The Rukoto. That is, the special figure 2 variable display game is executed in preference to the special figure 1 variable display game. That is, when the game control device 100 has a second start memory in the second start storage means (game control device 100), the variation display game based on the second start memory is displayed as a variation display based on the first start memory. It is a priority control means that is executed with priority over the game.

[Special Figure 1 Fluctuation Start Processing]
Next, the details of the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing (A3207) in the special figure normal processing will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure 1 fluctuation start processing. The special figure 1 variation start process is a process performed at the start of the special figure 1 variation display game.

The game control device 100 saves the special figure 1 fluctuation flag indicating the type of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed (here, special figure 1) in the fluctuation symbol discrimination area (A3401). Subsequently, the jackpot flag 1 setting process for setting the jackpot flag 1 deviation information and the jackpot information for determining whether or not the special figure 1 variable display game is a jackpot is executed (A3402). The details of the jackpot flag 1 setting process will be described later.

Next, the game control device 100 executes the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process related to the setting of the special figure 1 stop symbol (symbol information) related to the special figure 1 variation display game (A3403). In the special figure 1 stop symbol setting process, the stop symbol number at the time of a miss or a big hit and the missed stop symbol pattern or the jackpot stop symbol pattern corresponding to the stop symbol number are saved. Then, a decorative special figure command corresponding to the stop symbol pattern is prepared as an effect command, and the effect command setting process is executed. In addition, the number of rounds information (round upper limit value) corresponding to the stop symbol number and the probability fluctuation determination data corresponding to the stop symbol number are acquired and saved.

Further, the game control device 100 executes a special figure information setting process for setting special figure information which is a parameter for setting a fluctuation pattern (A3404).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 prepares a special figure 1 variation pattern setting information table, which is a table in which information for referring to various information regarding the setting of the variation pattern of the special figure 1 variation display game is set (A3405). ).

After that, the game control device 100 executes a variation pattern setting process for setting a variation pattern (variation pattern number), which is a variation mode in the special figure 1 variation display game (A3406). Next, the game control device 100 executes the variation start information setting process (A3407) for setting the variation start information of the special figure 1 variation display game, and ends the special figure 1 variation start process. In the fluctuation start information setting process, the fluctuation time value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern (variation pattern number) is acquired and saved in the special figure game processing timer area. Then, a variation command (MODE, ACTION) corresponding to the variation pattern number is prepared as an effect command, and the effect command setting process is performed.

[Special figure 2 fluctuation start processing]
Next, the details of the special figure 2 fluctuation start processing (A3202) in the special figure normal processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the special figure 2 fluctuation start processing. The special figure 2 variation start process is a process performed at the start of the special figure 2 variation display game, and is the same process as the process in the special figure 1 variation start process shown in FIG. 11 for the second start memory. It is something to do.

First, the game control device 100 saves the special figure 2 fluctuation flag indicating the type of the special figure fluctuation display game to be executed (here, special figure 2) in the fluctuation symbol discrimination area (A3501). Subsequently, the jackpot flag 2 setting process for setting the jackpot flag 2 deviation information and the jackpot information for determining whether or not the special figure 2 variable display game is a jackpot is executed (A3502).

Next, the game control device 100 executes the special figure 2 stop symbol setting process related to the setting of the special figure 2 stop symbol (symbol information) related to the special figure 2 variation display game (A3503). Further, the special figure information setting process for setting the special figure information which is a parameter for setting the fluctuation pattern is executed (A3504). Subsequently, a special figure 2 variation pattern setting information table, which is a table in which information for referring to various information regarding the setting of the variation pattern of the special figure 2 variation display game is set, is prepared (A3505).

After that, the game control device 100 executes a variation pattern setting process for setting the variation pattern of the special figure 2 variation display game (A3506). Finally, the variation start information setting process for setting the variation start information of the special figure 2 variation display game is executed (A3507), and the special figure 2 variation start process is completed.

[Big hit flag 1 setting process]
Next, the details of the jackpot flag 1 setting process (A3402) in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot flag 1 setting process.

The game control device 100 first saves the deviation information in the jackpot flag 1 area (A3601). Next, the jackpot random number is loaded from the special figure 1 jackpot random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) of RWM, prepared (A3602), and the special figure 1 jackpot random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) is cleared to 0. (A3603). The number of hold 1 is an area for storing information (random numbers, etc.) about the special figure start memory in which the digestion order is the earliest (here, the earliest in the special figure 1). After that, a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the prepared jackpot random number value is a jackpot according to whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value is executed (A3604).

When the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3604) is a jackpot (the result of A3605 is “Y”), the game control device 100 overwrites the jackpot information in the jackpot flag 1 area in which the loss information is saved in step A3601. Save (A3606) and end the jackpot flag 1 setting process. On the other hand, when the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3605) is not a jackpot (the result of A3605 is "N"), the jackpot flag 1 setting process is terminated. As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the special figure 1 variable display game is either "big hit" or "missing".

[Big hit flag 2 setting process]
Next, the details of the jackpot flag 2 setting process (A3502) in the special figure 2 fluctuation start process will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot flag 2 setting process. In this process, the same process as the process in the jackpot flag 1 setting process shown in FIG. 13 is performed for the second start memory.

The game control device 100 first saves the deviation information in the jackpot flag 2 area (A3701). Next, the jackpot random number is loaded from the special figure 2 big hit random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) of RWM, prepared (A3702), and the special figure 2 big hit random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) is cleared to 0. (A3703). The number of hold 1 is an area for storing information (random numbers, etc.) about the special figure start memory in which the digestion order is the earliest (here, the earliest in the special figure 2). After that, a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not the prepared jackpot random number value is a jackpot according to whether or not it matches the jackpot determination value is executed (A3704).

When the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3704) is a jackpot (the result of A3705 is "Y"), the game control device 100 overwrites the jackpot information in the jackpot flag 2 area where the loss information is saved in step A3701. Save (A3706) and end the jackpot flag 2 setting process. On the other hand, when the determination result of the jackpot determination process (A3704) is not a jackpot (the result of A3705 is "N"), the jackpot flag 2 setting process is terminated while saving the information that the jackpot flag 2 is out of alignment. As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the special figure 2 variable display game is either "big hit" or "missing".

[Big hit judgment process]
Next, the details of the jackpot determination processing (A3605, A3704) in the jackpot flag 1 setting processing, the jackpot flag 2 setting processing, and the like will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the jackpot determination process. The jackpot determination process is a process common to the jackpot determination process in other processes executed during the timer interrupt process, and is also executed in step A3004 of the special figure hold information determination process.

The game control device 100 first sets a lower limit determination value of the jackpot determination value (A3801), and determines whether or not the value of the target jackpot random number is less than the lower limit determination value (A3802). The big hit means that the big hit random number matches the big hit determination value. The jackpot judgment value is a plurality of consecutive values, and the jackpot random number is equal to or higher than the lower limit judgment value which is the lower limit value of the jackpot judgment value and is equal to or less than the upper limit judgment value which is the upper limit value of the jackpot judgment value. , It is judged to be a big hit.

When the value of the target jackpot random number is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A3802 is "Y"), the game control device 100 sets a deviation (other than the jackpot) as the determination result (A3807), and ends the jackpot determination process. To do.

Further, when the value of the jackpot random number is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A3802 is "N"), the game control device 100 determines whether or not the jackpot occurrence probability is in the high probability state (probability variation state). (A3803). Then, in the case of a high probability state (the result of A3803 is "Y"), the upper limit determination value in the high probability is set (A3804). On the other hand, when it is not in the high probability state (the result of A3803 is "N"), the upper limit determination value in the low probability is set (A3805).

When the upper limit determination value of the value of the jackpot random number is set, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the value of the target jackpot random number is larger than the upper limit determination value (A3806). When the value of the jackpot random number is larger than the upper limit determination value (the result of A3806 is "Y"), a deviation (other than the jackpot) is set as the determination result (A3807). On the other hand, when the value of the jackpot random number is not larger than the upper limit determination value (the result of A3806 is "N"), the jackpot is set as the determination result (A3808). When the judgment result is set, the jackpot judgment process ends.

[Big hit probability, big hit symbol distribution]
16 (A) and 16 (B) are tables illustrating the jackpot probability and jackpot symbol distribution (big hit breakdown) of the special figure variation display game controlled by the above-mentioned special figure game processing for each setting.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the jackpot probability at the low probability and the jackpot probability at the high probability increase as the set value increases (the setting becomes higher), and the jackpot is likely to occur, which is advantageous for the player. Will be. The jackpot probability is obtained by dividing the difference between the upper limit determination value and the lower limit determination value in FIG. 15 by the range of the value of the jackpot random number. The jackpot probability can be changed according to the setting information by changing the range of the upper limit determination value and the lower limit determination value or the value of the jackpot random number corresponding to the setting information (setting value). In another example, only one of the jackpot probability at the low probability and the jackpot probability at the high probability may be configured to increase as the set value increases.

FIG. 16B exemplifies a jackpot symbol table for each setting, which defines the correspondence between the jackpot symbol numbers 1 to 6 (stop symbol numbers) indicating the types of jackpots and the distribution rate. As shown in FIG. 16B, the distribution rate of the jackpot symbol number (type of jackpot) can be changed according to the setting information, and the probability variation inrush rate becomes higher as the set value becomes larger, which is advantageous to the player. The probability variation inrush rate is the ratio of the probability variation jackpot symbols that the probability state after the jackpot ends to a high probability to all the symbols. In addition, the number of times of normal electric support increases as the set value increases, which is advantageous for the player, especially with respect to the normal jackpot (the probability state after the jackpot ends is low). It should be noted that the ST machine can be configured to increase the number of continuations of the probabilistic state as the set value increases.

Further, in FIG. 16B, the number of rounds given in one big hit (the total number of round games) does not change with respect to the set value, but the number of rounds is increased as the set value increases. It is possible. Further, in FIG. 16B, the jackpot of the special figure 2 variable display game is more likely to be given a larger number of rounds than the jackpot of the special figure 1 variable display game, and the special figure 2 variable display game is more likely to be given. Is more advantageous to the player than the special figure 1 variable display game.

[Public map game processing]
Next, the details of the normal figure game processing (A1310) in the timer interrupt processing will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the normal figure game processing. In the normal map game process, the input of the gate switch 34a is monitored, the entire process related to the normal map variation display game is controlled, and the normal map display is set.

First, the game control device 100 executes a gate switch monitoring process for monitoring the input from the gate switch 34a (A7601).

Subsequently, the game control device 100 executes a general electric winning switch monitoring process for monitoring the input from the start port 2 switch 37a (A7602).

Next, the game control device 100 updates -1 (subtracts only 1) if the normal game processing timer is not 0 (A7603). The minimum value of the normal figure game processing timer is set to 0. Then, the game control device 100 determines whether or not the value of the normal figure game processing timer becomes 0 (A7604).

When the value of the normal figure game processing timer is 0 (the result of A7604 is "Y"), that is, when the time is up or the time is already up, the game control device 100 is set to the normal figure game processing number. A general-purpose game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to the corresponding process is set in the register (A7605).

Further, the game control device 100 acquires the branch destination address of the process corresponding to the game process number of the game based on the set game sequence branch table of the game (A7606). Then, a subroutine call is made based on the game processing number of the game, and the game branching process according to the game processing number of the game is executed (A7607).

When the game processing number is "0" in step A7607, the game control device 100 monitors the fluctuation start of the normal map variation display game, sets the fluctuation start of the normal map variation display game, sets the effect, and sets the effect. The normal processing is executed (A7608), in which information necessary for performing the processing during the fluctuation of the normal map is set. The details of the normal processing will be described later in FIG.

Further, when the game processing number is "1" in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes the normal map changing process for setting the information necessary for performing the normal map display processing (the game control device 100). A7609). For example, in the normal map variable processing, in order to shift to the normal map display process, "2" is set as the game processing number and saved in the normal map game processing number area, and the normal map display time is set to the normal map game. Save to the processing timer area.

Further, in the game control device 100, when the game processing number is "2" in step A7607, if the result of the normal map variation display game is a hit, the normal power according to whether or not the time is shortened. The normal map display processing is executed (A7610), in which the opening time is set, the information necessary for performing the normal drawing per-game processing is set, and the like. For example, in the normal map display process, when the result of the normal map variable display game is a hit, "3" is set as the game process number and the normal map game process number area is set in order to shift to the normal map hit process. On the other hand, in the case of a loss, in order to shift to the normal game processing number, "0" is set as the game processing number and the game is saved in the normal game processing number area.

Further, when the game processing number is "3" in step A7607, the game control device 100 normally continues the processing during the normal drawing or sets the information necessary for performing the normal electric remaining ball processing. The middle process per figure is executed (A7611). For example, in the normal processing per figure, after setting to open the normal variable winning device 37 a predetermined number of times, "4" is set as the game processing number in order to shift to the normal electric remaining ball processing. Save to the normal game processing number area.

Further, when the game processing number is "4" in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes the normal electric remaining ball processing for setting the information necessary for performing the normal drawing end processing (A7612). ). For example, in the Fuden remaining ball processing, in order to shift to the Fuzu hit end processing, "5" is set as the game processing number and saved in the Fuzu game processing number area, and the Fuzu ending time is set to the Fuzu game. Save to the processing timer area.

Further, when the game processing number is "5" in step A7607, the game control device 100 executes the normal drawing end processing for setting the information necessary for performing the normal drawing normal processing (A7608). (A7613). For example, in the normal figure per end process, "0" is set as the game process number and saved in the normal figure game process number area in order to shift to the normal figure normal process.

After that, the game control device 100 prepares a normal map fluctuation control table for controlling the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal map display 53 (A7614). After that, the symbol fluctuation control process related to the control of the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 53 is executed (A7615), and the normal symbol game process is terminated.

On the other hand, the game control device 100 executes the processing after step A7614 when the value of the game processing timer is not 0 (the result of A7604 is "N"), that is, when the time is not up.

[Usually processing]
Next, the details of the normal drawing normal processing (A7608) in the normal drawing game processing will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a procedure for normal processing.

The game control device 100 first determines whether or not the number of reserved figures is 0 (A7901). When the number of holdings of the normal figure is 0 (the result of A7901 is "Y"), the normal process transition setting process 1 of the normal figure is executed (A7923), and the normal process of the normal figure is terminated. In the normal-figure normal processing transition setting process 1, "0" is set as the game processing number and saved in the normal-figure game processing number area in order to shift to the normal-figure normal processing.

Further, when the number of reserved numbers in the game control device 100 is not 0 (the result of A7901 is "N"), the game control device 100 loads a random number per RWM from the random number storage area per normal figure (for the number of reserved numbers 1), and RWM. The hit symbol random number is loaded from the normal symbol per symbol random number storage area (for the number of hold 1) (A7902). Then, the random number storage area per normal figure (for 1 hold number) and the symbol random number storage area per normal figure (for 1 hold number) are cleared to 0 (A7903). Furthermore, whether or not the probability of winning the result in the normal map fluctuation display game is higher than usual in the normal figure high probability (in the high probability state), that is, whether or not the time is shortened (normal power support state). (A7904). The probability of hitting a normal figure in a high probability is 250/251, and the probability of hitting a normal figure in a low probability is 0/251.

When the game control device 100 is not in the high probability of the normal figure (the result of A7904 is "N"), the game control device 100 sets the low probability lower limit judgment value (251 in this case) which is the lower limit judgment value in the low probability of the normal figure (A7905). , When the high probability of the normal figure is in progress (the result of A7904 is "Y"), the high probability lower limit judgment value (1 in this case) which is the lower limit judgment value in the high probability of the normal figure is set (A7906), and the step A7907 is performed. Move to processing.

The game control device 100 determines whether or not the winning random number is equal to or greater than the upper limit determination value (251 in this case) (A7907). The upper limit judgment value here is common to the high probability of the normal map and the low probability of the normal figure. If the winning random number is equal to or greater than the upper limit determination value (the result of A7907 is "Y"), that is, if it is out of order, the process proceeds to step A7909. When the hit random number is less than the upper limit determination value (the result of A7907 is "N"), it is determined whether or not the hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (A7908).

The game control device 100 saves the hit flag area when the hit random number is less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A7908 is "Y"), that is, when the hit flag area is missed (A7909). Further, the out-of-order stop symbol number is set as the normal symbol stop symbol number (A7910), the out-of-order symbol information is saved in the normal symbol stop symbol information area (A7911), and the process proceeds to step A7915.

When the hit random number is not less than the lower limit determination value (the result of A7908 is "N"), that is, in the case of hit, the game control device 100 saves the hit information in the hit flag area (A7912) and converts it into the loaded hit symbol random number. The corresponding stop symbol number is set (A7913), the hit stop symbol information corresponding to the hit stop symbol number is saved in the normal symbol stop symbol information area (A7914), and the process proceeds to step A7915. There may be several types of hit stop symbols.

Next, the game control device 100 saves the stop symbol number in the normal symbol stop symbol area (A7915) and saves the stop symbol number in the test signal output data area (A7916). Next, prepare a Fuzu command corresponding to information related to the Fuzu variation display game (particularly information on hit / miss of the Fuzu variation display game) as an effect command (A7917), and execute the effect command setting process. (A7918). Then, the random number storage area per normal figure is shifted (A7919), the free area after the shift is cleared to 0 (A79220), and then the number of reserved normal figures is updated by -1 (A7921).

That is, as the oldest normal figure holding number 1 game is executed, the rankings of the normal figure holding numbers 2 to 4 that are held after the normal figure holding number 1 are moved up one by one. By this processing, the value for the number of holdings of the normal figure 2 in the random number storage area per normal figure is moved from the number of holdings of the normal figure 1 to the number of holdings of the normal figure 3 in the random number storage area per normal figure. Will be done. Then, the value for the number of reserved numbers 4 in the random number storage area per normal figure is cleared, and the number of reserved numbers is decremented by 1.

Next, the game control device 100 executes the process transition setting process during the normal map change (A7922), and ends the normal map normal process. In the normal map fluctuation processing transition setting process, in order to shift to the normal map changing process, "1" is set as the game processing number and saved in the normal map game processing number area, and the normal map fluctuation time is saved in the normal map game processing number area. Save to the game processing timer area.

[Control of production control device]
The control (process) executed by the effect control device 300 by the effect control program will be described below.

[Main processing (effect control device)]
First, the details of the main processing executed by the effect control device 300 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main process (main program) executed by the effect control device 300. The main process is executed by the main control microcomputer 311 (directing microcomputer) when the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10. In the flowchart of the process executed by the effect control device 300, the step code (number) is represented as "B ***".

When the execution of the main process is started, the effect control device 300 first disables interrupts (B0001). Next, the initial settings of the CPU 311 and VDP 312 are executed (B0002, B0003), and interrupts are permitted (B0004). When the interrupt is permitted, the command reception interrupt process for receiving the command transmitted from the game control device 100 can be executed.

Next, the effect control device 300 permits the generation of display data to be displayed on the display device 41 or the like (B0005), and sets a random number seed to be used for random number generation (B0006). Then, the initial value at the time of turning on the power is saved in the area to be initialized (B0007).

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 clears the WDT (watchdog timer) (B0008). The WDT is started with the above-mentioned CPU initial setting (B0002) and monitors whether or not the CPU 311 is operating normally. If the WDT is not cleared even after a certain period of time, the WDT time is up and the CPU 311 is reset.

After that, the effect control device 300 executes an RTC reading process for reading time information from the RTC (real-time clock) 338 (B0009).

The RTC reading process may be configured to read the time information from the RTC 338 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every two hours), and it is not necessary to read the time information every time the process shifts to step B0009. The RTC reading process may be executed only once when the power is turned on to the effect control device 300 (that is, the power is turned on to the game machine 10) (the position of the RTC reading process may be changed, for example, steps B0003 and B0004). May be executed between). The effect control device 300 sets a time timer (timekeeping means) for measuring the time in the timer area in the RAM, and when the time information is read from the RTC 338 at a predetermined cycle or when the power is turned on, the time is set from the RTC 338 only once. When the information is read, the time timer (timekeeping means) may be adjusted to match the time of RTC338. Then, the effect control device 300 may execute various processes by using the time timer. By doing so, the number of times of processing for reading the time from the RTC 338 can be reduced, and the load on the CPU 311 is reduced.

Next, the effect control device 300 detects the operation signal of the effect button 25 by the player (the signal of the effect button switch 25a or the touch panel 25b), or changes the effect content (setting) according to the detected signal. The effect button input process is executed (B0010). Subsequently, the hall / player setting mode process for accepting operations such as changing the brightness and volume of the LED or liquid crystal by the person in charge of the game hall (game store) or the player is executed (B0011). In the hall / player setting mode processing, the player can customize the effect according to the effect points described later.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes an effect point control process for adding or clearing the effect points (B0012). In the effect point control process, the effect points are added by executing the effect or operation for which the effect points are to be added, and at the end of the game so that the effect points can be carried over to the next game. For example, information including information on production points and the like is displayed on the display device 41 as a QR code (registered trademark). For example, the effect control device 300 can display the QR code (registered trademark) on the display device 41 in the hall / player setting mode processing.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes a random number update process for updating a random number such as an effect random number (B0013), analyzes the received command received from the game control device 100, and executes the corresponding received command check process. (B0014). The details of the received command check process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes a customer waiting demo editing process (B0015) that edits and controls the content of the customer waiting demo displayed on the display device 41, and determines the power saving state of the game machine 10 waiting for the customer. The power saving control process to be controlled is executed (B0016).

Next, the effect control device 300 updates various data according to the contents to be displayed on the display device (display means) such as the display device 41, or sets the drawing to be displayed on the display device 41 in the display frame buffer. Execute the effect display editing process (B0017). As for the drawing data set at this time, the image of the display device 41 can be updated without any problem as long as the VDP 312 can complete the drawing within the frame period of 1/30 second (about 33.3 msec). Then, the preparation for drawing in the display frame buffer is completed, and the drawing command preparation end setting is executed (B0018).

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not it is the frame switching timing (B0019). If it is not the frame switching timing (the result of B0019 is "N"), the process of B0019 is repeated until the frame switching timing is reached, and if it is the frame switching timing (the result of B0019 is "Y"), the display device 41 is displayed. Instruct screen drawing (B0020). Since the frame period of this embodiment is 1/30 second, the frame is switched when the periodic V blank (image update) is executed twice every 1/60 second (1/2 of the frame period), for example. .. The image may not be updated in 1/60 seconds, and the interval may be further increased.

Further, the effect control device 300 executes a sound control process for controlling the sound output from the speaker 19 (B0021).

Further, the effect control device 300 executes a decoration control process for controlling a decoration device (board decoration device 46, frame decoration device 18) including LEDs and the like (B0022). In the decoration control process, for example, light emission control of a decoration device such as an LED is executed.

Further, the effect control device 300 executes a movable body control process for controlling an effect device (board effect device 44) such as an electric accessory driven by a motor and a solenoid (B0023). In the movable body control process, for example, an accessory operation effect for driving the motor is set.

Then, when the effect control device 300 finishes the process of B0023 described above, the effect control device 300 returns to the process of B0008. After that, the processes from B0008 to B0023 are repeated.

[Receive command check process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the details of the received command check process (B0014) in the above-mentioned main process (FIG. 19) will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reception command check process executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 loads the value of the command reception counter in the command reception counter area of the RAM as the number of command receptions in order to check the number of commands received from the game control device 100 (B1101). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of command receptions is 0 (B1102). When the number of commands received is 0, that is, when there is no command received from the game control device 100 (the result of B1102 is "N"), there is no command to analyze, so the received command check process ends.

On the other hand, when the number of commands received is not 0, that is, when the command is received from the game control device 100 (the result of B1102 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 is a command reception counter in the command reception counter area. After subtracting the value by the number of received commands (B1103), the contents of the received command buffer of the RAM are copied to the command area for analysis (B1104). Here, since the received command buffer is a ring buffer, there is no problem even if the number of command received is subtracted before copying the contents in the buffer to the command area. Also, even if a new command is received during copying, the data will not be overwritten.

Then, the effect control device 300 updates the command read index by +1 in the range of 0 to 31 (adds only 1) (B1105). The receive command buffer is configured to store up to 32 received commands. The received commands are stored in the received command buffer in the order of the command read index 0 to 31, and here, the received commands are read in the index order and copied to the command area for analysis. When the copy to the command area for analysis is completed, the storage area of the received command buffer corresponding to the read command read index is cleared.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the copy of the command for the number of received commands loaded in the process of step B1101 is completed (B1106), and if the copy is not completed (the result of B1106 is "N". ”), The processing of steps B1104 to B1106 is repeated.

When the effect control device 300 receives the command transmitted from the game control device 100, the content of the received command is saved in the reception command buffer, and at the same time, the command reception counter value in the command reception counter area is added and updated. Although 32 commands can be stored in the received command buffer, the received commands are analyzed separately in the analysis command area. Then, when the content of the received command is copied to the command area for analysis, the received command buffer and the command reception counter value are cleared. In this way, by always securing a free area without performing direct analysis in the received command buffer, it is possible to prepare for a large amount of commands received.

Subsequently, when the copy is completed (the result of B1106 is “Y]), the effect control device 300 loads the received command content of the command area for analysis (B1107), and analyzes the content of the received command. The process is executed (B1108). The details of the received command analysis process will be described later in FIG. 21 below. Further, the address of the command area for analysis is updated (B1109). After that, the process of step B1101. It is determined whether or not the analysis of the command for the number of received commands loaded in is completed (B1110), and if the analysis is not completed (the result of B1110 is "N"), the processes of steps B1107 to B1110 are performed. repeat. When the analysis is completed (the result of B1110 is "Y]), the reception command check process is terminated.

[Received command analysis processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the details of the received command analysis process (B1108) in the above-mentioned received command check process (FIG. 20) will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of reception command analysis processing executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 separates the upper byte of the received command as a MODE unit and the lower byte as an ACTION unit (ACT unit) (B1201). The command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 is composed of a MODE unit (MODE command) and an ACTION unit (ACTION command), and is usually continuously transmitted from the MODE unit indicating the type of command. To. Therefore, the upper and lower ranks of the received command are configured in the order of the MODE section and the ACTION section.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit is in the normal range (B1202). That is, it is determined whether or not the value (value assigned as the command specification indicating the type) that can be taken by the MODE unit indicating the type of the command. Then, when the MODE unit is in the normal range (the result of B1202 is “Y”), it is similarly determined whether or not the ACTION unit is in the normal range (B1203). That is, it is determined whether or not the value (value assigned as the command specification indicating the content) that can be taken by the ACTION unit indicating the content of the command (specific production instruction, etc.) is determined. Then, when the ACTION section is in the normal range (the result of B1203 is "Y"), the ACTION section for the MODE section determines whether or not the combination is correct (B1204). That is, it is determined whether or not the value of the ACTION section is a value that can be taken by a command of the type specified by the MODE section. Then, if the combination is correct (the result of B1204 is "Y"), the command processing according to the command system is executed in the processing after B1205.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the value of the MODE unit is within the range of the variable command (B1205). The variable command is a command for instructing a variable pattern of a special decorative symbol, for example, a variable command (A3407). Then, when the MODE unit represents a variable command (the result of B1205 is "Y"), the variable command process is executed (B1206), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a variable command (the result of B1205 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of the jackpot command (B1207). The jackpot command is a command for commanding an operation (display of a fanfare screen or a round screen, etc.) related to an effect during a jackpot. For example, a fanfare command (A2610) for commanding a fanfare screen or a round screen is commanded. Round command (A2611), interval command (A2612) for commanding the interval screen, ending command (A2612) for commanding the ending screen, and the like. Then, when the MODE unit represents a jackpot command (the result of B1207 is "Y"), the jackpot command process is executed (B1208), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a jackpot command (the result of B1207 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of the symbol command (B1209). The symbol-based commands include, for example, decorative special symbol commands (A3403, A3503) corresponding to the stop symbol pattern. Then, when the MODE unit represents a symbol-based command (the result of B1209 is "Y"), the symbol-based command process is executed (B1210), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a symbol-based command (the result of B1209 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of a single-shot command (B1211). Then, when the MODE unit represents a single-shot command (the result of B1211 is "Y"), the single-shot command process is executed (B1212), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent a single-shot command (the result of B1211 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit is within the range of the look-ahead symbol command (B1213). .. The look-ahead symbol command includes, for example, the look-ahead stop symbol command (A2913). Then, when the MODE unit represents a look-ahead symbol-based command (the result of B1213 is "Y"), the look-ahead symbol-based command process is executed (B1214), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent the look-ahead symbol command (the result of B1213 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether the MODE unit is within the range of the look-ahead variable command (B1215). ). The look-ahead variation command includes, for example, the look-ahead variation pattern command (A2913). Then, when the MODE unit represents a look-ahead variable command (the result of B1215 is "Y"), the look-ahead variable command process is executed (B1216), and the received command analysis process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the MODE unit does not represent a look-ahead variable command (the result of B1215 is "N"), the effect control device 300 may have received an unexpected command (for example, a command used only in the test mode). Since there is a possibility, the received command analysis process is terminated. Further, when the MODE part is not in the normal range (the result of B1202 is "N"), the ACTION part is not in the normal range (the result of B1203 is "N"), or the ACTION part for the MODE part is not the correct combination ( The result of B1204 is "N"), and the received command analysis process is completed.

[Single-shot command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the details of the one-shot command processing (B1212) in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 21) described above will be described. FIG. 102 is a flowchart showing a procedure of one-shot command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a model designation command indicating the type of the game machine (B1301). Then, when the MODE section represents a model designation command (the result of B1301 is "Y"), the model setting process for setting the type of game machine (selected model information) is executed (B1302), and the single-shot command process is performed. finish.

In the effect control device 300, when the MODE unit does not represent the model designation command (the result of B1301 is "N"), the MODE unit then initializes the RAM indicating that the RAM has been initialized (cleared). It is determined whether or not it represents a command (B1303). Then, when the MODE section represents a RAM initialization command (the result of B1303 is "Y"), the RAM initialization setting process for notifying the RAM initialization is executed (B1304), and the one-shot command process is completed. To do.

When the MODE unit does not represent the RAM initialization command (the result of B1303 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then displays the power failure recovery command indicating the power failure recovery (power on). It is determined whether or not to use (B1305). The power failure recovery command includes, for example, a recovery screen command. Since the RAM is initialized when the power is restored (turned on), the command at the time of RAM initialization includes a power failure recovery command in addition to the RAM initialization command. Then, when the MODE unit represents a power failure recovery command (the result of B1305 is "Y"), the power failure recovery setting process is executed (B1306), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

If the MODE unit does not represent a power failure recovery command (the result of B1305 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a customer waiting demo command (B1307). .. Then, when the MODE unit represents the customer waiting demo command (the result of B1307 is "Y"), the customer waiting demo setting process is executed (B1308), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

In the effect control device 300, when the MODE unit does not represent the customer waiting demo command (the result of B1307 is "N"), the MODE unit then issues the decorative special figure 1 hold number command (A3208 in FIG. 10). It is determined whether or not to represent (B1309). Then, when the MODE section represents the decorative special figure 1 hold number command (the result of B1309 is "Y"), the special figure 1 hold information setting process is executed (B1310), and the one-shot command process is terminated.

In the effect control device 300, when the MODE section does not represent the decorative special figure 1 hold number command (the result of B1309 is "N"), then the MODE section sets the decorative special figure 2 hold number command (FIG. 10). It is determined whether or not it represents A3203) (B1311). Then, when the MODE section represents the decorative special figure 2 hold number command (the result of B1311 is “Y”), the special figure 2 hold information setting process is executed (B1312), and the one-shot command process is terminated.

When the MODE unit does not represent the decorative special figure 2 hold number command (the result of B1311 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents the probability information command. (B1313). Then, when the MODE unit represents a probability information command (the result of B1313 is "Y"), the probability information setting process is executed (B1314), and the one-shot command process is terminated.

If the MODE unit does not represent a probability information command (the result of B1313 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents an error / invalid command (". B1315). Note that the error / illegal command includes, for example, an error / illegal occurrence command, an error / illegal notification command, an error / illegal cancellation command, and an error / illegal notification end command. Then, when the MODE section represents an error / illegal command (the result of B1315 is "Y"), an error / illegal setting process for notifying or canceling the error or invalidity is executed (B1316). Terminates single-shot command processing.

When the MODE unit does not represent an error / illegal command (the result of B1315 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a command for switching the effect mode. Judgment (B1317). Then, when the MODE unit represents a command for switching the effect mode (the result of B1317 is "Y"), the effect mode switching setting process is executed (B1318), and the single-shot command process is terminated.

In the effect control device 300, when the MODE unit does not represent a command for switching the effect mode (the result of B1317 is "N"), then the MODE unit indicates information related to the normal map variation display game. It is determined whether or not the figure command (A7917) is represented (B1319). Then, when the MODE section represents a normal map command (the result of B1319 is "Y"), the normal map information setting process for setting information about the normal map variation display game is executed (B1320), and the single-shot command process is performed. finish.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the MODE unit represents a setting information command (A1027, A1032) when the MODE unit does not represent a normal map command (the result of B1319 is "N"). (B1321). Then, when the MODE unit represents a setting information command (the result of B1321 is "Y"), the setting information (setting value) of the game machine 10 included in the setting information command is stored in the RAM (B1322), and the single-shot system is used. End command processing. After that, the effect control device 300 can execute the effect control using the stored setting information.

When the MODE unit does not represent the setting information command (the result of B1321 is "N"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the MODE unit represents the symbol stop command (B1323). .. The symbol stop command includes, for example, a symbol stop command of special figure 1 and a symbol stop command of special figure 2. Then, when the MODE section represents a command to stop the symbol (the result of B1323 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 then determines whether or not the command of the MODE section is a normal command (". B1324).

When the command of the MODE section is a normal command (the result of B1324 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 sets the stop mode of the corresponding special figure (B1325), and the game is played after all the symbols are stopped. The status flag is set to the normal status (B1326), and the single-shot command processing is terminated. In the processing of B1325, depending on the symbol type (missing / jackpot symbol) (FIG. 23), the stop mode (lighting in the case of missing) of the fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) after the special symbol variation display game is played. , In the case of a big hit, "off") is determined. In the process of B1326, as an example, the game state flag is set to the normal state, but the game state flag is set to the "changing" and "big hit" flags depending on the timing at which this process is executed.

On the other hand, when the MODE section does not represent the command to stop the symbol (the result of B1323 is "N"), or when the command of the MODE section is not normal (the result of B1324 is "N"), the effect control device. 300 ends the one-shot command processing.

[Design command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the details of the symbol-based command processing (B1210) in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 21) described above will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a procedure of symbol-based command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 sets a special symbol type corresponding to the MODE unit of the received symbol-based command (decorative special figure 1 command or decorative special figure 2 command) (B1801). The special figure type is special figure 1 or special figure 2. Then, the symbol type corresponding to the combination of the MODE unit and the ACTION unit (ACT unit) of the symbol system command is set and saved in a predetermined area such as RAM (B1802). Here, since the distribution ratio of the symbols changes between the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, the symbol type is set by using the table for each MODE. In addition, in this embodiment, the symbol type is an outlier symbol, a 4R probability variation jackpot symbol (4R-A1, symbol 1), a 4R normal jackpot symbol (4R-A2, symbol 2), and an 8R probability variation jackpot symbol shown in FIG. (8R-A1, symbol 3), 8R normal jackpot symbol (8R-A2, symbol 4), 12R probability variation jackpot symbol (12R-A1, symbol 5), 12R normal jackpot symbol (12R-A2, symbol 6) ..

[Variable command processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the details of the variable command processing (B1206) in the reception command analysis processing (FIG. 21) described above will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a procedure of variable command processing executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the special figure type (special figure 1 or special figure 2) of the received variable system command (variable command) is undetermined (B1901). When the special figure type is undecided (the result of B1901 is "Y"), the variable command processing is terminated. If the special symbol type is not undetermined (the result of B1901 is "N"), the combination of the received variable command and symbol command is checked (B1902), and whether the variable command and symbol type are inconsistent. Is determined (B1903). Here, the inconsistency means that there is a contradiction in the production, such as when a design command of a jackpot symbol is received even though a variable command of an outlier is received. If the variable command and the symbol type are inconsistent (the result of B1903 is "Y"), the variable command processing is terminated.

When the effect control device 300 determines the variation pattern type from the variation command (variation command) when the variation command and the symbol type are not inconsistent (the result of B1903 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines the variation pattern type from the variation command (variation command) (B1904). A variation effect setting process for setting a certain variation effect is executed (B1905). There are multiple effects for the same variable command. Subsequently, the special figure changing is set in the game state flag indicating the game state (P machine state) (B1906), and if the number of pre-reading effects such as continuous effects is not 0, -1 is updated (B1907).

[Variable effect setting process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the details of the variation effect setting process (B1905) in the variation system command process (FIG. 24) described above will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the variable effect setting process executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the variation pattern type is reachless variation (variation that does not reach the reach state) (B2001). When the fluctuation pattern type is non-reach fluctuation (the result of B2001 is "Y"), the first half notice distribution group address table corresponding to the number of production points, model code, special figure type, production mode, and setting information is set. (B2002), the address of the MODE section of the variable command (variable command) and the address of the first half advance notice distribution group table corresponding to the number of reservations of the special figure type is acquired (B2003). In the case of non-reach fluctuation, the fluctuation time is shortened as the number of holds increases, so the address of the table corresponding to the number of holds is acquired.

When the fluctuation pattern type is not reachless fluctuation (the result of B2001 is “N”), that is, when the fluctuation pattern type is reach fluctuation, the effect control device 300 includes the number of production points, the model code, the special figure type, and the effect mode. Set the first half notice distribution group address table corresponding to the symbol type and setting information (B2004), and acquire the MODE part of the variable command (variable command) and the address of the first half notice distribution group table corresponding to the variable pattern type. (B2005).

The effect control device 300 draws a lottery for advance notices that appear during the first half fluctuation (before reach) after steps B2003 and B2005 (B2006). Next, the latter half notice distribution group address table corresponding to the number of production points, model code, special figure type, production mode, symbol type, and setting information is set (B2007), and corresponds to the ACT section of the variable command. The address of the second half notice distribution group table is acquired (B2008), and the lottery of the notice that appears during the second half fluctuation (during reach) is performed (B2009). After that, the content of the variable effect corresponding to the MODE section and the ACT section of the variable command (variable command) is determined (B2010). In addition, the fluctuation time and main reach contents can be known from the fluctuation command.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines the content of the effect (notice effect) corresponding to the lottery result of the advance notice (B2011). After that, the stop symbol of the decorative special figure variation display game is determined according to the content of the variation effect such as the reach effect and the notice effect (B2012). Here, the decoration stop symbol is specifically determined, such as determining the looseness in the case of the out-of-order symbol.

Next, the effect control device 300 sets the display of the variable effect (B2013) and sets the display of the notice effect (B2014). Subsequently, the display setting of the hold reduction corresponding to the special figure type is set, and for example, the display in which the hold display corresponding to the decorative special figure that fluctuates this time is reduced is set (B2015). Subsequently, a voice number that determines the effect mode (sound output mode) by the sound of the speaker and a decoration number that determines the effect mode by the light emission of the decoration device are set (B2016). The decoration device (board decoration device 46, frame decoration device 18) has a plurality of decorative light emitting units (decorative LEDs, etc.) and emits light in a light emitting mode (color, light emitting timing, etc. of each LED) defined by a decoration number. ..

In the processing of B2016, the decoration number is set so as to emit light when the special figure variation display game is a big hit with respect to the big hit confirmation notification LED 481a which notifies the confirmation of the big hit in the light emitting accessory 481. Set the decoration number so that it does not emit light. Since the variation effect setting process sets the effect during execution (during fluctuation) of the special figure variation display game, the special figure variation display game is performed by the lamp display units 1 and 2 (fourth symbol LED, predetermined notification unit). Before the result is displayed (notified) (that is, before the fluctuation is stopped), the jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a notifies in advance that the jackpot has been hit.

It is also possible to set the voice number and the decoration number based on the setting information (setting value) as well as the effect content. In this way, the player can enjoy inferring the setting information (set value) of the game machine 10 from the light emitting mode of the decorative device, that is, the light emitting mode of the decorative light emitting unit (LED).

Next, the effect control device 300 sets the display of the decorative special symbol variation corresponding to the special symbol type (B2017), and the fourth special symbol other than the above-mentioned first to third special symbols that fluctuate in the display device 41. The display setting of the fourth symbol variation regarding (fourth symbol, identification information) is performed (B2018). The fourth symbol variation is displayed by the lamp display units 1 and 2 (LED) of the lamp display device 80 provided in addition to the display device 41.

If the jackpot fluctuation effect is set and the jackpot fluctuation is started during the countdown notification performed before the start of the mode effect using the RTC338, the countdown notification is set to be stopped. The mode effect starts when the RTC 338 reaches a specific time. Since the countdown notification that notifies the start of the mode effect by the countdown display (or countdown voice) has nothing to do with the special figure fluctuation display game, if it is stopped at the start of the fluctuation of the special figure fluctuation display game, a sense of incongruity will occur and a notice of the occurrence of a big hit The interest will improve.

[Production appearance rate]
FIG. 26 is a table showing the appearance rate of the effect set by the above-mentioned variable effect setting process, particularly for the notice. The appearance rate may indicate, for example, what percentage of the effect appears per one or several variable display games. In the variable effect setting process, the first half or second half notice distribution group table (group table address) is selected from the first half or second half notice distribution group address table depending on the setting information, and further from the first half or second half notice distribution group table. The notice distribution table (address of the notice distribution table) for each notice type (line notice, background change notice, movable accessory movement, etc.) is acquired, and the notice can be drawn based on the notice distribution table. Therefore, the appearance rate of a predetermined notice (effect) can be set (changed) according to the setting information (set value).

In the example of FIG. 26, the higher the setting (the larger the set value), the higher the appearance rate of the notice A and the notice F, and the more likely it is to appear. The higher the setting of notice C and notice E, the smaller the appearance rate and the more difficult it is to appear. The appearance rate of notice B and notice E is the same regardless of the setting. Therefore, the player can infer the setting information (set value) of the game machine 10 by paying attention to the easiness of appearance of a predetermined notice (effect) such as the notices A, C, E, and F. In particular, since the notice F appears only at the setting 3 (high setting), it is confirmed that the notice F is the setting 3 (high setting) when the notice F appears.

[Power failure recovery setting process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the details of the power failure recovery setting process (B1306) in the single-shot command process (FIG. 22) described above will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the power failure recovery setting process executed by the effect control device 300 when the power failure recovery command indicating that the power failure recovery (power is turned on) has been received is received.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the received power failure recovery command is a normal command (B2201). If the command is not normal (the result of B2201 is "N"), the power failure recovery setting process is terminated. When the command is normal (the result of B2201 is "Y"), the initial value is set in the area to be initialized in the RAM of the effect control device 300 (B2202). Then, in order to notify that there has been a recovery from the power failure, the light emitting mode of the LED provided in the decoration device (board decoration device 46, frame decoration device 18) at the time of recovery from the power failure is set (B2203). As a light emitting mode at the time of recovery from a power failure, for example, there is a mode in which a predetermined LED blinks for a predetermined time.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the current time is within a predetermined period (B2204). The current time can be obtained from the RTC338 (B0009) or from the time timer set in the timer area in the RAM and set to the RTC338. The predetermined period is a period outside the business hours of the game store (game hall), particularly a period before the store opens, for example, a period from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.

When the current time is within a predetermined period (the result of B2204 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 sets the display of the setting information so as to display the setting information on the display device 41 or the like, and restores the power supply or restores the power supply. The display setting of the recovery screen of the display device 41 or the like is set so as to notify that the power has been turned on (B2205). After that, the power failure recovery setting process is terminated. The recovery screen may be set to be displayed for a predetermined time after displaying the setting information for a predetermined time, or conversely, the recovery screen may be displayed for a predetermined time and then set for a predetermined time. Information may be displayed. Alternatively, the setting information may be displayed for a predetermined time in the recovery screen that displays only the predetermined time.

When the current time is not within the predetermined period (the result of B2204 is "N"), the effect control device 300 only sets the display of the recovery screen and does not set the display of the setting information (B2206). After that, the power failure recovery setting process is terminated. In this way, the effect control device 300 displays the setting information (set value) only when the power of the game machine 10 is restored (power is turned on) within a predetermined period.

By the above power failure recovery setting process, power is restored (power is turned on) by the power supply of the island equipment (island equipment power supply 440) on which the game machine 10 is installed without opening and closing the opening / closing frame (front frame 12, glass frame 15). ) Can be easily displayed on the display device 41 or the like. Further, since the setting information is displayed only within a predetermined period, the possibility that a third party other than the person who has the authority to know the setting information (such as the person in charge of the game store) can see the setting information can be reduced. In particular, since the predetermined period is outside the business hours, the player does not have the opportunity to confirm the setting information during the business hours.

[Direction button input processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the details of the effect button input process (B0010) in the above-mentioned main process (FIG. 19) will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the effect button input process executed by the effect control device 300.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not the current operation valid period (operation detectable period) of the effect button 25 is (B2301). If it is not the operation valid period (the result of B2301 is "N"), the operation detection is set to invalid (B2302), and the effect button input process is terminated.

When the operation valid period (the result of B2301 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the effect button 25 has been operated (B2303). In the present embodiment, the operation of the effect button 25 (operation means) is a push operation on the effect button switch 25a, but may be an operation on the touch panel 25b. If there is no operation of the effect button 25 (the result of B2303 is "N"), the effect button input process ends.

When the effect button 25 is operated (the result of B2303 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 determines the operation type of the operation of the effect button 25 (B2304). Then, it is determined whether or not the current time is within the predetermined period (B2305). The current time can be obtained from the RTC338 (B0009) or from the time timer set in the timer area in the RAM and set to the RTC338. The predetermined period here is the same as the predetermined period in step B2204 described above, and is a displayable period in which setting information can be displayed by power restoration or power-on.

The effect control device 300 determines whether or not a power failure recovery command has been received when the current time is within a predetermined period (the result of B2305 is “Y”) (B2306). Processing corresponding to the determined operation type when the current time is not within the predetermined period (B2305 result is "N") or when the power failure recovery command is not received (B2306 result is "N"). (Normal processing) is executed (B2307), and operation detection is disabled (B2312).

When the effect control device 300 receives the power failure recovery command (the result of B2306 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the determined operation type is the first specific operation (B2308). If the determined operation type is not the first specific operation (the result of B2308 is "N"), the process proceeds to step B2310. When the determined operation type is the first specific operation (the result of B2308 is "Y"), the display of the setting information is started on the display device 41 or the like (B2309).

The processing of steps B2308 and B2309 is optional and may be deleted. In this case, the display of the setting information is immediately started on the display device 41 or the like after the setting information display setting (B2205) is performed in the power failure recovery setting process. When steps B2308 and B2309 are provided, even if the setting information display setting (B2205) is performed in the power failure recovery setting process, the display of the setting information is waited until the first specific operation is performed. Therefore, even in a situation where power restoration (power on) can be easily performed by an unauthorized third party, the setting information is not displayed until a person who has the authority to know the setting information performs the first specific operation on the effect button 25, and the setting is made. It is possible to prevent the information from being revealed to an unauthorized third party. It is assumed that only a person who has the authority to know the setting information knows what kind of operation the first specific operation is.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the determined operation type is the second specific operation (B2310). When the determined operation type is not the second specific operation (the result of B2310 is "N"), the effect button input process is terminated. When the determined operation type is the second specific operation (the result of B2310 is "Y"), the display end process for ending the display of the setting information is executed (B2311). After that, the operation detection is set to invalid (B2312), and the effect button input process is terminated. In this way, since the display of the setting information ends in response to the second specific operation for the effect button 25, a person who has the authority to know the setting information can immediately specify the second specific for the effect button 25 as soon as the setting information is confirmed. It is possible to perform an operation and prevent the setting information from being seen by a third party thereafter.

[Display setting information]
In FIG. 29, a plurality of n gaming machines 10, 10'10 "installed on the game island are set at a time within a predetermined period from 9:00 am to 9:30 am (here, 9:10 am). It shows how the power is turned on (power restored) all at once and the setting information is displayed. For the plurality of game machines 10, 10'10 ", the on / off switch of the island equipment power supply 440 that supplies power to the game island is turned on. By doing so, the power is turned on (power restoration) from the island equipment power supply 440 at the same time. The power switch of each game machine 10 may be turned on to individually turn on (power restore) the game machine 10, but a plurality of game islands may be turned on / off by turning on / off the island equipment power supply 440. Since it is easier to turn on the power of the game machines 10 all at once (recovery of power), this is usually performed.

In FIG. 29, the setting information is displayed as “setting 3”, “setting 1”, and “setting 2” on the display device 41 of the gaming machines 10, 10 ′, 10 ”by turning on the power (power restoration), respectively. In FIG. 29, the setting information is started to be displayed when the power is turned on (power restoration), but as described above, when the first specific operation for the effect button 25 is performed after the power is turned on (power restoration). The display may be started. Then, the display of the setting information of the display device 41 is terminated and erased when the second specific operation for the effect button 25 is performed.

[Hall / player setting mode processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 30, the details of the hall / player setting mode processing (B0011) in the above-mentioned main processing (FIG. 19) will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure of hall / player setting mode processing executed by the effect control device 300.

Hall / player setting mode processing activates a hall setting mode in which the person in charge of the hall (game store) can make various settings for the gaming machine 10, or a player setting mode in which the player can make various settings for the gaming machine 10. Can be made to.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the hall setting mode is in progress (B2401). When the hole setting mode flag described later is set, it can be determined that the hall setting mode is in progress. When the hall setting mode is in progress (the result of B2401 is "Y"), the processing of B2406-B2417 is performed, and the effect button 25 (effect button switch 25a, touch panel 25b) by the person in charge of the hall (game store) or the like is used. Make various settings and adjustments based on the operation.

When the effect control device 300 is not in the hall setting mode (the result of B2401 is “N”), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the player setting mode is in progress (B2402). When the player setting mode flag described later is set, it can be determined that the player setting mode is in progress. When in the player setting mode (the result of B2402 is "Y"), the processing of B2421 to B2426 is performed, and various settings and various adjustments are made based on the operation of the effect button 25 by the player.

When the effect control device 300 is not in the player setting mode (the result of B2402 is “N”), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the hole setting mode start condition is satisfied (B2403). For example, it can be determined that the hall setting mode start condition is satisfied when the operation of the effect button 25 for entering the hall setting mode is detected as an operation signal in the effect button input process (B0010) while waiting for a customer. Note that waiting for customers is, for example, a state in which a video for waiting for customers (customer waiting demo) is displayed on the display device 41. When the hole setting mode start condition is not satisfied (the result of B2403 is "N"), the process of B2418 is executed.

The effect control device 300 draws a screen for starting screen drawing (drawing of the hall setting screen) for the display device 41 in the hall setting mode when the hall setting mode start condition is satisfied (the result of B2403 is “Y”). Set the start (B2404). Then, the flag in the hall setting mode is set (B2405).

Next, the effect control device 300 is a hall volume adjustment process (B2406) that adjusts the volumes of the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b based on the operation of the effect button 25 by the person in charge of the hall, the frame decoration device 18 and the board. Hall LED brightness adjustment process (B2407) that adjusts the LED brightness (brightness) of the decoration device 46, liquid crystal brightness adjustment process (B2408) that adjusts the brightness of the display unit (liquid crystal display, etc.) of the display device 41, and power saving. The power saving setting process (B2409) for setting is executed. Next, the effect control device 300 executes a logo color setting process for setting the issue color of the logo accessory (B2410).

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes a setting process related to the setting information in order to set the display method of the setting information (B2411). Here, it is set whether or not to display the setting information, and the above-mentioned predetermined period for displaying the setting information is set. Based on the operation of the effect button 25 (effect button switch 25a, touch panel 25b), it is possible to select whether or not to display the setting information from the menu display of the display device 41 and set whether or not to display the setting information. By inputting a numerical value by operating the effect button 25, the predetermined period can be set, for example, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am before the store opens as described above. In this way, since a predetermined period in which the setting information can be confirmed can be arbitrarily set, it is possible to prevent the setting information from being leaked to a third party who does not have the authority to know the setting information. The process of step B2411 constitutes a first setting means for setting a predetermined period for displaying the setting information and a second setting means for setting whether or not to display the setting information.

Then, it is determined whether or not there is a setting confirmation operation input (B2412). When the operation signal by the setting confirmation operation of the effect button 25 is detected by the effect button input process (B0010), it can be determined that the setting confirmation operation input has been performed. When there is no setting confirmation operation input (the result of B2412 is "N"), the hall / player setting mode processing is terminated.

When there is a setting confirmation operation input (the result of B2412 is “Y”), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the setting is confirmed by the factory default setting (B2413). When the effect button 25 is not operated other than the setting confirmation operation, it can be determined that the setting is confirmed by the factory default setting. If it is not confirmed by the factory default setting (the result of B2413 is "N"), the process proceeds to B2415. When the factory default setting is confirmed (the result of B2413 is "Y"), the factory default setting process for performing various settings and various adjustments with the factory default setting is executed (B2414). The factory default settings are the default settings stored in a memory such as ROM 321. Next, the hall setting data (or hall adjustment data) such as the volume and various brightnesses determined by B2406-B2410 and B2414 are written to the backup memory (for example, FeRAM323) (B2415).

Next, the effect control device 300 sets the screen drawing end setting for ending the screen drawing on the display device 41 in the hall setting mode (B2416). Then, the flag in the hall setting mode is cleared (B2417).

When the hall setting mode start condition is not satisfied (the result of B2403 is “N”), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the player setting mode start condition is satisfied (B2418). It can be determined that the player setting mode start condition is satisfied when the operation of the effect button 25 for entering the player setting mode is detected as an operation signal in the effect button input process (B0010) while waiting for a customer. When the player setting mode start condition is not satisfied (the result of B2418 is "N"), the hall / player setting mode processing is terminated.

When the player setting mode start condition is satisfied (the result of B2418 is “Y”), the effect control device 300 sets the screen drawing start setting for starting the screen drawing on the display device 41 in the player setting mode (the result of B2418 is “Y”). B2419). Then, the player setting mode flag is set (B2420).

Next, the effect control device 300 includes a player volume adjustment process (B2421) for adjusting the volumes of the upper speaker 10a and the lower speaker 10b based on the operation of the effect button 25 by the player, and the frame decoration device 18 and the board decoration. The player LED brightness adjustment process (B2422) for adjusting the brightness (brightness) of the LED of the device 46 is executed.

Next, the effect control device 300 executes an effect customization process for customizing (individually setting) the effect based on the operation of the effect button 25 or the like by the player (B2423). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a setting confirmation operation input (B2424). When there is no setting confirmation operation input (the result of B2424 is "N"), the hall / player setting mode processing is terminated. When there is a setting confirmation operation input (the result of B2424 is "Y"), the screen drawing end setting for ending the screen drawing on the display device 41 in the player setting mode is performed (B2425). Then, the player setting mode flag is cleared (B2426). Note that the player setting data (or player adjustment data) such as the volume and brightness determined by B2421 to B2422 may be erased, and therefore are not written to the backup memory.

[Customer waiting demo editing process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 31, the details of the customer waiting demo editing process (B0015) in the above-mentioned main process (FIG. 19) will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the customer waiting demo editing process executed by the effect control device 300.

First, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the customer waiting demo is already being executed on the display device 41 (B2601). When the customer waiting demo is not being executed (the result of B2601 is "N"), it is determined whether or not the customer waiting demo command has been received (B2602). If the customer waiting demo command has not been received (the result of B2602 is "N"), the customer waiting demo editing process ends. When the customer waiting demo command is received (the result of B2602 is "Y"), the customer waiting demo command reception flag is cleared (B2603).

Next, the effect control device 300 executes the setting process (B2604-B2607) for starting the customer waiting demo on the display device 41. First, the customer waiting control table pointer that specifies the contents of the customer waiting control table is cleared to 0 (B2604), and a demo control timer (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer (here, 0) is set (B2605). ). Then, the symbol display A is set in the demo status (B2606). In addition to the symbol display A that is executed for about 10 seconds from the start of the customer waiting demo, the demo status includes the symbol display B and the symbol display B that are executed for about 110 seconds from the end of the symbol display A. There is a movie display that is executed for about 30 seconds from the end of C, and a symbol display C that is executed for about 120 seconds from the end of the movie display. The content of the demo status may be set by further subdividing the decoration content and BGM.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 sets the drawing of the symbol display screen corresponding to the selected model information regarding the selected model, which can be understood from the model designation command or the like (B2607).

On the other hand, when the effect control device 300 is already executing the customer waiting demo (the result of B2101 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not it is currently at a predetermined time (B2608). In the present embodiment, the predetermined time is the time at the end of the predetermined period (for example, 9:30 am), but any time may be used as long as it is from the end time of the predetermined period to the time before the store opens. At present, when the predetermined time is reached (the result of B2608 is "Y"), the process proceeds to step B2604, and even if the customer waiting demo is already being executed, the customer waiting demo is started again from the beginning (initial state). The setting process (B2604-B2607) for starting is executed. The initial state of the customer waiting demo is the state of the customer waiting control table pointer = 0 (that is, demo status = symbol display A). In this way, at a predetermined time such as the end time of the predetermined period, the customer waiting demo (customer waiting effect) can be started from the beginning on the display device 41, and the customer waiting demo between the game machines can be arranged.

Next, the effect control device 300 updates the demo control timer by -1 (B2609), and determines whether or not the demo control timer is 0 (B2610). When the demo control timer is 0 (result of B2610 is "Y"), the customer waiting control table pointer is updated by +1 (B2611), and when the demo control timer is not 0 (result of B2610 is "N"), waiting for customers End the demo editing process.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the customer waiting control table pointer is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (B2612). When the customer waiting control table pointer is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (the result of B2612 is "Y"), the pointer value of the return position is set in the customer waiting control table pointer (B2613), and the demo control corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer is set. Set the timer (B2614). When the customer waiting control table pointer is less than the upper limit value (the result of B2612 is "N"), the demo control timer corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer is set without performing the process of step B2613 (B2614). The demo control timer is, for example, 110 seconds if the demo stator corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer is symbol display B, 120 seconds if it is symbol display C, and 30 seconds if it is a movie display.

After that, the effect control device 300 sets the demo status corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer (B2615), sets the decoration number corresponding to the customer waiting control table pointer (B2616), and corresponds to the customer waiting control table pointer. Set the voice number (B2617). At the start of the customer waiting demonstration, the decoration number and the voice number are not set because the decoration state and the voice state during the execution of the special figure variation display game are continued for a while. After that, the drawing setting (movie display or symbol display) of the screen corresponding to the selected model information indicating the type of the game machine is performed (B2618), and the customer waiting demo editing process is completed. In the above, it is possible to omit step B2617 and not set the voice number.

In FIG. 31, when it is desired to stop or start the movie display during the customer waiting demo, the demo section (for example, symbol display B, C, movie) is operated by operating the effect button 25 (detecting the operation). You may add a process that can skip (omit) display).

[Customer waiting demo timing chart]
FIG. 32 is a timing chart illustrating the state of the customer waiting demo performed on the display device 41 as a result of the customer waiting demo editing process (FIG. 31). In FIG. 32, the customer waiting demonstration is performed after the power is turned on (power restoration) before the store opens. For convenience of explanation, the entire customer waiting demo is shown as consisting of three demo sections (customer waiting demos 1 to 3) having different contents, but the number of demo sections may be any number. The customer waiting demo shows an example of starting after the recovery screen (recovery display), but the recovery screen (recovery display) may be displayed on top of the customer waiting demo. The recovery screen may include the setting information display within a predetermined period (for example, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am).

In FIG. 32, when the power is turned on, one of a plurality of n gaming machines 1 to n (game machine 2) provided on the game island is changed in setting by the setting changing process (A1017). In the game machine 2, due to the setting change, the recovery screen on the display device 41 and the start of the customer waiting demo after that are delayed compared to the other game machines 1, 3 to n. Therefore, at the time of opening the store, the content of the customer waiting demo is deviated from the other game machines 1, 3 to n only for the game machine 2, and there arises a problem that the player recognizes that the game machine 2 has changed the setting. However, in FIG. 32, the customer waiting demo that has been started once by the customer waiting demo editing process (FIG. 31) is started again from the beginning (initial state, the beginning of the customer waiting demo 1) at a predetermined time before the store opens. As a result (B2608), at the time of opening, the contents of the customer waiting demo will be complete for all the game machines 1 to n on the game island, and the player will not be able to recognize that the setting of the game machine 2 has been changed. Therefore, there is no injustice between players.

As described above, even if the demo section (for example, movie display) can be skipped by operating the production button 25 during the customer waiting demo, the content of the customer waiting demo at the time of opening is due to the skipping of the demo section. However, there is a possibility that only some game machines will be displaced. However, due to the customer waiting demo editing process (FIG. 31), the customer waiting demo will be started again from the beginning (initial state) at a predetermined time before the store opens (B2608), and the contents of the customer waiting demo will be displayed at the time of opening. All the game machines 1 to n on the game island will be in a complete state.

(Game machine according to the first embodiment)
The above-mentioned first embodiment includes the gaming machines shown in the following (1) to (13).
(1) A game control means (game control device 100) capable of executing a game, and an effect control means (effect control device 300) capable of displaying an effect related to the game on a display means (display device 41). In the game machine
Equipped with a setting changing means (setting changing device 42) capable of changing settings related to game conditions.
The game control means can transmit the information of the setting to the effect control means.
The effect control means is characterized in that information of the setting is displayed on the display means when the power of the game machine is turned on in a predetermined period (FIGS. 3, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 16, FIG. 27).

(2) Equipped with a real-time clock that measures the time
The effect control means
Equipped with a timekeeping means (timer for time)
The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the time of the timing means is adjusted to the time of the real-time clock when the power of the gaming machine is turned on (B0009 in FIGS. 4 and 19).

(3) Equipped with an operable operation means (effect button 25)
The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the effect control means displays the information of the setting on the display means in response to the first specific operation for the operation means (FIGS. 1 and 28). ..

(4) The game machine according to (1), wherein the game control means transmits information of the setting to the effect control means when the power of the game machine is turned on (A1032 in FIG. 5B). ..

(5) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the effect control means sets an appearance ratio of a predetermined effect according to the information of the setting (FIGS. 25 and 26).

(6) The effect control means is
It is possible to control the decorative light emitting part that emits light in relation to the production.
The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the light emitting mode of the decorative light emitting unit is set according to the information of the setting (B2016 in FIG. 25).

(7) Equipped with an operable operating means
The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the effect control means ends the display of the information of the setting in the display means in response to the second specific operation with respect to the operation means (FIGS. 1, FIG. 28).

(8) The effect control means is
A first setting means for setting the predetermined period for displaying the setting information, and
The gaming machine (FIG. 30) according to (1), characterized in that it includes a second setting means for setting whether or not to display the setting information.

(9) The effect control means is
The gaming machine (FIGS. 31 and 32) according to (1), wherein the display means starts the customer waiting effect (customer waiting demo) from the beginning at the end of the predetermined period.

(10) The game control means is
A storage means (RAM) having a setting information storage area capable of storing the setting information, and
The gaming machine (FIG. 5B) according to (1), comprising: an initialization means (A1030) for initializing an area other than the setting information storage area in the storage means.

(11) The game control means is
A legitimacy determining means (A1021) for determining the legitimacy of the information held in the storage means is provided.
The present invention according to (10), wherein when the validity determination means determines that the information held in the storage means is not valid, the information of the specified setting is stored in the setting information storage area. Game machine (Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B).

(12) The storage means has a game information storage area for storing game information related to the game.
The gaming machine according to (11), wherein the validity determination means separately determines the validity of the set information storage area and the validity of the game information storage area (FIG. 5A).

(13) The game control means is
Before determining whether or not to execute the initialization by the initialization means (before A1018), it is characterized in that the process of changing the settings by the setting change means (the setting change process of A1017) is executed. 10) The gaming machine (FIG. 5A).

(Effect of the first embodiment)
According to the game machine of (1) above, the setting information can be easily displayed on the display means such as the display device 41 only by turning on the power of the game machine 10 (power restoration). Further, since the setting information is displayed only within a predetermined period, the possibility that a third party other than the person who has the authority to know the setting information (such as the person in charge of the game store) can see the setting information can be reduced.

According to the game machine (2) above, the time needs to be read from the real-time clock only once when the power is turned on (when the power is restored), the number of times of processing for reading the time from the real-time clock can be reduced, and the effect control means (effect control device). The load of 300) is reduced.

According to the game machine (3) above, even in a situation where the power can be easily turned on (power restoration) by an unauthorized third party, a person who has the authority to know the setting information can first specify the operation means (effect button 25). The setting information is not displayed until the operation is performed, and it is possible to prevent the setting information from being known to an unauthorized third party.

According to the game machine of (4) above, the game control means (game control device 100) is simple because it is only necessary to transmit the setting information to the effect control means once when the power of the game machine 10 is turned on. ..

According to the gaming machine of (5) above, the appearance rate (appearance rate) of a predetermined effect (notice, etc.) changes according to the setting information. Therefore, the player can infer the setting information (set value) of the game machine 10 by paying attention to the ease of appearance and the difficulty of appearance of the predetermined effect, and the interest of the game is improved.

According to the game machine (6), the player can enjoy guessing the setting information (set value) of the game machine 10 from the light emitting mode of the decorative light emitting unit (LED), and the interest of the game is improved.

According to the game machine of (7) above, the display of the setting information ends in response to the second specific operation on the operation means (effect button 25), so that the person who has the authority to know the setting information confirms the setting information. Then, the second specific operation can be performed to prevent the setting information from being seen by a third party thereafter.

According to the game machine (8) above, the setting information can be arbitrarily set for a predetermined period during which the setting information can be confirmed and whether or not the setting information is displayed, so that the setting information is leaked to a third party who does not have the authority to know the setting information. Can be prevented.

According to the game machine (9) above, the customer waiting effect (customer waiting demo) will be started from the beginning (initial state, the beginning of the customer waiting demo 1) at the end of the predetermined period, and the customer waiting effect will be produced when the store is opened. The contents of the above can be arranged among a large number of game machines, and the player cannot recognize the game machine whose setting has been changed. Therefore, there is no injustice between players.

According to the game machine (10), since the setting information of the setting information storage area is not initialized, the setting information once stored can be maintained until the setting is changed.

According to the game machine (11), when the information held in the storage means (RAM) is not valid, the specified setting information is stored in the setting information storage area of the storage means (RAM). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which unintended setting information is stored due to some malfunction and damage is caused to the game store.

According to the game machine of (12) above, the validity of the setting information storage area and the validity of the game information storage area can be determined separately. Therefore, only when the information held in the setting information storage area is not valid, the process of initializing the setting information storage area (processing of storing the specified setting information) may be performed, and the game information storage area may be used. It is convenient because the process of initializing the game information storage area may be performed only when the information held in the game is not valid.

According to the game machine of (13) above, in order to determine whether or not to execute the initialization by the initialization means after executing the setting change process, the initialization is performed when the initialization by the setting change process is performed. Initialization based on the result of determination of whether or not to execute can be omitted.

(Second Embodiment)

The second embodiment relates to the control of the light emitting state of the LED (light emitting unit). The configuration other than the configuration described below may be the same as that of the first embodiment.

[Network configuration]
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a connection status (network configuration) between the effect control device 300 (master IC side) and the board decoration device 46 (slave IC side) in the second embodiment.

In FIG. 33, the effect control device 300 is shown in a simplified manner, but the main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 edits the effect control data (effect control information) and masters it via the address / data bus 340. It is sent to the board decoration LED control circuit 332 which is IC570.

The master IC 570 of the effect control device 300 and the plurality of slave ICs 450 and 460 of the panel decoration device 46 are connected by a network 451 (serial communication network) to perform serial communication. Serial communication system (standard) is not particularly limited, for ^{example, I 2 C (Inter-Integrated} Circuit) system can be used (JP 2011-206170, see, JP 2012-90901). The board decoration device 46 is provided with a first slave IC 450 and a plurality of n second slave ICs 1 to n (460-1, ..., 460-n).

The first slave IC 450 displays a fourth special symbol (fourth symbol) indicating the result of the special figure fluctuation display game and the special figure fluctuation display game as a plurality of light emitting units (first light emitting unit). , 80b, the hold LED 80c-80f for displaying the number of holds, and the effect button LED 25c (operation light emitting unit) provided on the effect button 25 are output with lighting data to control the light emission state (light emission mode) of these plurality of light emitting units. .. The first slave IC 450, the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b, the hold LED 80c-80f, and the effect button LED 25c constitute the first decoration device 46a.

The lamp display units 1 and 2 in FIG. 2B are the fourth symbol LED80a (special figure 1 fourth symbol LED) for the special figure 1 variable display game and the fourth symbol LED80b (special figure 2 variable display game) for the special figure 2 variable display game, respectively. It corresponds to the special figure 2 fourth symbol LED). The lamp display units 3 to 6 in FIG. 2B correspond to the holding LEDs 80c-80f (special drawing 1 holding LED1, special drawing 1 holding LED2, special drawing 2 holding LED1, special drawing 2 holding LED2), respectively. A plurality of effect button LEDs 25c may be provided on the effect button 25.

The second slave ICs 1 to n (460-1, ..., 460-n) are connected to the decorative LED groups 1 to n (462-1, ..., 462-n), respectively. The second slave ICs 1 to n (460-1, ..., 460-n) are collectively referred to as the second slave IC460, and the decorative LED groups 1 to n (462-1, ..., 462-n). ) Are collectively referred to as a decorative LED group 462.

The decorative LED group 462 is composed of a plurality of decorative LEDs (second light emitting units) for decoration (for directing). Each second slave IC 460 outputs lighting data to a plurality of decorative LEDs of the connected decorative LED group 462 to control their light emitting states (light emitting modes). The second slave ICs 1 to n (460-1, ..., 460-n) and the decorative LED groups 1 to n (462-1, ..., 462-n) constitute the second decorative device 46b. The second decorative device 46b composed of the second light emitting unit performs decoration different from that of the first decorative device 46a composed of the first light emitting unit.

The detection signals of the effect button switch 25a built in the effect button 25 and the touch panel 25b provided on the surface of the effect button 25 are input to the effect control device 300 without going through the network 451. It may be input to the effect control device 300 via the slave IC and the network 451.

In FIG. 33, the master IC 570 is used as the board decoration LED control circuit 332 and the slave IC side is used as the board decoration device 46. However, the master IC 570 is used as the frame decoration LED control circuit 333 and the slave IC side is used as the frame decoration device 18. The embodiment is applicable.

Further, the board decoration LED control circuit 332 and the frame decoration LED control circuit 333 are combined into one master IC 570, and the master IC 570 outputs lighting data to the slave ICs of the board decoration device 46 and the frame decoration device 18 to decorate the board. The light emitting state of the LED (light emitting unit) of the device 46 and the frame decoration device 18 may be controlled. That is, the second slave IC 460 in FIG. 33 may include the slave IC of the frame decoration device 18, and the decoration LED group 462 may include a plurality of decoration LEDs (second light emitting units) of the frame decoration device 18.

As described above, the effect control device 300 controls the light emitting state (light emitting mode) of a large number of LEDs of the decoration device (board decoration device 46, frame decoration device 18, etc.) via the same network 451. The wiring required to control the LED can be simplified. The light emitting state (light emitting mode) includes a state in which the light is turned off.

[Slave IC]
FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing a configuration of slave ICs 450 and 460 according to the second embodiment. Here, the I ² CI / O expander 615 is shown as an example as the slave IC 450 and 460, but the slave IC 450 and 460 are ^{not limited to the I 2} CI / O expander 615. The I ² CI / O expander 615 is a slave IC when the ^{I 2 C method is used as the serial communication method.}

The I ² CI / O expander 615 (slave IC450, 460) is used for the transistor 630 connected to the connection line SDA, the filter 631 connected to the connection line SDA, the driver 632 connected to the connection line SDA, and the connection line SCL. Connected filter 633, bus controller 634, output setting register 635, output controller 636, ^{driver 637 connected to each output side port 0 to 15 of I 2} CI / O expander 615, connected to each port 0 to 15. The transistors 638A to 638P and the reset signal generation circuit 639 are provided. Further, the bus monitoring WDT (watchdog timer) 640 for determining whether or not the connection line SDA is occupied by ^{another I 2 CI / O expander 615, and the I 2} CI / O expander 615 itself are connected. The self-occupied WDT641 for determining whether or not the line SDA is occupied is provided.

The connection line SDA is a connection line for transmitting and receiving a data signal between the master IC 570 of the effect control device 300 and the I ² CI / O expander 615 (slave IC 450, 460), and functions as a data line. The connection line SCL is a connection line for inputting / outputting a clock signal used for data communication in the connection line SDA, and functions as a timing signal line.

The filter 631 is connected to the connection line SDA, removes noise from the data input from the connection line SDA, and outputs the noise-removed data to the bus controller 634. When the response signal is output from the connection line SDA, the driver 632 applies a voltage capable of operating the transistor 630 to the transistor 630.

When the driver 632 outputs data (response signal) from the connection line SDA, the driver 632 applies a voltage at which the transistor 630 can operate to the transistor 630.

A field effect transistor (FET) is used in the transistor 630 to suppress power consumption, the gate of the transistor 630 is connected to the driver 632, and the drain is a connection line SDA to which a predetermined voltage is applied by a pull-up resistor R. The source is grounded.

When the driver 632 outputs data (response signal) from the connection line SDA, the driver 632 applies a voltage at a value at which the transistor 630 can operate to the gate of the transistor 630 in order to pass a current between the drain and the source of the transistor 630. To do. Then, the driver 632 outputs data from the connection line SDA by repeatedly changing the voltage of the connection line SDA from HIGH to LOW.

The filter 633 is connected to the connection line SCL, removes noise from the data input from the connection line SCL, and outputs the noise-removed data to the bus controller 634.

In addition, the I ² CI / O expander 615, it is set a unique address by the address setting terminals A0~A3 provided in the I ² CI / O expander 615 is input to the bus controller 634. Further, ^{the address for resetting the I 2} CI / O expander 615 is also preset.

The bus controller 634 determines whether or not the address of the data input from the connection line SDA ^{matches the unique address set in the I 2} CI / O expander 615, and if they match, the data is displayed. Import as production control data.

Further, the bus controller 634 determines whether or not the address of the data input from the connection line SDA ^{matches the reset address set in the I 2} CI / O expander 615, and if they match, the bus controller 634 determines whether or not the address is the same as the reset address. The data is taken in as initialization instruction data (initialization command RES), and the I ² CI / O expander 615 is initialized.

Further, when the bus controller 634 changes the signal level of the connection line SCL from LOW to HIGH eight times and captures the data of the 8th bit, the signal level of the connection line SCL changes from HIGH to LOW. , The response signal is output from the connection line SDA to the master IC 570. Further, it is confirmed that the signal level of the connecting line SCL changes from LOW to HIGH, and when the signal level of the connecting line SCL changes from HIGH to LOW again, the connecting line SDA is opened. That is, the response signal is output at the timing when the signal level of the connection line SCL changes from LOW to HIGH 9 times.

^{The operation mode of the I 2} CI / O expander 615 and the output state of ports 0 to 15 are set in the output setting register 635. When the bus controller 634 fetches the initialization instruction data from the connection line SDA and the I ² CI / O expander 615 is initialized, the output setting register 635 allows current to flow to all ports 0 to 15. It is set to the initial state so that it does not exist.

Based on the data set in the output setting register 635, the output controller 636 causes a current to flow through the effect device (here, LED, light emitting unit) connected to each port 0 to 15 via the port driver 637 (here, the LED, the light emitting unit). The output state (here, the light emitting state) of the effect device is actually controlled by the output of the lighting data). When the bus controller 634 captures the effect control data from the connection line SDA, this output state is updated to the content specified in the effect control data.

That is, based on the effect control data received from the master IC 570, the output setting register 635 is set, and when the stop condition is received, the output state of each port 0 to 15 is updated and reflected in the effect device. Therefore, unlike the shift register, it is not necessary to receive the LAT signal (latch signal), that is, the effect control can be performed without requiring the wiring for receiving the LAT signal. This is particularly effective when the port output state needs to be updated simultaneously by a plurality of I ² CI / O expanders 615 (slave IC450, 460), and is ^{controlled by different I 2} CI / O expanders 615. Even if it is a device, it can be controlled to execute the effect operation at the same time, so that the effect can be further enhanced.

It is also possible to reflect the output state of each port 0 to 15 in the effect device when the response signal is output, instead of updating the output state of each port 0 to 15 when the stop condition is received and reflecting it in the effect device. When the effect device required to execute the effect operation at the same time ^{is controlled by one I 2} CI / O expander 615, it may be reflected in the effect device when the response signal is output. By doing so, it is not necessary for the master IC 570 to output the stop condition, and the effect control data can be continuously transmitted, so that the effect control can be performed at high speed.

When a current is passed through the port, the driver 637 applies a voltage to the transistor so that the transistors 638A to 638P connected to the port through which the current flows can operate.

The gates of the transistors 638A to 638P are connected to the driver 637, the drain is connected to the port terminal connected to the connection line to which the voltage for operating the effector is applied, and the source is grounded.

If the voltage applied to the gate of the transistors 638A to 638P is equal to or higher than the predetermined value for operating the transistor 638, the predetermined voltage applied to the gate from the drive power source is grounded through the drain of the transistor 638. The output state of the effect device (LED in this case) connected to the port terminal can be controlled by flowing a current to the port terminal.

Also, I ² CI / O expander 615, since it is possible to simultaneously control all effect device connected to the port terminal of the I ² CI / O expander 615, I ² CI / O expander 615 One effect device (LED in this case) connected to the port terminal of the above can be controlled as one group.

Since the I ² CI / O expanders 615 are assigned different individual addresses, the effect device (LED in this case) is divided into a plurality of groups. That is, each I ² CI / O expander 615 (each slave IC 450, 460) is configured as a group unit control means capable of controlling the effect device in group units.

Therefore, ^{the effect control device 300 that controls each I 2} CI / O expander 615 (each slave IC 450, 460) functions as a group control means that controls the group unit control means.

The reset signal generation circuit 639 is ^{connected to a Vcc terminal connected to a connection line Vcc that supplies power to the I 2} CI / O expander 615, and a reset terminal that receives a reset signal from the outside.

The reset signal generation circuit 639 generates a reset signal when the ^{power is turned on to the I 2} CI / O expander 615 and the voltage rises to a predetermined value, and the generated reset signal is used by the bus controller 634 and the output setting register 635. And it is initialized by inputting to the output controller 636.

Therefore, when the harness is pulled out, the connection line Vcc for supplying power for logic is temporarily disconnected, and when the harness is reinserted, the power supply is restored and the reset signal generation circuit 639 outputs a reset signal. Become. ^{In other words, the I 2} CI / O expander 615 can be initialized (reset) by inserting and removing the harness when repairing or inspecting the game machine (power-on reset). ). A harness is a bundle of a connection line Vcc for supplying power for logic, a drive power supply line for an effect device (here, for an LED), a connection line SDA, a connection line SCL, and a ground line GND.

When a LOW level reset signal is input from the outside, the reset signal generation circuit 639 outputs the reset signal. Therefore, the reset signal may be input from the CPU 311 of the effect control device 300 to the reset terminal. ..

The bus monitoring WDT640 is ^{used to detect that another I 2} CI / O expander 615 occupies the connecting line SDA. The bus monitoring WDT640 is connected to the reset signal generation circuit 639, and when a predetermined time elapses after the connection line SDA is occupied, the bus monitoring WDT640 operates its own reset signal generation circuit 639 to operate the I ² CI / O ex. Initialize the panda 615.

The self-occupied WDT641 is used to detect the occupation of the connecting line SDA by ^{itself (I 2 CI / O expander 615).} When the self-occupied WDT641 operates continuously for a certain period of time, the self-occupied WDT641 generates a reset signal in the reset signal generation circuit 639 ^{to initialize the I 2} CI / O expander 615.

[Register configuration of slave IC]
FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining a work register assigned to an output setting register 635 provided in the slave ICs 450 and 460 according to the second embodiment.

A work register (device register) and a control register (control register) are assigned to the output setting register 635 ^{of the I 2} CI / O expander 615 as the slave IC 450 and 460.

Work register, and information for settings that are predefined for I ² CI / O expander 615, to effect device connected to the I ² CI / O expander 615 (here LED) Information for specifying the output mode is stored.

The control register also stores information that defines the procedure for writing data to the work register. The work register has a configuration in which a plurality of pieces of information are distributed and stored in different storage areas, and different register numbers are assigned to each storage area.

The register number "00h" and the register number "01h" correspond to the mode registers for initializing ^{the I 2 CI / O expander 615.} The register name "MODE1" is assigned to the storage area of the register number "00h". Further, the register name "MODE2" is assigned to the storage area of the register number "01h". When a value is written in the storage areas (“MODE1” and “MODE2”) of the register numbers “00h” and “01h”, ^{the initial setting of the I 2} CI / O expander 615 is performed based on the written value.

The bit 3 (OCH) of the register of "MODE2" is a parameter that defines the timing at which the effect control data stored in the output setting register 635 of ^{the I 2 CI / O expander 615 is actually reflected in the effect device.} .. In the present embodiment, "0" is set, and when the stop condition is received, lighting data is output based on the effect control data stored in the output setting register 635, and the output state of the effect device (here, light emission). The state) is set to actually control. It should be noted that the lighting data is set based on the effect control data stored in the output setting register 635 when the response signal (ACK) is output by setting the value of bit 3 (OCH) of the register of "MODE2" to "1". It is also possible to output and actually control the output state of the effect device.

The parameters of the effect device (LED) to be controlled are set in the register numbers "02h" to "11h" (register names "PWM0" to "PWM15") corresponding to the ports 0 to 15. When a value is written in any of the storage areas of the register numbers "02h" to "11h", the value is written in the light emitting device (16 LEDs) connected to the ^{I 2 CI / O expander 615.} The brightness of the LED corresponding to the register number is adjusted based on the written value. For example, when a value is written in the storage area of the register number "02h", the brightness of the LED 0 connected to the port 0 is adjusted.

When the I ² CI / O expander 615 is the first slave IC 450, the LEDs 0 to 15 connected to the ports 0 to 15 are the fourth symbol LED 80a (special figure 1 fourth symbol LED), respectively. Corresponds to the fourth symbol LED 80b (special figure 2 fourth symbol LED), special figure 1 hold LED 1, special figure 1 hold LED 2, special figure 2 hold LED 1, special figure 2 hold LED 2, and effect button LEDs 1-10. When the I ² CI / O expander 615 is the second slave IC 460, the LEDs 0 to 15 connected to the ports 0 to 15 correspond to the decorative LEDs for decoration (directing).

Parameters for specifying the operation pattern of the entire control target and the like are set in the register number "12h" (register name "GRPPWM") and the register number "13h" (register name "GRPFEQU"). When a value is written in the storage areas of the register numbers "12h" and "13h", a blinking pattern of the entire LED (16 LEDs) is set based on the written value. Specifically, the duty cycle, which is the on / off ratio of the entire LED, is set in the register number "12h", and the blinking cycle of the entire LED is set in the register number "13h".

The output state of the LED controlled by each port is set in the register numbers "14h" (register name "LEDOUT0") to "17h" (register name "LEDOUT3"). It is possible to set four LED output states in each register.

When a value is written in the storage area of the register number "14h", the output states of LEDs 0 to LED3 are set based on the written value. Similarly, the output states of LEDs 4 to LED7 are in the storage area of the register number "15h", the output states of LEDs 8 to LED11 are in the storage area of the register number "16h", and the LED12 to LED15 are in the storage area of the register number "17h". Output status is set.

Sub-addresses are set for the register numbers "18h" to "1Ah" (register names "SUBADR1" to "SUBADR3"). When a value is written in the storage area of the register numbers "18h" to "1Ah", the first subaddress to the third subaddress are set based on the written value.

In the register number "1Bh" (register name "ALLCALLADR"), an all-call address for outputting a command to all slaves is set. The all-call address is used, for example, when the initialization process is executed for all slaves when the power is turned on.

[Master IC production control data]
FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of effect control data (transmission data) transmitted by the master IC 570 according to the second embodiment and a transmission order of each data constituting the effect control data.

First, the master IC 570 transmits 8-bit data capable of specifying the individual address (slave address) of the ^{I 2} CI / O expander 615 (slave IC 450, 460) to which the effect control data is transmitted.

Next, the master IC 570 transmits the data set in the control register of the output setting register 635 of ^{the I 2 CI / O expander 615 (slave IC 450, 460).} The data in the control register allows, for example, a setting that allows auto-increment to update all storage areas in the work register.

Further, the master IC 570 transmits a value to be written to the MODE2 register (8 bits in total), and thereafter transmits the set value to the registers in the remaining storage areas whose register numbers are "02h" to "1Bh". ..

[Power saving control processing]
Next, the power saving control process (power saving control means) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the power saving control process (B0016) executed by the effect control device 300 in the main process (FIG. 19).

The production control device 300 first determines whether or not the customer waiting demo command (customer waiting demo start information) has been received (B2801). The customer waiting demo command is set in the special figure normal processing (FIG. 10) when both the special figure 1 hold number and the special figure 2 hold number are 0, and is sent from the game control device 100 (B1307). .. When the customer waiting demo command is received (the result of B2801 is "Y"), the power saving timer is set and the power saving flag indicating that the game machine 10 is saving power is turned on (B2802). If the normal figure game is being executed when the customer waiting demo command is received, the power saving timer and the power saving flag may be set when the normal figure game ends. When the customer waiting demo command has not been received (the result of B2801 is "N"), it is determined whether or not a variable command (for example, a variable command) has been received (B2803).

When the effect control device 300 receives the variable command (the result of B2803 is "Y"), the effect control device 300 releases the power saving state in order to start the decorative special figure variable display game (B2804). Here, the PWM0 register value to the PWM15 register value of the effect control data (FIG. 36) are changed so as to change the brightness of the LED (light emitting unit) to be saved to the value before power saving (for example, the normal value “high”). Also, the BGM (music) from the speaker is turned on, and the power saving flag indicating that the gaming machine 10 is saving power is turned off. Furthermore, the power saving timer is cleared. Even when the normal map command is received (the result of B1319 is "Y"), the power saving state is not canceled. Even if the normal map command is received, usually, the effect related to the normal map variation display game is not performed, so that no problem occurs even if the power saving state is not canceled, and it is beneficial to maintain the power saving state. That is, it prevents the power saving state from being unnecessarily released.

The effect control device 300 checks the power saving timer (B2805) when the variable system command is not received (the result of B2803 is "N"). Next, it is determined whether or not the power saving timer is at time t1 (that is, whether or not time t1 has elapsed since the customer waiting demo command was received) (B2806). When the power saving timer is the time t1 (the result of B2806 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the brightness (brightness) of the LED to be power saving is "high" (B2807). When the brightness of the LED to be saved is "high" (the result of B2807 is "Y"), the brightness of the LED to be saved is set to "medium" to reduce the brightness and put it in a power saving state (B2808). The power saving control process is terminated. When the brightness of the LED to be power-saving is not "high" (the result of B2807 is "N"), the power-saving control process is terminated as it is. The LEDs (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450, such as the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c, are not power saving target LEDs. The decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 is included in the power saving target LED.

The effect control device 300 acquires the brightness command value (for example, the PWM register value in FIG. 36) to the slave IC 460 to save power from the register or RAM of the main control microcomputer 311, and the brightness of the LED is “high”. It can be determined whether it is "medium" or "low". In the present embodiment, the brightness (luminance command value) of the LED is set to three values of high, medium and low, and is set to "high" in a normal state other than the power saving state, but the present invention is not limited to this.

When the power saving timer is not the time t1 (the result of B2806 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines whether the power saving timer is the time t2 (that is, the time t2 has elapsed since the customer waiting demo command was received. Whether or not) is determined (B2809). When the power saving timer is time t2 (the result of B2809 is "Y"), the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b are set to the power saving state, BGM of various melodies and the like is turned off (B2810), and the power saving control process is terminated. The effect control device 300 controls the sound source LSI 314 to turn off the BGM to be reproduced from the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b (that is, the volume of the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b is set to zero). Although the BGM is switched on and off here, for example, the volume of the BGM may be controlled.

When the power saving timer is not the time t2 (the result of B2809 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the power saving timer is the time t3 (that is, the time t3 has elapsed since the customer waiting demo command was received. Whether or not) is determined (B2811). When the power saving timer is the time t3 (the result of B2811 is "Y"), it is determined whether or not the brightness of the LED to be power saving is "medium" (B2812). When the brightness of the LED to save power is "medium" (the result of B2812 is "Y"), by setting the brightness (brightness command value) of the LED to save power to "low", the light is dimmed or turned off. The power saving state is set (B2813), and the power saving control process is terminated. Here, too, the LEDs (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450, such as the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c, are not power saving target LEDs. The decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 is included in the power saving target LED. When the brightness of the LED to be saved is not "medium" (the result of B2812 is "N"), the power saving control process is terminated as it is.

When the power saving timer is not the time t3 (the result of B2811 is "N"), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not the power saving timer is the time t4 (that is, the time t4 has elapsed since the customer waiting demo command was received. Whether or not) is determined (B2814). When the power saving timer is time t4 (the result of B2814 is "Y"), the power saving timer is reset (B2815), and the power saving control process is terminated. On the other hand, when the power saving timer is not the time t4 (the result of B2814 is "N"), the power saving control process is terminated as it is.

Further, in the power saving control process of FIG. 37, after receiving the customer waiting demo command, the effect control device 300 changes the brightness (brightness) of the LED of the slave IC 460 to be power saving from "high" to "medium" and "low". The brightness (brightness) of the display unit 41a of the display device 41 is gradually reduced from "high" to "medium" and "low" in response to this. It may be lowered to save power.

As described above, the effect control device 300 receives the customer waiting demo command when the variable display game is not running, and dims or turns off the decorative LED (second light emitting) connected to the second slave IC 460. Even when the light emitting state of the unit) is changed to the power saving state, the light emitting state of the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 is not changed to the power saving state. Therefore, the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the power saving target and necessary information can be transmitted. It should be noted that all the LEDs (first light emitting units) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the power saving target only by not setting the effect control data to be transmitted to the first slave IC 450 as the power saving data.

By maintaining the light emission at a predetermined brightness (normal brightness) without targeting the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b connected to the first slave IC 450 to save power, the fourth symbol whose fluctuation is stopped even when the other LEDs are in the power saving state. Can convey information. The information of the fourth symbol during the fluctuation stop is, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the result of the previous special symbol fluctuation display game being missed (lighting of the fourth symbols LEDs 80a and 80b). In addition, based on the jackpot probability (FIG. 16), in most cases, the special figure variation display game results in a deviation from the jackpot result.

In addition, the effect button LED 25c connected to the first slave IC 450 is not targeted for power saving, and is always made to emit light with a predetermined brightness (normal brightness) and a predetermined color (for example, green), so that the player or the like pays attention to the effect button 25. It will be. Then, it is possible to control the power saving state to be released when the effect button 25 is operated by a player or the like. As a matter of course, the batch display device 50 (first special figure variation display unit 51, second special figure variation display unit 52, etc.) controlled by the game control device 100 is not a power saving target.

Further, it is not necessary to connect the large winning opening LED39d that illuminates the large winning opening to the first slave IC 450 to save power so that fraudulent activity to the large winning opening can be detected. When the upper effect unit 40c includes a light emitting accessory 481 that notifies the determination of the jackpot, the jackpot confirmation LED 481a (first light emitting unit) of the light emitting accessory 481 is connected to the first slave IC 450 to confirm the jackpot. It does not have to be a power saving target for notification.

[Decoration control processing]
Next, an example of the decoration control process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 38. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the decoration control process (B0022) executed by the effect control device 300 in the main process (FIG. 19).

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the power saving flag is turned on (B2901). When the power saving flag is not turned on (the result of B2901 is "N"), that is, when the game machine 10 is not saving power, the effect control data (FIG. 36) is applied to the first slave IC 450 and the second slave IC 460. ) Is edited to execute the process of outputting via the master IC 570 (B2902). Note that the effect control data for the first slave IC 450 and the second slave IC 460 are periodically edited (updated) by the main processing loop of FIG. 19 when the game machine 10 is not saving power. After that, the decoration control process is terminated.

On the other hand, the effect control device 300 produces an effect only for the second slave IC 460 when the power saving flag is turned on (the result of B2901 is "Y"), that is, when the game machine 10 is saving power. The control data (FIG. 36) is edited and a process of outputting the control data (FIG. 36) via the master IC 570 is executed (B2903). The effect control data for the second slave IC 460 is periodically edited (updated) by the loop of the main process of FIG. Here, the effect control data for the first slave IC 450 is not output even if it is edited, or the effect control data for the first slave IC 450 is not output while the editing itself is stopped. As a result, wasteful processing can be reduced and power consumption can be suppressed. After that, the decoration control process is terminated.

In addition, there is also a configuration in which the effect control data is transmitted to each slave IC at the start of power saving of the game machine 10 (B2802 or the like), and then the effect control data is not periodically transmitted to all slave ICs. It is possible. Further, during power saving of the game machine 10 (particularly after t3 in FIG. 39), the effect control data is periodically transmitted to the first slave IC 450 which is not the power saving target, and is sent to the second slave IC 460 which is the power saving target. On the other hand, it is possible to configure the effect control data not to be transmitted periodically.

〔Time chart〕
FIG. 39 is a time chart illustrating a state of power saving control according to the second embodiment.

When the number of special figure reservations (that is, the number of special figure 1 hold and the number of special figure 2 hold) is 0 (the result of A3201 and A3206 in FIG. 10 is "Y"), the state of waiting for customers (demo state of waiting for customers) is entered. The transition condition is satisfied, the customer waiting demonstration flag is turned on (A3212), and at time t0, the customer waiting demo command is received by the effect control device 300 (A3213, B1307). Then, the variation of the special symbol (special symbol variation display game) ends, and the display of the customer waiting demo starts on the display device 41 (B1308, FIG. 31).

At time t1 after shifting to the customer waiting state (customer waiting demo state) at time t0, the brightness of the power saving target decorative LED connected to the second slave IC 460 changes from “high” to “medium” (B2808). At time t2, the volume of the speaker is set to zero and the BGM is turned off (B2810). At time t3, the brightness of the decorative LED to be power-saving changes from "medium" to "low" (B2813). On the other hand, the brightness of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c connected to the first slave IC 450, which are not power saving targets, does not change and is always maintained at a constant brightness (normal brightness "high").

At time t4, when the start port switch is turned on by winning a game ball and the special symbol fluctuation (special symbol fluctuation display game) starts, the power saving state is released and the brightness of the decorative LED to be power saved is the value before power saving. (For example, the normal value is changed to "high"), and the BGM from the speaker is turned on (B2804). Also in this case, the brightness of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c, which are not the targets of power saving, does not change and is always maintained at a constant brightness (normal brightness “high”).

[LED brightness adjustment processing]
Next, with reference to FIG. 40, the player LED brightness adjustment process and the hall LED brightness adjustment process (collectively referred to as LED brightness adjustment process) according to the second embodiment will be described. The LED brightness adjusting process constitutes the LED brightness adjusting means. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the player LED brightness adjustment process (B2422) or the hall LED brightness adjustment process (B2407) executed by the effect control device 300 in the hall / player setting mode process (FIG. 30). .. The procedure of the player LED brightness adjustment process (B2422) and the hall LED brightness adjustment process (B2407) may be the same.

In the present embodiment, at least when the special figure variation display game is not being executed (waiting for customers, etc.), the hall setting mode start condition (B2403) and the player setting mode start condition (B2418) can be satisfied, and the LED brightness can be satisfied. Adjustment processing can be executed. Even when the special figure variation display game is being executed, if the hall setting mode start condition (B2403) and the player setting mode start condition (B2418) can be satisfied by operating the effect button 25 or the like, the LED brightness can be satisfied. Adjustment processing can be executed.

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the item to be set is the luminance setting (B3101). On the screens (B2419, B2404) of the display device 41 in the player setting mode and the hall setting mode, various setting items (brightness, volume, etc.) are displayed as gauges as menu displays, and the touch panel 25b of the effect button 25 (operating means) is displayed. The setting target item is selected from various setting items by the operation such as (see FIG. 41). When the setting target item is not the brightness setting (the result of B3101 is "N"), the LED brightness adjustment process is terminated.

When the setting target item is the luminance setting (the result of B3101 is “Y”), the effect control device 300 determines whether or not there is a selection operation for selecting the luminance value (B3102). If there is no luminance value selection operation (the result of B3102 is "N"), the process proceeds to step B3107. When there is a brightness value selection operation (the result of B3102 is "Y"), the display setting of the gauge corresponding to the brightness value of the LED is performed (B3103). The operation of selecting the brightness value is, for example, an operation of the effect button 25 (operating means) on the touch panel 25b.

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not there has been an operation for determining the brightness value (B3104). If there is no operation for determining the luminance value (the result of B3104 is "N"), the process proceeds to step B3107. When there is an operation to confirm the brightness value (the result of B3104 is "Y"), the LEDs are excluded except for the LEDs connected to the first slave IC450 (the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the first light emitting unit such as the effect button LED 25c). The brightness value of is updated (B3105). The brightness value of the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 is updated. The PWM0 register value to the PWM15 register value of the effect control data (FIG. 36) are set according to the brightness value. The process of step B3104 may be omitted, and when there is a brightness value selection operation (the result of B3102 is "Y"), the LED brightness value is immediately updated without requiring a confirmation operation. You may. The operation for determining the brightness value is, for example, an operation on the effect button switch 25a or the touch panel 25b of the effect button 25.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 transmits the effect control data to the slave ICs 450 and 460 and causes the LED to emit light at the updated brightness value (B3106). Since the brightness values of the LEDs (fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c, etc.) connected to the first slave IC 450 are not updated, they emit light at a predetermined brightness (normal brightness).

Next, the effect control device 300 determines whether or not there has been an operation of changing the setting target item (B3107). When there is an operation for changing the setting target item (the result of B3107 is "Y"), the display of the setting target item is changed (B3108), and the LED brightness adjustment process is completed. When there is no change operation of the setting target item (the result of B3107 is "N"), the LED brightness adjustment process is terminated as it is.

As described above, the effect control device 300 connects the second slave IC 460 to the brightness adjustment that updates and adjusts the brightness according to the operation of the effect button 25 (operation means) at least when the variable display game is not being executed. While the execution is performed on the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) to be used, the brightness adjustment is not performed on the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450. Therefore, the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the target of the brightness adjustment and can convey necessary information. It should be noted that all the LEDs (first light emitting units) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the target of the brightness adjustment without updating the effect control data transmitted to the first slave IC 450. In particular, by maintaining the light emission at a predetermined brightness (normal brightness) without subjecting the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b connected to the first slave IC 450 to the brightness adjustment, the brightness changes while the other LEDs are adjusting the brightness. Even so, the information of the fourth symbol can be accurately conveyed. For example, the information of the fourth symbol is, as shown in FIG. 2B, the result of the previous special symbol variation display game being off (lighting of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b).

As a matter of course, the batch display device 50 (first special figure variation display unit 51, second special figure variation display unit 52, etc.) controlled by the game control device 100 is not subject to brightness adjustment. Further, it is not necessary to connect the big winning opening LED 39d that illuminates the big winning opening and the big hit confirmation LED 481a (first light emitting unit) of the light emitting accessory 481 of the upper effect unit 40c to the first slave IC 450 to be the target of the brightness adjustment. .. The jackpot confirmation LED 481a emits light that it is a jackpot before the result of the special figure fluctuation display game is displayed on the lamp display units 1 and 2 (fourth symbol LED) (that is, before the fluctuation is stopped). To notify. The jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a does not emit light when the special figure fluctuation display game is out of order.

When the brightness adjustment is performed on the decorative LED (second light emitting unit), the decorative LED is made to emit light with the updated (adjusted) brightness, while the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 is produced. Light is emitted at a predetermined brightness (normal brightness) regardless of the operation of the button 25 (operating means). Therefore, the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 can convey necessary information and can prevent misunderstandings by the player and the like.

[Brightness adjustment screen]
FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (adjusting screen) of the display device 41 during the player LED brightness adjustment processing according to the second embodiment. The same applies to the display screen of the display device 41 during the hall LED brightness adjustment process.

On the display screen during the LED brightness adjustment process, two types of gauges 711 and 713 for setting the volume and the LED brightness are displayed. The two types of gauges 711 and 713 may be displayed so as to overlap the decorative special symbol of the variable display area 610. Further, on the display screen, the navigation character 670 explaining the volume setting and the LED brightness setting may be displayed together with the two types of gauges 711 and 713. Further, on the display screen, a variable display area 616 in which three decorative reduced symbols (special symbols smaller than the decorative special symbol) are variablely displayed, and a hold display unit 631 (start memory display) in which the hold display (start memory display) is displayed are displayed. Part), Hold digestion area 640 that imitates the frame of the globe, Special figure 1 Hold number display part 650 that displays the number of hold numbers, Special figure 2 Hold number display part that displays the number of hold numbers 660 and the like are provided.

The operator performs a swipe operation by moving the finger in the vertical direction (movement of the touch portion) on the touch panel 25b of the effect button 25, and selects a setting target item which is an item to be set. By this swipe operation, the setting target items displayed in a specific display mode such as highlight display (see the black frame of gauge 713 in FIG. 41) are changed to brightness setting ⇔ volume setting (B3107 in FIG. 40). Then, the brightness and volume values are selected by swiping by the movement of the finger in the left-right direction (movement of the touch portion) (B3102 in FIG. 40). By touching the central portion of the touch panel 25b, the displayed volume and brightness values may be determined (B3104 in FIG. 40).

In this way, the volume setting and brightness setting gauges are displayed, and the volume and brightness values can be updated (adjusted) to the operator's preference. However, since the brightness values of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c (operation light emitting unit) are not updated (adjusted), they continue to emit light at a predetermined brightness (normal brightness).

[Error / Illegal setting processing]
Next, the error / invalid setting process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 42. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the error / invalid setting process (B1316) executed by the effect control device 300 in the one-shot command process (FIG. 22).

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the received error / invalid command is a normal command (B3301). If the command is not normal (the result of B3301 is "N"), the error / invalid setting process is terminated. When it is a normal command (the result of B3301 is "Y"), the error / invalid command is an error / invalid command indicating the occurrence of an error or invalid, or an error / invalid command to notify the error or invalid. It is determined whether or not it is a notification command (B3302).

When the error / illegal command is an error / illegal occurrence command or an error / illegal notification command (the result of B3302 is “Y”), the effect control device 300 sets the LED light emission state for error / illegal notification. Set (B3303). For example, as the light emitting state (light emitting mode) here, the LED is set to the blinking state. The light emitting state of the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 is set and changed, but the LEDs connected to the first slave IC 450 (fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c and the like) are the first. The light emitting state of the 1 light emitting unit) is not changed, and the predetermined light emitting state (normal light emitting state) is maintained regardless of the reception of an error / illegal command.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes the display setting of the error / fraud notification screen for the error / fraud notification in the display device 41 (B3304), and ends the error / fraud setting process.

On the other hand, in the effect control device 300, when the error / illegal command is not an error / illegal occurrence command or an error / illegal notification command (the result of B3302 is "N"), the error / illegal command is an error / invalid. It is determined whether or not the command is an error / illegal release command indicating cancellation or an error / illegal notification end command for instructing the end of error / illegal notification (B3305). If the error / invalid command is not an error / invalid release command or an error / invalid notification end command (the result of B3305 is "N"), the error / invalid setting process is terminated.

When the error / illegal command is an error / illegal release command or an error / illegal notification end command (the result of B3305 is “Y”), the effect control device 300 emits light of the LED to end the error / illegal notification. Set the state (B3306). For example, as the light emitting state (light emitting mode) here, the LED is set to the light emitting state (normal light emitting state) before the error / illegal notification is performed. The light emitting state of the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 is set and changed, but the LEDs connected to the first slave IC 450 (fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c and the like) are the first. The light emitting state of the 1 light emitting unit) is not changed, and the predetermined light emitting state (normal light emitting state) is maintained regardless of the reception of an error / illegal command.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes the display end setting of the error / fraud notification screen for the error / fraud notification end in the display device 41 (B3307), and ends the error / fraud setting process.

As described above, the effect control device 300 notifies the light emitting state of the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 of the error / fraud when an error / fraud occurs in which the variable display game is not executed. Therefore, even if it is changed, the light emitting state of the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 is not changed. Therefore, the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the error / illegal notification target and can convey necessary information. All the LEDs (first light emitting units) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the error / illegal notification targets without changing the effect control data transmitted to the first slave IC 450.

In particular, by maintaining the predetermined light emitting state (including the normal light emitting state and the zero brightness state) without making the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b connected to the first slave IC 450 the target of error / illegal notification, other LEDs Can accurately convey the information of the fourth symbol even during the error / fraud notification. Here, the information of the fourth symbol is the result of the deviation of the immediately preceding special figure variation display game (fourth symbol) as shown in FIG. 2B when an error or fraud occurs while the special figure variation display game is stopped. LED80a, 80b is lit) or a big hit result (4th symbol LED80a, 80b is turned off), but if an error or fraud occurs during execution of the special figure variation display game, the first error or fraud occurs. It is an aspect (lighting or extinguishing) of 4 symbols.

[RAM initialization setting process]
Next, with reference to FIG. 43, the RAM initialization setting process according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the RAM initialization setting process (B1304) executed by the effect control device 300 in the one-shot command process (FIG. 22).

The effect control device 300 first determines whether or not the received RAM initialization command is a normal command (B3501). If the command is not normal (the result of B3501 is "N"), the RAM initialization setting process is terminated. When the command is normal (the result of B3501 is "Y"), the light emitting state of the LED is set for the RAM initialization notification that notifies that the RAM has been initialized (B3502). For example, as the light emitting state (light emitting mode) here, the LED is set to the blinking state. The light emitting state of the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 is set and changed, but the LEDs connected to the first slave IC 450 (fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the effect button LED 25c and the like) are the first. The light emitting state of the 1 light emitting unit) is not changed, and the predetermined light emitting state (normal light emitting state) is maintained regardless of the reception of the RAM initialization command.

Subsequently, the effect control device 300 executes the display setting of the RAM initialization notification screen (B3304) for the notification of the RAM initialization in the display device 41, and ends the error / invalid setting process.

As described above, the effect control device 300 sets the light emitting state of the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 to notify the RAM initialization when the RAM is initialized when the variable display game is not executed. Even if it is changed, the light emitting state of the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 is not changed. Therefore, the LED (first light emitting unit) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the target of the RAM initialization notification and can convey necessary information. All the LEDs (first light emitting units) connected to the first slave IC 450 can be excluded from the target of the RAM initialization notification without changing the effect control data transmitted to the first slave IC 450.

In particular, the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b connected to the first slave IC 450 are not targeted for RAM initialization notification, and by maintaining a predetermined light emitting state (including a normal light emitting state and a state of zero brightness), other LEDs are used. Is able to convey the information of the fourth symbol even during the RAM initialization notification. Here, the information of the fourth symbol is, for example, an aspect (lighting or extinguishing) of the fourth symbol at the time of power restoration (power on).

As described above, in the second embodiment, even when the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit such as the decorative LED is changed when the variable display game is not being executed, the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b, the effect button LED 25c, The light emitting state of the first light emitting unit such as the jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a is not changed. The case where the variable display game is not being executed includes the case where the game machine 10 is saving power, adjusting the brightness, initializing the RAM, and when an error occurs.

In the second embodiment, the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b, the effect button LED 25c, the jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a, and the like are connected to a slave IC (slave IC450) different from the decorative LED. It is also possible to connect the LEDs 80a and 80b, the effect button LED 25c, and the jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a to the same slave IC (slave IC 460) as the decorative LED. Also in this modification, the PWM register value (luminance value) of the effect control data is maintained unchanged for the fourth symbol LED 80a, 80b, the effect button LED 25c, the jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a, etc., so that the fourth symbol LED 80a , 80b, effect button LED 25c, jackpot confirmation notification LED 481a, etc. can be excluded from the target of power saving, the target of brightness adjustment, the target of error / illegal notification, and the target of RAM initialization notification.

(Game machine according to the second embodiment)
The above-mentioned second embodiment includes the gaming machines shown in the following (14) to (20).
(14) A first light emitting unit (fourth symbol LEDs 80a, 80b) capable of notifying the result of a variable display game that displays identification information in a variable manner, and a second light emitting unit (fourth symbol LEDs 80a, 80b) provided for decoration different from the first light emitting unit. In a game machine including a decorative LED) and an effect control means (effect control device 300) for controlling the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit.
The effect control means
When the variable display game is not being executed, the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit can be changed.
A gaming machine characterized in that the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit is not changed even when the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit is changed (FIGS. 33, 37, 40, 42, 43).

(15) The effect control means is
When the variable display game is not being executed, the second light emitting unit is controlled to the power saving state by dimming or turning off the light, while the first light emitting unit is not controlled to the power saving state (14). (Fig. 37, FIG. 38).

(16) Equipped with an operable operating means (effect button 25)
The effect control means performs brightness adjustment for the second light emitting unit to adjust the brightness according to the operation of the operation means at least when the variable display game is not being executed, while the first light emitting unit. The gaming machine (FIG. 1, FIG. 40, FIG. 41) according to (14), wherein the brightness adjustment is not executed for the game machine.

(17) Equipped with an operable operating means
The effect control means causes the second light emitting unit to emit light at the adjusted brightness when performing brightness adjustment for adjusting the brightness according to the operation of the operating means. The gaming machine according to (14), wherein the first light emitting unit emits light with a predetermined brightness regardless of the operation of the operating means (FIGS. 1, 40, 41).

(18) In a gaming machine including a plurality of light emitting units and an effect control means for controlling the light emitting state of the plurality of light emitting units.
Operable operation means (effect button 25) and
As a part of the plurality of light emitting units, an operation light emitting unit (effect button LED 25c) provided in the operating means is provided.
The effect control means
A brightness adjusting means (LED brightness adjusting process) capable of performing brightness adjustment for adjusting the brightness of at least a part of the light emitting portion other than the operation light emitting portion according to the operation of the operating means is provided.
The brightness adjusting means does not perform brightness adjustment on the operation light emitting unit, but can perform brightness adjustment of at least a part of the light emitting unit (for example, a decorative LED) other than the operation light emitting unit. Game machine (Fig. 40).

(19) The effect control means can control a power saving state by dimming or turning off a part of the plurality of light emitting units when the variable display game is not being executed (power saving control). With more processing)
The power saving control means periodically transmits a command regarding a light emitting state other than the power saving state to a light emitting unit (fourth symbol LEDs 80a, 80b, effect button LED 25c, etc.) that is not subject to control of the power saving state. The gaming machine according to (18), wherein the command is not transmitted in the power saving state (FIG. 38).

(20) A first light emitting unit (big hit confirmation LED 481a) capable of notifying the result of the variable display game in advance before the result of the variable display game is notified by a predetermined notification unit (fourth symbol LED or the like). ), A second light emitting unit (decorative LED) provided for decoration different from the first light emitting unit, and an effect control means for controlling the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit. In the game machine
The effect control means
When the variable display game is not being executed, the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit can be changed.
A gaming machine characterized in that the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit is not changed even when the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit is changed.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the game machine (14) above, when the variable display game is not being executed, the result of the variable display game can be notified even if the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit for decoration different from the first light emitting unit is changed. Since the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit is not changed, the result of the variable display game can be continuously notified accurately. When the variable display game is not running, it includes power saving control, brightness adjustment, RAM initialization, error occurrence, and the like. Further, when the light emitting states of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are controlled via the same network, the wiring required for controlling the light emitting unit can be simplified.

According to the game machine (15), the second light emitting unit is controlled to the power saving state by dimming or turning off the light, while the first light emitting unit is not controlled to the power saving state. Therefore, the first light emitting unit is not controlled even when the game machine is power saving. Can display information about the variable display game accurately.

According to the game machine (16), the brightness adjustment for adjusting the brightness according to the operation of the operating means is executed for the second light emitting unit, while the brightness adjustment is not executed for the first light emitting unit. Even when the machine is adjusting the brightness, the first light emitting unit can accurately display information about the variable display game.

According to the game machine (17), when the brightness adjustment for adjusting the brightness according to the operation of the operating means is executed for the second light emitting unit, the second light emitting unit is made to emit light with the adjusted brightness, while the second light emitting unit emits light. Since the first light emitting unit emits light at a predetermined brightness regardless of the operation of the operating means, the first light emitting unit can accurately display information about the variable display game even while the game machine is adjusting the brightness.

According to the game machine (18), since the brightness adjusting means does not perform the brightness adjustment on the operation light emitting unit, the operation light emitting unit (effect button LED 25c) provided on the operation means (effect button 25) is always set to a predetermined height. It can emit light with brightness, and information can be transmitted to encourage the player or the like to operate the operating means (effect button 25). Further, when the light emitting state of the plurality of light emitting units is controlled via the same network, the wiring required for controlling the plurality of light emitting units can be simplified.

According to the game machine of (19) above, it is useless because a command regarding the light emitting state is not transmitted to the light emitting unit (fourth symbol LEDs 80a, 80b, effect button LED 25c) which is not subject to control of the power saving state. You can save power by omitting transmission.

According to the game machine (20) above, when the variable display game is not being executed, the result of the variable display game is notified in advance even if the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit for decoration different from that of the first light emitting unit is changed. Since the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit, which is possible (noticeable), is not changed, the result of the variable display game can be continuously notified accurately. Further, when the light emitting states of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are controlled via the same network, the wiring required for controlling the light emitting unit can be simplified.

(Third Embodiment)

The third embodiment relates to editing (updating) and transmitting the effect control data. The configuration other than the configuration described below may be the same as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[Network configuration]
FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a connection status (network configuration) between the effect control device 300 (master IC side) and the board decoration device 46 and the board effect device 44 (slave IC side) in the third embodiment. Since the configuration is the same as that of FIG. 33 of the second embodiment except for the configuration described below, the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 44, for the sake of simplicity, only the second slave IC1 and the second slave IC2 are shown as the second slave IC460.

In FIG. 44, unlike FIG. 33 of the second embodiment, the board effect device 44 is added. The master IC 570 of the effect control device 300 and the plurality of third slave ICs 1 and 2 (464-1, 464-2) of the board effect device 44 are connected by a network 451 (serial communication network) to perform serial communication. The master IC 570 of the effect control device 300 corresponds to a combination of the board decoration LED control circuit 332 and the board effect movable body control circuit 334.

The board effect device 44 includes a plurality of third slave ICs 1, 2 (464-1, 464-2) and a plurality of motors 1, 2 (465) as a drive unit (drive means) for driving a movable body (movable accessory). -1, 465-2) and a plurality of position detection sensors 1 and 2 (466-1, 466-2) for detecting the rotational positions of the plurality of motors 1 and 2 are provided. The position detection sensors 1 and 2 are included in the effect switch 47. The plurality of third slave ICs 1, 2 (464-1, 464-2) are collectively referred to as the third slave IC 464.

The third slave IC 1 (464-1) supplies and controls the motor 1 (465-1) based on the effect control data from the effect control device 300. The signal from the position detection sensor 1 (466-1) that detects the rotational position of the motor 1 is input from the third slave IC 1 to the effect control device 300 via the network 451. The third slave IC 2 (465-2) supplies and controls the motor 2 (465-2) based on the effect control data from the effect control device 300. The signal from the position detection sensor 2 (466-2) that detects the rotational position of the motor 2 is input from the third slave IC 2 to the effect control device 300 via the network 451. That is, unlike FIG. 4, the signals from the position detection sensors 1 and 2 are input to the effect control device 300 via the network 451 without passing through the switch input circuit 336.

The third slave IC 464 has the same configuration as that of the slave ICs 450 and 460 as shown in FIG. 34, but the currents of the respective phases of the motors 1 and 2 are supplied from the ports 0 to 15. The number of motors 1 may be plural, and the third slave IC1 (464-1) may control a plurality of motors 1. The number of motors 2 may be plural, and the third slave IC 2 (464-2) may control a plurality of motors 2. The configuration of the work register assigned to the output setting register 635 of the third slave IC 464 is different from that of FIG. 35. For example, the register numbers "02h" to "11h" corresponding to the outputs of ports 0 to 15 (register name "PWM0"). In ~ "PWM15"), parameters indicating the current value of each phase and the on / off of the current are set, and the registers of the register numbers "12h" to "17h" may be omitted.

Each slave IC 450, 460, 464 is connected to the network 451 via the harness 471 and its connector 455. When the connector 455 of the harness 471 is pulled out, the connection line Vcc for supplying power for logic is temporarily disconnected, and when the connector 455 of the harness 471 is reinserted, the power supply is restored and the reset signal generation circuit of FIG. 34 is restored. The 639 will output a reset signal. That is, each slave IC 450, 460, 464 can be initialized (reset) by inserting and removing the harness 471 when repairing or inspecting the game machine (power-on reset).

[Main processing (effect control device)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 45, the main process according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main process (main program) executed by the effect control device 300. The main process is executed by the main control microcomputer 311 (directing microcomputer) when the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10. The same processing as the main processing of FIG. 19 is assigned the same number and the description thereof will be omitted.

The effect control device 300 initializes the CPU 311 and VDP 312 (B0002, B0003) and initializes the master IC 570 and each slave IC 450, 460, 464 (B3701) when the power is turned on (when the power is restored). The effect control device 300 transmits initialization instruction data (initialization command RES) for initializing each slave IC 450, 460, 464 to each slave IC 450, 460, 464.

In addition to the decoration control process (B0022), the effect control device 300 executes a fourth symbol LED control process for controlling the light emitting states of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b between steps B0018 and B0019 (B3702). ). In the fourth symbol LED control process, the effect control data (FIG. 36) transmitted to the first slave IC 450 is updated. In the fourth symbol LED control process, only the PWM0 register value and the PWM1 register value corresponding to the brightness of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b of the effect control data (FIG. 36) may be updated and transmitted to the slave IC 450. , The PWM0 register value to the PWM15 register value corresponding to the brightness of all the LEDs controlled by the first slave IC 450 may be updated and transmitted to the slave IC 450.

The control data (PWM0 register value and PWM1 register value) for the fourth symbols LEDs 80a and 80b are updated by updating the effect control data in the first update cycle (for example, 4 msec) by the loop processing from steps B0008 to B0023 of the main process. Will be done. On the other hand, the control data for the decorative LED (second light emitting unit) connected to the second slave IC 460 updates the effect control data in the decoration control process (B0022) in the second update cycle (frame switching cycle, image display cycle). Will be updated by The first update cycle and the second update cycle are different, and the first update cycle is shorter than the second update cycle. Therefore, the light emitting state of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b that display the result of the variable display game can be controlled at a higher speed than the decorative LED that simply displays the decoration. The decorative LED realizes a neutral color by changing the duty ratio between 0 and 100%, but the duty ratio of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b is fixed at 100%.

In the third embodiment, the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b and the decorative LED can be connected to the same slave IC, but even in this case, the control data of the fourth symbol LEDs 80a and 80b in the effect control data. The update cycle of is shorter than the update cycle of the control data of the decorative LED. Further, even if the update cycle of all the decorative LEDs is the same, the update timing of some of the decorative LEDs may be shifted from the update timing of the other decorative LEDs to perform the time division processing, but the update timings of all the decorative LEDs may be set. The better the alignment, the better the color development.

[Movable body control timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the movable body control timer interrupt process executed by the effect control device 300 in the third embodiment. The movable body control timer interrupt process (FIG. 46) is executed for each control basic cycle (interrupt cycle) as one of the timer interrupt processes for the main process (FIG. 45) of the effect control device 300. In the present embodiment, the control basic cycle (interrupt cycle) is 1 msec.

The effect control device 300 first sets the interrupt to the disabled state (B3901). Next, the effect control data related to the motor 1 is updated based on the effect set in the movable body control process (B0023 in FIG. 45) (B3902). Further, the effect control data related to the motor 2 is updated based on the effect set in the movable body control process (B0023 in FIG. 45) (B3903).

Next, the effect control device 300 outputs the effect control data related to the motor 1 and the motor 2 to the port (B3904). After that, the state is set to allow interrupts (B3905), and the movable body control timer interrupt processing is terminated.

In this way, the update cycle (third update cycle) of the effect control data for the drive units (motor 1 and motor 2) has a control basic cycle (interrupt cycle) of 1 msec, which is larger than the first update cycle and the second update cycle. It gets shorter. Therefore, the drive unit (motor 1 and motor 2) can be controlled at a higher speed than the LED (light emitting unit).

[Master IC production control data]
FIG. 47 describes the configuration of the effect control data (transmission data) transmitted by the master IC 570 according to the third embodiment to the first slave IC 450 or the second slave IC 460, and the transmission order of each data constituting the effect control data. It is a figure. In FIG. 47, a start command (start information) is added to the head from the effect control data (FIG. 36) transmitted by the master IC 570 according to the second embodiment to the first slave IC 450 or the second slave IC 460. Further, the effect control data transmitted by the master IC 570 to the third slave IC 464 also has a start command (start information) at the head. The part of the effect control data other than the first start command (start information) is called a data command.

[Slave processing]
FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating details of the processing executed by the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464. This process is executed when the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 are powered on.

First, the slave IC executes its own initialization when the power is turned on (when the power is restored) (B4101). Next, it is determined whether or not the initialization instruction data (initialization command RES) from the effect control device 300 (master IC 570) has been received (B4102). When the initialization instruction data is received (the result of B4102 is "Y"), the slave IC executes its own initialization (B4103). When the initialization instruction data is not received (the result of B4102 is "N"), the process proceeds to the process of step B4104.

Next, the slave IC determines whether or not the start command (FIG. 47) in the effect control data has been received (B4104). When the start command (start information) is received (the result of B4104 is "Y"), the slave address transmitted next to the start command in the effect control data matches the unique address set in the slave IC. Whether or not it is determined (B4105). When the slave address matches the unique address (the result of B4105 is "Y"), the data commands after the slave address among the effect control data are fetched and reflected (B4106), and the process returns to step B4102. As a result, when the start command is received, the effect control data can be taken in and reflected in the light emitting state (luminance) of the LED and the driving mode (current value) of the motors 1 and 2.

On the other hand, when the start command (start information) is not received (the result of B4104 is "N"), or when the slave address does not match the unique address (the result of B4105 is "N"), the receive buffer Is cleared and the data command is rejected (the effect control data is rejected) (B4107), and the process returns to the process of step B4102.

〔Time chart〕
FIG. 49 is a time chart showing the state of processing in the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 49A shows a state of processing when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on (when the power is restored). FIG. 49B shows a state of processing at the time of power-on reset by inserting and removing the harness 471.

In FIG. 49A, when the game machine 10 is powered on (powered on), the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 execute an initialization operation that initializes themselves (B4101). After that, when the initialization instruction data (initialization command RES) is received from the effect control device 300 (B3701), the initialization operation for initializing itself is executed again. When the start command is received after the initialization, the subsequent data command is taken in and reflected in the light emitting state (luminance) of the LED and the driving mode (current value) of the motors 1 and 2 (B4106). When the power of the game machine 10 is turned on (power is turned on), the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 are surely initialized by the initialization instruction data (initialization command RES).

In FIG. 49B, when the harness 471 is inserted and removed, the power supply is cut off and then restored (power off and then on), and the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 perform an initialization operation to initialize themselves. (B4101). When the start command is received after the initialization, the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 take in the subsequent data commands and reflect them in the light emitting state (luminance) of the LED and the driving mode (current value) of the motors 1 and 2. However, after initialization, if the received command is not the start command, the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 clear the receive buffer and reject the data command (B4107). Therefore, the effect control data that cannot be normally received immediately after the initialization operation (power-on reset) and becomes uncertain, that is, the effect control data received from the middle because the start command is not in time as shown by the dotted line is rejected. Therefore, malfunctions of the slave ICs 450, 460, and 464 can be prevented.

(Game machine according to the third embodiment)
The above-mentioned third embodiment includes the gaming machines shown in the following (21) and (22).
(21) In a game machine including a plurality of effect devices (LEDs and the like) for producing a game effect and an effect control means (effect control device 300) for controlling the plurality of effect devices.
The plurality of effect devices (LEDs and the like) are divided into a plurality of groups, and slaves for controlling the effect devices belonging to the divided groups are provided for each group.
The effect control means functions as a master that executes serial communication with the slave, and can transmit initialization instruction data and effect control data to the slave.
The slave executes its own initialization when the power supply is started or when the initialization instruction data is received.
A game characterized in that after the initialization is executed, the effect control data is taken in and the output mode of the effect device is updated only when the effect control data includes predetermined start information (start command) at the beginning. Machines (FIGS. 44, 45, 47, 48, 49).

(22) A variable display game that displays identification information in a variable manner, a first light emitting unit (fourth symbol LEDs 80a, 80b) capable of displaying the result of the variable display game, and a decoration different from the first light emitting unit are provided. A second light emitting unit (decorative LED), a drive unit (motor) for driving a movable body, and an effect control means for controlling the first light emitting unit, the second light emitting unit, and the driving unit via the same network. In a game machine equipped with
The effect control means
The control data output to the drive unit is updated at an update cycle (third update cycle) shorter than the update cycle of the control data output to the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit.
The control data output to the first light emitting unit is updated at an update cycle (first update cycle) different from the update cycle (second update cycle) of the control data output to the second light emitting unit. Game machine (FIGS. 44, 45, 46).

(Effect of Third Embodiment)
According to the game machine of the above (21), after the initialization is executed, the effect control data is taken in and the output mode of the effect device is updated only when the effect control data includes a predetermined start information at the beginning. Therefore, even if the effect control data to the slave immediately after the initialization operation cannot be normally received and becomes uncertain, it can be appropriately dealt with.

According to the game machine (22), the effect control means can control the drive unit (motor 1 and motor 2) that needs to be controlled at high speed at a higher speed than the light emitting unit (LED). Further, control data to be output to the first light emitting unit (fourth symbol LEDs 80a, 80b) capable of displaying information about the variable display game and the second light emitting unit (decorative LED) provided for decoration different from the first light emitting unit. Can be updated at an update cycle suitable for each of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit. Further, since the plurality of light emitting units and the driving unit are controlled via the same network, the wiring required for controlling the plurality of light emitting units and the driving unit can be simplified.

In addition, the following are typical viewpoints of the present invention other than those described in the claims.
(A) A first light emitting unit capable of notifying the result of the variable display game in advance before the result of the variable display game is notified by a predetermined notification unit, and for decoration different from the first light emitting unit. In a gaming machine including a second light emitting unit provided, and an effect control means for controlling the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit, the effect control means is not executing a variable display game. In this case, the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit can be changed, and even if the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit is changed, the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit is not changed.

According to the game machine (A) above, when the variable display game is not being executed, the result of the variable display game is notified in advance even if the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit for decoration different from that of the first light emitting unit is changed. Since the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit, which is possible (noticeable), is not changed, the result of the variable display game can be continuously notified accurately. Further, when the light emitting states of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are controlled via the same network, the wiring required for controlling the light emitting unit can be simplified.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical idea, and it is clear that these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Is. For example, it is possible to combine a plurality of embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and content equivalent to the claims.

10 Pachinko machine 12 Front frame (game frame)
25 production button 25c production button LED
30 Game board 32 Game area 36 1st start winning opening (1st start winning area)
37 Ordinary variable winning device (second starting winning area)
39 Special variable prize device 40 Center case 41 Display device 42 Setting change device 44 Board effect device 46 Board decoration device 50 Collective display device (LED)
80 Lamp display device 80a, 80b 4th design LED
100 Game control device (main board)
200 Payout control device 300 Production control device (sub-board)
338 RTC (Real Time Clock)
400 Power supply 450 1st slave IC
460 Second Slave IC
464 3rd slave IC
471 harness

Claims (1)

In a game machine including a plurality of effect devices for producing a game effect and an effect control means for controlling the plurality of effect devices.
The plurality of effect devices are divided into a plurality of groups, and slaves for controlling the effect devices belonging to the divided groups are provided for each group.
The effect control means functions as a master that executes serial communication with the slave, and can transmit initialization instruction data and effect control data to the slave.
The slave executes its own initialization when the power supply is started or when the initialization instruction data is received.
After performing the initialization, when if it contains a predetermined start information at the beginning of the presentation control data received is the next sequential address information matches the address assigned to the slave, before Symbol while updating the output mode of performance apparatus in manner corresponding to the effect control data received,
After the initialization is executed, if the predetermined start information is not included at the beginning of the received effect control data, the output mode of the effect device is not updated to the mode corresponding to the received effect control data. West,
The plurality of effect devices include a first light emitting unit capable of notifying the result of a variable display game, and a second light emitting unit provided for decoration different from the first light emitting unit.
The first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are connected to the slaves that are different from each other.
The effect control means
When the variable display game is not running, the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit can be changed.
A gaming machine characterized in that when the light emitting state of the second light emitting unit is changed, the light emitting state of the first light emitting unit is not changed.

Images