JP6875975B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a pachinko gaming machine capable of changing set values such as a jackpot winning probability (ball output rate). Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming machine in which a portion of a setting key for changing a set value is covered with a cover. Further, in pachinko gaming machines, since there is a time lag between the main board and the effect control board when the power is turned on, Patent Document 3 describes a game machine that prohibits command transmission to the effect control board for a predetermined time on the main board. It is disclosed.

JP-A-2017-60546 JP-A-2010-233645 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-321545

However, when the setting is changed in the gaming machine as described in Patent Document 3, if the setting change or the setting change notification is performed after waiting for the processing for a predetermined time, the setting person feels annoyed. There was inconvenience.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of changing settings without causing trouble for the setting person.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention is
A gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player.
A game control means (for example, main board 11) that controls the progress of the game,
An effect control means (for example, an effect control board 12) that controls an effect according to predetermined information (for example, a control command) transmitted from the game control means.
Setting permission means that can control the setting permission state for setting the setting value regarding the probability of the advantageous state, and
A determination means for determining whether or not the setting is controlled to the setting permission state (for example, determining whether or not the main board 11 is controlled to the setting change state based on the condition shown in FIG. 22) is provided.
The effect control means is the game after a specific period (for example, a period until the effect control board 12 can receive a control command or can analyze a control command received in a buffer) has elapsed from the power-on. The predetermined information transmitted from the control means can be analyzed, and the predetermined information can be analyzed.
The game control means starts transmitting the predetermined information to the effect control means (for example, transmitting control commands S7, S9, 176FS019a) after the lapse of the specific period.
The determination means determines whether or not the setting permission state is controlled before the lapse of the specific period (for example, setting change processing (176FS016)).
Based on the determination that the determination means is in the setting permission state, the game control means notifies the setting permission state before the lapse of the specific period (for example, the main board 11 can control the game control means). Setting change notification is performed by a speaker, LED, cover device, etc. (176FS040)).

With such a configuration, there is no need to feel annoyed when changing the settings.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above
The suggestion effect execution means can execute a plurality of types of the suggestion effect, and
In the plurality of types of the suggestion effects, at least a part of the effects within the predetermined period may be feasible in a common manner (for example, FIG. 9C).

With such a configuration, it is possible to pay attention to which suggestive effect is executed, and the interest is improved.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above
At a plurality of execution timings during the execution of the suggestion effect, it is possible to execute a specific effect (for example, a development effect or a notice effect) that suggests that the effect is controlled to the advantageous state.
The execution timing of the specific effect may not be provided during the predetermined period.

According to such a configuration, the player's expectation can be maintained even after the title is notified.

(4) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
The suggestion effect execution means executes at least the first suggestion effect (for example, the reach effect of super reach A or super reach B) and the second suggestion effect (for example, the reach effect of super reach D or super reach E) as the suggestion effect. It is possible
In the second suggestion effect, the title notification means may notify the title corresponding to the second suggestion effect from the start of the second suggestion effect.

According to such a configuration, the notification of the title according to the suggestion effect can be executed, so that the effect of the effect is improved.

(5) In the gaming machine of (4) above
The ratio of being controlled to the advantageous state may be higher when the first suggestion effect is executed than when the second suggestion effect is executed.

According to such a configuration, the effect of production is improved.

(6) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (5) above,
The suggestion effect execution means may enable the suggestion effect to be executed in an effect mode related to the title notified in the predetermined period.

According to such a configuration, the effect of production is improved.

(7) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (6) above,
Detection means (for example, stick controller 31A or push button 31B) capable of detecting the movement of the player, and
A specific display execution means (for example, an effect control CPU 120) for performing a specific display (for example, small button image 31AK043, large button image 31AK047, stick image 31AK051) corresponding to the detection means is further provided.
The specific display execution means is
As the specific display, a first specific display (for example, small button image 31AK043) and a second specific display (for example, large button image 31AK047, stick image 31AK051) that are more advantageous to the player than the first specific display are displayed. It is possible and
During the non-valid period of detection by the detection means, after displaying the first specific display, the first specific display is changed to the second specific display (for example, FIGS. 17 (E) and 18 (I)).
During the valid period of detection by the detection means, the operation effect using the second specific display after the change may be executed (for example, FIGS. 18J and 18K).

According to such a configuration, the effect of production is improved.

(8) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (7) above,
As a suggestion display suggesting the degree of expectation of control to the advantageous state, a first suggestion display having a display size of the first size (display by the first size shutter image 31AK061 displayed at the time of the shutter effect shown in FIG. 19A). Etc.) and a second suggestion display whose display size is the second size (second size reach title image 31AK062 or the like displayed at the time of the reach title production shown in FIG. 19 (d)) (for example, an image). A display device 5 and a CPU 120 for effect control) are further provided.
The display means
Multiple types of elements having different aspects (element E1 (banana), element E2 (melon), element E3 (apple), element E4 (watermelon), element E5 (strawberry), etc. shown in FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (d)) It is possible to display a specific image (such as the fruit pattern shown in FIGS. 19A and 19D) composed of the above.
When either the first suggestion display or the second suggestion display is displayed in the pattern including the specific image, a plurality of types of elements are included in both the first suggestion display and the second suggestion display. (Display so that elements E1 to E5 are included in any of the shutter image 31AK061 and the reach title image 31AK062 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19D).

According to such a configuration, a specific image can be preferably displayed regardless of the display size of the suggestion display. This makes it possible to accurately convey that a specific image has been displayed.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the game control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of timer interrupt processing for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect control process process. It is a figure for demonstrating the fluctuation pattern and the type of reach. It is a figure which shows the production operation example. It is a figure which shows the production operation example. It is a figure which shows the production operation example. It is a figure which shows the production operation example. It is a figure which shows the production operation example. It is a figure which shows the production operation example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the advance notice effect determination process. It is a figure which shows the decision ratio in the advance notice production decision processing. It is a figure which shows the production operation example of the modification. It is a figure which shows the production operation example of the modification. It is a figure which shows the production operation example of the modification. It is a rear perspective view of the pachinko game machine about the feature part 176F. It is a block diagram which shows various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine concerning the feature part 176F. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation and the state of the setting key switch and the clear / setting switch concerning the feature part 176F. It is a flowchart which shows the game control main processing which a CPU executes with respect to a feature part 176F. It is a flowchart which shows the setting value confirmation process which a CPU executes with respect to a feature part 176F. It is a figure for demonstrating the RAM clear process which CPU executes with respect to the feature | feature | feature part 176F. It is a flowchart which shows the setting change process which CPU executes about the feature part 176F. It is a flowchart which shows the game control timer interrupt process about a feature part 176F. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off detection process about a feature part 176F. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation in the setting change state about the feature part 176F. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation in the setting confirmation state about the feature part 176F. It is a figure for demonstrating the rise timing of the main board and the effect control board about the feature part 176F. It is a figure for demonstrating the process in the setting change state about the feature part 176F. It is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine about the feature part 178F. It is a block diagram which shows various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine concerning the feature part 178F. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation and the state of the setting key switch and the clear / setting switch concerning the feature part 178F. It is a flowchart which shows the game control main processing which a CPU executes with respect to a feature part 178F. It is a flowchart which shows the setting value confirmation process which a CPU executes with respect to a feature part 178F. It is a figure for demonstrating the RAM clear process which CPU executes with respect to the feature | feature part 178F. It is a flowchart which shows the setting change process which CPU executes about the feature part 178F. It is a flowchart which shows the game control timer interrupt process about a feature part 178F. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off detection process about a feature part 178F. It is a flowchart of the opening / closing part confirmation processing about a feature part 178F. It is a figure for demonstrating the opening / closing of the opening / closing part with respect to the feature part 178F. It is a figure for demonstrating the opening / closing of the opening / closing part with respect to the feature part 178F. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation in the setting change state about the feature part 178F. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation in the setting confirmation state about the feature part 178F. It is a figure for demonstrating another structure of the opening / closing part with respect to the feature part 178F. It is a flowchart which shows the other game control main processing which a CPU executes with respect to a feature part 178F.

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (also the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.
(Configuration of pachinko machine 1 etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1, showing an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly classified into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting the game board surface and a game machine frame (underframe) 3 for supporting and fixing the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined ball launching device and is driven into the game area.

At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the right side of the game area), a variable display (also referred to as a special figure game) of a special symbol (also referred to as a special figure) as a plurality of types of special identification information is displayed. The first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B to be performed are provided. Each of these consists of a 7-segment LED or the like. The special symbol is represented by a number indicating "0" to "9" or a lighting pattern such as "-". The special symbol may include a pattern in which all the LEDs are turned off.

The "variable display" of the special symbol is, for example, to display a plurality of types of special symbols in a variable manner (the same applies to other symbols described later). Fluctuations include update display of a plurality of symbols, scroll display of a plurality of symbols, deformation of one or more symbols, enlargement / reduction of one or more symbols, and the like. When the special symbol or the ordinary symbol described later is changed, a plurality of types of special symbols or ordinary symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of the decorative symbol described later, a plurality of types of decorative symbols are scrolled or updated, and one or more decorative symbols are deformed or enlarged / reduced. The variation also includes a mode in which a certain symbol is blinked and displayed. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) as a display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described later). The variable display may be expressed as a variable display or a variable display.

The special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A is also referred to as a "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B is also referred to as a "second special symbol". Further, the special figure game using the first special figure is also referred to as a "first special figure game", and the special figure game using the second special figure is also referred to as a "second special figure game". It should be noted that there may be one type of special symbol display device that performs variable display of the special symbol.

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like, and displays various effects images. The image display device 5 may be composed of a projector and a screen. Various effects images are displayed on the image display device 5.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, a decorative symbol (a symbol indicating a number or the like) as a plurality of types of decorative identification information different from the special symbol is synchronized with the first special figure game or the second special figure game. Is variablely displayed. Here, in synchronization with the first special figure game or the second special figure game, the decorative symbols are variably displayed (for example, up and down) in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". Direction scroll display and update display). It should be noted that the special figure game and the variable display of decorative symbols executed in synchronization are also collectively referred to as simply variable display.

On the screen of the image display device 5, a display area for displaying a hold display corresponding to the variable display in which execution is suspended or an active display corresponding to the variable display being executed may be provided. Hold display and active display are also collectively referred to as variable display compatible display corresponding to variable display.

The number of variable displays on hold is also called the number of stored items on hold. The number of reserved storage corresponding to the first special figure game is also referred to as the first reserved storage number, and the number of reserved storage corresponding to the second special figure game is also referred to as the second reserved storage number. Further, the total of the first reserved storage number and the second reserved storage number is also referred to as a total reserved storage number.

Further, at a predetermined position of the game board 2, a first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B configured to include a plurality of LEDs are provided, and the first hold indicator 25A has the number of LEDs lit. The first hold storage number is displayed, and the second hold display 25B displays the second hold storage number according to the number of LEDs lit.

Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A and a variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

The winning ball device 6A forms a first starting winning opening that is always kept in a constant open state in which a game ball can enter by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. When a game ball enters the first start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls can be paid out and the first special figure game can be started.

The variable winning ball device 6B (ordinary electric accessory) forms a second starting winning opening that is changed between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 2). The variable winning ball device 6B includes, for example, an electric tulip-shaped accessory having a pair of movable wing pieces, and the movable wing pieces are in a vertical position when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, so that the tip of the movable wing pieces is in a vertical position. Is close to the winning ball device 6A and is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting winning opening (also referred to as the second starting winning opening is closed). On the other hand, the variable-sweep wing device 6B is in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning opening because the movable wing piece is in the tilted position when the solenoid 81 is on (second start). It is also said that the winning opening is open.) When a game ball enters the second start winning opening, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls can be paid out and the second special figure game can be started. The variable winning ball device 6B may be any as long as it changes between the closed state and the open state, and is not limited to the one provided with the electric tulip type accessory.

A general winning opening 10 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four positions on the lower left and right sides of the game area), which is always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when entering any of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

Below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning opening is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 2), and has a large winning opening as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state depending on the large winning opening door. Form.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning door (for special electric accessory) is off, the big winning door closes the big winning door and the game ball is large. You will not be able to enter (pass) the winning opening. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door is on, the large winning opening door opens the large winning opening, and the game ball can easily enter the large winning opening. Become.

When a game ball enters the large prize opening, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. When a game ball enters the large winning opening, more prize balls are paid out than when the game ball enters, for example, the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the general winning opening 10.

The entry of a game ball into each winning opening including the general winning opening 10 is also referred to as "winning". In particular, winning a prize at the starting opening (first starting winning opening, second starting winning opening starting opening) is also referred to as a starting winning.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, the left side of the game area). As an example, the ordinary symbol display 20 is composed of a 7-segment LED or the like, and performs variable display of the ordinary symbol as a plurality of types of ordinary identification information different from the special symbol. Ordinary symbols are represented by numbers indicating "0" to "9" and lighting patterns such as "-". The normal symbol may include a pattern in which all the LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of a normal pattern is also called a normal figure game.

A passing gate 41 through which a game ball can pass is provided on the left side of the image display device 5. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 41, the normal drawing game is executed.

Above the normal symbol display 20, a normal symbol hold display 25C is provided. The normal figure hold display 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of normal figure hold storages, which is the number of normal figure games whose execution is held, by the number of LEDs lit.

In addition to the above configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a large number of obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, there is an out opening for taking in a game ball that has not entered any of the winning openings.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the game machine frame 3, and game effect lamps 9 for game effects are further provided around the game area. ing. The game effect lamp 9 is configured to include an LED.

At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (not shown in FIG. 1), a movable body 32 that operates according to the effect is provided.

At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a ball striking operation handle (operation knob) 30 operated by a player or the like to launch the game ball toward the game area by the striking ball launching device is provided.

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area, the gaming balls paid out as prize balls and the gaming balls rented by the predetermined ball lending machine are held (stored) so as to be able to be supplied to the hitting ball launching device. ) A hitting ball supply plate (upper plate) is provided. Below the upper plate, a hit ball supply plate (lower plate) is provided, in which prize balls are paid out when the upper plate is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be gripped and tilted by the player is attached to a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed and operated by the player. The operation on the stick controller 31A is detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 2).

A push button 31B is provided at a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the gaming area so that the player can perform a predetermined instruction operation by a pressing operation or the like. The operation on the push button 31B is detected by the push sensor 35B (see FIG. 2).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, stick controller 31A and push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the movement (operation, etc.) of the player, but detection means other than these may be provided.
(Outline of the progress of the game)
The game ball is launched toward the game area by the rotation operation of the pachinko game machine 1 by the player on the ball striking operation handle 30. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, the normal symbol game by the normal symbol display 20 is started. In addition, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period during which the previous normal drawing game is being executed (when the game ball has passed through the passing gate 41 but the normal drawing game based on the passage cannot be executed immediately). , The game based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In this normal symbol game, if a specific normal symbol (design per normal symbol) is stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "per normal symbol". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than a normal symbol (a common symbol lost symbol) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol becomes "normal symbol lost". When it becomes "per normal drawing", the opening control is performed so that the variable winning ball device 6B is opened for a predetermined period (the second starting winning opening is opened).

When the game ball enters the first starting winning opening formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

When the game ball enters the second starting winning opening formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B is started.

In addition, when the game ball enters (wins) the start winning opening during the period during which the special figure game is being executed or during the period controlled by the big hit game state or the small hit game state described later (the start prize has occurred). If the special figure game based on the start winning cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special figure game based on the approach is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In the special symbol game, if a specific special symbol (big hit symbol, for example, "7", the actual symbol differs depending on the jackpot type described later) is stopped and displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it becomes a "big hit" and a jackpot symbol. If a predetermined special symbol (small hit symbol, for example, "2") different from the above is stopped and displayed, it becomes "small hit". Further, if a special symbol (missing symbol, for example, "-") different from the big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed, it becomes "missing".

After the display result in the special figure game becomes "big hit", it is controlled to the big hit game state as an advantageous state advantageous for the player. After the display result in the special figure game becomes "small hit", it is controlled to the small hit game state.

In the big hit game state, the big winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined mode. The open state includes the elapsed timing of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) and the timing until the number of game balls that have entered the large winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). It will continue until the earlier timing. The predetermined period is an upper limit period during which the large winning opening can be opened in one round, and is also referred to as an open upper limit period. One cycle in which the big winning opening is open in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeatedly executed until the maximum number of times (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

In the big hit game state, the player can obtain the prize ball by letting the game ball enter the big prize opening. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The larger the number of rounds in the jackpot game state and the longer the open upper limit period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

A jackpot type is set for "big hit". For example, multiple types of opening modes (number of rounds and opening upper limit period) of the big winning opening and game states after the big hit game state (normal state, time saving state, probability change state, etc., which will be described later) are prepared, and the big hit is made according to these. The type is set. As the jackpot type, a jackpot type in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained or a jackpot type in which a small number of prize balls or almost no prize balls can be obtained may be provided.

In the small hit game state, the large winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. For example, in the small hit game state, the same opening mode as the big hit game state in some big hit types (the number of times the big winning opening is opened is the same as the number of rounds, and the closing timing of the big winning opening is also the same. Etc.), the big winning opening is opened. As with the big hit type, the small hit type may be provided for the "small hit".

After the jackpot game state is completed, it may be controlled to a time saving state or a probability change state according to the jackpot type.

In the time saving state, control (time saving control) is executed in which the average special figure fluctuation time (period in which the special figure is changed) is shortened as compared with the normal state. In the time saving state, the average fluctuation time of the normal map (the period during which the normal map is changed) is shortened from the normal state, and the probability of becoming a "normal map hit" in the normal map game is improved from the normal state. Controls (high opening control, high base control) that make it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening are also executed. The time saving state is a state in which the fluctuation efficiency of the special symbol (particularly the second special symbol) is improved, which is advantageous for the player.

In the probability variation state (probability fluctuation state), in addition to the time saving control, the probability variation control in which the probability that the display result becomes a "big hit" is higher than in the normal state is executed. The probabilistic state is a state that is more advantageous for the player because it is a state in which a “big hit” is likely to occur in addition to improving the fluctuation efficiency of the special symbol.

The time saving state and the probability change state continue until any one of the end conditions such as the execution of the special figure game a predetermined number of times and the start of the next big hit game state are satisfied first. A game whose end condition is that the special figure game has been executed a predetermined number of times is also referred to as a number-cutting (time-cutting time reduction, number-cutting probability change, etc.).

The normal state is a gaming state other than a special state such as an advantageous state such as a big hit gaming state, a time saving state, or a probability change state, which is advantageous for the player, and the display result in the normal drawing game is "normal drawing hit". The pachinko game machine 1 such as the probability and the probability that the display result in the special figure game becomes a "big hit" returns to a predetermined state after the power is turned on (for example, when a system reset is performed). It is in the same controlled state as (when the process is not executed).

The state in which the probability change control is executed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which the probability change control is not executed is also called a low probability state. The state in which the time saving control is executed is also called a high base state, and the state in which the time saving control is not executed is also called a low base state. By combining these, the time saving state is also called the low accuracy high base state, the probability variation state is called the high accuracy high base state, and the normal state is also called the low accuracy low base state. The high-accuracy state and low-base state are also called the high-accuracy low-base state.

After the small hit game state ends, the game state is not changed, and the game state is continuously controlled to the game state before the display result of the special figure game becomes "small hit" (however, "small hit" occurs. If the special figure game at the time is the special figure game of the predetermined number of times in the above number of times cut, the game state is naturally changed). It should be noted that there may be no "small hit" as the display result of the special figure game.

The game state may change based on the fact that the game ball has passed through a specific area (for example, a specific area in the big winning opening) during the big hit game state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, it may be controlled to a probabilistic state after the big hit game state.
(Progress of production, etc.)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects (effects of notifying the progress of the game and enlivening the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The production will be described below. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, and in addition to or in place of the display, audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R and / or the game effect lamp 9 It may be performed by the point or the like, turning off the light, operating the movable body 32, or the like.

As an effect executed according to the progress of the game, in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the "left", "middle", and "right" provided in the image display device 5, the first special figure game or the first special figure game or the first 2 In response to the start of the special figure game, the variable display of the decorative pattern is started. At the timing when the display result (also referred to as the finalized special symbol) is stopped and displayed in the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game, the final decorative symbol (combination of three decorative symbols) that is the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol is displayed. ) Is also displayed (derived) as a stop.

In the period from the start to the end of the variable display of the decorative symbol, the variable display mode of the decorative symbol may be a predetermined reach mode (reach is established). Here, the reach mode is a variable display of a decorative symbol that has not yet been stopped and displayed when the decorative symbol that has been stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitutes a part of the jackpot combination described later. It is a mode in which is continuing.

In addition, the reach effect is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach mode during the variable display of the decorative symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the ratio of the display result (display result of the special figure game or variable display of the decorative symbol) to be "big hit" (also called big hit reliability or big hit expectation) is determined according to the production mode. Multiple different types of reach effects are performed. Reach production includes, for example, normal reach and super reach, which has a higher hit reliability than normal reach.

When the display result of the special figure game is "big hit", a fixed decorative symbol that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as a display result of variable display of the decorative symbol on the screen of the image display device 5 (decoration). The display result of the variable display of the symbol is "big hit"). As an example, the same decorative symbols (for example, "7") are aligned and stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". ..

In the case of a "probability change jackpot" that is controlled to a probability change state after the end of the jackpot game state, an odd number of decorative symbols (for example, "7") are aligned and displayed as a stop, and the probability change state is entered after the end of the jackpot game state. In the case of an uncontrolled "non-probability variable jackpot (normal jackpot)", an even number of decorative symbols (for example, "6") may be aligned and displayed as a stop. In this case, the odd-numbered decorative symbol is also referred to as a probabilistic symbol, and the even-numbered decorative symbol is also referred to as a non-probable variable symbol (normal symbol). After the non-probability change symbol becomes the reach mode, the promotion effect that finally becomes the "probability change jackpot" may be executed.

When the display result of the special figure game is "small hit", a fixed decorative symbol (for example, "for example," "is a predetermined small hit combination as a display result of variable display of the decorative symbol on the screen of the image display device 5. 1 3 5 ”etc.) Is derived (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is a“ small hit ”). As an example, the decorative symbols constituting the chance eyes are stopped and displayed on the predetermined effective lines in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of "left", "middle", and "right". In addition, when the display result of the special figure game becomes "big hit" of some big hit types (big hit type of the big hit game state in the same mode as the small hit game state), and when it becomes "small hit". , A common fixed decorative symbol may be derived and displayed.

When the display result of the special figure game is "missing", the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is not the reach mode, and the variable display result of the decorative symbol is a fixed decorative symbol of a non-reach combination ("" (Also referred to as "non-reach loss") may be stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be "non-reach loss"). In addition, when the display result is "missing", after the variable display mode of the decorative symbol becomes the reach mode, the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol is a predetermined reach combination ("reach loss") that is not a jackpot combination. The fixed decorative symbol (also referred to as) may be stopped and displayed (the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol may be "reach loss").

The effect that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute includes displaying the above-mentioned variable display compatible display (hold display or active display). Further, as another effect, for example, a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the jackpot is executed during the variable display of the decorative symbol. The notice effect includes a notice effect for notifying the jackpot reliability in the variable display during execution and a look-ahead notice effect for notifying the jackpot reliability in the variable display (variable display in which execution is suspended) before execution. As the look-ahead notice effect, an effect of changing the display mode of the variable display compatible display (hold display or active display) to a mode different from the usual mode may be executed.

Further, in the image display device 5, one variable display is simulated as a plurality of variable displays by temporarily stopping the decorative symbol during the variable display of the decorative symbol and then restarting the variable display. The pseudo-continuous production may be executed.

Even during the big hit game state, the big hit middle effect that notifies the big hit game state is executed. As the big hit middle effect, an effect of notifying the number of rounds and a promotion effect indicating that the value of the big hit gaming state is improved may be executed. Further, even during the small hit game state, the small hit medium effect for notifying the small hit game state is executed. It should be noted that the big hit game during the small hit game state and in some big hit types (the big hit type in the big hit game state in the same mode as the small hit game state, for example, the big hit type in which the subsequent game state is a highly accurate state). By executing a common effect depending on the state, the player may not know whether the player is currently in the small hit game state or the big hit game state. In such a case, by executing a common effect after the end of the small hit game state and after the end of the big hit game state, it is not possible to distinguish between the high accuracy state and the low accuracy state. You may.

Further, for example, when a special figure game or the like is not executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer waiting demo effect is executed).
(Board configuration)
For example, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a voice control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, and the like as shown in FIG. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and a power supply board are arranged on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and the progress of the above-mentioned game in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of a special figure game (including management of hold), execution of a normal figure game (including management of hold), and a big hit. It has a function to control a gaming state, a small hit gaming state, a gaming state, etc.). The main board 11 includes a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, which includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103. , A random number circuit 104 and an I / O (Input / Output port) 105 are provided.

The CPU 103 performs a process of controlling the progress of the game (a process of realizing the function of the main board 11) by executing the program stored in the ROM 101. At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (data such as a fluctuation pattern described later, an effect control command described later, and various tables referred to when making various decisions described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. .. The RAM 102 is a backup RAM in which the stored contents are stored for a predetermined period even if a part or all of the RAM 102 is stopped from supplying power to the pachinko gaming machine 1. Note that all or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be expanded into the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 updatablely counts numerical data indicating various random number values (game random numbers) used when controlling the progress of the game. The game random number may be one that is updated by the CPU 103 executing a predetermined computer program (one that is updated by software).

The I / O 105 includes, for example, an input port into which various signals (detection signals described later) are input, various signals (first special symbol display device 4A, second special symbol display device 4B, ordinary symbol display 20, first hold). It is configured to include an output port for transmitting (a signal for controlling (driving) the display 25A, the second hold display 25B, the normal figure hold display 25C, etc., and a solenoid drive signal).

The switch circuit 110 is a detection signal (a game ball passes or is passed) from various switches for detecting a game ball (gate switch 21, start port switch (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), count switch 23). (A detection signal indicating that the switch has been turned on by entering) is taken in and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. By transmitting the detection signal, the passage or approach of the game ball is detected.

The solenoid circuit 111 transmits a solenoid drive signal (for example, a signal for turning on the solenoid 81 or the solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for an ordinary electric accessory or the solenoid 82 for a prize-winning door. To transmit.

The main board 11 (microcomputer 100 for game control) issues an effect control command (command for designating (notifying) the progress of the game) according to the progress of the game as a part of controlling the progress of the game. Supply to 12. The effect control command output from the main board 11 is relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the effect control board 12. The effect control command includes, for example, various determination results on the main board 11 (for example, a display result of a special figure game (including a jackpot type)) and a variation pattern used when executing a special figure game (details will be described later). )), The game status (for example, the start and end of the variable display, the opening status of the large winning opening, the occurrence of winning, the number of stored memories, the game status), the command for specifying the occurrence of an error, and the like are included.

The effect control board 12 is a control board on the sub side independent of the main board 11, receives an effect control command, and produces an effect (various effects according to the progress of the game) based on the received effect control command. It has a function of executing various notifications (including various notifications such as driving of the movable body 32, error notification, and notification of power failure recovery).

The effect control board 12 is equipped with an effect control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I / O 125.

The effect control CPU 120 is a process for executing the effect together with the display control unit 123 by executing the program stored in the ROM 121 (a process for realizing the above-mentioned function of the effect control board 12, and the effect to be executed). Including the decision etc.). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

The effect control CPU 120 displays the execution of the effect based on the detection signal from the controller sensor unit 35A or the push sensor 35B (a signal output when an operation by the player is detected and an appropriate signal indicating the operation content). It may also instruct the control unit 123.

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), and the like, and executes the effect based on the effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120.

The display control unit 123 supplies the image display device 5 with a video signal corresponding to the effect to be executed based on the effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120, thereby causing the image display device 5 to display the effect image. The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal for designating the output sound) to the sound control board 13 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the effect image and turn on / off the game effect lamp 9. Or, a lamp signal (a signal for designating a lamp lighting / extinguishing mode) is supplied to the lamp control board 14. Further, the display control unit 123 supplies a signal for operating the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or a drive circuit for driving the movable body 32.

The voice control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving the speakers 8L and 8R, drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, and outputs the sound designated by the sound designation signal from the speakers 8L and 8R. Let me.

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, and turns on / off the game effect lamp 9 in a mode designated by the lamp signal. To do. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the audio output and the lighting / extinguishing of the lamp.

The effect control CPU 120 executes audio output, lamp lighting / extinguishing control (sound designation signal, lamp signal supply, etc.), and movable body 32 control (signal supply for operating the movable body 32, etc.). You may do so.

The random number circuit 124 updatablely counts numerical data indicating various random number values (random numbers for effect) used to execute various effects. The effect random number may be one that is updated (updated by software) when the effect control CPU 120 executes a predetermined computer program.

The I / O 125 mounted on the effect control board 12 is for transmitting various signals (video signal, sound designation signal, lamp signal) and an input port for taking in the effect control command transmitted from, for example, the main board 11. It is configured to include the output port of.

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the effect control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also referred to as sub-boards. A plurality of sub-boards may be provided for each function as in the pachinko gaming machine 1, or one sub-board may be configured to have a plurality of functions.
(motion)
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.
(Main operation of main board 11)
First, the main operations on the main board 11 will be described. When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and the game control main process is executed by the CPU 103. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a game control main process executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Subsequently, necessary initial settings are made (step S2). The initial settings include stack pointer settings, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output ports, etc.), settings for making the RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, it is determined whether or not the output signal from the clear switch is ON (step S3). The clear switch is mounted on the power supply board, for example. When the power is turned on with the clear switch turned on, an output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. When the output signal from the clear switch is on (step S3; Yes), the initialization process (step S8) is executed. In the initialization process, the CPU 103 performs a RAM clear process for clearing the flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and sets initial values in the work area.

Further, the CPU 103 transmits an effect control command instructing initialization to the effect control board 12 (step S9). When the effect control CPU 120 receives the effect control command, for example, the image display device 5 displays a screen for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized.

If the output signal from the clear switch is not on (step S3; No), it is determined whether or not the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (step S4). When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power failure or the like (power interruption), the CPU 103 executes the power supply stop processing immediately before the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes inoperable due to the stop of the power supply. In this power supply stop processing, a processing of turning on a backup flag indicating that data is backed up to the RAM 102, a data protection processing of the RAM 102, and the like are executed. The data protection process includes addition of an error detection code (checksum, parity bit, etc.) and a process of backing up various data. The data to be backed up includes various data for advancing the game (including various flags, various timer states, etc.), as well as the state of the backup flag and the error detection code. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is on. When the backup flag is off and the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; No), the initialization process (step S8) is executed.

When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the data of the backed up data (used by using an error detection code) and determines whether or not the data is normal (step). S5). In step S5, for example, the parity bit and the checksum are used to determine whether or not the data in the RAM 102 matches the data when the power supply is stopped. When it is determined that these match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal.

If it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (step S5; No), the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, so the initialization process (step S8) is executed.

When it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal (step S5; Yes), the CPU 103 performs a recovery process (step S6) for returning the internal state of the main board 11 to the state when the power supply is stopped. In the recovery process, the CPU 103 sets the work area based on the stored contents (contents of the backed up data) of the RAM 102. As a result, the game state is restored when the power supply is stopped, and if the special symbol is changing, the change of the special symbol is restarted from the state before the restoration by executing the game control timer interrupt process described later. Will be.

Then, the CPU 103 transmits an effect control command instructing recovery from the power failure to the effect control board 12 (step S7). In accordance with this, the effect control command that specifies the game state before the power failure that is backed up, and the effect control that specifies the display result of the special figure game that is being executed when the special figure game is being executed. You may want to send a command. For these commands, the same commands that are set to be transmitted in the special symbol process processing described later can be used. When the effect control CPU 120 receives the effect control command that specifies the time of recovery from the power failure, the image display device 5, for example, notifies that the image display device 5 has recovered from the power failure or is recovering from the power failure. Display the screen to do so. The effect control CPU 120 may display an appropriate screen based on the effect control command.

After the restoration process or the initialization process is completed and the effect control command is transmitted to the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 executes the random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (step S10). Then, the CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S11), and interrupts are permitted (step S12). ). After that, the loop processing is started. After that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process.

When the CPU 103 that has executed the game control main process receives the interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives the interrupt request, the CPU 103 executes the game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 4 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process to perform the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, and the second start port via the switch circuit 110. It is determined whether or not detection signals are received from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 (step S21). Subsequently, by executing a predetermined main-side error process, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, the jackpot information (information indicating the number of times the jackpot has occurred) and the start information (starting) supplied to the hall management computer installed outside the pachinko gaming machine 1. Data such as information indicating the number of times of winning (information indicating the number of times of winning, etc.) and probability fluctuation information (information indicating the number of times of probability change state, etc.) are output (step S23).

Following the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S24). After that, the CPU 103 executes the special symbol process process (step S25). By executing the special symbol process process for each timer interrupt by the CPU 103, it is possible to manage the execution and hold of the special symbol game, control the big hit game state and the small hit game state, control the game state, and the like (for details, refer to the details. See below).

Following the special symbol process processing, the normal symbol process processing is executed (step S26). By executing the normal symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, the CPU 103 manages the execution and hold of the normal figure game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the passing of the game ball through the passing gate 41). It enables opening control of the variable winning ball device 6B based on "per-figure hit". The execution of the normal figure game is performed by driving the normal symbol display 20, and the number of normal figure reservations is displayed by turning on the normal figure hold display 25C.

After executing the normal symbol process process, as a part of the game control timer interrupt process, a process when a power failure occurs, a process for paying out a prize ball, and the like may be performed. After that, the CPU 103 executes the command control process (step S27). The CPU 103 may send and set an effect control command in each of the above processes. In the command control process of step S27, a process of transmitting the effect control command set for transmission to a control board on the sub side such as the effect control board 12 is performed. After executing the command control process, the interrupt is permitted and then the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S25 shown in FIG. 4 as the special symbol process process. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes the start winning prize determination process (step S101).

In the start winning determination process, a process of detecting the occurrence of a start winning, storing the hold information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, and updating the hold storage number is executed. When the start winning is generated, the display result (including the jackpot type) and the random value for determining the fluctuation pattern are extracted and stored as hold information. Further, a process of pre-reading and determining a display result or a fluctuation pattern may be executed based on the extracted random number value. After the hold information and the number of hold storages are stored, the transmission setting for transmitting the effect control command for specifying the determination result such as the generation of the start winning prize, the number of hold storages, and the look-ahead determination is made on the effect control board 12. .. The effect control command at the time of starting winning, which is set to be transmitted in this way, is executed from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 by, for example, executing the command control process in step S27 shown in FIG. 4 after the special symbol process process is completed. Is transmitted to.

After executing the start winning determination process in S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes any of the processes of steps S110 to S120 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the RAM 102. In each process (steps S110 to S120) of the special symbol process process, a transmission setting for transmitting an effect control command corresponding to each process to the effect control board 12 is performed.

The special symbol normal processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0” (initial value). In this special symbol normal processing, it is determined whether or not to start the first special figure game or the second special figure game based on the presence or absence of the pending information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, whether or not the display result of the special symbol or decorative symbol is set to "big hit" or "small hit" based on the random value for determining the display result, and the big hit type when the display result is set to "big hit". Is determined (predetermined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Further, in the special symbol normal processing, a confirmed special symbol (either a big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, or a lost symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set according to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal processing ends. The special figure game using the second special figure may be executed with priority over the special figure game using the first special figure (also referred to as special figure 2 priority digestion). Further, the winning order of the game balls to the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening may be memorized, and the starting condition of the special figure game may be satisfied in the winning order (also referred to as winning order digestion).

When making various determinations based on the random number value, various tables stored in the ROM 101 (a table in which the determination value to be compared with the random number value is assigned to the determination result) are referred to. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the effect control board 12. In the effect control board 12, various tables are stored in the ROM 121.

The variation pattern setting process in step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. In this fluctuation pattern setting process, one of a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns is set using a random value for determining the fluctuation pattern based on a preliminary determination result of whether or not the display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit". The process of deciding on is included. In the variation pattern setting process, when the variation pattern is determined, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "2", and the variation pattern setting process ends.

The fluctuation pattern includes the execution time of the special symbol game (special symbol fluctuation time) (which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbol), the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbol (presence or absence of reach, etc.), and the variable display of the decorative symbol. It specifies the content of the effect (type of reach effect, etc.), and is also called a variable display pattern.

The special symbol variation process in step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. In this special symbol change processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B are set to change the special symbol, and the elapsed time from the start of the change of the special symbol. It includes processing to measure. In addition, it is also determined whether or not the measured elapsed time has reached the special figure fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern. Then, when the elapsed time from the start of the special symbol variation reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol variation process ends.

The special symbol stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. In this special symbol stop process, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B stop the fluctuation of the special symbol, and stop display (derive) the confirmed special symbol that is the display result of the special symbol. Contains the process of making settings for. Then, when the display result is "big hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off and the display result is "small hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "8". If the display result is "missing", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0". When the display result is "small hit" or "miss", the game state is also updated when the time saving state or the probability change state is controlled and the end of the number of cuts is established. When the value of the special symbol process flag is updated, the special symbol stop processing ends.

The jackpot release preprocessing in step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. This big hit pre-opening process includes a process of setting to open the big winning opening by starting the execution of the round in the big hit game state based on the display result being "big hit". It has been. When the large winning opening is opened, a process of supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door is executed. At this time, for example, the upper limit period for opening the big winning opening and the upper limit number of executions for the round are set according to which type of jackpot is used. When these settings are completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", and the jackpot release preprocessing ends.

The process of opening the jackpot in step S115 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. In this big hit opening process, the big winning opening is based on the process of measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is opened, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. It includes a process of determining whether or not it is time to return the device from the open state to the closed state. Then, when the large winning opening is returned to the closed state, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6" after executing a process of stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door. End the processing while the jackpot is open.

The post-processing after opening the jackpot in step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-opening process of the jackpot, a process of determining whether or not the number of executions of the round that opens the jackpot has reached the set maximum number of executions, and a jackpot game state when the maximum number of executions is reached. It includes processing to make settings to terminate. Then, when the number of round executions has not reached the upper limit, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", while when the number of round executions reaches the upper limit, the special figure process flag is set. The value is updated to "7". When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the post-launch processing is completed.

The jackpot end processing of step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. In this jackpot end process, there is a process of waiting until the waiting time corresponding to the period in which the ending effect as an effect action for notifying the end of the jackpot game state is executed, and a probability change corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state It includes processing to make various settings to start control and time reduction control. When such a setting is made, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end processing ends.

The small hit release preprocessing in step S118 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “8”. This small hit pre-opening process includes a process of setting the large winning opening to be in the open state in the small hit game state based on the display result being "small hit". At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "9", and the small hit release preprocessing ends.

The small hit opening process in step S119 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “9”. In this small hit opening process, it is the timing to measure the elapsed time from the opening state of the big winning opening and to return the big winning opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time. It includes processing to determine whether or not it is. When the big winning opening is returned to the closed state and the end timing of the small hit game state is reached, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "10", and the processing during the small hit opening process ends.

The small hit end process in step S120 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “10”. The small hit end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period in which the effect operation for notifying the end of the small hit game state is executed has elapsed. Here, when the small hit gaming state ends, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 1 before the small hit gaming state is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the small hit game state has elapsed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the small hit end process ends.
(Main operation of the effect control board 12)
Next, the main operation of the effect control board 12 will be described. When the effect control board 12 receives the power supply voltage from the power source board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated to execute the effect control main process as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the effect control main process shown in FIG. 6 is started, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71) to clear the RAM 122, set various initial values, and press the effect control board 12. Set the registers of the mounted CTC (counter / timer circuit). Further, the initial operation control process is executed (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control for performing the initial operation of the movable body 32, such as control for driving the movable body 32 to return to the initial position and control for confirming a predetermined operation, is executed.

After that, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is turned on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the ON state every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses, based on the register setting of the CTC, for example. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and waits.

Further, on the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving the effect control command from the main board 11 is generated in addition to the timer interrupt that is generated every time a predetermined time elapses. This interrupt is, for example, an interrupt generated when the effect control INT signal from the main board 11 is turned on. When an interrupt occurs due to the effect control INT signal being turned on, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets interrupt disabled, but if a CPU that is not automatically interrupt disabled is used, an interrupt occurs. It is desirable to issue a prohibition order (DI instruction). The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to an interrupt caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, among the input ports included in the I / O 125, the effect control command is taken in from a predetermined input port that receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15. The effect control command captured at this time is stored in, for example, the effect control command reception buffer provided in the RAM 122. After that, the effect control CPU 120 sets the interrupt enable, and then ends the command reception interrupt process.

If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared and turned off (step S74), and the command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, after reading various effect control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command reception buffer, the read effect control commands are used. Corresponding settings and controls are performed. For example, the read effect control command may be stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 or stored in the RAM 122 so that which effect control command is received and the content specified by the effect control command can be confirmed by the effect control process process or the like. Turn on the provided reception flag. Further, when the effect control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display the background according to the game state.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the effect control process process is executed (step S76). In the effect control process processing, for example, an effect image display operation in the display area of the image display device 5, an audio output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, a lighting operation in a decorative light emitting body such as a game effect lamp 9 and a decorative LED, and a movable body 32. Controls are performed to operate various production devices such as the driving operation of the LED. Further, regarding the control content of the effect operation using various effect devices, determination, determination, setting, etc. are performed according to the effect control command or the like transmitted from the main board 11.

Following the effect control process process in step S76, the effect random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a part of the effect random numbers used on the effect control board 12 side is updated by the software. After that, the process returns to the process of step S73. Other processes may be executed before returning to the process of step S73.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed in step S76 of FIG. 6 as the effect control process process. In the effect control process process shown in FIG. 7, the effect control CPU 120 first executes the read-ahead notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-reading notice setting process, for example, a determination, determination, and setting for executing the pre-reading notice effect are performed based on the effect control command at the time of starting winning, which is transmitted from the main board 11. In addition, a process for displaying the hold display is executed based on the number of hold storages specified from the effect control command.

After executing the process of step S161, the effect control CPU 120 selects and executes any of the following processes of steps S170 to S177 according to the value of the effect process flag provided in the RAM 122, for example.

The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “0” (initial value). This variable display start waiting process is a process of determining whether or not to start the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command or the like for designating the start of the variable display is received from the main board 11. Etc. are included. When it is determined that the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 is to be started, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "1", and the variable display start waiting process is terminated.

The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “1”. In this variable display start setting process, the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol (fixed decorative symbol), the mode of the variable display of the decorative symbol, the reach effect, and various types are based on the display result and the variation pattern specified by the effect control command. It is determined whether or not various effects such as a notice effect are executed, their modes, and the execution start timing. Then, an effect control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute the effect) that reflects the determination result and the like is set. After that, based on the set effect control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start executing the variable display of the decorative symbol, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is completed. The display control unit 123 starts the variable display of the decorative symbol on the image display device 5 in response to the instruction to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative symbol.

The variable display effect process in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “2”. In this variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display the effect image based on the effect control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5. , Driving the movable body 32, outputting voice and sound effect from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting the command (sound effect signal) to the voice control board 13, and commanding the lamp control board 14 (illumination signal). Various effect controls are executed during the variable display of the decorative pattern, such as turning on / off / blinking the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED according to the output. After performing such effect control, for example, an end code indicating the end of variable display of the decorative symbol is read from the effect control pattern, or a command is received from the main board 11 to specify that the fixed decorative symbol is to be stopped and displayed. In response to what has been done, the final decorative symbol, which is the display result of the decorative symbol, is stopped and displayed. When the fixed decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "3", and the effect process during variable display ends.

The special figure hit waiting process in step S173 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “3”. In this special figure hit waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not an effect control command that specifies to start the big hit game state or the small hit game state has been received from the main board 11. Then, when the effect control command for specifying the start of the big hit game state or the small hit game state is received, if the command specifies the start of the big hit game state, the value of the effect process flag is set to "6". Update to. On the other hand, if the command specifies the start of the small hit game state, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "4", which is a value corresponding to the small hit medium effect process. In addition, when the reception waiting time of the command elapses without receiving the command specifying to start the big hit game state or the small hit game state, it is determined that the display result in the special figure game is "missing". Then, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value "0". When the value of the effect process flag is updated, the waiting process for hitting the special figure ends.

The small hit medium effect process in step S174 is a process executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “4”. In this small hit medium effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the effect content in the small hit game state, and executes various effect controls in the small hit game state based on the set content. .. Further, in the small hit middle effect processing, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 to specify that the small hit game state is terminated, the value of the effect process flag is set to a value corresponding to the small hit end effect. Update to a certain "5" and end the small hit medium production process.

The small hit end effect process in step S175 is a process executed when the value of the effect control process flag is “5”. In this small hit end effect process, the effect control CPU 120 sets an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to, for example, the end of the small hit game state, and various effect controls at the end of the small hit game state based on the setting contents. To execute. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the small hit end effect process is terminated.

The jackpot effect process in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “6”. In this big hit middle effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the effect content in the big hit game state, and executes various effect controls in the big hit game state based on the set content. Further, in the big hit middle effect processing, for example, the value of the effect control process flag is set to the value corresponding to the ending effect process in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 to specify the end of the big hit game state. Update to 7 ”and end the production process during the big hit.

The ending effect process of step S177 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is “7”. In this ending effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern or the like corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state, and controls various effects of the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game state based on the setting contents. Execute. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending effect process ends.
(Modified example of basic explanation)
The present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the above basic description, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the above basic explanation is a pay-out type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes based on the occurrence of winning, but the gaming media are enclosed and points are given based on the occurrence of winning. It may be an enclosed gaming machine.

Only one type of symbol (for example, a symbol indicating "-") is displayed during the variable display of the special symbol, and the variable display may be performed by repeating the display and extinguishing of the symbol. Further, even if the symbol is displayed during the variable display, the symbol may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the symbol indicating "-" may not be displayed as the display result).

In the above basic explanation, the pachinko game machine 1 is shown as a game machine, but a medal is inserted and a predetermined number of bets is set, and a plurality of types of symbols are rotated according to the operation of the operation lever by the player, and the player When a symbol is stopped in response to the operation of the stop button by, if the combination of stop symbols becomes a specific combination of symbols, a slot machine capable of executing a game in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player (for example, a big bonus) The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine equipped with one or more of regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, and CZ (hereinafter, bonus, etc.).

The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to the form of being distributed and provided by the detachable recording medium to the computer device included in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the computer device and the like in advance. It may take the form of being distributed by installing it in the storage device of the. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are distributed by downloading from another device on the network connected via the communication line or the like by providing the communication processing unit. It doesn't matter.

The game can be executed not only by attaching a detachable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing the programs and data downloaded via the communication line or the like in the internal memory or the like. It may be executed directly using the hardware resources of other devices on the network connected via a communication line or the like. Further, the game can be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

In this specification, one of the expressions for comparison of various ratios such as the execution ratio of the production (expressions such as "high", "low", and "differentiate") is "0%". It may be included. For example, one may have a proportion of "0%" and the other may have a proportion of "100%" or less than "100%".
(Explanation of feature 31AK)
Next, the feature portion 31AK of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a variation pattern and a type of reach in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8A, in the present embodiment, the non-reach loss variation patterns PA1-1 and PA1-2 in which the variable display mode of the decorative symbol is not the reach mode and the display result is “loss”. , The variable display mode of the decorative pattern is the reach mode, and the display result is "loss". The variation pattern of reach loss is PA2-1 to PA2-6, PA3-1 to PA3-4, etc., and the display result is "big hit". PB2-1 to PB2-6, PB3-1 to PB3-4, and the like are prepared.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the present embodiment, reach effects such as normal reach and super reach A to E are executed. In this embodiment, the reach effect is also referred to as a suggestion effect that suggests that the jackpot state is controlled. The reliability (big hit reliability) when each reach is executed is represented by the number of black stars in FIG. 8 (B). Normal reach <Super reach E <Super reach D <Super reach C <Super reach B <The order is higher in the order of Super Reach A. In addition, a reach that is determined to be a big hit may be provided.

In this embodiment, the super reach is performed via the normal reach. In addition, during the reach production of Super Reach, a development production that develops (promotes) to a more reliable reach may be executed. The fluctuation patterns PA3-1 to PA3-4 and the like shown in FIG. 8A and the fluctuation patterns PB3-1 to PB3-4 and the like are fluctuation patterns corresponding to the execution of the development effect. In addition, although FIG. 8A shows a fluctuation pattern in which the reliability develops to a super reach one step higher, a fluctuation pattern in which the reliability develops by two or more steps is also provided. Further, a variation pattern in which the development effect is executed a plurality of times may be provided.

In this embodiment, except for the normal reach having the lowest reliability, the title of the reach is notified at a predetermined timing after the reach is established. As shown in FIG. 8B, the notification mode of the title differs depending on the type of reach. Specifically, Super Reach E, which has the lowest reliability among Super Reach, is notified of the title of the reach only by display, and other Super Reach is notified of the title by display and voice. In this way, the title notification is executed by more production devices in the reach with high reliability than in the reach with low reliability. As a result, the player's expectation can be effectively fueled, and the effect of the effect is improved. The mode of notification of the title may be arbitrarily changed depending on the reliability or regardless of the reliability. Further, even in the same reach effect, the notification mode may be different depending on the actual display result and the like. In addition, the font (Gothic, Mincho, etc.) and typeface (Semi-cursive, regular script, etc.) of the title characters may be different depending on the type of reach.

The notification of the title of the reach (title notification) is not limited to the one indicating the title itself such as the name of the reach, and may indicate the name of the character appearing in the reach production, the production content of the reach production, and the like.
(Example of production operation of feature section 31AK)
Subsequently, an example of the effect operation in the present embodiment will be described. The following effect operation is executed by the effect control CPU 120 executing the effect control process process based on the effect control command transmitted from the main board 11. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of a super reach effect operation according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9A shows that the variable display of the decorative symbols is executed in the decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” of the image display device 5. .. After that, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the decorative symbols showing the numbers 7 on the “left” and “right” stop, and the reach mode is established. After that, the production branches according to the type of reach.
(Super Reach A)
In the case of Super Reach A, as shown in FIG. 9C, the character 31AK001, which is a ally character, is displayed on the image display device 5, and the reach effect is started. Here, for example, an animation using the character 31AK001 is displayed. When a predetermined period has passed since the start of the super reach effect, such as the end of the introduction part of the super reach effect (also referred to as the super reach effect), the entire screen of the image display device 5 is as shown in FIG. 9 (D). The title 31AK002 of Super Reach A (here, the character "SP Reach A") is displayed, and the sound corresponding to the title name of Reach (here, "Super Reach A") is output from the speaker 8. , The title of Super Reach A is notified. After that, the title 31AK002 of Super Reach A is erased, and as shown in FIG. 9 (E), the enemy character character 31AK003 is displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, and the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK003 confront each other. The subsequent part of the reach effect of Super Reach A is executed. The production in which the characters confront each other is also called a battle production, and in the battle production, if the ally character wins, it becomes a big hit, and if the ally character loses, it becomes a loss.

When displaying the dialogue on the image display device 5 during the super reach effect, the sound corresponding to the dialogue may be output from the speaker 8. Further, the dialogue is not limited to being displayed in a balloon as shown in FIG. 9E, and may be displayed in subtitles at the lower part of the image display device 5.
(Super Reach B)
In the case of super reach B, as shown in FIG. 9C, the character 31AK001 is displayed on the image display device 5 and the reach effect is started. Here, for example, an animation using the character 31AK001 is displayed. When a predetermined period has passed since the start of the super reach effect, such as the end of the introduction part of the super reach effect, the title 31AK005 of the super reach B (here) is displayed on the entire screen of the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 9 (F). Then, the characters "SP reach B") are displayed, and the sound corresponding to the title name of the reach (here, "super reach B") is output from the speaker 8, so that the title of super reach B is notified. To. After that, the title 31AK005 of Super Reach B is erased, and as shown in FIG. 9 (G), the character 31AK006, which is an enemy character, is displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, and the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK006 confront each other. The subsequent part of the reach effect of Super Reach B is executed.

As described above, in the super reach A and the super reach B, the title of the reach is notified when a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of the super reach effect. By doing so, the title can be notified after the introduction portion of the super reach effect is shown to the player, so that the effect of the title notification can be enhanced.

In addition, the titles of Super Reach A (Fig. 9 (C) → (D) → (E) ...) and Super Reach B (Fig. 9 (C) → (F) → (G) ...) In the introduction part until the notification, the super reach effect is executed in a common effect mode (FIG. 9 (C)). By doing so, it is possible to draw the player's attention to which super reach will be achieved after the super reach production is started and which title will be notified. Super Reach A and Super Reach B are not limited to completely sharing the production mode until the title is notified, and it is possible to determine which Super Reach will be achieved by paying close attention to the production. The parts may be made to have a common production mode. For example, in the introduction part of Super Reach A and Super Reach B, a super reach effect (for example, an effect of displaying an enemy character or suggesting an enemy character) is executed in a manner related to the title notified thereafter. It may be. By doing so, the effect of the effect is improved, and the player pays attention to the effect. In this way, the title notification may be executed after making it possible to identify which super reach will be achieved.
(Super Reach D)
In the case of Super Reach D, as shown in FIG. 9H, the title 31AK007 of Super Reach D (here, the character “SP Reach D”) is displayed in a part of the center of the image display device 5. At the same time, the title of Super Reach D is notified by outputting the sound corresponding to the title name of Reach (here, "defeat the enemy") from the speaker 8. In this way, in Super Reach D, the title is notified at the start of the Super Reach effect. Further, under the title 31AK007, an expectation degree suggestion display 31AK008 that suggests the expectation degree of the reach is displayed. The degree of expectation is represented by the number of black stars, as shown in FIG. 9 (H). Here, the degree of expectation is the degree of expectation that is a big hit, but it does not have to be completely in agreement with the degree of jackpot reliability of reach.

It should be noted that the voice notification of Super Reach D does not notify the title name as it is, but notifies the content of the reach. As described above, in this embodiment, the notification mode of the title notification by voice is different depending on the type of reach. As a result, the notification mode of the title notification becomes various and the interest is improved.

After the title is notified in Super Reach D, the character 31AK001 is displayed on the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 9 (I). At this time, the title 31AK007 and the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK008 continue to be reduced and displayed in the upper right portion of the image display device 5. By doing so, the player can grasp the degree of expectation of the reach even during the reach production. Although FIG. 9 (I) shows the same effect contents as those in FIG. 9 (C) (Super Reach A, Super Reach B), a super reach effect dedicated to Super Reach D may be executed.

After that, as shown in FIG. 9 (J), the character 31AK009, which is an enemy character, is displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, and the reach effect of the super reach D in which the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK009 confront each other is executed. To.
(Super Reach E)
In the case of Super Reach E, as shown in FIG. 10A, the title 31AK010 of Super Reach E (here, the characters “SP Reach E”) is displayed in a part of the upper left of the image display device 5. As a result, the title of Super Reach E is notified. In Super Reach E, the title is not notified by voice. In addition to displaying the title 31AK010, the character 31AK001 and the enemy character 31AK011 are displayed, the dialogue 31AK004 of the character 31AK001 is displayed, and the reach effect of the super reach E in which the character 31AK001 and the character 31AK011 confront each other is displayed. Will be executed. In this way, in Super Reach E, the title is notified along with the progress of the reach production. In Super Reach E, the title 31AK010 continues to be displayed during the reach production.

In the reach production of Super Reach E, which has low jackpot reliability, it is possible to prevent the player from giving an excessive sense of expectation by notifying the title without stopping the progress of the reach production. On the other hand, in the reach production of Super Reach A, Super Reach B, and Super Reach D, the progress of the reach production is stopped and the title is notified (FIGS. 9 (D), (F), (FIGS. 9), (F), and (2). H)). By doing so, the title notification according to the super reach effect can be executed, and the effect of the effect is improved. In addition, even in the super reach production such as super reach A, super reach B, and super reach D, the title notification may be performed without stopping the progress of the reach. Further, contrary to this embodiment, in the reach production of the super reach having high jackpot reliability, the title notification may be performed without stopping the progress of the reach production. In the reach production of super reach with low jackpot reliability, the progress of the reach production may be stopped to notify the title.
(Title notification timing)
As described above, in this embodiment, in Super Reach A and Super Reach B, the title is notified after a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of Super Reach production, and in Super Reach D and Super Reach E, Super Reach production is performed. The title is notified at the start. By doing so, the title notification according to the reach effect can be executed, and the effect of the effect is improved. In this embodiment, in Super Reach A and Super Reach B having high jackpot reliability, the title is notified after a predetermined period has passed after the start of the super reach production, and Super Reach D and Super Reach having low jackpot reliability are notified. In E, the title was notified at the start of the super reach production, but in the case of reach with high jackpot reliability, the title is notified at the start of super reach production, and in the case of reach with low jackpot reliability, super The title may be notified after a predetermined period has elapsed after the reach effect.
(Title display area)
Further, in this embodiment, in Super Reach A and Super Reach B, the title is notified on the entire screen (first area) of the image display device 5, and in Super Reach D and Super Reach E, the image display device 5 is notified. The title is notified in a part of the screen (second area) of. By doing so, the title notification according to the reach effect can be executed, and the effect of the effect is improved. In particular, in the case of a reach with high jackpot reliability, the title notification is executed in a wider display area than in the case of a reach with low reliability, so that effective title notification becomes possible. The title notification on the entire screen of the image display device 5 may be one in which the title is displayed in a size that fits in the entire screen, or the title is displayed there with the entire background as the background for title notification. It may be something (title notification using the entire screen) or the like. Further, the display areas for performing title notification may be different between Super Reach A and Super Reach B, and the display areas for performing title notification may be different between Super Reach D and Super Reach E.

The method of changing the display area for performing the title notification according to the reach effect is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and the display area for performing the title notification may be arbitrarily changed according to the reach effect. For example, in the case of reach with high jackpot reliability, title notification may be executed in a narrower display area than in the case of reach with low reliability. Further, when the display area for performing the title notification is different according to the reach effect, the display area may be different or the display place may be different as in this embodiment.
(Expectation suggestion display)
In this embodiment, in the title notification in Super Reach A and Super Reach B having high jackpot reliability, the expectation suggestion display is not displayed, and Super Reach D having a lower jackpot reliability than Super Reach A and Super Reach B is displayed. In the title notification in, the expectation degree suggestion display was displayed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the production from becoming dull. Further, in the title notification in Super Reach E, which has a lower jackpot reliability than Super Reach D, the expectation degree suggestion display is not displayed. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from losing the sense of expectation by displaying the expectation suggestion display indicating that the reliability is low in the reach with low reliability. In addition, the expectation degree suggestion display may be displayed in at least a part of Super Reach A, Super Reach B, and Super Reach E.

As shown in FIG. 9H and the like, the expectation degree suggestion display is not limited to the one indicated by the number of black stars, and the expectation degree may be suggested by a meter or a gauge, and corresponds to the expectation degree. The numerical value may be displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 9H or the like, when the number of black stars is used, half of the black stars may be displayed so that the number of stages of expectation may be increased.
(Title display end timing)
Further, in this embodiment, in Super Reach A and Super Reach B, after the title is displayed, the title is deleted and the super reach effect is executed. As a result, in Super Reach A and Super Reach B, attention can be paid to the reach effect. Further, in Super Reach D and Super Reach E, after the title is displayed, the title continues to be displayed until the determined effect described later is executed. As a result, in Super Reach D and Super Reach E, the type of reach can be grasped even during the super reach production. Further, by doing the above, the title notification according to the reach effect can be executed and the effect of the effect is improved. It should be noted that the display end timing of the title may be arbitrarily changed in order to improve the effect of the effect.

Although the production operation of the reach effect of the super reach C is omitted here, for example, the title notification and the expectation degree suggestion display according to the jackpot reliability may be executed.
(Decisive production)
After each reach effect is executed, when the timing for deriving the display result (the final stage of the variable display) is reached, a determined effect for notifying whether or not the display result becomes a "big hit" is executed. The deciding effect includes a deciding effect indicating that the display result is "big hit" and a deciding effect indicating that the display result is "missing". In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, a determination effect in which the image 31AK012 is displayed on the image display device 5 is executed. After that, if the display result is "big hit", the image 31AK013 showing that the ally character has won is displayed as shown in FIG. 10 (C), and the big hit combination is displayed as shown in FIG. 10 (D). A fixed decorative pattern is derived. If the display result is "missing", an image showing that the ally character has been defeated is displayed, and a definite decorative pattern that is a reach loss combination is derived.

In this embodiment, even if the title is continuously notified even during the reach production, the notification of the title is terminated before the determined production is executed. As a result, it is possible to draw attention to the determined production, and it is possible to execute a sharp title notification.

In the effect operation examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, during the reach effect of the super reach, the decorative pattern is reduced in the lower right portion of the image display device 5 to execute the variable display. The method of displaying the decorative pattern of is arbitrary. For example, the decorative pattern may not be displayed during the reach effect, or the display mode (size, position, shade, number, etc.) may be different depending on the type of reach effect.

When the image display device 5 displays the hold display, the active display, the character that is residently displayed during the variable display, and the display related to mobile interlocking, it is appropriately hidden during the reach effect of the super reach in order to pay attention to the reach effect. May be. At that time, these displays may be left displayed during a low-reliability reach effect such as Super Reach E. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from being overly expected by the low-reliability reach production, and it is possible to draw attention to the reach production in the high-reliability reach production.
(Development production)
Subsequently, an example of the effect operation when the development effect is executed will be described. As shown in FIG. 11 (A), when the development effect is executed while the reach effect of Super Reach D is being executed (the title notification of Super Reach D is being executed), FIG. 11 (B) shows. As shown, the reach effect is interrupted and the screen is torn. After that, when developing into Super Reach A, as shown in FIG. 11C, the title of Super Reach A is notified, and the reach effect of Super Reach A is executed. When developing into Super Reach B, as shown in FIG. 11D, the title of Super Reach B is notified, and the reach effect of Super Reach is executed. In this way, when the development effect is executed, the title notification of the reach of the development source is switched to the title notification of the reach of the development destination, so that it becomes easy to understand which reach has been developed. As shown in FIG. 11, when the reach of the development destination is the reach of performing the title notification by display and voice, the title notification by display and voice is executed again.

The development effect is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 11 (B), and may be an effect in which the screen is gradually cracked and cracked, or a sandstorm (display as if it has failed) is displayed. You may do so. By making such an effect, it is possible to perform an unexpected effect. In addition, there may be a development effect of Gase, such as a production in which the screen gradually cracks but the reach does not develop.
(Expectation suggestion production)
In the production operation example shown in FIG. 9 (H), the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK008 was designed to display the black star indicating the expectation degree from the beginning, but five white stars are displayed first and gradually. It is also possible to execute the expectation suggestion effect that suggests the expectation by becoming a black star.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, when notifying the title of Super Reach D, the expectation suggestion display 31AK021 of five white stars is displayed first. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, a black star 31AK022 larger than the star of the expectation suggestion display 31AK021 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 12C, the black star 31AK022 moves and the expectation suggestion display 31AK0221. The production is performed so that it fits in one of the white stars. At this time, a voice "pin" indicating that the number of black stars indicating the degree of expectation has increased is output from the speaker 8. As shown in FIGS. 12 (D) and 12 (E), the same effect is repeated a number of times corresponding to the expected degree of reach. At this time, the sound (volume, scale, sound quality, etc.) output from the speaker 8 may be changed stepwise each time it is repeated (for each number of stars). When the number of black stars corresponding to the expected degree is settled in the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK021, the black stars are highlighted as shown in FIG. 12 (F). By doing so, it becomes easy to understand that the expectation suggestion effect has been completed.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 12A to 12F, black stars are displayed one by one and the expectation degree indicated by the expectation degree suggestion display is increased by one step, but two or more black stars are displayed. It may be displayed and the degree of expectation may be raised by two or more steps. Also, half a black star may be displayed to raise the degree of expectation by half a step. In this case, different sounds may be output or the same sound may be output depending on the number of displayed stars (the number of steps of the rising expectation). For example, the same sound may be output when a half black star is displayed and when one black star is displayed. The same sound may be output when two and a half black stars are displayed and when three and a half black stars are displayed. In addition, audio may not be output in some cases. By doing so, the expectation suggestion effect becomes various and the effect is improved. The same black star image is displayed regardless of the number of stages of expectation that increases at one time, and the number of black stars increases according to the number of stages of expectation that increases within the white star of the expectation suggestion display. You may try to perform such an effect.
(Direction mode)
There may be a plurality of effect modes in the effect device such as the image display device 5, the speaker 8, and the game effect lamp 9. In different effect modes, even if the same command (for example, a command for designating a variation pattern) is transmitted from the main board 11, the effect based on the command is executed in different effect modes. In each effect mode, the background, characters, motifs, sounds output from the speaker 8 and the like displayed on the image display device 5 may be different. The effect mode may be automatically changed according to the number of variable displays and the game state, or may be changed by the operation of the player.

12 (G) to 12 (L) are examples of the effect operation of the title notification and the expectation suggestion effect when the normal mode and the special mode are provided as the effect modes. In the normal mode, the title notification and the expectation degree suggestion effect are executed as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12F. In the special mode, the reach effect based on the fluctuation pattern of the super reach D is the reach effect of the super reach D2, which is different from the reach effect of the super reach D. Therefore, when the fluctuation pattern of the super reach D is specified, the title 31AK023 of the super reach D2 is displayed as shown in FIG. 12 (G). At this time, the sound corresponding to the title name of the reach is output from the speaker 8, but the sound different from the normal mode (for example, the sound having a different voice color) is output. Further, the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK024 in Super Reach D2 is not a star shape but a rhombus shape.

After that, as shown in FIG. 12 (H), a black rhombus 31AK025 larger than the star of the expectation suggestion display 31AK024 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 12 (I), the black rhombus 31AK025 moves and the expectation suggestion display 31AK024. The production is performed so that it fits in one of the white rhombuses. At this time, the speaker 8 outputs a voice "pon" indicating that the black rhombus indicating the degree of expectation has increased. As shown in FIGS. 12J and 12K, the same effect is repeated a number of times corresponding to the expected degree of reach. When the number of black rhombuses corresponding to the expectation is settled in the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK024, the black rhombuses are highlighted as shown in FIG. 12 (L). In this way, depending on the effect mode (state when the reach effect is executed) determined according to the player's selection, the game state, etc., the effect of the effect is diversified by changing the notification mode of the title. improves.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the effect operation when the fluctuation pattern of the super reach D is specified, but other reach effects (title notification, expectation suggestion effect) depending on the effect mode (state when the reach effect is executed). ) May be different. Depending on the effect mode (state when the reach effect is executed), whether or not to notify the reach title and the execution rate of the title notification may be different. For example, when a predetermined effect mode is selected, the reach title may not be notified. By doing so, it is possible to execute an effect according to the player's preference, and the effect of the effect is improved.

In this embodiment, the expectation degree is suggested by the number of black stars in the expectation degree suggestion display, and the expectation degree suggestion effect that gradually increases the number of black stars is executed. It is also possible to execute an expectation suggestion effect that gradually reduces the number of indications suggesting. Such an expectation degree suggestion effect may be executed in addition to the expectation degree suggestion effect of this embodiment, or may be executed instead.
(Other examples of development production)
In the case of executing the expectation suggestion effect for gradually increasing the display indicating the expectation of the expectation suggestion display, the development effect may be executed after increasing the display indicating the expectation. In this case, when the display showing the degree of expectation is increased after the development effect, the display to be increased may be displayed at once instead of stepwise. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), after the title of Super Reach D is notified and the effect of gradually increasing the number of black stars is completed, a button is displayed on the image display device 5 as shown in FIG. 13 (B). The development effect in which the image 31AK031 is displayed is executed. Here, when the operation to the push button 31B is detected, as shown in FIG. 13C, the title 31AK032 of the super reach C (here, the character "SP reach C") is displayed, so that the super reach C is displayed. The title of reach C is notified. In this way, when the development effect is executed, the title notification of the reach of the development source is switched to the title notification of the reach of the development destination, so that it becomes easy to understand which reach has been developed. Further, under the title 31AK032, the expectation degree suggestion display 31AK033 in which the number of black stars is three is highlighted. Even if the number of black stars increases by two or more, they are displayed at once. In addition, after the movable body 32 operates, the development effect in which the title and the expectation degree suggestion display change may be executed.
(Notice production)
In this embodiment, as a notice effect, a title notice for notifying the jackpot reliability is executed according to a title notification mode (for example, the display color of the title). For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (A), the title 31AK036 of the super reach A is displayed in black, and the sound corresponding to the title name of the reach is output from the speaker 8, so that the title of the super reach A is notified. After that, as shown in FIG. 14B, the title notice that the display color of the title 31AK030 changes to red is executed. In this way, when the title notice is not executed, the title is displayed in black, and when the title notice is executed, the title is displayed in a color other than black. In the title notice shown in FIG. 14, the display mode (display color) of the title may change after the reach title is notified by voice. By doing so, it is possible to enhance the effect of the advance notice effect. The timing at which the title is displayed in a color other than black is not limited to this, and the title may be displayed in a color other than black from the start of display.

Further, when the title notice in which the display mode (display color) of the title changes is executed, the sound may be output according to the display mode after the change in the title display mode. By doing so, it is possible to enhance the effect of the advance notice effect. Further, the title notification by voice may be executed after the display mode (display color) of the title is changed. In this case, the sound may be output according to the display mode (display color) of the title after the change.
(Execution timing of title notification)
It is preferable that the notification of the title during reach is executed at a timing other than the execution timing of the effect (specific effect) such as the advance notice effect or the development effect, which is controlled to the jackpot advantageous state and improves the expectation. By doing so, once the title is notified, an effect of improving the degree of expectation can be executed, so that the player's sense of expectation can be maintained.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the advance notice effect determination process for determining whether or not the advance notice effect is executed and the effect mode. The advance notice effect determination process is executed by the effect control CPU 120 in the variable display start setting process of step S171 of FIG. 7. In the advance notice effect determination process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the variation pattern specified from the command transmitted from the main board 11 is the variation pattern of the super reach (step 31AKS001).

In the case of the fluctuation pattern of the super reach (step 31AKS001; Yes), the display color of the title of the superreach (whether or not the title notice is executed) is determined (step 31AKS002).

In step 31AKS002, the display color of the title of the super reach is determined, for example, at the determination ratio shown in FIG. 16A, depending on whether the display result is “big hit” or “missing”. As shown in FIG. 16A, the display color of the title of Super Reach changes from "black", "red", "black" to "red", and from "black" to "fruit pattern". Things that change from "red" to "fruit pattern" are provided, and the jackpot reliability is high in this order (ascending order). That is, the jackpot reliability differs depending on the timing of the change in the display color of the title. By doing so, the player pays attention to the change timing of the display color of the title, and the effect of the effect is improved.

In the "fruit pattern", the characters of the title may be displayed in bold and the characters themselves may be the "fruit pattern", or the background portion of the display area of the title may be the "fruit pattern". .. There may be a pattern displayed as a "fruit pattern" from the beginning. For those whose display color changes, as shown in FIG. 14, the display color may change after the title notification is executed. For those whose display color changes, there may be a plurality of timings at which the display color changes. Then, the jackpot reliability may be different depending on the timing at which the display color changes. Further, since the title display period differs depending on the type of super reach, the timing at which the display color changes may differ depending on the type of super reach. In the case of super reach (for example, super reach D or super reach E) in which the title display period is long, a plurality of change timings may be provided and the change timing may be determined as one of them. Then, in the case of a super reach with a short title display period (for example, super reach A or super reach B), the number of changing timings may be one or less than the number of super reach with a long title display period.

When there are a normal mode and a special mode as the effect mode, the display color of the title is determined at the determination ratio shown in FIG. 16 (A) in the normal mode, and the normal mode as shown in FIG. 16 (B) is used in the special mode. Determine the title display color at different rates. In the special mode, the display color pattern and the order of reliability may be different from those in the normal mode. In this way, by making the execution mode (display color and change timing of the display color) of the title notice different depending on the effect mode, the effect is diversified and the effect is improved.

In this embodiment, as a notice effect, a line notice for notifying the jackpot reliability is executed depending on the display mode of the character's lines (for example, the display color of the lines) in the reach effect of the super reach.

After determining the display color of the title of the super reach, the display color of the character's dialogue (whether or not the dialogue notice is executed) in the reach production of the super reach is determined (step 31AKS003).

In step 31AKS003, the display color of the dialogue in the reach effect is determined, for example, at the determination ratio shown in FIG. 16C, depending on whether the display result is “big hit” or “missing”. As shown in FIG. 16C, the display colors of the lines in the reach production are provided to change from "white", "red", and "white" to "red", and in this order (ascending order). The jackpot reliability is high. That is, the jackpot reliability differs depending on the change timing of the display color of the dialogue. By doing so, the player pays attention to the change timing of the display color of the dialogue, and the effect of the effect is improved. If the display color changes, the display color may change after the dialogue is displayed. For those whose display color changes, there may be a plurality of timings at which the display color changes. Then, the jackpot reliability may be different depending on the timing at which the display color changes.

In addition, the jackpot reliability may be different depending on the combination of the title notice and the dialogue notice. For example, when the title notice and the dialogue notice include the same effect mode (display color), the jackpot reliability may be increased when the same effect mode is used. Further, the jackpot reliability may be different depending on the combination of the change timing of the production mode between the title notice and the dialogue notice. For example, when the change timings are the same, the jackpot reliability may be higher than when the change timings are different, or the jackpot reliability may be different depending on which change comes first. By doing so, it is possible to pay attention to the timing of each change between the title notice and the dialogue notice.

When there are a normal mode and a special mode as the effect mode, the display color of the dialogue may be determined in the special mode at a ratio different from that in the normal mode. In the special mode, the display color pattern and the order of reliability may be different from those in the normal mode.

In addition, instead of the dialogue notice, a notice effect for notifying the jackpot reliability may be executed by changing the effect mode of the reach effect. In that case, in the advance notice effect, a plurality of change timings of the effect mode may be provided so that the jackpot reliability differs according to the change timing.

After determining the display color of the dialogue in the reach effect, or when it is determined that the pattern is not the fluctuation pattern of the super reach (step AK31S001; No), whether or not to execute the other advance notice effect and the effect mode are determined (step AK31S004). After that, the determination results in 31AKS002 to 31AKS004 are saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step AK31S005), and the advance notice effect determination process is completed.

In this embodiment, the title notice and the dialogue notice can be executed in the case of super reach, but the title notice is given in the case of a specific super reach (for example, other than the unreliable super reach). And at least one of the dialogue notices may be executable. Further, the title notice and the dialogue notice have been described as being determined by the determination ratio shown in FIG. 16, but the determination ratio is arbitrary, and for example, the determination ratio may be different depending on the type of super reach. By doing so, it is possible to execute the advance notice effect according to the type of reach, and the effect of the effect is improved.

In this embodiment, the number of executable production modes (the number of display colors that can be displayed) differs between the title notice and the dialogue notice. By doing so, the production becomes diverse and the production effect is enhanced. In the title notice and the dialogue notice, the number of feasible production modes may be arbitrarily changed, and the number and types of feasible production modes may be the same. By doing so, it is possible to execute a unified notice effect, and it becomes easier for the player to grasp the jackpot reliability.
(Action production)
When the effect mode of the title notice and the dialogue notice changes, an effect indicating that the effect mode changes may be executed. For example, the action effect image may be displayed on the image display device 5, and the action effect that the image acts on at least one of the title and the dialogue may be executed. Then, after the action effect is executed, the effect mode (display color) of the title or dialogue may be changed. The effect mode (action effect image, etc.) of the action effect may be the same regardless of whether it acts on the title or the dialogue. In addition, there may be a case where the effect mode of the title and the dialogue does not change even though the action effect is executed. When executing the action effect, the presence / absence of execution of the action effect, the execution timing, and the effect mode may be determined based on the determination results related to the title notice and the dialogue notice. Such a determination may be executed in the process of step AK31S004. For example, the rate at which at least one of the title notice and the dialogue notice changes (the rate at which the effect mode changes due to the action effect) may be different depending on the effect mode of the action effect, or may be different from the title notice. The rate of change in which production mode (ratio of action) may be different from that of the dialogue notice, or the rate of change in what color (in what stage) may be different. .. By executing such an action effect, the player will eventually pay attention to whether the action effect image is displayed, the title or the dialogue, and the effect effect will be improved. When there are a plurality of effect modes, the presence / absence of execution of the action effect and the effect mode may be determined at different ratios depending on the effect mode. By doing so, it is possible to execute the action effect according to the effect mode, and the effect effect is improved.

As another example of such an action effect, at least one of the title and the dialogue is produced (display color) according to the effect content of the reach effect (for example, the action content of the character or the effect content in the battle effect). May change. By doing so, the player pays attention to the production content of the reach production.

The present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the feature section 31AK, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, all of the feature portions described in the above embodiment are not essential configurations and can be omitted as appropriate.
(Sub liquid crystal)
As a sub-display device different from the image display device 5, a sub-liquid crystal may be provided on the game board 2 or the game machine frame 3. Although expressed as a sub liquid crystal here, the sub display device may be composed of an organic EL or a dot matrix LED. The sub liquid crystal device may be fixed in the vicinity of the image display device 5, for example, or may be movable or retractable. In the sub liquid crystal, various effects such as a notice effect and a hold display are executed. For example, the title notification may be executed on the sub liquid crystal. When the title is continuously displayed even after the title is notified as in the super reach D and the super reach E of the above-described embodiment, the title and the expectation degree suggestion display may be displayed on the sub liquid crystal. In this case, after notifying the title on the image display device 5, the title and the expectation suggestion display may be displayed on the sub liquid crystal. By doing so, the title and the expectation degree suggestion display can be displayed without disturbing the super reach effect in the image display device 5, and the title and the expectation degree suggestion display can be easily understood.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to the notification of the title of the reach effect as the suggestion effect has been described, but the present invention is applied to the title notification (mainly the notification for displaying characters) related to other effects. You may. For example, as a advance notice effect (for example, a look-ahead advance notice effect), when a look-ahead zone effect for shifting to a plurality of zones (stage, effect mode, etc.) in which the background image and the effect mode are different in the image display device 5 is executed, the shifted zone The present invention may be applied to the title notification of. When presenting a mission ("Reach with 7", "Eliminate enemies with a stick controller", etc.) and perform a mission production that will be in an advantageous state for the player when the mission is completed. The present invention may be applied to the title notification of a mission.
(Modification example 1 of feature portion 31AK)
In the above embodiment, when it is time to derive the display result, a deciding effect for notifying whether or not the display result becomes a "big hit" is executed, and then the display result is shown (). 10 (B) to (D)). Instead of such a determined effect, at a predetermined timing before deriving the display result, an operation effect for prompting the operation of the stick controller 31A or the push button 31B is executed, and when the predetermined operation is detected during the operation valid period. The display result may be displayed by displaying the victory or defeat of the battle effect, temporarily stopping the display result, or the like. By doing so, since the display result is displayed according to the operation of the player, the player's motivation to participate in the game can be increased, and the interest is improved.

17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of a super reach effect operation in a modified example in which an operation effect is executed and a display result is shown according to the operation. As shown in FIG. 17 (A), after the image display device 5 is in the reach mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 17 (B), the ally character 31AK041 and the enemy character 31AK042 are displayed. Then, as shown in FIGS. 17 (C) to 17 (F) and 18 (G) to (I), a reach effect in which the character 31AK041 and the character 31AK042 confront each other is executed.

Along with the reach effect, as shown in FIG. 17C, a small button image 31AK043 and a regulation line 31AK044 superimposed on the small button image 31AK043 are displayed at the lower right of the image display device 5. As a result, the operation effect using the push button 31B is executed, but it is suggested that the reception of the operation is currently restricted.

In this modification, a plurality of types of operation effect images indicating that the operation effect is executed are prepared. Then, the jackpot reliability differs depending on which operation effect image is displayed and the operation effect is executed. In addition, the image indicating that the operation effect is executed during the reach effect may change to a more reliable mode.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17 (D), the praying character 31AK045 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 17 (E), the praying character 31AK045 changes to the happy character 31AK046, and the small button image 31AK043 changes to the large button image 31AK047. Changes to.

After that, as shown in FIG. 18 (H), the cannon 31AK048 is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 18 (I), the effect 31AK049 in which a bullet is fired from the cannon 31AK048 is displayed, and the bullet hits the large button image 31AK047. The effect 31AK050 is displayed. Then, the large button image 31AK047 changes to the stick image 31AK051.

As described above, in this modification, when the operation effect image changes, the action effect indicating that the operation effect image changes is executed. In addition, the operation effect image may change without the action effect. In addition, the operation effect image may not change even though the action effect is executed. The rate at which the operation effect image changes may differ depending on the type of action effect.

Then, before the predetermined time from which the display result is derived, the regulation line 31AK044 is erased as shown in FIG. 18 (J), and the stick image 31AK051 is enlarged and displayed in the center as shown in FIG. 18 (K). , A display prompting the operation of pulling the stick controller 31A is displayed. Further, at this time, the operation on the stick controller 31A becomes an effective operation valid period.

Here, when the operation of pulling the stick controller 31A is detected, the image 31AK052 showing that the ally character has won is displayed as shown in FIG. 18 (L). After that, at the timing when the fluctuation time ends, as shown in FIG. 18 (M), a definite decorative symbol to be a jackpot combination is derived. If the operation is not detected within the predetermined operation valid period, the image shown in FIG. 18 (L) is automatically displayed.

In this modification, there are a small button image, a large button image, and a stick image as operation effect images, and when an operation effect using these images is executed in the order of small button image <large button image <stick image. The jackpot reliability of is high. Even if an operation effect image with low reliability is displayed, it may change to a highly reliable operation effect image during the reach effect, so that the effect is improved and the player's expectation is increased. Can be maintained.

Although the reach title notification and the expectation degree suggestion display are omitted in the effect operation examples shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, they are appropriately performed in parallel with the reach effect and operation effect shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. It may be executed. The determination regarding the operation effect and the operation effect image (presence / absence of operation effect, display of operation effect image, presence / absence of action effect, etc.) may be executed in step 31AKS004 of FIG.
(Modification example 2 of feature portion 31AK)
A suggestion display suggesting the degree of expectation of control to an advantageous state such as a jackpot game state may be performed. For example, the shutter effect of performing the first suggestion display and the reach title effect of performing the second suggestion display may be executed. In the shutter effect, an effect of covering the screen with the shutter display is executed after the variable display is started. Further, in the reach title production, the production of displaying the reach title indicating the development destination of the reach production is executed after the reach. When displaying either the shutter display or the reach title display, a specific image may be included and displayed. The reach title effect may be the same as the title notice of the above embodiment, or may be another effect determined by another process.

The specific image is an image with high jackpot reliability that is displayed including a plurality of types of elements in the image. The plurality of types of elements include a banana image of element E1, a melon image of element E2, an apple image of element E3, a watermelon image of element E4, and a strawberry image of element E5. A fruit pattern image composed of these elements E1 to E5 is a specific image. In both the shutter display and the reach title display, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to be visible. Further, the display sizes of the elements E1 to E5 constituting the specific image are changed and displayed according to the difference in display size between the shutter display and the reach title display. Further, all of the elements E1 to E5 are displayed so as to fit in each of the shutter display and the reach title display.

When the shutter effect is executed after the start of the variable display, when the fruit pattern image is displayed, the jackpot reliability is higher than when the fruit pattern image is not displayed. Further, when the reach title is displayed during the reach effect, when the fruit pattern image is displayed, the jackpot reliability is higher than when the fruit pattern image is not displayed. When the fruit pattern is not displayed, for example, a plain image that does not include each element E1 to E5 is displayed. An image pattern other than the fruit pattern image may be prepared as an image showing the reliability of the jackpot when the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed. For example, a white image <blue image <red image <fruit pattern image may be prepared in the order of jackpot reliability (for example, a red shutter or a reach title in red letters). Then, any one image pattern may be selected by a predetermined random number lottery depending on whether or not the display result of the variable display is a big hit.

When the shutter display and the reach title are displayed, even when the fruit pattern is displayed, the speaker 8 notifies the speaker 8 to output a common sound (melody), and the game effect lamp 9 emits the light. The common sound and the emission control of the game effect lamp 9 indicate to the player that the fruit pattern is a special image. When performing such shutter display and reach title display, common notification for the fruit pattern is executed. Further, in the reach title display, a specific sound (voice) is further output after the common notification. The output periods of the common sound and the specific sound may partially overlap.

FIG. 19 is a display screen view when the shutter effect and the reach title effect are executed. As shown in FIG. 19A, when the shutter effect is executed, the shutter image 31AK061 is displayed at the start of the variable display on the image display device 5. In the shutter image 31AK061, an image of a fruit pattern including all the elements E1 to E5 is displayed. Further, when the shutter effect is executed, the notification for outputting the common sound (melody) by the speaker 8 is executed, and the notification by the light emission of the game effect lamp 9 is executed. When the closed shutter is opened, as shown in FIG. 19B, the variable display of the decorative symbol is started. The downward arrows indicate the variable display of the left, middle, and right symbols. When the variable display of the left symbol and the right symbol is temporarily stopped, the reach state is reached as shown in FIG. 19 (c).

Then, as shown in FIG. 19D, the super reach effect is started. The variable display is displayed small, for example, in the upper right corner of the screen, and the character is displayed on the left side of the screen. The reach title image 31AK062 is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and the content of the super reach to be executed is shown as the reach title display. In the reach title image 31AK062, an image of a fruit pattern including all the elements E1 to E5 is displayed. Further, in the reach title image 31AK062, the characters "battle reach" indicating that the reach effect accompanied by the battle effect is executed are displayed.

Further, when the reach title effect is executed, the speaker 8 executes a notification to output a common sound (melody), and the game effect lamp 9 executes a notification to emit light. Further, after outputting the common sound, an effect of emitting a specific sound (voice) indicating that the character has high jackpot reliability such as "hot" is executed. Here, in the reach title effect, the size of the suggestion display to be displayed is smaller than that in the shutter effect. However, in this way, in the reach title production, by outputting a specific sound, it is possible to make it easier for the player to recognize that the fruit pattern image is displayed. Although the case where the output periods of the common sound and the specific sound are completely separated has been described, the output periods may partially overlap.

After that, the battle reach effect as shown in FIG. 19E is executed. Enemy characters are displayed on the left side of the screen, and ally characters are displayed on the right side of the screen. When a friendly character wins a battle with an enemy character, the characters "Battle win!" Are displayed in the upper left of the screen. It is notified that the big hit has been confirmed by winning the battle. When the battle effect is completed, the screen returns to the variable display screen with the original number pattern. As shown in FIG. 19 (f), all the symbols are stopped and the jackpot symbol of "777" is displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19D, both the shutter image 31AK061 and the reach title image 31AK062 include all the elements E1 to E5 constituting the fruit pattern image and are displayed. In this way, the fruit pattern image can be suitably displayed in both the shutter image 31AK061 and the reach title image 31AK062 having different display sizes. As a result, it is possible to accurately convey that the fruit pattern image with high jackpot reliability is displayed.

Further, the display size of the shutter image 31AK061 shown in FIG. 19A is displayed larger than the display size of the reach title image 31AK062 shown in FIG. 19D. Therefore, it is possible to pay attention to the difference between the display size of the shutter image 31AK061 and the display size of the reach title image 31AK062.

Further, the shutter image 31AK061 shown in FIG. 19A and the reach title image 31AK062 shown in FIG. 19D are displayed at different timings. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the fruit pattern image, which is a specific image, from becoming difficult to see due to overlapping execution timings.

The determination regarding the shutter effect (presence / absence of shutter effect and effect mode) may be executed in step 31AKS004 of FIG. In that case, the determination related to the shutter effect may be made based on the determination result of the display color of the title in step 31AKS002 of FIG. For example, when the display color of the title is determined to be a fruit pattern, the shutter effect of the fruit pattern may be easily executed. Further, the determination related to the reach title effect may be executed in step 31AKS004 of FIG. 15 together with the determination related to the shutter effect.

(Explanation of feature section 176F)
Patent Document A (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-60546) discloses a pachinko gaming machine capable of changing set values such as a jackpot winning probability (ball output rate). Further, Patent Document B (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-233645) discloses a gaming machine in which a portion of a setting key for changing a set value is covered with a cover. Further, in pachinko gaming machines, since there is a time lag between the main board and the effect control board when the power is turned on, a gaming machine that prohibits command transmission to the effect control board for a predetermined time on the main board is described in Patent Document C (Pachinko machine). It is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-321545).

However, when the setting is changed in a gaming machine as described in Patent Document C, if the setting change or the setting change notification is performed after waiting for the processing for a predetermined time, the setting person feels annoyed. There was inconvenience.

The feature unit 176F is made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and an object of the feature unit 176F is to provide a gaming machine capable of changing settings without causing trouble for the setting person.

The feature portion 176F of the present embodiment will be described below. The front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the feature section 176F of the present embodiment is omitted because it is the same as the feature section 31AK described above. FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 with respect to the feature portion 176F. FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1 with respect to the feature unit 176F. The pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is roughly divided into an outer frame 176F001 formed in a vertically long square frame shape, a game board (gauge board) 2 constituting a game board surface, and a game machine that supports and fixes the game board 2. It is composed of a frame (underframe) 3. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined ball launching device and is driven into the game area. Further, in the game machine frame 3, a glass door frame 176F003 having a glass window is located between a door opening position that opens the front surface of the game machine frame 3 centering on the left side and a door closing position that closes the front surface. It is rotatably provided, and the game area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 176F003, and when the glass door frame 176F003 is closed, the game area can be seen through the glass window.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the main board 11 in the feature portion 176F of the present embodiment is housed in the board case 176F004 to which fraud prevention measures such as caulking are applied, and is the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is installed in. Further, on the main board 11, a setting key switch for switching to a setting change state in which the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be changed or a setting confirmation state in which the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed. It functions as a clear switch for clearing the flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102 in the normal state with 176F005, and changes the setting values such as the jackpot winning probability (ball output rate) described later in the setting change state. A clear / setting switch 176F006 that functions as a setting switch for the purpose is provided. Although the main board 11 has been described as providing a clear / setting switch 176F006 that also serves as a clear switch and a setting switch, a dedicated setting switch for changing a set value may be provided separately from the clear switch.

The setting switching main body unit provided with the operation unit that can be operated by the player such as the setting key switch 176F005 and the clear / setting switch 176F006 is housed in the board case 176F004 together with the main board 11, and the setting key switch 176F005 and the clear. The / setting switch 176F006 is exposed to the back side through an opening formed in the back left portion of the board case 176F004 so that it can be operated without opening the board case 176F004.

Since the board case 176F004 having the setting key switch 176F005 and the clear / setting switch 176F006 is provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, it is extremely difficult to operate the gaming machine frame 3 in the closed state, and a predetermined door is provided. The operation can be performed by opening the gaming machine frame 3 with the key. Further, since the setting key switch 176F005 requires the operation of the setting key owned by the clerk of the amusement park or the like, only the clerk who possesses the setting key can operate the setting key switch 176F005. Further, the setting key switch 176F005 is also a switch capable of executing an ON / OFF switching operation described later and an operation different from the switching operation (for example, a pushing operation) by the setting key. In the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment, a mode in which the door key and the setting key are separate keys is illustrated, but these may be shared by one key.

Since the main board 11 cannot be visually recognized when the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened, the front surface when the main board 11 is visually recognized is the back surface side of the gaming board 2 when the gaming machine frame 3 is opened. This is the front when visually recognizing, and is different from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. However, the front surface when the main board 11 is visually recognized and the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be common.

The control signal transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. A control command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15, but after the power is turned on, the processing capacity of each CPU is different and the processing content is different. The rise of the effect control CPU 120 of the effect control board 12 is slower than that of the CPU 103. Therefore, even if the main board 11 transmits a control command before the effect control board 12 starts up, the effect control board 12 misses the control command. Therefore, the effect control board 12 waits for the effect control board 12 to start up and then sends the control command to the effect control board 12. Is sending a control command.

The control command is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control commands include, for example, a display control command used to control an image display operation in the image display device 5, a voice control command used to control audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9. And LED control commands used to control the lighting operation of decorative LEDs and the like are included. Further, the control commands include commands such as a power failure recovery command (S7 shown in FIG. 23) transmitted at the time of power failure recovery and an initialization specification command (S9 shown in FIG. 23) transmitted after the RAM clear processing. It has been.

A display monitor 176F007 (for example, 7 segments) is arranged on the substrate case 176F004. The display monitor 176F007 is connected to the main board 11 and is arranged at the upper left portion of the board case 176F004.

The main board 11 (microcomputer 100 for game control) has each winning opening (1st big winning opening, 2nd big winning opening, 2nd starting winning opening, 1st starting winning opening, 1st to 4th general winning opening, Hereinafter, the number of game balls entering the "entry area") is totaled, and various winning information such as the continuous ratio and the winning ratio based on the total is displayed on the display monitor 176F007. By displaying these winning information on the display monitor 176F007, it is possible to confirm various winning information such as the continuous ratio and the winning ratio after installation in the amusement park. Further, the display monitor 176F007 can display the setting status of the set value such as the set setting value and the changed setting value in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. Of course, the main board 11 may be provided with a dedicated display monitor for displaying the setting status of the set value such as the set set value or the changed set value.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment is configured such that the winning probability (ball output rate) of a big hit and a small hit changes according to a set value. Specifically, in the special symbol normal processing (S110) of the special symbol process processing (S25), by using the display result judgment table (winning probability) according to the set value, the winning probability of the big hit and the small hit (ball output rate) Is changing. For example, the set value is composed of 6 stages of 1 to 6, with 1 having the highest payout rate, and the larger the value in the order of 1 to 6, the lower the payout rate. That is, when 1 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and the larger the value is in the order of 2 to 6, the lower the advantage is.

In the 176F of the present embodiment, it is said that the winning probability of the big hit and the small hit (ball output rate) changes according to the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, but the winning probability of the big hit and the small hit (ball output rate) In addition to the rate), the probability of probability change, the number of time reductions, the number of balls to be played, and the like may be changed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may change the game playability according to the set value to be set.

For example, when the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 1, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/320, and the probability variation state loops at a rate of 65% (so-called probability variation loop type). When the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 2, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/200, and the gaming ball passes through a predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 during the jackpot game. Based on this, the gaming state after the end of the big hit game is controlled to the probabilistic state, while the rate at which the game ball passes through the predetermined switch during the big hit game is different according to the fluctuation special figure (so-called V probabilistic type). .. When the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 3, the jackpot probability is 1/320 and the small hit probability is 1/50, and the gaming ball is placed in the special variable winning ball device 7 during high base (during time reduction control). It is a game property (so-called 1 type 2 type mixed type) that controls a big hit gaming state based on passing through a predetermined switch provided.

Next, the operation of the setting key switch 176F005 and the clear / setting switch 176F006 will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the setting key switch 176F005 and the clear / setting switch 176F006 and their states. First, if a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 176F005 and the setting key is operated to turn it from OFF to ON, and the clear / setting switch 176F006 is turned ON when the power is turned on, the setting is changed. Become. If a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 176F005 and the setting key is operated to turn it from OFF to ON, and the clear / setting switch 176F006 is turned OFF when the power is turned on, the setting confirmation state is set. The clear / setting switch 176F006 has a keyhole, and the ON / OFF operation cannot be performed unless a predetermined setting key is inserted into the keyhole.

Here, the setting change state is a state in which the set value is changed by pressing the clear / setting switch 176F006, and the setting confirmation state is a state in which the clear / setting switch 176F006 is pressed only by confirming the set value. However, the set value cannot be changed. On the other hand, if the setting key switch 176F005 is turned off and the clear / setting switch 176F006 is turned on when the power is turned on, the memory of the RAM 102 is cleared (RAM clear). If the setting key switch 176F005 is turned off and the clear / setting switch 176F006 is turned off when the power is turned on, the power is restored.

Next, the game control main process in the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a game control main process executed by the CPU 103 with respect to the feature unit 176F. The same processing as the flowchart of the game control main processing shown in FIG. 3 is designated by the same reference numeral. In the game control main process, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt prohibition (S1). Then, the necessary initial settings are made (S2). The initial settings include stack pointer settings, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output ports, etc.), settings for making the RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, it is determined whether or not the clear / setting switch 176F006 is ON (S3). When the power is turned on with the clear / setting switch 176F006 turned on, an output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. When the clear / setting switch 176F006 is ON (S3; Yes), the process proceeds to 176FS011.

When the clear / setting switch 176F006 is OFF (S3; No), it is further determined whether or not the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (S4). When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power failure or the like (power interruption), the CPU 103 executes the power supply stop processing immediately before the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes inoperable due to the stop of the power supply. In this power supply stop processing, a processing of turning on a backup flag indicating that data is backed up to the RAM 102, a data protection processing of the RAM 102, and the like are executed. The data protection process includes addition of an error detection code (checksum, parity bit, etc.) and a process of backing up various data. The data to be backed up includes various data for advancing the game (including various flags, various timer states, etc.), as well as the state of the backup flag and the error detection code. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is ON. When the backup flag is OFF and the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (S4; No), the process proceeds to 176FS011.

When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (S4; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the data of the backed up data (used by using an error detection code) and determines whether or not the data is normal (S5). .. In S5, for example, the parity bit and the checksum are used to determine whether or not the data in the RAM 102 matches the data when the power supply is stopped. When it is determined that these match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal. If it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (S5; No), the process proceeds to 176FS011.

When it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal (S5; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS006). When the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS006; Yes), the setting value confirmation process for displaying the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed on the display monitor 176F007, and the clerk of the game hall or the like executes the setting value confirmation process. By visually recognizing the display monitor 176F007, the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed (setting confirmation state) (176FS007).

When the setting key switch 176F005 is OFF (176FS006; No), the CPU 103 sets a timer for waiting for the start of the effect control board based on the elapsed time from the initial setting (S2) (176FS008). When the setting key switch 176F005 is OFF (176FS006; No), the display monitor 176F007 starts displaying information related to the game such as the base value. In the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment, since it is possible to enter the setting confirmation state after the CPU 103 starts up, a period of waiting until the effect control board 12 starts in consideration of the time elapsed in the setting confirmation state ( (Specific period) has been changed. Then, the value of the effect control board start wait timer is set to -1 (176FS009), and it is determined whether or not the effect control board start wait timer has timed out (176FS010). If the effect control board activation start wait timer is not timered out (176FS010; No), 176FS009 is executed again and the effect control board 12 waits for a period until it is activated.

Further, when the effect control board activation start waiting timer is out of the timer (176FS010; Yes), the CPU 103 performs a recovery process for returning the internal state of the main board 11 to the state when the power supply is stopped (S6). In the recovery process (S6), the CPU 103 sets the work area based on the stored contents (contents of the backed up data) of the RAM 102. As a result, the game state is restored when the power supply is stopped, and if the special symbol is changing, the change of the special symbol is restarted from the state before the restoration by executing the game control timer interrupt process described later. Will be.

Then, the CPU 103 transmits a control command at the time of restoration to the effect control board 12 on the assumption that the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been restored in the state before the power failure (S7). The CPU 103 proceeds to S10 after transmitting the control command at the time of restoration.

When the clear / setting switch 176F006 is ON (S3; Yes), when the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (S4; No), when it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (S5; No), 176FS011 Proceed to. The CPU 103 executes a RAM clearing process for clearing the contents of the RAM 102 (176FS011). After executing the RAM clear process, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS012).

When the setting key switch 176F005 is OFF (176FS012; No), the CPU 103 sets the effect control board activation start waiting timer based on the elapsed time from the initial setting (S2) (176FS013). When the setting key switch 176F005 is OFF (176FS012; No), the display monitor 176F007 starts displaying information related to the game such as the base value. Then, the value of the effect control board start-up wait timer is set to -1 (176FS014), and it is determined whether or not the effect control board start-up wait timer has timed out (176FS015). If the effect control board start wait timer is not out of the timer (176FS015; No), the effect control board 12 is waited for a period of time until the effect control board 12 is activated by executing 176FS014 again. After starting the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 transmits a control command instructing initialization to the effect control board 12 (S9). The CPU 103 transmits a control command instructing initialization to the effect control board 12, and then proceeds to S10.

When the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS012; Yes), the CPU 103 executes a setting change process for changing the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (176F016). The CPU 103 is in a state in which the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be changed (setting change state) by operating the clear / setting switch 176F006 by the clerk of the game hall or the like by executing the setting change process. To do.

After executing the setting change process (176F016), the CPU 103 sets a timer for waiting for the start of the effect control board based on the elapsed time from the initial setting (S2) (176FS017). In the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment, since it is possible to change the setting after the CPU 103 starts up, a period of waiting until the effect control board 12 starts in consideration of the time elapsed in the setting change state ( (Specific period) has been changed. Then, the value of the effect control board start-up wait timer is set to -1 (176FS018), and it is determined whether or not the effect control board start-up wait timer has timed out (176FS018). If the effect control board activation start wait timer is not timer-out (176FS019; No), the effect control board 12 is waited for a period of time until the effect control board 12 is activated by executing 176FS018 again. After starting the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 transmits a control command corresponding to the set value stored in the address F000 of the RAM 102 to the effect control board 12 (176FS019a). After transmitting the control command to the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 proceeds to S10.

After transmitting the control command at the time of restoration (S7), the control command instructing the initialization is transmitted to the effect control board 12 (S9), the control command is transmitted to the effect control board 12 (176019a), and then the process proceeds to S10. The CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (S10). Then, the CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (S11), and interrupts are permitted (S12). After that, the loop processing is started. After that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a set value confirmation process executed by the CPU 103 regarding the feature unit 176F. In the set value confirmation process, the CPU 103 first displays the set value stored in the address F000 (see FIG. 25B) in the RAM 102 on the display monitor 176F007 (176FS020). Then, the CPU 103 outputs a security signal from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information ON) while performing setting confirmation notification by a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. Informs that it is in the "setting confirmation state" (176FS021). The setting confirmation notification and the output of the security signal may be continued until the setting confirmation state is completed, or may be configured only once.

Next, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS022). When the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS022; Y), the CPU 103 maintains the setting confirmation state by repeatedly executing 176FS022, and waits until the setting key switch 176F005 is turned OFF.

When the setting key switch 176F005 is OFF (176FS022; N), the CPU 103 ends the display of the set value on the display monitor 176F007 (176FS023) and ends the setting confirmation state.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the RAM clearing process executed by the CPU 103 with respect to the feature unit 176F. FIG. 25A is a flowchart showing the RAM clearing process executed by the CPU 103. In the RAM clearing process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the data stored in the RAM 102 is normal (176FS030). When the data stored in the RAM 102 is normal (176FS030; N), it is further determined whether or not the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (176FS031). When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (176FS031; Y), the CPU 103 specifies the second address from the beginning in the RAM 102 and proceeds to 176FS034 (176FS032).

On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in the RAM 102 (176FS030; Y) or when the backup data is not saved in the RAM 102 (176FS031; N), an initial value (for example, "1") is set at the first address in the RAM 102. Proceed to 176FS032 (176FS033).

In 176FS034, the CPU 103 sets (stores) "00H" at the specified address. Then, it is determined whether or not the designated address is the last address of the RAM 102 (FXXX described later) (176FS035). If the specified address is not the last address of the RAM 102 (176FS035; N), specify the next address in the RAM 102 and proceed to 176FS034 (176FS036), and if the specified address is the last address of the RAM 102 (176FS035). Y) ends the RAM clearing process.

As shown in FIG. 25B, addresses (F000 to FXXX) are assigned to the RAM 102 in the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment for each storage area. Of these storage areas, the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stored in the head address (F000) of the RAM 102, and the second address (F001) from the head of the RAM 102 is described later. Temporary setting value is stored. Furthermore, at other addresses (F002, F003, etc.), in addition to clear switch backup information that can identify whether or not the clear switch was ON when the pachinko gaming machine 1 was started, special figure hold memory and normal figure hold Game information including storage, various counter values, various timers, various flags, and error information generated in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stored.

That is, the RAM clear processing in the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment is an address (F001 to FXXX) excluding the address (F000) in which the set value is stored when there is no abnormality in the RAM 102 and there is backup data. ) Clears data other than the set value by storing "00H", but if there is an abnormality in the RAM 102 or there is no backup data, the initial value is stored in the address (F000) where the set value is stored. This is a process of clearing the remaining data while setting the set value to the initial value by setting (for example, "1") and storing "00H" in the remaining addresses (F001 to FXXX) in the RAM 102.

In the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment, the set value is stored in the head address F000 of the RAM 102, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the set value is stored in the last address of the RAM 102. May be good. When the set value is stored in the last address of the RAM 102 in this way, the address immediately before the last address of the RAM 102 is used as the address for clearing the data when the RAM clear process shown in FIG. 25 (A) is executed. Is specified, and "00H" may be stored sequentially from the address F000 to the address immediately before the address.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started in the setting changed state, the mode of clearing the data excluding the set value of the RAM 102 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, when the pachinko game machine 1 is started in the setting change state, only the game information stored in the predetermined address of the RAM 102 (address F003 in the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment) may be cleared. ..

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a setting change process executed by the CPU 103 regarding the feature unit 176F. In the setting change process, the CPU 103 first outputs a security signal from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like while notifying the setting change by a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. External information is turned on) to notify that it is in the "setting change state" (176FS040). The setting change notification and the output of the security signal may be configured to continue until the setting change state is completed, or may be configured only once. Then, the set value stored in the address F000 (see FIG. 25B) in the RAM 102 is specified (176FS041), and the specified set value is displayed on the display monitor 176F007 (176FS042).

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the clear / setting switch 176F006 is operated (176FS043). When there is an operation of the clear / setting switch 176F006 (176FS043; Y), the security signal is holed from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 while notifying with the speaker, LED, cover device, etc. that can be controlled by the main board 11. It is output to a speaker or the like (external information is ON) to notify that a setting change operation has been performed (176FS044). The setting change notification and the output of the security signal for notifying that the setting change operation has been performed may be configured to continue until the setting change state is completed or may be configured only once.

When the clear / setting switch 176F006 is operated, the contents of the address F001 in the RAM 102 are updated (176FS045). Specifically, when the setting value displayed on the display monitor 176F007 is "1", "2", which is one step more disadvantageous to the player than the "1", is set as a temporary setting value. If the set value stored in the address F001 of the RAM 102 and displayed on the display monitor 176F007 is "2", the set value "3", which is one step more disadvantageous to the player than the "2", is provisionally set. It is stored in the address F001 of the RAM 102 as a set value. When the set value displayed on the display monitor 176F007 is "3", "1" may be stored in the address F001 of the RAM 102 as a temporary set value.

Then, the CPU 103 displays the set value (temporary set value) stored in the address F001 in the RAM 102 on the display monitor 176F007 (176FS046), and determines whether or not the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS047). If there is no operation of the setting changeover switch in 176FS043 (176FS043; N), the processing of 176FS047 is executed without executing the processing of 176FS044 to 176FS046.

When the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS047; Y), the CPU 103 repeatedly executes the processes of 176FS043 to 176FS046 to store a new temporary setting value in the address F001 of the RAM 102, or stores it in the address F001. The process of displaying the set value on the display monitor 176F007 is executed.

When the setting key switch 176F005 is OFF in 176FS047 (176FS047; N), the CPU 103 stores the set value stored in the address F001 in the RAM 102 in the address F000. That is, the CPU 103 stores the set value stored in the address F001 (temporary set value displayed in the display monitor 176F007) in the address F000, so that the set value stored in the address F001 is set as the present set value. (Change the set value of the pachinko game machine 1) (176FS048).

In the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment, a new setting value is set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by turning off the setting key switch 176F005 (temporary setting stored in the address F001 in the RAM 102). The form in which the value is stored in the address F000) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the winning of a game ball into the starting winning opening, the operation of the clear switch, and the pressing of the setting key switch 176F005 are illustrated. By turning off the setting key switch 176F005 after executing an operation such as an operation, a new set value may be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

Further, in the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started in the setting changed state, the RAM clearing process is executed before the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed. Although illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the RAM clear process is executed again after the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed (other than the set value stored in the address F000 of the RAM 102). (Clear the data of). By doing so, it is possible to prevent problems such as the game being started while the invalid data is stored in the RAM.

Next, the game control timer interrupt processing in the feature unit 176F of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a game control timer interrupt process for the feature unit 176F. As shown in FIG. 27, the CPU 103 first executes the power failure detection process (176F050) in the game control timer interrupt process, and then executes the switch process (S21) to the command control process (S27). FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a power failure detection process for the feature unit 176F. As shown in FIG. 28, in the power supply cutoff detection process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not there is an input of a power supply cutoff signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board (not shown) has dropped to a predetermined value or less. (176FS060). If there is no power off signal input (176FS060; N), the process ends, and if there is a power off signal input (176FS060; Y), the backup data including the set value stored in the RAM 102 is specified. (176FS061), the specified backup data is stored in the backup data storage area provided in the RAM 102 (176FS062). Then, after creating check data (176FS063) to be used when recovering the backup data and storing it in the backup data storage area, the process shifts to a loop process in which no process is executed until the pachinko gaming machine 1 is disconnected.

Further, the operation in the setting change state will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the feature unit 176F in the setting change state. First, when the power is off, the display monitor 176F007, which is the setting display LED, is off. Next, a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 176F005, and the setting key is operated to turn the setting key from OFF to ON. Even when the setting key switch 176F005 is turned on, the display monitor 176F007, which is the setting display LED, is off.

Next, the process shifts to the "setting change state" by turning on the power (power ON) while the clear / setting switch 176F006 is in the ON state. In order to notify that the main board 11 has shifted to the "setting change state", the setting change notification is performed by a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. The setting change notification on the main board 11 is performed without waiting for the rise of the effect control board 12, which will be described later. Further, the main board 11 outputs a security signal from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information is turned on) in order to notify the outside that the state has changed to the “setting change state”. Inform that it is a "state". When the state shifts to the "setting change state", the memory of the RAM 102 is also cleared (RAM is cleared), and the set value is displayed on the display monitor 176F007. It should be noted that the "setting change state" is the state before the start of the game, and for example, the lottery process based on the winning of the game ball in the start opening and the process related to the game such as the payout of the prize ball are not executed.

Next, the set value is changed each time the clear / setting switch 176F006 is pressed during the "setting change state". In order to notify that the set value has been changed, the main board 11 notifies the setting change by a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. The setting change notification due to the change of the set value on the main board 11 is also performed without waiting for the rise of the effect control board 12, which will be described later. Further, in order to notify the outside that the set value has been changed, the main board 11 outputs a security signal from the external terminal plate of the pachinko game machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information ON) to change the set value. Let me know that. The display monitor 176F007 displays the set value changed according to the pressing of the clear / setting switch 176F006. While the set value is changed, it is in the state before the start of the game in the "setting change state". Therefore, for example, a lottery process based on the winning of the game ball in the starting port, a game such as payout of the prize ball. No processing is performed.

Next, the setting key inserted in the setting key switch 176F005 is operated to turn it from ON to OFF (setting key OFF). By turning off the setting key switch 176F005, the main board 11 starts the game by pressing the clear / setting switch 176F006 and adopting the changed setting value. In order to notify that the RAM has been cleared during the "setting change state", the main board 11 performs a RAM clear notification with a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. After the effect control board 12 starts up, the main board 11 may perform RAM clear notification by a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the effect control board 12. Information about the game such as the base value is displayed on the display monitor 176F007. The main board 11 starts the game by turning off the setting key switch 176F005, and the game is in progress.

Further, the operation in the setting confirmation state will be described. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the feature unit 176F in the setting confirmation state. First, when the power is off, the display monitor 176F007, which is the setting display LED, is off. Next, a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 176F005, and the setting key is operated to turn the setting key from OFF to ON. Even when the setting key switch 176F005 is turned on, the display monitor 176F007, which is the setting display LED, is off.

Next, the process shifts to the "setting confirmation state" by turning on the power (power on) while the clear / setting switch 176F006 is in the OFF state. In order to notify that the main board 11 has entered the "setting confirmation state", the setting confirmation notification is performed by a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. The setting confirmation notification on the main board 11 is performed without waiting for the rise of the effect control board 12. Further, the main board 11 outputs a security signal from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information ON) in order to notify the outside that the state has shifted to the “setting confirmation state”, and “confirms the setting”. Inform that it is a "state". When the state shifts to the "setting confirmation state", the set value is displayed on the display monitor 176F007. It should be noted that the "setting confirmation state" is the state before the start of the game, and for example, the lottery process based on the winning of the game ball in the start opening, the process related to the game such as the payout of the prize ball is not executed.

Next, the setting key inserted in the setting key switch 176F005 is operated to turn it from ON to OFF (setting key OFF). By turning off the setting key switch 176F005, the main board 11 starts the game with the set value displayed on the display monitor 176F007 during the "setting confirmation state". Information about the game such as the base value is displayed on the display monitor 176F007. The main board 11 starts the game by turning off the setting key switch 176F005, and the game is in progress.

The operation of the setting key switch 176F005 is valid when the power is off and invalid when the power is on. Specifically, even if the setting key inserted in the setting key switch 176F005 is operated from OFF to ON while the power is ON, the process does not shift to the "setting change state" or the "setting confirmation state". .. As a result, it is possible to prevent the process from shifting to the "setting change state" or the "setting confirmation state" during the game and increasing the load on the game control microcomputer 100.

As shown in FIG. 21, each CPU is provided on the main board 11 and the effect control board 12, and the start-up process (sequence) is performed in each CPU from the power-on to the start of the game. ) Is executed. However, due to the difference in the processing capacity of each CPU and the difference in the content to be processed, the start-up of the effect control CPU 120 of the effect control board 12 is slower than that of the CPU 103 of the main board 11. Therefore, the main board 11 transmits a control command before the effect control board 12 starts up to prevent the effect control board 12 from receiving the control command or receiving the control command in the buffer but not being able to analyze the effect. Waiting for the rise of the control board 12, a control command is transmitted to the effect control board 12.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the rise timing of the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In the start-up sequence of the main board 11, after the CPU 103 starts up, a wait process (for example, a process of 176FS008 to 176FS010 shown in FIG. 23) is performed. The weight processing includes weight processing by hardware (weight by hardware) and weight processing by software (weight by software). On the other hand, in the rise sequence of the effect control board 12, the timer interrupt is started and the control transmitted from the main board 11 occurs after the effect control CPU 120 starts up, the initialization process of the effect control board 12 is executed, and a specific period elapses. The command can be received. Therefore, in order to wait for the elapse of a specific period, the main board 11 performs a wait process by hardware (for example, hardware by a WAIT signal) and a wait process by software (for example, loop process by a program). That is, the main board 11 transmits the control command to the effect control board 12 after waiting for the initialization process of the effect control board 12 to be completed and the timer interrupt to be started. After transmitting the control command, the main board 11 starts the timer interrupt.

As described above, since the processing of setting change and setting confirmation is executed on the main board 11, it can be executed after the CPU 103 starts up. Therefore, when the main board 11 executes the setting change or setting confirmation process to perform the setting change notification or the setting confirmation notification, the effect control board 12 does not have a specific period and waits for the specific period to elapse. It is necessary to notify the setting change and the setting confirmation. However, in the main board 11 according to the present embodiment, setting change notification and setting confirmation notification can be performed by a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11 without waiting for the lapse of the specific period. ..

Specifically, the process in the setting change state will be described using a sequence of the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the process in the setting change state. First, on the main board 11 side, a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 176F005, and the setting key is operated to turn the setting key from OFF to ON. Further, on the main board 11 side, the power is turned on (power ON) while the clear / setting switch 176F006 is in the ON state. On the main board 11 side, the CPU 103 starts up and shifts the process to the setting change state. On the other hand, on the effect control board 12 side, the effect control CPU 120 starts up and starts the initialization process.

On the main board 11 side, when the process shifts to the setting change state, the setting change notification and the external information output are performed. Further, on the main board 11 side, the clear / setting switch 176F006 is pressed during the setting change state, and each time the setting change operation is performed, the setting change notification and the external information output are performed. After that, on the main board 11 side, in order to end the setting change state, the setting key inserted in the setting key switch 176F005 is operated to turn it from ON to OFF (setting key OFF). When the setting key is turned off and the processing is shifted to the game-enabled state, the main board 11 starts weight processing (weight processing by hardware or weight processing by software) for waiting for a specific period to elapse.

On the other hand, on the effect control board 12 side, the initialization process is completed, the timer interrupt is started, and the control command transmitted from the main board 11 can be received. When the specific period elapses, the main board 11 ends the wait process and transmits a power supply command to the effect control board 12. The main board 11 starts a timer interrupt after transmitting a power command to the effect control board 12.

The specific period is the period from when the power is turned on until the effect control board 12 can receive the control command or analyze the control command received in the buffer. For example, the initialization process executed by the effect control board 12 or the like. It is a predetermined time from the processing of. Therefore, if a specific period elapses when the setting key is turned off, the main board 11 may send a power command to the effect control board 12 without starting the wait process. That is, the main board 11 determines whether or not the period controlled in the setting change state is equal to or longer than the specific period, and when it is determined that the period controlled in the setting change state is longer than the specific period. Starts transmitting a power supply command to the effect control board 12 without waiting for the elapse of a specific period.

The main board 11 measures the time after the power is turned on with a timer or the like, and determines whether or not the period controlled in the setting change state by the time when the setting key is turned off is equal to or longer than the specific period. Can be determined. Further, the main board 11 may be configured to change the wait processing period based on the time from when the power is turned on to when the setting key is turned off. That is, the main board 11 cannot receive the control command on the effect control board 12 or cannot analyze the buffer even though it has received the control command by changing the wait processing period according to the processing period due to the setting change. It is possible to shorten the period compared to the wait processing while preventing the above.

In the sequence shown in FIG. 32, the control in the setting change state has been described, but the control in the setting confirmation state can also be applied in the same manner. That is, when the setting key is turned off and the processing is shifted from the setting confirmation state to the game-enabled state, the main board 11 starts the wait processing for waiting for the lapse of a specific period.

(Means of feature unit 176F)
(1) As described above, in the present embodiment, the gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) whose game-related settings can be changed.
A game control means (for example, main board 11) that controls the progress of the game,
An effect control means (for example, an effect control board 12) that controls an effect according to a predetermined command (for example, a control command) transmitted from the game control means.
It is provided with a determination means for determining whether or not the setting is controlled to a changeable setting state (for example, the main board 11 determines whether or not the setting is controlled to the setting change state based on the condition shown in FIG. 22). ,
The effect control means is the game after a specific period (for example, a period until the effect control board 12 can receive a control command or can analyze a control command received in a buffer) has elapsed from the power-on. Predetermined commands sent from the control means can be analyzed,
The game control means starts transmitting a predetermined command to the effect control means (for example, transmitting a control command S7, S9, 176FS019a) after the lapse of the specific period.
The determination means determines whether or not the setting change state is controlled before the lapse of the specific period (for example, the setting change process (176FS016)).
The game control means controls the notification regarding the setting change without waiting for the elapse of the specific period based on the determination that the determination means can change the setting (for example, the speaker that can be controlled by the main board 11). , LED, cover device, etc. are used to notify the setting change (176FS040)).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to shift to the setting change state without waiting for the elapse of a specific period, and there is no trouble when changing the setting.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above
The determination means determines that the game has been controlled from the setting change state to the playable state by a predetermined operation (for example, determines whether or not the setting key switch 176F005 is ON (176FS047)).
After it is determined by the determination means that the game control means has been controlled to the game-enabled state, the game control means waits for the elapse of the specific period and starts transmitting a predetermined command (for example, producing a control command according to a set value). Transmitted to control board 12 (176FS019a)).

According to such a configuration, since the predetermined command can be transmitted after the effect control means is activated, it is possible to prevent the predetermined command from being unable to be received or being received in the buffer but being unable to be analyzed.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above
The determination means determines that the setting change state is controlled by performing a specific operation (for example, the setting key switch 176F005 is ON) and turning on the power before the power is turned on (for example, the setting key switch 176F005). Is ON (176FS012; Yes), the setting change process is executed).

According to such a configuration, if the setting is not changed, the power is only turned on, so that the setting can be performed quickly.

(4) In the gaming machine of (1) above
The determination means determines whether or not the period controlled in the setting change state is equal to or longer than the specific period.
When it is determined that the period controlled by the determination means to the setting change state is equal to or longer than the specific period, the game control means starts transmitting a predetermined command without waiting for the elapse of the specific period ( For example, the effect control board start-up wait timer is set based on the elapsed time from the initial setting (S2) (176FS008)).

According to such a configuration, the period of waiting until the effect control means starts up (specific period) can be changed in consideration of the time elapsed in the setting confirmation state, so that unnecessary processing can be omitted.

(5) In the gaming machines (1) to (4) above,
The game control means outputs a signal (for example, a security signal) to the outside in the setting change state (for example, outputs a security signal from the external terminal plate of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (176FS040)).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to grasp that the clerk or the like is changing the setting without confirming it near the gaming machine, and it is possible to prevent fraud.

(6) In the gaming machines (1) to (6) above,
The game control means does not execute a predetermined process (for example, a process related to the game) while the setting change state continues. In particular, the predetermined process is a lottery process based on the game medium winning a prize at the start opening.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game from being played in a state where the set value is undecided and the prize balls being paid out by the lottery process or the like.

(Modification example of feature part 176F)
(1) It has been explained that the setting key switch 176F005 is provided with a keyhole, and an ON / OFF operation is performed by inserting a predetermined setting key that matches the keyhole. However, the setting key is not limited to the key, and may be similar to the key. Further, the setting key may be a common one that can be used by the same model or the same manufacturer.

(2) The clear / setting switch 176F006 functions as a clear switch for clearing the RAM 102 in the normal state, and is set for changing the set value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the internal lottery in the setting change state. I explained that it functions as a switch. However, the clear switch for clearing the RAM 102 and the setting switch for changing the set value may be separately provided on the main board 11. Further, the setting switch may be shared with the error release switch and the game start switch.

(3) Although it has been explained that the display monitor 176F007 displays the setting information and the like in the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, the setting display LED for displaying the setting information may be separately provided on the main board 11.

(Explanation of feature section 178F)
Patent Document A (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2017-60546) discloses a pachinko gaming machine capable of changing set values such as a jackpot winning probability (ball output rate). Further, Patent Document B (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-233645) discloses a gaming machine in which a portion of a setting key for changing a set value is covered with a cover.

However, in a gaming machine as described in Patent Document B, when the gaming machine frame is not opened, the cover (opening / closing portion) covering the setting key portion (changing operation means) is opened, and there is a high possibility of fraud. No measures were taken when the situation was reached.

The feature portion 178F is made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and an object of the feature portion 178F is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing fraud regarding the opening and closing of the opening / closing portion covering the changing operation means.

The feature portion 178F of the present embodiment will be described below. The front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in the feature section 178F of the present embodiment is omitted because it is the same as the feature section 31AK described above. FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 with respect to the feature portion 178F. FIG. 34 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 1 with respect to the feature unit 178F. The pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is roughly divided into an outer frame 178F001 formed in a vertically long square frame shape, a game board (gauge board) 2 constituting a game board surface, and a game machine that supports and fixes the game board 2. It is composed of a frame (underframe) 3. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is launched from a predetermined ball launching device and is driven into the game area. Further, in the game machine frame 3, a glass door frame 178F003 having a glass window is located between a door opening position that opens the front surface of the game machine frame 3 centering on the left side and a door closing position that closes the front surface. It is rotatably provided, and the game area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 178F003, and when the glass door frame 178F003 is closed, the game area can be seen through the glass window.

As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the main board 11 in the feature portion 178F of the present embodiment is the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a state of being housed in a board case 178F004 to which fraud prevention measures such as caulking are applied. It is installed in. Further, on the main board 11, a setting key switch for switching to a setting change state in which the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be changed or a setting confirmation state in which the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed. It functions as a clear switch for clearing the flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102 in the normal state with 178F005, and changes the set values such as the jackpot winning probability (ball payout rate) described later in the setting change state. A clear / setting switch 178F006 that functions as a setting switch for the purpose is provided. Although the main board 11 has been described as providing a clear / setting switch 178F006 that also serves as a clear switch and a setting switch, a dedicated setting switch for changing a set value may be provided separately from the clear switch.

The setting switching main body unit provided with the operation unit that can be operated by the player such as the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 is housed in the board case 178F004 together with the main board 11, and the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear. The / setting switch 178F006 is exposed to the back side through an opening formed in the back left portion of the board case 178F004 so that it can be operated without opening the board case 178F004.

However, at the right end of the outer frame 178F001, when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the opening / closing portion 178F010 (security cover) that covers the right end of the board case 178F004 including the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 from the back side. ) Is attached. The opening / closing portion 178F010 is a substantially L-shaped member including a short piece 178F009 facing in the front-rear direction and a long piece 178F008 extending from the rear end of the short piece 178F009 toward the left side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is composed of a plate-shaped synthetic resin material having transparency. The vertical dimension of the short piece 178F009 is substantially the same as the vertical dimension of the back plate of the substrate case 178F004. Further, the opening / closing portion 178F010 is fixed to the right end portion of the outer frame 178F001 via the front end portion of the short piece 178F009. As will be described later, the opening / closing portion 178F010 is connected to a pivot axis whose left end is provided on the back side of the substrate case 178F004 and faces in the vertical direction, and is pivotally supported around the pivot axis. ..

As shown in FIG. 33, the long piece 178F008 is set by abutting (or approaching) the right portion of the board case 178F004 from the rear of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a state where the gaming machine frame 3 is closed. The right side of the board case 178F004 including the key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 is covered from the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Therefore, the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 are inoperable by the long piece 178F008. On the other hand, in the state where the gaming machine frame 3 is open, the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 move together with the gaming machine frame 3 and are separated from the long piece 178F008 to be covered with the long piece 178F008. When the state is released, it becomes an operable state.

That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the opening / closing unit 178F010 regulates the operation of the operation unit including the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006. While the restricted state is maintained, the restricted state by the opening / closing unit 178F010 described above is released in the state where the gaming machine frame 3 is open, and the operation of the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 is permitted. It becomes an acceptable state.

The opening of the gaming machine frame 3 (opening of the front door) is detected by the main board 11 based on the signal from the opening detection sensor 178F011 provided on the gaming machine frame 3. Further, the opening of the opening / closing section 178F010 is detected by the main board 11 based on the signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 178F012 provided in the opening / closing section 178F010.

The gaming machine frame 3 can be opened by an operation using a predetermined door key. Further, since the setting key switch 178F005 requires the operation of the setting key owned by the clerk of the amusement park or the like, only the clerk who possesses the setting key can operate the setting key switch 178F005. Further, the setting key switch 178F005 is also a switch capable of executing an ON / OFF switching operation described later and an operation different from the switching operation (for example, a pushing operation) by the setting key. In the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment, the mode in which the door key and the setting key are separate keys is illustrated, but these may be shared by one key.

Since the main board 11 cannot be visually recognized when the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened, the front surface when the main board 11 is visually recognized is the back surface side of the gaming board 2 when the gaming machine frame 3 is opened. This is the front when visually recognizing, and is different from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1. However, the front surface when the main board 11 is visually recognized and the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be common.

The control signal transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. A control command is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15, but after the power is turned on, the processing capacity of each CPU is different and the processing content is different. The rise of the effect control CPU 120 of the effect control board 12 is slower than that of the CPU 103. Therefore, even if the main board 11 transmits a control command before the effect control board 12 starts up, the effect control board 12 misses the control command. Therefore, the effect control board 12 waits for the effect control board 12 to start up and then sends the control command to the effect control board 12. Is sending a control command.

The control command is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. The effect control commands include, for example, a display control command used to control an image display operation in the image display device 5, a voice control command used to control audio output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and a game effect lamp 9. And LED control commands used to control the lighting operation of decorative LEDs and the like are included. Further, the control commands include commands such as a power failure recovery command (S7 shown in FIG. 36) transmitted at the time of power failure recovery and an initialization specification command (S9 shown in FIG. 36) transmitted after the RAM clear processing. It has been.

Further, a display monitor 178F007 (for example, 7 segments) is arranged in the substrate case 178F004. The display monitor 178F007 is connected to the main board 11 and is arranged at the upper left portion of the board case 178F004.

The main board 11 (microcomputer 100 for game control) has each winning opening (1st big winning opening, 2nd big winning opening, 2nd starting winning opening, 1st starting winning opening, 1st to 4th general winning opening, Hereinafter, the number of game balls entering the "entry area") is totaled, and various winning information such as the continuous ratio and the winning ratio based on the total is displayed on the display monitor 178F007. By displaying these winning information on the display monitor 178F007, it is possible to confirm various winning information such as the continuous ratio and the winning ratio after installation in the amusement park. Further, the display monitor 178F007 can display the setting status of the set value such as the set setting value and the changed setting value in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. Of course, the main board 11 may be provided with a dedicated display monitor for displaying the setting status of the set value such as the set set value or the changed set value.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment is configured such that the winning probability (ball output rate) of a big hit and a small hit changes according to a set value. Specifically, in the special symbol normal processing (S110) of the special symbol process processing (S25), by using the display result judgment table (winning probability) according to the set value, the winning probability of the big hit and the small hit (ball output rate) Is changing. For example, the set value is composed of 6 stages of 1 to 6, with 1 having the highest payout rate, and the larger the value in the order of 1 to 6, the lower the payout rate. That is, when 1 is set as the set value, the advantage is highest for the player, and the larger the value is in the order of 2 to 6, the lower the advantage is.

In the 178F of the present embodiment, the winning probability of the big hit and the small hit (ball output rate) changes according to the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1, but the winning probability of the big hit and the small hit (ball output rate) In addition to the rate), the probability of probability change, the number of time reductions, the number of balls to be played, and the like may be changed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may change the game playability according to the set value to be set.

For example, when the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 1, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/320, and the probability variation state loops at a rate of 65% (so-called probability variation loop type). When the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 2, the jackpot probability in the normal state is 1/200, and the gaming ball passes through a predetermined switch provided in the special variable winning ball device 7 during the jackpot game. Based on this, the gaming state after the end of the big hit game is controlled to the probabilistic state, while the rate at which the game ball passes through the predetermined switch during the big hit game is different according to the fluctuation special figure (so-called V probabilistic type). .. When the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is 3, the jackpot probability is 1/320 and the small hit probability is 1/50, and the gaming ball is placed in the special variable winning ball device 7 during high base (during time reduction control). It is a game property (so-called 1 type 2 type mixed type) that controls a big hit gaming state based on passing through a predetermined switch provided.

Next, the operation of the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 will be described. FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 and their states. First, if a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 178F005 and the setting key is operated to turn it from OFF to ON, and the clear / setting switch 178F006 is turned ON when the power is turned on, the setting is changed. Become. If a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 178F005 and the setting key is operated to turn it from OFF to ON, and the clear / setting switch 178F006 is turned OFF when the power is turned on, the setting confirmation state is set. The clear / setting switch 178F006 has a keyhole, and the ON / OFF operation cannot be performed unless a predetermined setting key is inserted into the keyhole.

Here, the setting change state is a state in which the set value is changed by pressing the clear / setting switch 178F006, and the setting confirmation state is a state in which the clear / setting switch 178F006 is pressed only by confirming the set value. However, the set value cannot be changed. On the other hand, if the setting key switch 178F005 is turned off and the clear / setting switch 178F006 is turned on when the power is turned on, the memory of the RAM 102 is cleared (RAM clear). If the setting key switch 178F005 is turned off and the clear / setting switch 178F006 is turned off when the power is turned on, the power is restored.

Next, the game control main process in the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a game control main process executed by the CPU 103 with respect to the feature unit 178F. The same processing as the flowchart of the game control main processing shown in FIG. 3 is designated by the same reference numeral. In the game control main process, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt prohibition (S1). Then, the necessary initial settings are made (S2). The initial settings include stack pointer settings, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output ports, etc.), settings for making the RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is in the open state (178FS003). The CPU 103 determines the opening / closing of the opening / closing unit 178F010 based on the signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 178F012 provided in the opening / closing unit 178F010. When the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open (open state) (178FS003; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the gaming machine frame 3 is open (178FS004). The CPU 103 determines the opening of the gaming machine frame 3 based on the signal from the opening detection sensor 178F011 provided in the gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened (178FS004; No), the CPU 103 notifies the main board 11 of an error and notifies the player that the opening / closing portion 178F010 is opened without opening the gaming machine frame 3 as an error. , Set the error flag (178FS005). The error notification performed by the main board 11 is a notification performed by the main board 11 itself using a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. On the other hand, when error notification is performed using a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the effect control board 12, a control command including a set error flag is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12. Notification on the control board 12 is possible. It should be noted that the CPU 103 does not execute processing related to the game (for example, a lottery process based on the winning of the game ball at the start opening, a process of paying out the prize ball based on the winning, etc.) while performing the error notification. Or stop the game. Further, when the error flag is set, the operations performed in the subsequent setting value confirmation processing and setting change processing may be invalidated. For example, even if the setting value is changed in the setting change process, it is not stored as the setting value.

Returning to 178FS003, when the opening / closing unit 178F010 is closed (closed state) (178FS003; No), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS006). When the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS006; Yes), it is assumed that the setting key switch 178F005 is operated without opening the opening / closing unit 178F010, and the CPU 103 notifies the error on the main board 11 and causes an error. Set the flag.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is open (178FS004; Yes), when the error flag is set (178FS005), and when the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS006; No), the CPU 103 activates the effect control board. Set the start wait timer (178FS007). Then, the value of the effect control board activation start waiting timer is set to -1 (178FS008), and it is determined whether or not the effect control board activation start waiting timer has timed out (178FS09). When the effect control board activation start wait timer is not timer-out (178FS09; No), the effect control board 12 is waited for a period (specific period) until the effect control board 12 is activated by executing 178FS009 again.

Further, when the effect control board activation start waiting timer is out of the timer (178FS010; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS010). When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS010; No), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (S3). When the power is turned on with the clear / setting switch 178F006 turned on, an output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. When the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (S3; Yes), the process proceeds to 178FS011.

Further, when the clear / setting switch 178F006 is OFF (S3; No), it is further determined whether or not the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (S4). When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power failure or the like (power interruption), the CPU 103 executes the power supply stop processing immediately before the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes inoperable due to the stop of the power supply. In this power supply stop processing, a processing of turning on a backup flag indicating that data is backed up to the RAM 102, a data protection processing of the RAM 102, and the like are executed. The data protection process includes addition of an error detection code (checksum, parity bit, etc.) and a process of backing up various data. The data to be backed up includes various data for advancing the game (including various flags, various timer states, etc.), as well as the state of the backup flag and the error detection code. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is ON. When the backup flag is OFF and the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (S4; No), the process proceeds to 178FS011.

When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (S4; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the data of the backed up data (used by using an error detection code) and determines whether or not the data is normal (S5). .. In S5, for example, the parity bit and the checksum are used to determine whether or not the data in the RAM 102 matches the data when the power supply is stopped. When it is determined that these match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal. If it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (S5; No), the process proceeds to 178FS011.

When it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal (S5; Yes), the CPU 103 performs a recovery process for returning the internal state of the main board 11 to the state when the power supply is stopped (S6). In the recovery process (S6), the CPU 103 sets the work area based on the stored contents (contents of the backed up data) of the RAM 102. As a result, the game state is restored when the power supply is stopped, and if the special symbol is changing, the change of the special symbol is restarted from the state before the restoration by executing the game control timer interrupt process described later. Will be.

Then, the CPU 103 transmits a control command at the time of restoration to the effect control board 12 on the assumption that the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been restored in the state before the power failure (S7). The CPU 103 proceeds to S10 after transmitting the control command at the time of restoration.

When the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (S3; Yes), when the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (S4; No), when it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (S5; No), 178FS011 Proceed to. The CPU 103 executes a RAM clearing process for clearing the contents of the RAM 102 (178FS011). After executing the RAM clear process, the CPU 103 transmits a control command instructing initialization to the effect control board 12 (S9). The CPU 103 transmits a control command instructing initialization to the effect control board 12, and then proceeds to S10.

The CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (S10). Then, the CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (S11), and interrupts are permitted (S12). After that, the loop processing is started. After that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process.

Returning to 178FS010, when the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS010; No), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (178FS012). When the power is turned on with the clear / setting switch 178F006 turned on, an output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. When the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (178FS012; Yes), the process proceeds to 178FS018.

When the clear / setting switch 178F006 is OFF (178FS012; No), it is further determined whether or not the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (178FS013). In step 178FS013, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is ON. When the backup flag is OFF and the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (178FS013; No), the process proceeds to 178FS016.

When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (178FS013; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the data of the backed up data (used by using an error detection code) and determines whether or not the data is normal (178FS014). .. In 178FS014, for example, it is determined by the parity bit or the checksum whether or not the data of the RAM 102 matches the data at the time when the power supply is stopped. When it is determined that these match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal. If it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (178FS014; No), the process proceeds to 178FS016.

When it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal (178FS014; Yes), the CPU 103 executes a setting value confirmation process for displaying the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the display monitor 178F007, and the game is played. By visually recognizing the display monitor 178F007, a clerk at the venue or the like can confirm the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (setting confirmation state) (178FS015). After that, the process proceeds to S6.

Further, when the backup flag is OFF and the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (178FS013; No), or when it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (178FS014; No), the CPU 103 determines the contents of the RAM 102. A RAM clearing process for clearing is executed (178F016). After executing the RAM clear process, the CPU 103 executes a set value confirmation process for displaying the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the display monitor 178F007 (178FS017). After that, the process proceeds to S9.

Returning to 178FS012, when the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (178FS012; Yes), the CPU 103 executes a RAM clear process for clearing the contents of the RAM 102 (178F018). After executing the RAM clear process, the CPU 103 executes a setting change process for changing the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (178F019). The CPU 103 is in a state in which the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be changed (setting change state) by operating the clear / setting switch 178F006 by the clerk of the game hall or the like by executing the setting change process. To do. After that, the process proceeds to S9.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a set value confirmation process executed by the CPU 103 regarding the feature unit 178F. In the set value confirmation process, the CPU 103 first sets the setting confirmation notification flag (178FS020). By transmitting a control command including the set setting confirmation notification flag from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, the effect control board 12 uses a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the effect control board 12. Performs setting confirmation notification. By performing the setting confirmation notification, it is possible to make the surroundings aware that the setting value confirmation process is being executed. Further, a security signal may be output from the external terminal plate of the pachinko game machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information is turned on) to notify that the "setting confirmation state" is in effect.

Next, the CPU 103 displays the set value stored in the address F000 (see FIG. 38B) in the RAM 102 on the display monitor 178F007 (178FS021).

Next, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS022). When the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS022; Y), the CPU 103 maintains the setting confirmation state by repeatedly executing 178FS022, and waits until the setting key switch 178F005 is turned OFF.

When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS022; N), the CPU 103 ends the display of the set value on the display monitor 178F007 (178FS023) and ends the setting confirmation state. Further, the setting confirmation notification flag is released (178FS024). When the control command for which the setting confirmation notification flag is released is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, the effect control board 12 stops the setting confirmation notification.

FIG. 38 is a diagram for explaining the RAM clearing process executed by the CPU 103 with respect to the feature unit 178F. FIG. 38A is a flowchart showing a RAM clearing process executed by the CPU 103. In the RAM clearing process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not the data stored in the RAM 102 is normal (178FS030). When the data stored in the RAM 102 is normal (178FS030; N), it is further determined whether or not the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (178FS031). When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (178FS031; Y), the CPU 103 specifies the second address from the beginning in the RAM 102 and proceeds to 178FS034 (178FS032).

On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in the RAM 102 (178FS030; Y) or when the backup data is not saved in the RAM 102 (178FS031; N), an initial value (for example, "1") is set at the first address in the RAM 102. Proceed to 178FS032 (178FS033).

In 178FS034, the CPU 103 sets (stores) "00H" at the specified address. Then, it is determined whether or not the designated address is the last address of the RAM 102 (FXXX described later) (178FS035). If the specified address is not the last address of the RAM 102 (178FS035; N), specify the next address in the RAM 102 and proceed to 178FS034 (178FS036), and if the specified address is the last address of the RAM 102 (178FS035). Y) ends the RAM clearing process.

As shown in FIG. 38B, addresses (F000 to FXXX) are assigned to the RAM 102 in the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment for each storage area. Of these storage areas, the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stored in the head address (F000) of the RAM 102, and the second address (F001) from the head of the RAM 102 is described later. Temporary setting value is stored. Furthermore, at other addresses (F002, F003, etc.), in addition to clear switch backup information that can identify whether or not the clear switch was ON when the pachinko gaming machine 1 was started, special figure hold memory and normal figure hold Game information including storage, various counter values, various timers, various flags, and error information generated in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stored.

That is, the RAM clear processing in the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment is an address (F001 to FXXX) excluding the address (F000) in which the set value is stored when there is no abnormality in the RAM 102 and there is backup data. ) Clears data other than the set value by storing "00H", but if there is an abnormality in the RAM 102 or there is no backup data, the initial value is stored in the address (F000) where the set value is stored. (For example, "1") is set, and "00H" is stored in the remaining addresses (F001 to FXXX) in the RAM 102, so that the set value is set as the initial value and the remaining data is cleared.

In the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment, the set value is stored in the head address F000 of the RAM 102, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the set value is stored in the last address of the RAM 102. May be good. When the set value is stored in the last address of the RAM 102 in this way, the address immediately before the last address of the RAM 102 is used as the address for clearing the data when the RAM clear process shown in FIG. 38 (A) is executed. Is specified, and "00H" may be stored sequentially from the address F000 to the address immediately before the address.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started in the setting changed state, the mode of clearing the data excluding the set value of the RAM 102 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, when the pachinko game machine 1 is started in the setting change state, only the game information stored in the predetermined address of the RAM 102 (address F003 in the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment) may be cleared. ..

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a setting change process executed by the CPU 103 regarding the feature unit 178F. In the setting change process, the CPU 103 first sets a setting change notification flag for notifying the execution of the setting change process (178FS040). By transmitting a control command including the set setting change notification flag from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, the effect control board 12 uses a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the effect control board 12. Notifies the execution of the setting change process The setting change notification is performed. By performing the setting change notification, it is possible to make the surroundings aware that the setting change process is being executed. Further, a security signal may be output from the external terminal plate of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information is turned ON) to notify that the pachinko game machine 1 is in the “setting change state”.

Next, the CPU 103 identifies the set value stored in the address F000 (see FIG. 38B) in the RAM 102 (178FS041), and displays the specified set value on the display monitor 178F007 (178FS042).

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the clear / setting switch 178F006 is operated (178FS043). When there is an operation of the clear / setting switch 178F006 (178FS043; Y), a setting change notification flag for notifying that the setting change operation has been performed is set (178FS044). By transmitting a control command including the set setting change notification flag from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, the effect control board 12 uses a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the effect control board 12. Notifies that there was a setting change operation. By performing the setting change notification, it is possible to make the surroundings aware that the setting change operation has been performed. Further, a security signal may be output from the external terminal plate of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information is ON) to notify that the pachinko game machine 1 is in the “setting change state”.

Next, the CPU 103 updates the contents of the address F001 in the RAM 102 (178FS045). Specifically, when the set value displayed on the display monitor 178F007 is "1", "2", which is one step more disadvantageous to the player than the "1", is set as a temporary set value. If the set value stored in the address F001 of the RAM 102 and displayed on the display monitor 178F007 is "2", the set value "3", which is one step more disadvantageous to the player than the "2", is provisionally set. It is stored in the address F001 of the RAM 102 as a set value. When the set value displayed on the display monitor 178F007 is "3", "1" may be stored in the address F001 of the RAM 102 as a temporary set value.

Then, the CPU 103 displays the set value (temporary set value) stored in the address F001 in the RAM 102 on the display monitor 178F007 (178FS046), and determines whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS047). If there is no operation of the setting changeover switch in 178FS043 (178FS043; N), the process of 178FS047 is executed without executing the processes of 178FS044 to 178FS046.

When the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS047; Y), the CPU 103 repeatedly executes the processes of 178FS043 to 178FS046 to store a new temporary setting value in the address F001 of the RAM 102, or stores it in the address F001. The process of displaying the set value on the display monitor 178F007 is executed.

When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF in 178FS047 (178FS047; N), the CPU 103 stores the set value stored in the address F001 in the RAM 102 in the address F000. That is, the CPU 103 stores the set value stored in the address F001 (temporary set value displayed in the display monitor 178F007) in the address F000, so that the set value stored in the address F001 is set as the present set value. (Change the set value of the pachinko game machine 1) (178FS048). Further, the setting change notification flag is released (178FS049). When the control command for which the setting change notification flag is released is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, the effect control board 12 stops the setting change notification.

In the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment, a new setting value is set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by turning off the setting key switch 178F005 (temporary setting stored in the address F001 in the RAM 102). The form (the value is stored in the address F000) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the winning of a game ball into the starting winning opening, the operation of the clear switch, and the pressing of the setting key switch 178F005 are illustrated. By turning off the setting key switch 178F005 after executing an operation such as an operation, a new set value may be set in the pachinko gaming machine 1.

Further, in the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started in the setting changed state, the RAM clearing process is executed before the setting value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed. Although illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the RAM clear process is executed again after the set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed (other than the set value stored in the address F000 of the RAM 102). (Clear the data of). By doing so, it is possible to prevent problems such as the game being started while the invalid data is stored in the RAM.

Next, the game control timer interrupt processing in the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a game control timer interrupt process for the feature unit 178F. As shown in FIG. 40, the CPU 103 first executes a power failure detection process (178F050) in the game control timer interrupt process, executes an open / close part confirmation process (178FS051), and then performs a switch process (S21) to a command control process. The process of (S27) is executed. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a power failure detection process for the feature unit 178F. As shown in FIG. 41, in the power supply cutoff detection process, the CPU 103 first determines whether or not there is an input of a power supply cutoff signal indicating that the power supply voltage from the power supply board (not shown) has dropped to a predetermined value or less. (178FS060). If there is no power off signal input (178FS060; N), the process ends, and if there is a power off signal input (178FS060; Y), the backup data including the set value stored in the RAM 102 is specified. (178FS061), the specified backup data is stored in the backup data storage area provided in the RAM 102 (178FS062). Then, after creating check data (178FS063) to be used when recovering the backup data and storing it in the backup data storage area, the process shifts to a loop process in which no process is executed until the pachinko gaming machine 1 is disconnected.

Next, the opening / closing part confirmation process will be described. When operating the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 provided on the main board 11, it is necessary to open the gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to access the back surface of the gaming board 2. However, it is conceivable that the main board 11 on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be cheated from the opposite side of the gaming island without opening the gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Therefore, the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment performs the opening / closing unit confirmation process shown in FIGS. 178FS003 to 178FS006 after the power is turned on, and also performs the opening / closing unit confirmation process in the game control timer interrupt process. That is, the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 are covered with the opening / closing unit 178F010, and the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 cannot be operated unless the opening / closing unit 178F010 is opened.

The opening / closing part confirmation process in the game control timer interrupt process will be described in more detail. FIG. 42 is a flowchart of the opening / closing part confirmation process. First, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open (open state) based on the signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 178F012 provided in the opening / closing unit 178F010 (178FS070). When the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open (open state) (178FS070; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open for a predetermined time or longer (178FS071). When the opening / closing unit 178F010 is opened for a predetermined time or longer (178FS071; Yes), the CPU 103 uses the game machine frame 3 based on the signal from the open detection sensor 178F011 provided in the game machine frame 3 of the pachinko game machine 1. Is determined whether or not is open (178FS072). When the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened (178FS072; No), the CPU 103 sets an error flag (178FS073). By transmitting a control command including the set error flag from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12, the effect control board 12 confirms the setting using a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the effect control board 12. Notify.

Returning to 178FS071 and when the opening / closing unit 178F010 is opened for less than a predetermined time (178FS071; No), the error flag is not set. That is, even when the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open (178FS070; Yes), the error notification is not immediately performed, and for example, the error notification is performed only when the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open for 3 seconds or longer. As a result, for example, even if the opening / closing unit 178F010 is temporarily opened even though the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened due to vibration caused by repeated button presses or movements of accessories, an error notification is sent. You can avoid doing it.

When the error flag is set, the operation for changing the setting performed up to that point may be invalidated. For example, the provisional set value described in FIG. 38 (B) is not stored as the main set value. Further, when the error notification is performed during an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player such as during a big hit, the CPU 103 stops the game after the big hit game is completed. This ensures that the player can obtain the prize ball obtained by the big hit game, and prevents the player from being disadvantaged.

Returning to 178FS070, when the opening / closing unit 178F010 is not open (closed state) (178FS070; No), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS074). When the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS074; Yes), the CPU 103 sets an error flag (178FS073), assuming that the setting key switch 178F005 is operated illegally without opening the opening / closing unit 178F010. When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS074; No), the error flag is not set.

Returning to 178FS072, when the gaming machine frame 3 is open (178FS072; Yes), the CPU 103 notifies that the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open (178FS075). For example, the cover device of the effect control board 12 is displayed as "opening / closing portion is being opened" to prevent forgetting to close the opening / closing portion 178F010. Of course, the CPU 103 does not have to notify that the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open. Further, the CPU 103 may notify that the setting can be changed.

Further, the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit 178F010 will be described in more detail. 43 and 44 are diagrams for explaining the opening and closing of the opening / closing portion 178F010. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the left end portion of the opening / closing portion 178F010 is centered on the vertically facing pivot axis 178F010a provided on the back side of the substrate case 178F004, and includes the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006. It is rotatably pivotally supported between a coating position that covers the right side portion of the substrate case 178F004 and a coating release position that is rotated from the coating position. In such a case, when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the front end of the short piece 178F009 is locked to the locking portion 178F015 provided on the left side of the outer frame 178F001, and the long piece 178F008 is cleared with the setting key switch 178F005. The rotation of the setting switch 178F006 from the back side to the back side may be restricted.

Then, when the gaming machine frame 3 is opened, the opening / closing portion 178F010 is rotated around the pivot 178F010a (counterclockwise in a plan view) with respect to the board case 178F004 to set the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch. The state of covering with 178F006 is released and the operation becomes possible. That is, when the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the pachinko game is restricted by the opening / closing portion 178F010 (long piece 178F008) covering the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006. Machine 1 is maintained in a regulated state. On the other hand, when the gaming machine frame 3 is open, the opening / closing portion 178F010 is rotated around the pivot 178F010a (counterclockwise in a plan view) with respect to the board case 178F004 to set the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch. By releasing the state of covering with 178F006, the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be released from the regulated state (it can be changed to the allowable state).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 44 (A), the opening / closing portion 178F010 rotates around the pivot axis 178F010a (the pachinko gaming machine 1 is allowed), so that the clerk of the game hall or the like sets the key switch 178F005. The set value of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be changed by operating the clear / setting switch 178F006. On the other hand, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in an allowable state, as shown in FIG. 44 (B), the opening / closing portion 178F010 is rotated clockwise in a plan view and the setting key switch 178F005 is set by the opening / closing portion 178F010. If the clear / setting switch 178F006 is not covered (unless the pachinko gaming machine 1 is changed to the regulated state), the opening / closing portion 178F010 comes into contact with the front end of the outer frame 178F001, and the gaming machine frame 3 is closed. It is impossible to do.

Therefore, in the opening / closing section 178F010 having the configuration, it is possible to prevent the gaming machine frame 3 from being closed while the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the allowable state. Therefore, the setting key switch by the opening / closing section 178F010 It is possible to prevent the 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 from being forgotten to be covered, that is, to prevent the gaming machine frame 3 from being closed without restricting the operation of the operation unit, and the security can be improved. Further, since the opening / closing unit 178F010 cannot be closed unless the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006 are covered, the opening / closing unit 178F010 cannot be closed if the setting key is inserted in the setting key switch 178F005. ..

Here, in order to organize the operations in the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, they will be described in detail in a table. First, the operation in the setting change state will be described. FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the feature unit 178F in the setting change state. First, when the power is off, the display monitor 178F007, which is the setting display LED, is off. Next, a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 178F005, and the setting key is operated to turn the setting key from OFF to ON. Even when the setting key switch 178F005 is turned on, the display monitor 178F007, which is the setting display LED, is off.

Next, the process shifts to the "setting change state" by turning on the power (power ON) while keeping the clear / setting switch 178F006 in the ON state. The main board 11 and the effect control board 12 perform a setting change notification in order to notify that the "setting change state" has been entered. Further, a security signal is output from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information is turned ON) to notify that the pachinko machine 1 is in the “setting change state”. When the state shifts to the "setting change state", the memory of the RAM 102 is also cleared (RAM is cleared), and the set value is displayed on the display monitor 178F007. It should be noted that the "setting change state" is the state before the start of the game, and for example, the lottery process based on the winning of the game ball in the start opening and the process related to the game such as the payout of the prize ball are not executed.

Next, the set value is changed each time the clear / setting switch 178F006 is pressed during the "setting change state". The main board 11 and the effect control board 12 perform a setting change notification in order to notify that the set value has been changed. Further, a security signal is output from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information is turned ON) to notify that the set value has been changed. On the display monitor 178F007, the set value changed according to the pressing of the clear / setting switch 178F006 is displayed. While the set value is changed, it is in the state before the start of the game in the "setting change state". Therefore, for example, a lottery process based on the winning of the game ball in the starting port, a game such as payout of the prize ball. No processing is performed.

Next, the setting key inserted in the setting key switch 178F005 is operated to turn it from ON to OFF (setting key OFF). By turning off the setting key switch 178F005, the main board 11 starts the game by pressing the clear / setting switch 178F006 and adopting the changed setting value. The main board 11 and the effect control board 12 perform a RAM clear notification in order to notify that the RAM has been cleared during the "setting change state". Information about the game such as the base value is displayed on the display monitor 178F007. The main board 11 starts the game by turning off the setting key switch 178F005, and the game is in progress.

Further, the operation in the setting confirmation state will be described. FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the feature unit 178F in the setting confirmation state. First, when the power is off, the display monitor 178F007, which is the setting display LED, is off. Next, a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 178F005, and the setting key is operated to turn the setting key from OFF to ON. Even when the setting key switch 178F005 is turned on, the display monitor 178F007, which is the setting display LED, is off.

Next, the process shifts to the "setting confirmation state" by turning on the power (turning on the power) while keeping the clear / setting switch 178F006 in the OFF state. The main board 11 and the effect control board 12 perform a setting confirmation notification in order to notify that the "setting confirmation state" has been entered. Further, a security signal is output from the external terminal board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to a hall controller or the like (external information is turned ON) to notify that the pachinko game machine 1 is in the “setting confirmation state”. When the state shifts to the "setting confirmation state", the set value is displayed on the display monitor 178F007. It should be noted that the "setting confirmation state" is the state before the start of the game, and for example, the lottery process based on the winning of the game ball in the start opening, the process related to the game such as the payout of the prize ball is not executed.

Next, the setting key inserted in the setting key switch 178F005 is operated to turn it from ON to OFF (setting key OFF). By turning off the setting key switch 178F005, the main board 11 starts the game with the set value displayed on the display monitor 178F007 during the "setting confirmation state". Information about the game such as the base value is displayed on the display monitor 178F007. The main board 11 starts the game by turning off the setting key switch 178F005, and the game is in progress.

The operation of the setting key switch 178F005 is valid when the power is off and invalid when the power is on. Specifically, even if the setting key inserted in the setting key switch 178F005 is operated from OFF to ON while the power is ON, the process does not shift to the "setting change state" or the "setting confirmation state". .. As a result, it is possible to prevent the process from shifting to the "setting change state" or the "setting confirmation state" during the game and increasing the load on the game control microcomputer 100.

(Means of feature unit 178F)
(1) As described above, in the present embodiment, the gaming machine (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1) whose settings related to the player can be changed.
Changing operation means (for example, operation of the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006) that enable the setting to be changed by performing the operation, and
An opening / closing unit (for example, an opening / closing unit 178F010) that is provided so as to be openable and closable so that the change operation means can be operated when it is in the open state
It is equipped with a notification means for performing error notification (for example, a speaker, an LED, a cover device, etc. that can be controlled by the main board 11).
The notification means is
When a specific condition (for example, a condition that the gaming machine frame 3 is open) is satisfied and the opening / closing portion is in the open state, the error notification is not performed (for example, for a gaming machine). When the frame 3 is open (178FS004; Yes), the error notification is not performed).
When the specific condition is not satisfied, the error notification is performed when the opening / closing portion is in the open state (for example, when the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened (178FS004; No)), the opening / closing portion 178F010 If is open (178FS003; Yes), the CPU 103 notifies an error (178FS005)).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent fraud due to the open state of the opening / closing portion when the specific condition is not satisfied. In addition, when the opening / closing part is in the closed state in the setting changeable state, an announcement such as "Please open the security cover" may be made instead of the meaning of error notification.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above
An opening / closing body (for example, a gaming machine frame 3) provided on the front surface of the gaming machine is provided.
When the opening / closing body is in the open state (for example, when the gaming machine frame 3 is open (178FS004; Yes)), the notification means determines that the specific condition is satisfied.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent fraud due to the open state of the opening / closing portion when the opening / closing body is not in the open state.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2) above
When the notification means performs the error notification, the operation of changing the setting by the change operation means becomes invalid (for example, when the error notification is performed, the operation of changing the setting performed so far is invalidated. For example, the provisional set value described with reference to FIG. 38 (B) is not stored as the present set value).

According to such a configuration, fraud can be prevented by not accepting a setting change operated in a situation where fraud may have been performed as a setting change.

(4) In the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
A game control means (for example, a main board 11) for controlling the progress of a game is provided.
The game control means does not execute a predetermined process (for example, a process related to the game) while the notification means is performing the error notification. In particular, the predetermined process is a lottery process based on the game medium winning a prize at the start opening.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the game from being played in a state where there is a possibility that an illegal setting change has been made, and the prize balls being paid out due to a lottery process or the like.

(5) In the gaming machines (1) to (4) above,
The notification means performs the error notification when the open state of the opening / closing portion continues for a predetermined period or more when the specific condition is not satisfied (for example, when the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened (for example). At 178FS072; No), when the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open for a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds) (178FS071; Yes), the error flag may be set).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform error notification only for obvious fraudulent acts.

(6) In the gaming machines (1) to (5) above,
When the notification means gives the error notification during an advantageous state (for example, during a big hit) that is advantageous to the player, the game control means stops the game after the end of the advantageous state (for example, during a big hit). If an error is notified during an advantageous state that is advantageous to the person, the game is stopped after the jackpot game is over).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player from being given a disadvantage of losing the ball output obtained during the advantageous state.

(Modification example of feature part 178F)
(1) In the configuration described in the feature unit 178F, the gaming machine frame 3 is opened (front door open) as a condition (specific condition) whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is correctly opened. It was a condition. However, the condition is not limited to this, and for example, the condition of whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 178F005 can be set as the condition of whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is correctly opened (specific condition). Good.

If the condition (specific condition) for whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is correctly opened is whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 178F005, even if the opening / closing unit 178F010 is in the closed state. It is necessary to adopt a configuration in which the setting key can be inserted into the setting key switch 178F005. However, in the configuration of the opening / closing portion 178F010 shown in FIG. 33, since the setting key switch 178F005 is also covered in the closed state, the setting key cannot be inserted into the setting key switch 178F005. Therefore, when adopting the condition of whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 178F005 as a specific condition, another configuration as follows is adopted as the configuration in which the opening / closing unit 178F010 covers the board case 178F004. ..

FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the opening / closing unit 178F010. As shown in FIG. 47, the left end portion of the opening / closing portion 178F010 covers the left end portion of the substrate case 178F004 including the clear / setting switch 178F006. However, the opening / closing portion 178F010 does not cover the portion of the substrate case 178F004 provided with the setting key switch 178F005. Therefore, the setting key can be inserted into the setting key switch 178F005 without opening the opening / closing unit 178F010.

By adopting such a configuration, the condition (specific condition) for whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is correctly opened is not the condition for whether or not the gaming machine frame 3 is open, but the setting key. It can be a condition whether or not a setting key is inserted in the switch 178F005.

In the above game machines
When the change operation means performs a specific operation (for example, inserting a setting key into the setting key switch 178F005) in order to control the setting to a changeable setting change state, the notification means satisfies the specific condition. Judge that there is.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent fraud due to the open state of the opening / closing portion when the setting key is not inserted into the setting key switch 178F005.

(2) In the configuration described in the feature unit 178F, it has been explained that the CPU 103 waits for the rise of the effect control board 12 to execute the setting value confirmation process (178FS015, 178FS017) and the setting change process (178FS019). The setting value confirmation process and the setting change process may be executed without waiting for the rise of. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing another game control main process executed by the CPU 103. The same processing as the flowchart of the game control main processing shown in FIG. 36 is designated by the same reference numeral. In the game control main process, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt prohibition (S1). Then, the necessary initial settings are made (S2). The initial settings include stack pointer settings, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter / timer circuit), parallel input / output ports, etc.), settings for making the RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the opening / closing unit 178F010 is in the open state (178FS003). The CPU 103 determines the opening / closing of the opening / closing unit 178F010 based on the signal from the opening / closing detection sensor 178F012 provided in the opening / closing unit 178F010. When the opening / closing unit 178F010 is open (open state) (178FS003; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the gaming machine frame 3 is open (178FS004). The CPU 103 determines the opening of the gaming machine frame 3 based on the signal from the opening detection sensor 178F011 provided in the gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is not opened (178FS004; No), the CPU 103 notifies the main board 11 of an error and notifies the player that the opening / closing portion 178F010 is opened without opening the gaming machine frame 3 as an error. , Set the error flag.

Returning to 178FS003, when the opening / closing unit 178F010 is closed (closed state) (178FS003; No), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS006). When the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS006; Yes), it is assumed that the setting key switch 178F005 is operated without opening the opening / closing unit 178F010, and the CPU 103 notifies the error on the main board 11 and causes an error. Set the flag.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is open (178FS004; Yes), when the error flag is set (178FS005), and when the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS006; No), the CPU 103 is a clear / setting switch. It is determined whether or not 178F006 is ON (S3). When the power is turned on with the clear / setting switch 178F006 turned on, an output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 via the input port. When the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (S3; Yes), the process proceeds to 178FS011.

Further, when the clear / setting switch 178F006 is OFF (S3; No), it is further determined whether or not the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (S4). When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power failure or the like (power interruption), the CPU 103 executes the power supply stop processing immediately before the pachinko gaming machine 1 becomes inoperable due to the stop of the power supply. In this power supply stop processing, a processing of turning on a backup flag indicating that data is backed up to the RAM 102, a data protection processing of the RAM 102, and the like are executed. The data protection process includes addition of an error detection code (checksum, parity bit, etc.) and a process of backing up various data. The data to be backed up includes various data for advancing the game (including various flags, various timer states, etc.), as well as the state of the backup flag and the error detection code. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is ON. When the backup flag is OFF and the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (S4; No), the process proceeds to 178FS011.

When the backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (S4; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the data of the backed up data (used by using an error detection code) and determines whether or not the data is normal (S5). .. In S5, for example, the parity bit and the checksum are used to determine whether or not the data in the RAM 102 matches the data when the power supply is stopped. When it is determined that these match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal. If it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (S5; No), the process proceeds to 178FS011.

When it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal (S5; Yes), the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS106). When the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS106; Yes), the setting value confirmation process for displaying the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is executed on the display monitor 178F007, and the clerk of the game hall or the like executes the setting value confirmation process. By visually recognizing the display monitor 178F007, the set value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed (setting confirmation state) (178FS107). In the set value confirmation process (178FS107), in the set value confirmation process shown in FIG. 37, the speaker, LED, and cover device that can be controlled by the main board 11 without the CPU 103 setting the setting confirmation flag (178FS020). The setting confirmation notification shall be performed by such means.

When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS106; No), the CPU 103 sets a timer for waiting to start the effect control board based on the elapsed time from the initial setting (S2) (178FS108). When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS106; No), the display monitor 178F007 starts displaying information related to the game such as the base value. In the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment, since it is possible to enter the setting confirmation state after the CPU 103 starts up, a period of waiting until the effect control board 12 starts in consideration of the time elapsed in the setting confirmation state is set. I am changing. Then, the value of the effect control board activation start waiting timer is set to -1 (178FS109), and it is determined whether or not the effect control board activation start waiting timer has timed out (178FS110). When the effect control board start wait start timer is not timer-out (178FS110; No), 178FS109 is executed again and the effect control board 12 waits for a period until it starts.

Further, when the effect control board activation start waiting timer is out of the timer (178FS110; Yes), the CPU 103 performs a recovery process for returning the internal state of the main board 11 to the state when the power supply is stopped (S6). In the recovery process (S6), the CPU 103 sets the work area based on the stored contents (contents of the backed up data) of the RAM 102. As a result, the game state is restored when the power supply is stopped, and if the special symbol is changing, the change of the special symbol is restarted from the state before the restoration by executing the game control timer interrupt process described later. Will be.

Then, the CPU 103 transmits a control command at the time of restoration to the effect control board 12 on the assumption that the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been restored in the state before the power failure (S7). The CPU 103 proceeds to S10 after transmitting the control command at the time of restoration.

When the clear / setting switch 178F006 is ON (S3; Yes), when the backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (S4; No), when it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (S5; No), 178FS111 Proceed to. The CPU 103 executes a RAM clearing process for clearing the contents of the RAM 102 (178FS111). The RAM clear process (178FS111) is the same process as the RAM clear process shown in FIG. 38. After executing the RAM clear process, the CPU 103 determines whether or not the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS112).

When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS112; No), the CPU 103 sets the effect control board activation start waiting timer based on the elapsed time from the initial setting (S2) (178FS113). When the setting key switch 178F005 is OFF (178FS112; No), the display monitor 178F007 starts displaying information related to the game such as the base value. Then, the value of the effect control board activation start waiting timer is set to -1 (178FS114), and it is determined whether or not the effect control board activation start waiting timer has timed out (178FS115). When the effect control board activation start wait timer is not timer-out (178FS115; No), the effect control board 12 is waited for a period of time until the effect control board 12 is activated by executing 178FS114 again. After starting the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 transmits a control command instructing initialization to the effect control board 12 (S9). The CPU 103 transmits a control command instructing initialization to the effect control board 12, and then proceeds to S10.

When the setting key switch 178F005 is ON (178FS112; Yes), the CPU 103 executes a setting change process for changing the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (178F116). The CPU 103 is in a state in which the setting value set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be changed (setting change state) by operating the clear / setting switch 178F006 by the clerk of the game hall or the like by executing the setting change process. To do. In the setting change process (178FS116), in the setting change process shown in FIG. 39, the CPU 103 does not set the setting change flag (178FS040), but uses a speaker, an LED, a cover device, or the like that can be controlled by the main board 11. The setting change notification shall be performed.

After executing the setting change process (178F116), the CPU 103 sets a timer for waiting for the start of the effect control board based on the elapsed time from the initial setting (S2) (178FS117). In the feature unit 178F of the present embodiment, since it is possible to change the setting after the CPU 103 starts up, a period of waiting until the effect control board 12 starts in consideration of the time elapsed in the setting change state is set. I am changing. Then, the value of the effect control board activation start waiting timer is set to -1 (178FS118), and it is determined whether or not the effect control board activation start waiting timer has timed out (178FS119). If the effect control board activation start wait timer is not timer-out (178FS119; No), the effect control board 12 is waited for a period of time until the effect control board 12 is activated by executing 178FS118 again. After starting the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 transmits a control command corresponding to the set value stored in the address F000 of the RAM 102 to the effect control board 12 (178FS119a). After transmitting the control command to the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 proceeds to S10.

After transmitting the control command at the time of restoration (S7), the control command instructing the initialization is transmitted to the effect control board 12 (S9), the control command is transmitted to the effect control board 12 (178119a), and then the process proceeds to S10. The CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (S10). Then, the CTC register built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that the timer is interrupted periodically every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (S11), and interrupts are permitted (S12). After that, the loop processing is started. After that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute the timer interrupt process.

By adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 48, the elapse of a period (specific period) from when the power is turned on until the effect control board 12 can receive the control command or analyze the control command received in the buffer is waited for. It is possible to shift to the setting confirmation state and the setting change state without having to feel the trouble when checking the setting and changing the setting.

(3) It has been explained that the setting key switch 178F005 is provided with a keyhole, and an ON / OFF operation is performed by inserting a predetermined setting key that matches the keyhole. However, the setting key is not limited to the key, and may be similar to the key. Further, the setting key may be a common one that can be used by the same model or the same manufacturer. Further, the setting key switch 178F005 may not be able to be turned ON or OFF unless the opening / closing portion 178F010 is in the open state.

(4) The clear / setting switch 178F006 functions as a clear switch for clearing the RAM 102 in the normal state, and is set for changing the set value of the winning probability (ball output rate) of the internal lottery in the setting change state. I explained that it functions as a switch. However, the clear switch for clearing the RAM 102 and the setting switch for changing the set value may be separately provided on the main board 11. Further, the setting switch may be shared with the error release switch and the game start switch.

(5) Although it has been explained that the display monitor 178F007 displays the setting information in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the setting display LED for displaying the setting information may be separately provided on the main board 11.

(6) The opening / closing portion 178F010 is a substantially L-shaped member including a short piece 178F009 facing in the front-rear direction and a long piece 178F008 extending from the rear end of the short piece 178F009 toward the left side of the pachinko game machine 1. It has been explained that the material is composed of a plate-shaped synthetic resin material having transparency, but the present invention is not limited to this. The opening / closing portion may have any shape as long as it can cover the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006, and the opening / closing portion covers the entire substrate case even if it covers only the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006. It may be in shape. In addition to the shape of the opening / closing portion that is rotated to open / close, the opening / closing portion may have a shape of opening / closing by removing or sliding the portion covering the setting key switch 178F005 and the clear / setting switch 178F006.

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

1 Pachinko game machine, 2 game board, 3 game machine frame, 4A, 4B special symbol display device, 5 image display device, 6A winning ball device, 6B variable winning ball device, 7 special variable winning ball device, 8L, 8R speaker , 9 Game effect lamp, 10 General winning opening, 11 Main board, 12 Production control board, 13 Voice control board, 14 Lamp control board, 15 Relay board, 20 Ordinary symbol display, 21 Gate switch, 22A, 22B Start port switch , 23 count switch, 30 ball hitting operation handle, 31A stick controller, 31B push button, 32 movable body, 100 game control microcomputer, 101,121 ROM, 102,122 RAM, 103 CPU, 104,124 random number circuit, 105, 125 I / O, 120 effect control CPU, 123 display control unit.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to the player.
A game control means that controls the progress of the game,
An effect control means that controls the effect according to predetermined information transmitted from the game control means, and
Setting permission means that can control the setting permission state for setting the setting value regarding the probability of the advantageous state, and
A determination means for determining whether or not the setting permission state is controlled is provided.
The effect control means can analyze the predetermined information transmitted from the game control means after a specific period has elapsed from the power-on.
The game control means starts transmitting the predetermined information to the effect control means after the lapse of the specific period.
The determination means determines whether or not the setting permission state is controlled before the lapse of the specific period.
The game control means is a gaming machine that notifies the setting permission state before the specific period elapses, based on the determination that the determination means determines that the setting permission state is in the setting permission state.

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