JP7370595B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

There is a gaming machine that displays specific information (a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark)) for a game hall clerk or the like.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-14504

However, the prescribed information displayed by gaming machines (for example, two-dimensional codes) may be intended for players or for non-players, and players may read unnecessary prescribed information. there were. Further, some of the predetermined information displayed by the game machine may be difficult to read due to changes in the surrounding environment, such as light emission from nearby light emitting units.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a gaming machine that displays predetermined information that is easy for a player to read.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine as shown below is provided. The gaming machine includes a display section, a first light emitting section, a second light emitting section, and a control section. The display section constantly displays predetermined information that can be observed by the player. The first light emitting section can emit light in a predetermined light emission mode. The second light emitting section is capable of emitting light in a light emitting manner that allows the display section to be displayed decoratively . The control section can control the light emission mode of the first light emission section and the light emission mode of the second light emission section. The control unit is capable of controlling the light emission mode of the second light emitting unit in a first light emission mode or a second light emission mode that restricts changes in brightness more than the first light emission mode and makes predetermined information easier to observe; The first light emitting section and the second light emitting section are caused to emit light in a coordinated manner during a first period corresponding to the first state , and the first light emitting section and the second light emitting section are operated independently during a second period corresponding to a second state different from the first state. the second light emitting section emits light in a first light emitting mode in a first period to decorate a display section displaying predetermined information; and the second light emitting section emits light in a second light emitting mode in a second period. The display section displaying the predetermined information is displayed in a decorative manner .

According to one aspect, in a gaming machine, predetermined information that is easy for a player to read is displayed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. It is a front view showing an example of the game board of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system for a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram showing an example of the composition of the production control device of a 1st embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a batch display device according to a first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 1) showing a flowchart of main processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) showing a flowchart of main processing in the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram (Part 3) showing a flowchart of main processing in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 4) showing a flowchart of main processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 5) illustrating a flowchart of main processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of timer interrupt processing according to the first embodiment. It is a diagram showing a flowchart of main processing in the production control device of the first embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on the front frame of a 1st embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on the game board of the first embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the two-dimensional code of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a two-dimensional code with accompanying information according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, (1) an example of the two-dimensional code reading target classification, (2) an example of the visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code by the reading target, and (3) the player target two-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows an example of the reading state of a code. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information type classification of two-dimensional codes according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of visibility and readability when a game slot is opened when the two-dimensional code of the first embodiment is read by a game hall manager. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the visibility and readability of accompanying information and the visibility and readability of a two-dimensional code when the two-dimensional code of the first embodiment is read by an administrator. It is a diagram showing an example of the front side of the gaming machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a display mode on the front side of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. It is a figure showing an example (part 2) of a display mode of the front of the game machine of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example (part 1) of the light emission mode by decoration control state of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example (part 2) of the light emission mode by decoration control state of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a light emitting mode of the information display panel of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an information display panel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a partial light emitting mode of the information display panel of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a partially coordinated light emission mode of the information display panel of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

The gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment includes a front frame 12, and the front frame 12 can be rotated to open and close with the left side being the pivoted side and the right side being the open side when viewed from the front on the outer frame (support frame) 11. It is assembled into. The game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in a storage section (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. Further, a glass frame (transparent member holding frame) 15 including a cover glass (transparent member) 14 that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame (main body frame) 12.

In addition, lamps, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), etc. are built into the left and right sides of the glass frame 15 for decoration, presentation, and notification when an abnormality occurs (for example, if a dispensing abnormality occurs, the lamps, LEDs, etc. A frame decoration device 18 that emits light to illuminate (blink) in a notification color (for example, red) and a speaker (upper speaker) 19a that emits sound (for example, sound effects) are provided. Furthermore, a speaker (lower speaker) 19b is also provided at the bottom of the front frame 12. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs, the content of the abnormality is notified by voice from the speakers 19a and 19b. Note that a lamp for reporting an abnormality in dispensing may be provided at a predetermined portion of the glass frame 15.

Further, at the lower part of the front frame 12, there is an upper tray (storage tray) 21 for supplying game balls to a batted ball firing device (not shown), and a game ball paid out from a payout unit provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10. An upper tray ball outlet 22 from which the balls flow out, a lower tray (receiving tray) 23 for storing the game balls put out when the upper tray 21 is full, and an operating section 24 of the batted ball firing device are provided.

Further, on the upper edge of the upper tray 21, a production button 25 is provided which is used for intervention operations in game production. In addition, the production button 25 functions as a production operation reception unit that receives intervention operations for game production, and also serves as a production unit that can produce production in a required manner (for example, a light emission mode, an operation mode such as vibration or protrusion, etc.). Function. Further, on the left edge of the upper tray 21, an option setting section 29 is provided where the player can set various options. The option setting section 29 includes a cross cursor switch that can accept input operations in four directions, a central switch located in the center of the cross cursor switch that can accept decision operations, etc., and a center switch located at the periphery of the cross cursor switch that can accept input operations such as volume control. There are two attached switches used for this purpose. Furthermore, a keyhole 26 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12 for inserting a key for opening and locking the front frame 12 and the glass frame 15.

Note that the gaming machine 10 intervenes in the player's operation based on the player's operation received from the effect button switch 25a (see FIG. 4) that detects the operation (for example, pressing operation) of the effect button 25 (push button). It is possible to perform a specific performance. For example, an effect in which a player's operation intervenes is an effect in a variable display game (ornamental special figure variable display game) on the display device (variable display device) 41 (see FIG. 2), and the gaming machine 10 The character displayed on the display device 41 can be made to move, or the identification information displayed on the display device 41 in the decorative special figure variable display game can be stopped. In addition, for such operation intervention by the player, not only the performance button 25 but also one or more of the switches (cross cursor switch, center switch, attached switch) of the option setting section 29 are used. But that's fine. In FIG. 4, which will be described later, each switch of the option setting section 29 is collectively represented as a setting switch 29a.

Further, to the right of the production button 25, there is a ball lending button 27 that the player operates to receive a ball from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a discharge button 27 that is operated to eject a prepaid card from the card unit of the ball lending machine. A button 28, a balance display section (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card, and the like are provided. In the game machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the player rotates the operation section 24, the ball launcher sends game balls supplied from the upper tray 21 to the game area 32 on the front surface of the game board 30. (See Figure 2). Furthermore, when the player operates one or more of the aforementioned setting switches 29a (cross cursor switch, center switch, attached switch) of the option setting section 29, the emitted light from the speakers 19a and 19b can be emitted. It is possible to set the volume of the playback and the brightness of the game board 30.

Next, the game board 30 will be explained using FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the game board of the first embodiment.
A substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by guide rails 31 is formed on the surface of the game board 30. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at each of the four corners of the game board 30. In the game area 32, a center case (game performance structure) 40 is arranged which is provided with a display device (variable display device) 41 approximately in the center. The display device 41 is attached to a recess provided in the center case 40 at a position recessed from the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the display area of the display device 41, protrudes forward from the display surface of the display device 41, and is formed to prevent game balls from jumping into the surrounding game area 32.

The display device 41 is configured of a device having a display screen, such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or a CRT (cathode ray tube). Note that the display device 41 may be configured of other display devices such as a device having a display screen capable of displaying a dot matrix using LEDs, or a combination of two or more display devices. In the area (display area) where images can be displayed on the display screen, information related to the game is displayed, such as a plurality of identification information (special symbols), characters that produce the special symbol variation display game, and background images that enhance the production effect. . On the display screen of the display device 41, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed), and a decorative special symbol variable display game corresponding to the special symbol variable display game is played. Furthermore, images for effects based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) are displayed on the display screen.

Further, the upper part of the center case 40 is provided with a board performance device 44 that performs a game performance by operating. This board presentation device 44 can operate toward the center of the display device 41 from the state shown in FIG.

On the lower right side of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32, a normal symbol starting gate (common symbol starting gate) 34 is provided which provides a starting condition for the common symbol variation display game. The game ball that has entered the normal pattern starting gate 34 (game ball passing through the normal pattern starting gate 34) is detected by the gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3).

In addition, a general winning hole 35 is arranged on the lower left side of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32, and a general winning hole 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 40 and on the right side of a special variable winning device 95 to be described later. It is located. The game balls that have won in these general winning holes 35 are detected by the winning hole switch 35a (see FIG. 3).

Further, below the center case 40 in the gaming area 32, there is a starting winning hole 36 that forms a first starting winning hole (starting winning area) that provides the starting conditions for the first special figure variable display game (special figure 1 variable display game). (starting port 1) is provided. The game ball that has won the starting prize opening 36 is detected by the starting opening 1 switch 36a (see FIG. 3).

Further, below the starting winning opening 36, an out opening 30a is provided for collecting game balls that have not won the winning opening or the like.
In addition, at a lower position than the center case 40 and on the left side of the regular figure starting gate 34, there is a regular variable prize winning device 37 (which provides the starting conditions for the second special figure variable display game (special figure 2 variable display game)). A second starting prize opening, a starting winning area) are provided. The normal variable prize winning device 37 (starting port 2) is provided with a movable member 37b at a position that is an inflow portion. The movable member 37b slides back and forth in the front-back direction by the general electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) to prevent the game balls from flowing into the inflow portion, and the movable member 37b moves backward to prevent the game balls from flowing into the inflow portion. It is designed so that it can be changed to a permissible state that allows. The movable member 37b normally maintains a closed state (a state disadvantageous to the player). Then, when the result of the general figure variable display game is a predetermined stop display mode, the display is changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player). The winning game ball in the normal variable winning device 37 is detected by the starting port 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 3). It should be noted that it may be possible to win even when the normal variable winning device 37 is in the closed state, and it may be difficult to win in the closed state than in the open state. The ordinary variable winning device 37 corresponds to an ordinary electric accessory (ordinary electricity).

In addition, on the right side of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32, depending on the result of the special figure variable display game (the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game), there is a state where game balls are not accepted and a state where it is easy to accept. A convertible special variable winning device (big winning opening 1) 38 is provided. The special variable prize winning device 38 has an opening/closing member (movable piece) 38c, and depending on the result of the special symbol variable display game as an auxiliary game, the opening/closing member 38c is in a closed state where the big prize opening is closed (disadvantageous for the player). The opening/closing member 38c retracts from the closed state (closed state) to convert it into an open state (advantageous state for the player) in which it can accept the game balls flowing down the gaming area 32. In other words, the special variable winning device 38 includes a large winning hole (big winning hole 1) that is opened and closed by an opening/closing member 38c driven by a large winning hole 1 solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) serving as a driving device, and the special winning hole 1 variable. During the jackpot gaming state (special gaming state) due to the results of the display game and the special figure 2 variable display game, and during the jackpot gaming state (special gaming state) due to winning in the specific area 96 described later, the jackpot opening is closed. By converting from the open state to the open state, the game balls can easily flow into the grand prize opening, and a predetermined gaming value (prize ball) is given to the player. In addition, inside the big winning opening (winning area), a big winning opening switch (counting switch) 38a (see FIG. 3) is arranged as a detection means for detecting the game ball that has entered the big winning opening. .

In addition, on the lower right side of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32, there is a state in which game balls are not accepted and a state in which game balls are easily accepted depending on the results of the special figure variable display game (the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game). A special variable winning device (big winning opening 2) 95 that can be converted into The special variable prize winning device 95 has an opening/closing member (opening/closing door) 95c, and depending on the result of the special symbol variable display game as an auxiliary game, the opening/closing member 95c is in a closed state where the big prize opening is closed (disadvantageous for the player). The opening/closing member 95c retreats from the closed state) to an open state (advantageous state for the player) in which it can accept the game balls flowing down the gaming area 32. That is, the special fluctuation winning device 95 includes a big winning hole (big winning hole 2) that is opened and closed by an opening/closing member 95c driven by a big winning hole 2 solenoid 95b (see FIG. 3) serving as a driving device, and the special winning hole 1 fluctuation. During the small winning game state based on the results of the display game and the special figure 2 variable display game, the game ball is easily flowed into the grand prize opening by converting the grand prize opening from the closed state to the open state, and the game A predetermined gaming value (prize ball) is given to the player. In addition, inside the big winning opening (winning area), a big winning opening switch (counting switch) 38a (see FIG. 3) is arranged as a detection means for detecting the game ball that has entered the big winning opening. .

Further, the special variable winning device 95 includes a V flow path that guides the game balls that have won into the winning opening to a specific area 96. The special variable winning device 95 is provided with a specific area switch 38e (see FIG. 3) that detects game balls that have entered the specific area 96. In addition, detection of a game ball in the specific area switch 38e (winning in the specific area 96) causes a jackpot gaming state (special gaming state) that converts the special variable winning device (big winning opening 1) 38 from a closed state to an open state. ) is one of the conditions for this to occur.

Further, although the center case 40 does not include a warp channel, it may be provided with a warp channel. For example, a warp port (warp entrance) is provided on the left side of the center case 40, and game balls that flow into the warp flow path from the warp port are rolled on a stage inside the center case 40, and a part of them is sent to the warp exit. You may also provide guidance. In that case, the warp exit may be located directly above the starting winning hole 36, so that the game ball guided to the warp exit can easily win a prize in the starting winning hole 36.

In the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment, the area to the left of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32 where the game ball flows down is the left gaming area, and the area to the right of the center case 40 is the right gaming area. It is said that Then, the player adjusts the firing force and shoots the game ball to the left side gaming area (so-called left-handed hitting), aiming to win the starting prize opening 36 and the general winning opening 35 (located in the left side gaming area). By firing the game ball to the right side gaming area (so-called right-handed hitting), the normal figure starting gate 34, the normal variable winning device 37, the special variable winning device 38, 95, and the general winning opening 35 (located in the right side gaming area) ), etc. You can now aim to win prizes.

In addition, outside the game area 32 (here, the lower right part of the game board 30), there are a first special pattern variation display game, a second special pattern variation display game, and a regular pattern starting gate 34, which are part of the special pattern variation display game. A collective display device 50 is provided for displaying a game with a variable display of common symbols that is triggered by winning a prize, and for displaying various information.

The collective display device 50 includes a round display section 51 composed of LEDs etc., a special symbol 1 pending display section 52, a special symbol 1 symbol display section 53, a special symbol 2 symbol display section 54, and a general symbol symbol display section. 55, a general figure reservation display section 56, and a status display section 57 (see FIG. 5). Details of the batch display device 50 will be described later.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a right-handed guide display device 91c on the right side near the special variable winning device (big winning hole 1) 38. The right-handed game guide display device 91c lights up when guiding the player to play right-handed game, and turns off in other situations. Note that the right-hand playing guide display device 91c is included in the board decoration device 46.

The gaming machine 10 includes a special figure game variable display state display device 98 at the lower right of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32. The special figure game variable display state display device 98 is a so-called fourth symbol display device, and is composed of two LEDs. The special figure game variable display state display device 98 displays the variable display state of the special figure 1 variable display game with the left LED, and displays the variable display state of the special figure 2 variable display game with the right LED. For example, the special symbol game variable display state display device 98 notifies the symbol stop state of the special symbol variable display game by lighting, and notifies the symbol variable state of the special symbol variable display game by blinking. The special figure game variable display state display device 98 is included in the board decoration device 46.

The gaming machine 10 includes a normal pattern fluctuation display device 93 and a normal pattern holding display device 94 on the right side of the center case 40 in the gaming area 32. The general figure fluctuation display device 93 is composed of two LEDs, and notifies the variable display state of the general figure game by blinking alternately, and notifies the variable display result of the general figure game by the combination mode of turning on or off. Further, the ordinary figure reservation display device 94 is composed of two LEDs, and reports the number of ordinary figures held from 0 to 4 by a combination of turning off, lighting, and blinking. Note that the ordinary figure fluctuation display device 93 and the ordinary figure pending display device 94 are included in the board decoration device 46.

Next, the control system of the gaming machine will be explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a control system for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment.
The game machine 10 includes a game control device 100, which is a main control device (main board) that centrally controls the game, and includes a game microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer) 111. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) section 110 having an input port, an input section 120 having an input port, an output section 130 having an output port, a driver, etc., and a connection between the CPU section 110, the input section 120, and the output section 130. It consists of a data bus 140 and the like.

The CPU section 110 includes a gaming microcomputer 111 called an amusement chip (IC (Integrated Circuit)) and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator, and serves as an operating clock for the gaming microcomputer 111, a timer interrupt, and a standard for a random number generation circuit. It has an oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 that generates a clock. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as solenoids and motors driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a direct current (DC) voltage of a predetermined level such as 32V DC, 12V DC, 5V DC, etc. generated by the power supply device 400. be made operational.

The power supply device 400 includes an AC (Alternating Current)-DC converter that generates the DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power supply, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC12V, DC5V, etc. from the DC32V voltage, etc. A backup power supply section 420 that supplies power supply voltage to the internal RAM (Random Access Memory) of the gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power outage, and a power outage monitoring circuit. The control signal generator 430 and the like are provided to generate and output control signals such as a power outage monitoring signal and a reset signal that notify the occurrence and recovery of a power outage.

In the first embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply section 420 and the control signal generation section 430 are configured on a separate board or integrated with the game control device 100, that is, , it may be configured to be provided on the main board. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are subject to replacement when changing models, the backup power supply section 420 and control signals are installed on a power supply device 400 or a board separate from the main board, as in the first embodiment. By providing the generation unit 430, it is possible to remove the generator from replacement and reduce costs.

The backup power supply section 420 can be configured with one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power supply is supplied to the gaming microcomputer 111 (particularly the built-in RAM) of the gaming control device 100, so that the data stored in the RAM is retained even during or after a power outage. The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the 32V voltage generated by the normal power supply unit 410, detects the occurrence of a power outage when it drops to 17V or less, changes the power outage monitoring signal, and generates a reset signal after a predetermined time. Output. Also, when the power is turned on or when a power failure is recovered, a reset signal is output after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from that point.

Further, the gaming control device 100 is provided with a RAM initialization switch 112. When this RAM initialization switch 112 is operated, an initialization switch signal is generated, and based on this, the information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200 is forcibly initialized. Processing is performed. Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a type of forced interrupt signal and causes the entire control system to be reset.

Further, the game control device 100 is provided with a setting value change switch 126 and a setting key switch 127. The set value change switch 126 is, for example, a push switch, and detects a push operation. The setting key switch 127 enables switching between an ON state and an OFF state by inserting a setting key. The gaming control device 100 can change settings related to gaming performance, and the settings stored in the RAM are retained even during or after a power outage. For example, the game control device 100 allows the winning probability of the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game to be changed according to six levels of settings.

When the gaming control device 100 is powered on with the setting key switch 127 in the ON state and the RAM initialization switch 112 in the ON state, the control state changes to a setting change mode in which the settings of the gaming machine 10 can be changed. For example, the gaming control device 100 allows setting 1 to setting 6 to be changed cyclically by detecting a press operation of the setting value change switch 126 while displaying the setting contents on the probability setting value display device 136 in the setting change mode. The probability setting value display device 136 is a display device capable of displaying a setting value, and is, for example, a single-digit, 7-segment LED mounted on a board.

Furthermore, when the power is turned on with the setting key switch 127 in the ON state and the RAM initialization switch 112 in the OFF state, the gaming control device 100 transitions the control state to a setting confirmation mode in which the settings of the gaming machine 10 can be confirmed. . For example, the gaming control device 100 displays the setting contents on the probability setting value display device 136 in the setting confirmation mode.

The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (Read Only Memory) 111B, and a RAM 111C that can be read and written at any time.

The ROM 111B stores immutable information (programs, fixed data, judgment values of various random numbers, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C serves as a work area for the CPU 111A or a storage area for various signals and random numbers during game control. used as. An electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) may be used as the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C.

Further, the ROM 111B stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode) that defines, for example, the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the contents of the performance, the presence or absence of a ready-to-reach state, and the like. The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine a variation pattern by referring to variation pattern random number 1, variation pattern random number 2, and variation pattern random number 3 stored as starting memory. Further, the fluctuation pattern table includes a loss fluctuation pattern table that is selected when the result is a loss, a jackpot fluctuation pattern table that is selected when the result is a jackpot, and the like. Furthermore, these pattern tables include tables for determining the second-half fluctuation pattern that is the fluctuation pattern after reaching the reach state (such as a second-half fluctuation group table and second-half fluctuation pattern selection table), and tables for determining the fluctuation pattern before reaching the reach state. It includes tables (first half variation group table, first half variation pattern selection table, etc.) for determining first half variation patterns, which are patterns.

Here, reach (ready-to-reach state) refers to a display device that has a display state that can change, and that display device derives and displays multiple display results at different times, and that the multiple display results are determined in advance. In the gaming machine 10 in which the gaming state becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player (special gaming state) when a special result mode is reached, some of the plurality of display results have not yet been derived and displayed. This refers to a display state in which the display result that is being derived and displayed satisfies the conditions for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state means that even when the variable display control of the display device has progressed to the stage before the display results are derived and displayed, the display conditions for the special result mode have not been met. This refers to the display mode that does not exist. For example, the reach state also includes a state in which variable display is performed using a plurality of variable display areas while maintaining a state in which the special result format is complete (so-called full rotation reach). Furthermore, the reach state is the display state at the point when the display control of the display device has progressed to the stage before the display results are derived and displayed, and is determined before the display results are derived and displayed. A display state in which at least some of the display results of a plurality of variable display areas satisfy the conditions for the special result mode.

Therefore, for example, a decorative special figure variable display game displayed on a display device in response to a special figure variable display game may vary a plurality of pieces of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right variable display areas of the display device. After displaying, if the variable display is to be stopped in the order of left, right, and center to display the result mode, the left and right variable display areas will display a state that meets the conditions for the special result mode (for example, The state in which the variable display stops with the same identification information is the reach state. In addition, when the variable display in all variable display areas is temporarily stopped, any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas meet the conditions for special result mode (for example, when the same The state that has become the identification information (excluding the special result mode) may be set as the ready-to-reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be displayed in a variable manner from this ready-to-reach state.

This reach state includes multiple reach performances, and the reach performances with different possibilities of deriving special results (different expected values) include normal reach (N reach), special 1 reach (SP1 reach), Special 2 Reach (SP2 Reach), Special 3 Reach (SP3 Reach), and Premier Reach are set. Note that the expected values increase in the order of "No reach" < "Normal reach" < "Special 1 reach" < "Special 2 reach" < "Special 3 reach" < "Premier reach". Moreover, this reach state is included in the variable display mode at least when a special result mode is derived in the special symbol variable display game (when it becomes a jackpot). That is, it may be included in the variable display mode when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when the result is a loss). Therefore, a state in which a ready-to-win state occurs is a state in which there is a higher possibility of a jackpot than in a case in which a ready-to-reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes the game control program in the ROM 111B, generates control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the production control device 300, generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoid and display device, and operates the game machine. Controls the entire 10. In addition, although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 111 uses a jackpot random number for determining the hit in the special figure variation display game, a jackpot symbol random number for determining the jackpot symbol, and a variation pattern (various types) in the special figure variation display game. Random number generation circuit for generating variable pattern random numbers for determining the reach (including the execution time of the variable display game in variable display without reach and non-reach), random number for determining the hit of the regular figure variable display game, etc. Based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113, a clock generator generates a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds (ms)) to the CPU 111A and a clock that provides the update timing of the random number generation circuit. We are prepared.

Further, in the processing related to the special figure variation display game, the CPU 111A acquires any one variation pattern table from among the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (hit (big hit or small hit) or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game and the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current gaming state. one of the plurality of variation pattern tables is selected based on the operating state (time-saving operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as the current gaming state, the number of starting memories, etc. and obtain it. Here, the CPU 111A serves as a fluctuation distribution information acquisition means for acquiring any one of the plurality of fluctuation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B when executing the special figure fluctuation display game.

The payout control device 200 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, input interface, output interface, etc., and controls the payout motor of the payout unit provided in the gaming machine 10 according to the prize ball payout command (command and data) from the game control device 100. Control is performed to drive the ball and pay out the prize ball. Further, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on a ball rental request signal from the card unit of the ball rental machine attached to the gaming machine 10, and performs control for paying out rental balls. .

The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a starting opening 1 switch 36a in the starting winning opening 36, a starting opening 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the regular figure starting gate 34, and a winning opening switch. 35a, is connected to the special variable winning device 38, 95's big winning opening switch 38a, and the special area switch 38e of the special variable winning device 95, and is supplied with negative logic such that the high level is 11V and the low level is 7V. An interface chip (proximity I/F) 121 is provided which inputs a signal and converts it into a positive logic signal of 0V to 5V. A detection signal from the board radio wave sensor 62 that detects the emission of radio waves to the gaming machine 10 is also input to this proximity I/F 121. In addition, since the input range of the proximity I/F 121 is 7V-11V, the lead wires of sensors and proximity switches may be improperly shorted, the sensors or switches may be removed from the connectors, or the lead wires may be cut. It is configured to be able to detect an abnormal state such as floating, and output an abnormality detection signal.

In addition, to explain the winning opening switch 35a, in FIG. 3, the winning opening switch 35a is shown as one block, but in reality, there are a plurality of (n) winning opening switches 35a (three in this embodiment). are provided on the game board 30, and respective signals are input to the proximity I/F 121 through different signal lines. In addition, although the big winning opening switch 38a is shown as one block in FIG. 3, in reality, a plurality (x) of big winning opening switches 38a (three in this embodiment) are provided on the game board 30. It is being Then, these plurality of big prize opening switches 38a are connected by different signal lines, or wired OR ( It is connected to the gaming control device 100 using a method called (wired OR). The board radio wave sensor 62 and the magnetic sensor 61 which will be described later may also be connected by a plurality of different signal lines, or may be similarly connected to the game control device 100 by a method called wired or.

The output of the proximity I/F 121 is supplied to the second input port 123 or the third input port 124 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. In addition, among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signals of the starting port 1 switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a, the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, the big winning port switch 38a, and the specific area switch 38e are the second It is input to the input port 123. In addition, the signal outputs (outputs from the proximity I/F 121) of the starting port 1 switch 36a and starting port 2 switch 37a, which are the starting port switches of special map 1, are shown as one signal line in Figure 3. However, there are actually two.

Further, among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121 , a detection signal from the panel radio wave sensor 62 and an abnormality detection signal output when an abnormality in a sensor or switch is detected are input to the third input port 124 . The third input port 124 also includes a detection signal from a magnetic sensor 61 for fraud detection provided on the front frame 12 etc. of the gaming machine 10, and a glass frame open detection switch provided on the glass frame 15 etc. of the gaming machine 10. 63 detection signal, detection signal of the main body frame open detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (main body frame) 12 etc. of the gaming machine 10, detection signal of the setting value change switch 126, detection signal of the setting key switch 127, payout control A touch switch signal from the device 200 (a signal based on an input from a touch switch provided on the operating section 24) is input.

Further, among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the output to the second input port 123 is also supplied from the gaming control device 100 to a test shooting test device (not shown) via the relay board 70. Furthermore, among the outputs of the proximity I/F 121, the detection signals of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a are configured to be input to the gaming microcomputer 111 in addition to the second input port 123.

As described above, the proximity I/F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, a voltage of 12V is supplied to the proximity I/F 121 from the power supply device 400 in addition to the voltage such as 5V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

The data held by the second input port 123 is determined by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the second input port 123 and asserting a chip enable signal CE (Chip Enable) (not shown) (valid level). It can be read by changing the The same applies to the third input port 124 and the first input port 122, which will be described later.

The input unit 120 also includes a detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 and a frame radio wave fraud signal from the payout control device 200 (a signal output based on the frame radio wave sensor provided on the front frame 12 detecting radio waves). ), payout busy signal (signal indicating whether the payout control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands), payout abnormal status signal (status signal indicating payout abnormality), shoot ball out switch signal (signal indicating whether or not the payout control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands), shoot ball out switch signal (signal indicating whether the payout control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands), shoot ball out switch signal (signal indicating whether or not the payout control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands), payout abnormal status signal (status signal indicating a payout abnormality) Overflow switch signal (signal output when it is detected that the lower tray 23 has more than a predetermined amount of game balls stored (full)), out ball detection switch signal (output ball detection signal) A first input port 122 is provided that takes in a signal output when a ball is detected and supplies it to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140.

The out ball detection switch signal is a signal output from the out sensor (not shown) every time the out sensor (not shown) detects one out ball of the gaming machine 10. For example, the out ball detection switch signal is provided in a discharge channel (not shown) between a discharge port (not shown) for discharging game balls (out balls) from the gaming machine 10 and the out port 30a. The out ball detection switch signal is used to calculate the gaming performance (for example, base) per predetermined operation (for example, 60,000 out balls), and the calculated gaming performance is displayed on the performance display device 135. Note that the out ball detection switch signal may be input to the production control device 300. In that case, the out ball detection switch signal may be used to determine the operating state, which is a trigger for switching to a game production or customer waiting screen display. For example, the performance display device 135 is a 4-digit, 7-segment LED, and can display gaming performance in decimal or hexadecimal.

Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 may be provided with a vibration sensor switch that detects vibrations, and a detection signal from the vibration sensor switch may be input to the first input port 122 or the third input port 124.

In addition, the game control device 100 is provided with a Schmitt buffer 125 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 and the like. It has the function of removing noise from the signal. A power failure monitoring signal from the power supply device 400 and an initialization switch signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 are once input to the first input port 122 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. In other words, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signals from the various switches described above. This is because there is a limit to the number of terminals provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 that receive signals from the outside.

On the other hand, the reset signal RESET from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt buffer 125 is directly input to the reset terminal provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 and is also supplied to each port of the output section 130. In addition, the reset signal RESET is outputted directly to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the sight-fire test signal held in a port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the sight-fire test equipment. is configured to do so. Further, the reset signal RESET may be configured to be able to be output to the sight test equipment via the relay board 70. Note that the reset signal RESET is not supplied to the first to third input ports 122, 123, and 124 of the input section 120. The data set in each port of the output section 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RESET is input needs to be reset to prevent system malfunction. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from each port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 111 is reset.

The output unit 130 is provided with a Schmitt buffer 132 arranged in a communication path from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the performance control device 300 and a communication path from the gaming microcomputer 111 to the payout control device 200. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the production control device 300 and the payout control device 200 by serial communication. Incidentally, the serial communication from the game control device 100 to the production control device 300 and the payout control device 200 is a one-way communication in which a signal cannot be input from the production control device 300 side to the game control device 100.

Furthermore, the output unit 130 is connected to a data bus 140 and sends data to inform a test shooting test device of an accredited organization (not shown) of special symbol information of a variable display game, a signal indicating a jackpot probability state, etc. via a relay board 70. The output buffer 133 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 133 is a component that is not mounted on the game control device (main board) of a pachinko game machine that is an actual machine (mass-produced and sold product) installed in a game parlor. Note that a detection signal of a switch that does not require processing, such as a starting port switch, outputted from the proximity I/F 121 is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 133.

On the other hand, detection signals such as those from the magnetic sensor 61 and the panel radio wave sensor 62 that cannot be directly supplied to the test shooting test device are once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information, so that, for example, when the gaming machine An error signal indicating an uncontrollable state is supplied from the data bus 140 to the test firing test device via the buffer 133 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 133 and supplies it to the sight test equipment, and a connector that relays and transmits the signal line of the switch detection signal without going through the buffer. ing. A chip enable signal CE (not shown) output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selectively controlled by the chip enable signal CE is supplied to the test firing test device. It looks like this.

The output unit 130 also includes opening/closing data of the special variable winning hole 1 solenoid 38b that is connected to the data bus 140 and opens and closes the opening/closing member 38c of the special variable winning device 38 (big winning hole 1), and the opening/closing data of the special variable winning device 95 (big winning hole 1). The opening/closing data of the big winning opening 2 solenoid 95b that opens and closing the opening/closing member 95c of the winning opening 2), the opening/closing data of the normal electric solenoid 37c that opens and closes the movable member 37b of the normal variable winning device 37, and the display data of the performance display device 135. A first output port 134a is provided for outputting.

The output unit 130 is also provided with a second output port 134b for outputting display data of the probability setting value display device 136. The output unit 130 also includes a third output port 134c for outputting on/off data of the segment line to which the anode terminal of the LED is connected according to the content to be displayed on the collective display device 50; A fourth output port 134d is provided for outputting on/off data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED is connected.

Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a fifth output port 134e for outputting information regarding the gaming machine 10, such as jackpot information, to the external information terminal board 71. The external information terminal board 71 is equipped with a photorelay, and can be connected to, for example, an external device installed in a gaming parlor (an information collection terminal, an internal management device (hall computer), etc. of the gaming parlor), and is capable of transmitting information regarding the gaming machine 10. can be supplied to an external device via a photorelay. Note that part of the information supplied to the external device is output from the fourth output port 134d. Further, a firing permission signal is also output from the fifth output port 134e to the payout control device 200 via the Schmitt buffer 132.

Furthermore, the output unit 130 includes a first driver that receives the opening/closing data signals of the big prize opening solenoid 38b, the specific area solenoid 38d, and the general voltage solenoid 37c output from the first output port 134a, and generates and outputs a solenoid drive signal. (Drive circuit) 138a, a second driver 138b that outputs an on/off drive signal for the segment line on the current supply side of the display device 50 outputted from the third output port 134c, a batch outputted from the fourth output port 134d A third driver 138c outputs an on/off drive signal for the digit line on the current drawing side of the display device 50, and an external information signal is externally supplied from the fifth output port 134e and the fourth output port 134d to an external device such as a management device. A fourth driver 138d outputs to the information terminal board 71, and a fifth driver 138e receives the display data signal of the performance display device 135 output from the first output port 134a, generates and outputs a drive signal for the performance display device 135. It is being

The first driver 138a is supplied with DC 32V as a power supply voltage from the power supply device 400 in order to drive a solenoid that operates at 32V. Further, DC 12V is supplied to the second driver 138b that drives the segment lines of the batch display device 50. The third driver 138c that drives the digit line is for drawing out the digit line according to display data with a current, so the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V.

The second driver 138b that outputs 12V causes current to flow into the anode terminal of the LED via the segment line, and the third driver 138c that outputs the ground potential draws current from the cathode terminal via the segment line, thereby achieving a dynamic drive system. The power supply voltage flows to the LEDs sequentially selected in , and the LEDs are turned on. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal board 71 is supplied with DC 12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. In addition, the buffer 133, the first output port 134a, the first driver 138a, etc. may be provided on the output section 130 of the gaming control device 100, that is, not on the main board but on the relay board 70 side. Further, the performance display device 135, or the fifth driver 138e and the performance display device 135 may be provided on the output section 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the external board (not shown) instead of the main board. .

Further, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as the identification code and program of each gaming machine to an external inspection device 490. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be able to communicate with the gaming microcomputer 111 and the inspection device 490 so that data can be transmitted and received through serial communication. In addition, since the transmission and reception of such data is carried out using the serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 like a normal general-purpose microprocessor, ports such as the first to third input ports 122, 123, and 124 are Not provided.

Next, the configuration of the production control device 300 will be explained using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the production control device of the first embodiment.
The production control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 made of an amusement chip (IC) like the gaming microcomputer 111, and a main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 for displaying images on the display device 41 according to commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311. It is equipped with a VDP (Video Display Processor) 312 as a graphic processor that performs image processing, and a sound source LSI 314 that controls the output of sound to reproduce various melodies, sound effects, etc. from the speakers 19a and 19b.

The main control microcomputer 311 includes a PROM 321 consisting of a PROM (programmable read only memory) that stores programs executed by the CPU and various data, and a RAM 322 that provides a work area, which can retain stored contents even when power is not supplied during a power outage. A FeRAM (Ferroelectric RAM) 323 and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 338, which serves as a timekeeping means for generating information indicating the current date and time (year, month, day, day of the week, time, etc.), are connected. Note that a RAM 311a that provides a work area is also provided inside the main control microcomputer 311. Further, a WDT (watchdog timer) circuit 324 is connected to the main control microcomputer 311. The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands (performance commands) from the gaming microcomputer 111, determines the content of the production, and instructs the VDP 312 to output video content, instructs the sound source LSI 314 to reproduce sound, and issues decorative lamps. It performs processing such as lighting the lights, controlling the drive of motors and solenoids, and managing performance time.

The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM 312a that provides a work area and a scaler 312b for enlarging and reducing images. Also connected to the VDP 312 are an image ROM 325 that stores character images and video data, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM 326 that is used to develop and process image data such as characters read from the image ROM 325. has been done.

Although not particularly limited, the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 312 are configured to transmit and receive data in parallel. By sending and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be sent in a shorter time than in serial.

From the VDP 312 to the main control microcomputer 311, a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC for synchronizing the lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the glass frame 15 and the game board 30 with the image on the display device 41, and a synchronization signal for providing data transmission timing. STS is input. Note that the VDP 312 notifies the main control microcomputer 311 that it is waiting to receive interrupt signals INT0 to INT0-n and commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311 to notify processing status such as completion of drawing to the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT and the like for this purpose are also input.

The production control device 300 is provided with a signal conversion circuit 313 that generates a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 using an LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) method. Video data, a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, and a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC are input from the VDP 312 to the signal conversion circuit 313, and the video generated by the VDP 312 is sent to the display device 41 via the signal conversion circuit 313. Is displayed.

An audio ROM 327 in which audio data is stored is connected to the audio source LSI 314 . The main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are connected via an address/data bus 340. Further, an interrupt signal INT is input from the sound source LSI 314 to the main control microcomputer 311. The production control device 300 is provided with an amplifier circuit 337 consisting of an audio power amplifier and the like that drives the upper speaker 19a provided on the glass frame 15 and the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame 12. The generated sound is output from the upper speaker 19a and the lower speaker 19b via the amplifier circuit 337.

Further, the production control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I/F) 331 that receives commands transmitted from the game control device 100. Via this command I/F 331, a production control command signal (production command ). The gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 operates at DC5V, and the main control microcomputer 311 of the production control device 300 operates at DC3.3V, so the command I/F 331 is provided with a signal level conversion function. There is.

The performance control device 300 also includes a board decoration LED control circuit 332 that drives and controls a board decoration device 46 having LEDs (light emitting diodes) etc. provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), and a glass frame 15. A frame decoration LED control circuit 333 that drives and controls a frame decoration device (for example, the frame decoration device 18, etc.) having an LED (light emitting diode) provided in the game board 30 (including the center case 40); A board performance movable body control circuit 334 is provided that drives and controls the performance device 44 (for example, a movable accessory that cooperates with the performance display on the display device 41 to enhance the performance effect). These control circuits 332 to 334 that drive and control lamps, motors, solenoids, etc. are connected to the main control microcomputer 311 via an address/data bus 340. Note that even if the glass frame 15 is provided with a frame effect device equipped with a drive source such as a motor (for example, a motor that operates a device for effect), and a frame effect movable body control circuit is provided to drive and control the frame effect device. good.

Furthermore, the performance control device 300 includes a performance button switch 25a of the performance button 25, a setting switch 29a of the option setting section 29, and a performance accessory switch 47 (performance motor switch) that detects the initial position of the motor in the board performance device 44. A function that detects the on/off state of the switch) and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311, and a function that detects the state of the volume control switch 335 provided in the production control device 300 and sends the detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311. A switch input circuit 336 having a function of inputting a signal is provided. In FIG. 4, each switch of the option setting section 29 is collectively represented as a setting switch 29a for convenience, but in detail, the state of each of the above-mentioned switches (cross cursor switch, center switch, attached switch) is determined by the switch input circuit. 336 so as to be detected individually, and a detection signal indicating each state of each switch is input to the main control microcomputer 311, respectively.

The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply device 400 is used to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the production control device 300 having the above-described configuration and the electronic components controlled thereby, and to drive a motor or a solenoid. In addition to DC 32 V for driving the display device 41 consisting of a liquid crystal panel, DC 12 V for driving the motor and LED, and DC 5 V as the power supply voltage for the command I/F 331, it also generates DC 15 V for driving the motor, LED, and speaker. is configured to do so. Furthermore, when using an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3V or 1.2V as the main control microcomputer 311, the DC- A DC converter is provided in the production control device 300. Note that the DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply section 410.

The reset signal generated by the control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply device 400 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 311 to put the device in a reset state. Also, in the form of output from the main control microcomputer 311, it is supplied to the VDP 312 (VDPRESET signal), the sound source LSI 314 and amplifier circuit 337 (SNDRESET signal), and the control circuits 332 to 334 (IORESET signal) that drive and control lamps, motors, etc. and put them in the reset state. Further, a cooling fan 45 for cooling various parts of the gaming machine 10 is connected to the production control device 300, and the cooling FAN 45 is driven when the production control device 300 is powered on. Moreover, the circuit board that constitutes the production control device 300 corresponds to a sub-control board (also referred to as a sub-board).

Next, game control performed in these control circuits will be explained.
The CPU 111A of the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 extracts a random number value for determining the hit of a common figure based on the input of the game ball detection signal from the gate switch 34a provided in the common figure starting gate 34, and stores it in the ROM 111B. A process is performed to determine the success or failure of the normal pattern fluctuation display game by comparing it with the determination value stored in . Then, after displaying identification symbols (identification information) in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time on the common symbol display section 55 of the collective display device 50, a process is performed to display a common symbol variation display game in which the identification symbols (identification information) are stopped and displayed. If the result of this normal pattern fluctuation display game is a win, special result modes corresponding to each of the first to third winning stop symbols are displayed on the normal pattern display section 55, and the general pattern solenoid 37c is operated to perform control to open the movable member 37b of the normal variable winning device 37 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds or 1.7 seconds) as described above. That is, the game control device 100 serves as conversion control execution means for controlling the conversion of the conversion member (movable member 37b). In addition, when the result of the normal pattern fluctuation display game is a loss, control is performed to display the result pattern of the loss on the general pattern display section 55.

In addition, the starting prize (starting memory) is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the starting opening 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning opening 36, and based on this starting memory, the first special figure fluctuation display game is started. A random value for determining a jackpot is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111B to perform a process of determining whether the first special symbol fluctuation display game is a hit or a miss. In addition, a starting memory is stored based on the input of the game ball detection signal from the starting port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variable winning device 37, and based on this starting memory, the jackpot determination of the second special figure variable display game is performed. The random number value is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B to perform a process of determining whether the second special symbol fluctuation display game is successful or not.

Then, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (production control command, production command) including the determination results of the first special symbol variation display game and the second special symbol variation display game to the production control device 300. do. Then, a process of displaying a special symbol variation display game in which identification symbols (identification information) are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time on the special symbol 1 symbol display section 53 and the special symbol 2 symbol display section 54 of the batch display device 50 and then stopped. will be carried out. That is, the game control device 100 constitutes a game control means that controls the progress of the variable display game based on winning of the game ball flowing down the game area 32 into the starting winning area (starting winning opening 36, normal variable winning device 37). .

In addition, the performance control device 300 performs a process of displaying a decorative special figure variable display game corresponding to the special figure variable display game on the display device 41 based on the control signal from the game control device 100. Furthermore, the performance control device 300 performs processing such as setting the performance state, outputting sound from the speakers 19a and 19b, and controlling light emission of various LEDs, based on control signals from the game control device 100. That is, the performance control device 300 constitutes a performance control means that controls the performance related to games (variable display games, etc.).

Then, when the result of the special pattern fluctuation display game is a jackpot or small win, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode and small hit result mode in the special pattern 1 symbol display section 53 and the special symbol 2 symbol display section 54. is displayed, and a process for generating a special game state or a small win game state (that is, a process for executing a special game or a small win game) is performed. In the process of generating a special game state when the result of the first special figure variable display game or the second special figure variable display game becomes a jackpot, the CPU 111A controls the special variable winning device 38 by using the big winning opening solenoid 38b, for example. Control is performed to open the opening/closing member 38c and allow the game ball to flow into the grand prize opening. In this special game state, the CPU 111A determines whether a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) enter the grand prize opening, or a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the opening of the grand prize opening. One round is defined as opening the big prize opening until the big prize is achieved, and control (cycle game) is performed to continue (repeat) this a predetermined number of rounds. In addition, a small hit game state is generated when the result of the first special pattern fluctuation display game (special pattern 1 fluctuation display game) or the second special pattern fluctuation display game (special pattern 2 fluctuation display game) is a small win. In the process, the CPU 111A controls, for example, to open the opening/closing member 38c of the special variable winning device 38 by the big winning hole solenoid 38b, and to enable the game ball to flow into the big winning hole.

The opening/closing operation pattern (opening/closing operation mode) of the big prize opening performed in these small winning game states is, for example, an operation of maintaining the opening/closing member in the open state for 200 msec four times at 1500 msec intervals. In this way, the game control device 100 constitutes a big winning opening/closing control means that controls opening/closing of the big winning opening when the stop result mode becomes the special result mode. Further, when the result of the special pattern variation display game is a loss, the CPU 111A performs control to display the result pattern of the loss on the special pattern 1 pattern display section 53 and the special pattern 2 pattern display section 54 of the batch display device 50.

Furthermore, although the game control device 100 of the first embodiment does not perform probability fluctuations in the special figure fluctuation display game, it may perform probability fluctuations in the symbol fluctuation display game. For example, the game control device 100 is capable of generating a high probability state as a game state after the end of the special game state based on the result aspect of the special symbol fluctuation display game. This high probability state is a state in which the probability of a winning result in the special symbol variable display game is higher than in the normal probability state. In addition, even if a high probability state is achieved based on the result of either the first special figure variation display game or the second special figure variation display game, the first special figure variation display game or the second special figure variation display game Both of the variable display games are in a high probability state.

In addition, the game control device 100 is capable of generating a time saving state (specific game state, normal pattern high probability state) as a game state after the end of the special game state based on the result aspect of the special symbol fluctuation display game. In this time saving state, the probability of a winning result in the general pattern fluctuation display game (normal pattern probability) is set to a high probability (normal pattern high probability state) higher than the normal probability (normal pattern low probability state) of 0. is possible. As a result, control is performed so that the open time of the normal variable winning device 37 per unit time is longer than when the normal variable winning device 37 is in the normal pattern low probability state. Here, in the normal variable winning device 37 in this embodiment, the normal winning probability is set to "0" so as not to release the movable member 37b in the normal gaming state.

In addition, in the time saving state, the execution time of the general pattern fluctuation display game (normal pattern fluctuation time) is, for example, 500 msec, and the general pattern stop time for displaying the result of the general pattern fluctuation display game is, for example, 600 msec, When the normal variable prize display game results in a winning result and the normal variable winning device 37 is released, the opening time of the first winning stop symbol (normal power opening time) and the number of openings (for example, 500 msec x 1 time), The opening time of the second winning stop symbol (normal power opening time) and the number of openings (for example, 1700 msec x 2 times), the opening time of the third winning stop symbol (normal power opening time) and the number of openings (for example, 1700 msec x 2 times) 3 times).

In addition, in order to control the general figure fluctuation display game and the ordinary variable winning device 37 to be in a time-saving operation state, the execution time of the ordinary figure fluctuation display game, the ordinary figure stop time, the number of times the ordinary electric current is opened, and the ordinary electric current opening time are set as appropriate. For example, in the time saving state, it is possible to control the execution time (general pattern fluctuation time) of the above-mentioned general pattern fluctuation display game to become a second variable display time that is shorter than the first variable display time. (For example, 10000 msec is 1000 msec). In addition, in the time saving state, it is possible to control the general figure stop time for displaying the result of the ordinary figure fluctuation display game to be a second stop time that is shorter than the first stop time (for example, 1604 msec is shorter than the first stop time). 704 msec). In addition, in the time saving state, when the normal variable winning device 37 is opened due to a winning result in the normal pattern fluctuation display game, the opening time (normal power opening time) is changed to the normal state (normal pattern low probability state). It is possible to control the second opening time to be longer than the first opening time (for example, 100 msec to 1352 msec). In addition, in the time saving state, the number of openings of the normal variable prize winning device 37 (the number of openings of the normal power) is greater than the first number of openings (for example, two times) for one winning result of the general figure fluctuation display game. It is possible to set the second opening number to a number of times (for example, four times). In addition, in the time saving state, the probability of a winning result in the general pattern fluctuation display game (normal pattern probability) is set to a higher value than the normal probability (normal pattern low probability state, for example, 1/251) in the normal operation state. It is possible to set the probability (normal figure high probability state, for example, 250/251).

In the short time state, the normal fluctuation winning device 37 is brought into the open state by changing one or more of the normal figure fluctuation time, the normal figure stop time, the number of times the normal power is opened, the normal power open time, and the common figure probability. Allow more time to convert than usual. It is also possible to set multiple types of time-saving states in which different things are changed. Furthermore, when a win occurs, either the first opening mode or the second opening mode may be selected. In this case, the selection probabilities for the first opening mode and the second opening mode may be different. Further, the high probability state and the time saving state can be generated independently, and both can be generated simultaneously, or only one of them can be generated. Further, the time saving state can also be referred to as a general power support state (during general power support or during power support).

Next, the configuration of the batch display device will be explained using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the batch display device according to the first embodiment. The collective display device 50 includes a 7-segment LED_d1, a 7-segment LED_d2, and 16 LEDs from LED_d3 to LED_d18. The collective display device 50 displays various statuses by lighting the 7-segment LED_d1, the 7-segment LED_d2, and the LED_d3 to LED_d18.

The collective display device 50 distributes various status display functions to the 7-segment LED_d1, the 7-segment LED_d2, and the LED_d3 to the LED_d18, thereby displaying a round display section 51, a special figure 1 pending display section 52, and a special figure 1 symbol display section 53. , a special symbol 2 symbol display section 54, a regular symbol symbol display section 55, a regular symbol reservation display section 56, a status display section 57, and a special symbol 2 reservation display section 58. The round display section 51 displays the number of rounds in the special figure game by the lighting manner of four LEDs from LED_d3 to LED_d6. The special figure 1 reservation display section 52 displays the number of reservations in the special figure 1 game by the lighting mode of two LEDs, LED_d11 and LED_d12. The special figure 1 symbol display section 53 displays the symbols in the special figure 1 game by the lighting manner of the 8 LEDs (7 segment LEDs and 1 dot LED) of the 7 segment LED_d1. The special figure 2 symbol display section 54 displays the symbols in the special figure 2 game by the lighting manner of eight LEDs (seven segment LEDs and one dot LED) of the 7 segment LED_d2. The common pattern symbol display section 55 displays the symbols in the common pattern game by the lighting modes of three LEDs, LED_d8, LED_d10, and LED_d18. The standard figure reservation display section 56 displays the number of pending figures in the standard figure game by the lighting mode of two LEDs, LED_d15 and LED_d16. The status display unit 57 displays the gaming status in the special figure game by the lighting manner of three LEDs, LED_d7, LED_d9, and LED_d17. The special figure 2 reservation display section 58 displays the number of reservations in the special figure 2 game by the lighting mode of two LEDs, LED_d13 and LED_d14.

The control of a gaming machine that plays such a game will be explained below. First, the control executed by the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 will be explained. The control processing by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly consists of a main processing and a timer interrupt processing performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing]
First, the main processing of the game control device of the first embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 6 to 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram (part 1) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram (part 2) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram (Part 3) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram (part 4) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram (part 5) showing a flowchart of the main processing of the first embodiment.

The main process is started by the control unit (gaming microcomputer 111) when the power is turned on. In this main process, first, a process for disabling interrupts (step S1) is performed, and then a stack pointer setting process is performed for setting the stack pointer, which is the start address of the area where the values of registers etc. are saved when an interrupt occurs. (Step S2) is performed. Next, register bank 0 is designated (step S3), and the upper address of the RAM start address is set in a predetermined register (eg, D register) (step S4). The address range of the RAM 111C is 0000h to 01FFh, with the upper one being 00h or 01h. In step S4, 00h at the beginning of the address range of the RAM 111C is set.

Next, a firing stop signal is output and the firing permission signal is set to a prohibited state (step S5). The firing permission signal is set to a prohibited state when at least one of the game control device 100 and the payout control device 200 outputs a signal to stop firing, and firing of game balls is prohibited.

After that, the state of input port 1 (first input port 122) is read into the first register (for example, B register) (step S6), and then the state of input port 3 (third input port 124) is read into the second register (for example, C register) (step S7).

Here, a predetermined bit of the first register is masked and other bits are cleared (step S8). For example, only the second bit of the B register corresponding to the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 is held, and the 0th bit, the 1st bit, and the 3rd to 7th bits are cleared. Then, a predetermined bit of the second register is masked and other bits are cleared (step S9). For example, only the fourth bit of the C register corresponding to the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 is held, and the 0th to 3rd bits and the 5th to 7th bits are cleared.

The information in the first register is integrated into the second register, and the information held in the second register is held as reference information that does not rely on the RAM 111C (step S10). For example, the logical sum of the B register and the C register is stored in the C register, and the C register is held as a status reference register.

For example, the value "00000000B" of the status reference register (C register) is "0" with the 0th bit, 1st bit, 3rd bit, 5th bit to 7th bit cleared, and the 2nd bit is cleared. This indicates that the fourth bit is "0", which corresponds to the ON detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112, and the fourth bit is "0", which corresponds to the ON detection signal from the setting key switch 127. That is, the value "00000000B" of the state reference register indicates a setting change state in which the RAM initialization switch 112 is on (ON) and the setting key switch 127 is on (ON).

In addition, the value "00010000B" of the status reference register is "0" with the 0th bit, 1st bit, 3rd bit, 5th bit to 7th bit cleared, and the 2nd bit is the RAM initialization switch. The fourth bit is "0" corresponding to the ON detection signal from the setting key switch 112, and "1" corresponding to the detection signal OFF from the setting key switch 127. That is, the value "00010000B" of the state reference register indicates a RAM initialization state in which the RAM initialization switch 112 is on (ON) and the setting key switch 127 is off (OFF).

In addition, the value "00000100B" of the status reference register is "0" with the 0th bit, 1st bit, 3rd bit, 5th bit to 7th bit cleared, and the 2nd bit is the RAM initialization switch. The fourth bit is "1" corresponding to the off detection signal from the setting key switch 112 and "0" corresponding to the on detection signal from the setting key switch 127. That is, the value "00000100B" of the state reference register indicates a setting confirmation state in which the RAM initialization switch 112 is off (OFF) and the setting key switch 127 is on (ON).

In addition, the value "00010100B" of the status reference register is "0" with the 0th bit, 1st bit, 3rd bit, 5th bit to 7th bit cleared, and the 2nd bit is the RAM initialization switch. The fourth bit is “1” corresponding to the off detection signal from the setting key switch 112, and indicates that the fourth bit is “1” corresponding to the off detection signal from the setting key switch 127. That is, the value "00010100B" of the state reference register indicates a power recovery (recovery from power outage) state in which the RAM initialization switch 112 is off (OFF) and the setting key switch 127 is off (OFF).

As a result, the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 and the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 are held in the C register. Note that the storage position (second bit) of the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 in the B register and the storage position (fourth bit) of the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 in the C register are different. Even with the logical sum of the registers, the detection signal from the RAM initialization switch 112 and the detection signal from the setting key switch 127 are saved without being lost.

Thereafter, a process of setting a power-on delay timer is performed (step S11). In this process, by setting a predetermined initial value, the slave control means (for example, the payout control device 200, the production control device 300, etc.) that performs various controls according to instructions from the game control device 100, which is the main control device A waiting time (for example, 3 seconds) is set for waiting for the program of the slave control device to start normally. Thereby, when the power is turned on, it is possible to avoid the case where the gaming control device 100 starts up first and sends a command to the slave control means before the slave control means starts up, and the slave control means misses the command. . That is, the game control device 100 serves as a standby means that sets a predetermined standby time for delaying the activation of the main control means and waiting for the activation of the slave control means when the power is turned on.

In addition, the power-on delay timer measures time using a storage area that is not subject to validity determination (checksum calculation) of data held in the RAM area (RAM area or register that is not subject to validity determination). Thereby, when calculating check data such as a checksum of the RAM area, it is not necessary to exclude a part of the RAM area, so that control at power-on can be prevented from becoming complicated.

Note that the second register (C register) is designed to store the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112, but by storing it before the start of the waiting time, the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is Operations can be saved reliably. That is, if the state of the RAM initialization switch 112 is read after the standby time has elapsed, it is possible to wait for the standby time to elapse before operating the RAM initialization switch 112, or to operate the RAM initialization switch 112 from power-on to the elapse of the standby time. It is necessary to continue operating 112. However, by reading the status before the start of the standby time, it is possible to detect the operation immediately after the power is turned on without having to perform such troublesome operations. It is possible to prevent situations in which the customer's request is not accepted.

Furthermore, the second register (C register) is designed to store the detection signal of the setting key switch 127, and by storing it before the start of the standby time, the operation of the setting key switch 127 can be performed. Can be detected reliably. That is, if the state of the setting key switch 127 is read after the standby time has elapsed, it is possible to wait for the standby time to elapse before operating the setting key switch 127, or to operate the setting key switch 127 from the time the power is turned on until the standby time elapses. You need to keep doing it. However, by reading the status before the start of the standby time, the operation can be detected immediately after the power is turned on without having to perform such troublesome operations, and the settings change operation or It is possible to prevent a situation where a setting confirmation operation is not accepted.

Next, after performing a process (step S11) to set a power-on delay timer (for example, about 3 seconds), a process of measuring the standby time and monitoring the occurrence of a power outage during the standby time (steps S12 to S16) will be carried out. First, the number of times (for example, twice) to read and check the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply 400 via the port and data bus is set (step S12), and it is determined whether the power failure monitoring signal is on or not. A determination is made (step S13).

If the power outage monitoring signal is on (step S13; Y), it is determined whether the on state of the power outage monitoring signal continues for the number of times of checks set in step S12 (step S14). If the power failure monitoring signal does not remain on for the number of checks (step S14; N), the process returns to step S13 to determine whether the power failure monitoring signal is on. In addition, if the power outage monitoring signal continues to be on for the number of times of checks (step S14; Y), that is, if it is determined that a power outage has occurred, wait until the power to the gaming machine 10 is shut off. . In this way, by determining that a power outage has occurred when the power outage monitoring signal continues to be received for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to prevent false detection of a power outage due to noise, etc., and to appropriately deal with problems when the power is turned on. be able to.

That is, the game control device 100 serves as a power outage monitoring means that monitors the occurrence of a power outage during a predetermined standby time. As a result, it is possible to cope with a power outage that occurs during a period in which the startup of the game control device 100 serving as the main control means is delayed, and it is possible to appropriately deal with problems when the power is turned on. Note that access to RAM111C is not permitted until the end of the standby time, and the memory contents from the previous power cut are still retained, so backup processing etc. will be performed in the event of a power outage here. There's no need. Therefore, even if a power outage occurs during the standby time, there is no need to back up the RAM 111C, and the burden on control can be reduced.

On the other hand, if the power outage monitoring signal is not on (step S13; N), that is, if a power outage has not occurred, the power-on delay timer is updated by "-1" (step S15), and the timer value is set to "0". ” (step S16). If the value of the timer is not 0 (step S16; N), that is, if the standby time has not ended, the process returns to the process of setting the number of times the power failure monitoring signal is checked (step S12). Further, if the timer value is "0" (step S16; Y), that is, if the standby time has ended, access to readable and writable RWM (Read Write Memory) such as RAM 111C and EEPROM is permitted (step S16; Y). S17), outputs off data (sets no output) to all output ports (step S18).

Next, a serial port (a port pre-installed in the gaming microcomputer 111, used for communication with the production control device 300 and the payout control device 200) is set (step S19).

In step S20, processing is performed to activate a CTC circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator).

In step S21, processing is performed to set a RAM abnormality flag. Note that the RAM abnormality flag set is provisional and may be updated in a process to check for abnormalities in the RAM that is executed later.

In step S22, it is determined whether the value of the power failure test area 1 in the RWM is normal power failure test area check data 1 (for example, 5Ah). If the value of the power failure test area 1 is normal (step S22; Y), it is determined whether the value of the power failure test area 2 in the RWM is normal power failure test area check data 2 (for example, A5h) (step In S23), if the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal (Step S23; Y), a checksum calculation process (Step S24) is performed to calculate the checksum of a predetermined area in the RWM.

In addition, in the checksum calculation process, the checksum may be calculated by adding the data of the work area for game control and the data of the work area for status display, or the data of the work area for game control and the data of the status display work area may be calculated as a checksum. The checksum may be calculated separately from the data of each area, or the checksum may be calculated only from the data of the game control work area. The game control work area is a work area used for game control out of the storage area in the RWM. The status display work area is a work area of the storage area in the RWM that is used for status display.

Next, it is determined whether the checksum calculated in step S24 and the checksum at power-off match (step S25), and if it is determined that the checksums match (normal) (step S25; Y) clears the RAM abnormality flag provisionally set in step S21 (step S26).

Note that if it is determined that the checksums do not match (not normal) (step S25; N), the RAM abnormality flag provisionally set in step S21 is set by passing step S26 and proceeding to step S27. Become certain. Even if it is determined that the check data in the power outage inspection area is not normal data (step S22; N or step S23; N), the temporary setting is performed in step S21 by passing step S26 and proceeding to step S27. The RAM abnormality flag becomes deterministic.

In step S27, with reference to the second register (C register), it is determined whether the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on. If the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on, the process advances to step S33, when the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on. If it is not on, the process advances to step S28.

In addition, since the gaming control device 100 holds the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 in the second register (C register), the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch The detection signal of the switching switch 112 can be determined at the same time. In addition, since the gaming control device 100 holds the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 in the second register (C register), the settings before the validity determination of the RAM are The detection signal of the key switch 127 and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 can be determined.

In step S28, the control unit determines whether the RAM abnormality flag is on. The control unit proceeds to step S30 when the RAM abnormality flag is on (that is, when the RAM abnormality flag is set), and when the RAM abnormality flag is not on (that is, when the RAM abnormality flag is cleared). ), the process advances to step S29.

In step S29, the control unit determines whether the setting change mode flag is on. The control unit proceeds to step S48 when the setting change mode flag is on, and proceeds to step S30 when the setting change mode flag is not on.

Steps S30 to S32 are processes that are executed when the RAM is abnormal or when the power is cut off during setting and the RAM is not cleared and the system is restarted. In step S30, the control unit transmits a main abnormal error notification command to the production control device 300. Thereby, the production control device 300 performs production control corresponding to the main abnormal error notification command. For example, the production control device 300 receives a main abnormality error notification command and causes the display device 41 to display a message guiding restart with RAM clearing, or causes the speakers 19a and 19b to output sound. Further, the production control device 300 receives a main abnormal error notification command, and notifies the main abnormal error using the frame decoration device 18, the board decoration device 46, and the board presentation device 44.

In step S31, the control unit outputs the 7-segment display data when the game is stopped to the performance display device 135. At this time, the control unit can display the status corresponding to the main abnormal error on the performance display device 135. Further, the control unit outputs 7-segment display data when the game is stopped to the probability setting value display device 136. At this time, the control unit can display numerical values and characters that are not included in the probability setting value on the probability setting value display device 136. Note that the control unit may output 7-segment display data including LED display data when the game is stopped to the collective display device 50. At this time, the control unit may turn off or turn on all the lights of the collective display device 50.

In step S32, the control unit outputs the ON data of the security signal from the external information terminal board 71. At this time, the control section turns off the output data of other signals output from the external information terminal board 71. The control unit repeatedly executes step S31 and step S32 and waits for the power to be shut off. That is, the gaming machine 10 outputs the security signal from the external information terminal board 71 until the power is turned off. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 does not output any signals other than the security signal from the external information terminal board 71 until the power is turned off.

Note that the control unit does not prohibit access to the RAM in the repeated execution of steps S31 and S32 until the power is turned off. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can store a return address in the RAM when an NMI (Non-Maskable Interrupt) occurs, thereby reducing the risk of program runaway. In this way, the control unit does not protect the memory contents of the RAM during the repeated execution of steps S31 and S32 until the power is turned off by prohibiting RAM access, but clearing the RAM at the time of restart is a condition for starting game control. This limits the risk that the contents of the RAM will not be protected. That is, the gaming machine 10 has the effect of reducing the risk of program runaway while limiting the risk that the stored contents of the RAM will not be protected. Furthermore, by not prohibiting RAM access during the repeated execution of steps S31 and S32 until the power is turned off, the control unit can call subroutines in steps S31 and S32, thereby improving program efficiency. can.

Steps S33 to S36 are processes related to setting change preparation, which are executed when the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on and the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on in step S27.

In step S33, the control unit determines whether the RAM abnormality flag is on. The control unit proceeds to step S34 when the RAM abnormality flag is on, and proceeds to step S35 when the RAM abnormality flag is not on.

In step S34, the control unit clears the set value since the RAM abnormality flag is on. Note that the setting value may be cleared by setting an invalid value as the setting value, or by setting a value that is most disadvantageous for the player from the perspective of fraud prevention.

In step S35, the control unit performs a process of setting a setting change mode flag. The setting change mode flag is a flag indicating whether or not the gaming machine 10 is changing the settings. The setting change mode flag is set when the settings are being changed, and the setting change mode flag is set when the settings are not being changed. The flag is cleared (reset).

In step S36, the control unit transmits a command for changing settings to the production control device 300. Thereby, the production control device 300 performs production control corresponding to the command whose settings are being changed. For example, the production control device 300 receives a command indicating that the settings are being changed, and causes the display device 41 to display a message informing that the settings are being changed, or causes the speakers 19a and 19b to output sound. Further, the effect control device 300 receives a command indicating that the setting is being changed, and notifies the frame decoration device 18, the board decoration device 46, and the board effect device 44 that the setting is being changed.

Step S37 is a process executed after setting change preparation (steps S33 to step S36) or after setting confirmation preparation (step S49, step S50). In step S37, the control unit sets the security signal control timer to 128 ms. As a result, the gaming machine 10 outputs the security signal at least until the security signal control timer times out.

Steps S38 to S40 are processes related to waiting for the completion of setting changes or waiting for the completion of setting confirmation. The gaming machine 10 outputs and sets the security signal in step S37, so that execution of processing related to waiting for the completion of setting change or waiting for completion of setting confirmation can be ascertained from the outside.

After allowing the interrupt (step S38), the control unit refers to the second register (C register) and determines whether the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is off (step S39). The control unit proceeds to step S55 when the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is off, and proceeds to step S40 when the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is not off.

In step S40, the control unit determines whether a power outage has occurred. Note that the control unit can determine the occurrence of a power outage by continuously detecting the power outage monitoring signal for a predetermined period of time. The control unit proceeds to step S41 when a power outage has occurred, and proceeds to step S39 when a power outage has not occurred. That is, the control unit waits for the setting key to be turned off until the power outage occurs, with interrupts permitted in step S38.

When the control unit determines that a power outage has occurred, it performs a process of prohibiting interrupts (step S41) and a process of outputting off data to all output ports (step S42).
Thereafter, power failure inspection area check data 1 is saved in power failure inspection area 1 (step S43), and power failure inspection area check data 2 is saved in power failure inspection area 2 (step S44). Furthermore, after performing a checksum calculation process (step S45) to calculate the checksum at the time of power-off of the RWM and a process to save the calculated checksum in the checksum area (step S46), access to the RAM is prohibited. After performing the process (step S47), wait until the power to the gaming machine is shut off. In this way, by saving the check data in the power failure inspection area and calculating the checksum at the time of power failure, it is possible to check whether the information stored in the RWM before power failure has been correctly backed up. It can be determined when the power is turned on again.

Step S48 is executed when it is determined in step S29 that the setting change mode flag is on. In step S48, the control unit refers to the second register (C register) and determines whether the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on. The control section proceeds to step S49 when the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is on, and proceeds to step S51 when the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is not on.

Steps S49 and S50 are processes related to setting confirmation preparation. In step S49, the control unit performs a process of setting a setting confirmation mode flag. The setting confirmation mode flag is a flag indicating whether or not the gaming machine 10 is checking the settings. The setting confirmation mode flag is set when the gaming machine 10 is checking the settings, and the setting confirmation mode flag is set when the gaming machine 10 is checking the settings. The flag is cleared (reset). In step S50, the control unit transmits a setting confirmation command to the production control device 300. Thereby, the production control device 300 performs production control corresponding to the command during setting confirmation. For example, the production control device 300 receives a command indicating that the setting is being confirmed, and causes the display device 41 to display a message informing that the setting is being confirmed, or causes the speakers 19a and 19b to output sound. Further, the effect control device 300 receives a command indicating that the setting is being confirmed, and notifies the frame decoration device 18, the board decoration device 46, and the board effect device 44 that the setting is being confirmed. After this, the control section proceeds to step S37.

On the other hand, if the control unit determines in step S48 that the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is not on, it executes step S51. In step S51, the control unit refers to the second register (C register) and determines whether the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on. The control unit proceeds to step S52 when the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is on, and proceeds to step S58 when the detection signal of the RAM initialization switch 112 is not on. That is, the gaming machine 10 proceeds to execute processing related to RAM initialization (RAM clear) upon activation detection accompanied by a pressing operation of the RAM initialization switch 112, and recovers from a power failure upon activation detection accompanied by a pressing operation of the RAM initialization switch 112. Proceed to execute related processing.

Next, the processing related to RAM initialization performed after step S52 will be described. In the process related to RAM initialization, the control unit clears the RAM area other than the set value to 0 (step S52), and saves the initial value at the time of RAM initialization in the area to be initialized (step S53). For example, the control unit sets the RAM clear start address 2 as the start address when clearing the RAM, and sets the area to be cleared (gaming control work Clear the data in area) to zero.

Note that since the setting change mode flag and the setting confirmation mode flag are included in the data in the area to be cleared, they are cleared by zero-clearing the data in the area to be cleared.

In step S54, the control unit transmits a command for initializing the RAM to the production control device 300. Thereby, the effect control device 300 performs effect control corresponding to the command at the time of RAM initialization. For example, the production control device 300 receives a command when initializing the RAM, and causes the display device 41 to display a message informing that the RAM has been initialized, or causes the speakers 19a and 19b to output sound. Further, the effect control device 300 receives a command for initializing the RAM, and notifies the frame decoration device 18, the board decoration device 46, and the board effect device 44 that the RAM has been initialized.

Furthermore, if the control unit detects that the detection signal of the setting key switch 127 is off after executing the process related to waiting for the completion of setting change or waiting for the completion of setting confirmation (steps S38 to S40), the control unit executes step S55. Execute. After prohibiting interruptions (step S55), the control unit transmits a notification end command to the production control device 300 (step S56).

As a result, the production control device 300 ends the notification that the settings are being changed, which was started by receiving the setting change command, or the notification that the settings are being confirmed, which was started by receiving the settings confirmation command. .

Next, the control unit refers to the setting change mode flag and determines whether the setting change mode is in progress (step S57). If the control unit is in the setting change mode, the process proceeds to step S52 and executes processing related to RAM initialization. On the other hand, if the control unit is not in the setting change mode, the control unit proceeds to step S58 and executes processing related to power outage recovery.

In step S58, the control unit executes power failure recovery processing. The power outage recovery process saves the initial value at the time of power outage recovery in the area that should be initialized, refers to the special figure status, determines whether the special figure game is in high probability, and determines whether the special figure game is in high probability or not. In this case, the on information is saved in the high probability notification flag area, and the on data of the high probability notification LED is saved in the segment area.

Note that the areas to be initialized in the power outage recovery process are the power outage inspection area, checksum area, setting change mode flag, setting confirmation mode flag, and area related to error and fraud monitoring. In addition, in the power outage recovery process, the busy signal status area that stores the state of the payout busy signal, which is a signal indicating whether or not the payout control device 200 is in a state where it can accept commands, is also cleared, and the state of the payout busy signal is determined. It is said to be in an undefined state indicating that the Similarly, the touch switch signal state monitoring area that stores the state of the touch switch signal is also cleared and set to an undefined state indicating that the state of the touch switch signal has not been determined.

Next, the control unit transmits a power restoration command corresponding to the special figure game processing number to the production control board (production control device 300) (step S59), and proceeds to step S60. In addition, in step S59, a plurality of commands such as a model designation command, a special drawing 1 reservation number command, a special drawing 2 reservation number command, a probability information command, a probability setting value information command, and a screen designation command are transmitted. Also, depending on the model, in addition to these commands, information on the number of performances or high probability number information is transmitted. In addition, the command for specifying the screen means that the control states of the special figure 1 variable display game and the special figure 2 variable display game are both in normal processing (changing, during jackpot (first special game state), and during small hit (first special game state). 2 special game states), this is a command to instruct the display of a customer waiting demonstration screen, and in any other case, this is a command to instruct the display of a recovery screen.

In step S60, the control unit performs a process of activating and setting the random number generation circuit. After that, the values of the predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit when the power is turned on are extracted, and the corresponding various initial value random numbers (jackpot initial value random number, small hit symbol initial value random number, initial hit initial value random number, etc. After saving in a predetermined area of RWM as an initial value (start value) of the value random number, winning symbol initial value random number (step S61), interrupt is permitted (step S62).

Subsequently, the control unit performs an initial value random number update process (step S63) to update the values of various initial value random numbers and break the regularity of the random numbers. This initial value random number updating process is a process of updating (incrementing) each initial value random number by, for example, "+1". In this manner, the gaming machine 10 continues to update the initial value random number as long as time allows during the main processing, thereby increasing the randomness of the random number.

Here, the control unit once prohibits interrupts (step S64), executes performance display editing processing (step S65), and after executing the performance display editing processing, allows interrupts (step S66). The performance display editing process is a process related to base calculation and display. Since the processing load of the performance display editing process is relatively high, the control unit disables interrupts in order to derive processing results more quickly. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 ensures that the processing results of the performance display editing processing are derived before the gaming state is updated by the timer interrupt.

In step S67, the control unit determines whether a power outage has occurred. Note that the control unit can determine the occurrence of a power outage by continuously detecting the power outage monitoring signal for a predetermined period of time. The control unit proceeds to step S41 when a power outage has occurred, and proceeds to step S63 when a power outage has not occurred.

That is, the control unit repeatedly executes the processes from step S63 to step S67 unless a power outage occurs. Specifically, if a power outage has not occurred, the control unit repeatedly performs initial value random number updating processing, performance display editing processing, and checking of the power outage monitoring signal (loop processing).

By allowing interrupts (step S66) before the initial value random number update process (step S63), when a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is executed with priority. It is possible to avoid stress on interrupt processing due to the timer interrupt being made to wait for initial value random number update processing.

Similarly, by disabling interrupts (step S64) before the performance display editing process (step S65), the performance display editing process is executed with priority over timer interrupts, thereby reducing the pressure on the performance display editing process. This can be avoided.

From the above, there is a main control means (gaming control device 100) that controls games in an integrated manner, and slave control means (payout control device 200, performance control device 300) that performs various controls according to instructions from the main control means. etc.), the main control means has a standby means (game control control means) that sets a predetermined standby time for delaying the start-up of the main control means and waiting for the start-up of the slave control means when the power is turned on. device 100) and a power outage monitoring means (gaming control device 100) that monitors the occurrence of a power outage during the predetermined standby time.

Furthermore, the power supply device 400 is configured to output a power outage monitoring signal when detecting the occurrence of a power outage, and the power outage monitoring means (gaming control device 100) , it is determined that a power outage has occurred if the power outage monitoring signal continues to be received for a predetermined period of time.

In addition, the main control means (gaming control device 100) includes a RAM 111C that can store data, an initialization operation section (RAM initialization switch 112) that can be operated from the outside, and when the initialization operation section is operated. Initialization means (gaming control device 100) that initializes the data stored in the RAM 111C based on the above information is provided, and the operation state of the initialization operation section is read before the start of the standby time.

Note that the gaming control device 100 has a function (first initialization process) that distinguishes and executes initialization processing when data is abnormal (first initialization processing) and initialization processing during initialization operation (second initialization processing). 1 initialization means and second initialization means), it is possible to realize optimal and efficient initialization processing according to the situation.

In addition, the main control means (gaming control device 100) includes a RAM 111C that can store data, a setting operation section (setting value change switch 126, setting key switch 127) that can be operated from the outside, and a setting operation section that can be operated. The game machine is equipped with a setting change means (gaming control device 100) that changes the setting values stored in the RAM 111C based on the settings made, thereby making it possible to change the settings, and also includes a setting display section (probability setting value display device 136). This allows you to check the settings (setting values). In addition, the main control means (gaming control device 100) allows access to the RAM 111C after the waiting time has elapsed.

In addition, the main control means (gaming control device 100) prohibits access to the RAM (RAM111C) (step S47) and waits for the execution of all processes to stop (a loop after step S47). and a RAM abnormality standby process (loop of steps S31 and S32) that waits for execution of all processes to stop while allowing access to the RAM (RAM 111C) (step S17).

Here, the standby process when a power outage occurs and the standby process when a RAM abnormality occurs will be explained. The power outage standby process is a loop process that is executed after access to the RAM is prohibited in step S47 of the main process and waits for all processes to stop. Furthermore, since the power failure standby process is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S41 of the main process, interrupts other than NMI interrupts (timer interrupts) are prohibited. Note that in the standby process when a power outage occurs, an NMI interrupt may occur because it is not possible to prohibit an NMI interrupt. However, since the power outage standby process is a process that is executed when a power outage occurs, there is little risk that an NMI interrupt will occur during execution of the process. Further, the standby process when a power outage occurs is a standby process that does not involve abnormality notification. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can allocate the power until the power is shut off to processing the power outage. Note that the gaming machine 10 reduces the risk of the stored contents of the RAM changing due to unstable voltage by prohibiting access to the RAM during standby processing when a power outage occurs.

The RAM abnormality standby process is a loop process that is executed after access to the RAM (RWM) is permitted in step S17 of the main process, and waits for execution of all processes to stop. Further, since the RAM abnormality standby process is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S1 of the main process, interrupts other than NMI interrupts (timer interrupts) are prohibited. Note that in the standby process when a power outage occurs, an NMI interrupt may occur because it is not possible to prohibit an NMI interrupt. Since the RAM abnormality standby process is a process that waits for the power to be cut off, there is a greater risk that an NMI interrupt will occur during execution of the process than in the power outage standby process. However, in the RAM abnormality standby process, even if an NMI interrupt occurs, access to the RAM is permitted, so the return address can be stored in the RAM, and there is little risk of program runaway due to the occurrence of an NMI interrupt. In addition, since the gaming machine 10 transmits a main abnormality error notification command to the production control device 300 in step S30, the production control device 300 can perform abnormality notification in parallel while the RAM abnormality standby process is being executed. I can do it. As a result, the gaming machine 10 can be expected to restart quickly.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing of the gaming control device 100 will be explained using FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flowchart of timer interrupt processing according to the first embodiment. This timer interrupt processing is performed in the above-mentioned main processing from when the interrupt is enabled until the interrupt is disabled (from step S38 to step S41, from step S38 to step S55, from step S66 to step S64, and from step S66). to step S41). The timer interrupt process is a process executed by the CPU 111A.

The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by a CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the interrupt is automatically disabled and timer interrupt processing is started.

When timer interrupt processing is started, first, register bank 1 is designated (step S71). Switching to register bank 1 is equivalent to performing register saving processing in which the value held in a predetermined register (for example, a register used in main processing) is transferred to RWM. Next, the upper address of the RAM start address is set in a predetermined register (for example, D register) (step S72). In step S72, the same process as step S4 in the main process is performed, but the register bank is different.

Next, input processing (step S73) is performed to receive inputs and signals from various sensors and switches, that is, to read the status of each input port. In step S74, the control unit refers to the setting change mode flag and the setting confirmation mode flag, and determines whether the setting change mode or setting confirmation mode is in progress. If the control unit is in the setting change mode or setting confirmation mode, the control unit proceeds to step S75, executes the setting change/confirmation process, and ends the timer interrupt process. On the other hand, if the control unit is neither in the setting change mode nor in the setting confirmation mode, the process proceeds to step S76.

In step S76, the control unit executes output processing for controlling the drive of actuators such as solenoids (big prize opening solenoid 38b, general electric solenoid 37c), etc., based on the output data set in various processing.

Note that when a firing stop signal is output in step S5 in the main process, a firing permission signal is output by performing this output process, and the firing permission signal can be set to a permission state. This firing permission signal is output to the firing control device via the dispensing control device. At this time, no signal processing or the like is performed. Further, the firing permission signal is a first signal indicating the firing permission state as seen from the gaming control device 100, and a second signal (firing permission signal) indicating the firing permission state as seen from the payout control device 200. is also generated within the payout control device 200 and output to the firing control device. In other words, two firing permission signals are output to the firing control device, and when both of them are permission to fire, the game ball is configured to be in a state where it can be fired.

Next, the control unit performs a payout command transmission process (step S77) that outputs the command set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the payout control device 200, a random number update process 1 (step S78), and a random number update process 2 (step S79). ). Here, the random number update process 1 is a process for updating the initial values (start values) of the jackpot symbol random number, small win symbol random number, hit random number, and win symbol random number that are subject to the initial value random number update process. . Further, the random number update process 2 is a process for updating the variation pattern random number for determining the variation pattern in the variation display game of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2. Note that the random number update process 1, or in addition to the random number update process 1, the random number update process 2 may stop the random number update during the setting change or change the update cycle.

Next, the control unit determines whether normal signals are input from the starting port 1 switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a, the regular gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, the big winning port switch 38a, and the specific area switch 38e. A prize opening switch/state monitoring process (step S80) is performed to monitor whether or not the winning port is open or not, and to monitor errors (whether the front frame or glass frame is open, etc.). In addition, a starting port switch monitoring process (step S81) is performed to monitor winnings of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a. In addition, in the starting hole switch monitoring process, when a game ball is won in the starting winning hole 36 which is the first starting winning hole or the normal variable winning device 37 which is the second starting winning hole, various random numbers (such as jackpot random numbers) are generated. A game result preliminary determination is performed to determine the game result based on the prize winning in advance at a stage before the start of the special figure fluctuation display game.

Next, the control unit performs a special figure 1 game process (step S82) that performs processing related to the special figure 1 variable display game, and a special figure 2 game process (step S83) that performs processing related to the special figure 2 variable display game. A 2nd type game process (step S830) that performs a process related to a so-called 2nd type game is executed, and then a 2nd type game process (step S84) is executed that performs a process related to a 2nd type game.

Next, the segment LEDs (for example, the LEDs of the special figure 1 symbol display section 53 of the batch display device 50) that are provided in the gaming machine 10 and display various information regarding the display of the special figure fluctuation display game and the game are displayed with the desired content. A segment LED editing process (step S85) that drives the segment LED to display a A board radio wave fraud monitoring process (step S87) is performed in which the detection signal of the board is checked to determine whether there is any abnormality. Then, external information editing processing (step S88) for setting signals to be output to various external devices in the output buffer and performance display device control processing (step S89) are performed, and the timer interrupt processing is ended.

In the first embodiment, the process of restoring the interrupt disabled state (i.e., the process of enabling interrupts) and the process of restoring the register bank designation (i.e., the process of designating register bank 0) are This is automatically performed upon return (at the end of timer interrupt processing). Note that, depending on the CPU used, some gaming machines may require an instruction to execute a process for restoring an interrupt-disabled state or a process for restoring register bank designation.

[Main processing]
Next, the main processing of the production control device 300 will be explained using FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flowchart of main processing in the production control device of the first embodiment.

The main process is a process executed by the control unit (CPU 311) of the performance control device 300 at the time when power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is started.
[Step D11] The control unit prohibits interrupts.

[Step D12] The control unit initializes the CPU 311.
[Step D13] The control unit initializes the VDP 312.
[Step D14] The control unit allows an interrupt.

[Step D15] The control unit permits generation of display data. That is, the control unit allows a display circuit (not shown) in the VDP 312 to access a VRAM (not shown) in the VDP 312 and generate display data.

[Step D16] The control unit sets a random number seed. This is a process of setting a generation sequence of pseudo-random numbers using, for example, the srand function. Here, the control unit may use a fixed value such as 0 (zero) as an argument to be given to the srand function, or may use a value created based on the ID value of the CPU, etc., so that it differs for each gaming machine. You may.

[Step D17] The control unit selects an area to be initialized (for example, a production flag area (a storage area used as various flags to be described later in the control process of the production control device 300) to be initialized in the RWM (for example, RAM 322) of the production control device 300). ) to save the initial values when the power is turned on.

[Step D18] The control unit clears the WDT (watchdog timer).
[Step D19] The control unit executes production button input processing. The production button input process is a process for editing when the production button 25 (production button switch 25a) is operated when it is enabled. Note that since the production button does not turn on and off at high speed, the control unit may perform the process of sensing the production button input within the production button input process, or may perform it within a short-cycle timer interrupt (not shown). good.

[Step D20] The control unit executes hall/player setting mode processing. The hall/player setting mode process is a process for setting changeable ranges of the brightness and volume of the LED and display device 41, and accepting operations by the player such as changing the brightness and volume of the LED and display device 41.

[Step D21] The control unit executes random number update processing. The random number update process is a process in which pseudo-random numbers are updated at least once every control period of the main process using, for example, a rand function. Since the rand function generates random numbers based on a specified generation sequence every time recalculation is performed, the control unit can obtain random numbers simply by executing the rand function. Note that a counter that increments by "1" like the main board (gaming control device 100) may be used as the random number.

[Step D22] The control unit executes a received command check process. The received command check process is a process that analyzes commands received from the gaming control device 100 in units of a predetermined number.

[Step D23] The control unit executes effect display editing processing. The effect display editing process is a process of setting various commands and parameters for instructing the VDP 312 to draw contents on the display device 41. For example, the control unit sets commands in a table form in the effect display editing process.

[Step D24] The control unit executes drawing command preparation end settings. The drawing command preparation completion setting is a process for setting that preparation for all commands to the VDP 312 set in the effect display editing process has been completed.

[Step D25] The control unit determines whether or not it is frame switching timing. If it is frame switching timing, the process proceeds to step D26, and if it is not frame switching timing, it waits for frame switching timing. Here, the frame switching timing is a time corresponding to a processing cycle (for example, 1/30 seconds ≒ 33.333 ms) created based on the cycle (for example, 1/60 seconds) of a V blank interrupt (also referred to as a V sink interrupt). This is the timing that comes at regular intervals. Note that the V blank interrupt occurs every time the VDP 312 completes one scan of the entire screen for drawing. The generation cycle of this V blank interrupt is, for example, 1/60 second, as described above. In the case of this embodiment, frame switching is performed when the same drawing is repeated twice and a V blank interrupt occurs twice, and the cycle of frame switching timing is twice the cycle of the V blank interrupt (for example, 1/60 seconds). (For example, 1/30 second≒33.33 ms). However, the frame switching timing is not limited to this mode, and can be changed arbitrarily as appropriate. For example, frame switching (image updating) may be performed at a cycle of 1/30 seconds or more, or at a cycle of less than 1/30 second. Frame switching may be performed periodically.

By the frame switching timing determination process, subsequent processes (steps D26 to D30 and subsequent steps D18 to D24) are executed in each of the processing cycles at this frame switching timing. Note that time management that needs to be synchronized with the presentation content is performed in units of this frame (ie, in units of the above-mentioned processing cycle). If the processing cycle is 1/30 seconds, for example, 3 frames will take 100 ms. This is similar to the main board (gaming control device) managing time values in units of 4 ms of the timer interrupt cycle.

[Step D26] The control unit instructs the VDP 312 to draw the screen according to the command set in step D23. For example, the control unit sequentially transmits commands set in a table to instruct the VDP 312 to draw the screen.

[Step D27] The control unit executes sound control processing. The sound control process is a process related to volume control of audio from the speakers (upper speaker 19a, lower speaker 19b).

[Step D28] The control unit executes decoration control processing. The decoration control process is a process for controlling various LEDs of the board decoration device 46, frame decoration device 18, and the like.
[Step D29] The control unit executes a movable body control process. The movable body control process is a process for controlling a movable body (for example, the board presentation device 44) including various motors and SOLs (solenoids).

[Step D30] The control unit executes firing information control processing. The firing information control process sets firing related information based on the firing status flag, and also performs production according to the special figure rotation status (the number of special figure fluctuations per game for a predetermined amount of money (i.e., a predetermined number of rental balls)). This process performs mode correction.

[Step D31] The control unit executes information disclosure processing. The information disclosure process is a process for disclosing performance information regarding gaming performance to the player.
After executing step D31, the control unit returns to step D18, and thereafter repeatedly executes the processes from step D18 to step D31. That is, steps D18 to D31 constitute a loop process (sometimes referred to as main loop process) that is repeatedly executed at the above processing cycle after the production control device 300 is started.

Note that the control unit executes the processes from step D27 to step D29 within the main loop process in order to match the effects on the screen, but the control unit executes the processes from step D27 to step D29 in the main loop process, and the control unit executes the processes from step D27 to step D29 in the main loop process. The process of actually outputting a drive control signal, etc.) to a port is performed within a short-cycle timer interrupt (not shown). However, if an IC specialized for controlling various devices is used, instructions may only be given via serial communication or the like, and no signals or the like may be output using timer interrupts.

Next, a two-dimensional code that can be observed from the front of the gaming machine 10 will be explained using FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on the front frame of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional code displayed on the game board of the first embodiment.

The gaming machine 10 displays a two-dimensional code that can be read from the front side. A two-dimensional code is an information display means that can be read by an optical reading means. The two-dimensional code includes, for example, a matrix code such as a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, and the like. The two-dimensional code is displayed on the front of the gaming machine by being printed on a medium or a sticker attached to the medium. Note that the two-dimensional code may be displayed on an LCD, OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence), or the like.

Two-dimensional codes that can be read from the front side of the gaming machine 10 include two-dimensional codes intended for players and two-dimensional codes intended for non-players. People other than players are managers in charge of parts management, process control, and quality control in the manufacturing process, managers in the distribution process, staff members who perform maintenance and inspection work at amusement facilities, and staff members who conduct inspections. It may be. A two-dimensional code targeted at a player can be read by the player through a camera equipped with a smartphone. The two-dimensional code reading means used by such players may have difficulty reading the two-dimensional code depending on the surrounding environment. For example, the means for reading two-dimensional codes handled by players is relatively easy to read when the brightness around the two-dimensional code is stable, but it becomes difficult to read when the brightness changes rapidly. There are cases. Further, the two-dimensional code reading means handled by the player may have difficulty reading the two-dimensional code if the surroundings of the two-dimensional code are too bright.

The gaming machine 10 displays a two-dimensional code 501 on the information display panel 180 at the top of the front frame 12 as a two-dimensional code targeted at players. The two-dimensional code 501 is displayed in a state where it can be easily observed from the front. The information display panel 180 is a decorative member provided on the front frame 12 and capable of displaying required information, and displays a two-dimensional code 501 as one of the required information. The information display panel 180 has a desired design to promote the gaming machine, and allows the light emitting mode to be changed by a light emitting section provided on the back side. The two-dimensional code 501 provides information about the gaming machine (for example, model name, gaming performance, brief introduction of the machine, etc.), and provides access information to the destination of information about the gaming machine (for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or provide.

The gaming machine 10 displays two-dimensional codes 502, 503, 504, and 505 as two-dimensional codes intended for users other than players. The two-dimensional codes 502, 503, 504, and 505 are displayed in a state where it is difficult to observe them from the front due to the front frame 12, the glass frame 15, or the decorative members included in the front frame 12 and the glass frame 15.

Note that the gaming machine 10 may display a two-dimensional code 509 on the gaming area 32 of the gaming board 30 as a two-dimensional code aimed at players, or may display a two-dimensional code 510 on the center case 40. The code may be displayed, or the two-dimensional code 511 may be displayed on the display device 41. Although the two-dimensional code 509 is located in the game area 32, it is outside the flow area of the game ball due to the driven nail, and is displayed in a state where it can be easily observed from the front. The two-dimensional code 510 protrudes forward from the display surface of the display device 41, and is placed in the center case 40, which is formed to prevent game balls from jumping into it from the surrounding gaming area 32, in a state where it can be easily observed from the front. Is displayed. The two-dimensional code 511 is displayed in the display area of the display device 41 in a state where it can be easily observed from the front.

Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 may display two-dimensional codes 506, 507, and 508 as two-dimensional codes intended for users other than players. The two-dimensional codes 506, 507, and 508 are displayed in a state where it is difficult to observe them from the front due to the front frame 12, the glass frame 15, or the decorative members included in the front frame 12 and the glass frame 15.

Next, a display example of a two-dimensional code will be described using FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a two-dimensional code according to the first embodiment. The two-dimensional code 501 shown in FIG. 15(1) is displayed in an easily visible manner (easily observed). The two-dimensional code 501 displayed in such an easily visible manner allows the player to naturally sense that the code is to be read.

The two-dimensional code 503 shown in FIG. 15(2) is displayed with a large part missing at the bottom, making it difficult to see (not easy to observe). The two-dimensional code 508 shown in FIG. 15(3) is displayed with the upper right corner missing so that it is not easily recognized. The two-dimensional codes 503 and 508 are displayed in such a way that they are difficult to visually recognize due to the presence of an obstacle on the front side. For example, the front frame 12, the glass frame 15, or a decorative member included in the front frame 12 or the glass frame 15 interferes with the two-dimensional codes 503, 508 when viewed from the front. The two-dimensional codes 503 and 508, which are displayed in such a way that they are not easily visible, can naturally make the player realize that they are not to be read.

In addition, two-dimensional codes, not just two-dimensional codes 503 and 508 that are not easily visible, record information with redundancy, so they can be read even when part of the displayed content is missing. In some cases, it is unreadable. When the gaming machine 10 displays a two-dimensional code that is not intended for players to read, when at least a portion of the displayed content is missing and is not easily visible, the gaming machine 10 may display the two-dimensional code in a readable manner. However, it may be displayed in an unreadable manner, or it may include both. As a result, the game machine 10 distinguishes between two-dimensional codes that are displayed in a way that is difficult to visually recognize, and those that the player does not wish to read, thereby reducing the visible range of the displayed content. It's okay.

Next, a display example of a two-dimensional code with accompanying information will be described using FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a two-dimensional code with accompanying information according to the first embodiment. The two-dimensional code 507 shown in FIG. 16(1) is displayed on the left side of the sticker 507a. The sticker 507a displays accompanying information 507b from the center to the right side. The accompanying information 507b is information displayed in relation to the two-dimensional code 507, and displays all or part of the contents of the two-dimensional code 507, its type, reading purpose, etc. For example, the accompanying information 507b includes information such as that the two-dimensional code 507 is a management number, that "0123456789" is included as all or part of the two-dimensional code 507, that the reader is the administrator, etc. be. The sticker 507a is affixed to the side case 33, and when a player faces the sticker 507a, a portion of the front frame 12 overlaps, which may make it difficult to see.

Note that the direction in which the player faces the observation target refers to the player who is playing the game, and if the observation target is on the game board 30 or on the periphery of the game board 30, the direction in which the player is seated is facing the front of the game machine. This is the direction you are facing. Further, the direction in which the player faces the observation target is the direction in which the seated player faces the observation target when the observation target is a player who is playing a game and the observation target is on the periphery away from the game board 30. . Furthermore, the direction in which the player faces the observation target refers to the direction in which the player who is away from the gaming machine 30 is observing the player who is away from the gaming machine 30 (for example, a player who is on the path of a gaming hall). This is the direction facing the target. In this way, the direction in which the player faces the observation target does not necessarily coincide with the direction in which the player faces the front of the gaming machine. Therefore, the observation target may not be easily viewed from the front in the direction facing the front of the gaming machine.

A sticker 507a shown in FIG. 16(2) shows that a part of the two-dimensional code 507 and all of the accompanying information 507b overlap with a part of the front frame 12, making it difficult to visually recognize them. Note that not all of the accompanying information 507b may be difficult to visually recognize, but some of it may be difficult to visually recognize. In this way, the two-dimensional code 507, which is displayed in a way that is not easily visible when facing the player, can naturally make the player realize that it is not an object to be read. On the other hand, a manager of a game parlor, a manager in a manufacturing process, a distribution process, etc. can open the front frame 12 to easily see the display contents of the sticker 507a.

Incidentally, the accompanying information may be text information (for example, model name 512, catchphrase, etc.) or image information (for example, a design such as a character, an icon, or a design indicating an area using lines, colors, etc.). There may be. Further, the accompanying information may include both text information and image information.

Further, the predetermined information is not limited to a two-dimensional code, but may be character information or image information. When the predetermined information is text information or image information, the accompanying information may be a two-dimensional code; when the predetermined information is text information, the accompanying information may be image information; or when the predetermined information is text information, the accompanying information may be an image information. In the case of information, the accompanying information may be character information. Even in this case, the gaming machine 10 uses one of the predetermined information and the accompanying information as a clue to facilitate access to the other.

Furthermore, even if the predetermined information or the accompanying information becomes difficult to see because some of the front components overlap when viewed from the front of the gaming machine 10, the predetermined information or the accompanying information can be easily seen when viewed from a direction other than the front view. Good too. In this case, the gaming machine 10 can facilitate the observer by allowing access while preventing easy access to the predetermined information or the accompanying information.

In addition, if the predetermined information or the accompanying information becomes difficult to see when viewed from the front of the game machine 10 because some of the front components overlap, the predetermined information or the accompanying information also becomes difficult to see when viewed from a direction other than the front view. There may be. In this case, the gaming machine 10 prevents easy access to the predetermined information or the accompanying information, and guides the intended observer to the location of the predetermined information or the accompanying information by making access impossible; Access can be excluded for unintended observers.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 is provided with predetermined information (or accompanying information) that makes it easier to see when viewed from a direction other than the front view when some of the front components overlap and become difficult to see when viewed from the front. , or predetermined information and accompanying information) and predetermined information (or accompanying information, or predetermined information and accompanying information) that is difficult to see even when observed from a direction other than a frontal view.

Next, we will discuss (1) the classification of two-dimensional code reading objects, (2) the visibility and readability of two-dimensional codes by object, and (3) the reading state of two-dimensional codes for players. Explain using. FIG. 17 shows (1) an example of two-dimensional code reading target classification, (2) an example of visibility and readability for each two-dimensional code reading target, and (3) player It is a figure which shows an example of the reading state of the target two-dimensional code.

As shown in the two-dimensional code reading target classification shown in FIG. 17 (1), the two-dimensional code displayed on the gaming machine 10 is divided into two types: one for players and the other for non-players. There is. Further, two-dimensional codes intended for reading by people other than players include those intended for manufacturers and those intended for administrators. Note that the manufacturer and administrator who mentioned that the two-dimensional code is read by people other than players are just examples; it may also be a person who inspects the legitimacy as a countermeasure against fraud, a person in charge at an amusement park, or other persons. . Such a gaming machine 10 displays a two-dimensional code with visibility according to the classification of the two-dimensional code to be read. The gaming machine 10 displays the two-dimensional code in a manner that allows the player to easily see or confirm the two-dimensional code by preventing structures from interfering with the two-dimensional code to be read by the player. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 displays the two-dimensional code in such a way that the structure interferes with at least a portion of the two-dimensional code that is intended to be read by people other than the player, making it difficult to see or confirm. In addition, the gaming machine 10 can change structures that interfere with at least a part of the two-dimensional code that are intended to be read by players other than the player into a state in which no one other than the player will interfere (for example, opening the front frame 12 or the glass frame 15). etc.) to display the two-dimensional code for easy viewing or confirmation.

In this way, the gaming machine 10 can realize the visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code according to the object to be read, as shown in FIG. 17(2). A two-dimensional code intended for reading by a player has good visibility and allows the player to naturally sense that it is an object to be read. Naturally, a two-dimensional code that is read by a player also has good readability. Note that the light emitted from the decorative parts of the gaming machine 10 may reduce the visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code, and two-dimensional codes that are intended for players to be read may have low visibility and readability, as described below. It may be possible to limit the period during which the condition is improved.

A two-dimensional code intended for reading by people other than the player has poor visibility at least, making the player naturally aware that the code is not intended for reading. Note that a two-dimensional code with poor visibility may have good readability, poor readability, or poor readability. Since a certain degree of readability is guaranteed even if a part of the two-dimensional code is damaged or destroyed, readability changes depending on the degree of obstruction on the front side. Note that the two-dimensional code intended for reading by people other than the player may be one that is neither visible nor easy to read. Even with such a two-dimensional code that does not have both visibility and readability, it is possible to eliminate obstacles and make both visibility and readability good for anyone other than the player.

As shown in FIG. 17(3), the visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code targeted for reading by the player can be changed depending on the state. Two-dimensional codes that are intended to be read by players do not have structures interfering with the front side when the player faces them, but visibility and readability may vary depending on the lighting mode of the decorative parts that accompany the game production. may decrease. A two-dimensional code intended for reading by players has good visibility and readability in state A, good visibility but poor readability in state B, and poor visibility and readability in state C. Make ease both bad.

Note that the visibility of a two-dimensional code that is intended for players to be read may be poor if the illumination mode of the decorative part is high-intensity or accompanied by drastic changes in brightness or color. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code intended for reading by the player may have poor visibility if the movable body of the decoration temporarily interferes with the front side. In addition, two-dimensional codes that are intended for players to be read may be affected by temporary interference from the movable part of the decorative part on the front side, or if the decorative part emits light in a high-brightness manner, or if the brightness changes drastically or changes in color. readability may be poor if That is, state A is a state in which the movable body of the decorative portion does not temporarily interfere with the front side, and the decorative portion is in a light emitting mode that facilitates readability.

Next, information type classification of two-dimensional codes will be explained using FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of information type classification of two-dimensional codes according to the first embodiment. The two-dimensional code that is read by the player is information that is relevant to the game. Two-dimensional codes that are intended for players to read include, for example, the model name, manufacturer name, release date, game playability, gaming performance, and game description such as playing methods, and gaming history (two-dimensional codes generated each time can be displayed). (limited to the display device 41, etc.) and external URLs such as websites that present more detailed information. A two-dimensional code that is not read by a player is information that has no relevance to gaming, and is information that is generally relevant to gaming machine management. Two-dimensional codes that are not readable by players include, for example, parts management numbers and game machine management numbers, as well as board management numbers and the like.

Note that the gaming machine 10 displays a two-dimensional code that is observable from the back side of the gaming machine 10 as a two-dimensional code that has no visibility from the front side. A two-dimensional code that does not have any visibility from the front side is a two-dimensional code that is not intended for players to read.For example, it is a two-dimensional code that is not readable by the player, and is, for example, a board management seal or a board sealing sticker affixed to a board box housing the gaming control device 100. It is attached to other parts and unit parts.

The visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code that can be observed from the back side of the gaming machine 10 will be explained using FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of visibility and readability when a game slot is opened when the two-dimensional code of the first embodiment is read by a game hall manager.

The gaming machine 10 displays a two-dimensional code to be read on a board management seal and a board sealing seal attached to a board box housing the gaming control device 100, respectively, so that, for example, a management number can be obtained. The two-dimensional code displayed on the board management sticker can be easily observed by the administrator from the back side of the gaming machine 10 or from the back side of the front frame 12 by opening the front frame 12. Therefore, the two-dimensional code displayed on the board management sticker has good visibility and readability.

On the other hand, the two-dimensional code displayed on the board sealing sticker is displayed on a different surface of the board box from the two-dimensional code displayed on the board management seal. Therefore, the two-dimensional code displayed on the board seal has poor visibility and readability. Note that information on the two-dimensional code displayed on the board seal can be obtained by removing the board box, etc.

Such a gaming machine 10 makes it troublesome for the administrator to obtain the two-dimensional code displayed on the board management seal and to obtain the two-dimensional code displayed on the board sealing sticker, but in the same way, It can also cause trouble to those who try to commit fraud and deter them from doing so.

Next, the visibility and readability of the accompanying information when the two-dimensional code is read by an administrator, and the visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code will be described using FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the visibility and readability of accompanying information and the visibility and readability of a two-dimensional code when the two-dimensional code of the first embodiment is read by an administrator. be.

The gaming machine 10 improves the visibility of the two-dimensional code when the administrator opens the front frame 12 to improve the visibility of the accompanying information for a two-dimensional code with accompanying information that is read by the administrator. and readability. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can facilitate management by an administrator or the like.

On the other hand, when the visibility of the accompanying information is poor for a two-dimensional code with accompanying information that is read by the administrator, the gaming machine 10 makes the visibility of the two-dimensional code poor and does not ensure readability. Similarly, for a two-dimensional code with accompanying information that is read by an administrator, if the accompanying information is not visible, the gaming machine 10 makes the visibility of the two-dimensional code poor or impossible to improve readability. Not guaranteed. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can facilitate management by prompting the administrator and the like to improve the visibility of the accompanying information.

The light emitting mode of the decorative portion, which affects the visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code 501 that is intended for players to read, will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the front side of the gaming machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example (part 1) of a display mode on the front side of the gaming machine of the first embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example (part 2) of the display mode on the front side of the gaming machine of the first embodiment.

The gaming machine 10 produces a game by emitting light from a frame decoration device 18 provided on the front side of the front frame 12 or the front side of the glass frame 15. The frame decoration device 18 has a plurality of light emitting sections 514 to 525 surrounding the gaming machine area. The light emitting units 514 to 517 are located on the left side of the front frame 12. The light emitting section 518 is located above the front frame 12 and is integrated with the information display panel 180. The light emitting units 519 to 522 are located on the right side of the front frame 12. The light emitting parts 523 to 525 are located at the lower part of the front frame 12 and are integrated with the upper plate 21.

The information display panel 180 displays a two-dimensional code 501, a model name (for example, "Kappa") 512, and a character (for example, an image character such as a kappa) 513. These two-dimensional code 501, model name 512, and character 513 are one form of predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180. Note that although the predetermined information displayed by the information display panel 180 is displayed on the entire information display panel 180, it may be displayed collectively in a part of the information display panel 180.

As shown in FIG. 22, the gaming machine 10 performs a game effect by cooperatively displaying the light emitting units 514 to 525. For example, the cooperative display may be such that the light emitting sections 514 to 525 simultaneously turn on in a predetermined lighting mode, or the predetermined lighting mode may flow from top to bottom, bottom to top, left to right, or the like. There are those that change with time differences, such as flowing from right to left, counterclockwise, or clockwise. At this time, the light emitting section 518 that displays in cooperation with the light emitting sections 514 to 517 and 519 to 525 contributes to improving the presentation effect, but it reduces the visibility and readability of the predetermined information displayed by the information display panel 180. obtain.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23, the gaming machine 10 performs a game effect in which the range of cooperative display is limited to the light emitting sections 514 to 517 and 519 to 525, and the light emitting section 518 is made to emit light independently. A cooperative display in which the range of the cooperative display is limited to the light emitting sections 514 to 517 and 519 to 525 is, for example, a mode in which the light emitting sections 514 to 517, 519 to 525 simultaneously turn on in a predetermined lighting mode, or a predetermined lighting mode. The pattern changes by setting time differences such that it flows from top to bottom, from bottom to top, from left to right, from right to left, counterclockwise, or clockwise. There are things etc. At this time, the light emitting section 518, which is displayed independently from the light emitting sections 514 to 517 and 519 to 525, does not contribute to improving the presentation effect, but improves the visibility and readability of the predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180.

Note that each of the light emitting sections 514 to 525 may be one light emitting section, or may be composed of two or more light emitting sections.
Next, the light emission mode for each decoration control state will be explained using FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 1) of a light emission mode for each decoration control state of the first embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example (part 2) of a light emission mode for each decoration control state in the first embodiment.

The light emitting mode according to the decoration control state shown in FIG. 24 shows the light emitting mode of the information display panel 180 according to the game control state. When the light emitting parts 514 to 517 and 519 to 525 of the light emitting parts (frame decoration light emitting parts) 514 to 525 are used as the peripheral light emitting parts of the gaming area, the peripheral light emitting parts of the gaming area can be used when the decoration control state is waiting for customers, normal game, or special. Games, specific games, and errors are all controlled by cooperative light emission. Note that the decoration control state corresponds to the game control state. Among the light emitting parts 514 to 525, the light emitting part 518 is controlled by independent light emission when the decoration control state is waiting for a customer, and when the decoration control state is normal game, special game, specific game, or error. controlled by cooperative light emission. Note that each decoration control state can be regarded as a predetermined control period.

As a result, the gaming machine 10 displays the two-dimensional code 501, model name 512, and character 513 while waiting for a customer, which is the timing (period) when the player would observe the two-dimensional code 501, model name 512, and character 513. Make observation easier. That is, the gaming machine 10 improves the visibility and readability of the two-dimensional code 501 while waiting for a customer. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 improves the visibility and ease of understanding of the machine name 512 and the character 513 while waiting for a customer. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 can display the model name 512 and the characters 513 in their original colors while waiting for customers, allowing players to suitably get a sense of the decorativeness and the world view produced by the gaming machine 10. . In addition, the gaming machine 10 is capable of producing effects in accordance with the decoration control state using all of the light emitting sections 514 to 525 in a normal game, a special game, a specific game, and an error.

The light emission mode for each decoration control state shown in FIG. 25(1) shows the light emission mode of the information display panel 180 according to the reach mode. The gaming area peripheral light emitting section is controlled by coordinated light emission in both the specific reach and normal reach decoration control states. The information display panel is controlled by independent light emission in a specific reach, and controlled by coordinated light emission in a normal reach. Note that the specific reach is a reach that has a different expectation of winning compared to the normal reach. For example, the gaming machine 10 sets the specific reach to be a reach with a lower expectation of winning than the normal reach, so that the information display panel 180 displays predetermined information to the player who feels bored during the reach with a low expectation of winning. Facilitate access to. Furthermore, by setting the specific reach to be a reach with a higher expectation of winning than the normal reach, the gaming machine 10 allows the player to access predetermined information displayed by the information display panel 180 during a reach with a high expectation of winning. It makes it easier to win and creates a sense of anticipation for winning.

Note that the light emission mode for each decoration control state shown in FIG. 25(1) is a light emission mode according to the reach mode, but it may be a light emission mode depending on the presence or absence of a specific effect. For example, the peripheral light emitting parts of the gaming area are controlled by coordinated light emission in all cases where the decoration control state performs a specific performance and when it does not perform a specific performance. The information display panel is controlled by independent light emission when a specific effect is performed, and controlled by cooperative light emission when a specific effect is not performed. As the specific effect, for example, there is a freeze effect that causes the display device 41 to stop part or all of the displayed content. For example, the gaming machine 10 may allow the player to easily access predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180 while part or all of the content displayed on the display device 41 is stopped in a freeze effect. can.

The light emission mode for each decoration control state shown in FIG. 25(2) shows the light emission mode of the information display panel 180 during a win. The peripheral light emitting parts of the game area are controlled by coordinated light emission when the decoration control state is in the winning state. The information display panel is controlled by independent light emission only during the ending of a win, and controlled by cooperative light emission except for the ending during a win. For example, the gaming machine 10 may display predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180 to a player who becomes interested in the game during the ending part of the winning process, while exhibiting a production effect during winnings excluding the ending. Facilitate access.

The light emission mode for each decoration control state shown in FIG. 25(3) shows the light emission mode of the information display panel 180 during the game. The gaming area peripheral light emitting section is controlled by coordinated light emission when the decoration control state is during the game. The information display panel is controlled by independent light emission when a touch is not detected during a game, and controlled by cooperative light emission when a touch is detected during a game. For example, the gaming machine 10 facilitates access to the predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180 by regarding non-detection of a touch as the player's intention to access the predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180. In addition, the gaming machine 10 regards the touch detection as indicating that the player does not intend to access the predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180, and does not facilitate access to the predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180, and does not facilitate access to the predetermined information displayed on the information display panel 180. Demonstrates a dramatic effect.

Next, the light emission mode of the information display panel (light emitting section 518) will be explained using FIG. 26. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a light emitting mode of the information display panel of the first embodiment. The information display panel shown in FIG. 26(1) is designed so that there is no change in brightness during independent light emission, or is so small that even if there is a change in brightness, it does not affect the reading of the two-dimensional code 501, and it is designed to have a large change in brightness during cooperative light emission. To enable brightness changes without any restrictions. Thereby, the information display panel facilitates access to predetermined information in independent light emission, and exhibits a dramatic effect in cooperative light emission.

The information display panel shown in FIG. 26 (2) is designed so that there is no color change in independent light emission, or is small enough that even if there is a color change, it does not affect the reading of the two-dimensional code 501, and in cooperative light emission To allow color change and allow color change without restrictions. Thereby, the information display panel facilitates access to predetermined information in independent light emission, and exhibits a dramatic effect in cooperative light emission.

The information display panel shown in FIG. 26(3) turns off in independent light emission and turns on or blinks in cooperative light emission, allowing the lighting mode to be changed without restriction. Thereby, the information display panel facilitates access to predetermined information in independent light emission, and exhibits a dramatic effect in cooperative light emission.

The information display panel shown in FIG. 26(4) lights up in white (constantly lights up in white) in independent light emission, and limits white lighting in cooperative light emission so that it can change in other lighting modes. Thereby, the information display panel facilitates access to predetermined information in independent light emission, and exhibits a dramatic effect in cooperative light emission. Note that the gaming machine 10 may perform the light emission modes shown in FIGS. 26(1) to (4) independently, or may perform them in any combination.

Up to this point, the gaming machine 10 has been configured to display the information display panel 180 in a decorative manner using one system of light emitting sections 518, but the information display panel 180 may be provided with two or more systems of light emitting sections to display the information display panel 180 in a decorative manner. Next, the information display panel 18 decorated with three systems of light emitting units will be described using FIG. 27. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the information display panel of the first embodiment.

The information display panel 180a shown in FIG. 27(1) includes three systems of light emitting sections 518a, 518b, and 518c, each of which can independently control light emission. The light emitting unit 518a decoratively displays the model name 512 and its surroundings on the information display panel 180a. The light emitting section 518b displays the character 513 and its surroundings on the information display panel 180a in a decorative manner. The light emitting unit 518c displays the two-dimensional code 501 and its surroundings on the information display panel 180a in a decorative manner.

The information display panel 180a shown in FIG. 27(2) is one example of a display during cooperative display. The information display panel 180a during cooperative display allows the three systems of light emitting units 518a, 518b, and 518c to be displayed in different manners. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 exhibits a presentation effect on the information display panel 180a in cooperative light emission.

The information display panel 180a shown in FIG. 27(3) is one example of a display during independent light emission. The information display panel 180a during independent light emission displays the three systems of light emitting sections 518a, 518b, and 518c in the same manner. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 facilitates access to predetermined information on the information display panel 180a during independent light emission.

Note that the three systems of light emitting sections 518a, 518b, and 518c only need to be independent of the light emitting mode of the gaming area peripheral light emitting sections (light emitting sections 514 to 517, 519 to 525) at the time of independent light emission, and do not necessarily have the same light emitting mode. It doesn't require anything.

Here, the three systems of light emitting sections 518a, 518b, and 518c will be explained using FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a partial light emitting mode of the information display panel of the first embodiment.
A light emitting section 518a (information display panel (left)) decorating the left side of the information display panel 180a, a light emitting section 518b (information display panel (middle)) decorating the inside, and a light emitting section 518c (information display panel) decorating the right side The panel (right) performs partial coordination in which three systems coordinate and display when light is emitted independently from the peripheral light emitting section of the gaming area. For example, the three systems of light emitting units 518a, 518b, and 518c cooperate to fix the brightness and color in their respective modes to ensure visibility and readability of the predetermined information. Note that the three systems of light emitting units 518a, 518b, and 518c change the display mode within a range that does not reduce the visibility and readability of predetermined information, such as by gradually changing the brightness and color in coordination. There may be.

Further, when the three systems of light emitting sections 518a, 518b, and 518c emit light in cooperation with the gaming area peripheral light emitting section, the three systems perform partial independence in which they independently display a cooperative display with the gaming area peripheral light emitting section. For example, the three systems of light emitting units 518a, 518b, and 518c each independently change the brightness and color to produce a presentation effect.

Next, a partial cooperative light emission mode of the information display panel 180a will be described using FIG. 29. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a partially coordinated light emission mode of the information display panel of the first embodiment. The three systems of information display panel (left), information display panel (middle), and information display panel (right) shown in FIG. 29(1) are each fixed at a specific brightness (for example, brightness 1) in partial cooperation. As a result, the three systems of information display panel (left), information display panel (middle), and information display panel (right) facilitate the visibility and readability of the predetermined information on the information display panel 180a as a whole.

Of the three systems shown in Figure 29 (2), the information display panel (left) is fixed at a specific brightness (for example, brightness 1) in partial cooperation, and the information display panel (middle) is fixed at a specific brightness (for example, brightness 1) in partial cooperation. For example, the brightness is fixed at 2), and the information display panel (right) is fixed at a specific brightness (for example, brightness 3) in partial coordination. Thereby, the three systems of light emitting units 518a, 518b, and 518c facilitate visibility and readability in a manner suitable for the predetermined information on the information display panel 180a.

The three systems of information display panel (left), information display panel (center), and information display panel (right) shown in FIG. 29(3) are each fixed in a specific color (for example, color 1) in partial coordination. As a result, the three systems of information display panel (left), information display panel (middle), and information display panel (right) facilitate the visibility and readability of the predetermined information on the information display panel 180a as a whole.

Of the three systems shown in Figure 29 (4), the information display panel (left) is fixed in a specific color (for example, color 1) in partial coordination, and the information display panel (middle) is fixed in a specific color (for example, color 1) in partial coordination. For example, the color 2) is fixed, and the information display panel (right) is fixed in a specific color (for example, color 3) in partial coordination. Thereby, the three systems of light emitting units 518a, 518b, and 518c facilitate visibility and readability in a manner suitable for the predetermined information on the information display panel 180a.

Note that the three systems of information display panel (left), information display panel (middle), and information display panel (right) are assumed to have specific brightness and colors in partial coordination, but they may also have a combination of these. .

Note that when the information display panel 180a includes three systems of light emitting sections 518a, 518b, and 518c, predetermined information is associated with each of the three systems of light emitting sections 518a, 518b, and 518c. It is also possible to provide a light emitting section that does not cause the light to emit light. For example, in the information display panel 180a, the two-dimensional code 501, the model name 512, and the character 513 may all correspond to the light-emitting portion 518c, and there may be no predetermined information corresponding to the light-emitting portions 518a and 518b. In this way, the information display panel 180a can limit the portions that independently emit light, thereby improving the decorative effect of the entire gaming machine.

Although the description has been made regarding independent light emission and cooperative light emission in the information display panels 180 and 180a, which are the display areas of the predetermined information, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display of the predetermined information in the display areas of the game board 30 and other areas. Independent light emission or cooperative light emission may be performed targeting the display area.

Although the gaming machine 10 has illustrated the frame decoration device 18 as an example of the gaming area peripheral light emitting section, the frame decoration device 18 is not limited to this, and the gaming machine frame component parts (for example, the outer frame 11, the front frame 12, the cover glass 14) , the glass frame 15, the upper plate 21, etc.), the light emitting section may be a light emitting section provided in the game board components that make up the game board 30, or the light emitting part that is included in the center case 40. It may be a light emitting part provided in a center case component, or it may be a light guide panel that overlaps the cover glass 14. Note that the light guide panel is one type of display device that guides light emitted from a light emitting section provided at the periphery of the light guide panel and displays a design prepared in advance by overlapping it on the gaming area 32, the display device 41, etc.

Furthermore, the game machine 10 is not limited to using any one of the game frame component parts, the game board component parts, the center case component parts, or the light guide panel, but any combination of these can be used as the peripheral light emitting part of the game area. It may be possible to realize an alternative light emitting section.

Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 realizes a light emitting section in place of the peripheral light emitting section of the gaming area by using any one of the game frame components, the game board components, the center case components, or the light guide panel, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the information display panel may be provided on the component or component concerned, or may be provided on a different component or component.

The gaming machine 10 (including the modified example) of the first embodiment described above has the following features in one aspect. In addition, in conventional gaming machines, the two-dimensional codes displayed by the gaming machines are intended for the player and others, and there are cases where the player reads an unnecessary two-dimensional code. was there. Furthermore, the two-dimensional codes displayed by gaming machines sometimes become difficult to read due to changes in the surrounding environment, such as light emitted from nearby light emitting parts. The gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment displays a two-dimensional code that is easy for a player to read.

(1) A gaming machine (for example, gaming machine 10) displays predetermined information (for example, two-dimensional codes 501, 502, 503, 504, 505) at a position observable by a player playing a game. When the predetermined information (e.g., two-dimensional codes 502, 503, 504, 505) is not read for the player, the gaming machine detects a front component that overlaps at least a portion of the predetermined information (e.g., (see FIGS. 13 and 15).

(2) The predetermined information that at least partially overlaps the front component when viewed from the front of the gaming machine in (1) can be read from a direction other than the front view (see FIG. 13).
(3) The predetermined information that at least partially overlaps the front component when viewed from the front of the gaming machine in (1) cannot be read even from a direction other than the front view (see FIG. 13).

(4) The predetermined information that at least partially overlaps with the front component when viewed from the front of the gaming machine in (1) is the predetermined information that can be read from a direction other than the front view, and the predetermined information that can be read from a direction other than the front view. (See FIG. 13).

(5) The predetermined information in (1) includes a two-dimensional code (for example, two-dimensional codes 501, 502, 503, 504, 505) (see FIGS. 13 and 15).
(6) The predetermined information in (1) includes character information regarding the model (eg, model name 512, catchphrase, etc.) (see FIGS. 21 and 27).

(7) The predetermined information in (1) includes image information regarding the model (for example, a design such as a character 513, an icon, or a design indicating an area using lines, colors, etc.) (see FIGS. 21 and 27). .

(8) The predetermined information in (1) includes a two-dimensional code (for example, text information, image information) and information displayed together with the two-dimensional code (see FIGS. 13 and 15).
(9) The predetermined information from (1) to (8) is displayed on the gaming machine frame (for example, the outer frame 11, the front frame 12, the cover glass 14, the glass frame 15, the upper plate 21, etc.).

(10) The predetermined information from (1) to (8) is displayed on the game board (for example, the game board 30).
(11) The predetermined information in (1) to (8) is the predetermined information displayed on the gaming machine frame (for example, the outer frame 11, the front frame 12, the cover glass 14, the glass frame 15, the upper tray 21, etc.); There is also display information displayed on the game board (for example, the game board 30).

(12) The front views in (1) to (4) are when the player faces the gaming machine.
(13) The front views in (1) to (4) are cases in which the object is directly facing the observation target.
(14) The gaming machine (for example, the gaming machine 10) includes a first light emitting section (for example, a gaming area peripheral light emitting section), a second light emitting section (for example, an information display panel), and a control section. The first light emitting section can emit light in a predetermined light emission mode. The second light emitting section includes a display section (for example, a display area for the two-dimensional code 501) that displays predetermined information (for example, the two-dimensional code 501) that can be observed by the player, and is capable of emitting light in a predetermined light-emitting manner. be. The control unit (for example, the production control device 300) causes the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to emit light in a coordinated manner during a first period (for example, a gaming state), and causes the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit to emit light in a coordinated manner during a second period (for example, a customer waiting state) that is different from the first period. ), the first light emitting section and the second light emitting section are caused to emit light independently, and the second light emitting section is caused to emit light in a manner that makes it easy to read predetermined information (for example, uniform light emission) (see FIG. 24).

(15) The predetermined information (for example, the two-dimensional code 501) in (14) includes text information about the accompanying information model (for example, the model name 512, catchphrase, etc.) and image information about the model (for example, the character 513, icon, etc.). (or a design that indicates an area using lines, colors, etc.).

(16) The predetermined information made observable to the player in (14) and (15) becomes observable to the player when the player directly faces the gaming machine or the gaming board.
(17) The predetermined information that is made observable to the player in (1) to (4) is observable by the player when the player directly faces the predetermined information to be observed.

(18) The direction in which the player faces the predetermined information to be observed in (17) is different from the direction in which the player faces the gaming machine or the gaming board.
Note that the above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program is provided that describes the processing contents of the functions that the gaming machine of the embodiment should have. By executing the program on the computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. A program that describes processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, and semiconductor memories. Magnetic storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs), flexible disks (FDs), magnetic tapes, and the like. Optical disks include DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), DVD-RAM, CD (Compact Disk)-ROM/RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO (Magneto-Optical disk) and the like.

When a program is distributed, for example, a portable recording medium such as a DVD or CD-ROM on which the program is recorded is sold. It is also possible to store the program in the storage device of the server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

A computer that executes a program stores, for example, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transferred from a server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. Note that a computer can also directly read a program from a portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Furthermore, each time a program is transferred from a server computer connected via a network, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

Further, at least a part of the above-mentioned processing functions can also be realized by an electronic circuit such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

Note that the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine as shown in the disclosed embodiment, but can be used, for example, with other pachinko gaming machines, arranged ball gaming machines, mahjong ball gaming machines, etc. The present invention is applicable to all gaming machines that use game balls, and slot machines that are gaming machines that use medals.

Further, the disclosed embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be applied in combination. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included.

10 Game machine 30 Game board 41 Display device 100 Game control device 180, 180a Information display panel 300 Performance control device 501 to 511 Two-dimensional code

Claims (1)

a display section that constantly displays predetermined information observable by the player;
a first light emitting section capable of emitting light in a predetermined light emitting manner;
a second light-emitting section capable of emitting light in a light-emitting manner capable of displaying the display section decoratively ;
a control unit capable of controlling a light emission mode of the first light emission section and a light emission mode of the second light emission section;
including;
The control unit includes:
The light emitting mode of the second light emitting unit can be controlled by a first light emitting mode or a second light emitting mode that limits luminance changes more easily than the first light emitting mode and makes it easier to observe the predetermined information;
The first light emitting section and the second light emitting section are caused to emit light in a coordinated manner during a first period corresponding to a first state, and the first light emitting section and the second light emitting section are caused to emit light in a coordinated manner during a second period corresponding to a second state different from the first state . The two light emitting parts emit light independently ,
In the first period, the second light emitting section emits light in the first light emitting mode to display the display section that displays the predetermined information, and in the second period, the second light emitting section emits light in the first light emitting mode. Decoratively displaying the display section that displays the predetermined information by emitting light in a light-emitting manner;
Game machine.

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