JP6928267B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a so-called ball-type gaming machine (hereinafter, also referred to as "pachinko gaming machine" or "pachinko machine"), a rotating drum-type gaming machine (also referred to as "pachislot machine" or "slot machine"), or the like. It is about a game machine.

Conventionally, a gaming machine that uses an outer frame and a front frame as common parts and can replace the frame (or a part thereof) of the gaming board according to the control board for controlling the game or the gaming board to which the control board is attached has been known. Has been done. Hereinafter, the frame body of this replaceable game board will be referred to as a "frame exchange unit". In such a conventional gaming machine, by using common parts, not only the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be expected to be reduced, but also the efficiency of the replacement work of the gaming machine can be expected.

However, in such a conventional gaming machine, an erroneous frame replacement unit (incompatible frame replacement unit) that can be physically attached when the gaming machine is replaced but is not compatible with the internal processing by the control board. Could be installed. In a gaming machine to which an incompatible frame exchange unit is attached, for example, a control signal output from a control board may cause an erroneous operation on the frame exchange unit side, resulting in a failure.

Regarding the above-mentioned problems, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine in which one gaming board can be used with a plurality of types of frames, and which makes it easy to change other than the design of the effect device on the frame side. .. In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, by outputting a signal for identifying the type of the frame body from the frame body side to the gaming board side, the game board side determines the type of the frame body and responds to the type of the frame body. It is supposed to output the command. If the type of frame can be determined in this way, it is considered possible to detect the installation of a non-conforming frame replacement unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-113198

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, during the period when the main power supply is on, frame information including a signal for identifying the type of the frame is output from the frame type output circuit of the frame relay board, and based on this frame information. Although it is stated that the sub-control board identifies the type of the frame, there is no description of what the signal for identifying the type of the frame is, and the sub-control board identifies the type of the frame. The method was not clarified.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reliably identifying whether or not the mounted frame exchange unit is compatible with the gaming machine.

In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, opening and closing provided with a control means (for example, an effect control board 200) for controlling the effect and an effect member capable of performing the effect operation based on the control information of the control means. A unit and an exchange unit which is a part of the opening / closing unit and is configured to be detachable for exchange according to the control means, and the exchange unit has a serial communication type IC (for example, LED driver 3p). A specific output terminal of 1 bit in the serial communication type IC is assigned to the identification input bit, and the control means is one operation command for the serial communication type IC of the exchange unit attached to the gaming machine. Is repeated a plurality of times, and by monitoring the change in the output content of the identification input bit based on the operation command of 1 repeated a plurality of times, it is determined whether or not the exchange unit is compatible with the gaming machine. A gaming machine characterized by is provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the mounted frame exchange unit.

It is a front view of the pachinko machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a right side view of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the front. It is a perspective view which looked at the pachinko machine from the rear. It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in a state where the glass frame is opened from the front frame and the front frame is opened from the outer frame, as viewed from the front. It is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine disassembled into a glass frame, a game board, a front frame, and an outer frame as viewed from the front. It is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine disassembled into a glass frame, a game board, a front frame, and an outer frame as viewed from the rear. It is a front view of a game board. It is a perspective view of the game board seen from the front right. It is a rear view of the game board. It is a perspective view which looked at the back of the game board from the left rear. It is a perspective view which looked at the back of the game board from the right rear. It is an exploded perspective view of the game board disassembled for each main configuration and viewed from the front. It is an exploded perspective view of the game board disassembled for each main configuration and viewed from behind. It is a rear view (part 1) of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view (2) of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view (3) of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the opening and closing locus of a back cover in an appropriate open state of a front frame. It is a figure which shows the opening and closing locus of a back cover in an inappropriate open state of a front frame. It is a rear view and the enlarged view (the 1) when the main control unit is removed. It is a rear view and the enlarged view (2) at the time of removing a main control unit. It is a six-sided view of the main control case. It is a front view and the perspective view of the mounting bracket of the main board control case. It is a perspective view of a harness cover. It is a control block diagram which shows the electric structure example of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the main control board shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the function of the effect control board shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the special symbol winning / failing lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol table per special symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the special symbol variation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main processing on the main control side. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control side main processing following FIG. 32. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main control side main processing following FIG. 33. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a setting change process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a setting confirmation process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interrupt processing of a main control side. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of continuous main control side timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start port monitoring control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the start port monitoring control processing following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol change start monitoring control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol change start monitoring process shown in FIG. 41. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol change start monitoring process following FIG. 42. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol control general-purpose processing shown in FIG. 44. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special symbol variation start processing shown in FIG. 45. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process during special symbol change shown in FIG. 45. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing during special symbol stop symbol display shown in FIG. 46. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing during special symbol stop symbol display following FIG. 48. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing during special symbol stop symbol display following FIG. 49. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special electric accessory control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special electric accessory control process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the special electric accessory control process following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a reset start process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the production control side main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the command analysis processing shown in FIG. 55. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the effect state transition process shown in FIG. 56. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the variation effect content determination process shown in FIG. 56. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the jackpot effect content determination process shown in FIG. 56. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the big hit effect content determination process following FIG. 59. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interrupt processing on the effect control side. It is a flowchart which shows an example of image control command transmission interrupt processing. It is a front view of the pachinko machine before the frame exchange. It is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine before the frame exchange. It is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after the frame exchange. It is a front view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after the frame exchange. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of detection information and identification code. It is a circuit diagram of an LED driver.

Hereinafter, the pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Structure of pachinko machine>
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, from FIG. 2 onward, a state in which the pachinko machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from another direction, a state in which it is disassembled, and the like are shown. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the pachinko machine, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine as viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine as viewed from the rear. Further, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in a state where the glass frame is opened from the front frame and the front frame is opened from the outer frame, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the glass frame, the game board, and the front. It is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine disassembled into the frame and the outer frame from the front, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pachinko machine disassembled into the glass frame, the game board, the front frame, and the outer frame from the rear. Is.

The pachinko machine 1 supports the frame-shaped outer frame 2 installed in the island equipment of the game hall, the glass frame (door frame) 3 that closes the front surface of the outer frame 2 so as to be openable, and the glass frame 3 that can be opened and closed. A gaming board having a front frame 4 that is openably and closably attached to the outer frame 2, and a gaming area 5a that is detachably attached to the front frame 4 from the front and is visible through the glass frame 3 and into which a gaming ball is hit. 5 and.

The outer frame 2 has a square shape that is a combination of frames 2a and 2b extending vertically and horizontally and frames 2c and 2d extending vertically and horizontally, and includes hinge members 2e and 2f above and below the left edge from the front. The hinge member supports the front frame 4 and the glass frame 3 so as to be openable and closably open and detachable.

A glass frame 3 is attached to the front surface side of the front frame 4 so as to be openable / closable and detachable by laterally opening and closing by hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b on the left side edge when facing the front. The glass frame 3 is held in a closed state by a glass plate covering the front surface thereof by using the locking device 3c. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the upper half of the front frame 4 located behind the glass frame 3 from the front side of the front frame 4, and the glass frame 3 is closed and held as described above. The game area 5a in front of the game board 5 can be visually recognized through the layered glass.

The glass frame 3 is a quadrangular base unit 3e having a through hole 3d penetrating the front and rear, a dish unit 3f for storing game balls in the lower front surface thereof, and a game board 5 for storing game balls in the dish unit 3f. It is provided with an area 3g for accommodating a handle 4a that can be operated by a player in order to drive into the game area of the above. On the front side of the glass frame 3, a frame lamp (LED lamp) 3h that emits light according to the progress of the game and a speaker 3i that outputs sound according to the progress of the game are provided. At the center of the front of the plate unit 3f, an effect button 3j that is pressed and operated by the player is provided.

The front frame 4 can be inserted into the frame of the outer frame 2, and the frame body 4b that supports the outer periphery of the game board 5, the hinges of the outer frame 2 on the upper and lower sides on the left side of the front view of the frame body 4b, and the door frame 3 Hinge 4c and 4d to which the hinges of the above are rotatably attached, a ball launching device 4e which is attached to the lower part of the front surface of the frame body 4b and for driving a game ball into the game area 5a of the game board 5, and a frame body. A locking unit 4f that is attached to the right side surface of the front view of 4b and locks between the outer frame 2, the front frame 4, and the glass frame 3, and a substrate unit 4g that is attached to the lower part of the rear surface of the frame body 4b. And a back cover 4h that covers the rear side of the game board 5 attached to the frame body 4b on the rear side of the frame body 4b. The board unit 4g houses a speaker unit, a power supply board, an interface control board, and a payout control board that controls payout of game balls.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player rotates the launching device 4a of the game ball, the game ball is driven into the game area 5a of the game board 5 with a strength corresponding to the angle. Then, when the game balls driven into the game area 5a are received in the winning opening (entry ball opening), a predetermined number of game balls are paid out according to the received winning opening. By paying out the game ball, the player's interest can be enhanced.

<Game board>
Next, the game board 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14. 8 is a front view of the game board, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game board as viewed from the front right, FIG. 10 is a rear view of the game board, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the back of the game board as viewed from the left rear, and FIG. A perspective view of the back of the game board viewed from the rear right, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the game board disassembled for each main configuration, and FIG. 14 is a disassembled rear view of the game board for each main configuration. It is an exploded perspective view seen from.

The game board 5 has a game area 5a into which a game ball is hit. The game board 5 is configured by combining a front unit 100 m, a back unit 200 m, a liquid crystal base 300 m, and a liquid crystal display device (effect display device) 70. The front unit 100m has a front member 100a that divides the outer circumference of the game area 5a and has a substantially square outer shape in front view, and a plate-shaped unit that is attached to the rear side of the front member 100a and divides the rear end of the game area 5a. A game panel 100b is provided, and a plurality of obstacle nails are planted in a predetermined arrangement in a place within the game area 5a on the front surface of the game panel 100b.

The front member 100a includes a function display unit 100c in the lower right corner that makes the game status visible to the player based on a control signal from the main control unit 5b (main control board 100 that controls the entire game). The liquid crystal display device 70 is arranged in the center of the game area 5a and displays a predetermined effect image. A peripheral control unit 5c (effect control board 200 that controls the overall effect) is attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal display device 70. The back unit 200m side of the liquid crystal base 300m is opened to accommodate the back unit 200m, and the liquid crystal display device 70 is attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal base 300m.

The game panel 100b has a shape of the outer periphery substantially the same as that of the front member 100a, is made of a transparent flat plate-shaped panel plate, is attached to the rear side of the front member 100a, and further includes a holder on the rear surface to which the back unit 200m is attached. The front member 100a has a plurality of general winning openings 66 that are always open to accept game balls driven into the game area 5a, and can accept game balls at different positions in the game area 5a from the general winning openings. The first starting port 61, which is always open, the gate 63, which is attached at a predetermined position in the game area 5a and detects the passage of the game ball (integrated with the attacker unit 500 described later), and the game ball gate the gate. Acceptance of game balls into the second start port 62 (integrally formed with the attacker unit 500 described later) and the first start port 61, which enables the acceptance of game balls according to the result of the ordinary symbol lottery drawn by passing through. Depending on the result of the first special lottery drawn by the player or the result of the second special lottery drawn by accepting the game ball to the second starting port, the game ball can be accepted at either of the large winning openings 64 (described later). It is integrally formed with the attacker unit 500). Since the gate 63, the second starting port 62, and the large winning opening 64 are inside the attacker unit 500, they are not shown here.

The second starting port is provided with a normal electric accessory composed of movable pieces and a normal electric accessory solenoid for opening and closing the ordinary electric accessory. Depending on the energized state of the normal electric accessory solenoid, the ordinary electric accessory is in a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting port, and an open state in which the game ball is easier to enter than in the closed state. Can be changed alternately. The second starting port has a configuration in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter unless the normal electric accessory is in the open state, while it is easy for the game ball to enter when the normal electric accessory is in the open state. The front member 100a includes a first out port 29 directly below the first start port 61 at the center in the left-right direction. The attacker unit 500 is located at the lower right of the front member 100a. The attacker unit 500 is a unit that mainly includes a movable piece as a special electric accessory 642 that opens and closes the grand prize opening 64, and a plurality of parts are integrated in total.

The back unit 200m has an opening 200a for visually recognizing the rear liquid crystal display screen. The back unit 200m has a sensor for detecting the game ball received in the general winning opening 66, the first starting port 61, etc., a lock mechanism for detachably attaching the liquid crystal base 300m, and a passage for discharging the game ball. Be prepared.

The front member 100a has a substantially square outer shape when viewed from the front, and has a substantially circular inner shape penetrating in the front-rear direction, and the outer circumference of the game area 5a is divided by the inner circumference of the inner shape. The front member 100a extends from the lower end to the left from the center in the left-right direction in an arc shape along the clockwise circumferential direction in the front view, passes through the upper end in the center in the left-right direction in the front view, and extends to the upper right diagonally. The inner rail 100d, which is arranged inside the front member 100a substantially along the 100f and extends in an arc shape from the lower center in the left-right direction in the front view to the diagonally upper left side in the front view, and the game area 5a on the right side of the lower end of the inner rail 100d in the front view. It is provided with an out guide path 100e, which is formed at the lowest position and is inclined so as to be lowered toward the rear.

The game panel 100b includes a center decoration 22 projecting toward the front member 100a around an opening having the same shape as the opening of the front member 100a. When the game panel 100b is fixed to the front member 100a, the center decoration 22 is fitted into the opening so as to match the shape of the opening of the front member 100a, and decorates the circumference of the opening 100h of the front unit 100m. The player can recognize the behavior of the effect screen and the effect device through the opening 100h. The center decoration 22 is a kind of decorative body, and exerts a decorative function at the center of the game board 5 to assist the screen of the effect display device 70 and the like. The center decoration 22 may be provided with a movable accessory (movable effect device) that executes an effect operation according to the progress of the game. The movable accessory is operated by a drive source such as a stepping motor or a solenoid. The center decoration 22 may be provided with a lamp that emits light according to the progress of the game.

The main control unit 5b (see FIG. 7) is mounted on the back surface of the liquid crystal display device 70 and below the peripheral control unit 5c. The main control unit 5b includes a main control board 100 that controls game contents, payout of game balls, and the like, and a main control board box (main control board case) 100n that houses the main control board 100 (see FIG. 16). The main control unit 5b controls the game content, the prize ball of the game ball, and the like.

The function display unit 100c has a status indicator composed of one LED for displaying the game status, and a normal symbol by blinking and controlling two LEDs based on the result of the normal symbol lottery drawn by the passage of the game ball to the gate 63. Of the normal symbol display that displays these two LEDs in a lighting mode according to the normal symbol lottery result after the variable display, and the variable display of the normal symbol related to the passage of the game ball to the gate 63, the start condition of the variable display is still The first lottery was drawn by accepting a game ball to the first starting port 61 (occurrence of a starting prize) and a normal holding indicator consisting of two LEDs that display the number of holdings, which is the number of variable displays for which is not established. A first special symbol display that displays the first special symbol in a variable manner by controlling the blinking of eight LEDs based on the special lottery result, and then displays these eight LEDs in a lighting mode according to the first special lottery result. Among the fluctuation displays of the first special symbol related to the acceptance of the game ball into the first starting port 61, the second LED is composed of two LEDs that display the number of holdings, which is the number of fluctuation displays for which the start condition of the fluctuation display has not yet been satisfied. The 2nd special symbol is controlled by blinking 8 LEDs based on the 1 special hold number indicator and the 2nd special lottery result drawn by accepting the game ball to the 2nd start port (occurrence of the start prize). A second special symbol display that displays these eight LEDs in a lighting mode according to the result of the second special lottery after the variable display, and a variable display of the second special symbol related to the acceptance of the game ball to the second starting port. Of these, the second special hold number indicator consisting of two LEDs that display the number of holds, which is the number of variable displays for which the start condition of the variable display has not yet been satisfied, and the first special lottery result or the second special lottery result are " It is provided with a round display composed of four LEDs that displays the number of repetitions (number of rounds) of the opening / closing pattern of the big winning opening at the time of "big hit" or the like. The function display unit 100c can display the number of holds, symbols, and the like by appropriately turning on, turning off, blinking, and the like the LED.

The peripheral control unit 5c is attached to the rear surface of the liquid crystal display device 70, and controls the effects (light emission effect, sound effect, movable effect, etc.) presented to the player based on the control signal from the main control board 100. A board 200 and an image control board 300 that controls image display and sound output according to game development are provided (see FIG. 26). The liquid crystal display device 70 is located in the center of the game area 5a, and is detachably attached to the rear surface of substantially the center of the liquid crystal base 300 m accommodating the back unit 200 m. The liquid crystal display device 70 can be visually recognized from the front through the frame of the frame-shaped center decoration 22 in a state where the game board 5 is assembled. The liquid crystal display device 70 is a full-color display device backed by a white LED, and displays a still image or a moving image. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 and the image control board 300 are described as being divided into two boards, but the functional configuration of the CPU of each board is not limited to the above. It may be changed as appropriate (for example, the sound is controlled by the CPU of the effect control board), or the entire effect may be controlled by the CPU on one board.

The liquid crystal display device 70 mainly displays an effect image including a decorative symbol and a notice effect that are variablely displayed / stopped in conjunction with the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Hold display. Specifically, on the screen of the effect display device 70, a decorative symbol display unit for executing variable display of the decorative symbol, a notice effect display, and the like, and a hold of the first special symbol in synchronization with the first special symbol hold lamp. A first special figure hold display unit on which the display is executed and a second special figure hold display unit on which the hold display of the second special symbol is executed in synchronization with the second special figure hold lamp are provided.

The decorative symbol display section of the liquid crystal display screen is provided with three rows of display areas (left display area, middle display area, right display area) which are variable display areas of the decorative symbol on a predetermined effective line. The left symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the left display area, the middle symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the middle display area, and the right symbol of the decorative symbol corresponds to the right display area. In the normal display mode, the special figure hold display unit displays the hold image marked with a white circle when the operation hold ball of the special symbol is generated, while the corresponding hold image disappears when the operation hold ball is digested. NS. This hold image is displayed in a predetermined order such as the type of operation hold ball of the special symbol and the order of occurrence (entry ball order), and up to 4 pieces can be displayed on each special figure hold display unit. be.

<Change settings>
It is assumed that the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be provided with a setting changing function for changing the degree of advantage of the game to the player by setting values in a plurality of stages. Here, the set value is a value for designating the degree of advantage of the game to the player, and is managed by the main control board 100 (see FIG. 26). In this example, it is assumed that six levels of setting values of "setting 1", "setting 2", ..., "setting 5", and "setting 6" are prepared in order from the one with the lowest degree of advantage. In order to make the degree of advantage of the game to the player different depending on each set value, for example, it is conceivable to set a difference in the jackpot probability and the probability fluctuation performance of the special symbol lottery for each set value. The main control board 100 controls the progress of the game based on the set value, and when the set value is changed by the setting change operation described later, controls the progress of the game based on the changed set value.

Therefore, in the following, the features of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment when the setting changing function is provided will be described in detail. In the following description, changing / setting the setting value is referred to as "setting change", and a series of operations related to the setting change is referred to as "setting change operation".

In the setting change operation in the pachinko machine 1, first, an operation for shifting the internal state controlled by the main control board 100 (main control CPU 101) to a "setting change state" in which the set value can be changed is performed, and then an operation is performed. , By performing an operation of selecting and setting a desired setting value (a known operation method in a conventional gaming machine can be used, and detailed description is omitted) while being controlled to a setting change state. , The set value can be changed.

Then, the operations for shifting to the above setting change state include the first procedure of opening the front frame 4 (frame opening) and the second procedure of turning on the setting key switch (setting key switch on). It is composed of a third procedure (RAM clear switch on) for performing an initialization operation on the initialization switch and a fourth procedure (power switch on) for performing a power ON operation on the power switch. However, the third procedure and the fourth procedure must be operated in parallel.

The first to fourth procedures will be described in detail with reference to the characteristic structure of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

In the first procedure (frame opening), an operation of opening the front frame 4 from the outer frame 2 is performed using the door key. The door key is also called a common key, and is generally not unique to each game machine manufacturer or model, but a key that can be shared with other models of game machines is used so that it can be easily operated in a game store.

To explain the procedure for opening the frame in more detail, for example, the door key is inserted into the keyhole (not shown) of the locking device that holds the closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2, and the front frame 4 is turned toward the front while turning in a predetermined direction. By pulling, the front frame 4 can be released from the outer frame 2. The keyhole into which the door key is inserted in order to open the front frame 4 from the outer frame 2 may have a structure that shares the keyhole of the locking device 3c that holds the closed state of the glass frame 3 with respect to the front frame 4.

Although detailed reasons will be described later, in order to perform the setting change operation in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the first procedure, the outer frame 2 is placed on the rotation locus when the back cover 4h is opened. It is required to open the front frame 4 by a predetermined angle or more so that the front frame 4 is not positioned (see FIG. 19).

In the pachinko machine 1, a door open sensor 2p is provided on the curtain plate portion of the outer frame 2 in order to detect the open / closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2, and further corresponds to the door open sensor 2p of the front frame 4. A door open detection member 4p is provided at the position. For example, when the front frame 4 is closed with respect to the outer frame 2, the door open detection member 4p is fitted to the door open sensor 2p, so that the door open sensor 2p is in the closed state of the front frame 4 (door). Closed) is detected. On the other hand, when the front frame 4 is open with respect to the outer frame 2, the door open detection member 4p is separated from the door open sensor 2p, so that the door open sensor 2p is in the open state of the front frame 4 (door open). Is detected. The detection information by the door open sensor 2p is output to a predetermined board or the like, and is processed as an error if necessary. The above structure is an example of a mechanism for detecting the open / closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2, and may be realized by other known mechanisms.

FIG. 15 is a rear view (No. 1) of the pachinko machine. FIG. 15 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1 before the frame is opened. However, when the outer frame 2 is removed from FIG. 15, when the front frame 4 is opened with respect to the outer frame 2 (the frame is opened). Corresponds to the rear view of the front frame 4 of. According to FIG. 15, on the back side of the front frame 4, the back cover 4h covering the rear side of the game board 5 is in a closed state. The back cover 4h is a covering member that normally covers the main control unit 5b (main control board 100) and the peripheral control unit 5c (effect control board 200). Therefore, even if the first step of opening the front frame 4 is performed, these covered units cannot be touched as long as the back cover 4h is in the closed state.

In FIG. 15, the RAM clear switch cover 400p provided on the payout control board 400 (payout control unit) and covering the RAM clear switch 400q and the power supply board 600 (power supply unit) provided on the power supply board 600 (power supply unit) cover the power supply switch 600q. A power switch cover 600p is shown, the details of which will be described later.

Next, in the second procedure (setting key switch on), an operation of turning on the setting key switch 100q by using the setting key is performed. Unlike the door key described above, the setting key is a key unique to each gaming machine manufacturer (or model) from the viewpoint of security in order to prevent fraud related to "setting" that greatly affects the performance of the gaming machine. Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the setting key switch 100q is provided on the main control unit 5b (for example, the main control board 100). As described above with reference to FIG. 15, if the front frame 4 is simply released from the outer frame 2 in the first procedure, the main control unit 5b is covered with the back cover 4h, so that the setting key switch 100q I can't insert the setting key into. Therefore, when executing the second procedure, it is necessary to open the back cover 4h.

FIG. 16 is a rear view (No. 2) of the pachinko machine. FIG. 16 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1 from which the back cover 4h is removed from FIG. 15, and when the outer frame 2 is removed from FIG. 16, when the second procedure is executed (that is, the front frame 4 opens the frame). Corresponds to the rear view of the front frame 4 (in a state where the back cover 4h is open). According to FIG. 16, the main control unit 5b (main control board 100) and the peripheral control unit 5c (effect control board 200) covered by the back cover 4h are exposed. However, the setting key switch 100q has not yet appeared in a visible position.

In the present embodiment, the back surface of the main control unit 5b is covered with the main control board case 100n, and the portion provided with the setting key switch 100q is normally covered with the openable / closable harness cover 100p. That is, the setting key switch 100q is usually doubly covered by the back cover 4h and the harness cover 100p, and when the second step is executed, it is necessary to open the back cover 4h and then further open the harness cover 100p. There is. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the back cover 4h has a structure that opens and closes in the left-right direction, whereas the harness cover 100p has a structure that opens and closes in the up-down direction. By making the opening and closing directions of both covers different in this way, it is difficult to operate the setting key switch 100q from the gap in a state where the front frame 4 is opened small, and crime prevention can be improved.

FIG. 17 is a rear view (No. 3) of the pachinko machine. FIG. 17 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1 in a state where the harness cover 100p is opened from the state shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine in the state of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, when the harness cover 100p is opened to the back side of the front frame 4, the setting key switch 100q provided at the back thereof is operably exposed.

Therefore, at this time, the operator of the setting change operation (for example, the hall manager) inserts the corresponding setting key into the setting key switch 100q from the back side of the front frame 4 while keeping the harness cover 100p open, and determines the predetermined setting. The second step of turning on the setting key switch 100q can be executed by performing an operation such as turning in the direction.

Further, FIGS. 17 and 18 also show a state in which the RAM clear switch cover 400p provided in the payout control unit and the power switch cover 600p provided in the power supply unit are opened.

The RAM clear switch cover 400p is a cover that swings open and closes in the vertical direction. For example, the RAM clear switch cover 400p has a locking mechanism in a closed state, and the RAM clear switch cover 400p can be released to the front side after being unlocked by moving the RAM clear switch cover 400p downward. Then, when the RAM clear switch cover 400p is opened, the RAM clear switch 400q is operably exposed.

The RAM clear switch 400q corresponds to an initialization switch operated in the third procedure, and a predetermined initialization operation (for example, an ON operation by pressing the RAM clear switch 400q within a predetermined period after the power is turned on) is performed. When it is broken, a signal for initializing (RAM clearing) the control information stored in the main control RAM 103 is output. The initialization operation for clearing the RAM is not limited to the independent operation of the RAM clear switch 400q, and the power switch 600q is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 400q to clear the RAM. It may be the initialization operation of. Further, the range of information initialized when the RAM clear is executed is not limited to the control information stored in the main control RAM 103.

Therefore, after performing the second procedure, the operator of the setting change operation performs an initialization operation (for example, for example) on the RAM clear switch 400q from the back side of the front frame 4 with the RAM clear switch cover 400p open. By performing the ON operation), the third procedure (RAM clear switch ON) can be executed.

Further, the power switch cover 600p is a cover that swings open and closes in the vertical direction like the RAM clear switch cover 400p described above. The power switch cover 600p may also have a lock mechanism. Then, when the power switch cover 600p is opened, the power switch 600q is operably exposed.

The power switch 600q is a power switch that changes the power supply state of the gaming machine 1 (at least the main control board 100), and outputs a signal for switching the power on / off state when the power is operated. ..

Therefore, after performing the second procedure, the operator of the setting change operation performs a predetermined power operation (power on) for the power switch 600q from the back side of the front frame 4 with the power switch cover 600p open. By performing the operation), the fourth procedure (power switch on) can be executed. As described above, the third procedure and the fourth procedure must be operated in parallel (in parallel) at the same time. Then, by performing the first to fourth steps, the internal state of the pachinko machine 1 shifts to the setting change state, and the set value can be selected and set.

In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, among the first to fourth procedures for shifting to the above-mentioned setting change state, the first procedure (frame opening) and the second procedure (setting key switch). If the on) is omitted and executed, the initialization operation is performed, and if the third step (RAM clear switch on) is omitted and executed, the current game setting (set value) is confirmed. Move to the confirmation state.

As described above, in the setting change operation in the pachinko machine 1, the second to fourth steps must be executed from the back side of the front frame 4 with the front frame 4 opened from the outer frame 2 by the first procedure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts that attempt to change the settings while the front door (front frame 4) of the gaming machine is closed.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, regarding the opening of the back cover 4h, which is indispensable before the execution of the second procedure (setting key switch on), the front frame 4 is removed in the first procedure (frame opening). When the back cover 4h is not opened more than a predetermined angle with respect to the frame 2, the back cover 4h cannot be opened greatly (it makes it difficult to execute the second procedure).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an opening / closing locus of the back cover in an appropriately opened state of the front frame, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an opening / closing locus of the back cover in an improperly opened state of the front frame. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the outer frame 2 is supported by the hinge members 2e and 2f so that the front frame 4 (and the glass frame 3) can be swingably opened and closed, and the front frame 4 is a hinge member. The back cover 4h is supported by 4i and 4j so as to be swingably openable and closable (see also FIGS. 6 and 18). Here, the swinging rotation shaft of the back cover 4h formed by the hinge members 4i and 4j is arranged at a position different from the swinging rotation shaft of the front frame 4 formed by the hinge members 2e and 2f, and When the opening angle of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 does not reach a predetermined angle (preferably at least 90 ° is secured), the outer frame 2 is positioned on the rotation locus when opening and closing the back cover 4h. Arranged to do.

_{Specifically, in the case of FIG. 19, the condition that the opening angle θ 1} of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 is equal to or greater than the above-mentioned predetermined angle is satisfied. At this time, since the operator can freely open the back cover 4h without contacting or colliding with the outer frame 2, the harness cover 100p is opened and the setting key switch 100q is set from the back side of the front frame 4. The key switch-on operation (second step) can be performed. In addition, since FIG. 19 shows a state in which the front frame 4 (and the glass frame 3) is greatly opened in front of the gaming machine island, it is possible that the setting change operation is being performed from the surroundings (for example, those involved in the hall). It is easily recognized and enhances crime prevention against fraudulent activities.

On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 20, opening angle theta ₂ of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 does not meet the condition that said predetermined angle or more, the front frame 4 has remained on the opening of a small degree. At this time, even if the operator tries to open the back cover 4h, the back cover 4h cannot be greatly opened because it comes into contact with the outer frame 2 and is hindered, and the setting key switch is turned on for the setting key switch 100q. The operation (second step) cannot be performed. In the first place, it is difficult to even open the harness cover 100p that covers the setting key switch 100q.

Therefore, according to such a pachinko machine 1, if the opening angle of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 is not equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the operability of the setting key switch 100q is lowered to a level that is substantially inoperable. It is possible to improve the crime prevention against fraudulent acts that try to change the setting by hiding from the people involved in the hall and opening the front door (front frame 4) to a small extent.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, covers are provided for each of a plurality of input switches (setting key switch 100q, RAM clear switch 400q, power switch 600q) operated to shift to the setting change state, and settings are made. When the change operation is not operated, at least two or more input switches are covered with a cover. By covering with the cover in this way, the setting change operation is hidden and difficult to execute. In particular, regarding the setting key switch 100q, in addition to the harness cover 100p which is a direct covering member, the back cover 4h is also a covering member, and the setting key switch 100q must be operated while maintaining the open state of both covers. (For example, when the back cover 4h is closed, the setting key switch 100q is covered).

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the RAM clear switch 400q and the power switch 600q are arranged so that they cannot be operated simultaneously (in parallel) with one hand. As a specific arrangement method, the arrangement interval of both switches may be set to a predetermined linear distance or more (for example, 30 cm or more), but the structure of the front frame 4 and the game board 5 is considered instead of a simple linear distance. Therefore, it is preferable that the arrangement is such that a predetermined space distance or more (distance from the thumb to the little finger of one hand or more) is guaranteed. For example, in the pachinko machine 1, the power switch 600q is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine from the payout control board 400, that is, at a position deeper when viewed from the back (see FIGS. 17 and 18 and the like). By arranging the switch at a deep position in this way, a structure existing in the middle (for example, a cover of the power supply board 600) becomes an obstacle, and the space distance between the RAM clear switch 400q and the power supply switch 600q is a straight line on a plane. It can be secured larger than the distance.

In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the RAM clear switch 400q and the power switch 600q are arranged so that they cannot be operated simultaneously with one hand as described above, so that the third procedure of the setting change operation (RAM clear switch on). And the fourth procedure (power on) cannot be executed simultaneously with one hand, and operation with both hands is required. As a result, it becomes difficult to perform a series of operations for shifting to the setting change state while hiding from the surroundings, and it can be expected that the crime prevention against fraudulent acts related to the setting change is further enhanced.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, since the setting key for operating the setting key switch 100q is a key unique to each manufacturer (or model) of the gaming machine, it is predetermined to the setting key by engraving or the like. By applying the design of, it may be possible to easily distinguish it from the setting key of another manufacturer. By doing so, it becomes easy for the hall personnel to search for the setting key corresponding to the pachinko machine 1 when performing the regular setting change operation, and the effect of supporting the setting change operation can be expected. The above-mentioned predetermined design applied to the setting key is also applied to the corresponding gaming machine side (for example, the periphery of the setting key switch 100q in the pachinko machine 1, the harness cover 100p, etc.) to further enhance the distinctiveness. You may do so.

Further, in the above-mentioned example of the pachinko machine 1, the plurality of input switches (setting key switch 100q, RAM clear switch 400q, power switch 600q) operated to shift to the setting change state are all on the game machine island side. It was provided on the side that can be swung open and closed (for example, the front frame 4 and the game board 5). In the pachinko machine 1 configured in this way, when shifting to the setting change state, it is sufficient to operate a plurality of input switches provided on the open side, so that the switches provided on the fixed game machine island side are used. Compared to the case of looking into the operation, it can be expected to have the effect of improving the operability of a series of setting change operations. In the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, not only the above-mentioned plurality of input switches but also other switches operated in connection with the setting change operation (for example, a frame switch for opening the front frame 4 (not). (Fig.) Etc.) may also be provided on the side that can be swung open and closed. In this case, the operability of a series of setting change operations can be further improved.

As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has high crime prevention against fraudulent acts related to setting changes. Further, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment is also highly resistant to other fraudulent acts, specifically, fraudulent acts such as exchanging a part (for example, the main control unit 5b) including the main control board 100 for a fraudulent part. Has crime prevention. This will be described in detail below.

As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the back cover 4h cannot be greatly opened when the opening angle of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2 is not equal to or greater than a predetermined angle. It is difficult to remove and replace the board 100 (main control unit 5b). Further, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the main control unit 5b itself cannot be easily removed.

21 and 22 are a rear view and an enlarged view (No. 1 and No. 2) of the main control unit when it is removed. In FIGS. 21 and 22, it is assumed that the back cover 4h (not shown) is already widely opened.

When removing the main control unit 5b from the game board 5, first, as shown in FIG. 21, the prize ball payout unit 34 arranged on the left side (right side in FIG. 22) of the main control board case 100n is removed. Although the details will be described later, the harness cover 100p is not only a covering member for the setting key switch 100q, but also a member for restricting the removal of the main control unit 5b when the setting key switch 100q is closed. By removing the harness cover 100p from the mounting bracket 100s described later, the upper side of the main control unit 5b (main control board case 100n) is tilted toward you (the back side of the front frame 4), and then the main control unit. The 5b can be attached to and detached from the game board 5.

Here, the detailed structure of the main control unit 5b (main control board case 100n) and the harness cover 100p will be supplemented.

FIG. 23 is a six-view view of the main board case. As shown in FIG. 23, in the main control unit 5b, in the main control board case 100n arranged at a position facing the installation surface of the IC board (main control board 100), it is substantially equivalent to the plane farthest from the IC board ( The setting key switch 100q (insertion port for the setting key) is provided at a position (on the front surface side of the main control board case 100n) or slightly closer to the IC board. By arranging the setting key switch 100q at that position, the surface of the main control board case 100n and the covering surface of the harness cover 100p are substantially flush with each other when the harness cover 100p is closed. Since the setting key switch 100q (insertion port for the setting key) is provided at such a position, it becomes difficult to close the harness cover 100p with the setting key inserted, so that the harness cover 100p is closed. In addition, it is possible to prevent forgetting to close the back cover 4h, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of security during operation of the game store.

As shown in FIG. 23, a 7-segment display (setting display unit 197) capable of displaying a set value is provided on the main control board 100 inside the main control case 100n. Details of the setting display unit 197 will be described later with reference to FIG. 27.

FIG. 24 is a front view and a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the main board control case. 24 (A) and 24 (B) show mounting brackets 100s of the main control board case 100n arranged on the back side (front side of the game board 5) of the main board control case 100n. In the pachinko machine 1, the mounting bracket 100s is fixed to the back surface of the game board 5, and the bearing portion of the main control board case 100n is moved horizontally with respect to the shaft portion 100t protruding from the mounting bracket 100s to the left and right. The main control board case 100n (main control unit 5b) is supported by the gaming board 5 by being slid and mounted so that the 100r (see FIG. 23) is guided. Further, the bearing portion 100u formed coaxially with the shaft portion 100t is a bearing member that supports the harness cover 100p.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the harness cover. FIG. 25 shows the back side (main control board 100 side) of the harness cover 100p. In the pachinko machine 1, the harness cover 100p is supported by the mounting bracket 100s by fitting the shaft portion 100v to the bearing portion 100u of the mounting bracket 100s. At this time, the end portion 100w fills (or hits) the space between the bearing portion 100u and the shaft portion 100t of the mounting bracket 100s, thereby restricting the main control board case 100n from sliding in the direction of being removed from the mounting bracket 100s.

In this way, the main control board case 100n (main control unit 5b) is restricted from being removed from the game board 5 by the harness cover 100p when it is closed. Therefore, in order to remove it (up and down with respect to the game board 5). It is necessary to remove the harness cover 100p in advance (when trying to tilt in the direction).

From the above, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the work of removing the main control unit 5b, the prize ball payout unit 34 and the harness cover 100p are removed while the back cover 4h is widely opened, and the main control unit 5b is removed. Since a plurality of procedures of tilting and sliding are required, it is not easy to quickly remove the main control unit 5b, and it can be expected to have an effect of preventing fraudulent acts such as replacement with a unit containing an illegal board. Further, prior to these procedures, it is necessary to open the front frame 4 at a predetermined angle or more with respect to the outer frame 2, and the main control unit is not noticed by the surroundings with the front frame 4 greatly opened. Since it is difficult to remove the 5b (main control board 100), it is possible to further enhance the crime prevention against the fraudulent activity.

<Control configuration of gaming machines>
FIG. 26 is a control block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

<Main control board>
As shown in FIG. 26, the main control board 100 includes a main control CPU 101, a main control ROM 102, a main control RAM 103, an I / O port circuit 104, and the like. The main control CPU 101 controls the operation of the main control program to execute various arithmetic processes related to the game. The main control ROM 102 non-volatilely stores the main control program and various data. The main control RAM 103 functions as a work area and a buffer memory used as a temporary storage area (temporary area). The I / O port circuit 104 inputs / outputs signals to and from peripheral boards such as the effect control board 200 and the payout control board 400 and each device under the control of the main control CPU 101.

The main control CPU 101 controls the game operation according to each instruction of the main control program by reading the main control program from the main control ROM 102 and executing each instruction on the main control RAM 103.

In addition, although not shown, the main control board 100 includes a clock circuit, a WDT circuit, a CTC circuit, a random number generation circuit, and the like.

The clock circuit divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock. The WDT circuit resets the main control CPU 101 to a normal state when it malfunctions or goes into a runaway state. The CTC circuit generates real-time interrupts and measures time. The random number generation circuit operates as a system separate from the program processing (software random number) by the main control CPU 101 to generate a predetermined random number (built-in random number). They are electrically connected to each other via an internal bus (not shown).

The main control CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading the main control program stored in the main control ROM 102 and executing arithmetic processing based on the detection information from each switch 161 and the like.

Further, the main control CPU 101 executes a game ball payout operation in addition to the effect command output port for outputting the effect control command for executing the effect operation associated with the main control of the game to the effect control board 200. It is equipped with a payout command output port for outputting the payout command of, and further is equipped with a strobe signal output port used for outputting a strobe signal for timing the target board to receive each of these transmission commands. .. The main control CPU 101 also has various output ports, and the strobe signal output port 101B actually exists as a port for outputting a plurality of data combined with other output data.

The main control RAM 103 is a volatile storage means in which at least a part of the area is backed up by the backup power source generated in the power supply board 600. The backup area of the main control RAM 103 is an area for storing data such as the stack pointer and each register held when the power is cut off (hereinafter referred to as "power off"). When the power is turned on (when the power is turned off and restored), the state of the gaming machine is restored to the state before the power was turned off based on the information in the backup area.

The main control board 100 includes a setting key switch 100q for changing a set value, a first start port switch 161 provided in the first start port 61, and a second start port switch 162 provided in the second start port 62. It is electrically connected to various switches such as the operating gate switch 163 provided on the gate 63, the large winning opening switch 164 provided on the large winning opening 64, and the general winning opening switch 166 provided on the general winning opening 66. ing. On the main control board 100, detection signals from these various switches are input to the main control CPU 101 via the I / O port circuit 104.

Further, the main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 171, a second special symbol display device 172, a first special symbol hold lamp 173, a second special symbol hold lamp 174, a normal symbol display device 175, and a normal symbol hold lamp. It is electrically connected to various display means such as 176. The main control board 100 is electrically connected to various solenoids such as the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 123 that operates the ordinary electric accessory 622 and the special electric accessory solenoid 124 that operates the special electric accessory 642. , The control signal from the main control CPU 101 is transmitted to these various display means and various solenoids via the I / O port circuit 104.

The main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 are connected by, for example, eight parallel signal lines and one strobe signal line, and a single direction from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200. It is said that communication is possible only by. That is, while it is permitted to transmit various effect control commands from the main control board 100 to the effect control board 200, it is not permitted to transmit commands and data from the effect control board 200 to the main control board 100. ..

The I / O port circuit 104 is provided between the main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109 on the main control board 100. The main control CPU 101 and the effect control board connection connector 109 are connected by a strobe signal bus 112 composed of strobe signal lines in addition to the data bus 111 composed of eight data lines. The command data transmitted from the I / O port circuit 104 is received by the effect control board 200 via the effect control board connector 109 under the control of the main control CPU 101 as described later.

<Production control board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 26, the effect control board 200 stores the effect control CPU 201 that executes various arithmetic processes related to the game effect based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, the effect control program, various data, and the like. Between the effect control ROM 202, the effect control RAM 203 that functions as a work area as a temporary work area (temporary area) and a buffer memory, and peripheral boards such as the main control board 100 and the image control board 300, and each device. It includes an I / O port circuit 204 for inputting and outputting signals.

The effect control CPU 201 reads the effect control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 and executes it on the effect control RAM 203, thereby controlling the effect operation accompanying the progress of the game according to the effect control program. In addition, although not shown, the effect control board 200 is reset when the effect control CPU 201, which is a clock circuit that divides the clock signal from the crystal oscillator to generate an internal system clock, malfunctions or goes out of control. WDT circuit that returns to the normal state, TPU circuit that outputs various signals based on the system clock, interrupt controller that generates various interrupts such as timer interrupts based on register settings and signals from the CTC circuit, and input / output of serial data A serial communication circuit for performing the above and a real-time clock circuit having a timing function (hereinafter referred to as "RTC circuit") and the like are installed, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

The effect control board 200 generates an image control command instructing the image control board 300 to output images and sounds in the effect control process corresponding to the effect control command from the main control board 100, and also connects to a lamp. A lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the substrate 91, a drive control signal (drive data) for controlling the motor driver 92, and the like are generated. The effect control board 200 is connected to the image control board 300 so that bidirectional communication is possible. The image control command related to the image and sound is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300, and as a response thereof, a response command (so-called ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been normally received. Is transmitted from the image control board 300 to the effect control board 200.

The effect control board 200 is connected to a speaker 11 that outputs sound, and the effect control CPU 201 controls the sound data generated by the image control board 300 to be output to the speaker 11.

The effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a lamp connection board 91 on which a plurality of LED drivers are mounted, and a lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the lamp connection board 91 is transmitted via a serial communication circuit. Send. In the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 and the lamp connection board 91 employ clock-synchronized serial communication, and are transmitted by a signal line (clock line) different from the data line for lamp data transmission. The lamp control signal is transmitted bit by bit via the data line in synchronization with the clock signal.

The lamp connection board 91 has a built-in LED driver that functions by receiving a lamp control signal for driving an LED transmitted from the effect control board 200. The lamp connection board 91 supplies or cuts off the drive current to the effect lamps 10 and 25 by switching on / off the switch in the circuit based on the lamp control signal, and turns the effect lamps 10 and 25 on and off. Control to make it.

Further, the effect control board 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of motor drivers 92, and a drive control signal (drive data) for driving an accessory is transmitted to the motor driver 92 via the I / O port circuit 204. Output. The motor driver 92 supplies a drive current to the stepping motor of each movable accessory by switching the switch in the circuit on / off based on the drive control signal for driving the accessory transmitted from the effect control board 200. Operate each movable accessory by turning it on or off. A parallel communication method is adopted for data transmission to the motor driver 92. Not limited to this embodiment, if the drive source of the accessory has a drive source other than the stepping motor, a control signal or a control signal may be sent to the driver IC corresponding to the drive source instead of the motor driver 92. Control data is transmitted.

The image control board 300 includes an image control CPU 301, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, and an I / O port circuit 306. The image control CPU 301 executes various arithmetic processes related to the image effect based on the image control command from the effect control board 200. The ROM 304 stores an image control program, various data, and the like. The RAM 305 temporarily functions as a work area or a buffer memory as a storage area (temporary area). The I / O port circuit 306 inputs and outputs signals to and from peripheral boards and devices.

The image control CPU 301 reads an image control program from the ROM 304, loads it into the RAM 305, and executes the image control program to control the image display operation related to the effect according to the image control program. The ROM 304 corresponds to the ROM on the effect control ROM board.

Further, the image control board 300 is provided with VDP 302 that generates image data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301, and sound data according to the effect content based on the control signal acquired from the image control CPU 301. It is equipped with a sound source IC 303 to be generated. The VDP 302 is a so-called graphic processor, which reads image data stored in an image ROM (not shown) in response to an instruction from the image control CPU 301, processes the image data, and outputs a video signal to the effect display device 70. Output to. A high-speed VRAM (not shown) used for developing and processing image data read from the image ROM is connected to the VDP 302. The sound source IC 303 reads the sound data stored in the voice ROM (not shown) in response to the instruction from the image control CPU 301, synthesizes the sound data, and generates the sound data. The generated sound data is output to the speaker 11 via the effect control board 200 and the amplifier.

<Payout control board>
The payout control board 400 includes a payout control CPU 401, a payout control ROM 402, and a payout control RAM 403. The payout control board 400 drives the prize ball payout unit 34 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100 to control the payout operation (prize ball operation) of the game ball, while responding to the operation amount of the firing handle 12. The ball feeding mechanism 13 and the launching mechanism 14 are driven in synchronization to control the launching operation of the game ball.

<Power supply board>
The power supply board 600 includes a normal power supply circuit, a backup power supply circuit, and a power supply disconnection monitoring circuit. The normal power supply circuit generates a normal power supply used in each control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment of the gaming machine island. The backup power supply circuit produces a backup power supply. The power failure monitoring circuit has a function of monitoring a power failure due to a voltage drop.

The power supply board 600 generates and supplies a power supply voltage required for electronic / electrical components such as each control board and gaming equipment. A power switch 600q for activating the power supply circuit is connected to the power supply board 600, and when the power supply switch 600q is turned on while the primary power is being supplied from the power supply device of the game machine island, the power supply board 600 A predetermined power supply is usually supplied from the power supply circuit to each control board or the like.

The power supply board 600 has a function of detecting that the power supply from the power supply device of the gaming machine island is cut off (hereinafter, also referred to as “power supply cutoff”), and when the power supply cutoff is detected, a power supply cutoff signal for notifying that fact is given. (NMI signal) is transmitted to the main control board 100, the effect control board 200, and the payout control board 400. The backup power supply circuit is configured to be charged while power is being supplied to the gaming machine from the power supply device of the gaming machine island. A RAM clear switch 400q and a door open sensor 2q are connected to the power supply board 600. The RAM clear switch 400q is a switch for temporarily erasing the stored contents of the main control RAM 103 of the main control board 100 and setting an initial value when the power of the gaming machine is turned on. The door open sensor 2q is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the front frame 4 with respect to the outer frame 2. The RAM clear switch 400q and the door open sensor 2q may be connected to another board such as the main control board 100 instead of the power supply board 600.

<Basic operation example of a gaming machine>
The gaming machine configured as described above starts the game in a state where the gaming balls are stored in the upper ball plate 8. First, when the launch handle 12 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball plate 8 are sent out to the launch mechanism 14 one by one by the ball feed mechanism 13 provided on the back side of the glass frame 3. , The firing mechanism 14 launches the ball into the game area 20A at a firing intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the firing handle 12.

When a game ball rolling down the game area 20A enters any of the general winning opening 66, the first starting opening 61, the second starting opening 62, and the large winning opening 64, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. Will be done. In the main control board 100, the main control CPU 101 transmits a payout control command instructing a prize ball operation according to the type of the winning opening to the payout control board 400, and the payout control board 400 receives the command and stores the command. The game ball of the tank 31 is paid out to the upper ball plate 8 or the lower ball plate 9 by the prize ball payout unit 34.

On the other hand, when the game ball enters the first starting port 61 or the second starting port 62, this detection signal is input to the main control board 100. In the main control board 100, when the main control CPU 101 detects a ball entering the first start port 61 or the second start port 62, a lottery random number value of a special symbol is acquired, and the random number value is up to a predetermined upper limit number. Temporarily memorize as a reserved ball with a special symbol. When the predetermined fluctuation start condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 101 subsequently executes a special symbol hit / miss determination and a symbol determination for the lottery random number value related to the earliest reserved ball, and also performs a variation pattern determination to select a variation pattern. Is executed, and the special symbol is variably displayed using the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in an manner according to the determination result. At the same time, the main control CPU 101 causes the image control board 300 to execute the effect display device 70 to display the variation display of the decorative symbol and the variation effect by transmitting the effect control command to the effect control board 200. The variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is synchronously stopped and displayed after the lapse of the variable time according to the selected variable pattern. Here, there is a ball entering the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 to acquire various lottery random numbers, and further, the acquired random values are held and the fluctuation start condition is satisfied. At that time, regarding performing the special symbol game by the special symbol display device, the process in which the special symbol game is executed as a result is referred to as "starting condition (establishes)".

When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in the stop mode indicating a big hit on the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172, the game state is more favorable to the player than the normal game. The game shifts to a special game, and the opening / closing operation of the large winning opening 64 is started in response to the operation of the special electric accessory 642. On the other hand, the stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit in the effect display device 70 is, for example, an embodiment in which the types of the three symbols match. In the present embodiment, as special games, a 10R special game in which a round game is set to 10 times (10 rounds), a 5R special game in which a round game is set to 5 times (5 rounds), and a round game are performed twice. A 2R special game set to (2 rounds) is prepared.

In the present embodiment, regardless of whether the game is shifted to the 10R special game, the 5R special game, or the 2R special game, the number of changes in the special symbol becomes a predetermined final number (also referred to as “ST number”) after the end of the special game. The probability variation function (also referred to as "probability variation") of the special symbol operates over the period until it is reached (also referred to as "ST period"). That is, in the present embodiment, the probability variation function of the special symbol is not continued until the next big hit occurs, but is limited to the number of STs. When the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated in this way, the jackpot probability of the special symbol lottery shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state, so that the probability of reaching a new jackpot increases relatively early.

On the other hand, after the special game is completed, the main control CPU 101 may activate a function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as “time reduction”) in association with or separately from the probability variation function of the special symbol. When the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function is activated, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol (and decorative symbol) tends to be shorter than usual, the number of special symbol lottery per unit time is improved, and the previous jackpot ends. It will be easier to win the next big hit in a shorter period of time.

Further, when the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is activated, the main control CPU 101 also activates the so-called electric chew support function (ordinary electric accessory support function). In the electric chew support function, any one of the functions of the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol, the function of shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol, and the function of opening and extending the normal electric accessory 622, or a combination of the functions are activated. When the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol is activated, the winning probability of the normal symbol becomes higher than the normal state. When the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol is activated, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, and the opening mode of the normal electric accessory 622 is changed from that in the normal gaming state (when the electric chew support function is not activated). (For example, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is extended more than usual), so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 62 (also referred to as "easy entry state"). When the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is activated, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 622 is extended from the normal state. In this easy-to-enter state, there is a high possibility that the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol per fixed time will increase more than in the normal state due to the operation of the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal symbol, and the opening time of the normal electric accessory 622 is opened. Since the ease of entering the second starting port 62 is also improved by the operation of the time extension function, there is a high possibility that the number of balls entering the second starting port 62 will increase. Therefore, by activating the variable time shortening function and the electric chew support function of the special symbol, the chance of obtaining a prize ball by entering the second starting port 62 increases during that period, and as a result, the player has It is possible to continue the game in a state where it is difficult to reduce the number of balls as compared with the normal game state.

<Examples of main functional configurations of gaming machines>
The outline of the gaming operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is as described above, and next, the main functions of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of the main control board 100 mounted on the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

The main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a game lottery random number generation means 120, a hold control means 130, a preliminary determination means 135, a special symbol lottery processing means 140, a normal symbol lottery processing means 145, a special game control means 150, and a symbol. The display control means 155, the electric accessory control means 160, the game state control means 169, the error monitoring control means 170, the main information storage means 180, and the command transmission / reception means 190 are included. The above-mentioned means on the main control board 100 are mainly stored in hardware such as a main control CPU 101, a main control ROM 102, a main control RAM 103, an electronic circuit, and a main control ROM 102 provided on the main control board 100. It is composed of software such as a control program, but is expressed here as a functional block.

The ball entry determination means 110 is a detection signal from the first start port switch 161, the second start port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the large winning opening switch 164, the general winning opening switch 166, the out ball detection switch 167, and the like. Based on the above, the entry of the game ball into each winning opening or the like is determined.

The game lottery random number generation means 120 takes in the built-in random number generated in the above-mentioned random number generation circuit, and adds the soft random number per special symbol described later to the built-in random number, so that the random number per special symbol used for the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is used. To generate. The game lottery random number generation means 120 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by the program processing of the main control CPU 101. These random number counters function as random number generation means for generating random numbers by software.

The software random numbers include a soft random number per special symbol that is added to the built-in random number described above to form a random number per special symbol, and a soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining the initial value and the end value of the soft random number per special symbol. , Special symbol per symbol random number used to determine the winning symbol (combination of symbols that activates the condition device, combination of missing symbols, etc.) as the stop symbol of the special symbol, initial value and end value of the special symbol per symbol random number Special symbol per symbol initial value random number to determine, special symbol variation pattern random number to use for selecting special symbol variation pattern, normal symbol per random number to use for normal symbol win / loss lottery, ordinary symbol per random number The initial value random number per ordinary symbol for determining the initial value and the end value of the normal symbol, the ordinary symbol variation pattern random number for use in selecting the variation pattern of the ordinary symbol, and the like are included. The above-mentioned winning symbol means a winning symbol.

These software random numbers are updated once each time timer interrupt processing occurs, and the remaining time of the interrupt cycle is used for the initial value random numbers even while the timer interrupt processing is not being executed (during loop processing). And update.

The hold control means 130 includes a special symbol hold control means 131 and a normal symbol hold control means 132. The special symbol holding control means 131 is a lottery random number value related to the special symbol game, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 61 or the second starting port 62, and is a random value per special symbol or per special symbol. The symbol random value and the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value are acquired, and the random value is managed as operation-holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol hold control means 131 stores the main information so as to combine the operation hold ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4) with the entry order of the hold balls. It is temporarily stored in the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of the means 180.

In the first special symbol hold storage area and the second special symbol hold storage area, the hold 1 storage area (first hold storage area) and the hold 2 storage area (2) are in the order of entry into the starting ports 61 and 62. A third reserved storage area), a reserved 3 storage area (third reserved storage area), and a reserved 4 storage area (fourth reserved storage area) are provided, respectively. Each hold storage area can store a random number per special symbol, a random number per special symbol, and a random number of special symbol variation patterns as a set of operation hold ball information. The operation hold ball information is stored in the order of hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 storage area, while hold 1 storage area, hold 2 storage area, hold 3 storage area, hold 4 storage. It is digested according to the so-called first-in first-out principle in the order of regions. When the hold ball information in the hold 1 storage area is digested, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area, the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower numbered storage area, and the hold 4 is held. Clear the contents of the storage area to zero.

The special symbol hold control means 131 has a first special symbol hold ball number counter for counting the number of operation hold balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol hold for counting the number of operation hold balls of the second special symbol. It has a ball count counter. The special symbol holding control means 131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter every time one of the special symbol's operation-holding balls is acquired as an update process of the number of operation-holding balls of the special symbol, and one operation-holding ball is digested. The corresponding counter is subtracted by 1 for each.

When the special symbol hold control means 131 updates (adds or subtracts) the number of operation hold balls of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the effect control command including the update information of the hold ball number (“symbol memory number command”). ”) Is generated, and this is temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This one command includes information on both the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol and the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol. As a general rule, the operation-holding balls of each special symbol are digested in the order in which they are entered, but in the present embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the first special symbol. , So-called priority digestion is adopted, so that while the operation holding ball related to the second special symbol game exists, the operation holding related to the second special symbol game is held regardless of the existence of the operation holding ball related to the first special symbol game. It is configured to preferentially digest the sphere. Under this priority digestion, when the operation-holding ball of the second special symbol exists, even if the operation-holding ball of the first special symbol exists, the operation-holding ball of the first special symbol is digested. It will be put on hold.

The normal symbol holding control means 132 is a lottery random number value related to the normal symbol game, triggered by the game ball rolling down in the game area 20A passing through the gate 63, the normal symbol per random value, the normal symbol per symbol. A random number value and a normal symbol fluctuation pattern random value are acquired, and the random value is managed as operation-holding ball information of the normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control means 132 is a normal symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 180 so as to combine the operation hold ball information of the normal symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4) with the entry order of the hold balls. Temporarily memorize in. The normal symbol holding control means 132 has a normal symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operating holding balls of the normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control means 132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter every time one of the normal symbol's hold balls is acquired as an update process of the number of hold balls of the normal symbol, and one action hold ball is digested. The corresponding counter is subtracted by 1 for each.

When the pre-determination means 135 acquires an operation-holding ball with a special symbol at a predetermined pre-determination timing, the pre-determination means 135 executes a pre-determination for pre-reading notice for the operation-holding ball. As an example of the pre-judgment timing, when (1) waiting for a hit and when the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is not operating, (2) waiting for a hit and electric chew If the support function acquires the operation holding ball of the second special symbol while the support function is operating, or (3) the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or the small hit, one of the conditions is satisfied. It's time to be satisfied. In addition, in the main control board 100, regardless of the timing when the operation holding ball is acquired, the pre-determination is executed and the information is transmitted to the effect control board 200, and the effect control board 200 determines whether or not the pre-reading notice can be executed. It is also possible to decide.

Specifically, the pre-determination means 135 reads the random number value corresponding to the operation hold ball acquired this time from the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 180, and draws a winning / failing. Pre-judgment (pre-judgment of winning / failing), pre-judgment of symbol lottery (pre-decision of symbol), and pre-judgment of variation pattern lottery (pre-determination of variation pattern) are sequentially executed. Although not shown, the pre-judgment table used in each pre-judgment corresponds to the total number of random numbers in the same way as the lottery table (special symbol winning / failing lottery table, special symbol per symbol table, variable pattern table) described later. The area is divided into a plurality of areas, and a lottery ID is assigned to each area (number of determination values). The pre-determination by the pre-determination means 135 corresponds to the first special symbol hold storage area or the second special symbol hold storage area as long as it corresponds to the random number value used for the lottery when the fluctuation actually starts. Instead of the data stored in the data, the data temporarily held in the register of the RAM or the CPU may be determined in advance.

As the lottery ID, a number indicating the result of the preliminary determination (also referred to as a “predetermined number”) is set. The pre-judgment means 135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as a “pre-judgment command”) including information on the pre-judgment result (pre-judgment number), and stores this in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. .. It should be noted that, as in the present embodiment, not only when the pre-judgment result is transmitted as information (lottery ID) to which random value range belongs, but also by using the winning / failing lottery table or the like used when actually starting the fluctuation. The result of the lottery may be transmitted in advance.

The special symbol lottery processing means 140 includes a special symbol winning / failing determination means 141, a special symbol stop symbol determining means 142, and a special symbol variation pattern determining means 143. When the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the special symbol lottery processing means 140 has a random value per special symbol stored in the earliest storage area (hold 1 storage area) of the special symbol hold storage area in the main information storage means 180. , The symbol random value per special symbol and the special symbol variation pattern random value are read out, and these are stored in the special symbol hit / fail determination area, the special symbol determination area, and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, respectively. Here, "the condition for starting the fluctuation of the special symbol is satisfied" means that, for example, when the priority control of the second special symbol is adopted as in the present embodiment, (1) it is not a big hit or a small hit. All the conditions that (2) both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for fluctuation, and (3) the operation holding ball exists in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. To be satisfied. When all of these conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the special symbol is in a state where it can start changing.

The special symbol winning / failing determination means 141 reads a random number value per special symbol from the special symbol winning / failing determination area of the main information storage means 180, executes a winning / failing determination, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to a big hit, a small hit, or a miss. To determine. The result of this hit / fail determination is temporarily stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 (for example, big hit data (for example, "55H"), small hit data (for example, "33H"), and missed data (for example, "33H"). "00H"), after being used in the subsequent processing, it is cleared when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped. The special symbol winning / failing determination means 141 refers to the special symbol winning / failing lottery table at the time of this winning / failing determination. The "H" shown after each of the above data is an acronym for "Hexadecimal" and means that the data is represented by a hexadecimal number. For example, in the case of "55H", 1 It is shown that the byte data is "01010101B (" B "is a binary number)". In particular, in the case of decimal notation, no symbol is added or "D" is added for explanation.

FIG. 29 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a special symbol winning / failing lottery table referred to in a normal state as a so-called low probability state, and FIG. 29 (B) is referred to in a probability variation state as a so-called high probability state. It is a figure which shows an example of the special symbol winning / failing lottery table.

In this special symbol winning / failing lottery table, the random value per special symbol is associated with the determination results of big hit, small hit, and loss. The winning probabilities of big hits and small hits are determined according to the random number range associated in this way. As can be seen from these FIGS. 29 (A) and 29 (B), in the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol game, in the normal state (low probability state), the big hit is only when the random number value falls within the range of "0 to 219". It becomes. On the other hand, in the probability variation state (high probability state), the jackpot range is expanded, and not only when the random number value corresponds to the range of "0 to 219" but also when it corresponds to the range of "220 to 2184". It will be a big hit. That is, when the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated, the jackpot lottery probability changes from a low probability state (about 1/300) to a high probability state (about 1/30).

In this way, the range corresponding to the big hit changes according to the game state, but the winning probability of the big hit is the same between the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol and the winning / failing lottery of the second special symbol. Here, even if the random number value per special symbol does not fall within the range of the big hit, if it falls within the predetermined range, it becomes a small hit. In the present embodiment, a small hit exists only in the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol. For example, a small winning is prepared in the winning / failing lottery of the second special symbol, and the winning / failing of the second special symbol. The lottery may be configured to have a higher probability of winning a small hit than the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol, or the small winning may be prepared only for the winning / failing lottery of the second special symbol.

As described above, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be provided with a setting changing function for changing the degree of advantage of the game to the player according to the setting values of a plurality of stages. When the setting is changed in such a pachinko machine 1, the random value range that becomes a big hit is changed according to the setting (set value). Therefore, a special symbol winning / failing lottery table having a different jackpot range is prepared according to the set value. However, in the pachinko machine 1, the ratio of the jackpot lottery probability in the low probability state to the jackpot lottery probability in the high probability state is constant regardless of the set value. Specifically, for example, regarding the jackpot lottery probability when the set value is "1", if the low probability state is 1/300 and the high probability state is 1/30 (10 times the low probability state), The jackpot lottery probability when the set value is "6" is 1/25 in the high probability state (10 times the low probability state) when the low probability state is 1/250.

The special symbol stop symbol determining means 142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and the symbol group to which the stop symbol belongs, based on the result of the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. do. The special symbol stop symbol determining means 142 is a first special symbol per symbol table that is referred to when determining the stop symbol and the symbol group of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a big hit. It also has a second special symbol per symbol table.

As shown in FIG. 30 (A), in the first special symbol per symbol table, the stop symbol, the symbol group, and the contents of the jackpot (probability fluctuation function of the special symbol and the variation time shortening) are displayed with respect to the symbol random value per special symbol. The number of times the function is operated and the operation pattern of the large winning opening 64) are associated with each other. The numerical value "100" in parentheses means the number of operations of the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol, that is, the number of STs. In this table, the stop symbols "1" to "8" of the first special symbol are classified into two types of symbol groups A and B according to the type of jackpot. In this embodiment, the winning symbol table is not shown when the winning / failing lottery is missed and the small hit is a small hit, but when the miss or the small hit is all a single operation, the winning symbol table is used. If you want to uniquely determine the out-of-order symbol and the small hit symbol, and change the fluctuation pattern or the control mode of the special electric accessory by giving each type of out-of-order or small hit. In the case of a hit, a miss, or a small hit, the hit symbol table may be used to determine the symbol.

Specifically, the symbol group A (10R specific time saving symbol) is for the symbols "1", "2", "3", and "4", and the symbol group B is for the symbols "5" and "6". (5R specific time saving symbol), and symbol group C (2R specific time saving symbol) is associated with the symbols "7" and "8", respectively. In the present embodiment, the "specific symbol" is a symbol that activates the probability variation function after the end of the special game, while the "normal symbol" activates the probability variation function after the end of the special game. It is a symbol that does not cause it (the same applies to the second special symbol described later).

The symbol groups A and B are specific symbols indicating a so-called "probability variation hit" that shifts the game state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state), and the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is a big hit within the number of STs. The probability fluctuation function, the fluctuation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function of the special symbol are given only until the end without generating the above, or until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs. NS. For the symbol group A, the specified number of rounds of the special game is 10 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the large winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. On the other hand, for the symbol group B, the specified number of rounds of the special game is 5 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the large winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

The symbol group C shifts the game state after the end of the special game to the probable change state (high probability state) of the special symbol, although the number of times the large winning opening 64 is opened and the opening time are different from the above-mentioned "probability change hit". , So-called "sudden probability change hit", until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol ends without generating a big hit within the number of STs, or until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs. Only in the meantime, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric chew support function will be provided. The specified number of rounds of the special game is two rounds, and the maximum opening time of the large winning opening 64 in one round game is about 1.8 seconds.

On the other hand, when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a small hit, the symbol "9" is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol by omitting the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol. A symbol group F (special electric operation symbol 1) is associated with the symbol "9". In the case of a small hit, it does not trigger a change in the game state (probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time shortening function, electric chew support function) and fluctuation pattern selection state, and the game state is maintained before and after the winning / losing lottery. Will be done. If the result of the winning / failing lottery is wrong, the symbol "0" is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

On the other hand, in the second special symbol per symbol table described above, as shown in FIG. 30 (B), the stop symbol, the symbol group, and the contents of the jackpot (probability fluctuation function of the special symbol) are obtained with respect to the symbol random value per special symbol. The number of operations of the variable time shortening function and the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642 are associated with each other. In this second special symbol per symbol table, the stop symbols "11" to "18" of the second special symbol are associated with each other. , According to the type of jackpot, it is classified into two types of symbol groups D and E. Specifically, the symbols "11", "12", "13", and "14" are classified into the symbol group D ( The 10R specific time-saving symbol) is associated with the symbol group E (5R specific time-saving symbol) to the symbols "15", "16", "17", and "18", respectively.

The symbol groups D and E are specific symbols indicating a so-called "probability variation hit" that shifts the game state after the end of the special game to the probability variation state (high probability state), and the number of fluctuations of the special symbol is a big hit within the number of STs. The probability fluctuation function, the fluctuation time shortening function, and the electric chew support function of the special symbol are given only until the end without generating the above, or until the next big hit occurs within the number of STs. sell. For the symbol group D, the specified number of rounds of the special game is 10 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the large winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds. For the symbol group E, the specified number of rounds of the special game is 5 rounds, and the maximum opening time of the large winning opening 64 in one round game is about 30 seconds.

On the other hand, when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a small hit, the symbol "19" is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol by omitting the symbol determination by the random number per special symbol. A symbol group G (special electric operation symbol 2) is associated with the symbol "19". In addition, in the case of a small hit, it does not trigger a change in the game state (probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time shortening function, electric chew support function) and fluctuation pattern selection state, and the winning result is lost before and after the winning / losing lottery. As in a certain case, it is determined whether or not the end condition of the game state such as the probability fluctuation function is satisfied, and when the end condition is not satisfied, the game state when it is determined to be a small hit is maintained. If the result of the winning / failing lottery is wrong, the symbol "0" is uniquely assigned as the stop symbol.

As described above, in the present embodiment, three types of jackpots are prepared: 10R jackpot (10R specific time saving symbol), 5R jackpot (5R specific time saving symbol), and 2R jackpot (2R specific time saving symbol). .. The expected value of winning a prize ball (expected value of winning a prize ball) in a special game is in the order of 10R jackpot> 5R jackpot> 2R jackpot. Therefore, in the following, the 10R jackpot is also referred to as a "high profit jackpot" having the highest expected value of winning a prize ball, and the 2R jackpot is also referred to as a "low profit jackpot" having the lowest expected value of winning a prize ball. Even if the number of execution rounds is the same, if the long open round game (30 seconds) and the short open round game (1.8 seconds) are mixed, the jackpot with many long open round games is "high". It becomes a profit jackpot.

Specifically, the special game may include a special game that has a common number of execution rounds, such as unifying the number of execution rounds to 10 rounds, but changes in a predetermined round so that the mode of the round game is different. In that case, a special game of a type consisting only of a short open round game in which the opening time of the large winning opening 64 is relatively short, and a long opening time of the large winning opening 64 after a predetermined number of execution rounds are relatively long. It may include a type of special game that switches to an open round game, and the latter constitutes a "high profit jackpot". Even if the jackpot has the same number of execution rounds, the substantial profit, that is, the expected value of winning the prize ball may be different depending on the difference in the opening pattern of the big winning opening.

Here, as can be seen from the above-mentioned explanation, when a big hit is obtained in the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol, the 10R jackpot is selected with a probability of 50%, whereas the winning / failing of the second special symbol is selected. If a big hit is won by lottery, there is a 75% chance that a 10R big hit will be selected. As a result, it is advantageous for the player to enter the game ball into the second starting port 62 rather than to enter the first starting port 61 in that it is more likely that a larger number of balls can be obtained. The count number (specified count number) is the maximum number of game balls that can be entered into the large winning opening 64 in a round game.

The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 shown in FIG. 27 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation pattern random value. Here, the special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 is a plurality of types of variation pattern tables referred to when selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 (A) and 31 (B) described later. Have. The special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 selects one of the variation pattern tables from the plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the winning / failing lottery. The relationship between the fluctuation pattern selection state and the fluctuation pattern table will be described later. In each fluctuation pattern table, a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns are defined. In each figure, the "selectivity" is shown for the sake of clarity, but in reality, the judgment value (random value) for determining the fluctuation pattern according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern random value. Range) is set, and the fluctuation pattern is determined based on which determination value the fluctuation pattern random value belongs to. For each variation pattern, the variation time is set for each variation pattern as the end condition of the symbol variation, and it is premised that the symbol variation by the decorative symbol composed of a plurality of symbols is also executed at the variation time. Is defined as. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, only a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns will be described as an example, but in reality, there are many more fluctuation patterns.

FIG. 31 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table for big hits and small hits. The upper (A1) is a normal variation pattern table, the middle (A2) is a probability variation variation pattern table, and the lower (A3) is a special variation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected fluctuation pattern is set to be different depending on the fluctuation pattern selection state, or even in the same fluctuation pattern selection state, depending on the jackpot type.

In the normal fluctuation pattern table (A1), when the jackpot type is a 10R jackpot, the fluctuation pattern PX2 (normal reach A) or the fluctuation pattern PX3 (super reach A) is selected, and when the jackpot is a 5R jackpot, the fluctuation pattern PY2 (normal reach A) or variation pattern PY3 (super reach A) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a 2R big hit or a small hit, the fluctuation pattern PZ2 (normal reach A) or the fluctuation pattern PZ4 (super reach D) is selected. In this normal fluctuation pattern table for big hits and small hits, the fluctuation pattern of the non-reach mode is not selected, and when a big hit or a small hit occurs in the normal state, only the fluctuation pattern of the reach mode is selected. obtain.

In the probability variation variation pattern table (A2), when the jackpot type is 10R jackpot or 5R jackpot, only the variation pattern PX7 (super reach B) is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a 2R big hit or a small hit, either the fluctuation pattern PZ6 (normal reach B) or the fluctuation pattern PZ8 (super reach D) is selected. In this probability variation variation pattern table for big hits and small hits, the variation pattern of the non-reach mode is not selected, and when a jackpot or a small hit occurs in the probability variation state of the special symbol, only the variation pattern of the reach mode is selected. Can be selected.

In the special fluctuation pattern table (A3), only the fluctuation pattern PX9 (non-reach C) is selected when the jackpot type is 10R jackpot, and only the fluctuation pattern PY10 (super reach C) is selected when the jackpot type is 5R jackpot. Is selected. On the other hand, in the case of a 2R big hit or a small hit, only the fluctuation pattern PZ10 (super reach C) is selected. Here, the variation pattern PX9 of the non-reach C aspect is configured as an ultra-short variation time (2 seconds), while the variation patterns PY10 and PZ10 of the super reach C aspect are configured as a relatively long variation time (120 seconds). Will be done.

FIG. 31B is a diagram showing an example of a variation pattern table for detachment. The upper (B1) is a normal fluctuation pattern table, the middle (B2) is a probability variation fluctuation pattern table, and the lower (B3) is a special fluctuation pattern table. In the present embodiment, the selected variation pattern is set to be different depending on the variation pattern selection state.

In the normal fluctuation pattern table (B1), one of the fluctuation pattern PH1 (non-reach A), the fluctuation pattern PH2 (normal reach A), the fluctuation pattern PH3 (super reach A), and the fluctuation pattern PH4 (super reach D) is selected. .. In the probability variation variation pattern table (B2), one of the variation pattern PH5 (non-reach B), the variation pattern PH6 (normal reach B), the variation pattern PH7 (super reach B), and the variation pattern PH8 (super reach D) is selected. .. In the special variation pattern table (B3), only the variation pattern PH9 (non-reach C) is selected. Here, the variation pattern PH9 of the non-reach C aspect is configured as an ultra-short variation time (2 seconds).

In the above-mentioned explanation, the variation pattern table for losing is expressed by a single table in each case, but when the result of the winning / losing lottery is lost, the number of balls on hold for operation of the special symbol ( Different variation pattern tables may be selected depending on 0 to 4). That is, by using a fluctuation pattern table according to the number of operation-holding balls of the special symbol, the ratio of selecting a relatively short fluctuation time increases as the number of operation-holding balls increases, and conversely, the number of operation-holding balls decreases. The proportion of relatively long fluctuation times selected can be increased. It is also possible to classify the variable pattern table according to the type of special symbol. For example, when the electric chew support function is operating, it is easy to display the variation of the second special symbol, and as shown in FIG. 30, the jackpot of the second special symbol is more advantageous. By setting the fluctuation time of the first special symbol to a long time, it is possible to create a time for accumulating the hold of the second special symbol whose fluctuation is preferentially controlled.

After selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol, the special symbol variation pattern determining means 143 instructs the effect control board 200 to start the variation of the decorative symbol, so that the effect control command (“variation”) including the variation pattern information of the special symbol is included. A production control command (referred to as a "pattern specification command") containing information on a special symbol (symbol group) and a game state, and an effect command (referred to as a "symbol memory") containing information on the number of holds after the start of fluctuation. (Number commands) and the like are generated (hereinafter, these effect control commands are collectively referred to as "variation start commands"), and these are stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

The normal symbol lottery processing means 145 includes a normal symbol winning / failing determination means 146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination means 147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination means 148. When the fluctuation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing means 145 reads out the random value per normal symbol and the normal symbol fluctuation pattern random value stored in the earliest storage area in the normal symbol hold storage area. It is stored in the normal symbol hit / miss determination area and the normal symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, respectively.

The normal symbol hit / fail determination means 146 reads a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol hit / fail determination area of the main information storage means 180, executes a hit / fail judgment, and determines whether the determination result corresponds to hit or miss. do. The result of this winning / failing lottery is temporarily stored as a normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180, and is cleared when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped after being used in the subsequent processing. The ordinary symbol winning / failing determination means 146 holds a normal symbol winning / failing lottery table that is referred to at the time of this winning / failing lottery. In the normal state (low probability state), the normal symbol winning / failing determination means 146 refers to the normal symbol winning / failing lottery table that is hit with a probability of, for example, "160/283", while the normal symbol probability changing state (high probability state). In), for example, by referring to the normal symbol winning / failing lottery table that wins with a probability of "282/283", the winning / losing lottery of the ordinary symbol is executed.

In the present embodiment, the normal symbol stop symbol determining means 147 refers to the symbol lottery table and selects a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a hit, while the predetermined winning symbol is selected when the result is a miss. Select the outlier symbol. When it is desired to have a plurality of control patterns of the ordinary electric accessory, it may be designed to have a plurality of lottery results of the symbol lottery table of the ordinary symbol. Further, even if the winning ordinary symbols are the same, the control pattern of the ordinary electric accessory can be changed depending on whether or not the game state is the operation of the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory.

The normal symbol variation pattern determining means 148 reads the ordinary symbol variation pattern random value from the ordinary symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180, and also refers to the ordinary symbol variation pattern table to display the variation of the ordinary symbol in the normal state. In, a relatively long fluctuation time is selected (for example, seven types of "4 seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, and 10 seconds" are uniformly selected). On the other hand, in the time saving state (easy ball entry state) of the normal symbol, a relatively short fluctuation time (for example, "0.5 seconds") is selected.

When the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big hit, the special game control means 150 relates to a start demo effect and an end demo effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the special game according to the type of the determined big hit. Determine the demo production time. The special game control means 150 has an effect control command (referred to as a “big hit start demo command”) for instructing the effect control board 200 side to execute the start demo effect, and an effect control command for instructing the execution of the end demo effect. (Referred to as "big hit end demo command") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. The jackpot start demo command also serves as an opportunity for the effect control board 200 side to determine the content of a series of jackpot effects (start demo effect, round effect, end demo effect) developed during the special game. Not limited to this embodiment, the demo effect time determined by the special game control means 150 can be determined based on the game state at the time of a big hit, in addition to the big hit type.

When the special game control means 150 generates an effect control command (referred to as a "round effect designation command") for instructing the start of the round effect corresponding to each round game in each round game during the special game, this is generated. It is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This round effect designation command includes a round start command including information on the current number of rounds transmitted at the start of the round, and a large prize effect for executing a prize effect based on the detection of the large prize opening switch 164 during the round game. The winning opening valid winning command is included.

When the result of the winning / losing lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 150 determines the demonstration production time related to the small hit start demo effect and the small hit end demo effect displayed on the effect display device 70 or the like during the small hit game. .. The special game control means 150 includes an effect control command (“small hit start demo command”) for instructing the execution of the small hit start demo effect and an effect control command (“small hit end demo”) for instructing the execution of the small hit end demo effect. A command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

The symbol display control means 155 includes a special symbol display control means 156 and a normal symbol display control means 157. The special symbol display control means 156 causes the first special symbol display device 171 to variably display the first special symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and after the variation display is completed, the first special symbol Is confirmed and displayed. The special symbol display control means 156 causes the second special symbol display device 172 to variably display the second special symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and confirms and displays the second special symbol after the fluctuation display. Let me. The special symbol display control means 156 has a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, fixed display time) related to the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The operating states of the first special symbol display device 171 and the second special symbol display device 172 are monitored based on the special symbol game status of the main information storage means 180. The special symbol display control means 156 controls the effect when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped (that is, when the special symbol game timer manages the fluctuation time and the value becomes "0"). An effect control command (referred to as a “fluctuation stop command”) for requesting the substrate 200 to confirm the display of the decorative symbol is generated.

On the other hand, the normal symbol display control means 157 causes the normal symbol display device 175 to variably display the normal symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and confirms and displays the normal symbol after the fluctuation display. The normal symbol display control means 157 has a normal symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, fixed display time) related to the display of the normal symbol. The operating state of the normal symbol display device 175 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 180.

When the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a big hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a special game process after the confirmation display of the special symbol is performed, and the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124. The object 642 is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one opening / closing operation of the special electric accessory 642 is regarded as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a predetermined number of rounds (10R, 5R, 2R in this embodiment). The electric accessory control means 160 holds a large winning opening opening counter for storing the number of operations of the special electric accessory 642 (that is, the number of running rounds). Here, when the jackpot type is a so-called 10R jackpot (symbol group A, D) or 5R jackpot (symbol group B, E), the jackpot 64 is opened for a maximum of about 30 seconds in one round game. .. On the other hand, when the jackpot type is a so-called 2R jackpot (symbol group C), the jackpot 64 is opened for a maximum of about 1.8 seconds in one round game. Here, the closing condition (condition for ending the round game) of the large winning opening 64 in the special game is the elapse of the winning of the game ball of the specified count number or the openable period of the specified number of seconds.

When the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 124 as a small hit game process after confirming the special symbol, and specially. The electric accessory 642 is opened for a short period of time. The small hit game is a special game composed of one round game, and is distinguished from the big hit game of the special game composed of a plurality of round games. In particular, both the small hit game and the big hit game are special games in which it is easy to obtain balls based on the operation of the special electric accessory 642, but in order to enable the continuous operation of the special electric accessory 642. It is separated according to whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is operating.

When the electric accessory control means 160 wins the winning / losing lottery of the ordinary symbol, the electric accessory control means 160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 123 to open the ordinary electric accessory 622 for a predetermined opening time. Here, the electric accessory control means 160 opens the normal electric accessory 622 for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas the electric accessory control means 160 is normally electric in the easy entry state (electric chew support state). The accessory 622 is opened for a relatively long time (for example, 4 seconds) as compared with the normal state.

When the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a big hit, the game state control means 169 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol group related to the big hit, and after the end of the special game. Switch the game state of. In the following, among the various functions related to the special symbol and the normal symbol described above, the gaming state in which 1) the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol, the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric chew support function are activated is referred to as a "probability change state". 2) The gaming state in which only the special symbol variation time shortening function and the electric chew support function are activated is called the "time saving state", and 3) the gaming state in which only the special symbol probability variation function is activated is called the "latent probability variation state". 4) A state in which all functions are not operating is referred to as a "normal state". It can be said that the "probability change state", the "time saving state", and the "latent probability change state" are all advantageous game states for the player as compared with the "normal state".

In the following, each game state is determined by combining the operating state of the special symbol game (high probability / low probability) and the operating state of the normal symbol game (with electric chew support function operating / without electric chew support function operating) (1). ) Probability change state is "high probability / high base", (2) time saving state is "low probability / high base", (3) latent probability change state is "high probability / low base", (4) normal state is "low probability" It is also called "low base" ("base" refers to the number of prize balls per number of launched balls, and while the electric chew support function is operating, there is a possibility of winning a prize ball by operating an ordinary electric accessory. Is called "high base"). In the present embodiment, as an example, the game state after the end of the special game is the period from the end of the special game until the number of changes of the special symbol reaches a predetermined end number (that is, the above-mentioned ST number). The probabilistic state continues over a period of time (however, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the probable change state ends due to the fluctuation, and at the end of the big hit game, the corresponding game is performed again based on the big hit type and the big hit symbol. Move to the state). If a small hit occurs during the ST period, the number of STs is not reset to 0, and the number of STs is continuously counted before and after the occurrence of the small hit. In the present embodiment, the number of STs is set to 100 as an example, but it may be set to another number. When the state shifts to the probabilistic state, the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol, the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol, and the electric chew support function are operated at the same time, and each function is continued as long as the probabilistic state continues.

If the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a big hit, regardless of whether the game state before the big hit is the normal state or the probabilistic state, it is the normal state during the special game and the number of STs is calculated after the special game. As a limit, it will be in a uniformly changing state. On the other hand, when the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a small hit, if the gaming state before the small hit is the normal state, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also in the normal state. When the gaming state before the small hit is the probabilistic state of the special symbol, the gaming state during the small hit game and after the small hit game is also the probabilistic state of the special symbol.

When the result of the winning / losing lottery is a big hit, the game state control means 169 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the type of the big hit (types A to E of the symbol group), and after the special game. Switch the variable pattern selection state of. The variation pattern selection state is one of the conditions referred to when selecting the variation pattern table described above. The switching time of the variable pattern selection state is the end of the special game or the end of the variable pattern selection state. In the present embodiment, there are three types of fluctuation pattern selection states, such as "low probability normal fluctuation state α", "high probability shortened fluctuation state β", and "high probability special fluctuation state γ". Here, the low-probability normal fluctuation state α refers to the normal fluctuation pattern table (A1 in FIG. 31 (A) and B1 in FIG. 31 (B)) selected when the gaming state is the normal state (low-probability state). It is a state in which the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference. The high-probability shortened fluctuation state β is the probability variation fluctuation pattern table (A2 of FIG. 31 (A) and FIG. 31 (B)) selected when the game state is the probability variation state of the special symbol (excluding the limited period described later). It is a state in which the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is determined with reference to B2). The high-probability special fluctuation state γ is the probability variation state of the special symbol, and the number of symbol fluctuations corresponding to the maximum number (4) of the operation holding balls of the second special symbol for a certain period immediately after the end of the special game. Period over (4 times) variation display: Variation of special symbol with reference to the special variation pattern table (A3 in FIG. 31 and B3 in FIG. 31 (B)) in which selection is permitted only (referred to as "limited period"). It is a state to determine the pattern. In the present embodiment, regardless of which of the symbol groups A to D is selected, the variation pattern selection state is (1) immediately after the end of the special game, and is set to the high probability special variation state γ only for a limited period of 4 symbol variation times. Stay, (2) after the end of the limited period, and when the number of executions is within the ST number (100 times), stay in the high probability shortening fluctuation state β, and (3) after the end of the ST number, that is, After the 101st execution, it stays in the low-probability normal fluctuation state α. Of course, the period until the first hit occurs will stay in the low-probability normal fluctuation state α. The game state control means 169 generates an effect control command (referred to as a "game state designation command") including the current game state information and the variation pattern selection state information, and stores the command in the main information storage means 180. Store in the area. Further, not limited to this embodiment, a plurality of special fluctuation states γ may be provided so that different special fluctuation states can be referred to at different timings of the period of one variable time shortening gaming state (). For example, a special fluctuation state γ2 is provided in which the player stays in the special fluctuation state γ1 four times after the end of the big hit, stays in the shortened fluctuation state β 95 times, and then stays in one special symbol game).

The error monitoring control means 170 monitors the input information of the I / O port circuit 104, and inspects the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame opening signal, and the like. , Determine whether the gaming machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is requested to the effect control board 200 in order to indicate the error state effect. Although not all shown in FIG. 26, the door opening switch is a detection means for detecting whether or not the glass frame 3 is open, and the frame opening switch (door opening sensor 2p) has the front frame 4 opened. It is a detection means for detecting whether or not the back set is open, and the back set release switch is a detection means for detecting whether or not the back set board is open. Magnetic sensors and radio wave sensors are detection means for detecting fraudulent acts (so-called goto acts).

The main information storage means 180 includes random number value information acquired in the special symbol game and the normal symbol game, operation holding ball information of the special symbol and the normal symbol, and a game state (probability change state, time saving state, Information on (easy entry state), information on variable pattern selection status, information on winning / failing lottery results (big hit, small hit, miss), information on stop symbols and fluctuation patterns related to special symbols and ordinary symbols, information on special games (round) Number, opening time, opening mode (number of opening per round game, etc.), status information indicating the operating status of the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, status information indicating the operating status of the special electric accessory 642, effect control command It is configured to temporarily store information necessary for controlling the progress of the game, such as data information, and has a predetermined storage area for storing each information.

When a command transmission request is made, the command transmission / reception means 190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 to the effect control board 200 by a parallel transmission method. Has been done. Each effect control command has a 2-byte configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data, and in order to distinguish the MODE data and the EVENT data, the 7th bit of the MODE data is “1” and the 7th bit of EVENT data are “0”. When this information is transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output for each of the MODE data and the EVENT data.

The effect control board 200 can receive MODE data and EVENT data, respectively, triggered by receiving the strobe signal output in this way. As a general rule, the effect control commands generated in each process are transmitted as MODE data and EVENT data by one command for each interrupt cycle according to the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

The setting changing means 195 executes a "setting changing process" for changing the game setting. In the setting changing means 195, when the front frame 4 is in the open state (door open sensor 2p detects the door open) and the setting key switch 100q is in the on state, the power switch 600q is turned on while pressing the RAM clear switch 400q. In that case, it shifts to the above-mentioned setting change state.

When the setting change state is shifted to the setting change state, the setting change means 195 causes the setting display unit 197 to display the setting value stored in the setting memory (for example, a part of the RAM storage area provided by the main control RAM 103). As shown in FIG. 23, for example, the setting display unit 197 displays the set value by the 7-segment display provided on the main control board 100. At this time, the setting changing means 195 sets the setting value displayed on the setting display unit 197 to "1"-> "2"-> "3"-> "4"-> "5" in response to the pressing of the predetermined setting changing button. → Change in order as “6” → “1” → ..., and update the set value stored in the setting memory to the same value as the display on the setting display unit 197. In this example, the RAM clear switch 400q is used as the setting change button, but other buttons may be used or a dedicated button may be provided. Then, when the setting key switch 100q is turned off, the setting changing means 195 ends the setting changing state and turns off the setting display unit 197.

The setting confirmation means 196 executes a "setting confirmation process" for confirming the game setting. In the setting confirmation means 196, when the front frame 4 is in the open state (door open sensor 2p detects the door open) and the setting key switch 100q is in the on state, the RAM clear switch 400q is not pressed and the power switch 600q is turned on. If so, the state shifts to the above-mentioned setting confirmation state.

When the setting confirmation means 196 shifts to the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation unit 197 displays the setting value stored in the setting memory. However, unlike the setting changing means 195 described above, the setting checking means 196 does not change the installation value displayed on the setting display unit 197 even if the setting changing button (for example, RAM clear switch 400q) is pressed. Also, the setting value stored in the setting memory is not changed. Then, when the setting key switch 100q is turned off, the setting confirmation means 196 ends the setting confirmation state and turns off the setting display unit 197.

Note that the set value data managed in the setting memory may not be the numerical values of "1" to "6" but may use the numerical values of "0" to "5" instead. In this case, the setting value "0" corresponds to the setting 1, the setting value "1" corresponds to the setting 2, the setting value "2" corresponds to the setting 3, and the setting value "3" corresponds to the setting 4. , The set value "4" may correspond to the setting 5, and the set value "5" may correspond to the setting 6. By using "0" as the normal value of the set value data, the RAM clear process is performed when the RAM is abnormal, and when the set value data is set to the initial value "0", the abnormality is not judged. Therefore, the RAM clear process at the time of abnormality Can be simplified. Further, when executing some lottery using the set value data, for example, when selecting a different table or data for each set value in the look-ahead processing, there is an advantage that the offset processing for the selection can be simplified. .. For example, when "1" to "6" are used as the set value data, additional processing such as decrementing the start address by -1 is required when using these values as they are as offset data for table or data selection. On the other hand, when "0" to "5" are used as the set value data, the numerical value of the set value data can be used as it is as the offset data. When the numerical values of "0" to "5" are used as the set value data, the setting changing means 195 and the setting confirming means 196 may display the numerical values of the set value data as they are on the setting display unit 197, or set. A numerical value obtained by adding +1 to the numerical value of the value data may be displayed on the setting display unit 197. In the latter case, since the numerical data of "0" to "5" is converted into the numerical values of the settings 1 to 6 in the game setting and displayed, the display can be easily understood by the manager of the gaming machine.

FIG. 28 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the effect control board 200 in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The effect control board 200 includes the effect lottery random number generation means 210, the effect control means 220, the lamp effect control means 230, the accessory effect control means 240, the error effect control means 250, the effect control information storage means 260, and the command transmission / reception means 270. .. In addition, each of the above-mentioned means in the effect control board 200 is a control program stored in hardware such as an effect control CPU 201, an effect control ROM 202, an effect control RAM 203, an electronic circuit, and an effect control ROM 202 arranged on the effect control board 200. It is a functional representation of what is composed of software such as.

The effect lottery random number generation means 210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the effect control CPU 201. These random number counters play a role as random number generation means for generating random numbers by software. The software random numbers include a look-ahead notice lottery random number used for drawing whether or not the look-ahead notice effect can be executed, a look-ahead notice pattern random number used for selecting a look-ahead notice pattern, a decorative symbol random number used for selecting a decorative symbol stop symbol, and decoration. Fluctuation effect pattern random number used for selecting the variation effect pattern of the pattern, notice effect pattern random number used for selecting the advance notice effect pattern, jackpot effect pattern random number used for selecting the jackpot effect pattern, and whether or not the pending Uchirenso effect can be executed. Includes a lottery random number for the consecutive villa production used for the lottery, a random number for the consecutive villa production pattern used for selecting the consecutive villa production pattern for the pending villa production, and the like. These random numbers are updated by using the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the main process on the effect control side, which will be described later. Although the random numbers used for each lottery are given names for convenience, they may have random numbers that are commonly used.

The effect controlling means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, a hold information display control means 222, a look-ahead advance notice control means 223, a decorative symbol determination means 224, a variable effect determination means 225, a notice effect determination means 226, and a jackpot effect determination means 227. ..

The hold information display control means 222 provides a first hold ball number counter for counting the number of operation hold balls of the first special symbol, and a second hold ball number counter for counting the number of operation hold balls of the second special symbol. Have. When the hold information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 100, the hold information display control means 222 receives the symbol storage number command, and based on the information of the operation hold ball number included in the symbol storage number command, the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter and the second hold ball. Update the value of the number counter. The hold information display control means 222 displays a number corresponding to the number of operation hold balls of the first special symbol on the hold display unit of the effect display device 70 based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter. Control is performed to display the reserved image of the above and the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of operation reserved balls of the second special symbol. In the normal display mode, the hold image displayed in white is displayed when the operation hold ball of the special symbol is generated, while the hold that is the target of the look-ahead notice is executed when the hold change look-ahead notice effect described below is executed. The image may take any one of "blue", "green", "red" and "rainbow color" as a special display mode (display color) from "white" of the normal display mode (display color). The above four types of special display modes are related to the reliability of the lottery result being a big hit (referred to as "big hit reliability"), and are of "blue", "green", "red", and "rainbow color". The jackpot reliability is set to increase one step at a time in order. In the present embodiment, when the reserved image changes to "rainbow color", the jackpot is definite in the operation holding ball to be read ahead. In the hold change look-ahead notice effect, the change in the display mode of the hold image may be expressed by a shape, a pattern, or the like instead of the display color.

The look-ahead notice control means 223 determines whether or not to execute the look-ahead notice by lottery, triggered by receiving the pre-determination command from the main control board 100. The look-ahead notice control means 223 distinguishes between the information on the pre-determination result of the first special symbol and the information on the pre-determination result of the second special symbol, and allows the operation-holding balls to enter up to a predetermined upper limit number (4). It is temporarily stored in the look-ahead information storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 so as to be combined with the order. This look-ahead information storage area has the same configuration as the hold storage area of the main control board 100, and the hold 1 storage area (first hold storage area), in the order of entry into each of the starting ports 61 and 62, A hold 2 storage area (second hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided, respectively. Each reserved storage area can store information on the result of pre-determination of hit / fail, information on the result of pre-determination of symbols, and information on the result of pre-determination of fluctuation patterns as a set.

When the pre-reading notice control means 223 determines whether or not the pre-reading notice can be executed, the pre-reading notice control means 223 makes a pre-reading determination (“pre-reading determination”) with respect to the operation holding ball that is the target of the pre-reading notice based on the pre-determination result by the main control board 100. Also called). In the present embodiment, in the look-ahead notice, in addition to the above-mentioned pending change look-ahead notice, a so-called continuous notice effect that announces the possibility of winning a big hit or generating a reach effect over a continuous plurality of variable displays of the decorative symbol is given. Have. When it is determined that the pre-reading notice effect (continuous notice effect) can be executed, the information of the pre-judgment command from the main control board 100 (result of the pre-judgment) and the information of the symbol storage number command (the number of existing operation hold balls) are displayed. After analysis, a look-ahead notice effect pattern over a continuous plurality of variable displays is determined by lottery for the operation hold ball (referred to as "trigger hold") that triggers the occurrence of the look-ahead notice effect this time. There are various variations of the look-ahead notice, such as a hold change look-ahead notice effect, a chance look-ahead notice effect, and a background change look-ahead notice effect. As another type of look-ahead, there is a hold-in-ream villa effect that suggests or notifies the possibility that there is an operation-holding ball that becomes a big hit during a big-hit game or when a fluctuation that becomes a big-hit winning is executed.

The effect mode control means 221 controls the transition of the effect mode so as to be consistent with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side based on the game state designation command from the main control board 100. Run. In the present embodiment, the normal effect mode α, the probability variation effect mode β, and the special effect mode γ are included as the three types of effect modes, and the variation pattern of the special symbol instructed from the main control board 100 is the same. However, the variation effect pattern (detailed later) that specifies the specific content of the symbol variation effect is set to be different for each effect mode. The effect display device 70 displays an effect mode notification image (in this embodiment, a background image for displaying the back of the decorative pattern) corresponding to the effect mode during the current stay, and this background image is displayed for each effect mode. Since they are set to be different from each other, the player can recognize which of the production modes during the current stay is from the type of background image.

Each production mode will be outlined. First, the normal effect mode α is set when the low-probability normal fluctuation state α is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and the “normal background” is displayed as the background image thereof. .. The probability variation effect mode β is set when the high probability shortened variation state β is selected as the variation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side, and the “probability variation background” is displayed as the background image thereof. The special effect mode γ is set when the high-probability special fluctuation state γ is selected as the fluctuation pattern selection state on the main control board 100 side. This special effect mode stays for a limited period of four times (limited period) immediately after the end of the special game, and when this limited period is exceeded, the mode shifts to the probability variation effect mode β. If a pending villa production occurs during a special game, a "special background" is displayed as a background image. On the other hand, when the pending in-house consecutive villa effect does not occur during the special game, that is, when the continuous variation effect is not executed, the "probability change background" common to the probability change effect mode is displayed as the background image.

The decorative symbol determining means 224 is a combination of the final stop symbols of the decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, and so on) based on the information (variation pattern information, character effect number information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. The design on the right) will be decided by lottery. In the present embodiment, three symbol rows including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured. This decorative pattern is formed by, for example, an identification element consisting of numbers or letters. In the present embodiment, a total of 10 types such as numbers "1" to "9" and letters "S" are set as identification elements. Each decorative symbol is in the order of "1"-> "2"-> "3"-> ...-> "8"-> "9"-> "S" according to the arrangement of the symbol row, left display area, middle display area and right. Each is cyclically displayed in the display area.

The decorative symbol determination means 224 holds a plurality of types of stop symbol pattern tables that are referred to when a combination of stop symbols of decorative symbols (also referred to as “stop symbol pattern”) is determined by lottery. Examples of the plurality of types of tables include a stop symbol pattern table for large hits, a stop symbol pattern table for small hits, a stop symbol pattern table for loss of reach, and a stop symbol pattern table for non-reach loss. The stop symbol of the decorative symbol is formed as a combination of three symbols, and includes a "stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)" and a "stop symbol indicating a missed symbol (missing symbol)". The jackpot symbol indicating the specific jackpot (probability variation jackpot) is a combination of stop modes (for example, "7, 7, 7") in which three identical odd-numbered symbols are aligned. The jackpot symbol indicating a normal jackpot (non-probability variation jackpot) is a combination of stop modes (for example, "2.2.2") in which three identical even-numbered symbols are aligned. The out-of-order symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, "1.3.8") in which at least one of the three symbols is a symbol having a number different from the other numbers. Here, among the out-of-reach symbols, the out-of-reach symbol is a combination of stop modes (for example, "3.1.3") in which only the middle symbol is shifted back and forth by several frames while the left symbol and the right symbol match. Become. In the case of a "stop symbol indicating a small hit (small hit symbol)" or a 2R jackpot symbol even if it is a big hit symbol, it is a combination of predetermined stop modes such as "3, 5, 7". In some cases. In this embodiment, "SS" is provided as a special jackpot symbol for definitively notifying the pending villa. The decorative symbol determination means 224 is a normal jackpot symbol (such as "3.3.3") when it is determined to execute the pending villa effect and the villa effect pattern PA2 is selected. Is replaced with a special jackpot symbol ("SS").

The variation effect determining means 225 defines a variation process (effect process) from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol based on the information (variation pattern information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 100. Determine the production pattern. In the present embodiment, the symbol variation effect (reach effect) performed after the reach display includes a reach effect with a simple effect content (normal reach effect) and a reach effect in which the effect content develops in the middle (super reach effect). .. The variation effect determining means 225 holds a plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables that are referred to when selecting the variation effect pattern, and the variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol from the plurality of types of variation effect pattern tables. ) Is selected. In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern random value and the variation effect pattern are associated with each other according to the result of the variation pattern lottery of the special symbol (that is, the reach type). Here, while the basic pattern of symbol variation (for example, "normal reach A", "super reach A", etc.) is determined as the variation pattern on the main control board 100 side, the effect control board 200 side is the variation effect pattern. Based on the basic pattern, the detailed pattern of the symbol variation (for example, "normal reach A1, A2, A3 ...", "super reach A1, A2, A3 ...", etc.) that defines the scenario of the effect display process in detail is determined. In this way, the variation effect pattern of the decorative symbol defines a variation display mode of the decorative symbol, that is, a scenario of a series of effect display processes from the start of the variation of the decorative symbol to the end of the variation, and each of the scenarios in the display process. The timing for generating the notice effect at the stage is also defined as the time schedule. The stop order for stopping the decorative symbols is predetermined for each variation effect pattern, and in the present embodiment, in principle, the decorative symbols are stopped in the order of left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol. However, in the case of a fluctuation effect pattern with a short fluctuation time, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol are stopped almost at the same time, and in the case of a specific variation effect pattern, the left symbol → the middle symbol → the right symbol are in this order. It can also be stopped. At this time, if the stop order is not the above-mentioned principle (left symbol → right symbol → middle symbol), the jackpot expectation tends to be relatively high.

The advance notice effect determination means 226 determines the advance notice effect pattern that defines the content of the advance notice effect to be executed at each stage of the change process of the decorative symbol according to the scenario of the variation effect pattern described above. The advance notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern for temporarily or stepwise displaying an image of a specific character, an animation, or the like, an effect pattern for outputting a specific sound, an effect pattern for operating a movable accessory, and the like. The notice effect is executed in parallel with the variable display of the decorative symbol, and suggests that the jackpot reliability is high in which the symbol variation stops in the jackpot mode. The notice effect includes a notice effect that is executed before the reach state occurs (including the time when the reach occurs) in the process of changing the decorative symbol, and a notice effect that is executed after the reach state occurs. Each notice effect has a different jackpot reliability. Basically, the notice effect displayed after the reach occurs has a relatively higher jackpot reliability than the notice effect displayed before the reach occurs. It's getting higher. The advance notice effect determination means 226 holds the advance notice effect pattern table referred to when selecting the advance notice effect pattern for each type of advance notice effect, and corresponds to the type of advance notice effect generated according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. Select the advance notice effect pattern table. The advance notice effect determination means 226 refers to the advance notice effect pattern table selected above, and is selected from a plurality of types of advance notice effect patterns by lottery based on the advance notice effect pattern random number value acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210. Select one. Specific types of advance notice effect patterns include comment advance notice effect patterns, background advance notice effect patterns, SU (step-up) advance notice effect patterns, group advance notice effect patterns, cut-in advance notice effect patterns, and character movable advance notice effect patterns. Etc. are prepared. This advance notice effect is basically performed by executing one or a plurality of advance notice effects in accordance with the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 70. Therefore, even if the decorative pattern is variablely displayed by the same variable effect pattern, it is possible to generate various effect modes by combining with one or a plurality of advance notice effects.

The jackpot effect determining means 227 determines the content of the jackpot effect (big hit effect pattern) for notifying that the special game is in progress. The jackpot effect includes a start demo effect that notifies the start of the special game, a round effect that notifies that the round game is in progress, and an end demo effect that notifies the end of the special game. When the jackpot effect determining means 227 receives the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 100, the jackpot effect effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect) is based on the jackpot type information stored in the effect control information storage means 260. Pattern, end demo production pattern) is decided. In this jackpot production pattern, the jackpot start demo production time, the round production time (the production time according to the opening pattern of the jackpot 64), and the jackpot end demo production time are set according to the jackpot type, and the jackpot end demo production time is set. A series of production contents are set along the time axis. The jackpot effect determining means 227 executes the start demo effect when the jackpot start demo command is received from the main control board 100 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and performs each round effect when the round effect designation command is received. Execute, and execute the end demo effect when the jackpot end demo command is received.

Here, in the normal jackpot start demo production, for example, the characters "big hit start" are displayed on the screen to announce the start of the special game. In a normal round effect, for example, the number of rounds currently being executed and the number of prize balls won are displayed on the screen, and various images (animation images, etc.) that excite the special game are displayed. In the normal jackpot end demo production, for example, the characters "big hit end" are displayed on the screen to notify the end of the special game.

As described above, the effect controlling means 220 is an image control command related to images and sounds based on the determined effect contents (look-ahead effect pattern, consecutive villa effect pattern, variable effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop pattern pattern, jackpot effect pattern, etc.). Is generated and stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

The lamp effect control means 230 controls the lighting of the effect lamp, the emission color, and the like according to the effect content set by the effect control means 220. The lamp effect control means 230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling the lighting of the effect lamps 10 and 25 (frame lamp 10, panel lamp 25), and corresponds to the determined effect pattern. The lamp data is read out, and this lamp control signal (lamp data) is transmitted to the lamp connection board 91.

The accessory effect control means 240 controls the drive of each movable accessory according to the effect content set by the effect control means 220. The accessory effect control means 240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory, and transmits a drive control signal (drive data) corresponding to the determined effect pattern to the motor driver 92. ..

The error effect control means 250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 100, and notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. There is.

The effect control information storage means 260 is configured to temporarily store decorative symbol information, variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like, and is configured to temporarily store each piece of information. It has a predetermined storage area. For example, in the command storage area, an effect control command buffer for storing an effect control command from the main control board 100, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 300, and an image control board 300. Contains an ACK command buffer for storing ACK commands from. Each command buffer is composed of a ring buffer, and can store a predetermined number of effect control commands, image control commands, and ACK commands, respectively.

The command transmission / reception means 270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100 as a trigger for receiving the strobe signal output together, and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer. ing. Specifically, the command transmission / reception means 270 executes reception interrupt processing of the effect control command in response to an interrupt generated when a strobe signal from the main control board 100 is input, and various types of reception interrupt processing are performed. Acquire the effect control command of. The details of the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command will be described later. When the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the strobe signal, the command transmission / reception means 270 executes the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command with priority over other interrupt processing.

The command transmission / reception means 270 is stored in the effect control information storage unit 260 in order to instruct the execution of the effect contents (variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative pattern information, etc.) set by the effect control means 220. An image control command is transmitted to the image control board 300 using a serial communication method as an example. As a general rule, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined cycle (500 μs in this embodiment) according to the order set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

As a result, the image control board 300 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 200, and causes the effect display device 70 to variably display the effect image including the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the variation effect pattern. , The notice effect is displayed by superimposing it on the effect of the symbol variation at each stage of the variation display process. Further, the command transmission / reception means 270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 300, and stores the ACK command in the ACK command buffer.

<Processing on the main control board side>
32 to 53 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of operation processing on the main control board 100. The operation processing on the main control board 100 side mainly includes the main control side main processing and the main control side timer interrupt processing.

<Main processing on the main control side>
32, 33, and 34 are flowcharts showing an example of the main control side main process executed on the main control board 100, respectively. In this main control side main process, the main control program is started after the security check of the main control CPU 101 is performed by resetting when the power is turned on, and the process is executed by this main control program. In the following description, the subject of each process may be omitted as appropriate.

First, as the initial setting required when the power is turned on, the start address is set in the stack pointer as the initial value of the stack area (step S1), and the access permission of the main control RAM 103 is performed (step S2). Next, a vector table in which the start address of the main control program to be processed when a timer interrupt occurs is set (step S3), and an initial value is set in the internal register of the main control CPU 101 (step S4).

Next, the main control CPU 101 confirms the operating state of the setting key switch 100q (step S5), and if the setting key switch 100q is in the ON state (YES in step S5), confirms the operating state of the RAM clear switch 400q. (Step S6). If the RAM clear switch 400q is in the ON state in step S6 (YES in step S6), the setting change process is executed (step S7). The details of the setting change process will be described later with reference to FIG. 35, but after the setting change process is completed, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 400q is in the off state in step S6 (NO in step S6), the setting confirmation process is executed (step S8). The details of the setting confirmation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 36, but after the setting confirmation process is completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

If the setting key switch 100q is in the off state in step S5 (NO in step S5), the main control CPU 101 confirms the operating state of the RAM clear switch 400q (step S9). If the RAM clear switch 400q is in the ON state in step S9 (YES in step S9), the process proceeds to step S13 in order to perform a normal RAM clear process without changing the setting. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 400q is in the off state in step S9 (NO in step S6), the process proceeds to step S10 without performing any special processing.

In step S10, the main control CPU 101 reads the value of the power off information flag and determines whether or not the power off normal information is stored (step S10).

Here, when the information on the normal power failure is stored, the checksum is calculated for the predetermined area of the main control RAM 103 (step S11). It is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (step S12). Note that the checksum at power-on calculated here includes the complement of the checksum calculated in the power-off process described later, so if it is backed up normally, the checksum at power-on will be checked. Sam becomes "0". In this way, it is determined at the time of turning on the power whether or not the information stored in the main control RAM 103 before the power is turned off is correctly backed up.

If the checksum is normal in step S12 (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S16, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power was turned off. On the other hand, if the checksum is abnormal in step S12 (NO in step S12), or after the setting change process in step S7 is completed, the entire area of the main control RAM 103 that is the target of the initialization process is cleared to zero (NO). Step S13). In the initialization process of step S13, the specific RAM storage area is not cleared to zero. For example, the set value stored in the setting memory is not cleared, and the set value set in the setting change process in step S7 is retained as it is.

Next, the initialization data at the time of turning on the power is set in the main control RAM 103 (step S14). Next, in order to initialize the effect display device 70, initialize the effect lamps 10 and 25, and the like, an effect control command (“effect initial command”) to the effect control board 200 is requested (step S15).

Next, in the power-off / recovery setting process, the main control RAM 103 sequentially executes the setting of power-on normal information, the initial setting of various errors, and the initial setting of communication with the payout control board 400 (step S16). Here, as the setting of the power-on normal information, in order to save that the power-on was performed correctly, the power-on normal data is stored in the power-off information flag, and the information of the power-off occurrence is initialized. Turn off the power off confirmation flag. Next, the data transfer source address, the data transfer destination address, and the number of transfer bytes are set, and the data corresponding to the number of transfer bytes is transferred (step S17). The value of the special symbol game status at the time of power off is read, and the power off / return process related to the special symbol game is executed (step S18).

Next, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power off / return command”) at the time of power failure / recovery between the main control board 100 and the effect control board 200 is performed (step S19). This power-off / recovery command includes information on the communication line inspection, the operating state of the special symbol, the number of probability fluctuations, the number of time reductions, the number of easy entry states, the fluctuation pattern selection state, and the error state. The untransmitted command request before the power is turned off is cleared. Next, in the symbol storage number command request processing, the information on the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol when the power is turned off is read, and an effect control command including the information on the number of operation-holding balls is requested ( Step S20).

Next, a return setting is performed to return the normal electric accessory 622 to the state before the power was cut off (for example, the second starting port 62 is in the open state) (step S21). Further, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory 642 to the state before the power is turned off (for example, the large winning opening 64 is in the open state) (step S22). Next, the value of the special symbol mode flag is read, and the operating state of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol when the power is turned off is set (step S23). The special symbol mode flag is a flag for setting the operation probability (high probability or low probability) of the special symbol game. Next, in order to activate the timer interrupt, a predetermined count value is set as the initial setting of the CTC circuit, and the timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (step S24). Next, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (step S25). Clear word 1 (“55H”) is set in preparation for restarting the watchdog timer (step S26).

Next, in order to determine the occurrence of the power outage, the value of the power outage confirmation flag is read, and it is determined whether or not the power outage has occurred (step S27). If the power is not cut off, the initial value random number update process is executed (step S28). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value set for each random number, it is returned to the minimum value "0".

Next, interrupt enable is set to allow the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (step S29), the process returns to the above-mentioned interrupt prohibition process (step S25), and the loop process from steps S25 to S29 is repeatedly executed. Here, the timer interrupt processing is periodically executed at predetermined intervals, but the remaining time between the completion of the previous interrupt processing and the occurrence of the next interrupt processing is used to perform steps S25 to S25. The process up to S29 is repeated. If an interrupt request is made in the interrupt disabled state, the timer interrupt process is started when the interrupt is enabled in step S29. On the other hand, when the power off confirmation flag is turned on in step S27, that is, when a power off occurs, the process proceeds to step S30 to execute the following power off time process.

Next, as the power cutoff processing (steps S30 to S36), first, the clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set in order to restart the watchdog timer (step S30). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power off information flag is the power-on normal data (step S31). If the power-on normal information is used, the power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (step S32). On the other hand, if the power-on normal information is not obtained, the power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S36.

Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the main control RAM 103 (step S34). The complement for the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the main control RAM 103 (step S35). Next, the access prohibition setting of the main control RAM 103 is performed (step S36), and the process is repeatedly executed until the power is cut off.

<Setting change processing>
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting change process. The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 35 shows in detail the setting change process in step S107 in FIG. 32, and is executed by the main control CPU 101 (main control program).

According to FIG. 35, first, the main control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the setting memory in which the setting value of the game setting should be stored is normal (step S101). If the set memory value is not normal in step S101 (NO in S101), the set value is initialized to the initial value (S102). Specifically, for example, when "1" to "6" are used as the set value data, "1" is set as the initial value, and when "0" to "5" are used as the set value data, "1" is set as the initial value. Set "0". After the process of step S102, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the set memory value is normal in step S101 (YES in S101), the process of step S102 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the state shifts to the setting change state. Then, the set value stored in the setting memory is displayed on the setting display unit 197 (step S104).

Next, it is confirmed whether or not there is a change operation by the setting change button (for example, RAM clear switch 400q) (step S105). When there is a change operation by the setting change button (YES in step S105), the setting value displayed on the setting display unit 197 is updated and the setting value stored in the setting memory is updated (step S106). If there is no change operation by the setting change button (NO in step S105), the process of step S106 is skipped.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the operating state of the setting key switch 100q is in the off state (step S107). If NO is determined in step S5 of FIG. 32 and the setting key switch 100q remains in the ON state (NO in step S107), the process returns to step S104 and the process is repeated. On the other hand, when the setting key is returned to the original state and the setting key switch 100q is turned off (YES in step S107), the setting display unit 197 is turned off so that the set value cannot be visually recognized (hidden) (step). S108), return. As described above, after the return, the process of step S13 of FIG. 32 is performed.

<Setting confirmation process>
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting confirmation process. The series of processes illustrated in FIG. 36 shows in detail the setting confirmation process in step S108 in FIG. 32, and is executed by the main control CPU 101 (main control program).

According to FIG. 36, first, the main control CPU 101 causes the setting display unit 197 to display the set value stored in the setting memory (step S111).

After that, the main control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the operating state of the setting key switch 100q is in the off state (step S112). If NO is determined in step S5 of FIG. 32 and the setting key switch 100q remains in the ON state (NO in step S112), the process returns to step S111, the process is repeated, and the display of the set value is continued. On the other hand, when the setting key is returned to the original state and the setting key switch 100q is turned off (YES in step S112), the setting display unit 197 is turned off so that the set value cannot be visually recognized (hidden) (step). S113), return. As described above, after the return, the process of step S10 of FIG. 32 is performed.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment has a frame opening, which is the first procedure, as a condition for shifting to the above-mentioned setting change processing and setting confirmation processing. Therefore, although not shown in FIG. 32, when determining the on state (YES in step 5) in the determination of the operating state of the setting key switch 100q in step S5, the state of the frame opening switch (door open sensor 2p). Also check, and only when the frame is in the open state (door open), the process proceeds to step S6. Even if the setting key switch 100q is in the ON state at the time of determination in step S5, if the frame is not in the open state (door closed), an illegality or abnormality is suspected. Therefore, the setting change process (step). The process does not proceed to step S6, which proceeds to S7) or the setting confirmation process (step S8), but waits until the setting key switch 100q is turned off, and when the setting key switch 100q is switched to the off state, the process proceeds to step S9.

<Main control side timer interrupt processing>
Next, the relationship of each figure for explaining the main control timer interrupt processing will be described. First, FIGS. 37 and 38 are flowcharts showing an example of timer interrupt processing executed on the main control board 100, respectively. 39 and 40 are flowcharts showing the details of the start port monitoring control process shown in FIG. 37, respectively. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol variation start monitoring control process shown in FIG. 38, and FIGS. 42 and 43 are flowcharts showing the details of the special symbol variation start monitoring process shown in FIG. 41, respectively. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol control process shown in FIG. 38. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol control general-purpose processing shown in FIG. 44. 46 to 50 are flowcharts showing details of the special symbol change start process, the special symbol change process, and the special symbol stop symbol display process shown in FIG. 45, respectively. 51 to 53 are flowcharts showing details of the special electric accessory control process shown in FIG. 38, respectively.

First, the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 37 is executed by interrupting the main control side main process when a timer interrupt is generated in response to a clock pulse at regular time intervals (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit described above. NS. The terms "conditional device" and "continuous operation device for accessories" used below mean a conceptual control device. The "condition device" is activated when a big hit occurs in a special symbol game, and the "feature continuous actuating device" is capable of continuously actuating the "special electric accessory" a plurality of times.

First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the register in the main control CPU 101 (data used during the processing of the main control side main processing) are saved in the stack area of the main control RAM 103, and then the interrupt operation condition is set. Set (step S51). Next, the interrupt operation condition setting value is set in the interrupt control register (step S52). Next, the clear word 2 is set (step S53).

Next, the clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set in order to restart the watchdog timer (step S54). At this time, the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted by writing the clear word 1 and the clear word 2 in order to the WDT clear register of the main control CPU 101 within the preset timeout time. That is, when the main control CPU 101 normally executes the main control program, the clear words 1 and 2 are set periodically so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before the time-out occurs. Become. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

Next, the input process is executed (step S55). In this input process, information on switches other than the RAM clear switch is read as various switches connected to the main control board 100. That is, the first start port switch 161 and the second start port switch 162, the operation gate switch 163, the grand prize opening switch 164, and the out ball detection switch 167, as well as the door open switch, the frame open switch, and the back set open switch (not shown). , The input information of the magnetic sensor, the radio wave sensor, etc. is read, the state of them is determined, and then these detection information is stored.

Next, various random number update processes are executed (step S56). In this various random number update process, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number that do not use the initial value random number are updated. For the normal symbol variation pattern random number, the numerical value of the random number counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0". On the other hand, for the special symbol variation pattern random number, a predetermined value (for example, 3511) is subtracted from the previous random number. If the subtracted result is less than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50,000) is added to the subtracted result.

Next, the initial value update type random number update process is executed (step S57). In this initial value update type random number update process, a random number per normal symbol, a soft random number per special symbol, and a symbol random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value "0". When the value of the counter makes one round (when it becomes the value set as the initial value), the value of the initial value random number corresponding to the random number value of the counter which makes one round at the relevant timing is set as a new initial value. do.

Next, the initial value random number update process is executed (step S58). In this initial value random number update process, the initial value random number per normal symbol, the soft initial value random number per special symbol, and the symbol initial value random number per special symbol are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the predetermined maximum value for each random number, the value is returned to "0" which is the minimum value.

Next, the timer subtraction process is executed (step S59). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for controlling the game operation of the gaming machine are subtracted and updated. The various timers include a special symbol game timer for managing the time (variable time, fixed display time) related to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, a timer for controlling the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, and the like. , Ordinary symbols, timers used for various controls such as ordinary electric accessories are included.

Next, the second start port validity period setting process is executed (step S60). In this second starting port valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the second starting port 62 are determined, and as the determination result, the valid period data or the invalid period data of the second starting port 62 is set.

Next, the winning monitoring process is executed (step S61). In this winning monitoring process, the first starting port switch 161, the second starting port switch 162, the operating gate switch 163, the large winning port switch 164, the general winning port switch 166, and the out ball in the above-mentioned input process (step S55). Based on the detection information of the detection switch 167, the switch passage inspection of the game ball is performed, and as a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed each switch, the effect control including the information indicating that the game ball has passed each switch. Make a command transmission request, etc.

Next, the prize ball control process is executed (step S62). In this prize ball control process, it is determined whether the prize is valid or invalid, and a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 400 to indicate the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize type, and the payout control is performed. The data received from the board 400 is monitored and the communication inspection with the payout control board 400 is performed.

Next, the normal symbol operation gate monitoring process is executed (step S63). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the gate 63 is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the gate 63, a random number related to the normal symbol lottery is acquired as operation hold ball information, and the maximum is obtained. The number of balls on hold for operation is updated up to a maximum of four, and random numbers related to the normal symbol lottery are stored.

Next, the normal symbol control process is executed (step S64). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 175 or the normal electric accessory 622 is executed, the normal symbol changing process and the normal symbol stop symbol are being displayed according to the value of the normal symbol game status. The process, the process during operation of the normal electric accessory, the process during the demonstration of the end of operation of the ordinary electric accessory, etc. are executed. In the processing during the change of the normal symbol, the display pattern number data of the normal symbol is created (updated) in order to display the normal symbol in a variable display or a definite display.

Next, the normal symbol change start monitoring process is executed (step S65). In this normal symbol fluctuation start monitoring process, when the operating state of the normal symbol is monitored and it is determined that the fluctuation start condition of the normal symbol is satisfied, one normal symbol operation pending ball number is digested and the normal symbol is activated. The hit / fail judgment, the symbol judgment, the fluctuation pattern judgment, the fluctuation time setting, and the like are performed in order.

Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (step S66). In this start port monitoring control process, the entry of the game ball into the first start port 61 and the second start port 62 is monitored, and when it is detected that the game ball has entered, for example, the number of reserved balls The command request of the command including the information necessary for the effect control board 200 such as the update, the random number storage related to the special symbol lottery, the pre-judgment for the pre-reading notice, the number of symbol storages, etc. is performed in order.

Next, the special symbol control process is executed (step S67). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 171 and 172, for example, a special symbol variation start process described later (see step S420 of FIG. 45 described later) according to the value of the special symbol game status. , The special symbol changing process (see step S430 in FIG. 45, which will be described later) and the special symbol stop symbol display process (see step S440 in FIG. 45, which will be described later) are executed.

Next, the special electric accessory control process is executed (step S68). In this process, when the lottery result of the special symbol is "big hit" or "small hit", the operation start and end of the special electric accessory 642 are set as the operation process related to the special electric accessory 642, and the operation is large. The opening time and the number of times of opening of the winning opening 64 are updated, the operation start setting of the probability fluctuation function, the operation start setting of the fluctuation time shortening function, the setting of the fluctuation pattern selection state, and the like are executed in order.

Next, the large winning opening validity period setting process is executed (step S69). In this large winning opening valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the large winning opening 64 are determined, and the valid period data or the invalid period data of the large winning opening 64 is set as the determination result.

Next, the special symbol change start monitoring control process is executed (step S70). In this special symbol change start monitoring control process, when there is an operation holding ball of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, one reserved ball is digested, a command request for the number of symbol storage numbers, and a judgment as to whether or not the special symbol is correct are made. , Design determination of special symbol, determination of probability fluctuation function, determination of time reduction function, setting of operation pattern of special electric accessory, setting of demo production time, etc. are performed in order.

Next, the abnormality detection process is executed (step S71). In this abnormality detection process, based on the input information in the above-mentioned input process (step S55), the magnetic detection signal by the magnetic sensor, the disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, the radio wave detection signal by the radio wave sensor, the door / frame opening signal, etc. are inspected in order. Then, it is determined whether or not the game machine is in an error state. In the case of an error state, an effect control command (“error effect designation command”) including the error information is generated in order to request the effect control board 200 to display an error.

Next, the ball entry passage time abnormality detection process is executed (step S72). In this ball entry passage time abnormality detection process, when the on signal of the winning detection switch is continuously detected for a predetermined time or longer, the ball entry passage time abnormality is set and the effect control command (“error”) including the error information is set. In addition to requesting the effect designation command "), it also requests the output of a security signal to be output to the external terminal.

Next, the game status display process is executed (step S73). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times the special electric accessory 642 is continuously operated (specified number of rounds), the number of balls on hold for normal symbols and special symbols is created. Display data for displaying the error state information detected by the above-mentioned abnormality detection process on the state indicator lamp of the main control board 100 is created.

Next, the steering wheel status signal inspection process is executed (step S74). In this handle state signal inspection process, the handle state signal is inspected.

Next, the LED output process is executed (step S75). In this LED output process, the above-mentioned special symbol control process (step S85) is performed in order to display a special symbol and a normal symbol, display the number of reserved balls, the number of times the special electric accessory operates continuously, display an error, and the like. , The display data created by the abnormality detection process (step S89), the game state display process (step S73), etc. In addition to outputting to the normal drawing hold lamp 176, the status indicator lamp of the main control board 100, and the like, the display on these various display devices is initialized.

Next, the launch control signal output process is executed (step S76). In this launch control signal output process, when a communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality is not detected, a launch permission signal is output to the payout control board 400 to launch the game ball. On the other hand, when a communication abnormality with the payout control board 400 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a launch prohibition signal is output to the payout control board 400 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

Next, the test signal output process is executed (step S77). In this test signal output processing, error inspection processing is performed after creating various test data, and when an error is detected as a result, various test data are output to each test signal output port.

Next, the solenoid output process is executed (step S78). In this solenoid output process, in order to operate the ordinary electric accessory 622 and the special electric accessory 642, each of them is based on the control data acquired in the ordinary symbol control process (step S82) and the special electric accessory control process (step S86). An excitation signal is output to the electric accessory solenoids 123 and 124.

Next, the effect control command transmission process is executed (step S79). In this effect control command transmission process, as described above, among the effect control commands stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180, the effect control command stored in the ring buffer designated by the pointer is converted into MODE data and the effect control command. Each EVENT data is read out and transmitted to the effect control board 200 as described later.

Next, the external information output process is executed (step S80). In this external information output processing, the operating state information of the gaming machine is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer or a data counter via the external terminal board.

Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the main control CPU 101 is set to the interrupt enabled state (step S81). As a result, the main control side timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process, and the main control side main process is executed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

If the main control board 100 detects a power outage (a decrease in the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold value) during the main control side main processing or interrupt processing, a non-masqueradable interrupt is generated and the power outage confirmation flag is turned on. do. After returning to the original processing, the power-off processing (steps S27 to S33) described above is executed.

<Special symbol game processing>
Next, a series of processes related to the special symbol game in the timer interrupt process on the main control side will be described. The processes related to the special symbol game include the above-mentioned start port monitoring control process (step S84), special symbol control process (step S85), special electric accessory control process (step S86), and special symbol variation start monitoring control process (step). S88) is applicable.

<Starting port monitoring control process>
First, as shown in FIG. 39, it is determined whether or not the entry of the game ball into the first starting port 61 is detected (step S201). When it is detected that a game ball has entered the first starting port 61, it is determined whether or not the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (step S202).

When the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol is less than 4, the lottery random number values related to the first special symbol game include a random value per special symbol, a random value per special symbol, and a random value of a special symbol variation pattern. Is acquired, and each random number value is stored in the first special symbol hold storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the ball entry order (step S203). As an update of the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol, the value of the number of balls on hold for the first special symbol is added by 1 (step S204), and the winning check of the first starting port 61 is completed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 62 is detected (step S205). When the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 62 is detected, it is determined whether or not the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol is less than the upper limit of 4 (step S206). When the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol is less than 4, the random number value per special symbol, the symbol random value per special symbol, and the random value of the special symbol variation pattern are acquired as the lottery random number values related to the second special symbol game. Then, each random value is stored in the second special symbol hold storage area (hold n storage area) of the main information storage means 180 according to the ball entry order (step S207). As an update of the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol, the value of the number of balls on hold for the second special symbol is added by 1 (step S208), and the winning check of the second starting port 62 is completed.

Next, whether or not the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been updated, that is, the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol or the second special symbol is added in step S204 or step S208. It is determined whether or not (step S209). When the number of operation-holding balls is updated (step S209), a symbol storage number command including information on the number of operation-holding balls of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is generated, and this is used as the main information storage means 180. It is stored in the command storage area of (step S210).

Next, the state of the gaming machine is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not it is the pre-determination timing (step S211). When it is the pre-determination timing (step S211), the random number value per special symbol is read from the hit random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the pre-determination of success or failure is performed (step S212). A pass / fail pre-determination command including information on the pre-determination result (pre-determination number) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S213).

The symbol random number value per special symbol is read from the hit symbol random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the symbol pre-determination is performed (step S214). A symbol pre-determination command including the information of the pre-determination result (symbol pre-determination number) is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S215). Further, the special symbol variation pattern random number value is read from the variation pattern random number buffer in the reserved n storage area, and the variation pattern pre-determination is performed (step S216). A fluctuation pattern pre-determination command including the information of the pre-determination result (variation pattern pre-determination number) is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S217).

<Special symbol change start monitoring control processing>
In the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (step S88) shown in FIG. 41, of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the special symbol side that satisfies the variation start condition is set to the special symbol described later. The fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) is executed. When both the first special symbol and the second special symbol satisfy the fluctuation start condition, as described above, the processing on the second special symbol side is preferentially executed as an example.

First, it is determined whether or not the hit is a big hit or a small hit (step S301). Next, whether both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are waiting for change, that is, whether the first special symbol game status and the second special symbol game status are both "00H (waiting for change)". It is determined whether or not (step S302).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is "0" (step S303), and if the number of reserved balls is not "0", the fluctuation start condition of the second special symbol is After assuming that it is established and setting the address of the second special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table (address of various tables used in subsequent processing and address of RAM storage area) (step S304), the second special symbol side The process proceeds to the special symbol change start monitoring process (step S310). That is, in the present embodiment, when the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is present, the operation holding ball of the second special symbol is preferentially digested regardless of the presence or absence of the operation holding ball of the first special symbol. NS. The details of this special symbol change start monitoring process will be described with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when the number of reserved balls for operation of the second special symbol is "0", it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for operation of the first special symbol is "0" (step S305). Here, if the number of reserved balls is not "0", it is considered that the fluctuation start condition of the first special symbol is satisfied, and the address of the first special symbol fluctuation start monitoring table (various tables used in the subsequent processing). After setting (the address of the above and the address of the RAM storage area) (step S306), the process proceeds to the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) on the first special symbol side.

If the fluctuation start conditions of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not satisfied (steps S301, S302, S305), the execution of the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (step S310) is omitted.

<Special symbol change start monitoring process>
In the special symbol change start monitoring process (step S310), the change start of this time is started by referring to the first special symbol change start monitoring table or the second special symbol change start monitoring table set in step S304 or step S306 described above. Executes the processing on the target special symbol side. Since the processing contents are almost the same between the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, it is the processing on the first special symbol side or the processing on the second special symbol side, except in special cases. I will explain them all together without distinguishing whether they exist or not.

First, as shown in FIG. 42, the number of operation-holding balls on the special symbol side, which is the target of the start of the fluctuation this time, is subtracted by 1 (step S311). A symbol storage number command including information on the number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after subtraction is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S312). Next, access the special symbol hold storage area on the special symbol side that is the target of this fluctuation start, and the random value per special symbol stored in the earliest reserved storage area (hold 1 storage area), per special symbol. The symbol random value and the special symbol variation pattern random value are read out in order, and these random values are used for the special symbol hit / fail determination process (step S320), the symbol determination process (step S330), and the variation pattern selection process (described later in FIG. 46). For use in step S423), the data is transferred to the special symbol hit / miss determination area, the special symbol determination area, and the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (step S313). As the update of the hold storage area, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is sequentially shifted to the hold 1 storage area to the hold 3 storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is cleared to zero (step S314). ..

Next, the special symbol hit / miss determination process is executed (step S320). In the special symbol winning / failing determination process, first, the special symbol winning / failing lottery table is acquired. At this time, if the game state is the special symbol probability change state, the high-probability winning / losing lottery table is acquired, and if the gaming state is the normal state, the low-probability winning / losing lottery table is acquired. Next, the random value per special symbol is read from the special symbol hit / fail determination area of the main information storage means 180. With reference to the special symbol winning / failing lottery table, the winning / failing judgment of the special symbol is executed based on the random number value per special symbol. The values corresponding to the hit / fail determination result (big hit data “55H”, small hit data “33H”, loss data “00H”) are stored as special symbol determination flags of the main information storage means 180.

Next, the symbol determination process is executed (step S330). In the symbol determination process, the stop symbol of the special symbol, the type of the symbol group, and the character effect number (variable additional symbol information) are determined according to the result of the hit / fail determination. The stop symbol of the special symbol determined this time, the type of the symbol group, and the character effect number are stored in the symbol storage area of the main information storage means 180. The character effect number is the type of the determined symbol group (7 patterns of the symbol groups A to G) and the operating state of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol and the normal symbol (probability change on of the special symbol / probability change off of the special symbol). / One of 28 patterns in total is determined based on the combination with the probability variation on of the normal symbol / the probability variation off of the normal symbol). If the result of the hit / fail judgment is wrong, the character effect number "0" is determined.

Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the hit / fail determination corresponds to a small hit (step S341), and whether or not the result of the hit / fail determination corresponds to a big hit (step S342). If the result of the hit / fail judgment is a small hit, the process proceeds to step S346, while if the result of the hit / fail judgment is wrong, the process proceeds to step S349.

On the other hand, if the result of the winning / failing determination is a big hit, whether or not to activate the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol as the gaming state after the special game based on the type of the symbol group (big hit type) determined in step S330. (Step S343). That is, when the type of the symbol group (big hit type) indicates a specific symbol, it is determined to add the probability variation function, and the probability variation operation data (ST number of times) is stored in the probability variation number counter of the main information storage means 180. ) While storing "64H", when the type of the symbol group indicates a normal symbol, it is decided not to add the probability fluctuation function, and the probability fluctuation inactive data "00H" is stored in the probability fluctuation count counter. (Step S344). This determination result is stored in the probability fluctuation determination flag of the main information storage means 180.

Based on the type of symbol group (big hit type) determined in step S330, the number of times the variable time shortening function is operated is determined as the game state after the special game (step S345), and the number of times the electric chew support function is operated is determined. (Step S346). This determination result (operation number information of the fluctuation time shortening function (hereinafter referred to as "variation time reduction number information") and operation number information of the electric chew support function (hereinafter referred to as "ball entry easy state number number information")) are respectively. It is stored in the time saving number storage area and the ball entry easy state number storage area of the corresponding main information storage means 180.

Next, the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642 is set based on the type of the symbol group (large hit type, small hit type) determined in step S330 (step S347). Specifically, as the operation pattern of the special electric accessory 642, the specified number of rounds of the round game (10 rounds, 5 rounds, 2 rounds in this embodiment), the maximum opening time of the large winning opening 64 (in this embodiment). , 30 seconds, 1.8 seconds) and so on.

Next, the variation pattern selection state after the end of the special game is set based on the type of the symbol group determined in step S330 and the current game state (step S348). In the above description, the special fluctuation state is determined according to the big hit symbol, but even in the case of a small hit, the fluctuation pattern selection state can be changed to a special one in step S348. May be good. Next, returning to the flow, the demo production time (hit start demo time and hit end demo time) of the special game is set based on the type of the symbol group determined in step S330 (step S349). Next, the special symbol hit / miss determination area and the special symbol determination area of the main information storage means 180 used in the above-mentioned special symbol hit / miss determination process (step S320) and the symbol determination process (step S330) are cleared (step S351). The special symbol game status on the special symbol side to be changed this time is changed from "00H (waiting)" to "01H (start of change)" (step S351).

<Special symbol control processing>
Next, the special symbol control process (step S85) shown in FIG. 44 will be described. First, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, that is, whether or not the special electric accessory game status is "00H (waiting for hit)" (step S401). Next, when the special electric accessory 642 is not operating (step S401), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol game status is "00H (standby)" (step S402).

If the second special symbol game status is not "00H (waiting)", the second special symbol control table (addresses and RAM storage of various tables used in the subsequent processing) is stored in order to execute the process related to the second special symbol. The area address) is set (step S403), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410). On the other hand, when the second special symbol game status is "00H (waiting)", the first special symbol control table (addresses of various tables used in the subsequent processing) is executed in order to execute the process related to the first special symbol. And the address of the RAM storage area) (step S404), and the process proceeds to the special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410).

In the special symbol control general-purpose processing described below, the first special symbol control table or the second special symbol control table set in step S403 or step S404 described above is used, and the special subject to this variation is used. The processing on the symbol side will be executed, but since the processing method is the same for the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, is it the processing on the first special symbol side except in special cases? , The second special symbol side processing will be described collectively without distinguishing whether it is the processing. Details of this special symbol control general-purpose processing will be described later.

<Special symbol control general-purpose processing>
In the special symbol control general-purpose processing (step S410) shown in FIG. 45, branch processing (steps S411 to steps) for shifting to the processing according to the value of the special symbol game status (“01H”, “02H”, “03H”). S414) is executed. First, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status on the special symbol side that is the target of this change is not 0 (step S411). When the special symbol game status is not "00H" (step S411), it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "01H (variation start)" (step S412). When the special symbol game status is "01H", the process proceeds to the special symbol variation start process (step S420). The details of this special symbol variation start processing will be described with reference to FIG. 46, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the special symbol game status is not "01H" in step S412, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "02H (changing)" (step S413). When the special symbol game status is "02H", the process proceeds to the special symbol changing process (step S430). The details of this special symbol change processing will be described with reference to FIG. 47, which will be described later. If the special symbol game status is not "02H" in step S413, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game status is "03H (stop symbol is being displayed)" (step S414). When the special symbol game status is "03H", the process proceeds to the process of displaying the special symbol stop symbol (step S440). The details of this special symbol stop symbol display processing will be described with reference to FIG. 48, which will be described later.

<Special symbol change start processing>
First, as shown in FIG. 46, a special symbol variation pattern table is acquired based on the result of the winning / losing lottery, the winning symbol, the number of holdings, the type of the special symbol, the variation pattern selection state, and the like (step S421). Next, the special symbol variation pattern random value is read from the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 (step S422). With reference to the special symbol variation pattern table, one of a plurality of types of variation patterns is selected based on the special symbol variation pattern random value (step S423).

Next, the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern selected this time is set (step S424). As a setting for starting the variation of the special symbol, the variation time is stored in the special symbol game timer of the symbol display control means 155 (step S425), and the variation start command to the effect control board 200 is generated (step S426). As the variation start command, the variation pattern designation command and the symbol designation command are sequentially generated in order to start the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 70, and these are stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180.

Next, the content of the special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 180 used for determining the variation pattern is cleared (step S427). The special symbol game status is changed from "01H (start of fluctuation)" to "02H (during fluctuation)" (step S428).

<Processing during special symbol change>
First, as shown in FIG. 47, in order to display the variation of the special symbol, the display pattern number switching process of the special symbol is executed (step S431). In this display pattern number switching process, the display pattern number data of the special symbol is updated every predetermined switching time. This display pattern number data is output to the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 in the LED output process (step S76) in order to display the special symbol in a variable or definite manner, and is predetermined. In the special symbol display device that is changing every switching time, a specific display unit blinks or individual LEDs of the display unit are sequentially turned on to perform a display indicating that the display is changing.

Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the fluctuation time of the special symbol has expired (step S432). When the fluctuation time of the special symbol ends, the stop symbol of the special symbol to be confirmed and displayed is set in the first special symbol display device 171 or the second special symbol display device 172 (step S433). Next, a fluctuation stop command for instructing the effect control board 200 to confirm and display the decorative symbol is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S434).

Next, "125", which is data corresponding to 500 ms as the fixed display time, is stored in the special symbol game timer (step S435). The "fixed display time" is a time for definitively stopping and displaying the stopped symbol when the special symbol is stopped fluctuating. The special symbol game status is changed from "02H (changing)" to "03H (stop symbol is being displayed)" (step S436).

<Processing during special symbol stop symbol display>
First, as shown in FIG. 48, it is determined whether or not the special symbol game timer has reached "0 (timeout)", that is, whether or not the final display time of the special symbol (stop symbol) has expired (step S441). ). Here, when the final display time of the special symbol ends, the special symbol game status is changed from "03H (stop symbol display)" to "00H (standby)" (step S442).

Next, it is determined whether or not the hit / fail determination data stored in the special symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 180 is the jackpot data “55H” (step S443). When the hit / fail judgment data is jackpot data, the operation stop of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol (step S444), the operation stop of the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol (step S445), and the operation stop of the electric chew support function (step S446). , In order.

Next, as the start demo setting process of the special game, the start demo display time is set and an effect control command (big hit start demo command) for instructing the start of the start demo effect is generated (step S447). Next, the number of executions of the fluctuation pattern selection state (variation pattern selection state count counter) is cleared to zero (step S448). The special electric accessory game status is changed from "00H (waiting for hit)" to "01H (special game)" (step S449). “00H” is set in order to clear the contents of the pass / fail determination flag (step S450).

On the other hand, when the hit / fail determination data is not the jackpot data (step S443), it is determined whether or not the probability variation function of the special symbol is operating (step S451). As shown in FIG. 49, when the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is operating (step S451), the probability fluctuation counter of the main information storage means 180 is set to 1 as the digestion of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol this time. Subtract (step S452). Next, it is determined whether or not the probability fluctuation number counter is zero (step S453). When the probability fluctuation number counter is zero, the operation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is stopped (step S454). On the other hand, if the probability fluctuation counter after subtraction is not zero, step S454 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S455.

Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is operating (step S455). When the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol is operating, the time reduction counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 as the digestion of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol this time (step S456). Next, it is determined whether or not the time reduction counter is zero (step S457). When the time reduction counter is zero, it is assumed that the number of times the special symbol time reduction state has been completed has been reached, and the operation of the special symbol fluctuation time reduction function is stopped (step S458). On the other hand, if the time reduction counter after subtraction is not zero, step S458 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S459.

Next, it is determined whether or not the electric chew support function is operating (step S459). When the electric chew support function is operating, the counter for the number of easy entry states of the main information storage means 180 is subtracted by 1 as the digestion of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol this time (step S460). Next, it is determined whether or not the ball entry ease state counter is zero (step S461). When the ball entry easy state count counter is zero, the operation of the electric chew support function is stopped as if the number of times the ball entry easy state ends has been reached (step S462). On the other hand, if the counter for the number of easy entry states after subtraction is not zero, step S462 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S463.

Next, the fluctuation pattern selection state count counter of the main information storage means 180 is decremented by 1 (step S463). The variation pattern selection state is updated (step S464). Specifically, the number of times of the fluctuation pattern selection state of the main information storage means 180 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the current fluctuation pattern selection state has reached the preset number of ends, and the number of ends is set to the number of ends. If it has reached, it switches to the fluctuation pattern selection state specified next. On the other hand, if the number of ends has not been reached, the current fluctuation pattern selection state is maintained.

Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the current game state information and fluctuation pattern selection state information updated in steps S451 to S464 described above is generated, and this is used as a command of the main information storage means 180. It is stored in the storage area (step S465). On the effect control board 200 side, the effect mode is set and updated based on the information of the game state designation command.

Next, it is determined whether or not the small hit data "33H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag (step S466). When the small hit data is stored, as the start demo setting process of the small hit game, the start demo display time is set and the effect control command (small hit start demo command) for instructing the start of the start demo effect is generated. (Step S467). Next, the special electric accessory game status is changed from "00H (waiting for hit)" to "02H (small hit game)" (step S468). “00H” is set to clear the contents of the pass / fail determination flag (step S469).

On the other hand, when the small hit data "33H" is not stored in the special symbol determination flag, that is, when the deviation data "00H" is stored in the special symbol determination flag, the execution of steps S467 to S469 is omitted. When the special symbol determination flag is out-of-order data, the processing for clearing the content of the flag is not performed because "00H" is originally stored as the out-of-order data.

<Special electric accessory control process>
First, as shown in FIG. 51, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory game status is "01H (special game: big hit)" (step S501). When the special electric accessory game status is "01H", the special game process is executed in the subsequent processes. In this special game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (step S502). When the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, it is determined whether or not it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 (step S503). The operation start time of the special electric accessory 642 is a timing at which the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started in each round game.

When it is the operation start time of the special electric accessory 642, an effect control command (round effect designation command) is generated to start the round effect, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180 (step S504). ). The effect control board 200 side executes a round effect corresponding to each round game during the special game based on the information of the round effect designation command (information such as the current number of rounds). The operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (step S505), and the processes of steps S506 to S510 are executed as the processing during the operation of the special electric accessory 642.

As a process during operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not the maximum number of winning balls have entered the large winning opening 64 (step S506), and the operating time of the special electric accessory 642 (opening time). ) Has passed (step S507). At this time, when the game balls enter the large winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winning balls or when the operating time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is stopped (step S508). It is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached a predetermined number of predetermined rounds (step S509). If the number of continuous operations does not reach the specified number of rounds, the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 is added by 1 (step S510).

On the other hand, when the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory 642 has reached the specified number of rounds, the process proceeds to step S511 shown in FIG. , Generate an effect control command (big hit end demo command) instructing the start of the end demo effect (step S511).

Next, the probability fluctuation number information set in step S344 is stored in the probability fluctuation number counter (step S512). The fluctuation time reduction count information set in step S345 is stored in the time reduction counter (step S513). The information on the number of easy-to-enter states set in step S346 is stored in the counter for the number of easy-to-enter states (step S514).

Next, with reference to the content of the probability variation determination flag set in step S343, it is determined whether or not the probability variation number information stored in the probability variation number counter is the probability variation function data (“64H”). (Step S515). When the probability fluctuation number information is the probability fluctuation function data, the operation of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is started (step S516). On the other hand, when the probability fluctuation number information is not the probability fluctuation function data (when step S515 is NO), the execution of step S516 is omitted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time reduction number information stored in the time reduction counter is the fluctuation time reduction function operation data (data other than "00H") (step S517). In the case of the fluctuation time shortening function operation data, the operation of the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol is started (step S518). On the other hand, if it is not the fluctuation time shortening function operation data, the execution of step S518 is omitted.

Next, it is determined whether or not the ball entry easy state count information stored in the ball entry easy state count counter is the electric chew support function operation data (data other than “00H”) (step S519). In the case of the electric chew support function operation data, the operation of the electric chew support function is started (steps S520 to S522). That is, the start of operation of the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol (step S520), the start of operation of the function for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (step S521), and the start of operation of the open extension function of the normal electric accessory 622 (step S522) are performed in this order. Run. On the other hand, if it is not the electric chew support function operation data, the execution of steps S520 to S522 is omitted.

Next, the variable pattern selection state determined in step S347 is switched to (step S523). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the game state information after the special game and the variation pattern selection state information set in steps S512 to S523 described above is generated, and this is used as the main information storage means 180. It is stored in the command storage area of (step S524). The effect control board 200 side sets the effect mode after the special game based on the information of the game state designation command. The special electric accessory game status is changed from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting for hit)" (step S525).

On the other hand, if the special electric accessory game status is not "01H" (step S501), the process proceeds to step S530 and whether or not the special electric accessory game status is "02H (special game: small hit game)". (Step S530). When the special electric accessory game status is "02H", the small hit game process is executed in the subsequent processes.

In the small hit game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special electric accessory 642 is operating (step S531). If the special electric accessory 642 is not operating, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is started (step S532). On the other hand, when the special electric accessory 642 is in operation, the execution of step S532 is omitted.

Next, as a process during operation of the special electric accessory 642, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the large winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winnings (step S533), and the operating time of the special electric accessory 642 is determined. It is determined whether or not (opening time) has elapsed (step S534). At this time, when the game balls enter the large winning opening 64 by the maximum number of winning balls or when the operating time of the special electric accessory 642 has elapsed, the operation of the special electric accessory 642 is stopped (step S535).

Next, as the end demo setting process of the small hit game, the end demo display time is set and an effect control command (small hit end demo command) instructing the start of the end demo effect is generated (step S536). Next, the variable pattern selection state determined in step S347 is switched to (step S537). Next, an effect control command (game state designation command) including the variation pattern selection state information after the special game set in step S537 is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. (Step S538). This game state designation command is used on the effect control board 200 side, for example, to determine the transition trigger of the effect mode and to specify the effect mode of the transition destination. The special electric accessory game status is changed from "01H (special game)" to "00H (waiting for hit)" (step S539).

<Processing on the production control board side>
Next, the procedure of processing on the effect control board 200 side will be described with reference to FIGS. 54 to 62. In the following, the production control program is mainly the main body, but the main body is omitted as appropriate. The processing on the effect control board 200 side includes a reset start process (including the effect control side main process) that is executed when the effect control CPU 201 is reset, such as after the power is turned on, and an effect control side timer interrupt that is activated at regular intervals. It is activated by the processing, the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command executed when the strobe signal from the main control board 100 is received, and the arrival of the predetermined occurrence time specified in the time schedule of the variable effect pattern. It includes a lamp effect interrupt process to be performed and a transmission interrupt process of an image control command that is activated at regular intervals.

For each interrupt process (exception process), a priority level indicating the priority when a plurality of interrupt processes occur at the same time is set. In the present embodiment, "reset start processing by power reset (FIG. 54): highest priority", "reset start processing due to various abnormalities (FIG. 54): highest priority" → "reception interrupt processing of effect control command (FIG. 62)". : Level 7 "->" Reset start processing by WDT (when runaway is detected) (Fig. 54): Level 3 "->" Image control command transmission interrupt processing (Fig. 55): Level 2 "->" Effect control side timer interrupt processing (Fig. 54) FIG. 61): Priority levels are ranked in the order of "level 1" and the like. The "reset start process due to various abnormalities" includes, for example, when the effect control CPU 201 executes an illegal command, when the effect control CPU 201 attempts to access an illegal area or an illegal method, DMA (Direct Memory) is used. Access) Starts when an error occurs during transfer. In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned plurality of types of interrupt processing are illustrated, but in reality, other interrupt processing also exists.

In the main processing on the effect control side, basically, the process proceeds after being set to either a state of prohibiting all interrupts or disabling interrupts other than the effect control command reception interrupt. Then, when the effect control side main process is in the interrupt enabled state, the main process is interrupted and each interrupt process is executed. In each interrupt process, when another interrupt process is requested (multiple interrupts occur) during the execution of the interrupt process, in principle, the interrupt process has a higher priority level than the interrupt process being executed. In addition, while the interrupt request is permitted, the interrupt request is prohibited when the interrupt processing has a lower priority level than the interrupt processing being executed or the interrupt processing has the same priority level. That is, each interrupt process is processed in a state in which other interrupts having the same priority level or a lower priority level are disabled. Each interrupt process returns to the effect control side main process with all interrupts enabled. The priority order (priority level) of such interrupt factors is defined by the register setting of the interrupt controller described above.

<Reset start processing>
FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of the reset start process of the effect control board 200. In this reset start process, it is activated by any of a reset when the power is turned on, a reset caused by various abnormalities, and a reset caused by WDT (when runaway is detected), and after the security check of the effect control CPU 201 is performed. , The program starts, and the processing after step S801 is started.

First, as an initial setting required when the power is turned on, the start address is set in the stack pointer as the initial value of the stack area (step S801). All interrupt processing is disabled until various initial settings are completed (step S802).

Next, as a basic setting related to hardware, an initial value is set in the built-in register provided in the effect control CPU 201, and the I / O port circuit 204 is initialized (step S803). Further, the memory area in the effect control RAM 203 is initialized (step S804). Here, the initial value is set for the variable with the initial value, and the variable without the initial value is initialized by clearing 0. The effect control CPU 201 appropriately develops the control program stored in the effect control ROM 202 into the effect control RAM 203.

Next, interrupts other than the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command are prohibited (step S805). Next, among various errors set in advance for each model, a process of setting the type of error to be valid for the model is executed (step S806). Further, a request for turning off the effect lamps 10 and 25 (frame lamp 10, board lamp 25) is made to turn off all the lamps 10 and 25 (step S807). The watchdog timer is activated to monitor the runaway of the effect control CPU 201 (step S808).

Next, the effect control side main process is executed (step S809). The details of the main processing on the effect control side will be described with reference to FIG. 55. In addition, when the process shifts to the main process on the effect control side in step S809 described above, it is usually impossible to return to the reset start process, but due to the occurrence of a program bug or the like, the reset start process has been restored by any chance. In this case, the mode shifts to the low power consumption mode (sleep mode) in which the power consumption is reduced as compared with the normal operation.

<Main processing on the production control side>
FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the details of the effect control side main process (step S809) shown in FIG. 54.

First, the address (the start address where the effect control program is expanded) for starting the check whether or not the effect control program is accurately expanded in the effect control RAM 203 in the effect control side main process is acquired (step S811). ). Next, all interrupts are permitted, that is, various interrupt processes are permitted to be activated (step S812).

Next, the device initialization operation is executed (step S813). This initialization operation is an operation mode that is executed only once when the power of the gaming machine is turned on (at the start of reset), and is necessary for controlling the operation of movable accessories by devices such as motors and solenoids. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory returns to the preset initial position (reference position).

Next, the watchdog timer is cleared in order to restart the watchdog timer (step S814). At this time, when the effect control CPU 201 normally executes the effect program, the watchdog timer is written by writing a predetermined clear word to the WDT clear register of the effect control CPU 201 within the preset time-out time. Is cleared and restarted. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

Next, the input port check process is executed (step S815). In this input port check process, the I / O port circuit 204 (input port) is read every time an interrupt occurs in the port input / output process (step S1112) in the effect control side timer interrupt process (see FIG. 61) described later. As a result of monitoring and monitoring multiple times (for example, 4 times), if all the input port states are "1", the signal level is changed to "1 (H level)" and all the input port states are "0". In the case of, the signal level is changed to "0 (L level)", and if the state of the input port is other than that, the signal level is not changed (the input signal is confirmed by this).

Next, the error effect management process is executed (step S816). In this error effect management process, error effect by various devices is started based on the error effect pattern set in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). Further, in the error effect management process, an initial value (error effect time) is set in the error management timer to manage the progress of the error effect. This error management timer is subtracted and updated at a cycle of 16 ms in the error management timer update process (step S1120) of the effect control side timer interrupt process. When the error management timer times out, the error effect is terminated.

Next, the effect button monitoring control process is executed (step S817). In this effect button monitoring control process, when the button advance effect is incorporated during the symbol variation, the input state of the effect button 15 within the operation effective time is monitored, and a plurality of preset effect buttons are set according to the button advance effect. From the seeds of the effect content, the content of the effect according to the input state of the effect button 15 is determined. The button input operation itself by the player is monitored in the port input process (step S1112) in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, and in the effect button monitoring control process, a flag regarded as a button effective operation and an effect switch are performed. It is determined whether or not the flag for is satisfied, and the execution control of the effect based on the button press is performed.

Next, the advance notice lottery management process is executed (step S818). In this advance notice lottery management process, the advance notice effect pattern that defines the contents of the advance notice effect that occurs at each stage of the change process of the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the change effect pattern selected in the subsequent command analysis process (step S820). (Notice production number) will be decided by lottery. The advance notice effect number determined here is temporarily stored in the advance notice effect number storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. An image control command for designating the advance notice effect number on the image control board 300 side is generated, and this is set in the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage means 260. At this time, when the character advance notice effect pattern (character advance notice effect number) is selected as the advance notice effect pattern, a character request is generated, and in the subsequent device management process (step S819), the movable character is movable. Drive pattern is specified. In this embodiment, all of the plurality of types of advance notice effects (notice effect patterns) that occur within one variation of the decorative pattern are not drawn by lottery within one main loop process, but the main loop processing efficiency is determined. In order to improve it, it is divided into each time when the notice effect occurs (for example, the fluctuation start stage, the reach generation stage, the fluctuation stop stage, and the effective operation of the effect button 15), and the lottery is performed over a plurality of main loop processes. It has become. At that time, regarding the advance notice effect that occurs at the start stage of the change of the decorative symbol, it is necessary to synchronize with the start of the change of the decorative symbol (the image control command is transmitted immediately). Run.

Next, the device management process is executed (step S819). In this device management process, when there is an operation request (ramp request, accessory request) of various devices in the command analysis process (step S820) described later, a plurality of types of pattern data (ramp pattern) stored in the effect control ROM 202 , Drive pattern), the pattern data corresponding to the effect number (lamp effect number, accessory notice effect number) is specified, and the control of the target device is started. In the lamp pattern data of the effect lamps 10 and 25, the lamp data associated with each frame time (time required to update the image frame once: 16 ms) is stored as schedule data. In the present embodiment, the one-frame time corresponds to the time required for the one-frame drawing process when drawing at about 60 frames per second (= about 60 fps) on the effect display device 70. Similarly, in the drive pattern data of the movable accessory, the drive data associated with each interrupt cycle (1 ms) is stored as schedule data. As a result, each control data (lamp data, drive data, etc.) is output to the target device at regular intervals in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, and the operation of the target device is started. Become. On the other hand, when all the output of a series of control data (lamp data, drive data) is completed in the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, the effect lamps 10 and 25 are turned off or the operation of the movable accessory is stopped. And end the control of the target device.

Next, the command analysis process (step S820) is executed. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, and if the effect control command is stored, this effect control command is read out and this effect control command is read out. Executes the effect control process corresponding to the type of effect control command. The details of this command analysis process will be described with reference to FIG. 56, which will be described later.

It is determined whether or not analysis (hereinafter referred to as “command analysis”) has been executed for the effect control command during the loop process of the effect main process of the current cycle (step S821). When the command analysis is being executed, the process returns to step S814, and steps S814 to S821 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when the command analysis is not executed, the effect lottery random number update process is executed (step S822). In this effect lottery random number update process, the effect lottery random numbers such as the look-ahead advance notice lottery random number, the decorative symbol random number, the variable effect pattern random number, and the advance notice effect pattern random number are updated. Specifically, the numerical value of each random number counter is added by 1, and when the numerical value exceeds the maximum value, it is returned to the minimum value.

<Command analysis processing>
FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the details of the command analysis process (step S820) shown in FIG. 55. In this command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command held in the output port on the main control board 100 is captured in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 as shown below, and the effect control command is used. Is captured and stored, the effect control process corresponding to the type of this effect control command is executed.

First, it is determined whether or not the game state designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S831). When the game state designation command is stored, the process proceeds to the effect state transition process (step S832). In this effect state transition process, a process of transitioning the effect mode is executed based on the variation pattern selection state information included in the game state specification command. The details of this effect state transition process will be described with reference to FIG. 57, which will be described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not the hold-related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S833). Here, the hold-related commands include a symbol memory number command and a pre-determination command. If this hold-related command is stored, the process proceeds to the hold information management process (step S834). In this hold information management process, the symbol storage number command or the pre-determination command is read from the effect control information storage means 260, the pre-reading determination is executed based on the information of the pre-determination result, and the hold display unit of the effect display device 70 (FIG. A process for updating the display number and display mode (display color, etc.) of the reserved image displayed in (not shown) is executed.

Next, it is determined whether or not a symbol variation-related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S835). Here, the symbol fluctuation-related commands include a fluctuation start command and a fluctuation stop command. When the symbol variation-related command is stored, the process proceeds to the variation effect content determination process (step S836). In this variation effect content determination process, when the received symbol variation-related command is a variation start command, a process for starting the symbol variation effect is executed, and when the received symbol variation-related command is a variation stop command. Executes a process for terminating the symbol variation effect being executed. The details of this variation effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 58, which will be described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot effect-related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S837). Here, the jackpot production-related commands include a jackpot start demo production command, a round production designation command, and a jackpot end demo production command. When the jackpot effect related command is stored, the process proceeds to the jackpot effect content determination process (step S838). In this jackpot effect content determination process, processing for executing the start demo effect, the round effect, and the end demo effect is executed. The details of the jackpot effect content determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 59 and 60, which will be described later.

Next, it is determined whether or not the small hit effect-related command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S839). Here, the small hit effect-related commands include a small hit start demo effect command and a small hit end demo effect command. When the command related to the small hit effect is stored, the process proceeds to the small hit effect content determination process (step S840). In this small hit effect content determination process, processing for executing the small hit start demo effect and the small hit end demo effect is executed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the error effect designation command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S841). When this error effect specification command is stored, the process proceeds to the error effect content determination process (step S842). In this error effect content determination process, an error effect designation command is read from the effect control information storage means 260, and an error effect is notified by the image display of the effect display device 70, the light emission mode of the effect lamps 10 and 25, and the like. Determine the pattern.

If the effect control command is not stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S831, S833, S835, S837, S839, and S841, the command analysis process ends. Since the loop processing (steps S814 to S822) of the main processing on the effect control side is synchronized with the image display cycle (1 frame = 16 ms) of the image control CPU 301, the command analysis process of step S821 and the effect lottery of step S822 The random number update process is repeatedly executed, and if it exceeds 16 ms, the process is returned to step S814.

<Production state transition process>
FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing the details of the effect state transition process (step S832) shown in FIG. 56.

First, the content of the game state designation command from the main control board 100 is analyzed, and the information regarding the variation pattern selection state included in the content of this command is acquired (step S901). Next, based on the information regarding the variation pattern selection state acquired in step S901, it is determined whether or not the transition mode transition trigger has arrived (step S902). When the opportunity to shift to the effect mode has arrived, the transition to the predetermined effect mode is set in step S903 or later. In principle, the transition of the production mode is linked with the probability fluctuation function after the end of the special game, the fluctuation time shortening function, the operation of the electric chew support function, and the transition trigger of the fluctuation pattern selection state. For example, at the end of a special game or when the end number of times of the variable pattern selection state has expired. The final number of fluctuation pattern selection states is the number of times related to the number of fluctuations of the special symbol.

First, it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the fluctuation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 100 side is the low-probability normal fluctuation state α (step S903). When the transition destination is the low-probability normal fluctuation state α, the normal effect mode Mα is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (step S904). When the mode shifts to the normal effect mode Mα, the normal background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S905). In the normal effect mode Mα, a normal background image representing, for example, “wilderness” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, when the transition destination is not the low-probability normal fluctuation state α (step S903), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the fluctuation pattern selection state is the high-probability time-saving fluctuation state β (step S906). When the transition destination is the high-probability time-saving fluctuation state β, the probability variation effect mode Mβ is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (step S907). When the mode A shifts to the probability variation effect mode A, the probability variation background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S908). In the probabilistic effect mode Mβ, from the next symbol change, the effect display device 70 displays, for example, a probabilistic background image representing a “fortress”.

When the transition destination of the fluctuation pattern selection state is not the high-probability time-saving fluctuation state β (step S906), it is determined whether or not the transition destination of the fluctuation pattern selection state is the high-probability special fluctuation state γ (step S909). ). When the transition destination is the high-probability special fluctuation state γ, the special effect mode Mγ is set as the transition destination of the effect mode (step S910). Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous effect flag of the effect control information storage means 260 is on (step S911). The special continuous effect flag is a flag that is turned on when the special continuous effect is executed. When the special continuous effect flag is on, the special background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S912). In the special effect mode Mγ, a special background image representing, for example, a “starry sky” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. On the other hand, when the special continuous effect flag is off, the probability variation background data number is set in the background data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S913). In the special effect mode Mγ, a probabilistic background image (substantially the same background image as in the probabilistic effect mode Mβ) representing, for example, a “fortress” is displayed on the effect display device 70 from the next symbol variation. Next, an image control command for instructing the display of the effect content (background image) determined in the process is generated, and this is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S921). Further, as the change of the effect mode, there is also a change determined on the effect control board 200 side, which is not due to the gaming state of the main control board 100. For example, when the normal gaming state (low probability / low base) is continuously performed a predetermined number of times on the main control board 100 side, or when a pre-reading lottery for executing a special effect mode is won, the power is turned on. There are cases such as a timer value for measuring the elapsed time of the above and a case where it is determined that the RTC circuit has reached a predetermined time and a special effect is executed.

<Fluctuating production content determination process>
FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the details of the variation effect content determination process (step S836) shown in FIG. 56.

First, it is determined whether or not the variation start command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S931). When the variation start command is stored, the content of this variation start command (variation pattern specification command, variation addition symbol information specification command, character production number specification command) is analyzed, and the result of the winning / failing lottery included in the content of this command is analyzed. , The symbol group, the fluctuation pattern (variation time), the game state, and the like are acquired (step S932). The acquired information is stored in the variation effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260.

Next, the variation effect pattern selection process is executed (step S933). In this variation effect pattern selection process, the variation effect pattern table is acquired based on the variation pattern information acquired in step S932 and the effect mode set in the effect state transition process in step S832, and the effect lottery random number generation means. A random number value of the variation effect pattern is acquired from 210, and one of the variation effect patterns is determined by lottery from a plurality of types of variation effect patterns. The variation effect pattern constitutes a scenario of the effect display process in which the variation mode of the decorative pattern, the type / occurrence time of the reach effect, the type / occurrence time of the advance notice effect, and the like are defined. The variation effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the variation effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. A lamp effect number corresponding to the selected variable effect pattern number is requested, and the requested lamp effect number is set in the lamp request storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

Next, the decorative symbol stop symbol selection process is executed (step S934). In this decorative symbol stop symbol selection process, a combination of stop symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) of the decorative symbol to be finally stopped is drawn based on the symbol group information and the variation pattern information acquired in step S932. To decide with. The decorative symbol combination number determined here is temporarily stored in the decorative symbol storage area of the effect control information storage means 260.

Next, as an update of the look-ahead information storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, the hold ball information stored in the hold 2 storage area to the hold 4 storage area is shifted to the lower hold storage area, and the hold 4 storage area is changed. Clear to zero (step S935).

Based on the effect information acquired in steps S933 to S935, an image control command (variation effect start command) required for starting the variation of the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is stored in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. Set (step S939).

On the other hand, when the fluctuation start command is not stored (step S931), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation stop command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S940). When the variable stop command is stored (step S940), the content of the variable stop command is analyzed and the symbol stop information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S941). An image control command (variation effect stop command) required to stop the variation of the decorative symbol is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S942).

<Big hit production content determination process>
59 and 60 are flowcharts showing the details of the jackpot effect content determination process (step S836) shown in FIG. 56.

First, it is determined whether or not the start demo command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1001). When the start demo command is stored, the content of the start demo command is analyzed, and information indicating the jackpot type and the like included in the content of this command is acquired (step S1002). The acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, the number of consecutive villas counter for counting the number of consecutive villas is updated (step S1003). Specifically, if the jackpot this time is a jackpot in the normal state (referred to as "first hit"), set "1" to the consecutive villa count counter, and if it is a consecutive villa, set the consecutive villa count counter to "1". 1 ”add.

Next, a jackpot effect pattern selection process for determining the contents of the jackpot effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect pattern, end demo effect pattern) is executed (step S1004). In this jackpot effect pattern selection process, a jackpot effect pattern table (not shown) is acquired, and a jackpot effect pattern random number value is acquired from the effect lottery random number generation means 210, and one of a plurality of types of jackpot effect patterns is obtained. The production pattern is decided by lottery. The jackpot effect pattern number determined here is temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The jackpot effect pattern number includes, for example, a start demo pattern number, a round effect pattern number, and an end demo pattern number.

Next, the pending villa production determination process is executed (step S1005). In this hold inner ream effect determination process, when there is a hold that becomes a big hit in the game state (especially the probabilistic game state) after the end of the big hit in the hold that exists when the big hit game is executed, the hold inner ream When it is determined whether or not the villa effect can be executed and it is decided to execute the pending villa effect, the special continuous effect flag is turned on and the villa effect pattern is selected.

Next, the jackpot effect replacement process is executed (step S1006). In this jackpot production replacement process, when the pending villa production (special continuous production) is executed, the normal start demo production pattern and the normal end demo production pattern are changed to the special start demo production pattern and the special end demo production pattern. Replace. In addition, in this embodiment, the target of the look-ahead determination in the hold-in-ream villa production exists at the start time of the special game (at the end of the fluctuation) when the preceding operation hold ball becomes a big hit. It is a subsequent operation hold ball. Therefore, even if the operation hold ball generated during the special game is a specific hold, the hold inner consecutive villa effect determination process (step S1005) and the replacement process (step S1006) are not executed, but during the special game. When a specific hold occurs, the hold inner consecutive villa effect determination process and the replacement process may be executed even during the special game, and the jackpot effect data set at the start of the special game may be replaced.

The start demo effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the start demo effect storage area of the effect control information storage means 260, and the start demo effect is produced. Set the start of (step S1007).

Next, it is determined whether or not the round effect designation command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1011). When the round effect designation command is stored (step S1007), the content of the round effect designation command is analyzed, and information indicating the number of rounds included in the content of this command and the number of winnings in the large winning opening 64 is displayed. Acquire (step S1012). The acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, based on the information acquired in step S1012, the round number counter of the effect control information storage means 260 is updated (step S1013), and the large prize number counter of the effect control information storage means 260 is updated (step S1014). .. In the present embodiment, "14" prize balls are paid out every time a game ball enters the large prize opening 64. Therefore, by multiplying the number of winnings in the large winning opening 64 by "14", The number of prize balls won is calculated.

Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage means 260 is on (step S1015). The pseudo count flag is a flag that is turned on when a pseudo count effect is executed in which the number of rounds and the number of prize balls won in the previous special game is added to the number of rounds and the number of prize balls won in the later special game to notify the player. Is. When the pseudo count flag is on, that is, when the round effect (pseudo count effect) in the subsequent big hit is scheduled to be executed, the round number pseudo addition process is executed (step S1016). In this round number pseudo addition process, the number of round game executions (round number: 10R) executed in the previous special game is added to the number of round game executions (round number: 1R to 10R) stored in the round number counter. to add. As a result, in the special continuous production, the first round game in the later special game is notified as the eleventh round game.

Next, the pseudo-addition process for the number of winning prize balls is executed (step S1017). In this pseudo-addition process of the number of winning prize balls, the number of winnings to the large winning opening in the previous special game is added to the number of winnings stored in the large winning number counter. As a result, in the special continuous production, the number of prize balls acquired in the later special game is notified as the total number of prize balls acquired in the earlier special game and the later special game.

The round effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S1004 and S1006 is stored in the rounds of the effect control information storage means 260 together with the numerical values of the round number counter and the big prize number counter. Transfer to the effect storage area to set the start of the round effect (step S1018).

Next, it is determined whether or not the end demo command is stored in the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1021). When the end demo command is stored, the content of the end demo command is analyzed and the information included in the content of this command is acquired (step S1022). The acquired information is stored in the jackpot effect content determination area of the effect control information storage means 260. Next, it is determined whether or not the special continuous effect flag of the effect control information storage means 260 is on (step S1023), and it is determined whether or not to execute the hold inner consecutive villa effect. When the special continuous effect flag is on, the value of the round number counter (the number of rounds) and the value of the big prize counter (the number of big prizes) are temporarily stored in the jackpot storage area ahead of the effect control information storage means 260. Store (step S1024). This means that if the current jackpot corresponds to the previous jackpot in the special continuous production, the final number of rounds and the number of big prizes in the previous jackpot will be the pseudo-addition process (steps S1016, S1017) in the later jackpot production. ), So it is stored as the record information of the previous special game. Therefore, in the pseudo addition process in steps S1016 and S1017, the numerical values (the number of rounds and the number of big prizes) stored in the big hit storage area will be added. Next, the round number counter and the large prize number counter of the effect control information storage means 260 are cleared (steps S1025 and S1026).

Next, it is determined whether or not the pseudo count flag of the effect control information storage means 260 is on (step S1027). If the pseudo-count flag is on, the pseudo-count flag is turned off (step S1028). Next, it is determined whether or not the hold inner consecutive villa effect flag of the effect control information storage means 260 is on (step S1035). When the hold inner consecutive villa effect flag is on, the hold inner consecutive villa effect flag of the effect control information storage means 260 is turned off (step S1036).

Next, the end demo effect pattern number temporarily stored in the jackpot effect pattern storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 in steps S1004 and S1006 is transferred to the end demo effect storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. End Set the start of the demo effect (step S1037). Based on the effect information acquired in steps S1005, S1007, S1018, and S1037, an image control command required for the jackpot effect is generated, and this image control command is set in the command storage area of the effect control information storage means 260 (step S1038). ..

<Timer interrupt processing on the production control side>
FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing on the effect control side. This timer interrupt process is activated by a clock pulse at regular time intervals, and is executed so as to interrupt the above-described effect control side main process.

When a timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the registers in the effect control CPU 201 are saved in the stack area of the effect control RAM 203, and then the processes after step S1111 are sequentially executed. Within this timer interrupt process, interrupts of priority level 2 or higher, such as an effect control command reception interrupt from the main control board 100 and a watchdog timer interrupt, are permitted (step S1111).

Next, the port input / output process is executed (step S1112). In this port input / output process, the input data input process and the output data output process are executed using the I / O port circuit 204. In the input process, various signals input to the I / O port circuit 204 are read and stored as input information. On the other hand, in the output process, various control signals (motor control signals) temporarily stored in the effect control information storage means 260 are read out and output from the I / O port circuit 204.

Next, the device control data output process is executed (step S1113). In this device control data output process, the drive data for a predetermined time is read from the drive pattern data specified in the device management process (step S819) described above and set in the drive data storage area of the effect control information storage means 260. The drive data set in this process is data indicating control for 1 ms corresponding to the interrupt cycle. When the drive data is set in this process, the drive data is output from the I / O port circuit 204 to the motor driver 92 in the next timer interrupt process. Therefore, in this device control data output process, the drive data is switched every interrupt cycle (1 ms) according to the drive pattern data.

Next, the effect timer update process is executed (step S1114). In this effect timer update process, the values of various effect timers used for the effect operation control are subtracted and updated by interrupt period (for example, 1 ms). The effect timer includes a timer for managing the fluctuation time of the decorative symbol, a timer for managing the occurrence timing of the advance notice effect, and the like. The effect timer manages the time schedule in the variable effect pattern, and manages the time such as the drive timing of the movable accessory and the lighting timing of the effect lamps 10 and 25 on the time axis. The effect timer is also used in the device control data output process (step S1113) and the lamp data update process (step S1118) in the effect control timer interrupt process.

Next, the button control timer update process is executed (step S1115). The value of the effective time management timer for managing the operation effective time of the effect button 15 is subtracted and updated by the interrupt cycle (1 ms in this embodiment). The operation effective time is a time during which the operation input of the effect button 15 is effective.

Next, the task control counter update process is executed (step S1117). In this task control counter update process, the task counter values (“0” to “15”) are updated for each timer interrupt. Specifically, if the value of the task counter is "0" to "14", 1 is added, and if the value of the task counter is "15", it is returned to "0". That is, this task counter can have a circulation cycle of 16 ms. Various tasks (task processing) are assigned according to the value of the task counter updated this time, and the lamp control task (lamp data update processing in step S1118) and the runaway monitoring task are assigned according to the value of the task counter. (Image CPU runaway monitoring process in step S1119), error management task (error management timer update process in step S1120), and other processes are executed. In the present embodiment, one of the task counter values (“0” to “15”) is assigned to the lamp control task, and the other two values (values that are 8 ms apart from each other) are for runaway monitoring. It is assigned to a task and one other value is assigned to the error management task (the description of the other tasks is omitted). As described above, the reason why the circulation cycle of the task counter is set to 16 ms is to match with the minimum unit 16 ms of the switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. The minimum unit of the switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25 corresponds to one frame time of the image frame, and the synchronization between the image effect and the lamp effect is realized.

Next, the lamp data update process is executed (step S1118). In this lamp data update process, lamp data for a predetermined time is read out from the lamp pattern data specified in the device management process (step S819) described above and set. The lamp data set in this process is data indicating lighting control for 16 ms, which is the minimum unit of switching control of the effect lamps 10 and 25. When the lamp data is set, the lamp data is automatically output from the output port (serial port) to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. This lamp data output processing is configured as a serial communication interrupt processing, and is realized by sequentially writing the lamp data to the transmission buffer of the serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit serially converts the lamp data of the transmission buffer in 1-byte units and outputs each bit to the lamp connection board 91 in a manner synchronized with the serial clock. This process is repeated until the transmission buffer becomes empty, and all the lamp data (all bytes) stored in the transmission buffer are output. Therefore, in this lamp data update process, the lamp data is switched every one frame time (16 ms) according to the lamp pattern, and the lamp data is output to the lamp connection board 91 by serial transfer. The lamp data update process is executed when the task counter value reaches a predetermined value (value indicating a lamp control task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above (that is, at a cycle of 16 ms). It is a process to be executed).

Next, the image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed (step S1119). In this image CPU runaway monitoring process, the toggle signal input from the image control board 300 is monitored, and when the toggle signal does not change continuously for 800 to 1600 ms (about 50 to 100 frames), image control is performed. It is determined that the image control CPU 301 of the board 300 is out of control, and a reset signal is transmitted from the effect control board 200 to the image control board 300. As a result, the image control board 300 side executes a predetermined reset process when the reset state of the image control CPU 301 occurs. The toggle signal is a signal having a waveform in which H level / L level is alternately repeated every frame time. The image CPU runaway monitoring process is executed when the task counter value reaches a predetermined value (value indicating an image monitoring task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above. ..

Next, error management timer processing is executed (step S1120). In this error management timer processing, the value of the error effect timer for managing the error effect time set in the error effect management process (step S817) described above is subtracted and updated. Note that this error management timer process is a process executed when the value of the task counter becomes a predetermined value (value indicating an error management task) in the task control counter update process (step S1117) described above. After enabling all interrupts and restoring the saved register contents, the timer interrupt processing on the effect control side is terminated and the original processing before the interrupt is generated is restored.

<Transmission interrupt processing of image control command>
FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing an example of transmission interrupt processing of an image control command. The transmission interrupt process of this image control command occurs at preset fixed intervals (500 μs).

In the transmission interrupt process of this image control command, first, the image control command buffer of the effect control information storage means 260 is checked (step S1131). Next, the read pointer is acquired in the image control command buffer (step S1132), and it is determined whether or not the image control command is stored in the image control command buffer (step S1133). Whether or not the image control command is stored can be confirmed by, for example, a read pointer and a write pointer. If the read pointer and the write pointer match, it means that the image control command is not stored. When the image control command is stored (step S1133), the image control command is read from the area pointed to by the read pointer (step S1134). This read image control command is set in the output buffer of the serial communication circuit (not shown) designated as the output destination (step S1135). As a result, the image control command is serially transmitted from the serial port to the image control board 300. Next, the command data (command data stored in step S1135 described above) is cleared (step S1136). Next, the read pointer is added by 1 and updated (step S1137). The transmission interrupt processing of the image command is terminated, and the original processing before the interrupt is restored.

<Frame exchange unit>
As described below, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be configured so that the outer frame 2 and the front frame 4 can be diverted as common parts when the pachinko machine 1 is replaced with a predetermined different model. In the pachinko machine 1 configured in this way, a control board (for example, an effect control board 200 or a main control board 100) that controls the game when the pachinko machine 1 is replaced with a predetermined different model, or a game board 5 to which the control board is attached. However, it will be replaced with one that corresponds to the game machine of the other model. Further, the glass frame (door frame) 3 which is the frame body of the game board is also replaced with one corresponding to the game machine of the other model (the control board or the game board), and the frame body of the replaceable game board is replaced. , Hereinafter referred to as "frame exchange unit". The glass frame 3 may include parts that can be diverted before and after replacement (frame common unit). In that case, parts other than the frame common unit that can be replaced with replacement are "frame replacement units". Corresponds to.

In the following, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment in which the frame can be exchanged as described above will be described in detail by exemplifying the pachinko machine 1A in which the gaming machine can be replaced with the pachinko machine 1A'by exchanging the game board and the frame exchange unit. .. In the description of the pachinko machine 1A (pachinko machine 1A'), the description of the configuration and control common to the pachinko machine 1 described above is omitted (the reference numerals and the like are also diverted), and the characteristics related to the frame exchange are characteristic. The configuration and control will be mainly described.

In the present embodiment, the pachinko machine 1A before frame replacement is composed of a frame common unit 3B and a frame exchange unit 3C (first frame exchange unit) as a frame body of the game board 5 (first game board). A glass frame 3A is provided. Further, the pachinko machine 1A'after the frame exchange is composed of the frame common unit 3B and the frame exchange unit 3C'(the second frame exchange unit) as the frame body of the game board (second game board) after the frame exchange. A glass frame 3A'composed of is provided. When the pachinko machine 1A is replaced with the pachinko machine 1A', the control unit (main control unit 5b and its surroundings) containing the control board (main control board 100 and effect control board 200) and the like are not replaced without replacing the entire game board. The control unit 5c) may be replaced.

FIG. 63 is a front view of the pachinko machine before the frame replacement, and FIG. 64 is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine before the frame replacement. Further, FIG. 65 is an exploded view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after the frame is replaced, and FIG. 66 is a front view of the glass frame in the pachinko machine after the frame is replaced.

First, regarding the pachinko machine 1A before frame replacement, as shown in FIG. 63, the glass frame 3 is composed of a frame common unit 3B and a frame replacement unit 3C, and the appearance when both units are attached is as shown in FIG. There is no difference from the pachinko machine 1 shown in.

Here, as shown in FIG. 64, the frame common unit 3B forms a portion extending from the left side to the lower side in the peripheral decoration on the front side of the pachinko machine 1A, and includes the plate unit 3f, the effect button 3j, and the like, and is a game board. It is a unit common to all models, which is the base of the frame of 5. That is, when the pachinko machine 1A is replaced with another predetermined model (pachinko machine 1A') that can replace the frame, it is not necessary to replace the frame common unit 3B.

On the other hand, the frame exchange unit 3C is a model-specific unit that forms a portion extending from the upper side to the right side in the peripheral decoration on the front side of the pachinko machine 1A. That is, when the pachinko machine 1A is replaced with another predetermined model (pachinko machine 1A') that can replace the frame, the frame exchange unit 3C is replaced with the frame exchange unit 3C'corresponding to the pachinko machine 1A'. As shown in FIG. 64, the frame exchange unit 3C has a structure that can be attached / detached from the front side to the frame common unit 3B.

Next, regarding the pachinko machine 1A'after the frame exchange, FIG. 65 shows the frame exchange unit 3C'to be exchanged with the frame exchange unit 3C. Like the frame exchange unit 3C, the frame exchange unit 3C'has a structure that can be attached / detached to / from the front side of the frame common unit 3B.

Then, as shown in FIG. 66, when the frame exchange unit 3C'is attached to the frame common unit 3B, the glass frame 3A'is formed in the pachinko machine 1A'after the frame exchange.

Here, comparing FIG. 63 and FIG. 66, the decorative portion of the frame exchange unit 3C'is different from the decorative portion of the frame exchange unit 3C. For example, the frame lamp 3h'and the speaker 3i' mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C'have a different shape from the frame lamp 3h and the speaker 3i mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C.

Further, in the present embodiment, the frame exchange unit 3C (first frame exchange unit) and the frame exchange unit 3C'(second frame exchange unit) have a plurality of movable members whose movements are controlled by the effect control board (the second frame exchange unit). It is assumed that the frame movable member) is mounted. Although these frame movable members are not shown, for example, they are included in the movable accessory 24 shown in FIG. 26, and the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) controls the operation of the motor driver 92. The operation of the frame movable member is controlled. However, since the number, installation position, drive operation, etc. of these frame movable members are generally not common among different models, the number, installation position, and drive of each frame movable member are also common in this embodiment. The operation, etc. shall be different for each pachinko machine (for each frame exchange unit).

Further, although the specific use will be described later, in the frame exchange unit 3C (first frame exchange unit), a plurality of movable members (first frame movable member) mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C (first frame exchange unit) are provided with each movable member. It is assumed that a sensor for detecting the position (first frame movable member sensor) is mounted. Similarly, the frame exchange unit 3C'(second frame exchange unit) has a sensor (second) that detects the position of each movable member (second frame movable member) mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C'(second frame exchange unit). It is assumed that the frame movable member sensor) is installed.

As described above, as shown in FIGS. 63 to 66, in the present embodiment, the frame exchange unit 3C is removed from the frame common unit 3B in the pachinko machine 1A and replaced with the frame exchange unit 3C', so that the frame exchange unit is physically physical. Can be exchanged.

However, even if the frame replacement unit can be replaced as described above, it only means that physical replacement (mounting) is possible, and the replaced frame replacement unit is compatible with the internal processing by the control board. It is not guaranteed that you have it (whether it is a frame exchange unit suitable for gaming machines). Generally, in a gaming machine with a replaceable frame, even if it can be physically attached, the internal processing by the control board is not compatible unless the production control board 200 that controls the production of the game machine is also replaced. , There is a possibility that an incorrect frame replacement unit (incompatible frame replacement unit) may be installed. In a gaming machine to which a non-conforming frame exchange unit is attached, for example, a control signal output from a control board (for example, an effect control board 200) may cause a malfunction on the frame exchange unit side, resulting in a failure or the like.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a "frame exchange unit identification function" for identifying whether or not the attached frame exchange unit is compatible with the own gaming machine (game board, control board) is provided. In this frame exchange unit identification function, the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) that receives the input signal from the frame exchange unit determines the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit. Below, some methods for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described in detail.

<Frame exchange unit identification function (1)>
The first method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described. Although the frame exchange unit 3C'will be described below, the first method is a plurality of movable members (movable combinations) among the exchange units that can be exchanged corresponding to the gaming machine (game board, control board). It can be applied to all objects including an object) and a sensor capable of detecting the initial position of a movable member.

In the first method, in the pachinko machine 1A'to which the frame exchange unit 3C'is attached by frame exchange, the frame exchange unit 3C'uses the sensor inputs of a plurality of movable members mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C'. A combination of detection information by the frame movable member sensor when a plurality of movable members mounted on the above are in the initial position is input to the control board (effect control board 200), and the frame exchange unit 3C is based on the combination of the detection information. Identify whether'is compatible with pachinko machine 1A'(game board, control board). The "movable member" in the "plurality of movable members mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C'" refers to the case where at least a part of the movable member is mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C'(for example, the movable member is a frame). It may include (for example, when the portion mounted on the exchange unit 3C'and the portion mounted on the frame common unit 3B are combined).

For the first method, in the present embodiment, parallel communication is performed by using the sensor input from the frame movable member sensor as a command for notifying the effect control board 200 of the identification code for identifying the frame exchange unit. The input command "frame exchange unit position sensor command" is prepared on the frame exchange unit 3C'side. A predetermined bit of this input command is assigned to the identification code, and the predetermined bit indicates a combination of detection information by the frame movable member sensor when a plurality of movable members mounted on the frame exchange unit are in the initial positions. Is done.

The first method will be described in more detail with specific examples. For example, the frame exchange unit 3C'has three movable members (frame movable members A, B, C) whose movements are controlled by the effect control board 200, and three that detect the state of each frame movable member at the initial position. Frame movable member sensors (sensors A, B, C) are mounted. Here, the sensors A to C are, for example, an optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and detect the position of the target frame movable member based on the light input state (light blocking / light receiving) in the light receiving unit. Specifically, the detection value of the sensor is "H" when the incoming light state is "light blocking", and the detected value of the sensor is "L" when the incoming light state is "light receiving". Further, among the frame exchange unit position sensor commands, for example, a total of 3 bits, that is, the 0th bit to the 2nd bit, are assigned to the identification code. It is assumed that the detection information by the sensor A is shown in the second bit, the detection information by the sensor B is shown in the first bit, and the detection information by the sensor C is shown in the 0th bit. In this example, as a general rule, when the sensor detection value is "H", it is treated as an active potential, the value of the corresponding bit of the identification code is "1", and the sensor detection value is "L". Is treated as a non-active potential, and the value of the corresponding bit of the identification code is set to "0".

On the other hand, on the effect control board 200 side to which the frame exchange unit position sensor command is input, a "regular identification code" for the frame exchange unit compatible with the pachinko machine (pachinko machine 1A') is registered in advance. This "regular identification code" is a combination of detection information by the frame movable member sensor when the movable member mounted on the frame exchange unit suitable for the pachinko / pachislot machine is in the initial position (identification code). It is held in the control ROM 202. Therefore, in the effect control board 200, the frame exchange unit 3C'is a pachinko machine by comparing the "regular identification coat" with the identification code included in the frame exchange unit position sensor command acquired from the frame exchange unit 3C'. It can be determined whether or not it conforms to 1A'. The frame exchange unit position sensor command in this example is not periodically transmitted from the frame exchange unit 3C'as command information in a command format, but is input to each position sensor of the frame movable member of the frame exchange unit 3C'. Information may be directly input to the input port of the effect control board 200 via a relay board or the like.

Here, conventionally, it is known that when an abnormality such as a short circuit or a tentacle occurs in a command communication path, the information of the input command may be all "1" or all "0". Therefore, if the "genuine identification code" is registered as "111" or "000", even if a non-conforming frame replacement unit is installed, it will be indicated in the frame replacement unit position sensor command when the above abnormality occurs. The identification code may be "111" or "000". At this time, the effect control board 200 erroneously determines that the frame exchange unit, which is actually non-conforming, is "conforming".

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the "regular identification code" registered in advance in the effect control board 200 (for example, the effect control ROM 202), in other words, the identification code when the conformity determination of the frame exchange unit can be obtained, is always set to "1". ”And“ 0 ”are included in the format.

explain in detail. As described above, in this example, when the detection value of the sensor is "H", the value of the corresponding bit of the identification code is set to "1", and when the detection value of the sensor is "L", the correspondence of the identification code is set. In principle, the bit value is set to "0". According to this principle, when the light entering state of the sensors A and B is "light blocking (H)" and the light entering state of the sensor C is "light receiving (L)", the identification code is "110". On the other hand, the identification code when all the light incoming states of the sensors A to C are "light blocking" is "111", and the identification code when all the light incoming states of the sensors A to C are "light receiving" is "000". It becomes.

Therefore, when the combination of the detected values (detection information) in the matching frame exchange unit is configured to include "1" and "0" such as "110" in accordance with the above principle, The combination of the detection information is registered as a "regular identification code" on the effect control board 200 side. Further, also on the frame exchange unit side, a circuit is formed so that the detection values (detection information) of the sensors A to C become the value of the identification code according to the above principle.

On the other hand, when the above principle is followed, the combination of detection values (detection information) in the matching frame exchange unit is composed of only one of "1" or "0" such as "111" or "000". When this is done, a circuit is formed so that a part of the detection information of the sensors A to C is logically inverted and the identification code is transmitted on the frame exchange unit side. For example, when the light incoming state of the sensor C is "light blocking" (detection value "H"), the corresponding bit value of the identification code becomes "0" and the light incoming state is "light receiving" (detection value "H"). In the case of "L"), the corresponding bit value of the identification code is set to "1". The method of logically inverting the corresponding bit value of the identification code is not particularly limited, and for example, a NOT circuit may be provided in the sensor, or, for example, the specific bit of the identification code is negative. It may be a logical bit. Then, on the effect control board 200 side, the combination of the detection information in the matching frame exchange unit when the part is logically inverted as described above is registered as a "regular identification code".

FIG. 67 is a diagram for explaining an example of the detection information and the identification code. FIG. 67A shows an example of detection information (detection value) and identification code when sensors A to C detect the state of the initial position of the frame movable member of the frame exchange unit according to the above principle. , FIG. 67 (B) shows an example of the detection information (detection value) and the identification code when the bit value of the identification code is logically inverted only for the sensor C.

In the case of FIG. 67 (A), the detection values of the frame movable member A and the frame movable member B at the initial positions are "H" because the corresponding sensors A and B are in the "light-shielding" state. Become. On the other hand, with respect to the frame movable member C at the initial position, the corresponding sensor C has a detection value of "L" because the light input state is "light reception". Therefore, the identification code based on the combination of the detection information of the sensors A to C becomes "110", and the frame exchange unit position sensor command including the identification code "110" is input from the frame exchange unit 3C'to the effect control board 200.

In the case of FIG. 67 (B), all of the frame movable member A, the frame movable member B, and the frame movable member C at the initial positions are in the light entering state of the corresponding sensors A to C because the light entering state is “light shielding”. The detected value is "H". When the above principle is followed, the identification code becomes "111", but here, only the sensor C logically inverts the bit value of the identification code, so that the value of the 0th bit becomes "0". Therefore, the identification code based on the combination of the detection information of the sensors A to C becomes "110", and the frame exchange unit position sensor command including the identification code "110" is input from the frame exchange unit 3C'to the effect control board 200.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the "regular identification code" registered in advance on the effect control board 200, in other words, the identification code when the conformity determination of the frame exchange unit can be obtained, is always "1" and "1". By configuring the format including "0", it is possible to prevent erroneous determination of the non-conforming frame exchange unit, and it is expected that the accuracy of frame exchange unit identification will be improved.

In the above specific example, a combination of detection information by three frame movable member sensors (sensors A to C) that detect three movable members (frame movable members A to C) using a 3-bit identification code. Is shown in the 3-bit identification code, but when the number of movable members and frame movable member sensors is larger than the number of bits required for the identification code, the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) is used for the gaming machine. Only the sensors capable of determining the conformity of the frame exchange unit with respect to (game board, control board) may be selected and used as the detection target. Specifically, for example, when five frame movable member sensors are mounted, only the detection information by the predetermined three frame movable member sensors is targeted, and the frame is based on the identification code based on the combination of the detection information. It may be possible to identify the conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit. The method of selecting the target frame movable member sensor is not particularly limited, and for example, a predetermined number of frame movable member sensors may be selected from those close to the connector on the circuit, or, for example, the initial operation. At this time, the frame movable member sensor corresponding to the frame movable member that easily returns to the initial position may be preferentially selected.

Next, in the first method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function, the execution timing of the process of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit will be described.

First, as the first execution timing, it is recommended that the device initialization operation of the effect control main processing is performed. As described above with reference to FIG. 55, in step S813 of the effect control main process, the effect control CPU 201 executes the device initialization operation. This initialization operation is executed when the power of the gaming machine is turned on (including when the "reset" is started other than when the power is turned on), and is necessary to control the operation of the movable accessory 24 by a device such as a motor or a solenoid. It is executed for the purpose of confirming the position information. At the end of the initialization operation, the movable accessory 24 returns to the preset initial position (reference position). Since the device initialization operation is performed in the effect control main process not only when the power is turned on in the entire gaming machine but also when the reset for the effect control board 200 is started, it may be included in the first execution timing.

Here, the frame movable member mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C'is also included in the movable accessory 24 and is controlled by the effect control CPU 201. Operation check of the range) is performed, and it returns to the initial position. At this time, the frame exchange unit position sensor command including the identification code based on the detection information detected by the frame movable member sensor at the timing when the frame movable member is in the initial position in the device initialization operation is produced and controlled from the frame exchange unit 3C'. It is input to the board 200. Therefore, the effect control CPU 201 confirms the command content of the input frame exchange unit position sensor command in, for example, an input port check process (step S815 in FIG. 55), and registers the identification code included in the command in the effect control ROM 202. It is determined whether or not the frame exchange unit 3C'conforms to the effect control board 200 by comparing with the legitimate identification code.

When the identification code included in the frame exchange unit position sensor command matches the regular identification code, the effect control CPU 201 uses the frame exchange unit 3C'as a frame exchange unit compatible with the pachinko / pachislot machine (effect control board 200). It identifies that it exists and continues the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if the identification code included in the frame exchange unit position sensor command does not match the regular identification code, the effect control CPU 201 makes the frame exchange unit 3C'incompatible with the pachinko / pachislot machine (effect control board 200). It is identified as a replacement unit and determined to be a predetermined error. When the effect control CPU 201 identifies the nonconformity of the frame exchange unit from the comparison between the identification code included in the frame exchange unit position sensor command and the regular identification code, the frame movable member mounted on the frame exchange unit is initially used. The position is re-detected, the conformity / nonconformity identification of the frame exchange unit is executed again using the identification code based on the re-detection (retry), and the "predetermined error" is performed only when the nonconformity identification result does not change. You may decide that.

Here, the "predetermined error" when the non-conforming frame exchange unit is identified may be at least one in which the effect using the frame movable member of the frame exchange unit is no longer executed.

Specifically, for example, it may be determined as a "frame movable object operation error" indicating a general operation error related to the frame movable member. The frame movable object operation error is an error detected when the frame movable member does not return to the initial position during the initial operation or the operation during the game. Therefore, if the error is determined, the pachinko machine 1A thereafter. The entire frame movable member of'may be controlled so as not to operate.

Further, for example, it may be determined as a "replacement unit error" which means an abnormality in which an incompatible replacement part is attached to the entire pachinko machine 1A'. Since the replacement unit error includes a conformity error of replacement parts other than the frame replacement unit, if it is determined to be the error, all the replacement parts may be controlled so as not to operate thereafter. However, even in such a case, the movement of common parts (for example, the effect button 3j) that are not covered by the replacement unit can be continuously executed.

Further, the effect control CPU 201 also receives a predetermined error (frame movable object) when it is notified that the initial operation of the frame exchange unit 3C'has not been normally completed in the device initialization operation (step S813 in FIG. 55). Judge as an operation error, replacement unit error, etc.).

The initialization operation of the device is the timing at which the frame exchange unit 3C'attached by the frame exchange is supplied with power and operates first. Therefore, by identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit at the first execution timing as described above, the nonconforming frame exchange unit is identified before the effect accompanying the game is executed, and its operation is prevented. Can be done. Thus, it can be expected to have the effect of minimizing the occurrence of malfunctions and failures when a non-conforming frame replacement unit is attached.

When the process of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit is performed at the first execution timing and the effect control CPU 201 determines a nonconformity error, the effect control CPU 201 preferably immediately notifies the error. .. Since the device initialization operation (step S813 in FIG. 55) as the first execution timing is generally not during the game, immediate notification does not affect the game, and the cause of the error can be resolved early. This is because it is considered appropriate to recommend it.

Next, as the second execution timing of the process of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit, the time of symbol change can be mentioned.

More specifically, the effect control CPU 201 is a frame exchange unit including an identification code based on the detection information detected by the frame movable member sensor at the timing when the frame movable member should be in the initial position such as when the decorative symbol starts to change or stops. By checking the content of the position sensor command and comparing the identification code included in the command with the regular identification code registered in the effect control ROM 202, whether or not the frame exchange unit 3C'is compatible with the effect control board 200. Is determined.

Then, when the identification code included in the frame exchange unit position sensor command matches the regular identification code, the effect control CPU 201 makes the frame exchange unit 3C'a frame exchange unit compatible with the pachinko / pachislot machine (effect control board 200). Is identified and the subsequent processing is continued.

On the other hand, if the identification code included in the frame exchange unit position sensor command does not match the regular identification code, the effect control CPU 201 makes the frame exchange unit 3C'incompatible with the pachinko / pachislot machine (effect control board 200). It is identified as a replacement unit and judged to be a predetermined error (frame movable object operation error, replacement unit error, etc.).

Then, when the above error is determined, the effect control CPU 201 switches whether or not to execute the effect using the frame movable member mounted on the frame exchange unit identified as nonconforming in the subsequent effect control. Specifically, for example, the effect control CPU 201 may be controlled so that only the frame movable member is not operated when the effect pattern based on the variation effect pattern determined in the variation effect content determination process (see FIG. 58) is executed. Then, in the variation effect pattern selection process (step S933 in FIG. 58), the variation effect pattern including the effect pattern using other effect members without selecting the effect pattern including the effect pattern using the frame movable member. May be selected.

By identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit at the second execution timing as described above, the nonconformity of the frame exchange unit may not be identified at the first execution timing (during the device initialization operation) described above. Even so, when there is a possibility of moving the frame movable member mounted on the frame exchange unit (when the symbol changes), conformity / nonconformity is rechecked, so that accuracy and safety can be further improved.

Regarding the second execution timing described above, the effect control CPU 201 is limited to the time when the symbol changes when a specific variation pattern that drives the frame movable member by the effect is received, not when all the symbols change. , The process of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the above-mentioned frame exchange unit may be performed. By limiting the execution opportunity of the process for identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit in this way, the effect of suppressing the increase in the processing load by the effect control CPU 201 can be expected.

Further, when the process of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit is performed at the second execution timing described above and the effect control CPU 201 determines a nonconformity error, the effect control CPU 201 notifies the error at the following timing. (Similar to the first execution timing, it does not prohibit immediate notification of the error). That is, the effect control CPU 201 may not notify the error during the fluctuation, but only cancel the drive of the frame movable member which is the basis of the error determination, and notify the error after the fluctuation is completed. However, if the next fluctuation of the fluctuation is also a fluctuation pattern in which the frame movable member can be driven, the notification is suspended, and an error is notified after the fluctuation in which the frame movable member can be driven is completed. May be good.

In this way, when the nonconformity error is not notified during the fluctuation, it is possible to prevent the error notification from being suddenly performed during the game, so that the effect of preventing the player's game interest from being deteriorated due to the error notification is expected. can.

As described above, according to the first method of realizing the frame exchange unit identification function in the present embodiment, the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) is a plurality of movable frames mounted on the frame exchange unit 3C'. A combination of detection information (identification code) by the sensor for the initial position information of the member is acquired, and based on the identification code, whether or not the frame exchange unit 3C'fits the pachinko machine 1A' (game board, control board). Can be reliably identified. In particular, in the first method, since the sensor input of the frame movable member normally used in the pachinko machine 1A'is used as the input bit of the identification code, it is dedicated for identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit. It is not necessary to separately provide the input bits of the above, and it has a feature that the number of input bits of parallel communication and the increase of the dedicated monitoring port in the input port of the effect control board 200 can be suppressed.

In the first method, the effect control CPU 201 uses the address assigned to the movable member of the regular unit to start the process of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the frame exchange unit, and the frame to be identified is used. An operation signal (initial operation control signal) instructing a return operation to the initial position is transmitted to the movable members (frame movable members A to C) of the exchange unit 3C'. Then, the movable member to which the address is assigned generally performs different operation control for each device based on the received operation signal.

Therefore, when the frame exchange unit 3C'is incompatible with the pachinko machine 1A', that is, in the case of a non-genuine unit, an operation signal is sent to a device of a type different from the device assumed at the time of conforming by the regular unit. If it is sent and unexpected operation control is performed based on the operation signal, the movable member of the irregular unit may be damaged and immediately break down. Specifically, for example, when the device in the regular unit is a motor, the operation signal is intended to be sent as a motor drive signal, but when the device in the non-genuine unit is a solenoid, the solenoid is driven or the non-genuine unit. If the device in the above is a lamp, it is conceivable that the lamp will be turned on.

In response to such a problem, in the pachinko machine 1A (1A') according to the present embodiment, as a rule applied in common to a plurality of gaming machines, a range of addresses assigned to each type of driven device is set. You may decide. Specifically, for example, the addresses that can be assigned to the motor are "0" to "a", the addresses that can be assigned to the solenoid are "a + 1" to "b", and the addresses that can be assigned to the lamp are "b + 1" to "b + 1". c ”(the same applies to other types of devices). By dividing the address range that can be assigned for each type of device in this way, it is possible to prevent the operation signal from being transmitted to different types of devices. For example, the frame exchange unit identification process by the first method. It is possible to prevent the movable member of the irregular unit from breaking down.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the exchange unit is configured to include a model-specific exchange unit and a common unit common between models, it is used as identification information for identifying conformity / nonconformity of the exchange unit with respect to the gaming machine. , Not only the initial position information of the movable member (movable accessory) provided in the frame exchange unit, but also the initial position information of the movable member (movable accessory) provided in the frame common unit may be included.

Specifically, for example, in the pachinko machine 1A', the initial position of the movable member (for example, the effect button 15 etc.) provided in the frame common unit 3B is similar to the frame movable member sensor of the movable member of the frame exchange unit 3C'. Is provided with a frame movable member sensor capable of detecting, and a combination of detection information by both frame movable member sensors (that is, initial position information of the movable member of the frame exchange unit 3C'and initial position information of the movable member of the frame common unit 3B). Is configured to be input to the control board (effect control board 200). When configured in this way, the effect control board 200 is based on a combination of input detection information (identification information that can include not only the frame exchange unit 3C'but also the initial position information from the frame common unit 3B). , It is possible to identify whether the replacement unit (frame replacement unit 3C'+ frame common unit 3B) is compatible with the pachinko machine 1A'(game board, control board).

<Frame exchange unit identification function (2)>
A second method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described. Although the frame replacement unit 3C'will be described below, the second method is a serial communication type among the replacement units (replacement parts) that can be replaced corresponding to the gaming machine (game board, control board). It can be applied to those equipped with an IC.

In the second method, in the pachinko machine 1A'to which the frame exchange unit 3C'is attached by frame exchange, the 1-bit specific output terminal of the serial communication type IC arranged in the frame exchange unit 3C'is identified as an input bit for identification. Based on the output of the identification input bit, it is identified whether the frame exchange unit 3C'fits the pachinko machine 1A' (game board, control board). In the following description, the replacement unit that is compatible with the gaming machine (game board, control board) is also referred to as the "regular unit", and the replacement unit that is not compatible with the gaming machine (game board, control board) is "non-conforming". Also called "regular unit".

FIG. 68 is a circuit diagram of the LED driver. The LED driver 3p shown in FIG. 68 is an example of a serial communication type IC arranged in the frame exchange unit 3C', and controls the LED output of the frame lamp 3h'. A second method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described with reference to FIG. 68.

First, in the pachinko machine 1A', when the frame exchange unit 3C'is a regular unit, a predetermined address is assigned to the LED driver 3p arranged in the frame exchange unit 3C'. The effect control CPU 201 of the pachinko machine 1A'can instruct the LED driver 3p to perform a predetermined operation (for example, lighting the frame lamp 3h') by outputting a serial signal to the address. In addition to the LED driver 3p shown in this example, there are a plurality of LED drivers in the frame exchange unit 3C'. In particular, the LED driver for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function in the present invention is described as ". This is taken up and explained as "LED driver 3p".

Further, in the second method, one bit of the specific output terminal of the so-called unused output terminal (output unit), which is not used in the conventional application (light emitting signal output of the LED element) in the LED driver 3p, is used. , The frame exchange unit 3C'is assigned to the "identification input bit" for identifying whether or not it is a regular unit. As shown in FIG. 68, the LED driver 3p is provided with one signal line in order to return the output of the identification input bit to the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201).

In the pachinko machine 1A'configured as described above, the effect control CPU 201 instructs the LED driver 3p at the predetermined address to perform a predetermined operation (for example, lighting the frame lamp 3h') at a predetermined execution timing. Output a serial signal. Since the purpose of the execution timing is to determine the suitability of the frame exchange unit 3C', it is preferable that the LED driver 3p has not started operation control such as lighting of the effect as the game progresses, for example. , The first execution timing (during the device initialization operation) described in the first method can be mentioned.

The serial signal output from the effect control CPU 201 is simultaneously connected to the control ICs (LED driver 3p, motor driver IC, solenoid driver IC, etc.) of a plurality of various devices mounted in a daisy chain connection to the frame exchange unit 3C'. , A signal including the address information of the control IC to be controlled is output, and the control IC side of various devices is in the case where the address information included in the serial signal output by the effect control CPU 201 is its own address (in FIG. 68). When it matches with the address assignment input to the IC), the operation of the effect member to be managed is controlled based on the information related to the effect operation included in the serial signal (effect control information).

When the frame exchange unit 3C'is a regular unit, the serial signal output from the effect control CPU 201 is correctly input to the LED driver 3p because the address information included in the serial signal is regular (reverse). In other words, when the frame exchange unit 3C'is an irregular unit, the LED driver 3p is located at a position different from the address of the LED driver 3p in the case of the regular unit, so that the LED driver is the target of the suitability judgment. There is no guarantee that it will be entered in 3p). Then, the LED driver 3p executes a control process based on the serial signal and outputs it from the output terminal.

As described above, one specific bit of the output terminals is assigned to the identification input bit, and the output is sent to the effect control board 200 (effect control CPU 201) via the signal line. Here, the identification input bit always outputs "H (1)" when the LED driver 3p does not control the operation of the output terminal for the identification input bit, and the LED driver 3p for the identification input bit. When the operation of the output terminal is controlled, "L (0)" is output (see also the circuit configuration of FIG. 68).

Therefore, the effect control CPU 201 receives the identification input bit (“L (0)” input) via the signal line at a certain timing (the timing when the output to the LED driver 3p is executed), thereby transmitting the output content. Check if the LED driver 3p is placed in the regular unit, in other words, if the frame replacement unit 3C'is a regular unit (whether the frame replacement unit 3C' fits the pachinko machine 1A'. ) Can be identified.

Specifically, as a result of the effect control CPU 201 sending a serial signal to a predetermined address for the LED driver 3p, the output content of the identification input bit changes from "H (1)" to "L (0)". If it can be confirmed that the serial signal has arrived correctly at the LED driver 3p, it can be estimated that normal operation control has been performed. Therefore, the LED driver 3p is arranged in the regular unit (frame replacement unit 3C'is regular). It is determined that it is a unit).

On the other hand, as a result of sending the serial signal to the predetermined address, if the output content of the identification input bit remains "H (1)" and does not change, the serial signal does not reach the LED driver 3p correctly (that is,). Since it can be presumed that the LED driver 3p could not perform normal operation control based on the serial signal (that is, there is a possibility of another type of driver or the like), the effect control CPU 201 has a different address. It is determined that the LED driver 3p is arranged in the non-genuine unit (the frame exchange unit 3C'is the non-genuine unit). When it is determined that the frame exchange unit 3C'is a non-regular unit, the effect control CPU 201 determines that it is a predetermined error and performs error processing as in the first method. The "predetermined error" when the non-conforming frame exchange unit is identified in the second method may be at least one in which the effect using the frame exchange unit is no longer executed. Further, the timing of error notification may be considered in the same manner as in the first method. Since it will be repeated, detailed description will be omitted.

As described above, in the second method of realizing the frame exchange unit identification function, the effect control CPU 201 outputs a serial signal to the serial communication type IC of the predetermined address, and the 1-bit specific output terminal (1 bit specific output terminal) in the IC. Based on the output of the identification input bit), it is identified whether or not the replacement unit (replacement part) is compatible with the self-game machine.

Conventionally, if a dedicated configuration is to be added to identify whether the replacement unit is a regular unit (conformity / nonconformity), a dedicated signal line is input between the replacement unit and the effect control board 200. It was necessary to provide multiple lines for output. Further, when a monitoring signal used for identification is prepared for each serial communication type IC (or for each exchange unit), it is necessary to allocate a plurality of bits.

However, according to the second method described above, by using the free output terminal in the serial communication type IC as the identification input bit, it is only necessary to monitor the input to the input port of the effect control board 200 at a specific timing. Since it is possible to determine the suitability of the exchange unit, it is not necessary to add a dedicated signal line for input, and it is sufficient to add one signal line for one bit of input for output. That is, according to the second method, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the mounted exchange unit while minimizing the dedicated line for identification. Further, while the number of input bits required for identification is minimized to 1 bit, conformity / nonconformity can be identified for a plurality of exchange units.

Further, when compared with the first method described above, in the second method, the serial communication type IC is arranged even when the replacement unit (for example, the frame replacement unit 3C') is not equipped with a movable member. If so, the conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit can be identified, so that the scope of application can be expanded.

Further, in the first method described above, since the movable member is driven when identifying the conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit, when the movable member of the non-conforming replacement unit is driven, it may be scratched or broken. there's a possibility that. On the other hand, in the second method, it is not necessary to drive the movable member because the conformity / nonconformity of the replacement unit can be identified based on the output command (lighting, sound output, etc.) to the driver (serial communication type IC). It is safer than the first method.

In order to identify the conformity / nonconformity of the exchange unit by the second method, it is preferable that the address assigned to the serial communication type IC arranged in the exchange unit is different for each regular exchange unit. Alternatively, the unused output terminal assigned to the identification input bit may be changed for each serial communication type IC. With such a configuration, it is possible to reliably distinguish between a regular unit and a non-regular unit.

<Frame exchange unit identification function (3)>
A third method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function will be described. Although the frame exchange unit 3C'will be described below, the third method is the same as the second method described above, and is an exchange unit (a game board, a control board) that can be exchanged corresponding to a gaming machine (game board, control board). It can be applied to those having a serial communication type IC among the replacement parts).

In the third method, similarly to the second method described above, in the pachinko machine 1A'to which the frame exchange unit 3C'is attached by frame exchange, the serial communication type IC (for example, the serial communication type IC) arranged in the frame exchange unit 3C' An unused 1-bit specific output terminal in the LED driver 3p) is assigned to the identification input bit. Then, the effect control CPU 201 outputs a serial signal to a predetermined address assigned to the serial communication type IC when it is a regular exchange unit, and based on the output of the identification input bit in the serial communication type IC, the frame Identify whether the replacement unit 3C'fits the pachinko machine 1A' (game board, control board).

Here, the difference from the second method is that in the third method, the effect control CPU 201 outputs the identification input bit to a predetermined address of the serial communication type IC (for example, the LED driver 3p) as "H (H). The operation command (serial signal) that becomes "1)" and "L (0)" is repeated a plurality of times and output periodically. Then, the effect control CPU 201 monitors a change in the output signal of the identification input bit from the serial communication type IC (change in the output content of the identification input bit) with respect to the serial signal repeated a plurality of times, so that the frame exchange unit It identifies whether or not the 3C'is compatible with the pachinko machine 1A' (game board, control board), in other words, whether or not the frame exchange unit 3C'is a regular unit of the pachinko machine 1A'.

A specific example will be described. For example, the effect control CPU 201 has a serial signal (for example, lighting instruction information for a time linked to an image display N frame) instructing the LED driver 3p at a predetermined address to temporarily turn on the frame lamp 3h'at a predetermined execution timing. ) Is repeatedly output over a plurality of times (the cycle of repetition, that is, the maintenance period in each cycle of "H (1)" and "L (0)" is longer than the period of temporary lighting). The "predetermined execution timing" is the same as the execution timing described in the first method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function.

Here, if the frame exchange unit 3C'is a regular unit of the pachinko machine 1A', the LED driver 3p repeats the control of temporarily lighting the frame lamp 3h'as many times as the serial signal is input. At this time, the output content of the identification input bit is "H-> L-> H-> L-> ...-> H", and a change point from "H" to "L" can be seen periodically as many times as the number of repetitions.

Therefore, the effect control CPU 201 monitors the change in the output content of the identification input bit transmitted via one signal line provided for output, and "H" is the number of repetitions of the serial signal output to the predetermined address. When the change point from "" to "L" can be confirmed, it can be estimated that the serial signal appropriately reaches the LED driver 3p and normal operation control is performed. Therefore, the frame exchange unit 3C in which the LED driver 3p is arranged is estimated. It can be determined that'is a normal unit.

The identification input bit monitored by the effect control CPU 201 may be represented by "1" and "0". For example, when the bit value "0" is indicated when it is "H" indicating non-operation, and when the bit value "1" is indicated when it is "L" indicating operation, the change of the bit value over a predetermined period. By accumulating, the change in the output content can be confirmed. Specifically, when the value stored while shifting the bit value detected in each cycle of the period in which the frame lamp 3h'is temporarily lit repeatedly to a predetermined storage area is "0101010", "0101010" is specified. It means that the frame lamp 3h'was temporarily turned on for the number of "1", that is, three times.

On the other hand, as a result of repeatedly sending a serial signal to a predetermined address, the change point of the output content of the identification input bit from "H (0)" to "L (1)" can be confirmed by the number of repetitions. If not, the effect control CPU 201 can determine that the frame exchange unit 3C'in which the LED driver 3p is arranged is a non-regular unit. When it is determined that the frame exchange unit 3C'is a non-regular unit, the effect control CPU 201 determines that it is a predetermined error and performs error processing as in the first and second methods. The "predetermined error" when the non-conforming frame exchange unit is identified in the third method is the same as the "predetermined error" in the second method, and at least the effect using the frame exchange unit is subsequently executed. Anything that disappears will do. Further, the timing of error notification may be considered in the same manner as in the second method. Since it will be repeated, detailed description will be omitted.

As described above, in the third method, the effect control CPU 201 repeatedly outputs one serial signal to the serial communication type IC at a predetermined address over a plurality of times, and outputs one bit to the serial communication type IC. By monitoring the change in the output content of the terminal (identification input bit) (for example, the number of changes from "H (0)" to "L (1)") with a toggle, a replacement unit (replacement part) suitable for the pachinko / pachislot machine. ) Is identified.

According to such a third method, not only the same effect as that of the second method can be obtained, but also high quality information is obtained based on the continuous change of the output content (input bit) of the identification input bit. Since the identification can be performed using the method, it can be expected that the identification accuracy will be higher than that of the second method.

For example, if the LED driver 3p is an IC that controls the lighting of the frame lamp 3h', there is a possibility of erroneous detection, etc., simply by checking the output content based on one serial signal as in the second method. It's hard to deny. However, by monitoring the output content based on the serial signal a plurality of times as in the third method, the possibility of erroneous detection can be eliminated and reliable identification can be expected. Further, when one serial signal is transmitted a plurality of times in succession, if there is no change in the output content in some parts, it is possible to estimate a mounting defect or the like.

As a derivative example of the above-mentioned third method, the pachinko machine 1A (1A') according to the present embodiment assigns unused output terminals of a plurality of drivers (serial communication type ICs) to identification input bits. , The conformity / nonconformity of the exchange unit may be identified by using the identification information of a plurality of bits formed by combining the outputs from these identification input bits. At this time, it is necessary to provide a plurality of signal lines for the output of the identification input bit from each driver, but the identification can be performed with higher accuracy than the above-mentioned third method.

Further, as another derivative example of the third method, regarding the serial signal information for the LED driver 3p, for the information for switching the output of the identification input bit during the confirmation operation of the frame exchange unit 3C'. , The effect control information that synchronizes the light emission signals of the terminals connected to the actual LED element (or at a cycle several times the repetition period) is output from the effect control CPU 201, and the compatibility of the frame exchange unit 3C' The confirmation operation may be controlled so as to be visible by the frame lamp 3h'of the actual frame exchange unit 3C'. By doing so, it is possible to visually confirm whether or not the confirmation operation is correctly performed during the test at the factory or the operation at the game store.

<Supplement>
The frame-replaceable pachinko machine 1A (1A') according to the present embodiment has the above-mentioned frame replacement unit identification regarding the physical assembly of the replacement unit (replacement part) corresponding to the game machine (game board, control board). It can be configured as follows, separately from or in combination with the first to third methods of function.

For example, in the pachinko machine 1A (1A') according to the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of exchange units suitable for the own game machine (game board, control board), the order in which each exchange unit is assembled is predetermined. If the assembly order is not appropriate, the structure may be such that the assembly of the entire plurality of replacement units is not completed. With such a structure, it is possible to determine whether or not the assembly is appropriate for the entire plurality of replacement units, and therefore, it is expected to be effective in preventing forgetting to assemble some of the replacement units.

Specifically, it is difficult to apply the first to third methods of the frame exchange unit identification function to a simple member such as a lamp cover when neither a movable member nor a serial communication type IC is provided. However, by adopting the above structure, it is possible to prevent forgetting to assemble. Further, by adopting the above-mentioned structure for the replacement unit (replacement part) having the same shape but different colors depending on the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent an assembly error.

If there are multiple replacement units, the assembly order can be determined, and by checking some of the replacement units (preferably units to be installed later) after assembly, the entire replacement unit can be assembled. You may be able to confirm whether it is appropriate.

Specifically, for example, a number indicating the assembly order is displayed on each exchange unit in the entire plurality of exchange units, and the exchange unit after the assembly order is assembled in the assembling order via a hole, a transparent portion, or the like. Makes the number display of the previous replacement unit visible. By doing this, after assembling all the replacement units, if you can see that all the number displays of each replacement unit are lined up from the last assembled replacement unit, confirm that the entire assembly is appropriate. can.

Further, the means for confirming whether the physical assembly order is appropriate is not limited to the above-mentioned number notation, and for example, a different color scheme is applied to the solder resist of the substrate for each replacement unit. Etc. A hole, a transmission, or the like for visual confirmation may be provided at a position that is always visible from the front of the gaming machine, or when the glass frame 3 is opened, the front of the gaming machine may be provided by the capacity of the hall or the like. Alternatively, it may be provided at a position visible from other surfaces.

By taking these measures, is the pachinko machine 1A (1A') according to the present embodiment easily physically assembled with a replacement unit even if it does not have special skills or knowledge? Is expected to be effective in preventing physical assembly defects of the replacement unit (wrong assembly order, forgetting to assemble, assembling nonconforming parts, etc.).

Further, the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment can realize identification for distinguishing different types of drivers such as an LED driver and a motor driver IC by a third method for realizing the frame exchange unit identification function described above. can. In the case of an LED driver that controls the lighting of an LED or the like, even if one serial signal (for example, a lighting command) is repeated a plurality of times, there is no limit to the execution control, and the output content changes by the number of times the serial signal is repeated. It is thought that dots will appear. On the other hand, in the case of a motor driver IC that drives a movable member, since the drive range of the movable member is finite, when one serial signal (for example, a drive command in a predetermined direction) is repeated a plurality of times, the movable member It is considered that the execution control does not operate at the timing exceeding the drive range, and the change point of the output content does not appear. Therefore, by setting the instruction content and the number of repetitions of the serial signal in consideration of the characteristics of each driver, the identification accuracy of the target driver can be greatly improved, and by extension, the replacement in which the driver is placed can be improved. The unit identification accuracy can also be greatly improved.

Although the pachinko machine has been described above as an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine. That is, gaming machines other than pachinko machines, such as slot machines, gaming machines that combine pachinko machines and slot machines, and managed gaming machines that do not require gaming balls or gaming medals (enclosed gaming machines, medalless). The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine), a casino machine, or the like.

1,1A, 1A': Pachinko machine, 2: Outer frame, 2a-2d: Frame, 2e, 2f: Hinge member, 2p: Door open sensor, 3,3A, 3A': Glass frame (door frame), 3B: Frame common unit, 3C, 3C': Frame exchange unit, 3a, 3b: Hinge mechanism, 3c: Locking device, 3d: Through port, 3e: Base unit, 3f: Dish unit, 3g: Area, 3h, 3h': Frame Lamp (LED lamp), 3i, 3i': Speaker, 3j: Direction button, 4: Front frame, 4a: Handle, 4b: Frame, 4c, 4d: Hinge, 4e: Launcher, 4f: Locking unit, 4g: Board unit, 4h: back cover, 4i, 4j: hinge member, 4p: door open detection member, 5: game board, 5a: game area, 5b: main control unit, 5c: peripheral control unit, 8: upper ball plate , 9: Lower hinge plate, 10: Direction lamp (frame lamp), 11: Speaker, 12: Launch handle, 13: Ball feed mechanism, 14: Launch mechanism, 15: Direction button, 20A: Game area, 22: Center decoration , 25: Production lamp (board lamp), 29: 1st out port, 31: Storage tank, 34: Prize ball payout unit, 61: 1st start port, 62: 2nd start port, 63: Gate, 64: Large winning opening, 66: General winning opening, 70: Liquid crystal display device, 91: Lamp connection board, 92: Motor driver, 100: Main control board, 100a: Front member, 100b: Game panel, 100c: Function display unit, 100d : Inner rail, 100e: Out guide path, 100f: Outer rail, 100h: Opening, 100m: Table unit, 100n: Main control board case, 100p: Harness cover, 100q: Setting key switch, 100r: Bearing part, 100s: Mounting Bracket, 100t: Shaft, 100u: Bearing, 100v: Shaft, 100w: End, 101: Main control CPU, 101B: Strobe signal output port, 102: Main control ROM, 103: Main control RAM, 104: I / O port circuit, 109: effect control board connection connector, 110: ball entry determination means, 111: data bus, 112: strobe signal bus, 120: game lottery random number generation means, 123: ordinary electric accessory solenoid, 124: special Electric accessory solenoid, 130: Hold control means, 131: Special symbol hold control means, 132: Normal drawing Pattern hold control means, 135: Advance determination means, 140: Special symbol lottery processing means, 141: Special symbol winning / failing determination means, 142: Special symbol stop symbol determination means, 143: Special symbol variation pattern determination means, 145: Normal symbol lottery Processing means, 146: Normal symbol hit / miss determination means, 147: Normal symbol stop symbol determination means, 148: Normal symbol variation pattern determination means, 150: Special game control means, 155: Symbol display control means, 156: Special symbol display control means , 157: Ordinary symbol display control means, 160: Electric accessory control means, 161: 1st start port switch, 162: 2nd start port switch, 163: Operation gate switch, 164: Grand prize opening switch, 166: General prize Mouth switch, 167: Out-ball detection switch, 169: Game state control means, 170: Error monitoring control means, 171: 1st special symbol display device, 172: 2nd special symbol display device, 173: 1st special symbol hold lamp , 174: 2nd special figure hold lamp, 175: normal symbol display device, 176: normal figure hold lamp, 180: main information storage means, 190: command transmission / reception means, 195: setting change means, 196: setting confirmation means, 197 : Setting display unit, 200: Production control board, 200a: Opening, 200m: Back unit, 201: Production control CPU, 202: Production control ROM, 203: Production control RAM, 204: I / O port circuit, 210: Production lottery Random number generation means, 220: effect control means, 221: effect mode control means, 222: hold information display control means, 223: look-ahead notice control means, 224: decorative symbol determination means, 225: variation effect determination means, 226: notice effect Determining means, 227: Big hit effect determining means, 230: Lamp effect controlling means, 240: Character effect controlling means, 250: Error effect controlling means, 260: Effect control information storage means, 270: Command transmitting / receiving means, 300: Image control Board, 300m: LCD base, 301: Image control CPU, 302: VDP, 303: Sound source IC, 304: ROM, 305: RAM, 306: I / O port circuit, 400: Payout control board, 400p: RAM clear switch cover , 400q: RAM clear switch, 401: Payout control CPU, 402: Payout control ROM, 403: Payout control RAM, 500: Attacker unit, 600: Power supply board, 600p: Power switch cover, 600q: Power switch, 622: Normal electric accessory, 642: Special electric accessory

Claims (1)

Control means to control the production and
An opening / closing unit provided with an effect member capable of performing an effect operation based on the control information of the control means.
A replacement unit that is a part of the opening / closing part and is configured to be removable for replacement according to the control means.
With
The exchange unit has a serial communication type IC, and a specific 1-bit output terminal in the serial communication type IC is assigned to an identification input bit.
The control means repeats one operation instruction for the serial communication IC of the exchange unit attached to the gaming machine a plurality of times, and the output content of the identification input bit based on the one operation instruction repeated a plurality of times. A gaming machine characterized in that it is determined whether or not the exchange unit is compatible with the gaming machine by monitoring changes in the game machine.

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