JP4882209B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  One type of gaming machine is a pachinko machine. As a pachinko machine, for example, when a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and the game ball wins a predetermined winning means provided in the game area (including passing through a through gate or the like), a predetermined display device When the identification information is variably displayed and the identification information is confirmed and stopped in a predetermined specific manner, a state advantageous to the player, for example, a variable winning means (including an electric accessory etc.) is opened. In addition, there is a type in which a game value is given to a player (award ball is paid out) based on winning of a game ball to the variable winning means.

  This type of pachinko machine has a main control means that supervises the control of the game by monitoring the presence or absence of a game ball to the winning means, a display control means for controlling the display device, and a prize ball payout control. Various control means such as a payout control means for performing, a sound control means for controlling the speaker, and a lamp control means for controlling the lamp are provided (for example, see Patent Document 1). Then, the main control means transmits a command to each control means such as a display control means in response to, for example, winning a game ball to a predetermined winning means, and each control means responds to the command. Various control objects (the display device, the lamp, etc.) are controlled.

In general, the main control device repeatedly executes a process for monitoring whether or not a game ball has won a winning means, a process for sending a command to various control means, etc. at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 4 msec cycle). It is performed in the regular processing (game control routine).
JP 2004-105440 A

  However, since there is a time restriction such as the above 4 msec in one periodic process, the number of commands (communication data) that can be transmitted during that time is considered in view of the time required to transmit / receive a command having a predetermined data length (for example, 2 bytes). There was a limit to the amount. Therefore, when there are a plurality of control targets and the transmission timings of a plurality of commands overlap each other during one periodic process, there is a case where a command to be transmitted at a predetermined timing cannot be transmitted. As a result, there is a possibility that the operation of the predetermined control target may not be performed at a more appropriate timing.

  In order to avoid such a problem, it is conceivable to increase the period of the regular processing in the main control means (for example, 10 msec period), but if configured in this way, for example, winning a game ball to the winning means Since the interval of the process of monitoring the game becomes longer, there is a higher possibility that the main control means cannot detect it and miss it even though the game ball has won the winning means. Therefore, if the period of the regular processing is made relatively long, there is a possibility of causing a new problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of efficiently transmitting a command.

  In the following, each means suitable for achieving the above-mentioned purpose will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect etc. peculiar to a corresponding means are added as needed.

A gaming machine according to claim 1 is:
A gaming machine comprising: a first control unit that controls predetermined control relating to a game; and a second control unit that controls a first display unit and a second display unit in response to a command transmitted by the first control unit. There,
The first control means includes
Based on the occurrence of a predetermined first trigger, a series of matters that are related to the control contents from the start to the stop of the variable display performed by the first display means and should be sequentially instructed to the first display means are determined. Means to
Based on the occurrence of a predetermined second trigger, a series of matters that are related to the control contents from the start to the stop of the variable display performed by the second display means and are to be sequentially instructed to the second display means are determined. And means for
First control information related to one item in a series of items to be sequentially instructed to the first display means, and second control information related to one item in a series of items to be sequentially instructed to the second display means Is set in a predetermined command creation area, so that a command including the first control information and the second control information can be created and transmitted to the second control means. And

A gaming machine according to claim 2 is:
In the gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
The first control means includes
A first determination process for determining presence / absence and control contents of control information to be transmitted to the first display means, and a second determination process for determining presence / absence of control information and control contents to be transmitted to the second display means. And
The control information corresponding to the discrimination results of the first discrimination process and the second discrimination process is set in a predetermined command creation area, and a command including the first control information and the second control information is created. It is characterized by being comprised.

  According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, commands can be transmitted efficiently.

Means 1. A gaming machine comprising: a first control unit that controls predetermined control related to a game; and a second control unit that controls a plurality of control targets in response to a command transmitted by the first control unit.
The first control means is configured to create a command in which a plurality of pieces of control information (command data) individually corresponding to the respective control objects are aggregated and to transmit the command to the second control means. A gaming machine.

  According to the means 1, the first control means can create a command including a plurality of pieces of control information necessary for controlling each of the plurality of control objects, and can transmit the command to the second control means. In other words, the first control means can perform a single command transmission process in which a plurality of command transmission processes individually corresponding to a plurality of control objects are combined into one, so that a plurality of control objects can be controlled. Can be transmitted efficiently. As a result, even when transmission timings of a plurality of command transmission processes corresponding to a plurality of control objects controlled by the second control unit overlap, without delaying a command transmission process corresponding to a predetermined control object, It can be performed at a more appropriate timing. As a result, the operation control of a predetermined control target can be performed at a more appropriate timing.

  Further, when “the first control unit is configured to execute as a series of periodic processes in which various processes including a command transmission process are repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle”, the above-described effects are further enhanced. Further, when the number of commands that can be transmitted is limited due to the time restriction of the regular processing, the effect is further enhanced. As a result, command transmission processing (for example, command transmission processing that conventionally had to be delayed) related to a control target different from the plurality of control targets can be performed in the same periodic processing.

  In addition, if a command in which a plurality of control information is aggregated is stored in advance by a command table or the like and is configured to be selected from the command table when transmitting, the larger the number of control targets, Since there are many combinations of a plurality of control information, the amount of data that must be stored becomes enormous. As a result, the data capacity may increase. In this regard, the above-described means is configured such that a command in which a plurality of pieces of control information are aggregated is not stored in advance, but is created each time, so that an increase in data capacity can be suppressed.

  Although the same applies to the following means, examples of the “first control means” include “main control means” that collectively controls the gaming state. In this case, the “second control unit” corresponds to a “sub-control unit” that controls a control target in accordance with a command from the “main control unit”. As the “sub-control means”, “display control means” that mainly controls the display means, “voice control means” that controls the sound generation means such as a speaker, and “light emission (lamp) that controls the light emission means such as a lamp” ) Control means ”,“ grant control means (payout control means) ”that controls the control of game value assignment (for example, payout of prize balls), and the like. Of course, the “sub-control means” is not limited to this, and for example, any two or more of the above “display control means”, “sound control means”, “light emission (lamp) control means”, and “applying control means” Control means having the following functions may be used. For example, a second control unit that controls the display unit as the control target and the light emission unit as the control target is provided, and the first control unit aggregates the command corresponding to the display unit and the command corresponding to the light emission unit. A configuration in which the command is generated as one command and transmitted to the second control unit is given as an example. Of course, a configuration may be adopted in which a command is transmitted from the first control means to the second control means via another control means.

  The first control unit may be another control unit (for example, a display control unit) different from the main control unit. In this case, the “second control unit” is another control unit (for example, a light emission control unit) that controls a control target in response to a command from the second control unit.

  Examples of the control target include various electrical components such as a display device (display unit), a lamp, and a speaker, and other control units. Therefore, various combinations are conceivable as combinations of a plurality of control objects. For example, a combination of a plurality of display devices, a combination of a display device, a lamp and a speaker, a combination of sound control means and a light emission control means, a combination of light emission means and a light emission control means, and the like can be mentioned. The plurality of control objects include not only a plurality of physically independent objects but also objects that are individually (independently) controlled by different processes. Therefore, the combination may be a combination of the first identification information (special symbol) and the second identification information (ordinary symbol) displayed on the predetermined display means.

  Further, the above “aggregation” means that the data is combined into one, and the “aggregation” can be replaced with words such as “composite” and “synthesis”.

  The first control means and the second control means in the above means are control means provided separately from each other and connected by a predetermined signal line so that commands can be transmitted and received. Of course, the first control means and the second control means may be connected via other control means.

  In the above means, the second control means is configured to determine command data of a command received from the first control means, and to control each control object based on the determination result.

  In addition, the “command in which a plurality of control information individually corresponding to each control target is aggregated” includes control information that is added in series (arranged in a predetermined order), that is, divided into each control information. A command with a possible configuration is given as an example. For example, the upper byte (first byte) of a 2-byte command constitutes control information corresponding to the first control object, and the lower byte (second byte) constitutes control information corresponding to the second control object. You may make it do. Therefore, each control information constitutes a command for controlling each control object. Therefore, in the above means, “control information” can be replaced with “command”. Of course, “a command in which a plurality of control information individually corresponding to each control object is aggregated” is one command that cannot be divided, and by analyzing the command on the second control means side, The structure which can control a control object may be sufficient. For example, the odd bit portion of the command may constitute control information corresponding to the first control object, and the even bit portion may constitute control information corresponding to the second control object.

Mean 2. The first control unit is configured to execute various processes including a process of monitoring signal input from a predetermined trigger generation unit and a command transmission process as a series of periodic processes that are repeated at a predetermined period;
Based on the signal input from the trigger generation means, configured to determine the control content corresponding to at least one control object among the plurality of control objects,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to create the command including control information corresponding to the control content.

  According to the means 2, the effect of the means 1 is further enhanced. Further, when the number of commands that can be transmitted is limited due to the time restriction of the periodic processing, the effect is further enhanced. As a result, command transmission processing (for example, command transmission processing that conventionally had to be delayed) related to a control target different from the plurality of control targets can be performed in the same periodic processing. Also, it is not necessary to make the period of the regular processing relatively long in order to transmit more commands. Therefore, for example, the period interval of “the process of monitoring the signal input from the predetermined trigger generation means” becomes long, and the first control means overlooks the signal input from the trigger generation means. It is possible to reduce the risk of endangering. As the “trigger generation means”, for example, “detection means for detecting the entry of a game ball into a predetermined entry means provided in the game area” or “variable display means for displaying a variable display of identification information”. “Detecting means for detecting that the starting operation means for starting operation” has been operated, and the like are listed as an example. In addition, the means 2 is particularly configured to perform processing corresponding to at least one control object based on a signal input from a predetermined trigger generation means, so the timing of command transmission processing corresponding to each control object. However, due to the configuration of the means 1, such a problem can be eliminated from the original.

  The same applies to the following means, but the above-mentioned “process for monitoring signal input from the predetermined trigger generation means and various processes including the command transmission process are executed as a series of periodic processes that are repeated at predetermined intervals. In place of the configuration, “various processes including a process for monitoring signal input from a predetermined trigger generation means and various processes including a command transmission process are executed as a series of periodic processes that are repeatedly performed at a predetermined period.” It is good also as a structure.

Means 3. A plurality of trigger generation means individually corresponding to each control object,
The first control unit is configured to execute various processes including a process of monitoring signal input from the plurality of trigger generation units and a command transmission process as a series of periodic processes that are repeatedly performed at a predetermined period.
Based on the signal input from each of the trigger generation means, it is configured to be able to determine the control content related to the control object corresponding to the trigger generation means,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is configured to create the command including control information corresponding to the control content.

  According to the means 3, the same effects as the means 2 can be obtained. However, since the means 3 is particularly provided with a trigger generation means corresponding to each control object, there is a possibility that the adjustment of command transmission processing timing and priority order corresponding to each control object may be complicated. Such a problem can be eliminated by the configuration of the means 1 described above. It should be noted that the “plurality of trigger generation means” includes, for example, “a plurality of detection means for detecting the entry of a game ball into a ball entry means provided separately in the game area”, that is, physical Are provided independently (those that are separately connected to the first control means by a predetermined signal line).

  Means 4. The first control means performs a discrimination process for discriminating the presence / absence of control information to be transmitted and the control content in correspondence with each control object, and assigns control information individually corresponding to the plurality of discrimination results to a predetermined value. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is configured to create a command that is set in a command creation area and aggregates the plurality of control information.

  According to the above means 4, it is possible to more efficiently create a command in which a plurality of pieces of control information individually corresponding to each control object are collected. As a result, the command creation process can be simplified and the processing load on the control means can be reduced.

Means 5. The first control means and the second control means are connected by a predetermined signal line capable of simultaneously transferring a plurality of bits of data through a plurality of data signal lines,
The data amount that can be simultaneously transmitted by one transfer on the signal line is a data amount that can transfer the data amount of the command that aggregates the plurality of control information at one time. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  According to the above means 5, since a command comprising a plurality of control information necessary for controlling each of a plurality of control objects can be simultaneously transmitted by one data transfer, a plurality of control information can be efficiently transmitted. it can.

  Means 6. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the command is composed of command data of a plurality of bytes.

  According to the means 6 described above, a command in which a plurality of control information (command data) is aggregated is configured by command data of a plurality of bytes, for example, 2 bytes. Accordingly, it is possible to deal with a relatively large number of control patterns and to deal with more complicated processing. Furthermore, if each control information is set as, for example, 1-byte data, command data can be simplified, command creation processing and command transmission / reception processing can be simplified, and processing load on various control means can be reduced. .

  Mean 7 The means according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the second control means is configured to analyze (discriminate) the command for each control information unit and to execute control relating to the control information. Game machines.

  According to the means 7, since the command is configured to be analyzed in units of the control information, it is possible to grasp the control content corresponding to each control object relatively easily, simplifying the process and The burden can be reduced.

  Means 8. The second control unit includes a control content storage unit that stores a correspondence relationship between the command that aggregates the plurality of control information and the control content of each control target, and is based on the command received from the first control unit. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, characterized in that the control content storage means is taken into account to control each of the controlled objects.

  According to the means 8, since the control contents can be grasped comparatively easily by taking into account the control contents storage means and the control of each control target can be performed, the processing can be simplified and the burden can be reduced.

Means 9. A gaming machine comprising: a first control unit that controls a predetermined control related to a game; and a second control unit that controls a first control target and a second control target according to a command transmitted by the first control unit. There,
The first control means creates a command composed of first control information necessary for control of the first control target and second control information necessary for control of the second control target, and the second control means A gaming machine characterized by being configured to be able to transmit to.

  According to the means 9, the same effects as the means 1 and the like can be obtained. Of course, like the above-mentioned means 1 etc., “a command composed of first control information necessary for control of the first control object and second control information necessary for control of the second control object” In other words, it is referred to as a “command in which the first control information necessary for the control of the one control target and the second control information necessary for the control of the second control target are aggregated”, or “control information” is “command” or “command data”. In other words.

Means 10. The first control unit is configured to execute various processes including a process of monitoring signal input from a predetermined trigger generation unit and a command transmission process as a series of periodic processes that are repeated at a predetermined period;
Based on a signal input from the trigger generation means, it is configured to be able to determine the control content corresponding to at least one control object among the first control object and the second control object,
The gaming machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the command including the control information corresponding to the control content can be created.

  According to the means 10, the same effect as that of the means 2 is obtained.

Means 11. First trigger generation means corresponding to the first control object; and second trigger generation means corresponding to the second control object;
The first control means is a series of periodic processes for repeatedly performing various processes including a process for monitoring signal input from the first trigger generation means and the second trigger generation means and a command transmission process at a predetermined cycle. Configured to run,
Based on the signal input from the first trigger generation means, it is configured to be able to determine the control content related to the first control object,
Based on the signal input from the second trigger generation means, it is configured to be able to determine the control content related to the second control object,
The command includes the first control information corresponding to the control content related to the first control target and the second control information corresponding to the control content related to the second control target. 10. A gaming machine according to claim 9, characterized in that

  According to the means 11, the same effects as the means 3 can be obtained. In addition, the above-mentioned “execution of various processes including a process for monitoring signal input from the first trigger generation means and the second trigger generation means and a command transmission process as a series of periodic processes that are repeated at a predetermined period” Instead of the configuration, “a series of repeatedly performing various processes including a process for monitoring signal input from the first trigger generating means and the second trigger generating means and various processes including a command transmission process at predetermined intervals, respectively. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that “executes as periodic processing”. The “first trigger generation means” and the “second trigger generation means” include, for example, “first detection means for detecting the entrance of a game ball into the first entrance means provided in the game area”. ”And“ second detection means for detecting the entry of a game ball into the second entry means provided in the game area ”, etc., which are provided separately (the first signal by a predetermined signal line) Separately connected to the control means).

Means 12. The first control means includes a first determination process for determining presence / absence and control content of control information to be transmitted to the first control object, and presence / absence and control content of control information to be transmitted to the second control object. And a second discrimination process for discriminating
The control information corresponding to the discrimination results of the first discrimination process and the second discrimination process is set in a predetermined command creation area, and a command composed of the first control information and the second control information is created The gaming machine according to any one of means 9 to 11, wherein the gaming machine is configured to do so.

  According to the means 12, the same operation and effect as the means 4 can be obtained.

Means 13. The first control means and the second control means are connected by a predetermined signal line capable of simultaneously transferring a plurality of bits of data through a plurality of data signal lines,
The amount of data that can be sent simultaneously in a single transfer on the signal line is a data amount that can transfer the amount of data of a command composed of the first control information and the second control information at a time. The gaming machine according to any one of the means 9 to 12 characterized.

  According to the means 13, the same effect as that of the means 5 is achieved.

  Means 14. The gaming machine according to any one of means 9 to 13, wherein the command is constituted by a plurality of bytes of command data.

  According to the means 14, the same effect as that of the means 6 is obtained. Further, “the first control information is composed of one or more bytes of command data, the second control information is composed of one or more bytes of command data, and the command is composed of plural bytes of command data as a whole. It may be "being". For example, “the first control information is composed of 1-byte command data, the second control information is composed of 2-byte command data, and the command is composed of 3-byte command data as a whole.” It is good.

  Means 15. The means according to any one of means 9 to 14, wherein the second control means is configured to analyze (discriminate) the command for each control information unit and to execute control relating to the control information. Game machines.

  According to the means 15, the same effect as that of the means 7 is achieved.

  Means 16. The first control information is composed of 1-byte command data, the second control information is composed of 1-byte command data, and the command is composed of 2-byte command data as a whole. A gaming machine according to any one of means 9 to 13.

  According to the means 16, the same effect as that of the means 6 is obtained. Furthermore, since each control information is composed of 1-byte command data, command data can be simplified, command transmission / reception processing can be simplified, and processing load on various control means can be reduced.

Means 17. The second control means analyzes (discriminates) an upper byte (first byte) of the command having the 2-byte configuration, and executes control of the first control object based on the analysis result,
The means 16 is configured to analyze (discriminate) the lower byte (second byte) of the command having the 2-byte configuration and execute the control of the second control target based on the analysis result. The gaming machine described in 1.

  According to the means 17, it is possible to simplify the control process for each control target and reduce the processing load.

  Means 18. The second control means stores a control content storage that stores a correspondence relationship between a command composed of the first control information and the second control information, and control content of the first control object and the second control object. Any of means 9 to 17 comprising means for controlling each of the controlled objects in consideration of the control content storage means based on a command received from the first control means The gaming machine described.

  According to the means 18, since the control contents can be grasped comparatively easily by taking into account the control contents storage means and control of each control target can be performed, the processing can be simplified and the burden can be reduced.

  Means 19. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 18, wherein the first control means is configured to generate a special gaming state advantageous to a player based on establishment of a specific condition.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As more detailed mode examples, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a ball launching means (such as a launch motor) for playing a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the launch A ball path (ball guide path of the rail unit) that guides the played game balls to a predetermined game area, and each game component (general winning port, variable winning device, operating port, variable display unit, etc.) arranged in the gaming area ).

  B. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a bullet ball gaming machine having a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. As more detailed mode examples, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a ball launching means (such as a launch motor) for playing a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the launch A ball path (rail guide path of the rail unit) for guiding the played game ball to a predetermined game area extending in a substantially vertical direction (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface, etc.), and each of the game areas arranged in the game area A ball ball game machine comprising game parts (general winning opening, variable winning device, operation opening, variable display unit, etc.) and configured so that the behavior of a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can be visually recognized. .

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine in which a game area is expanded. As a more detailed mode example, “a ball game machine including at least one of technical configurations for expanding a game area as compared with the prior art described in the embodiments of the invention to be described later” may be cited. .

  D. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine equipped with a variable display device. As more detailed mode examples, “an operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, a ball launching means (such as a launch motor) for playing a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the launch A ball path (ball guide path of the rail unit) for guiding the played game ball to a predetermined game area (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface), an operation port arranged in the game area, and a variable display device And a variable winning device, and the identification information (symbol) displayed on the variable display device is variably displayed based on the detection of the winning of the game ball at the operating port, and is stopped and displayed after a predetermined time. , A bullet ball game machine configured to open the variable display device in a predetermined manner when the identification information (design) displayed in a stopped state is in a specific manner.

  E. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  F. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a revolving type gaming machine such as a slot machine. As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (specifically, a rotating body such as a reel with a symbol) composed of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is displayed in a variable manner (specifically, a reel or the like). Variable display means (specifically, a rotating unit such as a reel unit) that displays the identification information string after being rotated), and is identified due to the operation of the starting operating means (specifically, the start lever). Changes in information (symbols) are started, and changes in identification information (symbols) are stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stoppage (specifically, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed. There is a revolving type gaming machine configured to generate a special game state (such as a bonus game) advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information (symbol) is the specific identification information (symbol).

  G. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine configured by combining a pachinko machine and a slot machine (especially a gaming machine of a slot machine specification that uses a gaming ball as a gaming medium). As a more detailed mode example, “a discriminating information string (a symbol string; specifically a rotating body such as a reel or a belt with a symbol) made up of a plurality of identification information (symbols) is variably displayed (specifically, a reel Variable display means (specifically, a rotating body unit such as a reel unit) that displays the identification information string after the rotation is performed, and is caused by the operation of the starting operation means (specifically, the start lever). The variation of the identification information (symbol) is started, and the variation of the identification information (symbol) is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stopping (specifically, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has passed. It is configured to generate a special gaming state (bonus game, etc.) that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information (symbol) is specific identification information (symbol), and a ball tray (top plate, etc.) With that An input device that performs an input process of taking a game ball from the tray and a payout device that pays out the game ball to the ball tray; A gaming machine configured to be effective ”.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front frame set 14 is opened and a lower plate unit 13 is removed with respect to an outer frame 11 and an inner frame 12 described later. It is. However, in FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, a configuration in a game area on the surface of the game board 30 to be described later is shown in blank.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pachinko machine 10 as a gaming machine includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is formed on one side of the outer frame 11. It is supported so that it can be opened and closed. The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. Therefore, the structure can be easily reused as compared with the conventional structure in which the plates are assembled using nails and rivets. In this embodiment, the outer dimension of the outer frame 11 is 809 mm (inner dimension 771 mm), and the outer dimension in the left-right direction is 518 mm (inner dimension 480 mm).

  The inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are made of a synthetic resin, specifically, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By using a synthetic resin for molding both, it is possible to cope with a more complicated shape as compared with the case of using a metal material, and it is also possible to suppress an increase in production cost. Advantages of using ABS include a low production cost, strong viscosity, and high impact resistance compared to resin materials such as polycarbonate. In addition, for example, when a coating process such as plating is performed on a design surface such as the front side of the front frame set 14, the process is relatively easy to perform, and there is an advantage that a product with higher appearance quality can be manufactured.

  The opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically to the left side (opposite to the installation position of the handle 18 described later) when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame is centered on the opening / closing axis. 12 can be opened to the front side. The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum.

  A lower tray unit 13 is attached to the inner frame 12 at the lowermost portion, and a front frame set 14 is attached to correspond to a range excluding the lower tray unit 13. The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 with a fastener such as a screw. The front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is located on the front side with an open / close axis extending vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. It can be opened. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the front frame set 14 is removed from the pachinko machine 10 (however, in FIG. 3, the structure in the game area on the game board 30 is shown as blank for convenience). Note that a rib R1 projects from the front side of the inner frame 12 at a periphery thereof (a portion corresponding to the front frame set 14). When the front frame set 14 is closed, the front frame set 14 is fitted into the rib R1. With this configuration, it becomes difficult to allow a wire or the like to enter from the gap between the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 and plays a role in preventing fraud.

  The lower tray unit 13 is provided with a lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray at a substantially central portion, so that game balls discharged from the outlet 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. Most of the lower dish unit 13 is molded of ABS resin like the inner frame 12, but the surface layer forming the lower dish 15 and the front panel 23 at the back of the lower dish are particularly flame retardant. Molded with ABS resin. For this reason, this part is difficult to burn. Reference numeral 24 denotes a sound output port from the speaker 249 (see FIG. 2), and reference numeral 25 denotes a ball release lever for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 downward.

  A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as “handle”) 18 is disposed on the right side of the lower plate 15 so as to protrude to the front side. That is, the handle 18 is positioned on the right side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 on the side opposite to the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12, and a predetermined opening amount when the inner frame 12 is opened regardless of the protrusion of the handle 18. It can be secured. An ashtray 26 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The ashtray 26 has a so-called cantilever structure that is rotatably supported by a shaft rod (not shown) protruding leftward from the left side of the lower tray 15.

  On the other hand, an upper plate 19 serving as a ball receiving plate is provided above the lower plate 15. Here, the upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to the game ball launching device while aligning them in a line. The upper plate 19 is integrally formed with the glass frame portion that supports the glass in the front frame set 14. In a conventional pachinko machine, a front decorative frame that can be opened and closed with respect to an inner frame below the glass frame is provided, and an upper plate is provided on the front decorative frame. Since the upper plate 19 is provided directly and integrally, even if the width of the frame portion of the front frame set 14 is relatively narrow compared to the conventional case as described later, the front frame set 14 (glass frame portion) ) Can be ensured. Similar to the lower plate 15, the upper plate 19 has a structure in which the surface layer is formed of flame-retardant ABS resin.

  In FIG. 3, the inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 20 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially circular window hole 21 is formed at the center of the resin base 20. A game board 30 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the resin base 20. The game board 30 is made of a rectangular plywood, and is attached in a state in which the peripheral edge thereof is in contact with the back side of the resin base 20 (inner frame 12). Accordingly, a substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 21 of the resin base 20. The vertical length of the game board 30 is 476 mm, and the horizontal length is 452 mm (same size as before). The resin base 20 is provided with an opening detection sensor 22 that detects opening of the front frame set 14. Although not shown, an open detection switch for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is also provided.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a first opportunity corresponding port (starting port) unit 33, a second opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34a, a third opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34b, The variable display unit 35 and the like are disposed in a through hole formed by router processing, and are attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. As is well known, a game ball enters the general winning opening 31, the variable winning apparatus 32, and the first opportunity corresponding opening unit 33, and a predetermined number of pieces are applied to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15) by the output of a detection switch described later. Prize balls are paid out. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered the various winning units (winning device, winning port, first opportunity corresponding port unit 33, etc.) use the out port 36. It is guided through a ball discharge path (not shown). A number of nails are planted on the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (functions) such as the windmill 27 are arranged.

  The first opportunity corresponding port (starting port) unit 33 in the present embodiment includes an upper winning part 33a and a lower winning part 33b. Both winning portions 33a and 33b are variable winning portions (electrical accessories) having a pair of left and right blades as opening and closing members. The upper winning portion 33a and the lower winning portion 33b are normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot be won or difficult to win, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied as will be described later, an open state in which the game balls can win or easily win. It becomes. The lower winning portion 33b is configured such that a game ball cannot enter when the blade is closed (in the closed state). On the other hand, the top winning portion 33a can always enter a game ball from above.

  In the variable display unit 35, the second symbol display device 41a that displays the second symbol in a variable manner triggered by the passage of the second trigger corresponding port 34a, and the third symbol is changed in response to the passage of the third trigger corresponding port 34b. 3rd symbol display device 41b to be displayed, and 1st symbol display device 42 (special symbol display device) to variably display the 1st symbol (special symbol) as identification information triggered by winning in the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 And are provided. The display contents of the second symbol display device 41a, the third symbol display device 41b, and the first symbol display device 42 are controlled by a display control device 45 described later. The second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) constitutes the first control object in the present embodiment, and the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b) constitutes the second control object.

  The second symbol display device 41a (ordinary symbol display device) has a display portion 43a for the second symbol (ordinary symbol) and a holding lamp 44a, and each time a game ball passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34a, for example, When the display symbol (second symbol) by the display unit 43a fluctuates and the variation display stops at a predetermined symbol, the top winning portion 33a of the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 is activated (released) for a predetermined time. ) Is configured as follows. More specifically, it is opened when the “Maru” symbol on the left side of the display unit 43a is lit up, and is not released when the “X” symbol on the right side is lit up. When a game ball newly passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34a during the second symbol variation display on the display unit 43a of the second symbol display device 41a, the corresponding variation display of the second symbol is It is configured to be performed after the end of the variable display performed at the time. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine. In the present embodiment, the variable display is held up to 4 times, and the number of hold times is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44a. Yes. However, the maximum number of holding times is not limited to this. For example, the maximum hold count may be set to 8 in order to wait for the second symbol variation display for 8 times. Further, the change and stop display of the second symbol are performed by controlling lighting of an LED (light emitting diode) (not shown). That is, when these two LEDs are alternately turned on for a predetermined time, the second symbol variation display is performed. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the left symbol (“Maru” symbol) or the right symbol (“X” symbol) is turned on and stopped. Note that the display unit 43a may be configured to be variably displayed on a part of the first symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) in addition to a configuration that is variably displayed by switching lighting of a plurality of lamps. . Similarly, the hold lamp 44a may be configured to be variably displayed on a part of the first symbol display device 42.

  Similarly, the third symbol display device 41b (ordinary symbol display device) has a display portion 43b for the third symbol (ordinary symbol) and a holding lamp 44b, and the game ball passes through the third opportunity corresponding port 34b. For example, when the display symbol (third symbol) by the display unit 43b fluctuates every time and the variation display stops at a predetermined symbol, the lower winning portion 33b of the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 is activated for a predetermined time ( Open). More specifically, it is opened when the “Maru” symbol on the left side of the display unit 43b is lit up, and is not released when the “X” symbol on the right side is lit up. When a game ball newly passes through the third opportunity corresponding port 34b during the variation display of the third symbol on the display unit 43b of the third symbol display device 41b, the corresponding variation display of the third symbol is It is configured to be performed after the end of the variable display performed at the time. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, the variable display is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit on the hold lamp 44b. Yes. However, the maximum number of holding times is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of suspensions may be set to 8 in order to wait for the variation display of the third symbol for 8 times. Further, the change and stop display of the third symbol are performed by controlling lighting (not shown) of an LED (light emitting diode). That is, when these two LEDs are alternately turned on for a predetermined time, the variation display of the third symbol is performed. Then, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the left symbol (“Maru” symbol) or the right symbol (“X” symbol) is turned on and stopped. The display unit 43b may be configured to be variably displayed by a part of the first symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) in addition to the configuration to be variably displayed by switching lighting of a plurality of lamps. . Similarly, the hold lamp 44b may be configured to be displayed in a variable manner on a part of the first symbol display device 42.

  The first symbol display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 45 described later. The first symbol display device 42 displays, for example, three symbol rows of left, middle and right. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of symbols, and these symbols are variably displayed on the first symbol display device 42 so as to be scrolled for each symbol row. In the present embodiment, the first symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) includes a large liquid crystal display of 8 inches. The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the first symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is in an open state in which a game ball is likely to win in a big hit (occurrence of a special game state) and a normal closed state. It is designed to be operated repeatedly. More specifically, when a game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upward winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b), the symbols are variably displayed on the first symbol display device 42, and the confirmed symbols after the stop are preliminarily displayed. A special gaming state occurs when the combination of the set specific symbols is a necessary condition (as the specific condition is satisfied). The large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is in a predetermined open state, and the game ball is configured to be in a state where it is easy to win a prize (a big hit state). Specifically, the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined number of winnings is defined as one round, and the big winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times. When the game ball newly wins the first opportunity corresponding mouth unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b) during the symbol variation display of the first symbol display device 42, the corresponding symbol variation display is It is configured to be performed after the end of the symbol variation display performed at that time. That is, the symbol variation display is waited (held, stored) (storage means). The maximum number of symbol variation displays to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of symbols is displayed up to 4 times, and the number of times of holding is displayed on the hold lamp 46. ing. However, the maximum number of holding times is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of suspensions may be set to 8 in order to wait for 8 symbol fluctuation displays. Note that the hold lamp 46 may be configured so as to be variably displayed on a part of the first symbol display device 42.

  Further, the game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game balls launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30, and the game balls launched by the turning operation of the handle 18. Are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is formed of a ring-shaped resin molded product, and includes an inner rail constituent part (inner rail part) 51 and an outer rail constituent part (outer rail mounting part) 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. Have. The inner rail constituting portion 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 of the upper portion. Further, the outer rail constituting portion 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side portion) faces the inner rail constituting portion 51. In such a case, the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 mainly constitute a guide rail, and each of the rail constituting portions 51 and 52 is guided by a ball by a portion (left portion toward the left) that is parallel with a predetermined interval. A passage is formed. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide passage between the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 to the upper portion of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide passage again. It is like that. Further, a return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail constituting portion 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (upper right portion in FIG. 4: a portion corresponding to the tip portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52). . Therefore, the game ball launched at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is returned to, for example, the substantially central portion side of the game board 30. On the inner side surface of the outer rail constituting portion 52, a sliding plate 55 is attached as a long metal strip made of stainless steel so that the flight of the game ball is smoother. In the present embodiment, the outer rail constituting portion 52 and the sliding plate 55 constitute a so-called conventional outer rail. Then, by making the inner and outer rail components 51 and 52 and the sliding plate 55 into a unit as the rail unit 50, the mounting operation becomes easier and the workability is improved as compared with the conventional configuration in which the inner and outer rails are separately provided.

  An arc-shaped flange 56 projecting outward is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30. When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, the flange 56 is brought into contact with the game board 30, and in this state, fixing means such as screws NJ are inserted into the plurality of through holes formed in the flange 56. Thus, the rail unit 50 can be fastened to the game board 30. Further, in the present embodiment, the top, bottom, left, and right ends of the rail unit 50 are formed substantially linearly (flatly) when viewed from the front. That is, the flange 56 is cut off at each of the upper, lower, left and right ends of the rail unit 50, and the rail diameter can be expanded in a limited area in the pachinko machine 10, that is, the game area on the game board 30 can be expanded. ing. The lower left flange 56 uses more fixing means than the other parts (upper left, upper right and lower right flanges 56). This is for fixing the positions of the guide rail and the ball guide passage to more appropriate positions, whereby the game ball launched from the game ball launching device is more stably guided to the upper part of the game board 30. In addition, the rail unit 50 can be more firmly fixed by increasing the number of fixing means, and even if distortion occurs when the rail unit 50 is molded, there is an effect of absorbing the distortion.

  A convex portion 57 is formed at the entrance of the spherical guide passage between the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 so as to close a part of the spherical guide passage. This convex portion 57 is provided in a substantially vertical direction from the inner rail constituting portion 51 to the lower end portion of the rail unit 50, and a foul ball that does not reach the game area and flows backward in the ball guide passage is used as a foul ball passage 63 (see FIG. 3). ). Note that the lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30 are spaces for attaching seals and plates (S1, S2 in the figure) such as certificate stamps, in order to secure this attachment space. Notches 58 and 59 are formed in the flange 56.

  Next, the game area will be described. The game area is partitioned and formed in a substantially circular shape by the inner periphery (inner and outer rail components 51 and 52) of the rail unit 50. In particular, in this embodiment, the game area partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30 is It is much larger than before. In the present embodiment, the distance from the uppermost point of the outer rail component 52 to the lower part of the game board 30 is 445 mm (58 mm longer than the conventional product), and from the extreme left position of the outer rail component 52 to the inner rail component 51. The distance to the extreme right position is 435 mm (50 mm longer than the conventional product). The distance from the extreme left position of the inner rail component 51 to the extreme right position of the inner rail component 51 is 418 mm.

  In this embodiment, the game area is a guide rail that is a parallel part of the inner and outer rail constituting parts 51 and 52 in the area surrounded by the inner rail constituting part 51 and the outer rail constituting part 52 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. This area is excluded from the above area. Therefore, since the game area does not include the guide rail portion, the left limit position toward the game area is specified not by the outer rail component 52 but by the inner rail component 51. Similarly, the right limit position toward the game area is specified by the inner rail constituting unit 51. The lower limit position of the game area is specified by the lower end position of the game board 30. Further, the upper limit position of the game area is specified by the outer rail component 52.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the width of the game area (maximum width in the left-right direction) is 418 mm, and the height of the game area (maximum width in the vertical direction) is 445 mm.

  Here, the width of the gaming area is preferably at least 380 mm. More preferably, it is 390 mm or more, 400 mm or more, 410 mm or more, 420 mm or more, 430 mm or more, 440 mm or more, 450 mm or more, and further 460 mm or more. Of course, it may be 470 mm or more. That is, the width of the game area is preferably as large as possible from the viewpoint of expanding the game area. The height of the game area is preferably at least 400 mm. More preferably, it is 410 mm or more, 420 mm or more, 430 mm or more, 440 mm or more, 450 mm or more, and more preferably 460 mm or more. Of course, it is good also as 470 mm or more, 480 mm or more, and 490 mm or more. That is, the width of the game area is preferably as large as possible from the viewpoint of expanding the game area. In addition, about the combination of the said width | variety and height, it is good also as what combined the said numerical value arbitrarily.

  In the present embodiment, the ratio of the area of the game area to the surface of the game board 30 is about 70%, which is a much larger area ratio than before. Note that the area ratio of the game area to the surface of the game board 30 has been only about 50% in the past, so it can be said that the game area is considerably expanded on the premise that the game board 30 is shared. It should be noted that the external shape of the pachinko machine 10 is almost uniform among manufacturers for the convenience of installation in the game hall, and in the situation where the size of the game board 30 must be the same, the surface of the game board 30 as described above. Increasing the ratio of the area of the gaming area to about 20% is very significant from the viewpoint of expanding the gaming area. Here, the ratio is preferably at least 60% or more. More preferably, it is 65% or more, More preferably, it is 70% or more. Further, if it is 75% or more exceeding the case of this embodiment, it is more desirable. Furthermore, it may be 80% or more.

  Further, the ratio of the area of the game area to the area of the front side of the entire pachinko machine 10 is about 40%, which is a much larger area ratio than before. The area ratio of the game area to the area of the front side of the entire pachinko machine 10 is desirably 35% or more. Of course, it may be 40% or more, 45% or more, or 50% or more.

  In addition, the 2nd opportunity corresponding | compatible port 34a located in the both sides of the variable display apparatus unit 35 has a guide mechanism in which the game ball which passed this 2nd opportunity corresponding | compatible opening 34a is approached toward the center. Thereby, even when the game area is expanded in the left-right direction, the game ball is moved toward the first first opportunity corresponding mouth unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b) or the variable winning device 32. As a result, expansion of the game area suppresses a decrease in interest due to the difficulty of winning the game ball. Furthermore, by expanding the game area in the left-right direction, the second trigger corresponding port 34a, the third trigger corresponding port 34b, the windmill 27, a plurality of nails (guide nails for guiding the game ball to the center), Various other objects can be arranged, and the behavior of the game ball in the game areas on the left and right sides of the variable display device unit 35 can be made more interesting. In addition, since the game area is also expanded in the vertical direction, the second opportunity corresponding port 34a, the third opportunity corresponding port 34b, the windmill 27, a plurality of nails, and other objects can be arranged. The behavior of the game ball in the vertical direction in the game area can be made even more interesting.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, in the resin base 20, below the window hole 21 (game board 30), a launch rail 61 for guiding the game ball immediately after being launched from the game ball launcher is attached. Yes. The firing rail 61 is fixedly attached to the resin base 20 integrally with the metal plate 62 behind the firing rail 61, and is configured to extend linearly at a predetermined firing angle (launch angle). Accordingly, the game ball that is launched in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 is first launched obliquely upward along the launch rail 61 and then guided to a predetermined game area through the ball guide passage of the rail unit 50 as described above. It is like that.

  In the case of this pachinko machine 10, it has already been described that the game area is greatly expanded compared to the conventional case, but under such a configuration, the curvature of the guide rail must be reduced, so that the launch ball is stabilized. Need some ingenuity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the launch position of the game ball is lowered, the inclination angle (launch angle) of the launch rail 61 is made somewhat larger than the existing one (that is, the launch rail 61 is raised), and the launch rail is further increased. The length of 61 is made longer than the existing one so as to ensure a sufficiently long ball guiding distance. Thereby, the game ball launched from the game ball launching device can be guided to the guide rail in a more stable state. In this case, in particular, the launch rail 61 is formed so as to extend from the launch position of the game ball launcher to a position beyond the center position (out port 36) in the left-right direction of the game area. In addition, since the launch rail 61 has the above-described configuration, in this embodiment, the metal plate 62 is also relatively larger than the conventional one, and the number of fixing means for fixing the metal plate 62 is larger than the conventional one.

  Further, there is a gap of a predetermined interval between the firing rail 61 and the rail unit 50 (guidance rail), and a foul ball passage 63 is formed below the gap. Therefore, if the game ball fired from the game ball launching device does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the inside of the guide rail as a foul ball, the foul ball passes through the foul ball passage 63 to the lower plate 15. To be discharged. Incidentally, in the case of the present embodiment, the length of the firing rail 61 is about 240 mm, and the length of the gap at the tip of the firing rail (the length on the extension line of the firing rail 61) is about 40 mm.

  When the foul sphere flows backward in the guide rail, most of the foul sphere flows along the outer rail constituting portion 52 and drops downward when reaching the lower end portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52. May be ramped in the guide rail and jump to the inner rail component 51 side. At this time, the splashed foul ball hits the convex portion 57 at the entrance of the ball guide passage and is guided to the foul ball passage 63. Thereby, all of the foul balls are surely guided to the foul ball passage 63. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  Although detailed disclosure of the drawings is omitted, one game ball is supplied to the game ball launching device one by one from the ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side (ball outlet leading from the most downstream portion of the upper plate 19). At this time, since the launch position of the game ball is lowered in this embodiment, a drop from the exit of the ball on the front frame set 14 side to the launch position becomes large. Guide members 65 and 66 are provided on the sides. Thereby, the game ball supplied from the ball exit on the front frame set 14 side is always set at a predetermined launch position, and a stable launch operation can be realized. In addition, the game ball launcher is provided with a hitting ball basket, and the game ball is shot with the rotation of the hit ball bowl around the shaft portion. Therefore, while aiming to reduce the weight of the hitting ball by changing the material to light metal such as aluminum and reducing the size of the shaft, the head portion of the hitting ball (on the side opposite to the shaft) is secured to ensure sufficient firing force. A weight is provided at the end. Thereby, sufficient and stable launch of the game ball can be realized. By providing the weight portion of the hitting ball projecting upward, it is possible to easily pick or hit the hitting ball, and it is easy to adjust the hitting strength of the hitting tip.

  In addition, the code | symbol 67 in FIG. 3 is the discharge port connected to the upper plate 19, and a game ball is discharged to the upper plate 19 through this discharge port 67. FIG. An open / close shutter 68 is attached to the discharge port 67. Although detailed disclosure of the drawings is omitted, the shutter 68 is rotatable about the shaft portion provided along the lower side portion thereof, and is in a state where the front frame set 14 is opened (state of FIG. 3). The shutter 68 substantially closes the discharge port 67 by a biasing force such as a spring. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by a ball passage rod 69 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. Note that the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 15 in the opened state of the front frame set 14. Therefore, as described above, in the pachinko machine 10 configured such that the upper plate 19 is directly provided with respect to the front frame set 14, the game balls in the payout passage and the like are spilled off when the front frame set 14 is opened. Can be prevented.

  The resin base 20 is provided with a substantially rectangular small window 71 at the lower right portion of the window hole 21. Accordingly, a seal or the like (S1 in FIG. 4) stretched at the lower right corner of the game board 30 can be viewed through the small window 71. It is also possible to affix the above-mentioned sticker or the like from this small window 71.

  Further, the resin base 20 is provided with a substantially rectangular small window 72 at the upper left of the window hole 21, and a substantially rectangular hole 73 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the small window 72 is also formed in the upper left part of the game board 30. Reference) is provided. Various electrical wirings (not shown) connected to the electric decorations 102 and 103 of the front frame set 14 to be described later are led from the back side of the pachinko machine 10 through the small window 72 and the hole 73.

  Further, support metal fittings 81 and 82 are attached to the left end portion of the inner frame 12 in FIG. 3 as a support mechanism for the front frame set 14. The upper support fitting 81 is provided with a support hole 83 having a notch on the front side of the figure, and the lower support fitting 82 is provided with a protruding shaft 84 protruding in the vertical direction.

  The inner frame 12 is provided with grounding metal fittings E1 and E2 (see FIG. 3). The grounding metal fittings E1 and E2 are connected to predetermined metal parts on the back side of the inner frame 12. Then, in a state where the front frame set 14 is closed, the grounding metal fittings E1 and E2 are short-circuited by coming into contact with reinforcing plates 131 and 132 described later.

  Next, the front frame set 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the front frame set 14. The front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window 101 so that most of the game area can be visually recognized from the outside. Specifically, the window portion 101 has a shape in which a substantially central portion on the left and right sides is curved relatively gently as compared with the upper and lower sides. The substantially central portion may be linear. In the present embodiment, the distance between the upper end of the window portion 101 (the uppermost portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52 and the upper end of the game area) and the upper end of the front frame set 14 (the so-called vertical width of the upper frame portion) is 61 mm. It is significantly shorter than the prior art having an upper frame width of about 85 mm to 95 mm. As a result, the upper area of the game area can be easily secured, and the large variable display device unit 35 can also be arranged relatively upward. The distance between the upper end of the front frame set 14 is desirably 80 mm or less, more desirably 70 mm or less, and further desirably 60 mm or less. Of course, as long as a predetermined strength can be ensured, it may be 50 mm or less.

  Further, the shortest distance between the left end of the window portion 101 and the left end of the front frame set 14 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (the left-right width of the so-called left side frame portion: shown on the right side in FIG. 5), The frame width on the opening / closing axis side is set to be relatively large in order to increase the strength and support strength of the front frame set 14 itself. In this case, as apparent from comparison between FIGS. 1 and 3, in the state where the front frame set 14 is closed, not only the left end portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52 but also the left end portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 is Covered by the left frame. That is, at least a part of the guide rail overlaps and is covered with the left frame portion of the front frame set 14 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Even if it becomes difficult to visually recognize the game ball in this way, it is only a passing point where the game ball is guided to the game area, and it is difficult to see the game ball in the game area where the player mainly enjoys the game. It doesn't mean. Therefore, there is no trouble in actual game. Moreover, while such a trouble does not arise, sufficient intensity | strength and support strength of the front frame set 14 are securable. Incidentally, the distance in the left-right direction between the left end position of the outer rail component 52 and the left end position of the outer frame 11 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 is 21 mm, and the right end position of the game area (the right end position of the inner rail component 51). The distance in the left-right direction from the right end position of the outer frame 11 is 44 mm.

  In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around it (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and at the center of the annular illumination portion 102 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, Similarly, a central illumination unit 103 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In the pachinko machine 10, the central illumination unit 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and lights and blinks when the jackpot is informed that the jackpot is being hit. Further, the upper plate 19 is also provided around the upper plate 19 with an upper plate illumination unit 104 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED. In addition, on the left and right sides of the central illumination unit 103, there are provided a prize ball lamp 105 that is lit during the payout of a prize ball and an error display lamp 106 that is lit when a predetermined error occurs. Further, a small window 107 to which a transparent resin is attached is provided so as to be able to visually recognize a part of the inner frame 12 surface, the game board 30 surface, and the like so as to be adjacent to the lower end portion of the annular illumination portion 102.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. If the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated in a state where a bill or a card is inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. . The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. It should be noted that the ball rental operation unit 120 is not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine is achieved.

  Various reinforcing members made of metal are provided on the back side of the front frame set 14 so as to surround the window portion 101. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, reinforcing plates 131, 132, 133, and 134 are respectively attached to the back side of the front frame set 14 and on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the window portion 101. These reinforcing plates 131 to 134 are connected in contact with each other, but resin parts 135 for avoiding direct contact are interposed at the connecting portions of the left and upper reinforcing plates 132 and 133 in the drawing. That is, in the reinforcing plates 131 to 134, electricity is prevented from passing in an annular shape due to the insulating effect of the resin part 135. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the magnetic field by the loop of a noise in the reinforcement boards 131-134 and cyclic | annular electricity supply can be suppressed.

  The right reinforcing plate 131 in FIG. 5 is provided with an engaging claw 131a having a hook shape at an intermediate position thereof. The engaging claw 131a is a hole portion of the inner frame 12 with the front frame set 14 closed. 12a (refer FIG. 3 etc.) is comprised. With this configuration, the front frame set 14 is configured to include the upper plate 19, and even if the upper and lower pivot support positions are extended, the front frame set 14 can be prevented from being lifted at the intermediate position. Therefore, an illegal act or the like floating the front frame set 14 is suppressed.

  The lower reinforcing plate 134 is provided with a resin rail side wall member 136 at a position facing the firing rail 61 (see FIG. 3). The rail side wall member 136 becomes the side wall of the firing rail 61 when the front frame set 14 is closed. Therefore, the game ball is prevented from spilling from the launch rail 61.

  The reinforcing plates 131 to 134 described above also have a function as a metal frame for supporting the glass, and a part of the reinforcing plates 131 to 134 is folded back to form a glass holding groove. The glass holding grooves are formed in two rows on the front and rear sides, and a pair of front and rear glasses 137 having a rectangular shape are held in each glass holding groove. Thereby, the two glass 137 is attached to the front and back at a predetermined interval.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment is designed to expand the game area. Therefore, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the guide rail formed by the inner and outer rail components 51 and 52 is used. A part is covered with the front frame set 14. Therefore, in the guide rail, a portion where the front open portion cannot be covered with the glass 137 is formed. In such a case, for example, when the game ball launched from the game ball launching device returns without reaching the return ball prevention member 53, the game ball spills out (jumps out) from the guide rail, and the outer rail component 52 There is a risk of being caught between the glass 137 and the like. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rail cover 140 for covering the front side open portion of the guide rail is attached to the front frame set 14.

  The rail cover 140 is a substantially flat plate having a substantially arc shape, and is formed of a transparent resin. The rail cover 140 has an arc shape corresponding to the shape of the guide rail, and covers the section from the base end portion of the guide rail to the vicinity of the tip end portion along the peripheral edge of the window portion 101. It is attached to the back side of the set 14. In particular, the dimensions and shape of the rail cover 140 on the inner diameter side substantially match those of the inner rail constituting portion 51. When the rail cover 140 is attached, the surface side of the rail cover 140 is in contact with the glass 137. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the back surface of the rail cover 140 covers almost the entire area of the guide rail. Thereby, the collision of the game ball with the glass 137 can be prevented in most sections of the guide rail. Therefore, adverse effects such as breakage due to contact with the glass 137 can be suppressed.

  Further, a portion where the guide rail protrudes from the side edge portion of the glass 137 is provided at the right end portion of the rail cover 140 (that is, the portion which becomes the right end in the state of FIG. 5 where the rail cover 140 is attached to the front frame set 14). A covering portion 141 for covering is provided. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such that the game ball spills out of the guide rail (jumps out) or gets caught between the outer rail component 52 and the glass 137.

  Further, on the back side of the rail cover 140, a ridge 142 is formed that extends in an arc along the inner edge of the rail cover 140 and protrudes toward the front side of FIG. The ridge 142 is configured to substantially overlap the inner rail constituting portion 51 in a state of entering the guide rail in a state where the front frame set 14 is closed. Therefore, for example, even if a wire or the like is intruded through a gap between the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 to perform an illegal act, it is very difficult to infiltrate the wire or the like into the game area inside the guide rail. Become. As a result, fraudulent acts performed using a wire or the like can be prevented. In addition, it is good also as a structure which forms the protrusion 142 in a wider range, for example along the whole region of the inner edge of the rail cover 140. According to this structure, it becomes difficult to infiltrate a wire etc. in a wider range, a wire etc. It is possible to more reliably prevent fraud performed using

  Further, support metal fittings 151 and 152 are attached to the right end portion of the front frame set 14 in FIG. 5 (left end portion when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10) as a support mechanism for the inner frame 12. Therefore, the front frame set 14 can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 by assembling the support brackets 151 and 152 on the front frame set 14 side to the support brackets 81 and 82 (see FIG. 3) on the inner frame 12 side. It comes to be installed. Here, the support mechanism will be described in more detail based on the relationship between the support fittings 81 and 82 and the support fittings 151 and 152. The support fitting 151 has a substantially rod shape, and the upper diameter is larger than the lower diameter. The width of the cutout of the support hole 83 is narrower than the thickness of the upper portion of the support fitting 151 and wider than the thickness of the lower portion. As a mounting procedure for the front frame set 14, first, the lower portion of the support fitting 151 is inserted into the support hole 83 through the notch, and then the support fitting 152 is inserted into the protruding shaft 84 of the support fitting 82. Then, by positioning the upper portion of the support fitting 151 corresponding to the notch position, the support fitting 151 is not detached from the support hole 83, and the mounting of the front frame set 14 is completed.

  The locking mechanism of the front frame set 14 is integrated with the locking mechanism of the inner frame 12, and the main body of the integrated locking mechanism G1 (see FIG. 6) is provided on the back side of the inner frame 12. It has been. Therefore, in FIG. 3, only the locking claws T1 and T2 protruding from the locking mechanism G1 to the front side of the inner frame 12 are shown. Then, the locking claws T1 and T2 are locked to the back side of the front frame set 14, whereby the front frame set 14 is locked.

  Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10. However, for the sake of convenience, electric wiring (cable connector) and the like are omitted.

  First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged on the back side (actually the back side of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30) so as to be arranged vertically or horizontally, or to be stacked in front and back, A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. Yes. In this case, the main board and the sound lamp control board are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board, launch control board, and power supply board are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”, and the latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”.

  In addition, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203”. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured so that they can be attached and detached without using any tools or the like in units of units. It is provided and can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check a hidden configuration or the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one behind the other.

  Actually, the units 201 to 203 are arranged and attached as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. In FIG. 7, the first control board unit 201 having a substantially L-shape is arranged at substantially the center of the pachinko machine 10, and the second control board unit 202 is arranged therebelow. Further, the back pack unit 203 is arranged in a region partially overlapping the first control board unit 201.

  Specifically, the first control board unit 201 is provided with a support shaft part M1 at the left end portion when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the first control board unit 201 is centered on the axis A by the support shaft part M1. It can be opened and closed. Further, the first control board unit 201 is provided with a fastening portion M2 made of a ny latch or the like at the right end portion thereof (that is, the side opposite to the support shaft portion, more specifically, the open end side), and the locking claw portion M3 at the upper end portion. The first control board unit 201 is fixedly held with respect to the machine body by the fastening part M2 and the locking claw part M3.

  Further, the second control board unit 202 is provided with a support shaft part M4 at the right end when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the second control board unit 202 opens and closes around the axis B by the support shaft part M4. It is possible. Further, the second control board unit 202 is provided with a fastening portion M5 made of a ny latch or the like at the left end portion thereof (that is, the side opposite to the support shaft portion, more specifically, the open end side). 2 The control board unit 202 is fixedly held with respect to the machine body.

  Further, the back pack unit 203 is provided with a support shaft portion M6 at the right end when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the back pack unit 203 can be opened and closed around the axis C by the support shaft portion M6. Yes. Further, the back pack unit 203 is provided with a fastening portion M7 made of a ny latch or the like at the left end portion thereof (that is, the side opposite to the support shaft portion, more specifically, the open end side), and corresponds to the upper end portion and the lower end portion, respectively. Rotating locking parts M8 and M9 are provided (on the machine body side), and the back pack unit 203 is fixedly held to the machine body by these fastening parts M7 and locking parts M8 and M9. Yes.

  In this case, the development directions of the units 201 to 203 are not the same, and the first control board unit 201 opens to the left when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, whereas the second control board unit 202 and the back pack unit. 203 is configured to open to the right.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the configuration of the game board 30 assembled to the inner frame 12. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner frame 12 as viewed from the rear. Here, the back side structure of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

  The game board 30 is installed in a rectangular frame-shaped installation area surrounded by the resin base 20 so that it does not fall off by a plurality of (four in this embodiment) locking fixtures 211 and 212 provided on the inner frame 12. It is fixed to. The locking fixtures 211 and 212 can be manually rotated to switch between a fixed position (lock position) and a fixed release position (unlock position). FIG. 8 shows a locked state. The locking fixtures 211 at the three left and right sides of the game board 30 are L-shaped metal fittings formed by bending metal pieces, and are configured not to protrude outwardly from the inner frame 12 when the game board 30 is fixed. Note that the locking fixture 212 at one lower portion of the game board 30 is an I-shaped fastener made of resin.

  A variable display device unit 35 is disposed in the center of the game board 30. In the variable display device unit 35, a frame cover 213 made of resin (for example, made of ABS) that covers the center frame 47 (see FIG. 3) from behind is provided to protrude rearward, and at the rear end of the frame cover 213, The 1st symbol display apparatus 42 and the display control apparatus 45 which are liquid crystal display devices are attached so that attachment or detachment is possible in the state piled up back and forth. In the frame cover 213, a second symbol display device 41a, a third symbol display device 41b, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47, and the like are disposed.

  A back frame set 215 is attached to the back surface of the game board 30 so as to surround the variable display device unit 35. The back frame set 215 is a thin resin-molded product (for example, made of ABS) provided so as to stick to the back surface of the game board 30, and a game ball collecting mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning openings. Is formed. Specifically, below the back frame set 215, it corresponds to the game board opening of the above-described general winning opening 31, variable winning apparatus 32, and first opportunity corresponding opening unit 33 (see FIG. 3 respectively) and on the downstream side. A collection passage 216 that collects in one place is formed. In addition, a discharge passage board 217 made of resin (for example, made of polycarbonate resin) is also attached to the inner frame 12 below the game board 30, and discharge balls are sent to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 in the discharge passage board 217. A discharge passage 218 for guiding is formed. Therefore, as illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 8, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 31 etc. gather through the collection passage 216 of the back frame set 215, and further the discharge passage 218 of the discharge passage board 217. Through the pachinko machine 10. In addition, the out port 36 (see FIG. 3) similarly communicates with the discharge passage 218, and the game balls that have not won any prize opening are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge passage 218.

  In the above configuration, with the lower end surface of the game board 30 as a boundary, a back frame set 215 (collection passage 216) is provided on the upper side, and a discharge passage board 217 (discharge passage 218) is provided on the lower side. The game board 30 is provided without overlapping (overlapping) in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when removing the game board 30 from the inner frame 12, there is no inconvenience that the discharge passage board 17 prevents the game board from being removed.

  The discharge passage board 217 is provided just behind the upper plate 19 on the front surface of the pachinko machine. A wire or the like is inserted from a ball discharge port (ball passage rod 69 in FIG. 2) leading to the upper plate 19, An illegal act of causing a wire or the like to enter the game area side through a gap between the inner frame 12 and the discharge passage board 217 can be considered. Accordingly, in the pachinko machine 10, a plate 219 extending in front of the pachinko machine so as to overlap the inner frame 12 almost integrally is provided just behind the upper plate 19 of the discharge passage board 217. Therefore, even if a wire or the like tries to enter from the gap between the inner frame 12 and the discharge passage board 217, the wire or the like is obstructed by the plate 219, and it is very difficult to make the wire or the like enter the game area. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as forcibly opening the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening) using a wire or the like.

  In addition, on the back surface of the game board 30, a winning detection mechanism as a winning detection means for detecting the passage of gaming balls such as various winning openings is provided. Specifically, a prize opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general prize opening 31 on the front side of the game board 30, and a specific area switch 222 and a count switch 223 are provided in the variable prize winning device 32. The specific area switch 222 is a switch that determines that a game ball that has won the variable winning device 32 in the big hit state has entered a specific area (an area for determining whether or not to continue the big hit state), and the count switch 223 displays the winning ball. It is a switch to count. Further, an upper winning part switch 224a and a lower winning part switch 224b are provided as specific winning entry detecting means at positions corresponding to the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33. Further, a second opportunity corresponding port (gate) switch 225a is provided at a position corresponding to the second opportunity corresponding port 34a, and a third opportunity corresponding port (gate) switch 225b is provided at a position corresponding to the third opportunity corresponding port 34b. Is provided. These switches 221 to 225a, b, etc. can function as a ball entry detecting means. The 2nd opportunity corresponding port 34a comprises the 1st entrance means in this embodiment, and the 3rd opportunity corresponding port 34b comprises the 2nd entrance means. In addition, the second trigger corresponding port (gate) switch 225a constitutes the first trigger generating unit or the first detecting unit in the present embodiment, and the third trigger corresponding port (gate) switch 225b is the second trigger in the present embodiment. The generating means or the second detecting means is configured.

  The prize opening switch 221, the second opportunity corresponding port (gate) switch 225a, and the third opportunity corresponding port (gate) switch 225b are connected to the board relay board 226 via electric wiring (cable connector), and further this board relay board. 226 is connected to a main board (main control device 261) described later via electric wiring. In addition, the specific area switch 222 and the count switch 223 are connected to the big prize opening relay board 227 via electric wiring, and this big winning opening relay board 227 is also connected to the main board via electric wiring. On the other hand, the upper winning unit switch 224a and the lower winning unit switch 224b are directly connected to the main board via electric wiring without passing through the relay board.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the variable winning device 32 includes a large winning opening solenoid (driving means and electric parts) for opening the large winning opening, and a winning ball swing for guiding the winning ball to a specific area. A partition solenoid is provided, and the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 is provided with an upper winning portion solenoid and a lower winning portion solenoid for opening the electric winning component (upward winning portion 33a and lower winning portion 33b). . In FIGS. 8 and 9, reference numeral 228 denotes a set handle including a hitting ball and the like, and reference numeral 229 denotes a firing motor.

  The detection results detected by the winning detection mechanism are taken into a main board, which will be described later, and a payout command (the number of game balls to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation is transmitted from the main board to the payout control board. The Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the output of the payout control board. In such a case, a conventional method (so-called evidence ball method) in which game balls won in various winning openings are once collected in a winning ball processing device and paid out after the winning ball processing device confirms the presence of winning balls one by one in order. In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the game ball winning is electrically detected for each winning opening and the payout is immediately made (that is, the pachinko machine 10 eliminates the winning ball processing device). ing). Therefore, even if there are a lot of game balls to be paid out, the payout can be carried out quickly. For example, in the present embodiment, the number of payouts corresponding to the top winning portion 33a (upper winning portion switch 224a) is set to one, and the number corresponding to the lower winning portion 33b (lower winning portion switch 224b) is five. Is set.

  The back frame set 215 is provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching the first control board unit 201. Specifically, as this attachment mechanism, a support bracket 231 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the lower left corner when viewed from the back of the game board 30, and the support bracket 231 has a pair of upper and lower support holes on the same axis. Is formed. In addition, in the lower right part of the game board 30, reference numeral 232 is a pair of upper and lower fastening holes (ny latch holes), and in the upper left part, reference numeral 233 is a locking claw piece.

  An attachment mechanism for attaching the second control board unit 202 and the back pack unit 203 is provided on the back surface of the inner frame 12. Specifically, a long support fitting 235 is attached to the inner frame 12 at its right end, and its configuration is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the support metal fitting 235 has a long plate-like metal fitting main body 236, and the support hole 237 for the second control board unit is formed at two lower positions so as to stand up from the metal fitting main body 236. At the same time, support hole portions 238 for the back pack unit are formed at two upper positions. Coaxial support holes are formed in the support hole portions 237 and 238, respectively. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, as an attachment mechanism for the second control board unit, the inner frame 12 has a pair of upper and lower fastening holes (nai latch holes) 239 at the lower left end portion from the game board installation area. Is provided. As a mounting mechanism for the back pack unit, the inner frame 12 is provided with a pair of upper and lower fastening holes (nylatching holes) 240 at the left end of the game board installation area. However, the support bracket for the second control board unit and the support bracket for the back pack unit can be provided as separate members. Reference numerals 241, 242, and 243 denote rotational fixtures for sandwiching and supporting the back pack unit 203 with the game board 30.

  In addition, in the rear configuration of the inner frame 12, a game ball for distributing a game ball paid out from a payout mechanism, which will be described later, to either the upper plate 19, the lower plate 15, or the discharge passage 218, at the lower right portion of the game board 30. A distribution unit 245 is provided. That is, the opening 245a of the game ball distributing unit 245 communicates with the upper plate 19, the opening 245b communicates with the lower plate 15, and the opening 245c communicates with the discharge passage 218 (see FIG. 9). Conventionally, since a portion corresponding to the game ball distributing unit 245 is provided on the back pack unit 203 side, the back pack unit 203 is pushed through the ball discharge port (ball passage wall 69 in FIG. 2) reaching the upper plate 19. As a result, a gap is formed between the inner frame 12 and a portion corresponding to the game ball distributing unit 245, and an illegal act of inserting a wire or the like through the gap and operating the internal device has been considered. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10, such illegal acts are prevented by providing the game ball distribution unit 245 on the inner frame 12 side and fixing the game ball distribution unit 245 by a fixing means. Further, the upper end surface of the game ball distributing unit 245 is formed in accordance with the height position where the lower end surface of the game board 30 is installed, and is devised so as not to prevent the game board 30 from being removed.

  In addition, a resin speaker box 246 is attached to the lower end of the inner frame 12 so as to surround the back of the speaker 249 installed toward the lower plate 15. Improvements are being made.

  Next, the basic configuration of the first control board unit 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 is a front view of the first control board unit 201, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the unit 201, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 201, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 201 viewed from the back. . However, in these drawings, the illustration of the connector portion and the like is omitted for convenience of explanation.

  The first control board unit 201 has a mounting base 251 having a substantially L shape, and a main control device 261 and a sound lamp control device 262 as first control means (main control means) are mounted on the mounting base 251. ing. Here, the main control device 261 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port that communicates with various devices, and various lotteries. A main board (corresponding to a control board in the present embodiment) including a random number generator used, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, and the like. It is configured to be contained (encapsulated) in a substrate box 263 made of a material or the like. The substrate box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit 264 so that they cannot be opened, and thereby the substrate box 263 is sealed.

  As long as the sealing unit 264 is configured to connect the box base and the box cover so that they cannot be unsealed, any configuration can be applied. Here, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like, five sealing members are connected. The box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened by inserting a locking claw into the long hole of the sealing member. The sealing process by the sealing unit 264 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the opening / sealing process again even after the operation. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into the long hole of at least one sealing member among the five sealing members constituting the sealing unit 264. And when opening the board | substrate box 263 by the malfunction of the accommodated main board | substrate etc., the connection of the sealing member in which the latching claw was inserted, and another sealing member is cut | disconnected. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking claw is inserted into the long hole of another sealing member. If the history of opening the board box 263 is left in the board box 263, it can be easily found that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 263.

  The voice lamp control device 262 is a voice lamp including, for example, a CPU that controls voice and lamp display in accordance with instructions from the main control device 261 (main board) or the display control device 45, and other ROM, RAM, various ports, and the like. The audio lamp control board is housed in a board box 265 made of a transparent resin material or the like. A power relay board 266 is mounted on the sound lamp control device 262, and power supplied from a power board described later is output to the display control device 45 and the sound lamp control device 262 via the power relay board 266. It is like that. The sound lamp control device 262 constitutes sound control means and light emission (lamp) control means in the present embodiment.

  The mounting base 251 is formed of a colored (for example, green, blue, etc.) resin material (for example, made of polycarbonate resin), and has two substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253 that are flat on the surface. These substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253 extend in a direction orthogonal to each other and are formed with a step in the front-rear direction. However, the mounting base 251 may be a colorless transparent or translucent resin molded product.

  The main control device 261 (main substrate) is arranged in a landscape orientation on one substrate mounting surface 252 and the audio lamp control device 262 (audio lamp control substrate) is arranged in a portrait orientation on the other substrate mounting surface 253. It is arranged in the direction. In particular, the main control device 261 is disposed on the near side when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the sound lamp control device 262 is disposed on the back side. In this case, since the substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253 are formed with steps in the front-rear direction, the control devices 261 and 262 are mounted in a state where the main controller 261 and the sound lamp controller 262 are mounted on the substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253. Are arranged with a part of them stacked one after the other. That is, as can be seen in FIG. 12 and the like, the main controller 261 is arranged in a state where a part thereof (about 1/3 in this embodiment) is floated. Therefore, the sound lamp control device 262 can be expanded to an area overlapping with the main control device 261, and the enlargement of the control board can be dealt with satisfactorily. Also, each control device can be installed efficiently. Further, in a state where the first control board unit 201 is mounted on the game board 30, a space is secured behind the board mounting surface 252, and the variable winning device 32 and its electric wiring can be installed without difficulty.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the board mounting surface 252 for the main board has horizontally elongated through holes 254 at two positions on the left and right. Correspondingly, the substrate box 263 of the main control device 261 is provided with rotating fixtures 267 at two places on the left and right sides of the back surface thereof. When the main controller 261 is mounted on the board mounting surface 252, the fixing tool 267 is passed through the through hole 254 of the board mounting surface 252, and the fixing tool 267 is rotated in this state to lock the main control apparatus 261. The Therefore, even if the main control device 261 is arranged in a state where it floats as described above, inconveniences such as dropping off of the main control device 261 can be avoided. Further, since the main control device 261 cannot be removed unless the fixture 267 is unlocked from the back side of the first control board unit 201 (board mounting surface 252), it is expected to have a deterrent effect against illegal acts such as board removal. it can. A grid-like rib 255 is provided on the back surface of the substrate mounting surface 252 for the main substrate.

  The mounting base 251 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 256 on the left end surface of FIG. 11 and the like, and by attaching the support shafts 256 to the support fitting 231 shown in FIG. The game board 30 is supported to be openable and closable. Further, the mounting base 251 is provided with a pair of upper and lower nai latches 257 as fasteners at the right end portion and a long hole 258 at the upper end portion, and the nai latch 257 is fitted into the fastening hole 232 shown in FIG. The first control board unit 201 is fixed to the game board 30 by locking the locking claw pieces 233 shown in FIG. The support fitting 231 and the support shaft 256 are connected to the support shaft portion M1 of FIG. , Respectively.

  Next, the second control board unit 202 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 is a front view of the second control board unit 202, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the unit 202, and FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 202.

  The second control board unit 202 has a horizontally long mounting base 301 on which a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a power supply device 313 and a card unit connection board 314 are mounted. The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, and the power supply device 313 are equipped with a control board including a central control CPU, ROM, RAM, various ports and the like as is well known. The payout of prize balls and rental balls is controlled by the substrate. The launch control board of the launch control apparatus 312 controls the launch motor 229 in accordance with the player's operation of the handle 18, and the power supply board of the power supply apparatus 313 generates a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control apparatuses. Is output. The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit 120 on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown). The card unit connection board 314 takes a ball lending operation command from the player and outputs it to the payout control device 311. is there. Note that the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection substrate 314 are respectively configured to be accommodated in substrate boxes 315, 316, 317, and 318 made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the dispensing control device 311, similarly to the main control device 261 described above, the box base and the box cover constituting the substrate box 315 are connected to each other by the sealing unit 319 (sealing means) so that the substrate box 315 is not opened. Sealed.

  The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse so that the ball jam is eliminated (return to the normal state). It has become. In the present embodiment, the payout control device 311 constitutes a grant control means (payout control means) that controls payout of prize balls as game values.

  The power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of a power failure, and can be restored to the state at the time of a power failure when returning from a power failure (power recovery) It has become. Therefore, if the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored. If you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while holding down the RAM erase switch 323. We are going to throw it in.

  The mounting base 301 is made of, for example, a colorless and transparent resin molded product, and a flat substrate mounting surface 302 is provided on the surface thereof. In this case, the launch control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection board 314 are directly mounted side by side on the board mounting surface 302 of the mounting base 301. It is mounted via a table 303.

  Further, the mounting base 301 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 305 at the right end in FIG. 15 and the like. By inserting these support shafts 305 into the support hole 237 shown in FIG. 2 The control board unit 202 is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame 12. Further, the mounting base 301 is provided with a pair of upper and lower nai latches 306 as fasteners at the left end portion. By fitting the nai latch 306 into the fastening hole 239 shown in FIG. It is fixed to the frame 12 so that it cannot be opened and closed. The support hole portion 237 and the support shaft 305 correspond to the support shaft portion M4 in FIG. 7, and the fastened hole 239 and the ny latch 306 correspond to the fastening portion M5, respectively.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-molded back pack 351 and a game ball paying-out mechanism 352 are integrated. FIG. It shows in FIG.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a substantially flat base portion 353 and a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display device unit 35 (however, in this embodiment, the above-described audio lamp is used. The control device 262 is also enclosed. A large number of ventilation holes 354 a are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 354. Each of the air holes 354a has a long hole shape, and the air holes 354a are adjacent to each other at a relatively close position. Therefore, the back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes 354a. That is, a predetermined test or the like can be easily performed by cutting the resin portion between the vent holes 354a to expose the display control device 45 and the like inside.

  In addition, a payout mechanism portion 352 is disposed on the base portion 353 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 351, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows (two rows) of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, the tank rail 356 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A case rail 357 is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through the payout passage 359 and the like shown in FIG.

  A vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 is attached to the tank rail 356. Therefore, if a clogged ball occurs near the tank rail 356, the clogged ball is eliminated by driving the vibrator 360. The vibrator 360 is configured as a vibrator unit in which a vibrating body such as a motor is accommodated in a case which is a main body part so that a position change due to a design change or the like of a pachinko machine can be easily replaced in the case of a failure. The unit is attached to the tank rail 356 so as to be detachable. In addition, the vibrator unit is attached to the side surface of the tank rail 356 via a foot portion (vibration transmitter) protruding from the main body portion without the main body portion (case surface) being in close contact with the tank rail 356, The vibration is transmitted to the tank rail 356 more effectively.

  The configuration of the tank rail 356 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 20, the tank rail 356 has a rail body 361 having a long bowl shape opened upward, and a spherical ball is formed at the start end of the rail body 361. A receiving part 362 is provided. By this ball receiving portion 362, the game ball that has dropped from the tank 355 is smoothly taken into the rail body 361. In addition, the rail body 361 is provided with a partition wall 363 extending in the longitudinal direction, and the game balls are divided into two hands by the partition wall 363. The two ball passages partitioned by the partition wall 363 are slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball. One or two ridges 364 are provided on the bottom surface of each spherical passage partitioned by the partition wall 363, and an opening 365 is provided on the side of the ridge 364.

  In addition, a rectifying plate 367 is disposed on the rail body 361 so as to cover the ceiling portion of the downstream half. The rectifying plate 367 has a bowed shape so as to limit the height of the ball passage in the tank rail 356 toward the downstream side, and a convex portion 368 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the lower surface thereof. . Thereby, each game ball flowing in the tank rail 356 finally flows out downstream without being stacked up and down. Therefore, even if a large group of game balls flow into the tank rail 356, the game balls are prevented from being bitten and the ball clogging in the tank rail 356 is eliminated. The rail body 361 is formed of black conductive polycarbonate resin, whereas the rectifying plate 367 is formed of transparent polycarbonate resin. The rectifying plate 367 is detachably provided, and by removing the rectifying plate 367, maintenance in the tank rail 356 can be easily performed.

  Returning to the description of FIGS. 18 and 19, the payout mechanism unit 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and takes in the main power from outside. The power switch board 382 is installed. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power supply via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  All of the dispensing mechanism 352 from the tank 355 to the dispensing passage 359 is formed of a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polycarbonate resin) and is grounded at a part thereof. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the noise by charging of a game ball is suppressed.

  Further, the back pack 351 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 385 at the right end portion in FIG. 18 and the like. The pack unit 203 is supported so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12. Further, the back pack 351 is provided with a pair of upper and lower nai latches 386 as fasteners at the left end portion, and is provided with a locking hole 387 at the upper end portion. The back pack unit 203 is fixed to the inner frame 12 so that it cannot be opened and closed by engaging the fixing hole 387 shown in FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, a rotating I-type fastener is employed as the locking portion M8 in the vicinity of the tank 355 that stores a lot of game balls and is relatively loaded. For this reason, the back pack unit 203 (tank 355) can be more reliably locked as compared with the case where a fixture such as a ny latch is used. At this time, the back pack unit 203 is also fixed to the inner frame 12 by the fixtures 241 and 243 shown in FIG. The support hole portion 238 and the support shaft 385 are provided in the support shaft portion M6 of FIG. Equivalent to. Further, the fixture 243 corresponds to the locking portion M9 (see FIG. 7).

  Further, the base 353 of the back pack unit 203 is provided with an opening 391 for the external relay terminal plate 230, so that the external relay terminal plate 230 can be removed and operated even when the back pack unit 203 is fixed. It is possible.

  When the main controller 261 (substrate box 263) is to be removed with the above-described configuration, the back pack unit 203 is first opened (or removed), and then the first control substrate unit 201 is opened ( Or removal), and a complicated process of releasing the fixture 267 can be performed at last. For this reason, a deterrent effect can be expected against illegal acts such as removal of the main controller 261 (board box 263).

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A RAM 503 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 503 has a configuration in which data can be retained (backed up) by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. In addition to the memory and area for this purpose, a backup area 503a is provided.

  In the backup area 503a, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. (Similar) is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by NMI interrupt processing (see FIG. 30). Conversely, returning of each value written to the backup area 503a includes turning on the power (including turning on the power due to power failure cancellation). The same applies to the following power recovery process (see FIG. 23). Note that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) of FIG. 30 is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 is connected to a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, various switch groups described above, and other electrical components and switch groups (not shown).

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 described above. The RAM 513 is provided with a backup area 513a in addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power off, each register, so that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off. This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 30). Conversely, the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is the power recovery process at the time of turning on the power (see FIG. 43). ) Is executed.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main controller 261, a launch controller 312 and a payout motor 358a are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the gaming machine by the launch motor 229, and the launch motor 229 is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, it is detected by a sensor signal that a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing stop switch for stopping the firing. On the condition that is not operated, the launch motor 229 is driven, and a game ball is launched with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18 (see FIG. 9).

  The display control device 45 includes a first symbol variation display on the first symbol display device 42, a second symbol variation display on the second symbol display device 41a, and a third symbol variation display on the third symbol display device 41b. Is to control. The display control device 45 constitutes second control means, sub-control means, and display control means in the present embodiment.

  The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, two output ports 528 and 529, and a bus. Lines 530 and 531 are provided. The output of the main controller 261 is connected to the input of the input port 527, and the CPU 521, ROM 522, work RAM 523, and image controller 526 are connected to the output of the input port 527 and one output port is connected via the bus line 530. 528 is connected. The output of the output port 528 is connected to the second symbol display device 41a (display unit 43a), the third symbol display device 41b (display unit 43b), and the sound lamp control device 262. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531, and a first symbol display device 42 which is a liquid crystal display device is connected to an output of the output port 529. In the present embodiment, the display control device 45 is connected to the main control device 261 via a cable as an 18-core signal line. The cable is composed of a flexible cable, and an 18-core connector is attached to both ends. The 18-core includes a ground line for supplying a ground level and 16 data signal lines for transmitting a control command. And a transfer signal line for transmitting a transfer signal (strobe signal). A 2-byte control command is transmitted simultaneously in a single data transfer in synchronization with the strobe signal, that is, in units of 2 bytes. Of course, the cable as the signal line is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may have another configuration.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the first symbol display device 42, the second symbol display device 41a, and the third symbol display device 41b based on the display command transmitted from the main control device 261. The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data, and the work RAM 523 temporarily stores work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. It is a memory for.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the first symbol display device 42, and the display contents of the first symbol display device 42 are changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the first symbol display device 42. The image controller 526 adjusts the timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in reading and writing data, and also reads display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing. It is displayed on the symbol display device 42.

  The power supply unit 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 for monitoring power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch connected to the RAM erase switch 323. A circuit 543. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in an AC 24 volt power supply supplied from the outside, and generates a + 12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a + 5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, and the like. Then, these + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 30).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit for taking in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clearing backup data in the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 in accordance with the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. The

  Although not shown in the figure, the first symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 42 has three symbol rows of left, middle and right, and the symbol (first symbol) varies for each symbol row. Is displayed. In the present embodiment, for example, the first symbol is configured so as to be given numbers “0” to “9”, respectively, and the first symbol is displayed in ascending or descending order of numbers to form a series of symbol strings. Yes. And the 1st symbol is variably displayed from top to bottom with periodicity.

  In this case, in the left symbol row, the first symbol is displayed in descending order (in the order in which the attached numbers decrease), and in the middle symbol row and the right symbol row, the first symbol is also in ascending order (the appended numbers are the same). (In increasing order). Then, the variable display stops in the order of left symbol sequence → right symbol sequence → middle symbol sequence, and at the time of the stop, the first symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols on the first symbol display device 42 (in this embodiment, the same first A special game video is displayed as a jackpot if the symbols are combined (a combination of symbols) (a jackpot state is started).

  In the present embodiment, the first symbol display device 42 controlled by the display control device 45 based on an instruction from the main control device 261 is configured to be a big hit if the first symbols are arranged in a specific combination. ing. Not limited to this, it is provided with a symbol display device that is directly controlled by the main control device 261 without going through the display control device 45, and the display symbols that are variably displayed on the symbol display device are arranged in a specific combination. It is good also as a structure which becomes. Further, in association with this, the first symbol may be displayed on the first symbol display device 42 in the same manner as the present embodiment in order to enhance the effect (decoration).

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 performs lottery (big hit lottery) of the first symbol display device 42, setting of symbol display, and the like using various counter information in the game. Specifically, 22, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery of the first symbol display device 42, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for the selection of the jackpot symbol of the first symbol display device 42, and the first symbol Reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery when the display device 42 fluctuates and changes, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of the big hit random number counter C1, and used for variation pattern selection of the first symbol display device 42 Variation type counters CS1 and CS2 to be used, and left, middle and right outlier symbols used for setting the outlier symbols in the left, middle and right columns Printer CL, CM, has decided to use a CR.

  Among these, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS1, and CS2 are loop counters that each add 1 to the previous value and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Further, the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 501, and as a result, numerical values change randomly. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. In addition, the RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area as a storage area composed of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth holding areas). The values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the one opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b). It is to be stored.

  In detail, each of the counters is configured such that the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented one by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 676, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676), and is updated once for each timer interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b). Stored in the reserved ball storage area. There are two types of random number values that are jackpots, low probability and high probability. In this embodiment, the number of random numbers that are jackpots at low probability is 2, and the value is “ 337, 673 ", and the number of random numbers that are jackpots at high probability is 10, and the values are" 67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661 ". The high probability means a state where the jackpot is won by a predetermined probability fluctuation pattern and the subsequent jackpot probability is increased as added value, that is, a so-called probabilistic state, and the normal time (low probability) is like that When not in a certain state. In general, the concept of the probability variation state (probability variation mode) is as follows: (1) The probability that a predetermined symbol is displayed on the second symbol display device 41a and the third symbol display device 41b is increased compared to the normal time, and the top winning portion 33a And increasing the opportunity to open the lower prize winning portion 33b, and (2) configuring the blade to open once or a plurality of times per display of the predetermined symbol in the second symbol display device 41a, etc. (3) shorten the symbol variation time in the second symbol display device 41a etc., (4) lengthen the blade opening time (and / or increase the number of winnings), (5) first Although the variation time of the identification symbol of the symbol display device 42 is shortened and (6) the jackpot probability is higher than that in the normal mode, etc., in the probability variation state (probability variation mode) in the present embodiment, In addition to 6), is performed all matters (1) to (5).

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines a symbol when the fluctuation of the first symbol display device 42 is stopped at the time of a jackpot. In this embodiment, the first symbol display device 42 has 10 types of the first symbol set. Therefore, 10 (0 to 9) counter values are prepared. In other words, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is configured so that 1 is added in order within the range of 0 to 9, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 9), it returns to 0. The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b). Stored in the reserved ball storage area.

  Further, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C3 causes the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach to stop by shifting by one by one before and after the reach symbol. “Reach other than front / rear off” that stops other than front and back and “complete out” that does not occur reach are selected by lottery. For example, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to front / rear reach, and C3 = 2-21 It corresponds to reach other than detachment, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to complete detachment. Reach lottery may be set individually according to the state of the lottery probability of the first symbol display device 42, the number of starting and holding balls at the start of change, and the like. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and the RAM 503 is played at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b). Stored in the reserved ball storage area.

  Further, one of the two variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is incremented by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0. For example, the other variation type counter CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 240, for example, and reaches the maximum value (that is, 240) and then returns to 0. In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as “first variation type counter”, and CS2 is also referred to as “second variation type counter”. The first variation type counter CS1 determines the reach type of the first symbol, such as so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, and other rough symbol variation modes. The second variation type counter CS2 determines the final stop symbol ( In this embodiment, a more detailed symbol variation mode such as an elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) until the middle symbol) stops is determined. Therefore, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1, or to determine the symbol variation mode similarly by combining the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol.

  The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when the first symbol display device 42 determines the variation pattern at the start of variation of the first symbol.

  The left, middle, and right out symbol counters CL, CM, and CR indicate that the first symbol in the left column, the first symbol in the middle column, and the first symbol in the right column when the jackpot lottery of the first symbol display device 42 is lost. This is for determining the stop symbol (disconnected symbol), and since each of the ten first symbols is displayed in each column, ten counter values (0 to 9) are prepared for each symbol. . The stop symbol of the left symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CL, the stop symbol of the middle symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CM, and the stop symbol of the right symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CR.

  In the present embodiment, the value of each counter CL, CM, CR is updated at random by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 501. That is, when each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated, the lower 3 bits of the R register are added to the previous value, and when the addition result exceeds the maximum value, 10 is subtracted to determine the current value. The Each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated within the normal processing so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the reach of the RAM 503 front / rear out symbol buffer, reach other than front / rear out It is stored in either the symbol buffer or the completely off symbol buffer. Then, when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the first symbol, the buffer value of any one of the front and rear outreach symbol buffer, the reach symbol buffer other than front and rear outlier and the completely out symbol symbol buffer is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3. The

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the big hit random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 performs lottery of the second symbol display device 41a and the third symbol display device 41b using various counter information during the game, and specifically, As shown in FIG. 22, the second symbol random number counter C4 used for the winning lottery of the second symbol display device 41a and the third symbol random number counter C5 used for the winning lottery of the third symbol display device 41b are used. It is said.

  Specifically, the second symbol random number counter C4 is used for the lottery of the second symbol display device 41a. The second symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 250, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The second symbol random number counter C4 is periodically updated (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right second opportunity corresponding port 34a. The number of random number values to be won is set at two times, the low probability and the high probability. In this embodiment, the number of random values to be won at the low probability is 149. The range is “5 to 153”, the number of random values to be won at a high probability is 229, and the value is “5 to 233”.

  Similarly, the third symbol random number counter C5 is used for the lottery of the third symbol display device 41b. The third symbol random number counter C5 is configured, for example, as a loop counter that increments one by one within a range of 0 to 250 and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The third symbol random number counter C5 is periodically updated (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right third opportunity corresponding port 34b. The number of random number values to be won is set at two times, the low probability and the high probability. In this embodiment, the number of random values to be won at the low probability is 149. The range is “5 to 153”, the number of random values to be won at a high probability is 229, and the value is “5 to 233”.

  The updated values of the second symbol random number counter C4 and the third symbol random number counter C5 are appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. In addition, the RAM 503 is provided with a second reserved ball storage area and a third reserved ball storage area as storage areas composed of one execution area and four reserved areas (first to fourth reserved areas). In each of these areas, the second symbol random number counter C4, the third counter 3 are arranged in accordance with the passing history of the game balls to the second opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34a and the third opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34b. Each value of the design random number counter C5 is stored in time series.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 501 is broadly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 4 msec), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described. Of course, the configuration of the control processing is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a normal process and a timer interrupt process, which will be described later, may not be executed as parallel periodic processes, but may be executed in series as a series of periodic processes with a period of 4 msec.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 every 4 msec, for example.

  In FIG. 28, first, in step S601, read processing of the various switches 221 to 225 and the like is executed. That is, the state of various switches 221 to 225 and the like (excluding the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switches 221 to 225 and the like is determined to detect detection information (winning detection) To save the information. That is, the timer interrupt processing constitutes processing for monitoring signal input from the predetermined trigger generation means in the present embodiment.

  Thereafter, in step S602, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. In the subsequent step S603, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit symbol counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, the second symbol random number counter C4, and the third symbol random number counter C5 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, the second symbol random number counter C4, and the third symbol random number counter C5 are each incremented by 1, and the counter values are the maximum values (this embodiment) In the embodiment, when it reaches 676, 49, 238, 250, 250), it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C5 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Thereafter, in step S604, trigger generation processing is executed. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29, in step S701, a start winning process associated with winning a prize in the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upward winning part 33a or lower winning part 33b) is performed. In subsequent step S702, a second mouth passing process is performed in association with the passage of the game ball through the second opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34a. In a succeeding step S703, a third mouth passing process accompanying the passage of the game ball through the third opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34b is performed. Then, after the trigger generation process, the CPU 501 once ends the timer interrupt process.

  Here, the start winning process in step S701 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 31. In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding mouth unit 33 (upper winning part 33a or lower winning part 33b). The determination is made based on the detection information of the upper prize section switch 224a or the lower prize section switch 224b. When it is determined that the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b), in the subsequent step S1002, the number N of starting reserved balls of the first symbol display device 42 is the upper limit value. It is determined whether it is less than (4 in the present embodiment). The process proceeds to step S1003 on the condition that there is a winning in the first opportunity corresponding port unit 33 (upper winning portion 33a or lower winning portion 33b) and the starting reserved ball number N <4, and the starting reserved ball number N is set to 1. Increment.

  In subsequent step S1004, a random number related to the winning of the first symbol is acquired. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S603 are stored in the first area of the free storage area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. Then, the start winning process is temporarily terminated.

  Next, the second mouth passing process in step S702 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 32. In step S1101, whether or not the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34a is determined. The determination is made based on the detection information of the (gate) switch 225a. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34a, in the subsequent step S1102, the number N of starting reserved balls of the second symbol display device 41a is less than the upper limit (4 in the present embodiment). It is determined whether or not. The process proceeds to step S1103 on the condition that there is a passage to the second opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34a and the number N of starting reserved balls is smaller than 4, and the number N of starting reserved balls is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S1104, a random number related to the winning of the second symbol is acquired. Specifically, the value of the second symbol random number counter C4 updated in step S603 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the second reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. And this 2nd mouth passage process is once complete | finished.

  Next, the third mouth passing process in step S703 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 33. In step S1201, whether or not the game ball has passed through the third opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34b is determined. The determination is made based on the detection information of the gate switch 225b. When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the third opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34b, in the subsequent step S1202, the number N of starting reserved balls of the third symbol display device 41b is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not. The process proceeds to step S1203 on the condition that there is a passage to the third opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34b and the number N of starting reserved balls is smaller than 4, and the number N of starting reserved balls is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S1204, a random number related to the winning of the third symbol is acquired. Specifically, the value of the third symbol random number counter C5 updated in step S603 is stored in the first area of the free storage area of the third reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. And this 3rd mouth passage process is once complete | finished.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

  That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process of FIG. The NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 30 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. During a predetermined time after the power failure signal SK1 is output, a current is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the main controller 261 can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is executed within the predetermined time.

  In the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 30, first, in step S801, the used register is saved in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503, and in the subsequent step S802, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. Further, in step S803, the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a, and in step S804, a power interruption notification command indicating that the power has been interrupted is transmitted to another control device.

  In step S805, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. In step S806, RAM access is prohibited. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the case where the power supply is completely shut down and processing cannot be executed.

  The NMI interrupt process is also executed in the payout control device 311 in the same manner, and the state of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Similarly, the power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the payout control device 311 can be executed for a predetermined time after the power failure signal SK1 is output. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. The NMI interrupt process in FIG. 30 is started. The contents are as described with reference to FIG. 30 (however, the transmission of the power-off notification command in step S804 is excluded).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sound lamp control device 262, payout control device 311 etc.) to become operable, for example, Wait processing is performed for about 1 second. In step S102, a payout permission command is transmitted to the payout control device 311. In subsequent step S103, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON). In subsequent step S105, the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. It is determined whether or not. In step S106, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S107, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 503, for example. Note that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 are correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall starts business. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S114 or the like). That is, in step S114, the used area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S115, initialization processing of the RAM 503 is executed. In step S116, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, the power-off occurrence information is set, and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Execute the process (process when power is restored). That is, in step S108, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S109, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S110, a command for returning the sub-side control device to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted, and in step S111, the used register is returned from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Further, in steps S112 and S113, the interrupt permission / non-permission is returned to the state before power-off, and then the address before power-off is returned.

  Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processing of steps S201 to S207 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S209 and S210 is executed with the remaining time.

  In FIG. 24, first, in step S201, external output processing (command transmission processing) is executed. That is, output data such as a command updated in the previous process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. However, details of the external output processing will be described later.

  Next, in step S202, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. In subsequent step S203, updating of each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row is executed.

  The update process of each out symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 25, in step S301, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the out symbol counter CL in the left symbol row. In step S302, It is determined whether or not it is time to update the middle symbol row out of symbol counter CM. If the update timing of the left symbol row (YES in step S301), the process proceeds to step S303, and the outlier symbol counter CL of the left symbol row is updated. Further, if the update timing of the middle symbol row (YES in step S302), the process proceeds to step S304, and the out-of-middle symbol counter CM is updated. Further, if the update timing of the right symbol sequence (both steps S301 and S302 are NO), the process proceeds to step S305, and the out symbol counter CR of the right symbol sequence is updated. In updating the out-of-step symbol counters CL, CM, and CR in steps S303 to S305, the value of the lower 3 bits of the R register is added to the previous counter value, and 10 is subtracted when the addition result exceeds the maximum value, The result of the calculation is out of sync and is used as the current value of the symbol counters CL, CM, CR.

  According to the CL, CM, and CR update processing, the left symbol row, middle symbol row, and right symbol row outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are sequentially updated one by one in one normal process. The update times of the values do not overlap. As a result, every time the normal process is executed three times, one set of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR is updated.

  Thereafter, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated out symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a reach symbol combination. If it is a reach symbol combination, then in step S307, it is changed back and forth. It is determined whether or not it is a missed reach. If the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are combinations of front and rear out of reach, the process proceeds to step S308, and the combination of out symbol symbols CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the front and rear out of reach symbol buffer of the RAM 503. If the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of reach other than front / back off, the process proceeds to step S309, and the combination of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / back out of RAM 503. To do.

  In the case of a combination other than the reach symbol, in step S310, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbol symbols CL, CM, CR is a symbol combination, and if it is a symbol combination, Proceeding to step S311, the combination of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the off symbol buffer of the RAM 503. If NO in both steps S306 and S310, the symbols are aligned on the left, middle, and right, that is, it corresponds to a jackpot state. The process is terminated without any processing.

  After the off symbol counter update process, in step S204 in FIG. 24, the winning ball counting signal and the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 are read. Thereafter, in step S205, a first symbol variation process for performing variation display of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 42 is executed. By this first symbol variation process, jackpot determination, variation setting of the first symbol, and the like are performed. The details of the first symbol variation process will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S206, a big prize opening / closing process for opening or closing the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 32 is executed in the case of a big win state. That is, it is determined whether the big winning opening is opened for each round of the big hit state, and whether the maximum opening time of the big winning opening has elapsed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening. When either of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed. At this time, the continuous winning opening is allowed on condition that the game ball has passed the specific area, and this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds.

  Further, in step S207, a second symbol control process is performed for performing variable display of the second symbol by the second symbol display device 41a. By performing this process, the second symbol random number counter C4 is acquired each time on the condition that the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port 34a, and is displayed on the display unit 43a of the second symbol display device 41a. When the second symbol is drawn and the winning state of the second symbol is reached, the top winning portion 33a is released for a predetermined time. However, details of the second symbol control process will be described later.

  In the subsequent step S208, the third symbol control process for displaying the variation of the third symbol by the third symbol display device 41b is executed. As a result of this processing, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the third opportunity corresponding port 34b, the third symbol random number counter C5 is acquired and the display on the display unit 43b of the third symbol display device 41b. When the third symbol lottery is executed and the third symbol wins, the lower winning portion 33b is released for a predetermined time. The details of the third symbol control process will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the next normal process execution timing has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing (steps S210 and S211). That is, in step S210, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In step S211, the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated (same as step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the change values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S208 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time. .

  Next, the first symbol variation process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 26, in step S401, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit now. The jackpot includes a special game displayed on the first symbol display device 42 and a predetermined time after the special game is ended. In a succeeding step S402, it is determined whether or not the first symbol display device 42 is displaying the variation of the first symbol. Then, if it is not a big hit and further is not displaying the variation of the first symbol, the process proceeds to step S403, and it is determined whether or not the number N of starting reserved balls of the first symbol display device 42 is larger than zero. At this time, if it is a big hit or if the number N of starting reserved balls is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  In addition, if it is neither a big hit nor a change display of the first symbol and if the number of starting reserved balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, 1 is subtracted from the number N of starting reserved balls. In step S405, a process for shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side, and the reserved first area → execution area, reserved second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold area.

  Thereafter, in step S406, a change start process is executed. Here, the details of the variation start processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 27. In step S501, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. To do. Specifically, whether or not the jackpot is determined based on the relationship between the jackpot random number counter value and the mode at that time, as described above, among the numerical values 0 to 676 of the jackpot random number counter C1 at the normal low probability, "337, “673” is the winning value, and “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661” is the winning value when the probability is high.

  If it is determined that the game is a jackpot, in step S502, a table corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area, that is, a table not showing the jackpot symbol (value of the jackpot symbol counter C2). And a symbol representing the correspondence between the symbol and the symbol), and the symbol is set as a stop symbol command. At this time, any of the 10 jackpot symbols corresponding to the numerical values 0 to 9 of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is set in the stop symbol command. When these jackpot symbols are gathered with a predetermined specific symbol, the state changes to the probability variation state, but when the symbols are not specific symbols (non-specific symbols), the probability variation state is not reached.

  Next, in step S503, the variation pattern at the time of the big hit is determined, and the variation pattern is set in the variation pattern command. At this time, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 are confirmed, and the reach of the first symbol such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc. is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. The type and other rough symbol variation modes are determined, and the elapsed time (in other words, variation) until the final stop symbol (in this embodiment, the middle symbol) stops after the occurrence of reach based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. More detailed symbol variation mode is determined. The relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the reach pattern and the relationship between the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the stop symbol time are respectively defined in advance by a table or the like.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that it is not a big hit, it is determined in step S504 whether or not a reach has occurred based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. If the reach has occurred, it is further determined in step S505 whether the reach is out of front or back based on the value of the reach random number counter C3. In this embodiment, the value of the reach random number counter C3 is any one of 0 to 238, of which “0, 1” corresponds to the front / rear out of reach, “2-21” corresponds to the reach other than the front / rear out, “22-238” corresponds to no reach (complete detachment).

  If front / rear out of reach has occurred, the process proceeds to step S506, and the left, middle, and right out of symbol counters CL, CM, CR stored in the front / rear out of reach symbol buffer of the RAM 503 are set as stop symbol commands. In step S507, a variation pattern at the time of front / rear out of reach is determined, and the variation pattern is set as a variation pattern command. At this time, as in step S503, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 are checked, and the normal reach, super reach, and premium reach are determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. The reach type of the first symbol and other rough symbol variation modes are determined, and the final stop symbol (in this embodiment, the middle symbol) is stopped after the reach occurs based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. A more detailed symbol variation mode such as the elapsed time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) is determined.

  If a reach other than front / rear out occurs, the process proceeds to step S508, and the left, middle, and right out-of-line counters CL, CM, CR stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear out of RAM 503 are stopped. Set to. Also, in step S509, a fluctuation pattern at the time of reach other than front / rear deviation is determined, and the fluctuation pattern is set as a fluctuation pattern command. At this time, the variation pattern is determined based on the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503, as in step S503 and the like.

  If it is neither big hit nor reach, the process proceeds to step S510, and the left, middle, and right out symbol counters CL, CM, and CR stored in the complete out symbol buffer of the RAM 503 are set as stop symbol commands. In step S511, the fluctuation pattern at the time of complete deviation is determined, and the fluctuation pattern is set in the fluctuation pattern command. At this time, since the reach does not occur, the player's interest is reduced, and various symbol variation modes are not required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in step S511, the symbol variation mode is determined using only the first variation type counter CS1 (that is, without using the second variation type counter CS2). As described above, when the setting of the symbol stop command and the variation pattern command is completed at the time of jackpot, when the reach occurs, and when the reach does not occur, this processing ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 26, if step S402 is YES, that is, if the first symbol variation display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S407, where it is determined whether the variation time has elapsed. At this time, the variation time of the first symbol is determined according to the variation pattern of the first symbol, and when this variation time has elapsed, an affirmative determination is made in step S407. In step S408, a stop symbol set for stopping and checking the fluctuation is set as a confirmation command, and then this process is terminated.

  Next, the second symbol control process of step S207 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1401, it is determined whether or not the second symbol display device 41a is currently displaying the winning symbol (the left symbol, that is, the “mal” symbol is being lit). During the winning display, the top winning portion 33a is in an open state. In the following step S1402, it is determined whether or not the second symbol display device 41a is displaying the variation of the second symbol. If the winning symbol is not being displayed and the variation of the second symbol is not being displayed, the process advances to step S1403 to determine whether or not the number N of retained balls of the second symbol display device 41a is greater than zero. At this time, if the winning display is in progress or the number of reserved balls N is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  Further, if neither the winning display nor the variation display of the second symbol is displayed and if the number of held balls is N> 0, the process proceeds to step S1404. In step S1404, 1 is subtracted from the number N of reserved balls. In step S1405, processing for shifting the data stored in the second reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the second holding ball storage area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area.

  Thereafter, in step S1406, a second symbol variation start process is executed. Here, the details of the second symbol variation start process will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 35. In step S1501, the second symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the second reserved ball storage area is used. It is determined whether or not it is hit.

  Here, if it is determined that it is a win, in step S1502, the symbol corresponding to the value of the second symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the second reserved ball storage area, that is, the “maru” symbol is turned on. A “maru” symbol lighting flag for displaying is set in a predetermined storage area, and a “cross” symbol extinguishing flag for displaying the “X” symbol in an off state is set in the predetermined storage area.

  In step S1503, a variation pattern (variation time) is determined, and a variation pattern flag for outputting the variation pattern is set in a predetermined storage area. Then, when the setting of various flags is completed, this process is terminated. In this embodiment, only one type of variation pattern relating to the second symbol is prepared corresponding to the low probability and the high probability. However, there is no problem even if the configuration is such that a plurality of variation patterns are stored and the variation pattern is determined from among them.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1501 that it is not a win, in step S1504, a “X” symbol lighting flag for lighting “X” symbol is set in a predetermined storage area, and “M” symbol is displayed. Is set in a predetermined storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step S1503, and when the setting of various flags is completed, this process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 34, if step S1402 is YES, that is, if the variation of the second symbol is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S1407 to determine whether or not the variation time has elapsed. At this time, the variation time of the second symbol is determined according to the variation pattern of the second symbol, and when this variation time has elapsed, an affirmative determination is made in step S1407. In step S1408, a stop flag for stopping and displaying the second symbol is set in a predetermined storage area, and then this process is terminated.

  Next, the third symbol control process of step S208 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1601, it is determined whether or not the third symbol display device 41b is currently displaying the winning symbol (the left symbol, that is, the “mal” symbol is being lit). During the winning display, the lower winning portion 33b is in an open state. In the following step S1602, it is determined whether or not the third symbol display device 41b is displaying the variation of the third symbol. If the winning symbol is not being displayed and the variation of the third symbol is not being displayed, the process advances to step S1603 to determine whether or not the number N of retained balls in the third symbol display device 41b is greater than zero. At this time, if the winning display is in progress or the number of reserved balls N is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  Further, if neither the winning display nor the variation display of the third symbol is being displayed and if the number of held balls is N> 0, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, 1 is subtracted from the number N of reserved balls. In step S1605, a process for shifting the data stored in the third reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the holding first to fourth areas of the third holding ball storage area to the execution area side. The holding first area → the execution area, the holding second Data in each area is shifted, such as area → holding first area, holding third area → holding second area, holding fourth area → holding third area.

  Thereafter, in step S1606, a third symbol variation start process is executed. Here, the details of the third symbol variation start process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 37. In step S1701, based on the value of the third symbol random number counter C5 stored in the execution area of the third reserved ball storage area. It is determined whether or not it is hit.

  Here, if it is determined that the winning is true, in step S1702, the symbol corresponding to the value of the third symbol random number counter C4 stored in the execution area of the third reserved ball storage area, that is, the “maru” symbol is turned on. A “maru” symbol lighting flag for displaying is set in a predetermined storage area, and a “cross” symbol extinguishing flag for displaying the “X” symbol in an off state is set in the predetermined storage area.

  In step S1703, a variation pattern (variation time) is determined, and a variation pattern flag for outputting the variation pattern is set in a predetermined storage area. Then, when the setting of various flags is completed, this process is terminated. In this embodiment, only one type of variation pattern relating to the third symbol is prepared for each of the low probability and the high probability. However, there is no problem even if the configuration is such that a plurality of variation patterns are stored and the variation pattern is determined from among them.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1701 that it is not a win, in step S1704, a “X” symbol lighting flag for lighting the “X” symbol is set in a predetermined storage area, and “M” symbol is displayed. Is set in a predetermined storage area. Then, the process proceeds to step S1703, and when the setting of various flags is completed, this process ends.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 36, if step S1602 is YES, that is, if the variation of the third symbol is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S1607 to determine whether or not the variation time has elapsed. At this time, the variation time of the third symbol is determined according to the variation pattern of the third symbol, and when this variation time has elapsed, an affirmative determination is made in step S1607. In step S1608, a stop flag for stopping and displaying the third symbol is set in a predetermined storage area, and then this process is terminated.

  Next, the external output process (command transmission process) in step S201 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In each command transmission process below, command data selected from various command tables is temporarily stored in the transmission command buffer of the RAM 503 and then transmitted to each control device at a predetermined timing in synchronization with the strobe signal. It has become so.

  In step S2001, a command transmission process (first symbol command transmission process) related to the first symbol (first symbol display device 42) is performed. Specifically, a stop symbol command, a variation pattern command, a confirmation command, and the like are transmitted to the display control device 45 when the first symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the first symbol. When the first symbol command transmission process is performed, the first symbol command transmission completion flag is set in a predetermined storage area.

  Regarding the change display of the first symbol, one change is made for each normal process in the order of the change pattern command → the left symbol row stop symbol command → the right symbol row stop symbol command → the middle symbol row stop symbol command. The command is sent once every 4 msec), and the confirmation command is sent when the fluctuation time elapses. That is, these commands are transmitted through a plurality of normal processes (external output processes). Further, the display control device 45 that has input a stop symbol command, a variation pattern command, a confirmation command, etc. determines the display mode of the first symbol display device 42 based on the various commands, and displays the display mode as the first symbol display. It is displayed on the device 42. In the present embodiment, the variation pattern command serves as a variation start command.

  In each of the above commands, time information indicating that the first symbol is fixedly displayed after a predetermined time from the start of variation, pattern information including a variation pattern represented by each reach pattern, and symbol information indicating which first symbol is to be confirmed and displayed. Etc. are included. Here, the symbol information includes a jackpot symbol, a detach reach symbol, and a detach symbol determined by the various counters.

  Each command has a 2-byte structure, and is transmitted to the display control device 45 by one data transfer in synchronization with the strobe signal during one periodic process every 4 msec. That is, in a single first symbol command transmission process, one command having a 2-byte configuration is transmitted in units of 2 bytes.

  The first byte (upper byte) of the command composed of 2 bytes is configured by keyword information indicating what information is transmitted. The second byte (lower byte) is composed of content information such as a pattern code corresponding to specific instruction content.

  For example, when the first symbol variation display is performed in the present embodiment, a variation pattern command is first transmitted by the first normal processing (external output processing). The first byte of the variation pattern command is composed of keyword information indicating that pattern information (indicating time information and variation pattern) is transmitted, and the second byte is pattern code information such as “00” and “01”. It is comprised by. Here, the pattern code information such as “00”, “01”, and the like is time information that suggests the content such as “10 seconds” or “30 seconds” as the symbol variation time. It consists of information suggesting a fluctuation pattern such as executing a fluctuation pattern (or any one of fluctuation pattern groups). Then, stop symbol commands are sequentially transmitted by the second and subsequent normal processing (external output processing). For example, in the stop symbol command, the first byte is composed of keyword information indicating that the symbol information of a predetermined symbol sequence is transmitted, and the second byte is composed of pattern code information indicating a symbol to be confirmed and displayed. ing.

  In subsequent step S2002, command transmission processing (second and third symbol command transmission processing) related to the second symbol display device 41a and the third symbol display device 41b (second symbol and third symbol) is displayed. This is performed for the control device 45. Details of the second and third symbol command transmission processing will be described later. When the second / third symbol command transmission process is performed, the second / third symbol command transmission completion flag is set in a predetermined storage area.

  In step S2003, the states of the first symbol command transmitted flag and the second and third symbol command transmitted flags are checked, and whether or not two commands have already been transmitted in the current external output processing. Is determined. That is, in the command transmission process for the first symbol and the command transmission process for the second and third symbols, each one command (for 2 bytes) is transmitted once, for a total of twice (4 bytes). Minute) command transmission is performed. If a determination result indicating that two commands have been transmitted is obtained, the first symbol command transmitted flag and the second and third symbol command transmitted flags are cleared and temporarily End the output process.

  On the other hand, if a determination result indicating that the two commands are not transmitted is obtained, a command transmission process (voice lamp command transmission process) related to the control of the speaker 249 and various lamps is performed in step S2004. This is performed for the sound lamp controller 262. When the voice lamp command transmission process is performed, the voice lamp command transmission completed flag is set in a predetermined storage area.

  Subsequently, in step S2005, the states of the first symbol command transmitted flag, the second and third symbol command transmitted flag, and the voice lamp command transmitted flag are checked, and in this external output process, It is determined whether or not two commands have already been transmitted. That is, in any one of the first symbol command transmission process, the second and third symbol command transmission processes, and the voice lamp command transmission process, one command (for two bytes) is transmitted as one command. It is determined each time, and it is determined whether or not command transmission has been performed twice (for 4 bytes) in total. If a determination result indicating that two commands have been transmitted is obtained, the first symbol command transmitted flag, the second and third symbol command transmitted flag, and the voice lamp command transmitted The flag is cleared and the external output process is temporarily terminated.

  On the other hand, when a determination result indicating that two commands are not transmitted is obtained, a payout command transmission process is performed in step S2006. Specifically, the presence / absence of winning detection information is determined, and if there is winning detection information, a winning ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311.

  Next, the second and third symbol command transmission processing of step S2002 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In step S2101, whether or not to transmit the second symbol command (control data) is checked by checking various flags set in the storage area of the RAM 503. That is, the above-described “maru” symbol lighting flag, “maru” symbol lighting flag, “X” symbol lighting flag, “X” symbol lighting flag, fluctuation pattern flag, and stop flag for the above-mentioned second symbol are checked and discriminated. .

  Regarding the variation display of the second symbol and the third symbol, each time normal processing is performed in the order of variation pattern designation command → left symbol designation 1 command or right symbol designation 1 command → left symbol designation 2 command or right symbol designation 2 command. Commands are sent one by one (that is, one every 4 msec), and a symbol stop command is sent at the timing when the fluctuation time has elapsed. That is, these commands are transmitted through a plurality of normal processes (external output processes). However, in the present embodiment, the command for the second symbol (control data) and the command for the third symbol (control data) are transmitted as one combined command. In the command creation area of the RAM 503, the commands are the second symbol command and the third symbol command, and the second and third symbol commands, the first byte (upper byte) and the second byte (lower byte) Byte) data and created as one second / third symbol command each time.

  Here, the second and third symbol commands in which the command for the second symbol (control data) and the command for the third symbol (control data) are combined will be described in detail. FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a correspondence relationship between command data, command names (control contents), and the like. FIG. 42 is a diagram conceptually showing a combination of a command for the second symbol and a command for the third symbol.

  The second and third symbol commands are composed of 2 bytes, and are transmitted to the display control device 45 by one data transfer in synchronization with the strobe signal during one periodic process every 4 msec. The That is, in one command transmission process for the second and third symbols, one command of 2 bytes is transmitted in units of 2 bytes.

  Of the command consisting of 2 bytes, the first byte (upper byte) is composed of command data (control data) for the second symbol. The second byte (lower byte) is composed of command data (control data) for the third symbol. The first byte (upper byte) command data constitutes the first control information in the present embodiment, and the second byte (lower byte) command data constitutes the second control information.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, when the command corresponding to the second symbol is not transmitted, the second byte in which the data of the first byte (upper byte) becomes “FF (H)”. The third symbol command is transmitted. Here, the symbol “H” means a hexadecimal number.

  When transmitting the variation pattern designation command corresponding to the second symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the first byte (upper byte) is “C9 (H)” are transmitted. ing.

  When transmitting the left symbol designation 1 command corresponding to the second symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the first byte (upper byte) data is “CA (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When transmitting the left symbol designation 2 command corresponding to the second symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the first byte (upper byte) is “CB (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When transmitting the right symbol designation 1 command corresponding to the second symbol, the second and third symbol commands having the first byte (upper byte) data of “CC (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When the right symbol designation 2 command corresponding to the second symbol is transmitted, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the first byte (upper byte) is “CD (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When the symbol stop command corresponding to the second symbol is transmitted, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the first byte (upper byte) is “CE (H)” are transmitted. Yes.

  If the command corresponding to the third symbol is not transmitted, the second and third symbol commands in which the second byte (lower byte) data is “01 (H)” are transmitted. Yes.

  When transmitting the variation pattern designation command corresponding to the third symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the second byte (lower byte) data is “19 (H)” are transmitted. ing.

  When transmitting the left symbol designation 1 command corresponding to the third symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the second byte (lower byte) is “1A (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When transmitting the left symbol designation 2 command corresponding to the third symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the second byte (lower byte) is “1B (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When transmitting the right symbol designation 1 command corresponding to the third symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the second byte (lower byte) is “1C (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When transmitting the right symbol designation 2 command corresponding to the third symbol, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the second byte (lower byte) is “1D (H)” are transmitted. It has become.

  When the symbol stop command corresponding to the third symbol is transmitted, the second and third symbol commands in which the data of the second byte (lower byte) is “1E (H)” are transmitted. Yes.

  Therefore, for example, when transmitting the left symbol designation 1 command corresponding to the second symbol and transmitting the right symbol designation 2 command corresponding to the third symbol, the command data “CA1D (H)” The second and third symbol commands are transmitted.

  Next, the control contents of the command will be described. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation mode of the second and third symbols, that is, the blinking mode. However, as described above, since only one type is set for each low and high probability state in this embodiment, The variation pattern designation command only plays a role of variation start command and variation time designation.

  The left symbol designation 1 command is a command for instructing to turn off the left symbol, that is, the “mal” symbol at the time of stop display.

  The left symbol designation 2 command is a command for instructing to light up and display the left symbol, that is, the “maru” symbol when stopped.

  The right symbol designation 1 command is a command for instructing to turn off the right symbol, that is, the “X” symbol when the stop symbol is displayed.

  The right symbol designation 2 command is a command for instructing that the right symbol, that is, the “X” symbol is lit up when stopped.

  The symbol stop command is a command for instructing to stop the variation display of the second and third symbols.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 39, if a determination result indicating that the command (control data) for the second symbol is not transmitted is obtained in step S2101, the command creation area of the RAM 503 is entered in step S2102. , “FF (H)” is set as the first byte (upper byte) of the second and third symbol commands, and the process proceeds to step S2114.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2101 that the second symbol command (control data) is to be transmitted, the state of the variation pattern flag is checked in step S2103, and this time, It is determined whether or not the command is a variation pattern designation command.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2103, in step S2104, “C9 (H)” is set as the first byte (upper byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and the change is made. The pattern flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2114.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2103, the "maru" symbol turn-off flag is checked in step S2105, and it is determined whether or not it is the left symbol designation 1 command that is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2105, “CA (H)” is set as the first byte (upper byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503 in step S2106, and “ The “mal” symbol turn-off flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2114.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2105, the "maru" symbol lighting flag is checked in step S2107, and it is determined whether or not it is the left symbol designation 2 command that is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2108, “CB (H)” is set as the first byte (upper byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and “ The “mal” symbol lighting flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2114.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2107, in step S2109, the “X” symbol turn-off flag is checked, and it is determined whether or not the right symbol designation 1 command is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2109, in step S2110, “CC (H)” is set as the first byte (upper byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and “ The “X” symbol turn-off flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2114.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2109, the “X” symbol lighting flag is checked in step S2111, and it is determined whether or not the right symbol designation 2 command is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2111, in step S2112 "CD (H)" is set as the first byte (upper byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and " The “X” symbol lighting flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2114.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2111, in step S2113, “CE (H)” is set as the first byte (upper byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and the process stops. The flag is cleared and the process proceeds to step S2114.

  Note that the processing from step S2101 to step S2113 constitutes the first determination processing for determining the presence / absence of control information to be transmitted to the first control target and the control content in the present embodiment.

  In subsequent step S2114, it is determined by checking various flags set in the storage area of RAM 503 whether or not a command (control data) for the third symbol is to be transmitted. That is, the above-described “maru” symbol lighting flag, “maru” symbol lighting flag, “X” symbol lighting flag, “X” symbol lighting flag, fluctuation pattern flag, and stop flag for the above-mentioned third symbol are checked and discriminated. .

  If it is determined in step S2114 that a command (control data) for the third symbol is not transmitted, two bytes of the second and third symbol commands are stored in the command creation area of the RAM 503 in step S2115. “01 (H)” is set as the eye (lower byte), and the process proceeds to step S2127.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2114 that the third symbol command (control data) is to be transmitted, the state of the variation pattern flag is checked in step S2116, and this time transmission is performed. It is determined whether or not the command is a variation pattern designation command.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2116, in step S2117, “19 (H)” is set as the second byte (lower byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and the change is made. The pattern flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2127.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2116, the "mal" symbol turn-off flag is checked in step S2118, and it is determined whether or not it is the left symbol designation 1 command that is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2118, in step S2119, “1A (H)” is set as the second byte (lower byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and “ The “mal” symbol turn-off flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2127.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2118, the "maru" symbol lighting flag is checked in step S2120, and it is determined whether or not it is the left symbol designation 2 command that is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2120, in step S2121, “1B (H)” is set as the second byte (lower byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and “ The “mal” symbol lighting flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2127.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2120, in step S2122, the “X” symbol turn-off flag is checked, and it is determined whether or not a right symbol designation 1 command is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2122, in step S2123, “1C (H)” is set as the second byte (lower byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and “ The “X” symbol turn-off flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2127.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2122, the "X" symbol lighting flag is checked in step S2124, and it is determined whether or not the right symbol designation 2 command is transmitted this time.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2124, in step S2125, “1D (H)” is set as the second byte (lower byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and “ The “X” symbol lighting flag is cleared, and the process proceeds to step S2127.

  If a negative determination is made in step S2124, in step S2126, “1E (H)” is set as the second byte (lower byte) of the second and third symbol commands in the command creation area of the RAM 503, and the process stops. The flag is cleared and the process proceeds to step S2127.

  Note that the process from step S2114 to step S2126 constitutes the second determination process for determining the presence / absence of control information to be transmitted to the second control target and the control content in the present embodiment.

  In step S2127, whether or not the command data of the second and third symbol commands is “FF01 (H)”, that is, whether or not there is a command to be transmitted to both the second symbol and the third symbol. Determine. If an affirmative determination is made, that is, if “FF01 (H)” is determined (when there is no command to be transmitted), the second and third symbol command transmission processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2127 that the command data of the second / third symbol command is not “FF01 (H)”, the second / third created in the command creation area of the RAM 503 in step S2128. A symbol command (command data) is transmitted to the display control device 45.

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control apparatus 311. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S3001, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value set in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S3002, the process waits until a payout permission command transmitted from main controller 261 is received. When the payout permission command is received, the process advances to step S3003 to permit RAM access, and an external interrupt vector is set in step S3004.

  Thereafter, a data backup process is executed for the RAM 513 in the CPU 511. That is, in step S3005, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON), and in the subsequent step S3006, information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. It is determined whether or not. In step S3007, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S3008, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513. It should be noted that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S3015, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 513 (step S3015 or the like). That is, in step S3015, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S3016, initialization processing of the RAM 513 is executed. In step S3017, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and in step S3018, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to a payout control process described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, the power-off occurrence information is set, and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Execute the process (process when power is restored). That is, in step S3009, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S3010, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S3011, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and in step S3012, the used register is restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Further, in steps S3013 and S3014, the interrupt permission / non-permission is returned to the state before the power interruption, and then the address before the power interruption is returned.

  Next, the flow of the payout control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 44, in step S3101, a command from the main control device 261 is acquired, and the total number of prize balls is stored. In step S <b> 3102, launch permission is set for the launch control apparatus 312. In step S3103, the state return switch 321 is checked, and if it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed.

  After that, in step S3104, the lower pan full tank state or the lower pan full tank release state is set according to the change in the state of the lower pan 15. That is, when the lower pan 15 is detected based on the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, when the lower pan is full, the lower pan full state is set, and when the lower pan full is not reached , Set the lower pan full release state. In step S3105, setting of a tank ball absence state or a tank ball absence release state is executed according to a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S3106, the presence / absence of a state to be notified is determined. If there is a state to be notified, the 7-segment LED provided in the payout control device 311 is notified.

  In steps S3107 to S3109, prize ball payout processing is executed. In this case, if the prize ball is not paid out and the total number of prize balls stored in step S3101 is not 0 (both NO in steps S3107 and S3108), the process proceeds to step S3109 and a prize ball control process (described later). 45) is started. Further, if the prize ball cannot be paid out, or if the total number of prize balls is 0 (YES in either step S3107 or S3108), the process proceeds to a lending payout process.

  Thereafter, in steps S3110 to S3112, a rental ball payout process is executed. In this case, if it is not possible to pay out the rented ball and if a rented ball payout request is received from the card unit (step S3110 is NO, S3111 is YES), the process proceeds to step S3112, and a renting control process (to be described later). FIG. 46) is started. In addition, if a rental ball cannot be paid out or a rental ball payout request has not been received (YES in step S3110 or NO in S3111), the subsequent ball removal process is executed.

  In step S3113, the state return switch 321 is checked to execute the ball removal process by driving the payout motor 358a on the condition that the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In the following step S3114, the control of the vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the top of the payout control process.

  Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 45, in step S3201, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the prize ball payout. In the subsequent step S3202, it is determined from the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 358a is normal. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process advances to step S3203 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then return to the payout control process in FIG.

  If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process advances to step S3204 to determine whether or not the game ball is normally counted based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process advances to step S3205 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  Further, if the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S3206, and it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached the total number of prize balls and the payout has been completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S3207, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  In the ball lending control process shown in FIG. 46, in step S3301, the payout motor 358a is driven to pay out the lending ball. In the subsequent step S3302, it is determined from the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 358a is normal. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S3303, where the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process, and a stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S3304, and whether or not the game ball is normally counted is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process advances to step S3305 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  If the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S3306, where it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached a predetermined number of rented balls (25) and the payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S3307, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  Next, the flow of display control processing, which is normal processing performed by the display control device 45, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S4001, the display control device 45 monitors whether or not a display control command transmitted from the main control device 261 has been received, and performs a process of determining whether or not the command has been received. Here, when it has not received, this process is complete | finished as it is. The display control device 45 generates an interrupt when a strobe signal is transmitted from the main control device 261, and receives a command by this interrupt processing.

  If the reception of the command is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S4002, where the received command (command data) is stored in the reception command buffer provided in the work RAM 523, and the received command is a command for the first symbol. It is determined whether or not. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S4003, and the first symbol display control process in the first symbol display device 42 is executed. For example, when the received command is a variation pattern command, the first symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the first symbol based on the variation pattern command or the like. More specifically, the CPU 521 sequentially calls commands stored in the received command buffer, selects a variation pattern display program corresponding to the command from a ROM (program ROM) 522, and executes the display program. Then, display images in which the first symbol fluctuates are sequentially generated and displayed on the display unit 42a of the first symbol display device 42. When the received command is a confirmed command, the first symbol is displayed on the display unit 42a of the first symbol display device 42 in a fixed stop state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4002 that the command is not for the first symbol, the process proceeds to step S4004 to execute display control processing for the second and third symbols. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 48, a third symbol command determination flag, which will be described later, is reset in step S4101, and the command stored in the received command buffer is analyzed in step S4102, and the upper byte data is analyzed. Is “C9 (H)”, “CA (H)”, “CB (H)”, “CC (H)”, “CD (H)”, or “CE (H)” Determine. If a negative determination is made here, the process proceeds to step S4103.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4102, the process proceeds to step S4104 to execute the second symbol display control process in the second symbol display device 41a based on the command data of the higher byte. For example, when the received command is a variation pattern designation command, the variation display of the second symbol based on the variation pattern designation command or the like is performed on the second symbol display device 41a. More specifically, the CPU 521 calls a command stored in the received command buffer, selects a variation pattern display program corresponding to the command from a ROM (program ROM) 522, and executes the display program. Then, the “maru” symbol and the “X” symbol are lit and blinked in a predetermined manner (for example, alternately).

  When the second symbol display control process is executed, the process proceeds to step S4105, the third symbol command determination flag is set in a predetermined storage area of the work RAM 523, and the process proceeds to step S4103.

  In step S4103, it is determined whether the upper byte data of the command is “FF (H)”. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S4106 to determine whether or not the third symbol command determination flag is set. If the determination is negative, the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4103, or an affirmative determination is made in step S4106, the process proceeds to step S4107, where the lower byte data of the command is “19 (H)”, “1A (H)”, It is determined whether or not any one of “1B (H)”, “1C (H)”, “1D (H)”, and “1E (H)”. Here, if a negative determination is made, the present process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S4107, the process proceeds to step S4108, where the third symbol display control process in the third symbol display device 41b is executed based on the command data of the lower byte, and this process ends. . For example, when the received command is the symbol stop command “1E (H)”, the third symbol is displayed on the b display unit 43b of the third symbol display device 41 on the basis of the symbol stop command.

  As described above in detail, in the present embodiment, the command for the second symbol (control data) and the command for the third symbol (control data) are combined into one command transmission process (second. The command is transmitted to the display control device 45 in the third symbol command transmission process). In other words, a single command in which a plurality of command transmission processes respectively corresponding to the second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) and the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b), which are a plurality of control targets, are integrated into one. It can be performed as a transmission process. Therefore, command transmission processing can be performed efficiently.

  Further, the second opportunity corresponding port 34a as the first entrance means and the third opportunity corresponding port 34b as the second entrance means are provided separately from each other, and the first opportunity generating means (first detection means) Means) An input signal from the second trigger corresponding port switch 225a and an input signal from the third trigger corresponding port switch 225b as the second trigger generating means (second detecting means) are individually input to the main controller 261. Therefore, there are cases where the timing for transmitting the command (control data) for the second symbol overlaps with the timing for transmitting the command (control data) for the third symbol. The command transmission process corresponding to a predetermined control target (for example, the third symbol) can be performed at a more appropriate timing without delay. As a result, operation control of the 2nd symbol display apparatus 41a and the 3rd symbol display apparatus 41b can be performed at a more suitable timing.

  Also, the second and third symbol commands are the command for the second symbol and the third symbol in the command creation area of the RAM 503, respectively, and the first and second bytes of the second and third symbol commands (upper byte) and It is set as the second byte (lower byte) data and is created each time as one command. Therefore, the command data storage capacity is compared with the case where the command data of the second and third symbol commands is stored in advance by a command table or the like and selected from the command table at the time of transmission. Can be suppressed.

  In addition, a determination process is performed to determine the presence / absence of control data to be transmitted to the second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) and the control content, and to be transmitted to the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b). A discrimination process for discriminating the presence / absence of control data and the control content is performed, and second and third symbol commands composed of control data individually corresponding to the discrimination results are created. As a result, a command in which a plurality of control data individually corresponding to each control target is aggregated can be created more efficiently, and the command creation process can be simplified and the processing load on the control means can be reduced.

  The second and third symbol commands have a 2-byte configuration, and one command with the 2-byte configuration is transmitted by one data transfer during one periodic process. Further, the first byte (upper byte) of the command having a 2-byte configuration is configured by command data (control data) for the second symbol. The second byte (lower byte) is composed of command data (control data) for the third symbol. Therefore, command data can be simplified, command transmission / reception processing can be simplified, and the processing load on various control means can be reduced.

  Further, the display control device 45 analyzes (discriminates) the upper byte (first byte) of the 2-byte configuration command, and controls the second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) based on the analysis result. Execute, analyze (discriminate) the lower byte (second byte) of the 2-byte command, and execute control of the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b) based on the analysis result. In other words, the command is analyzed (determined) for each control data unit, and the control related to the control data is executed, so the control content corresponding to each control object can be grasped relatively easily. Simplification of processing and reduction of burden can be achieved.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the second and third symbol commands have a 2-byte configuration, and the first byte (upper byte) is configured by command data (control data) for the second symbol. The byte (lower byte) is constituted by command data (control data) for the third symbol. Not limited to this, the second and third symbol commands may be composed of command data of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more. In the case of 1 byte, for example, the upper 4 bits may be command data for the second symbol, and the lower 4 bits may be command data for the third symbol.

  Also, the second and third symbol commands cannot be divided into command data for the second symbol and command data for the third symbol, and the second command is analyzed by analyzing the command on the display control device 45 side. The structure which can perform control of a symbol and a 3rd symbol may be sufficient. For example, the odd bit portions of the second and third symbol commands may constitute command data for the second symbol, and the even bit portions may constitute command data for the third symbol.

  (B) In the above embodiment, a cable (signal line) that can transmit a 2-byte command at a time is adopted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cable (signal line) matches the data amount of the command. Anything can be used. For example, if the command has a 1-byte configuration, a cable that can transmit the command at least once may be used. If the command has a 3-byte configuration, a cable that can transmit the command at a time may be used.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the normal process (periodic process) of the main controller 261 has a cycle of 4 msec, but the cycle of the normal process is not limited to this, and may be a cycle of 2 msec, for example. From the viewpoint of the above problem, the cycle of the normal processing is preferably a relatively short cycle. However, there are cases where it cannot be shortened due to the amount of command data. Of course, a relatively long cycle such as a 10 msec cycle is not preferable.

  (D) In the said embodiment, the switch (2nd opportunity corresponding port switch 225a and 3rd opportunity corresponding port switch 225b) as an opportunity generation means corresponding to a 2nd design and a 3rd design is provided separately, and the 2nd design and The command transmission processing timing corresponding to the third symbol is generated individually. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which both command transmission processing timings corresponding to the second symbol and the third symbol are generated based on a signal input from one switch.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the main control device 261 corresponds to the “first control means”, and the display control device 45 corresponds to the “second control means”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other control devices such as the sound lamp control device 262 and the payout control device 311 may correspond to the second control unit, and may perform control related to a plurality of control objects based on commands from the main control device 261. .

  Further, a configuration in which a control device different from the main control device 261 corresponds to the first control means may be employed. For example, the display control device 45 may correspond to the first control means, and the sound lamp control device 262 as the second control means may control various lamps in response to a command from the display control device 45.

  In the above embodiment, a combination of the second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) and the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b) is exemplified as a combination of a plurality of control objects. The combination is not limited to this, and may be a combination of various electric components such as a lamp and a speaker and other control devices. As an example, a combination of the first symbol (first symbol display device 42) and the second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) or the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b), a display device, a lamp and a speaker A combination, a combination of a lamp and an audio lamp control device 262, and the like are included. The plurality of control objects include not only a plurality of physically independent objects but also objects that are individually (independently) controlled by different processes. Therefore, the combination may be a combination of the second symbol and the third symbol configured to be variably displayed on the first symbol display device 42.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the display control device 45 analyzes (discriminates) the upper byte (first byte) of the 2-byte command, and based on the analysis result, the second symbol (second symbol display device) 41a) is executed, the lower byte (second byte) of the 2-byte command is analyzed (discriminated), and the control of the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b) is executed based on the analysis result. Is configured to do. The display control device 45 is not limited to this, and the correspondence relationship between the second and third symbol commands and the control contents of the second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) and the third symbol (third symbol display device 41b). Control content storage means (storage table) for storing the control contents, taking into account the control content storage means based on the second and third symbol commands received from the main controller 261, the second symbol (second symbol display device 41a) And it is good also as being comprised so that control of a 3rd symbol (3rd symbol display apparatus 41b) may be performed. In this way, it is possible to grasp the control contents relatively easily and control each control target, thereby simplifying the process and reducing the burden.

  (G) You may implement as a different type of pachinko machine etc. from the said embodiment. For example, once a big hit, a pachinko machine that raises the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, two times or three times) including that (for example, a two-time right item, a three-time right item) May also be implemented. Further, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special gaming state on the condition that a game ball is awarded in a predetermined area after the big hit symbol is displayed. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine called a blade. That is, the present invention can be applied to any device provided with a control unit that controls a plurality of control objects in accordance with a command from a predetermined control unit. In addition to pachinko machines, the present invention can also be implemented as various gaming machines such as a slot machine as a revolving game machine, an arrange ball machine, and similar sparrow balls. The slot machine is a known machine in which, for example, a symbol is stopped and fixed by operating a control lever while inserting a coin and determining a symbol effective line. In this case, examples of the game medium include coins and medals. Moreover, you may implement as a game machine which the pachinko machine and the slot machine united. As a specific example, an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information (specifically, a reel and identification information is a symbol attached to the reel) is variably displayed (specifically, a rotation of the reel). After that, variable display means for confirming and stopping the identification information is provided, and the fluctuation of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) is operated. The special gaming state that causes the special gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the variation of the identification information is stopped due to or after a predetermined time elapses, and the confirmed identification information at the time of stopping is the specific identification information Generating means, using a game ball as a game medium, requiring a predetermined number of game balls at the start of variation of the identification information, and generating a large number of games at the occurrence of a special game state. One in which the ball is paid out. Of course, a slot machine or a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated includes a detecting means for detecting that the starting operating means has been operated.

  Here, an example of a pachinko machine different from the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This pachinko machine is a pachinko machine that includes a plurality of electric actors and is configured so that a player can obtain many prize balls by a series of opening operations of the plural electric actors. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 49, a first symbol display device 402 is provided at a substantially central portion of the game board 401, and a through gate 403 is provided below the first symbol display device 402. . Also, on the right side of the game board 401, a first variable winning device 404, a second variable winning device 405, and a third variable winning device 406 are provided in three stages in the vertical direction. Each of the first to third variable winning devices 404 to 406 includes one blade 404a, 405a, and 406a, and changes state between an open state and a closed state by opening and closing the blades 404a to 406a. At normal times, all the blades 404a to 406a are closed and in a closed state.

  In addition, a second symbol display device 412 is provided below the first variable winning device 404, and a third symbol display device 413 is provided below the second variable winning device 405. The second symbol display device 412 and the third symbol display device 413 are each provided with a 7-segment display unit and four hold lamps. Of course, also in this embodiment, the display control device is configured to control the first symbol display device 402, the second symbol display device 412, and the third symbol display device 413 based on a command transmitted from the main control device. ing.

  Now, when the game ball passes through the through gate 403, the first symbol is variably displayed on the first symbol display device 402. Then, if the stop symbol is a predetermined specific symbol (a jackpot symbol), the main control device generates a jackpot state.

  Then, the main control device first opens the blades 404a and keeps the first variable winning device 404 open until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses or a predetermined number of (for example, five) game balls have won, When the condition is satisfied, the blade 404a is closed, and the first variable winning device 404 is closed. Accordingly, the player can cause the first variable winning device 404 to win the predetermined number of game balls at the maximum.

  Now, when a game ball wins the first variable winning device 404, the display control device, based on the command from the main control device, displays a number from “0” to “9” on the 7-segment display portion of the second symbol display device 412. Is displayed in a variable manner, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is stopped and displayed with the number selected and determined.

  Then, on the condition that it stops at the predetermined number, the main controller opens the blades 405a and waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, five) of the second variable winning device 405. ) Until the game ball wins. When the above condition is satisfied, the blade 405a is closed and the second variable winning device 405 is closed. Therefore, the player can cause the second variable winning device 405 to win up to the predetermined number of game balls. The probability of stopping at a predetermined number is about 999/1000, but is not limited to such a value.

  In the present embodiment, the second symbol display device 412 is set, for example, to “29.5 seconds” from the start of change to the stop. And while the blade | wing 405a of the 2nd variable prize-winning apparatus 405 is open | released, the stop state of a symbol is maintained. Further, if there is a hold after the second variable winning device 405 is closed, the symbol variation is repeated again at the above cycle.

  Now, when a game ball wins the second variable winning device 405, the display control means, based on the command from the main control device, displays the numbers from “0” to “9” on the 7-segment display portion of the third symbol display device 413. Is displayed in a variable manner, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is stopped and displayed with the number selected and determined.

  Then, on the condition that it stops at the predetermined number, the main control device opens the blade 406a and waits for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) or until a predetermined number (for example, five) of the third variable winning device 406. ) Until the game ball wins. When the above condition is satisfied, the blade 406a is closed and the third variable winning device 406 is closed. Therefore, the player can make the third variable winning device 406 win a maximum of the predetermined number of game balls.

  In the present embodiment, with respect to the third symbol display device 406, the time from the start to stop of the symbol change is set to, for example, “5 seconds”. Then, if there is a hold after the symbol is stopped, the next change is started immediately.

  In addition, the number of game balls won in the first and second variable prize winning devices 404 and 405 can be stored up to four times, and the second and third symbol display devices 412 and 413 use the holding lamp to indicate the number of times they are held. Is displayed. Accordingly, even if a game ball wins the first and second variable prize-winning devices 404 and 405 with the four hold lamps lit, the hold balls are not counted and as long as the hold lamp is lit, the game balls However, even if the first and second variable winning devices 404 and 405 are not won, the second and third symbol display devices 412 and 413 are operated as many times as the number of holdings. That is, the variable display is performed five times at a maximum.

  Then, the second or third variable winning device 405, 406 is opened / closed by the number of times (a total of 5 times) corresponding to the number of times the number of winning times stored in the first and second variable winning devices 404, 405 (holding number). The operation will be repeated. And a jackpot state is complete | finished by complete | finishing the opening / closing operation | movement of a series of 1st-3rd variable prize-winning apparatuses 404-406.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the main time depends on the opening time and number of times of the first to third variable winning devices 404 to 406, the symbol variation time of the second and third symbol display devices 412 and 413, the stop timing, and the like. There is a high possibility that timings at which the control device transmits commands to the display control device overlap. However, the command transmission processing corresponding to a predetermined control target (for example, the third symbol display device 413) is delayed by performing the command transmission processing for the second and third symbol display devices 412 and 413 by one command transmission processing. And can be performed at a more appropriate timing. As a result, the operation control of the second and third symbol display devices 412 and 413 can be performed at a more appropriate timing.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine of the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the inner frame etc. in the state which open | released the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a front frame set. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows arrangement | positioning of the 1st control board unit in the back surface of a pachinko machine, a 2nd control board unit, and a back pack unit. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame and a game board. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of an inner frame. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a support metal fitting. It is a front view which shows the structure of a 1st control board unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a 1st control board unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a 1st control board unit. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a 1st control board unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a 2nd control board unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a 2nd control board unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a 2nd control board unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a back pack unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a tank rail. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of an off symbol counter. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an opportunity generation process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd mouth passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 3rd port passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd symbol fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a 3rd symbol control process. It is a flowchart which shows a 3rd symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows an external output process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of command transmission process for 2nd and 3rd symbols. 40 is a flowchart showing a continuation of FIG. 39, which is a part of the second / third symbol command transmission process. It is the chart which showed the correspondence of command data and control contents. It is the table | surface which represented notionally the combination of the command for 2nd symbols, and the command for 3rd symbols. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows payout control processing. It is a flowchart which shows prize ball control. It is a flowchart which shows ball rental control. It is a flowchart which shows a display control process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd and 3rd symbol display control process. It is a front view which shows the structure of the game board in another embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a game machine, 30 ... Game board which comprises a game area, 33 ... 1st opportunity corresponding port unit, 34a ... The 2nd opportunity corresponding port (through gate) which constitutes a ball entry means, 34b ... Entering a ball 3rd opportunity corresponding port (through gate) which comprises means, 41a ... 2nd symbol display apparatus which comprises 1st control object, 41b ... 3rd symbol display apparatus which comprises 2nd control object, 45 ... 2nd control means , Sub-control means, display control device constituting display control means, 225a, second trigger corresponding port switch constituting first trigger generation means or detection means, 225b, second trigger generation means or detection means constituting third Trigger port switch, 261... Main control device constituting first control means (main control means), C4... Second symbol random number counter, C5.

Claims (2)

A gaming machine comprising: a first control unit that controls predetermined control relating to a game; and a second control unit that controls a first display unit and a second display unit in response to a command transmitted by the first control unit. There,
The first control means includes
Based on the occurrence of a predetermined first trigger, a series of matters that are related to the control contents from the start to the stop of the variable display performed by the first display means and should be sequentially instructed to the first display means are determined. Means to
Based on the occurrence of a predetermined second trigger, a series of matters that are related to the control contents from the start to the stop of the variable display performed by the second display means and are to be sequentially instructed to the second display means are determined. And means for
First control information related to one item in a series of items to be sequentially instructed to the first display means, and second control information related to one item in a series of items to be sequentially instructed to the second display means Is set in a predetermined command creation area, so that a command including the first control information and the second control information can be created and transmitted to the second control means. A gaming machine. The first control means includes
A first determination process for determining presence / absence and control contents of control information to be transmitted to the first display means, and a second determination process for determining presence / absence of control information and control contents to be transmitted to the second display means. And
The control information corresponding to the discrimination results of the first discrimination process and the second discrimination process is set in a predetermined command creation area, and a command including the first control information and the second control information is created. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine is configured as described above.

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