JP5000257B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention can play a predetermined game using a game ball, and can be controlled to either an open state in which a game ball can be won or a closed state in which a game machine cannot be won. It is equipped with a variable winning ball device that performs a starting operation that becomes an open state based on winning in the winning opening, and the game state is determined for the player based on the fact that the game ball has won a special area provided in the variable winning ball device The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that is shifted to an advantageous specific gaming state.

  As a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of game balls are prizes (prize balls) ) Is paid to the player. Furthermore, as a display result of the variable display of the special symbol (identification information) started in the variable display unit based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening, a predetermined specific display mode (specific display result) is provided. There is a gaming machine that shifts to a big hit gaming state when it is derived and displayed. Note that the derivation display is to stop and display a symbol (excluding stop before so-called re-variation). When the big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening (one of the winning areas) is opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times), and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state where the hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. Hereinafter, the opening period of each special winning opening is referred to as a round.

  When a game ball wins a grand prize opening, a game ball as a prize is paid out to the player. Generally, the number of game balls to be paid out when a game ball wins a normal prize opening other than the big prize opening. However, there are more game balls to be paid out when a game ball is won at the big prize opening. Then, it becomes easy to receive a fraudulent act that attempts to obtain a game ball as a prize illegally by creating a situation in which a game ball has won a prize winning opening by using an unauthorized tool or the like. At this time, the game ball is not actually won in the big prize opening.

  Therefore, a game machine is proposed that is configured to notify an abnormality and stop the game if an abnormal winning is detected when a winning of a game ball to the big winning opening is detected when the big winning opening is closed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP-A-5-228243 (paragraphs 0147, 0151)

  As a pachinko machine, it can be controlled either in an open state in which game balls can be won or in a closed state in which game machines cannot be won, and a start operation that becomes an open state based on winning in a predetermined winning opening A gaming machine comprising a variable winning ball device for performing a game state and shifting the gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player based on the winning of a game ball in a special area provided in the variable winning ball device There is. In the specific game state, generally, the movable member of the accessory provided with the movable member is controlled to be in an open state, and after the game ball enters the accessory and passes through the route member provided in the accessory, The prize ball is paid out when winning. When the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the movable member is closed.

  When a technique such as that described in Patent Document 1 is applied to such a gaming machine, when a winning occurs after the movable member is closed, the winning is determined as an abnormal winning, and a game ball to the gaming area Is prohibited. However, in a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state in which a winning ball is paid out when a winning ball enters the winning area after passing through a path member provided in the winning ball, the gaming ball has entered the accessory. It takes time to reach the winning area from time to time. Moreover, the time is not constant and varies depending on the situation. Then, there is a possibility that it will be determined as an abnormal prize despite the fact that a regular game is being executed.

  Therefore, the present invention includes a variable winning ball device that can be changed to an open state when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and specifies a gaming state based on a game ball entering a special area provided in the variable winning ball device. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to reliably detect whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred in a gaming machine configured to shift to a gaming state in accordance with the gaming state.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can play a predetermined game using a game ball and can be controlled to either an open state in which the game ball can be won or a closed state in which the game machine cannot be won. There is provided a variable winning ball device (for example, variable winning ball device 20) that is controlled to a starting operation state that is opened based on winning in a predetermined winning port (for example, starting winning ports 38a, 39a, 40a), The game state is variably awarded to a specific game state (for example, a big hit game state) that is advantageous to the player based on the game ball having won a special area (for example, the specific winning port 30) provided in the variable winning ball device. A game machine for controlling a ball device, wherein a winning detection means for detecting a game ball won in a winning area provided in the variable winning ball device and outputting a detection signal (for example, a prize winning switch 34a, 34b) And a discharge detection means (for example, an accessory discharge switch 29a) that outputs a detection signal that can specify that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus, and controls the progress of the game A game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) and an effect device (for example, a symbol display 9, a speaker) that performs a predetermined effect based on a command (for example, an effect control command) transmitted by the game control means. 27, an effect control means (for example, an effect control microcomputer 100) for controlling the lamp / LED), and the game control means determines whether or not a detection signal from the prize detection means has been inputted. (For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the unit that executes the processes of steps S331 to S338 and S351 to S361. In particular, the winning combination switch (34a) input bit determination value or the winning combination winning switch (34b) input bit determination value is used to execute the processing of steps S355 and S361) and the detection signal from the discharge detection means. Based on the discharge determination means for determining whether or not the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus (for example, the processing of steps S444 and S487 is executed in the game control microcomputer 560). Portion) and when the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled to the starting operation state or the specific gaming state (for example, when the error detection prohibition flag is not set, or the accessory control process flag is 1, 2, 5, or 6) the not equal-out) based on the winning determination unit inputs the detection signal is determined as abnormal winning occurs, further, allowed After varying winning ball device is changed to the closed state, the variable winning ball device to enter prize determination condition that was determined by the discharge determination means that discharged entered the game ball from the variable winning ball device in an open state Abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred even when the means has input a detection signal (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S569 to S574 in the game control microcomputer 560). Note that the “error detection prohibition flag” is reset when the in-function game ball number counter reaches 0 when the start operation or the big hit game ends (see steps S449, S451, S506, and S516). The abnormal winning means counting means for counting the cumulative number of times that the abnormal determining means has determined that an abnormal winning has occurred (for example, the part for executing the processing of step S576 in the game control microcomputer 560), and the abnormal winning number counting. When the cumulative number counted by the means reaches a predetermined number, abnormality notification command transmission means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, steps S578 and S580). And the production control means transmits an abnormality notification command. In accordance with the abnormality notification command transmitted by the stage, an abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification by the effect device (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S906 to S909 in the effect control microcomputer 100) is included. .

  The abnormality notification command transmission means transmits an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification every time the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred after the cumulative number reaches the predetermined number of times (for example, The processing of steps S579, S575, and S580 shown in FIG. 32 may be configured.

  The gaming machine according to another aspect of the present invention is capable of performing a predetermined game using a game ball, and is in one of an open state in which the game ball can be won and a closed state in which the game machine cannot be won. And a variable winning ball device (for example, variable winning ball device 20 that is controlled to a starting operation state that is opened based on winning to a predetermined winning port (for example, starting winning ports 38a, 39a, 40a). ) And a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player based on the winning of a gaming ball in a special area (for example, the specific winning port 30) provided in the variable winning ball device. ) Is a game machine that controls the variable winning ball apparatus, and is a winning detection means (for example, a prize winning switch) that detects a gaming ball that has won a winning area provided in the variable winning ball apparatus and outputs a detection signal. 34 , 34b), a discharge detection means (for example, an accessory discharge switch 29a) for outputting a detection signal capable of specifying that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus, A game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) that controls the progress, and an effect device (for example, a symbol display) that performs a predetermined effect based on a command (for example, an effect control command) transmitted by the game control means 9. An effect control means (for example, an effect control microcomputer 100) for controlling the speaker 27 and the lamp / LED), and the game control means determines whether or not a detection signal from the winning detection means is input. Winning determination means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the processing of steps S331 to S338, S351 to S361 is performed. In particular, the part that executes the processing of steps S355 and S361 using the input winning bit determination value (34a) or the input winning bit determination value (34b) input bit determination value) and the discharge detection means Based on the detection signal, discharge determining means for determining whether or not the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus (for example, the processing of steps S444 and S487 in the game control microcomputer 560). And when the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled in the starting operation state or the specific gaming state (for example, when the error detection prohibition flag is not set, or the accessory control process flag is 1, 2, (When it is not 5 or 6), it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the input of the detection signal by the winning determination means, In addition, when the variable winning ball apparatus changes to the open state, the winning determination is made on the condition that the discharge determining means determines that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus. An abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the input of the detection signal by the means (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S569 to S574 in the game control microcomputer 560), and an abnormality determining means When it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, an abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, steps S569 to S574 shown in FIG. 46). The effect control means includes an abnormality notification transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means. Based on the command, the abnormal winning means counting means for counting the cumulative number of times that the abnormality determining means has determined that an abnormal winning has occurred (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, steps S906 and S932 shown in FIGS. 47 and 48). And the abnormality notification means (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, the abnormality control means for notifying the abnormality when the cumulative number counted by the abnormal winning number counting means reaches a predetermined number). 48), the process of steps S934, S908, and S909 shown in FIG.

  Based on the fact that the condition for shifting to the specific game state is established, the cumulative number initialization means for initializing the cumulative number (for example, the processing of steps S446 and S448 shown in FIG. 15 is executed in the game control microcomputer 560). Part) may be provided.

  A second cumulative number initialization means (for example, game control) that initializes the cumulative number when a predetermined time has elapsed without determining that an abnormal winning has occurred again after the abnormality determining means has determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. A portion of the microcomputer 560 that executes the processes of steps S577, S566, and S567.When the abnormal winning occurs again within a predetermined time by executing the process of step S577 every time it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, the number of errors The validity period timer may not time out).

  Third cumulative number initialization means for initializing the cumulative number when the power supply to the gaming machine stops (for example, in the gaming control microcomputer 560, it is formed in the backup RAM by the power-off process in step S20 shown in FIG. 8). A portion for executing a process for initializing the value of the error counter that is set.

  The prize game ball payout control means (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 performs the processing of steps S362 to S365, S371 to S382) for executing control for paying out the prize game balls in response to the winning of the game balls in the winning area. The prize game ball payout control means includes a payout control prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of control for paying out the prize game balls based on the prize when the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred. The game control microcomputer 560 may include a part for executing the processes of steps S362 and S363.

In the first aspect of the invention, the game control means that an abnormal prize has occurred based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs a detection signal when the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled in the starting operation state or the specific game state. determined, further, a condition that the variable winning ball device after changing the closed state, the game ball which enters the open state variable winning ball device that has been discharged from the variable winning ball device is determined by the discharge determination means even if the incoming prize judging means inputs a detection signal, and abnormality determining means for determining an abnormality winning occurs, the abnormality determination means abnormal winning number counting means for counting the accumulated number of times it is judged that abnormality occurs winning And an abnormality notification command transmitter for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification when the cumulative number counted by the abnormal winning number counting means reaches a predetermined number. Since including the door, it prevents the normal game will be determined despite abnormal winning the running, there is an effect that can be reliably detected and informed that an abnormality winning occurs.

  In the invention according to claim 2, an abnormality for instructing the execution of abnormality notification every time the abnormality notification command transmission means determines that an abnormality winning has occurred after the accumulated number of times reaches a predetermined number. Since the notification command is transmitted, the notification condition can be made strict for occurrence of abnormal winning more than a predetermined number of times.

  In the invention according to claim 3, the game control means that an abnormal winning occurs based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs the detection signal when the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled to the starting operation state or the specific gaming state. And when the variable winning ball apparatus changes to the open state, the discharge determining means determines that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus. An abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the input of the detection signal by the winning determining means, and an abnormality for instructing execution of an abnormality notification when the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred. An abnormality notification command transmission means for transmitting a notification command, and the effect control means is configured to change the abnormality determination means based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means. An abnormal winning number counting unit that counts the cumulative number of times it is determined that a winning has occurred, and an abnormal notifying unit that notifies the abnormality by the effect device when the cumulative number counted by the abnormal winning number counting unit reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, it can be avoided that the game is determined to be abnormal even though the regular game is being executed, and there is an effect that it is possible to reliably detect and notify that an abnormal winning has occurred.

  In the invention according to claim 4, since the cumulative number initialization means for initializing the cumulative number is provided based on the fact that the condition for shifting to the specific gaming state is established, the occurrence of an abnormal winning more than a predetermined number is also provided. Yes.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second cumulative number that initializes the cumulative number of times when a predetermined time has passed without determining that the abnormal winning has occurred again from when the abnormality determining means has determined that the abnormal winning has occurred. Since the initializing means is provided, it is possible to deal with the occurrence of abnormal winning more than a predetermined number of times.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the third cumulative number initialization means for initializing the cumulative number when the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped is provided, it is possible to cope with the occurrence of the abnormal winning more than the predetermined number. .

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, the prize game ball payout control means includes payout control prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of control for paying out the prize game balls based on the prize when the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred. Therefore, when there is a possibility that the winning determination means has input the detection signal due to fraud, it is possible to prevent the game store from being disadvantaged by not paying out the winning ball based on the winning.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 6 as viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. In the lower part of the hit ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray (lower plate) 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray 3, and a speed at which the hit ball launching device launches the game balls (that is, the game balls) A hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for adjusting the strength of the spring to be played is provided.

  The player can adjust the momentum of the game ball fired from the ball striking device by rotating the operation knob 5. Specifically, by rotating the operation knob 5 to the right, the speed of the game ball fired from the hitting ball launching device gradually increases, and when it exceeds a predetermined speed, Enters the left area of the gaming area 7 from above through the hitting rail. When the operation knob 5 is further rotated to the right, the launched game ball enters the right area of the game area 7 from above. Therefore, by changing the rotation amount with the operation knob 5 rotated to the right, it is possible to adjust the momentum of the game ball fired from the hit ball launching device, and to adjust the area into which the game ball is to be shot. .

  A game board 6 is detachably attached to the back surface of the glass door frame 2. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. In addition, a game area 7 partitioned by guide rails is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  A symbol display 9 is provided above the variable winning ball apparatus 20. The symbol display 9 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED and variably displays numbers 0 to 9. The symbol display 9 is used to notify the player of the number of rounds in the big hit game. In this embodiment, the symbol display 9 is not essential.

  Below the variable winning ball apparatus 20, a plurality of starting winning holes 38, 39, and 40 are provided, and winning of the game balls to the starting winning holes 38, 39, and 40 is performed by starting port switches 38a, 39a, and 40a, respectively. Detected. When a game ball is detected by any of the start winning opening switches 38a, 39a, 40a, a starting operation is performed in which the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is opened for a predetermined period. A state in which the variable winning ball apparatus 20 is performing an opening operation in response to detection of a winning by the start winning port switch 38a, 39a, 40a is referred to as a starting operation state. Hereinafter, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 may be referred to as a big winning opening or an accessory. In addition, the game board 6 is provided with various kinds of winnings. Hereinafter, the winning combination means the variable winning ball apparatus 20. The start winning openings 38, 39, 40 also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning, and a winning area is also provided inside the large winning opening. When a game ball wins a winning area, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player as a prize (prize ball).

  Decorative lamps blinking and displayed during the game are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7, and there is an out port 26 for collecting the game balls that have not won a prize at the bottom.

  Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. On the outer periphery of the game area 7, a top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c are provided. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (variable winning ball apparatus 20 or the like) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, the decorative lamp, and the decorative LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine.

  In this example, a prize ball LED 51 that is lit during award ball payout is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break LED 52 that is lit when the supply ball is cut is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. It has been. Further, a prepaid card unit that enables lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (not shown).

  Next, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the variable winning device 20 has a mounting board 21 for mounting the variable winning ball device 20 on the surface of the game board 1, and the upper winning space 22 a is formed in the mounting board 21. . In the upper winning space 22a, a pair of left and right opening / closing pieces 23a and 23b are rotatably provided. The open / close pieces 23a and 23b are connected to the solenoids 24a and 24b via link mechanisms, respectively, and rotate in a direction to open the upper winning space 22a when the solenoids 24a and 24b are turned on. When the solenoids 24a and 24b are turned off, the upper winning space 22a is rotated in the closing direction. FIG. 3 shows the variable winning ball apparatus 20 in a state where the upper winning space 22a is opened. When the upper prize space 22a is opened, the game ball can enter the variable prize ball apparatus 20, and when the upper prize space 22a is closed, the game ball cannot enter the variable prize ball apparatus 20. It becomes a state.

  A game ball that has entered the upper prize space 22a passes through one of the ball paths 33a and 33b provided on the left and right sides of the winning combination prize switch 34a and the prize winning switch 34b provided in the ball paths 33a and 33b. After being detected by either one, it is guided toward the center of the upper winning space 22a.

  In the bottom wall portion of the upper prize space 22a, a guide hole for guiding a game ball won in the upper prize space 22a to the lower prize space 22b is provided so as to be opened and closed. The guide hole is opened and closed by, for example, turning on / off a solenoid. The game ball dropped from the guide hole is sent to the lower winning space 22b from the lower entrances 27a and 27b through a ball passage (not shown) provided inside the variable winning ball apparatus 20.

  The game balls sent from the lower entrances 27 a and 27 b to the lower prize space 22 b roll toward the front of the gaming machine 1. A specific winning opening (specific area) 30 and non-specific openings 29A and 29B are provided below the rolling downstream end. A game ball won in the specific winning opening 30 is detected by the special region switch (V winning switch) 30a and then also detected by the accessory discharge switch 29a. A game ball that has not won the specific winning opening 30 flows into one of the non-specific openings 29A and 29B and is detected by the accessory discharge switch 29a. That is, the game balls that have flowed into the specific winning port 30 or the non-specific ports 29A and 29B, that is, the game balls that have won the variable winning ball device 20, are both guided to the discharge passage and the accessory discharge switch 29a provided in the discharge passage. Is detected. The fact that the game ball has won the specific winning opening 30 and is detected by the specific area switch 30a is also referred to as V winning.

  When the V winning is generated, the variable winning ball apparatus 20 (the accessory) serving as a big winning opening is controlled to be opened and closed a predetermined number of times, that is, a predetermined number of rounds. This state is called a big hit gaming state (specific gaming state). In the big hit gaming state, a high percentage is won, and a large number of game balls are paid out to the player.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that a winning occurs when a game ball is detected by the prize winning switch 34a, 34b. In other words, the area where the winning item winning switches 34a and 34b are provided corresponds to the winning area. However, a switch for detecting a game ball may be provided inside the variable winning ball apparatus 20 in addition to the prize winning switch 34a, 34b, and a winning may occur when the game ball is detected by the switch. For example, a switch may be provided for detecting a game ball that has flowed into the non-specific ports 29A and 29B, and a winning may occur when a game ball is detected by the switch or the specific area switch 30a.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the game proceeds in the gaming machine of this embodiment. When a game ball wins at the start winning opening 38, the start winning opening 39 or the start winning opening 39, that is, when a start winning is generated, the game control means for controlling the progress of the game controls the player to the open state and starts the operation. To start. When the game ball wins an accessory in the starting operation state, and the game ball wins a specific winning opening 30 and is detected by the specific area switch 30a, a V winning is generated. When the V winning is generated, the game control means determines the number of rounds in the big hit game by lottery. Then, in order to notify the player of the number of rounds on the symbol display 9, a display effect is performed in which symbols (in this example, numbers) are variably displayed. Thereafter, the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state.

  The accessory is controlled to be opened only in the starting operation state and the big hit gaming state. Therefore, in a game state other than those states, the game ball does not win a prize. Therefore, when a winning is detected inside the bonus game in a gaming state other than those states, the winning is not a regular winning (abnormal winning). Therefore, in this embodiment, when an abnormal winning occurs, a notification to that effect is made and a prize ball payout based on the winning is not performed. However, as a matter of course, the regular winning is not notified and the prize ball is paid out. Therefore, the game control means turns on the error prohibition flag when there is a possibility that a regular winning will occur, so that an abnormal winning notification or the like is not performed. The control based on the error prohibition flag will be described later.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration of the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 5 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to a game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. including. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  The RAM 55 is a backup RAM as a non-volatile storage means, part or all of which is backed up by a backup power supply created on the power supply board. In this embodiment, the entire RAM 55 is backed up.

  In the game control microcomputer 560, the CPU 56 executes control in accordance with the program stored in the ROM 54, so that the game control microcomputer 560 (or CPU 56) executes (or performs processing) hereinafter. Specifically, the CPU 56 executes control according to a program. The same applies to microcomputers mounted on substrates other than the main substrate 31.

  The main board also includes an input driver circuit 58 that supplies detection signals from the specific area switch 30a, the prize winning switch 34a, 34b, the prize discharge switch 29a, and the start port switches 38a, 39a, 40a to the game control microcomputer 560. 31. An output circuit 59 for driving solenoids 24a and 24b for opening and closing the opening and closing pieces 23a and 23b in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. Further, an information output circuit (not shown) for outputting an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. Then, the display control of the symbol display 9, the lighting control of the lamp, and the control of the speaker 27 are performed.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the effect control board 80, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70 are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer. Further, without providing the lamp driver board 35 and the audio output board 70, only the effect control board 80 may be provided for effect control.

  The effect control board 80 has an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101 and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives a capture signal from the main board 31 input via the relay board 77 ( In response to the (effect control INT signal), an effect control command is received via the input driver 102 and the input port 103.

  The effect control command and the effect control INT signal are first input to the input driver 102 on the effect control board 80. The input driver 102 passes the signal input from the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the inside of the effect control board 80 (does not pass the signal in the direction from the inside of the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). It is also a unidirectional circuit as a regulating means.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 77A is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 6 illustrates a diode. A unidirectional circuit is provided for each signal. Furthermore, since the effect control command and the effect control INT signal are output from the main board 31 via the output port 571 that is a unidirectional circuit, the signal from the relay board 77 toward the inside of the main board 31 is restricted. That is, the signal from the relay board 77 does not enter the inside of the main board 31 (the game control microcomputer 560 side). The output port 571 is a part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG. Further, a signal driver circuit that is a unidirectional circuit may be further provided outside the output port 571 (on the relay board 77 side).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp to the lamp driver board 35 via the output port 105. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound number data to the audio output board 70 via the output port 104.

  In the lamp driver board 35, a signal for driving the lamp is input to the lamp driver 352 via the input driver 351. The lamp driver 352 amplifies a signal for driving the lamp and supplies the amplified signal to each lamp provided on the frame side such as the top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, and the right frame lamp 28c. Further, it is supplied to a decorative lamp (not shown) provided on the frame side.

  In the voice output board 70, the sound number data is input to the voice synthesis IC 703 via the input driver 702. The voice synthesizing IC 703 generates voice or sound effect according to the sound number data, and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 705. The amplification circuit 705 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 703 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 706 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 704 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the output form of sound effects or sound in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a symbol variation period).

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

  In the initial setting process, the CPU 56 first sets the interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designation address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). After initialization of the built-in device (CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), which are built-in devices (built-in peripheral circuits)) is performed (step S4), the RAM is accessible (Step S5). In the interrupt mode 2, the address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) built in the CPU 56 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device is This mode indicates an interrupt address.

  Next, the CPU 56 checks the state of the output signal of the clear switch (for example, mounted on the power supply board) input via the input port (step S6). When the ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 56 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S15, including S44 and S45).

  If the clear switch is not on, check whether data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) was performed when power supply to the gaming machine was stopped (Step S7). When it is confirmed that such protection processing is not performed, the CPU 56 executes initialization processing. Whether there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop process.

  When it is confirmed that the power supply stop process has been performed, the CPU 56 performs data check of the backup RAM area (step S8). In this embodiment, a parity check is performed as a data check. Therefore, in step S8, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum calculated and stored by the same process in the power supply stop process. When the power supply is stopped after an unexpected power failure or the like, the data in the backup RAM area should be saved, so the check result (comparison result) is normal (matched). That the check result is not normal means that the data in the backup RAM area is different from the data when the power supply is stopped. In such a case, since the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply is stopped, an initialization process that is executed when the power is turned on is not performed when the power supply is stopped.

  If the check result is normal, the CPU 56 recovers the game state restoration process (steps S41 to S43) for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electrical component control means such as the effect control means to the state when the power supply is stopped. Process). Specifically, the start address of the backup setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S41), and the contents of the backup setting table are sequentially set in the work area (area in the RAM 55) (step S42). ). The work area is backed up by a backup power source. In the backup setting table, initialization data for an area that may be initialized in the work area is set. As a result of the processing in steps S41 and S42, the saved contents of the work area that should not be initialized remain as they are. The part that should not be initialized is, for example, data (game control process flag, probability change flag, time reduction flag, etc.) indicating the gaming state before stopping power supply, and the area where the output state of the output port is saved (output port) Buffer), a portion in which data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls is set.

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In this embodiment, it is confirmed whether the data in the backup RAM area is stored using both the backup flag and the check data. However, only one of them may be used. That is, either the backup flag or the check data may be used as an opportunity for executing the game state restoration process.

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). Note that the RAM clear process may not initialize the entire area of the RAM 55 but leave the predetermined data (for example, the count value data of the counter for generating the round number determination random number) as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processes in steps S10 to S12, for example, an initial value (for example, 0) is set to a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state, such as an accessory control process flag. Further, the value of the error number counter is initialized to zero. The error number counter will be described later.

  Further, the CPU 56 is an initialization designation command for initializing a sub board (a board on which a microcomputer other than the main board 31 is mounted) (a command indicating that the game control microcomputer 560 has executed initialization processing). Is transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the initialization control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the symbol display 9 performs screen display for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized, that is, initialization notification.

  Further, the CPU 56 sets an abnormality notification prohibition flag (step S44) and sets a value corresponding to the prohibition period value in the prohibition period timer (step S45). The prohibition period value is a value indicating a period during which an abnormal winning notification described later is prohibited. The abnormality notification prohibition flag is a flag indicating that notification of an abnormal winning is prohibited, and is maintained in the set state until the prohibition period timer times out. Therefore, the start of the abnormal winning notification is prohibited for a predetermined period after the initialization notification is started on the symbol display 9.

  In step S15, the CPU 56 sets a register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 560 so that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms). That is, a value corresponding to, for example, 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a timer interrupt is periodically taken every 2 ms.

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When the random number update process is executed, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the random number update process is completed, the interrupt enabled state is set (step S19). In this embodiment, the random number is a round number determination random number for determining the number of rounds in the jackpot game, and the random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the random number. . A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls itself a game device such as an effect device provided in the game machine, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. The random number update process is also executed in the process, or a process of sending a command signal for causing another microcomputer to control, or a game device control process.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process of steps S20 to S35 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the prize winning switch 34a, 34b, the accessory discharge switch 29a, and the start port switches 38a, 39a, 40a are input via the input driver circuit 58, and the state of these signals is determined (switch processing: Step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process for notifying an abnormal winning when it detects that a game ball has won a prize at a time other than the regular time (step S23: abnormal winning notification process). Also, a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating a random number is performed (random number update process: step S24).

  Furthermore, the CPU 56 performs an accessory control process (step S27). In the accessory control process, the corresponding process is executed in accordance with the accessory control process flag for controlling the special winning opening (the accessory) in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. The CPU 56 updates the value of the accessory control process flag according to the gaming state.

  Moreover, CPU56 performs the process which sends out the presentation control command regarding control of a presentation apparatus (symbol display 9, lamp | ramp, speaker 27) (production control command control process: step S29).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs information output processing for outputting data such as jackpot information, start information, probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer, for example (step S30).

  Further, the CPU 56 executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the accessory winning prize switches 34a and 34b and the start port switches 38a, 39a and 40a (step S31). Specifically, the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to the winning detection based on the fact that any one of the prize winning switches 34a, 34b and the start opening switches 38a, 39a, 40a is turned on. A payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 provides the output port with contents relating to solenoid on / off in the RAM area of the output port. Output (step S32: output processing). Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S35), and the process is terminated.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes of steps S21 to S34 (excluding step S30) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a program of the accessory control process (step S27) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the accessory control process, a process for controlling the big prize opening is executed.

  The CPU 56 performs any one of steps S300 to S307 when performing the accessory control process. The processes in steps S300 to S307 are as follows.

  Normal object control normal process (step S300): Executed when the value of the accessory control process flag is zero. The game control microcomputer 560 checks whether the start port switch 38a, the start port switch 39a, or the start port switch 40a is turned on (a game ball is detected). Whether the start port switch 38a, the start port switch 39a, or the start port switch 40a is turned on can be confirmed by a detection signal from the start port switch 38a, the start port switch 39a, or the start port switch 40a. When the start port switch 38a, the start port switch 39a, or the start port switch 40a is turned on, the accessory is opened in order to perform the starting operation, and the internal state (the accessory control process flag) is processed during the opening of the accessory. It is updated to a value corresponding to (Step S301) (1 in this example).

  Processing during opening of an accessory (step S301): This is executed when the value of the accessory control process flag is 1. It is confirmed whether or not the specific area switch 30a is turned on and whether or not the accessory release time has elapsed. When the specific area switch 30a is turned on, the V winning flag is set. When the accessory release time has elapsed, the accessory is put in a closed state, and the internal state (the accessory control process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to the post-function closing process (step S302). .

  Post-combination processing (step S302): The value of the counter for releasing the accessory is decremented by 1. If the value of the accessory-opening counter is not 0, the accessory is opened to perform the starting operation again. The internal state (the accessory control process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to the processing during the release of the accessory (step S301). If the value of the bonus release counter is 0, if the V winning flag is set, the number of rounds in the jackpot game is determined, and the internal state (the bonus control process flag) is processed during symbol variation (step S303) is updated to a value corresponding to (3 in this example). When the V winning flag is not set, the internal state (the accessory control process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to the accessory control normal process (step S300).

  Symbol variation processing (step S303): This is executed when the value of the accessory control process flag is 3. When the variation time has elapsed, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted to the production control microcomputer 100, and the internal state (the accessory control process flag) is a value (4 in this example) corresponding to the big prize opening pre-processing (step S304). ). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the symbol display 9 to stop the symbol when it receives the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S304): executed when the value of the accessory control process flag is 4. Control to open the big prize opening (act). More specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the big prize opening is opened. Also, the execution time of the process for opening the big prize opening is set by the timer, and the internal state (specifically, the value of the accessory control process flag) is set to a value ( In this example, it is updated to 5). The pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S305): This process is executed when the value of the accessory control process flag is 5. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the big prize opening is performed. When the closing condition of the big prize opening is satisfied, the big winning opening is closed, and the internal state (specifically, the value of the accessory control process flag) is processed after the big winning opening is closed (step S306). To a value corresponding to (6 in this example).

  Process after closing the big prize opening (step S306): This is executed when the value of the accessory control process flag is 6. Processing to confirm that all game balls have been discharged from the big prize opening is performed. When all the game balls are discharged and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (specifically, the value of the accessory control process flag) is a value corresponding to the big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S304). Update to (4 in this example). When all the rounds are completed, the internal state is updated to a value (7 in this example) corresponding to the big hit end process (step S307).

  Big hit end process (step S307): This is executed when the value of the accessory control process flag is 7. Control for causing the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform an effect of notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the internal state (specifically, the value of the accessory control process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to the accessory control normal process (step S300).

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a signal line of an effect control command transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80. As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the effect control command is transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77 using eight signal lines of the effect control signals CD0 to CD7. Further, between the main board 31 and the effect control board 80, a signal line of the effect control INT signal for transmitting the capture signal (effect control INT signal) is also wired.

  In this embodiment, the presentation control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to “1”, and the first bit (bit 7) of the EXT data is always set to “0”. Note that such a command form is an example, and other command forms may be used. For example, a control command composed of 1 byte or 3 bytes or more may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the 8-bit effect control command data of the effect control command is output in synchronization with the effect control INT signal. The effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 detects that the effect control INT signal has risen, and starts a 1-byte data capturing process through an interrupt process. Therefore, when viewed from the effect control microcomputer 100, the effect control INT signal corresponds to a signal that triggers the capture of effect control command data.

  The effect control command is sent only once so that the effect control microcomputer 100 can recognize it. In this example, “recognizable” means that the level of the effect control INT signal changes, and that it is sent only once so as to be recognizable means that, for example, each of the first and second bytes of the effect control command data Accordingly, the production control INT signal is output in a pulse shape (rectangular wave shape) only once. The effect control INT signal may have a polarity opposite to that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command sent to the effect control microcomputer 100. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the command 8C01 (H) is an effect control command (15 round designation command) for designating a 15 round notification effect. Command 8C02 (H) is an effect control command (4 round designation command) for designating a 4 round notification effect. The 15-round designation command and the 4-round designation command are also commands for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when receiving either of the commands 8C01 (H) and 8C02 (H), the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the symbol display 9 to start variable display (fluctuation) of symbols. Note that (H) indicates a hexadecimal number. The 15 round designation command and the 4 round designation command are referred to as round number designation commands.

  Command 8F00 (H) is an effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) indicating that the variable display of symbols is terminated and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. When receiving the symbol confirmation designation command, the effect control microcomputer 100 terminates symbol variable display (fluctuation) and derives and displays a display result. The derived display is to finally stop and display the symbol.

  Command 9000 (H) is an effect control command (initialization designation command: power-on designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is started. Command 9200 (H) is an effect control command (power failure recovery designation command) transmitted when power supply to the gaming machine is resumed. When the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits a power failure recovery designation command if data is stored in the backup RAM, and if not, initialization designation is performed. Send a command.

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration.

  The command A001 (H) is an effect control command (a jackpot start designation command: a fanfare designation command) that designates the start of a jackpot game.

  The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of a big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A301 (H) is an effect control command (hit end designation command: ending designation command) that designates the end of the big hit game.

  The command D001 (H) is an effect control command (abnormal winning designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning to the big winning opening. The command D003 (H) is an effect control command (discharge abnormality designation command) for instructing that the game ball is not discharged from the special winning opening.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the symbol display 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 11, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal accessory control process (step S300) in the accessory control process. In the accessory control normal process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the start port switch 38a, the start port switch 39a, or the start port switch 40a is turned on (step S411). When the start port switch 38a, the start port switch 39a, or the start port switch 40a is turned on, 2 is set in the accessory release number counter that indicates the number of releases of the variable winning ball device 20 (the accessory) in the start operation (step S412), a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 1 second) is set in the accessory opening time timer indicating the opening time of the accessory (step S413). And an accessory is made into an open state (step S414). Specifically, the solenoids 24a and 24b connected to the open / close pieces 23a and 23b are driven to rotate the open / close pieces 23a and 23b in a direction to open the upper winning space 22a. Then, an error detection prohibition flag is set in order to prohibit the detection of abnormal winning (step S415). In addition, the in-function game ball number counter that counts the game balls that have entered the inside of the accessory is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S416), and the value of the accessory control process flag is set to the processing during the release of the accessory ( The value is updated according to step S301) (step S417). In step S411, when it is confirmed that none of the start port switch 38a, the start port switch 39a, and the start port switch 40a is turned on, the processing is ended as it is.

  In this embodiment, in the starting operation, the accessory is controlled to be opened twice, but the number of times is an example. Further, for example, when it is detected that a certain start port switch (for example, the start port switch 38a or the start port switch 40a) is turned on, the accessory is released once, and another start port switch (for example, the start port switch 39a) is turned on. If this is detected, the accessory may be opened twice.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing for releasing an accessory (step S301). In the process during opening of the accessory, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the accessory release time timer by 1 (step S421).

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the accessory release time timer has timed out (step S422). If time-out has occurred, the accessory (variable winning ball apparatus 20) is controlled to be closed (step S429). Specifically, the open / close pieces 23a and 23b are rotated in a direction to close the upper winning space 22a. Then, a detection monitoring time that is a time for monitoring that the game ball that has entered the accessory is discharged from the accessory (the time for the game ball to reach the position of the accessory discharge switch 29a after winning the accessory) A value corresponding to the time for which a margin is given is set in the discharge monitoring timer (step S430), and the value of the accessory control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-object closing process (step S302) (step S430) S431).

  If the bonus release time timer has not timed out, when the bonus winning switch 34a or bonus winning switch 34b is turned on, that is, when a gaming ball that has entered the bonus is detected (step S423), the gaming ball in the bonus The value of the number counter is incremented by 1 (step S424). When the accessory discharge switch 29a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the accessory is detected (step S425), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by 1 (step S426). In addition, an inflow switch that detects a game ball that has flowed into the non-specific ports 29A and 29B may be provided, and the number of discharged balls may be measured by the total number of game balls detected by the specific area switch 30a and the inflow switch.

  When the specific area switch 30a indicating that the game ball has entered the specific port 30 is turned on (step S427), the V winning flag is set (step S428).

  FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are flowcharts showing the post-function closing process (step S302). In the post-completion processing, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the discharge monitoring timer by 1 (step S441). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the discharge monitoring timer has become 0, that is, whether or not the discharge monitoring timer has timed out (step S442). When the discharge monitoring timer times out, the process proceeds to step S449.

  In step S449, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the in-function game ball number counter is zero. In step S442, it is confirmed that the discharge monitoring timer has timed out, and it is confirmed that the value of the in-function game ball number counter is not 0, that is, all the game balls are received from the variable winning ball device 20 (work). When the discharge monitoring timer times out before being discharged, control is performed to transmit a discharge abnormality designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S450). Thereafter, loop processing is executed.

  Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 shifts to a state where the game control process is not executed. That is, the progress of the game is stopped. In other words, the game control microcomputer 560 performs control to stop the game.

  If the discharge monitoring timer has not timed out, when the accessory discharge switch 29a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the accessory is detected (step S444), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is set to -1. (Step S445). When the specific area switch 30a indicating that the game ball has flowed into the specific winning opening 30 is turned on (step S446), the V winning flag is set (step S447). Further, the value of the error number counter is initialized to 0 (step S448). The error number counter will be described later. In this embodiment, when the specific area switch 30a is turned on during the starting operation, the value of the error number counter is initialized. However, the error number counter value is initialized when the process is shifted to the symbol changing process. The value of the error counter may be initialized in the pre-winning pre-processing.

  When it is confirmed in step S449 that the value of the in-function game ball number counter is 0, the CPU 56 resets the error detection prohibition flag (step S451) and decrements the value of the accessory release counter (-1) ( Step S452). If the value of the accessory release counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S466 (step S453). When the value of the accessory release counter is 0, that is, when the opening in the starting operation is completed two times, it is confirmed whether or not the V winning flag is set (step S454). If the V winning flag is set, the V winning flag is reset (step S455), and the process proceeds to step S456. When the V winning flag is not set, the value of the accessory control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the accessory control normal process (step S300) (step S465).

  In step S456, the CPU 56 reads the count value from the random number generation counter to obtain the round number determination random number, and determines the round number of the big hit game based on the round number determination random number (step S457).

  In this embodiment, the number of rounds is 15 or 4. A plurality of numerical values corresponding to 15 rounds and a plurality of numerical values corresponding to 4 rounds are determined in advance, and the CPU 56 determines the number of rounds to 15 when the round number determination random number matches any numerical value corresponding to 15 rounds. When the round number determination random number matches any numerical value corresponding to 4 rounds, the round number is determined to be 4. In this embodiment, the number of rounds is variable, but the number of rounds may be fixed.

  When the CPU 56 determines 15 rounds, it sets a 15 round flag (step S459), and transmits a 15 round designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S460). If it is determined to be 4 rounds, a 4 round flag is set (step S461), and a 4 round designation command is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S462). Then, a variation time timer for measuring the variation time of the symbol is started (step S463). Then, the internal state (the accessory control symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to the symbol variation processing (step S303) (step S464). In this embodiment, the variation time is always the same, but a plurality of types of variation time may be selected.

  In step S466, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to, for example, 1 second in the accessory release time timer. Further, the accessory is controlled to be in an open state (step S467). In addition, the in-function game ball number counter that counts the game balls that have entered the inside of the object is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S468), and the value of the object control process flag is changed to the processing during the function release ( The value is updated according to step S301) (step S469).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation processing (step S303) in the accessory control process. In the symbol variation processing, the CPU 56 subtracts 1 from the variation time timer (step S470). When the variation time timer times out (step S471), the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S471). Step S472). Further, when the 15 round flag is set, 15 is set in the round number counter, and when the 4 round flag is set, 4 is set in the round number counter (step S473). Then, the value of the accessory control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening opening pre-processing (step S304) (step S474). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S304). In the big winning opening opening pre-processing, the CPU 56 initializes a winning number counter (step S475). That is, the value of the winning number counter is set to zero. Then, a value corresponding to 29 seconds is set in the accessory release time timer (step S476). Further, the special winning opening (community) is controlled to be opened (step S477). Specifically, the solenoids 24a and 24b connected to the open / close pieces 23a and 23b are driven to rotate the open / close pieces 23a and 23b in a direction to open the upper winning space 22a. In addition, the in-function game ball number counter that counts the game balls that have entered the prize winning opening (commodity) is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S479), and the value of the accessory control process flag is increased. The value is updated according to the winning opening opening process (step S305) (step S480).

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the special winning opening opening process (step S305). In the special prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the accessory release time timer by 1 (step S481). If the value of the accessory release time timer is 0 (step S482), that is, if the accessory release time timer times out, the process proceeds to step S491.

  If the bonus release time timer has not timed out, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the winning number counter has reached 10 (step S483). When the value of the winning number counter becomes 10, the process proceeds to step S491. If the value of the winning number counter is not 10, when the winning combination winning switch 34a or the winning combination winning switch 34b is turned on, that is, when a game ball that has entered the big winning opening is detected (step S484), The value of the game ball number counter is incremented by 1 (step S485), and the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (step S486). When the accessory discharge switch 29a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the big prize opening is detected (step S487), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by 1 (step S488). When the specific area switch 30a indicating that the game ball has flowed into the specific winning opening 30 is turned on (step S489), the V winning flag is set (step S490).

  In step S491, the CPU 56 performs a process for ending the round. Specifically, the special winning opening (community) is controlled to be closed. In addition, a value corresponding to the detection monitoring time, which is the time for monitoring that the game ball that has entered the winning a prize opening (instant) is discharged from the winning a prize opening (instrument), is set in the emission monitoring timer (step S492). ). Then, the value of the accessory control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the post-close closing process (step S306) (step S493).

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the post-close closing process (step S306). In the post-close closing process, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the discharge monitoring timer by 1 (step S501). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the discharge monitoring timer has become 0, that is, whether or not the discharge monitoring timer has timed out (step S502). When the discharge monitoring timer times out, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the in-function game ball number counter is zero. When it is confirmed in step S502 that the discharge monitoring timer has timed out and it is confirmed that the value of the in-game game ball number counter is not 0, that is, all the game balls from the variable winning ball device 20 (large winning mouth). When the discharge monitoring timer times out before the discharge is performed, control is performed to transmit a discharge abnormality designation command to the production control microcomputer 100 (step S507). Thereafter, loop processing is executed.

  Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 shifts to a state where the game control process is not executed. That is, the progress of the game is stopped. In other words, the game control microcomputer 560 performs control to stop the game.

  If the discharge monitoring timer has not timed out, when the accessory discharge switch 29a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the big prize opening is detected (step S503), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is- 1 (step S504).

  When it is confirmed in step S506 that the value of the in-function game ball number counter is 0, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the round number counter by 1 (step S511). When the value of the round number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S513 (step S512). When the value of the round number counter is 0, that is, when all rounds in the jackpot game have ended, the error detection prohibition flag is reset (step S516), and the value of the accessory control process flag is set. Then, the value is updated according to the big hit end process (step S307) (step S517).

  In step S513, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the V winning flag is set. If the V winning flag is not set, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S516 to end the big hit game. If the V winning flag is set, the V winning flag is reset (step S514), and the value of the accessory control process flag is updated to a value according to the pre-opening process for the big prize opening (step S304) ( Step S515).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S307). In the big hit end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the big hit end presentation timer is set (step S521). If the big hit end presentation timer is set, the process proceeds to step S524. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S522). Then, a value corresponding to the effect time corresponding to the time during which the jackpot end effect is performed in the effect device (the jackpot end effect time) is set in the jackpot end effect timer (step S523), and the process ends.

  In step S524, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S525). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the accessory control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the accessory control normal process (step S300) (step S528).

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of bit assignment of input ports related to a switch for detecting a game ball in the game control microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 22, in the bits 0 to 5 of the input port 0, the accessory discharge switch 29a, the start opening switch 40a, the start opening switch 39a, the start opening switch 38a, the accessory winning prize switch 34b, and the accessory winning prize are respectively provided. A detection signal of the switch 34a is input. A detection signal from the specific area switch 30a is input to bit 7 of the input port 1. The input ports 0 and 1 are part of the I / O port unit 57 shown in FIG.

  Next, payout control commands (payout control signals) transmitted and received between the main board 31 and the payout control board 37 will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the content of a payout control signal output from the game control microcomputer 560 to the payout control microcomputer.

  The prize ball REQ signal is a signal that is in an output state (= ON state) when a prize ball number command is transmitted (that is, a trigger signal for a prize ball payout request). The 4-bit prize ball number signal is a signal (prize ball number command) output for designating the number of game balls (0 to 15) to be paid out.

  24 is a block diagram showing signal lines and the like used for transmission / reception of each control signal shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, the prize ball REQ signal and the prize ball number signal are output by the game control microcomputer 560 via the output circuit 67 and input to the payout control microcomputer 370 via the input circuit 373A. . The output circuit 67 is installed outside the I / O port portion 57 shown in FIG. 5 on the main board 31 (not shown in FIG. 5). Further, on the payout control board 37, an output circuit 67 is installed in the preceding stage of the input port in the payout control microcomputer.

  FIG. 25 is a timing chart showing an example of how to output the payout control signal. As shown in FIG. 25, the winning detection switch (start port switch 40a, start port switch 39a, start port switch 38a, accessory winning switch 34b, accessory winning switch 34a) detects the winning of the game ball. The game control microcomputer 560 turns on the prize ball REQ signal and turns the output state of the prize ball number signal into a state according to the number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with winning. Specifically, when the gaming control microcomputer 560 detects that a game ball has won a winning area provided in the gaming machine based on a detection signal from the winning detection switch, the gaming control microcomputer 560 calculates a predetermined number of winning balls. It is added to the content of the total number of winning balls stored in the backup RAM. When the content of the total winning ball number storage buffer becomes a non-zero value, the winning ball REQ signal is turned on, and the output state of the winning ball number signal is set in accordance with the number of winning balls to be paid out according to winning. Put it in a state.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the start port switch 40a, the start port switch 39a, and the start port switch 38a, four prize balls are paid out, and the prize winning switch 34b or the prize winning switch 34a is played. When a game ball is detected, 15 prize balls are paid out. Further, as described above, since the prize ball number signal is composed of 4 bits, among the prize ball number signals of 00 (H) to 0F (H) expressed in 8 bits, the lower 4 bits are The signal is transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37 by the award ball number signal. Hereinafter, it may be expressed as “00 (H) to 0F (H) prize ball number signal”, but in reality, the prize ball number signal is represented by 8 bits. This corresponds to the lower 4 bits of 0F (H).

  Further, in this embodiment, the prize ball number signal is transmitted by unidirectional communication in which the signal is transmitted only from the main board 31 toward the payout control board 37, but by bidirectional communication, A prize ball number signal may be transmitted from the main board 31 to the payout control board 37. When performing two-way communication, for example, the payout control microcomputer transmits an ACK signal (response signal) to the game control microcomputer 560 in response to reception of the prize ball REQ signal, or receives a prize ball number signal. An ACK signal indicating that the game has been performed is transmitted to the game control microcomputer 560.

  Next, the switch process (step S21) in the main process will be described. In this embodiment, when the on state of the detection signal of each switch related to the detection of the game ball continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the switch is certainly turned on. Specifically, the switch process is activated every 2 ms, but if the switch is detected to be turned on in both the switch process activated at the present time and the switch process activated 2 ms ago, the switch process is surely performed. Determined to be on.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing each 1-byte buffer (buffer related to the input port 0) formed in the RAM 55 used in the switching process. The port buffer before two times is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (assumed to be 4 ms before) is stored. The previous port buffer is a buffer in which the switch on / off determination result of the previous time (2 ms before) is stored. The switch-on buffer is a buffer in which 1 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when switch-on is detected, and 0 is set in the corresponding bit of the switch when the switch-off is detected. The previous data is a buffer area that is temporarily used when the switch process is executed. The previous-time port buffer, the previous port buffer, the switch-on buffer, and the previous data are formed in the RAM 55. Further, the bit arrangement of the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch-on buffer two times in advance corresponds to the bit arrangement of the input port 0. That is, information corresponding to each of the switch detection signals assigned to bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 22 is set to bits 0 to 7 of the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch-on buffer two times before.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a process example related to the input port 0 in the switch process of step S21 in the game control process. In the switch process, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the content of the previous port buffer to the previous data (step S331). Further, the exclusive OR of the contents of the port buffer and the previous data is taken twice before (step S332). Then, the result of the exclusive OR operation is set as the previous data (step S333). At this stage, in the previous data, the bit having a different value among the 8 bits of the port buffer and the 8 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. In addition, the contents of the previous port buffer are set in the port buffer two times before (step S334).

  Then, input port 0 data is input (step S335), and the input data is set in the previous port buffer (step S336). The processes in steps S334 and S336 correspond to a preparation process when the switch process is executed next time (after 2 ms).

  Next, the CPU 56 calculates the logical product of the data input from the input port 0 and the previous data (step S337). At this stage, in the previous data, a bit having a different value among the 8 bits of the previous port buffer and the 8 bits of the previous port buffer is “1”. That is, among the detection signals of the eight switches, the bit corresponding to the detection signal changed from the state before 2 ms from the state before 4 ms (from “0” to “1” or from “1” to “0”). Is “1”. Therefore, when the logical product of the previous data and the data input from the input port 0 is taken in step S337, the bit that is “1” in the data input from the input port 0 and 2 ms before The bit whose state has changed from the state 4 ms before becomes “1”. That is, as a result of the logical product operation, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the current state is the on state and has been detected to have changed from the off state to the on state during the previous switch processing (2 ms before) is “ 1 ”. In other words, the bit corresponding to the detection signal that has changed from the off state to the on state and then detected the on state twice in succession is “1”. Note that “continuously twice” means “both the switch process executed at a certain time and the switch process executed 2 ms after the switch process”.

  The CPU 56 stores the result of the logical product operation in the switch-on buffer (step S338). In the switch-on buffer, after changing from the off state to the on state, the bit corresponding to the detection signal in which the on state is detected twice consecutively is “1”. Therefore, the CPU 56 can confirm that the switch detection signal corresponding to the bit that is “1” in the switch-on buffer is surely turned on. Note that “definitely” means that the ON state has been detected twice in succession, that is, it can be considered that the ON state has continued for 4 ms. It can be done.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the prize ball processing in step S31. In the prize ball process, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a prize ball number addition process (step S341) and a prize ball control process (step S342).

  In the winning ball number adding process, a winning ball number table shown in FIG. 29 is used. The prize ball number table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (in this example, “5”) is set at the start address of the winning ball number table, and the switch input bit determination for each switch of the winning opening from which the winning ball will be paid out by winning from the next address. The value and the number of winning balls are sequentially set corresponding to each switch of the winning opening. The switch input bit determination value is a value corresponding to the bit to which the detection signal of each switch at the input port 0 is input (see FIG. 22).

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the prize ball number adding process in step S341. In the winning ball number adding process, the game control microcomputer 560 sets the start address of the winning ball number table as a pointer (step S351). Then, the data at the address pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the number of processes) is loaded (step S352). Next, the switch-on buffer is loaded into the register (step S353).

  Then, the pointer value is incremented by 1 (step S354), and the logical product of the contents of the switch-on buffer and the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the switch input bit determination value) is calculated (step S355). . Further, the value of the pointer is increased by 1 (step S356).

  If the calculation result in step S355 is not 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is on, the process proceeds to step S362 (step S361). If the calculation result in step S355 is 0, that is, if the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is not on, the number of processes is reduced by 1 (step S359), and if the number of processes is 0, the process is terminated. If the number is not 0, the process returns to step S354 (step S360).

  In step S362, the CPU 56 determines that the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is an accessory winning switch (34a) input bit determination value or an accessory winning switch (34b) input bit determination value (see FIG. 29). Check if there was. That is, it is confirmed in step S361 whether or not the prize winning switch 34a or the prize winning switch 34b is turned on (whether the switch to be inspected is the prize winning switch 34a or the prize winning switch 34b). . If the switch input bit determination value is an accessory winning switch (34a) input bit determination value or an accessory winning switch (34b) input bit determination value, the process proceeds to step S363.

  When the switch input bit determination value is not the accessory winning switch (34a) input bit determination value or the accessory winning switch (34b) input bit determination value, the process proceeds to step S364.

  In step S363, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the accessory control process flag is 1, 2, 5, or 6 (when the variable winning ball apparatus 20 can be opened under normal control). If the value of the accessory control process flag is not 1, 2, 5, or 6, the process proceeds to step S359.

  The fact that the prize winning switch 34a or the prize winning switch 34b is turned on when the value of the bonus control process flag is not 1, 2, 5, or 6 means that the abnormal winning to the variable winning ball device 20 (the bonus) is an abnormal prize. It means that the noise occurred for a long period (over 4 ms) on the detection signal from the winning prize winning switch 34a or the winning prize winning switch 34b. That is, the regular winning to the variable winning ball apparatus 20 has not occurred. Therefore, when it is detected that the accessory winning switch 34a or the accessory winning switch 34b is turned on when the value of the accessory control process flag is not 1, 2, 5, or 6, the CPU 56 is based on the winning. Don't pay prize balls.

  Here, the CPU 56 determines the value of the accessory control process flag in step S363, and determines whether or not an abnormal winning for the variable winning ball apparatus 20 has occurred when the value of the accessory control process flag is not a predetermined value. However, it may be determined whether or not an error detection prohibition flag is set in step S363. In that case, when the error detection prohibition flag is not set, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning for the variable winning ball apparatus 20 has occurred. However, when it is configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the accessory control process flag as in this embodiment, whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. Since the determination can be made, the determination process is simplified.

  In step S364, the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the prize ball number) is set as the prize ball addition value. Then, the prize ball addition value is added to the contents of the 16-bit total prize ball number storage buffer formed in the RAM 55 (step S365). If a carry occurs as a result of the addition, the content of the total number of winning balls storage buffer is set to 65535 (= FFFF (H)) (steps S357 and S358). Then, control goes to a step S359.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the prize ball control process in step S342. In the winning ball control process, the CPU 56 confirms the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S371). If the value is 0, the process ends. If it is not 0, it is confirmed whether or not the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value (“15” in this example) (step S372). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is equal to or greater than the prize ball command maximum value, the prize ball command maximum value is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S373). If the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is smaller than the prize ball command maximum value, the content of the total prize ball number storage buffer is set in the prize ball number buffer (step S374). Then, the contents of the prize ball number buffer are set in the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal (step S375). Further, “1” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S376).

  A prize ball REQ signal is output by the processing of step S376. That is, the prize ball REQ signal is turned on. In addition, a prize ball number signal is output by the process of step S375 (see FIG. 25). In this embodiment, the maximum prize ball command value is “15”. Therefore, a prize ball number signal designating the maximum number of payouts of “15” is transmitted to the payout control board 37.

  When the winning ball number signal is transmitted, the game control microcomputer 560 subtracts the contents of the winning ball number buffer (the winning ball payout number commanded to the payout control means) from the contents of the total winning ball number storage buffer (step S377). ).

  Next, the CPU 56 sets an on period of the prize ball REQ signal. Specifically, an initial value is set in the wait counter (step S378). Then, the value of the wait counter is decremented by 1 until the value of the wait counter becomes 0 (steps S379 and S380). When the value of the wait counter reaches 0, the on period is terminated.

  That is, “0” is set to the bit of the prize ball REQ signal of the output port for outputting the prize ball REQ signal (step S381), and 00 (H) is set to the output port for outputting the prize ball number signal. (Step S382).

  When the payout control microcomputer mounted on the payout control board 37 receives the prize ball number signal, it drives the payout device 97 so that the number of game balls specified by the prize ball number signal is paid out.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the abnormal winning notification process in step S23. In the abnormal winning notification process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not an abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S561). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in a main process executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 7). If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S565. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S562). When the value of the prohibition period timer becomes 0, that is, when the prohibition period timer times out, the abnormality notification prohibition flag is reset (steps S563 and S564).

  Next, if the value of the error number valid period timer is not 0, the value of the error number valid period timer is decremented by 1 (step S565). In this embodiment, when an abnormal winning is detected continuously within a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) and the cumulative number of abnormal winning detections reaches a predetermined number (for example, 5 times), the abnormal winning is notified. Do. The error count valid period timer is a timer for measuring a predetermined period.

  When the value of the error number valid period timer is 0 (step S566), the CPU 56 sets the value of the error number counter (counter for counting the number of abnormal winning detections) to 0 (step S567), and sets the notification flag. Reset is performed (step S568).

  On the other hand, when the error detection prohibition flag is not set (step S569), the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S570). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the winning combination winning switch (34b) input bit determination value (10 (H), see FIG. 29) is calculated (step S571). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 10 (H), that is, when the prize winning switch 34b is on, the logical product operation result is 10 (H). When the prize winning switch 34b is not turned on, the logical product operation result is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning in the big winning opening has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S575 (step S572).

  If the result of the logical product is 0, an abnormal prize is determined for the prize winning switch 34a. That is, the CPU 56 calculates the logical product of the contents of the switch-on buffer and the winning item winning switch (34a) input bit determination value (20 (H), see FIG. 29) (step S573). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 20 (H), that is, when the prize winning switch 34a is on, the logical product operation result is 20 (H). When the prize winning switch 34a is not turned on, the logical product operation result is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning in the big winning opening has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S575 (step S574).

  In step S575, the CPU 56 confirms whether or not the informed flag is set. If the notified flag is set, control is performed to transmit an abnormal winning notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (step S580). Then, the error number counter is initialized to 0 (step S581).

  If the notified flag is not set, the value of the error counter is incremented by 1 (step S576), and the error number valid period timer is started (step S577). That is, a value corresponding to a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) is set. When the value of the error number counter reaches a predetermined value (for example, 5), the informed flag is set (step S579), and the processes of steps S580 and S581 are executed.

  A detection signal indicating that a game ball has entered the variable winning ball apparatus 20 (an accessory) when the error detection prohibition flag is not set, unless a fraudulent act is received or noise is added to the detection signal from the switch. Is not output from the prize winning switch 34a or the prize winning switch 34b. Therefore, when the CPU 56 determines that a detection signal is output from the winning combination winning switch 34a or the winning combination winning switch 34b when the error detection prohibition flag is not set, it is considered that an abnormal winning has occurred for the variable winning ball apparatus 20. .

  Then, when the abnormal winning is detected again before the error number valid period timer times out, and the cumulative number of abnormal winning is detected five times, an abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 80. The production control microcomputer 100 mounted on the production control board 80, when an abnormal prize notification designation command is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100, performs an abnormal prize notification effect using the production device. Note that the process of steps S561 to S563 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the production control microcomputer 100 is performing initialization notification. The production control microcomputer 100 continues to execute the initialization notification until the period corresponding to the prohibition period has elapsed since the start of the initialization notification.

  In this embodiment, an abnormal winning is continuously detected within a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) measured by the error number valid period timer, and the cumulative number of abnormal winning detections is a predetermined number (for example, 5). Is configured to notify the abnormal winning, but the error number valid period timer is not used, and the abnormal winning is simply detected when the cumulative number of abnormal winnings reaches a predetermined number (for example, five times). You may make it alert | report a winning prize. In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 makes an abnormal winning determination (steps S571, S572, S573, S574) when the error detection prohibition flag is not set. As in the case of the number addition process (see FIG. 30), the value of the accessory control process flag is a value corresponding to a state in which the variable winning ball apparatus 20 can be opened under normal control (for example, 1, When a value other than 2, 5, or 6) is indicated, an abnormal winning determination may be performed.

  Further, the value of the error number counter is initialized to 0 in the initialization process at power-on (see step S10 in FIG. 7), and is initialized to 0 when a big hit occurs (step S448 in FIG. 15). For example, the initialization may be performed at another timing. For example, in the process to be executed when it is detected that the power-off signal is output in the power-off detection process (step S20 in FIG. 8), the value of the error number counter formed in the backup RAM may be initialized. Good. Furthermore, when the symbol variable display count reaches a predetermined number, when the number of jackpot occurrences reaches a predetermined count, or when the number of opening of the variable winning ball pitch device 20 reaches a predetermined count, The value of the error number counter may be initialized when the regular number of winnings reaches a predetermined number or when the number of discharges from the variable winning ball apparatus 20 reaches a predetermined number.

  When the value of the error counter is initialized at a predetermined timing, a situation occurs in which abnormal winnings frequently occur and the value of the error counter (for example, an 8-bit counter) exceeds FF (H). However, when the predetermined timing comes, it is initialized to 0, so that the error number counter can be counted up again based on the detection of the abnormal winning.

  Note that the gaming control microcomputer 100 has a value corresponding to a state in which the variable winning ball apparatus 20 can be opened when the error detection prohibition flag is not set or under normal control (for example, 1, When a value other than 2, 5 or 6) is indicated, it is determined whether or not the specific area switch 30a is turned on based on the detection signal of the specific area switch 30a. You may make it determine with having occurred.

  In this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 100 instructs the execution of abnormality notification every time it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred after the cumulative number of abnormal winning detections reaches a predetermined number. An abnormality notification command is transmitted (steps S579, S575, S580). Therefore, after it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred even once after the cumulative number of abnormal winning detections reaches a predetermined number and the abnormality notifying command is transmitted, the abnormality notifying command is transmitted.

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). .

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the effect control process.

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and executes a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, a process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and effect control such as display control of the symbol display 9 is executed. In addition, a random number update process for updating a counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol) is executed (step S706). Further, a notification control process for performing notification using an effect device such as the symbol display 9 is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer of a ring buffer type capable of storing six 2-byte configuration effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 12) is the effect control command stored in the buffer area.

  35 and 36 are flowcharts showing a specific example of the command analysis process (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

  In the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 first checks whether or not a reception command is stored in the command reception buffer (step S611). Whether it is stored or not is determined by comparing the value of the command reception number counter with the read pointer. The case where both match is the case where the received command is not stored. When the reception command is stored in the command reception buffer, the effect control CPU 101 reads the reception command from the command reception buffer (step S612). When read, the value of the read pointer is incremented by +2 (step S613). The reason for +2 is that 2 bytes (1 command) are read at a time.

  If the received effect control command is a round number designation command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the round number designation command in a round number designation command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). . Then, a round number designation command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a symbol confirmation designation command (step S621), the effect control CPU 101 sets a confirmed command reception flag (step S622).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S624).

  If the received presentation control command is a power-on designation command (initialization designation command) (step S631), the presentation control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the symbol display 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632A). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols. Also, an initial notification flag is set (step S632B), and a value corresponding to the initial notification period value is set in the period timer (step S632C). The initial notification period is a period in which initialization notification is performed in response to reception of the initialization designation command. The effect control CPU 101 ends the initialization notification when the initial notification period elapses. The initial notification period is the same as the prohibition period set by the game control microcomputer 560 in step S45. Therefore, the abnormality notification designation command is not received when the initialization notification is performed.

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end designation command (step S641), a jackpot end designation command reception flag is set (step S642).

  If the received effect control command is an abnormal winning notification designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets an abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag (step S644). If the received production control command is a discharge abnormality notification designation command (step S645), a discharge abnormality notification designation command reception flag is set (step S646).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S651). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  Round number designation command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not a round number designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the round number designation command reception flag set in the command analysis process is set. If the round number designation command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the symbol variation start process (step S801).

  Symbol variation start processing (step S801): Control is performed so that symbol variation is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol changing process (step S802).

  Symbol variation processing (step S802): The end of variation time is monitored. When the variation time is over, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Symbol variation stop processing (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (symbol confirmation designation command) instructing symbol suspension, the symbol display 9 stops symbol variation and derives the display result (stop symbol). Control the display. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit effect process (step S804).

  Big hit effect process (step S804): After the end of the fluctuation time, an effect for notifying the occurrence of the big hit is performed using a direction device (for example, a lamp or a speaker 27). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

  Big hit game processing (step S805): Control during big hit game is performed. For example, when a command for opening a special prize opening or a command for opening a special prize opening is received, display control of the number of rounds on the symbol display 9 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit end process (step S806).

  Big-hit ending process (step S806): Production control is performed for notifying the player that the big-hit gaming state has been completed using the production device. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the round number designation command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a round number designation command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the round number designation command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the round number designation command reception flag is set (step S811). If the round number designation command reception flag is set, the round number designation command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the round number designation command from the round number designation command storage area (step S821). Further, the display result of the symbol (stop symbol) and the effect mode (blinking mode of the lamp and sound output mode from the speaker 27) are determined according to the round number designation command (step S822). In step S822, for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol is extracted, and if the received round number designation command is a 15 round designation command, a stop symbol (for example, an odd number) that recalls 15 rounds using a random number is used. If it is a 4-round designation command, it is determined to be one of stop symbols (for example, even numbers) that recalls 4 rounds using a random number. The effect control CPU 101 determines a stop symbol using, for example, a stop symbol determination table in which data indicating symbols and numerical values are associated with each other. That is, a stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating a symbol corresponding to a numerical value that matches the extracted random number.

  Further, a random number for determining the production mode is extracted, and one production mode is selected from a plurality of types of production modes based on the random number.

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 selects a process table corresponding to the production mode (step S833). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S834).

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the production control CPU 101 controls the production device (production component) such as the symbol display 9 according to the data set in the process table. The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. In the display control execution data, data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of symbols is described. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the symbol display 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the symbols in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 40 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. Moreover, the process table is prepared according to each production aspect.

  Then, the production control CPU 101 sets the contents of the process data 1 (display control execution data 1) on condition that the abnormality notification flag or the discharge abnormality notification flag indicating that the abnormal winning notification is being performed is not set. In accordance with the lamp control execution data 1 and the sound number data 1), the control of the effect device (the symbol display 9 as the effect part, various lamps as the effect part, and the speaker 27 as the effect part) is executed (step S835A). , S835B). For example, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to control various lamps to be turned on / off. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the sound output board 70 in order to output sound from the speaker 27.

  When the abnormality notification flag or the discharge abnormality notification flag is set, the rendering device is controlled according to the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 (steps S835A and S835C). That is, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of a symbol is started, a sound effect according to the effect mode at the time of the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal prize is awarded. The sound output corresponding to the notification is continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time is set in the variation time timer (step S836), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol variation processing (step S802) (step S837). In this embodiment, the variation time is always the same, but a plurality of types of variation time may be selected.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation processing (step S802) in the effect control process. In the process during symbol variation, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S842). When the process timer times out (step S843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S844). Further, on the condition that the abnormality notification flag or the discharge abnormality notification flag is not set, the control state for the effect device based on the display control execution data, the lamp control execution data, and the sound number data that is set next. Is changed (steps S845A and S845B).

  When the abnormality notification flag or the discharge abnormality notification flag is set, control of the effect device is performed according to the contents of process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) (however, the sound number data i is excluded). Are executed (steps S845A and S845C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, a sound effect according to the effect mode at the time of variable display of the symbol is not executed, but the sound output according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S846), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S848). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S847), the process proceeds to step S848.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing the symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. (Step S852), control for deriving and displaying the determined stop symbol is performed (step S853). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit effect process (step S804) (step S855).

  FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the symbol display 9. FIG. 43A shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the symbol display 9 by the presentation control CPU 101 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 43 (B) shows an example of a power failure recovery screen displayed on the symbol display 9 by the production control CPU 101 in response to reception of a power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 43 (C) shows an example of an abnormality notification screen displayed on the symbol display 9 in response to the reception of the abnormal winning notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101. FIG. 43D shows an example of a discharge abnormality notification screen displayed on the symbol display 9 by the production control CPU 101 in response to reception of a discharge abnormality notification designation command.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the notification control process in step S707. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S901). The initial notification flag is set when an initialization designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 560 (see step S632B in FIG. 36). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S906. If the initial notification flag is set, the value of the period timer set in step S632C is decremented by 1 (step S902). Then, when the value of the period timer becomes 0, that is, when the initial notification period has elapsed, the initial notification flag is reset (steps S903 and S904). Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the symbol display 9 to display a screen when waiting for a customer (step S905). Then, control goes to a step S906.

  In step S906, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not an abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that an abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S916. If the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S907). If the symbol is not changing, an abnormality notification screen is displayed on the symbol display 9. (See FIG. 43C).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the sound output board 70 (step S909). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) corresponding to the notification of abnormal winning is performed thereafter. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets an abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S910).

  In step S916, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not a discharge abnormality notification designation command reception flag indicating that a discharge abnormality notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process is terminated. If the discharge abnormality notification designation command reception flag is set, the discharge abnormality notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S917). If the symbol is not changing, a discharge abnormality notification screen is displayed on the symbol display 9. (See FIG. 43D).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output corresponding to the notification of the discharge abnormality to the sound output board 70 (step S918). The voice synthesis IC 703 mounted on the voice output board 70 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 704 and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. Therefore, thereafter, sound output (output of abnormality notification sound) according to the notification of the discharge abnormality is performed. Then, the production control CPU 101 sets a discharge abnormality notification flag indicating that discharge abnormality notification is being performed (step S919).

  FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the situation of the display effect on the symbol display 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 45 (A) shows an example when the symbol display 9 performs variable display of symbols. FIG. 45 (B) shows an example in which initialization notification is performed on the symbol display 9.

  FIG. 45 (C) shows an example in which an abnormal winning notification is performed on the symbol display 9 and an abnormal notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When receiving the abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the production control microcomputer 100 performs control to display an abnormality notification screen on the symbol display 9, and outputs the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. I do. Moreover, even if the variable display of the symbol is started in response to the reception of the round number designation command, the abnormality notification sound output from the speaker 27 is continued.

  When the variable display (fluctuation) of the symbol is completed, the stop symbol is continuously displayed on the symbol display 9. Therefore, after the abnormality notification screen is displayed on the symbol display 9, when the variable display of the symbol is started, the abnormality notification screen is deleted. However, the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 continues. When the abnormal winning notification designation command is received again, the effect control microcomputer 100 causes the symbol display 9 to display the abnormality notification screen again. In this embodiment, after the cumulative number of abnormal winning detections reaches the predetermined number and the abnormality notification command is transmitted, if it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred even once, the abnormality notification command is transmitted (FIG. 32). In steps S579, S575, and S580). Therefore, even when the variable display of the symbol is started and the abnormality notification screen is erased, the abnormality notification screen is displayed on the symbol display device 9 each time an abnormal winning is repeatedly generated. Therefore, in a situation where repeated abnormal winnings occur, even if the variable display of symbols is performed, an abnormal notification screen is displayed on the repeated symbol display 9 and it is easily recognized that repeated abnormal winnings have occurred. The

  The production control microcomputer 100 stops the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of the abnormality notification sound when a predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the abnormality notification screen and the output of the abnormality notification sound are started. You may control.

  Further, in this embodiment, the abnormality notification is performed by the symbol display 9 and the speaker 27 as a production device, but the abnormality notification may be performed using a lamp / LED as the production device. In that case, when receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 controls the lamp / LED to blink in a manner different from that in the normal state (when no abnormal winning has occurred). . In addition, even when the abnormality notification is performed using the lamp / LED, the abnormality notification using the lamp / LED is continued even if the variable display of the symbol is started in response to the reception of the round number designation command. . However, the production control microcomputer 100 may control the abnormality notification to stop when a predetermined time has elapsed since the abnormality notification was started.

  FIG. 45 (C) illustrates a case where an abnormal winning notification is performed, but an abnormal notification screen (discharge abnormal notification screen) is displayed on the symbol display 9 even when an abnormal discharge notification is performed. Control to output an abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 executes the control for notifying the abnormal winning when the cumulative number of abnormal winning detections reaches a predetermined number (for example, five times). In the embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 realizes such control.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing an abnormal winning notification process executed by the game control microcomputer 560 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, unlike the abnormal winning notification process in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 32, the processes related to the error number valid period timer, the error number counter, and the notified flag (steps S565 to S568, Steps S575 to S579 and S581) are not executed. Other processes executed by the game control microcomputer 560 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  47 and 48 are flowcharts showing notification control processing executed by the production control microcomputer 100 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, unlike the notification control process in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 44, the processes of steps S912 to S915 and S931 to S934 are also executed.

  That is, when the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set (step S906), the effect control CPU 101 resets the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag (step S907), and then sets the notified flag. It is confirmed whether or not (step S931). If the informed flag is set, processing from step S908 is performed.

  If the informed flag is not set, the value of the error counter is incremented by 1 (step S932), and the error number valid period timer is started (step S933). That is, a value corresponding to a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) is set. When the value of the error number counter reaches a predetermined value (for example, 5), the informed flag is set (step S935), and the processing after step S908 is performed.

  When the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is not set (step S906), the effect control CPU 101 sets the error number valid period timer value to-unless the error number valid period timer value is zero. 1 (step S912). When the value of the error number valid period timer is 0 (step S913), the error count counter (counter for counting the number of abnormal winning detections) is set to 0 (step S914), and the notification flag is reset (step S914). Step S915). Then, the process after step S916 is performed.

  Even with the above-described control, abnormal winnings are continuously detected within a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) measured by the error number valid period timer, and the cumulative number of abnormal winning detections is a predetermined number (for example, 5). ), It is possible to notify the abnormal winning, and when it is determined that the abnormal winning has occurred even once, the abnormal winning can be immediately notified. Other processes executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits an abnormal winning designation command when it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, but the gaming control microcomputer 560 has the bonus winning switches 34a and 34b turned on. (It may be the case where the specific area switch 30a is turned on.) Whenever it is detected, the effect control command indicating that the accessory winning switch 34a, 34b is turned on (or the specific area switch 30a is turned on). And an effect control command indicating whether or not the variable winning ball apparatus 20 can be in an open state. In this case, the effect control microcomputer 100 determines that the game state is designated as a state in which the variable winning ball apparatus 20 can be opened by the effect control command. If an effect control command indicating that is turned on (or that the specific area switch 30a is turned on) is received, it may be determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. Furthermore, even when configured to make such a determination, the process of steps S913 to S915, S931 to S935 is executed, and an abnormality notification is issued when the cumulative number of occurrences of abnormal winnings reaches a predetermined number. May be performed.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the gaming control microcomputer 560 does not detect abnormal winning and discharging abnormalities for a predetermined period (a period during which initialization notification is executed) after power supply to the gaming machine is started. The abnormal winning notification designation command and the discharge abnormality notification designation command are not transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560. However, the game control microcomputer 560 does not indicate that the value of the accessory control process flag is not 1, 2, 5, or 6 (when the variable winning ball apparatus 20 can be opened under normal control) or an error. When the detection prohibition flag is not set, the abnormal winning and discharging abnormalities are always detected, and the production control microcomputer 100 performs an abnormal winning notification designation command or discharging during a predetermined period after the power supply to the gaming machine is started. When an abnormality notification designation command is received, notification of abnormal winning or discharging abnormality may not be performed.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification (abnormal winning notification and discharge abnormality notification), so that a situation may occur in which the initialization notification becomes difficult to recognize. Is prevented. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits an initialization designation command when a user reset that causes the program to start executing from the top address (for example, address 0000) occurs even when power supply to the game machine is started. As a cause of the occurrence of the user reset, for example, in the case where the watchdog timer is configured to be used, there is a case where the watchdog timer has timed out due to an illegal act that prevents the smooth progress of the program. In other words, a fraudulent act that initializes the game control microcomputer 560 and initializes a counter for generating a round number determination random number and makes it easier to grasp the count value of the counter (unauthorized 15 rounds) It is easy to receive. Since priority is given to the initialization notification as in this embodiment, it can be easily grasped from the outside of the gaming machine that the gaming control microcomputer 560 has been initialized, so there is a possibility that an illegal act has been made. Is easily recognized.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the production control microcomputer 100 ends the initialization notification when a predetermined period has elapsed (see steps S901 to S905), but ends the initialization notification at another timing. It may be. For example, when initialization notification is terminated when symbol display starts for the first time after initialization notification is started, or when an abnormal winning notification designation command is received before variable display of symbols is started The initialization notification may be terminated. Alternatively, the initialization notification may be terminated when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received or when the first effect control command other than the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received after the initialization notification is started. That is, it is preferable that the initialization notification is continued for a period sufficient for a game clerk or the like to recognize the initialization notification.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the winning detection means includes entry detecting means (a winning combination winning switch 34a, 34b) that outputs a detection signal when a game ball enters the variable winning ball apparatus 20, and controls the game. The means transmits a discharge abnormality notification command command for instructing execution of a discharge abnormality notification (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S450 and S507 in the game control microcomputer 560). Even if a predetermined time (for example, a time corresponding to a value set in the discharge monitoring timer) elapses after the variable winning ball apparatus 20 changes to the open state, the number of detection signals from the entry detection means and the discharge Discharge abnormality determination means for determining that a discharge abnormality has occurred when the number of detection signals from the detection means is not the same (for example, a game control microcomputer) 560, a portion that executes the processing of steps S450 and S507), and the production control unit performs the discharge abnormality notification by the production device based on the discharge abnormality notification command transmitted by the discharge abnormality notification command transmission unit. Since it is configured to include notification means (for example, the part for executing the processing of steps S916 to S919 in the production control microcomputer 100), it is notified that the game ball is staying in the variable winning ball apparatus 20. You can also

  In addition, a game stop means that performs control to stop the game when the discharge abnormality determination means determines that a discharge abnormality has occurred (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes a loop process after the execution of the processes of steps S450 and S507. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game from being continued in the state where the game ball is retained in the variable winning ball apparatus 20.

  In each of the above embodiments, the effect control board 80, the audio output board 70, and the lamp driver board 35 are provided as the boards on which the circuit for controlling the effect device is mounted. May be mounted on one substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the symbol display 9 and the like is mounted and a circuit for controlling other effect devices (lamps, LEDs, speakers 27, etc.) are mounted. You may make it provide two board | substrates with two production | presentation control boards.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100, but the game control microcomputer 560 is not connected to another board (for example, FIG. Or a sound / lamp board having a function of a circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and a function of a circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). An effect control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board.

  FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a sound / lamp control board 80b and a symbol control board 80a are provided as other boards. A sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b including a sound / lamp control CPU 101b for controlling the lamp and the speaker 27 is mounted on the sound / lamp control board 80b, and the design display 9 is controlled on the design control board 80a. A symbol control microcomputer 100a including a symbol control CPU 101a is mounted. Then, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b receives the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560, and the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b transmits the command to the symbol control microcomputer 100a.

  In this case, the command from the game control microcomputer 560 may simply pass through another board (sound / lamp control board 80b), or the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b may have received the command. Accordingly, control related to voice control and lamp control may be executed, and the received command may be transmitted to the symbol control microcomputer 100a as it is or after being changed to, for example, a simplified command. Even in such a case, the symbol control microcomputer 100a performs display control according to the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 by the effect control microcomputer 100 in the above embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with the command received from the sound / lamp control board 80b.

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that includes a variable winning ball device that performs a starting operation, and that shifts to a specific gaming state based on the winning of a gaming ball in a special area provided in the variable winning ball device. Applied.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is the front view which looked at the game board from the front. It is a front view which shows the structural example of a variable winning ball apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of how to advance the game of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a relay board | substrate, an effect control board | substrate, a lamp driver board | substrate, and an audio | voice output board | substrate. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for game control performs. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an accessory control process process. FIG. 38E illustrates an effect control command signal line. It is a timing chart showing the relationship between an 8-bit control signal and an INT signal that constitute an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows an accessory control normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the accessory release middle. It is a flowchart which shows a post-completion process. It is a flowchart which shows a post-completion process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows the big winning opening opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big winning opening open process. It is a flowchart which shows the process after closing of the big prize opening. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the bit allocation example of the input port in the microcomputer for game control. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the payout control signal. It is a block diagram which shows the signal line etc. which are used for transmission / reception of a payout control signal. It is a timing diagram which shows an example of how to output a payout control signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the buffer used by switch processing. It is a flowchart which shows a switch process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a prize ball number table. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball number addition process. It is a flowchart which shows a prize ball control process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for production control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a round number designation command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows the process during symbol fluctuation. It is a flowchart which shows a design fluctuation stop process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on a symbol display. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the condition of the display effect in a symbol display, and the sound effect by a speaker. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. It is a block diagram which shows the structure by which the sound / lamp control board and the symbol control board were provided.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 9 Symbol display 20 Variable winning ball apparatus 23a, 23b Opening and closing piece 29a Accessory discharge switch 30a Specific area switch 31 Game control board (main board)
34a, 34b Prize winning switch 38, 39, 40 Start winning opening 38a, 39a, 40a Start opening switch 56 CPU
560 Microcomputer for game control 80 Production control board 100 Microcomputer for production control

Claims (7)

It is possible to play a predetermined game using a game ball, and the game ball can be controlled to either an open state in which a prize can be won or a closed state in which a game machine cannot win a prize, A variable winning ball device that is controlled to a starting operation state that becomes an open state based on a winning is provided, and the game state is determined for the player based on the fact that the gaming ball has won a special area provided in the variable winning ball device. A gaming machine for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus in an advantageous specific gaming state,
Winning detection means for detecting a gaming ball won in a winning area provided in the variable winning ball device and outputting a detection signal;
A discharge detecting means for outputting a detection signal capable of specifying that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus;
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Based on the command transmitted by the game control means, an effect control means for controlling an effect device for performing a predetermined effect,
The game control means includes
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the detection signal from the winning detection means is input;
Based on the detection signal from the discharge detection means, discharge determination means for determining whether or not the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus;
When the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled to the starting operation state or the specific gaming state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the winning determination means inputting the detection signal, and the variable winning award after the ball unit is changed to the closed state, the variable winning ball device entering-prize on the condition that the game ball entering that is discharged from the variable winning ball device is determined by the discharge determining means in the open state An abnormality determination unit that determines that an abnormal winning has occurred even when the determination unit inputs the detection signal;
An abnormal winning number counting means for counting the cumulative number of times that the abnormality determining means has determined that an abnormal winning has occurred;
An abnormality notification command transmission means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification when the cumulative number counted by the abnormal winning number counting means reaches a predetermined number of times,
The effect control means includes abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification by the effect device based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means. The abnormality notification command transmitting means transmits an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification every time the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred after the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number. The gaming machine according to 1. It is possible to play a predetermined game using a game ball, and the game ball is either in an open state in which a prize can be won or in a closed state in which a game machine cannot be won, based on a prize at a predetermined prize opening A special game comprising a variable winning ball device controlled to a starting operation state that is in an open state, and the game state being advantageous to the player based on the winning of a game ball in a special area provided in the variable winning ball device A gaming machine that controls the variable winning ball apparatus in a state,
Winning detection means for detecting a gaming ball won in a winning area provided in the variable winning ball device and outputting a detection signal;
A discharge detecting means for outputting a detection signal capable of specifying that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus;
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Based on the command transmitted by the game control means, an effect control means for controlling an effect device for performing a predetermined effect,
The game control means includes
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the detection signal from the winning detection means is input;
Based on the detection signal from the discharge detection means, discharge determination means for determining whether or not the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus;
When the variable winning ball apparatus is not controlled to the start operation state or the specific gaming state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the winning determination means inputting the detection signal, and the variable winning award The winning determination means is provided on the condition that when the ball apparatus changes to the open state, it is determined by the discharge determination means that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus is discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus. An abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred based on the input of the detection signal;
An abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification when the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred;
The production control means includes
Based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmitting means, an abnormal winning number counting means for counting the cumulative number of times that the abnormality determining means has determined that an abnormal winning has occurred;
A gaming machine, comprising: an abnormality notifying means for notifying the abnormality by the effect device when the cumulative number counted by the abnormal winning number counting means reaches a predetermined number. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a cumulative number initialization means for initializing a cumulative number based on the fact that a condition for shifting to a specific gaming state is established. A second cumulative number initialization means for initializing a cumulative number when a predetermined time has elapsed without determining that an abnormal prize has occurred again after the abnormality determination means has determined that an abnormal prize has occurred. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a third cumulative number initialization unit that initializes a cumulative number when power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. Provided with a prize game ball payout control means for executing a control for paying out a prize game ball in response to a game ball winning in a winning area;
7. The prize game ball payout control means includes payout control prohibiting means for prohibiting execution of control for paying out a prize game ball based on the prize when the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred. A gaming machine according to any one of the above.

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