JP7030375B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

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

A pachinko gaming machine, which is a typical example of a gaming machine, is configured by attaching a back mechanism board to which various control boards are mounted to a frame member that holds a game board provided with a predetermined game area in an upright posture. In the process of launching a gaming ball into the gaming area with a firing intensity according to the amount of operation of the launching handle that accepts the launching operation of the player and letting the gaming ball flow down in the gaming area, various types such as a starting port and a general winning opening. It is configured to play a game in which a game ball is inserted into the winning opening.

When a game ball enters various winning openings, the number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is paid out, and when the winning opening is the starting opening, the game ball enters the starting opening. The winning / failing lottery is executed with the ball as an opportunity, and if the result of the winning / failing lottery is wrong, the decorative symbol consisting of multiple rows is displayed in a variable manner, and then the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined non-winning mode. On the other hand, if the result of the applicability judgment is a big hit, the decorative symbol consisting of multiple rows is displayed in a variable manner, and then the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning mode, and is normally closed. It is configured to establish a special game (big hit game) in which the winning opening is open. Further, the game ball (gamed ball) that has passed through the winning opening or the out opening and reached the rear surface side of the gaming board flows down the gaming ball discharging passage formed in the lower part of the frame member and is discharged to the outside of the gaming machine. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

A slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, pays out a reel unit that rotates a reel, a main control device (main control board) that controls the operation of the reel unit, and a game medium (medal) according to the result of the game. It is configured to include a device, a box-shaped housing (main body member) for accommodating these, and a front door (opening / closing member) capable of opening and closing the front opening of the housing. Further, in a slot machine, an effective line is generally set by inserting a specified number of game media, and a reel rotation start operation such as tilting a start lever (also referred to as a "start lever") is performed by a player. Therefore, a combination determination process (also referred to as a "combination lottery process") is performed to determine one of the game combinations (also simply referred to as a "combination") or a loss, and then the plurality of reels start rotating. When a predetermined rotation speed is reached after the rotation of a plurality of reels starts, the reel rotation stop operation such as pressing the stop switch is enabled, and the player performs the reel rotation stop operation for each reel, so that each reel can be stopped. Are sequentially stopped rotating (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-93676 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-39470

In conventional gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and slot machines as described above, various measures have been taken to improve the playability and perform smooth gaming, but there is room for further improvement.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of smoothly advancing a game.

In order to achieve such an object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a board on which a plurality of connectors having a plurality of connector pins are mounted, a first case portion to which the board is fixed, and a solder surface of the board. A gaming machine provided with a board case unit including a second case portion attached to the first case portion, wherein the board case unit has the second case portion as the first. The first case portion and the second case portion can be separated by sliding a predetermined amount with respect to one case portion, and the plurality of connectors are a specific connector and a connector other than the specific connector. Among the plurality of connector pins possessed by the specific connector, some of the connector pins are formed when the portion of the part of the connector pins soldered to the board is slid by the predetermined amount. It is visible through the opening created between the first case portion and the second case portion, and other connector pins other than the partial connector pins are soldered to the substrate of the other connector pins. The portion is not visible through the opening, and all the plurality of connector pins possessed by the other connectors are characterized in that the portion of all the plurality of connector pins soldered to the substrate is not visible through the opening. And.

According to the present invention, the game can be smoothly advanced.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which looked at the said pachinko machine from the rear. It is a front view which shows the state which the glass frame was removed from the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the main control display device of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram of the main control board and the effect control board of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing on the main control side of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control process which follows FIG. 7 of the main control side main process. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing on the main control side of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the performance display monitor of the said pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view of the slot machine which concerns on this invention. It is a front view which shows the state which the front door is removed from the said slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the said slot machine. It is a functional block diagram of the main control board and the sub control board of the said slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the game progress control process of the said slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt process on the main side of the said slot machine. It is the figure which looked at the board case of the said pachinko gaming machine from the rear. It is the figure which looked at the said board case from the front. It is a perspective view which saw the said board case from the rear side. It is a figure which shows the component surface of the main control board housed in the said board case. It is a figure which shows the solder surface of the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the slide mounting method of the said board case. It is a figure which shows the exposed state of the board solder surface when the said board case is slid open. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the thickness and arrangement of a plurality of lead wires connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the arrangement of a plurality of lead wires extending to the outside of a board case. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 1st another example of the thickness and arrangement of the plurality of lead wires connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the second another example of the thickness and arrangement of the plurality of lead wires connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd alternative example of the thickness and arrangement of the plurality of lead wires connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 4th another example of the thickness and arrangement of the plurality of lead wires connected to the said main control board. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 5th another example of the thickness and arrangement of the plurality of lead wires connected to the said main control board. It is a timing chart regarding the output of the setting change sound in the above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine. It is a timing chart about the output of the setting change sound in the said slot machine.

[Pachinko game machine]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As a representative example of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the pachinko gaming machine PM is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and first, the overall configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described with reference to this figure. In the following description, for convenience, the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2 will be referred to as front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction, respectively.

[Overall configuration of pachinko gaming machines]
First, the basic structure on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured to open and close in a square frame size that matches the opening front of the outer frame 1 that forms a vertically fixed holding frame configured in the outer square frame size. The front frame 2 forming the frame is attached by the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b arranged on the front left edge of each other so as to be openable and closable and detachable, and is called a double lock provided on the front right edge. It is always held in a closed state engaged and connected to the outer frame 1 by utilizing the locking device 4.

A rectangular glass frame 5 matching the upper front area of the front frame 2 is attached to the front frame 2 so as to be openable / closable and detachable by using the upper and lower hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b, and the locking device 4 is used. Therefore, it is always held in a closed state that covers the front surface of the front frame 2. On the front side of the front frame 2, the game board 20 is detachably set and held, and the game area PA in front of the game board 20 is visible through the double glazing 5a of the glass frame 5 which is always closed and held. It has become like.

At the lower part of the glass frame 5, upper and lower ball plates (upper ball plate 6 and lower ball plate 7) for storing game balls are provided. An effect lamp 11 that emits light according to the development status of the game and a speaker 8 that generates a sound effect according to the development status of the game are provided on the upper portion of the glass frame 5. Here, the lower ball plate 7 is arranged closer to the left side with respect to the left and right centers of the glass frame 5. As a result, an empty space is formed on the front right side of the lower ball plate 7, and buttons, switches, dials, and other effect operating means 12 for performing a predetermined effect operation are attached to the empty space.

At the lower right of the front frame 2, a firing handle 9 for launching a game ball is provided. At the lower part of the front frame 2, as shown in FIG. 3, an auxiliary mechanism portion called a game auxiliary board (40) is formed at a position that can be vertically aligned with the game board 20 behind the glass frame 5. A ball feeding mechanism 100 (see FIG. 5) that feeds the game balls stored in the upper ball plate 6 one by one to each part of the game auxiliary board 40, and a game area PA that feeds the game balls sent from the ball feeding mechanism 100. A launching mechanism 150, a ball feeding mechanism 100, a launching control board 180 for controlling the operation of the launching mechanism 150, and the like are provided.

The game board 20 is configured based on a substrate formed in a rectangular flat plate shape using a synthetic resin material such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, or ABS resin. As shown in FIG. 3, on the front surface of the game board 20, an arc-shaped outer rail 21 arranged from the lower left to the upper right, and a circle arranged inside the outer rail 21 from the lower left to the upper left. It is provided with an arc-shaped inner rail 22 and a rail decoration 23 arranged between the upper right portion of the outer rail 21 and the lower part of the board surface and formed in a curved shape that opens to the left, and includes an outer rail 21 and an inner rail. A substantially circular game area PA is formed inside the area surrounded by the 22 and the rail decoration 23. Further, the outer rail 21 and the inner rail 22 form a guide passage 24 for guiding the game ball launched by the launch mechanism 150 to the game area PA. At a position near the exit opening of the game ball in the guide passage 24, that is, at the tip of the inner rail 22, the game ball discharged from the exit opening into the game area PA through the guide passage 24 returns to the guide passage 24 again. A ball return prevention valve 25 is provided to prevent the ball from returning.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted in FIG. 3, the game area PA includes a large number of game nails, windmills, etc., as well as a first starting port, a second starting port, an operating gate, a large winning opening, a general winning opening, and the like. In addition to the various winning openings of the above, a main control display device 700 in which the main control board 51, which will be described later, independently controls lighting is arranged. A center accessory 26 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area PA, and the screen of the effect display device 27 is visibly provided through an opening below the center accessory 26. The center accessory 26 is provided with a movable accessory 19 that executes an effect operation according to the development status of the game. The movable accessory 19 is configured to include a stepping motor as a drive source. At the lower end of the game area PA, an out port 29 through which a game ball that has flowed down without entering various winning openings can pass is provided. Hereinafter, each component provided on the game board 20 will be described in order.

The first starting port is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to the first special symbol game, and includes a first starting opening switch 61 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of a game ball. The entry of the game ball into the first starting port triggers the first special symbol lottery.

The second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) is provided as a starting winning opening corresponding to the second special symbol game, and the second starting opening switch 62 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of the game ball. ) Is provided. The entry of the game ball into the second starting port triggers the second special symbol lottery. The second starting port is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 81 (see FIG. 5) for driving the opening and closing of the ordinary electric accessory, and is in a closed state in which the game ball cannot or is difficult to enter, and the game. The ball can be changed to an open state where the ball can enter or is easy to enter. Here, the second starting port has a structure in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter unless it is in an open state. On the other hand, when the second starting port is opened, the ease of entering the ball into the second starting port is increased.

The actuating gate is provided as a start winning opening corresponding to a normal symbol game, and includes an actuating gate switch 63 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of a game ball. The passage of the game ball through the operating gate triggers a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the second starting port (normal electric accessory).

The big winning opening (special electric accessory) is a winning opening (so-called attacker device) that has a horizontal rectangular shape and is opened when a big hit or a small hit is made in the winning or losing lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. It is formed. The large winning opening is provided with a large winning opening switch 64 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a special electric accessory solenoid 82 for opening and closing the special electric accessory (FIG. 5). See) and. The large winning opening is variable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter, and an open state in which the game ball can enter or is easy to enter. In this example, the big winning opening is provided in the right side area (right-handed area) in the game area PA. Therefore, in the special game state (big hit game state), when launching the game ball toward the game area PA, by hitting the right side area, so-called right-handed hit, the ball enters the big winning opening. It has become easy.

The general winning opening is provided with a general winning opening switch 65 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entry of a game ball. The entry of the game ball into the general winning opening does not trigger the lottery of the special symbol or the ordinary symbol, but it does trigger the winning of the winning ball like the other winning openings (excluding the operating gate 53).

The main control display device 700 is an LED display device whose lighting is controlled by the main control board 51 described later. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a main control display device 700 in which the main control board 51 independently controls lighting. The main control display device 700 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special symbol hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a normal symbol hold. Various display means such as a lamp 76, a round indicator lamp 77, a status indicator lamp 78, a right-handed indicator lamp 79, and an error indicator lamp 70 are provided.

The first special symbol display device 71 performs variable display and definite display of the first special symbol when the game ball enters the first starting port. The first special symbol display device is composed of eight LED segments G to N, and the variation display of the first special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the LED segment, and the blinking of the lamp is stopped and the lighting display is displayed. By switching, the first special symbol is confirmed and displayed.

The second special symbol display device 72 performs variable display and definite display of the second special symbol when the game ball enters the second starting port. The second special symbol display device is composed of eight LED segments Q to X, and the variation display of the second special symbol is expressed according to the blinking pattern of the LED segment, and the blinking of the LED segment is stopped and the lighting display is performed. The second special symbol is confirmed and displayed by switching to.

The first special symbol hold lamp 73 is composed of two LED segments O and P, and the number of operation hold balls (up to four) of the first special symbol is expressed by the lighting / blinking display of the LED segment. Similarly, the second special symbol hold lamp 74 is composed of two LED segments Y and Z, and the number of operation hold balls (up to four) of the second special symbol is expressed by the lighting / blinking display of the LED segment. The number of balls on hold for operation of the first special symbol is a number related to a random number value acquired based on the entry of a ball into the first starting port while the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing or the special game is being executed. , That is, the number of times that the winning / failing judgment is temporarily held until the acquired random number value is withheld, that is, the hit / miss judgment permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the obtained random number value. Similarly, the number of balls on hold for operation of the second special symbol relates to a random number value acquired based on the entry into the second starting port during the fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol or during the execution of the special game. It is a number, and indicates the number at which the acquired random value is suspended, that is, the pass / fail judgment is temporarily suspended until the pass / fail judgment permission condition (variation start condition) is satisfied for the acquired random value. ..

The ordinary symbol display device 75 is composed of one LED segment C, and performs variable display and definite display of the ordinary symbol.

The normal symbol hold lamp 76 is composed of two LED segments A and B, and the number of operation hold balls (up to 4) of the normal symbol is expressed by the lighting / blinking display of the LED segment.

The round indicator light 77 is composed of a left indicator light 77a and a right indicator light 77b, and displays the number of round games (unit games) in the special game (specified number of rounds: the number of times the special electric accessory is continuously operated). .. The left indicator light 77 is composed of two LED segments, and the right indicator light 77b is composed of seven LED segments, and the lighting display of the LED segment expresses the specified number of rounds of the special game.

The status indicator 78 is composed of two LED segments D and E, and the lighting display of the LED segment expresses the operating state of the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol and the operating state of the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol. ..

The right-handed indicator light 79 is composed of one LED segment F, and is in a game state in which a game ball should be launched aiming at the right side of the game area PA by the lighting display of the LED segment (a game state in which the right-handed indicator light 79 should be hit). Express whether or not there is.

The error indicator lamp 70 is composed of one LED segment B, and the lighting display of the LED segment expresses the error occurrence status of the gaming machine PM.

Next, the basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PM will be described. On the back side of the front frame 2, as shown in FIG. 2, a back set board 30 having a front-rear communication window in the center and formed in a rectangular frame shape slightly smaller than the front frame 2 is attached. There is. Each part of the back set board 30 has a storage tank 33 for storing a large number of game balls supplied from the game facility side, a gutter member 34 for flowing the game balls from the storage tank 33, and a game guided by the gutter member 34. A prize ball payout unit 35 for paying out the ball, a back passage member 36 for allowing the game ball paid out from the prize ball payout unit 35 to flow down to the upper ball plate 6 or the lower ball plate 7 are provided.

On the back side of the game board 20, a main control board 51 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM, a sound effect control board 52 that controls the overall sound effect (see FIG. 5), and an image corresponding to the game development. An image control board 53 (see FIG. 5) that controls display and sound effects is attached. In this embodiment, the effect control board 52 and the image control board 53 form the liquid crystal unit 28 in an assembled state integrated with the effect display device (liquid crystal display device) 27. On the other hand, on the back side of the back set board 30, there is a payout control board 54 that controls the payout of the game ball, and a power source that receives power from the game facility side and supplies power to various control boards and electric / electronic parts. External information terminal board 58 (FIG. 5) that outputs external information signals (outer end signals) such as jackpot signals to a board 56 (see FIG. 5), a data display provided outside the pachinko gaming machine PM, a hall computer, or the like. See) etc. are installed. In order to prevent unauthorized modification, these control boards are housed in a transparent resin board case having a caulking structure and a sealing seal structure at predetermined positions on the back of the game board 20 or the back of the back set board 30. Arranged. These control boards and the electrical and electronic components of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PM are connected to each other via a harness (connector cable) so that the pachinko gaming machine PM can be operated.

Subsequently, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PM. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine PM is equipped with a main control board 51, an effect control board 52, an image control board 53, a payout control board 54, a launch control board 180, and the like.

The main control board 51 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to the game, a ROM that stores control programs, various data, and the like, a RAM that functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and peripheral boards and devices. It includes an I / O port circuit that inputs and outputs signals to and from the CPU, and is configured to execute the main control related to the game progress according to the control program stored in the ROM.

The main control board 51 has a first start port switch 61 for detecting the entry of a game ball into the first start port, a second start port switch 62 for detecting the entry of a game ball into the second start port, and the like. An operating gate switch 63 that detects the passage of a game ball through the operating gate, a large winning opening switch 64 that detects the entry of a game ball into the large winning opening, and a detection of the entry of a game ball into the general winning opening. It is electrically connected to a general winning opening switch 65, a gamed ball detection switch 66 that detects a gamed ball, a foul ball detection switch 67 that detects a foul ball, and the like, and provides an I / O port circuit (input port). The detection signals from various switches are input via.

Although not shown, the main control board 51 is electrically connected to the front frame open / close detection switch, the glass frame open / close detection switch, and the back set detection open / close switch, and is an I / O port circuit (input). The detection signals from these detection switches are input via the port). The front frame open / close detection switch is a switch that detects whether or not the front frame 2 is open (open state or closed state) with respect to the outer frame 1, and the glass frame open / close detection switch is a switch for the front frame 2. The switch for detecting whether or not the glass frame 5 is open (whether it is in the open state or the closed state), and the back set open / close detection switch is a switch for detecting whether or not the back set board 30 is open. .. Further, the main control board 51 includes a first special symbol display device 71, a second special symbol display device 72, a first special symbol hold lamp 73, a second special symbol hold lamp 74, a normal symbol display device 75, and a normal symbol hold lamp. 76, round indicator lamp 77 (see FIG. 4), status indicator lamp 78 (see FIG. 4), right-handed indicator lamp 79 (see FIG. 4), error indicator lamp 70 (see FIG. 4) and electrically. In addition to being connected, it is electrically connected to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 81 and the special electric accessory solenoid 82, and various control signals are transmitted to the main control display device 700 via the I / O port circuit (output port). Output to display means and various solenoids. Further, a performance display monitor 500, which will be described later, is mounted on the main control board 51, and a control signal is output to the performance display monitor 500 via an I / O port circuit (output port). Further, the main control board 51 is equipped with a setting change unit 600 and a setting value display monitor 650, which will be described later, and an instruction signal from the setting change unit 600 is input via an I / O port circuit (input port). Then, a control signal (set value display data) is generated based on the instruction signal, and the control signal is output to the set value display monitor 650 via the I / O port circuit (output port).

The main control board 51 and the effect control board 52 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are connected only in a single direction from the main control board 51 to the effect control board 52. It is communicably connected, and various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 51 to the effect control board 52. Further, the main control board 51 is electrically connected to the payout control board 54, and bidirectional communication is possible with the payout control board 54. Further, the main control board 51 is electrically connected to the launch control board 180, and unidirectional communication is possible from the main control board 51 to the launch control board 180.

The effect control board 52 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to the game effect based on the effect control command from the main control board 51, a ROM that stores the effect control program, various data, and the like, and a work area that serves as a temporary storage area. It is equipped with a RAM that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and the CPU mainly controls the game production according to the control program stored in the ROM. Is configured to run. The effect control board 52 is connected to the image control board 53 so as to enable bidirectional communication, and transmits an image control command instructing the image and sound to the image control board 53. Further, the effect control board 52 is electrically connected to the effect lamp 11 and the movable accessory 19, and is used to control the lamp control signal (lamp data) for controlling the effect lamp 11 and the movable accessory 19. A drive control signal (drive data) is generated, and this control signal is output to each device. Further, the effect control board 52 is electrically connected to the effect operation means 12, and inputs an operation input signal from the effect operation means 12 according to the operation of the player.

The image control board 53 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to image production based on image control commands from the effect control board 52, a ROM that stores an image control program, various data, and the like, and a work area that serves as a temporary storage area. It is configured with a RAM that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices, and the CPU is involved in image production according to the control program stored in the ROM. It is configured to perform key controls. The image control board 53 is electrically connected to the effect display device 27, the speaker 8, and the like, and reads the image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction (image control command) from the effect control board 52, and reads the image data. The image data generated by image processing is transmitted to the effect display device 27, and the acoustic data stored in the audio ROM is read in response to an instruction (image control command) from the effect control board 52, and this is combined. The acoustic data generated by the above is transmitted to the speaker 8 via an amplifier (digital amplifier). Further, the image control board 53 transmits a response command (ACK command) indicating that the image control command has been normally received to the effect control board 52 as a response to the image control command from the effect control board 52.

The payout control board 54 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to prize ball payout based on the payout control command from the main control board 51, a ROM that stores a payout control program, various data, and the like, and a work area that serves as a temporary storage area. It is configured with a RAM that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices, and the CPU pays out prize balls according to the control program stored in the ROM. It is configured to perform the main controls related to. The payout control board 54 is electrically connected to the prize ball payout unit 35, the ball rental operation device (not shown), and the like, and is based on the payout control command from the main control board 51 or from the ball rental operation device. Based on the operation signal of, the prize ball payout unit 35 is operated to execute control to pay out the game ball to the upper ball plate 6 or the lower ball plate 7. Further, the payout control board 54 is electrically a power supply board 56 that supplies electric power to various control boards and electric / electronic components, and an external information terminal board 58 that outputs an outer end signal to a data display, a hall computer, or the like. It is connected.

The launch control board 180 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to launching a game ball based on a launch control command from the main control board 51, a ROM that stores a launch control program, various data, and a work area that serves as a temporary storage area. It is configured with a RAM that functions as a buffer memory and an I / O port circuit that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices, and the CPU launches a game ball according to a control program stored in the ROM. It is configured to perform the main controls related to. The launch control board 180 is electrically connected to the launch handle 9, the ball feed mechanism 100, the launch mechanism 150, etc., and the ball feed mechanism 100 and the launch mechanism 150 are synchronously connected to each other based on the operation signal from the launch handle 9. Operates to execute control to launch a game ball. At this time, if the main control board 51 does not detect an abnormality in communication with the launch control board 180 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality, it outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control board 180 and permits the launch of the game ball. do. On the other hand, when a communication abnormality with the launch control board 180 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality is detected, a launch prohibition signal is output to the launch control board 180 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

In the pachinko gaming machine PM configured as described above, the outer frame 1 is fixedly installed on the gaming island of the gaming facility, the front frame 2, the glass frame 5, etc. are closed and locked, and the pachinko gaming machine PM is used for the game. The game is started by storing the ball in the upper ball plate 6 and rotating the firing handle 9. When the launch handle 9 is rotated, the game balls stored in the upper ball plate 6 are sent out one by one to the launch mechanism 150 by the ball feed mechanism 100, and are launched toward the game area PA by the launch mechanism 150. Is done.

When a game ball rolling down the game area PA enters any of the first starting port, the second starting port, the large winning opening, and the general winning opening, the winning ball according to the type of the winning opening is the winning ball. The payout unit 35 pays out to the upper ball plate 6 or the lower ball plate 7. In this example, the number of prize balls when winning the first starting opening or the second starting opening is "3", the number of winning balls when winning the large winning opening is "10", and the general winning opening is won. In this case, the number of prize balls is "5". Further, when the game ball enters the first starting port or the second starting port, a lottery random number value of the special symbol game is acquired, and the random number value is temporarily stored as a reserved ball of the special symbol up to a predetermined upper limit number. Then, when a predetermined start condition (variation start condition) is satisfied, a special symbol hit / miss determination, a symbol determination, and a variation pattern determination are performed on the lottery random number value related to the earliest reserved ball, and the determination result is met. In the embodiment, the special symbol is variablely displayed on the first special symbol display device or the second special symbol display device, and the decorative symbol is variablely displayed on the effect display device 27. The variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is synchronously stopped and displayed after the lapse of the variable time corresponding to the selected variable pattern.

When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is confirmed and displayed in the stop mode indicating a big hit, the game shifts to the special game and the opening / closing operation of the big winning opening is started. The stop mode of the decorative symbol indicating the big hit is, for example, an embodiment in which the types of the three symbols match. In the present embodiment, as a special game (big hit game), any one of a plurality of types of special games having a different number of predetermined rounds is developed according to the winning big hit type (big hit symbol). In the special game, one or more opening and closing operations of the large winning opening (special electric accessory) are regarded as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a specified number of rounds (for example, 16R, 8R, 2R). It is a thing.

<Main functional configuration of gaming machines>
Next, various functions of the pachinko gaming machine PM (mainly the main control board 51 / effect control board 52) will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control board 51 includes a ball entry determination means 5110, a game lottery random number generation means 5120, a hold control means 5130, a preliminary determination means 5135, a special symbol lottery processing means 5140, and a normal symbol lottery processing means 5145. It includes a special game control means 5150, a symbol display control means 5155, an electric accessory control means 5160, a game state control means 5165, an error monitoring control means 5170, a main information storage means 5180, and a command transmission / reception means 5190. Each of the above-mentioned means on the main control board 51 is composed of hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and electronic circuits provided on the main control board 51, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM and the like. It is a functional expression of things.

The ball entry determination means 5110 includes a first start port switch 61, a second start port switch 62, an operation gate switch 63, a large winning port switch 64, a general winning port switch 65, and a gamed ball detection switch 66 for detecting a gamed ball. , The entry of the game ball into each winning opening is determined based on the detection signal from the foul ball detection switch 67 or the like that detects the foul ball.

The game lottery random number generation means 5120 takes in the built-in random number generated by the random number generation circuit by software, and adds the soft random number per special symbol described later to this to obtain the random number per special symbol used for the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol. Generate. Further, the game lottery random number generation means 5120 is provided with a random number counter for generating various software random numbers by a program process of the CPU. These random number counters play a role as a random number generation means for generating random numbers by software. As this software random number, the initial value for a new update after one cycle of the special symbol soft random number added to the above-mentioned built-in random number for the hit random number generation and the special symbol soft random number update is completed. Soft initial value random number per special symbol for determining, special symbol stop symbol random number used for determining the hit symbol (combination of symbols that activates the condition device) as the stop symbol of the special symbol, special symbol stop symbol random number Special symbol stop symbol initial value random number for determining the initial value for new update after one cycle of update is completed, special symbol fluctuation pattern random number for selection of special symbol variation pattern, Random number per normal symbol to be used for winning / failing lottery of normal symbol, initial value random number per normal symbol to determine the initial value for new update after one cycle update of random number per normal symbol is completed, Ordinary symbol variation pattern Random numbers for use in selecting the variation pattern of ordinary symbols are included. These software random numbers are updated once each time a timer interrupt process occurs (increment, decrement, addition of prime numbers, etc.), and the initial value random number is not executed while the timer interrupt process is not executed (increment, decrement, addition of prime numbers, etc.). (During loop processing) is also updated using the remaining time of the interrupt cycle.

The hold control means 5130 includes a special symbol hold control means 5131 and a normal symbol hold control means 5132.

The special symbol hold control means 5131 is a lottery random number value related to the special symbol game, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first start port or the second start port, the special symbol per random value, the special symbol per symbol disorder. A numerical value and a 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 holding control means 5131 is a main information storage means in which the operation holding ball information of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is combined with the entry order of the holding balls up to a predetermined upper limit number (4 pieces). Temporarily stored in the first special symbol holding storage area or the second special symbol holding storage area of 5180.

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 (second hold) are stored in the order of entry into each start port. A hold storage area), a hold 3 storage area (third hold storage area), and a hold 4 storage area (fourth hold storage area) are provided. 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 in the order of areas (principle of first-in first-out). Further, when the reserved ball information in the reserved 1 storage area is digested, the reserved ball information stored in the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, and the reserved 4 storage area is shifted to the lower numbered storage area, respectively. Hold 4 Clears the contents of the storage area to zero.

Further, the special symbol holding control means 5131 has a first special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operating holding balls of the first special symbol, and a second special symbol holding ball number counter for counting the number of operating holding balls of the second special symbol. It has a special symbol reserved ball count counter. The special symbol hold control means 5131 adds 1 to the corresponding counter for each acquisition of one operation hold ball of the special symbol as an update process of the number of operation hold balls of the special symbol, and one operation hold ball is digested. The corresponding counter is subtracted by 1 for each.

Further, when the special symbol hold control means 5131 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”). A number command) is generated and temporarily stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180. This one command includes information on both the number of reserved balls for the first special symbol and the number of reserved balls for 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 variation display of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the first special symbol. In order to adopt the so-called priority digestion, while the operation hold ball related to the second special symbol game exists, the operation hold related to the second special symbol game is held regardless of the existence of the operation hold 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 is present, even if the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is present, the operation holding ball of the first special symbol is digested. It will be put on hold.

The normal symbol hold control means 5132 is a lottery random value related to the normal symbol game, triggered by the entry of the game ball into the operating gate, the normal symbol per random value, the normal symbol per symbol random value, and the normal symbol fluctuation pattern disorder. A numerical value is acquired, and the random value is managed as operation holding ball information of a normal symbol. The normal symbol hold control means 5132 holds the operation hold ball information of the normal symbol in a predetermined upper limit number (
Up to 4) are temporarily stored in the normal symbol hold storage area of the main information storage means 5180 in a form combined with the entry order of the hold balls. Further, the normal symbol holding control means 5132 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 5132 adds 1 to the corresponding counter for each acquisition of one normal symbol hold ball as an update process of the number of hold balls of the normal symbol, and one action hold ball is consumed. The corresponding counter is subtracted by 1 for each.

When the pre-determination means 5135 acquires an operation-holding ball with a special symbol at a predetermined pre-determination timing, the pre-determination means 5135 executes a pre-determination for pre-reading notice for the operation-holding ball. As an example of the above-mentioned 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 Either when the operation hold ball of the second special symbol is acquired while the electric chew support function is operating, or when the operation hold ball of the second special symbol is acquired during the big hit or the small hit. It is time to meet the conditions. Specifically, the pre-determination means 5135 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 5180, and determines whether or not the result is correct. Pre-judgment (pre-judgment of hit / fail), pre-judgment of symbol (pre-judgment of symbol), and pre-judgment of fluctuation pattern (pre-judgment of fluctuation pattern) are sequentially executed. Although the pre-judgment table used in each pre-judgment is not shown, the area corresponding to the total number of random numbers in each of the pass / fail pre-judgment table, the symbol pre-judgment table, and the variation pattern pre-judgment table is divided into a plurality of areas. A lottery ID (a number indicating the result of the pre-judgment (also referred to as a "pre-judgment number")) is assigned to each of these areas (determination number). Therefore, the result of this preliminary determination is based on the result of the main lottery by the special symbol lottery processing means 5140 described later (result of winning / failing determination, result of symbol determination, result of variation pattern determination). The winning / failing pre-determination table, the symbol pre-determining table, and the like may be the same as the winning / failing lottery table and the symbol lottery table used for the lottery when the fluctuation is actually started. Here, the fluctuation pattern pre-determination table may change the game status at the start of fluctuation (whether or not there is a probability change, whether or not there is a time reduction, whether or not it is during a limited frequency period that refers to a special table, the number of reserved balls, etc.). Therefore, as described above, it is desirable to determine which of the plurality of regions is included. Then, the pre-determination means 5135 sequentially generates an effect control command (referred to as a "pre-determination command") including information on the result of the pre-determination (pre-determination number), and stores this in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180. Store in.

The special symbol lottery processing means 5140 includes a special symbol winning / failing determination means 5141, a special symbol stop symbol determining means 5412, and a special symbol variation pattern determining means 5143. When the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the special symbol lottery processing means 5140 is stored in the earliest storage area (reserved 1 storage area) of the special symbol reservation storage area in the main information storage means 5180. Numerical values, symbol random values per special symbol, and special symbol variation pattern random values are read out and stored in the special symbol hit / miss determination area, special symbol symbol determination area, and special symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 5180, respectively. Here, "the condition for starting the fluctuation of the special symbol is satisfied" is, for example, (1) not during a big hit or a small hit, and (2) waiting for fluctuation of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is when all the conditions of being inside and (3) the presence of the operation holding ball in at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are satisfied, and as a result, the special symbol can start to change. It is judged that it is in a bad state.

The special symbol winning / failing determination means 5141 reads a random value per special symbol from the special symbol winning / failing determination area of the main information storage means 5180, executes a winning / failing determination, and the determination result corresponds to any of big hit, small hit, and miss. Decide if you want to. 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 "55H", small hit data "33H", miss data "00H"), and is used in the subsequent processing. After that, it is cleared when the fluctuation of the special symbol stops. The special symbol winning / failing determination means 5141 holds a special symbol winning / failing lottery table referred to at the time of this winning / failing determination. In this special symbol winning / failing lottery table, the random number value per special symbol is associated with the judgment results of big hit, small hit, and loss, and the winning probability of big hit and small hit is associated with the associated random number range. Is decided. Although not shown, in the winning / failing lottery, in the normal state (low probability state), a big hit is obtained only when the random number value falls within the range of "0 to 217". On the other hand, in the probabilistic state (high probability state), the jackpot range is expanded, and the jackpot is not only when the random number value corresponds to the range of "0 to 217" but also when it corresponds to the range of "218 to 2170". Will be. That is, when the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol is activated, the lottery probability of the big hit changes from the low probability state (about 1/300) to the high probability state (about 1/30). In this way, the range corresponding to the big hit changes according to the gaming 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, it is a small hit if it falls within the predetermined range. In this example, only the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol is configured to have a small hit, but for example, a small hit is also provided in the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol, and the hit / fail judgment of the second special symbol is performed. However, the hit / fail judgment of the first special symbol may be configured to be a small hit with a higher probability. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the description regarding "small hit" will be omitted except in special cases.

The special symbol stop symbol determining means 5142 determines the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the result of the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The special symbol stop symbol determining means 5142 has a first special symbol stop symbol table and a second special symbol stop symbol table that are referred to when determining the stop symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In the special symbol stop symbol table (for big hit), a plurality of types of stop symbols (big hit symbols) are assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. Then, the contents of the jackpot (the number of operations of the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol, the operation pattern of the big winning opening, etc.) are associated with each jackpot symbol. In the present embodiment, the "specific symbol" is a symbol that activates the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol after the end of the special game, and the "time saving symbol" is the shortening of the fluctuation time of the special symbol after the end of the special game. A symbol that activates the function (and the electric chew support function), and "time saving no symbol" is a symbol that does not activate the fluctuation time shortening function (and the electric chew support function) of the special symbol after the end of the special game. means. Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, three types of jackpot types are provided: 16R jackpot (16R specific time saving symbol), 8R jackpot (8R specific time saving symbol), and 2R jackpot (2R specific time saving symbol). Has been done. The expected value of winning the prize ball (expected value of winning the prize ball) in the special game is 16R jackpot> 8R jackpot> 2R jackpot. Then, when a big hit is made in the winning / failing lottery of the first special symbol, a 16R big hit is selected with a predetermined probability, whereas when a big hit is made in the winning / failing lottery of the second special symbol, a predetermined probability is selected. By selecting the 16R jackpot with a higher probability than, it is advantageous for the player to win a prize in the second starting opening rather than winning in the first starting opening in that a large number of balls can be obtained. On the other hand, in the special symbol stop symbol table (for missing symbols), a single stop symbol (missing symbol) is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. Further, in the special symbol stop symbol table (for small hits), a single stop symbol (small hit symbol) is uniquely assigned to the special symbol stop symbol random value. In the case of a small hit, it does not trigger a change in the gaming state, and the gaming state is maintained before and after the winning / losing lottery.

The special symbol variation pattern determining means 5143 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 5143 holds a plurality of types of variation pattern tables that are referred to when selecting a variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern determining means 5143 selects any variation pattern table from a plurality of types of variation pattern tables based on the current variation pattern selection state and the result of the winning / failing lottery. Each variation pattern table defines a plurality of variation patterns. 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.

Further, since the special symbol variation pattern determining means 5143 instructs the effect control board 52 to start the variation of the decorative symbol after selecting the variation pattern of the special symbol, communication with the effect control board 52 is normally performed. A production control command (communication inspection command) for confirming whether or not the command is used, a production control command (variable additional information specification command) including fluctuation additional information (information for adding / subtracting fluctuation time), and a production including fluctuation pattern information. Generate control commands (variable pattern specification commands), effect control commands (symbol specification commands) that include information on character effect numbers (symbol group and game status), etc. (hereinafter, these commands are collectively referred to as "variable start commands". This is stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180.

The normal symbol lottery processing means 5145 includes a normal symbol hit / miss determination means 5146, a normal symbol stop symbol determination means 5147, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination means 5148. When the normal symbol fluctuation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol lottery processing means 5145 reads out the normal symbol per normal symbol value 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 5180, respectively.

The normal symbol hit / fail determination means 5146 reads a random value per normal symbol from the normal symbol hit / miss determination area of the main information storage means 5180, executes a hit / fail judgment, and determines whether the judgment result corresponds to hit or miss. decide. The result of this winning / failing lottery is temporarily stored in the normal symbol determination flag of the main information storage means 5180, used in the subsequent processing, and then cleared when the fluctuation of the normal symbol is stopped. The ordinary symbol winning / failing determination means 5146 holds the ordinary symbol winning / failing lottery table referred to at the time of this winning / failing lottery, and in the normal state (low probability state), for example, there is a probability of "160/283" to win. Refer to the symbol winning / failing lottery table, and in the probability variation state (high probability state) of the ordinary symbol, for example, refer to the ordinary symbol winning / failing lottery table that wins with a probability of "282/283", and execute the winning / failing lottery of the ordinary symbol. do.

The normal symbol stop symbol determining means 5147 refers to the symbol lottery table and assigns a predetermined winning symbol when the result of the winning / failing lottery is a hit, while assigning a predetermined missing symbol when the result is a miss. It has become.

The normal symbol variation pattern determining means 5148 reads the ordinary symbol variation pattern random value from the ordinary symbol variation pattern determination area of the main information storage means 5180, 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, 7 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 by the operation of the fluctuation time shortening function. In the control of the normal symbol game, in order to reduce the processing load of the CPU of the main control board 51, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is set to "0" or the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set in the non-electric chew support state. It is also conceivable to adopt a single specification.

When the result of the winning / failing lottery is a big hit, the special game control means 5150 determines the demo time related to the big hit start demo and the big hit end demo according to the determined big hit symbol. Further, the special game control means 5150 instructs the effect control board 52 side to execute an effect control command (referred to as a “big hit start demo command”) and a big hit end demo effect. An effect control command (referred to as a “big hit end demo command”) is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180. The big hit start demo command also serves as an opportunity to determine the content of a series of big hit effects (big hit start demo effect, round effect, big hit end demo effect) developed during the special game on the effect control board 52 side. .. Further, the special game control means 5150 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 stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 180. This round effect designation command includes information on the current number of rounds and information on opening and closing of the big winning openings. Regarding the above demo time, not only the big hit symbol but also the demo time related to the big hit start demo and the big hit end demo may be different even if the same big hit symbol is used depending on the game state (normal, short time, etc.) at the time of the big hit. You may let me.

Further, when the result of the winning / losing lottery is a small hit, the special game control means 5150 determines the demonstration time related to the small hit start demo and the small hit end demo displayed on the effect display device 27 or the like during the small hit game. Further, the special game control means 5150 has 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 start demo command”) for instructing the execution of the small hit end demo effect. The end demo command ") is generated and stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180.

The symbol display control means 5155 includes a special symbol display control means 5156 and a normal symbol display control means 5157. The special symbol display control means 5156 causes the first special symbol display device 71 to variably display the first special symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the first special symbol, and confirms and displays the first special symbol after the fluctuation display. Let me. Further, the special symbol display control means 5156 causes the second special symbol display device 72 to variably display the second special symbol according to the fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the second special symbol, and displays the second special symbol after the variation display. Confirm display. The special symbol display control means 5156 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 71 and the second special symbol display device 72 are monitored based on the special symbol game status of the main information storage means 5180. The special symbol display control means 5156 requests the effect control board 52 to confirm the decorative symbol when the fluctuation of the special symbol is stopped (that is, at the timing when the value of the special symbol game timer becomes "0"). Generates an effect control command (referred to as a "fluctuation stop command"). The normal symbol display control means 5157 causes the normal symbol display device 75 to variablely 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 5157 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 75 is monitored based on the normal symbol game status of the main information storage means 5180.

When the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a big hit, the electric accessory control means 5160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 82 as a special game process after the confirmation display of the special symbol, and the big winning opening. (Special electric accessory) is opened according to a predetermined operation pattern. In the special game, one operation of the large winning opening (special electric accessory) is regarded as one round game (unit game), and the round game is continuous for a specified number of rounds (16R, 8R, 2R in this example). And execute it. Here, when the jackpot type is a so-called long open jackpot (16R jackpot or 8R jackpot in this example), the jackpot is opened for a maximum of about 30 seconds in one round game. On the other hand, when the big hit type is a so-called short open big hit (2R big hit in this example), the big winning opening is opened for about 0.7 seconds at the maximum in one round game. Here, the closing condition of the large winning opening in the special game (the end condition of the unit 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. Further, the opening / closing operation of the large winning opening during the openable period may be executed not only once but also a plurality of times.

Further, when the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a small hit, the electric accessory control means 5160 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 82 as a small hit game process after the confirmation display of the special symbol. , Open the big prize opening (special electric accessory) for a short period of time. The small hit game is distinguished from the big hit game composed of a plurality of round games in that it is composed of one round game. Here, when comparing the above-mentioned 2R special game and the small hit game, although they are internally different, the point that one opening / closing time (0.7 seconds) is the same and the number of opening / closing times are the same (the former is). Since one opening and closing is common to two rounds twice per round, and the latter is common to two opening and closing times per round twice), a game with an apparently similar opening time and opening pattern is developed.

Further, when the electric accessory control means 5160 wins the winning / failing lottery of the ordinary symbol, the electric accessory control means 5160 outputs a control signal to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 81 and opens the second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) for a predetermined opening time. Let it open. Here, the electric accessory control means 5160 opens the second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) for a very short time (for example, 0.2 seconds) in the normal state, whereas the electric accessory control means 5160 is in an easy-to-enter state (electric chew support). In the state), the second starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 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 5165 determines the game state after the end of the special game based on the type of the symbol related to the big hit, and after the end of the special game. Switch the game state. In the following, among the various functions related to the special symbol and the normal symbol described above, the gaming state in which all of 1) the probability fluctuation function of the special symbol, the variation 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 game state in which only the special symbol fluctuation time shortening function and the electric chew support function are activated is called the "time reduction state", and 3) the gaming state in which only the special symbol probability fluctuation function is activated is called the "latent probability change state". 4) The state in which all the functions are not operating is called the "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 addition, 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 open extension / without open extension), and (1) the probability change state is "high probability". / Open extension ", (2) Time saving state is" Low probability / Open extension ", (3) Latent probability change state is" High probability / Non-open extension ", (4) Normal state is" Low probability / Non-open extension ", It can also be expressed as. Further, in the present embodiment, for example, since it is configured as a so-called ST machine that cuts the number of times, the game state after the end of the special game is a predetermined number of times the number of changes of the special symbol is counted from the end time of the special game. That is, the probabilistic state continues until the number of STs is reached (however, if the next big hit occurs within the number of STs, the probable change state ends due to the fluctuation, and the number of STs is set again after the big hit ends. Ru). If a small hit occurs during the ST period, the number of STs is not reset (recovered) 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, but it is needless to say that the number of STs may be set to another number. In addition, when shifting 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 activated at the same time, and as long as the probabilistic state continues, each function will continue. Become. If the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol is a big hit, it is the normal state during the special game and ST after the special game regardless of whether the game state before the big hit is the normal state or the probable change state. It will be in a uniform change state up to the number of times. On the other hand, if 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. Further, 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.

Further, when the special game is executed, the game state control means 5165 determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game based on the symbol type of the big hit or the small hit, and also determines the variation pattern selection state after the special game. To switch. 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. Then, the game state control means 5165 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 this as a command of the main information storage means 5180. Store in the area.

The error monitoring control means 5170 monitors the input information of the I / O port circuit of the main control board 51, and monitors the input information of the I / O port circuit of the main control board 51, such as a magnetic detection signal by a magnetic sensor, a disconnection short circuit power supply abnormality signal, a radio wave detection signal by a radio wave sensor, and a door / frame opening signal. Is inspected to 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 indicate the error state effect to the effect control board 52. The door / frame opening signal is a detection signal from the front frame open / close detection switch that detects whether or not the front frame 2 is open to the outer frame 1, and the glass frame 5 is opened to the front frame 2. It refers to a detection signal from the glass frame open / close detection switch that detects whether or not the back set is open, and a detection signal from the back set open / close detection switch that detects whether or not the back set board 30 is open. Further, the magnetic sensor and the radio wave sensor are detection means for detecting so-called fraudulent gaming behavior.

The main information storage means 5180 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,) related to the special symbol game and the normal symbol game. 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), set value information, status information indicating the operating status of the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, status information indicating the operating status of the special electric accessory. , It is configured to temporarily store information such as effect control command data, and has a predetermined storage area for storing each information.

The command transmission / reception means 5190 is configured to transmit various effect control command data stored in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180 to the effect control board 52 by a parallel transmission method when a command transmission request is made. Has been done. Each effect control command has a 2-byte configuration including 1-byte MODE data and 1-byte EVENT data. In order to distinguish MODE and EVENT, Bit7 of MODE data is "1". Bit7 of EVENT data is set to "0". When this information is transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output at each transmission timing of MODE and EVENT. As a general rule, the effect control command generated in each process is transmitted as one command for each interrupt cycle according to the order set in the command storage area of the main information storage means 5180.

As shown in FIG. 6, the effect control board 52 includes the effect lottery random number generation means 5210, the effect control means 5220, the lamp control means 5230, the accessory control means 5240, the error effect control means 5250, the sub-main information storage means 5260, and the command. Includes transmission / reception means 5270. Each of the above-mentioned means on the effect control board 52 is composed of hardware such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and electronic circuits arranged on the effect control board 52, and software such as a control program stored in the ROM. Is a functional expression.

The effect lottery random number generation means 5210 includes a random number counter for generating various software random numbers (effect lottery random numbers) by the program processing of the CPU of the effect control board 52. These random number counters play a role as a random number generation means for generating random numbers by software. The software random numbers include a look-ahead lottery random number used for the lottery of the look-ahead effect, a decorative symbol random number used for the lottery of the stop symbol of the decorative symbol, a variable effect pattern random number used for the lottery of the variable effect pattern of the decorative symbol, and a notice effect. It includes a notice lottery random number used for the lottery, a big hit effect pattern random number used for the lottery of the big hit effect pattern, a stage lottery random number used for the transition lottery of the effect stage, and the like. As the update timing of these random numbers, the remaining time when the command analysis is not performed in the effect control side main process described later (when the effect control command is not received from the main control board 51) is used for the update. do.

The effect control means 5220 includes the effect mode control means 5221, the hold information display control means 5222, the look-ahead notice control means 5223, the variable effect control means 5224, the decorative symbol control means 5225, the notice effect control means 5226, and the jackpot effect control means 5227. ..

The effect mode control means 5221 is based on the game state designation command from the main control board 51, and is consistent with the game state and the variation pattern selection state managed on the main control board 51 side. (Also referred to as "effect mode") is executed. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of game effect modes are set, and even if the variation pattern of the special symbol instructed from the main control board 51 is the same, the specific content of the symbol variation effect is specified for each effect mode. The variable effect pattern (details will be described later) is set to be different. The effect display device 27 displays an effect mode notification image (in this example, a background image that is the back display of the decorative pattern) corresponding to the effect mode during the current stay, and the background images are different from each other for each effect mode. Since it is set, the player can recognize which production mode is currently staying from the type of background image.

The hold information display control means 5222 has 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 5222 receives the symbol storage number command from the main control board 51, the hold information display control means 5222 updates (adds) the value of the corresponding counter based on the information on the number of operation hold balls included in this command. On the other hand, the hold information display control means 5222 updates (subtracts) the value of the corresponding counter when the change start command from the main control board 51 is received, that is, when the operation hold ball is digested. Further, the hold information display control means 5222 tells the effect display device the number of hold images corresponding to the number of hold balls of the first special symbol based on the values of the first hold ball number counter and the second hold ball number counter. And the number of reserved images corresponding to the number of reserved balls for the operation of the second special symbol are displayed. In this example, when the operation hold ball of the special symbol is generated, the hold image in the normal display mode is displayed, while the look-ahead notice effect (hold change look-ahead effect) described later is executed, this look-ahead. The reserved image targeted by is changed from a normal display mode to a special display mode.

The look-ahead notice control means 5223 executes a look-ahead determination (referred to as "look-ahead lottery") for the operation-holding ball that is the target of the look-ahead notice effect. The look-ahead notice effect is a so-called continuous advance notice effect that announces the possibility of a big hit or a high expectation effect (for example, reach effect) over one or more variable displays before the operation hold ball to be read ahead is digested. It occurs as one aspect. At this time, the look-ahead lottery is executed based on the information of the pre-determination result included in the pre-determination command from the main control board 51. Here, when the pre-reading advance notice control means 5223 receives the pre-determination command from the main control board 51, it distinguishes between the information of the pre-determination result of the first special symbol and the information of the pre-determination result of the second special symbol, respectively. Up to a predetermined upper limit number (4 pieces) is temporarily stored in the look-ahead information storage area of the sub-main information storage means 5260 in a form combined with the entry order of the operation holding balls. This look-ahead information storage area has the same configuration as the hold storage area of the main control board 51, and holds 1 storage area (1st hold storage area) and 2 hold storage areas in the order of entry into each start port. An area (second reserved storage area), three reserved storage areas (third reserved storage area), and four reserved storage areas (fourth reserved storage area) are provided. 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 pattern as a set. The information of the preliminary determination result 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 It is digested in the order of storage area (principle of first-in first-out). Further, when the information of the preliminary determination result of the reserved 1 storage area is digested, the information of the preliminary determination result stored in the reserved 2 storage area, the reserved 3 storage area, and the reserved 4 storage area is stored in the storage area of the lower number, respectively. At the same time as shifting, the contents of the reserved 4 storage area are cleared to zero.

The variation effect control means 5224 is based on the information (variation pattern information, variation addition information, etc.) included in the variation start command from the main control board 51, and the variation process from the variation start to the stop in the variation display of the decorative symbol (effect process). ) Is determined by lottery. Here, while the main fluctuation pattern of the special symbol (for example, "strong SP reach") is determined on the main control board 51 side, the effect display process scenario is based on the main fluctuation pattern on the effect control board 52 side. The sub-variation pattern of the decorative pattern specified in detail (for example, "strong SP reach A, B ...") is determined. In the present embodiment, non-reach effect (ultra-shortened variation effect, shortened variation effect, normal variation effect, etc.), reach effect, pseudo continuous variation effect, and the like are set as the variation effect of the decorative pattern. 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 stage in the display process. The timing for generating the notice effect is also defined as the time schedule. In addition, regarding the variation effect pattern of this decorative symbol, even if the variation pattern of the special symbol is the same (even if the variation start command of the same information is received), if the effect modes during the stay are different, they are produced mutually. Variable production patterns with different contents can be selected. That is, the variable effect pattern table is prepared for each effect mode during the stay.

Here, "ultra-shortening fluctuation", "shortening fluctuation", and "normal fluctuation" are effects in which the three rows of decorative symbols fluctuate and become "off" in so-called disjointed eyes without going through the reach state even once. Is. In this non-reach mode, the fluctuation patterns differ from each other in that the fluctuation display stops in a shorter time for "shortening fluctuation" than for "normal fluctuation" and for "ultra-shortening fluctuation" rather than "shortening fluctuation". .. In addition, "pseudo continuous variation" is a variation that makes the decorative symbol appear to be displayed in a pseudo-multiple times by temporarily stopping the decorative symbol (pseudo-stop) during the one-time variation display of the decorative symbol. It is a production. This pseudo-continuous fluctuation (pseudo-ream) is configured to execute the re-variation display once or more to start the re-variation after all the decorative symbols in the three rows are pseudo-temporarily stopped (pseudo-stop). Pseudo-continuous fluctuation is executed and displayed before the reach state is formed in the fluctuation display that develops into reach, and as the number of re-variation display (pseudo-ream) increases, it is expected that a reach with a high expectation of big hit will occur. You can do it. Further, in this example, as the number of pseudo-reams increases, that is, the degree of expectation of a big hit increases in the order of 1 pseudo-ream <2 pseudo-reams <pseudo-ream 3 ... In addition, of the three columns of decorative symbols, when the decorative symbols in the left and right columns are temporarily stopped in the reach state (tempai), the decorative symbols in the left and right columns are temporarily stopped in the non-reach state. It is set so that the expectation of a big hit is higher than in the case. In addition, "N reach (normal reach)" is a state in which the same decorative symbol is stopped in two rows (typically the left column and the right column) of the three rows of decorative symbols (so-called reach state), and the remaining one row. If the decorative pattern (typically in the middle row) stops, it will be a big hit. "L reach (long reach)" is an effect in which the fluctuation time after the reach state is formed is longer than that of the above N reach. "SP reach (super reach)" is a reach production with higher expectation of big hits than the above N reach and L reach, and the production content develops in the middle, for example, still images and videos such as animation and live-action. It is a display effect.

The decorative symbol control means 5225 is decorated based on the information (stop symbol information, game state information) included in the variation start command from the main control board 51 and the above variation effect pattern determined by the variation effect control means 5224. The final combination of stopped symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) is determined by lottery. In this example, three symbol rows including a plurality of types of decorative symbols are configured, and the decorative symbols are formed by, for example, identification elements consisting of numbers and the like. Further, the decorative symbol control means 5225 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 is a "stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)", a "stop symbol indicating a small hit (small hit symbol)", and a "stop symbol indicating a miss". (Out-of-order design) ”is included. The jackpot symbol indicating the specific jackpot (probability variation jackpot) is a combination of stop modes (for example, "7, 7, 7") in which three symbols having the same odd number are arranged. The jackpot symbol indicating a normal jackpot (non-probability variation jackpot) is a combination of three 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 with 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 displaced back and forth by several frames while the left symbol and the right symbol match. Become. In the case of a small hit symbol or a 2R big hit symbol even if it is a big hit symbol, it may be a combination of predetermined stop modes such as "3, 5, 7". Further, when the lottery result is out of reach, a specific result called a so-called "chance eye" may be selected. Further, in the case of performing a temporary stop display before the final stop symbol is confirmed and displayed in a pseudo continuous effect (so-called pseudo-ream) or the like, the temporary stop symbol is selected. When displaying a chance eye or a temporary stop symbol, at least one of the three symbols should be a special decorative symbol that displays characters such as "CHANGE" and "NEXT (pseudo continuous fluctuation suggestion symbol)" for the decorative symbol of the number. The stop symbol of may be replaced and displayed. The stop order for stopping the decorative symbol is predetermined for each of the following variable effect patterns, and in principle, the left symbol → the right symbol → the middle symbol are stopped in this embodiment. However, if the fluctuation time is set to be extremely short, the left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol are stopped almost at the same time, and if it is a special variation effect pattern, the right symbol → It is also possible to stop in the order of the middle symbol → the left symbol, and in this case, the jackpot expectation tends to be relatively high.

The advance notice effect control means 5226 draws a 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 change effect pattern determined by the change effect control means 5224. decide. The notice effect pattern includes an effect pattern for displaying an image of a specific character, an animation, or the like temporarily or stepwise, 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 variation display of the decorative symbol, and suggests that the symbol variation has a high jackpot reliability in which the symbol variation is stopped 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, and basically, the notice effect displayed after the reach occurs has a relatively higher expectation of the jackpot than the notice effect displayed before the reach occurs. It's getting higher. The advance notice effect control means 5226 holds the advance notice lottery table referred to when selecting the advance notice effect pattern for each type of advance notice effect, and the advance notice according to the type of the advance notice effect generated according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. The lottery table is selected. As specific types of notice effects, for example, comment notice effects, background notice effects, SU (step-up) notice effects, logo notice effects, mini character notice effects, group notice effects, character notice effects, etc. are prepared. ing. This advance notice effect is basically performed by synthesizing the display of one or a plurality of advance notice effects with the variable display of the decorative symbol on the effect display device 27. 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 control means 5227 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 5227 receives the jackpot start demo command from the main control board 51, the jackpot effect effect pattern (start demo effect pattern, round effect) is based on the information of the jackpot type stored in the sub-main information storage means 5260. Determine the pattern, end demo production pattern). 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 big winning opening), and the jackpot end demo production time are set according to the jackpot type, and the time is set. A series of production contents are set along the axis. Further, the jackpot effect determining means 5227 executes the start demo effect when the jackpot start demo command is received from the main control board 51 according to the jackpot effect pattern, and each round is triggered by receiving the round effect designation command. The production is executed, and the end demo production is executed when the jackpot end demo command is received. In the big hit start demo production, for example, the characters "big hit start" are displayed on the screen to announce the start of the special game. Further, in the round effect, for example, the number of rounds currently being executed and the number of winning prize balls are displayed on the screen, and various images (animation images, etc.) that excite the special game are displayed. Then, in the big hit 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 5220 generates image control commands related to images and sounds based on the determined effect contents (look-ahead effect pattern, variable effect pattern, notice effect pattern, stop symbol pattern, jackpot effect pattern, etc.). This is stored in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 260.

The lamp control means 5230 controls the lighting, the emission color, and the like of the effect lamp 11 according to the effect content set by the effect control means 5220. The lamp control means 5230 holds a plurality of types of lamp data (lamp pattern data) for controlling the lighting of the effect lamp 11, reads out the lamp data corresponding to the determined effect pattern, and reads the lamp control signal (the lamp control signal (). Lamp data) is output to the effect lamp 11.

The accessory control means 5240 controls the drive of each movable accessory 19 according to the effect content set by the effect control means 5220. The accessory control means 5240 holds a plurality of types of drive data for driving and controlling the movable accessory 19, and outputs a drive control signal (drive data) according to the determined effect pattern to the movable accessory 19 (motor). Output to the driver).

The error effect control means 5250 is configured to determine an error effect pattern when an error effect designation command is received from the main control board 51, and notify the gaming machine that an error state has occurred according to the error effect pattern. There is.

The sub-main information storage means 5260 is configured to temporarily store decorative symbol information, variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, control command information, and the like, and is predetermined for storing each information. It has a 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 51, an image control command buffer for storing an image control command to the image control board 53, and an image control board 53. Contains an ACK command buffer to store 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.

The command transmission / reception means 5270 is configured to receive the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 51 and store the effect control command in the effect control command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 5260. The command transmission / reception means 5270 generates an interrupt based on the input of the above-mentioned strobe signal from the main control board 51, executes the reception interrupt processing of the effect control command, and acquires various effect control commands in this interrupt process. It has become. When the command transmission / reception means 5270 receives the strobe signal, the reception interrupt processing of this effect control command is given priority over other interrupt processing.

Further, the command transmission / reception means 5270 is stored in the sub-main information storage means 5260 in order to indicate the execution of the effect content (variable effect pattern information, notice effect pattern information, decorative pattern information, etc.) set by the effect control means 5220. The transmitted image control command is transmitted to the image control board 53 by the serial communication method. As a general rule, the image control command is transmitted every predetermined cycle (500 μs in this example) according to the order set in the command storage area of the sub-main information storage means 5260. As a result, the image control board 53 analyzes various image control commands transmitted from the effect control board 51, and causes the effect display device 27 to variablely display the effect image including the decorative pattern according to the scenario of the variable effect pattern. , The notice effect is displayed in the form of being superimposed on the effect of the symbol variation at each stage of the variation display process. Further, the command transmission / reception means 5270 receives the ACK command transmitted from the image control board 53, and stores the ACK command in the ACK command buffer of the sub-main information storage means 5260.

<Operation processing of main control board>
Next, the procedure of the operation processing in the main control board 51 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 9. The process on the main control board 51 side includes a main control side main process and a main control side timer interrupt process.

<< Main processing on the main control side >>
7 to 8 are flowcharts showing the main processing on the main control side of the main control board 51. In this main control side main process, after the CPU security check on the main control board 51 is performed by resetting when the power is turned on, the program is started and the processes after S1 are started.

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

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch is turned on (S5). When the RAM clear switch (details will be described later) is turned on (S5: YES), the predetermined area of the RAM is cleared to zero in S9 described later. On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch is not turned on (S5: NO), the value of the power off information flag is read to determine whether or not the power off normal information is stored (S6).

Here, when the information on the normal power failure is stored (S6: YES), the checksum is calculated for the predetermined area of the RAM (S7). Then, it is determined whether or not this checksum is 0, that is, whether or not the checksum is normal (S8). 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 RAM before the power is turned off is correctly backed up. At this time, if the checksum is normal (S8: YES), the process proceeds to S12, which will be described later, in order to return to the state before the power was turned off. On the other hand, when the checksum is abnormal (S8: NO), the predetermined area of the RAM is cleared to zero (S9). Next, the initialization data at the time of turning on the power is set in the RAM (S10). Subsequently, in order to initialize the effect display device 27, initialize the effect lamp 11, and the like, an effect control command (“effect initial command”) to the effect control board 52 is requested (S11).

Next, in the power-off / recovery setting process, the power-on normal information is set, various errors are initially set, and the communication initial setting with the payout control board 54 is performed in order in the RAM (S12). 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 (S13). Then, 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 performed (S14).

Subsequently, a transmission request for an effect control command (“power supply off / return command”) at the time of power failure / recovery between the main control board 51 and the effect control board 52 is performed (S15). 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 (. S16).

Subsequently, a return setting is performed to return the normal electric accessory to the state before the power is turned off (for example, the second starting port is opened) (S17). Further, a return setting is made to return the special electric accessory to the state before the power is cut off (for example, the large winning opening is open) (S18). Subsequently, 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 (S19). 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 provided on the main control board 51, and the timer interrupt is generated every 4 ms (S20). Subsequently, interrupt prohibition is set to prohibit the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (S21). Then, the clear word 1 (“55H”) is set in preparation for restarting the watchdog timer (S22).

Next, in order to determine the occurrence of the power cut, the value of the power cut confirmation flag is read, and it is determined whether or not the power cut has occurred (S23). If the power is not cut off, the initial value random number update process is executed (S24). In this initial value random number update process, 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, it is returned to "0" which is the minimum value.

Next, interrupt permission is set to allow the occurrence of timer interrupt processing (S25), the process returns to the above-mentioned interrupt prohibition processing (S21), and the loop processing of S21 to S25 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 utilize the remaining time from S21 to S25. Repeat the process up to. Then, when an interrupt request is made in the interrupt disabled state, the timer interrupt process is started when the interrupt is enabled in S25. On the other hand, when the power-off confirmation flag is turned on in S23, that is, when the power-off has occurred, the process proceeds to S26 and the power-off processing described below is executed.

Next, as the power cutoff processing (S26 to S32), first, the clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set in order to restart the watchdog timer (S26). Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the power-off information flag is the power-on normal data (S27). In the case of power-on normal information (S27: Yes), the power-off normal data is set in the power-off information flag (S28). On the other hand, when the power-on normal information is not (S27: No), the power-off abnormality data is set in the power-off information flag (S29), and the process proceeds to S32.

Next, a checksum is calculated for a predetermined area (excluding the checksum area) of the RAM (S30). Then, the complement for the checksum data is calculated, and the result value of this complement is set in the checksum area of the RAM (S31). Subsequently, the access prohibition setting of the RAM is set (S32), and the process is looped until the power is turned off.

<< Main control side timer interrupt processing >>
Next, the timer interrupt process on the main control side of the main control board 51 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 51. This timer interrupt process is started by a clock pulse at regular time intervals (for example, 4 ms) from the CTC circuit of the main control board 51, and is executed in the form of interrupting the above-mentioned main control side main process. The term "conditional device" used below means a conceptual control device, and operates when a big hit occurs in a special symbol game.

First, when this timer interrupt occurs, the contents of the registers in the CPU of the main control board 51 are saved in the stack area of the RAM, and then the interrupt operation conditions are set (S51).

Next, the clear word 2 (“AAH”) is set in order to restart the watchdog timer (S52). 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 CPU within the preset time-out time. That is, when the CPU is executing the program normally, the clear words 1 and 2 are set periodically, so that the watchdog timer is cleared and restarted before the time-out. On the other hand, when the watchdog timer times out, a user reset occurs.

Next, the input process is executed (S53). In this input process, level data is generated and rising data / falling data is generated as a check process of the input port (I / O port circuit) in the main control board 51. In the input process, as various switches connected to the main control board 51, various switches other than the RAM clear switch are subject to the check process. That is, the first start port switch 61, the second start port switch 62, the operation gate switch 63, the large prize opening switch 64, the general prize opening switch 65, the gamed ball detection switch 66, the foul ball detection switch 67, the door open switch, After reading the switch inputs of the frame open switch, back set open switch, magnetic sensor, radio wave sensor, etc. and determining their status, these detection data (level data, rise data, fall data) are stored. ..

Next, various random number update processes are executed (S54). In this various random number update process, the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the special symbol variation pattern random number are updated. For the normal symbol fluctuation 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 (S55). 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 "0" which is the minimum value. When the value of the counter goes around once, the value of the corresponding initial value random number is set as the initial value.

Next, the initial value random number update process is executed (S56). 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 maximum value, it is returned to "0" which is the minimum value.

Next, the timer subtraction process is executed (S57). In this timer subtraction process, the values of various timers used for the game operation control of the gaming machine PM are subtracted and updated. For example, the values of various timers are subtracted by the interrupt period (4 ms in this example). 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 71 and 72.

Next, the second start port validity period setting process is executed (S58). In this second starting port valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the second starting port are determined, and as the determination result, the valid period data or the invalid period data of the second starting port is set.

Next, the winning monitoring process is executed (S59). In this winning monitoring process, based on the rising data generated by the input port check of the input process (S53), the switch passage inspection of the game ball is performed a predetermined number of times. If it is determined that the game ball has passed the switch as a result of the switch passage inspection, the number of prize balls according to the type of winning opening is stored (update of the unpaid number, update of the cumulative number), and the number of the game balls (update of the cumulative number). It stores the number of foul balls (cumulative number), creates a security output request to be output to an external terminal, and requests the transmission of production control commands.

As a memory of the number of prize balls, the cumulative value of the number of prize balls paid out based on the entry into any of the winning openings (starting opening, large winning opening and general winning opening) (hereinafter referred to as "first cumulative number of winning balls"). (Referred to as) and the cumulative value of the number of prize balls paid out based on the winning to the general winning opening (hereinafter referred to as "second cumulative number of prize balls") are stored. That is, when it is determined as a result of the above switch passage inspection that the game ball has passed the first starting port switch 61, the second starting port switch 62, the large winning opening switch 64 or the general winning opening switch 65, the winning opening The number of unit prize balls according to the type (the number of prize balls paid out when one game ball wins) is added to the first cumulative prize ball number to update the first cumulative prize ball number. If, as a result of the above switch passage inspection, it is determined that the game ball has passed the general prize opening switch 65, the number of unit prize balls (one game ball wins) according to the type of the winning opening (general winning opening). The number of prize balls paid out at the time of this is added to the second cumulative number of prize balls to update the second cumulative number of prize balls. In the present embodiment, the number of unit prize balls is set to "3" for the first starting opening and the second starting opening, "5" for the general winning opening, and "10" for the large winning opening. Therefore, each cumulative number of prize balls is updated in units of the number corresponding to the above-mentioned number of unit prize balls (3, 5, 10). Further, in order to perform the prize ball payout processing of the generated prize ball number in the prize ball control process (S60) described later, the information of the storage area for storing the unpaid number of balls is matched with the above-mentioned unit prize ball number. Update.

As the storage of the number of played balls, the cumulative value of the number of played balls detected by the gamed ball detection switch 66 (hereinafter referred to as "cumulative number of played balls") is stored. That is, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the gamed ball detection switch 66 as a result of the above switch passage inspection, "1" is added to the cumulative number of gamed balls to update the cumulative number of played balls. ..

As the storage of the number of foul balls, the cumulative value of the number of foul balls detected by the foul ball detection switch 67 (hereinafter referred to as "cumulative number of foul balls") is stored. That is, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the foul ball detection switch 67 as a result of the switch passage inspection, "1" is added to the cumulative foul ball number to update the cumulative foul ball number.

Next, the prize ball control process is executed (S60). In this prize ball control process, a payout control command is transmitted to the payout control board 54 in order to instruct the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize type based on the detection result in the above-mentioned prize ball monitoring process, and the payout control board 54 is used. The data received from the device is monitored and the communication with the payout control board 54 is inspected.

Next, the normal symbol operation gate monitoring process is executed (S61). In this normal symbol operation gate monitoring process, the passage of the game ball to the operation gate is monitored, and when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the operation gate, 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 four, and random numbers related to the normal symbol lottery are stored.

Next, the normal symbol control process is executed (S62). In this normal symbol control process, since a series of processes related to the normal symbol display device 75 or the normal electric accessory (second starting port) is performed, the normal symbol changing process and the normal symbol are processed according to the value of the normal symbol game status. The process of displaying the stop symbol, the process of operating the normal electric accessory, the process of terminating the operation of the normal electric accessory, and the like are executed. In the process of changing 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 manner or to confirm it.

Next, the normal symbol change start monitoring process is executed (S63). In this normal symbol fluctuation start monitoring process, when the operating state of the normal symbol is monitored and it is determined that the normal symbol fluctuation start condition 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, etc. are performed in order.

Next, the start port monitoring control process is executed (S64). In this start port monitoring control process, the winning of the first starting port and the second starting opening of the game ball is monitored, and if the game ball is won, the number of reserved balls is updated and the random number related to the special symbol lottery is stored. , Pre-reading notice effect judgment, command request for the number of symbol memories, etc. are performed in order.

Next, the special symbol control process is executed (S65). In this special symbol control process, as a series of processes related to the special symbol display devices 71 and 72, the special symbol change start process (S420) and the special symbol change process (S430), which will be described in detail later, are performed according to the value of the special symbol game status. ), Processing during special symbol stop symbol display (S440), and the like are executed.

Next, the special electric accessory control process is executed (S66). 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 is performed as the operation process related to the special electric accessory (large winning opening). The setting, the update of the opening time and the number of opening times of the big winning opening, 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, etc. are executed in order.

Next, the large winning opening validity period setting process is executed (S67). In this large winning opening valid period setting process, the winning valid period and the winning invalid period of the large winning opening are determined, and the valid period data or the invalid period data of the large winning opening is set as the determination result.

Next, the special symbol change start monitoring control process is executed (S68). In this special symbol change start monitoring control process, when there is an operation reserved 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 hit / fail determination of the special symbol 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 (S69). In this abnormality detection process, based on the input information in the input process (S53), 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. , 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 generated in order to request the effect control board 52 to display an error.

Next, the ball entry passage time abnormality detection process is executed (S70). 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 including the error information (“error”). In addition to requesting the effect specification command "), it also requests the output of a security signal to be output to the external terminal.

Next, the game state display process is executed (S71). In this game state display process, display data such as the number of times the special electric accessory (large winning opening) is continuously operated (the number of specified rounds), the number of balls on hold for normal symbols and special symbols, and the like are created. In addition, display data for displaying information on the error state detected in the abnormality detection process (S69) is created. Further, the game performance information calculated based on the count values (cumulative prize ball number, cumulative gamed ball number, cumulative foul ball number, etc.) counted in the prize monitoring process (S59) is displayed on the performance display monitor 500 (FIG. FIG.). 10) Create display data for display. In the present embodiment, the game performance data SD is included as the game performance information. On the game performance monitor 500, an abbreviation (identification symbol) for identifying the type of the game performance data SD and a numerical value (calculated value) indicating the calculation result of the game performance data SD are displayed.

The game performance data SD is a performance value based on a normal state (normal time) after the power is turned on or after the RAM is cleared, and is calculated by the following formula (A) in the normal state. The normal state means a period of a low probability and no time reduction state, specifically, a period of a jackpot period, a period of a probable change state, a period of a time reduction state, and other periods excluding a period of a latent probability change state. The first cumulative prize ball number in the normal state is obtained by cumulatively adding the difference between the first cumulative prize ball number at the start of the normal state and the first cumulative prize ball number at the end of the normal state. Calculated. Similarly, the cumulative number of played balls in the normal state is calculated by cumulatively adding the difference between the cumulative number of played balls at the start of the normal state and the cumulative number of played balls at the end of the normal state. ..

Game performance data SD = 1st cumulative prize ball number ÷ cumulative gamed ball number x 100 ... (A)

Next, the steering wheel status signal inspection process is executed (S72). In this handle state signal inspection process, the touch state of the launch handle 9 is monitored based on the detection information from the touch sensor of the launch handle 9, and an effect control command (command of the handle state effect) is issued based on the result of this monitoring. Generate.

Next, the LED output process is executed (S73). In this LED output processing, a special symbol is displayed, a normal symbol is displayed, the number of balls on hold is displayed, the specified number of rounds (the number of times the special electric accessory is continuously operated) is displayed, a right-handed instruction is displayed, and an error occurs. In order to display, display game performance information (game performance data SD), etc., each special symbol display device 71, 72, normal symbol display device 75, special symbol hold lamp 73, 74, normal symbol hold lamp 76, round indicator light The output information of non-lighting data is set in the I / O port (output port) as the initialization of the display of each display means such as 77, right-handed indicator lamp 78, status indicator lamp 79, error indicator lamp 70, and performance display monitor 500. At the same time, the display data created by the special symbol control process (S65), abnormality detection process (S69), game state display process (S71), etc. is output to each display means.

Here, FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the performance display monitor 500 mounted on the main control board 51. The performance display monitor 500 is composed of 4-digit LED indicator lights (7-segment LEDs with dots) 501 to 504. The LED indicator lights 501 to 504 of each digit are composed of seven LED segments arranged in a figure eight shape and one LED segment formed in a dot point shape. Therefore, the LED indicator lights 501 to 504 of each digit can display numbers from 0 to 9, alphabetic characters, hyphens, etc. by selectively lighting eight LED segments. Here, the upper two-digit LED indicator lights 501 and 502 display an identification symbol (for example, "bL.") For identifying the type of the game performance data SD. On the other hand, the lower two-digit LED indicator lights 503 and 504 display numerical values (calculated values) indicating the calculation results of the above-mentioned game performance data SD. The calculated value of the game performance data SD is displayed on 503,504 such as the LED display of the lower two digits as a two-digit integer value (00 to 99) by rounding down the decimal point. That is, the performance display monitor 500 displays the combination of the identification symbol of the game performance data SD and the calculated value by the 4-digit LED indicator lights 501 to 504. For example, if the calculated value of the game performance data SD is "31.5", "bL.31" is displayed on the performance display monitor 500 (4-digit LED indicator lights 501 to 504). As a modification, the calculated value of the game performance data SD may be displayed as a two-digit integer value by rounding off the first decimal place.

The display mode of the performance display monitor 500 differs depending on whether the number of samples of the count data (cumulative number of played balls) has not reached the preset specified number or the specified number has been reached. That is, in a situation where the number of samples (cumulative number of played balls) has not reached the specified number, the performance display monitor 500 is in a blinking display mode. On the other hand, when the number of samples (cumulative number of played balls) reaches a predetermined number, the performance display monitor 500 is in a lit display mode. An appropriate numerical value can be set as the specified number, but in the present embodiment, "60,000 (departure)" is set as a numerical value corresponding to, for example, a game (launching of a game ball) for about 9 hours. Further, in the present embodiment, the game performance data SD is reset (zero reset) every time the cumulative number of played balls reaches a predetermined number (60,000). Then, in addition to the current game performance data SD (hereinafter referred to as "game performance data SD0"), the game performance data SD before the previous (one time ago) reset (hereinafter referred to as "game performance data SD1") and The game performance data SD (hereinafter referred to as "game performance data SD2") before the reset two times before (two times before) and the game performance data SD (hereinafter referred to as "game performance data SD3") before the reset three times before. , It is configured to be sequentially displayed on the performance display monitor 500 as history information. In order to make each game performance data SD0 to SD3 distinguishable, the identification symbol when the game performance data SD0 is displayed is set to "bL.", And the identification symbol when the game performance data SD1, SD2 and SD3 are displayed. Are "b1.", "B2." And "b3.", respectively. That is, when the game performance data SD1 is displayed, it is displayed as, for example, "b1.32". These game performance data SD0 to SD3 are divided into game performance data SD0 → game performance data SD1 → game performance data SD2 → game performance data SD3 → game performance data SD0 → every time a predetermined time (5 seconds in this example) elapses. The data is sequentially switched in the order of ..., and displayed on the performance display monitor 500.

Next, the firing control signal output process is executed (S74). In this launch control signal output process, when a communication abnormality with the launch control board 180 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality is not detected, a launch permission signal is output to the launch control board 180 and the launch of the game ball is permitted. do. On the other hand, when it is desired to detect a communication abnormality with the launch control board 180 or a short-circuit power supply abnormality, a launch prohibition signal is output to the launch control board 180 to prohibit the launch of the game ball.

Next, the test signal output process is executed (S75). In this test signal output processing, various test signals indicating the operating state of the gaming machine are created and output to an external test device in the performance confirmation test for determining whether or not the gaming machine is appropriate.

Next, the solenoid output process is executed (S76). In this solenoid output process, the above-mentioned ordinary symbol control process (S62) and special electric accessory control process (S66) are performed in order to operate the ordinary electric accessory and the special electric accessory. ), An excitation signal is output to each of the electric accessory solenoids 81 and 82.

Next, the effect control command transmission process is executed (S77). In this effect control command transmission process, the effect control command specified by the pointer is read from the effect control commands stored in the command storage area (ring buffer) of the main information storage means 5180 in the above process, and this effect is produced. The control command is output to the effect control board 52.

Next, the external information output process is executed (S78). In this external information output processing, the operating state information of the pachinko gaming machine PM is output as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via the external information terminal plate 58.

Next, the contents of the saved register are restored, and the CPU of the main control board 51 is set to the interrupt enabled state (S79). 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 51 detects a power outage (a drop in the supply voltage based on a predetermined threshold value) during the main control side main processing or the main control side timer interrupt processing, a non-masqueradable interrupt is generated to confirm the power outage. Turn on the flag. Then, after returning to the original processing, the above-mentioned power-off processing (S26 to S32) is executed.

[Slot machine]
Hereinafter, the basic configuration and control contents of the slot machine SM as another embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. The "combination determination process" in the following description is 1 from among a plurality of preset combination determination result numbers (consisting of one or more game combinations or losses (except when no loss is set)). It means a selection act (also referred to as "role determination") such as a lottery performed using an electronic device or the like in order to randomly select one or more combination determination result numbers (winning items). Here, the combination determination result number is one or more game combinations (also referred to as "establishment allowable combination" or "winning combination") that are allowed to be established in the game in which the combination determination result number is determined (elected). It defines) or loss. In addition, the combination determination is also referred to as "internal lottery" or "role lottery", and the "selection" in the lottery or winning is also referred to as "lottery" or "sen".

In addition, when describing "establishment of a game combination", "establishment of a game combination", etc., "establishment" means a game combination corresponding to the determined combination determination result number (a game combination with a payout of a game medal). A combination of symbols (corresponding symbols) constituting a game combination (regardless of whether it is a small combination) or a game combination without payout (re-game combination or special combination) is a predetermined stop mode (for example, a mode in which it is lined up on an effective line described later). It is used as a concept to indicate that it is displayed in. However, regarding the timing of establishment, for example, when the reel stop operation is performed at the timing when the corresponding symbol of the game combination can be stopped and displayed on the effective line, or the corresponding symbol of the game combination is stopped on the effective line. It can be set to an appropriate timing, such as when it is displayed, when the slot machine identifies that the corresponding symbol of the game combination is stopped and displayed on the valid line, or when the identified result is stored in the storage area. ..

In addition, as a game role (also simply referred to as a "role"), a re-game role, a small role, and a special role (also referred to as a "bonus role") can be provided. A re-game combination is a re-game (a player performing the next game without inserting a new game medium), although the game medium (game value, game medal) is not given (cannot be acquired) even if it is established. It is also called a "replay role" because it is a possible role. A small role is a role in which a predetermined number of game media can be acquired at the time of establishment, and is also called a "winning role". A bonus combination (special role) is a special gaming state (also referred to as a "role") that can be activated (settable) when the combination is established, and is advantageous to the player (for example, while the accessory is operating). It is a role that enables a game (also referred to as a "special game" or a "bonus game (game)") in which the winning probability of a small role is set higher than usual. The character is a normal character that can execute a predetermined special game only once, and a first-class special character that can perform a predetermined special game 12 times (until a small role is established 8 times). Regardless of the result of the role lottery, there is a second-class special character that can perform a specific special game that is in the same state as all the small roles have been won. In the following, the special role that triggers the activation of the ordinary bonus is the SB role (SB is an abbreviation for "single bonus"), and the special role that triggers the activation of the first-class special bonus is the RB role (RB is). Also called "regular bonus"). In addition, the special role that triggers the continuous operation of the first-class special bonus is the BB role (BB is an abbreviation for "big bonus"), and the second-class special bonus is the trigger that continuously operates. The special role is also called the MB role (MB is an abbreviation for "middle bonus").

Further, in the following description, the provisions necessary for playing a game among the operation (maintenance operation) for inserting a game medal into the medal insertion slot 821, which will be described later, and the credited (stored) game medal by the player. The pressing operation of the 1-BET switch 822 or the MAX-BET switch 823 for using a number of game medals for a game is collectively referred to as a betting operation. Further, this bet operation, a pressing operation of the clearing switch 824 described later, a tilting operation of the start lever (also referred to as "start switch") 825, and a stop switch (also referred to as "stop button") 826a, 826b, 826c by the player. The pressing operation of is collectively referred to as a game operation. In general, "insertion" in a slot machine means "inserting a game medal into a slot machine" or "using a game medal for a game". There is. In the following explanation, basically, the word "input" is used in the former meaning, and the word "bet" is used in the latter meaning.

Further, the "number of payouts" (also referred to as "number of payouts") of game medals means the number of game medals given to the player in one game. In addition, the act of paying out the game medal includes the act of actually paying out the game medal from the slot machine (also referred to as "actual payout") and the game medal stored in the slot machine electrically. There is an act of increasing the stored numerical value (also called "storage addition payout").

Further, the "number of acquired medals" (also referred to as "number of acquired medals") is a game medal acquired by a player during a predetermined period (which can be arbitrarily set, for example, an AT period or a bonus period). It means a numerical value counted as the total number of. The "difference number" (also referred to as "difference number") of the game medals is a value obtained by subtracting the total number of bet game medals from the total number of game medals paid out in a predetermined period (negative value). Sometimes) means. Although the "number of acquired medals" and the "number of differences" of game medals can be used as different concepts, they are treated as synonymous below.

Further, "freeze" means that the execution of a predetermined control process related to the progress of the game is delayed for a certain period of time. Freezes are set when the operation of the start lever 825 is accepted (also referred to as "freeze when reel rotation starts") and freeze set after all reels stop rotating ("freeze when reel rotation stops"). Also referred to as) can be provided as appropriate. During the freeze period, the game operation by the player is not effectively accepted. In addition, during the freeze period, a rotating cylinder effect (also referred to as "reel effect") may be performed. The rotating cylinder effect is an effect of rotating the reels 803a, 803b, 803c, which will be described later, to stop and display an arbitrary symbol combination regardless of the game operation by the player.

In the following description, the "push navigation" refers to a process (act) of notifying the push order and the push position in order to assist the establishment of the game combination selected by the combination determination. Among the push navigation, the one that assists the establishment of the replay role is "RP navigation" (RP is an abbreviation for replay), the one that assists the establishment of the winning role (small role) is "winning navigation", and the specific design is What assists the stop display is also referred to as "eye-pushing navigation" (mainly performed on the sub-control means side). Also, when you want to distinguish between the push navigation performed on the main control means side and the push navigation performed on the sub control means side, the former is referred to as "main side push navigation" ("main side RP navigation", "main side winning navigation"". , "Main side push navigation"), and the latter is also called "sub side push navigation" ("sub side RP navigation", "sub side winning navigation", "sub side push navigation"), or "push navigation" It is also called "directing" ("RP navigation directing", "winning navigation directing", "pressing navigation directing").

<External configuration of slot machine>
First, the external configuration of the slot machine SM according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the slot machine SM according to the present embodiment has a box-shaped housing 805 having an open front surface (front) and a front opening and closing opening of the housing 805. It is equipped with a door 802. The front door 802 is attached to the front opening of the housing 805 so as to be openable and closable by using hinge mechanisms 806a to 806c arranged at the front of the left side plate 805a of the housing 805 in front view. .. Further, the front door 802 is always held in a closed state engaged and connected to the housing 805 by utilizing the locking device 804 provided on the front right edge portion.

As shown in FIG. 11, an upper panel assembly 810, a middle panel assembly 820, a lower panel assembly 830, and a saucer assembly 840 are attached to the front surface of the front door 802 in this order from the top. At the center of the upper panel assembly 810, the display screen 811a of the image display device (also referred to as "liquid crystal display device") 811 arranged on the back surface side thereof is arranged so as to face the front, and is arranged in the peripheral portion thereof. , The first effect lamp 812, the second effect lamps 813a, 813b, and the third effect lamps 814a, 814b are arranged. Further, a pair of upper speakers 815a and 815b are arranged on the lower left and right sides of the display screen 811a.

At the center of the middle panel assembly 820, a display window W facing the surfaces of the three reels 803a, 803b, and 803c arranged side by side in the main body housing is provided, and below the display window W. , Medal slot 821 for inserting game medals (game media), 1-BET switch 822 for betting one game medal within the credited range, maximum bet allowance (for example, 3) MAX-BET switch 823 for betting medals at once, clearing switch 824 for paying out bet game medals and / or credited game medals, all reels 803a, 803b, 803c (reel) A start lever 825 operated when starting rotation of the "rotary cylinder"), and three stop switches 826a, 826b, 826c (left side in the figure) for individually stopping the rotation of each reel 803a, 803b, 803c. The stop switch 826a of the above corresponds to the reel 803a, the central stop switch 826b corresponds to the reel 803b, and the stop switch 826c on the right side corresponds to the reel 803c), and the game medals inserted from the medal slot 821 and accumulated. A reject switch 827 or the like for returning is provided.

The inside of the medal slot 821 is a receiving passage (leading to the hopper 851 described later) through which the inserted game medal is passed when the inserted game medal is effectively accepted, and the inserted game medal is not accepted. It branches into a return passage through which the game medals pass (leading to the game medal payout exit 841 described later), and a blocker 848 (see FIG. 13) is provided at the branch. The blocker 848 guides the game medals inserted into the medal slot 21 to the receiving passage during the period when the inserted game medals are effectively accepted, and is inserted into the medal slot 821 during the other period. The receiving passage and the returning passage are selectively configured so that one can be opened and the other can be closed so that the game medal is guided to the return passage. In the following description, the ON state of the blocker 848 indicates a state in which the game medal inserted in the medal insertion slot 821 is guided to the receiving passage (game medal acceptable state), and the OFF state of the blocker 848 means that the medal is inserted. It shall indicate the state in which the game medal inserted in the mouth 821 is guided to the return passage (the state in which the game medal cannot be accepted).

Further, inside the medal insertion slot 821, three insertion medal sensors 828a, 828b, 828c (see FIG. 13) for detecting game medals are provided. The insertion medal sensor 828a detects that the inserted game medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 821, and is located upstream of the position where the blocker 848 is installed on the passage through which the inserted game medal flows down. It is installed in. The insertion medal sensor 828b detects that the game medal inserted in the medal insertion slot 821 is guided to the receiving passage and is effectively accepted, and is downstream from the position where the blocker 848 is installed (hopper described later). It is located at the position (closer to 851). The insertion medal sensor 828c detects that the game medal inserted in the medal insertion slot 821 has passed the branch portion between the receiving passage and the return passage, and is near the branch portion (position where the blocker 848 is installed). It is located at a position slightly closer to the inserted medal sensor 828b).

When both the inserted medal sensor 828a and the inserted medal sensor 828b detect a game medal, it means that the game medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 821 and the inserted game medal has been effectively accepted. On the other hand, if the inserted medal sensor 828a detects the game medal, but the inserted medal sensor 828b does not detect the game medal, the game medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 821, but the inserted game medal is effectively accepted. It means that it was returned without. Further, when the three inserted medal sensors 828a, 828b, 828c detect the passage of the game medal in an order different from the predetermined order (the order of 828a → 828c → 828b), or when some of the inserted medal sensors pass the game medal. If is not detected, it means that an abnormal passage such as a backflow of a game medal has occurred.

The display window W is configured so that when all three reels 803a to 803c are stopped, three symbols for each reel, a total of nine symbols, are visually displayed by the player. The winning line 829 that horizontally connects the symbol display areas in the middle of the reels 803a, 803b, and 803c is a winning line that is activated by betting a specified number of game medals, and is on the activated winning line. It is configured so that it can be determined whether or not a game combination has been established based on the combination of symbols displayed as stopped. The activated winning line is also referred to as a "valid line".

Further, various display lamps composed of LED lamps and the like are arranged in the slot machine SM. In the present embodiment, as display lamps, MAX-BET switch display lamp 846a, BET number display lamp 846b, insertable display lamp 846c, game start display lamp 846d, re-game display lamp 846e, status display lamp 846f, number of times display lamp It is provided with 846 g, a storage number display lamp 846h, and a payout number display lamp 846j. These display lamps are configured to be controlled by the main control board 860 described later.

The MAX-BET switch indicator lamp 846a is lit in a situation where a game medal can be bet, is arranged inside the MAX-BET switch 823, and partially or wholly illuminates the MAX-BET switch 823 when lit. It is designed to make it shine. Other indicator lamps are arranged laterally or below the indicator window W in the middle panel assembly 820.

The BET number display lamp 846b (hereinafter, also referred to as “BET lamp 846b”) displays the number of bet game medals, and is a 1-BET display that lights up when there is one or more bet game medals. It is composed of a lamp 846bC, a 2-BET indicator lamp 846bB that is lit when two or more lamps, and a MAX-BET indicator lamp 846bA that is lit when three lamps are used. The insertable indicator lamp 846c is lit in a situation where a game medal can be inserted, and the game start indicator lamp 846d is lit in a situation where a game can be started by operating the start lever 25. Is to be done. The re-game display lamp 846e is turned on when the re-game combination described later is established in any game and the game medal is automatically bet by the automatic bet process described later.

The status display lamp 846f is lit when the stored (credit) game medals are settled, and the number display lamp 846g is, for example, the number of executable push navigations (when AT is set). Every time the push navigation is executed, it is subtracted by 1, and it may be increased by lottery or the like). The stored number display lamp 846h (hereinafter, also referred to as “CRE lamp 846h”) displays the number of stored game medals while incrementing by 1, and the payout number display lamp 846j displays when a small winning combination is established. The number of game medals to be paid out is incremented by 1 and displayed. The stored number display lamp 846h and the payout number display lamp 846j each display two 7-segment indicators (seven segment lamps for displaying numbers and a decimal point (dot)) in order to display the upper digit number and the lower digit number. It consists of one segment lamp representing).

Further, the payout number display lamp 846j is also configured to display characters (alphabet) and numbers indicating the type of the error when some abnormality (error) occurs in the slot machine SM. The errors set in this embodiment include HP error, HE error, H0 error, CE error, CP error, CH error, C0 error, C1 error, FE error, E1 error, E5 error, E6 error, E7 error, and the like. There is. The HP error is an error when it is determined that the game medals are accumulated at the medal payout exit of the medal payout device 850, and the HE error is an error when it is determined that the game medal in the medal payout device 850 is empty (hopper). Empty error), and the H0 error is an error when it is determined that the game medal has passed the payout sensor abnormally. The CE error is an error when it is determined by the inserted medal sensor that the game medal has accumulated (game medal retention error), and the CP error is an error when it is determined that the inserted game medal has been illegally passed. The C0 error is an error when it is determined that there is an abnormal input in the inserted medal sensor, and the C1 error is an error when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the passage of the inserted medal sensor. The FE error is an error (full error) when it is determined that the auxiliary storage 885, which will be described later, is full, and the E1 error is an error (RAM error) when the contents of the storage device (RAM) are not normal when the power is turned on. Yes, the E5 error is an error (rotation stop error) when the combination of symbols at the time of stopping all rotations becomes abnormal (corresponding symbols constituting the winning combination other than the establishment allowable combination are stopped display). The E6 error is an error (set value error) when the numerical value of the set value described later for determining the winning combination determination probability is out of the range, and the E7 error is an abnormality in the update state of the built-in random number used in each lottery or the like. It is an error when it is detected (built-in random number error). Each error of E1, E5, E6, E7 (collectively referred to as "E system error") is canceled by the setting change described later, and other errors are canceled by the operation of the reset switch described later. It has become.

Further, the payout number display lamp 846j also has a function of displaying a navigation number described later, which indicates the operation order (pushing order) of the stop switches 826a to 826c. The payout number display lamp 846j when displaying the navigation number is also referred to as a "main side push order indicator".

A transparent lower panel cover 831 is attached to the central portion of the lower panel assembly 830, and decorative lamps 832a and 832b are arranged at both left and right ends thereof. On the back side of the lower panel cover 831, a semi-transparent lower panel base provided with a predetermined pattern and a lower panel illuminating lamp (neither of which is shown) are attached, and the lower panel illuminating lamp is lit. By doing so, the design of the lower panel base is configured to be illuminated from the rear surface side.

The saucer assembly 840 is provided with a game medal payout outlet 841 for paying out game medals, and a game medal storage plate 842 for storing game medals so as to face the game medal payout outlet 841. An ashtray 843 is provided on the left side of the game medal storage plate 842. Further, on the left and right sides of the game medal payout outlet 841, speaker openings composed of a large number of small holes facing the front surface of a pair of lower speakers 844a and 844b (see FIG. 13) arranged on the back side of the saucer assembly 840. 845a and 845b are formed.

<Internal configuration of slot machine>
As shown in FIG. 12, at the lower part (on the bottom plate 805d) in the housing 805, a medal payout device 850 for paying out a game medal acquired when a predetermined winning mode is configured as a result of the game is provided. ing. The medal payout device 850 includes a hopper 851 that physically stores (stores) the game medals that have been inserted and effectively accepted, a hopper motor 852 (see FIG. 13) that is driven when the game medals are paid out, and a game. It has a medal detection sensor 853 (see FIG. 13) for detecting that a medal has been paid out. An auxiliary storage 854 for storing game medals overflowing from the hopper 851 is provided in the vicinity of the medal payout device 850, and the auxiliary storage 854 is in a full state (auxiliary storage 854). A full detection sensor 855 (see FIG. 13) is provided to detect whether or not the game medal is in a state where the game medals may overflow. Further, at the left position of the medal payout device 850, a power supply device 880 for supplying electric power to various devices mounted on the slot machine SM is provided.

A middle plate 805f is provided in the central portion of the housing 805 so as to be bridged over the left and right side plates 805a and 805b, and a reel unit RU is provided on the middle plate 805f. The reel unit RU includes the above-mentioned three reels 803a, 803b, 803c and three stepping motors 835a, 835b, 835c (see FIG. 13) for rotating these reels 803a to 803c, respectively. Has been done. Each of the reels 803a to 803c is composed of a translucent member, and a translucent reel tape on which a plurality of types of patterns are displayed is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. Back lamps 838a, 838b, and 838c (see FIG. 13) are arranged on the inner surface side of the reels 803a to 803c, respectively, and by turning on these back lamps, each reel facing the inside of the reel window W is provided. The areas of 803a, 803b, and 803c are entirely illuminated from the inner surface side, or a predetermined symbol combination that is stopped and displayed (for example, a game combination arranged on a winning line different from the effective line 829 or the effective line 829). It is configured to illuminate only a part of each reel 803a, 803b, 803c so as to make the corresponding symbol, etc.) stand out.

On the upper part of the housing 805 (the upper inner surface of the back plate 805e), there is a main control board 870 (FIG. 13) that performs main control related to the progress of the game (including drive control of reels 803a to 803c, combination determination processing, etc.). See) is housed in a board case. A sub-control board that performs various effect controls (such as effect image display control by the liquid crystal display device 811 and sound generation control by speakers such as the upper speakers 815a and 815b) for the purpose of improving the interest of the game according to the game situation. The 870 (see FIG. 13) is provided on the rear surface of the front door 802. Further, the reel unit board 910 (see FIG. 13) described later is on the reel unit RU, the door relay terminal board 920 (see FIG. 13) is on the rear surface of the front door 802, and the external centralized terminal board 930 (see FIG. 13). Are provided in the housing 805, respectively. The predetermined boards are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by using a cable harness, and information can be transmitted between the connected boards.

<Basic operation for playing games>
To play a game on the slot machine SM, first bet by actually inserting a game medal into the medal slot 821, or operate either the 1-BET switch 822 or the MAX-BET switch 823 to range the credit. By betting a specified number of game medals within, the winning line 829 is activated. In the present embodiment, the specified number of game medals required to activate the winning line 829 is set to 3 in any game state. However, the specified number is not limited to this, and it is possible to change the specified number as appropriate, such as setting the specified number to a different value according to the RT state or the like. Further, a plurality of winning lines may be provided, and the number of activated winning lines and the like may be changed according to the number of bets on the game medal.

Next, when the player operates the start lever 825, the number of bets is fixed (the bet game medal is used for the game), the winning combination is determined, and then the minimum game time (one). The minimum time that must be secured from the start of rotation of all reels in a game to the start of rotation of all reels in the next game (for example, 4.1 seconds).
After confirming that the passage has passed, each reel 803a to 803c starts to rotate, and a plurality of types of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 803a to 803c move up and down in the display window W (usually above). Move down from). Then, when the rotation of the reels 803a to 803c reaches a predetermined speed and becomes a constant speed rotation, each stop switch 826a to 826c is activated (the operation of the stop switch can be effectively accepted), and the player can use the stop switch 826a. Is configured to stop the rotation of the reel 803a, the stop switch 826b to stop the rotation of the reel 803b, and the stop switch 826c to stop the rotation of the reel 803c.

Here, if it is determined that the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the valid line 829 is in a predetermined winning mode (corresponding symbol of a game combination capable of winning a game medal), each winning mode The number of game medals corresponding to the above is paid out by the medal payout device 850 or added as credits.

<Connection between the control board and each device>
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, as a main control board for controlling the slot machine PM, a main control board 860, a sub-main control board 870A, and a sub-sub control board 870B (sub-main control board 870A and sub-sub control board 70B). Is generically referred to as a sub-control board 70). Further, as other boards, a reel unit board 910, a door relay terminal board 920, and an external centralized terminal board 930 are provided. Main control related to the progress of the game (including drive control of reels 803a to 803c, combination determination processing, etc.) is performed by a control circuit arranged on the main control board 860, and illumination by lamps such as back lamps 838a to 838c. The control and the like are configured to be performed by a control circuit arranged on the sub-main control board 870A. Further, the effect image display control by the image display device 811 and the sound generation control from the speakers such as the upper speakers 815a and 815b are mainly configured to be performed by the control circuit arranged on the sub-sub control board 870B. There is. Further, information transmission between the main control board 860 and the sub control board 870 can be performed in only one direction from the main control board 860 to the sub-main control board 870A, and the sub-main control board 87 can be transmitted.
Information transmission between 0A and the sub-sub control board 870B can be performed in both directions.

The main control board 860 has a main CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to the game, a main ROM that is a read-only storage device that stores control programs, and a main RAM that is a storage device that can write and read information. (“RAM” is also referred to as “RWM”) is arranged, and each drive circuit or the like operates according to the control program stored in the main ROM to control the progress of the game in the slot machine SM. Is supposed to be done. The main ROM and the main RAM are non-volatile storage devices, and are configured to hold the stored information even when power is not supplied.

The main CPU has a clock pulse generator for generating a clock pulse (clock signal), a frequency divider for dividing the clock pulse generated by the clock pulse generator, and a clock pulse (or divided clock pulse). ), A random number generator for generating a random number used for combination determination and the like, and a random number capture circuit for capturing the random number generated by the random number generator are connected. The clock pulse generator is composed of two oscillators, and clock signals asynchronous to each other are output from each oscillator. Hereinafter, a clock signal having a predetermined frequency output from one oscillator is referred to as an internal clock, and a clock signal having a predetermined frequency output from the other oscillator (the frequency may be different from the internal clock but may be the same). Is called an external clock. For example, the internal clock is used as the operation clock of the main CPU and the update clock of the random number used for a predetermined lottery other than the combination determination, and the external clock is used as the update clock of the random number used in the combination determination. A main CPU, a main ROM, a main RAM, a frequency divider, a random number generator, a random number acquisition circuit, an interface circuit, and the like may be mounted on one IC chip and configured as a one-chip microcomputer.

The main control board 860 (main CPU) determines the rotation positions of the stepping motors 835a, 835b, 835c and the reels 803a, 803b, 803c, respectively, for rotationally driving the reels 803a, 803b, 803c via the reel unit board 910. It is connected to the reel sensors 837a, 837b, 837c to be detected, and the motor signal for driving the stepping motors 835a, 835b, 835c is output via the reel unit board 910 and from the reel sensors 837a, 837b, 837c. The detection signal of is input via the reel unit board 910. Further, the main control board 860 is connected to the hopper motor 852 of the medal payout device 850, the medal detection sensor 853, and the fullness detection sensor 855 of the auxiliary storage 854 via the reel unit board 910 to drive the hopper motor 852. The hopper motor signal of the above is output via the reel unit board 910, and the dull payout signal from the medal detection sensor 853 and the fullness detection signal from the fullness detection sensor 855 are input via the reel unit board 910. ing.

Further, the main control board 860 is connected to the door open / close sensor 890 that detects the open / closed state of the front door 802 via the reel unit board 910, and the detection signal from the door open / close sensor 890 is the reel unit board 910. It is designed to be input via. The main CPU determines whether the front door 802 is in the closed state (door closed state) or the open state (door open state) based on the detection signal from the door open / close sensor 890.

Further, the main control board 860 has a 1-BET switch 822, a MAX-BET switch 823, a clearing switch 824, a start lever 825, a stop switch 826a, 828b, 828c and an input medal sen 828a, 828b via a door relay terminal board 920. , 828c, and each signal from these is input via the door relay terminal board 920. Further, the main control board 860 is connected to the display lamps 846a to 846h, 846j via the door relay terminal board 920, and the LED control signal for controlling the display mode of each display lamp is relayed to the door. It is designed to output via the terminal board 920.

Further, the main control board 860 is connected to the external centralized terminal board 930 via the reel unit board 910, and when a predetermined gaming state (for example, AT state or bonus state) is reached, a data counter or a hole is formed. A predetermined signal (also referred to as an "outer end signal") is output to a computer or the like via the reel unit board 910, and the number of times set in a predetermined gaming state is presented to the player by this outer end signal. It is configured to be managed by the reels and game stores.

The main control board 860 and the reel unit board 910 are directly supplied with electric power from the power supply device 880, and the other boards are supplied with power via the main control board 860 or the reel unit board 910. .. The power supply device 880 is provided with a power supply switch, and by operating the power supply switch, the power supply from the power supply device 880 and the power supply stop can be switched. A supply voltage monitoring circuit that monitors the voltage supply status on the circuit that supplies power from the power supply device 880 to the main control board 860 and on the circuit that supplies power to the sub-main control board 870A via the main control board 860. (Not shown) are provided respectively. Each supply voltage monitoring circuit determines that the power supply is cut off when the supply voltage drops to a predetermined voltage value, and the supply voltage is a value different from the predetermined voltage value (for example, a value different from the voltage value for determining the power supply cutoff (for example, high). The value) is set, but the same value may be used), and it is judged that the power is turned on.

Further, a setting key type switch 883, a setting change switch 884, and a setting indicator lamp 891 are connected to the main control board 860. The setting key type switch 883 is a switch that is operated when the setting confirmation and setting change of the setting value that determines the advantage for the player, for example, the degree (rank) of the winning combination probability is performed, and the setting change switch. The 884 is a switch for changing the set value in a plurality of steps (six steps in the present embodiment). The setting key type switch 883 and the setting change switch 884 are provided in a setting change unit (not shown) mounted on the main control board 860. Specifically, the setting change unit has a setting change key cylinder (not shown) that can be rotated by inserting a setting change key (not shown) possessed by a game clerk. The key type switch 883 is configured to be switched by the rotation operation of the setting change key cylinder. The setting change switch 884 is arranged in the vicinity of the setting change key cylinder, and is configured to be pressed by a game clerk.

The main control board 860 (setting change unit) is set in a state where the front door 802 is open (door open state) and power is not supplied (power switch of the power supply device 880 is OFF state). Setting change key of the change part When the power switch is turned on while the setting change key is inserted in the cylinder and rotated clockwise (clockwise) by about 90 degrees, the setting change mode (set value is changed). The enabled mode) is started. Further, in this setting change mode, each time the setting change switch is pressed, the setting value is switched in 6 steps from 1 to 6, and the switched setting value is displayed on the setting display lamp 891. Then, when the start lever 825 is operated, the set value is confirmed, and when the setting change key is returned to the original position, the setting change mode is terminated and the mode shifts to the normal mode (mode in which the game can be executed). Further, when the mode is changed from the setting change mode to the normal mode, a setting change sound for notifying that the setting change is completed is output from a predetermined speaker (details will be described later). Further, the main control board 860 (setting change unit) confirms the setting when the setting change key inserted in the setting change key cylinder is rotated clockwise (clockwise) by about 90 degrees in the normal mode. The mode (mode in which the set value can be confirmed) is started, and the current set value is displayed on the setting display lamp 891. Then, when the setting change key is returned to the original position, the setting confirmation mode is terminated and the mode shifts to the normal mode. The setting display lamp 891 is configured by using a 7-segment LED capable of displaying a one-digit number.

Although not shown, a reset switch is connected to the main control board 860. This reset switch is a switch that is operated by a game clerk or the like when a predetermined error (an error other than the above-mentioned E system error) occurs in the slot machine SM and the cause of the error is removed and the error is resolved. Is. By operating this reset switch, the error occurrence information stored in the main control board 860 and the sub control board 870 is cleared, and accordingly, the processing at the time of error resolution is executed by the main control board 860 and the sub control board 870. Will be done.

Further, an information display lamp 892 that can be mounted on the main control board 860 is connected to the main control board 860. The information display lamp 892 is composed of a 4-digit LED display lamp (7-segment LED with dots) similar to the performance display monitor 500 (see FIG. 10) described in the above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine PM, and has an accessory ratio. Information about 7 segments is displayed. As information on the bonus ratio, for example, a two-digit identifier symbol indicating the type of the bonus ratio (feature ratio, continuous bonus ratio, designated bonus ratio, advantageous period ratio, etc.) and the identifier symbol correspond to the identifier symbol. It is possible to display a 4-digit number or the like in combination with the 2-digit ratio of the information display lamp 892.

The bonus ratio indicates the ratio of the number of payouts during operation of the bonus (first-class special bonus, second-class special bonus and ordinary bonus) to the total number of payouts, and the identifier symbol is, for example, "7Y." It is said that. The continuous bonus ratio indicates the ratio of the number of payouts during the operation of the first-class special bonus to the total number of payouts, and the identifier symbol is, for example, "6Y.". The instruction-included bonus ratio indicates the ratio of the number of payouts during the bonus operation to the total number of payouts and the number of payouts when the instruction function is activated (when the push navigation is executed), and the identifier symbol is, for example, "7P.". .. The advantageous period ratio indicates the ratio of the number of games during the stay in the advantageous section to the total number of games, and the identifier symbol is, for example, "7U.". In addition, in the case of a specification that does not have an instruction function, the advantageous period ratio may be displayed instead of the instruction-included accessory ratio. The information display lamp 892 switches and displays the indicated bonus ratio or the advantageous period ratio, the continuous bonus ratio, and the bonus ratio every predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds).

On the other hand, on the sub-main control board 70A, a sub-main CPU that mainly performs various arithmetic processes related to production management, a sub-main ROM that is a read-only storage device that stores control programs and the like, and information writing and reading are performed. A sub-main RAM, which is a storage device capable of processing, is arranged, and each drive circuit or the like operates according to a control program stored in the sub-main ROM, thereby relating to the management of image production and audio production in the slot machine SM. Control, control related to lamp production, etc. are performed. The sub-main ROM and the sub-main RAM are non-volatile storage devices, and are configured to hold the stored information even when power is not supplied. Further, a clock pulse generator and a frequency divider (not shown) are connected to the sub-main CPU, and a predetermined process is executed according to the clock signal generated by the clock pulse generator and the frequency divider. It has become.

The sub-main control board 870A (sub-main CPU) receives various signals from the main control board 860, and lamps such as effect lamps 812,813a, 813b, 814a, 814b, decorative lamps 832a, 832b, and back lamps 838a to 838c. Controls the lighting of. Further, the sub-main control board 870A is configured to transmit various signals to the sub-sub control board 870B and to receive various signals from the sub-sub control board 870B. Hereinafter, the signal (control signal) transmitted from the main control board 860 to the sub-main control board 870A is also referred to as a “control command”, and the signal (notification signal or effect signal) transmitted from the sub-main control board 870A to the sub-sub control board 870B is also referred to. ) Is also referred to as a "directing command". Further, the signal (state signal) transmitted from the sub-sub control board 870B to the sub-main control board 870A is also referred to as a “state command”.

The sub-sub control board 870B has a sub-sub CPU that mainly performs various arithmetic processes related to control of image effect and sound effect, a sub-sub ROM that is a read-only storage device that stores a control program, and the like, and writes and reads information. A sub-sub RAM, which is a possible storage device, is arranged, and by operating each drive circuit or the like according to a control program stored in the sub-sub ROM, control related to image effect and sound effect is performed. There is. The sub-sub ROM and the sub-sub RAM are non-volatile storage devices, and are configured to hold the stored information even when power is not supplied.

The sub-sub control board 870B (sub-sub CPU) is configured to receive a notification signal or an effect signal from the sub-main control board 870A and transmit a status signal to the sub-main control board 70A. Further, based on the effect command from the sub-main control board 870A, the image display device 811 is controlled to display a predetermined effect image, and the speakers 815a, 815b, 844a, 844b are controlled to generate a predetermined sound from the speaker. Let me. The image display device 811 is also configured to function as a push order display (also referred to as a "sub-side push order display") that displays the operation order (push order) of the stop switches 826a to 826c.

Next, various functions of the slot machine SM (mainly the main control board 860 / sub control board 870) will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, the slot machine SM mainly includes the main control means 1100 (corresponding to the main control board 860) that performs the main control related to the progress of the game, and the game. It is provided with a sub-control unit 1200 (corresponding to a sub-control board 870) that performs a predetermined effect control according to a situation.

The main control means 1100 is roughly divided into a game state management means 1110 that mainly manages the game state, a game progress management means 1130 that mainly manages the game progress, and a main communication control that controls communication in the main control means 1100. It is configured to include means 1150. Of these, the game state management means 1110 includes an RT state control means 1112, a re-game operation control means 1113, a bonus operation control means 1114, a freeze control means 1115, a game mode control means 1116, and a random number generation / capture means 1117. ing.

Further, the game progress management means 1130 includes a reception medal management means 1131, a combination determination means 1132, an effect group number determination means 1133, a reel control means 1134, a stop display symbol determination means 1135, a payout medal management means 1136, and a blocker control means 1137. The display lamp control means 1138, the push order management means 1139, and the condition device group number determination means 1140 are provided, and the main communication control means 1150 includes a control command transmission means 1151 and an outer end signal transmission means 1152. The above-mentioned means in the main control means 1100 are controlled by hardware such as a main CPU, a main ROM, a main RAM, an electronic circuit, and the main ROM arranged on the main control board 60 shown in FIG. It is a functional representation of what is composed of software such as programs.

(Each means constituting the game state management means 1110)
The RT state control means 1112 is configured to control the setting of a plurality of RT states (for example, three RT states of non-RT, RT1, and RT2) having different winning probabilities of the replay combination. The RT state control means 1112 shifts the RT state when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied.

The re-game operation control means 1113 is in a state in which the next game is permitted without betting the game medal owned by the player (also referred to as "re-game operation state") when the re-game combination is established. It is configured to be set to (referred to as). When set to the re-game operation state, information indicating that the re-game operation state is set (also referred to as "re-game operation state flag") is set in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM (for example, the value "1" is stored. ). The set re-game operation state flag is cleared (value "0" is stored) at a predetermined time until the re-game operation state is cleared.

The bonus operation control means 1114 is configured to execute a predetermined process in a period from the time when the predetermined bonus combination is won to the end of the bonus game executed when the predetermined bonus combination is established. ing. For example, when a predetermined bonus combination is won, information indicating that the predetermined bonus combination has been won (also referred to as a "bonus winning flag") is set in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM (for example, a value "1" is stored). do. Further, when a predetermined bonus combination is established, information indicating that the bonus is activated (also referred to as a "bonus activation flag") is set in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM (for example, a value "1" is set. Remember.

The freeze control means 1115 delays the execution of a control process related to the progress of the game (for example, a process of accepting a bet operation, a reel rotation start operation, a reel rotation stop operation, etc.) for a predetermined time when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Is configured to set. In the present embodiment, it is possible to execute a freeze performed after the operation of the start lever 825 is received (freeze at the time of lever) and a freeze performed after the rotation of all reels 803a to 803c is stopped (freeze at the time of all stops).

The game mode control means 1116 is configured to control the settings of a plurality of game modes (for example, eight game modes from game mode 0 to game mode 7). The game mode means a game state (also referred to as “main game state”) mainly related to the AT setting state, which is controlled by the main control means side separately from the RT state. The game mode control means 1116 shifts the game mode when a predetermined shift condition is satisfied.

The plurality of game modes are divided into a game mode belonging to a normal section and a game mode belonging to an advantageous section. The normal section is a period in which push navigation (winning navigation, RP navigation, and push navigation) is not performed, and information that can determine the push order (information such as a combination determination result number and an instruction number) is sub-controlled from the main control means side. It is also a period when it is not transmitted to the means side. In addition, the normal section is also a period during which a lottery can be conducted to determine whether or not the transition to the advantageous section is possible.

The advantageous section is a period during which push navigation can be performed, and is also a period during which information capable of determining the push order may be transmitted from the main control means side to the sub control means side. Further, the advantageous section is also a period during which a lottery or the like for changing the performance or the like of the advantageous section can be performed. Further, in the advantageous section, a section indicator for notifying the player that the section is in the advantageous section (for example, the DP segment lamp among the 7 segment lamps constituting the payout number display lamp 846j (also referred to as “advantageous section lamp”). Lights up. While staying in the advantageous section, the winning navigation may be performed at least once (in this case, if the winning navigation has not been performed even once, the transition to the normal section is performed. May not be possible).

In addition, there is an upper limit (1500 games) for the period during which a person can stay continuously in an advantageous section. Further, when the upper limit is reached and the advantageous section is ended, all the information related to the advantageous section (for example, information such as the AT winning flag) is cleared. When the upper limit is reached and the advantageous section is ended, the winning navigation may not be performed even once during the stay in the advantageous section. In addition, when the lottery for deciding whether or not to shift to the advantageous section and the lottery for changing the performance of the advantageous section are performed based on the selected combination determination result number, the combination determination result without setting difference is provided. It may be performed only by the number, and in particular, the lottery for changing the performance of the advantageous section may be performed based on the conditions other than the combination determination result number. Then, in that case, it may be performed without referring to the set value.

In the present embodiment, an advantageous section clear counter is provided for grasping the number of games continuously staying in the advantageous section, and the value of this advantageous section clear counter is set to "1500" when shifting from the normal section to the advantageous section. set. Then, every time the game is exhausted in the advantageous section, the value of the advantageous section clear counter is subtracted by 1, and when the value of the counter becomes "0", the game is forcibly shifted to the normal section. If the value of the advantageous section clear counter shifts from the advantageous section to the normal section before the value of the advantageous section clear counter becomes "0", the value of the advantageous section clear counter is cleared (set to "0"), and the normal section is changed to the advantageous section again. When shifting to, the value of the advantageous section clear counter is reset to "1500".

The random number generation / acquisition means 1117 is configured to generate and capture random numbers used in various lottery. In this embodiment, four 16-bit random number means (4ch: ch is an abbreviation for "channel") capable of generating a random number sequence in a numerical range of "0 to 65535" at the maximum, and "0 to 255" at the maximum. It has four (4ch) 8-bit random number means capable of generating random numbers in the numerical range up to, and each of them can independently generate a random number sequence.

(Each means constituting the game progress management means 1130)
The receiving medal management means 1131 is detected by the inserted medal sensor 828b guided to the receiving passage among the game medals actually accepted (also referred to as “inserted game medals”) among the game medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 21. It is configured to control whether a game medal (also referred to as an "accepted game medal") is a game medal that is directly bet or a game medal that is credited. In the present embodiment, if the number of bets does not reach the maximum bet allowable number (the number of bets required to execute the game (specified number "3")), the accepted game medal is directly bet on the game medal. If the number of bets has reached the maximum number of bets and the number of credits has not reached the maximum number of credits (for example, "50"), the accepted game medal is configured to be a credited game medal. ing.

Further, in the game set to the re-game operation state, the acceptance medal management means 1131 automatically bets (the same number of game medals as the number of bets in the previous game is obtained without reducing the number of game medals held by the player). It is configured to perform the process of setting the bet state). Even in the re-game operation state, if the number of credits does not reach the maximum credit allowance, the inserted game medal is accepted as a credited game medal (may not be accepted). If the number of bets has reached the maximum number of bets and the number of credits has reached the maximum number of credits, the inserted game medals will not be accepted and will be returned.

The combination determination means 1132 determines a plurality of combinations based on a preset combination determination probability (number of lottery positions) triggered by the operation of the start lever 825 (the operation of the start lever 825 is effectively accepted). It is configured to perform a combination determination process (internal lottery) for selecting at least one combination determination result number from the result numbers (conditional device numbers). This combination determination process is performed using a random number generated by the 16-bit random number means described above. Specifically, when the start lever 825 is operated, the 16-bit random number means takes in the generated random numbers. Then, when the combination determination process is performed, the captured random numbers are read out, and the combination determination result number is selected using the read random numbers.

The combination determination process is performed with reference to a predetermined combination determination table (not shown) set in advance. The combination determination table has a configuration in which lottery number data corresponding to each combination determination result number is stored in a predetermined storage area (multiple addresses) in the main ROM for each set value. When one or more combination determination result numbers are selected in the combination determination process, the game combination corresponding to the selected combination determination result number becomes the winning combination in the game. The information of the winning combination related to the selected combination determination result number is stored in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM, but the information of the winning combination stored in one game is the information regarding the winning of the small combination or the re-game combination. If this is the case, the game is cleared to zero after the end of the game, regardless of whether or not these small roles and re-game combinations are established. On the other hand, if the information regarding the winning of the predetermined bonus combination (RB combination, MB combination, BB combination) is not established even if the predetermined bonus combination is won, it is not cleared until the predetermined bonus combination is established. It is stored in memory.

In the combination determination process, the probability that each combination determination result number is selected (combination determination probability) can be arbitrarily set. Further, the winning combination determination probability can be configured so as to be changed according to the above-mentioned set value set by the game clerk or the like. In this embodiment, the set value is configured in 6 stages of settings 1 to 6, and the winning combination decision result number whose winning combination decision probability is changed according to the setting value and the winning combination decision probability do not change even if the set value is changed. The winning combination result number is provided. Hereinafter, setting so that the winning combination probability is changed according to the set value is referred to as "providing a setting difference". It is possible to arbitrarily determine whether or not a setting difference is provided for each combination determination result number. As an example, there is no setting difference for the role determination result number that triggers the lottery that affects the payout rate (ratio of the number of payouts to the number of game medals used for the game) in the slot machine SM. Regarding the combination determination result number that does not trigger, it is possible to set or not set a difference.

The effect group number determination means 1133 is configured to perform a process of associating the effect group number with the combination determination result number selected by the combination determination process. In the present embodiment, there are a plurality of role determination result numbers in which advantages and disadvantages in the game (influence on the payout) occur due to the difference in the pushing order, and the number of payouts (the number of acquired medals) of the game medals is different. , After dividing into several groups, assign a common production group number to each group. On the other hand, the difference in the push order does not affect the advantages and disadvantages of the game (there is no effect on the payout). For the combination determination result number corresponding to the winning of a small combination with no difference in the number (acquisition number) or the number of game medals that can be acquired is small (for example, less than the specified number of bets), the individual combination determination result Assign different production group numbers to the numbers.

The reel control means 1134 confirms that the minimum gaming time has elapsed when the start lever 825 is operated (the operation of the start lever 825 is effectively accepted), and then the reels 803a to 803c. The stop switches 826a, 826b, and 826c were sequentially operated (each operation of the stop switches 826a to 826c was effectively accepted) after the rotation was started and all the reels that had started rotation were in the constant speed rotation state. ), The corresponding reels 803a to 803c are configured to be sequentially stopped from rotating.

The rotation stop control of each reel 3a to 3c is based on each stop table (not shown) set (set) according to the combination determination result selected by the combination determination process, and the operation mode (push) of the stop switches 826a to 826c is performed. It is done according to the order, operation timing, etc.). In each reel 803a to 803c, each reel 803a to 803c is stopped within a predetermined stop allowable time (for example, 190 milliseconds) from the timing when the stop switches 826a, 826b, 826c are operated (in the present embodiment). It is performed (within the range of the maximum number of sliding frames of 5 frames).

That is, when a predetermined game combination is selected as a winning combination as a result of the combination determination process, the corresponding symbol of the selected gaming combination is stopped on the valid line 829 as much as possible within the range of the stop allowable time. As is displayed, in the case of loss, the reels 803a to 803c are stopped and controlled so that the corresponding symbols of any of the game combinations are not stopped and displayed on the effective line 829. In addition, when the re-game role or the small role is won during the carry-over of the special role, or when the special role and the re-game role or the small role are elected in duplicate, the re-game role, the special role, the small role The reel rotation stop control of the re-game combination priority (the priority of the small combination may be higher than that of the special combination) may be performed.

The stop display symbol determination means 1135 determines which symbol is the symbol stopped and displayed by the reels 803a to 803c based on the timing when the stop switches 826a to 826c are operated, and is stopped and displayed on the effective line 829. It is configured to determine whether or not the game combination is established based on the combination of symbols determined to have been determined (which may be different from the symbol combination actually stopped and displayed).

The payout medal management means 1136 adds the number of game medals corresponding to the small winning combination established when the small winning combination is established to the number of credits when the number of credits does not reach the maximum credit allowance. Therefore, when the number of credits has reached the maximum allowable number of credits, the actual payout that drives the medal payout device 850 is used to pay out. Further, the payout medal management means 1136 pays out the number of bet game medals or the number of credited game medals when the clearing operation (pressing operation of the clearing switch 824) is effectively accepted. The 850 is driven and refunded.

The blocker control means 1137 outputs a blocker signal for controlling the above-mentioned blocker 848 so as to switch the blocker 848 between an ON state (game medal acceptance state) and an OFF state (game medal acceptance state). It is configured in. When the blocker 848 is turned off, the game medals inserted in the medal insertion slot 821 are guided to the return passage and returned. However, the insertion of the game medal is detected by the insertion medal sensor 828a.

The display lamp control means 1138 includes the above-mentioned various display lamps (MAX-BET display lamp 846a, BET lamp 846b, insertable display lamp 846c, game start display lamp 846d, re-game display lamp 846e, status display lamp 846f, number of times. The indicator lamp 846 g, the CRE lamp 846h, the payout number indicator lamp 846j) and the information display lamp 892 are configured to control lighting and extinguishing. When the payout number display lamp 846j functions as the main push order alarm, the payout number display lamp 846j is controlled by the push order management means 1139.

The push order management means 1139 selects an instruction number (any of 0 to 6) corresponding to the push order to be notified according to the combination determination result selected by the combination determination process. The instruction number 0 is selected when the push order is not notified, and the instruction numbers 1 to 6 are selected when the push order is to be notified. In the present embodiment, the instruction number 1 is "left middle right", the instruction number 2 is "left and right middle", the instruction number 3 is "middle left and right", the instruction number 4 is "middle right left", and the instruction number 5 is "right left middle". , The instruction number 6 is associated with each pressing order of "right, middle, left".

Further, the push order management means 1139 is also configured to make the payout number display lamp 846j function as a main side push order alarm and perform push navigation (main side push navigation) by notifying the selected instruction number. There is. This push navigation uses two 7-segment lamps (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "7-segment") provided on the payout number display lamp 846j to notify the instruction number. For example, "=" is displayed on the left 7-segment display, and the numerical value of the instruction number (for example, "2" for the instruction number 2) is displayed on the right 7-segment display. The “=” displayed on the left 7-segment is for distinguishing from the case where the payout number is displayed on the payout number display lamp 846j. When the instruction number 0 is selected, the payout number display lamp 846j is not displayed, but as another embodiment, "=" is displayed on the left 7-segment display and "0" is displayed on the right 7-segment display. It may be displayed, "0" may be displayed on both the left 7-segment and the right 7-segment, or "0" may be displayed on only one of the left and right 7-segments.

The condition device group number determining means 1140 is configured to determine the condition device group number used for selecting the winning value in various lottery according to the effect group number determined by the effect group number determination means 1133. There is.

(Each means constituting the main communication control means 1150)
The control command transmitting means 1151 is configured to transmit a control command including various information about the game at a predetermined timing. For example, as a control command to be transmitted before the start lever 825 is operated, a control command (also referred to as a "game mode command") including information indicating which game mode is set, and which RT state is set. There are control commands (also referred to as "RT commands") that include information indicating whether or not the game is being played, and control commands (also referred to as "operating state commands") that include information indicating the operating state of the replay. Further, as the control command to be transmitted when the start lever 825 is operated, for example, a control command including information on the instruction number (also referred to as “instruction number command”) and a control command including information on the effect group number (also referred to as “instruction number command”). There is also a "directing group number command"). In addition to this, the start lever 825 is operated with a control command including information on the set value, a control command including information on the value of various counters, a control command including information indicating the effect content to be executed by the sub-control means, and the like. It may be transmitted before, when the start lever 825 is operated, or when the other is triggered.

Further, the control command transmitting means 1151 has a control command ("" Also called "full reel rotation start command") is sent. Further, when the first stop operation (operation of the stop switch for stopping the first reel) is accepted, a control command (“first stop acceptance”) including information indicating that the first stop operation is accepted is received. A control command (also referred to as a "first stop command") that includes information on the first cylinder stop is transmitted and triggered by the first cylinder stop (stopping the reel corresponding to the first stop operation). ) Is sent. Similarly, when the second stop operation (operation of the stop switch for stopping the second reel) is accepted, a control command (“second stop”) including information indicating that the second stop operation is accepted is received. A control command (“second stop command”) that includes information on the second body stop, triggered by the second body stop (stopping the reel corresponding to the second stop operation), while sending a reception command). Also called). Similarly, when the third stop operation (operation of the stop switch for stopping the third reel) is accepted, a control command (“third stop acceptance”) including information indicating that the third stop operation is accepted is received. A control command (also referred to as a "third stop command") that includes information on the third cylinder stop is transmitted and triggered by the third cylinder stop (stopping the reel corresponding to the third stop operation). ) Is sent. Further, a control command (also referred to as "all stop command") including information on all rounds stop before the stop symbol is determined, and a control command including information on the number of game medals to be paid out after the stop symbol is determined ("payout"). Also called "number command") is sent. In addition, a control command (also referred to as a "combination determination result command") including information on the combination determination result (bonus condition device and winning replay condition device) is transmitted at a predetermined timing after the whole rotation is stopped. Communication between the main control means 1100 and the sub control means 1200 (sub-main control means 1200A) is possible only in one direction from the former to the latter.

The outer end signal transmitting means 1152 is configured to transmit an outer end signal to an external device such as a data counter or a hall computer when a predetermined gaming state is reached. In the present embodiment, there is a situation in which a predetermined number of game medals are paid out twice (consecutively) when a predetermined combination determination result is selected while staying in a predetermined game mode in an advantageous section. When it occurs, the outer end signal is output. The outer end signal may be output when a predetermined bonus combination is established or when AT is set.

The sub-control means 1200 mainly controls the sub-main control means (also referred to as "first sub-control means") 1200A that mainly manages (instructs) the lamp effect, the image effect, and the sound effect, and mainly controls the image effect and the sound effect. It is configured to include a sub-sub control means (also referred to as a "second sub-control means") 1200B to be (executed).

The sub-main control means 1200A is roughly classified into the effect management means 1210 and the sub-main communication control means 1230. The effect management means 1210 includes a game effect management means 1211, a notification effect management means 1212, and a lamp effect control means 1213, and the sub-main communication control means 230 includes a control command receiving means 1231, an effect command transmitting means 1232, and a state command. The receiving means 1233 is provided. The above-mentioned means in the sub-main control means 1200A are hardware such as a sub-main CPU, a sub-main ROM, a sub-main RAM, an electronic circuit, and a sub-main ROM arranged on the sub-main control board 870A shown in FIG. It is a functional representation of what is configured by software such as a control program stored in.

(Each means constituting the production management means 1210)
The game production management means 1211 mainly controls the execution time and the like of the image and sound production (also referred to as "game production") executed by the sub-sub control means 1200B for the purpose of improving the interest of the game and enhancing the playability. It is configured to manage based on the control command from the means 1100. The game production includes, for example, continuous production, single-shot production, assist production, and the like.

The continuous effect is an effect that is continuous over a plurality of game periods, and mainly uses an image display device 811 to display an image that is a continuous story over a plurality of game periods. Examples include those that display a production image or the like that symbolizes that the player is staying in a predetermined game mode. In addition, when performing a continuous effect or a single-shot effect described below, the effect lamps 812, 813a, 813b, 814a, 814b and the decorative lamps 832a, 832b are used, or the speakers 815a, 815b, 844a, 844b are used. You may combine the effects that you had.

The single-shot effect is an effect that is executed in a single-shot manner when a specific situation occurs in the progress of the game. For example, when each reel is rotated, an image indicating an expected degree of winning of a game combination may be displayed by an image display device 811. Further, when the number of AT games is added in the main control means 1100, the value of the added number of AT games (for example, characters such as "+10") is displayed on the display screen 811a of the image display device 811. Production is also an example of one-shot production.

The assist effect is an effect for supporting the player, and in the present embodiment, the push navigation effect is mainly performed according to the information of the instruction number transmitted by the navigation number command from the main control means 1100. This push navigation effect (sub-side push navigation) uses the image display device 811 as a sub-side push order display to display the push order (correct answer push order) according to the navigation number to the player on the display screen 811a. It is a one-shot production to be displayed on. In this embodiment, the RP navigation effect corresponding to the above-mentioned RP navigation (sub-side RP navigation), the winning navigation effect corresponding to the winning navigation (sub-side winning navigation), and the eye-pushing navigation effect corresponding to the eye-pushing navigation (sub-side winning navigation). Sub-side push navigation) is to be executed.

As a specific mode of the push navigation effect (RP navigation effect, winning navigation effect) for notifying the push order, a mode of displaying a number indicating the corresponding push order (for example, in the case of the "left first" push order, "1" is displayed at the lower left of the display screen 811a, and in the case of "middle left / right" pressing order, the numbers indicating the pressing order are arranged at the bottom of the display screen 811a in the order of "2, 1, 3" from the left side. The mode of notifying) is given as an example. When displaying from the first push order to the third push order, the display of the first push order is turned off and displayed when the player operates the first stop switch according to the displayed first push order. The display of the second push order is turned off when the player operates the second stop switch according to the push order, and the third push order is displayed when the player operates the third stop switch according to the displayed third push order. You may turn off the display.

Further, when the player operates the stop switch in an order different from the displayed push order, the push order navigation effect may be terminated immediately. Further, when displaying the pressing order, the voice "Naka", the voice "Hidari", and the voice "Migi" are output from the speakers 815a, 815b, etc. in association with the operation to be performed next. You may.

The notification effect management means 1212 mainly determines the execution time of the image or sound effect (hereinafter referred to as “notification effect”) executed by the sub-sub control means 1200B for the purpose of notifying the player of information about the game. It is configured to manage based on the control command from the control means 1100. As the notification effect, for example, an error notification effect for notifying the occurrence of an error with text information such as "error occurrence", or "image preparation" for an image being prepared when the power is turned off and restored. Examples include the effect of notifying with text information. In addition, in order to prevent the player from being excessively absorbed in the game (immersion), an effect of displaying an image (also referred to as a "caution image") containing character information for calling the player's attention is also notified. It is given as an example of production.

The lamp effect control means 1213 is configured to control various lighting effects using the effect lamps 812, 813a, 813b, 814a, 814b, the decorative lamps 832a, 832b, and the back lamps 838a to 838d. In addition, it is configured to perform the suggestion effect described later.

(Each means constituting the sub-main communication control means 1230)
The control command receiving means 1231 is configured to receive a control command from the main control means 1100 and store it in a predetermined storage area such as a sub-main RAM (for example, a command buffer for the received control command).

The effect command transmission means 1232 is configured to transmit an effect command (for example, an effect command including image information) including various information related to the effect to the sub-sub control means 1200B based on the control command from the main control means 1100. ing.

The state command receiving means 1233 receives a state command (for example, a state command including information that a reception error of an effect command has occurred) from the sub-sub control means 1200B, and receives a predetermined storage area such as a sub-main RAM (for example). It is configured to be stored in the command buffer for the received status command).

The sub-sub control means 1200B is roughly classified into the effect execution control means 1250 and the sub-sub communication control means 1270 with respect to the sub-main control means 1200A configured as described above. The effect execution control means 1250 includes a game effect execution control means 1251 and a notification effect execution control means 1252, and the sub-sub communication control means 1270 includes an effect command receiving means 1271 and a state command transmitting means 1272. In addition, each of the above-mentioned means in the sub-sub control means 1200B is a control program stored in hardware such as a sub-sub CPU, a sub-sub ROM, a sub-sub RAM, an electronic circuit, etc. arranged on the sub-sub control board 870B shown in FIG. It is a functional representation of what is composed of software such as.

(Each means constituting the effect execution control means 1250)
The game effect execution control means 1251 is configured to control the image display device 811, the speakers 815a, 815b, etc. based on the effect command from the sub-main control means 1200A, and execute the above-mentioned game effect.

The notification effect execution control means 1252 is configured to control the image display device 811, the speakers 815a, 815b, etc. based on the effect command from the sub-main control means 1200A, and execute the above-mentioned notification effect.

(Each means constituting the sub-sub communication control means 1270)
The effect command receiving means 1271 is configured to receive the effect command from the sub-main control means 1200A and store it in a predetermined storage area such as a sub-sub RAM (for example, a command buffer for the received effect command).

The state command transmitting means 1272 is configured to transmit the above-mentioned state command to the sub-main control means 1200A.

The transmission of the control command from the control command transmission means 1151 described above, the transmission of the effect command from the effect command transmission means 1232, and the transmission of the state command from the state command transmission means 1272 are all performed by the serial communication method (parallel). It may be done by the communication method). Further, each transmission means 1151, 1232, 1272 has a similar configuration, and is a command buffer (also referred to as “CB”) as a storage area for temporarily storing a command to be transmitted, and writing or reading a command to be transmitted. It is configured to include a command processing unit that performs processing such as, and a command transmission unit that transmits commands by serial communication.

The CB has a plurality of storage areas distinguished by each address, and is configured to store 1 byte of command data in each storage area. The command processing unit generates command data to be transmitted, writes it to the address area indicated by the CB write pointer, reads previously written command data from the address area indicated by the CB read pointer, and commands it. It is configured to write to the TDR (transmission data register) of the transmission unit. The command transmission unit is configured to transfer the command data written in the TDR to a TSR (transmission shift register), serially convert the command data there, and transmit the command data.

When using the parallel communication method, the previously written command data is read from the address area indicated by the CB read pointer, and the command data is sent to a predetermined output port (output port for transmitting to the sub-control means). It is configured to send by writing to. One command in this embodiment usually has a 2-byte configuration (the checksum has a 1-byte configuration). Further, the communication method is a pace synchronization type (asynchronous type), and has a 1-bit stop bit and a 1-bit parity bit (even parity) (the communication method and command configuration can be changed as appropriate).

[Main control processing]
Hereinafter, among the control processes performed by the main control means 1100 of the slot machine SM, the game progress control process and the main timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

<Game progress control processing>
The game progress control process is a basic process that is repeatedly executed during the game, and as shown in FIG. 15, it waits in that state until the operation of the start lever 825 is accepted (step S101), and when it is accepted, it serves. The determination process is performed (step S102). In this combination determination process, the combination determination result (winning item) is selected based on the random number value generated by the 16-bit random number means. The information on the selected combination determination result is stored in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM.

After performing the combination determination process, the game mode common start process is performed (step S103). This game mode common start process is a process that is commonly performed regardless of whether the player is staying in any game mode (details are omitted). After the game mode common start time process, the game mode-specific start time process is performed (step S104). The game mode-specific start-time process is a general term for each start-time process that is performed separately for each set game mode (details omitted).

When the start processing for each game mode is completed, the process proceeds to step S105. In this step S105, it is determined whether or not the freeze flag (the flag that manages whether or not to freeze) is ON. Here, when the freeze flag is ON, the freeze flag is frozen for a predetermined set time (step S106), the freeze flag is cleared after the freeze is executed (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the freeze flag is not ON, the process proceeds to step S108 without performing the processes of steps S106 and S107, and push navigation processing (process of executing push navigation according to the combination determination result number or the like) is performed.

After the push navigation process is completed, the rotation start process is performed (step S109). Specifically, the rotation state from the start of rotation of each reel to the constant speed state is managed. Next, the rotation stop processing is performed (step S110). Specifically, when the operation of the stop switch is accepted, the stoptable position is determined according to the accepted timing (push position and push order) and the result of the combination determination, and the reel decelerates to the stop. Performs the process of managing the rotation state. After the spinning stop process is performed, the end time process for each game mode (process performed for each set game mode after the reel is stopped) is performed (step S111). This end-time process for each game mode is a general term for each end-time process that is performed separately for each set game mode (details omitted). When the end process for each game mode is completed, the game mode common end process (process commonly performed after the reels are stopped regardless of the set game mode) is performed (step S112), and the process returns to step S1.

<Main timer interrupt processing>
Next, the timer interrupt process on the main side will be described. In the present embodiment, processing such as reading of each game operation signal output in response to a game operation such as a bet operation performed by the player, detection (confirmation) of the signal level, transmission of each control command, reel drive control, and the like. Is performed by the main side timer interrupt process performed at predetermined fixed time (for example, 2.235 milliseconds) intervals. In this main-side timer interrupt process, as shown in FIG. 16, first, interrupt initial processing (register save, interrupt prohibition, etc.) is performed (step MT11), and then whether or not a power failure is detected. Is determined (step MT12). Here, if the power cutoff is detected, the power cutoff process is performed (step MT25). In the power cutoff process, registers are saved, stack pointers are saved, interrupt states are saved, and the like. In addition, information on the combination determination result and information on the game state (including information on the AT) stored in the predetermined storage area are retained, and processing such as checksum calculation and storage is also performed.

On the other hand, if the power failure is not detected, the interrupt counter value is updated (subtracted by "1") (step MT13), and the timer is further measured (step MT14). This timer measurement performs subtraction, addition processing, and the like of the timer value of any timer set in the above-mentioned game progress control processing. Next, the input port is read (step MT15). In reading the input port, the signal level of each game operation signal input to the input port is read and stored, and the signal level is determined.

Next, a reel drive control process for controlling the drive of the reels 803a to 803c (acceleration of rotation, deceleration, maintenance of constant speed, maintenance of stop, etc.) is performed (step MT16). In this reel drive control process, a reel drive pulse output indicating the timing of switching the output phase (excitation phase) of the stepping motor according to the reel drive state (stop, reel rotation standby, acceleration, constant speed, deceleration, etc.) Processing such as updating the counter value and acquiring, updating, and outputting the reel drive pulse data for driving the stepping motor is performed. In the next step MT17, it is determined whether or not the reel drive control process has been executed for all reels, and if not, the process returns to step MT16 and the reel drive control process is performed again. On the other hand, when executed on all reels, a port output process for exciting output of reels, hopper motors, blockers, etc. is performed (step MT18), and a control command stored in a control command buffer (CB) is transmitted. Command transmission processing is performed (step MT19).

Next, the process proceeds to step MT20, the outer end signal (external signal) data stored in the predetermined storage area is read out, and the outer end signal is output. Next, LED display is performed so that the above-mentioned display lamps 846a to 846h, 846j and the information display lamp 892 execute a predetermined display (step MT21). In this LED display, for example, the payout number display lamp 846j executes the following display. That is, when no error (excluding E-type error) has occurred, the number of payouts "0 to 9" is displayed based on the number of game medals paid out, or the numerical value "1 to 6" is displayed based on the set value. Display it. Further, when the push order is notified, the display modes "= 1" to "= 6" of the navigation number are displayed. If an error (excluding an E-type error) has occurred, an error display is executed based on the value of the error number.

Next, the process proceeds to step MT22 to perform error management. In this error management, first, an error check is performed. In this error check, it is determined whether or not an H0 error has occurred, whether or not a CE error has occurred, whether or not a CP error has occurred, whether or not a CH error has occurred, and C0. Judgment of whether or not an error has occurred, judgment of whether or not a C1 error has occurred, judgment of whether or not an E6 error has occurred, judgment of whether or not an E7 error has occurred, and further, E6 error or When an E7 error occurs, an error is displayed on the payout number display lamp 46j, and processing such as stopping the execution of the game is performed. If an E-type error occurs, the error can be recovered if the above-mentioned setting change processing is executed. After this error check, if an error occurs, the output request set at the time of error detection for transmitting the error information to the sub-control means 1200 is processed. After executing this error management process, a process of updating a random number used for winning combination determination (step MT23) is performed, an interrupt return process (register return, interrupt permission, etc.) is performed (step MT24), and an interrupt return is performed. do.

Hereinafter, characteristic parts of the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PM and slot machine SM) according to the present invention will be described. The contents (feature configuration) described below are applicable to both the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM.

<Slide open / close type board case>
First, the substrate case CU1 shown in these figures will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 23. In the following explanation, for convenience, this board case CU1 is used as a pachinko gaming machine PM.
The present invention will be described as a board case for accommodating the main control board 51 of the above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, the up-down and left-right front-back directions are defined as the directions in the state of being attached to the pachinko gaming machine PM with reference to the state of FIG. The directions of the arrows shown in are referred to as front-back, left-right, and up-down, respectively. 17 is a view of the board case CU1 seen from the rear, FIG. 18 is a view of the board case CU1 seen from the front, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the board case CU1 seen from the rear side, and FIG. 20 is housed in the board case CU1. 21 is a diagram showing a component surface of the main control board 51, FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a solder surface of the main control board 51, FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining a slide mounting method of the substrate case CU1, and FIG. 23 is a substrate case. It is a figure which shows the exposed state of the substrate soldering surface when CU1 is slid open.

The main control board 51 is configured with a rectangular printed wiring board as a board, and as shown in FIG. 20, the setting changing unit 600 and a plurality of connectors (only the connectors CN1 to CN5 in the figure) are attached to the component surface 511a. Number) is implemented. Further, although detailed illustration is omitted on this component side, electronic devices such as CPU, ROM and RAM, and electronic / electrical components such as resistors are mounted, and further, a performance display monitor 500 and set values are mounted. A display monitor 650 (see FIG. 5) is also mounted (the set value display monitor 650 does not have to be installed on the main control board 51). The main control board 51 is screwed and fixed to the inner surface side of the board case CU1 (top case 2200 described later) using a plurality of screws.

The setting change unit 600 includes a setting key type switch 610 and a setting change switch 620. The setting key type switch 610 confirms and sets a set value that determines the degree (rank) of the winning probability in a predetermined winning / losing lottery that affects the advantage for the player, for example, the winning / losing lottery of a special symbol. It is a switch that is operated when making a change, and the setting change switch 620 is a switch for changing the set value in a plurality of steps (six steps in the present embodiment). The setting key type switch 610 has a setting change key cylinder 611 that can be rotated by inserting a setting change key (not shown) possessed by a game clerk, and the setting key type switch 610 has this setting key type switch 610. It is configured to be switched by the rotation operation of the setting change key cylinder 611. The setting change switch 620 has a setting change button 621 that is pressed and operated by a game clerk, and is configured to be switched by the pressing operation of the setting change button 621. The setting change unit 600 (setting key type switch 610, setting change switch 620) may be provided on a board other than the main control board 51, or may be provided on a portion other than the board.

The main control board 51 (setting change unit 600) has a state in which the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 (a state in which the front frame open / close detection switch detects the open state of the front frame 2). (Referred to as "state"), and when power is not supplied to the main control board 51, and the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder 611, clockwise when viewed from the rear ("setting change key operation"). When power is supplied while the setting change switch 620 is turned on (the setting change button 621 is pressed) while the setting change switch 620 is rotated about 90 degrees (also referred to as "direction"), the setting change mode (Mode in which the set value can be changed) is started. Further, in this setting change mode, each time the setting change switch 620 (setting change button 621) is pressed, the setting value is switched in 6 steps from 1 to 6, and the switched setting value is displayed on the setting value display monitor 650. .. Then, when the setting change key is returned to the original position, the setting value is confirmed, the setting change mode is terminated, and the mode shifts to the normal mode (mode in which the game can be played). However, if the front frame is not open at this time, the mode does not shift to the normal mode (details will be described later). Further, when the mode is changed from the setting change mode to the normal mode, a setting change sound for notifying that the setting change is completed is output from a predetermined speaker (details will be described later). Further, in the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600), the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder 611 while the front frame is open and the power is not supplied to the main control board 51. When power is supplied in a state where the setting change key is rotated about 90 degrees in the operation direction (however, the setting change switch 620 is in the off state), the setting confirmation mode (mode in which the setting value can be confirmed) is set. It starts and displays the current setting value on the setting value display monitor 650. Then, when the setting change key is returned to the original position, the setting confirmation mode is terminated and the mode shifts to the normal mode. In the pachinko gaming machine PM, even if the setting change key cylinder 611 is rotated by the setting change key after the power is supplied and the setting key type switch 610 is turned on, both the setting change mode and the setting confirmation mode are available. The setting value is not displayed on the setting value display monitor 650 without migration. The set value display monitor 650 is configured by using a 7-segment LED capable of displaying a one-digit number.

Further, the setting change switch 620 in the setting change unit 600 is configured to also function as a RAM clear switch. That is, when the power is turned on while the setting change switch 620 (setting change button 621) is pressed in order to start the setting change mode, the main control board 51 is charged with at least all the information stored in the RAM. Clear information about the game state (information such as normal state, probability change state, time saving state, latent probability change state, etc.). Further, at this time, the set value is updated to the set value (for example, setting 1) at which the payout rate is the lowest. On the other hand, the information of the game performance data SD (SD0 to SD3) displayed on the performance display monitor 500 is not cleared. That is, the information of the game performance data SD0 to SD3 is not cleared when the power of the pachinko gaming machine PM is turned off or when the RAM is cleared, and is carried over after the power is turned off and restored (after the power is turned on). This makes it possible to guarantee the reliability of the information of the game performance data SD (SD0 to SD3). The setting change switch 620 may not be used as the RAM clear switch, but a dedicated RAM clear switch may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 21, on the solder surface 51b of the main control board 51, the board side end portion (indicated by a small black square in the figure) of each terminal (connector pin) of each connector is soldered to the printed circuit. It protrudes in the connected state. Hereinafter, the terminals possessed by the connector CN1 will be referred to as terminals PN1 to PN12, and the terminals possessed by the connector CN2 will be referred to as terminals PN21 to PN32. In FIG. 21, among the terminals of each connector, only these terminals PN1 to PN12 and PN21 to PN32 are numbered.

The board case CU1 is configured to include a bottom case 2100 attached to and detached from the back surface of the game board 20 and a top case 2200 detachably attached to the bottom case 2100, and the top case 2200 is attached to the bottom case 2100. An engaging connection mechanism 2300 is provided at the right end of the case that aligns front and back in the closed state. The bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are combined and integrated in a closed state in which the openings facing each other are opposed to each other. Both the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are formed by a molding means such as injection molding using a colorless and transparent resin material (for example, polycarbonate or the like), and the inside of the substrate case CU1 can be visually recognized even from the outside.

The bottom case 2100 is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open rear surface as a whole, and the bottom side slide engaging portions 2102 (FIG. 22) projecting rearward on the upper and lower side walls 2101 (see FIG. 22), respectively. (See) are formed side by side in the left-right direction.

The top case 2200 is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open front as a whole, and is configured to be slidable in the left-right direction (also referred to as “slide direction”) with respect to the bottom case 2100. At the upper and lower side edges of the top case 2200, a concave groove-shaped top side groove portion 2202 that opens to the front side along the left-right direction and can receive the bottom side slide engaging portion 2102 of the bottom case 2100 is formed. At the same time, a top-side slide engaging portion 2203 that can be engaged with the bottom-side slide engaging portion 2102 of the bottom case 2100 is formed in the top-side groove portion 2202.

To assemble the top case 2200 to the bottom case 2100, as shown in FIG. 22, the top case 2200 is slightly shifted to the left with respect to the bottom case 2100 and is opposed to the top case 2200 in the front-rear direction. By inserting the bottom side slide engaging part 2102 of the bottom case 2100 into the part 2202 and sliding the top case 2200 to the right (hereinafter, also referred to as "closing direction"), the bottom side slide engaging part 2102 and the top Engage with the side slide engaging portion 2203. As a result, the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are integrated in a closed state with the openings facing each other. On the other hand, in the integrated bottom case 2100 and top case 2200, the top case 2200 is slid to the left (hereinafter, also referred to as “opening direction”) with respect to the bottom case 2100, and the bottom side slide engaging portion 2102 and the top are topped. By disengaging the engagement with the side slide engaging portion 2203, the separation becomes possible. Hereinafter, the position of the top case 2200 with respect to the bottom case 2100 when the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 are integrated in the closed state is referred to as a “closed position”. Further, the position of the top case 2200 with respect to the bottom case 2100 when the top case 2200 is slid and moved from the closed position in the opening direction so that the top case 2200 can be separated from the bottom side slide engaging portion 2102 is referred to as an "open position". It is called.

When the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100, the main control board 51 attached to the top case 2200 also moves with respect to the bottom case 2100, whereby one of the solder surfaces 51b of the main control board 51 The part is exposed on the bottom case 2100 side. FIG. 23 shows an example of the exposed state at this time. In the illustrated example, of all the connectors mounted on the component surface 51a of the main control board 51, a part of the component surface side of the connector CN1 and a part of the component surface side of the connector CN2 are exposed. More specifically, in the connector CN1, half of the terminals PN1 to PN6 of all the terminals PN1 to PN12 (see FIG. 21) are exposed, and the remaining terminals PN7 to PN12 are not exposed. Further, in the connector CN2, half of the terminals PN21 to PN26 of all the terminals PN21 to PN32 (see FIG. 21) are exposed, and the remaining terminals PN27 to PN32 are not exposed.

The engagement connection mechanism 2300 engages and connects the bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200 integrated at the closed position with each other by using a caulking member (not shown), whereby the top case 2100 is topped. The case 2200 is restricted so that it cannot slide and move in the opening direction. The bottom case 2100 and the top case 2200, which are engaged and connected by the engagement and connection mechanism 2300, perform predetermined work such as partially cutting the connection portion between the engagement and connection mechanism 2300 and the substrate case CU11, thereby performing the top case. The 2200 can be separated by sliding it to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100.

The top case 2200 is formed with a connector insertion / extraction port (not shown) that penetrates the front and back corresponding to the mounting position of each connector (including the connectors CN1 to CN5) of the main control board 51, and the main control board 51 is the top. While attached to the case 2200, each connector of the main control board 51 is exposed to the outside through the connector insertion / extraction port (see FIG. 19), and the effect control board 52, the image control board 53, the payout control board 54, etc. and the harness (see FIG. 19). Electrical connection is possible via the connector cable).

Further, the top case 2200 is formed with a setting change unit corresponding port (not shown) that penetrates the front and back corresponding to the mounting position of the setting change unit 600 (setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620) of the main control board 51. With the main control board 51 attached to the top case 2200, the setting change unit 600 is exposed to the outside through the setting change unit corresponding port (see FIG. 19). A small door 2210 (see FIG. 17) covering the setting change portion 600 facing rearward from the setting change portion corresponding port is attached to the top case 2200 so as to be openable and closable (not shown in FIG. 19). ). When operating the setting change unit 600 (setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), the small door 2210 is swung upward to expose the setting change unit 600.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in the board case CU1 in which the main control board 51 is housed, the height of the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 in the setting key type switch 610 in the front-rear direction (from the component surface of the main control board 51). (Height) and the height in the front-rear direction of the coplanar region (hereinafter, also referred to as “maximum surface region 2220”) having the largest area on the outer surface (rear surface) of the top case 2200, the former height is higher. It is lower than the height of the latter.

The board case CU1 having the above structure and accommodating the main control board 51 is attached to the back side of the game board 20 with the bottom case 2100 on the front side and the top case 2200 on the rear side. In the state where the board case CU1 is attached to the back side of the gaming board 20, at least one of the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620 is on the open end side of the front frame 2 (left and right of the pachinko gaming machine PM). Of the edge portions of the pachinko machine PM, the hinge mechanisms 3a and 3b are located on the pivot end portion side of the front frame 2 (of the left and right edge portions of the pachinko gaming machine PM) rather than the side of the edge portion to be opened. It is attached so as to be located near the provided edge end side).

[Countermeasures against fraudulent activities against the control board]
The connectors mounted on the main control board 51 include the main control board 51, other control boards (effect control board 52, image control board 53, payout control board 54, etc.) and various switches (first start port switch 62 and first). 2 It is a path of various signals communicated with the start port switch 63, the operation gate switch 63, etc.). Therefore, there is a possibility that unauthorized access to the terminal of the connector may be attempted to read or falsify the signal information, or to generate fake signal information and input it to the terminal. In addition, there is a possibility that an illegal act of illegally operating the setting change unit 600 (setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620) mounted on the main control board 51 to change to a set value having a high ball ejection rate may be attempted. There is also.

When such fraudulent activity is committed, the player who knows the fraudulent activity gains an unfair profit and the game store side suffers damage, or conversely, the player who does not know the fraudulent activity suffers damage. The game store side makes a profit. Therefore, it is an issue to take measures against fraud such as making it difficult to execute such fraudulent activity or making it easier to notice when fraudulent activity is executed. The present invention has the following characteristic configuration as a countermeasure against fraudulent activity.

(A1) The board case CU1 is a slide opening / closing type.
As the opening / closing method of the substrate case CU1, in addition to the slide opening / closing method as described above, it is also possible to adopt a method in which the top case 2200 swings open / close with respect to the bottom case 2100. However, in the case of this swing opening / closing type, the number of connectors that can be illegally accessed when the top case 2200 is swung in the opening direction with respect to the bottom case 2100 is larger than that in the case of the slide opening / closing type. Become. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the board case CU1 is a slide opening / closing type, and the number of connectors that can be illegally accessed even if the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 is reduced. It makes it difficult to cheat on the connector pins.

(A2) The number of connectors exposed in the open position is limited.
In the board case CU1, the connector exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 (specifically, the part on the solder side of the connector, hereinafter also referred to as the "connector part") is a connector. There are only two, CN1 and CN2,
The other connectors are configured so that they are not exposed. Therefore, even if the terminals of the connectors CN1 and CN2 can be accessed, it becomes difficult to access the terminals of other connectors. Therefore, it becomes difficult to carry out cheating. As a modification, the number of connectors exposed at the open position may be limited to one. Limiting the number of exposed connectors to one makes it even more difficult to commit fraudulent activity.

(A3) Some terminals of the connector exposed in the open position are hidden.
In the board case CU1, the connector CN1 and the connector CN2 are partially exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100. However, even when the connectors CN1 and CN2 are exposed, some of the terminals are hidden without being exposed. That is, in the connector CN1, half of the terminals PN1 to PN6 of all the terminals PN1 to PN12 are exposed, but the remaining terminals PN7 to PN12 are hidden behind the bottom case 2100 and are not exposed. Similarly, in the connector CN2, of all the terminals PN21 to PN32, half of the terminals PN21 to PN26 are exposed, but the remaining terminals PN27 to PN32 are hidden behind the bottom case 2100 and are not exposed. Even if the connectors CN1 and CN2 are exposed, it is possible to make it difficult for fraudulent acts to be performed by hiding some of the terminals so as not to be exposed. Specifically, for example, a signal input or output to the main control board 51 via an exposed connector (for example, connector CN1) is sent to all of a predetermined plurality of terminals (for example, PN1 to PN8). It is a signal whose contents cannot be grasped unless it can be accessed illegally, and it is effective when some of the predetermined terminals (for example, PN7 and PN8) are hidden and not exposed. It will be achievable. The number of hidden and unexposed terminals is preferably at least half of all the terminals of the exposed connector, but even if there is only one hidden and unexposed terminal, it is included in the above-mentioned predetermined plurality of terminals. If so, it will be a sufficient countermeasure against fraudulent activity. That is, at least half of the terminals of the exposed connector may be hidden and not exposed, or at least one terminal may be hidden and not exposed. Further, when the terminal included in the exposed connector includes a terminal (also referred to as “1 pin”) as a reference for assigning a pin number, at least this 1 pin may not be exposed. Since pin 1 is often responsible for communication of important signals, it is possible to make it difficult for fraudulent acts to be performed by configuring pin 1 not to be exposed.

(A4) The signal communicated via the connector exposed at the open position is not a signal related to the start of the game.
In the board case CU1, the connector CN1 and the connector CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are not used for communication of signals related to the start of the game. It is configured. Here, the signal related to the start of the game is a signal that triggers the start of the game, a signal that informs the start of the game, and the like. A detection signal from the first start port switch 61 for detecting a ball, a detection signal from a second start port switch 62 for detecting entry into the second start port, and the like correspond to this. Such a signal related to the start of the game triggers the execution of a lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery) that has a great influence on the acquisition of the game value (game ball), and is therefore subject to fraudulent activity. It is easy to be said. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to the start of the game, and as a result, fraudulent acts against the signals related to the start of the game are performed. It's difficult.

(A5) The signal communicated via the connector exposed at the open position is not a signal related to payout.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to payout. There is. Here, the signal related to the payout is a signal instructing the payout of the game value, a signal that triggers the payout of the game value, and the like. In the pachinko gaming machine PM, for example, from the main control board 51. A payout control command output to the payout control board 54, a control signal for controlling the opening and closing of a large winning opening (special electric accessory), and the like correspond to this. Since the signal related to such payout is directly linked to the acquisition of the game value (game ball), it is likely to be the target of fraudulent activity. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to payout, which makes it difficult for fraudulent acts on signals related to payout to be performed. ..

(A6) The signal communicated through the connector exposed in the open position is not a signal related to the power supply.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured so as not to be used for communication of signals related to the power supply. There is. Here, the signal related to the power supply is a signal for detecting a power failure, a signal for detecting a power on, and the like. In the pachinko gaming machine PM, for example, the signal is supplied from the power supply board 56 to the main control board 51. This corresponds to a signal or the like that detects a power off or power on. Since the settings can be changed by turning off the power and turning on the power, such signals related to the power supply are likely to be subject to fraudulent activity. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to the power supply, and as a result, fraudulent acts on the signals related to the power supply and, by extension, fraudulent acts related to setting changes. Is difficult to do.

(A7) The signal communicated via the connector exposed at the open position is not a signal related to the effect board.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured so as not to be used for communication of signals related to the effect board. ing. Here, the signal related to the effect board is a signal communicated with the effect board, such as a signal for instructing an effect (including error notification) by an image, a lamp light, a speaker sound, or the like, and is a pachinko gaming machine PM. Speaking of, for example, an effect control command output from the main control board 51 to the effect control board 52 corresponds to this. The signal related to such a production board is not directly linked to the acquisition of the game value, but by tampering with the signal, the production is executed in a game state different from the actual one, and the fraudulent act is performed. It can be used to conceal what you are doing. Therefore, it is easy to be the target of fraudulent activity. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of signals related to the effect board, thereby making it difficult for fraudulent acts on the signals related to the effect board to be performed. ing.

(A8) The signal communicated through the connector exposed in the open position is not the signal used for the test.
In the board case CU1, the connectors CN1 and CN2 exposed when the top case 2200 is slid to the open position with respect to the bottom case 2100 are configured so as not to be used for communication of signals used for the test. ing. Here, the signal used in the test is a signal used in a type test performed for type authentication of a gaming machine, or used to confirm the operation and control contents of the gaming machine in the manufacturing process. It is a signal or the like to be output, and in the case of the pachinko gaming machine PM, the test signal or the like output in the test signal output processing corresponds to this. The signal used in such a test can be used for grasping the specifications of the gaming machine by analyzing the signal content or the like. Therefore, it is easy to be the target of fraudulent activity. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the exposed connectors CN1 and CN2 are configured not to be used for communication of the signal specified for the test, which makes it difficult for fraudulent acts against the signal specified for the test to be performed. ing.

(A9) When the front door is closed, the setting change mode is not entered.
In the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600; setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 in order to shift to the setting change mode. It is one of the conditions. Therefore, when the front frame 2 is closed with respect to the outer frame 1 (when the front frame open / close detection switch detects the closed state of the front frame 2 and is hereinafter referred to as the "front frame closed state"), the setting change mode is set. It is configured so that the setting value cannot be changed without migration. The regular setting change by the game store is performed with the front frame open. On the other hand, when trying to change the setting illegally, it may be attempted in the front frame closed state. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured so as not to shift to the setting change mode when the front frame is closed, which makes it difficult for fraudulent acts related to the setting change to be performed. Even if the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1, the setting is changed when the back set board 30 is closed (the back set open / close detection switch detects the closed state of the back set board 30). It may be configured not to shift to the mode. Further, the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 (the front frame open / close detection switch detects the open state of the front frame 2), and at the same time, the glass frame 5 is open with respect to the front frame 2. In the case of (a state in which the glass frame open / close detection switch detects the open state of the glass frame 5), the specification may be such that the setting change and the setting confirmation are permitted. With such specifications, it is possible to inspect the setting function without performing an extra operation such as closing the glass frame 5 in the operation check when producing the pachinko gaming machine PM, which is convenient. high. Further, even if the board surface maintenance work in a game store or the like is performed with the glass frame 5 removed, the setting change and setting confirmation work can be performed in parallel with the board surface maintenance work, which is similarly convenient. Highly sex.

(A10) When the front door is closed, the setting change mode does not shift to the playable mode.
In the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600; setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), when the setting key is returned to the original position after the setting change in the setting change mode, the game shifts to the normal mode in which the game can be executed. However, at this time, if the front frame is not open, the mode does not shift to the normal mode, and therefore the game cannot be played. Since the regular setting change by the game store is performed in the front frame open state, the front frame is naturally open when the setting key is returned to the original position after the setting change. On the other hand, if you try to change the setting illegally, it may be attempted in the front frame closed state, in which case the front frame may be closed when the setting key is returned to the original position after changing the setting. .. Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PM is configured so as not to shift from the setting change mode to the normal mode when the front frame is closed, which makes it difficult for fraudulent acts related to the setting change to be performed.

(A11) The switch for switching the setting change is provided at a position closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front door.
When the board case CU1 is attached to the back side of the game board 20, at least one of the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620 is closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front frame 2. It is installed so that it is located in place. When attempting to gain unauthorized access to the setting key type switch 610 or the setting change switch 620, the actor may insert an instrument such as a wire or insert a hand from the open end side of the front frame 2 to execute the operation. It is thought that there are many. In that case, if these switches 610 and 620 are provided near the open end side of the front frame 2, unauthorized access to them is likely to occur. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, at least one of the setting key type switch 610 and the setting change switch 620 is configured to be located closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front frame 2. This makes it difficult for fraudulent activities related to setting changes to occur.

(A12) The operation direction of the key member when changing the setting is the direction of twisting toward the pivot end side of the front door.
In the setting change unit 600, the setting change key operation direction (setting change key operation direction) for changing the setting is a clockwise direction when viewed from the rear, that is, a direction of twisting toward the pivot end portion of the front frame 2. When attempting to illegally operate the setting key type switch 610, it is considered that the actor often inserts an instrument such as a wire or inserts a hand from the open end side of the front frame 2. In that case, if the operation direction of the setting key to be inserted into the setting key type switch 610 is set to the direction of twisting toward the open end portion of the front frame 2, it is easy to operate the setting key. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the setting key operation direction is configured to be twisted toward the pivot end portion side of the front frame 2, which makes it difficult for fraudulent acts related to the setting change to be performed.

(A13) The insertion surface of the key member when changing the setting is lower than the cover surface of the board case.
In the board case CU1 in which the main control board 51 is housed, the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 in the setting key type switch 610 is provided at a position lower than the maximum surface area 2220 of the top case 2200. When attempting to illegally operate the setting key type switch 610, it is considered that the actor often approaches the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 from the rear surface side of the top case 2200. In that case, if the setting key insertion surface of the key cylinder 611 is provided at a recessed position lower than the maximum surface area 2220 of the top case 2200, it becomes difficult to approach the setting key insertion surface. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the setting key insertion surface is configured to be lower than the maximum surface area 2220 of the top case 2200, which makes it difficult for fraudulent acts related to the setting change to be performed.

(A14) The switch for detecting the open / closed state of the front door is provided at a position closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front door.
In the main control board 51 (setting change unit 600; setting key type switch 610 and setting change switch 620), the front frame 2 is open with respect to the outer frame 1 in order to shift to the setting change mode. It is one of the conditions. However, when an attempt is made to change the setting illegally, an attempt may be made in a state where the front frame 2 is closed with respect to the outer frame 1. At that time, it is conceivable that an unauthorized access to the front frame open / close detection switch is performed to output a detection signal of the front frame open state even though the front frame is actually closed. In that case, if the front frame open / close detection switch is provided near the open end side of the front frame 2, unauthorized access is likely to occur. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the front frame open / close detection switch is configured to be located closer to the pivot end side than the open end side of the front frame 2, thereby making the front frame open / close detection switch. It makes it difficult for unauthorized access.

The feature configurations (A1) to (A8) relating to the board case CU1 for countermeasures against fraud described above include boards other than the main control board 51 in the pachinko gaming machine PM, an effect control board 52, an image control board 53, and payout control. It can be similarly applied to a substrate case for accommodating the substrate 54 and the like to obtain the same effect. The same applies to a board case for accommodating various boards in the slot machine SM, a main control board 860, a sub control board 870 (sub-main control board 870A, sub-sub control board 870B), a reel unit board 910, and the like. It is possible to obtain the effect of. The signal related to the start of the game when the feature configurations (A4) to (A8) are applied to the slot machine SM (particularly, the board case for the main control board 860) indicates the operating state of the start lever 825. The signal corresponds to this, and the signal related to payout corresponds to a hopper motor signal or the like output from the main control board 860 to the hopper motor 852 of the medal payout device 850 via the reel unit board 910. Further, the signal related to the power supply corresponds to a signal for detecting the power off or on of the power supplied from the power supply device 880 to the main control board 860, and the signal related to the effect board is the main. A control command or the like output from the control board 860 to the sub control board 870 (sub-main control board 870A) corresponds to this. In the slot machine SM, if a fraudulent act is performed on a signal related to the effect board transmitted from the main control board 860 to the sub control board 870, the effect such as push navigation will not be displayed correctly, and the fraudster will be unjustified. There is a risk of gaining profits. Therefore, in the slot machine SM, by configuring the exposed connector not to be used for communication of the signal related to the effect board, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts on the signal related to the effect board. The signals specified for the test are the signals output from the slot machine SM in the type test conducted for the type certification of the slot machine SM, and the operation and control contents of the slot machine SM in the manufacturing process. A signal or the like output from the slot machine SM for this purpose corresponds to this.

Further, the feature configurations (A9) to (A13) relating to the setting change unit 600 for the above-mentioned fraud countermeasures are the setting change units (setting key type switch 883, setting) mounted on the main control board 860 of the slot machine SM. The same effect can be obtained by applying it to the change switch 884) in the same manner. When the feature configurations (A10) to (A12) are applied to the slot machine SM, the board case for accommodating the main control board 860 has the same configuration as the feature configurations (A1) to (A8). It is assumed that the board case is attached to the front door 802 side. Further, the setting change switch 884 of the slot machine SM may be made to function as a RAM clear switch. In this case, the information on the gaming state in which the RAM is cleared includes information on the RT state, AT state, advantageous section, and the like. Further, it is preferable that the information regarding the accessory ratio displayed on the information display lamp 892 is not cleared even if the RAM clear operation is performed. Further, the above-mentioned feature configuration (A14) can be similarly applied to the slot machine SM to obtain the same effect. When the feature configuration (A14) is applied, the door open / close sensor 890 corresponds to the switch for detecting the open / closed state of the front door.

<Thickness and arrangement of lead wires>
Various boards provided in the gaming machine are electrically connected via a plurality of connector cables (lead wires). This lead wire serves as a passage for various signals communicated between the substrates. In particular, the lead wire connected to the main control board (main control board 51 in the pachinko gaming machine PM, main control board 860 in the slot machine) serves as an important signal passage for the progress of the game. Therefore, there is a possibility that an illegal act of illegally accessing such a lead wire to read or falsify the signal information, or to generate fake signal information and input it to the lead wire may be attempted. Therefore, it is an issue to make it difficult to carry out such fraudulent acts against lead wires. Further, if noise is added to the signal communicated via the lead wire, it may not be possible to transmit correct information and the game may not proceed smoothly. Therefore, it is also an issue to make the lead wire less susceptible to noise. In the present invention, as measures against fraudulent activity and noise against lead wires, some characteristic configurations are provided regarding the thickness and arrangement of lead wires.

Before explaining the feature configuration and its effect, a preferred embodiment regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing an example of the thickness and arrangement of a plurality of lead wires LL1 to LL14 connected to the board-side connector CN11 (see FIG. 25) mounted on the main control board MC1 via the harness-side connector CN13. Is. FIG. 25 shows a lead wire LL8 to LL10 extending outward from the harness side connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2, and a lead wire LL15 to LL18 extending outward from the other harness side connector CN14 to the board case CU2. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of arrangement. The harness-side connector CN14 is a connector connected to another board-side connector CN12 mounted on the main control board MC1, and the board case CU2 is a board case for accommodating the main control board MC1. The main control board MC1 corresponds to the main control board 51 in the pachinko gaming machine PM and the main control board 860 in the slot machine SM.

As shown in FIG. 24, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL1 to LL14. Of these, the lead wires LL6 to LL7 are lead wires related to the input of the power supply, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 are lead wires related to the start of the game, and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 are connected to the external terminal board. It is a lead wire. Other lead wires LL1 to LL5, LL1
3 to LL14 are lead wires related to other signals and the like. The lead wire related to the input of the power supply is a lead wire, a ground wire, or the like that supplies power to the main control board MC1. The lead wire related to the start of the game is a lead wire or a ground wire for a signal that triggers the start of the game. This corresponds to the lead wire connected to the first start port switch 61 and the second start port switch 62 that output a signal that triggers the start of fluctuation of the symbol. A lead wire or the like connected to a switch (hereinafter referred to as “start lever switch”) that outputs a detection signal of an operating state of the start lever 825 that triggers the fluctuation start of 803a to 803c corresponds to this. The lead wire connected to the external terminal board is a signal line, a ground wire, etc. for transmitting predetermined information to a hall computer or the like via the external terminal board, and is a payout control in the pachinko gaming machine PM. This corresponds to the lead wire connected to the external information terminal board 58 via the board 54, and in the slot machine SM, this is the lead wire connected to the external centralized terminal board 930 via the reel unit payout control board 54. Corresponds to.

As shown in FIG. 24, the thickness of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game is the thinnest among the 14 lead wires LL1 to LL14 (other lead wires having substantially the same thickness are used). Including some cases). Here, the thickness of the lead wire is the apparent thickness (diameter) obtained by adding the thickness of the coating on the outer periphery to the diameter of the core wire of the lead wire, and the diameter of the core wire is the thickness of the lead wire. It may be as good as it is. The thickness of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 is the thinnest not only in the lead wires LL1 to LL14 of the connector CN13 but also in all the lead wires connected to the main control board MC1. Further, the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game, and are adjacent to the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. It is placed in a position. Here, substantially the same thickness means that the thickness is the same to the extent that it cannot be determined which one is thicker in appearance. It is in the same thickness category. Further, the lead wires LL6 to LL7 related to the input of the power supply are arranged at distant positions not adjacent to the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game extending from the harness side connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2 are bundled with each other by the binding tool BR1. As the binding tool BR1, in addition to a binding band made of resin and a binding tape having a hook-and-loop fastener, various materials such as a protective tube made of rubber or cloth, a rubber band, a wire, a string, etc. are used as long as they can be bundled. be able to. Further, lead wires other than the lead wires LL8 to LL10 may be bundled together. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, on the front side of the bundled lead wires LL8 to LL10 (the side away from the main control board MC1 with respect to the lead wires LL8 to LL10), the outside of the board case CU2 from the harness side connector CN14. The lead wires LL15 to LL18 extending to the lead wires LL15 to LL18 are arranged so as to partially overlap with the lead wires LL8 to LL10. The number of lead wires overlapping the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the bound game may be set to any number of one or more. Further, another lead wire extending from the harness-side connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2 may be arranged so as to overlap with the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the bound game.

[Characteristic configuration regarding lead wire thickness and arrangement]
Next, the characteristic configuration and its effect regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires will be described. Further, another embodiment regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 30. The present invention has the following characteristic configurations regarding the thickness and arrangement of lead wires.

(B1) Of the lead wires connected to the main control board, the lead wire related to the start of the game is the thinnest.
The thickness of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game shown in FIG. 24 is the connector 1.
Not only among the 14 lead wires LL1 to LL14 of 3 but also among all the lead wires connected to the main control board MC1. Since the lead wire related to the start of the game is used for communication such as a signal that triggers the start of a predetermined game process that affects the payout rate, it is likely to be a target of fraudulent activity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lead wire related to the start of the game is made the thinnest and difficult to identify, which makes it difficult to perform fraudulent acts on the lead wire related to the start of the game. In addition, by making the lead wire thinner, problems such as disconnection are likely to occur when fraudulent acts are performed. Therefore, when a fraudulent act is performed on the lead wire related to the start of the game, a defect such as a disconnection is likely to occur, and it is easy to discover that the fraudulent act is performed due to such a defect. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL21 to LL34, of which the lead wires LL24 to LL26 are lead wires related to the start of the game. The lead wires LL24 to LL26 related to the start of this game are configured to be the thinnest among the lead wires LL21 to LL34.

(B2) In the lead wire connected to the main control board, there are a plurality of lead wires having substantially the same thickness as the lead wire related to the start of the game, except for the lead wire related to the start of the game.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead wires LL4 to LL5 and LL11 to LL12 are configured to have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. By making these lead wires LL4 to LL12 substantially the same thickness, it becomes difficult to identify which of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 is related to the start of the game. Therefore, it becomes difficult to carry out fraudulent acts on the lead wires related to the start of the game. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL35 to LL48, of which the lead wires LL42 to LL44 are lead wires related to the start of the game. In addition to the lead wires LL24 to LL26 related to the start of this game, the lead wires LL39 to LL40 and LL46 to LL47 are configured to have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL24 to LL26.

(B3) In the lead wire connected to the main control board, a lead wire having substantially the same thickness as the lead wire related to the start of the game is arranged adjacent to the lead wire related to the start of the game.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead wires LL11 to LL12 are configured to have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game, and are arranged adjacent to the lead wires LL8 to LL10. .. By arranging the lead wires LL11 to LL12 having substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game adjacent to each other, it is difficult to identify which of the lead wires LL8 to LL10 is related to the start of the game. Become. Therefore, it becomes difficult to carry out fraudulent acts on the lead wires related to the start of the game. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL49 to LL62, of which the lead wires LL58 to LL60 are lead wires related to the start of the game. The lead wires LL56 to LL57 and LL61 to LL62 arranged adjacent to the lead wires LL24 to LL26 related to the start of this game are configured to have substantially the same thickness as the lead wires LL58 to LL60.

(B4) In the lead wire connected to the main control board, the lead wire related to the start of the game and the lead wire connected to the external terminal are configured to have substantially the same thickness.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board are configured to have substantially the same thickness. By making the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board substantially the same thickness, it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish between them. Further, since the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board are used to output a predetermined signal to an external device such as a hall computer, the lead wire is changed to the predetermined signal when an illegal act is performed. Is relatively easy to understand because it appears. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game and the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board are configured to have substantially the same thickness, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them. At the same time, it is possible to detect the lead wires LL11 to LL12 connected to the external terminal board at an early stage when an illegal act is performed. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL63 to LL76, of which the lead wires LL67 to LL69 are the lead wires related to the start of the game, and the lead wires LL66 and L73 are the external terminals. It is a lead wire to be connected. The lead wires LL67 to LL69 related to the start of this game and the lead wires LL66 and L73 connected to the external terminals are configured to have substantially the same thickness.

(B5) The lead wires related to the start of the game are tied together.
In the example shown in FIG. 25, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game extending from the connector CN13 to the outside of the board case CU2 are bound by the binding tool BR1. By binding, it becomes difficult to illegally access the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts on the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game.

(B6) Another lead wire is arranged on the front side of the lead wire related to the start of the bound game.
In the example shown in FIG. 25, the bundled lead wires LL8 to LL10 extend to the front side (the side away from the main control board MC1 with respect to the lead wires LL8 to LL10) from the harness side connector CN14 to the outside of the board case CU2. The lead wires LL15 to LL18 are arranged so as to partially overlap with the lead wires LL8 to LL10. By arranging the other lead wires LL15 to LL18 on the front side of the bound lead wires LL8 to LL10, it becomes difficult to illegally access the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts on the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game.

(B7) In the lead wire connected to the main control board, the lead wire related to the start of the game is not arranged at a position adjacent to the lead wire related to the input of the power supply.
In the example shown in FIG. 24, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game are arranged in the lower left of the figure, and the lead wires LL6 to LL7 related to the power input are arranged in the upper right of the figure, and they are not adjacent to each other. It is configured as follows. By arranging the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game apart from the lead wires LL6 to LL7 related to the input of the power supply, the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game can be used as a power source. It is possible to reduce the influence of noise from the lead wires LL6 to LL7 related to the input. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous input to the lead wires LL8 to LL10 related to the start of the game due to the influence of noise, and to allow the game to proceed smoothly. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the connector CN13 has 14 lead wires LL77 to LL90, of which the lead wires LL88 to LL90 are the lead wires related to the start of the game, and the lead wires LL77 to 78 are the power inputs. It is a lead wire related to. The lead wires LL77 to LL90 related to the start of the game are arranged in the lower right of the figure, and the lead wires LL77 to LL78 related to the power input are arranged in the upper left of the figure so that they are not adjacent to each other. .. The characteristic configuration regarding the thickness and arrangement of the lead wires described above is not limited to the relationship of a plurality of lead wires in one connector, but is also established in the relationship of each lead wire among the plurality of connectors. ..

<Setting change sound>
In the pachinko gaming machine PM and slot machine SM, the setting change is completed after the setting change by the setting change unit is completed (also referred to as "after the operation of the setting change unit is completed"), that is, when the setting change mode is changed to the normal mode. A predetermined process (hereinafter referred to as "setting change end notification process") for notifying is started, and the setting change sound for notifying that the setting change is completed by the setting change end notification process ("setting change end") is started. The sound such as "I did") is output from the specified speaker. Since this setting change sound plays an important role of notifying that the setting change has been completed normally, it is necessary to output it so that it can be clearly heard. On the other hand, when the setting change is completed and the mode shifts to the normal mode, the game can be started. Therefore, if the game is started immediately after the setting change is completed, the setting change sound may interfere with the game. Therefore, it is important to give sufficient consideration to the start timing and end timing of the setting change sound. Hereinafter, the output of the setting change sound in the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 32. FIG. 31 is a timing chart relating to the output of the setting change sound in the pachinko gaming machine PM, and FIG. 32 is a timing chart relating to the output of the setting change sound in the slot machine SM.

In the pachinko gaming machine PM, as shown in FIG. 31, after the setting change is completed by the setting change unit (after the operation of the setting change unit is completed) and the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the setting change end notification process is started and set. The output of the change sound is started (for example, the sound is output from the speaker 8). The standby time is set so that the setting change sound can be heard without fail. In other words, since the setting change sound is a sentence such as "The setting change has been completed", if the output of the setting change sound is started at the same time as the operation of the setting change part is completed, the beginning part of the sentence cannot be heard and the content is understood. It may not be possible. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, such a waiting time is provided in order to ensure that the setting change sound can be heard from the beginning. The standby time can be set as appropriate, but it is preferable to secure a time sufficient for performing interrupt processing such as timer interrupt processing at least once. That is, after the operation of the setting change unit is completed and at least one interrupt is processed, the setting change processing is started and the output of the setting change sound is started. If the output start of the setting change sound is delayed, the timing at which it can be confirmed that the setting change is completed normally is delayed. Therefore, it is preferable that the setting change sound starts to be output immediately after the standby time has elapsed.

The setting change sound is output and stopped for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second, hereinafter also referred to as "change sound output time T1" if it is larger than 0 hour) from the start (change). The above-mentioned standby time may be included in the sound output time T1). In the pachinko gaming machine PM, the effect lamp 11 and the like are turned on separately from the setting change sound to notify that the setting change is completed. The notification of the end of the setting change by this lamp is started almost at the same time as the output of the setting change sound (the start timing may be shifted), but the end timing is set to be later than the end timing of the setting change sound. This is because if the setting change sound continues for a long time, it may be jarring and may interfere with the game, whereas the notification by the lamp or the like is unlikely to interfere with the game. By providing a means for notifying the end of the setting change separately from the sound, it is possible to more reliably notify that the setting change is completed. The setting change end notification means different from the setting change sound. The example is not limited to the effect lamp 11, but may be various lamps included in the main control display device 700 or the effect display device 27. However, a lamp that suggests that a situation advantageous to the player has occurred, for example. If a lamp is provided to indicate that the jackpot has been confirmed, it is preferable not to use such a lamp as a means for notifying the end of the setting change. The player may misunderstand that an advantageous situation has occurred. Because there is sex.

After the setting change by the setting change unit is completed (after the operation of the setting change unit is completed), the game can be started. In FIG. 31, the game is started immediately after the setting is changed, the game ball enters the start winning opening (here, the first starting opening or the second starting opening) at the earliest possible time by design, and the starting opening switch (starting port switch). The case where the first start port switch 61 or the second start port switch 62) is activated is shown. When the start port switch is activated, the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts to change when the start port switch is switched from ON to OFF. This change in the special symbol is a specific time (for example, 5 seconds when there is a reserved ball, 20 seconds when there is no reserved ball, etc., hereinafter referred to as "1 game time T2") depending on the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol. Exit after continuing. Further, when the special symbol fluctuates, the effect by the effect display device 27 or the like is also executed. The time (for example, 1 second) required for the symbol to change after the operation of the setting change unit is completed is referred to as "time before the start of change T3".

When the special symbol fluctuates and the accompanying effect is executed, the player pays attention to it. At this time, if the setting change sound continues for a long time, it may be jarring and interfere with the game. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the change sound output time T1 from the start to the end of the setting change sound is added to the one game time T2 from the start to the stop of the change of the special symbol, and the time T3 before the change start is added. It is set shorter than the time, so that the output of the setting change sound is finished at the end of at least one game. Further, by doing so, the player can grasp at least within the time (T3 + T2-T1) that the special symbol is changed and the effect is performed accordingly. In addition, the manager of the amusement shop (hall) can change the setting even if the start port switch is operated immediately after the setting change to change the special symbol in order to check the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PM. It is possible to confirm that the game has been completed by the setting change sound, and it is possible to confirm that the production of one game is operating normally after the setting change sound is completed. It should be noted that how long one game time T2 is depends on the result of the winning / failing lottery of the special symbol and the like. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine PM, the following times can be set as one gaming time T2 (specific time).

The first is to set one game time T2 as one game time, which is the longest in design. One game time, which is the longest in design, means the time when the time from the start of fluctuation of the special symbol to the stop of the special symbol is the longest due to the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine PM. For example, the fluctuation time (for example, 2 minutes) of the special symbol when the pseudo continuous fluctuation is performed corresponds to this.

The second is to set one game time T2 as the average time of a plurality of games in which the game results are out of sync. The average time of a plurality of games in which the game results are out of order is, for example, the result of a lottery for winning or losing a special symbol among the games in which the special symbol is changed as a result of playing the games continuously for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours). The time obtained by totaling the symbol fluctuation time (for example, 5 seconds to 2 minutes) of the game that was out of order and dividing the totaled time by the number of games in which the result of the special symbol win / fail lottery was out of order. Means.

Thirdly, one game time T2 is set as the average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is a special game winning. The average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is a special game winning is, for example, a lottery for winning or losing a special symbol among the games in which the game is continuously played for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours) and the special symbol is changed as a result. The symbol fluctuation time (for example, 30 seconds to 90 seconds) of the game for which the result of the big hit was a big hit is totaled, and the totaled time is divided by the number of games for which the result of the special symbol winning / failing lottery was a big hit. Means the time to be.

In the slot machine SM, as shown in FIG. 32, after the setting change is completed by the setting change unit (after the operation of the setting change unit is completed) and a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the setting change end notification process is started to change the setting. Sound output is started (for example, sound is output from the speakers 815a and 815b). The waiting time is set to the same level as the pachinko gaming machine PM for the same reason (detailed explanation omitted).

The setting change sound is output and stopped for a predetermined time (for example, in 1 second, hereinafter referred to as "change sound output time T11") from the start (the above standby time may be included in the change sound output time T11). Similar to the pachinko gaming machine PM, the slot machine SM also lights the decorative lamps 832a, 832b, etc. separately from the setting change sound to notify that the setting change is completed. The notification start timing and end timing of the end of setting change by this lamp are set in the same manner as the pachinko gaming machine PM. The setting change end notification means other than the setting change sound is not limited to the decorative lamps 832a and 832b, but may be various lamps controlled by the main control board 860 or an image display device 811. However, if a lamp that suggests that a favorable situation has occurred for the player, for example, a lamp that indicates that the jackpot has been confirmed, is provided for the same reason as the pachinko gaming machine PM. It is preferable not to use such a lamp as a means for notifying the end of setting change.

After the setting change by the setting change unit is completed (after the operation of the setting change unit is completed), the game can be started. In FIG. 32, immediately after the setting change, a specified number of game medals can be bet (maintained) so that the game can be started at the earliest possible time by design, the start lever 825 is operated, and the start lever switch is operated. It shows the case where the reels 803a to 803c start to fluctuate (rotate), the stop switches 826a to 826c are operated, and all the reels are stopped. In general, in a slot machine, the reel of the next game is not changed until 4.1 seconds have passed since the start lever switch related to the winning combination lottery of the previous game was activated. This time, it is assumed that the earliest possible time by design does not include this 4.1 seconds, that is, 4.1 seconds have already passed at the stage where the setting change is completed. However, if the measurement of 4.1 seconds is cleared by changing the setting and a new measurement is started after changing the setting, the earliest possible time in the design including this 4.1 seconds. May be. When the start lever switch is activated, the reels 803a to 803c start to fluctuate (rotate) when the start lever switch is switched from ON to OFF (however, if a freeze occurs, the fluctuation starts after the freeze. ). The fluctuation of the reels 803a to 803c ends according to the result of the winning combination lottery, the operation timing of the stop switches 826a to 826c, and the like. Further, when the reels 803a to 803c fluctuate, the effect of the image display device 811 or the like is also executed. In the slot machine SM, the symbol fluctuation time (for example, 3 seconds, including the freeze time) from the timing when the start lever switch is switched from ON to OFF until the reels 803a to 803c stop fluctuating is set to "1 game time T12". It is called. Further, the time (for example, 2 seconds) required until the symbol can be changed after the operation of the setting changing unit is completed is referred to as "time before the start of change T13".

When the reels 803a to 803c fluctuate and the effect associated therewith is executed, the player pays attention to it. At this time, if the setting change sound continues for a long time, it may be jarring and interfere with the game. Therefore, in the slot machine SM, the result of adding the change sound output time T11 from the output start to the end of the setting change sound to the one game time T12 from the start to the stop of the fluctuations of the reels 803a to 803c and the time T13 before the fluctuation start. The time is set shorter than the time of, so that the output of the setting change sound is finished at the end of at least one game. Further, by doing so, the player can grasp at least within the time (T13 + T12-T11) that the reel fluctuates and the effect is performed accordingly. In addition, in order to check the operation of the slot machine SM, the manager of the game store bets a specified number of game medals immediately after changing the setting, operates the start lever switch to change the reel, and operates the stop switch. Even when the reels are stopped, it is possible to confirm that the setting change has been completed by the setting change sound, and it is confirmed that the production of one game is operating normally after the setting change sound is completed. Is possible. It should be noted that how long one game time T12 is depends on the result of the winning combination lottery and the like. Therefore, in the slot machine SM as well as the pachinko gaming machine PM, the following times can be set as one gaming time T12.

The first is to set one game time T12 as one game time, which is the longest in design. The longest playing time in the design is the time when the reels 803a to 803c stop for the longest time after the start lever switch is switched from ON to OFF due to the specifications of the slot machine SM. means. For example, the time until the reel stops (for example, 30 seconds) when the longest freeze (for example, 20 seconds) is performed such as when the BB combination is won corresponds to this. It is assumed that the stop switches 826a to 826c are operated in the shortest time possible by design (the same applies hereinafter).

The second is to set one game time T12 as the average time of a plurality of games in which the game results are out of order. The average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is out of order is, for example, the game in which the game is continuously played for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours), and as a result, the result of the role lottery is out of all the games. It means the time obtained by totaling the symbol fluctuation time (for example, 3 seconds to 12 seconds) and dividing the totaled time by the number of games for which the result of the winning combination lottery was out of order. In the slot machine SM, reel control is performed to kick off the winning symbol in a game in which the result of the winning combination lottery is out of order, and in a game in which the result of the winning combination lottery is the winning combination of the winning combination, the corresponding symbol of the winning re-gaming combination is performed. Since the reel control for pulling in is performed, the symbol fluctuation time differs depending on the result of the winning combination lottery.

Thirdly, one game time T12 is set as the average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is a special game winning. The average time of a plurality of games in which the game result is a special game is, for example, a game is continuously played for a certain period of time (for example, 8 hours), and as a result, the result of the role lottery is a big hit (for example, BB) among all the games. It means the time obtained by totaling the symbol fluctuation time (for example, 3 seconds to 30 seconds) of the game that was (winning the role) and dividing the totaled time by the number of games for which the result of the role lottery was a big hit. do.

According to the pachinko gaming machine PM and the slot machine SM configured as described above, even if the game is started immediately after the setting change is completed, the setting change sound is terminated when the player confirms the result of the game. Therefore, the game result can be confirmed without being disturbed by the setting change sound. Therefore, the player can enjoy the symbol variation and the production from the first game after the setting change. In addition, the manager of the game store has completed the setting change even if the special symbol or reel is changed by performing the prescribed procedure immediately after the setting change in order to check the operation of the game machine. Can be confirmed by the setting change sound, and it is possible to confirm that the production of one game is operating normally after the setting change sound is completed.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments (including modifications), and can be appropriately improved as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. .. In addition, each component described in the above-described embodiment and modification is appropriately combined, or a part of each component described in the above-described embodiment and modification is deleted or converted by a well-known / conventional technique or the like. Also included in the scope of the present invention. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied to a gaming machine other than a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine, for example, a sparrow ball gaming machine, an arrange ball machine, a casino machine, or the like, and the same effect can be obtained. Further, it can be similarly applied to a gaming machine that uses information recorded on an electronic recording medium as a gaming value, and the same effect can be obtained.

PM Pachinko game machine PA Game area 1 Outer frame 2 Front frame 5 Glass frame 20 Game board 500 Performance display monitor 600 Setting change unit 700 Main control display device SM slot machine 802 Front door 803a, 803b, 803c Reel 805 Housing 825 Start lever 826a, 826b, 826c Stop switch 892 Information display lamp 2100 Bottom case 2200 Top case CU1, CU2 Board case CN1 to CN5, CN11 to CN14 Connector PN1 to PN12, PN21 to PN32 Terminal LL1 to LL18, LL21 to LL90 Lead wire

Claims (1)

A board on which multiple connectors with multiple connector pins are mounted,
The first case part to which the substrate is fixed and
A gaming machine provided with a board case unit that covers the solder surface of the board and has a second case part attached to the first case part.
The substrate case unit is configured so that the first case portion and the second case portion can be separated by sliding the second case portion with respect to the first case portion by a predetermined amount.
The plurality of connectors are composed of a specific connector and a connector other than the specific connector.
Of the plurality of connector pins possessed by the specific connector, some of the connector pins are the first case portion when the portion of the part of the connector pins soldered to the board is slid by the predetermined amount. It is visible through the opening generated between the second case portion and the second case portion, and in the connector pins other than the part of the connector pins, the portion of the other connector pins soldered to the substrate is the opening. Not visible through
A gaming machine characterized in that all the plurality of connector pins included in the other connectors are such that the portions of all the plurality of connector pins soldered to the substrate cannot be visually recognized through the openings .

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