JP7173564B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

Some game machines, typified by pachinko machines, perform an effect of moving a movable body during execution of symbol variation. For example, Patent Document 1.

JP 2018-047016 A

In such a game machine, it is common to perform an operation check for moving the movable body at a predetermined timing. However, if an abnormality is visually discovered in the movement of the movable body itself, it may be necessary to stop the operation of the game machine even during the operation of the hall, which can be a matter of life and death for the hall. In addition, it is often difficult to visually confirm the movement of the movable body itself, and in some cases it is difficult to detect an abnormality in the movement itself.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a game machine that makes it easy to discover an abnormality related to the motion of a movable body.

According to the present invention, with the start of the symbol variation, the winning judgment is executed to determine whether or not to win the big win, and when the big winning is won in the winning judgment, the big winning game is played after the end of the symbol variation. is started, and after variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows in the symbol variation, the plurality of symbol rows are stop-displayed in a symbol combination corresponding to the result of the determination of suitability in the symbol variation, wherein the original position and the A predetermined movable body movable between operating positions, motion control means for controlling the movement of the predetermined movable body, sound output means for outputting sound, and the sound output means are controlled. sound output control means and image display means for displaying the plurality of pattern rows, wherein the operation control means performs first operation control for moving the predetermined movable body from the original position to the operation position; and a second motion control for moving the predetermined movable body from the motion position to the original position, wherein any one of the first motion control and the second motion control During at least a part of the period during which the motion control is executed, the sound output means may output a sound, while at least a part of the period during which the other motion control is executed, the sound is output. There is a case where sound is not output by the sound output means, the predetermined movable body covers at least a part of the display area related to the image display means at the operating position, and the operation control means further comprises: and moving the predetermined movable body moved by the first motion control from the motion position to the original position after a predetermined period of time has passed since execution of the first motion control is finished. during the predetermined period, no sound is produced by the sound outputting means, and both the first operation control and the second operation control are performed so that pattern variation is not executed. During at least a part of the period during which the second operation control is being performed, the sound is output by the sound output means, while the first operation control is being performed. During the period, no sound is output by the sound output means, and no sound is output even in the period before the period in which the first operation control is performed, and the first operation control is performed. is slower than the predetermined moving speed of the movable body in the second operation control .

According to the present invention, there is provided a game machine that makes it easy to discover an abnormality related to the motion of a movable body.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device arranged in area II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in area III shown in FIG. 1 and its surroundings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board installed in the game machine. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the game machine. 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams showing the operating positions of the effect shield 83. FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine. Fig. 9(a) is a lottery table for special figure propriety determination, Fig. 9(b) is a lottery table for special figure 1 stop design lottery, Fig. 9(c) is for special figure 2 stop design lottery is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table of . FIG. 10(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special figure variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the average variation time relationship for each special figure variation pattern derivation state. FIG. 11 is a flow of operation check management processing at power recovery. FIG. 12 is a flow of original position check processing. FIG. 13 is a flow of operation check processing at power recovery. FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the flow of the operation check of the movable body and the RAM clearing notification at the time of power restoration accompanied by the RAM clearing process. FIG. 15 is a flow of operation check management processing during a non-gaming period. FIG. 16 shows the flow of the first action check process during the non-gaming period. FIG. 17 shows the flow of the second action check process during the non-gaming period. FIG. 18(a) is a timing chart showing the flow of the motion check of the movable body and the RAM clear notification during the non-gaming machine period, and FIG. It is a figure which compares the time change of the motion position of the movable body which concerns on a change and a 2nd motion check. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a specific example of the cover effect. FIG. 20(a) is a flow of cover effect management processing, and FIG. 20(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table used for the cover effect execution lottery.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the front side (player side) of the gaming machine 10 as shown in FIG. ) shall be designated as viewed from the
In the following description, "advantage (advantage)" refers to being advantageous to the player, and unless otherwise specified, prize balls (game Medium) refers to being advantageous in terms of the amount of acquisition (not limited to the payout of game balls, but including the payout of medals).

<Features of the present invention>
Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the features of the invention (the present invention) described in this embodiment will be described.
In describing the features, the configuration in parentheses exemplifies the configuration of the present embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configuration, and the description of the gaming machine 10 after this description also has the same usage in the parentheses. may describe the configuration.

The present invention
Along with the start of pattern variation, a win-or-fail judgment is executed to determine whether or not a big win is won, and when the above-mentioned big win is won in the win-or-fail judgment, a big win game is started after the end of the pattern variation, and pattern variation is performed. after variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows in the symbol variation, the plurality of symbol rows are stop-displayed in a symbol combination corresponding to the result of the determination of suitability in the symbol variation,
a predetermined movable body (effect shield 83) that can move between the original position and the operating position;
Operation control means (movable accessory control means 245) for controlling the movement of the predetermined movable body;
an audio output means (speaker 33) for outputting audio;
sound output control means (first sub-control board 200, sound control board 310) for controlling the sound output means;
and image display means (main display unit 81) for displaying the plurality of symbol rows,
The motion control means performs first motion control for moving the predetermined movable body from the original position to the operating position, and second motion control for moving the predetermined movable body from the operating position to the original position. , and
a case where sound is emitted by the sound output means during at least part of a period during which at least one of the first operation control and the second operation control is executed; , there are cases where sound is not output by the above-mentioned sound output means,
The predetermined movable body covers at least part of the display area of the image display means at the operating position.
It is a gaming machine characterized by

According to the present invention, confirmation of the operation itself of the predetermined movable body and confirmation of abnormal noise related to the operation of the predetermined movable body are separately confirmed, thereby facilitating confirmation of the abnormal noise, It is possible to make it easy to discover an abnormality related to the operation of the predetermined movable body. In particular, since the first movable body covers at least part of the display area of the image display means, the noise can be easily heard.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment described later, regardless of special figure variation pattern derivation state, in all cases when it becomes a non-game period, the first operation check and the second operation check are executed, but some non-game These operation checks may be performed only during the period. That is, the first operation check and the second operation check may be executed in the non-game period, and in that case, it is preferable that the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA is set.
Furthermore, the action related to the first action check and the action related to the second action check were actions in the non-game period, but one or both of the periods during which these actions are performed are actions in the non-game period not limited to the period in which the game can be played

Further, the predetermined movable body may be composed of a plurality of movable bodies as in the present embodiment, or may be one movable body.

Further, the predetermined movable body is not limited to the one visible from the front side (player side) of the game board, as in this embodiment described later, but the game board 50 during part or all of the operation. may be invisible from the front side of the .

The gaming machine 10 having the above characteristics will be specifically described based on the following embodiments.

<Regarding the structure of the game machine 10>
First, the structure of the game machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.
1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device 90 arranged in the area II shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a view showing a game board 50 installed in the game machine 10, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the game machine 10. FIG.
It should be noted that each configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is only necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and configurations and functions not shown here are added to the gaming machine 10. You may Also, the game machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the configurations illustrated here, and some configurations or functions may be omitted within the scope that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

The game machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, and shoots game balls onto a front area (hereinafter referred to as a "game area 50a") of a game board 50 on which a large number of game nails (not shown) are erected. Then, when a game ball enters a winning hole (for example, the big winning hole 55 or the like), a prize ball is obtained. In the following description, the entry of a game ball into a winning hole may be simply expressed as "winning (into a winning hole)".

The game machine 10 is configured to cover the front side of the game board 50 with a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens forward and backward, a middle frame 17 that detachably holds the game board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and the game board 50. and a front frame 20 that has been formed.

The middle frame 17 is rotatably supported around the left end by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21 , and can be opened and closed to the front side of the outer frame 15 . The middle frame 17 is locked and unlocked by the cylinder lock 23 (the door key is inserted into the cylinder lock 23, and the door key is moved in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (to the right in this embodiment). turn) is possible.

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported by a hinge mechanism 21 centering on the left end side, and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame 17 . The front frame 20 is locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (insert the door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (left in this embodiment). ) is possible.
In addition, the front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the game area 50a and the game board 50 as seen through.
In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are separated vertically and provided integrally with the front frame 20. .
The front frame 20 also has an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 27 are shot toward the game area 50a. It's like Although illustration is omitted, in the present embodiment, the operation handle 31 is provided with a touch sensor (a sensor electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200), and depending on the detection result of the touch sensor, , the player's contact with the operating handle 31 can be detected.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 is provided with a middle frame door open sensor 76 for detecting whether the middle frame 17 is open or closed with respect to the outer frame 15. , and a front frame door open sensor 77 for detecting whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state with respect to the middle frame 17 . In this embodiment, each of these open door sensors is ON in the open state and OFF in the closed state. However, these open door sensors may be configured to be OFF when the door is open and to be ON when the door is closed.
Thereby, the game machine 10 can detect both the opening/closing state of the middle frame 17 with respect to the outer frame 15 and the opening/closing state of the front frame 20 with respect to the middle frame 17 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a group of operation buttons to be operated by the player are arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball receiving tray 27 . This operation button group is provided with a ball lending button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting return operation of the prepaid card as a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100, which will be described later. 1 As an operation unit electrically connected to the sub-control board 200, an effect button that can accept a player's operation for switching the effect that occurs during the game or for obtaining various information related to the gaming machine 10. 37, and cursor buttons 38 (up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, middle cursor button 38e) for instructing up, down, left, and right operations, respectively. included. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting an operation, and the control board to be connected detects the operation of each operation unit based on changes in the detection state of the sensor.
Further, the up cursor button 38a and the down cursor button 38b are used to adjust the volume of sound output from the speaker 33, which will be described later, and the left cursor button 38c and the right cursor button 38d are used to adjust the volume of the sound output from the speaker 33, which will be described later. It is operated to adjust the brightness of the device 80 or the like.
A movable decorative body 22 that is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper bulb tray 27 .

Below the lower ball receiving tray 29, a ball removing mechanism 36 for discharging game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided. By operating the ball extraction mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped from the bottom opening and discharged.
Although not shown, the upper ball receiving tray 27 is provided with a mechanism for moving the stored ball to the lower ball receiving tray 29 by operating it, similar to the ball removing mechanism 36. By operating both mechanisms 36, it is possible to eject the stored balls.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are provided on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed of light-transmitting covers, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are provided inside the covers, respectively. there is The speaker 33 and the frame lamp 35 can emit sound or turn on or off in conjunction with effects or error effects that occur during the game.

The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display section 81 arranged substantially in the center of the game board 50 and a sub-display section 82 arranged around the main display section 81 . The sub-display section 82 further includes an upper sub-display section 82a arranged above the main display section 81, a left sub-display section 82b arranged on the left side of the main display section 81, and a main display section 81. and a right sub-display portion 82c disposed on the right side of the .
Here, the main display section 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display section 82a, left sub-display section 82b, and right sub-display section 82c are movable liquid crystal displays operated by actuators such as motors (not shown). It is a display device.

The main display unit 81 can display the variable display of the symbol row performed in conjunction with the variable display in the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92, which will be described later, and various other effects. can also be displayed.
In the variable display of the symbol rows (decorative symbols) displayed on the main display portion 81, the displayed decorative symbols form three symbol rows. The direction of the variable display of each pattern row is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, the depth direction, or a combination thereof (diagonal direction).
Here, the depth direction is actually a two-dimensional variable display on the display screen of the main display section 81. However, the pattern row extends from the back of the main display section 81 to the front or the opposite direction. It refers to a virtual direction recognized by a player in a display mode using a technique (for example, the perspective method) that makes the player recognize that the display is changing.
In addition, the decorative patterns in this embodiment include "1 pattern" imitating the number "1", "2 patterns" imitating the number "2", "3 patterns" imitating the number "3", "4 patterns" imitating the number "4", "5 patterns" imitating the number "5", "6 patterns" imitating the number "6", "7 patterns" imitating the number "7" , "8 symbols" imitating the number "8", and "9 symbols" imitating the number "9", and these symbols are provided in each symbol row. In the following description, "1 pattern", "3 patterns", "5 patterns", "7 patterns", and "9 patterns" are collectively referred to as "odd number patterns", and "2 patterns" and "4 patterns". , “6 symbols” and “8 symbols” may be collectively referred to as “even number symbols”.

Each of the sub display units 82 is not only provided mainly for displaying an effect image related to the effect, but also configured to be movable.
The initial positions of the upper sub-display portion 82a are on the upper side of the main display portion 81, the left sub-display portion 82b is on the left side of the main display portion 81, and the right sub-display portion 82c is on the main display. It is on the right side with reference to the portion 81 , and each of the sub-display portions 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position overlapping the display area of the decorative pattern in the main display portion 81 .

It should be noted that the effect display device 80 (the main display section 81, the upper sub-display section 82a, the left sub-display section 82b, and the right sub-display section 82c) in the present embodiment all adopt a liquid crystal display device. Implementation of the invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type can be employed as the effect display device 80 .

A rendering shield 83 is arranged between the main display section 81 and the sub-display section 82 . Furthermore, the effect shielding body 83 is composed of an upper left effect shielding body 83a, an upper right effect shielding body 83b, a lower left effect shielding body 83c, and a lower right effect shielding body 83d. However, these shields are configured to be movable in the direction of covering the main display section 81 .
In this embodiment, the upper left effect shield 83a, the upper right effect shield 83b, the lower left effect shield 83c, and the lower right effect shield 83d are treated as separate movable bodies. Therefore, in this embodiment, each of these effect shields is treated as one target movable body in each operation check process described later.

A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as “LEDs”) are arranged on the lower right side of the main display section 81 , and these LEDs constitute the display area of the pattern display device 90 . A special symbol and a normal symbol are displayed on the symbol display device 90 .
Also, the pattern display device 90 is arranged at a position that is more difficult for the player to visually recognize than the main display section 81, and the display area of the pattern display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the main display section 81. .
Note that the arrangement and number of LEDs associated with the pattern display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in FIG. not to be

The special symbol is a symbol stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to activate the special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92 .
In addition, the special design may be abbreviated as "special design", the first special design as "special design 1", and the second special design as "special design 2".

The normal symbol is a symbol stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to operate the normal electric accessory (for example, the normal electric accessory 61). The normal design in this embodiment is displayed on the normal design display device 93 .
In addition, the normal symbol may be abbreviated as "general figure", and the normal electric accessory may be referred to as "electric chew".

The symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp 96 in addition to the display devices described above.
The first special symbol reservation lamp 94 can specify the number of reserved special symbol 1 symbol variations, and the second special symbol reservation lamp 95 can specify the number of reserved special symbol 2 symbol variations. And, the normal design reservation lamp 96 can specify the number of design fluctuations of the normal design that is reserved, and both of the lighting modes of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, only right lighting = 1, left and right lighting = 2, blinking on the right side + constant lighting on the left side = 3, blinking on the left and right sides = 4) makes it possible to specify the number of corresponding symbol variations.

In the following description, the symbol variation that stops and displays the special symbol after the special symbol is variably displayed by the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 is referred to as "symbol variation of the special symbol". In the description, the symbol variation in which the normal symbol is stopped and displayed after the normal symbol display device 93 is variably displayed may be referred to as "symbol variation of the normal symbol".
In addition, in the following description, the variation display of the symbol row (decorative symbol) displayed on the main display unit 81 is distinguished from the "symbol variation of the special symbol" and the "symbol variation of the normal symbol". It may be referred to as "symbol variation".
It should be noted that, in the following description, when simply referred to as "symbol variation", it means the symbol variation of special symbols unless otherwise specified.

On the front surface of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. 4, obstacles such as a large number of game nails (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative members are arranged so that the launched game balls roll. A game area 50a is defined in .
In addition, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 are provided to guide game balls shot by rotating the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a. It is The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with reference to the center of the game area 50a. Here, the windmill 52 is a peg-shaped mechanism for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

The gaming machine 10 is capable of adjusting the strength of the launch of the game ball depending on the magnitude of the rotational operation amount (for example, the rotation angle) of the operating handle 31. Various obstacles are placed in the game area 50a so that the game ball rolls on either X (so-called left-handed hitting) or the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed hitting) where the game ball hit harder rolls. are placed.

FIG. 4 shows the major winning opening 55, the first starting opening 57, the second starting opening 59, the gate 63, and the general winning opening 67 (left general winning opening 67a, right general winning opening 67b). Although shown, the winning openings shown are only examples, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate.

The big winning opening 55 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 50a. A large winning opening sensor 72 is attached to the large winning opening 55, and the winning of the large winning opening 55 is determined based on the detection result of the large winning opening sensor 72. In the embodiment, 15) prize balls are awarded.
In addition, in this embodiment, as compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, more game balls roll toward the big winning opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y. Each obstacle is placed.

A special electric accessory 65 is arranged above the big winning opening 55 . The special electric accessory 65 is a member that switches between an open state in which it is easy to win a prize in the big prize opening 55 and a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a ball. Transition to one of the states.
More specifically, the special electric role product 65 will be in an open state in at least a part of the jackpot game that is set due to the fact that the jackpot is derived by the special figure success/failure determination that will be described later. Winning to the winning opening 55 is allowed. In this way, when the special electric accessory 65 is in the open state, it becomes easy to win a prize in the big prize opening 55. Therefore, the jackpot game in which the chance of winning prize balls is greatly increased is an advantageous game state. It can be said that
In the jackpot game, the open state and the closed state of the special electric accessory 65 are alternately set, and one open state (sometimes referred to as “round”), and the total number of rounds generated in one jackpot is “number of rounds”. ”) ends based on the fact that a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls enter the big winning port 55, and the special electric accessory 65 is closed. .
In addition, one open state is also ended based on the passage of a sufficient time (30s (seconds) in this embodiment) for a predetermined number of game balls to enter the big winning opening 55. do.
Here, when the special electric accessory 65 is set from the open state to the closed state based on the winning of 10 game balls in one round, it cannot be immediately closed. Therefore, in one round, more than 10 game balls may enter the big winning slot 55, and this winning may be referred to as over winning.

The first starting port 57 is arranged in the central lower part of the game area 50a. A first starting hole sensor 70 is attached to the first starting hole 57, and the winning of the first starting hole 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 70, and is associated with the first starting hole 57. The determined number (4 in this embodiment) of prize balls are awarded. In at least a part of the case where the winning prize related to the first starting port 57 is determined, the symbol variation of the special figure 1 will be performed.
In addition, in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls roll toward the first start port 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y. It is assumed that an obstacle such as a game nail is arranged so as to roll.

The second starting port 59 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 50a. A second starting hole sensor 71 is attached to the second starting hole 59, and the winning to the second starting hole 59 is determined by the detection result of the second starting hole sensor 71, and is associated with the second starting hole 59. The determined number (1 in this embodiment) of prize balls are awarded.
In at least a part when winning a prize related to the second starting port 59 is determined, the symbol variation of the special figure 2 will be performed.
In addition, in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls roll toward the second start port 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X. It is assumed that an obstacle such as a game nail is arranged so as to roll.

A normal electric accessory 61 is arranged in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59 . The normal electric accessory 61 is a member that switches between an open state in which it is easy to enter a game ball in the second starting port 59 or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a game ball. transitions to either the open state or the closed state.
More specifically, the ordinary electric accessory 61 is in an open state in at least a part of the game per normal pattern that is performed by winning in the pattern variation of the normal pattern, and accordingly the winning to the second start port 59. is allowed. In this way, when the normal electric accessory 61 is in the open state, it becomes easier to win the second starting port 59, so while suppressing the decrease in the number of game balls due to the prize balls, the symbol variation of the special figure 2 It can greatly increase the chances of being executed.

The gate 63 is arranged in the right central portion of the game area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63 , and winning to the gate 63 is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74 . In at least a part of the case where the winning prize related to the gate 63 is determined, the pattern variation of the normal pattern will be performed.
In addition, in this embodiment, as compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, when rolling from the second flow path Y, many game balls roll toward the gate 63. things are placed.

The general winning opening 67 (left general winning opening 67a, right general winning opening 67b) is provided with a general winning opening sensor 73 (left general winning opening sensor 73a, right general winning opening sensor 73b). Winning to the general winning opening 67 is determined by the detection result of 73 . In the present embodiment, four prize balls are given when winning to the left general winning opening 67a is determined, and three prizes are given when winning to the right general winning opening 67b is determined. A ball is given.

The out port 69 is arranged at the bottom of the game area 50a. A game ball that is hit into the game area 50a and does not enter the above-described winning holes falls into an out hole 69 and is processed as an out ball.
In addition, in this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 is provided for detecting a game ball (hereinafter referred to as an "out ball") entering the winning hole and the out hole.

In addition to the sensors described above, the game board 50 also has a magnetic detection sensor for detecting magnetism and a radio wave detection sensor for detecting radio waves (sometimes are also omitted) are provided.

On the back of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. A second sub-control board case 309 storing a control board 300, a power control board case 509 storing a power control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 storing a payout control board 400 are attached. In addition to the rear surfaces of the control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening/closing cover 45 that covers part of the rear surface of the main control board case 109 is detachably attached.
A RAM clear switch 43 is provided on the main control board 100 .
Further, the substrate case and cover covering each substrate are made of a member having transparency, and the corresponding substrate can be visually recognized through each case and cover.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the first sub-control board 200 is provided with a volume adjustment section 84 operated for volume adjustment and a brightness adjustment section 85 operated for brightness adjustment. . The first sub-control board case 209 houses the first sub-control board 200 so that the volume control unit 84 and the brightness control unit 85 are exposed to the outside. It is attached so as to avoid 85. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 5, that is, in the state where the first sub-control board 200 is housed in the first sub-control board case 209 and the opening/closing cover 45 is attached, the volume control unit 84 and the brightness control unit 85 Operation is possible.
The volume adjustment unit 84 and the brightness adjustment unit 85 are so-called rotary switches, and in the present embodiment, the volume adjustment unit 84 can be adjusted to any one of three levels: high volume, medium volume, and low volume. is possible, and the luminance adjustment unit 85 can be adjusted to any one of three stages of high luminance, medium luminance, and low luminance.
Note that the volume control unit 84 and the brightness control unit 85 are not limited to the switch shapes described above, and various switch shapes can be employed. Furthermore, the volume control unit 84 and the brightness control unit 85 may be switches provided on a board different from the first sub-control board 200 as long as they are electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200. . Furthermore, as long as it is provided on the back side of the game board 50, its installation position does not matter.

A game ball tank 46 for storing game balls supplied from the ball supply facility of the game island is arranged on the back surface of the game board 50 above the opening/closing cover 45 . The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 connected to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and the balls put out by the payout unit 48 pass through the payout passage 49. is paid out to the upper ball receiving tray 27.

So far, the structure of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has been described, but these are only specific examples, and the present invention can also be implemented with another structure.

<Regarding the operation of the production shield 83>
Next, the operation of the rendering shield 83 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c). 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams showing the operating positions of the effect shield 83. FIG.
As described above, the effect shielding body 83 is composed of the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body 83d. The shield 83 is shown in its initial position. At this position, substantially the entire display area of the main display section 81 is visible.
FIG. 6B shows a state in which a part of the display area (about 30% of the whole) of the main display section 81 is covered by the effect shield 83 .
FIG. 6C shows a state in which the entire display area of the main display section 81 is covered by the effect shield 83 (a state in which the display area of the main display section 81 is shielded). .
In this manner, the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body 83d operate in conjunction with each other in the planar direction of the display area of the main display section 81. In the following description, the position of the effect shielding body 83 shown in FIG. 6(a) is the original position, the position of the effect shielding body 83 shown in FIG. 6(b) is the first operating position, and FIG. The position of the effect shield 83 may be referred to as a second operating position.
In addition, the gaming machine 10 has a sensor (not shown) that detects each of the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body 83d at the original position. there is
Furthermore, the “cover lid” in this embodiment means that the object to be covered (in this embodiment, the effect shield 83) is placed in front of the object to be covered (in this embodiment, the display area related to the main display section 81). It refers to the presence of something that is positioned and covered between the player's side and the object, making some or all of the covered thing invisible or difficult to see.

Therefore, the gaming machine 10 includes image display means (main display unit 81) for displaying a plurality of symbol rows (symbol rows related to decorative symbols), and the first movable body (effect shield 83) is positioned at the operating position ( In other words, at least a part of the display area of the image display means is covered at the second operating position).

Also, as shown in FIG. 6C, the upper left effect shield 83a has a convex portion imitating the character "heaven" on the front side (the front side when the main display section 81 side is defined as the back side). , the upper right effect shielding body 83b has a convex part imitating the character "bottom" on the front surface side, and the lower left effect shielding body 83c has a protrusion imitating the character "no" on the front surface side The lower right effect shielding body 83d has a convex portion imitating the character "so" on the surface on the front side. The shape of the front side (player side) of these effect shields 83 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and any shape may be adopted. The position makes the entire shape visible.

<Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG. Note that the control configuration shown in FIG. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a control configuration not shown in FIG.

The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processes related to games, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a temporary storage area and a buffer memory, and a peripheral board. , an I/O port 104 for inputting and outputting signals to and from each device, and a random number circuit 105 for generating random numbers (hard random numbers) by operating in a system separate from the program processing by the CPU 101. are connected to each other via an internal bus.

The CPU 101 reads various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing, thereby executing various processes related to the main control of the game.
The RAM 103 is backed up by backup power generated in a backup power supply circuit, which will be described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, when the power is restored after a power failure (when the power is turned on), the data can be used to restore the game machine 10 to the state immediately before the power failure. Configured to back up your information. For example, in addition to data such as the stack pointer and each register that were held when a power failure occurred, the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (game stop state or game possible state), the current special drawing lottery state, the current Information related to the game such as the normal drawing lottery state is backed up.

In the present embodiment, at least, in addition to the area in which such game-related information is stored (sometimes referred to as the game-related area of the RAM 103), the complement of the checksum related to the game-related area of the RAM 103 and An area in which a backup flag is stored (sometimes referred to as a game-related backup information area of the RAM 103) is backed up. When power is restored, the gaming machine 10 is restored using various information stored in the backed-up game-related area of the RAM 103 and the game-related backup information area of the RAM 103 .
Note that the specific method of backup in this embodiment is not limited at all. For example, the area to be backed up in the RAM 103 may be implemented with a configuration that can hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power failure state. As another example, in the RAM 103, different hardware is provided for a first memory configured to be able to hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power failure state and a second memory referred to when the game machine 10 operates. In that case, the gaming machine 10 saves the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when the power is cut off, and transfers the saved information from the first memory to the first memory when the power is restored. It is sufficient to recover to the second memory.

In addition, the main control board 100 includes a first start sensor 70, a second start sensor 71, a large winning sensor 72, a general winning sensor 73 (a left general winning sensor 73a, a right general winning sensor 73b), and a gate. Sensor 74, out ball sensor 75, middle frame door open sensor 76, front frame door open sensor 77, etc. are electrically connected, and detection signals from these sensors are sent to CPU 101 via I/O port 104. configured for input. Although illustration is omitted, in addition to these sensors, the main control board 100 is also electrically connected to a full-tank detection sensor, a magnetic detection sensor, and a radio wave detection sensor. , detection signals from these sensors can be input to the CPU 101 .

In addition, the main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 91, a second special symbol display device 92, a normal symbol display device 93, a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp. 96 , is electrically connected to the normal electric accessory solenoid 62 and the special electric accessory solenoid 66 , and configured to be able to control these via the I/O port 104 .
Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation section 39 and the RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to detect the operation of the main operation section 39. FIG.

The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line. They are communicably connected only in the direction, and various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200 .
Data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 cannot request the main control board 100 to transmit data. is configured to
Also, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for data transmission from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may be used.

The first sub-control board 200 serves as a CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processing related to game effects based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as effect control programs and various lottery tables, and a temporary storage area. A RAM 203 functioning as a work area or buffer memory, and an I/O port 204 for inputting/outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices are provided. It is configured to execute the main control related to the game effect according to the control program stored in the.
The first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the effect button 37, the cursor button 38, the volume adjustment section 84, and the brightness adjustment section 85, and is configured to detect the operation of the operation section. .

In addition, the first sub-control board 200 instructs the image control command for instructing the image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300 and the adjustment of the brightness in the effect control processing based on the effect control command from the main control board 100. Luminance adjustment command, audio control command for instructing audio to be output to audio control board 310, volume adjustment command for instructing volume adjustment, lamp control data for controlling lighting of various lamps such as frame lamp 35, and movable decoration It generates movement control data and the like for controlling movement of movable bodies such as the body 22, the sub-display section 82, and the effect shielding body 83.
Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and each control command (image control command, brightness adjustment command, audio control command, Volume adjustment command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the audio control board 310, and as a response, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command was successfully received ) is transmitted from each control board (second sub-control board 300, audio control board 310) to first sub-control board 200.

The first sub-control board 200 is also electrically connected to the frame lamp 35 and transmits lamp control data via the I/O port 204 . The lighting of the frame lamp 35 is controlled by lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 .
The lamp control data is generated according to the luminance determined based on the result of adjustment by operating the luminance adjusting section 85, the left cursor button 38c, and the right cursor button 38d. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the frame lamp 35 can be lit with the luminance determined based on the adjustment result. The brightness in this embodiment can be set in a range of 10 steps from brightness 1 to brightness 10, and the brightness increases in this order. Also, every time the brightness is adjusted, the first sub-control board 200 sends a brightness adjustment command including data specifying the brightness after the adjustment (hereinafter referred to as "brightness specifying data") to the second sub-control board. Send to 300. The adjusted brightness is also reflected in the brightness of the displayed image.

Also, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable decoration 22 , the sub-display section 82 , and the effect shield 83 , and transmits movable control data via the I/O port 204 .
The movable decorative body 22 , the sub-display section 82 , and the effect shielding body 83 are configured such that their movements are controlled by the movable control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 .

The second sub-control board 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs various arithmetic processing related to image effects based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, and a temporary storage area. and an I/O port 304 for inputting and outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices. It is configured to execute such main control.
In addition, although not shown, the second sub-control board 300 includes a VDP that generates image data in accordance with the content of the effect determined by the effect content determining means 225, which will be described later, based on the control signal received from the CPU 301; It is equipped with a sound source IC that generates sound data according to the content of the presentation based on the control signal received from the CPU 301 . The VDP is a so-called image processor, which reads image data stored in the image ROM according to instructions from the CPU 301, and transmits image data generated by image processing to the main display unit 81 and the sub display unit 82. do. The VDP is also connected to a high-speed VRAM used for developing and processing image data read out from the image ROM.

The audio control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various arithmetic processing related to audio effects based on audio control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs and audio data, and a work that serves as a temporary storage area. It has a RAM 313 that functions as an area and buffer memory, and an I/O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and devices. It is configured to perform various controls. Therefore, the audio control board 310 reads the audio data stored in the ROM 312 according to the audio control command received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read audio data, and produces the final audio data after synthesis. can be transmitted to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, and the speaker 33 can be caused to output sound.

More specifically, the RAM 313 stores storage areas corresponding to each of a plurality of audio reproduction channels (in this embodiment, a total of 32 audio reproduction channels CH1 to CH32), and synthesized audio data (described later). A storage area is provided for storing unit audio data). A storage area corresponding to each audio reproduction channel contains audio data read from the ROM 312, data specifying the volume of the audio reproduction channel (hereinafter referred to as "volume identification data"), the number of times the audio reproduction channel has been reproduced (loop reproduction). ) (hereinafter referred to as "playback number specifying data"), and data specifying the playback state (playing, paused, playback stopped) of the audio playback channel (hereinafter referred to as "playback state specifying data ”). Note that the volume in this embodiment can be set in a range of 10 steps from volume 1 to volume 10, and the volume output from the speaker 33 increases in this order. Also, each data corresponding to each audio reproduction channel stored in the RAM 313 can be read by the first sub-control board 200 as necessary.

The above-described audio control command is composed of audio control data for each audio reproduction channel, and each audio control data specifies the presence or absence of various data corresponding to the audio reproduction channel, and instructs the audio data to be reproduced (specification data). data (hereinafter referred to as "voice instruction data"), data indicating the volume of the audio data (hereinafter referred to as "volume instruction data"), data indicating the number of times the audio data is played (hereinafter referred to as " (referred to as "playback number instruction data") and data for instructing the playback state. When the CPU 311 receives an audio control command, it checks whether or not there is audio control data for each audio reproduction channel. Update various data of the audio playback channel corresponding to .
The audio data is data in which unit audio data separated by one frame (24 milliseconds in this embodiment) are continuously arranged. While referring to the specific data, the unit audio data at the current reproduction position of the audio reproduction channel identified as being reproduced by the reproduction state identification data is synthesized according to the volume identification data corresponding to the audio reproduction channel, and after synthesis is stored in the corresponding storage area.
Further, when the received audio control command includes audio control data including reproduction state instruction data instructing to stop reproduction, the CPU 311 deletes various data of the audio reproduction channel corresponding to the audio control data. At the same time, data indicating stop of reproduction is set in the reproduction state specifying data of the audio reproduction channel, and the reproduction of the audio of the audio reproduction channel is stopped.

It should be noted that the sound output of the sound in this embodiment means that the sound is output from the speaker 33 and can actually be recognized by the player's sense of hearing. On the other hand, reproduction of audio means that various data (audio data, volume identification data, reproduction number identification data, and reproduction state identification data) are stored in a storage area corresponding to an audio reproduction channel related to the audio. It does not matter whether the sound is actually output or not.

Further, as described above, the first sub-control board 200 is configured to be capable of generating volume adjustment commands in addition to voice control commands, and capable of transmitting volume adjustment commands to the voice control board 310 . This volume adjustment command is composed of data specifying whether or not there is volume instruction data corresponding to each audio reproduction channel, and volume instruction data for each audio reproduction channel. Then, when the volume adjustment command is received, the CPU 311 confirms the presence or absence of volume instruction data for each audio reproduction channel, and if there is volume instruction data, adjusts the volume of the audio reproduction channel according to the volume instruction data. update the volume specific data of

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first sub control board 200 controls the sound to be output from the speaker 33 via the sound control board 310, and controls the volume of each reproduced sound (audio reproduction channel). can do.
It should be noted that the method of controlling the sound and volume to be emitted by the speaker 33 is not limited to the method of this embodiment, and any method may be employed. In addition, the audio control board 310 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 so that two-way communication is possible, and the audio control board 310 receives voice control commands and volume from the first sub-control board 200 via the second sub-control board 300. A command corresponding to the adjustment command may be configured to be receivable. Also, the functions of the audio control board 310 may be provided in the first sub-control board 200 or the second sub-control board 300 .

The payout control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM and a RAM (all not shown).
In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and controls the payout unit 48 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100 to pay out game balls. is executed, and the ball feeding mechanism and the shooting mechanism are synchronously driven based on the operation amount of the operation handle 31 to control shooting of the game ball.

The power supply control board 500 generates a normal power supply circuit 501 and a backup power supply for generating normal power supply to electronic and electric parts such as the above-mentioned control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island. It is composed of a backup power supply circuit 502 and a power failure detection circuit 503 that detects a power failure (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply reaches a predetermined voltage drop).
Also, the power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500, and on the premise that primary power is supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned on, the power control board 500 is turned on. A normal power supply is generated by the normal power supply circuit 501, and power is supplied to electronic components and electrical components including the above-described control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). is supplied.
In addition, when the power failure detection circuit 503 detects the power failure, the power supply control board 500 outputs a power failure signal (NMI signal) to the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400 respectively. Send to
The backup power supply circuit 502 is charged when power is supplied to the game machine 10 from the power supply facility on the game island.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the payout control board 400, the power failure detection circuit 503 is not provided on the power control board 500, and the main control board 100, the first sub control board 200, and the payout control board 400 may be provided.

<Regarding the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG. Note that the functional configuration shown in FIG. 8 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have functional configurations not shown in FIG. 9 and 10 will be referred to as necessary when describing the functional configuration.

The main control board 100 includes, as shown in FIG. Control means 140, symbol display control means 145, electric accessory control means 150, game state control means 155, main information storage means 160, main error control means 165, main command management means 170, power recovery process execution means 175, and power It is provided with disconnection processing executing means 180, and these means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described using FIG.

The main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by means provided on the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in corresponding storage areas. . In particular, the data (effect control command) stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 is transmitted by the command transmission means to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200, which will be described later. be done.

The winning-ball determining means 110 determines whether or not a game has been won in each winning hole based on the detection result of the sensor provided in each winning hole.

The main random number generating means 115 can generate a plurality of types of random numbers with different update ranges by the random number circuit 105, and at the timing when it is determined that a prize has been awarded to the winning slot, the random number circuit 105 generates one or more random numbers corresponding to the winning slot. Get (latch) a random number.
More specifically, the main random number generating means 115, when it is determined that the first starting port 57 or the second starting port 59 wins, generates a random number for special figure win/loss determination, a special figure stop symbol, which will be described later. Obtain a random number for the lottery and a random number for the special pattern variation pattern lottery. When it is determined that the gate 63 has won a prize, the main information storage means 160 stores the random numbers for determining whether the normal pattern is right or wrong, the random numbers for the normal pattern stop pattern lottery, and the random numbers for the normal pattern fluctuation pattern lottery, which will be described later. Store in the storage area.
The random number circuit 105 monitors whether or not the multiple types of random numbers that it updates are normally updated. Information indicating that the abnormality has occurred is written in a specific storage area. Therefore, the CPU 101 can grasp that an update error has occurred in the random number circuit 105 .

The main suspension control means 120 performs control related to suspension of the symbol variation of the special figure and suspension of the symbol variation of the normal figure. Regarding the special figure 1, the random number for the special figure right or wrong determination, the random number for the special figure stop pattern lottery, and the random number for the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery, which were obtained as a result of winning the first start port 57, It is withheld (stored) as the operation suspension information of FIG.
More specifically, the main reservation control means 120 is added by 1 each time the operation reservation information of the special figure 1 is reserved, and the operation reservation information of the special figure 1 is used (in the lottery of the special figure lottery means 130 used) is decremented by 1 for each (hereinafter referred to as "special figure 1 suspension counter"), and the value of the special figure 1 suspension counter reaches the upper limit (4 in this embodiment, the The operation suspension information is stored in the storage area corresponding to the current special figure 1 suspension counter of the main information storage means 160, and each time the operation suspension information is used, the used operation suspension information is cleared, and the remaining operation suspension Control is performed to move (shift) information from the current storage area to the storage area corresponding to the special figure 1 reservation counter which is 1 less than the current special figure 1 reservation counter in order from the smallest special figure 1 reservation counter.
In addition, the main reservation control means 120 performs the same control as the above-described control separately from the special figure 1 for the special figure 2 and the general figure, and the special figure 2 reservation counter is called the special figure 2 reservation counter.
Further, in the following description, "suspension of operation suspension information" may be expressed as "suspension of pattern variation".
In addition, when the main reservation control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation reservation information (reservation counter) of the special figure 1 or the special figure 2, the effect control including the special figure 1 reservation counter and the special figure 2 reservation counter A command (pending command) is generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, when both the operation pending information corresponding to the special figure 1 and the operation holding information corresponding to the special figure 2 are reserved, the operation pending information corresponding to the special figure 2 is preferentially The priority variation used is done.

A pre-determination means 125 executes pre-determination for a look-ahead performance targeting the operation suspension information at least in part when the operation suspension information of the special figure is suspended at a predetermined pre-determination timing.
More specifically, the pre-determination means 125 reads each random number of the operation suspension information reserved this time, and pre-determines each of the special figure propriety determination, the special figure stop symbol lottery, and the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery, which will be described later. Run. In each preliminary determination, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used in the lottery corresponding to each preliminary determination is used. Therefore, the results of these preliminary determinations are the same as the results of the lottery executed later.
Further, the pre-determination means 125 generates an effect control command (pre-determination command) including the derived result of the pre-determination, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
In addition, as described above, the pre-determination command is transmitted at least in part when the operation suspension information of the special figure is suspended at the predetermined timing of the pre-determination (generated and stored in the main information storage means 160 transmission command area), so it will be sent following the pending command described above. Here, the timing of the predetermined pre-judgment means that it is not during the jackpot game, furthermore, in this embodiment, when the operation suspension information of the special figure 1 is suspended during the normal figure high probability described later , since the prior determination is restricted, the transmission of the prior determination command corresponding to the prior determination is also restricted.

The special figure lottery means 130 includes a special figure suitability determination means 131, a special figure stop pattern lottery means 132, and a special figure fluctuation pattern derivation means 133, and the special figure suitability determination means 131, the special figure stop pattern lottery means 132, and the special figure. The processing by each means is executed in order of the fluctuation pattern deriving means 133 . The special figure lottery means 130 reads out the earliest operation suspension information among the operation suspension information held in the main information storage means 160 when the special figure fluctuation start condition is satisfied.
It should be noted that "the special figure fluctuation start condition is satisfied" is, for example, not during the jackpot, neither the special figure 1 nor the special figure 2 is in the process of pattern fluctuation, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 all the conditions for the presence of the operation pending information in at least one of the

Here, FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c) are diagrams schematically showing lottery tables used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description.
In the lottery using the lottery table, including those other than these lottery tables, the lottery values stored in the lottery table are sequentially added to the read random numbers according to a predetermined order (there is only one lottery value to be targeted). , the number of times of addition is one), and the result corresponding to the lottery value with carry (overflow) is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the description of the lottery tables, names are given to the lottery tables for convenience of explanation. Often these names do not specify the area where the data is stored. The illustrated lottery table may include items described for convenience of explanation, and "-" and "0" as lottery values, but these do not necessarily indicate data stored in each ROM. is not. A result with a lottery value of "-" or "0" will not win the lottery. Furthermore, when the same lottery value as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained in the range) is described in the lottery table, the result is derived 100%. you don't have to. Also, if the total value of the lottery values used in one lottery coincides with the random number range used in the lottery, the last addition of the lottery values always generates a carry, so that addition is not necessary. Well, in that case, the lottery value itself used for the addition becomes unnecessary.

The special figure suitability determination means 131 reads the random number for the special figure suitability determination for each pattern variation, and uses the read random number and the lottery table for the special figure suitability determination to determine by lottery whether to win a big hit or a loss. Execute the special figure propriety determination to be determined.
FIG. 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for special figure propriety determination, and the lottery table is commonly used for special figure 1 and special figure 2. FIG. Since the range of random numbers used in the determination is 0 to 65535, if the special figure lottery state is low probability (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "special figure low probability"), 230/65536 (about A big hit is derived with a probability of 1/284.9).
Similarly, when the special figure lottery state has a high probability (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special figure high probability"), a big hit is derived with a probability of 499/65536 (about 1/131.3) .

The special figure stop symbol lottery means 132 reads the random number for the special figure stop symbol lottery when the result of the special figure success/failure determination is a big hit, and uses the read random number and the lottery table for the special figure stop symbol lottery. The stop pattern of the special figure is determined by lottery.
FIG. 9(b) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the special figure 1 stop symbol lottery, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-99. Therefore, when a big hit is derived in special figure 1, symbol A is determined as a stop symbol with a probability of 50/100 (1/2), and symbol B is determined with a probability of 50/100 (1/2).
Here, the symbol A has a number of rounds of 4, and after the jackpot game is over, a pattern that becomes a special figure high probability and a normal figure high probability (hereinafter referred to as a "variable probability pattern"), and the jackpot related to the symbol is a "variable probability It is sometimes called "big hit"). On the other hand, the symbol B has 4 rounds, and after the jackpot game ends, the symbol that becomes a special pattern low probability and a general pattern high probability (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "normal pattern", and the jackpot related to the pattern is called "normal It is sometimes called "big hit").
Figure 9 (c) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the special figure 2 stop symbol lottery, the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 99, similar to the special figure 1 stop symbol lottery. be. Therefore, when a big hit is derived in special figure 2, there is a probability of 50/100 (1/2) for pattern a, and a probability of 20/100 (1/5) for pattern b, 30/100 (about 1/5). 3. The symbol c is determined as the stop symbol with the probability of 33).
Here, the pattern a has 16 rounds, and is a probability variable pattern that becomes a special pattern high probability and a normal pattern high probability after the end of the big hit game, and the pattern b has the number of rounds 4, and is a special pattern after the end of the big hit game. The symbol c is a normal pattern that has a special low certainty and a high certainty normal general, and has 4 rounds. Therefore, it can be said that the symbol a is a stop symbol that is more advantageous than the symbol b in terms of the number of rounds, and the symbol b is a stop symbol that is more advantageous than the symbol c in terms of the subsequent special symbol lottery state.
In the following description, the variable probability jackpot with the number of rounds of 4 is sometimes referred to as "4R variable probability jackpot", and the probability variable jackpot with the number of rounds of 16 is called "16R probability variable jackpot", and the normal jackpot with the number of rounds is 4. It may be referred to as "4R normal jackpot".
In addition, when the special figure stop symbol lottery means 132 does not result in a big hit as a result of the special figure success/failure determination, the symbol C when the special figure 1 is lost and the symbol d when the special figure 2 is lost are taken as the stop symbols. decided uniformly.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ratio of the special figure high probability after the end of the big hit game by the special figure 1 (50/100) and the ratio of the special figure high probability after the big hit game by the special figure 2 (70/100 ) is different (the pattern variation of the special figure 2 is more advantageous than the pattern variation of the special figure 1). Although the details are omitted, this difference is when the game ball passes through the V winning area provided in the big winning opening 55 during the jackpot game (when the sensor provided in the V winning area detects the game ball). It is realized by changing whether or not to provide a round for facilitating passage through the V winning area depending on the stop pattern of the special symbol.

The special figure variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special figure variation pattern lottery tables to be referred to when determining the special figure variation pattern, and the current special figure variation pattern derivation state and the special figure propriety determination in this pattern variation. Based on the results, select one special figure fluctuation pattern lottery table for determining the special figure fluctuation pattern in this pattern fluctuation, and select the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery table and the random number for the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery Use to determine one special figure variation pattern (special figure variation pattern in this pattern variation), and to determine the variation time based on the determined special figure variation pattern. The details of the special figure variation pattern lottery table in the present embodiment will be described later.
In addition, details such as transition conditions will be described later, but the special figure variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment includes the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. exist. Then, the above-described special figure variation pattern determination method is adopted in the special figure variation pattern variation of the special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure 2 is adopted in the symbol variation, and the symbol variation of the other special figure in each special figure variation pattern derivation state is determined by one special figure variation pattern predetermined according to the result of the special figure propriety determination.

In addition, the special figure variation pattern derivation means 133, at the start of the symbol variation, the effect control command (variation start command ) and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .

Like the special figure lottery means 130, the general pattern lottery means 135 reads out the earliest operation suspension information among the operation suspension information held in the main information storage means 160 when the pattern of the general pattern is not fluctuating. , Using the read random number, the general pattern suitability determination is performed to determine the suitability of the general pattern, and the normal electric accessory 61 is controlled to the open state by the general pattern suitability determination. In the case, the normal pattern stop pattern lottery that determines the normal pattern stop pattern by lottery, and the normal pattern fluctuation pattern lottery that determines the normal pattern fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) by lottery are executed.
More specifically, in the judgment of the general figure lottery, the state of the general figure lottery state is high probability (sometimes abbreviated as "normal figure high probability") and the state of the general figure lottery state is low probability There is a case where it is abbreviated as "low probability"), and the drawing of the lottery table is omitted. While losing with a probability of 1/65536, it will be a hit with a probability of 1/65536, and the remaining probability of 65535/65536 will be a loss. It should be noted that in the general pattern low probability, it may not be per general pattern (65536/65536 will be lost).

In the normal stop symbol lottery, as in the special stop symbol lottery, a lottery table (not shown) for the normal stop symbol lottery is selected from a plurality of types of stop symbols with different patterns of opening the normal electric accessories 61. One stop symbol is determined by the lottery used. In addition, when it becomes a loss in the general pattern right or wrong determination, the stop pattern is uniformly determined in the same way as the special figure 1 and special figure 2.

Also, in the normal figure fluctuation pattern lottery, as with the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery, one normal figure fluctuation by lottery using the lottery table (not shown) for the general figure fluctuation pattern lottery from multiple types of normal figure fluctuation patterns. A pattern is determined.

In this way, it can be said that the probability that the normal map hit is derived is higher than the normal map low probability, and the degree of advantage is higher than the normal map low probability.

When the result of the special figure lottery is a big hit, the big hit game control means 140 relates to the big hit start demonstration according to the special figure variation pattern derivation state from which the big hit is derived and the stop pattern of the special figure related to the big hit. Determining the demo time and the demo time associated with the jackpot end demo.
Here, the jackpot start demonstration is a state that is set at the same time as the jackpot game is started, and at the end of the jackpot start demonstration, a round game in which the above-described rounds are continuously executed is started. Furthermore, the jackpot end demonstration is a state that is set at the same time as the end of the round game, and the jackpot game ends at the end of the jackpot end demonstration. In particular, in the present embodiment, the demonstration time of the jackpot start demonstration related to the jackpot derived in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA is the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB or the jackpot derived in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. It is configured to be longer than the demonstration time of the jackpot start demonstration.

In addition, when the big win starts, the big win game control means 140 generates an effect control command (big win start command) including a demonstration time related to the big win start demonstration, stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, and ends the big win. Sometimes, an effect control command (jackpot end command) including a demonstration time related to the jackpot end demonstration is generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. - 特許庁

The symbol display control means 145 variably displays the special symbol 1 on the first special symbol display device 91 according to the variation time based on the special symbol variation pattern of the special symbol 1, and after the variation time has passed, the special symbol stop symbol lottery is determined. The special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with the stopped pattern. Similarly, according to the variation time based on the special symbol variation pattern of the second special symbol, the special symbol 2 is variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 92, and the stop determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery after the variation time has elapsed The special figure 2 is stopped and displayed in the design.
In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a special figure game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, and when the special figure is stopped and displayed (At the timing when the value of the special figure game timer becomes "0"), an effect control command (variation stop command) for requesting a fixed stop (fixed display) of the decorative pattern is generated, and the command is sent to the main information storage means 160 is stored in the transmission command storage area.

In addition, the symbol display control means 145 causes the normal symbol display device 93 to variably display the normal symbol according to the normal symbol variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and after the variation time elapses, the normal symbol by the normal symbol stop symbol lottery. The determined stop pattern is stopped and displayed.
In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a normal pattern game timer for managing the time (fluctuation time, stop display time) relating to the display of the normal pattern.

When the result of the special figure lottery is a big hit, the electric role product control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric role product solenoid 66 after the stop display of the special figure, and turns the special electric role product 65 into a special figure. It is opened according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stop pattern. The jackpot game is a game state in which one opening/closing operation of the special electric accessory 65 is one round, and the rounds are continuously executed for a prescribed number of rounds (16R, 10R, 4R in this example).

In addition, when the electric accessory control means 150 wins the normal figure win/loss lottery, it outputs a control signal to the normal electric accessory solenoid 62 to move the normal electric accessory 61 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the normal figure stop symbol. open up.

The game state control means 155 controls the special figure lottery state. Specifically, as described above, the game state control means 155 makes the special figure low probability at the start of the big win game regardless of the pattern related to the big win, and makes the special figure high probability at the end of the big win game.

In addition, the game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing lottery state. Specifically, the game state control means 155 sets the normal pattern low probability at the start of the big win regardless of the pattern related to the big win, and sets the general pattern high probability at the end of the big win game.

In addition, the game state control means 155 controls the above-described special figure variation pattern derivation state. The transition of this special figure variation pattern derivation state will be described with reference to FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b). Incidentally, FIG. 10(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special figure variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special figure variation pattern derivation state. .
As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state is the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA corresponding to the special figure low probability and the general figure low probability, the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA corresponding to the special figure high probability and the general figure high probability It consists of a figure variation pattern derivation state PB and a special figure variation pattern derivation state PC corresponding to a special figure low certainty and a normal figure high certainty, and except during a big hit game, either of these special figure variation pattern derivation states set. Then, the transition conditions between the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC include transition conditions (i) to transition conditions (iii).
Specifically, the transition condition (i) is the end of the jackpot game related to the probability variable jackpot, the transition condition (ii) is the end of the jackpot game related to the normal jackpot, and the transition condition (iii) is the end of the 100th symbol variation. . In addition, when the jackpot game related to the normal jackpot is started in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is set again after the end of the jackpot game (symbol in the transition condition (iii) counting of variations starts from 0).

Also, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the average variation time of each of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA , Toku-zu fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, Toku-zu fluctuation pattern derivation state PB are shortened in order. This is mainly due to the difference in the length of the variation time of the basic special figure variation pattern with the highest rate of selection in each special figure variation pattern derivation state.
Also, in this embodiment, the difference between the average variation time of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA and the average time of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is the average variation time of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC and the special figure variation pattern derivation greater than the difference in state PB.

In addition, the game state control means 155, when the special figure lottery state, the general figure lottery state, and the update of the special figure variation pattern derivation state occur, the effect control command (game state designation command) including each state after the update is generated, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .

As described above, the main information storage means 160 is means for temporarily storing data read by each means, data derived by calculations and the like by each means, etc. in corresponding storage areas.

The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I/O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. When it is determined that an error state exists, an effect control command (error command) including information that can specify the error state is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
In this embodiment, the error states determined by the main error control means 165 include, for example, a main board error based on the occurrence of the update abnormality described above, a magnetic error based on magnetic detection by the magnetic detection sensor, and a radio wave detection by the radio wave detection sensor. A radio wave error based on, a right hitting error based on the detection of a game ball by the gate sensor 74, a detection of opening of the middle frame 17 by the middle frame open door sensor 76 or a detection of opening of the front frame 20 by the front frame open door sensor 77 There are door open errors, full tank errors based on the detection of game balls by the full tank detection sensor, and so on. It should be noted that the presence or absence of occurrence of an error state according to this embodiment is monitored during a playable state, which will be described later.
To summarize the conditions for the occurrence of some of these errors, the main board error is an error state indicating an update error of the random number circuit 105, as described above, and occurs when the update error occurs. Next, magnetic error is an error state that occurs when magnetic detection by the magnetic detection sensor occurs continuously for 500 ms. This is an error state that occurs when a total of 5 occurrences occur. Also, a right-handed error occurs when the gate sensor 74 detects the game ball three times during normal times (special low probability and normal low probability) (the number of detections is reset after 1000 ms have passed since the last detection). A full-tank error is an error that occurs when the full-tank detection sensor is ON, that is, when a game ball is detected by the full-tank detection sensor.

In addition, in this embodiment, among these error states, the main board error, the magnetic error, and the radio wave error are treated as error states of relatively high importance (hereinafter simply referred to as "error states of high importance"). ing. Therefore, when an error state of high importance occurs, the main error control means 165, in addition to processing to turn on the security signal, causes the payout control board 400 to restrict the shooting of game balls. A game progress control process is executed to prevent progress.
Here, the security signal is a kind of signal that is output from an external terminal board (not shown) provided in the game machine 10 toward equipment (data display machine, hall computer) outside the game machine. Including the following description, turning on the security signal means starting the output of the security signal, and turning off the security signal means ending the output of the security signal. In addition, in the present embodiment, the processing for turning off the security signal does not consider the elapsed time after the security signal is turned on. The security signal may not be turned off before the time elapses. In this embodiment, when a magnetic error and a radio wave error occur, the process of turning on the security signal may be executed, but the payout control board 400 may not execute the above-described game progress regulation process. .
In addition, in the event of an error state of high importance, the first sub-control board 200 and the second sub-control board 300 execute a notification effect that enables identification of which error state has occurred. . Note that, in the present embodiment, the notification effect is realized by displaying on the main display section 81 and outputting sound from the speaker 33 .
Furthermore, these error states with high importance can be canceled (the error state can be ended) only by power failure and power recovery, and the security signal related to the error state can be turned off by the power failure. (the ON state is maintained until the power is cut off).
It should be noted that the above-described error state with a high degree of importance is merely an example, and other error states may be provided as the error state.

On the other hand, in the case of a right-handed error, a door open error, and a full tank error, which are error states of relatively low importance (hereinafter simply referred to as "error states of low importance"), shooting of game balls is not restricted, A state in which the game can be progressed is maintained. In addition, when these error states occur, the first sub-control board 200 and the second sub-control board 300 execute a notification effect that can specify which error state has occurred. Note that, in the present embodiment, the notification effect is realized by displaying on the main display section 81 and outputting sound from the speaker 33, similarly to the notification effect for an error state with a high degree of importance.
In addition, the right hitting error ends when the execution of the notification effect related to the error state ends, and the door open error detects the closed state of the middle frame 17 by the middle frame door open sensor 76, or the front frame door open The process ends when the sensor 77 detects the closed state of the front frame 20, and the full-tank error ends when the game ball is no longer detected by the full-tank detection sensor. When the end conditions of these error states are satisfied, an effect control command (return command) indicating that the end conditions are satisfied is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.例文帳に追加
Also, the above-mentioned error state with a low degree of importance is an example. Other error states such as an abnormal winning error that occurs when a game ball is detected may be provided, and when these error states are provided, a notification effect related to the error state is executed. It should be noted that the abnormal prize winning error may be ended when the execution of the notification effect related to the error state is ended, as in the case of the above-described right-handed error.
It should be noted that in the present embodiment, an error state with a high degree of importance is executed with priority over the above-described error state with a low degree of importance.

The main command management means 170 transmits the effect control command to the first sub control board 200 when the effect control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
In principle, each effect control command is transmitted according to the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .

The power restoration process execution means 175 includes return state setting means 176 and playable state transition means 179 .

The return state setting means 176 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when the power is restored, the state at the time of the power failure immediately before the power is restored, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when the power is restored, and the state of the middle frame open when the power is restored. Based on the state of the door sensor 76, a return state setting process for setting the return state is executed. The return state set by the processing includes a game stop state and a playable state (either with RAM clear processing or without RAM clear processing).
Specifically, when there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, the game stop state is set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 at the time of power restoration. Also, if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 when the power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is ON (depressed state) when the power is restored, the RAM is cleared on the condition that the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when the power is restored. Clear processing is executed and a playable state is set (when the middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF at the time of power restoration, the RAM clear processing is not executed and a playable state is set), and the power is restored. If there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 and the RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed) at the time of power recovery, the game ready state is set without executing the RAM clear processing. It should be noted that when the RAM clear processing is executed, the special figure low probability and general figure low probability will be set.
Here, the game stop state means that the game cannot be progressed by not executing the processing according to the detection result of the sensor provided in each prize winning opening (the detection result of the sensor itself may not be seen). This is the return state. The playable state is a return state in which progress of the game is possible by executing processing according to the detection result of the sensor provided in each winning hole.

Whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 is determined by a RAM abnormality check performed at the beginning of the recovery state setting process (specifically, whether or not a backup flag is stored in the backup information area of the target area ( whether or not the backup flag is ON), and if the backup flag is stored (when the backup flag is ON), it is stored in the target area and the backup information area related to the area. A process of deriving the checksum of the complement of the data, and judging that the target area is normal if the calculation result is 0, and otherwise judging that the target area is abnormal. ) to the area of the RAM 103 related to the game.

The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to the playable state when the playable state is set.
Specifically, in the playable state transition process, when the output of the security signal is ON, the process of turning OFF the output of the security signal and the initialization of the device are executed. It should be noted that, in the initial setting of the device, a launch permission command for permitting the launch of the game ball is transmitted to the payout control board 400, a state is set in which entry of the game ball into each winning hole is valid, and the random number circuit 105 is activated. Processing such as setting of data for setting the data is executed.
Further, the playable state transition means 179 stores an effect control command (playable state transition command) indicating the transition to the playable state in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 at the time of transition to the playable state.

The power-off processing executing means 180 executes power-off processing based on receiving a power-off signal from the power control board 500 .
Specifically, for a game-related area of the RAM 103, a process of deriving a checksum of the area and storing the complement of the checksum in a game-related backup information area of the RAM 103; A process of turning ON a backup flag indicating that the power-off process has been executed (stores the backup flag in the game-related backup information area of the RAM 103) is executed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first sub-control board 200 includes sub-random number generation means 210, normal effect control means 220, sub-error control means 230, lamp control means 240, movable accessory control means 245, volume control means 250, brightness It comprises adjustment means 255, sub-information storage means 260, and sub-command management means 270, and these means are realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described using FIG. It is functionally represented.
Here, the sub-information storage means 260 temporarily stores the data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, the data derived by the calculation in the means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas. It is a means. Also, the effect control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub information storage means 260 by the sub command management means 270 . In the following description, the fact that the effect control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 is simply referred to as the effect control command. It may be expressed as reception.

The sub-random number generation means 210 can generate random numbers (software random numbers) updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and acquires the random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) by the normal performance control means 220 is executed.

The normal production control means 220 includes production mode control means 221, production route determination means 222, sub-suspension control means 223, prefetch production control means 224, production content determination means 225, decorative pattern control means 226, and jackpot production control means 227. Prepare.

The production mode control means 221 controls the transition of the production mode in the form of consistency with the special figure variation pattern derivation state managed by the main control board 100 side when the game state designation command is received.
The production mode in the present embodiment is roughly divided into a normal production mode, a probability variable production mode, and a time saving production mode. A time-saving production mode corresponds to the probability variation production mode and the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PC.

Effect route determination means 222, when receiving a pre-determination command, based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special figure variation pattern), the effect corresponding to the currently reserved symbol variation Determine (set) the route.
Here, the production route is the production from the start to the end of the pattern variation, and defines the process of the production that notifies the result of the special figure propriety determination in the design variation, and is executed in the design variation. The content of the effect is determined according to the effect route corresponding to the symbol variation by the effect content determining means 225, which will be described later.

In addition, in this embodiment, one effect route different from each other corresponds to each of the above-described special figure variation patterns. And these production routes are the loss production route that informs that the result of the special figure judgment in this pattern change is a loss (not a big hit), and the result of the special figure judgment in this pattern change. It is roughly divided into a big hit production route for announcing that it is a big hit.
Further, the losing production route includes a non-developing losing production route in which the development production is not executed and a development losing production route in which the development production is executed. Here, the development effect means that after the decorative patterns are in the ready state (a state in which the decorative patterns are stopped and displayed except for one pattern row, and the remaining pattern rows are variably displayed), the pattern is changed this time. Refers to the production that definitely informs whether or not the result of the special figure success/failure determination is a big hit, and the development production is also executed in the development big hit production route. Below, the contents of the production route corresponding to each special figure variation pattern will be described.

Sub-reservation control means 223, when receiving a reservation command (hereinafter simply referred to as the occurrence of a reservation winning prize), to the information of the special figure 1 reservation counter and the special figure 2 reservation counter included in the command Based on this, in the reserved display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81, the number of reserved images corresponding to the special figure 1 reserved counter and the number of reserved images corresponding to the special figure 2 reserved counter are displayed. Set data. It should be noted that the pending image is an image that is subject to a pending look-ahead effect that changes in various manners suggesting the degree of advantage such as the degree of expectation of a big hit game.
It should be noted that the aspect of the pending image in this embodiment is expressed by the difference in color of the image. Then, the color of the pending image is the result of the pre-determination included in the pre-determination command transmitted following the pending command, that is, whether or not it is determined to be a big hit in the special figure winning or not determination in the pattern variation corresponding to the pending image determined by drawing lots with reference to Specifically, there are a total of five colors, white, blue, green, red, and rainbow, as colors that can be determined, and the probability of winning a big win is high in this order. In particular, the rainbow color is a mode in which the jackpot winning is confirmed.

The look-ahead effect control means 224 determines the contents of the look-ahead effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command when the pre-determination command is received.
The look-ahead effect is the degree of expectation for the result of the special figure propriety determination in the design variation of the look-ahead target over one or more design variations before the design variation of the look-ahead target starts, and the design variation of the look-ahead target This is an effect that suggests the content of the effect to be executed.

The effect content determining means 225 determines the content of the effect to be executed in the current pattern variation according to the effect route already determined by the effect route determining means 222 when receiving the variation start command.
More specifically, the effect content determination means 225 uses the effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the effect route determined by the effect route determination means 222 to determine the effect contents (effect pattern) for each effect execution timing in the pattern variation. It will be determined by lottery, etc. By doing so, it is possible to change the contents of the performance related to (executed according to) the determined performance route, and to connect the performance in one symbol variation. Also, even if the same production route is determined, the production to be executed can be diversified.

In particular, in the present embodiment, a covering effect (details will be described later) that accompanies the operation of the effect shield 83 is configured to be executable upon the start of pattern variation. A cover effect management process, which is a process for determining whether or not to execute, is executed. Details of the processing will be described later.

The decorative design control means 226 determines the final combination of decorative design stop designs (left design, middle design, right design) based on the determined stop design of the special design when the variation start command is received. do.

The big-hit performance control means 227, when receiving a big-hit start command, determines the contents of the big-hit performance for notifying that the big-hit game is in progress, based on the information or the like included in the command. The jackpot performance includes a jackpot start demonstration performance for notifying the start of the jackpot game, a jackpot round performance for notifying that the round game is in progress, and a jackpot end demonstration performance for notifying the end of the jackpot game.

The normal effect control means 220 reads the effect data of each device corresponding to the effect at the execution timing of each effect as necessary according to the content of the effect determined by the above-described means provided in the first sub-control board 200, If the read effect data includes effect data related to an image, an image control command is generated based on the effect data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 . Further, when the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, a voice control command related to sound is generated based on the performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of sub-information storage means 260. - 特許庁

It should be noted that the normal effect control means 220, when the return state at the time of power recovery becomes a game-enabled state (with RAM clear processing), informs that the game has become possible with RAM clear processing. When the return state at the time of power recovery becomes a playable state (without RAM clear processing), it is notified that the game becomes possible without RAM clear processing. Read out the production data for In the present embodiment, an instruction regarding whether or not to execute notification indicating that a game has been enabled with RAM clear processing (hereinafter referred to as "RAM clear notification") is given by the movable accessory control means 245, which will be described later. done by
Furthermore, when the return state at the time of power recovery is the game stop state, the normal performance control means 220 informs that the execution of the RAM clearing process is necessary in addition to the game stop state. Read out the production data for
Although the details of these notifications are omitted, it is preferable that the execution continues for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after the start of execution, regardless of the performance device that executes the notification.

The sub-error control means 230 determines an error effect pattern when an error command is transmitted, and reads effect data for executing an error effect according to the error effect pattern.
The error effect is executed with priority over the variation effect related to the symbol variation (execution of the error effect regulates the execution of the variation effect). Here, when the error effect is preferentially executed, when the device related to the execution of the error effect and the device related to the execution of the variable effect are the same device, only the error effect is executed in the device. However, it also includes that the error effect is executed in the device in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable effect.
In addition, the sub-error control means 230 independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determines whether or not the game machine 10 is in an error state, and executes an error presentation when it is determined to be in an error state. Effect data may be read out, and the error state is, for example, a right-handed error state determined based on the number of wins at the gate 63 when the normal game is low probability.

The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35 . If there is effect data, the lamp control means 240 reads the lamp control data based on the effect data, and transmits the read lamp control data to the frame lamp 35 .

When the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 includes performance data corresponding to a movable performance, the movable accessory control means 245 controls the movable decorative body 22 and the sub display from the ROM 202 based on the performance data. The movable control data for controlling the movement of the portion 82 is read, the read movable control data is transmitted to the movable decorative body 22, the sub-display portion 82, and the effect shielding body 83, and the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display portion 82 are transmitted. control the movement of
In addition, when receiving the playable state transition command, the movable accessory control means 245 executes power recovery operation check management processing for checking the operation of the movable body of the gaming machine 10 . Further, the movable accessory control means 245 executes a non-game period operation check management process for checking the operation of the movable body of the game machine 10 during the non-game period, and the details of these processes will be described later. It should be noted that the non-game period in the present embodiment is a period in which the symbol variation except for the big hit game is not executed, and immediately when the winning to the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 occurs Refers to the period in which the symbol variation related to winning is started.

The volume adjustment means 250 executes volume adjustment processing for adjusting volume and volume adjustment command generation processing for generating the above-described volume adjustment command.

Volume adjustment processing is processing that is executed when power is restored or when a volume adjustment operation (operation on the up cursor button 38a or the down cursor button 38b) is performed.
In the volume adjustment process that is executed when power is restored, the initial volume at the time of power restoration is set according to the stage of the volume adjustment unit 84 at the time of power restoration. More specifically, in this process, when the level of the volume adjustment unit 84 at the time of power recovery is high, specific audio reproduction channels (in this embodiment, audio reproduction channel CH1 and audio reproduction channel CH2 ) is set to volume 10 for the audio playback channels excluding the specific audio playback channel, and when the stage of the volume adjustment unit 84 at the time of power restoration is medium volume, the volume for the audio playback channels excluding a specific audio playback channel is set to volume When 5 is set and the stage of the volume adjustment unit 84 at the time of power recovery is low volume, volume 1 is set as the volume of the audio reproduction channels excluding a specific audio reproduction channel. Note that the volume adjustment process is not limited to when power is restored, and may be executed based on the lapse of a predetermined time from the end of the most recent pattern variation. In this case, a specific audio playback channel is excluded. It may be executed only when the volume of the audio reproduction channel (current volume) is lower than the volume corresponding to the current stage of the volume control section 84 .
Further, in the volume adjustment process executed when the volume adjustment operation is performed, the current volume is updated based on the volume adjustment operation. More specifically, in this process, when the process is executed by operating the up cursor button 38a, the volume of the audio reproduction channels excluding a specific audio reproduction channel is set to 10 as the upper limit of the process. When a volume one step higher than the previously set volume is set and the process is executed by operating the down cursor button 38b, the volume is set to 1 as the lower limit, and the specific audio playback channel is excluded. is set to a volume that is one level lower than the volume set before this process. It should be noted that unlike the brightness adjustment process described later, the volume adjustment process that is executed when the volume adjustment operation is performed is executed regardless of whether or not pattern variation is being executed.
Here, setting the volume in the audio reproduction channel in the volume adjustment process means that the volume is set in the storage area corresponding to the audio reproduction channel in the RAM 203. When the volume is set in the storage area, , a volume adjustment command corresponding to volume adjustment of the audio reproduction channel is generated by volume adjustment command generation processing, and then the command is transmitted to the audio control board 310 .

As described above, in this embodiment, no volume adjustment is performed for a specific audio playback channel. Therefore, audio data relating to a specific audio reproduction channel is reproduced at a volume (in this embodiment, volume 10, which is the maximum volume) that does not depend on the stage of the volume adjustment unit 84 or the result of the volume adjustment operation. .
In this embodiment, in addition to the sound related to the error rendering based on the occurrence of the above-described error state (error state of high importance, error state of low importance), the sound related to the RAM clear notification described later is reproduced by a specific sound. Played by the channel. On the other hand, in addition to sounds such as BGM, which will be described later, relating to the effects of pattern variations, volume adjustment sounds and brightness adjustment sounds, which will be described later, are reproduced by audio reproduction channels other than specific audio reproduction channels.

The luminance adjustment means 255 executes luminance adjustment processing for adjusting luminance and luminance adjustment command generation processing for generating the above-described luminance adjustment command.

The luminance adjustment process is a process executed when the luminance adjustment operation (operation on the left cursor button 38c or the right cursor button 38d) is performed when power is restored or when pattern variation is not performed.
In the luminance adjustment process executed when power is restored, the initial luminance when power is restored is set according to the stage of the luminance adjustment unit 85 when power is restored. More specifically, in this process, when the level of the brightness adjustment unit 85 at power recovery is high brightness, the brightness 10 is set, and the level of the brightness adjustment unit 85 at power recovery is medium brightness. In this case, brightness 5 is set, and brightness 1 is set when the level of the brightness adjustment unit 85 at the time of power recovery is low brightness. In addition, the brightness adjustment process is not limited to when power is restored, and may be executed based on the lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) from the end of the latest symbol variation. It may be executed only when the luminance is less than the luminance corresponding to the current stage of the luminance adjuster 85 .
Further, in the brightness adjustment process executed when the brightness adjustment operation is performed, the current brightness is updated based on the brightness adjustment operation. More specifically, in this process, when the process is executed by operating the right cursor button 38d, the brightness is set to be one step higher than the brightness set before the process, with the upper limit being 10. When the processing is executed by operating the left cursor button 38c, the brightness is set to be one step lower than the brightness set before the processing, with the brightness 1 as the lower limit.
Here, setting the luminance in the luminance adjustment process means that the luminance is set in the storage area corresponding to the luminance of the RAM 203. When the luminance is set in the storage area, the luminance adjustment command is generated. A luminance adjustment command that can specify the luminance after adjustment is generated by the processing, and then the command is transmitted to the second sub control board 300 .

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the volume adjustment process is executed by performing the volume adjustment operation in the state where the pattern variation is not executed, the volume adjustment sound is emitted (the effect related to the volume adjustment sound data is set), and the volume adjustment display is executed on the main display section 81 (effect data relating to the volume adjustment display is set). On the other hand, when the volume adjustment process is executed by performing the volume adjustment operation while the pattern variation is being performed, the volume adjustment display is performed by the main display unit 81 without emitting the volume adjustment sound. be done.
Note that the volume adjustment sound is emitted at the volume after being adjusted by the volume adjustment process, so that the adjusted volume is actually heard and the volume is recognized. Furthermore, the volume adjustment display is a display that can identify the level of volume (one of volume 1 to volume 10) after being adjusted by the volume adjustment process, thereby visually recognizing the level of volume after adjustment. It is something that makes

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the luminance adjustment process is executed by performing the luminance adjustment operation in a state where the pattern variation is not executed, the luminance adjustment sound is emitted (effect related to the luminance adjustment sound data is set), and brightness adjustment display is executed on the main display section 81 (effect data relating to brightness adjustment display is set).
Note that the brightness adjustment sound is aurally recognizing that the brightness has been adjusted by the brightness adjustment processing, and the volume of the emitted sound does not change depending on the brightness adjusted by the brightness adjustment processing. Furthermore, the brightness adjustment display is a display that can specify the brightness level (any of brightness 1 to brightness 10) after being adjusted by the brightness adjustment process, thereby visually recognizing the brightness level after adjustment. It is what makes

As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 temporarily stores the data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, the data derived by the calculations in the means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas. It is a means to

The sub-command management means 270 receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100, and stores the received effect command in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. When an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 , the image control command is transmitted to the second sub-control board 300 . Furthermore, when the storage area stores a voice control command or a volume adjustment command, the subcommand management means 270 transmits these commands to the voice control board 310 . In principle, these commands are transmitted according to the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of sub-information storage means 260. FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation check of the movable body of the gaming machine 10 is performed. Further, in this embodiment, in the operation check, not only the operation itself but also abnormal noise can be easily confirmed. Details of the function and functions related to the function will be described below.
Abnormal noise during operation is an abnormality that tends to occur prior to the occurrence of an abnormality in the operation itself. Not only can it be repaired, but it also leads to doing in advance work that takes a relatively long time, such as ordering parts for repairing the abnormality. In addition, it also leads to making it easier to confirm an abnormality related to the movable body, which is difficult to visually confirm the operation itself.

<Operation check when power is restored>
First, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, the details of the operation check of the movable body when power is restored will be described.
Note that FIG. 11 is a flow of operation check management processing at power recovery, and this processing is executed when a playable state transition command is received. Further, FIG. 12 is a flow of original position check processing, and FIG. 13 is a flow of operation check processing at power recovery. Furthermore, FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing the flow of the operation check of the movable body and the RAM clearing notification at the time of power restoration accompanied by the RAM clearing process.

As shown in FIG. 11, in step S202, which is the first step in the power recovery operation check management process for managing the operation check of the movable body at power recovery, it is determined whether or not the RAM has been cleared, and the condition is satisfied. If so, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the condition is not satisfied, the power recovery operation check management process is terminated.
In step S204, the operation regulation flag is set to ON. It should be noted that this operation restriction flag is a flag that affects whether or not a lid effect, which will be described later, is executed, and the flag is initialized (set to OFF) when power is cut off.
In step S206, a RAM clearing notification is started, which is a notification indicating that the game is ready to play with the RAM clearing process. The RAM clear notification is composed of the lighting of the frame lamp 35 and the sound output from the speaker 33, and during the period when the notification is being executed, the sound other than the sound related to the RAM clear notification is output. never
In step S208, the lamps of the game machine 10 such as the frame lamp 35 and the lamps arranged in the game area 50a are turned on, and the lighting of these lamps is checked. Note that lighting of the frame lamp 35 related to the check is realized by lighting of the frame lamp 35 related to the RAM clear notification.
A step S212 decides whether or not the lighting check of the lamp has been completed. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to a step S214, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process returns to the step S212.
In step S214, the RAM clear notification is terminated. In this process, it is also possible to terminate the output of the sound related to the RAM clearing notification and keep the frame lamp 35 related to the RAM clearing notification turned on.
At step S216, an original position check process for checking the original position of the movable body of the game machine 10 is executed, and then at step S218, an operation check process at power recovery is executed for checking the movement of the movable body of the game machine 10. do. Details of these processes will be described later.
In step S220, the operation restriction flag is set to OFF, and the operation check management process at power recovery ends.

Next, details of original position check processing for checking the original position of the movable body will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the first step S302 in the current position check process, the target movable body is set. In this embodiment, as candidates for the target movable body, the movable bodies possessed by the game machine 10, that is, the movable decorative body 22, the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body A body 83d exists and is set as the target movable body in this order. This is the same for operation check processing at the time of power recovery and operation check processing executed during a non-gaming period, which will be described later.
In step S304, it is determined whether or not the execution counter is 5. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S312, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S306.
In step S306, control is executed to move the target movable body to the original position. Here, the original position is the most difficult position to visually recognize when the ease of visual recognition (including the case where it becomes invisible) changes as seen from the player side due to the movement (movement) of the movable body. Alternatively, it can be defined as the position where the movable body stays the longest in the playable state.
In step S308, 1 is added to the execution counter.
At step S310, it is determined whether or not the target movable body is positioned at the original position.

In step S312, the current target movable body is set to the motion stopped state.
Here, the motion stop state refers to a state in which the motion control data related to the motion is not transmitted to the movable body when an effect involving the motion of the movable body in that state is executed. Released only by power interruption.
Furthermore, as will be described later, the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body 83d may be individually set to be in an operation stop state, but in this embodiment. In this case, since the movable bodies are interlocked in the cover effect, when one of these movable bodies is stopped, all of the movable bodies constituting the effect shielding body 83 are stopped.

At step S314, an execution counter is initialized. It should be noted that initialization of the execution counter means processing for setting the execution counter to 0, including the following description. Furthermore, the initial value of the execution counter (the value set at the time of initialization) and the threshold value of the execution counter (5 in step S314) may be exchanged.
At step S316, it is determined whether or not there is an unchecked movable body.

Next, the details of the operation check process at power recovery for checking the operation of the movable body will be described with reference to FIG. 13 .
As shown in FIG. 13, in the first step S402 in the power recovery operation check process, the target movable body is set.
In step S404, it is determined whether or not the execution counter is 2. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S422, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S406.
In step S406, control is executed to move the target movable body to the operating position. Note that the operating positions of the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body 83d refer to the operating positions related to the second operating position described above.
In step S408, 1 is added to the execution counter.
In step S410, it is determined whether or not the target movable body is at the original position. If the condition is satisfied, the process returns to step S404, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S412.
In step S412, an execution counter is initialized.

In step S414, it is determined whether or not the execution counter is 5. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S422, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S416.
In step S416, control is executed to move the target movable body to the original position.
In step S418, 1 is added to the execution counter.
In step S420, it is determined whether or not the target movable body is at the original position. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S424, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S414.

In step S422, the current target movable body is set to a non-operation state. It should be noted that a sensor for detecting the movable body at the movement position of the movable body may be provided and the determination of the motion stop state (determination related to step S410 or step S420) may be performed using the sensor. The operation stop state may be determined in combination with the sensor according to the present embodiment that detects the movable body based on its position. This also applies to other operation checks, which will be described later.

In step S424, an execution counter is initialized.
In step S426, it is determined whether or not there is an unchecked movable body. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S302. do.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the power is restored with the RAM clearing process, the operation check of the movable body is executed after the execution of the RAM clearing notification is completed.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, at timing t12 after timing t11, which is the timing at which power is restored, the RAM clear notification is started, and the lighting check of the lamp is started. Further, at the subsequent timing t13, the RAM clear notification and the lamp lighting check are finished, and the operation check is started, and the operation check is finished at the timing t14.
In the present embodiment, after the RAM clear notification is completed, no sound is output from the speaker 33 as long as the pattern variation is not started.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation check of the movable body is performed after the RAM clear notification is executed, and no sound is emitted during the operation check.
Therefore, no sound is produced when checking the operation of the movable body at the time of power recovery accompanied by RAM clear processing. As a result, it is possible to easily check for abnormal noises associated with the operation of the movable body, and to easily discover abnormalities associated with the operation of the movable body.
In addition, in order to achieve this effect, it is not necessary to prevent sound output during the entire operation check period of the movable body at the time of power recovery accompanied by RAM clear processing. Sound output may be disabled.
In addition, in the present embodiment, when the power is restored without RAM clearing, the operation check of the movable body is not executed. may not be output.
Further, the movable body to be checked for abnormal noise is not limited to one that can be visually recognized from the front side (player side) of the game board 50 as in the present embodiment. That is, the movable body to be checked for abnormal noise may be invisible from the front side of the game board 50 during part or all of its operation.

Further, as described above, the sound related to the RAM clearing notification in this embodiment is reproduced at the maximum volume (volume 10).
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the sound is emitted at a volume that does not depend on a specific sound reproduction channel, that is, the stage of the volume control unit 84 or the result of the volume control operation.

<Regarding operation check during non-game period>
Next, using FIGS. 15 to 18, the details of the motion check of the movable body during the non-game period will be described.
In addition, FIG. 15 is a flow of the operation check management process during the non-game period. 16 is the flow of the first action check process during the non-game period, and FIG. 17 is the flow of the second action check process during the non-game period. Furthermore, FIG. 18(a) is a timing chart showing the flow of the operation check of the movable body and the RAM clear notification during the non-gaming machine period, and FIG. is a diagram comparing the time change of the motion position of the movable body according to the second motion check and the time change of the motion position of the movable body.

As shown in FIG. 15, in step S502, which is the first step in the operation check management process during the non-game period for managing the operation check of the movable body during the non-game period, it is determined whether it is the timing 30 seconds after the game end determination timing. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S504, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S508.
Here, the game end determination timing refers to the later timing of the detection of the latest out ball and the end of the latest symbol variation after the non-game period. The former detection may be replaced with detection by the touch sensor provided on the operation handle 31 described above.

In step S504, reproduction of BGM is stopped. Here, the BGM is a sound that is reproduced to liven up the period during which the pattern variation is executed. is played.
In step S506, the original position check process is executed, and the operation check management process during the non-game period ends. Note that the processing is the same as the processing described with reference to FIG. 12, and thus description thereof is omitted.
In step S508, it is determined whether or not the timing has passed 60 seconds from the game end determination timing. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S510, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S512. .
In step S510, the first action check process during the non-game period for checking the action of the movable body during the non-game period is executed, and the action check management process during the non-game period ends. The details of the first action check process during the non-game period will be described later.
In step S512, it is determined whether or not the timing has passed 120 seconds from the game end determination timing, and if the condition is satisfied, the operation check management processing during the non-game period is terminated.

In step S514, reproduction of BGM is started.
Note that in the present embodiment, the sound whose reproduction is started in this step is the same as the BGM, that is, the sound whose reproduction is stopped in step S504, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the sound that starts playing in step S514 is the sound that is played only in step S514 such as "second operation check start" (sound different from the sound that stops playing in step S504). A voice that can specify that the execution of the 2-action check is started may be used. Furthermore, the audio is preferably reproduced by audio reproduction channels other than a specific audio reproduction channel, like BGM.

In step S516, a second action check process is executed during the non-game period for checking the action of the movable body during the non-game period.
In step S518, the timer is reset (initialized).

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the details of the first action check process during the non-game period for checking the action of the movable body during the non-game period will be described.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the first step S602 in the first action check process during the non-game period for checking the action of the movable body during the non-game period, the target movable body is set.
In step S604, it is determined whether or not the current target movable body is in an operation stopped state. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S616, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S606. .
In step S606, it is determined whether or not the execution counter is 3. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S616, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S608.
In step S608, control is executed to move the target movable body to the operating position. Note that the operating positions of the upper left effect shielding body 83a, the upper right effect shielding body 83b, the lower left effect shielding body 83c, and the lower right effect shielding body 83d refer to the operating positions related to the second operating position described above.
In step S610, 1 is added to the execution counter.
In step S612, it is determined whether or not the target movable body is positioned at the original position. If the condition is satisfied, the process returns to step S606, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S614.
In step S614, an execution counter is initialized.
In step S616, it is determined whether or not there is an unchecked movable body, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S602, and if the condition is not satisfied, the first motion check is performed during the non-game period. End the process.

Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the details of the second action check process during the non-game period for checking the action of the movable body during the non-game period will be described.
As shown in FIG. 17, in the first step S702 in the second action check process during the non-game period for checking the action of the movable body during the non-game period, the target movable body is set.
In step S704, it is determined whether or not the current target movable body is in an operation stopped state. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S716, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S706. .
In step S706, it is determined whether or not the execution counter is 3. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S716, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S708.
In step S708, control is executed to move the target movable body to the original position.
In step S710, 1 is added to the execution counter.
At step S712, it is determined whether or not the target movable body is positioned at the original position.
In step S714, an execution counter is initialized.
In step S716, it is determined whether or not there is an unchecked movable body, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S702, and if the condition is not satisfied, the first motion check is performed during the non-game period. End the process.

As described above, in this embodiment, during the non-game period, the movable body of the gaming machine 10 moves to the operating position (second operating position) and then moves to the original position.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18(a), at timing t22 (timing 30 seconds after timing t21) after timing t21, which is the timing for judging the end of the game in the non-game period, The playback (sound output) of the BGM that was being played is stopped. At subsequent timing t23 (timing 60 seconds after timing t21), an operation check related to the first operation check process (hereinafter referred to as "first operation check") is started, and the operation check ends at timing t24. Further, at the subsequent timing t25 (timing 120 seconds after timing t21), reproduction of BGM is newly started, and an operation check related to the second operation check process (hereinafter referred to as "second operation check") is performed. The operation check is started and ends at timing t26.

As described above, in the present embodiment, during the first motion check for moving the movable body from the original position to the motion position (second motion position), the reproduction of the BGM is stopped so that no sound is produced. At the time of the second motion check in which the movable body is moved from the motion position (second motion position) to the original position, the BGM is reproduced to produce sound.
Therefore, by separately confirming the operation of the movable body and the abnormal noise related to the operation of the movable body, the abnormal noise can be easily confirmed and an abnormality related to the operation of the movable body can be found. can be made easier.
In order to achieve this effect, it is not necessary to prevent sound output during the entire period related to the first operation check. good.
Further, in the present embodiment, sound may be output during the first action check, while sound output may not be performed during the second action check.
In addition, in the present embodiment, regardless of the special figure variation pattern derivation state, the first operation check and the second operation check are executed in all of the non-game period, but in some non-game periods These operational checks may be performed only when That is, the first operation check and the second operation check may be executed in the non-game period, and in that case, it is preferable that the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA is set.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, no sound is output during the first operation check, and sound is output during the second operation check. A sound may be output during part of the operation check.
In addition, in the present embodiment, the motion related to the first motion check and the motion related to the second motion check were motions during the non-gaming period. It is not limited to the operation during the non-game period, but any period in which the game can be played.

Therefore, in the game machine 10, the motion control means (movable accessory control means 245) performs first motion control (first motion check) for moving a predetermined movable body from the original position to the motion position (second motion position). and second motion control for moving a predetermined movable body from the motion position to the original position, wherein at least one of the first motion control and the second motion control is In other words, there are cases where the sound is output by the sound output means and there are cases where sound is not output by the sound output means during at least part of the period of execution.

Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, sound is not emitted during the operation check of the movable body upon power recovery, but sound is emitted during the second operation check. Even in this way, confirmation of the operation of the movable body and confirmation of abnormal noise related to the movement of the movable body can be separately confirmed, thereby facilitating confirmation of the abnormal noise.
In order to achieve this effect, the second operation check may operate at least a movable body different from the movable body that is operated in the operation check of the movable body at the time of power restoration with RAM clear processing. .
Furthermore, the second operation check may be performed in a period different from the period in which the operation check of the movable body is performed when power is restored. It may be executed during execution of the RAM clearing notification at the time of power restoration.

In particular, in the present embodiment, sound is emitted during the second action check in which the action position that was moved during the first action check, in which no sound is emitted, is moved to the original position.
Therefore, confirmation of the movement of the movable body itself and confirmation of abnormal noise associated with the movement of the movable body can be continuously confirmed.

Therefore, in the game machine 10, the first operation control (first operation check), and the second operation for moving the predetermined movable body moved by the first operation control from the operation position (second operation position) to the original position At least part of the period during which one of the operation controls (second operation check) is executed, the sound output means (speaker 33) may output sound In other words, in at least a part of the period during which the other operation control is executed, the sound output device may not output sound.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the first action check in which no sound is produced, there is a period during which the movable body is maintained at the action position, and after the period elapses, the second action in which sound is produced. A check is performed.
Therefore, it is possible to check the movable body by the operation check executed later in consideration of the result of the operation check executed earlier.
It should be noted that the above period is preferably a period of a predetermined length as in the present embodiment, but the length of the period may be changed.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the motion control means (movable accessory control means 245), after a predetermined period of time has passed since the execution of the first motion control (first motion check), In other words, second motion control (second motion check) is executed to move the predetermined movable body moved by motion control from the motion position (second motion position) to the original position.

Furthermore, as described above, the game end determination timing is the later timing of the detection of the latest out ball and the end of the latest symbol variation after the non-game period. Both are timings generated based on the operation of the operating handle 31 .
Therefore, it is possible for the player to check the abnormal noise related to the movable body at any timing. Note that the operation is not limited to the operation of the operation handle 31 as in the present embodiment, and may be any operation unit that can be operated by the player, such as operation of the cursor button 38 .

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, it can be said that the first action control (first action check) is executed at the timing based on the game operation.

Further, as shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 16 and 17, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the operation of the movable body in the first operation check and the second operation check (at the original position when moving to the operation position) is maintained, or the movable body does not return to the original position when moving to the original position), the movable body does not stop its operation.

FIG. 18(b) shows the time change of the motion position of the movable body related to the first motion check and the time change of the motion position of the movable body related to the second motion check.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, the time T2 required for the motion of the movable body related to the second motion check is shorter than the time T1 required for the motion of the movable body related to the first motion check. The first motion check is performed from the original position to the second motion position, and the second motion check is performed from the second motion position to the original position. is. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the motion speed of the movable body related to the second motion check is faster than the motion speed of the movable body related to the first motion check.
As described above, sound is not output during the first action check, while sound is output during the second action check.
According to this, it is possible to improve the accuracy of abnormality confirmation of the movable body by not generating sound in the operation check in which the movement speed is low and abnormal noise is likely to occur when there is an abnormality.
Note that the moving speed is a control speed, and if there is an abnormality in the operation of the movable body, the actual speed may differ from the control speed.

Therefore, the motion control means (movable accessory control means 245) controls the movement speed of the predetermined movable body (effect shield 83) in the first motion control (first motion check), and the second motion control (second The movement speed of the predetermined movable body in the operation check) is made different, and the operation control of the first operation control and the second operation control that increases the predetermined movement speed of the movable body is executed. During at least part of the period, sound may be output by the sound output means (speaker 33), while at least part of the period during which the other operation control is executed, sound is output by the sound output means. In other words, there are cases where no sound is produced.

<Regarding the regulation of the cover performance>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the regulation of the cover effect in this embodiment will be described.
Note that FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a specific example of the cover effect. Also, FIG. 20(a) is a flow of the cover effect management process, and FIG. 20(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table used for the cover effect execution lottery. In this embodiment, the range of random numbers used in the lottery for execution of the cover effect is 0-99.

First, as shown in FIG. 19, the covering effect is performed by moving the effect shield 83 from the original position (the position shown in the upper part of FIG. 19) to the first operating position (the position shown in the middle part of FIG. 19). Then, it is an effect to return to the original position (position shown in the lower part of FIG. 19), and the effect can be executed with the start of pattern variation (including the start of pseudo variation described later) as a trigger.
In this way, the covering effect in the present embodiment is such that the effect shielding body 83 moves from the original position to the above-described second motion position without moving the effect shielding body 83 to the first motion position, and then returns to the original position. It is a return performance.

In addition, as described above, when the effect shielding body 83 is in the second operation position, the entire front side shape of the effect shielding body 83 can be visually recognized. It can also be said that it is a production that does not become recognizable.
In the present embodiment, in order to decisively inform that the special figure win/loss determination result in the current pattern change is a big hit at the end of the development effect described later, the effect shield 83 is moved from the original position in the first motion. It is configured to be able to execute an effect of going through the position to the second action position and then returning to the original position through the first action position. This effect can be said to be an effect in which the entire shape of the front side of the effect shielding body 83 is visible, unlike the cover effect. The same applies to the action of the effect shield 83 during the non-game period, which will be described later.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20(a), in the first step S802 in the cover effect management process, it is determined whether or not it is a specific special figure variation pattern, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S802. If the condition is not satisfied, the cover effect management process is terminated. In addition, the specific special figure variation pattern refers to the special figure variation pattern in which the above-described development production is executed.
In step S802, it is determined whether or not the operation restriction flag is ON, and if the condition is satisfied, the cover effect management process is terminated, and if the condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S806.
In step S806, a lottery for execution of the cover effect is executed to determine whether or not the cover effect is executed. Details of the lottery will be described later.
At step S808, it is determined whether or not the lottery for executing the cover performance is won, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S810, and if the condition is not satisfied, the cover performance management processing is terminated.
In step S810, it is decided to execute a cover effect at the start of symbol variation, and the cover effect management process is terminated. As a result, the cover effect is executed at the start of symbol variation.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the operation restriction flag is ON, the cover effect is not executed. Then, as described above, when the power recovery operation check process is executed, the operation restriction flag is turned ON. Therefore, when the symbol variation is started during the execution of the process, the operation of the movable body related to the operation check process at the time of power recovery continues without executing the covering effect.
On the other hand, during execution of the first operation check and the second operation check, the operation restriction flag is turned OFF. Therefore, when the symbol variation is started during execution of these operation checks, the cover effect can be executed. Then, when the effect is executed, the execution of these operation checks is finished and the cover effect is executed.
According to this, it is possible to make it easy to confirm abnormal noise in the operation check related to the operation check process at the time of power restoration while making it possible to execute the lid-cover effect during the operation check.

Note that the operating position (first operating position) of the effect shielding body 83 related to the cover effect and the operating position (second operating position) of the effect shielding body 83 in the operation check may be different positions or may be the same position. position. However, if these operating positions are different, it is preferable that one operating position is on the operating locus to the other operating position, as in the present embodiment.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 20(b), in the cover lid effect execution lottery, if the result of the special figure propriety determination in the pattern variation is a loss, with a probability of 30/100 (about 1/3.33) You will win the lottery, but you will not win the lottery with a probability of 70/100 (approximately 1/1.43). On the other hand, if the result of the special figure success/failure determination in the pattern variation is a big hit, the lottery will be won with a probability of 70/100 (about 1/1.43), and 30/100 (about 1/3.33). ) will not win the lottery.
Thus, in the present embodiment, when the result of the special figure propriety determination in the symbol variation is a big hit, at a higher rate than when the result of the special figure propriety determination in the symbol variation is a loss, the pattern variation starts A corresponding lottery for execution of cover performance is won at the time, and the cover performance is executed at the start of pattern variation. Therefore, it can be said that the cover effect at the start of the pattern variation is the effect that expects a big win.

<About other modifications>
Modifications not described in the above description are listed below.

First, regarding the probabilities, ratios, and frequencies in this embodiment, as long as each relationship is ensured, the lower one may not win, or the higher one may always win. In either case, the lottery itself may not be performed. This also applies to the number of times.
Furthermore, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in the present embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

In the above description, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration is referred to determine the state of restoration at the time of power restoration. You may make it refer to whether it exceeds time (for example, 3s). By doing so, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of erroneous RAM clear processing.

In the above description, the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 (the open/closed state of the middle frame 17) was referred to in determining the restoration state at the time of power restoration. may be set. In this case, the restoration state at the time of power recovery may be uniformly set according to the case where the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is in the open state).

The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications, improvements, etc. as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

<Appendix>
This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1)
Along with the start of pattern variation, a win/fail determination is executed to determine whether or not a big win is won, and when the big win is won in the win/fail determination, a big win game is started after the end of the pattern variation, and pattern variation is performed. after variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows in the symbol variation, the plurality of symbol rows are stop-displayed in a symbol combination corresponding to the result of the determination of suitability in the symbol variation,
a predetermined movable body movable between an original position and an operating position;
an operation control means for controlling the movement of the predetermined movable body;
an audio output means for outputting audio;
sound output control means for controlling the sound output means;
and image display means for displaying the plurality of symbol rows,
The motion control means performs first motion control for moving the predetermined movable body from the original position to the operating position, and second motion control for moving the predetermined movable body from the operating position to the original position. and is executable to
a case where the sound is output by the sound output means during at least part of a period during which at least one of the first operation control and the second operation control is executed; , there are cases where the sound is not output by the sound output means,
The predetermined movable body covers at least part of a display area of the image display means at the operating position.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(2)
The gaming machine according to (1) above,
One of the first motion control and the second motion control for moving the predetermined movable body moved by the first motion control from the motion position to the original position is executed. During at least part of the period during which the other operation control is executed, the sound output means may output sound, while the sound output means may output sound during at least part of the period during which the other operation control is performed. Sound may not be output,
A gaming machine characterized by:
(3)
The gaming machine according to (2) above,
The motion control means moves the predetermined movable body moved by the first motion control from the motion position to the original position after a predetermined period of time has passed since execution of the first motion control is completed. executing the second motion control to move;
A gaming machine characterized by:
(4)
The gaming machine according to (2) or (3) above,
The first motion control is executed at a timing based on a game operation,
A gaming machine characterized by:
(5)
The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The motion control means differentiates the moving speed of the predetermined movable body in the first motion control from the moving speed of the predetermined movable body in the second motion control,
During at least a part of a period during which the first motion control or the second motion control, the motion control in which the movement speed of the predetermined movable body is increased, is executed, the voice is produced by the voice output means. While there is a case where the sound is output, there is a case where the sound is not output by the sound output means during at least a part of the period during which the other operation control is being performed.
A gaming machine characterized by:

10 Game Machine 15 Outer Frame 17 Middle Frame 20 Front Frame 21 Hinge Mechanism 22 Movable Decorative Body 23 Cylinder Lock 25 Transparent Member 27 Upper Sphere Receptacle 29 Lower Sphere Receptacle 31 Operation Handle 32 Upper Frame Part 33 (33a, 33b) Speakers 34a, 34b Left and right frame parts 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Frame lamp 36 Ball extraction mechanism 37 Production button 38 Cursor button 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Center cursor button 39 Main operation part 39a Ball Lend button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM clear switch 46 Game ball tank 47 Tank rail 48 Payout unit 49 Payout passage 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54 Protective member 55 Big winning opening 57 First start Mouth 59 Second starting port 61 Normal electric accessory 62 Normal electric accessory solenoid 63 Gate 65 Special electric accessory 66 Special electric accessory solenoid 67 General winning port 67a Left general winning port 67b Right general winning port 69 Out port 70 First Starting opening sensor 71 Second starting opening sensor 72 Large winning opening sensor 73 General winning opening sensor 73a Left general winning opening sensor 73b Right general winning opening sensor 74 Gate sensor 75 Out ball sensor 76 Middle frame door sensor 77 Front frame door opening sensor 80 Effect display device 81 Main display unit 82 Sub-display unit 82a Upper sub-display unit 82b Left sub-display unit 82c Right sub-display unit 83 Effect shield 83a Upper left effect shield 83b Upper right effect shield 83c Lower left effect shield 83d Lower right effect Shield 84 Volume adjustment unit 85 Brightness adjustment unit 90 Design display device 91 First special design display device 92 Second special design display device 93 Normal design display device 94 First special design reservation lamp 95 Second special design reservation lamp 96 Normal design Hold lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 ROMs
103 RAM
104 I / O port 105 random number circuit 109 main control board case 110 entering ball determination means 115 main random number generation means 120 main reservation control means 125 prior determination means 130 special figure lottery means 131 special figure success or failure determination means 132 special figure stop symbol lottery means 133 special figure fluctuation pattern derivation means 135 normal figure lottery means 140 jackpot game control means 145 symbol display control means 150 electric accessary control means 155 game state control means 160 main information storage means 165 main error control means 170 main command management means 175 return Power processing executing means 176 Return state setting means 179 Playable state transition means 180 Power interruption processing executing means 200 First sub-control board 201 CPU
202 ROMs
203 RAM
204 I/O port 209 First sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generating means 220 Normal effect control means 221 effect mode control means 222 effect route determination means 223 sub-hold control means 224 look-ahead effect control means 225 effect content determination means 226 decoration pattern Control means 227 Jackpot production control means 230 Sub-error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable role control means 250 Volume adjustment means 255 Brightness adjustment means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Sub-command management means 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU
302 ROMs
303 RAM
304 I/O port 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Audio control board 311 CPU
312 ROMs
313 RAM
314 I/O port 400 Payout control board 409 Payout control board case 500 Power control board 501 Normal power supply circuit 502 Backup power supply circuit 503 Power failure detection circuit 509 Power supply control board case 811 Display area X First channel Y Second channel

Claims (1)

Along with the start of pattern variation, a win/fail determination is executed to determine whether or not a big win is won, and when the big win is won in the win/fail determination, a big win game is started after the end of the pattern variation, and pattern variation is performed. after variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows in the symbol variation, the plurality of symbol rows are stop-displayed in a symbol combination corresponding to the result of the determination of suitability in the symbol variation,
a predetermined movable body movable between an original position and an operating position;
an operation control means for controlling the movement of the predetermined movable body;
an audio output means for outputting audio;
sound output control means for controlling the sound output means;
and image display means for displaying the plurality of symbol rows,
The motion control means performs first motion control for moving the predetermined movable body from the original position to the operating position, and second motion control for moving the predetermined movable body from the operating position to the original position. and is executable to
During at least part of a period during which either one of the first operation control and the second operation control is executed, the sound output means may output sound. On the other hand, during at least a part of the period during which the other operation control is executed, the sound output means may not output sound,
the predetermined movable body covers at least part of a display area of the image display means at the operating position;
The motion control means further moves the predetermined movable body moved by the first motion control from the motion position to the original position after a predetermined period of time has passed since execution of the first motion control is completed. Execute the second motion control to move to the position,
During the predetermined period, no sound is output by the sound output means,
Both the first motion control and the second motion control can be performed while symbol variation is not performed ,
During at least a part of the period during which the second operation control is executed, the sound is output by the sound output means, and during the period during which the first operation control is executed, the sound is output. No sound is produced by sound means,
No sound is output even during the period immediately before the period during which the first operation control is executed,
The moving speed of the predetermined movable body in the first motion control is lower than the moving speed of the predetermined movable body in the second motion control,
A gaming machine characterized by:

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