JP5345282B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve the accurate detection to determine whether the abnormal winning of prizes occurs or not according to game states. <P>SOLUTION: A microcomputer for game control carries out the detection of the abnormal winning of prizes when no accessary opening flag is set. The accessary opening flag is reset when all of game balls in the second major prize winning slot are discharged from the slot after the second major prize winning slot is closed in the final round of the minor winning game (containing starting operation) or the second jackpot game. As a result, there is no game balls in the second major prize winning slot while no accessary opening flag is set. Since the detection of the abnormal winning of prizes is carried out with the accessary opening flag reset, the detection of the abnormal winning of prizes is executed with the conditions that the discharge of the game balls from the second major prize winning slot (accessary) is determined after entering the second prize winning slot (accessary) when the second major prize winning slot shifts to the second position (for example, opening position). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a variable winning ball apparatus that can play a predetermined game using a game ball and can be changed to an open state based on winning in a predetermined winning opening, and is provided in the variable winning ball apparatus. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine capable of shifting a gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player based on the winning of a game ball in a special area.

  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. Further, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “fluctuation”) is provided, and when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display unit becomes a specific display result, the gaming state (game) The state of the machine, more specifically, the state in which the gaming machine is controlled) is configured to give a predetermined game value to the player. The game value is the right that the state of the variable winning ball apparatus provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine becomes advantageous for a player who is easy to win, and the right for becoming advantageous for a player. In other words, or a condition for winning a prize ball is easily established.

  In a pachinko machine, a specific display mode (specific display) determined in advance as a display result of variable display of special symbols (identification information) started in the variable display unit based on the winning of a game ball at the start winning opening When the result is derived and displayed, a “big hit” occurs. 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. That is, winning is likely to occur in the big hit gaming state, and the player can acquire a large number of winning balls. An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. In addition, hereinafter, the opening period of each big prize opening is referred to as a round.

  In the variable display device, the symbols other than the symbol that becomes the final stop symbol (for example, the middle symbol in the left, middle, and right symbols) are stopped and oscillated in a state in which they coincide with a specific display result for a predetermined time. There is a possibility that a big hit will occur before the final result is displayed due to scaling, deformation, or deformation, or when multiple symbols change synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the displayed symbol changes. An effect that is performed in a state in which the state continues (hereinafter, these states are referred to as reach states) is referred to as reach effect. Further, the reach state and its state are referred to as a reach mode. Furthermore, variable display including reach production is called reach variable display. Then, when the display result of the symbol variably displayed on the variable display device is not a specific display result, it becomes “out of” and the variability display state ends. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

  When a game ball wins a grand prize opening, a game ball as a prize is paid out to a 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)

  The pachinko gaming machine includes a variable winning ball device that performs an operation from a first state in which a gaming ball is difficult to win when a predetermined condition is satisfied to a second state in which the gaming ball is easy to win. There is a gaming machine configured to shift a gaming state to a specific gaming state based on a game ball entering a special area. 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 is capable of performing a predetermined game using a game ball, and a variable winning ball that can be changed to an open state based on a winning at a predetermined winning port (for example, a starting winning port 13). A game ball has been won in a special area (for example, the first special area 73 or the second special area 74) provided with a device (for example, a second big prize opening (function) 75) and provided in the variable winning ball apparatus. In particular, a gaming machine capable of shifting the gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player (for example, the second big hit gaming state), and a winning area (for example, a winning area provided in the variable winning ball apparatus (for example, winning detecting means for outputting a winning detection signal by detecting game balls that finishers and first special region 73 the second special region 74) (e.g., second bonus prize hole winning switch 71a and the first specific region transmission switch 73a And second specific area An over switch 74a), the discharge detecting unit variable winning ball apparatus enters the game balls to output a discharge detection signal which can specify that discharged from the variable winning ball device (e.g., a second bonus prize hole discharging switch 72a ) And game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560) for controlling the progress of the game, and the game control means determines whether or not a winning detection signal is input from the winning detection means. Means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, a part for executing the processes of steps S331 to S338 and S351 to S361. In particular, the first specific area passing input bit determination value and the second specific area passing input bit determination value are used. Te and partial) executing the processing in steps S355, S361, on the basis of the discharge detection signal from the discharge detection means, variable inlet A discharge determination means for determining whether or not the game ball that has entered the ball apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus (for example, the part that executes the processing of steps S443 and S503 in the game control microcomputer 560), and variable When the winning ball apparatus changes to the closed state, it is determined by the discharge determining means that the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus when the variable winning ball apparatus is in the open state is discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus. After that, based on the determination that the winning determination means has input a winning detection signal, an abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 performs the processing of steps S591 to S604). Part to be executed) and a plurality of types of processes for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus in a predetermined order. Process process execution means for updating the process flag value when a condition to be updated is satisfied and executing processing corresponding to the process flag value, and variable winning ball apparatus control for controlling the state of the variable winning ball apparatus based on the process flag The abnormality determination means is a start operation state in which the value of the process flag is a state in which the variable winning ball apparatus can be changed to an open state and is in an open state based on a winning to a predetermined winning opening, or Based on the determination that the winning determination means has input a winning detection signal when the numerical value is other than a predetermined numerical value indicating a specific gaming state that is an open state based on winning in a special area, When the variable winning ball apparatus is in an open state after the start operation state or the specific gaming state is finished, It enters the game balls that have been discharged from the variable winning ball device and performing after being determined by the discharge determination means.

  A prize game ball payout control means (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560 in steps S362, S368, S369, and S371 to S382) that executes control for paying out a prize game ball in response to the winning of the game ball in the winning area. And a prize game ball payout control means for prohibiting execution of a control for paying out a prize game ball based on the prize when the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal prize has occurred. For example, the game control microcomputer 560 may include a part for executing the processing of steps S366 and S367.

  The game control means transmits an abnormality notification command (for example, a second abnormal prize notification designation command) for instructing execution of abnormality notification when the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormal winning has occurred. (For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, the portion that executes the processing of steps S591 to S604), and based on the command transmitted by the game control means, the effect device (for example, the variable display device 9, the speaker 27, the lamp -The effect control means (for example, the microcomputer 100 for effect control) which controls LED) is provided, and an effect control means performs abnormality notification by an effect device based on the abnormality notification command which the abnormality notification command transmission means transmitted. Abnormality notification means (for example, in the production control microcomputer 100, the step The abnormality notification means continues the abnormality notification until the power supply to the gaming machine stops (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 performs control to erase the abnormality notification screen). May not be executed).

The winning detection means includes an entry detecting means (for example, a second big prize opening winning switch 71a) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus and outputs an entry detection signal. Discharge abnormality notification command transmission means for transmitting a discharge abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification of discharge abnormality (for example, a part for executing the processing of steps S451 and S506 in the game control microcomputer 560), and variable Even if a predetermined time (for example, a time corresponding to a value set in the discharge monitoring timer) elapses after the winning ball apparatus changes to the open state, the number of the entry detection signals from the entry detection means and the discharge detection means determining discharge abnormality determination unit and the discharge abnormality occurs when the number of discharge detection signal is not the same (e.g., a game control microcomputer 560 In step S442, the process executes step S442, that is, if the determination in step S442 is “Y” before the determination in step S443 is “Y”, it is determined that a discharge abnormality has occurred. A portion of the computer 560 that executes the process of step S502, that is, it is determined that a discharge abnormality has occurred when the determination of step S502 is “Y” before the determination of step S503 is “Y”. Based on the command transmitted by the game control means, it comprises effect control means (for example, an effect control microcomputer 100) for controlling the effect device, and the effect control means sends out the discharge abnormality notification transmitted by the discharge abnormality notification command transmission means. Discharge abnormality notification means for performing discharge abnormality notification by the production device based on the command (for example, production In patronage microcomputer 100, it may be configured so as to include a portion) that performs the process of step S921～S924.

Particular variable winning ball device possible changes to the open state (e.g., the first special winning opening) and the particular winning detecting means for outputting a specific winning detection signal by detecting game balls that winning the particular variable winning ball device (e.g. Count switch 23), and the process processing execution means is a condition for updating the value of the process flag necessary for executing a plurality of types of processing for controlling the specific variable winning ball apparatus in a predetermined order. The game control means executes a process corresponding to the value of the process flag, and the game control means determines whether or not the specific winning detection signal from the specific winning detection means has been input. A part of the control microcomputer 560 that executes the processing of steps S331 to S338, S351 to S356, and S361, in particular, count switch input bit determination Using a portion) that performs the process of step S355, S361, special game state that a particular variable winning ball device is controlled in an open state (e.g., a particular winning determination means in the first jackpot gaming state) other than the playing state If it is determined that the specific winning detection signal has been input, the specific abnormality determining means that determines that an abnormal winning has occurred in the specific variable winning ball apparatus (for example, the game control microcomputer 560 executes the processes of steps S585, S587 to S588. And a specific variable winning ball apparatus control means for controlling the state of the specific variable winning ball apparatus based on the process flag, and the specific abnormality determining means indicates that the value of the process flag is in a special gaming state. when a particular winning determination means when a numerical value other than the predetermined numerical value indicating determines that have entered a specific winning detection signal, the abnormality It may be configured to determine that prize has occurred.

  The abnormality notifying means may be configured to notify the abnormality so that the abnormal winning determined by the abnormality determining means and the abnormal winning determined by the specific abnormality determining means can be distinguished (see FIG. 59).

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the variable control ball is based on the winning determination means for determining whether or not the game control means has input the winning detection signal from the winning detection means, and the discharge detection signal from the discharge detecting means. When the variable winning ball apparatus is in an open state when the variable winning ball apparatus changes to a closed state, and a discharge determination means for determining whether or not the game ball that has entered the apparatus has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus. after the variable winning ball apparatus enters the game balls that have been discharged from the variable winning ball device is determined by the discharge determination means, based on particular winning determination means determines that it has entered the winning detection signal, the abnormality winning and abnormality determining means for determining a resulting, by establishment of the condition to be updated value of the process flag needed to perform a plurality of types of processes for controlling the variable winning ball device in a predetermined order update A process processing execution means for executing a process corresponding to the value of the process flag, and a variable winning ball apparatus control means for controlling the state of the variable winning ball apparatus based on the process flag. A specific game in which the variable winning ball apparatus is changeable to an open state and is in a starting operation state that is an open state based on a winning to a predetermined winning opening, or an open state that is based on winning a special area Based on the determination that the winning determination means has input a winning detection signal when the numerical value is other than a predetermined numerical value indicating the state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, and the determination of the abnormal winning is started. After the operation state or the specific game state ends, the game ball that has entered the variable prize ball device when the variable prize ball device is in the open state is discharged from the variable prize ball device. Since it is performed after it is determined by the discharge determination means, it has the effect of avoiding that the normal game will be determined despite abnormal finished in running.

  In the invention described in claim 2, 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.

  In the invention described in claim 3, since the abnormality notification means is configured to continue the abnormality notification until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped, it can be notified more reliably that a winning abnormality has occurred. .

In the invention according to claim 4, the game control means detects the number of entry detection signals from the entry detection means and the discharge from the discharge detection means even if a predetermined time elapses after the variable winning ball apparatus changes to the open state. Including a discharge abnormality determining means for determining that a discharge abnormality has occurred when the number of detection signals is not the same, and the effect control means discharges by the effect device based on the discharge abnormality notification command transmitted by the discharge abnormality notification command transmitting means. Since the discharge abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification is included, it is possible to notify that the game ball is staying in the variable winning ball apparatus.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, when the game control means determines that the specific winning determination means has input the specific winning detection signal in a gaming state other than the special gaming state in which the specific variable winning ball device is controlled to the open state, comprising a specific abnormality determination unit determines that the abnormality winning to the variable winning ball device has occurred, a specific variable winning ball device control means for controlling the state of a particular variable winning ball device based on the process flag, certain abnormality determining means When the value of the process flag is a value other than a predetermined value indicating that the game state is in a special gaming state, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred if the specific winning determination means determines that the specific winning detection signal is input. Regarding the specific variable winning ball device that can change from a state where it is difficult to win a game ball to a state where it is easy to win in a gaming state, an abnormal winning occurs depending on the gaming state. Whether a can be reliably detected for.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine (bullet ball gaming machine) 1 as seen from the front.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame so as to be opened and closed. The game frame includes a front frame (not shown) that can be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate (not shown) to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts (games to be described later) attached to them. A structure including the board 6).

  On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, there are provided a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hitting ball supply tray 3, and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing the hitting ball. 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 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6 in which a game ball that has been struck can flow down.

  Near the center of the game area 7, a variable display device 9 composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is provided. The display screen of the variable display device 9 has a plurality of types of decorations that can be identified based on the establishment of a start condition which is a variable display execution condition (for example, a hitting ball has won a start winning opening 13). There is a display area in which symbols are variably displayed and display results are derived and displayed. Note that winning means that a game ball has entered a predetermined area such as a winning opening. Deriving and displaying the display result means that the symbol is stopped and displayed (except for the stop before the so-called re-variation).

  A special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 that variably displays a special symbol as identification information is provided on the lower left side of the game board 6. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by two simple and small displays (for example, 7 segment LEDs) capable of variably displaying numbers 0 to 9. Therefore, the special symbol display 8 is configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) of 00 to 99 as special symbols. In this embodiment, the variation of the special symbol is such that the symbol displayed on each of the left and right indicators in the special symbol display 8 changes from “−” → “0” →... → “9”. Is realized.

  In the vicinity of the special symbol display 8, a special display consisting of four indicators for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning opening 13, that is, the number of reserved memories (holding memory is also referred to as starting memory or starting prize memory). A symbol hold storage indicator 18 is provided. The special symbol storage memory display 18 increases the number of indicators that are turned on by one every time there is an effective start winning. Then, every time variable display on the special symbol display 8 is started, the number of indicators to be turned on is reduced by one.

  The variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (for production) during the variable display time of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board.

  Below the variable display device 9, a variable winning ball device 15 having a start winning opening 13 is provided. A game ball won in the start winning opening 13 is led to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 13a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16. When the variable winning ball device 15 is in the open state, the game ball can be won at the start winning opening 13 (it is easier to start winning), which is advantageous for the player.

  At the bottom of the variable display device 9, an accessory 75 that forms a second grand prize opening is provided. The accessory 75 is provided with a blade-like movable member 76 that is driven by a driving device such as a motor. When the movable member 76 is controlled to a position where the movable member 76 is tilted to the left, the game ball enters a state where it can enter the second grand prize opening (open state). When the movable member 76 is controlled to a position that closes the second grand prize opening, the game ball cannot enter the second big prize opening (closed state). Hereinafter, the accessory 75 may be expressed as a “second grand prize opening” or a “second grand prize opening (an accessory)”.

  A second grand prize opening winning switch 71a for detecting a game ball that has entered is provided inside the second big prize winning opening (an accessory). Further, a first specific area 73 and a first specific area passing switch 73a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the first specific area 73 are provided. Further, a second specific area 74 and a second specific area passing switch 74a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the second specific area 74 are provided.

  Further, below the variable winning ball apparatus 15, the solenoid 21 in a specific gaming state (second specific gaming state: jackpot gaming state) that occurs when a specific display result (big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the special symbol display 8. Is provided with a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 which is opened. The special variable winning ball apparatus 20 forms a first big winning opening. A game ball that has entered the first grand prize opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  A normal symbol display 10 is provided at the lower right side of the game board 6. The normal symbol display 10 variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, “◯” and “x”) called normal symbols.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting the left and right lamps (a symbol can be visually recognized when the lamp is lit). For example, if the left lamp is lit when the variable display ends, it is a hit. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. That is, the state of the variable winning ball device 15 changes from a disadvantageous state to the player to a state advantageous for a player (a state in which a game ball can be won at the start winning opening 13) when the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a winning symbol. To do. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display 10, a normal symbol holding storage display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have passed through the gate 32 is provided. Each time there is a game ball passing through the gate 32, that is, every time a game ball is detected by the gate switch 32a, the normal symbol storage memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  A decorative lamp 25 blinkingly displayed during the game is provided around the left and right of the game area 7 of the game board 6, and an out port 26 into which a hit ball that has not won a prize is taken in at the bottom. In addition, two speakers 27 that utter sound effects and sounds as predetermined sound outputs are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame lamp 28a, a left frame lamp 28b, and a right frame lamp 28c provided on the front frame are provided at the outer periphery upper portion, the outer periphery left portion, and the outer periphery right portion of the game area 7. Furthermore, a decoration LED is installed around each structure (such as the second grand prize opening) in the game area 7. The top frame lamp 28a, the left frame lamp 28b, the right frame lamp 28c, and the decorative LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine. Also, a prize ball lamp 51 that is turned on when there is a remaining number of prize balls is provided in the vicinity of the left frame lamp 28b, and a ball break lamp 52 that is turned on when the supply ball is cut out is provided in the vicinity of the right frame lamp 28c. Is provided.

  In the gaming machine, a ball striking device (not shown) that drives a driving motor in response to a player operating the batting operation handle 5 and uses the rotational force of the driving motor to launch a gaming ball to the gaming area 7. ) Is provided. A game ball launched from the ball striking device enters the game area 7 through a ball striking rail formed in a circular shape so as to surround the game area 7, and then descends the game area 7. When the game ball enters the start winning opening 13 and is detected by the start opening switch 13a, the variable display of the special symbol can be started (for example, the previous variable display is terminated and the variable display start condition is satisfied). In addition, the special symbol display 8 starts variable display (variation) of the special symbol, and the variable display device 9 starts variable display of the decorative symbol. If the special symbol variable display cannot be started, the number of reserved memories is increased by 1 on the condition that the number of reserved memories has not reached the upper limit.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the game proceeds in the gaming machine of this embodiment. When a game ball wins the start winning opening 13, that is, when a start win occurs, a lottery is executed by the game control means for controlling the progress of the game. As a result of the lottery, when the first big hit A, the first big hit B is determined to be out of place, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are changed (variably displayed). When the change is over, if the first big hit A is determined, the first big win game (the first big win) will be opened 15 times (15 rounds, the opening allowance time of 1 round is 29 seconds) When the game A) is performed and the first jackpot B is determined, the first jackpot game (first game) in which the first jackpot is opened twice (two rounds, one round is allowed to open for 29 seconds). One big hit game B) is performed. If it is determined to be out of play, the jackpot game is not executed. The first big hit A and the first big hit B may be collectively referred to as the first big hit.

  As a result of the lottery, if it is decided to make a small hit, the special symbol and the decorative symbol fluctuate (variably display). When the change is completed, the second grand prize opening is opened twice (opening 0.5 seconds per time). When the game ball wins the first specific area 73 in the second big prize opening, the second big prize opening is further opened 15 times (15 rounds, one round has a permissible opening time of 29 seconds). A jackpot game is executed. When the game ball wins the second specific area 74 in the second big prize opening, the second big prize opening is further opened seven times (2 rounds, one round has a permissible opening time of 29 seconds). A jackpot game is executed. The operation in which the second grand prize opening is opened twice (in the case of 0.5 seconds per opening) may be referred to as a starting operation. Also, during the start operation and the second big hit operation, when a game ball wins the first specific area 73, a prize ball is paid out. Further, when a game ball wins the second specific area 74, a prize ball is paid out. Further, the first jackpot and the second jackpot may be collectively referred to as a jackpot.

  3-5 is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a structure in the accessory 75 which forms a 2nd big winning opening, and the mode of the flow of the game ball in the accessory 75. FIG. In the accessory 75, when the movable member 76 falls down by the motor 24 as the driving device, the second big prize opening is opened, and the game ball can enter the second big prize opening. The game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening is detected by, for example, a second big prize opening prize switch 71 a using a proximity switch and reaches the flow path switching member 78. The flow path switching member 78 is driven by the motor 22, falls down as shown in FIG. 3, and guides the game ball to the lower part in the accessory 75. The game ball guided to the lower part in the accessory 75 is guided to the back side of the game board 6 and discharged. The game ball guided to the back side of the game board 6 is guided to one discharge path and is detected by a second big prize opening discharge switch 72a provided in the discharge path.

  The flow path switching member 78 returns to a position where the game ball is guided to the tip of the flow path switching member 78, for example, by reverse rotation of the motor 22, as shown in FIGS. When the movable member 76 is controlled so that the game ball can enter the second grand prize winning port, the flow path switching member 78 is, for example, in a state where it falls down and the game ball is moved to the flow path switching member. The state of leading to the tip of 78 is alternately repeated. A first specific area 73 and a second specific area 74 are provided at the tip of the flow path switching member 78. As shown in FIG. 4, the game ball that has passed through the first specific area 73 is detected by the first specific area switch 73 a by, for example, a proximity switch, and then guided to the back side of the game board 6 and discharged. The game ball guided to the back side of the game board 6 is guided to one discharge path and is detected by a second big prize opening discharge switch 72a provided in the discharge path.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the game ball that has passed through the second specific area 74 is detected by the second specific area switch 74a by, for example, a proximity switch, and then guided to the back side of the game board 6 and discharged. . The game ball guided to the back side of the game board 6 is guided to one discharge path and is detected by a second big prize opening discharge switch 72a provided in the discharge path.

  In this embodiment, the position of the flow path switching member 78 changes according to the drive of the motor 22, but the flow path switching member 78 may be driven by a solenoid. Moreover, although the position of the movable member 76 changes according to the drive of the motor 24, the movable member 76 may be driven by a solenoid.

  In the structure illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the ratio of the game balls that have passed through the advantageous path (path to the specific area) passing through the first specific area 73 and the ratio of passing through the second specific area 74 are: Almost equal. However, the structure inside the accessory 75 (for example, the positional relationship between the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74, the difference in size, the first specific area, etc., so that the game ball can easily pass through one specific area. A difference in the number of areas and the second specific area) may be set.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 6 also shows a payout control board 37, an effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to 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.

  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.

  Further, the gate switch 32a, the start opening switch 13a, the count switch 23, the second big prize winning prize winning switch 71a, the second big prize winning opening discharge switch 72a, the first specific area passing switch 73a and the second specific area passing switch 74a An input driver circuit 58 that supplies a detection signal to the game control microcomputer 560 is also mounted on the main board 31. In addition, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball apparatus 15, a solenoid 21 that opens and closes the special variable winning ball apparatus 20 that forms the first grand prize opening, and the entrance of the game ball into the second big winning opening (a role). An output circuit for driving the motor 24 for driving the movable member 76 to allow and the motor 22 for driving the flow path switching member 78 in the second prize winning opening (legal object) according to a command from the microcomputer 560 for game control. 59 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 addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a special symbol display 8 that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, a special symbol hold memory display 18 and a normal symbol hold memory display 41. Perform display control.

  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. The display control of the variable display device 9 that receives and variably displays the decorative design is performed.

  FIG. 7 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. 7, 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. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  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. 7 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 25 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 sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  The signal for driving the lamp and the sound number data are communicated between the effect control CPU 101, the lamp driver board 35, and the audio output board 70 in such a way that a response signal is transmitted from the signal receiving side to the transmitting side. Communication).

  The effect control CPU 101 reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The character ROM is for storing character image data displayed on the variable display device 9, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol or the like (including a decorative design and a background design) in advance. The effect control CPU 101 outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the data input from the effect control CPU 101.

  In this embodiment, a VDP 109 that performs display control of the variable display device 9 in cooperation with the effect control microcomputer 100 is mounted on the effect control board 80. The VDP 109 has an address space independent of the production control microcomputer 100, and maps a VRAM therein. The VRAM is a buffer memory for expanding image data generated by the VDP. Then, the VDP 109 outputs the image data in the VRAM to the variable display device 9.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing main processing 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 indicating the gaming state before the power supply is stopped (special symbol process flag, probability variation flag, time reduction flag, etc.), 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). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left 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 processing of steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, a ball out flag, and a payout stop An initial value is set to a flag such as a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state.

  Further, the CPU 56 initializes 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 an initialization process). Is also transmitted to the sub-board (step S13). For example, when the initialization control microcomputer 100 receives the initialization designation command, the variable display device 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 in the variable display device 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 display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is used to determine an initial value of a count value, such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit (a big hit determination random number generation counter). It is a random number. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as a variable display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  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, via the input driver circuit 58, the gate switch 32a, the start port switch 13a, the count switch 23, the second big prize winning prize winning switch 71a, the second big prize winning outlet discharge switch 72a, the first specific area passing switch 73a and The detection signal of the second specific area passing switch 74a is inputted and the state is determined (switch process: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes a display control process for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S33 and S34.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process for notifying an abnormal winning when it detects that a game ball has won a prize winning opening at a time other than the regular time (step S23: abnormal winning notifying process).

  Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (determination random number update process: step S24). The CPU 56 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number and the display random number (initial value random number update process, display random number update process: steps S25 and S26).

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide whether or not to generate a big hit (including a small hit) (for big hit determination)
(2) Random 2: Determines the special symbol stop symbol when generating a big hit (for big hit symbol determination)
(3) Random 3: Determine the special symbol's off symbol (stop symbol) (for determining off symbol)
(4) Random 4: Determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol (for variation pattern determination)
(5) Random 5: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on a normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(6) Random 6: Determine the initial value of random 1 (for determining the random 1 initial value)
(7) Random 7: Determine the initial value of random 5 (for determining the random 5 initial value)

  In step S24 in the game control process shown in FIG. 9, the game control microcomputer 560 determines (1) the big hit determination random number, (2) the big hit symbol determination random number, and (5) the normal symbol hit determination. The counter for generating a random number for use is incremented (added by 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In order to enhance the game effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (7) are also used. Further, in this embodiment, since the special symbols are separated by one type (for example, “-”), it is not necessary to use the random symbols for determining the special symbols.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, a process corresponding to a special symbol process flag for controlling the special symbol indicator 8, the first grand prize port, and the second big prize port (community) in a predetermined order according to the gaming state. Run. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Further, normal symbol process processing is performed (step S28). In the normal symbol process, the CPU 56 executes a corresponding process according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display 10 in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the normal symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

  Next, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command related to the display control of the variable display device 9 (effect 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 detection signals from the start port switch 13a, the first specific area passage switch 73a, the second specific area passage switch 74a, and the count switch 23 (step). S31). Specifically, it is mounted on the payout control board 37 in response to winning detection based on one of the start port switch 13a, the first specific area passing switch 73a, the second specific area passing switch 74a and the count switch 23 being turned on. A payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control microcomputer. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in response to 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). The CPU 56 also performs signal output processing for driving the motors 22 and 24 in the output processing.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S33). For example, if the fluctuation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds, the CPU 56 increments the value of the display control data set in the output buffer by 1 every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 performs variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S34). For example, if the normal symbol fluctuation speed is such that the display state (“◯” and “×”) is switched every 0.2 seconds, the CPU 56 sets the output buffer every 0.2 seconds. The display control data value to be switched (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “×”) is switched. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer. 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. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a big hit determination random number and a big hit determination value. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the counter for generating the big hit determination random number at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the big hit determination random value. The big hit determination random number is shown in FIG. If it matches the judgment value, it is determined to be a big hit (first big hit A or first big hit B) or small hit.

  In this embodiment, as a result of the lottery, the probability variation state in which the probability that a big hit will occur is not controlled. That is, the probability variation state does not occur. However, when a predetermined probability change state transition condition is satisfied, the gaming state may be controlled to a probability change state with an increased probability of jackpot. In that case, in the probability variation state, the number of jackpot determination values increases. In the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 may be increased.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the game state changes when the special symbol is changed based on the start winning in this embodiment. When the start winning is made, the CPU 56 performs a lottery process for determining whether or not to make a big hit or a small win. If the lottery result is to generate “first big hit A”, the first big win game is performed. The first grand prize opening opens and closes 15 times (15R = 15 rounds). In addition, when the lottery result is to generate “first big hit B”, the first big prize opening is opened and closed twice (2R = 2 rounds) after the special symbol variable display ends. A jackpot game is executed. When the lottery result is to generate “small hit”, the small hit game is started, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the small hit game, the second big hit game is started.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a decorative symbol stop symbol in the variable display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the first big hit A occurs, “777” (a stop symbol that reminds the occurrence of the first big hit A) is derived and displayed. Further, when the first big hit B occurs, a stop symbol (a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of the first big hit B) is derived and displayed with the left middle right symbols other than “777” aligned. Further, when a small hit occurs, “345” (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a small hit) is derived and displayed as a stop symbol. In the case of a loss, a stop symbol in which the left, middle and right symbols are not aligned (except for “345”) or a stop symbol in which the left and right symbols do not match the middle symbol is derived and displayed. The decorative symbols that are variably displayed and stopped on the variable display device 9 are numbers, alphabets, character-like symbols, symbols in which numbers are displayed in character-like display objects, and any other symbols. There may be. Hereinafter, a stop symbol of a decorative design that reminds of the occurrence of a first big hit (first big hit A or first big hit B) is also called a big hit symbol.

  Note that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a symbol in a state where left and right numbers are aligned, for example, when a big hit occurs, and a symbol in a state where the left and right numbers are not aligned, for example, when a big hit is not generated .

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state change when the accessory 75 is controlled to be in an open state based on the small hit. When the small hit occurs, the movable member 76 is opened and the second grand prize opening is opened. However, when the game ball wins in the first special area 73 provided in the second big prize opening, the second prize winning opening is further increased. When the second big hit game in which the two winning holes are opened 15 times is executed and the game ball is won in the second special area 74 provided in the second big winning opening, the second winning hole is opened seven times. A jackpot game is executed. Note that the movable member 76 being in an open state is also referred to as blade opening.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the game state changes after the second big prize opening is opened as a starting operation (corresponding to a small hit game). When the movable member 76 is in an open state (see (A)), the game ball can enter the second grand prize winning opening (an accessory), but when the entered game ball is dropped by the flow path switching member 78, A game ball cannot win a specific area (the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74) (see (B)).

  When the game ball that has entered the second grand prize winning opening (community) is not dropped by the flow path switching member 78 and passes through the first specific area 73 (see (C)), 15 rounds of the second big hit game are executed. Is done. In addition, when the game ball that has entered the second grand prize winning opening (act) is not dropped by the flow path switching member 78 and passes through the second specific area 74 (see (D)), the second round of second big hit game is played. Is executed.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a special symbol process (step S27) program executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the first big prize opening is executed.

  When performing the special symbol process, the CPU 56 turns on the start opening switch 13a for detecting that a game ball has won the start winning opening 13 provided in the game board 6, that is, the game ball If a start winning to win the start winning opening 13 has occurred (step S321), a start opening switch passing process is executed (step S322). Then, any one of steps S300 to S314 is performed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S314 are as follows.

  Special symbol normal processing (step S300): Executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is zero. When the game control microcomputer 560 is ready to start the variable display of the special symbol, it checks the number of reserved memories (the number of start winning memories). The reserved memory number can be confirmed by the count value of the reserved memory number counter. If the number of reserved memories is not 0, it is determined whether or not to win. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (1 in this example) corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301).

  Fluctuation pattern setting process (step S301): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 1. The stop symbol after the variable display of the special symbol is determined. Also, the variation pattern is determined, and the variation time in the variation pattern (variable display time: the time from the start of variable display until the display result is derived and displayed (stop display)) Decide to do. Also, a variable time timer for measuring the special symbol variable time is started. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (2 in this example) corresponding to the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302).

  Display result specifying command transmission process (step S302): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 2. Control for transmitting a display result specifying command to the production control microcomputer 100 is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (3 in this example) corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303).

  Special symbol changing process (step S303): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 3. When the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern setting process elapses (the variation time timer set in step S301 times out, that is, the variation time timer value becomes 0), the internal state (special symbol process flag) is specially set. It is updated to a value (4 in this example) corresponding to the symbol stop process (step S304).

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the special symbol display 8 is stopped and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. If the first big hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (12 in this example) corresponding to the first big prize opening pre-processing (step S312). When the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (in this example, 5) corresponding to the pre-release process (step S305). If neither the first big hit flag nor the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (in this example, 0) corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300). The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the variable display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when it receives the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Pre-release of a bonus item (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. The game control microcomputer 560 executes a process for performing the start operation, and changes the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) in accordance with the process of releasing the accessory (step S306). Update to the value (6 in this example).

  Process during release of bonus item (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. When it is detected that the game ball has won the first special area 73, the first V winning flag is set, and when it is detected that the game ball has won the second special area 74, the second V winning flag is set. When the opening time of the second grand prize opening at the time of starting prize has passed, control is performed to close the second big prize opening, and the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is processed after closing the accessory ( It is updated to a value (7 in this example) according to step S307).

  Post-combination processing (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. When it is detected that the game ball has won the first special area 73, the first V winning flag is set, and when it is detected that the game ball has won the second special area 74, the second V winning flag is set. When all of the game balls won in the second grand prize opening are discharged from the second big prize opening, when the opening of the second second prize opening in the start operation is completed, the first V prize flag or the second On the condition that the 2V winning flag is set, the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is set to a value (in this example, a value corresponding to the second big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S308). Update to 8). If the first V winning flag and the second V winning flag are not set, the internal state is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300). When the opening of the second big prize opening in the start operation is not completed twice, the internal state is updated to a value (6 in this example) corresponding to the process during opening of the accessory (step S306).

  Pre-opening process for second big prize opening (step S308): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. Control to open the second big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening) is initialized, and the motor 24 is driven to open the second big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the second big prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is set according to the second big winning opening opening process (step S309). To the new value (9 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for the second big winning opening is executed every round, but when starting the first round, the pre-opening process for the second big winning opening is also a process for starting the second big winning game.

  Second big winning opening opening process (step S309): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. Processing to confirm the establishment of the closing condition of the second big prize opening is performed. When the closing condition for the second winning prize opening is satisfied, the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is set to a value (step S310) corresponding to the second winning opening closing process (step S310). In this example, it is updated to 10).

  Second big prize opening closing post-process (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. A process for confirming that all game balls have been discharged from the second grand 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 special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. . When all rounds are finished, the internal state is updated to a value corresponding to step S311 (11 in this example).

  Second big hit end processing (step S311): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 11. Control for causing the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the second big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Then, the internal state (specifically, the value of the special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300).

  First big winning opening opening pre-process (step S312): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 12. In the first big prize opening pre-processing, the first big prize opening is controlled to be opened. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the first grand prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the first big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the first big prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is a value corresponding to the first big prize opening opening process (step S313) (13 in this example). Update to The first big winning opening opening pre-processing is executed for each round, but when starting the first round, the first big winning opening opening pre-processing is also a process of starting the first big winning game.

  First big winning opening opening process (step S313): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 13. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the first big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the establishment of the closing condition of the first big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the first big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is a value corresponding to the first big prize opening pre-processing (step S312) ( In this example, it is updated to 12). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (14 in this example) corresponding to the big hit end process (step S314).

  Big hit end process (step S314): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 14. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the first jackpot gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (in this example, 0) corresponding to the special symbol 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. 18 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. 18, 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 by 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. 19, 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. 20 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. 20, commands 8000 (H) to 8008 (H) are effect control commands (variation) for designating a variation pattern of decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Pattern command). The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the variation start. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8000 (H) to 8008 (H), the variable display device 9 controls the variable display device 9 to start variable display of the decorative symbols.

  Command 8C01 (H) is an effect control command (first big hit A designation command) that designates that the display result of variable display of the decorative symbols designated by the variation pattern command is the first big hit A symbol (see FIG. 13). is there. Command 8C02 (H) is an effect control command (first big hit B designation command) that designates that the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols designated by the variation pattern command is the first big hit B symbol. The command 8C03 (H) is an effect control command (offset designation command) for designating that the display result of the variable display of the decorative design designated by the variation pattern command is to be a missing design. Command 8C04 (H) is an effect control command (small hit designation command) that designates that the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbol designated by the variation pattern command is the small hit symbol (see FIG. 13). The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the decorative symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H). Therefore, the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C04 (H) are referred to as display result specifying commands.

  The game control microcomputer 560 does not transmit a display result specifying command, but determines a variation pattern command corresponding to each of the first big hit A / second big hit B / small hit / displacement, and the effect control microcomputer The computer 100 may determine the stop symbol of the decorative symbol based on the received variation pattern command.

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

  Command A001 (H) is an effect control command (first jackpot start designation command: fanfare designation command) that designates the start of the first 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 (first jackpot end designation command: ending designation command) for displaying the first jackpot end screen, that is, for ending the first jackpot game.

  Command A501 (H) is an effect control command (second jackpot start designation command: fanfare designation command) that designates the start of the second jackpot game. Command A 701 (H) is an effect control command (second jackpot end designation command: ending designation command) for displaying the second jackpot end screen, that is, designating the end of the second jackpot game.

  Command D001 (H) is an effect control command (first abnormal winning designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning to the first big winning opening. The command D002 (H) is an effect control command (second abnormal winning designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning to the second big winning opening. Command D003 (H) is an effect control command (discharge abnormality designation command) for instructing that the game ball is not discharged from the second grand prize 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 variable display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 19, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the sound output board 70.

  Before sending the variation pattern command, the normal state / short time when the game state (for example, the probability change state or the short time state (the game state in which the variable symbol variable display time is shortened)) is controlled. A background designation command for designating a background image in the variable display device 9 according to the state / probability change state) may be transmitted. Further, an effect control command indicating the number of reserved memories may be transmitted following the display result specifying command.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the first start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the reserved storage number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step S111). If the number of reserved memories is 4, the process is terminated.

  When the number of reserved memories is not 4, the value of the reserved memory number counter indicating the number of reserved memories is incremented by 1 (step S112). Further, the CPU 56 extracts software random numbers (such as a counter value for generating a jackpot determination random number), and stores them as a storage area in the reserved storage buffer corresponding to the value of the reserved storage number counter as the extracted random number value. The process to store in is executed (step S113). In step 113, the CPU 56 extracts random values 1 to 4 (see FIG. 10) as software random numbers. In the reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the number of reserved memories is secured. Further, a counter for generating a jackpot symbol determination random number and the like and a reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. The state where the special symbol normal process is executed is when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300. The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S300 is a state where the special symbol display 8 does not display the variation of the special symbol.

  In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 checks the number of reserved memories (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the number of reserved memories is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is read and stored in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S52). Then, the value of the reserved memory number is decreased by 1 (the count value of the reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = n−1. To store. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes.

  Then, the CPU 56 reads random 1 (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes the jackpot determination module (step S62). The jackpot determination module compares the jackpot determination value (see FIG. 11) determined in advance with a random number for determining the jackpot, and if they match, the jackpot is determined to be a jackpot (first jackpot A or first jackpot B) or jackpot. This is a program for executing the process to be determined. Note that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big win gaming state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol in the special symbol display 8 a big hit symbol. It is also a thing. Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined to make a small hit at a high rate.

  When it is determined to be the first big hit (the first big hit A or the first big hit B), when it is decided to be the first big hit A, the CPU 56 sets the first big hit A flag (steps S63, S64). , S65). Further, the first big hit flag is set (step S66). Further, the big hit symbol determining random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S67), and the big hit symbol as the stop symbol is determined based on the big hit symbol determining random number (step S68). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S69).

  If it is not determined to be the first big hit, and if it is determined to be the small hit, the CPU 56 sets a small hit flag (steps S83 and S84). Then, control goes to a step S69. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the special symbol stop symbol (small symbol) is a predetermined one when it is determined to be a small bonus. However, it may be determined by lottery using a random number from among a plurality of types.

  When it is determined that the big hit or the small hit is not made, the CPU 56 reads out the design determining random number from the random number buffer area (step S86), and determines the stop design based on the out of design determining random number (step S87). . In this case, the off symbol (in this example, “-”) is determined. Then, control goes to a step S69.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S100). Then, the variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S101).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S101 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S103). Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command is used as a pointer. set. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S29).

  Moreover, the variation of the special symbol is started (step S104). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302) (step S106).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302). In the display result specifying command transmission process, the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command (see FIG. 20) of the first big hit A designation command, the first big hit B designation command, or the miss designation command according to the determined big hit type. Control. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the first big hit flag is set (step S110). If the small hit flag is not set, control for transmitting a small hit designation command is performed, and if the small hit flag is not set, control for transmitting a loss designation command is performed (step S111). , S113, S117). When the first big hit flag is set and the first big hit A flag is set, control is performed to transmit the first big hit A designation command (steps S112 and S113), and the first big hit A flag is reset. (Step S115). When the first big hit A flag is not set, the first big hit B designation command is transmitted (step S114). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S116).

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S121), and when the variable time timer times out (step S122), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S123). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S33 to end the variation of the special symbol, and performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display unit 8. (Step S131). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). When the first big hit flag is not set (step S133), when the small hit flag is set, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the pre-treatment for the accessory release (step S305). When the small hit flag is not set, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (steps S137, S138, S139).

  When the first jackpot flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a first jackpot start designation command (step S134). Further, a value corresponding to the first big hit display time (time for notifying the occurrence of the first big hit in the variable display device 9, for example) is set in the first big hit display time timer (step S135). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first big prize opening opening pre-processing (step S312) (step S136).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the pre-opening process (step S305). In the combination release pre-processing, the CPU 56 sets 2 to the combination release number counter (step S411). Further, a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set in the accessory release time timer (step S412). Further, the second grand prize winning opening (community) is controlled to be in an open state (step S413). Specifically, the movable member 76 is driven by driving the driving motor 24 connected to the rotating shaft of the movable member 76 for allowing the game ball to enter the second grand prize opening (community). The game ball is set in a state in which it can enter the inside of the second grand prize winning opening (an accessory). In addition, the in-function game ball number counter that counts the game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening (combination) is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S414), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set as follows. It is updated to a value corresponding to the process during opening of a bonus item (step S306) (step S415).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the process during opening of an accessory (step S306). In the process of releasing the accessory, the CPU 56 executes switching control of the flow path switching member 78 (step S421). Also, the value of the accessory release time timer is decremented by 1 (step S422).

  In the switching control of the flow path switching member 78, the CPU 56 performs, for example, a control for rotating the motor 22 connected to the rotating shaft of the flow path switching member 78 in a normal direction and a control for rotating the motor 22 in a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). Repeat. For example, when the motor 22 rotates forward, the flow path switching member 78 moves so as to drop the game ball. Further, when the motor 22 rotates in the reverse direction, the flow path switching member 78 returns to a state in which the game ball passes through the advantageous route. For example, the period in which the flow path switching member 78 is in a state of allowing the game ball to pass through the advantageous route is set to about 1/20 of the period in which the game ball is in the state of dropping. With such control, the number of game balls that pass through the specific areas (the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74) among the game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening is about 1/20.

  Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the accessory release time timer has timed out (step S423). If time-out has occurred, the second grand prize winning opening (community) is controlled to be closed. Specifically, the motor 24 is reversely rotated to prohibit the entry of the game ball into the second grand prize opening (community), and the movable member 76 is replaced with the game ball by the second grand prize opening (community). It returns to the state which cannot enter inside (step S432). Then, a value corresponding to the detection monitoring time, which is a time for monitoring that the game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening (community) is discharged from the second big prize opening (community), is set in the discharge monitoring timer. (Step S433), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value in accordance with the post-function close processing (Step S307) (Step S434).

  If the bonus release time timer has not timed out, when the second grand prize winning prize switch 71a is turned on, that is, when a game ball that has entered the second big prize winning prize is detected (step S424), an in-purpose game ball The value of the number counter is incremented by 1 (step S425). Further, when the second grand prize winning port discharge switch 72a is turned on, that is, when the game ball discharged from the second big prize winning port is detected (step S426), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by one (step S427). ). In addition, there are provided a passing port for passing game balls that do not pass through the first specific region 73 and the second specific region 74, and a passing port switch for detecting game balls that have passed through the passing port. 2 The number of discharged balls may be measured by the total number of game balls detected by the specific area passing switch 74a and the passing port switch.

  When the first specific area passing switch 73a indicating that the game ball has passed through the first specific area 73 is turned on (step S428), the first V winning flag is set (step S429). When the second specific area passing switch 74a indicating that the game ball has passed through the second specific area 74 is turned on (step S430), the second V winning flag is set (step S431).

  FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 are flowcharts showing the post-function closing process (step S307). 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 S451. If the discharge monitoring timer has not timed out, it is checked whether or not the value of the in-function game ball number counter is 0 (step S443). If the value of the game ball number counter in the bonus is 0, it means that the game ball has not won the second grand prize opening or all the game balls that have won the second big prize opening have It means that it was discharged from the 2 biggest winning awards.

  When the value of the game ball number counter in the bonus is 0, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the bonus release counter by −1 (step S453). When the value of the accessory release counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S463 (step S454). When the value of the accessory release counter is 0, that is, when the two opening operations in the starting operation have been completed, it is checked whether the first V winning flag or the second V winning flag is set. (Steps S455 and S458). If the first V winning flag is set, the first V winning flag is reset (step S456), the accessory release number counter is set to 15 (step S457), and the process proceeds to step S461. In this case, the value set in the accessory release number counter indicates the number of times the second big winning opening is opened in the second big hit game.

  If the second V winning flag is set, the second V winning flag is reset (step S459), and 2 is set in the accessory release number counter (step S460). Further, the small hit flag is reset (step S461), the second big hit start request flag is set (step S462), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set according to the second big winning opening opening pre-processing (step S308). The value is updated (step S462). If neither the first V winning flag nor the second V winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S467.

  In this embodiment, when both the first V winning flag and the second V winning flag are set, the first V winning flag is prioritized and the 15R second big hit game is started. Therefore, the CPU 56 also executes a process of resetting the second V winning flag in the process of step S456.

  If it is confirmed in the process of step S443 that the value of the in-function game ball number counter is not 0, that is, if there is still a game ball in the big winning opening (comb), the second largest When the winning port discharge switch 72a is turned on, that is, when the game ball discharged from the second large winning port is detected (step S444), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by 1 (step S445). When the first specific area passing switch 73a indicating that the game ball has passed the first specific area 73 is turned on (step S446), the first V winning flag is set (step S447). When the second specific area passing switch 74a indicating that the game ball has passed through the second specific area 74 is turned on (step S448), the second V winning flag is set (step S449).

  When the CPU 56 confirms that the discharge monitoring timer has timed out in step S442, that is, when the discharge monitoring timer has timed out before all the game balls are discharged from the second big prize opening (object), the effect control is performed. Control is performed to transmit a discharge abnormality designation command to the microcomputer 100 (step S451). 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.

  In step S463, the CPU 56 sets a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds in the accessory release time timer. Further, the second grand prize winning opening (community) is controlled to be opened (step S464). The game ball number counter for counting the number of game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening (combination) is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S465), and the value of the special symbol process flag is changed to the accessory. The value is updated to a value corresponding to the open process (step S306) (step S466).

  In step S467, the CPU 56 resets the small hit flag and updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S468). Since neither the first V winning flag nor the second V winning flag is set, that is, the game ball has not won in either the first special area 73 or the second special area 74, the game does not shift to the second big hit game. Then, the starting operation ends.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the second big prize opening pre-processing (step S308). In the second big winning opening opening pre-processing, when the second big hit start request flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a second big hit start designation command to the production control microcomputer 100, and the second big hit winning start request flag is set. The big hit start request flag is reset (steps S470, S471, S472). Then, control goes to a step S473. If the second big hit start request flag is not set, the process immediately proceeds to step S473.

  In step S473, the CPU 56 initializes a winning number counter. 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 S474). Further, the second grand prize winning opening (community) is controlled to be in an open state (step S475). The in-function game ball number counter that counts the game balls that have entered the inside of the second big prize opening (composition) is cleared (initialized to 0) (step S476), and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the second The value is updated to a value corresponding to the special winning opening open process (step S309) (step S477).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the second big prize opening opening process (step S309). In the second grand prize opening opening process, the CPU 56 executes switching control of the flow path switching member 78 (step S480). Also, the value of the accessory release time timer is decremented by 1 (step S481). If the value of the accessory release time timer is 0, that is, if the accessory release time timer times out, the process proceeds to step S491. Note that the control in step S480 is the same as the control in step S421 in the process of releasing an accessory (step S306).

  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 second big prize opening prize switch 71a is turned on, that is, when a game ball that has entered the second big prize opening is detected (step S484), the in-game game The value of the ball number counter is incremented by 1 (step S485). Further, when the second grand prize winning port discharge switch 72a is turned on, that is, when a game ball discharged from the second big winning prize outlet is detected (step S486), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by one (step S487). ). When the first specific area passing switch 73a indicating that the game ball has passed the first specific area 73 or the second specific area passing switch 74a indicating that the game ball has passed the second specific area 74 is turned on (step S488), the value of the winning number counter is incremented by 1 (step S489).

  In step S491, the CPU 56 performs a process for ending the round. Specifically, the second grand prize winning opening (community) is controlled to be closed. In addition, a value corresponding to a detection monitoring time, which is a time for monitoring that a game ball that has entered the second grand prize opening (community) is discharged from the second grand prize opening (community) is set in the discharge monitoring timer. (Step S492). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the second large winning opening closing post-process (step S310) (step S493).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the post-second-opening process (step S310). In the second large winning opening opening post-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. If the discharge monitoring timer has not timed out, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the in-function game ball number counter is 0 (step S503). If the value of the game ball number counter in the bonus is 0, it means that the game ball has not won the second grand prize opening or all the game balls that have won the second big prize opening have It means that it was discharged from the 2 biggest winning awards.

  If the value of the game ball number counter in the bonus is not 0, that is, if a game ball is still present in the big prize opening (right), the second big prize outlet discharge switch 72a is turned on. That is, when a game ball discharged from the second grand prize opening is detected (step S504), the value of the in-function game ball number counter is decremented by 1 (step S505).

  When the value of the game ball number counter in the bonus is 0, the CPU 56 decrements the value of the bonus release counter by −1 (step S511). If the value of the accessory release counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S513 (step S512). When the value of the bonus release counter is 0, that is, when all rounds in the second jackpot game have ended, the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the second jackpot end process (step S311). It is updated to a value according to (step S514).

  In step S513, the CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the second big prize opening pre-processing (step S308).

  In step S506, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a discharge abnormality designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100. 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. Here, the discharge abnormality designation command is transmitted when a discharge abnormality is detected during the second big hit game, but the discharge abnormality designation command is transmitted when a discharge abnormality is detected during the starting operation. (See step S451).

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the second big hit end process (step S311). In the second jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the second jackpot end display timer is set (step S521). If the second jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S524. . If the second jackpot end display timer is not set, control is performed to transmit a second jackpot end designation command (step S522). Then, a value corresponding to a display time corresponding to a time (second big hit end display time) during which the big hit end display is performed in the variable display device 9 is set in the second big hit end display timer (step S523). Exit.

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

  In the first big winning opening opening pre-processing in step S312, the CPU 56 controls to open the first big winning opening when the first big winning display time timer times out when the first big winning display time timer is set. And a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds) is set in the first big prize opening time timer, and the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the first big prize opening opening process (step S313). Update to value. The case where the first big hit display time timer is set is the case before the start of the first round. When an interval timer (a timer for determining the interval time between rounds) is set, when the interval timer times out, control is performed to open the first big prize opening and the first big prize opening time timer Is set to a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds), and the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first big prize opening opening process (step S313).

  In the first grand prize opening opening process in step S313, the CPU 56 times out the first big prize opening opening timer or the number of winning balls to the first big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). Then, if the final round has not ended, control is performed to close the first grand prize opening, a value corresponding to the interval time is set in the interval timer, and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to the first big prize winning. It is updated to a value corresponding to the mouth opening pre-processing (step S305). When the final round is completed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the first big hit end process (step S314).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the first big hit ending process (step S314). In the first jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the first jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the first jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. . If the first jackpot end display timer is not set, the first jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control is performed to transmit a first jackpot end designation command (step S152). Then, a value corresponding to a display time corresponding to the time (first big hit end display time) during which the big hit end display is performed in the variable display device 9 is set in the first big hit end display timer (step S153), and processing Exit.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the first jackpot end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the first jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the first jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S156).

  FIG. 37 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. 37, the bits 1 to 7 of the input port 0 have a count switch 23, a gate switch 32a, a second specific area passing switch 74a, a first specific area passing switch 73a, and a second big prize opening discharge, respectively. Detection signals of the switch 72a, the second grand prize winning prize switch 71a, and the start opening switch 13a are input. The input port 0 is a 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. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents 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.

  FIG. 39 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. 39, 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. 6 on the main board 31 (not shown in FIG. 6). Further, on the payout control board 37, an output circuit 67 is provided in the preceding stage of the input port in the payout control microcomputer.

  FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing an example of how to output the payout control signal. As shown in FIG. 40, based on the fact that the winning detection switch (the count switch 23, the first specific area passing switch 73a, the second specific area passing switch 74a, and the start port switch 13a) 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.

  In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the start port switch 13a, four prize balls are paid out, and the game ball is detected by the first specific area passing switch 73a or the second specific area passing switch 74a. Then, 10 prize balls are paid out. When a game ball is detected by the count switch 23, 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 winning detection or gate passage 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. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing each 1-byte buffer 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 1 to 7 shown in FIG. 37 is set in bits 1 to 7 of the port buffer, the previous port buffer, and the switch on buffer two times in advance.

  FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of the switch processing in step S21 in the game control processing. 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 seven 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, so it is determined that the ON state of the detection signal is not due to noise or the like. It can be done.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing 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 prize ball number adding process, a prize ball number table shown in FIG. 44 is used. The prize ball number table is set in the ROM 54. The number of processes (in this example, “4”) 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. 37).

  FIG. 45 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). If the number is not 0, the process returns to step S354 (step S360). In step S361, when it is confirmed that the calculation result in step S355 is 0, that is, the detection signal of the switch to be inspected is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S359.

  In step S362, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is a count switch input bit determination value. That is, it is confirmed whether or not it is confirmed in step S361 that the count switch 23 is turned on (whether or not the switch to be inspected is the count switch 23). If the switch input bit determination value is the count switch input bit determination value, the process proceeds to step S363.

  If the switch input bit is not the count switch input bit determination value, the switch input bit determination value used in the process of step S355 is the first specific area passing input bit determination value or the second specific area passing input bit determination value. It is confirmed whether there has been (step S366). If it is the first specific area passing input bit determination value or the second specific area passing input bit determination value, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is between 5 and 10 (step S367). ). That the value of the special symbol process flag is between 5 and 10 means that the game state is one of the pre-opening process (step S305) to the post-second post-closing process (step S310). It means that there is. That is, it means that the second big prize opening may be opened when the game control is normally executed.

  When the value of the special symbol process flag is not between 5 and 10, the process proceeds to step S359. The fact that the first specific area passing switch 73a or the second specific area passing switch 74a is turned on when the value of the special symbol process flag is not between 5 and 10 means that the first specific area 73 or the second specific area 74 is turned on. This means that an abnormal winning has occurred, or that the detection signal from the first specific area passing switch 73a or the second specific area passing switch 74a has been subjected to noise for a long period (over 4 ms). That is, the regular winning in the first specific area 73 or the second specific area 74 has not occurred. Therefore, if the CPU 56 detects that the first specific area 73 or the second specific area 74 has been won when the value of the special symbol process flag is not a value between 5 and 10, the prize based on the winning is determined. Do not perform ball payout.

  Here, the CPU 56 determines whether or not an abnormal winning for the second big prize opening has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag, but the second big winning opening is not actually opened. An award based on the fact that the first specific area pass switch 73a or the second specific area pass switch 74a is turned on when it is detected that the first specific area pass switch 73a or the second specific area pass switch 74a is turned on. The ball payout may not be executed. However, when configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag as in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. As a result, the determination process is simplified. Since the second grand prize opening is opened or closed over a plurality of rounds, it is judged whether or not an abnormal prize has occurred by judging whether or not control is actually performed to open the second big prize opening. This complicates the processing.

  If it is confirmed in step S367 that the value of the special symbol process flag is between 5 and 10, the prize ball number table data pointed to by the pointer (in this case, the prize ball number) is added to the prize ball. The value is set to a value (step S368), and 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 S369). 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).

  In step S363, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 12 or more. That the value of the special symbol process flag is 12 or more means that the processing after the first big prize opening opening pre-processing in step S312 is executed in the special symbol process. That is, it means that the first big hit game is being played. Here, during the first big hit game, it is a period from the start of the big hit display until the end of the first big hit end process. In other words, the value of the special symbol process flag being 12 or more means that there is a possibility that the first big prize opening may be controlled when the game control is normally executed. Indicates.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is 12 or more, the CPU 56 proceeds to step S368. That is, control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer is executed based on the count switch 23 being turned on. However, if the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 12, the control proceeds to step S359 without executing the control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer.

  The state where the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 12 is a state where the first big hit game is not executed and the control for opening the first big winning opening is not executed. When it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on in such a state, it means that an abnormal prize has occurred at the first big prize opening or that the detection signal from the count switch 23 is long (over 4 ms). It means that a lot of noise got on. Therefore, when it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on while the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 12, the control for adding the prize ball addition value to the total prize ball number storage buffer is not executed. To do. That is, the prize ball payout based on the fact that the count switch 23 is turned on is not executed.

  Here, the CPU 56 determines whether or not an abnormal winning in the first grand prize opening has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag, but the first big winning opening is not actually opened. In some cases, when it is detected that the count switch 23 is turned on, the prize ball payout based on the count switch 23 being turned on may not be executed. However, when configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on the value of the special symbol process flag as in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred based on one data. As a result, the determination process is simplified. Since the first grand prize opening is opened or closed over a plurality of rounds, it is judged whether or not an abnormal prize has occurred by judging whether or not the control for actually opening the first big prize opening is being performed. This complicates the processing.

  In addition, since there is a certain distance between the entrance of the first grand prize opening and the installation position of the count switch 23, it is determined whether or not the control for actually opening the first big prize opening is being performed. When determining whether or not a winning has occurred, it is necessary to consider a game ball that may have won the first big winning opening immediately after closing after the first big winning opening is controlled. That is, it is necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow from the entrance of the first grand prize opening to the installation position of the count switch 23. That is, it is necessary to start determining whether or not an abnormal winning has occurred after a certain period of time has passed since the control for actually closing the first grand prize winning opening. This also complicates the processing.

  However, as in this embodiment, when it is configured to determine whether or not an abnormal winning to the first big winning opening has occurred after the completion of the first big winning end process, It is not necessary to consider the time for the game ball to flow between the entrance of the winning opening and the position where the count switch 23 is installed. This is because, after the first big winning opening is closed, the game balls that won the first big winning opening just before closing during the processing period of the first big hit ending process have reached the installation position of the count switch 23. . In this embodiment, during the processing period of the first big hit end process, that is, the period during which the first big hit end display is made on the variable display device 9, the game ball that won the first big win opening is the count switch 23. It is set longer than the time to reach the installation position.

  FIG. 46 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. 40). 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. 47 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 the abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S581). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in the main process that is executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 8). When the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S585. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S582). 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 S583 and S584).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 12 or more (step S585). The state where the value of the special symbol process flag is 12 or more is a state where the first big hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the first grand prize opening, so it is not confirmed that an abnormal prize has occurred in the first big prize opening. That is, if the value of the special symbol process flag is 12 or more, the process proceeds to step S591 without executing the processes of steps S586 to S589.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 12 (a state where the first big hit game is not being played), the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S586). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the count switch input bit determination value (02 (H), see FIG. 44) is calculated (step S587). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 02 (H), that is, when the count switch 23 is on, the logical product operation result is 02 (H). When the count switch 23 is not turned on, the operation result of the logical product is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning at the first big winning opening has occurred, and control is performed to transmit a first abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 (step S588, S58). S589). If the operation result of the logical product is 0, the process proceeds to step S591.

  In step S591, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is a value between 5 and 10 (step S591). If the value of the special symbol process flag is between 5 and 10, the process is terminated.

  Unless a cheating is received or noise is detected on the detection signal from the switch, when the special symbol process flag value is not between 5 and 10, a game ball enters the second big prize opening (act) A detection signal indicating that this has been done is not output from the second grand prize opening winning switch 71a. Further, a detection signal indicating that the first specific area 73 or the second specific area 74 has been won is not output from the first specific area pass switch 73a or the second specific area pass switch 74a. Therefore, when the value of the special symbol process flag is not between 5 and 10, the CPU 56 detects the detection signal from the second big prize winning prize winning switch 71a, the first specific area passing switch 73a or the second specific area passing switch 74a. If it is determined that is output, it is considered that an abnormal winning has occurred at the second grand prize opening.

  Specifically, the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S592). Then, the logical product of the contents of the loaded switch-on buffer and 40 (H) is calculated (step S593), and if the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal prize has occurred at the second big prize opening. Then, control is performed to transmit a second abnormal prize notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (steps S594, S595). The bit arrangement of the switch-on buffer is the same as the bit assignment of the input port shown in FIG. Therefore, if the logical product of the contents of the switch-on buffer and 40 (H) is not 0, it means that the second big prize opening prize switch 71a is turned on and a detection signal is output.

  Also, the contents of the switch-on buffer are loaded (step S596), and the logical product of the loaded switch-on buffer contents and the first specific area passing input bit determination value (10 (H), see FIG. 44) is obtained (step S597) If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred for the second big prize opening, and a control is performed to transmit a second abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 (step S597). S598, S599).

  Further, the contents of the switch-on buffer are loaded (step S601), and the logical product of the loaded switch-on buffer contents and the second specific area passing input bit determination value (08 (H), see FIG. 44) is obtained (step S601). S602) If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred for the second big winning opening, and control is performed to transmit a second abnormal winning notification designating command to the effect control board 80 (step S602). S603, S604).

  When the count switch 23 is turned on in the state where the first big hit game is not performed by the above processing, the first abnormal winning notification designating command is transmitted. Further, when the second big prize winning prize winning switch 71a, the first specific area passing switch 73a or the second specific area passing switch 74a is turned on in a state where the second big hit game and the small hit game are not performed, the second An abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted. Furthermore, the process of steps S581 to S583 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.

  Further, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 detects an abnormal winning based on the special symbol process flag. Moreover, as described above, the value of the special symbol process flag is a value between 5 and 10, indicating that the gaming state is from the pre-opening process for the bonus item (step S305) to the post-second winning prize closing process ( Step S310). That is, after the second big prize opening is closed in the final round of the second big hit game from the start of the small hit game (starting operation), all the game balls in the second big prize opening are discharged from the second big prize opening. It means that it is between. Since an abnormal winning is detected when the value of the special symbol process flag is between 5 and 10, when the second big winning opening (the accessory) changes to the open state, the second big winning opening (the accessory) The abnormal winning detection is executed on the condition that it is determined that the game ball that has entered is discharged from the second grand prize opening (a bonus item). Even when the small hit game and the second big hit game are not executed at all, the abnormal winning detection is executed.

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described.
FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing main processing 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, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the variable display device 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 variable display device 9 is executed (step S707). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing an effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a ring buffer type command receiving buffer capable of storing six 2-byte 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. 19) is the effect control command stored in the buffer area.

  50 and 51 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 variation pattern command (step S614), the effect control CPU 101 stores the variation pattern command in a variation pattern command storage area formed in the RAM (step S615). Then, a variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S616).

  If the received effect control command is a display result specifying command (step S617), the effect control CPU 101 stores the display result specifying command in a display result specifying command storage area formed in the RAM (step S618). . Then, a display result specifying command reception flag is set (step S619).

  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 first jackpot start designation command (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets a first jackpot start designation command reception flag (step S624). If the received effect control command is the second jackpot start designation command (step S625), control is performed to display the second jackpot screen on the variable display device 9 (step S626). Note that the second big hit screen is deleted after a predetermined time, for example.

  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 variable display device 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, when the initialization notification is being performed, the abnormality notification designation command (the first abnormality notification designation command or the second abnormality notification designation command) is not received.

  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 the first jackpot end designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a first jackpot end designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is the second jackpot end designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display the second jackpot end screen on the variable display device 9 (step S644). Note that the second big hit end screen is deleted when a predetermined time (second big hit end display time) elapses.

  If the received effect control command is the first abnormal prize notification designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets the first abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S646). If the received effect control command is the second abnormal prize notification designation command (step S647), the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is set (step S648). If the received production control command is a discharge abnormality notification designation command (step S649), a discharge abnormality notification designation command reception flag is set (step S650).

  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. 52 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.

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

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

  Decoration symbol variation processing (step S802): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803).

  Decoration symbol variation stop process (step S803): Based on the reception of the effect control command (design determination designation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, the variation of the ornament symbol is stopped and the display result (stop symbol) is derived and displayed. Take control. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (step S804) or the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  Big hit display process (step S804): After the variation time is over, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the variable display device 9 of the occurrence of the first big hit. 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 the first big hit game is performed. For example, when a command for opening a special prize opening or a designation command after opening a special prize opening is received, display control of the number of rounds in the variable display device 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 end process (step S806): In the variable display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the first big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S821). Further, the display result (stop symbol) of the decorative symbol is determined according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command) (step S822). In step S822, if the received display result specifying command is the first big hit A designation command or the first big hit B designation command, the combination of the decorative symbols with the left middle right aligned is determined as a stop symbol (see FIG. 13). If the received display result specifying command is a small hit designation command, the combination of the decoration symbol “345” is determined as the stop symbol. If the received display result specifying command is a disconnection designation command, a combination of decorative symbols in which left middle right does not match or a combination of decorative symbols in which only left and right are aligned is determined as a stop symbol.

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol, and uses the stop symbol determination table in which the data indicating the combination of the ornament symbol and the numerical value are associated to stop the decoration symbol. Determine the design. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a numerical value that matches the extracted random number. Then, the display result specifying command reception flag is reset (step S823).

  As for the decorative symbol, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol that recalls a loss is called a loss symbol.

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

  FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of a 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 effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the variable display device 9 in accordance with 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. The display control execution data includes data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the decorative symbols. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the variable display device 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 decorative pattern 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. 55 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  Then, the effect control CPU 101 does not set the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the discharge abnormality notification flag) indicating that the abnormal winning notification is being performed. As a condition, the production device (variable display device 9 as production component, various lamps and production as production component) according to the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound number data 1) Control of the speaker 27) as a component for the vehicle is executed (steps S835A and S835B). For example, in order to display an image corresponding to the variation pattern on the variable display device 9, a command is output to the VDP 109. In addition, a control signal (lamp control execution data) is output to the lamp driver board 35 in order to perform on / off control of various lamps. 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.

  In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 101 performs control so that the decorative pattern is variably displayed by the change pattern corresponding to the change pattern command on a one-to-one basis, but the effect control CPU 101 controls the change pattern command. The variation pattern to be used may be selected from a plurality of types of variation patterns corresponding to.

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the discharge abnormality notification flag) is set, the control of the effect device according to the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 Is executed (steps S835A and S835C). In other words, when the abnormality notification flag is set, when a new variable display of a decorative symbol is started, a sound effect corresponding to the variable display is not executed, but an abnormal winning notification is made. The corresponding sound output is continued.

  In addition, when performing the process of step S835C, the effect control CPU 101 does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data 1 to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. In other words, the variable display device 9 is controlled so that the display at that time (notification of abnormal winning is made) and the display effect image of the decorative symbol variable display are simultaneously displayed on the variable display device 9. . That is, when the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the discharge abnormality notification flag) is set, when a new variable display of decorative symbols is started, Not only the display effect according to the variable display is executed, but also the notification according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command 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 decorative symbol variation process (step S802). (Step S837).

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation process, 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 (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the discharge abnormality notification flag) is not set, the display control execution data and the lamp that are set next are set. The control state for the effect device is changed based on the control execution data and the sound number data (steps S845A and S845B).

  When the abnormality notification flag (the first abnormality notification flag, the second abnormality notification flag, or the discharge abnormality notification flag) is set, the contents of the process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) ( However, the control of the effect device is executed according to (except for the sound number data i) (steps S845A and S845C). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, the sound production according to the notification of the abnormal winning is continued, not the sound effect according to the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed.

  In addition, when the process of step S845C is performed, the CPU 101 for effect control does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data i to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. . Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag is set, not only the display effect according to the variable display of the decorative symbol is executed, but also the notification 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 decorative 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. Even if the variation time timer has not timed out, if the symbol confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop variation.For example, a variation pattern command indicating a long variation time due to noise between substrates is received. Even in such a case, the variation of the decorative symbol can be terminated when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol has ended).

  FIG. 57 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms 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. Then, control is performed to derive and display the determined stop symbol (step S853). Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit (step S854). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area.

  When it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S855). If it is determined not to win, the effect control CPU 101 updates the value of the effect control process flag to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S856).

  In this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 ends the variation (variable display) of the decorative symbols on the condition that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received (see steps S851 and S853). However, if the variation time timer based on the received variation pattern command times out, the variation of the decorative symbol may be controlled to end without receiving the symbol determination designation command. In this case, the game control microcomputer 560 may not transmit the symbol confirmation designation command for designating the end of variable display.

  FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S806) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, it is checked whether or not a first jackpot end designation command reception flag indicating that the first jackpot end designation command has been received is set (step S881). If the first jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the first jackpot end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882), and a value corresponding to the jackpot end display time is set in the jackpot end presentation timer. (Step S883), the variable display device 9 is controlled to display a first jackpot end screen (screen for informing the end of the first jackpot game) (Step S884). Specifically, an instruction for displaying the first big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

  In step S885, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 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 S886). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S887).

  FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9. FIG. 59 (A) shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the variable display device 9 by the presentation control CPU 101 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 59B shows an example of a power failure recovery screen displayed on the variable display device 9 by the production control CPU 101 in response to reception of a power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 59 (C) shows an example of the first abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to the reception of the first abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative pattern is shown. Even if is started, it is indicated that the display of the first abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 59C). FIG. 59 (D) shows an example of the second abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to the reception of the second abnormal prize notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative pattern is shown. Even if is started, it is shown that the display of the second abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 59D). FIG. 59 (E) shows an example of the discharge abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to the reception of the discharge abnormality notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative pattern is started. However, it is shown that the display of the discharge abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 59E).

  60 and 61 are flowcharts 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. 51). 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 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for deleting the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen in the variable display device 9 (step S905). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the variable display device 9 in response to the command.

  In step S906, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that the first abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S916. If the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set, the first abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S907), and the variable display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. On the other hand, a command to superimpose and display the first abnormality notification screen is output to VDP 109 (step S908). The VDP 109 superimposes and displays the first abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 in response to the command (see FIG. 59C).

  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 a first abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S910).

  In step S916, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the second abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag indicating that the second abnormal winning notification designation command has been received is set. If not set, the process proceeds to step S921. If the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is set, the second abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag is reset (step S917), and the variable display device 9 displays the screen displayed at that time. On the other hand, a command to superimpose and display the second abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S918). The VDP 109 superimposes and displays the second abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 in response to the command (see FIG. 59D).

  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 S919). 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 a second abnormality notification flag indicating that abnormality notification is being performed (step S920).

  The production control CPU 101 is configured to notify the abnormality notification (abnormal notification by the processing of steps S908 and S909) when an abnormal winning to the first grand prize opening occurs and the abnormal winning regarding the second big winning opening. Abnormality notification is performed so as to be distinguishable from abnormality notification (abnormality notification by the processing of steps S918 and S919) (see FIG. 59).

  In step S921, the production 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 S922), and the variable display device 9 discharges the screen displayed at that time. A command to superimpose and display the abnormality notification screen is output to the VDP 109 (step S923). In response to the command, the VDP 109 superimposes and displays the discharge abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 (see FIG. 59 (E)).

  Furthermore, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the discharge abnormality notification to the sound output board 70 (step S924). 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 the discharge abnormality notification is being performed (step S925).

  In this embodiment, the production control CPU 101 receives the first abnormal prize notification designation command and the second abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, thereby giving the first big prize opening. Although the abnormality notification is performed so that the abnormality notification when the abnormal winning occurs and the abnormality notification when the abnormal winning regarding the second big prize opening occurs can be distinguished, the production control CPU 101 can distinguish the abnormality. You may make it perform the abnormality alert | report which can be distinguished independently irrespective of reception of (a 1st abnormal winning alert notification designation command and a 2nd abnormal winning alert notification designation command). For example, the gaming control microcomputer 560 transmits the same abnormal winning notification designation command when an abnormal winning at the first grand prize opening occurs and when an abnormal winning at the second big winning opening occurs. When the production control CPU 101 receives an abnormal winning notification designation command, whether or not an abnormal winning at the first grand prize opening has occurred according to the gaming state at that time, or an abnormal winning at the second grand prize opening has occurred. Determine if you did. For example, when an abnormal winning notification designation command is received, if the value of the effect control process flag is a value indicating that a big hit game is being played (during the first big hit game), an abnormality to the second big winning opening When it is determined that a winning has occurred and the second big hit screen is being displayed on the variable display device 9, it is determined that an abnormal winning to the first big winning opening has occurred. If neither state is found, for example, notification is made that either an abnormal winning at the first big winning opening or an abnormal winning at the second big winning opening has occurred.

  FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the situation of the display effect on the variable display device 9 and the sound effect by the speaker 27. FIG. 62A shows an example when the decorative display is variably displayed on the variable display device 9. FIG. 62B shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 62C shows an example in which the abnormal display is notified in the variable display device 9 and the abnormality notification sound is output by the speaker 27. When the production control microcomputer 100 receives the first abnormal prize notification designation command or the second abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the variable display device 9 displays an abnormality notification screen (first abnormality notification screen or first abnormality notification screen). (2 abnormality notification screen) is displayed and control for outputting an abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 is performed. Further, even when the variable display of the decorative design is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. In addition, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols ends, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. Note that the production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for erasing the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, so the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are not performed. The output continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, the production control microcomputer 100 stops displaying the abnormality notification screen and outputting 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 have started. You may control.

  In this embodiment, the abnormality notification is made by the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27. However, the abnormality notification may be performed using a lamp / LED. 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). . Further, even when the abnormality notification is performed using the lamp / LED, the abnormality notification using the lamp / LED is continued even when the variable display of the decorative symbol is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern 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. 62 (C) illustrates a case where an abnormal winning notification is performed, but an abnormal notification screen (discharge abnormal notification screen) is displayed on the variable display device 9 even when an abnormal discharge notification is performed. Control to output an abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. Further, even when the variable display of the decorative design is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. In addition, even when the variable display of the decorative symbols ends, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 and the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 are continued. In addition, since the production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen and the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, even in the case of a discharge abnormality, the display of the abnormality notification screen and the speaker in the variable display device 9 are performed. The output of the abnormality notification sound from 27 continues until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped.

  In this embodiment, 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 the 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, when the value of the special symbol process flag is less than a predetermined value (12 in this embodiment), the game control microcomputer 560 always detects an abnormal winning with respect to the first big prize opening and sets the value of the special symbol process flag. When the value is not between 5 and 10, an abnormal prize is always detected for the second big prize opening, and the production control microcomputer 100 starts supplying power to the gaming machine during a predetermined period. When the abnormal winning notification designation command is received, the abnormal winning notification may not be performed. Further, regarding the discharge abnormality, when the value of the special symbol process flag is not between 5 and 10, the discharge control microcomputer 100 detects the discharge abnormality related to the second big prize opening, and the effect control microcomputer 100 controls the gaming machine. When a discharge abnormality notification designation command is received during a predetermined period after the start of power supply, notification of discharge abnormality may not be performed.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the game control microcomputer 560 detects that one game ball has won a big winning opening when it is not in the big hit game state, the abnormal control notification designation command is sent to the effect control microcomputer. Although it is transmitted to 100, when it is detected that a predetermined number (a plurality of) game balls have won the big winning opening when not in the big hit gaming state, an abnormal winning notification designation command may be transmitted. Further, when it is not in the big hit gaming state, when it is detected that a predetermined number (a plurality of) gaming balls have won within a predetermined time, an abnormal winning notification designating command may be transmitted. When receiving the abnormal winning notification designation command, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the abnormality notification screen and outputs the abnormality notification sound as described above.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification (abnormal winning notification and discharge abnormality notification), there is a situation where the initialization notification becomes difficult to recognize. It is prevented from occurring. That is, the initialization notification is performed prominently. 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. Such a fraudulent act is likely to occur particularly when it is configured to control the big hit gaming state based on the big hit determination random number. In other words, the game control microcomputer 560 is initialized, and a counter for generating a jackpot determination random number is initialized, and it is easy to receive an illegal act that makes it easy to grasp the count value of the counter. By making the initialization notice conspicuous as in this embodiment, it is possible to easily grasp from the outside of the gaming machine that the gaming control microcomputer 560 has been initialized. Is easily recognized.

  In the above embodiment, 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. May be. For example, the initialization notification is ended when the decorative symbol variable display is started for the first time after the initialization notification is started, or the abnormal winning notification designation command is received before the decorative symbol variable display is started. Sometimes 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.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first specific area 73 and the second specific area 74, which are specific areas in the second big prize opening, and the winning area in the second big prize opening are combined. May be.

  In the above embodiment, a gaming machine having both the first grand prize opening and the second grand prize opening is taken as an example. However, the gaming machine having only the big prize opening corresponding to the second grand prize opening. The present invention can also be applied to. However, in a gaming machine equipped with both the first grand prize opening and the second big prize opening, an abnormal winning to the first big prize opening is detected during the second big winning game as in the above embodiment. However, in a gaming machine having only a big winning opening corresponding to the second big winning opening, during the big winning game (equivalent to the second big winning game in the above embodiment), An abnormal winning to the second big winning opening in the embodiment is not detected.

  In the above embodiment, the production 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 production apparatus is mounted. You may mount on one board | substrate. Further, a first effect control board (display control board) on which a circuit for controlling the variable display device 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.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 directly transmits a command to the effect control microcomputer 100. However, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits another command (for example, FIG. 7). The sound output board 70 and the lamp driver board 35 shown in FIG. 5 or the sound / lamp board having the function of the circuit mounted on the sound output board 70 and the function of the circuit mounted on the lamp driver board 35). A control command may be transmitted and transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 on the effect control board 80 via another board. In that case, the command may simply pass through another board, or the sound output board 70, the lamp driver board 35, and the sound / lamp board are equipped with control means such as a microcomputer, and the control means receives the command. In response to this, control related to sound control and lamp control is executed, and the received command is changed as it is or, for example, to a simplified command to control the variable display device 9. You may make it transmit to. Even in that case, the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the display control in accordance with the effect control command directly received from the game control microcomputer 560 in the above-described embodiment. Display control can be performed in accordance with commands received from the board 35 or the sound / lamp board.

  The present invention is applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to a player when a specific display result is derived and displayed on a variable display device.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the way of winning of the game ball to a 1st start winning opening and a 2nd starting winning opening. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure example in the accessory which forms a 2nd big winning opening, and the mode of the flow of the game ball in an accessory. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure example in the accessory which forms a 2nd big winning opening, and the mode of the flow of the game ball in an accessory. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure example in the accessory which forms a 2nd big winning opening, and the mode of the flow of the game ball in an accessory. 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 a main process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the relationship between the random number for jackpot determination, and a jackpot determination value. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the method of the change of a game state when the change of a special symbol is performed based on a start winning prize. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of a decoration symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows a state change when an accessory is controlled to the open state based on the small hit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the method of the change of the gaming state after the 2nd big winning opening as a starting operation. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol 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 a 1st start port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flow chart which shows processing for opening an accessory. 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 a 2nd grand prize opening pre-processing. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd big winning opening opening process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd big winning opening closing post-process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st 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 fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is a flowchart which shows a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on a variable display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control processing. 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 variable display apparatus, and the sound effect by a speaker.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Variable display device 13 Start winning opening 15 Variable winning ball device 31 Main board 56 CPU
71a Second Grand Prize Exit Switch 72a Second Grand Prize Exit Discharge Switch 73 First Specific Area 73a First Specific Area Passing Switch 74 Second Specific Area 74a Second Specific Area Passing Switch 75 Accessory (Second Grand Prize) mouth)
76 Movable member 80 Production control board 100 Production control microcomputer 101 Production control CPU
560 Microcomputer for game control

Claims (6)

A special prize provided in the variable winning ball apparatus, comprising a variable winning ball apparatus capable of playing a predetermined game using a game ball and capable of changing to an open state based on winning in a predetermined winning opening. A gaming machine capable of shifting a gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player based on the winning of a game ball in the area,
A prize detecting means for outputting a winning detection signal by detecting game balls that winning the prize area provided to the variable winning ball device,
A discharge detecting means for outputting a discharge 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,
The game control means includes
A winning determination means for determining whether or not the winning detection signal from the winning detection means is input;
Based on the discharge detection signal from the discharge detection means, a 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 changes to the closed state, the game ball that has entered the variable winning ball apparatus when the variable winning ball apparatus is in the open state is discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus. An abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormal winning has occurred based on determining that the winning determining means has input the winning detection signal after being determined by the discharge determining means ;
A process corresponding to the value of the process flag is updated when a condition for updating the process flag value necessary for executing a plurality of types of processes for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus in a predetermined order is satisfied. Process processing execution means for executing
Variable winning ball apparatus control means for controlling the state of the variable winning ball apparatus based on the process flag,
The abnormality determination means is a start operation state in which the value of the process flag is a state in which the variable winning ball apparatus is changeable to an open state, and is an open state based on a winning to the predetermined winning port, or Based on determining that the winning determination means has input the winning detection signal when the numerical value is other than a predetermined numerical value indicating that the specific gaming state is an open state based on winning in a special area, It is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred, and the determination of the abnormal winning is made after entering the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in an open state after the start operation state or the specific game state is ended. A gaming machine characterized in that a game ball is discharged after the discharge determination means determines that the game ball has been discharged from the variable winning ball apparatus . 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;
The prize game balls payout control means, a game of claim 1 further comprising a dispensing control prohibiting means for prohibiting the execution of the control to pay out a prize game balls based on the pay when said abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality occurs winning Machine. The game control means, when said abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality occurs prize includes abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing the execution of the abnormality notification,
On the basis of a command transmitted by the game control means, an effect control means for controlling the effect device is provided,
The presentation control means, based on the abnormality notification command the abnormality notification command transmitting means has transmitted, it includes an abnormality notifying means for performing abnormality notification by the effect device,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abnormality notification means continues the abnormality notification until power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. The prize detecting means includes entry detection means for outputting the approach detection signal by detecting game balls entering the variable winning ball device,
The game control means includes
A discharge abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting a discharge abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification of discharge abnormality;
The also variable winning ball device after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the change to the open state, the number of the discharge detection signal from the number and the discharge detection means of the entry detection signal from the approach detecting means are the same A discharge abnormality determining means for determining that a discharge abnormality has occurred when it has not occurred,
On the basis of a command transmitted by the game control means, an effect control means for controlling the effect device is provided,
The said production | generation control means contains the discharge abnormality notification means which performs discharge abnormality notification by the said production | presentation apparatus based on the said discharge abnormality notification command which the said discharge abnormality notification command transmission means transmitted. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. A specific variable winning ball apparatus that can be changed to an open state;
And a particular winning detecting means for outputting a specific winning detection signal by detecting game balls that winning prior Symbol particular variable winning ball device,
The process processing execution means is updated when a condition for updating the value of the process flag necessary for executing a plurality of types of processing for controlling the specific variable winning ball apparatus in a predetermined order is satisfied, Execute processing corresponding to the value of the process flag;
The game control means includes
Specific winning determination means for determining whether or not the specific winning detection signal from the specific winning detection means is input;
If it is determined that the specific winning determination means has input the specific winning detection signal in a gaming state other than the special gaming state in which the specific variable winning ball device is controlled to an open state, an abnormal winning to the specific variable winning ball device is made. Specific abnormality determining means for determining that has occurred ;
And a certain variable winning ball device control means for controlling the state of the particular variable winning ball device based on the process flag,
Before SL particular abnormality determination unit determines that the value of the process flag, the said particular winning determination means when a numerical value other than the predetermined numerical value indicating the special game state entered the specific winning detection signal Then, it is determined that an abnormal winning has occurred. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The abnormality notification unit, said abnormal abnormality winning and judged by the judging means, the gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein performing distinguishably abnormality notifying the determination of the determined abnormal winning by the specific abnormality determining means.

Images