JP7425664B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing games.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that performs initial settings every short period of time even when an operation mode different from the original operation is entered due to some external factor (static electricity, radio waves, etc.).
Patent Document 2 provides a refresh process that sets the playback volume to a specified value for all playback channels of an audio processor that may be used for audio production, and in audio production that is executed in response to variable production, In principle, a technique is disclosed in which refresh processing is performed in advance.
Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for displaying a two-dimensional code of information indicating that an error has occurred on a display unit.

JP2018-093895A JP 2017-124327 Publication Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-151214

In recent years, many similar gaming machines have been proposed, and a novel gaming machine is desired.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel gaming machine.

The present invention employs the following solution to solve the above problems. Note that the following solutions and the words in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Moreover, the present invention can be an invention that includes at least one of each invention specific matter shown in the following solution means. Furthermore, each invention specifying matter shown in the solution below can be made into a lower concept by adding elements that limit the invention specifying matter, or it can be made into a higher concept by deleting the elements that limit the invention specifying matter. .

[Transmission/reception command format with noise suppression]
Solution A1: A gaming machine according to the present solution includes a first board and a second board capable of communicating with the first board using a predetermined command, and the predetermined command includes a specific bit, and The specific bits include non-specific bits other than the specific bits, and the specific bits include different bits depending on whether gaming information necessary for game control is communicated or communication information necessary for communication control is communicated. This is a gaming machine characterized by storing values.

This solution has the following configuration.
(1) A first substrate is provided. The first board is, for example, a sub-control board.
(2) A second board is provided that can communicate with the first board of (1) above using a predetermined command. The second substrate is, for example, a liquid crystal substrate.

(3) The predetermined command in (2) above includes a specific bit (most significant bit) and non-specific bits other than the specific bit (bits below the most significant bit to the least significant bit). The specific bit may be a bit other than the most significant bit, or may be a plurality of bits.

(4) Different values are stored in the specific bits in (3) above depending on whether the game information necessary for game control is communicated or the communication information necessary for communication control is communicated. . For example, "0" is stored when communicating game information necessary for game control, and "1" is stored when communicating communication information necessary for controlling communication.

According to this solution, communication rules regarding specific bits are unified, which makes it easier to counter noise (easier to identify the occurrence of noise) and allows normal command communication even in environments where noise occurs. As a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

Solution A2: The gaming machine of the present solution is provided in any of the above-mentioned solutions, wherein the gaming information includes information regarding the destination of the predetermined command, information regarding the number of the predetermined commands, and information regarding the number of the predetermined commands. The gaming machine is characterized in that it includes at least one of information regarding the content, information regarding the consistency of the predetermined command, and information regarding the response to the predetermined command.

In this solution, the gaming information includes information regarding the destination of a predetermined command (device selection, packet type), information regarding the number of predetermined commands (number of commands), information regarding the content of the predetermined command (data), It includes at least one of information regarding command consistency (sum) and information regarding a response to a predetermined command (success, sum error, buffer over, INC error, initialization completion, and reset occurrence).

According to this solution, a large amount of information can be handled as game information, and an information system can be created that facilitates noise countermeasures.

Solution A3: In the gaming machine of the present solution, in any of the solution means described above, the communication information has no information indicating that it is the first command, information indicating that it is the last command, or data. This gaming machine is characterized in that it includes at least one piece of information indicating the following.

In this solution, the communication information includes information indicating that it is the first command in a series of commands (START), information indicating that it is the last command in the series of commands (END), and information indicating that there is no data. Contains at least one piece of information (no data).

According to the present solution, a large amount of information can be handled as communication information, and an information system can be created that facilitates noise countermeasures.

[LCD board communication refresh processing]
Solution B1: The gaming machine of the present solution includes a first board and a second board capable of communicating with the first board, and the second board receives communication when communicating with the first board. The gaming machine is characterized in that communication is performed while updating variables that manage the stages of the above, and when communication with the first board is completed, initialization processing is executed to initialize the variables. .

This solution has the following configuration.
(1) A first substrate is provided. The first board is, for example, a sub-control board.
(2) A second board capable of communicating with the first board of (1) above is provided. The second substrate is, for example, a liquid crystal substrate.

(3) When the second board in (2) above communicates with the first board in (1) above, it communicates while updating variables that manage the stage of reception of communication, and the second board in (1) above communicates with the first board in (1) above. When communication with the first board ends, initialization processing (refresh processing) for initializing variables is executed.

According to this solution, the second board executes initialization processing every time communication with the first board ends, so that the influence of noise can be removed when communication ends, and even in environments where noise occurs, However, command communication can be performed normally, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

Solution B2: In the gaming machine of the present solution, in any of the solution means described above, when the second board receives a command from the first board, the second board returns a command in response to the received command, and responds to the command. The gaming machine is characterized in that the initialization process is executed after the reply is completed.

In this solution, when the second board receives a command from the first board, it returns a command to the received command (sets reply data and inverted data), and after completing the command reply, initializes the command. Executes refresh processing (refresh processing).

According to this solution, the initialization process is executed after a series of processes related to sending and receiving commands is completed, so the initialization process can be executed without interfering with the series of processes, or after a series of processes are completed. The remaining time can be used to perform initialization processing.

[Code drawing]
Solution C1: The gaming machine of the present solution includes a display means, a generation means for generating basic data for displaying a predetermined code on the display means, and a generation means for generating basic data for displaying the predetermined code on the display means. When displaying the predetermined code on the storage means storing an enlargement ratio and the display means, the basic data is increased as enlarged data based on the enlargement ratio, and the predetermined code is increased based on the enlargement data. This gaming machine includes a display control means for displaying a code.

This solution has the following configuration.
(1) Equipped with display means. The display means is, for example, a liquid crystal display.
(2) A generating means is provided for generating basic data for displaying a predetermined code (two-dimensional code) on the display means of (1) above.
(3) A storage means is provided for storing an enlargement ratio (for example, 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, etc.) when displaying a predetermined code on the display means of (1) above.

(4) When displaying a predetermined code on the display means of (1) above, the basic data of (2) above is increased based on the enlargement rate of (3) above to obtain enlarged data, and the predetermined code is displayed based on the enlarged data. It is equipped with display control means for displaying the code.

According to this solution, a predetermined code is displayed based on the magnification ratio, so it is possible to display a predetermined code that matches the size of the display means and is easy to read on a portable information processing terminal. , it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

Solution C2: In the gaming machine of the present solution, in any of the above-mentioned solutions, when the display control means increases the basic data based on the enlargement rate, the display control means adjusts the vertical and horizontal directions of the display means. This gaming machine is characterized in that the data corresponding to 1 is increased by the same number in accordance with the enlargement rate.

In this solution, when increasing the basic data based on the enlargement rate, the display control means increases the same number of data corresponding to the vertical and horizontal directions of the display means in the basic data according to the enlargement rate. For example, if the magnification rate is 2, "1×1" data will be treated as "2×2" data, and if the magnification rate is 3, "1×1" data will be treated as "3×3" data. If the magnification rate is 4, "1×1" data is changed to "4×4" data.

According to the present solution, the data corresponding to the vertical and horizontal directions of the display means are increased by the same number in accordance with the enlargement ratio, so that the basic data can be increased by unified and simple processing.

According to the present invention, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

It is a front view of a pachinko machine. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing the game board unit alone. It is a perspective view showing the central accessory device from diagonally above the left. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of the configuration of a route distribution section and distribution operation in a first distribution operation section. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of the configuration of a route distribution section and distribution operation in a first distribution operation section. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of a lifting device guideway. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the configuration and drive mechanism of the lifting device. It is a diagram showing how the game ball is raised by the raising device. It is a diagram showing how the game ball is raised by the raising device. It is a figure for demonstrating the distribution operation|movement in the 1st observatory stage. It is a diagram showing a part of the tower main body located inside the first observatory stage. It is a figure for demonstrating the distribution operation|movement in the 2nd observatory stage. It is a diagram showing a part of the tower main body located inside the second observatory stage. It is a front view showing a part of the game board unit in an enlarged manner. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in a pachinko machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a block diagram of the periphery of a sub-control board. It is a game flow diagram showing an example of the flow of a game using a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the first sorting operation in the first stage executed in the movable ball entry accessory device. FIG. 3 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the second sorting operation in the second stage executed within the movable ball entry accessory device. It is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the game in a time shortened state that is transferred after a jackpot. It is a timing chart showing changes in various states that occur throughout the game flow that progresses within the movable ball entry accessory device. It is a timing chart showing changes in various states that occur throughout the game flow that progresses within the movable ball entry accessory device. It is a diagram showing details of the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device. 12 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a procedure of reset start processing. 12 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating a procedure example of reset start processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for checking the occurrence of a power outage. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for interrupt management processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing a switch input event. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 1st special symbol storage process. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of a 2nd special symbol storage process. It is a flowchart showing a configuration example of special game management processing. It is a diagram showing a list of values of "special game management status" and the progress status of special games corresponding to each value. It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of special symbol variation start waiting processing. It is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table. It is a diagram showing a configuration column of a second special symbol stop symbol selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the accessory device opening process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of accessory device closure processing in the case of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the accessory device operation termination process at the time of a small hit. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the accessory device operation start process at the time of a jackpot. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the accessory device opening process at the time of a jackpot. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the accessory device closing process at the time of a jackpot. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the accessory device operation termination process at the time of a jackpot. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for time reduction state management processing. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of limiter management processing. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of solenoid control processing. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of motor management processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of display output management processing. It is a figure which shows the example of the performance performed when it corresponds to "small hit pattern 1." It is a continuous diagram (1/2) showing an example of the performance performed when it corresponds to "small winning symbol 2". It is a continuous diagram (2/2) showing an example of the performance performed when it corresponds to "Small winning symbol 2". It is a diagram showing an example of a performance performed when a game ball enters the big prize opening opened at the time of a small hit. It is a figure which shows the example of the performance performed when a game ball enters a chance area hole. It is a figure which shows the example of the performance performed when a game ball passes through various areas. It is a figure which shows the example of the performance performed when a game ball passes through various areas. It is a continuous diagram (1/4) showing a big win performance executed during a jackpot game when it corresponds to a "10 round jackpot". It is a continuous diagram (2/4) showing a big win performance executed during a jackpot game in the case of a “10 round jackpot”. It is a continuous diagram (3/4) showing a big win performance executed during a jackpot game in the case of a “10 round jackpot”. It is a continuous diagram showing a big win performance executed during a jackpot game in the case of a “10 round jackpot” (4/4). It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of CPU initialization processing and production control main processing in a production control device. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of interruption processing in a performance control device. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of production control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a structure of the performance management process at the time of operation|movement of the movable ball entry accessory device. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of two-dimensional code management processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of subcommand management processing. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing when a subcommand is received. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing when a reception full interrupt occurs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of two-dimensional code display processing. FIG. 12 is a diagram (1/2) showing a reception format of a sub-command sent from a sub-control board to a liquid crystal board. FIG. 2 is a diagram (2/2) showing a reception format of a sub-command sent from a sub-control board to a liquid crystal board. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission format of a subcommand transmitted from a liquid crystal board to a sub control board. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission/reception flow (in chronological order) of subcommands on the sub control board and the liquid crystal board. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a subcommand transmission/reception flow (state transition) of a sub control board and a liquid crystal board. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of clock synchronous serial communication. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of refresh processing in clock synchronous serial communication. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of control processing when displaying a two-dimensional code. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how to use a two-dimensional code.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. As shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as a game medium, and players borrow game balls from a game hall operator and play games on the pachinko machine 1. In addition, in the game on the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium that has a game value, and the privilege (profit) that the player enjoys as a result of the game is, for example, the game ball that the player has acquired. It can be converted into gaming value based on the number of . The overall configuration of the gaming machine will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Here, in this specification, the left side when viewed from a player seated facing the pachinko machine 1 is referred to as the left, the right side when viewed from the player is referred to as the right, and the upper side when viewed from the player is referred to as the top. The lower side as seen from the player is the bottom, the front side as seen from the player is the front, and the back side as seen from the player is the rear.

[Overall configuration of gaming machine]
The pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame assembly 2, a glass frame unit 4, a saucer unit 6, and a plastic frame assembly 7 (gaming machine frame) as its main body. Among these, the outer frame assembly 2 is a structure made by combining wood into a vertically elongated rectangular shape, and this outer frame assembly 2 is attached to the island equipment (not shown) in the playground using fasteners such as screws. It is fixed in place.

The other glass frame unit 4, saucer unit 6, and plastic frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame assembly 2, and each of these operates in an open/close manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening/closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left side end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

A unified lock unit 9 is provided inside the right edge (left edge in FIG. 2) of the plastic frame assembly 7 when viewed from the front in FIG. Correspondingly, locking tools (not shown) are also provided on the right edges (back sides) of the glass frame unit 4 and the outer frame assembly 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, when the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly 7 are closed with respect to the outer frame assembly 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side of the glass frame unit 4 and the plastic frame assembly together with the locking tool is locked. 7 cannot be opened.

Furthermore, a cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right side edge of the saucer unit 6. For example, when the manager of the game center inserts a special key into the keyhole and twists the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 is activated and the glass frame unit 4 and saucer unit 6 can be opened together with the plastic frame assembly 7. It becomes a state. When the whole is opened from the outer frame assembly 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed at the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, only the glass frame unit 4 is unlocked while the plastic frame assembly 7 remains locked, and the glass frame unit 4 can be opened. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened to the front side, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, and in this state, the manager of the game hall can remove obstacles such as balls jammed in the board. Further, when the glass frame unit 4 is opened, a locking mechanism (not shown) of the saucer unit 6 is exposed. When the locking mechanism is released in this state, the tray unit 6 can be opened to the front side with respect to the plastic frame assembly 7.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 includes the above game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the above-mentioned plastic frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the glass frame unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the plastic frame assembly 7, for example, with the glass frame unit 4 opened to the front side. A vertically oblong circular window 4a is formed in the center of the glass frame unit 4, and a glass unit (no reference numeral) is attached within this window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the glass frame unit 4 via a hinge mechanism (not shown) in an openable/closable manner. A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front side of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a is visible to the player from the front side through the window 4a. When the glass frame unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface into which game balls can flow.

The tray unit 6 has a shape that projects from the outer frame assembly 2 toward the front side as a whole, and has an upper tray 6b formed on its upper surface. This upper tray 6b can store game balls lent to players (rental balls) and game balls won by winning (prize balls). Further, in the saucer unit 6, a lower tray 6c is formed at a position below the upper tray 6b. This lower tray 6c stores game balls that are further paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a model that is connected to a CR unit, and the game balls borrowed by the player are transferred from the payout device unit 172 on the back side to the tray unit 6 (upper tray 6b or lower tray 6b) separately from the prize balls. It is dispensed onto a plate 6c).

A lending operation section 14 is provided on the upper surface of the saucer unit 6, and a ball lending button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on this lending operation section 14. When a player operates the ball rental button 10 with a valuable medium (for example, a magnetic recording medium, a storage IC built-in medium, etc.) inserted into a CR unit (not shown), the number of balls corresponding to a predetermined frequency unit (for example, 5 degrees) is (For example, 125 game balls) are lent. For this reason, a frequency display section (not shown) is arranged on the top surface of the lending operation section 14, and the remaining frequency of the valuable medium loaded into the CR unit is displayed on this frequency display section. Note that by operating the return button 12, the player can receive the return of valuable media with remaining credits. Although the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is described as an example of a gaming machine connected to a CR unit, it may also be a cash machine (a gaming machine not connected to a CR unit).

Further, on the front surface of the saucer unit 6, an upper plate ball removal lever 6d is installed in front of the upper plate 6b in the upper position, and a lower plate ball removal button 6e is installed in the center in front of the lower plate 6c. is installed. By sliding the upper tray ball extraction lever 6d, for example, to the left, the player can cause the game balls stored in the upper tray 6b to flow down to the lower tray 6c. In addition, the player can drop and discharge the game balls stored in the lower tray 6c downward by, for example, pushing the lower tray ball removal button 6e. The ejected game balls are received, for example, in a ball receiving box (not shown).

A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right portion of the saucer unit 6. By operating this grip unit 16, the player can operate the launch control board set 174 and launch (drive) a game ball toward the game area 8a (ball launch device, ball launch means). The fired game ball rises along the left side edge of the game board unit 8, is guided by an outer band (not shown), and is thrown into the game area 8a. A large number of obstacle nails (mostly not shown), windmills (not shown), etc. are arranged in the game area 8a, and the thrown game ball is guided and guided by the obstacle nails and windmills while inside the game area 8a. flows down.

[Board composition]
A relatively large movable ball entering accessory device 30 (movable ball entering device, special electric accessory, variable winning device) is installed in the center of the gaming area 8a. Normal winning holes 22 and 24 are installed on the left and right sides of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. In addition, a left starting prize opening 26 is installed at the lower left position of the movable ball entering accessory device 30, and a middle starting prize opening 27 is installed at the lower position of the movable ball entering accessory device 30. A starting gate 20 and a variable starting winning device 28 (right starting winning opening 28b) are installed on the right side of the object device 30. Note that three or more normal winning holes may be arranged.

The game ball thrown into the game area 8a randomly passes through the starting gate 20 in the process of flowing down, enters the normal winning openings 22, 24, the left starting winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening. 27, enter the variable starting winning device 28 (right starting winning port 28b) when activated (opened), or enter the movable ball entering accessory device 30 when activated (opened). or

The game balls that have entered each winning slot are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board 8b (plywood material forming the game board unit 8, see FIG. 3).

The variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is met (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), and accordingly enables the ball to enter the right start winning hole 28b. (Ordinary electric accessories). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, a pair of left and right opening/closing members 28a, and these opening/closing members 28a reciprocate in the left-right direction along the board surface by the function of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid (not shown). The left and right opening/closing members 28a are in the closed position with their tips facing upward, and at this time it is difficult for the ball to enter the right starting prize opening 28b (there is no gap for the game ball to enter). . On the other hand, when the variable starting winning device 28 operates, the left and right opening/closing members 28a are respectively displaced (expanded) from the closed position to the open position, expanding the opening width to the left and right and opening the right starting winning opening 28b. . During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state where it is possible to enter a game ball, and it is possible to generate a ball entering the right start winning opening 28b (variable start winning means). In addition, at this time, the opening/closing member 28a also functions as a member that guides the entry of the game ball into the right starting prize opening 28b. In addition, the arrangement of the obstacle nails installed in the game board unit 8 is basically in a manner that does not extremely impede the flow of game balls toward the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning opening 28b when opened). However, the game ball does not always enter the variable starting winning device 28 (right starting winning opening 28b) during the opening operation, and the ball entering occurs randomly. The variable start winning device 28 opens short (0.06 seconds x 1 time) in the non-time shortening state, and long opens (4 opens for a total of 4.1 seconds = 0.5 seconds x 1 time) in the time shortening state. Open + 1.2 seconds x 3 times). It should be noted that a plurality of normal winning symbols may be provided, and the operation pattern of the variable start winning device 28 may be made different for each of the plurality of winning symbols.

The movable ball entry accessory device 30 is configured to meet specified conditions during the game (conditions such as a special symbol being stopped and displayed in a jackpot or small win mode, and a condition that a game ball passes a specific area during a small win game ball). This device maintains a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a game ball unless the conditions are met, and shifts from the closed state to an open state in which it is easy to enter a game ball when a specified condition is met.

In addition, the movable ball entering accessory device 30 has a movable piece 30a (so-called blade member) provided at the upper position of the game area 8a, and this movable piece 30a uses, for example, a big prize opening solenoid (not shown). Due to the action of the link mechanism, it rotates back and forth by a predetermined angle along the board surface.

The movable piece 30a is in a substantially upright state with the big prize opening 30b closed, so that the game balls cannot flow into the movable ball-entering accessories device 30. When the movable ball entering accessory device 30 operates, the movable piece 30a is displaced to fall down in the left and right direction within the gaming area 8a centering on its base end, and the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is opened by opening the big winning opening 30b. This allows the game balls to flow into the object device 30 (the game balls enter the big prize opening 30b). Since the movable piece 30a and the big prize opening 30b are located at an upper position in the game area 8a, especially near the position where a game ball is first hit, when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated, the ball is hit into the game area 8a. The game ball is guided by the obstacle nail at the upper position and easily reaches the movable piece 30a, and is guided by the movable piece 30a as it is and flows into the big prize opening 30b.

Further, inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a specific area (special area) through which the game ball can pass is provided, and when the game ball passes through the specific area during a small hit game, it becomes a jackpot.

Furthermore, a circular decorative lamp 51 is installed on the right side of the center of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The circular decorative lamp 51 performs a performance operation using a built-in light emitting device, and is lit, for example, when a game ball passes through a specific area or during a jackpot game.

The game balls that have flowed into the movable ball accessory device 30 are further discharged after undergoing a sorting operation through processes such as flowing down, rolling, and rising, and are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8. . In addition, the distribution operation within the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

In addition, an out port 32 is formed in the game area 8a, and game balls that do not enter each starting port are finally collected through the out port 32 to the back side of the game board unit 8. In addition, all the game balls hit into the game area 8a, including the game balls that entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30, are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 to the outside of the frame through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further join the supply path of the island equipment (not shown).

[Configuration of the front of the frame]
In the glass frame unit 4, glass frame top lamps 46, 48 and glass frame side lamps 50 are installed at a plurality of locations surrounding the glass unit (no reference numeral) as components for presentation. Further, a saucer lamp 52 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and the saucer lamp 52, the glass frame top lamps 46, 48, and the glass frame side lamps 50 are visually connected integrally at the front of the pachinko machine 1. It is designed to look like it is.

The various lamps 46 to 52 described above perform effects by, for example, emitting light from built-in LEDs (lighting up, blinking, changes in brightness gradation, changes in color tone, etc.). In addition, a pair of left and right glass frame top speakers 54 and a glass frame in-frame speaker 55 are built into the upper part of the glass frame unit 4, and a saucer speaker 56 is built into the right side of the lower plate 6c in the saucer unit 6. is built-in. These speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sound effects, BGM, audio, etc. (general sound) to execute the performance.

Further, on the left side of the center of the saucer unit 6, a production switching button 45 is installed at a position in front of the upper tray 6b. By operating the performance switching button 45, the player can switch the content of the performance (for example, the type of BGM) during the game.

[Liquid crystal display]
Furthermore, a liquid crystal display 41 is installed in the center of the saucer unit 6 at a position in front of the upper tray 6b. The liquid crystal display 41 displays information regarding the game (two-dimensional code regarding the game history, game method, etc.). The liquid crystal display 41 is arranged so that the display screen faces upward.

[Movable body]
A drive source (for example, a movable body motor) is attached to the right side of the movable ball entering accessory device 30 together with a movable body 43 for performance. The movable body 43 for performance can reciprocate between the origin position and the movable position, and operates, for example, when a small hit or a jackpot is won.

[Back side configuration]
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there is a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means), a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a channel unit 173, a firing control board set 174, A payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, etc. are installed. In addition, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, there are various electronic devices (including a control computer not shown) that make up the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, A ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring (not shown), etc. are installed. Note that the electronic devices will be described later based on another block diagram (FIG. 16).

The above-mentioned dispensing device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference numerals), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed at the upper edge (back side) of the plastic frame assembly 7. In this state, game balls supplied from a supply route (not shown) can be stored. The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are led to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The channel unit 173 guides the game balls sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to external electronic equipment (for example, a data display device, a hall computer, etc.), and from this external terminal board 160, the game of the pachinko machine 1 can be Various external information signals (e.g. prize ball information, door opening information, pattern confirmation number information, jackpot information, starting opening information, security error information, etc.) representing the progress status, maintenance status, etc. are output to external electronic equipment. It has become something that

The power cord 164 secures the power (electric power) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1 by being connected to a power supply device (for example, AC 24V) installed in, for example, an island facility in a game parlor. Further, the ground wire 166 is connected to a ground terminal similarly installed on the island equipment, thereby ensuring the grounding of the pachinko machine 1.

[Internal configuration of movable ball entry device]
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. Here, the internal configuration of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and the outline of the game ball sorting operation will be explained.

Inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a guide passage 30c is formed with the above-mentioned big prize opening 30b as an open end. The guide path 30c extends from the big prize opening 30b vertically downward within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 into two branches, merges at the end, and is further bent to extend in the lower left direction. When the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is operated, all the game balls that have flowed in through the big prize opening 30b are guided into the movable ball entering accessory device 30 through the guide passage 30c. A count switch 84 is provided in the middle of the guide path 30c (for example, each path of a two-way divided guide path), and all the game balls that have flowed into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 are passed through the count switch 84. 84 (ball entry detection means).

Furthermore, within the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a route distribution section 200 is arranged following the guide passage 30c. The route distribution section 200 performs a distribution operation for guiding game balls to a normal route or a special route. If the game ball is guided to the normal route, the probability of hitting the jackpot afterwards is low, but if the game ball is guided to the special route, the probability of hitting the jackpot after that is lower than if the game ball is guided to the normal route. The probability of that happening increases. Note that details of the route distribution section 200 will be described later.

Further, in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a first distribution operation section 500 (first distribution operation means, distribution operation means) is arranged following the route distribution section 200. The first sorting operation unit 500 allows the game ball that has entered the big winning hole of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 to pass through a chance area where there is a possibility of guiding the game ball to a specific area, or allows the game ball to pass through a chance area where there is a possibility of guiding the game ball to a specific area. The system performs a sorting operation to determine whether or not it is discharged without passing through.

Here, the "chance area" is an area that the game ball must pass before passing through a specific area, so if the game ball passes through the chance area, it is possible for the game ball to pass through the specific area. There is sex. However, even if the game ball passes through the chance area, the game ball may not pass through the specific area.

In any case, the first distribution operation section 500 performs a distribution operation to determine whether the game ball passes through the chance area or whether the game ball is ejected without passing through the chance area. Note that details of the first distribution operation section 500 will be described later.

Further, downstream of the first distribution operation section 500, a second distribution operation section 600 (second distribution operation means, distribution operation means) is arranged. The second sorting operation unit 600 includes a rising device 610 arranged from the upper end to the lower end of the right side of the movable ball entering accessory device 30, and a first observation deck arranged in the middle part of the movable ball entering accessory device 30. It is composed of a stage 620, a second observatory stage 630 arranged in the upper part of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the like.

Then, the second sorting operation section 600 performs a sorting operation in which the game balls that have passed through the chance area are discharged after passing through a specific area or an out path. That is, in the first sorting operation unit 500, the sorting operation was performed to determine whether the game ball passed through the chance area, but in this second sorting operation unit 600, the game ball passed through the chance area or not. In contrast, a sorting operation is performed to determine whether the game ball passes through a specific area or not. Note that details of the second distribution operation section 600 will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the central accessory device 300 from diagonally above and to the left. In addition, in the following drawings, some parts of the members shown in FIG. 3 are omitted for easy understanding.

The central accessory device 300 includes a tower main body section 400 modeled after, for example, a building (a large tower), and is roughly divided into a first distribution operation section 500 and a second distribution operation section 600. If the distribution operation in the first distribution operation section 500 is successful, the game ball will enter the second distribution operation section 600.

[First distribution operation part]
The first distribution operation unit 500 includes a rotation stage 510 and a circular stage 520 (see FIG. 5).
The rotation stage 510 is a stage that can rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above, and has a Y-shaped guide groove 512 formed in its upper surface. A chance area hole 514 that is large enough to accommodate one game ball is arranged in the front central part of the rotation stage 510. A widely opened off-hole 516 is arranged. The game ball that entered the chance area hole 514 will pass through the chance area after that, and the game ball that entered the miss hole 516 will be discharged without passing through the specific area.

Here, an effect switch (chance area detection means) not shown is provided in the chance area, and a game ball passing through the chance area is detected by the effect switch.
Further, an out passage is formed at the lower edge of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Therefore, a game ball that enters the miss hole 516 without entering the chance area hole 514 is guided to the out passage and is ejected from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the chance area or the specific area. Ru. A discharge detection switch (not shown) is provided in the out passage (out area, out area), and a game ball passing through the out passage is detected by the discharge detection switch.

Here, tower legs 518 that support the tower main body 400 are arranged on the rotation stage 510, and as the rotation stage 510 rotates, the tower main body 400 also rotates.

The circular stage 520 (see FIG. 5) is a circular stage formed above the tower leg 518, and the central part of the stage has a drop for dropping the game ball from the circular stage 520 to the rotating stage 510. A hole 522 (see FIG. 5) is formed.

[Second distribution operation part]
The second distribution operation section 600 includes a rising device 610, a first observatory stage 620 (first special distribution section), and a second observation deck stage 630 (second special distribution section).
The game ball that enters the chance area hole 514 and then passes through a chance area (not shown) is raised by the lifting device 610 to the first observatory stage 620, where a sorting operation is performed. Further, as a result of the sorting operation on the first observation deck stage 620, the game balls that have passed through a special area (not shown) inside the first observation deck stage 620 (an area for further raising the game balls) are moved by the lifting device 610. They are raised again to the second observatory stage 630, where the distribution operation is performed again.

A main body motor (not shown) is arranged at the lower part of the tower main body 400. A drive gear (not shown) is attached to the output shaft of the main body motor, and a driven gear (not shown) meshes with the drive gear. The drive gear and the driven gear constitute a gear train, and power is transmitted from the drive gear to the driven gear as the main body motor rotates.

A rotating shaft (not shown) that rotates together with the driven gear is coupled to the driven gear, and a rotating stage 510 is connected to the rotating shaft. Therefore, when the main body motor rotates, the rotating stage 510 rotates due to its power, and the tower main body 400 installed on the rotating stage 510 also rotates.

Here, since the first observatory stage 620 and the second observatory stage 630 are annular stages that form the outer frame of the tower main body 400, the stages themselves do not rotate even if the main body motor 402 rotates. That is, in the tower main body 400, only the center portion rotates, and the stage portion of the outer frame does not rotate. Note that the upper end of the tower main body 400 protrudes more forward than the lower end of the game board unit 8, and the top portion is inclined toward the front. Due to such an inclination, the game balls entering each stage are likely to roll forward of the game board unit 8.

Further, an origin position detection mechanism (not shown) is arranged at the lower end of the rotation shaft. The origin position detection mechanism is a device that detects the origin position regarding the rotation of the tower main body 400, and an index sensor, a rotary encoder, or the like can be applied. The origin position detection mechanism can be configured by, for example, a photosensor and a rotating plate.

The photosensor has an irradiating section that irradiates light and a light receiving section that receives light, and the irradiating section and the light receiving section are arranged opposite to each other with a predetermined interval.
The rotating plate is a rotating body that is disposed between the irradiating part and the light receiving part of the photosensor and rotates together with the rotating shaft, and the rotating plate is provided with an opening hole (not shown) at the origin position.

Then, when the rotary plate rotates and the aperture (not shown) is at the original position, the photosensor is in a non-light-shielded state. Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can determine that the rotary plate is at the origin position when the photosensor is in the non-light-shielded state (when it has not received a detection signal from the photosensor indicating that it is in the light-shielded state). Can be done.

5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the details of the configuration of the route distribution section 200 and the distribution operation in the first distribution operation section 500.
Here, FIG. 5 shows an example in which a game ball is distributed to a special route by the route distribution section 200, enters the first distribution operation section 500, and enters the chance area hole 514. Further, FIG. 6 shows an example in which a game ball is distributed to a normal route by the route distribution section 200, enters the first distribution operation section 500, and enters the missed hole 516.

The route distribution section 200 performs a distribution operation of sorting the game balls that have entered into a normal route or a special route. The route distribution section 200 also includes a route distribution section guideway 202, a route distribution body 204, a protrusion 206, a normal route hole 208, a special route guideway 210, and a normal route guideway 212.

The route distribution part guide path 202 is a path for guiding game balls from the guide path 30c (see FIG. 3) to the route distribution body 204, and extends toward the back of the board surface and turns back from the deepest position. It extends to the route distribution body 204 on the near side.

The route distribution body 204 includes a circular rotating member 204a serving as a base, and a structure 204b (a structure imitating a small tower) placed on the rotating member 204a. The rotating member 204a is rotatable, for example, counterclockwise when viewed from above, and as the rotating member 204a rotates, the structure 204b also rotates. Four inverted U-shaped through holes are formed in the legs of the structure 204b on all sides, and the game ball can pass through the through holes. In the present embodiment, the route distribution body 204 continues to rotate from when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on (other than when the power is turned off or other power outages) until the power is shut off.

The protruding portion 206 is formed to extend in a convex shape in the forward direction of the game board unit 8 from the center of the front end of the base portion 205a where the route distribution body 204 is disposed. The protrusion 206 guides the game ball rolling on the upper part of the protrusion 206 to the special route guideway 210. It should be noted that a special route switch (not shown) can be placed on the special route guideway 210 to detect game balls passing through the special route guideway 210.

Two normal route holes 208 are arranged on both sides of the protrusion 206, and guide the game ball that enters the normal route hole 208 to the normal route guiding path 212.

The special route guideway 210 extends rightward from the protrusion 206 and faces the circular stage 520 of the first distribution operation section 500. The game ball is guided to the circular stage 520 of the first distribution operation section 500 by the special route guideway 210.

The normal route guideway 212 extends vertically downward from the normal route hole 208, and the routes from the two normal route holes 208 merge in the vertically lower part, and after merging, it extends toward the back of the board, and is connected to the first swing. It is facing the rotation stage 510 of the minute motion section 500. The game ball is guided to the rotation stage 510 of the first distribution operation section 500 by the normal route guideway 212.

[Assignment to special route]
As shown in FIG. 5, when the game ball passes through two opposing through-holes 204c formed in the legs of the route distribution body 204, the game ball rolls on the upper part of the protrusion 206 and takes the special route. It is guided to the guide path 210 and then to the circular stage 520 of the first distribution operation section 500.

Then, the game ball guided to the circular stage 520 rotates inside the circular stage 520, and as the rotational speed decreases, it is guided to the central drop hole 522 and falls to the rotating stage 510 below.

A Y-shaped guide groove 512 is formed in the rotation stage 510, and the game ball falls into the center of the guide groove 512. Then, as shown in the figure, if the chance area hole 514 is on the extension line of the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510, the game ball is guided by the guide groove 512 and enters the chance area hole 514.

[Distribution operation to normal route]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the game ball is played by the legs of the route distribution body 204, the game ball enters the normal route hole 208, is guided to the normal route guide path 212, and is guided to the first swing. It is guided to the rotation stage 510 of the minute motion section 500.

Although the game ball from the normal route guide path 212 is released in the direction of the rotation stage 510, it is not necessarily guided to the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510. Game balls that are not successfully guided to the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510 fall into the slip-off hole 516 without changing the direction of movement.

Here, an elevating stage that is moved up and down by a motor (not shown) may be arranged on the normal route guideway 212. In this case, the game ball may ride on the elevating stage and be guided to the rotating stage 510, or may not ride on the elevating stage and be guided to the rotating stage 510 by being bounced off the side of the elevating stage. In this way, the trajectory of the game ball entering the rotation stage 510 can be stabilized.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of the lifting device guideway 515.
The rising device guide path 515 is a passage provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and is a passage connecting the chance area hole 514 and the rising device 610. The lifting device guide path 515 extends vertically downward from the opportunity area hole 514, bends further to the right, and extends to the lower opening hole 610a of the lifting device 610 (see FIG. 8).

The game ball that enters the chance area hole 514 is detected by the effect switch 800 arranged in the chance area, and is guided to the rising device 610 by the rising device guide path 515.
Here, a slide member 517 is arranged in the middle of the lifting device guideway 515. The slide member 517 can be slid in the left and right directions in the figure by a lifting device guideway solenoid (not shown).

As shown in (A) in FIG. 7, when the raising device guideway solenoid is in the inactive (OFF) state, the slide member 517 is in the initial position, and the game ball passes through the upper surface of the slide member 517. It is guided to a lifting device 610.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, if the raising device guideway solenoid is activated (ON), the slide member 517 will slide to the left in the figure, and the game ball will move to the raising device 610. The ball is not guided and merges into the out passage inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and is detected by the discharge detection switch.

In this way, the reason why the game balls that have entered the chance area hole 514 are guided to the rising device 610 or ejected without being guided to the rising device 610 is that when normal sorting operation is performed, the game ball is not guided to the rising device 610. Although it is necessary to guide the game ball to 610, there is no need to guide the game ball to the rising device 610 once the jackpot state has been reached.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the configuration and drive mechanism of the lifting device 610.
Here, (A) in FIG. 8 is a plan view of the lifting device 610, (B) in FIG. 8 is a front view of the lifting device 610, and (C) in FIG. 8 is a right side view of the lifting device 610. be. In addition, in the following drawings, in order to facilitate understanding, some parts are shown in shapes different from those in FIG. 3.

The elevating device 610 is a device for elevating the game ball that has passed through the chance area, and is provided in the first elevating device that raises the game ball that has passed through the chance area to the first observatory stage 620 and the first observatory stage 620. and a second lifting device that lifts the game ball that has passed through the special area set up to the second observatory stage 630. It is composed of parts.

The ascending device 610 also includes a cylindrical guideway 611, a first observation deck stage guideway 612, a re-entry guideway 613, a second observation deck stage guideway 614, a drive mechanism 615, and an origin position detection mechanism 616. .

The cylindrical guide path 611 is a cylindrical passage in which a screw conveyor 617 is disposed. The screw conveyor 617 is a conveyor that raises the game ball together with the cylindrical guideway 611. Further, the screw conveyor 617 is a movable body that performs an operation that affects the progress (rolling) of the game ball that has entered the inside of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and also uses the rotational force of the conveyor motor 214. It is a rotating body that raises the game ball.

The first observation platform stage guide path 612 is a path that guides the game ball released from the center left opening hole 610b to the first observation platform stage 620, and is directed toward the first observation platform stage 620 from the cylindrical guide path 611. It extends.

The re-entry guideway 613 is a passage that guides the game ball from the first observatory stage 620 to the center right opening hole 610c of the rising device 610, and is a passageway that guides the game ball from the first observatory stage 620 to the center right opening hole 610c of the rising device 610. It is extending.

The second observation platform stage guide path 614 is a path that guides the game ball released from the upper opening hole 610d to the second observation platform stage 630, and is directed toward the second observation platform stage 630 from the cylindrical guide path 611. It is extending.

The drive mechanism 615 includes a conveyor motor 214 disposed on the lower back side of the cylindrical guideway 611, a drive gear 618a attached to a rotatable output shaft of the conveyor motor 214, and a first driven gear meshed with the drive gear 404. It has a gear 618b, a second driven gear 618c meshed with the first driven gear 618b, and a rotating shaft 618d that rotates together with the second driven gear 618c and serves as the center of rotation of the screw conveyor 617.

The origin position detection mechanism 616 is a device that detects the origin position of the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, and has the same configuration as the origin position detection mechanism of the tower main body 400 described above.

By rotating the screw conveyor 617 by the drive mechanism 615, the game balls that have entered the lower opening hole 610a are raised to the center left opening hole 610b, and the game balls that have entered the center right opening hole 610c are raised. It can be raised to the opening hole 610d.

9 and 10 are diagrams showing how the game ball is raised by the raising device 610.
Here, FIG. 9 shows how the game ball that has entered the lower opening hole 610a is raised to the center left opening hole 610b, and FIG. 10 shows how the game ball that has entered the center right opening hole 610c is raised to the upper opening hole 610b. It shows how it is raised to the hole 610d. In addition, in the figure, components other than the screw conveyor 617 and game balls are shown with broken lines for easy understanding.

As shown in FIG. 9, the game ball that has entered the lower opening hole 610a is pushed out by the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, guided by the inner wall of the cylindrical guideway 611, and follows the left side route of the cylindrical guideway 611. Rise. Then, when it rises to the central left opening hole 610b, it is guided to the first observation platform stage 620 by the first observation platform stage guide path 612.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the game ball that enters the center right opening hole 610c is pushed out by the rotation of the screw conveyor 617, and is guided to the inner wall of the cylindrical guideway 611, and is initially guided to the inner wall of the cylindrical guideway 611. Go up the right route of 611. Then, in the area beyond the central left opening hole 610b, the game ball comes into contact with the guiding slope part 619 for guiding the game ball to the left side route.

The game ball that has come into contact with the guiding slope 619 is guided by the upper edge of the guiding slope 619, the guiding direction changes, and is pushed out from the right side route of the cylindrical guide path 611 to the left side route. Then, the game ball continues to ascend along the left side route, and finally reaches the upper opening hole 610d formed at the upper part of the left side route. The game ball that has reached the upper opening hole 610d is guided to the second observation platform stage 630 by the second observation platform stage guide path 614.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the distribution operation at the first observatory stage 620.
The game ball guided to the first observation deck stage 620 by the first observation deck stage guideway 612 rolls left and right on the first observation deck stage 620 due to its momentum. In the first observation deck stage 620, since the stage itself is inclined toward the center (it is in the shape of a mortar), the game balls that lose their rolling momentum will eventually move into the inside of the tower main body 400. Enter the first observation deck stage gate 622 for guidance.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a part of the tower main body 400 located inside the first observatory stage 620.
As shown in FIG. 12A, a part of the tower main body 400 located inside the first observatory stage 620 has a cylindrical shape, and a first recess 624 for removal is formed on the side surface of the tower main body 400. and a re-ascent recess 626.

The first recess 624 for dislodging is a recess for guiding the game ball to the out passage, and is approximately rectangular in shape and has a space large enough to allow one game ball to enter. Moreover, character information of "x (cross mark)" is displayed on the upper part of the first recessed part 624 for disassembly.

The re-ascending recess 626 is a recess for guiding the game ball to the elevating device 610 again, and is a space that is approximately square in shape and has a longer vertical length than the first recess 624 for dislodging. ing. Moreover, the character information "UP" is displayed above the re-ascent recess 626.

The tower main body 400 has two first recesses 624 for disassembly and one re-ascent recess 626 formed on the side surface on the near side, and two recesses 626 for rising again on the side surface on the rear side. A first recess 624 for disassembly and one recess 626 for rising again are formed.
Therefore, a total of four first recesses 624 for disassembly and two recesses 626 for re-ascent are formed in the tower main body 400. Therefore, a game ball that enters the first observatory stage 620 has a one-third probability of entering the re-ascent recess 626, and a remaining two-thirds probability of entering the first recess 624. I'm going to pitch in.

[Ball entering into re-ascent recess 626]
Here, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the re-elevating recess 626 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 12 (B), when the game ball enters the re-ascent recess 626 through the first observatory stage gate 622 of the first observatory stage 620, the game ball enters the re-ascend recess 626. It will fall downward inside the .

Furthermore, as shown in (C) in FIG. 12, the game ball that has fallen downward moves to the left as the tower main body 400 rotates. Here, a first special opening hole 628 is formed in the part where the game ball that has fallen downward is placed, and at this point the game ball is located in front of the first special opening hole 628. .

Then, as shown in FIG. 12 (D), the game ball rolls forward through the first special opening hole 628 and is guided directly to the re-entry guideway 613 (see FIG. 11). A special area (not shown) is provided in the re-entry guideway 613, and a special area switch is provided in the special area. A game ball passing through the special area is detected by the special area switch.

[Ball entering into the first recessed part 624]
Next, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the first recessed portion 624 will be described.
As shown in (E) in FIG. 12, when a game ball enters the first recessed part 624 for removal through the first observation deck stage gate 622 of the first observation deck stage 620, the game ball maintains its position. Ru.
Further, as shown in (F) in FIG. 12, as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the first recess 624 continues to move to the left.

As shown in FIG. 12 (G), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the first recess 624 is guided to the out passage of the game board unit 8. become. A discharge detection switch (not shown) is provided in the out passage, and a game ball passing through the out passage is detected by the discharge detection switch.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the distribution operation at the second observatory stage 630.
The game ball guided to the second observation deck stage 630 by the second observation deck stage guide path 614 rolls left and right on the second observation deck stage 630 due to its momentum. Since the stage itself of the second observation deck stage 630 is tilted toward the center (it is in the shape of a mortar), the game balls that have lost their rolling momentum will eventually enter the opening hole 631 of the second observation deck stage. do.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a portion of the tower main body 400 located inside the second observatory stage 630.
As shown in FIG. 14 (A), a part of the tower main body 400 located inside the second observatory stage 630 has a conical shape with the tip portion removed, with the apex at the bottom. It has a second recess 634 for removal and a recess 635 for a specific area on its side surface.

The second recess 634 for dislodging is a recess for guiding the game ball to the out passage, and is approximately square in shape and has a space large enough to allow one game ball to enter. Moreover, character information of "x (cross mark)" is displayed on the upper part of the second recessed part 634 for disassembly.

The specific area recess 635 is a recess for guiding a game ball to a specific area, and is a space having a substantially square shape and having a longer length in the vertical direction than the second recess 634 for dislodging. Furthermore, text information “10R” is displayed above the specific area recess 635.

Here, in the tower main body part 400, three second recesses 634 for removal and three recesses 635 for specific areas are alternately formed. Therefore, if the game ball reaches the second observatory stage 630, there is a 1/2 probability that the game ball will enter the second recess 634 for missing, and the remaining 1/2 probability that the game ball will enter the specific area. A game ball enters the recessed portion 635.

[Ball entering the second recess for misses]
Here, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the second recess 634 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14 (B), when the game ball enters the second recessed part 634, the game ball stops at the upper part of the tower main body part 400.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 (C), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the second recess 634 continues to move to the left.

As shown in FIG. 14 (D), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game ball that has entered the second recess 634 is guided to the out passage of the game board unit 8. become. A discharge detection switch (not shown) is provided in the out passage, and a game ball passing through the out passage is detected by the discharge detection switch.

[Ball entry into specific area depression]
Next, the subsequent operation when the game ball enters the specific area recess 635 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14 (E), when the game ball enters the specific area recess 635, the game ball falls downward inside the specific area recess 635.

Furthermore, as shown in (F) in FIG. 14, the game ball that has fallen downward moves to the left as the tower main body 400 rotates.

As shown in FIG. 14 (G), as the tower main body 400 rotates, the game balls that have entered the specific area recess 635 are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8 and It will pass through a specific area on the back side of 8. A specific area switch (not shown) is provided in the specific area, and a game ball passing through the specific area switch is detected by the specific area switch.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged front view of a part of the game board unit 8 (the lower right position within the window 4a).
The game board unit 8 is provided with a normal symbol display device 33 (normal symbol display means) and a normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position in the window 4a, for example, and a first special symbol display device 34 (a first special symbol display device 34). 1 symbol display means, symbol display means), a second special symbol display device 35 (second symbol display means, symbol display means), and a game state display device 38.

Among these, the normal symbol display device 33 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner by, for example, alternately lighting two lamps (LEDs), and stops displaying the normal symbols by lighting or extinguishing the lamps. The normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a displays the memorized number of 0 to 4 by, for example, a combination of two lamps (LEDs) turning off, turning on, and blinking. For example, in a display mode in which both lamps are turned off, the number of memories is 0, and in a display mode in which one lamp is turned on, the number of memories is 1, and in a display mode in which the same one lamp is blinking, the number of memories is 1. In a display mode where the number of memories is 2, and one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is lit, the number of memories is 3, and in a display mode where both lamps are blinking, the number of memories is 4. For example, display the number of items. Although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of working memories can be displayed by the number of lit lamps.

Each time a game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a changes to the display mode after increasing by one in order to remember that the passage that triggers the operation lottery has occurred. (up to 4 pieces), and each time the passage of the symbol starts to change, the display mode changes one by one to the display mode after the number of symbols decreases. In addition, in this embodiment, when the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (memory number is 0), the game ball passes through the starting gate 20 in a state where the normal symbol can already start changing (when the stop display is displayed). However, the display mode does not change. That is, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passes in which the variation of the normal symbol has not yet started at that time.

The first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 can each display the fluctuating state and stop state of the special symbol using, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (symbol display means). In addition, in this embodiment, an operation memory lamp or an operation memory number display device corresponding to the special symbol is not provided.

Further, the game state display device 38 includes three LEDs corresponding to, for example, a jackpot type display lamp 38a, a time saving state display lamp 38e, and a firing position designation display lamp 38f, respectively. In addition, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, and game state display device 38 are integrated into one integrated display board. 89 and is attached to the game board unit 8. In this embodiment, since there is only one type of jackpot (there is only 10 round jackpot), it is not necessary to provide the jackpot type display lamp 38a.

[Control configuration]
Next, a configuration related to control of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices installed in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 includes a main control device 70 that is the center of control operations, and this main control device 70 mainly has the function of controlling the progress of games in the pachinko machine 1. Note that the main control device 70 is built into the main control board unit 170 described above.

The main control device 70 is also equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which a main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted, and the main control CPU 72 has a ROM 74, a RAM ( It is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as RWM) 76 and the like. The main controller 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Among these, the random number generator 75 generates hardware random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining the jackpot (or small hit) in the special symbol lottery and the hit determination in the regular symbol lottery. , the random numbers generated here are input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. In addition, the main control device 70 is equipped with peripheral ICs such as an input/output (I/O) port 79, a clock generation circuit (not shown), and a counter/timer circuit (CTC), which are connected to the main control CPU 72 as well as other peripheral ICs. Mounted on the board. Note that a signal transmission path, a power supply path, a control bus, and the like are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or the inner layer portion).

The starting gate 20 is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting passage of a game ball. In addition, the game board unit 8 includes a left starting winning opening switch 80, a middle starting winning opening, corresponding to the left starting winning opening 26, the middle starting winning opening 27, the right starting winning opening 28b, and the movable ball entry accessory device 30, respectively. It is equipped with a switch 81, a right start prize opening switch 82, and a count switch 84. Among these, the left start winning hole switch 80, the middle starting winning hole switch 81, and the right starting winning hole switch 82 are for detecting the entry of a game ball into the respective starting winning hole. Further, the count switch 84 is for detecting the entry of game balls into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (big winning hole 30b) and counting the number thereof.

Further, the game board unit 8 is provided with a specific area switch 701 (specific area detection means, discharge detection means after passing through the specific area) and a performance switch 800 corresponding to the specific area and the chance area, respectively. In addition to these, an ejection detection switch 900 is provided in the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The discharge detection switch 900 detects the game ball discharged from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 and outputs a detection signal thereof (discharge detection means).

When the detection signal from each switch is received, the flags related to whether or not the area has been passed (specific area passing flag, chance area passing flag, discharge area passing flag, etc.) are turned on. and sends an area passage command to the production control device 124.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a winning hole switch 86 that detects winning of game balls into the normal winning holes 22, 24. In addition, the winning a prize opening switch 86 may be a common one for all the normal winning a prize holes 22, 24, or a separate winning a prize opening switch 86 may be installed in each of the plurality of normal winning a prize holes 22, 24.

In any case, winning detection signals from these switches 78, 80 to 86, 701, 800, 900 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). In addition, due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the detection signals from the left starting winning port switch 80, the middle starting winning port switch 81, the right starting winning port switch 82, and the specific area switch 701 are the ones that are most beneficial to the player's interests. Since the signals have a direct effect, they are sent to the main controller 70 without going through any relays, and other detection signals are sent to the main controller 70 via the panel relay terminal board 87. . The panel relay terminal board 87 is provided with wiring patterns, connection terminals, etc. for relaying each detection signal.

The normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game state display device 38 control display operations based on control signals from the main control CPU 72. has been done. The main control CPU 72 sends control signals to the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game state display device 38 according to the progress of the game. It outputs and controls the lighting state of each LED. In addition, the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, and the game state display device 38 are integrated into one integrated display board 89 as described above. It is installed in the game board unit 8 in a mounted state, and a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the integrated display board 89 via the panel relay terminal board 87 described above.

In addition, the game board unit 8 is provided with a normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and a big prize opening solenoid 90 corresponding to the variable start winning device 28 and the movable ball entering accessory device 30, respectively. The normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90 operate (excite) based on the control signal from the main control CPU 72, and operate (open and close) the variable start winning device 28 and the movable ball entering accessory device 30, respectively.
Furthermore, the game board unit 8 is provided with a rising device guide path solenoid 95 inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The lifting device guideway solenoid 95 operates (excites) based on a control signal from the main control CPU 72, and performs a discharge operation during a jackpot game. In addition, control signals are transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88, the big prize opening solenoid 90, and the ascending device guideway solenoid 95 via the panel relay terminal board 87 described above.

Furthermore, the game board unit 8 is provided with a sorting body motor 213, a body part motor 402, and a conveyor, corresponding to the route sorting body 204, tower body part 400, and screw conveyor 617 inside the movable ball entering accessory device 30, respectively. A motor 214 (drive source) is provided. Among these, the distribution body motor 213 rotates the route distribution body 204. Further, the main body motor 402 rotates the tower main body 400. The conveyor motor 214 rotates the screw conveyor 617. Similarly, control signals are transmitted to these motors from the main control CPU 72 via the panel relay terminal board 87 described above.

In this embodiment, a drive signal for constant operation is output from the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) to each motor 213, 402, 214. Further, for each of the motors 213, 402, and 214, the origin position regarding rotation is detected using an origin detection mechanism such as an index sensor (not shown). For this reason, the main controller 70 receives origin position detection signals from these origin detection mechanisms.

Furthermore, a magnetic sensor 250 and a vibration sensor 252 (vibration detection means) are installed in the game board unit 8, and among these, the magnetic sensor 250 detects the magnetic flux coming to the game board unit 8 at its installation position. and outputs a detection signal according to its density (magnetic strength). Further, the vibration sensor 252 detects the acceleration (vibration) transmitted to the game board unit 8 at its installation position, and outputs a detection signal according to the magnitude thereof. Detection signals from the magnetic sensor 250 and the vibration sensor 252 are input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) through the panel relay terminal board 87, respectively.

In addition, a glass frame release switch 91 is installed in the glass frame unit 4, and a plastic frame release switch 93 is installed in the plastic frame assembly 7. When the glass frame unit 4 is opened independently, a contact signal from the glass frame release switch 91 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and the plastic frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame assembly 2. Then, a contact signal from the plastic frame release switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the glass frame unit 4 or the plastic frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. Note that when the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the glass frame unit 4 or the plastic frame assembly 7, it generates a door open information signal as the above-mentioned external information signal.

A payout control device 92 is installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and the payout control CPU 94 is also an LSI integrated with a CPU core (not shown) and semiconductor memories such as a ROM 96 and a RAM 98. It is configured. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as the above-mentioned external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

A payout device board 100 is installed together with a payout motor 102 (for example, a stepping motor) in a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on this payout device board 100. There is. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on the payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and pays out the specified number of game balls from the prize ball case. Let it come out. The paid-out game balls are sent to the above-mentioned tray unit 6 through the payout channel in the channel unit 173.

Further, for example, a payout road ball cut-off switch 104 is installed at an upstream position of the prize ball case, and a payout count switch 106 is installed at a downstream position of the payout motor 102. When a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a count signal from the payout counting switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100 each time. Further, when a ball is out at an upstream position of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout road ball out switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 transmits the input count signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the out-of-ball state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100.

Further, in the pachinko machine 1, a full tank switch 161 is installed, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (in a position at the back when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The actually paid out prize balls (game balls) are discharged into the upper tray 6b through the above-mentioned channel unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is full of game balls, any more game balls that are paid out are As described above, it flows into the lower tray 6c. Further, when the lower tray 6c becomes full with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned on and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends any further prize ball operations and stores the remaining number of unpaid prize balls in the RAM 98. Furthermore, the memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is cut off, so even if a power outage (including momentary power outage) occurs during a game, the information on the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out will not be lost. .

Further, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, a firing solenoid 110 is installed together with a firing control board 108. Further, a ball feeding solenoid 111 is provided within the saucer unit 6. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with a drive circuit for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. ing. Of these, the ball feeding solenoid 111 performs an operation to feed the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined shooting position within the shooting machine case. Further, the firing solenoid 110 performs an operation of hitting the game balls sent out to the firing position and continuously (intermittently) firing the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a as described above. Note that the game balls are fired at intervals of, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

On the other hand, the grip unit 16 located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation (so-called stroke) of the firing handle by the player. Furthermore, the touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (firing handle) from a change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in response to the player's operation.

A firing relay terminal board 118 is installed in the saucer unit 6, and signals from the firing lever volume 112, touch sensor 114, and firing stop switch 116 are sent to the firing control board 108 via the firing relay terminal board 118. sent to. Further, a drive signal from the firing control board 108 is applied to the ball feeding solenoid 111 via the firing relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the firing handle, an analog signal (an encoded digital signal may be used) is generated by the firing lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the firing solenoid 110 is driven based on the signal at this time. Thereby, the strength with which the game ball is launched is adjusted according to the amount of operation by the player. Note that the drive circuit of the firing control board 108 stops driving the firing solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when a firing stop signal is input from the firing stop switch 116. do. In addition, a game ball rental device connection terminal board 120 is connected to the firing relay terminal board 118, and when the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120, the firing relay terminal board 118 is also connected to the The drive circuit of control board 108 stops driving firing solenoid 110 .

Further, the saucer unit 6 has a built-in frequency display board 122 and a loan/return switch board 123. Among these, the power display board 122 is provided with a display (7 segment LED for 3 digits) of the power display section described above. Further, switch modules connected to the ball lending button 10 and the return button 12, respectively, are mounted on the lending and return switch board 123, and when the ball lending button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is sent to the lending/returning button 12. and is transmitted from the return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball rental device connection terminal board 120. Further, from the CR unit, a frequency signal indicating the remaining frequency of the valuable medium is transmitted to the frequency display board 122 via the gaming ball etc. rental device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the frequency display board 122 drives a display based on the frequency signal, and numerically displays the remaining frequency of the valuable medium. In addition, if no valuable medium is loaded into the CR unit, or if the remaining count of the loaded valuable medium is 0, the display circuit of the rate display board 122 drives the display to display a demonstration (valuable medium It is also possible to display a display prompting the user to input

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with an effect control device 124 as a control configuration. This performance control device 124 controls the performance accompanying the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The production control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (sub control board, production control board) on which a production control CPU 126 (sub CPU), which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The production control CPU 126 includes a CPU core (not shown) and semiconductor memories such as a ROM 128 and a RAM 130 as a main memory. The production control CPU 126 can be of a type that is faster (higher clock frequency) than the main control CPU 72 and has a wider data bus width (for example, 64 bits). Note that the performance control device 124 is provided at a position covered by the above-mentioned back cover unit 178 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1.

In addition, the production control device 124 is equipped with an input/output driver (not shown) and various peripheral ICs, as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and a sound drive circuit 134. The performance control CPU 126 controls the performance based on commands for performance sent from the main control CPU 72, and gives commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 to cause the various lamps 46 to 52 and the board lamp 53 to emit light. It also performs processing to actually output sound effects, voices, etc. from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

The lamp drive circuit 132 includes, for example, switching elements such as a PWM (pulse width modulation) IC and a MOSFET (not shown). ) to manage operations such as light emission and blinking. The various lamps include, in addition to the glass frame top lamps 46, 48, glass frame side lamps 50, and saucer lamps 52, a board lamp 53 for decoration and presentation installed in the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to an LED built into the movable ball entry accessory device 30 or the like. Although an example is given here in which the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, the saucer lamp 52 is connected to the saucer lamp 52 via the saucer illumination board by installing the saucer illumination board in the saucer unit 6. It may also be configured to be connected to the lamp drive circuit 132.

The acoustic drive circuit 134 is a sound generator that includes a built-in sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown), and drives the speakers 54, 55, and 56 to output sound.

In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the glass frame unit 4, and drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the acoustic drive circuit 134 are transmitted to various lamps 46 via the glass frame illumination board 136. ~52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56. Further, the above-mentioned performance switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when the player operates the performance switching button 45, the contact signal is sent to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. is input. Note that here, an example is given in which the effect switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, but when the above saucer illumination board is installed, the effect switching button 45 is connected to the saucer illumination board. Good too.

In addition, a panel illumination board 138 is installed in the game board unit 8, and a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the board lamp 53 via the panel illumination board 138.

As described above, the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Note that the various switches may be detection switches that detect the proximity of game balls. The special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are ball detectors for generating some kind of performance operation triggered by the passage of a game ball. Detection signals from the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are transmitted via the panel illumination board 138 and input to the production control CPU 126 via an input/output driver (not shown). Although the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 are connected to the production control device 124 as an example here, the special area switch 901 and the special route switch 902 may be connected to the main control device 70. . In this case, when the main control CPU 72 receives a detection signal from the special area switch 901 or the special route switch 902, it is sufficient to send a production command for each to the production control CPU 126.

The 7-segment display 42 is installed above the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and its display screen is visible from the front of the game board unit 8. The 7-segment display 42 is a display capable of dynamic lighting. The 7-segment display 42 is controlled by a 7-segment board. Further, the liquid crystal display 41 is controlled by a liquid crystal substrate, and the movable body motor 47 and the movable body sensor 49 are controlled by the movable body substrate. The movable body sensor 49 is a sensor that detects whether the movable body 43 for performance is at the origin position or at the movable position.

The ROM 128 of the performance control CPU 126 stores a basic program regarding the control of the performance, and the performance control CPU 126 executes the control of the performance in accordance with this program. The control of the presentation includes the control of the presentation using the various lamps 46 to 53 and the speakers 54, 55, and 56 as described above, as well as the control of the presentation using the liquid crystal display 41, the 7-segment display 42, and the movable body 43. Includes control over the performance. The performance control CPU 126 transmits information (commands) regarding the performance to the liquid crystal board, 7-segment board, and movable board that control these devices, and each board controls the liquid crystal display 41 and 7-segment board based on the received information. Controls the display 42, movable body 43, etc.

Additionally, a power control unit 162 is installed on the back side of the plastic frame assembly 7. This power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (for example, AC 24V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate necessary power (for example, DC +34V, +12V, etc.) from there. The power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, payout control device 92, and production control device 124. Furthermore, power is supplied to the firing control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is also supplied to the CR unit via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. Further, power is also supplied to the liquid crystal display 41, 7-segment display 42, movable body motor 47, etc. via the production control device 124. Note that low voltage power (for example, DC +5V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (such as a three-terminal regulator) built into each device. Further, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is grounded to the island equipment through the ground wire 166.

The external terminal board 160 described above is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are sent to the external terminal board 160 via the payout control device 92. It is output from the outside. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are compiled by, for example, a hall computer (not shown) in a game hall. Although a configuration in which the external information signal is routed through the payout control device 92 is exemplified here, a configuration in which the external information signal is directly output from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may also be used.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a block diagram of the periphery of the sub-control board.
A 7-segment board 151, a liquid crystal board 152, and a movable body board 153 are connected to the sub-control board 150. Note that each board can be a board on which a CPU (IC), ROM, RAM, etc. are mounted.
A 7-segment display 42 is connected to the 7-segment substrate 151, a liquid crystal display 41 is connected to the liquid crystal substrate 152, and a movable body motor 47 and a movable body sensor 49 are connected to the movable body substrate 153.

The line from the sub-control board 150 to the 7-segment board 151 is a dynamic LED communication line, and the line from the sub-control board 150 to the liquid crystal board 152 is used together with this dynamic LED communication line.

Further, the line from the sub-control board 150 to the movable body board 153 is a movable body communication line, and the line from the liquid crystal board 152 to the sub-control board 150 is used together with this movable body communication line. There is.

Each board is connected to each other by two signal lines, a clock signal line and a data signal line (only one signal line is shown in the figure), and the clock synchronous serial communication is possible.

[Game flow]
Next, FIG. 18 is a game flow diagram showing, as an example, the flow of a game by the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. A normal game by the pachinko machine 1 is started by hitting (shooting) a game ball into the game area 8a. Below, the flow of the game will be explained based on the premise of launching the game ball.

[F01: Ball entering the starting prize hole]
In the process of the game ball flowing down within the gaming area 8a, if the ball enters any of the left start winning hole 26, middle start winning hole 27, or right start winning hole 28b, the left starting winning hole corresponding to each starting winning hole will be opened. The passage of the game ball is detected by the switch 80, the middle start winning port switch 81, or the right start winning port switch 82, and this triggers a special symbol lottery. In addition, in the non-time shortening state, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the right starting prize opening 28b.

The special symbol lottery is a lottery related to whether or not to operate the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Note that if the game ball does not enter any of the starting winning holes, the game flow ends, and the player will try again to get the ball into the starting winning hole (F01).

Although not particularly shown, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time on the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35, and then the lottery result is displayed. It is stopped and displayed in the manner shown. The variation pattern of the special symbols by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 may be changed randomly by lottery, or may be fixed to a constant variation pattern.

Here, in the present embodiment, the first special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is performed when the ball enters the left start winning hole 26 or the middle start winning hole 27, while the first special symbol lottery (internal lottery) is performed when the ball enters the right start winning hole 28b. The second special symbol lottery (internal lottery) will be held as an opportunity.
Since the winning probability (small winning probability) of the special symbol lottery is set to 1 (approximately 1/1), if the game ball enters any of the starting prize holes, it will directly fall into the small winning. become. Therefore, it is not particularly necessary to acquire the jackpot determination random number internally in the main control device 70, but it may be necessary to acquire it. In this embodiment, there is no special possibility for a jackpot game to be executed directly as a result of the ball entering each starting prize opening (so-called hit or direct hit), but the jackpot determination random number obtained here is used. A direct hit determination may also be made.

In addition, in this embodiment, there is no display mode of "missing" in the special symbols, and in the lottery using the first special symbol, it corresponds to "small winning symbol 1", and in the lottery using the second special symbol, it corresponds to "small winning symbol 2". This is supposed to apply. The difference between "small winning symbol 1" and "small winning symbol 2" is related to the number of operations of the movable ball entering accessory device 30, and if it corresponds to "small winning symbol 1", the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is activated once, and when it corresponds to "small winning symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated twice. In addition, a display mode of "missing" may be provided for the special symbol.

[F02: Movable ball entry accessory device activated]
In any case, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35, this triggers the movable ball entry accessory device 30 to be activated (released). Operate. The operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is to change the movable piece 30a to the open position as described above.

In this embodiment, when it corresponds to "small winning symbol 1", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened only once over the specified opening time for small winning symbol 1 (for example, about 0.425 seconds), If it corresponds to "small winning symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened twice over the specified opening time for small winning symbol 2 (for example, 0.8 seconds x 2 times = about 1.6 seconds) do. In addition, when it corresponds to "small winning pattern 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 may be opened only once (for example, opened for 1.6 seconds x 1 time).

[F03: Big winning opening ball judgment]
Next, when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the big winning hole 30b. If the game ball enters the grand prize opening 30b here, the game flow will further proceed to a sorting operation within the movable ball entry accessory device 30. In addition, if the game ball does not enter the big prize opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game flow ends and the player will try to enter the starting prize opening (F01) again.

[F04: Specific area passage determination]
As the game flow progresses within the movable ball entering accessory device 30, after various game ball sorting operations as described above, it is finally determined whether the game ball has passed through a specific area (V winning). It will be done. As a result, if the game ball is finally ejected from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without passing through the specific area, unfortunately the game flow ends there and the ball enters the starting prize opening (F01) again. That's what I'm aiming for.

[F05: Jackpot game execution]
On the other hand, when the game ball passes through a specific area (V winning) in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 operates again and a 10-round jackpot game is executed. Specifically, for example, whether the grand prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times (e.g., 18 times) over a predetermined opening time (e.g., 1 second), or whether a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 9) have been won. A special game is executed in which one round is defined as one round until the above condition is satisfied, and this round is repeated a predetermined number of consecutive operations.

In this embodiment, the number of consecutive operations is set to 10 times (9 times if the first round is excluded) when the game ball passes through a specific area. During such a jackpot game (while the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is in operation), many balls may enter the jackpot 30b, which is normally closed, within a short period of time, so the game can be played during that time. Players can collectively win a large number of prize balls. In this embodiment, [F02] the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device is the first round.

[Game flow inside the movable ball entry device]
Next, the game flow that progresses within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 will be explained. Here, within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 of this embodiment, a two-stage distribution operation is performed.
The first sorting operation in the first stage corresponds to the operation of sorting the game ball to the missed hole 516 or the chance area hole 514. The second sorting operation in the second stage corresponds to the operation of sorting the game balls to the out passage or a specific area.

FIG. 19 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the first sorting operation in the first stage executed within the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Note that the "game flow" here corresponds to the flow of the game that progresses with the rolling and sorting actions of game balls.

[F10: Arrival at route distribution section]
When a game ball flows into the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the game ball first reaches the route distribution section 200.

[F11: Route distribution]
The game ball that has reached the route distribution unit 200 passes through the interior of the rotating route distribution body 204 or is bounced by the rotating route distribution body 204, thereby performing route distribution.

[F12: Normal route]
When the game ball is bounced by the legs of the route distribution body 204, the traveling direction of the game ball changes, so the game ball enters the normal route hole 208, and the game ball is distributed to the normal route.

[F13: Reaching the rotation stage]
The game balls sorted to the normal route are guided to the normal route guideway 212 and enter the rotation stage 510 from the left side of the rotation stage 510. However, the game ball that has entered the rotation stage 510 may successfully ride on the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510, or may not ride properly and may pass through the rotation stage 510 as it is.

[F14: Special route]
On the other hand, if the game ball successfully passes between the legs of the route distribution body 204 without being bounced by the legs of the route distribution body 204, the game ball rolls on the protrusion 206, and the game ball You will be assigned to a special route.

[F15: Arrival at circular stage]
The game balls sorted to the special route are guided to the special route guideway 210 and reach the circular stage 520.

[F13: Reaching the rotation stage]
The game ball that has reached the circular stage 520 gradually reduces its rotational speed while rotating inside the circular stage 520, and finally falls onto the rotating stage 510 through a drop hole 522 provided at the center of the circular stage 520.

Here, in this embodiment, the game ball will eventually reach the rotating stage 510 whether it is via the normal route or the special route, but if the game ball is via the special route, the game ball will reach the rotating stage 510. Since the ball falls to the center position, the ball is easily guided to the guide groove 512, and the ball is easier to enter the chance area hole 514.

[F16: Opportunity area passage judgment]
At the final stage of the first distribution operation, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the chance area hole 514 and passed through the chance area. Whether or not the game ball has passed through the chance area can be determined based on the detection signal from the production switch 800.
As a result, if the game ball is finally ejected from the movable ball entering accessory device 30 without passing through the chance area, the game flow ends there and the ball enters the starting prize opening again (F01 in FIG. 18). We will aim to

[F17: Performance execution]
On the other hand, when a game ball enters the chance area hole 514, the production switch 800 detects that the game ball has passed through the chance area, and based on the area passage command indicating this, the 7-segment display 42 A presentation is performed in which the game ball passes through the chance area. This presentation is, for example, a content that teaches that ``the second sorting operation is about to be executed,'' thereby attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball. After this, the process proceeds to the second sorting operation within the accessory device.

FIG. 20 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the second sorting operation in the second stage executed within the movable ball entering accessory device 30.

[F21: Reaching the ascent device]
The game ball that has passed through the chance area is guided to the rising device guide path 515 and reaches the rising device 610.

[F22: Reaching the first observation deck stage]
The game ball that has reached the lifting device 610 enters the cylindrical guideway 611 through the lower opening hole 610a, is lifted by the screw conveyor 617, is ejected from the central left opening hole 610b, and reaches the first observatory stage 620.

[F23: Out passage passage judgment]
As a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, when the game ball enters the first recess 624 for removal, the ejection detection switch 900 detects that the game ball has passed through the out passage.

[F24: Missing performance]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the out path, a miss effect is executed.

[F25: Pass through special area]
On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the out path (F23: No), the game ball will pass through the special area. When the game ball passes through the special area, the special area switch 901 detects that the game ball has passed through the special area.

[F26: Performance execution]
Based on the detection signal from the special area switch 901, an effect is executed on the 7-segment display 42. This presentation is, for example, a content that teaches that ``the final sorting operation is about to be executed,'' thereby attracting the player's attention to the destination of the game ball.

[F27: Reaching the ascent device]
The game ball that has passed through the special area is guided to a re-entry guideway 613 and reaches the rising device 610 again.

[F28: Reached the second observation deck stage]
The game ball that has reached the raising device 610 again enters the cylindrical guiding path 611 through the center right opening hole 610c, is lifted by the screw conveyor 617, is ejected from the upper opening hole 610d, and reaches the second observatory stage 630.

[F29: Out passage passage judgment]
As a result of the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630, when the game ball enters the second recess 634 for removal, the discharge detection switch 900 detects that the game ball has passed through the out passage.

[F30: Missing performance]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the out path, a miss effect is executed.

[F31: Pass through specific area]
On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the out path (F29: No), the game ball will pass through the specific area. When the game ball passes through the specific area, the specific area switch 701 detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area.

[F32: Movable ball entry accessory device activated]
When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the specific area, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated and a 10 round jackpot game is executed.

In addition, if the discharge detection switch 900 detects the ejection of all winning game balls from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 without detecting passage through the specific area, then the discharge of all winning game balls from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is detected. The game flow ends.

FIG. 21 is a game flow diagram schematically showing the flow of the game in the time shortened state that is transferred after a jackpot.
In this embodiment, when a 10-round jackpot is executed in the non-time saving state, the game shifts to the time saving state after the jackpot game ends.

[F31: Ball entering the starting prize hole]
In the time shortening state, the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery is high, so the variable start winning device 28 is opened at high frequency. Therefore, the game ball can easily enter the right starting prize opening 28b. Then, when the passage of the game ball is detected by the right starting winning hole switch 82 corresponding to the right starting winning hole 28b, a second special symbol lottery is performed using this as an opportunity. In addition, if the game ball does not enter any of the starting winning holes, the game flow ends, and the player aims to enter the starting winning hole (F31) again in the time shortened state.

[F32: Movable ball entry accessory device activated]
For example, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of "small winning symbol 2" by the second special symbol display device 35, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated (opening operation) using this as a trigger.

[F33: Big winning opening ball judgment]
Next, when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the big winning hole 30b. If the game ball enters the grand prize opening 30b here, the game flow will further proceed to a sorting operation within the movable ball entry accessory device 30. In addition, if the game ball does not enter the big prize opening 30b of the movable ball entering accessory device 30, the game flow ends and the player aims again to enter the starting prize opening (F31) in the time shortened state. Become.

[F34: Specific area passage determination]
As the game flow progresses within the movable ball entering accessory device 30, after various game ball sorting operations as described above, it is finally determined whether the game ball has passed through a specific area (V winning). It will be done. As a result, if the game ball is finally ejected from the movable ball entering accessory device 30 without passing through the specific area, the game flow ends and the ball enters the starting prize opening again in the time shortened state (F31) We will aim to In addition, in the time reduction state, the game ball passes through the specific area more easily than in the non-time reduction state.

[F35: Jackpot game execution]
When the game ball passes through a specific area (V winning) in the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 operates again and a 10-round jackpot game is executed.

[F36: Limiter reaching determination]
At the end of the jackpot, a process for determining whether the limiter has been reached is executed. In this embodiment, a game feature is adopted in which four jackpots including the first jackpot are one set.

[F37: Limiter reached]
If it is determined that the limiter has been reached, the state shifts to a non-time reduction state after the jackpot game ends.

[F38: Limiter not reached]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the limiter has not been reached, the time reduction state is entered after the end of the jackpot game.

[Basic control operation]
FIGS. 22 and 23 are timing charts showing changes in various states that occur throughout the game flow that progresses within the movable ball entry accessory device.
Here, FIG. 22 shows an example in which the game ball is ejected without passing through the chance area as a result of the sorting operation in the movable entering ball accessory device 30 (when it misses), and FIG. 23 shows the movable entering ball As a result of the sorting operation in the accessory device 30, an example is shown in which the game ball passes through a chance area, and then passes through a specific area and is discharged (at the time of winning).

Moreover, (A) in each figure shows the change of fluctuation|variation or a stoppage of a special symbol, and (B) in each figure has shown the operation|movement or non-operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. (C) in each figure shows the operation or non-operation of various motors, and (D) in each figure shows the ON or OFF state of the count switch 84. Further, (E) in FIG. 22 shows the ON or OFF state of the discharge detection switch 900, and (F) in FIG. 23 shows the ON or OFF state of the production switch 800. Further, (G) in FIG. 23 shows the ON or OFF state of the specific region switch, and (H) in FIG. 23 shows the operating or non-operating state of the lifting device guideway solenoid 95.

[In case of failure (sorting failure)]
(A) in FIG. 22: At time t0, the special symbol is in a fluctuating state. It is assumed that the variation of the special symbol here is a variation of the first special symbol. The special symbol variation started before time t0 ends at time t1. Then, when the variation of the special symbol ends at time t1, the special symbol is stopped and displayed for a period of time from time t1 to time t2. Since the fluctuation here is a fluctuation due to the first special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "small winning symbol 1". In addition, if the variation is due to the second special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "small winning symbol 2".

(B) in FIG. 22: At time t2, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit mode, and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated when the special symbol hits a small hit. performs the following operations. The operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit is performed between time t2 and time t3. Then, from time t2 to time t3, a start time (opening time) is first set, then an opening time and a closing time are set, and finally an end time (ending time) is set. Details of the start time (opening time) for each winning symbol will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, some time lag may occur after the stop display of the special symbol ends before the movable ball entry accessory device 30 becomes operational.

(C) in FIG. 22: Also, at time t2, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts operating at the time of a small hit, and various motors (main body motor 402) start operating.

(D) in FIG. 22: While the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is in the operating state (from time t2 to time t3), one game ball enters the big prize opening 30b, and the count is counted. A detection signal is input from the switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 (waveform indicated by (1) in parentheses in the figure).

(E) in FIG. 22: Then, as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, when the game ball enters the dislodgement hole 516, the game ball is guided to the out passage, and the discharge detection device provided in the out passage A detection signal is input from the switch 900 to the main control CPU 72 (waveform indicated by (2) in parentheses in the figure).

(C) in FIG. 22: In this case, the number of game balls that entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (number of balls entered) and the number of game balls discharged from the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (number of discharged balls) ) match, so the game within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 ends. Therefore, the various motors (main body motor 402) are controlled to be inactive. Note that if the number of balls entered and the number of balls ejected do not match, the game within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 can be continued, or a predetermined error process can be performed.

[When hit (sorting success)]
(A) in FIG. 23: At time t0, the special symbol is in a fluctuating state. It is assumed that the variation of the special symbol here is a variation of the first special symbol. The special symbol variation started before time t0 ends at time t1. Then, when the variation of the special symbol ends at time t1, the special symbol is stopped and displayed for a period of time from time t1 to time t2. Since the fluctuation here is a fluctuation due to the first special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "small winning symbol 1". In addition, if the variation is due to the second special symbol, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "small winning symbol 2".

(B) in FIG. 23: At time t2, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small hit mode, and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated when the special symbol hits a small hit. performs the following operations. The operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit is performed between time t2 and time t3. Then, from time t2 to time t3, a start time (opening time) is first set, then an opening time and a closing time are set, and finally an end time (ending time) is set. Details of the start time (opening time) for each winning symbol will be described later with reference to FIG.

(C) in FIG. 23: Also, at time t2, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts operating at the time of a small hit, and various motors (main body motor 402) start operating.

(D) in FIG. 23: While the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is in the operating state (from time t2 to time t3), one game ball enters the big prize opening 30b, and the count is counted. A detection signal is input from the switch 84 to the main control CPU 72 (waveform indicated by (1) in parentheses in the figure). The process up to this point is the same as the flow at the time of failure (at the time of failure in distribution).

(F) in FIG. 23: Then, as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entering accessory device 30, when the game ball enters the chance area hole 514, the game ball passes through the chance area, so a detection signal is sent from the production switch 800. is input to the main control CPU 72 (waveform with (2) in parentheses in the figure).

(G) in FIG. 23: Next, when the game ball passes through a specific area as a result of the sorting operation in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, a detection signal is input from the specific area switch to the main control CPU 72 (in parentheses in the figure). (Waveform marked with (3)).

(C) in FIG. 23: In this case, the number of game balls that entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (number of balls entered) and the number of game balls that passed through a specific area inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Since the number of balls (V number of winnings) matches, the game in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 ends. Therefore, the various motors (main body motor 402) are controlled to be inactive.

(H) in FIG. 23: Also, at time t4, the lifting device guideway solenoid is controlled to be in the operating state. As a result, the game ball will not be guided to the raising device 610 at any subsequent timing.

(B) in FIG. 23: Then, triggered by the passage of the game ball being detected by the specific area switch, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 performs the jackpot operation (time t5).

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing details of the operation of the movable ball-entering accessory device.
As shown in (A) in FIG. 24, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the small winning symbol 1, the small winning game corresponding to the small winning symbol 1 (for example, at time t2 in FIGS. 22 and 23) to time t3) is executed.
In the small winning game corresponding to the small winning symbol 1, the opening time (start time) is set to the first time (for example, 0.008 seconds). The opening time is the waiting time from the end of the stop time of the special symbol until the movable piece 30a starts opening.
Therefore, after the first time has elapsed, when the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 opens and the game ball enters the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the accessory game (inside the movable ball-entering accessory device 30) A game using game balls) is executed.

As shown in (B) in FIG. 24, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of the small winning symbol 2, a small winning game corresponding to the small winning symbol 2 (for example, at time t2 in FIGS. 22 and 23) to time t3) is executed.
In the small winning game corresponding to the small winning symbol 2, the opening time is set to the second time (for example, 28.572 seconds).
Therefore, after the second time period has elapsed, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is opened, and when the game ball enters the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the accessory game is executed.

The second time is longer than the first time. Further, it is preferable that the second time is longer than the maximum time (for example, about 20 seconds) in which the accessory game is expected to end when the small winning symbol 1 is applied.

As shown in (C) in FIG. 24, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed (stopped), the main body motor is in a stopped state.
Then, when the stop time of the special symbol at the time of a small hit ends, the main body motor starts moving in a constant motion.
In this case, the main body motor performs the first special symbol operation (difficult operation) in the first half before the second time has elapsed (for example, until 25 seconds have elapsed), and in the second half after the second time has elapsed. (For example, after 25 seconds have elapsed), a second special symbol operation (easy operation) is performed.

The first special symbol operation is an operation that continues the rotation of the main body motor. Therefore, during the execution of the first special symbol operation, whether the game ball passes through the chance area or whether the game ball passes through the specific area depends on luck.

On the other hand, the second special symbol operation is an operation that repeats the operation of stopping the rotation of the main body motor and restarting the rotation of the main body motor.
For example, in the second special symbol operation, the main body motor is stopped for several seconds (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds) so that the tower main body 400 stops at the origin position, and then the tower main body 400 is stopped for several seconds (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds). This is an operation that repeats the operation of moving the main body motor for several seconds so that the main body rotates (about 5 to 10 seconds).

When the tower main body 400 stops at the origin position, the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510 stops in the direction toward the chance area hole 514, and the re-ascent recess 626 is located at the front position of the first observation deck stage 620. Thus, on the second observatory stage 630, the specific area recess 635 is located at the front position.

For this reason, during the execution of the second special symbol operation, the game ball passing through the chance area, the game ball passing through the special area, and the game ball passing through the specific area do not occur in the first The state is easier than the operation for special symbols.

In this embodiment, when it corresponds to "small winning symbol 2", a second time is set as the opening time, and when the second time ends, the operation of the main body motor for the first special symbol ends. Therefore, the accessory game can be performed by the second special symbol operation of the main body motor.
The second special symbol operation of the main body motor is an operation that allows the game ball to easily pass through a specific area.
For this reason, it is possible to exhibit a new gaming feature in which falling under the "small winning symbol 2" is directly connected to "passing through a specific area = winning the jackpot."

In this way, the tower main body 400, which is movable by the main body motor, is provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small hit (when a predetermined operation trigger occurs) ) A difficult motion that makes it difficult for the game ball to pass through a specific area as well as a certain motion, and a motion that is performed after the difficult motion and that causes the game ball to pass through the specific area. It is a movable body that performs easy movements that are easier than difficult movements.

The above is the flow of the game by the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, but the progress of the game and the performance accompanying it are controlled by electronic equipment centered on the main control device 70 and the performance control device 124 described above. There is. Next, the control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70 will be explained.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 starts a reset start process. The reset start process prepares the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the gaming state (so-called power restoration) based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power cut, or conversely clearing the backup information. This is a process for Further, the reset start process is positioned as a main process (main control program) for ensuring stable gaming operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

25 and 26 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the procedure of reset start processing. Hereinafter, the processing performed by the main control CPU 72 will be explained step by step.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the top address of the stack area in the stack pointer.

Step S102: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector type interrupt mode (mode 2) and modifies the default RST type interrupt mode (mode 0). Thereby, the main control CPU 72 can thereafter refer to any address (with the least significant bit being 0) as an interrupt vector and execute the designated interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes reset standby processing here. This process is to ensure a certain amount of standby time (for example, about several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (for example, power-on), and to check the main power-off detection signal during that time. Specifically, after setting a loop counter for the waiting time, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal while decrementing the value of the loop counter. The main power-off detection signal is input from, for example, a power monitoring IC that is a peripheral device. If the input of the main power-off detection signal is confirmed before the loop counter reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 restarts the process from the beginning. This makes it possible to protect the system, for example, when the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, the RAM protect setting value of the work area is reset (00H). As a result, access to the work area of the RAM 76 is permitted from now on.

Step S105: The main control CPU 72 also initializes a mask register to set an interrupt mask. Specifically, a value that enables CTC interrupts is stored in a mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the previously saved input signal from the RAM clear switch and confirms whether the RAM clear switch has been operated (switch ON). If the RAM clear switch is not operated (No), then step S107 is executed.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, that is, whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup was successfully completed in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (for example, "A55AH") is set (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on the backup information in the RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on all areas in the work area of the RAM 76 (user work area including a prohibited area and a stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), then the main control CPU 72 executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (for example, to "0000H").
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears the command that was waiting to be sent immediately before the previous power-off occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU72 executes production control return processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits a return command (for example, a model designation command, etc.) to the production control device 124. In response to this, the effect control device 124 can restore the effect state (for example, sound output content, light emitting state of various lamps, etc.) that was being executed when the power was cut off last time.

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes state recovery processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and sets various values to the gaming state that was being executed at the time of the previous power cut (for example, the display mode of special symbols, the contents of working memory, various flag states, random number update states, etc.). The main control CPU 72 also restores the backed up PC register values.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch was operated when the power was turned on (step S106: Yes), the backup validity determination flag was not set (step S107: No), or the backup information was not normal. (Step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 moves to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the storage contents of the RAM 76 other than the prohibited area. As a result, the work area and stack area of the RAM 76 are all initialized, and even if valid backup information is stored, its contents are erased.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 also initializes the RAM 76.

Step S115: The main control CPU72 executes production control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a command (command necessary for production control) to be transmitted to the production control device 124 after initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes payout control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes CTC initial setting processing and initializes the CTC (counter/timer circuit), which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and also sets an interrupt count value (for example, 4 ms) in the CTC. As a result, the next time a CTC interrupt occurs, the main control CPU 72 can continue processing from the backed up program address of the PC register.

When the above procedure is executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 shifts to the main loop shown in FIG. 26 (connection symbol A→A).

Steps S118 and S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes a power-off occurrence check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 bit-checks the input port of the main power-off detection signal and monitors the occurrence of power-off (reduction in supply voltage). When the power is cut off, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90, and clears the entire work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. Back up the contents and also save the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the above-mentioned valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops the process (NOP). On the other hand, if power interruption does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. Note that there is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes processing when such a power-off occurs as non-maskable interrupt (NMI) processing.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes initial value update random number update processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (for example, jackpot symbol random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random number (hardware random number) and the hit determination random number (hardware random number) corresponding to normal symbols are generated on the program. I'm letting you do it. Incidentally, the fluctuation pattern determining random numbers corresponding to the special symbols can be generated as needed, and when not used, the random number generation process can be omitted. In any case, these software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 28). The initial value of (not all random numbers need to be targeted) is changed. The random number for updating the initial value is used to randomly change this initial value, and in step S120, the random number for updating the initial value is updated. Note that step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 because a similar process is executed in another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. ). As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determining random number is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 75, and its update cycle is faster (for example, several μs) than the timer interrupt cycle (for example, several ms). ), there is no need to update the initial value of the jackpot determining random number.

Steps S121 and S122: The main control CPU 72 allows interrupts and executes other random number update processing. The random number updated in this process is a software random number that is not related to the determination of the winning type (variation pattern determination random number, etc.). This process is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management process (FIG. 28). Note that the details of the interrupt management process will be described later.

[Power outage check process]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart specifically illustrating a procedure example of the above-mentioned power-off occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets conditions for checking for occurrence of power outage. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power-off detection signal is continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power-off detection switch input port and checks whether a main power-off detection signal is output (checks a specific bit). Although not particularly shown, a main power-off detection switch is mounted on the main controller 70, for example, and this main power-off detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162 and determines the voltage level. Outputs a main power failure detection signal when the voltage falls below the reference voltage. Note that the main power-off detection switch may be built into the power supply control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the main power-off detection signal is not being output at this point in time (No), the main control CPU 72 exits from this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the main power cutoff detection signal is output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the above check conditions are satisfied. Specifically, the on-counter value set in step S130 is subtracted by 1, for example, and it is checked whether the result becomes 0 or not. If the on-counter value is not 0 at this point in time (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and reconfirms the main power-off detection switch input port. Then, when the check condition is satisfied by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffer corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output ports corresponding to the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90.

Step S138, Step S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, in units of bytes, and repeats the addition until the addition is completed for the entire area. .
Step S142: When the sum calculation is completed for all areas (step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores the valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: Further, the main control CPU 72 stores "01H" indicating access prohibition in the protect value of the RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area (including the prohibited area and the stack area) of the RAM 76.
Step S148: The main control CPU 72 then enters a standby loop and stops all other processes in preparation for the main power cutoff. After the main power is turned off, backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (not shown) (for example, a circuit including a capacitive element mounted in the main controller 70), so the memory contents of the RAM 76 are lost even after the main power is turned off. It is retained without doing anything. Note that the backup power supply circuit may be built into the power supply control unit 162, for example.

Through the above processing, all the information stored in the work area of the RAM 76 to be backed up (to be summed) is retained as memory in the RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. Furthermore, the retained memory is restored as backup information when the power is turned off, after confirming that the checksum is normal in the previous reset start process (FIG. 25).

[Interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing)]
Next, interrupt management processing (timer interrupt processing) will be explained. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for interrupt management processing. The main control CPU 72 executes interrupt management processing at predetermined time intervals (for example, several milliseconds) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each step will be explained below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A, flag register F, and each pair of general-purpose registers B to L) used during the execution of the main loop to the save area of the RAM 76. After the values are saved, other values can be written to the registers (A to L) during interrupt management processing.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of a counter for generating various random numbers for lottery. The value of each counter is incremented in the random number counter area of the RAM 76, and loops are performed within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 executes the initial value update random number update process here as well. The contents of the processing are the same as those described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input/output (I/O) port 79 (winning detection information generation means). Specifically, the passage detection signal from the gate switch 78, the winning detection signal from the left starting winning opening switch 80, the middle starting winning opening switch 81, or the right starting winning opening switch 82, and the winning detection signal from the specific area switch 701 or the production switch 800. Reads the input state (ON/OFF) of the passage detection signal.

Step S204: Here, the main control CPU 72 executes security management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not an illegal win has occurred based on the input state (ON/OFF) of the winning detection signal read in the previous input process (step S203). (judgment means). If it is determined that an illegal winning has occurred, the main control CPU 72 generates an illegal winning error command and rewrites the bit of the winning detection signal due to illegal winning from ON to OFF. The main control CPU 72 also monitors fraudulent activities using the magnetic sensor 250 and vibration sensor 252, and determines whether or not excessive winnings are occurring.

Step S206: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, among the switch signals input in the previous input process, a process is performed based on a signal that is maintained without being erased as an unauthorized winning prize. For example, the main control CPU 72 receives a winning detection signal from the gate switch 78, left starting winning opening switch 80, middle starting winning opening switch 81, or right starting winning opening switch 82, or a passing detection signal from the specific area switch 701 or production switch 800. Based on this, events that occur during the game are determined, and further processing is executed depending on each event that occurs. Note that the specific details of the switch input event processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the left starting winning port switch 80 or the middle starting winning port switch 81, the main control CPU 72 triggers an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol (lottery trigger). It is determined that an event has occurred. Further, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the right starting winning opening switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery trigger) corresponding to the second special symbol has occurred. Furthermore, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers a lottery corresponding to the normal symbol has occurred. When determining that any of the events has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing corresponding to each event. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines which of the left starting winning port switch 80, middle starting winning port switch 81, and right starting winning port switch 82 causes an event to trigger an internal lottery (lottery trigger). A switch-specific winning command for distinction may be transmitted to the performance control CPU 126.

Step S207, Step S207a: The main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process and the normal game management process during the interrupt management process. These processes are for concretely advancing the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special game management process, the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of the internal lottery corresponding to the special symbols mentioned above, the variable display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, etc. It controls the stop display, and controls the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 according to the display result. The details of the special game management process will be described later using another flowchart.

In addition, in the normal game management process (step S207a), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 mentioned above, and operates the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. control. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores the random number (the winning determining random number for the normal symbol lottery) acquired upon passage of the starting gate 20 in the previous switch input event process (step S206), and manages this normal game. During the process, a random number value is read from memory and it is determined whether it falls within a predetermined winning range (normal symbol lottery execution means). If the random number falls within the winning range, the normal symbol display device 33 causes the normal symbol to be variably displayed and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined winning mode, and then the main control CPU 72 activates the normal electric accessory solenoid 88. The variable start winning device 28 is activated by excitation. On the other hand, if the random number value is outside the winning range, the main control CPU 72 stops displaying the normal symbols in a winning manner after the variable display. In this case, the main control CPU 72 does not energize the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and does not operate the variable start winning device 28.

[About the number of prize balls and the number of game balls acquired]
The number of prize balls in the starting hole of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls in the starting hole of the second special symbol are each set to a prescribed number of one or more. Further, the number of prize balls may be made different between the starting hole of the first special symbol and the starting hole of the second special symbol. Furthermore, the minimum number of prize balls is set based on the winning probability of the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired (the average number of balls that come out during the series from the first hit until the end of the time reduction state). You may. Furthermore, the winning probability of the special symbol, the expected value of the total number of game balls won, the number of openings of the grand prize opening, the opening time of the grand prize opening, the maximum number of prizes of the grand prize opening, and the number of prize balls of the grand prize opening are predetermined. If the conditions are met, a jackpot may be set in which the number of game balls acquired in one jackpot is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of game balls acquired.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a prize ball payout process. In this process, a prize ball instruction is given to the payout control device 92 to instruct the number of prize balls based on the winning detection signals input from various switches 80, 81, 82, 84, and 86 in the previous input process (step S203). Output the command. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball number command for the production control device 124, and stores this in the command buffer.

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 executes motor management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 detects the origin position regarding the rotation of various motors (distributor motor 213, main body motor 402, conveyor motor 214, etc.), and when outputting drive signals to the various motors, The drive signal is stored in the corresponding port output request buffer. In this motor management process, the main control CPU 72 generates drive signals based on operation patterns corresponding to each motor. Note that details of the motor management process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sends the above-mentioned external information signals (for example, prize ball information, door opening information, symbol confirmation number information, jackpot information, starting gate information, security error information, information, etc.) in the port output request buffer.

In addition, in this embodiment, among various external information signals, for example, "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5" are outputted as jackpot information to the outside, so that an external electronic device (data display It is possible to provide a variety of jackpot information for machines and hall computers). In other words, by outputting the jackpot information separately into a plurality of "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5", it becomes possible to aggregate and manage the types of jackpots (winning types) from these combinations using a hall computer (not shown). . In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) counts and displays the number of jackpots that have occurred within the past few business days for each pachinko machine 1, and recognizes whether or not each machine is currently hitting a jackpot. Or, it is possible to recognize whether or not the symbol fluctuation time is currently being shortened for each machine. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls in detail the output status (ON or OFF set) of each of "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 5".

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals representing its own internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot, small hit, time saving function activated, etc.), Store these in the port output request buffer. Using this test signal, the internal state of the main control CPU 72 can be tested, for example, outside the main control device 70.

Step S212: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes display output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting states of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the game state display device 38, etc. . Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the previous special game management process (step S207) or normal game management process (step S207a) is output to the port. Note that the drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner, stopped, etc.). Note that the specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S213: The main control CPU 72 also executes output management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information process (step S210). In addition, the main control CPU 72 outputs the drive signals, test signals, etc. of the normal electric accessory solenoid 88 and the big prize opening solenoid 90 stored in the port output request buffer to the port.

Step S214: The main control CPU72 executes production control output processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether there is a command (command necessary for production control) that should be sent to the production control device 124 in the command buffer, and if there is an unsent command, the command to be output is sent. Port output.

Step S215: Then, the main control CPU 72 clears the port output request buffer stored in the current CTC interrupt.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is given in which the processing of steps S207 to S214 (gaming control program module) is executed as a timer interrupt processing, but these processing are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed. There are also known programming examples.

Step S216: After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) specifying the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter, and ends the CTC interrupt.

Steps S217 and S218: Then, the main control CPU 72 restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and permits the next CTC interrupt. After this, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of switch input event processing (step S206 in FIG. 28). Each step will be explained below.

Step S11: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the left starting winning opening switch 80 or the middle starting winning opening switch 81 corresponding to the first special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no input of the winning detection signal (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S13.

Step S13: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the right starting winning opening switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S14 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Similarly, the specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart. On the other hand, if the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S15.

Step S15: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the count switch 84 corresponding to the big winning opening 30b. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the big winning opening counting process. In the big winning hole counting process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of game balls that have entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30. On the other hand, if the winning detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S17.

Step S17: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a detection signal has been input from the effect switch 800 corresponding to the chance area provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. If the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S18 and sets the chance area passing flag to ON. The chance area passing flag is stored in the RAM 76, and when the chance area passing flag is set to ON, it indicates that the game ball has passed through the chance area. Note that the chance area passage flag is set to OFF after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if there is no detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S19.

Step S19: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a detection signal has been input from the specific area switch corresponding to the specific area provided inside the movable ball entry accessory device 30. If the input of this detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S20 and sets the specific area passing flag to ON. Further, the specific area passing flag is stored in the RAM 76, and when the specific area passing flag is set to ON, it indicates that the game ball has passed through the specific area. Note that the specific area passing flag is set to OFF after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if there is no detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S21.

Step S21: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passage detection signal is input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. If the input of this passage detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S22 and executes a normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current number of normal symbols in working memory is less than the upper limit number (for example, 4), and if the upper limit number has not been reached, acquires a random number per normal symbol. do. Moreover, the main control CPU72 increments the number of normal symbol working memories. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the obtained random number value per normal symbol in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if the passage detection signal is not input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 28).
Further, in the switch input event process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of adding up the value of the ejected ball counter in accordance with each detection signal from the ejection detection switch 900 and the specific area switch 701.

In addition, in this switch input event processing, the main control CPU 72 checks whether a detection signal has been input from the discharge detection switch 900, and if input of this detection signal is confirmed, sets the discharge area passing flag to ON. You may also perform processing. Note that the discharge area passage flag is set to OFF after the small winning game or the jackpot game ends.

[First special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the first special symbol storage process. Hereinafter, the first special symbol storage process will be explained along with a procedure example.

Step S30: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not there is an operational memory for the special symbol. The presence or absence of working memory is checked for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and if any of the special symbols has working memory, it is determined that there is working memory for the special symbol. In this embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided for the special symbol, for example, if there is a jackpot determining random number (one) that has already been transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 It is determined that there is a working memory for the symbol (Yes). If there is already a working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to switch input event processing (FIG. 29). On the other hand, if there is no particular working memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S32. In addition, in view of the configuration of the control program, a special symbol working memory number counter (upper limit number: 1) may be used here. In this case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the special symbol working memory number counter, and if the working memory number is 1, it is determined that there is working memory (Yes). Further, if the number of working memories is not 1 (=0), the main control CPU 72 determines that there is no working memory (No).

Step S32: If it is determined in the previous step S30 that there is no working memory (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 outputs the jackpot determination random value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77. get. The random number value is obtained by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, address designation is performed twice, one byte each for the upper and lower parts. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the first special symbol from the specified address, it saves this as the jackpot determination random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. This random number value is also acquired by specifying the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number from the designated address, it saves it at the transfer destination address as the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

Step S34: Further, the main control CPU 72 obtains, for example, a variation pattern determining random number as a random value regarding the variation condition of the first special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76. Acquisition of this random number value is similarly performed by specifying the address of the variable random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 obtains the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves it at the transfer destination address.

Step S36: The main control CPU 72 stores the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number in a random number storage area (empty at this point) that is commonly used by the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Transfer and store these random numbers as a set.

Step S38: Then, the main control CPU72 executes production command output setting processing regarding the first special symbol. This process is for setting, for example, to transmit a starting opening prize sound control command to the production control device 124.

When the above procedure is completed or there is already a special symbol operation memory (step S30: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 29).

[Second special symbol memory processing]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the second special symbol storage process. Hereinafter, the second special symbol storage process will be explained along with an example procedure.

Step S40: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not there is an operational memory for the special symbol. The presence or absence of working memory is checked for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and if any of the special symbols has working memory, it is determined that there is working memory for the special symbol. In this embodiment, since two or more working memories are not provided for the special symbol, for example, if there is a jackpot determining random number (one) that has already been transferred to the random number storage area of the RAM 76, the main control CPU 72 It is determined that there is a working memory for the symbol (Yes). If there is already a working memory (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to switch input event processing (FIG. 29). On the other hand, if there is no particular working memory (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S42.

Step S42: If it is determined in the previous step S40 that there is no working memory (step S40: No), the main control CPU 72 outputs the jackpot determination random value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77. get. The random number value is obtained by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. When the main control CPU 72 has a data bus width of 8 bits, address designation is performed twice, one byte each for the upper and lower parts. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determination random number corresponding to the second special symbol from the specified address, it saves this as the jackpot determination random number at the address of the transfer destination (random number storage area).

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot symbol random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the jackpot symbol random number counter area of the RAM 76. This random number value is also acquired by specifying the address of the jackpot symbol random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot symbol random number from the specified address, it saves it at the transfer destination address as the jackpot symbol random number corresponding to the second special symbol.

Step S44: Further, the main control CPU 72 obtains, for example, a variation pattern determining random number as a random value regarding the variation condition of the second special symbol from the variation random number counter area of the RAM 76. Acquisition of this random number value is similarly performed by specifying the address of the variable random number counter area. When the main control CPU 72 obtains the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the designated address, it saves it at the transfer destination address.

Step S46: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number, and fluctuation pattern determination random number to the random number storage area (empty at this point) that is commonly used by the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Then, these random numbers are stored as a set.

Step S48: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes production command output setting processing regarding the second special symbol. This process is for setting, for example, to transmit a starting opening prize sound control command to the production control device 124.

When the above procedure is completed or there is already a special symbol operation memory (step S40: Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (FIG. 29).

[Special game management processing]
Next, details of the special game management process will be explained. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of the special game management process. The special game management process includes special game control module selection process (step S1000), special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500), special symbol variation process (step S2000), special symbol stop display process (step S2500), Waiting process to start operating the object device (step S3000), processing to open the accessory device when winning a small prize (step S3500), closing processing to the accessory device when winning a small prize (step S4000), processing to end the operation of the accessory device when winning a small prize (step S4500) , Process to start operating the accessory device when winning a jackpot (step S5000), processing to open the accessory device when winning a jackpot (step S5500), processing to close the accessory device when winning a jackpot (step S5550), processing to close the accessory device when winning a jackpot (step S6000) , jackpot accessory device operation end processing (step S6500), remaining ball error command setting processing (step S7000), and solenoid control processing (step S7500). First, the basic flow of the special game management process will be explained along with each process.

Step S1000: In the special game control module selection process, the main control CPU72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S1500 to S6500). For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) as the return destination address in the "jump table". . Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started varying display, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol fluctuation processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol fluctuation processing has been completed, The special symbol stop display process (step S2500) is selected as the next jump destination. In addition, in this embodiment, a process is selected by specifying a jump destination address in a "jump table", but apart from such a selection method, a "process flag" or a "process selection flag" etc. are used to select a process. There are also known programming examples where the CPU selects the next process to execute.

Furthermore, when the main control CPU 72 selects the next jump destination as described above, the progress status of the process up to the present is represented by the value of the "special game management status". For example, if the special symbols have not yet started varying display, the main control CPU 72 sets the current value of the "special game management status" as "00H". On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation start waiting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 sets the current value of "special game management status" to "01H", and if the special symbol fluctuation process has been completed, , the current value of the "special game management status" is set to "02H". Note that the setting of the value of such "special game management status" will be described later. In any case, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the "special game management status" in the special game control module selection process, and selects the jump destination process (any one of steps S1500 to S6500) at that point. Can be done.

In addition, the jump destinations selected in the special game control module selection process (step S1000) are steps S1500 to S6500 as described above, and the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) and the solenoid control process ( Step S7500) is executed at every interrupt.

Step S1500: As described above, when the value of the "special game management status" is "00H", the main control CPU72 executes the special symbol fluctuation start waiting process in the special game management process. In this special symbol variation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 performs work to prepare conditions for starting variable display of special symbols. For example, when there is no special symbol working memory number, the main control CPU 72 stores the memory of the special symbol winning determination random number and the winning symbol random number in the common storage area. The main control CPU 72 also compares the winning determination random number stored in the common storage area with the winning value to determine a winning. In this embodiment, since the probability of winning the special symbol lottery (so-called small winning probability) is approximately 1/1, the winning determination at this time is a confirmatory process. Note that the specific contents of the process will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S2000: When the value of the "special game management status" is "01H", the main control CPU72 executes the special symbol variation process in the special game management process. In this special symbol fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 72 performs driving control of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the fluctuation timer. Specifically, an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) is output to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the two 7-segment LEDs. The pattern of the drive signal changes with the passage of time, and thereby the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. Thereafter, when the count of the variable timer reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "02H".

Step S2500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "02H", the main control CPU72 executes the special symbol stop display process in the special game management process. In this special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 while counting the stop display timer. Similarly, an ON or OFF drive signal is outputted to each segment and dot of the two 7-segment LEDs, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, and thereby the special symbol is displayed in a stopped state. In addition, at this time, the stop display mode of the special symbol corresponds to the winning type determined in the previous special symbol variation start waiting process. Thereafter, when the count of the stop display timer reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "03H".

In addition, in this special symbol stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of subtracting the number of times of time reduction (the number of times cut counter value related to the time reduction state). In this embodiment, the number-of-times counter value regarding the time reduction state is set to a predetermined value (for example, 100 times). Therefore, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol miss variation is executed 100 times in the time shortened state (including the small hit variation at that time if the specific area is not passed), the time shortens. The function activation flag is reset and the time reduction state ends. The time reduction function activation flag is explained using an example in which it is reset when the special symbol's stop display time has elapsed, but when the special symbol's variation time ends (before the stop display time measurement starts) or the special symbol's variation May be reset at start.

Step S3000: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "03H", the main control CPU 72 executes a waiting process for starting accessory device operation in the special game management process. In this accessory activation start waiting process, the main control CPU 72 counts down an opening time timer as a special game timer. In addition, the value of the opening time timer is set to the value corresponding to the "first time" when it corresponds to "small winning symbol 1", and to the "second time" when it corresponds to "small winning symbol 2". The corresponding value is set. Thereafter, when the count of the opening time timer reaches 0, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "04H".

By executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 can reduce the number of points counted during the execution of the small winning game (special game) that is executed due to the “small winning symbol 2 (second winning type)”. When 2 hours (second numerical value) reaches a specified value (0), the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area can be increased (changeable) (control means).

In addition, by executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 can count during the execution of the small winning game (special game) that is executed due to the “small winning symbol 2 (special winning type)”. When the second time (numerical value) reaches a specified value (0), the probability that the game ball passes through the specific area can be increased (changeable) (control means).

Furthermore, by executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 can count during the execution of the small winning game (special game) that is executed due to the “small winning symbol 1 (first winning type)”. When the first time (first numerical value) reaches the value (0) corresponding to the first counter value, it is possible to direct the game ball to the tower main body 400 (movable body) that is performing a difficult movement, and The second time (second numerical value) that is counted during the execution of the small winning game (special game) that is executed when the small winning symbol 2 (second winning type) corresponds to the value corresponding to the second counter value. When it becomes (0), it is possible to direct the game ball to the tower main body 400 (movable body) that is performing easy operation (control means).

Furthermore, by executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 can count during the execution of the small winning game (special game) that is executed due to the “small winning symbol 2 (special winning type)”. When the second time (numerical value) reaches the value (0) corresponding to the special counter value, it is possible to direct the game ball to the tower main body 400 (movable body) that is performing easy movement ( control means).

Step S3500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "04H", the main control CPU 72 executes a small winning accessory device release process in the special game management process. In this small-hit accessory device release process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning game balls from the big winning hole 30b while counting the big winning hole first opening timer, and sets a drive signal for the big winning hole solenoid 90. Thereby, the operation of opening and closing the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is performed. Further, when closing the movable ball access accessory device 30 after opening it, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "05H". In addition, the details of the accessory device opening process at the time of small winning will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S4000: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H", the main control CPU 72 executes a small winning accessory device closing process in the special game management process. In this small-hit accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes associated with closing the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The various internal processes include, for example, a process of checking whether the winning game ball has been ejected when the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is opened, and checking whether or not it has passed through a specific area. When terminating these processes, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "06H". In addition, the main control CPU 72 executes a process when it is detected that the game ball has passed through a specific area in this small hit accessory device closing process. In addition, the details of the accessory device closing process at the time of small winning will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S4500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "06H", the main control CPU 72 executes a small winning accessory device operation termination process in the special game management process. In this small winning accessory device operation termination process, the main control CPU 72 executes various internal processes associated with the termination of the operation of the movable ball entering accessory device 30. The various internal processes include, for example, the process of checking the elapse of the ending time to confirm the end of the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and setting a jackpot state transition command. When setting the jackpot state transition command here, the main control CPU72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "07H". On the other hand, if the jackpot state transition command is not set, the main control CPU 72 returns the "special game management status" to the initial value "00H" (steps S3000 to S4500: special game execution means). A small winning game (special game) is a game in which a start time (opening time) is first set, then an opening time and a closing time are set, and finally an end time (ending time) is set. By executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery) corresponds to a small hit winning (winning), and that the main control CPU 72 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery) corresponds to a small hit winning (winning), and that a special symbol is drawn in a manner corresponding to the small winning (predetermined winning manner). When the symbols are stopped and displayed, it is assumed that the starting conditions (prescribed conditions) for the small winning game are fulfilled, and a small winning game (special game) that moves the movable ball entry accessory device 30 from the closed state to the open state is started. can be executed (special game execution means). In addition, the details of the processing for terminating the operation of the accessory device at the time of small winning will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5000: The jackpot accessory device operation start process is executed when the value of the “special game management status” is updated to “07H” in the previous small win accessory device operation end process. In this jackpot accessory device operation start process, the main control CPU 72 executes pre-processing when operating the movable ball entry accessory device 30 again. That is, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of a jackpot start waiting time timer as a special game timer, and when the count of the timer reaches 0, the operating conditions of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (number of rounds to be executed, opening time for each round, and (number of openings, interval time, etc.). The main control CPU 72 also updates the value of the "special game management status" to "08H". Thereafter, during the jackpot game, the value of the "special game management status" is updated from "08H" to "0BH" according to the progress of the game, and steps S5500 to S6500 are executed according to the value at that time. become. Further, the details of the processing for starting the operation of the accessory device when a jackpot is won will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "08H", the main control CPU 72 executes the jackpot accessory device release process. In this jackpot accessory device opening process, the main control CPU 72 controls the opening/closing operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. As a result, one round of the jackpot game will be executed. When closing the movable ball entry accessory device 30 after completing one round of the jackpot game, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "09H". The details of the jackpot opening process will also be described later using another flowchart.

Step S5550: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "09H", the main control CPU 72 executes the processing to enable closure of the accessory device at the time of the next jackpot. In this jackpot closure activation process, the main control CPU 72 counts down the jackpot closure activation timer, and when the timer count reaches 0, updates the value of the "special game management status" to "0AH". do. Note that this process is executed to adjust the time from opening to closing of the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

Step S6000: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "0AH", the main control CPU 72 executes the next jackpot accessory device closing process. In this jackpot accessory device closing process, the main control CPU 72 executes internal processing associated with the completion of closing of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. In this internal process, the main control CPU 72 checks the number of rounds that have been executed so far, and if the number of rounds that have been executed has not reached the set number of rounds (number of consecutive operations), the value of the "special game management status" is changed to " 08H". In this case, the previous jackpot accessory device release process (step S5500) will be selected again in the next special game control module selection process (step S1000). On the other hand, when the number of rounds that have already been executed reaches the set number of rounds, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "0BH". In addition, details of the closure process of the accessory device in the event of a jackpot will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S6500: When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot accessory device operation termination process. In this jackpot accessory device operation termination process, the main control CPU 72 counts down the jackpot ending time timer. When the count of the timer reaches 0, the "special game management status" is returned to the initial value "00H" (steps S5000 to S6500: special game execution means). By executing such processing, the main control CPU 72 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery) corresponds to the jackpot winning (winning), and that the special symbol is drawn in a manner corresponding to the jackpot (predetermined winning manner). When the game ball is stopped and displayed, or when the game ball passes through a specific area during the small winning game, it is assumed that the starting conditions (prescribed conditions) for the jackpot game are satisfied, and the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is changed from the closed state. It is possible to execute a jackpot game (special game) that causes the game to shift to an open state (special game execution means). As a result, from now on, it becomes possible to change the special symbol (or add the number of working memories). In addition, the details of the jackpot accessory device activation termination process will be described later using another flowchart.

Further, the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure regardless of the value of the "special game management status".
Step S7000: The main control CPU 72 executes a remaining ball error command setting process. In this remaining ball error command setting process, the main control CPU 72 monitors the ejected ball shortage error after the operation of the movable entering ball accessory device 30 is completed, and sets a command for notification when the ejected ball shortage error occurs. The main control CPU 72 calculates, for example, the number of winning balls counted from when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "04H" until it is updated to "05H", and the number of winning balls counted within the ejection time. Check if the number of balls emitted matches. In addition, the main control CPU 72 also calculates, for example, the number of winning balls counted from when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "08H" until it is updated to "09H", and the number of winning balls counted within the ejection time. Check whether the counted number of ejected balls matches. As a result, if the number of winning balls and the number of ejected balls match, the ejected ball shortage state flag is reset (00H) and this process is ended. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the main control CPU 72 sets the discharged ball shortage state flag (01H) and sets the discharged ball shortage error state command. The emitted ball shortage error state command set here is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S7500: The main control CPU 72 executes solenoid control processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the operating state (ON or OFF) of the lifting device guideway solenoid 95. In addition, the main control CPU 72 can particularly execute the ejection process during the jackpot game in this process. Details of the solenoid control process will be described later using another flowchart.

[Special game progress status]
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a list of the values of the "special game management status" that change as the special game management process is executed, and the progress status of the special game corresponding to each value. In this embodiment, a special game (a game corresponding to a special symbol) is started with, for example, (1) "special symbol change waiting state" as an initial state. When a game ball enters the starting hole from there, either the left starting winning hole 26, the middle starting winning hole 27, or the right starting winning hole 28b, the progress of the special game is determined by the following (2). Then, through (3) "Special symbol stop symbol displaying state", the state advances to (4) "Small hit accessory device operation start state", and (5) "Small (6) "A closed state after the accessory device is opened when a small win occurs"; and (7) "A state in which the accessory device is activated and ends when a small win is performed."

At this time, if passing through the specific area (V winning) does not occur in the movable ball entering accessory device 30 (accessory device), the progress status of the special game returns to (1) "Special symbol change waiting state" , and repeat from there. On the other hand, if a passage through a specific area (V winning) occurs in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (accessory device) after (5) "small winning accessory device open state", the progress status of the special game will be ( 8) Transition to the jackpot start performance state, and from there, (9) "Jackpot jackpot device opening/closing state", (10) "Jackpot jackpot jackpot device opening and closing state", (11) "Jackpot jackpot" (12) "Jackpot ending performance state". When the special game progress reaches (12) the "big hit ending performance state", the progress status of the special game returns to (1) the "special symbol change waiting state" and repeats from there. This will be explained in more detail below.

(1) “Special symbol change waiting state”
At the beginning of the game with the pachinko machine 1, the progress status of the special game is (1) "waiting for special symbol change state". This state means that the special symbol starting conditions are satisfied, and for example, if the special symbol is not changing and the previous variable display was performed, the stop display of the special symbol has already been determined. In this state, the main control CPU72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "00H", and the special symbol fluctuation start waiting process (step S1500) is selected in the special game management process.

(2) “Special symbol fluctuation display state”
If the game ball enters any of the left start winning hole 26, middle start winning hole 27, or right start winning hole 28b in the above (1) "waiting state for special symbol change", the special symbol will change. The display starts and the progress status transitions to (2) "Special symbol variation displaying state". This state means that the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner on the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. During this time, the main control CPU72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "01H", and the special symbol variation process (step S2000) is selected in the special game management process.

(3) “Special symbol stop symbol display state”
When the special symbol is stopped and displayed after the special symbol variation time has elapsed, the progress status transitions to (3) "special symbol stop symbol display state". This state means that the special symbol is being stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. During this time, the main control CPU72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "02H", and the special symbol stop display process (step S2500) is selected in the special game management process.

(4) “When a small hit occurs, the accessory device starts operating and is in progress”
When the stop display of the special symbol is confirmed by the elapse of the stop display time of the special symbol, the progress status transitions to (4) "state in which accessory device starts operating at small hit". This state means that the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is waiting for the start of operation triggered by the winning of a special symbol (corresponding to a small win). During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "03H", and the accessory device operation start waiting process (step S3000) is selected in the special game management process.

(5) “Accessory device open state when small hit”
When the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is activated, the progress status changes to (5) "accessory device open state when small hit". This state means that the big prize opening 30b is being opened due to the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "04H", and in the special game management process, the small winning accessory device opening process (step S3500) is selected. Further, the main control CPU 72 starts drive control of the motor in the motor management process (step S209 in FIG. 28), triggered by the value of the "special game management status" being updated to "04H".

(6) “Closed state after opening of accessory device when small hit”
When the big prize opening 30b is closed, the progress status transitions to (6) "closed state after opening of accessory device at small win". This state means that the big prize opening 30b in the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is being closed. During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "05H", and in the special game management process, the small winning accessory device closing process (step S4000) is selected.

(7) “When a small hit occurs, the accessory device is activated and is in progress”
After the big prize opening 30b is closed, the progress status further transitions to (7) ``state in which the operation of the accessory device is completed at the time of small win.'' This state means that the game is in a period where the game using the distribution operation of game balls within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is completed. During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "06H", and in the special game management process, the small winning accessory device operation end process (step S4500) is selected. In addition, when passage of a specific area (V winning) does not occur in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the progress status returns to (1) "special symbol change waiting state".

(8) “Jackpot start performance in progress”
When passing through a specific area (V winning) occurs in the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the progress status changes to (8) "Jackpot start performance state". This state means that it is a waiting period for the movable ball entry accessory device 30 to start operating again. During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "07H", and the jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5000) is selected in the special game management process.

(9) “Accessory equipment opening/closing state at the time of jackpot”
When the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 starts operating again, the progress status transitions to (9) "Jackpot accessory device opening/closing state". This state means that the big prize opening 30b is being opened. During this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "08H", and the jackpot accessory device release process (step S5500) is selected in the special game management process.

(10) “Closed state after opening the accessory device when hitting the jackpot”
When the big prize opening is closed by the movable ball entry accessory device 30, the progress status transitions to (10) "closed state after jackpot accessory device is opened". This state means the state immediately after the big prize opening is closed due to the end of the round. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "09H", and in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device closing valid process (step S5550) is selected.

(11) “Status during jackpot equipment closure time”
After the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is closed, the progress status transitions to (11) "state during jackpot accessory device closing time". This state means that the player is in a standby state (inter-round interval) after the round ends. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "0AH", and the jackpot accessory device closing process (step S6000) is selected in the special game management process. In addition, if all the rounds during the jackpot have not been completed, the subsequent progress status returns to (9) ``state in which the accessory device is opening and closing at the time of jackpot''.

(12) “Jackpot ending production in progress”
When the waiting time after the end of the jackpot final round has elapsed, the progress status transitions to (12) "Jackpot ending performance in progress state." This state means that the game is in a jackpot ending production state. At this time, the main control CPU 72 has set the value of the "special game management status" to "0BH", and in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device operation termination process (step S6500) is selected.

As described above, in the special game management process (FIG. 32), the main control CPU 72 changes the value of the "special game management status" from "00H" to "0BH" according to changes in the progress status of the special game, and You can select a special game control module depending on the progress of the game. Further, when the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the special game management status, it generates a special game management status command that reflects the value. The special game management status command is transmitted to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28).

[Special symbol fluctuation start waiting process]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for waiting for the start of special symbol variation. Each step will be explained below.

Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the first special symbol working memory number or the second special symbol working memory number remains (greater than 0). This confirmation can be performed by referring to the value of the working memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. When the number of working memories of both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demonstration setting process of step S2502.

Step S2502: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a customer waiting designation command. The customer waiting designation command is output to the production control device 124 in the production control output process (step S214 in FIG. 28). When the demonstration setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. Note that when returning, it returns to the last address as described above (the same applies thereafter).

On the other hand, if the value of the working memory number counter for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot determination process (internal lottery, predetermined lottery) (lottery execution means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first reads random numbers for lottery (jackpot determination random number, jackpot symbol random number) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. The read random numbers are stored, for example, in another temporary storage area, and the working memory is erased (consumed) from the random number storage area. Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a range of jackpot values, and determines whether or not the read random value is included within this range. If the random number value read at this time is within the range of the jackpot value, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag (01H) and then proceeds to step S2400. Here, if you want to set up a jackpot game that is directly triggered by the ball entering each starting prize opening (so-called hit, direct hit), this process is necessary, but you must set the hit. For example, this process may be omitted.

If the above-mentioned jackpot flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets a range of small winning values in the same jackpot determination process, and determines whether or not the read random value is included within this range (execution of lottery). means). The "small hit" here refers to anything other than non-winning (losing), but has a different nature from the "big hit". That is, a "big hit" causes a jackpot game to occur, but a "small win" does not generate such an opportunity. However, the "small hit" is positioned as the one that satisfies the conditions for operating the movable ball entry accessory device 30, similar to the "big hit". If the read random number value is within the range of the small win value, the main control CPU 72 sets a small win flag and then proceeds to step S2400.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the value (01H) has been set to the jackpot flag in the previous jackpot determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the value (01H) has been set to the small hit flag in the previous jackpot determination process. If the value (01H) is not set in the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2404. However, in this embodiment, since the small hit probability is set to 1, the following steps S2404 and S2405 are not executed. However, if the small winning probability is set to "approximately 1" instead of exactly 1, there may be a rare chance that the winning result will not be won, so the following steps S2404 and S2405 are executed.

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes a stop symbol determination process on miss. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop symbol number data when the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 misses. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (when losing) to be sent to the production control device 124. These commands are transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28).

In addition, in this embodiment, since a 7-segment LED is used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stop symbol at the time of miss can be changed to one segment (center bar). The stop symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H) by displaying only the lit symbol "-"). In this case, the storage capacity used on the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes off-time variation pattern determination processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of miss for the special symbol. The variation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the variation display of the special symbol and corresponds to the variation time required for the variation display. The fluctuation patterns include various fluctuation patterns with different fluctuation times (the same applies to the times of big hits and small hits). Information regarding the variation pattern of the selected special symbol is transmitted to the production control device as a variation pattern command. Note that the stop display time of the symbol at the time of miss is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the variation pattern. The main control CPU 72 sets the value of the determined fluctuation time (when it misses) in the fluctuation timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time when it misses on the stop symbol display timer.

The above steps S2404 and S2405 are control procedures when the jackpot determination result is a loss (other than non-winning), but when the determination result is a jackpot (step S2400: Yes) or a small hit (step S2402: Yes) , the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of jackpot will be explained.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot stop symbol determination process (winning type determining means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of the current winning symbol (the jackpot stop symbol number) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is defined in the jackpot stop symbol selection table (winning type defining means). Therefore, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the jackpot stop symbol selection table in the jackpot stop symbol determination process and determine the type of winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents.

Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot fluctuation pattern determination process. In this process, the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number. Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined variable time value in the variable timer, and also sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer. Regarding the variation time of the special symbol, it may be fixed to a variation pattern having a certain variation time (for example, 0.5 seconds), but it is possible to select a variation pattern that has a fixed variation time (for example, 0.5 seconds). Fluctuation patterns having different fluctuation times (for example, 0.4 to 2.1 seconds) may be selectively determined in order to have the same effect.

Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes jackpot and other setting processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbols (jackpot symbols) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the jackpot stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of jackpot) as well as the above-mentioned stop symbol command (at the time of jackpot). These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process.

Next, the process when a small hit occurs will be explained.
Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit stop symbol determination process (winning type determining means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of a small hit (the symbol number that stops at the time of a small hit) based on the jackpot symbol random number. Similarly here, the relationship between the jackpot symbol random value and the type of winning symbol at the time of a small hit is determined in advance in the small hit stop symbol selection table (the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table). It is stipulated (winning type stipulating means). In this embodiment, in order to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, the jackpot symbol random number is used to determine the winning symbol at the time of the small hit, but a separate dedicated random number may be used.

Here, in this embodiment, there are two types of winning types of special symbols, "small winning symbol 1" and "small winning symbol 2", and the main control CPU 72 determines which winning type corresponds to the special symbol. do. Specifically, if the lottery is based on the first special symbol, it is determined that it corresponds to "small winning symbol 1", and if it is a lottery based on the second special symbol, it is determined that it corresponds to "small winning symbol 2". decide on something. Furthermore, the number of times the movable piece 30a of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened is determined based on the winning stop symbol ("small winning symbol 1" or "small winning symbol 2") determined here. .

However, in this embodiment, the winning in the special symbol lottery is not a jackpot as it is, but is only an opportunity to open the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (= small hit), and in order to actually advance to the jackpot (move ball entry again) In order to open the accessory device 30), it is necessary to cause the game ball to pass through a specific area within the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

[Winning symbol at small hit]
In this embodiment, two types of symbols are prepared as winning symbols at the time of a small hit, and the specific symbols are "small winning symbol 1" which is opened once, and "small winning symbol 1" which is opened twice. 2".

[1st special symbol stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table. When the current lottery result corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 refers to this table and determines the type of winning symbol.

In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and the distribution value "100" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. Further, in the second column from the left, "small winning symbol 1" corresponding to the distribution value is shown. That is, at the time of winning corresponding to the first special symbol, the ratio of "small winning symbol 1" being selected is 100/100 (=100%). Therefore, when winning with the first special symbol, "small winning symbol 1" will be selected 100% of the time.

If the result of the current jackpot corresponds to the first special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively selects the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table. decide. Further, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning, as shown in the third column from the left. The stop symbol command is written as a combination of MODE value and EVENT value, for example, and the MODE value "B1H" in the upper byte indicates that the current winning symbol was selected when the first special symbol hit. represents. Further, the EVENT value "01H" in the lower byte represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. Therefore, if the current winning result corresponds to the first special symbol and "Small winning symbol 1" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command at the time of winning should be written as "B1H01H". become.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, it generates the stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the production control device 124, for example, in the production control output process described above. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines the small hit stop symbol number for the first special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Opening time]
The second column from the right of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table shows the value of the opening time set at the start of the small winning game. If it corresponds to "Small winning symbol 1", the opening time is set to the first time (for example, 0.008 seconds).

[Number of time savings]
In the column on the right side of the first special symbol stop symbol selection table, if the game ball passes through a specific area during a small win game and a jackpot game is executed, the value of the time saving number given after the end of the jackpot game is displayed. It is shown. In this embodiment, when a jackpot game is executed corresponding to "Small winning symbol 1", when the limiter is not reached, the time saving number is given 100 times, and when the limiter is reached, the time saving number is given 0 times (granted). ).

[Second special symbol stop symbol selection table]
FIG. 36 is a diagram showing the configuration columns of the second special symbol stop symbol selection table. When the current lottery result corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 refers to this table and determines the type of winning symbol.

Also in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the distribution value for each winning symbol is shown in the left column, and the distribution value "100" corresponds to the ratio when the denominator is 100. Similarly, in the second column from the left, "small winning symbol 2" corresponding to the distribution value is shown. That is, at the time of winning corresponding to the second special symbol, the ratio of "small winning symbol 2" being selected is 100/100 (=100%). Therefore, for the second special symbol as well, "small winning symbol 2" will be selected 100% of the time at the time of winning.

If the current lottery result corresponds to the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selectively determines the winning symbol at the selection ratio shown in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table. do. Similarly, in the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, for example, 2-byte command data is defined as a stop symbol command at the time of winning, as shown in the third column from the left. Here too, the stop symbol command is written as a combination of the above MODE value - EVENT value, and among these, the MODE value "B2H" in the upper byte is selected when the current winning symbol is a small hit of the second special symbol. It represents something. Further, the EVENT value "01H" of the lower byte each represents the type of the corresponding winning symbol in the selection table. Therefore, for example, if the result of the current small hit corresponds to the second special symbol and "small win symbol 2" is selected as the winning symbol, the stop symbol command will be written as "B2H01H". Become.

As described above, when the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol from the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, it generates the stop symbol command at that time. The generated stop symbol command is transmitted to the production control device 124, for example, in the production control output process described above. Further, the main control CPU 72 determines the small hit stop symbol number for the second special symbol based on the selected winning symbol.

[Opening time]
The second column from the right of the second special symbol stop symbol selection table shows the value of the opening time set at the start of the small winning game. When it corresponds to "Small winning symbol 2", the opening time is set to the second time (for example, 28.572 seconds).

[Number of time savings]
In the column on the right side of the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, if the game ball passes through a specific area during a small win game and a jackpot game is executed, the value of the time saving number that will be given after the end of the jackpot game is displayed. It is shown. In this embodiment, when a jackpot game is executed corresponding to "Small winning symbol 2", when the limiter is not reached, the time saving number is given 100 times, and when the limiter is reached, the time saving number is given 0 times (granted). ).

In this way, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, regarding the winning result obtained in the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery), "Small winning symbol 1 (first winning type)" )" and "Small winning pattern 2 (second winning type)", a plurality of winning types (small winning pattern 1, small winning pattern 2) are defined (winning type regulating means).

In addition, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, "Small winning symbol 2 (special winning type)" is selected for the winning result obtained in the special symbol lottery (predetermined lottery). A plurality of winning types (small winning symbol 1, small winning symbol 2) are defined (winning type regulating means).

In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, it is a counter value for timing the opening time, and the first time ( A second time (second counter value) corresponding to "small winning symbol 2 (second winning type)" is defined (counter value defining means).

In addition, in the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, it is a counter value for timing the opening time, and the second time according to "small winning symbol 2 (special winning type)" is a counter value for timing the opening time. (Special counter value) (counter value specifying means).

In the first special symbol stop symbol selection table and the second special symbol stop symbol selection table, the opening time ( Counter values (first time and second time) are defined for differentiating the start time (counter value defining means).

In addition, in the first special symbol stopping symbol selection table and the second special symbol stopping symbol selection table, "small winning symbol 2 (special winning type)" and "small winning symbol 1 (winning type other than special winning type)" , defines counter values (first time and second time) for making the opening times (start times) different (counter value defining means).

In this embodiment, the first special symbol has one winning type and the second special symbol has one winning type. However, the first special symbol may have multiple winning types. , the second special symbol may have a plurality of winning types.

[Refer to Figure 34: Special symbol fluctuation start waiting process]
Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit fluctuation pattern determination process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number (fluctuation pattern determining means, fluctuation time determining means). Further, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time in the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time in the stop symbol display timer.

Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a small hit and other setting process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop symbols (small win symbols) by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 based on the small win stop symbol number. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop symbol command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small hit) to be transmitted to the production control device 124. These stop symbol commands and lottery result commands are also transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU72 executes special symbol variation start processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 selects variation pattern data based on the variation pattern number (miss/hit). At the same time, the main control CPU 72 sets a special symbol variation start flag in the flag area of the RAM 76. The main control CPU 72 then generates a fluctuation start command to be sent to the production control device 124. This fluctuation start command is also transmitted to the production control device 124 in the production control output process described above. When the above procedure is completed, the main control CPU72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "01H" and returns to the special symbol game process.

[Handle device release process when winning a small hit]
FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for opening the accessory device in the event of a small win (step S3500 in FIG. 32). As mentioned above, in the small hit accessory device release process, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the special game management process, and after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small win (winning probability approximately 1/1), This is executed after the opening time timer counts down in the accessory device operation start waiting process (step S3000 in FIG. 32). In this case, the value of the "special game management status" has been updated to "04H". The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S3501: In the small winning accessory device release process, the main control CPU 72 first sets the large winning opening solenoid ON flag. This flag is stored, for example, in a flag set area of the RAM 76.

Step S3502: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the winning ball number counter to the movable ball entering accessory device 30 (big winning opening 30b) based on the winning detection signal from the count switch 84. The value of the winning ball counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example. Further, in the switch input event processing, the main control CPU 72 also checks each detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and the specific area switch 701. It should be noted that when this module is called for the first time, the big winning hole solenoid 90 is inactive and the big winning hole 30b has not yet been opened, so the winning ball number counter is not incremented for the first time.

Step S3504: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the winning ball number counter has reached the maximum number (for example, 5 balls). As described above, since the counter is not incremented when this module is called for the first time (No), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S3506.

Step S3506: In this case, first release timer countdown processing is executed. Note that if this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the first release timer to an initial value (for example, 1 second). Moreover, if the call is made after the first time, the main control CPU 72 decrements the value of the set first time release timer.

Step S3508: Then, the main control CPU72 confirms whether or not the first opening time of the big winning hole has ended. If the value of the first release timer is greater than 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S3514.

Step S3514: In this case, the main control CPU 72 reads the big winning hole solenoid ON flag from the flag set area of the RAM 76, and sets "operation (ON)" as the control signal for the big winning hole solenoid 90 based on the value. As a result, the big winning hole solenoid 90 is excited and the big winning hole 30b is in an open state.

Then, when this module is called from the next time onward and a winning actually occurs in the big winning hole 30b, the value of the winning balls counter will be incremented in the switch input event process (step S3502).

If the value of the winning ball number counter reaches the maximum number (step S3504: Yes) or the value of the first release timer becomes 0 (step S3508: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S3509.

Step S3509: In this case, the main control CPU72 sets the big prize opening solenoid OFF flag. As a result, the ON flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76 is rewritten to an OFF flag.

Step S3510: Then, the main control CPU72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "05H". As a result, this module will no longer be called next time, and the special game progress will proceed to the next stage. However, if the lottery with the second special symbol falls under "Small winning symbol 2", the big winning opening 30b will be opened twice, so the main control CPU 72 will change the value of the "special game management status" again. Set to “04H”. As a result, the series of processes in this module will be executed once again.

Step S3512: The main control CPU 72 also sets a accessory device closing command. This command is for notifying the production control device 124 (production control CPU 126) of the closure of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The command set here is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S3514: The main control CPU 72 sets “non-operation (OFF)” as the control signal for the big winning opening solenoid 90 based on the value of the big winning opening solenoid OFF flag set in the flag set area of the RAM 76. As a result, the excitation of the big winning hole solenoid 90 is stopped and the big winning hole 30b is in a closed state.

When the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the program address of the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000). Moreover, as mentioned above, since the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H" from now on, this module will no longer be called for the time being (until the next special symbol change).

[Closing processing of the accessory device when winning a small prize]
Next, FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for closing the accessory device in the event of a small win (step S4000 in FIG. 32). As described above, the small winning accessory device closing process is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "05H". The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S4002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 mainly checks the detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and adds up the value of the discharged bulb counter. The value of the ejected ball counter is stored, for example, in a count area of the RAM 76. In addition, the main control CPU 72 checks the presence or absence of a passage detection signal from the specific area switch 701 in this process. When the passage detection signal is input within the valid time of the specific area switch 701 (for example, when the specific area passing flag is ON), the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the jackpot flag (01H).

Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the jackpot flag (01H), it also sets the value of the jackpot type status. Specifically, when a passage detection signal is input from the specific area switch 701 (for example, when the specific area passing flag is ON), "01H (value indicating a 10 round jackpot)" is set in the jackpot type status. set. Further, when the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the jackpot type status, it generates a jackpot type command (for example, a command corresponding to a 10-round jackpot) that reflects the value. The jackpot type command is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28). In response to this, the performance control device 124 (performance control CPU 126) can control the execution of the performance at the time of the jackpot.

By executing such processing, the main control CPU 72, when a game ball passes through a specific area (special area) during execution of a small winning game (special game), compares it with the small winning game (predetermined game state). It is possible to shift to a jackpot gaming state (advantageous gaming state) to which advantageous conditions are applied (advantageous gaming state transition means).

Step S4014: The main control CPU 72 executes a remaining ball discharge check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 compares the value of the above-mentioned winning ball number counter and the value of the ejected ball number counter. Note that the value of the ejected ball number counter includes the total number of game balls detected by the ejection detection switch 900, as well as the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 701. In addition, in the case of a structure in which the ejection detection switch 900 is arranged downstream of the specific area switch 701, the number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 701 is not included in the value of the ejected ball number counter. (The same applies to the remaining ball discharge check process below).

Step S4016: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the ejection of the effective ball is completed based on the above comparison result. That is, if the value of the ejected balls counter is smaller than the value of the winning balls counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of valid balls has not been completed yet (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, if the value of the ejected balls counter is not smaller than the value of the winning balls counter (if they match), the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of valid balls has been completed (Yes), and proceeds to the next step. Proceed to S4028.

Step S4028: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" to "06H". As a result, the accessory game is temporarily ended on the condition that the regular number of winning balls and the number of ejected balls match (step S4016: Yes).

Step S4030: The main control CPU 72 also checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. In particular, if the value of the jackpot flag is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4032.

Step S4032: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot state designation command. After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process.

[Process for ending the operation of the accessory device when a small hit occurs]
Next, FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the small winning accessory device operation termination process (step S4500 in FIG. 32). As described above, the processing for terminating the operation of the accessory device at the time of small winning is executed when the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "06H". The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S4502: The main control CPU 72 executes ending time timer countdown processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value to the ending time timer, and then counts down the timer as time passes (each time this module is called). Furthermore, on the display section of the 7-segment display 42, an ending effect is performed that ends the game flow within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 using this "ending time".

Step S4504: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the ending time has ended. Specifically, if the value of the ending time timer has not yet reached 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has not ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process.

Thereafter, when the value of the ending time timer becomes 0 as time passes, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ending time has ended (Yes), and executes step S4506 and subsequent steps.

Step S4506: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value (01H) of the above-mentioned jackpot state designation command is set. In particular, if the value of the jackpot state designation command is not set (No), the main control CPU 72 advances to step S4512. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot state designation command is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 advances to step S4508.

Step S4508: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot state transition command.

If the value of the jackpot state designation command is not set (step S4506: No) or if the value of the jackpot state designation command is set (step S4506: Yes), if step S4508 is executed, the main control CPU 72 will step Execute S4512.

Step S4512: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets an ending time end command. This ending time end command is for notifying the performance control device 124 (performance control CPU 126) that the game flow within the movable ball entering accessories device 30 at the time of small winning has ended. The ending time end command set here is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S4514: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the "special game management status" based on the value of the jackpot state transition command. That is, here, the result differs depending on whether the value (01H) of the jackpot state transition command is set. Specifically, when the jackpot state transition command is set in the previous step S4508, the main control CPU72 sets (updates) the value of the "special game management status" to "07H". In this case, as described above, in the special game management process, the jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 32) will be executed.

On the other hand, if step S4508 is not executed (the jackpot state transition command is not set), the main control CPU 72 returns the value of the "special game management status" to "00H". In this case, in the subsequent special game management process, the jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 32) will not be selected, and the special symbol fluctuation start waiting process (step S1500 in FIG. 32) will be executed. become. In any case, when the above procedure is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process.

[Process for starting the operation of the accessory device when winning a jackpot]
FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for starting the operation of the accessory device in the event of a jackpot (step S5000 in FIG. 32). Hereinafter, the process when the jackpot state transition command is set (when the value of "special game management status" is updated to "07H") will be explained.

Step S5002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot start waiting time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value to the jackpot start waiting time timer, and then counts down the timer as time passes (each time this module is called). The initial value of the jackpot start waiting time timer is set as the waiting time (for example, about several seconds) from the end of the operation of the movable ball entering accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit until the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is activated again. . Further, on the display section of the 7-segment display 42, for example, a performance before the start of a jackpot game is performed using this "jackpot start waiting time".

Step S5004: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the jackpot start waiting time has elapsed. That is, if the value of the jackpot start waiting time timer has not yet become 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot start waiting time has not elapsed (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 ends this module and returns to the special game management process.

Thereafter, when the value of the jackpot start waiting time timer becomes 0 as time passes, the main control CPU 72 determines that the jackpot start waiting time has elapsed (Yes), and executes step S5006 and subsequent steps.

Step S5006: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. In this embodiment, the number of execution rounds (the number of consecutive operations) that can be set is "10 rounds". Regarding the number of execution rounds to be set, the number of execution rounds can be set by checking the jackpot type status. However, as described above, the first opening of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (the small winning operation) corresponds to the first round. Therefore, here, the remaining "9 rounds" is set as the number of rounds to be executed. The number of execution rounds set here is stored in the buffer area of the RAM 76 as a corresponding value on the program.

Step S5008: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot release timer. The value of the timer set here becomes the open time per time when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated. In this embodiment, the total opening time for one round (for example, about 29.0 seconds) is set as the value of the jackpot opening timer. If the opening time is of this extent, a sufficient number (for example, about 9 game balls) can be entered into the grand prize opening during that time.

Step S5010: Then, the main control CPU 72 sets a jackpot interval timer (big winning opening closing time timer). The timer value set here becomes the waiting time between rounds during the jackpot or the waiting time at the end of the final round. Note that the value of the timer is set to, for example, about 2 to 3 seconds.

Step S5012: Then, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "08H" and returns to the special game management process.

[Hands device release process when winning a jackpot]
FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the jackpot accessory device release process (step S5500 in FIG. 32). When the value of the "special game management status" is updated to "08H" in the previous jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5012 in FIG. 40), the jackpot accessory device release process is executed thereafter. . This process is mainly for controlling the opening/closing operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 as an operation during the jackpot game (special game). The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S5502: The main control CPU72 opens the big prize opening 30b. Specifically, a drive signal to be applied to the big winning opening solenoid 90 is output. As a result, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is activated and shifts from the closed state to the open state.

Step S5504: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes release timer countdown processing. In this process, the countdown of the release timer set in the previous jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5008 in FIG. 40) is executed.

Step S5506: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the open time has ended. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the release timer after the countdown process is 0 or less, and if the value of the release timer has not become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 next performs step S5508. Execute.

Step S5508: The main control CPU 72 executes winning ball count processing. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the movable ball entry accessory device 30 (opened grand prize opening 30b) within the open time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the count switch 84 during the open time.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count number is less than a predetermined number (9). This predetermined number defines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (the upper limit of the number of winning balls) that is allowed per opening (one round during a jackpot, one round during a small win) as described above. If the count number has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the jump destination is currently set to the jackpot accessory device release process, the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5502 to S5510.

If it is determined in the above step S5506 that the open time has ended (Yes), or if it is confirmed that the count number has reached the predetermined number in step S5510 (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5512.

Step S5512: The main control CPU72 closes the big prize opening 30b. Specifically, the output of the drive signal that was being applied to the big prize opening solenoid 90 is stopped. As a result, the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 returns from the open state to the closed state.

Step S5514: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes interval standby processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes the countdown of the interval timer set in the jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5010 in FIG. 40). Then, when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 next advances to step S5518. Although not particularly illustrated here, until the interval time elapses (until the interval timer value becomes 0), the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process that is the calling source from step S5514 for each interrupt. Return to the last address. Then, when the jackpot accessory device release process is executed in the next call, step S5514 is executed directly instead of from the first step S5502.

Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the open count counter. The value of the open count counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with an initial value of 0.

Step S5520: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the open count counter after incrementing has reached the set count within the current round. Here, the reason why the "number of times set within the current round" is determined is to correspond to the opening pattern of "opening the movable ball entry accessory device 30 multiple times within one round during a jackpot". It is. In this embodiment, an opening pattern is adopted in which the opening is opened 18 times in one round, so the "number of times set within the current round" is set to 18 in each round. Then, if the value of the open count counter after incrementing reaches the set count (for example, "18") (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5522.

Note that if the counter value has not yet reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (step S5520: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process, and at this stage the jump destination is the jackpot accessory device. Since the operation start process is set, the steps from step S5502 to step S5520 described above are repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening number counter is incremented in step S5518, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5522.

Step S5522: Here, the main control CPU 72 sets the value of the special game management status to "09H" and returns to the special game management process. Therefore, when the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process next time, the next jackpot accessory device closure valid process (step S5550 in FIG. 32) will be selected as the jump destination.

Although not particularly illustrated, as described above, the jackpot accessory device closing effective processing is executed to adjust the time from opening to closing of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the value of the "special game management status" to "0AH" and returns to the special game management process. Then, when the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process, the next jackpot accessory device closing process (step S6000 in FIG. 32) is selected as the jump destination.

[Job closure process when winning a jackpot]
FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for closing the accessory device in the event of a jackpot. This jackpot accessory device closing process is for adjusting the internal state before moving to the next operation after the closing effective time of the movable ball entering accessory device 30 has elapsed as described above. This will be explained in detail below.

Step S6002: First, the main control CPU 72 executes a big winning opening closing time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts down the jackpot interval timer (big winning opening closing time timer) set in the previous jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5010 in FIG. 40).

Step S6004: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the closing time (interval time) has ended. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the interval timer at the time of jackpot after countdown processing is less than or equal to 0, and if the value of the timer has not become less than or equal to 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 determines the jackpot here. The service equipment device closing process is ended and the special game management process is returned. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is currently set to "0AH", the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device closing process, and performs step S6002 and The procedure of step S6004 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S6004 that the closing time has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6006.

Step S6006: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the round number counter. Note that the value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example, with an initial value of 0.

Step S6008: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the round number counter after incrementing has reached the set number of execution rounds. Note that the number of rounds to be executed is set in the previous jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5006 in FIG. 40). At this time, if the value of the round number counter has not yet reached the number of rounds to be executed (No), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S6014.

[Before the end of the final round]
Step S6014: In this case, the main control CPU 72 sets a round number command based on the current value of the round number counter. The number of rounds command set here is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28). The performance control device 124 can recognize the current number of rounds based on the received round number command and reflect the result in the performance control during the jackpot.

Step S6016: Then, the main control CPU 72 changes the value of the special game management status from "0AH" and sets it to "08H". As a result, when the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process next time, the main control CPU 72 again selects the jackpot accessory device release process (FIG. 42) and uses the movable ball entry accessory device 30 in the next round. An opening operation will be performed.

Step S6018: The main control CPU 72 also resets the winning ball number counter counted in the current round. As a result, when the jackpot accessory device opening process (FIG. 42) is executed again, the number of winning balls in the next round will be counted from zero.

[At the end of the final round]
After that, when it is confirmed in step S6008 that the value of the round number counter has reached the set number of execution rounds (step S6008: Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S6010.

Step S6010: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter used in the current jackpot.

Step S6012: Then, the main control CPU 72 updates and sets the value of the special game management status from "0AH" to "0BH".
Step S6018: The main control CPU 72 also resets the winning ball number counter counted in the final round.

When the above procedure is executed at the end of the final round, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. As a result, when the main control CPU 72 executes the special game management process next time, the next jackpot accessory device operation termination process (step S6500 in FIG. 32) will be selected as the jump destination.

[Process for ending the operation of the accessory device when hitting the jackpot]
FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for completing the operation of the accessory device in the event of a jackpot. This jackpot accessory device operation termination processing is for checking the elapse of the jackpot ending time and adjusting the internal state (special symbol state) after the jackpot game ends. This will be explained in detail below.

Step S6502: First, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 mainly checks the detection signal from the discharge detection switch 900 and adds up the value of the discharged bulb counter. The value of the ejected ball counter is stored, for example, in a count area of the RAM 76.

Step S6504: The main control CPU 72 executes a remaining ball discharge check process (ball number determining means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 compares the value of the above-mentioned winning ball number counter and the value of the ejected ball number counter.

Step S6506: Then, the main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the ejection of the effective ball is completed based on the above comparison result. That is, if the value of the ejected balls counter is smaller than the value of the winning balls counter, the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of valid balls has not been completed yet (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6524. On the other hand, if the value of the ejected balls counter is not smaller than the value of the winning balls counter (if they match), the main control CPU 72 determines that the ejection of valid balls has been completed (Yes), and proceeds to step S6508. Execute.

Step S6508: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the big winning combination end command has been set. Judgment as to whether or not the big win end command has been set can be realized by the big win end command set flag that is set to ON when the big win end command is set.
As a result, if it is confirmed that the big winning end command has been set (Yes), the main control CPU72 skips the following steps S6510 to S6514 and executes step S6516. On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the big winning end command has not been set (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6510.

Step S6510: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot ending time timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 counts down a jackpot ending time timer that is set in advance as a "jackpot ending time (ending effect time)". Specifically, when this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value to the value of the jackpot ending time timer, and when called after the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value to the value of the jackpot ending time timer. Decrement the value of the jackpot ending time timer. Using the "jackpot ending time" at this time, the ending effect of the jackpot game is executed in the display section of the 7-segment display 42.

Step S6512: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the jackpot ending time has elapsed. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the jackpot ending time timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value has not yet become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 32). Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device activation termination process and performs step S6510 described above. And the procedure of step S6512 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S6512 that the jackpot ending time has elapsed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S6514.

Step S6514: The main control CPU 72 sets a large winning combination end command (special game end information notification means). This command is for notifying the production control device 124 (production control CPU 126) that the jackpot ending time has passed. The command set here is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28). In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the big win end command, it sets the big win end command set flag to ON. The major winning end command setting flag is set to OFF when returning to the normal game.

Step S6515a: The main control CPU 72 executes time reduction state management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes control regarding the time reduction state. Note that details of the processing will be described later.
Step S6515b: The main control CPU 72 executes limiter management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes control regarding the limiter. Note that details of the processing will be described later.

Step S6515c: The main control CPU 72 generates a status designation command. Specifically, the jackpot flag is reset at the end of the big win. Additionally, if the time reduction function activation flag is not set, a state specification command is generated that indicates the gaming state as "normal", and if the time reduction function activation flag is set, the gaming state is "time reduction". Generates a state specification command that represents. These state designation commands are transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing.

Step S6516: The main control CPU 72 executes a customer waiting timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of a customer waiting timer that has been set in advance as "customer waiting time (time from setting the big role end command to executing the customer waiting effect; for example, about 5 seconds)". do. Specifically, if this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the initial value for the customer waiting timer value, and if it is called after the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the customer wait timer value to the initial value. Decrement the value of the wait timer.

Step S6518: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the customer waiting time has elapsed. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the customer waiting timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value has not yet become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device activation termination process, and performs step S6516 described above. And the procedure of step S6518 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S6518 that the customer waiting time has elapsed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6520.

Step S6520: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a customer waiting designation command. This command is for notifying the production control device 124 (production control CPU 126) that a certain period of time has passed since the setting of the big winning combination end command. The command set here is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28).

Step S6522: The main control CPU 72 initializes the value of the special game management status to "00H". As a result, the progress status of the game corresponding to the special symbol transitions to a "wait for change" state (a state that satisfies the starting conditions). Therefore, by transitioning to this state, it becomes possible to add working memory and change (start) the special symbols with the new winning to each starting winning hole as an opportunity.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6506 that the ejection of the effective balls has not been completed yet (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following process.

Step S6524: The main control CPU 72 executes a discharge timer countdown process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the ejection time set in advance as the "ejection time (maximum time for confirming whether the number of balls entered and the number of ejected balls match; for example, about 1 minute)". Execute timer countdown. Specifically, when this module is called for the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets an initial value for the ejection timer value, and when called after the first time, the main control CPU 72 sets the ejection timer value that has already been set. Decrement the value of .

Step S6526: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the discharge time has elapsed. Specifically, it is checked whether the value of the discharge timer after the countdown process is 0 or less. If the timer value has not yet become 0 or less (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process. Then, when the special game management process is executed next, since the special game management status is set to "0BH" at this stage, the main control CPU 72 selects the jackpot accessory device activation termination process, and performs step S6524 described above. And the procedure of step S6526 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S6526 that the discharge time has elapsed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S6528. Note that if it is determined in step S6506 that the ejection of the effective ball has been completed during the countdown of the ejection timer (step S6506: Yes), the control process exits from this loop, so step S6528 is Not executed.

Step S6528: The main control CPU 72 sets an ejection bulb shortage error state command (non-termination information notification means). This command is for notifying the production control device 124 (production control CPU 126) that the ejection of valid balls has not been completed within a certain period of time. The command set here is transmitted to the production control device 124 in production control output processing (step S214 in FIG. 28).

After completing the procedure of step S6522 or step S6528, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special game management process (FIG. 32), and after executing the remaining ball error command setting process (step S7000) and the solenoid control process (step S7500), The process returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 28). As a result, in the subsequent special game management process, the special symbol variation start waiting process (step S1500 in FIG. 32) will be selected.

[Time-saving state management processing]
FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for time reduction state management processing. Each step will be explained below.

Step S6540: The main control CPU 72 confirms whether or not the current winning symbol is a winning symbol that causes a transition to the time reduction state. In this embodiment, the winning symbols to be shifted to the time reduction state are "small winning symbol 1" and "small winning symbol 2". In addition, "Small winning pattern 1" is divided into "Small winning pattern 1a" and "Small winning pattern 1b", "Small winning pattern 1a" is the winning pattern that shifts to the time shortening state, and "Small winning pattern 1b" is the winning pattern that changes the time. It is also possible to use a winning symbol that does not cause a transition to a shortened state.

As a result, when it is confirmed that the current winning symbol is a winning symbol that causes the time reduction state to be changed, the main control CPU 72 executes step S6542. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the current winning symbol is a winning symbol that causes the time reduction state to be changed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot accessory device operation termination process (FIG. 43).

Step S6542: The main control CPU 72 executes processing to set the number of time reductions. The value of the number of time saving times to be set is as explained in FIGS. 35 and 36. The value of the set time saving number is stored in the time saving count area of the RAM 76 as a number cutting counter value regarding the time saving state. The number of time reductions set here becomes the upper limit number of times that the first special symbol or the second special symbol can be varied in the time reduction state. In addition, in this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the time reduction function activation flag as a gaming state flag in the flag area of the RAM 76 to ON (01H) (time reduction state transition means, time reduction function activation means).

When the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 72 shifts the gaming state to the time reduction state (time reduction state transition means) based on the gaming state flag (time reduction function activation flag). In the "time reduction state", the time reduction function is activated, and the winning probability of the normal symbol activation lottery is set from the normal probability (low probability: e.g. 1 in 60,000) to the high probability (e.g. approximately 1 in 1), and , the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is shortened, the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended, and the number of openings is increased (so-called electric chew support is performed).
Note that gaming machines that include elements of so-called 2-type gaming machines (for example, 1-type 2-type mixed machines or 2-type gaming machines), in which a jackpot game is executed by a game ball passing through a specific area during a small winning game. (gaming machine), the winning probability of the normal symbol activation lottery may not be shifted to the high probability state. In this case, the probability of winning the normal symbol activation lottery is set to be a constant probability (for example, approximately 1/1) regardless of whether or not the time saving function is activated, and the opening pattern of the variable start winning device 28 is used to determine the ease of winning. Difficulty can be adjusted.

[Limiter management processing]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for limiter management processing. Each step will be explained below.

Step S6600: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current winning is a winning in a non-time saving state. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 can check the internal state at the time of winning by storing the internal state at the time of winning in the RAM 76.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the current winning is a winning in a non-time saving state, the main control CPU 72 executes step S6602. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the current winning is a winning in a non-time saving state, the main control CPU 72 executes step S6604.

Step S6602: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of resetting the limiter count (setting it to 0). Here, the limiter number of times indicates the consecutive number of times that the special game (jackpot game) can be executed consecutively. In this embodiment, a game specification is adopted in which a jackpot game is played 4 times (= 1 time at the beginning + 3 times during time saving) as one set, and the initial value of the value of the limiter number of times is "0". The value of the limiter count takes a value of "0", "1", "2", or "3".
When this process is finished, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot accessory device operation termination process (FIG. 43).

Step S6604: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of adding (+1) the limiter count.

Step S6606: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the "limiter number of times" matches the specified value (upper limit; for example, "3").

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the "limiter number of times" matches the specified value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S6608. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the value of the "limiter number of times" matches the specified value, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot accessory device operation termination process (FIG. 43).

Step S6608: The main control CPU 72 executes a transition process to a non-time saving state.
In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process when a specified value is reached, which limits the transition to the time reduction state (process execution means when a specified value is reached). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes processing to set the number of time saving times to 0 even if the number of time saving times has been set, or to set the time saving function activation flag to OFF. As a result, when the limiter is reached, the state is forcibly shifted to the non-time saving state.

After completing the above process, the main control CPU 72 returns to the jackpot accessory device operation termination process (FIG. 43).

[Solenoid control processing]
FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for solenoid control processing. This solenoid control process is executed at every interrupt, regardless of the value of the "special game management status" as described above. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S7502: The main control CPU72 checks whether the current value of the "special game management status" is one of "07H" to "0BH". Here, the value of the "special game management status" is set to one of "07H" to "0BH" when the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operating at the time of a jackpot in the game flow. .

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the "special game management status" is one of "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU72 executes step S7504. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the value of the "special game management status" is not one of "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU72 executes step S7506.

Step S7504: The main control CPU 72 operates the lifting device guideway solenoid 95. Thereby, during the jackpot game, the game balls are ejected without being guided to the raising device 610.

Step S7506: The main control CPU 72 deactivates (OFF) the lifting device guideway solenoid 95. As a result, the game ball is guided to the raising device 610 when the jackpot game is not in progress.

[Motor management processing]
FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the motor management process (step S209 in FIG. 28) executed in the interrupt management process. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S2800: First, the main control CPU 72 executes origin monitoring processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether or not it is necessary to monitor the origin positions of various motors (distributor motor 213, main body motor 402, and conveyor motor 214), and if it is necessary to monitor each Obtain the detection signal from the origin detection mechanism.

Step S2802: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the various motors have completed their power-on operations. At this time, if the pachinko machine 1 has just been powered on and the operations of the various motors at power-on have not yet been completed (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S2804.

Step S2804: In this case, the main control CPU 72 executes a power-on operation process. As a result, for example, the various motors (the sorting body motor 213, the main body motor 402, and the conveyor motor 214) each start rotating in a certain direction at a certain speed. The main body motor 402 then stops at the origin position after executing a predetermined power-on operation pattern. Further, the sorting body motor 213 and the conveyor motor 214 operate based on a fixed operation pattern from when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on (other than during a power outage such as when the power is turned off) to when the power is turned off. Thereafter, when the power-on operation is completed, it is determined in the previous step S2802 that the operation is completed (Yes), and therefore step S2804 is skipped thereafter.

Step S2806: The main control CPU 72 monitors whether the value of the "special game management status" is "04H" in preparation for the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit. If the value of the "special game management status" is other than "04H", the main control CPU72 skips step S2808. On the other hand, if the value of the "special game management status" is "04H", the main control CPU 72 executes step S2808, assuming that an activation trigger of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a small hit has occurred.

Step S2808: The main control CPU 72 executes a small hit motor management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving state of the main body motor 402 at the time of a small hit, for example. Specifically, the main control CPU 72, after the movable ball entry accessory device 30 starts operating (after the stop time of the special symbol at the time of small hit ends), at a constant speed and a constant time, The main body motor 402 is moved according to an operation pattern for operating the main body motor 402 (for example, the operation pattern of the main body motor shown in (C) in FIG. 24). Thereby, normal sorting operation by the main body motor 402 can be realized.

Step S2810: The main control CPU 72 monitors whether the value of the "special game management status" is "07H" to "0BH" in preparation for the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of a jackpot. If the value of the "special game management status" is other than "07H" to "0BH", the main control CPU 72 skips step S2812. On the other hand, if the value of the "special game management status" is within the range of "07H" to "0BH", it is assumed that an activation trigger of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 at the time of jackpot has occurred, and the main control CPU 72 returns to step S2812. Execute.

Step S2812: The main control CPU 72 executes motor management processing at the time of jackpot. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the driving state of the main body motor 402 during a jackpot, for example. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 controls the main body motor 402 according to an operation pattern that operates the main body motor 402 at a constant speed and for a constant time during a jackpot game. Thereby, during the jackpot game, the main body motor 402 continues to rotate, and the tower main body 400 can be continuously rotated. Note that during the jackpot game, the operation of the main body motor 402 may be stopped.
After completing the above procedure, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 28).

[Display output management processing]
FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the display output management process (step S212 in FIG. 28) executed during the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes special symbol display setting processing (step S1200), normal symbol display setting processing (step S1210), status display setting processing (step S1220), working memory display setting processing (step S1230), and continuous operation count display setting. The configuration includes a subroutine group of processing (step S1240).

In the special symbol display setting process (step S1200), the normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), and the working memory display setting process (step S1230), the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35 are used as described above. , executes a process of generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the normal symbol display device 33 and the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a.

In the status display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation number display setting process (step S1240), a process of generating and outputting a drive signal to be applied to each LED of the gaming status display device 38 is executed.

Among these, in the status display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the time saving status display lamp 38e according to the value of the time saving function activation flag. For example, if the time saving function activation flag is set to a value (01H), the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LEDs corresponding to the time saving status display lamp 38e and the firing position designation display lamp 38f.

On the other hand, in the continuous operation count display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls lighting of the jackpot type display lamp 38a during the jackpot game. In this embodiment, since there is only a "10 round jackpot game", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "10 rounds (10R)".

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the progress status of the special symbol game changes as the main control CPU 72 executes the control process. Furthermore, in the special symbol game, the progress will largely diverge into a jackpot game or a normal game depending on the result of the distribution operation of game balls within the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

For this reason, in this embodiment, effects are mainly performed using the 7-segment display 42 according to the actual progress of the game, and the transition of the progress is clearly communicated to the player. Hereinafter, the presentation using the 7-segment display 42 will be explained by giving an example.

[Example of production]
The 7-segment display 42 can display various effects using three (3-digit) 7-segment LEDs (with dots) (effect execution means). Among the three 7-segment LEDs, two 7-segment LEDs are arranged in the left region of the 7-segment display 42, and the remaining 7-segment LED is arranged in the right-hand region of the 7-segment display 42.

[Small hit performance]
FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect executed when the “small winning symbol 1” is applied. Moreover, FIGS. 50 and 51 are continuous diagrams showing an example of the effect executed when the "small winning symbol 2" is applied.
In this embodiment, the big winning hole 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened in response to a small winning in the special symbol lottery, so when the big winning hole 30b is open, the game ball is In order to encourage the player to win the big prize opening 30b, the following effects are performed.

[Before the performance starts]
(A) in FIG. 49: At the stage when a game is started on the pachinko machine 1, no special performance is being performed on the 7-segment display 42. However, if no game is played for a certain period of time, a demonstration performance (not shown) can be performed based on a customer waiting designation command. Then, the player operates the grip unit 16 to launch the game ball into the game area.

[Ball entering the left starting prize slot]
(B) in FIG. 49: When the game ball enters the left start winning hole 26, the first special symbol starts to fluctuate. The variation time of the first special symbol is set to an extremely short time (for example, about 0.5 seconds). In addition, since the probability of a small hit in the first special symbol lottery is approximately 1/1, when the first special symbol starts to fluctuate, the first special symbol immediately stops due to the mode corresponding to "small win symbol 1". Is displayed. Then, triggered by the first special symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the "small winning symbol 1", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated only once, and the big prize opening 30b is opened once. Then, on the 7-segment display 42, an effect for teaching this one-time opening (for example, an effect displaying character information of "1") is executed.

[End of operation of movable ball entry accessory device]
(C) in FIG. 49: When the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened for a specified opening time (for example, 0.425 seconds) when the small winning symbol 1 corresponds to the small winning symbol 1, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 opens the big winning opening. 30b is closed to complete the operation.

[Before the performance starts]
(A) in FIG. 50: It is assumed that the player operates the grip unit 16 to hit the game ball to the right. Such a situation occurs mainly when a game is executed in a time-reduced state. Then, when the game ball passes through the starting gate 20, the normal symbols start to fluctuate, and when the normal symbols are stopped and displayed in a winning manner, the variable starting winning device 28 is opened.

[Ball entering the right starting prize slot]
(B) in FIG. 50: When the game ball enters the right starting winning hole 28b, the second special symbol starts changing. The variation time of the second special symbol is also set to an extremely short time (for example, about 0.5 seconds). In addition, since the small hit probability of the second special symbol lottery is approximately 1/1, when the second special symbol starts to fluctuate, the second special symbol immediately stops due to the mode corresponding to "small win symbol 2". Is displayed. Then, triggered by the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the "small winning symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is activated twice, and the big prize opening 30b is opened twice. The 7-segment display 42 displays "2" in order to teach this double opening.

[Completion of the first operation of the movable ball entry accessory device]
(C) in FIG. 50: When the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is opened for a prescribed opening time (for example, 0.8 seconds), the movable ball entering accessory device 30 closes the big winning opening 30b and performs the first operation. finish.

[The second operation of the movable ball entry accessory device]
(D) in FIG. 51: When the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "small winning symbol 2", the movable ball entry accessory device 30 will be opened twice. Then, when the first operation is completed and the interval time between the first operation and the second operation has elapsed, the movable ball entering accessory device 30 starts operating again, and the big prize is won. Open the mouth 30b. Similarly, the 7-segment display 42 continues to display "2" in order to teach this double opening.

[Completion of second operation of movable ball entry accessory device]
(E) in FIG. 51: When the movable ball entering accessory device 30 is opened for a prescribed opening time (for example, 0.8 seconds), the movable ball entering accessory device 30 closes the big winning opening 30b and starts the second operation. finish.

[Production when entering the grand prize opening]
FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of the effect executed when a game ball enters the big prize opening 30b opened at the time of a small hit.

[Big prize opening]
(A) in FIG. 52: The big prize opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the "small winning symbol 1". In the illustrated example, a game ball has entered the big prize opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30.

[Game ball detection]
(B) in FIG. 52: When a game ball enters the big prize opening 30b of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, the game ball enters the inside of the movable ball-entering accessory device 30, and the count switch 84 activates the game ball. Passage is detected. When the passage of a game ball is detected by the count switch 84, a ball entering effect is executed on the 7-segment display 42. The pitch entry effect is, for example, an effect in which a small circle is moved up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42.

[Continuation of pitch entry performance]
(C) in FIG. 52: Whether the game ball that has passed the count switch 84 is then discharged after passing through a specific area within the movable ball entry accessory device 30, or is discharged without passing through the specific area. The distribution operation is performed. The ball entering effect on the 7-segment display 42 continues until the next game ball is detected by the effect switch 800 or the discharge detection switch 900.

[Production when the ball enters the hole in the chance area]
FIG. 53 is a diagram showing an example of the effect executed when a game ball enters the chance area hole.
The chance area hole 514 is a hole into which the game ball enters when the first distribution operation is successful, and when the game ball enters the chance area hole 514, the accessory game continues. In this case, it is decided that the accessory game continuation effect will be executed.

[Achieving the rotating stage]
(A) in FIG. 53: In the illustrated example, the game ball has reached the rotation stage 510, and furthermore, the game ball is riding on the guide groove 512 of the rotation stage 510. Here, a ball entering effect is continued in which a small circle is moved up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42.

[Game ball detection with production switch]
(B) in FIG. 53: When the game ball enters the chance area hole 514 from the rotating stage 510, the game ball further enters the movable ball entry accessory device 30 from the chance area hole 514, and the game ball enters the chance area hole 514. Passage of the game ball is detected by the performance switch 800 located downstream of the area hole 514. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the performance switch 800, the 7-segment display 42 executes the accessory game continuation performance. As the accessory game continuation performance, for example, a performance that emphasizes that the accessory game continues (for example, a performance that displays the characters "go") is executed in the display area of the 7-segment display 42.

[Production when passing through specific areas, etc.]
FIGS. 54 and 55 are diagrams showing examples of effects performed when the game ball passes through various areas (specific areas, special areas, etc.).

[Special route]
(A) in FIG. 54: When the game ball passes through the special route guideway 210 as a result of the distribution operation in the route distribution unit 200, the passage of the game ball is detected by the special route switch 902. In this case, on the 7-segment display 42, a special route transition effect indicating that the game ball has advanced to the special route (for example, an effect displaying the letters "SP", which is the initial of the special route) is executed.

[Passage through out passage]
(B) in FIG. 54: As a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, the game ball passes through the out passage, and when the passage of the game ball is detected by the discharge detection switch 900, a miss effect is executed. . The failure performance is a performance that displays information corresponding to a failure on the 7-segment display 42 (for example, a performance that displays "-(bar)"). Note that such a missed effect occurs when a game ball enters the missed hole 516 or as a result of the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630, the game ball passes through the out passage and the ejection detection switch 900 stops the game from being played. The same process is performed when the passage of a ball is detected.

[Special area passage]
(C) in FIG. 55: As a result of the sorting operation on the first observatory stage 620, when the game ball passes through the special area and the passage of the game ball is detected by the special area switch 901, the first observatory stage 620 An operation is performed to raise the game ball from the platform stage 620 to the second observatory stage 630. At this time, on the 7-segment display 42, a rising effect (for example, a effect that displays the characters "UP" which means rising) is executed in accordance with the rise of the game ball.

[Passage through specific area]
(D) in FIG. 55: As a result of the sorting operation on the second observatory stage 630, when the game ball passes through a specific area and the passage of the game ball is detected by the specific area switch 701, a 10-round jackpot occurs in the game. The game is executed. At this time, on the 7-segment display 42, a jackpot game performance (for example, a display displaying the characters "10") is performed in accordance with the execution of the 10-round jackpot game.

[Major role production]
FIGS. 56 to 59 are continuous diagrams showing the big win effect executed during the jackpot game in the case of a "10 round jackpot".

[At the start of 2nd round]
(A) in FIG. 56: When the game ball passes through the specific area, a 10-round jackpot game is started. Since the 10-round jackpot game has started, the jackpot opening 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened. Note that the jackpot game starts from the second round because the operation of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 in the small win game corresponds to the first round.

Then, when the second round of the jackpot game starts, "2" indicating the current round number is displayed in the left display area of the 7-segment display 42. In the illustrated example, since no game balls have been counted yet, "0" is displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42, indicating the number of game balls counted. .

(B) in FIG. 56: During execution of the second round of the jackpot game, a game ball enters the jackpot 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30. The entered game ball enters the movable ball entering accessory device 30, and the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 performs an update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display of "0" displayed in the right display area of the 7-segment display 42 is changed to the display of "1". In addition, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is operated under the following conditions: either the grand prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times), or a prescribed number of game balls (for example, 9 balls) are entered. Continue one round until filled. And here, the movable ball entry accessory device 30 closes the big prize opening 30b.
Incidentally, although not particularly shown, an effect of gradually lighting up various lamps 46 to 52, board lamps 53, etc. may be performed in conjunction with the effect of updating the count number of game balls.

(C) in FIG. 56: During the execution of the second round of the jackpot game, the game ball enters the jackpot 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 again. The entered game ball enters the movable ball entering accessory device 30, and the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 performs an update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display of "1" displayed in the right display area of the 7-segment display 42 is changed to the display of "2".

(D) in FIG. 57: Then, during the execution of the second round of the jackpot game, the ninth game ball enters the jackpot 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the entered game ball Detected by count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 performs an update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display displayed in the right display area of the 7-segment display 42 is changed to "9". In this case, the movable ball entering accessory device 30 closes the movable piece 30a and ends the second round, assuming that the condition that a prescribed number (for example, nine) of game balls have entered has been satisfied.

[Big prize opening closing performance]
(E) in FIG. 57: With the completion of the second round as an opportunity, a grand prize opening closing effect is executed. The grand prize opening closing performance is, for example, a performance in which a small circle mark is moved up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42.
In addition, if the effect of gradually lighting up the various lamps 46 to 52, the board lamp 53, etc. is performed in conjunction with the effect of updating the count number of game balls, the effect of turning them off (the update effect) Perform the reset effect) at the same time.

[Continuation of grand prize opening closing performance]
(F) in FIG. 57: The grand prize opening closing effect on the 7-segment display 42 continues until the closing time of the grand prize opening ends. In the illustrated example, the effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42 continues.

[3rd round]
(G) in FIG. 58: When the closing time of the second round jackpot opening ends, the third round of the 10 round jackpot game starts. Then, with the start of the third round, the movable piece 30a of the movable ball entry accessory device 30 is opened, and the big prize opening 30b is opened.

Then, when the third round of the jackpot game starts, "3" indicating the current round number is displayed in the left display area of the 7-segment display 42. In addition, in the illustrated example, in the third round of the jackpot game, no game balls have been counted yet, so in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42, a message indicating the counted number of game balls is displayed. 0" is displayed.

[10th round]
(H) in FIG. 58: After that, the jackpot game progresses smoothly and has moved to the final 10th round. In the illustrated example, "10" is displayed in the left display area of the 7-segment display 42, indicating the current number of rounds. In the illustrated example, eight game balls have already been counted in the final 10 rounds, and "8" is displayed in the display area on the right side of the 7-segment display 42, indicating the number of game balls counted. There is.

(I) in FIG. 58: Then, during the execution of the 10th round of the jackpot game, the 9th game ball enters the jackpot 30b of the movable ball entry accessory device 30, and the entered game ball Detected by count switch 84. When the passage of the game ball is detected by the count switch 84, the 7-segment display 42 performs an update effect of the count number. Specifically, the display displayed in the right display area of the 7-segment display 42 is changed from "8" to "9". In this case, the movable ball entering accessory device 30 closes the movable piece 30a and ends the 10th round, assuming that the condition that a prescribed number (for example, 9) of game balls have entered has been satisfied.

[Big prize opening closing performance]
(J) in FIG. 59: With the completion of the 10th round as an opportunity, the grand prize opening closing effect is executed. The grand prize opening closing performance is, for example, a performance in which a small circle mark is moved up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42. It should be noted that the grand prize opening closing performance in the 10th round has the same content as the big winning opening closing performance executed after the end of the second round.

[Continuation of grand prize opening closing performance]
(K) in FIG. 59: The grand prize opening closing effect on the 7-segment display 42 continues until the closing time of the grand prize opening ends. In the illustrated example, the effect of moving a small circle up and down in the display area of the 7-segment display 42 continues.

[Major role ending performance]
(L) in Figure 59: When the big winning hole closing effect in the final round (10th round) of the jackpot game ends, a certain period of time has passed since the big winning hole closing effect started (for example, after 1.5 seconds have passed) Then, the big role end effect is executed. In the illustrated example, the English letter "En" is displayed in the left display area of the 7-segment display 42, and the English letter "d" is displayed in the right display area. As a result, the word "End" is completed, and the player can be informed that the jackpot game has ended. And, at this point, the big role ending performance ends.

Although not shown in the drawings, in the end of the big role, all the lamps 46 to 52 and the board lamp 53 are turned off, and the LED built in the tower main body 400 of the central accessory device 300 is turned on. An effect may be executed to emphasize that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, the control processing executed by the performance control CPU 126 of the performance control device 124 will be explained.

[CPU initialization processing (main) processing in the production control device]
FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of CPU initialization processing and production control main processing in the production control device.

The CPU initialization process is a process to prepare the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by clearing various information in the production control device 124, and when the production control device 124 is started (more specifically, to the pachinko machine 1). When the power is turned on, or when the effect control device 124 is restarted due to some factor or sub-reset, etc.), the effect is executed by the effect control CPU 126. By executing the CPU initialization process, stable performance in the pachinko machine 1 is guaranteed.

(A) in FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of CPU initialization processing in the production control device 124. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S300: The production control CPU 126 cancels the reset of the CPU. In order to guarantee normal operation in the production control device 124, the production control CPU 126 resets the CPU after power is turned on to the production control device 124, and waits until the output voltage normally rises to the operation guaranteed level and the peripheral circuits are stabilized. The reset state continues during this period. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the program from operating in a state where the production control device 124 is not stable. When the reset of the CPU is released, the execution of the control program in the production control device 124 is started using this as an opportunity.

Step S310: The production control CPU 126 executes system initialization processing. In the system initialization process, initial settings related to hardware, system operation settings, etc. are performed as necessary initial settings before various interrupt processes corresponding to the substance of production control are started. In the system initialization process, for example, in addition to settings related to access to each register and I/O port of the production control CPU 126, and each device connected to the production control CPU 126, clearing of the RAM 130 (main memory) and command buffer, etc. be exposed.

Step S320: The production control CPU 126 executes task execution pre-processing. Here, a "task" refers to an individual process that is executed due to the occurrence of an interrupt. In the task pre-execution process, advance preparations for executing the task are performed. For example, the performance control device 124 is provided with a plurality of LED lamps (hereinafter referred to as "status LEDs") that are visible from the back side of the pachinko machine 1, and these LED lamps are used to control the performance control device 124. The internal state is notified by a plurality of lighting patterns, and the initial state of the status LED is set during task execution pre-processing. In addition, frequency settings for command input/output ports necessary for receiving production commands transmitted from the main control device 70, setup of the RTC 184, permission for interruptions, etc. are performed. When the task pre-execution process is completed, the status LED lights up in a manner indicating the completion of the initialization process, and it becomes possible to receive various production commands and transitions to a state where various interruptions can occur.

Note that the production control device 124 handles various types of interrupts, such as timer interrupts that occur at preset time intervals and event interrupts that occur due to the occurrence of a predetermined event on the production control device 124. Interrupts may occur. In the following description, interrupts that occur periodically at regular intervals (for example, timer interrupts, event interrupts that occur at regular intervals, etc.) are referred to as "periodic interrupts." A priority order is set in advance for each interrupt, and when an interrupt occurs, the production control CPU 126 executes the corresponding interrupt process while controlling it according to the priority order.

Step S330: The production control CPU 126 executes production control main processing. In the performance control main process, other processes that are not executed in various tasks among the controls executed as the game progresses are executed.

As shown in (A) in FIG. 60, the production control main process is incorporated into an infinite loop, and after completing the production control main process once, the production control CPU 126 executes the production control main process at a predetermined execution interval. Then, the execution of the next production control main process is started again. Therefore, as long as the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is maintained and the performance control device 124 is not restarted, the performance control CPU 126 continues to repeatedly execute the performance control main process. Further, during execution of the production control main process, various interruptions occur due to various factors, and the production control CPU 126 executes processing according to each interruption that occurs. In these processes, display control on the liquid crystal display 41 and 7-segment display 42, audio output control on the speakers 54, 55, and 56, drive control of the lamps 46 to 53 and the movable body motor 47, etc. are performed. By controlling each device connected to the performance control device 124, the content of the performance is constructed and the performance is realized.

In this way, the infinite loop in (A) in FIG. 60 corresponds to the main loop in the production control device 124, and the production control main processing is positioned as the main processing executed in the production control device 124.

(B) in FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the production control main process executed in the production control device 124 during the main loop of the CPU initialization process. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S340: The production control CPU 126 executes voltage control monitoring processing. In the voltage control monitoring process, the production control CPU 126 performs a monitoring process to release the cutoff of the 5V signal supplied to the external driver at a certain time. If voltages are simultaneously applied to lamps, movable bodies, etc., the lamps, movable bodies, etc. may generate excessive heat due to inrush current, leading to malfunction or failure. Therefore, the timing of voltage application (signal release timing) is shifted to disperse the rush current and protect the lamp, movable body, etc. from heat generation.

Step S350: The production control CPU 126 executes watchdog clear processing.
For example, the production control device 124 can be equipped with a watchdog timer connected to the production control CPU 126, a watchdog timer using built-in functions of the production control CPU 126, and a watchdog timer based on a control program. In this case, three types of watchdog timers are operating in the production control device 124, and each watchdog timer uses different monitoring times to determine whether periodic interrupts are occurring normally (when the periodic interrupt occurs, It is possible to monitor whether the periodic interrupt processing is being executed normally. In the watchdog clearing process, the performance control CPU 126 executes clearing of all watchdog timers, etc. when the periodic interrupt process is normally executed. Note that the number of watchdog timers may be less than three types, or may be four or more types.

After completing the above procedure, the production control CPU 126 returns to the main loop of the CPU initialization process ((A) in FIG. 60) and executes the production control main process again. Note that the production control main process is executed at approximately constant intervals when the production control device 124 is in a normal state. For example, during normal operation, the production control main process is triggered by a frame interrupt while returning from a separately executed interrupt process, and two frame interrupts occur every 33.3ms (16.6ms apart). ) during which the processing of each step completes one cycle. Therefore, if each step S340, S350 of the production control main process completes one cycle without delay, the production control CPU 126 performs a standby process in the remaining time until the next production control main process is called, and during that time waits for the start process. (sleep) state. As the remaining time expires, the performance control CPU 126 ends the standby process, returns to the main loop, and calls the next performance control main process.

[Interrupt processing in production control device]
FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for interrupt processing in the production control device.
Note that the frame interrupt process and the phase interrupt process are timer interrupt processes, and the DMA end interrupt process is event interrupt process.

The performance control CPU 126 executes interrupt processing according to various interrupts that occur during the execution of the main loop shown in (A) in FIG. Hereinafter, each interrupt process will be explained along with an example procedure.

(A) in FIG. 61: is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for frame interrupt processing. A frame interrupt is an interrupt that occurs once at intervals of 16.6 ms (60 times per second). The performance control CPU 126 executes frame interrupt processing upon occurrence of a frame interrupt.

Step S1310: The production control CPU 126 sets a frame interrupt monitoring flag and sets the flag value to "1". The frame interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used to check whether frame interrupts are occurring normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.

Step S1312: The production control CPU 126 executes frame interrupt control processing. In the frame interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the frame interrupt process are controlled.

After completing the above procedure, the production control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 60).

(B) in FIG. 61: is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of phase interrupt processing. The phase interrupt is an interrupt for controlling internal devices of the production control device 124, and occurs once at intervals of 520 μs (1920 times per second). The production control CPU 126 executes phase interrupt processing in response to the occurrence of a phase interrupt.

Step S1320: The production control CPU 126 sets the phase interrupt monitoring flag and sets the flag value to "1". The phase interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used to check whether phase interrupts are occurring normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.

Step S1322: The production control CPU 126 executes phase interrupt control processing. In the phase interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to phase interrupts are controlled. For example, as one of the various tasks, a process of receiving a command transmitted from the liquid crystal board 152 (reading process of 1 ms x multiple times) is executed.

After completing the above procedure, the production control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 60).

(C) in FIG. 61: is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of DMA end interrupt processing. A DMA end interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when data transfer by DMA (direct memory access) is completed. The performance control CPU 126 transfers commands to the liquid crystal board 152 by DMA, and when the data transfer by DMA is completed, a DMA end interrupt occurs.
Then, the performance control CPU 126 executes the DMA end interrupt process upon the occurrence of the DMA end interrupt.

Step S1330: The production control CPU 126 sets the DMA end interrupt monitoring flag and sets the flag value to "1". The DMA end interrupt monitoring flag is a flag used to check whether a DMA end interrupt is occurring normally, and is stored in the RAM 130.

Step S1332: The production control CPU 126 executes a DMA end interrupt control process. In the DMA end interrupt control process, various tasks executed due to the DMA end interrupt are controlled.

After completing the above procedure, the production control CPU 126 returns to the main loop ((A) in FIG. 60).

In this manner, in any interrupt processing, the monitoring flag for each interrupt processing is first set, and then various tasks executed due to the interrupt are controlled.

Next, an example of a control method for specifically realizing the performance will be explained. The performances described along with the above production examples are all controlled through the following control processing executed by the production control device 124.

[Production control processing]
FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the production control process executed by the production control CPU 126. The production control process is called during execution of the frame interrupt control process (step S1312 in FIG. 61). The effect control process is executed every other time while the frame interrupt control process is executed every 16.6 ms, that is, once every 33.3 ms, triggered by the occurrence of a frame interrupt.

The production control processing includes main command reception processing (step S400), production management processing when the movable ball-entering accessory device is not in operation (step S403), production management processing when the movable ball-entering accessory device is activated (step S404), and display management processing. (Step S405), lamp management processing (Step S406), sound management processing (Step S408), effect random number update processing (Step S410), movable object management processing (Step S412), two-dimensional code management processing (Step S414), and sub This configuration includes a subroutine group of command management processing (step S416). The basic flow of the production control process will be explained below along with each process.

Step S400: In the main command reception process, the production control CPU 126 receives the production command transmitted from the main control CPU 72. In addition, the production control CPU 126 analyzes the received commands and stores them by type in the command buffer area of the RAM 130. In addition, the production commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a model specification command, a starting opening prize sound control command, a lottery result command, a fluctuation pattern command, a fluctuation start command, a stop symbol command, a accessory device closing command, Jackpot status specification command, Jackpot type command, Jackpot status transition command, Number of rounds command, Big prize end command, Customer waiting specification command, Special game management status command, Unauthorized winning error command, Remaining balls error command, Insufficient balls error status command, There are area passing commands, state specification commands, etc.

Step S403: In the performance management process when the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is not operating, the performance control CPU 126 controls the performance when the movable ball-entering accessory device 30 is not operating. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the customer waiting designation command from the main control CPU 72 is stored. If it is confirmed that the customer waiting designation command is saved, the production control CPU 126 executes a demonstration selection process to select a demonstration production pattern. The demonstration performance pattern defines the content of the performance indicating that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.

In addition, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether the internal state is in a time shortening state. Specifically, the production control CPU 126 can check the internal state by accessing the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checking the state designation command. Then, when it is confirmed that the internal state is the time shortening state, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a performance pattern corresponding to the time shortening state.

Step S404: In the performance management process when the movable ball entering accessory device is activated, the performance control CPU 126 controls the performance after the special symbol lottery corresponds to a small hit (corresponds to "small winning symbol 1" or "small winning symbol 2"). Control.

Step S405: In the display management process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a performance pattern (display pattern) corresponding to the performance determined in the previous step S403 or step S404. The selected effect pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416, and is sent to the liquid crystal board, 7-segment board, etc. Thereby, the liquid crystal board and the 7-segment board control the liquid crystal display 41 and the 7-segment display 42 based on the instructed presentation pattern. For example, by activating the liquid crystal task, a presentation pattern related to the liquid crystal display 41 is selected, and by activating the LED task, a presentation pattern related to the 7-segment display 42 is selected.

Step S406: In the lamp management process, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a effect pattern (lighting pattern) corresponding to the effect determined in the previous step S403 or step S404. The selected effect pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416, and is sent to the lamp drive circuit 132. Thereby, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives the various lamps 46 to 52, the panel lamp 53, etc. (turns on or off, flashes, changes brightness gradation, etc.) based on the instructed performance pattern.

Step S408: In the sound management process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a performance pattern (acoustic pattern) corresponding to the performance determined in the previous step S403 or step S404. The selected performance pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416, and is sent to the sound drive circuit 134. As a result, the speakers 54, 55, and 56 output sounds according to the content of the performance (for example, BGM during the opening operation of the movable ball entering accessory device 30, BGM during the sorting operation within the movable ball entering accessory device 30, jackpot performance (BGM, etc.) will be output.

Step S410: In the performance random number update process, the performance control CPU 126 updates various performance random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The performance random number includes, for example, a random number for selecting a performance when a plurality of performance contents are prepared.

Step S412: In the movable body management process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of selecting a performance pattern (motion pattern) corresponding to the performance determined in the previous step S403 or step S404. The selected effect pattern is converted into a subcommand in the following step S416, and is sent to the movable body board 153 (driving IC, etc.). Thereby, the movable body 43 for performance is operated by a drive source such as the movable body motor 47. Note that information from the movable body sensor 49 can be received in this process, and the movable body 43 for production can be moved based on the received information.

Step S414: In the two-dimensional code management process, the production control CPU 126 executes a process of generating two-dimensional code data for displaying the two-dimensional code, as necessary.

Step S416: In the sub-command management process, the production control CPU 126 transmits (data output) sub-commands corresponding to the production patterns and two-dimensional code data selected in the previous processes to various boards, and Executes processing such as receiving subcommands (data input).
After completing the above processing, the production control CPU 126 returns to the calling source.

[Processing of performance management when movable ball entry accessory device is activated]
FIG. 63 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the configuration of the performance management process when the movable ball entry accessory device is activated. The performance management processing when the movable ball entry accessory device is activated includes, for example, execution selection processing (step S500), production selection processing at the time of small hit (step S502), production selection processing during play within the accessory (step S504), and production when passing through the area. The configuration includes a group of subroutines including a selection process (step S506) and a jackpot performance selection process (step S508). The basic flow of the production control process will be explained below along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (any of steps S502 to S508). For example, the performance control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and sets the end of the performance management process when the movable ball entry accessory device is activated as the return destination address in the "jump table". . Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, the performance control CPU 126 selects the small hit performance selection process (step S502) as the first jump destination. On the other hand, if the small hit performance selection process has already been completed, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance selection process during the game within the role model (step S504) as the next jump destination, and continues until the performance selection process during the game within the role model. If completed, the area passing effect selection process (step S506) is selected as the next jump destination. Note that the jackpot effect selection process (step S508) is selected as the subsequent jump destination only when the jackpot accessory device operation start process (step S5000 in FIG. 32) is selected by the main control CPU72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the small hit performance selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance pattern (FIG. 49, FIG. 50, FIG. 51, etc.) when operating the movable ball entering accessory device 30. By performing such a performance, it is possible to prevent the player from playing the game carelessly, and to make the player reconfirm his/her sense of purpose, thereby preventing a drop in motivation to play.

Step S504: In the performance selection process during the game within the role model, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance pattern corresponding to the above-mentioned ball entry performance ((B), (C) in FIG. 52, (A) in FIG. 53, etc.). Thereby, the flow of the game within the movable ball entry accessory device 30 can be appealed to the player.

Step S506: In the area passing performance selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance ((B) in FIG. 53, FIG. 54, FIG. ) Select the production pattern. This allows the game to be more exciting when passing through various areas.

Step S508: In the jackpot performance selection process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the content of the performance during the jackpot. For example, the performance control CPU 126 selects a special performance pattern (performance patterns such as those shown in FIGS. 56 to 59) during a jackpot as the performance content to be displayed on the 7-segment display 42. As a result, a special performance is displayed on the display screen of the 7-segment display 42 during a jackpot, and the content of the performance changes as the round progresses.
After completing the above procedure, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (FIG. 62).

[2D code management processing]
FIG. 64 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of two-dimensional code management processing. This process is executed by the effect control CPU 126 of the sub control board 150. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S650: The production control CPU 126 checks whether the two-dimensional code display conditions are satisfied. For example, the performance control CPU 126 may determine that the two-dimensional code display conditions are met when the performance switching button 45 is pressed for a long time (continued to be pressed for a certain period of time or more) during execution of the demonstration performance. Can be done.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the two-dimensional code display conditions are satisfied (Yes), the production control CPU 126 executes step S652. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the two-dimensional code display conditions are met (No), the effect control CPU 126 returns to the effect control process (FIG. 62).

Step S652: The production control CPU 126 executes two-dimensional code data generation processing. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of generating basic data of a two-dimensional code (generation means). Furthermore, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process of reading out the magnification rate and display position from the ROM 128 (storage means) that stores the magnification rate and display position. The magnification rate is predetermined according to the size of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41 mounted. For example, if the liquid crystal display 41 is small, the magnification will be small, and if the liquid crystal display 41 is large, the magnification will be large.

Then, the performance control CPU 126 generates two-dimensional code data including basic data, enlargement ratio, and display position.

The basic data is data for displaying a two-dimensional code (predetermined code) on the liquid crystal display 41 (display means). For example, the basic data can include information such as the number of fluctuations, the number of small wins, and the number of jackpots. These pieces of information are updated and stored by the performance control CPU 126 during the game.

The magnification ratio indicates the size of the two-dimensional code (predetermined code) to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 41 (display means). In other words, the magnification rate is data indicating how many pixels (1 pixel to 4 pixels) the basic data is displayed.
For example, if the magnification rate is "1", the basic data will be displayed at 1x (same size), and if the magnification rate is "2", the basic data will be displayed at 2x, and if the magnification rate is "3" If the magnification is "4", the basic data is displayed at 3x, and when the magnification is "4", the basic data is displayed at 4x.

The display position is data indicating at which position on the liquid crystal display 41 the two-dimensional code is displayed. For example, with the lower left position of the liquid crystal display 41 as the origin, the display position can be expressed by data based on coordinates (horizontal position X, vertical position Y).
After completing the above processing, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (FIG. 62).

[Subcommand management processing]
FIG. 65 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for subcommand management processing. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S660: The production control CPU 126 executes subcommand construction processing. Specifically, the effect control CPU 126 executes a process of constructing a subcommand corresponding to the effect pattern and two-dimensional code data selected in the previous processes. The constructed subcommand is stored in a buffer for transmission.

There are various methods for controlling communication of subcommands, and for example, the state of a command can be managed with a command variable (CMD:), and the state of communication can be managed with a communication variable (TRNS:). In this case, if the command variable is in the standby state (CMD:==IDLE), this process can be executed. When this process ends, a value corresponding to the save end state can be stored in the command variable (CMD:=SAVE_END).

Step S662: The production control CPU 126 executes subcommand transmission processing. Specifically, the production control CPU 126 performs a process of transmitting the subcommands generated in the process of step S660 and stored in the transmission buffer to each board (each device) (for example, by transmitting the subcommands generated in the process of step S660 to each board (each device) (for example, by transmitting the subcommands using the clock signal line). The process of transmitting data on the data signal line while generating the data is executed.

For example, if the communication variable is in the normal response state (TRNS:==REP_OK) and the command variable is in the save end state (CMD:==SAVE_END), this process can be executed. When this process is completed, a value corresponding to the execution state can be stored in a communication variable (TRNS:=EXEC).

Step S664: The production control CPU 126 executes subcommand reception processing. Specifically, the production control CPU 126 receives subcommands sent from each board (for example, generates a clock using a clock signal line and receives data via a data signal line). Execute.

For example, if the communication variable is in the end state (TRNS:==END) and the received command indicates "success", a value corresponding to the normal response state can be stored in the communication variable (TRNS: =REP_OK).

For example, if the communication variable is in the end state (TRNS:==END) and the received command indicates "sum error", "buffer over", or "INC error", the communication variable is set to correspond to the response abnormal state. A value can be stored (TRNS:=REP_NG).

For example, if the communication variable is in the end state (TRNS:==END) and no reception is detected for a certain period of time (5×33.333 ms), a retransmission flag can be set.
After completing the above processing, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control process (FIG. 62).

[Processing when subcommand is received]
FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing upon reception of a subcommand. This process is executed when the liquid crystal board 152 receives a subcommand. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S750: The CPU (IC) of the liquid crystal board 152 checks whether 1 bit of data has been received from the sub control board 150.

As a result, if it is confirmed that 1 bit of data has been received, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes step S751. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that 1 bit of data has been received, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 returns to the calling source.

Step S751: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of storing the received 1-bit data in bit N of the reception buffer. The reception buffer is an 8-bit (1 byte) buffer consisting of bit 7 (most significant bit) to bit 0 (least significant bit). Note that N = "7 - number of received bits". The initial value of the number of received bits is 0. Therefore, the first bit is stored in bit 7 of the receive buffer.
Step S752: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of incrementing (+1) the number of received bits.

Step S753: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 checks whether the number of received bits is 8 or not. This makes it possible to confirm whether or not 8 bits of data have been received.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the number of received bits is 8, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes step S754. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the number of received bits is 8, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 returns to the calling source.

Step S754: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of moving (transferring, copying) 8 bits of data to a transfer buffer (command buffer). The receive buffer has an area of 1 byte (8 bits), while the transfer buffer has an area of 16 bytes (a 16-stage buffer).

For example, when the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 receives the first 8 bits (1 byte) of data, it moves the data to the first stage transfer buffer, and when the CPU receives the next 8 bits (1 byte) of data, it moves the data to the first stage transfer buffer. , moves the data to the second stage transfer buffer. Such processing can be executed up to the 16th stage, and when the data is moved to the 16th stage, the process returns to the beginning and moves the data to the first stage transfer buffer.

Step S755: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of resetting (clearing to 0) the number of received bits. As a result, the liquid crystal substrate 152 becomes ready to receive data from the first bit of the reception buffer again.

Step S756: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes processing to generate a reception full interrupt. The reception full interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when reception of 8 bits (1 byte) of data is completed.

Step S756: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes reception index update processing. If the subcommands are normal commands, they are sent in the order of START (0), device type (1), packet type (2), etc., but the reception index indicates 0, 1, etc. There is. For example, if the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 determines that START has been received as a subcommand, it stores "0" in the reception index, and if it determines that it has received a device type as a subcommand, it stores "0" in the reception index. Store “1” in . Note that whether the command is an initialization command or a normal command can be determined depending on the situation in which the process is executed. For example, it may be determined that the command is an initialization command within a certain period of time after initialization, and that it is a normal command after a certain period of time after initialization.
When the above processing is completed, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 returns to the calling source.

[Processing when reception full interrupt occurs]
FIG. 67 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for processing when a receive full interrupt occurs. This process is executed when a reception full interrupt occurs in the liquid crystal board 152. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S760: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes received command content determination processing. Specifically, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes processing to determine the content of the command received from the sub-control board 150.

Step S761: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes retransmission flag determination processing. Specifically, if the retransmission flag of the command received from the sub-control board 150 is ON and the Inc value is the same as the previous one, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 transmits the received command (received data). Execute the process to discard. Note that the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 stores the Inc value included in the previous subcommand in the RAM or the like until the next subcommand is received.

Step S762: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes reply data setting processing. Specifically, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of setting reply data based on the determination result of step S760. The reply data includes "no data", "success", "sum error", "buffer over", "INC error", "initialization complete", "reset occurrence", etc.

Step S763: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes inversion data setting processing. Specifically, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of setting inverted data obtained by inverting the reply data in step S761. For example, if the reply data is "100000001" corresponding to "success", the inverted data is "011111110" by inverting "0" and "1".

Step S764: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes refresh processing. Details of the refresh process will be described later.
When the above processing is completed, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 returns to the calling source (returns to the part that was being executed when the interrupt occurred).

[2D code display processing]
FIG. 68 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure example of two-dimensional code display processing. This process is executed when the liquid crystal board 152 receives two-dimensional code data. The procedure will be explained below using an example procedure.

Step S770: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes processing for generating enlarged data based on the basic data and the enlargement ratio. For example, if the magnification rate is "1", enlarged data that is "1x" the basic data is generated, and if the magnification rate is "2", enlarged data that is "2x" the basic data is generated. If the magnification rate is ``3'', it will generate magnified data that is ``3x'' the basic data, and if the magnification rate is ``4'', it will generate magnified data that is ``4x'' the basic data. do.

Step S771: The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes a process of displaying a two-dimensional code based on the enlarged data at a designated display position on the liquid crystal display 41.
When the above processing is completed, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 returns to the calling source.

By executing such processing, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 increases the basic data based on the enlargement ratio when displaying the two-dimensional code (predetermined code) on the liquid crystal display 41 (display means). The two-dimensional code can be displayed as enlarged data (display control means) based on the enlarged data.

FIGS. 69 and 70 are diagrams showing the reception format of the sub-command sent from the sub-control board to the liquid crystal board. FIG. 69 shows the command system at initialization, and FIG. 70 shows the command system at normal time.
〔basic information〕
The communication method is clock synchronous serial communication. The communication line is used in conjunction with a dynamic LED communication line (see FIG. 17).
The communication speed is 600 kbps.
The communication cycle is 33.33 ms [30 fps].
The number of bits is 8 bits.

The command system at initialization is as follows (FIG. 69).
[START]
Name: START. “START” indicates that it is the first subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit 7 (most significant bit) to bit 0 (least significant bit).
Classification: START
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

[Device selection]
Name: Device selection. “Device selection” indicates the destination of the subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, “1” is stored in bits 6 to 4, and “1101” is stored in bits 3 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP (space), bits 6 to 4 indicate device ID, and bits 3 to 0 indicate slave address.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bits 6 to 4 are 0x7 (fixed), and bits 3 to 0 are 0xD (fixed).

[Inspection data 1]
Name: Inspection data 1. “Inspection data 1” indicates first data for inspection.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “1010101” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 0 indicate test data 1.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bits 6 to 0 are 0x55 (fixed).

[Inspection data 2]
Name: Inspection data 2. "Inspection data 2" indicates second data for inspection.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “0101010” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 0 indicate test data 2.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bits 6 to 0 are 0x1A (fixed).

[Sam]
Name: Sam. "Sum" indicates the sum value (total value of subcommands) excluding START and END.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “1101100” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 0 indicate sum value.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bits 6 to 0 are 0x6C (fixed).

[END]
Name: END. "END" indicates that it is the final subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit7 to bit0.
Classification: END
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

The normal command system is as follows (FIG. 70).
[START]
Name: START. “START” indicates that it is the first subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit7 to bit0.
Classification: START
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

[Device selection]
Name: Device selection. “Device selection” indicates the destination of the subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, “1” is stored in bits 6 to 4, and “1110” is stored in bits 3 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 4 indicate device ID, and bits 3 to 0 indicate slave address.
Value: bit7 is 0 (fixed), bits 6 to 4 are 0x7 (fixed), and bits 3 to 0 are 0xE (fixed).

[Packet type]
Name: Packet type. "Packet type" indicates the destination of the subcommand. The destination of the subcommand can be set in detail using "device selection" and "packet type".
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “0” or “1” (=X) is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bit 6 indicates completion flag, bit 5 indicates retransmission flag, and bits 4 to 0 indicate Inc value.
Value: bit 7 is 0 (fixed), bit 6 is “0” or “1”, bit 5 is “0” or “1”, and bits 4 to 0 are “0 to 31”.

[Number of commands]
Name: Number of commands. "Number of commands" indicates the number of data included in the subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: Bit 7 indicates SP, and bits 6 to 0 indicate the number of commands.
Value: Bit 7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are “0 to 127”.

[Data (n)]
Name: Data (n). “Data (n)” indicates the content of the nth subcommand. Note that this "data (n)" includes a performance pattern (a number corresponding to the performance pattern) and two-dimensional code data. The same applies to "data (n+1)", "data (n+2)", etc. below.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 0 indicate data (first data).
Value: Bit 7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are “0 to 127”.

[Data (n+1)]
Name: Data (n+1). “Data (n+1)” indicates the content of the (n+1)th subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 0 indicate data (second data).
Value: Bit 7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are “0 to 127”.

[Data (n+2)]
Name: Data (n+2). “Data (n+2)” indicates the content of the (n+2)th subcommand.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 0 indicate data (third data).
Value: Bit 7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are “0 to 127”.

[Sam]
Name: Sam. "Sum" indicates the sum value (total value of subcommands) excluding START and END.
Bit position: “0” is stored in bit 7, and “0” or “1” is stored in bits 6 to 0.
Classification: bit 7 indicates SP, bits 6 to 0 indicate sum value.
Value: Bit 7 is 0 (fixed), and bits 6 to 0 are “0 to 127”.

[END]
Name: END. "END" indicates that it is the final subcommand.
Bit position: “1” is stored in bit7 to bit0.
Classification: END
Value: 0xFF (fixed)

FIG. 71 is a diagram showing a transmission format of a subcommand sent from the liquid crystal board to the sub control board.
〔basic information〕
The communication method is clock synchronous serial communication. The communication line is used together with the movable body communication line (see FIG. 17).
The communication speed is 700 kbps.
The communication cycle is 1 ms x 2 readings.
The number of bits is 9 bits.

The contents of the subcommand are as follows.
〔No data〕
Name: No data. "No data" indicates that there is no reply data. This subcommand can be transmitted even if no subcommand has been received from the sub control board 150.
Value: 0x000
Binary: “000000000” is stored in bit8 (most significant bit) to bit0 (least significant bit).

〔success〕
Name: Success. "Success" indicates that the subcommand was received normally.
Value: 0x101
Binary: “100000001” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[Sam error]
Name: Sam Error. "Sum error" indicates that the sum value is abnormal.
Value: 0x102
Binary: “100000010” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[Buffer over]
Name: Buffer Over. “Buffer over” indicates that the capacity of the receive buffer or transfer buffer has been exceeded.
Value: 0x103
Binary: “100000011” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[INC error]
Name: INC error. "INC error" indicates that the Inc value is abnormal.
Value: 0x104
Binary: “100000100” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

〔Initialization completion〕
Name: Initialization complete. “Initialization completed” indicates that initialization of the liquid crystal substrate 152 has been completed. This subcommand can be transmitted even if no subcommand has been received from the sub control board 150.
Value: 0x105
Binary: “100000101” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

[Reset occurs]
Name: Reset occurred. “Reset occurrence” indicates that a reset has occurred in the liquid crystal substrate 152. This subcommand can be transmitted even if no subcommand has been received from the sub control board 150.
Value: 0x106
Binary: “100000110” is stored in bits 8 to 0.

Sub-control board 150 is a first board.
The liquid crystal board 152 is a second board that can communicate with the sub control board 150 using sub commands (predetermined commands).

The subcommand includes the most significant bit (specific bit) and bits other than the most significant bit (non-specific bit).

Different values are stored in the most significant bit depending on whether gaming information necessary for game control is communicated or communication information necessary for communication control is communicated. Specifically, "1" is stored when communicating the game information necessary for controlling the game, and "0" is stored when communicating the communication information necessary for controlling the communication.

Game information includes information regarding the destination of subcommands (device selection, packet type), information regarding the number of subcommands (number of commands), information regarding the content of subcommands (data), and information regarding the consistency of subcommands (sum). , information regarding subcommand responses (success, sum error, buffer over, INC error, initialization completion, reset occurrence), and information regarding inspection (inspection data 1 and 2).

The communication information includes at least one of information indicating that it is the first subcommand (START), information indicating that it is the last subcommand (END), and information indicating that there is no data (no data). include.

FIG. 72 is a diagram showing the transmission/reception flow (in chronological order) of subcommands on the sub control board and the liquid crystal board.
When a frame interrupt (frame timer interrupt) occurs, the sub control board 150 wakes up the liquid crystal task, and the liquid crystal task sets a liquid crystal command (a subcommand for operating the liquid crystal display) (S1). Note that a frame interrupt occurs once every two times of 16.66 ms, that is, once every 33.33 ms.
Furthermore, when a frame interrupt occurs, the sub-control board 150 wakes up the LED task, and the LED task executes processing such as LED brightness conversion (S2).

When these processes are completed, the sub control board 150 starts DMA and enters a state in which data is being transferred by DMA (S3). As a result, a sub-command is transmitted from the sub-control board 150 to the liquid crystal board 152. Then, when the DMA ends, a DMA end interrupt occurs (S4).

On the other hand, the liquid crystal board 152 starts receiving subcommands from the transfer state (S3).
When 1 byte (8 bits) of data is received, a receive full interrupt occurs. The reception full interrupt is a one-stage trigger generated by receiving 1 byte (8 bits) of data.

When a reception full interrupt occurs, the liquid crystal board 152 sets reply data and then sets inverted data. The reply data and inverted data continue to be set for "520 μs x 8 times = 4 ms".
After that, the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes a refresh process (S6).

The sub-control board 150 uses the phase interrupt to execute a process of reading the reply data and the inverted data at least twice for a period of 1 m (1 ms x 2 readings) (S4).
When this process is finished, the sub-control board 150 enters a waiting state for the next frame interruption (S5).

[Maximum processing speed (processing time)]
The processing speed of the above (S1) is 0.138 ms at maximum.
The processing speed of the above (S2) is 7 ms at maximum.
The processing speed of the above (S3) is 3.546 ms at maximum (*).
The processing speed of the above (S4) is 8 ms at maximum.
The processing speed of the above (S5) is 14.6493 ms at maximum.
Regarding (*), it is calculated as (133 Byte [LED] + 133 Byte [Liquid crystal]) x 13.333...μs [600 kbps x 8 bit].
The total time of the above (S1) to the above (S4) is 18.684 ms.

[Details of refresh processing]
The CPU of the liquid crystal substrate 152 executes the refresh process at the timing (period) of (S6) above.
The refresh process includes (A) port refresh process and (B) reception index initialization process.
(A) The port refresh process is a process of changing communication from invalid to communication valid (process of clearing the number of received bits). This corresponds to a countermeasure against remaining bits.
(B) Reception index initialization processing is processing for clearing the reception index. This corresponds to communication cutoff measures.
The refresh process is preferably executed when no subcommand is received for a predetermined period of time (for example, 520 μs x 2 = 1 ms) during the period (S6).

FIG. 73 is a diagram showing a subcommand transmission/reception flow (state transition) of the sub control board and the liquid crystal board.

[When communication is successful]
First, the flow of processing when communication is successful will be explained. Note that the flow of processing when communication is successful is indicated by solid arrows in the figure. In addition, in the processing on the sub-control board 150 side, the elliptical figure indicated by diagonal hatching is executed by the liquid crystal task, and the elliptical figure indicated by halftone dots is executed when a phase interrupt occurs. It shows. However, the subject of processing and the execution timing of processing are not limited to these.

[X1] When the command state is in the standby state (CMD:==IDLE), the sub control board 150 constructs the command, stores the constructed subcommand in the command buffer CB, and sets the command state to the save end state. (CMD:=SAVE_END). Note that an arrow pointing toward the command buffer CB indicates that a subcommand is stored in the command buffer CB.

[X2] The sub-control board 150 transmits a sub-command when the communication state is a normal response state (TRNS:==REP_OK) and the command state is a save end state (CMD:==SAVE_END). , sets the communication state to the execution state (TRNS:=EXEC). Note that an arrow coming out of the command buffer CB indicates that a subcommand is being sent from the command buffer CB. Furthermore, the reason why the command buffer CB has two stages is to prevent the stored subcommands from being overwritten since the CPU of the sub control board 150 is operating even while the subcommands are being transmitted. Therefore, the next subcommand is constructed in a lower command buffer CB that is different from the upper command buffer CB used this time, and is transmitted from the lower command buffer CB.

[X3] When a DMA transmission interrupt occurs, the sub control board 150 sets the communication state to an end state (TRNS:=END). Note that the DMA transmission interrupt is an interrupt that occurs when transmission of a subcommand by DMA is started.

[X4] The liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand, and if the reception of the [X5] subcommand is successful, it analyzes the [X6] subcommand and executes the drawing process based on the [X7] subcommand.
Further, the [X4] liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand, and if the reception of the [X5] subcommand is successful, the [X8] subcontrol board 150 sends the subcommand of successful reception (""Success").

[X9] If the sub-command indicating successful reception is received and the communication state is in the end state (TRNS:=END), the sub-control board 150 assumes that the sub-command transmission was successful and returns the communication state to the normal state ( TRNS:=REP_OK).

[X10] The sub control board 150 increments (+1) the Inc value and shifts to [X2].
When communication is successful, such processing is repeatedly executed.

[When communication fails]
Next, the flow of processing when communication fails will be explained. Note that the flow of processing when communication fails is indicated by dotted arrows in the figure.
The flow from [X1] to [X3] is the same as when communication is successful.
[X4] The liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand, and if it determines that the reception of the subcommand has failed due to a [Y1] sum error, buffer overflow, INC error, etc., the [Y2] subcontrol board 150 In response, a subcommand indicating a reception failure ("sum error", "buffer over", or "INC error" in FIG. 71) is transmitted.

[Y3] If a subcommand of reception failure is received and the communication state is in the end state (TRNS:==END), the sub control board 150 assumes that the transmission of the subcommand has failed and returns the communication state to an abnormal state. (TRNS:=REP_NG).

[Y4] If the communication state is an abnormal response state (TRNS:=REP_NG), the sub-control board 150 resends the subcommand and sets the communication state to an execution state (TRNS:=EXEC), [X3] to move to.
When communication fails, such processing is repeated. If the error or the like is resolved while repeating such processing, the flow shifts to the flow when communication is successful.

[When communication is not delivered]
Finally, the flow of processing when communication fails will be explained. Note that non-delivery does not mean that a subcommand cannot be received, but rather that a correct subcommand cannot be received. Note that the flow of processing when communication fails is indicated by a chain double-dashed arrow in the figure.

[Z1] When the sub-control board 150 does not receive a sub-command from the liquid crystal board 152 for a certain period of time (for example, 5 x 33.333 ms) even though the communication state is in the end state (TRNS:=END) , [Z2] Sets the retransmission flag and moves to [X2].
The flow of [X2] and [X3] is the same as when communication is successful.

[X4] The liquid crystal board 152 receives the subcommand, [Z3] If the retransmission flag of the received subcommand is ON and the Inc value of the received subcommand is the same as the previous value, [Z4] ] Assuming that the correct subcommand has not been received, the received data is discarded and the process moves to [X8]. The subsequent processing flow ([X8]→[X9]→[X10]→[X2]) is the same as when communication is successful.

FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an overview of clock synchronous serial communication.
The sub-control board 150 and the liquid crystal board 152 are connected by a clock signal line and a data signal line, as shown in FIG. 74(A).

The liquid crystal board 152 manages the reception status based on the number of reception bits indicating up to which bit in the reception buffer data has been received and the reception index indicating up to which type of subcommand has been received. There is. At this moment, the number of received bits=0 and the reception index=0.

Here, 8 waveforms are transmitted on the clock signal line, and 8-bit data "01111110" corresponding to the device selection of the normal command system (see Figure 70) is transmitted on the data signal line. is assumed to have been sent.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 74(B), data "01111110" is stored in the reception buffer of the liquid crystal board 152.
Since 8 bits of data have been received, the number of received bits is 8.

As shown in (C) in FIG. 74, when the reception of 1 byte (8 bits) of data is completed, the liquid crystal board 152 moves the 1 byte of data to the transfer buffer. The transfer buffer can store 16 bytes (16 stages) of data.
Then, when 1 byte of data corresponding to the device selection is moved to the transfer buffer, the reception index becomes 1.

FIG. 75 is a diagram showing an overview of refresh processing in clock synchronous serial communication.
As shown in (A) in Figure 75, 8 waveforms were transmitted on the clock signal line, but 9 waveforms were transmitted due to the influence of noise, etc., and 9 waveforms were transmitted on the data signal line due to the influence of noise, etc. It is assumed that data of "011111101" for bits has been transmitted.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 75(B), the reception buffer of the liquid crystal board 152 stores the first 8 bits of data "01111110" among the 9 bits of data.
Since 8 bits of data have been received, the number of received bits is 8.

As shown in (C) in FIG. 75, when the reception of 1 byte (8 bits) of data is completed, the liquid crystal substrate 152 moves the 1 byte of data to the transfer buffer.
Then, when 1 byte of data corresponding to the device selection is moved to the transfer buffer, the reception index becomes 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 75(D), the remaining 1 bit of the 9-bit data, ``1'' data, is stored in bit 7 of the reception buffer of the liquid crystal substrate 152. In the illustrated example, bits 6 to 0 remain the data from the previous reception, but are cleared when the current data reception starts or the previous data reception ends. You can do it like this.
Then, since 1 bit of data is received, the number of received bits=1. Note that the reception index remains "1".

In this way, when more data than the original data is received due to the influence of noise or the like, the number of received bits deviates from the correct value. This point also applies when less data than the original data is received. Furthermore, there is also a possibility that the reception index may shift.

Therefore, as shown in (E) in FIG. 75, in this embodiment, a refresh process is executed in order to avoid such a situation.
In the refresh process, (1) port refresh process and (2) receive index initialization process are executed.
Specifically, (1) the number of reception bits is initialized to 0 in port refresh processing, and (2) the reception index is initialized to 0 in reception index initialization processing. The refresh process is preferably executed after receiving a series of subcommands (for example, after receiving END data).

By executing such processing, the CPU (second board) of the liquid crystal board 152 sets the variable (number of received bits) that manages the reception stage of communication when communicating with the sub-control board 150 (first board). Communication is performed while updating variables (number of received bits and reception index), and when communication with the sub-control board 150 is completed, a refresh process (initialization process) is executed to initialize these variables (number of received bits and reception index). can do.

Also, by executing such processing, when the CPU (second board) of the liquid crystal board 152 receives a subcommand from the sub control board 150, it returns a subcommand to the received subcommand, and executes the subcommand. After the command reply is completed, refresh processing (initialization processing) can be executed.

FIG. 76 is a diagram showing an overview of control processing when displaying a two-dimensional code.
〔basic information〕
The communication method is clock synchronous serial communication. The communication line is used in conjunction with a dynamic LED communication line (see FIG. 17).
The communication speed is 600 kbps.
The communication cycle is 33.33 ms [30 fps].
The number of bits is 8 bits.

As shown in (A) in FIG. 76, the CPU of the sub-control board 150 generates basic data for displaying a two-dimensional code on the liquid crystal display 41.
(B) in FIG. 76 is an enlarged view of the upper left portion of the basic data.

[Bit conversion]
As shown in (C) in FIG. 76, the CPU of the sub-control board 150 executes a process of converting the two-dimensional code into bits. Specifically, processing for converting data into "0" and "1" data is executed. For example, a black part is set to "0" and a white part is set to "1".

[7Bit conversion]
As shown in (D) in FIG. 76, the CPU of the sub-control board 150 executes a process of converting the bit data into 7 bits. Specifically, processing is performed to divide the bit data into data of 7 bits each (data D1, D2). The reason for converting to 7 bits is to store 0 in the first bit when transmitting data (see data (n) etc. in FIG. 70).
Then, the CPU of the sub-control board 150 transmits the 7-bit data to the liquid crystal board 152.

[Drawing order]
The CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 executes drawing processing based on the received data. The drawing order is as follows.
[When 1 pixel per dot (enlargement rate = 1)]
When there is 1 pixel per dot, as shown in (E) in FIG. ), when 8-bit data construction is completed, drawing data is constructed in order from the left side of the second row ("9" to "16").
Then, such processing is repeated for each received data, and finally a two-dimensional code is drawn on the liquid crystal display 41 based on the drawing data and the display position. This point is the same for 2 to 4 pixels.

[When 2 pixels per dot (enlargement rate = 2)]
When there are 2 pixels per dot, as shown in (F) in FIG. The data "2" when one pixel per dot is doubled vertically and horizontally to create data for drawing "5" to "8".

[When 3 pixels per dot (enlargement rate = 3)]
When there are 3 pixels per dot, as shown in (G) in FIG. The data "2" when 1 pixel per dot is multiplied by three times in the vertical and horizontal directions to create data for drawing "10" to "18".

[When 4 pixels per dot (magnification rate = 4)]
When there are 4 pixels per dot, as shown in (H) in FIG. The data of "2" when 1 pixel per dot is multiplied by 4 in the vertical and horizontal directions to create drawing data of "17" to "32".

By executing such processing, the CPU of the liquid crystal board 152 enlarges data corresponding to the vertical and horizontal directions of the liquid crystal display 41 (display means) when increasing basic data based on the enlargement rate. The same number can be increased according to the rate (display control means).

FIG. 77 is a diagram showing how to use a two-dimensional code.
The two-dimensional code is displayed on a liquid crystal display 41 located at the upper center of the saucer unit 6.
Then, by reading the two-dimensional code using the portable information processing terminal 310, the player can obtain a gaming history and enjoy cooperation with the application that he or she has downloaded.

As explained above, the present embodiment has the following effects. Please note that the issues and effects described below are only secondary, and the main issue and effect is simply "providing a novel gaming machine."

[Transmission/reception command format with noise suppression]
(1) According to this embodiment, since the communication rules regarding the most significant bit (specific bit) are unified, it is easy to take countermeasures against noise (easy to identify the occurrence of noise), and even in environments where noise occurs. However, command communication can be performed normally, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

(2) According to the present embodiment, a large amount of information can be handled as game information, and an information system that facilitates noise countermeasures can be provided.

(3) According to the present embodiment, a large amount of information can be handled as communication information, and an information system that facilitates noise countermeasures can be created.

(4) [Issue] Design of a command format (system) that is resistant to noise is required. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted.
(a) The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a sub-control board (VDP-less performance control CPU) and a liquid crystal board (low-spec small liquid crystal drawing CPU), and commands are communicated between the boards.
(b) In the most significant bit (first bit) of the initialization command system and normal command system sent from the sub control board, START and END are set to "1", and the others are set to "0" (A1 in Figure 69). and A2 in FIG. 70).

(c) A "retransmission flag" is provided in the packet type of the normal command system transmitted from the sub control board (see FIG. 70).
(d) In the most significant bit of the command system transmitted from the liquid crystal board, if there is no data, it is set to "0", otherwise it is set to "1" (see A3 in FIG. 71).
(e) The sub-command is output from the liquid crystal board to the sub-control board in the amount of time that can be read twice, and the sub-control board reads it twice at the phase interrupt after sending the sub-command (communication cycle in Figure 71). reference).

[Effect] By adopting such a configuration, command communication can be performed normally even in an environment where noise occurs.

[LCD board communication refresh processing]
(1) According to the present embodiment, the liquid crystal board 152 (second board) performs refresh processing (initialization processing) every time communication with the sub-control board 150 (first board) ends, so The influence of noise can be removed at the time of termination, command communication can be performed normally even in an environment where noise occurs, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the refresh process is executed after a series of processes related to transmission and reception of subcommands is completed, so the refresh process can be executed without interfering with the series of processes, and the series of processes can be completed. Refresh processing can be performed in the remaining time after the update.

(3) [Issue] It is required to design a subcommand transmission/reception flow that is resistant to noise. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted.
(a) The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a sub-control board (VDP-less performance control CPU) and a liquid crystal board (low-spec small liquid crystal drawing CPU), and commands are communicated between the boards.
(b) In response to the sub-command from the sub-control board, the liquid crystal board returns information such as whether or not it is normal to the sub-control board, and then performs a refresh process (see (S6) in FIG. 72).
(c) Refresh processing specifically includes "port refresh (*1)" which temporarily disables and re-enables communication, and "initializes the reception index that indicates how far data has been received in one command". Initialize the reception index (*2).

(*1) Sub-commands from the sub-control board to the LCD board are communicated in a clock-synchronous serial manner, and one category of sub-commands (START, device selection, etc.) uses 8 bits as one data unit. , if normal, 8 bits are latched and moved to the read register. If the receiving side misrecognizes the clock signal due to the influence of noise or the like on the transmission path, the data delimiters on the sending and receiving sides will not match, and subsequent communication will no longer be possible. Therefore, the 8-bit count value (and its contents) is cleared periodically.
(*2) As mentioned above, if it is a normal command, it is sent in the order of START (0), device type (1), packet type (2), etc., but the reception index is 0 or Indicates 1st prize.
[Effect] By adopting such a configuration, command communication can be performed normally even in an environment where noise occurs.

[Code drawing]
(1) According to the present embodiment, since a two-dimensional code (predetermined code) is displayed based on the magnification ratio, the two-dimensional code (predetermined code) is displayed based on the magnification ratio, so that the two-dimensional code (predetermined code) is adjusted to the size of the liquid crystal display 41 and is easy to read by the portable information processing terminal 310. A dimensional code can be displayed, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the data corresponding to the vertical and horizontal directions of the liquid crystal display 41 are increased by the same number according to the enlargement ratio, so it is possible to increase the basic data by unified and simple processing. can.

(3) [Problem] I want to display a two-dimensional code according to the resolution (number of pixels) of the LCD panel so that it can be read correctly. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted.
(a) The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a sub-control board (VDP-less performance control CPU) and a liquid crystal board (low-spec small liquid crystal drawing CPU), and commands are communicated between the boards.
(b) When displaying a two-dimensional code on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41, the production control CPU sends a message to the CPU of the liquid crystal board in the data section of the normal command (data (n), data (n+1), etc.). The data of the two-dimensional code is divided into 7 bits (7 bits) starting from the upper left and is transmitted.
(c) When the CPU of the liquid crystal board draws a two-dimensional code, if the number of pixels per dot is 2 to 4, the number of vertical and horizontal dots is increased for each dot of received data. For example, if the number of pixels is 2, the original 1 pixel is doubled vertically and horizontally to make a total of 4 pixels (see FIG. 76).

[Effect] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to display a two-dimensional code that is easy to read while correctly displaying a two-dimensional code, no matter what size the liquid crystal display is.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted.

The gaming machine of the above-mentioned embodiment has been described as an example of a gaming machine (so-called Hanemono, old type 2 gaming machine) that wins the jackpot when the game ball passes through a specific area. It may also be a gaming machine (so-called digital pachinko, old type 1 gaming machine) that wins a jackpot when . In this case, it may be a so-called loop-type gaming machine (a type that does not set a practical upper limit on the number of variable times), a gaming machine of an ST type (a type that sets a practical upper limit on the number of variable variables), or a gaming machine that has a fixed variable area. It may be a gaming machine that does not have a variable probability area, it may be a gaming machine that has a variable probability area, it may be a gaming machine that does not adopt "simultaneous spinning of the first special symbol and the second special symbol", or it may be a gaming machine that does not employ "simultaneous spinning of the first special symbol and the second special symbol". It may also be used as a gaming machine. Further, the gaming machine may be a so-called one-type, two-type mixing machine. Furthermore, the gaming machine may be a gaming machine with settings or a gaming machine having a performance display monitor.

The present invention is applicable not only to pachinko machines but also to pachislot machines.
Although the first board is a sub-control board and the second board is a liquid crystal board, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first board may be a main control board or a liquid crystal board, and the second board may be a sub-control board or a main control board.
The sub-control board may be a board on which a VDP is mounted.
The game information may include communication information necessary for controlling communication.
The communication information may include game information necessary for controlling the game.

In addition, the structure, board configuration, etc. of the pachinko machine 1, including those shown in the drawings, are preferred examples, and can be modified as appropriate.

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Game area 30 Movable ball entry accessory device 34 First special symbol display device 35 Second special symbol display device 42 Performance display device 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU

Claims (3)

a first substrate;
a second board capable of communicating with the first board using a predetermined command;
The predetermined command is
1 byte of information, including a specific bit that is the most significant bit of the 1-byte information , and non-specific bits other than the specific bit,
The specific bit includes:
A specific value is stored when communicating gaming information necessary for controlling a game, and a non-specific value different from the specific value is stored when communicating communication information necessary for controlling communication. A gaming machine featuring: In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The gaming information is
At least one of information regarding the destination of the predetermined command, information regarding the number of the predetermined commands, information regarding the content of the predetermined command, information regarding the consistency of the predetermined command, and information regarding the response to the predetermined command. A gaming machine characterized by including information on: In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The communication information is
A gaming machine comprising at least one of information indicating that the command is the first command, information indicating that the command is the last command, and information indicating that there is no data.

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