JP6901681B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine that uses a game ball or a game medal as a game medium, and a game machine such as a slot machine that uses a game medal.

Generally, a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a slot machine is provided with a main control board that controls a game and a sub-control board that performs control processing based on a command from the main control board. Further, some gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines can adjust the volume and brightness by the operation of the player (paragraphs 0314, 0315 of Patent Document 1, etc.).
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-147020

By the way, in the above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine and the like, the adjustment of the brightness and the like for the production is performed as an environment setting related to the game. Then, it is desirable that the environment setting such as the adjustment of the brightness for the production allows the player to easily select the level that suits his / her taste. Further, although various ingenuity has been applied to the environment setting method, further ingenuity is required in order for the player to use the gaming machine in a more favorable state.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately setting an environment related to a light emitting effect.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a main control means (main board, etc.) for controlling the progress of the game.
An effect control means (sub-main board, etc.) that receives effect control information (main command, etc.) from the main control means and performs control processing according to the effect control information.
A light emitting effect means (upper sign unit, etc.) having a light emitting effect unit (upper sign, etc.) for enabling visual recognition of the light emitting effect only when a specific effect is executed, and
Equipped with operating means (up arrow keys, down arrow keys, etc.) that can be operated by the player to change the setting of the amount of light for the light emission effect.
It is possible to make the light emitting effect unit emit light in a plurality of light emitting colors (red, blue, green, etc.) during the game.
When the effect control means sets the light amount to a predetermined value (level 2, etc.) in accordance with the operation of the operation means by the player during the light amount setting period in which the setting of the light amount of the light emission effect can be changed. The game is characterized in that the number of emission colors of a light emission pattern related to a predetermined light emission effect in the light emission effect means can be reduced , and the light emission effect generated thereafter can be executed in a mode in which the number of emission colors of the light emission pattern is reduced. It is a machine.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately setting an environment related to a light emitting effect.

It is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine of one Example of this invention. It is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the function of a pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main board structure of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the basic functional means of a main board, a sub-main board, and a sub-sub board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the main control display device. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a display example while the effect symbol is changing in the effect display device, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a display example while the effect symbol is also stopped. (A) is a chart showing a hit / fail determination table, and (b) is a chart showing a fluctuation pattern table for removal. (A) shows a chart showing a big hit symbol judgment table for the first lottery, (b) shows a chart showing a big hit symbol judgment table for the second lottery, and (c) shows a small hit symbol judgment table used at the time of a small hit. It is a chart. (A) is a chart showing a fluctuation pattern table used at the time of a miss, (b) is a chart showing a fluctuation pattern table used at the time of a 15R jackpot, and (c) is a chart showing a fluctuation pattern table used at the time of a 5R jackpot and a small hit. Is. It is a flowchart which shows the control start processing in a main board. It is a flowchart which shows the control start processing following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the game progress interrupt processing in a main board. It is a flowchart which shows the power-off process in a main board. It is a flowchart which shows the sub-main initial setting process in a sub-main board. It is a flowchart which shows the main processing in a sub-main board. It is a flowchart which shows the main command reception processing in a sub-main board. It is a flowchart which shows the timer interrupt processing in a sub-main board. (A) is a perspective view showing a state in which the operation buttons, the cross keys, and their surroundings are viewed from the front upper side, and (b) is an explanatory view showing the environment setting main menu. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a volume adjustment menu, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a light intensity adjustment menu. It is a front view which shows the pachinko game machine in the state where each sign appears. It is a perspective view which shows the game board in the state where each sign appears. It is a perspective view which shows the upper sign unit in a non-operating state. It is a perspective view which shows the upper sign unit in an operating state. It is a perspective view from above which shows by disassembling the upper sign. It is a perspective view from the lower side which shows by disassembling the upper sign. (A) is a front view of the upper sign, and (b) is a cross-sectional view along the line BB in (a). (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 27 (a), (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 27 (a), and (c) is also shown in FIG. 27. It is sectional drawing along the line CC in (a). (A) is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the circle A in FIG. 27, (b) is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the circle H in FIG. 28 (a), and (c) is shown in FIG. 28 (b). An enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the circle G, (d) is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the circle F in FIG. 28 (c). It is a front view which shows the lower left indicator unit in a non-operating state. (A) is a rear view showing the lower left sign unit in the operating state, and (b) is a perspective view from the back side showing the lower left sign unit also in the operating state. It is a front view which shows the lower right marker unit in a non-operating state by a solid line. (A) is a perspective view from the front side showing the lower right sign unit in the non-operating state, and (b) is a perspective view from the back side showing the lower right sign unit also in the non-operating state. It is a front view which shows the game board in the state which the left movable effect member and the right movable effect member appeared. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing a light emission pattern at the time of adjusting the amount of light, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing each section when the game area is divided.

Hereinafter, examples of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. Here, first, the basic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described, and then, the gaming procedure, the effect, the control mode, and the like in the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described.
<Basic configuration of pachinko game machines>

FIG. 1 shows the front configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the gaming board 50 is mounted on the gaming machine frame 11, which will be described later. Of these, the gaming board 50 has different components such as accessories and designs depending on the model of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Further, the gaming board 50 can be separated from the gaming machine frame 11 by canceling the electrical connection relationship and the structural connection relationship with the gaming machine frame 11.

Further, by sharing the structural and electrical connection relationship with the gaming machine frame 11 for the gaming boards 50 of a plurality of models, it is possible to change the so-called model in which the gaming machine frame 11 is shared between different models. There is. In the following, the gaming machine frame 11 will be described first, and then the board surface configuration of the gaming board 50 will be described.

The above-mentioned gaming machine frame 11 has an outer frame 12, a front frame 13, and a lower front plate 14. Further, a glass door 15 and a dish unit 16 are mounted on the front frame 13. Of these, the outer frame 12 is a rectangular frame used for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a predetermined position in the island equipment in the game hall (game store), and as shown in FIG. 1, glass. The front frame 13 having the door 15 and the dish unit 16 and the lower front plate 14 described above have an opening portion in which the front side is closed.

The front frame 13 has a structure having an outer shape that matches the opening portion of the outer frame 12, and is attached to the outer frame 12 via the hinge mechanisms 15A and 15B shown on the left side in FIG. Then, the front frame 13 is opened from the closed state with respect to the outer frame 12 by swinging forward with the left edge portion in FIG. 1 as the fixed end and the right edge portion as the free end.

The front frame 13 is locked to the outer frame 12 and released from the outer frame 12 via a locking device (not shown). That is, as shown in FIG. 1, a cylinder portion 17 of the locking device is arranged on the free end side of the front frame 13, and the cylinder portion 17 covers the lower portion of the front frame 13 as described above. Through 16, the keyhole is directed to the front of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Then, when the amusement park clerk inserts the key into the keyhole of the cylinder 17 and turns the key counterclockwise, for example, the free end side of the front frame 13 is released from the lock device, and the front frame 13 is opened. Become.

With respect to such a front frame 13, the above-mentioned lower front plate 14 does not have a structure for opening and closing like the front frame 13, and is fixed to the outer frame 12 so as not to move. The lower front plate 14 always closes the lower end of the front surface of the outer frame 12.

The glass door 15 arranged at the front portion of the front frame 13 and the dish unit 16 are attached to the front frame 13 via a hinge mechanism (not shown). Further, both the glass door 15 and the dish unit 16 can swing independently with the left edge portion in FIG. 1 as a fixed end and the right edge portion as a free end. Then, the glass door 15 and the plate unit 16 are opened by, for example, a game hall clerk who swings horizontally forward, and swings horizontally backward from the open state to lock the glass door 15 and the plate unit 16. As a result, it becomes closed.

The glass door 15 is locked to the front frame 13 and released from the front frame 13 via the above-mentioned locking device (not shown). That is, when the amusement park clerk inserts the key into the keyhole of the cylinder 17 described above and turns the key clockwise, for example, in the direction opposite to that when the front frame 13 is opened, the free end side of the glass door 15 is locked. The glass door 15 is opened.

Further, by opening the glass door 15, a locking mechanism (not shown) of the dish unit 16 appears and can be operated, and a game hall clerk moves the operating portion (not shown) of the locking mechanism downward, for example. By the pushing operation, the dish unit 16 is opened.

Further, the glass door 15 holds, for example, two parallel transparent plates detachably, and when the glass door 15 is in a closed state, the gaming board 50 can be visually recognized from the front of the pachinko gaming machine 10 through these transparent plates. I am trying to do it. As the transparent plate, a transparent resin plate or the like can be used in addition to the glass plate.

The plate unit 16 has an upper ball plate 18, a lower ball plate 19, a launch handle 20, and the like on the front surface thereof. Of these, the upper ball plate 18 stores the game balls, supplies the game balls to the launching device 43 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) operated via the launch handle 20, and plays games on the lower ball plate 19. It is equipped with mechanisms for various functions such as ejecting balls. Further, the lower ball plate 19 stores the game balls, receives the game balls sent from the upper ball plate 18, and puts the game balls into a ball box (so-called dollar box) placed outside the pachinko gaming machine 10. It is equipped with a mechanism for various functions such as discharge.

Further, in the present embodiment, various speakers 21 are provided in parts such as the upper corner of the glass door 15 and the lower front plate 14, and through these speakers 21, depending on the game state, the effect pattern, and the like. BGM and various sound effects are output.

Further, an operation button 22 that can be pressed by the player is provided on the upper ball plate 18 toward the player (see FIG. 1). The operation button 22 is provided on the outer wall surface of the upper part of the upper ball plate 18, and is located near the center of the upper ball plate 18 in the left-right direction. Further, the operation button 22 is provided with a light emitting body for the operation button (not shown) inside, and outputs light according to the effect pattern to be executed.

The operation button 22 may be projected upward or vibrated in a predetermined case by using a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. Although not shown in detail, the operation button 22 in the present embodiment may be displaced so that the tip of the operation button 22 protrudes upward due to the drive of the elevating motor to form an operation lever input portion capable of performing input by tilting. It is possible and has a crescent-shaped eccentric cam to generate vibration in the drive system of the operating lever. Further, as shown in FIG. 19A, a cross key 96 is provided in addition to the operation button 22, and the player can perform various environment settings and effect operations using the cross key 96. .. Then, as the contents of the environment setting, the volume adjustment (adjustment) of the speaker 21, the brightness adjustment (adjustment) and the light amount adjustment (adjustment) of the effect display described later, or the change of the effect mode described later can be exemplified. Further, as an effect operation using the cross key 96, a mini game or the like during variable display can be exemplified. Further, in addition to the cross key, for example, a lever-shaped operating means, various types of touch panels, and the like can be used. The light intensity adjustment (adjustment) using the cross key 96 will be described later. Further, in FIG. 19A, reference numeral 97 is a ball lending button, and reference numeral 98 is a return button. Further, reference numeral 98 in FIG. 19A is a ball removal button for the upper ball plate 18.
<Back configuration of pachinko machine>

Next, the basic configuration on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, a set base 31 provided with a game ball passage for guiding or collecting a game ball is attached to the back surface of the front frame 13, and a game machine is attached below the set base 31. A power supply unit 32 for supplying power to the whole and a payout control board 103 for controlling the gaming machine frame side are attached. Further, on the back side of the game board 50, a main board (main control board) 102 that controls the entire game and a sub board 104 that executes effect control based on control commands from the main board 102 are set boards 31. It is provided in a positional relationship corresponding to the opening of.

In the set base 31, the prize ball tank 33 is provided above the above-mentioned opening. The prize ball tank 33 stores game balls supplied from the island equipment and used as prize balls. Further, below the prize ball tank 33, a prize ball passage 34, a payout unit 35, and a prize ball discharge passage 36 are provided.

The payout unit 35 communicates with the prize ball passage 34 and can discharge the balls stored in the prize ball tank 33 downward in units of one ball. Further, the prize ball discharge passage 36 guides the game ball flowed down from the payout unit 35 to the ball plate (upper ball plate 18 or lower ball plate 19) as a prize ball.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply unit 32 described above is provided at a lower left portion of the set base 31 when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed from the rear. Then, the power supply unit 32 converts the AC power supplied from the outside of the gaming machine into various voltages used in the gaming machine and supplies the AC power to the payout control board 103, the main board 102, the sub board 104, and the like. Further, the power supply unit 32 is provided with a power supply switch 40 which is a tilt switch.

As shown in FIG. 2, the above-mentioned payout control board 103 is arranged at a lower right portion of the set base 31 when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed from the rear. The payout control board 103 has a payout control function that controls the payout unit 35 in response to a command relating to payout from the main board 102 or a loan request from the outside. The payout control board 103 also has a launch control function that controls the launch device 43 so that the game ball is launched into the game area with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the launch handle 20 (see FIG. 1).

The above-mentioned main board 102 is arranged in the lower center on the back side of the game board 50, and mainly includes various lottery functions, control functions for the payout control board 103 and the sub board 104, and the like. It has the core processing functions of 10. The above-mentioned sub-board 104 is arranged in the upper center on the back side of the game board 50, and mainly has a function for controlling various effects described later. Although not shown, the main board 102 is provided with a performance display unit composed of four 7-segment displays and a setting display unit composed of one 7-segment display. ..

Regarding the above-mentioned sub-board 104, a main sub-board (sub-main board 301 in this embodiment) that plays a main role in effect control and a sub-sub-board (this implementation) that specializes in a specific effect function such as image creation. In the example, it is divided into sub-sub-board 302), but the term "sub-board" includes these. Further, on the upper right portion on the back side of the set board 31, an external relay terminal board 46 for relaying signals from the main board 102, the payout control board 103, and the like to an external device of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided.
<Board composition of the game board>

Next, the above-mentioned game board 50 and parts (board surface parts) arranged on the board surface of the game board 50 will be described. In this embodiment, the game board 50 is composed of a plurality of parts made of a transparent resin material (for example, transparent acrylic resin) or wood (plywood). Further, the game board 50 is formed in a plate shape, and has a game ball passage for guiding the game ball to the back side of the game board 50, a predetermined space, and the like. The gaming board 50 is mounted on the front frame 13 of the gaming machine frame 11 with the plate surface on which various board surface parts are mounted facing forward, and is mounted on the front frame 13 of the gaming machine frame 11 by means of a closed glass door 15 or the like. It is designed to cover the front. Further, on the front side of the game board 50, the game area 52 is formed by combining the inner rail and the outer rail formed in a curved strip shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game area 52 includes a first start winning opening 62, a second starting winning opening 63, a large winning opening device 90 (attacker unit), an operating opening 68, a plurality of general winning openings 72, and a plurality of general winning openings 72. An out port (58) or the like, which is arranged at the lowermost part of the game area 52 and is hidden behind the operation button 22 in FIG. 1, is provided. Further, the game area 52 is provided with an effect display device 60 composed of a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying for the effect, a center decoration 64 for decorating the periphery of the effect display device 60, and the like.

Further, the game area 52 is provided with a large number of game nails (not shown), a mechanism such as a windmill, and the like. It is also possible not to install a wind turbine. Further, a main control display device 53 is provided outside the lower left of the game area 52 of the game board 50. The specific configuration and function of the main control display device 53 will be described later. Further, the board surface configuration of the gaming board 50 as described above may vary depending on, for example, the game characteristics adopted in the pachinko gaming machine 10.
<Functions of board parts>

Subsequently, specific functions and configurations related to the above-mentioned individual board surface parts will be described. First, the above-mentioned first start winning opening 62 is a starting winning opening related to the first game, and is of a type in which the entrance of the game ball is always opened and the size of the entrance of the game ball is not changed. Further, the first start winning opening 62 has a first starting winning detection device 74 (sensor) for detecting the entry of a game ball into the first starting winning opening 62, and the output signal of this sensor is described above. Is input to the main board 102 of.

The above-mentioned second start winning opening 63 is a starting winning opening related to the second game, and is arranged on the right side of the first starting winning opening 62. The second start winning opening 63 is a start opening related to an ordinary electric accessory (so-called "electric tulip" or "electric chew"), and when the ordinary symbol described later is stopped and displayed in a hit manner, one side is displayed. (Right side in FIG. 1) is provided with a blade (opening / closing blade) that operates to open. Then, the second start winning opening 63 opens the opening / closing blade for a predetermined time based on the operation of the ordinary electric accessory, so that the game ball enters the second starting winning opening 63. It will be possible. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and the starting port for the second game may not be provided with the ordinary electric accessory, or the starting port for the first game may be provided with the ordinary electric accessory.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second start winning opening 63 includes a second starting winning detection device 75 (sensor) and a normal electric accessory solenoid 76 for opening and closing the above-mentioned opening / closing blade. .. The output signal of the second start winning prize detection device 75 is input to the main board 102.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of types are provided as a mode for opening the second starting winning opening 63. These opening modes include a relatively short time (for example, about 0.2 seconds) (referred to as "short opening" or "short opening") or a relatively long time (for example, about 5 seconds). There are modes (referred to as "long opening", "long opening", etc.). It is also possible to provide a mode of middle opening set to an opening time between short opening and long opening. Then, various opening modes related to the second starting winning opening 63 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned general winning opening 72 includes a general winning detection device 73 (sensor) for detecting the entry of a game ball. The output signal of the general winning detection device 73 is input to the main board 102.

When the general winning detection device 73 is shared by the plurality of general winning openings 72, the game balls that have entered the plurality of general winning openings 72 are collected at the place where the general winning detection device 73 is arranged and detected. It is possible to do. It is also possible to group a plurality of general winning openings 72 by positional relationship or by the number of prize balls (shared by the general winning detection device 73). The specific mode of paying out the prize balls will be described later.

The above-mentioned large winning opening device 90 is formed in a case shape by combining transparent synthetic resin parts, and although not shown, the large winning opening device 90 is provided inside the large winning opening device 90 to be visible to the player. .. The grand prize opening has an opening formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape, and is provided with a first opening / closing door (not shown) for opening / closing this opening. Then, when a predetermined hit occurs, the large winning opening performs an opening operation in a predetermined mode.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the large winning opening device 90 includes a large winning opening detection device 78 for detecting the entry of a game ball, and a large winning opening solenoid 80 for opening and closing the above-mentioned opening / closing door. There is. Of these, the grand prize detection device 78 has a sensor that detects the entry of the game ball into the grand prize opening device 90, and the output signal thereof is input to the main board 102.

In addition, various devices can be adopted as the large winning opening device 90. For example, as the large winning opening device 90, one having the large winning opening opened forward, one having the large winning opening opened upward, or the like can be adopted. Further, as the big winning opening device 90, a plurality of types of operation patterns (opening / closing patterns) related to the above-mentioned opening / closing door (not shown) for opening / closing the big winning opening are provided, and a plurality of types are provided during the big hit game in which the special game is executed. It is possible to adopt a device that operates the opening / closing door with different operation patterns. Further, as the large winning opening device 90, a device having a plurality of large winning openings and distributing game balls to each large winning opening can be adopted according to the situation of the game.

As shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned operating port 68a includes a passage detecting device 69, and the passing detecting device 69 has a sensor for detecting the passage of a game ball at the operating port 68. Then, the output signal of the sensor in the passage detection device 69 is input to the main board 102, and the passage detection device 69 changes the output signal of the sensor according to the presence or absence of the ball entering.

As shown in FIG. 3, the above-mentioned out port 58 includes an out ball detection device (out port sensor) 82. The out port sensor 82 detects a game ball (out ball) that has entered the out port 58 instead of being a winning ball (safe ball) in the game area 52. Then, the detection result of the out port sensor 82 is used for counting out balls and displaying (base display) on the performance display unit.

The center decoration 64 described above has a function of directing and the like, and an LED substrate on which a large number of chip-type LEDs are mounted is provided inside the center decoration 64. Then, by driving the LED of the center decoration 64, the light of the LED is transmitted through the center decoration 64, and the center decoration 64 performs the light decoration (light effect). Further, the light decoration in the center decoration 64 is performed not only during the game but also during the waiting for the start of the game and during the preparation of the game for the player to adjust the light amount (light amount setting). The details will be described later.

Further, a plurality of movable effect members are provided on the back surface (inside) of the center decoration 64, and these movable effect members form a gimmick for effect. In this embodiment, various light guide plate signs (lower left sign 601, upper sign 602, lower right sign 603) shown in FIG. 21 are provided as main movable effect members. These movable effect members (601 to 603) are usually hidden inside the center decoration 64 as shown in FIG. However, when a predetermined effect is performed, these movable effect members (601 to 603) appear in front of the effect display device 60 as shown in FIG. 21.

Here, in FIG. 21, a state in which all three movable effect members (601 to 603) have appeared is shown. Further, in this embodiment, light decoration (light effect) is also performed on the movable effect member. Further, the light decoration of the movable effect member is performed not only during the game but also during the waiting for the start of the game and during the preparation of the game for the player to adjust the amount of light, etc. It will be described later.

Further, a game ball passage portion 65 is formed in a portion of the center decoration 64 on the right side when viewed from the front, and the center decoration 64 has a function of a flow path of a game ball in addition to the above-mentioned effect function. Have.

Further, the center decoration 64 is provided with a light guide plate 88. Although not shown, the light guide plate 88 may be provided with two transparent plates arranged in parallel with the plate surfaces facing forward and backward, for example. Further, the light guide plate 88 is attached to the center decoration 64, and shields between the outside and the inside of the center decoration 64 in front of the effect display device 60. The light guide plate 88 also functions as a protective cover for the effect display device 60 in the center decoration 64.

The light guide plate 88 can be configured as follows, for example. That is, inside the center decoration 64, a plurality of LEDs serving as light sources are arranged side by side in a band shape so as to face one end face of the transparent plate, for example, the left and right end faces. Then, in a normal state, the display content of the effect display device 60 is transmitted to the outside of the transparent plate so that the player can see it without superimposing another image on the screen of the effect display device 60.

However, the inside of each transparent plate constituting the light guide plate 88 is formed with fine irregularities that cannot be visually recognized under a normal environment. Then, at the time of executing the predetermined effect, for example, the above-mentioned light source facing the end face of one of the transparent plates is driven, and the light of the light source is emitted from the end face of the transparent plate toward the inside of the transparent plate. To. Further, the light is diffused by the unevenness of the transparent plate irradiated with the light, and the diffused light develops and emerges a predetermined illustration or the like so that the player can recognize it.

Further, of the two transparent plates of the light guide plate 88, the other transparent plate is engraved with irregularities for forming an image different from the above-mentioned illustrations and the like. Then, by driving the light source facing the end face at the time of a predetermined effect, an illustration or the like different from the above-mentioned one emerges so that the player can recognize it.

Here, it is possible to direct the light source not only to one of the left and right end faces of the transparent plate but also to one of the upper and lower end faces, and to project another illustration or the like by the light of this light source. By doing so, it is possible to display two types of images on one transparent plate. Further, the number of transparent plates may be one or three or more. It is also possible to use a transmissive liquid crystal display instead of or in combination with the light guide plate 88.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned movable effect members (601 to 603 in FIG. 21 and the like) are also produced by using the light guide plate, but the movable effect members (601 to 603 in FIG. 21) are also used. The configuration of (603, etc.) and the usage pattern of the light guide plate will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the above-mentioned main control display device 53 includes a large number of LED indicator lights arranged on a symbol display board (main symbol display board) 256, and a 7-segment display body on the main board 102. The performance display unit and the setting display unit are arranged. On the symbol display board side of the main control display device 53, there is a normal symbol display unit 59 that displays the above-mentioned ordinary symbol, and a first special symbol display that displays a first special symbol (described later) corresponding to the first game. A unit 70, a second special symbol display unit 71 for displaying a second special symbol (described later) corresponding to the second game, and various other display units are formed so as to be visible to the player from the front of the gaming machine. .. The above-mentioned ordinary symbol display unit 59 constitutes an ordinary symbol display device. Further, the first special symbol display unit 70 constitutes a first special symbol display device, and the second special symbol display unit 71 constitutes a second special symbol display device. On the other hand, the performance display unit arranged on the main board 102 side can display the base (value of the number of prize balls per the number of shots) for each game state, and the setting display unit can display the accessory continuous operation device. It is possible to display the current set value with respect to the set value for making the operation probability (the operation probability of the device that continuously operates the special electric accessory, the so-called jackpot probability) different. Further, details of each display unit formed on the main control display device 53 will be described later.

In the following, the normal symbol is "general symbol", the special symbol is "special symbol", the first special symbol is "first special symbol", "special diagram 1", "special 1", and the second special symbol is "special symbol". It may be referred to as "second special figure", "special figure 2", "special figure 2", or the like. Further, the first special symbol may be referred to as "special symbol 1" or "symbol 1", and the second special symbol may be referred to as "special symbol 2" or "symbol 2".
<Basic game procedure>

Subsequently, the gaming procedure in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. First, in a situation where the game ball is supplied to the above-mentioned upper ball plate 18, when the player operates the above-mentioned launch handle 20 to rotate the upper ball plate 18, the upper ball plate 18 has a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. The game balls stored in the are fired one by one at predetermined intervals. Then, the game ball is guided by the above-mentioned inner rail and outer rail, reaches the upper part of the game area 52, and is discharged from between the inner rail and the outer rail to the game area 52.

In a normal game, the player fires the game ball so as to flow down on the left side of the game area 52, and aims at the first starting winning opening 62 located in the lower central portion of the game area 52. Such a mode of launching mainly using the left side of the game area 52 is so-called left-handed. Further, the firing of the game ball is repeated at a predetermined time interval (for example, an interval not exceeding 100 shots per minute) by the launching device 43 described above while the player is operating the firing handle 20. Then, the game balls continuously released into the game area 52 fall in a direction corresponding to factors such as the speed, the incident angle (or the reflection angle), and the like while interfering with a plurality of game nails and wind turbines.

When the game ball falls into various winning openings such as the above-mentioned general winning opening 72 and the first starting winning opening 62, the winning ball is detected and the payout control of the game ball is performed. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the upper ball plate 18 as prize balls via the above-mentioned payout unit 35 according to the type of winning opening. Further, when the upper ball plate 18 is filled with many game balls and the subsequent game balls paid out cannot enter the upper ball plate 18, these game balls are guided to the lower ball plate 19 as overflow balls. ..

In addition, the game balls that have fallen into various winning openings become safe balls and are guided from the front side to the back side of the game board 50. Further, the game ball that has not become a safe ball reaches the lower end of the game area 52, falls into the out port (58), and is guided to the back surface side of the game board 50. Then, the game ball that has reached the back surface side of the game board 50 is guided downward through a predetermined guide gutter or a game ball passage in the set base 31, and is directed from the pachinko game machine 10 toward the above-mentioned island equipment side. Is discharged.

The operating port 68 described above is a gate through which the game ball passes, unlike the winning opening for generating the safe ball described above. In the following, the term "winning opening" including the operating port 68, and the terms "falling in", "winning ball", and "winning" in this embodiment include the meaning of "passing" related to the gate.

When the game ball enters the operating port 68, if a predetermined fluctuation start condition (normal figure fluctuation start condition) as described later is satisfied, the normal symbol (described later) is displayed on the main control display device 53. It is displayed in a variable manner. The normal symbol displayed on the main control display device 53 shows the result of a random number lottery (general drawing lottery) executed based on the ball entering the operating port 68, and is stopped and displayed after a predetermined fluctuation time has passed. Will be done.

When the game ball enters the start opening (here, the first start winning opening 62 or the second starting winning opening 63), the predetermined fluctuation start condition (special figure fluctuation start condition) as described later is satisfied. For example, on the main control display device 53, a special symbol (described later) is displayed in a variable manner. The special symbol displayed on the main control display device 53 indicates the result of a random number lottery (big hit lottery) executed based on the ball entering the starting port, and is stopped and displayed after a predetermined fluctuation time has passed. ..

In the effect display device 60 described above, the effect display related to the special symbol is performed. This effect display differs depending on whether the special symbol is in the variable display or the stop display, and whether the stop display mode of the special symbol is a big hit or an outlier. In relation to this, various predetermined modes of production are performed.

In the big hit game in which the special game is executed, the unit game in which the big winning opening device 90 is activated and the big winning opening (not shown) is opened is repeated a plurality of times. Further, the special game includes a unit game in which the unit game is repeated up to the maximum number of times and a unit game in which the unit game is repeated less than the maximum number of times. As the maximum number of times, 15 times (15R (round)) and the like can be exemplified, and as the number of times less than the maximum number of times, 5 times (5R) and the like can be exemplified. In addition, a special game in which a unit game in which the opening of the large winning opening is executed is performed only once is referred to as a "small hit".

In each unit game, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are detected in the corresponding large winning opening, or when the total opening time reaches a predetermined time (for example, about 30 seconds), The end condition is met and the big prize opening is closed. The total opening time as the end condition of the unit game indicates that the upper limit is set even when the opening of the large winning openings is divided into multiple times in one unit game. ing. By opening multiple large winning openings within a unit game, technical intervention is enhanced, and by opening one time, it is possible to easily obtain balls, so that the game playability during big hits can be broadened. The opening mode of the big winning opening can be selected from preset patterns.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, as described above, a game property in which a plurality of (here, two) games corresponding to the conventional first-class pachinko gaming machine are mixed is adopted. That is, in this embodiment, the plurality of games described above can be divided into a first game in which the first start winning opening 62 is used and a second game in which the second starting winning opening 63 is used. Then, in a situation where the second game is prioritized over the first game and at the same time the start condition of the game is satisfied, the second game is preferentially executed and the first game is reserved. The first game and the second game are not executed at the same time.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a specific game may be executed after the end of the special game, depending on the result of the jackpot lottery described above. This specific game is different from the above-mentioned special game, and is in a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game. In this embodiment, as the specific game, a probability variation game (hereinafter referred to as "probability variation"), a variation time shortening game (hereinafter referred to as "time reduction"), and a ball entry facilitation game are provided. As the specific game, there are those in which only one of the probability change, the time saving, and the ball entry facilitation game is executed, and there are those in which a plurality of specific games are performed at the same time, and different game characteristics are created by combining them.

When the specific game is executed, the notification regarding the launch position and launch timing of the game ball recommended by the image or sound of the effect display device 60 (for example, an effect that encourages right-handed hitting) is executed. Then, when the player increases the amount of rotation of the firing handle 20 clockwise to increase the firing force and launches the game ball toward the area on the right side of the game area 52, the game ball passing above the center decoration 64 is launched. , Enters the game ball passage portion 65 of the center decoration 64 and flows down the center decoration 64. Further, the game ball released from the center decoration 64 falls in a direction corresponding to the way of hitting the game nails and other structures while hitting the game balls.

A part of the large number of game balls emitted from the center decoration 64 passes through the operating port 68 (see FIG. 1) and is detected by the passage detection device 69 (see FIG. 3). Then, as described above, when the game ball passes through the operating port 68, the above-mentioned normal symbol is variablely displayed on the main control display device 53 (see FIG. 6), and the variable display of the normal symbol is stopped in a predetermined hit mode. Then, the ordinary electric accessory of the second start winning opening 63 expands for a predetermined time according to the hitting mode.

In this embodiment, the game ball reaching the right side of the game area 52 can be guided to the periphery of the second starting winning opening 63 and the large winning opening device 90 by a nail or the like. Further, in the present embodiment, a game for facilitating ball entry is added to the time saving, which is a specific game, and during the time saving, the opening extension of the normal electric accessory and the normal electric role are performed by the game for facilitating ball entry. The combination of the probability fluctuation of the object and the time reduction of the ordinary electric accessory is performed, and the long opening of the ordinary electric accessory described above becomes easy to be executed. Then, during the time saving, when the ordinary electric accessory of the second start winning opening 63 is expanded once, one or a plurality of game balls can enter the second starting winning opening 63. ing.

When a big hit occurs and a special game is executed, the big prize opening (not shown) of the large winning opening device 90 is opened, but during this special game, the player is hit right. It is possible to make it. Then, in this case, before the start of the special game, it is conceivable to execute an effect of urging the player to hit right by using an image or sound of the effect display device 60.
<Example of jackpot type: ST>

Next, the types of jackpots in the above-mentioned first game and second game will be described. First, as jackpots, a jackpot that repeats the above-mentioned unit game 15 times (hereinafter, also appropriately referred to as "15R jackpot") and a jackpot that repeats the unit game 7 times (hereinafter, also appropriately referred to as "7R jackpot") are provided. .. The lottery mode for these big hits will be described later.

The above-mentioned unit game is started in a special game with the opening of the large winning opening 91 (not shown) in the large winning opening device 90, and when a predetermined time (for example, about 30 seconds) has elapsed, or when the large winning opening is opened. It ends when a predetermined number (for example, 10 or more) of game balls falls in, and the big winning opening is closed. A special game in which such a unit game is repeated is based on a so-called ball ejection (sometimes referred to as a ball ejection) for the purpose of causing a player to acquire a game ball. Further, among various big hits, the 15R big hit and the 7R big hit are intended to make the player acquire a relatively large number of game balls.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as a type of a part of the jackpot, for example, a part of the 15R jackpot or a part of the 15R jackpot can be provided with a non-probable change (15R normal or 7R normal). In addition, for example, even if it is a 15R jackpot, the opening period of the jackpot is short, and it is possible to obtain only the same amount of balls as the 5R jackpot (15R probability variation (actual 5R)), or a 5R jackpot. Even so, it is possible to provide such a thing that it is almost impossible to obtain a ball (for example, only a minimum amount (for example, one ball) is entered in the large winning opening device 90 in each R).

Further, in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned specific gaming states such as probability change and time reduction are generated for a predetermined specific jackpot. As a mode of occurrence of such a specific game state, it is possible to provide a big hit that does not give at least one of the privilege functions such as probability change, time reduction, and ball entry facilitation game. More specifically, it is conceivable to provide a big hit with only a probability change or a big hit with only a short time. Furthermore, it is possible to make different types of jackpots depending on the difference in the duration of the probability change and the difference in the duration of the shortened working hours. In addition, when the electric chew support is also executed during the time reduction, the "duration of the electric chew support" can be rephrased as the "duration of the electric chew support". Furthermore, it is also conceivable to execute only the electric chew support out of the time saving and the electric chew support.

However, the combination of the big hit and the probability change, the time reduction, etc. is not limited to that of the present embodiment, and various combinations can be adopted. For example, the probability variation may occur for all jackpots. In this case, all the 15R jackpots in this embodiment are 15R jackpots with probability changes (15R probability variation), and all 7R jackpots are 7R jackpots with probability variation (7R probability variation).
<Hits other than big hits>

Further, in this embodiment, a small hit is provided as a type of hit other than the big hit. When this small hit occurs in the first game (or the second game), the large winning opening device 90 is opened, for example, once. The lottery mode for small hits will be described later.
<Main control display device>
<< Configuration of main control display device >>

Next, the above-mentioned main control display device 53 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control display device 53 is configured by arranging a large number of LED indicator lights on a symbol display board 256 and stacking transparent plates in front of various display bodies. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the main control display device 53 is configured by arranging a large number (36 in this case) of LED indicator lights in two rows (upper row and lower row) on the symbol display board 256. There is. In this embodiment, the number of LED indicator lights in the upper and lower stages is 18, and the LED indicator lights in each stage are arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction. In addition, the distance between the LED indicator lights, which are in a vertical positional relationship, is also constant for all 18 LEDs.

In the main control display device 53, the 10 LED indicator lights at the right end in the upper row when viewed from the front are used for information display according to the special figure 1, and the 10 LED indicator lights at the right end in the lower row are shown in the special figure 2. It has come to be used for displaying such information. Then, in the upper and lower rows, the two LED indicators at the right ends form a first special symbol storage display unit 83 and a second special symbol storage display unit 84 that indicate the number of reserved storages. The eight LED indicators arranged to the left of the first special symbol storage display unit 83 constitute the first special symbol display unit 70 described above, and are arranged to the left of the second special symbol storage display unit 84. The LED indicator lights constitute the second special symbol display unit 71 described above.

The first special symbol display unit 70 is capable of variable display and stop display of the first special symbol related to the first game depending on the operation mode of the eight LED indicator lights arranged in a row in the horizontal direction. The first special symbol by the first special symbol display unit 70 is a symbol corresponding to the result of the first lottery performed when the game ball enters the first start winning opening 62, and the variable display is predetermined. When stopped in the hit mode, a big hit occurs and a special game is executed. It should be noted that the first special symbol display unit 70 has a maximum of 255 (= 2 ^ 8) when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, except when all the LED indicators are turned off by the combination of turning on and off. -1) Kind of identification information can be displayed.

Similarly, with respect to the above-mentioned second special symbol display unit 71, depending on the operation mode of the eight LED indicator lights arranged in a row in the horizontal direction, a maximum of 255 (= 2) is displayed when the second special symbol is stopped. ^ 8) It is possible to display various types of identification information.

Further, in the upper row, the four LED indicator lights arranged on the left side of the first special symbol display unit 70 are used for displaying information related to a normal symbol (normal symbol). The two LED indicators arranged on the left side of the above-mentioned first special symbol display unit 70 constitute a normal symbol storage display unit 85 for displaying the number of reserved storages of the normal symbol, and on the left side thereof. The two LED indicators arranged side by side constitute a normal symbol display unit 59.

The normal symbol display unit 59 is adapted to perform variable display and stop display of the normal symbol depending on the operation mode of the two LED indicator lights. Then, the normal symbol display unit 59 can display up to 3 (= 2 ^ 2-1) types of identification information at the time of stop display.

Further, the round number display unit 86 is composed of two LED indicators arranged on the left side of the normal symbol display unit 59 in the upper row and two four LED indicators located on the left end of the lower row below the normal symbol display unit 59. Further, in the lower row, the four LED indicators between the round number display unit 86 and the second special symbol display unit 71 are the first state display unit (state indicator light 1) 87a and the second state display unit in order from the left. (Status indicator 2) 87b, a third status display unit (status indicator 3) 87c, and a fourth status display unit (status indicator 4) 87d.

The first state display unit 87a described above is lit when the probability fluctuation function related to the special figure is activated, and the second state display unit 87b is lit when the probability fluctuation function related to the normal drawing is activated. There is. Further, the second state display unit 87b is lit even when the opening is extended, which is the so-called electric support (electric chew support) state. Further, the third state display unit 87c is used as a separate (right-handed) state indicator light. Further, the fourth state display unit 87d is used as an error indicator lamp.

Here, the above-mentioned third state display unit 87c (separate state indicator light) is lit not only during the electric support state but also during the big hit. In addition, during the big hit, even if it is during the consecutive villas, the flag (electric support flag) for setting the electric support state is off. Further, the third state display unit 87c is lit even when the normal electric accessory in a state other than these (normal time) is long open.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main control display device 53 having such a configuration is electrically connected to the main board 102 described above. Then, various display units in the main control display device 53 are controlled by the main board 102. Note that, among the various display units in the main control display device 53, only the normal symbol display unit 59, the first special symbol display unit 70, and the second special symbol display unit 71 are shown in FIG.
<< Functions of main control display device >>

When the game ball passes through the above-mentioned operating port 68, the normal symbol display unit 59 blinks, and the variation display of the normal symbol is executed. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time (normal symbol fluctuation time) elapses after the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is started, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed. Then, when the normal symbol is displayed in the out-of-order mode (out-of-shape mode), it is normal if the ball enters the subsequent operating port after the lapse of a predetermined stop time (normal figure stop fixed time). The next variation display related to the symbol is started. In addition, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined hit mode (hit mode), the process shifts to the next variable display as in the case of the loss, while the hit of the previously stopped and displayed normal symbol is displayed. Depending on the aspect, the second start winning opening 63 performs an opening operation for a predetermined time.

The number of holdings related to the normal symbol lottery is the number of game balls that have passed through the operating port 68 while the normal symbol is changing, and indicates the number of times the normal symbol lottery has not yet been executed. That is, if the symbol change previously performed in the normal symbol memory display unit 85 is not completed, the fluctuation start condition is not satisfied, and when the symbol change is completed, the fluctuation start condition is satisfied and is held. Based on the stored lottery result (holding lottery result), a new symbol change will be started. The upper limit of the number of holdings is 4, and the holding storage does not exceed 4 pieces.

For the display of four types of numerical values by the normal symbol storage display unit 85, for example, when the number of holds is 0 (no hold), both are turned off, and when the number of holds is 1, one of them is turned on. It is possible to turn off the other one. Further, when the number of holds is 2, both are lit, when the number of holds is 3, one of them is lit and the other is blinked, and when the number of holds is 4, both are blinked. Can be displayed.

The display of the number of reserved numbers of the first special symbol by the first special symbol storage display unit 83 described above is performed by displaying four types of information with two LED indicator lights as one set. The display of the number of reserved numbers of the second special symbol by the second special symbol storage display unit 84 described above is also performed by displaying four types of information with the two LED indicator lights as one set.

When the game situation in which the right-handed hit should be performed is reached, the display is performed in a predetermined mode using the third state display unit 86c of the main control display device 53 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the third state display unit 86c is set to turn off when hitting left, which is a gaming situation to be left-handed, and to turn on when hitting right, which is a gaming situation to hit right.
<Structure of production display device and basic display contents>

Subsequently, the configuration of the effect display device 60 described above and a basic display example of the effect display device 60 will be described. In this embodiment, a large-sized (for example, about 15 inches) liquid crystal display is used as the effect display device 60. In the display area 194 of the effect display device 60, other effect displays such as an effect display for the first special symbol or the second special symbol displayed by the main control display device 53, a story display, and the like are performed. Although various images are displayed on the effect display device 60, here, a basic effect display directly related to the first special symbol or the second special symbol will be described.

As described above, when the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is started in the main control display device 53, the effect display device 60 displays the effect as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). A variation effect accompanied by a variation display of the symbol 190 is executed. In this embodiment, the effect symbol 190 is composed of the left effect symbol 190a, the middle effect symbol 190b, and the right effect symbol 190c. In the following, the left, middle, and right effects symbols 190a to 190c may be described as "effect symbols 190" or "effect symbols 190a to 190c" depending on the situation.

Further, in the present embodiment, the effect symbol 190 has seven types of element symbols (symbol element effect symbols) having the meanings of the symbols "1" to "7". The details of the above-mentioned element symbols will be described later. Further, here, in order not to complicate the explanation, the explanation is given using seven kinds of element symbols having the meanings of the symbols "1" to "7". The element symbols include, for example, a predetermined word. It is also possible to adopt a symbol that has a meaning other than numbers, such as. Further, as an element symbol, it is possible to use a number having a meaning and another meaning. In addition, in order to execute a special effect (pseudo continuous notice or special zone effect described later), an effect suggestion that appears (displayed by adding or replacing a normal symbol) only at a certain fluctuation is performed. In a broad sense, the special symbol for the purpose is also included in the production symbol 190.

With the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol on the main control display device 53, the above-mentioned effect symbol 190 is variablely displayed on the effect display device 60 (see FIG. 7A). In this embodiment, the variable display of the effect symbols is such that the left effect symbol 190a to the right effect symbol 190c are individually moved (vertically scrolled) in the vertical direction, and the above-mentioned element symbols are sequentially displayed in the display area 194. Is executed by. As the scroll direction of the effect symbols 190a to 190c, various modes such as a horizontal direction, a rotation, and a turn can be adopted in addition to the vertical direction, and various modes of the scroll display will be described later. To do.

Further, the effect symbol 190 may form a so-called "reach" combination as an intermediate stage of the variable display. In this "reach", two of the effect symbols 190 (here, the left effect symbol 190a and the right effect symbol 190c) have the same number, such as "7" and "7", and have the same meaning. Alternatively, the combination is composed of symbols having a predetermined relationship. Further, in this "reach", the remaining one symbol (here, the medium effect symbol 190b) other than the effect symbols 190a and 190c that compose the reach combination is in a change that cannot form a combination with other effect symbols. It has become.

As the display mode of the effect symbol 190, many types of "reach" and various other types can be adopted, and details of the various display modes will be described later. Further, in the effect display device 60, various effects other than the effect by the effect symbol 190 are performed, and the details thereof will be described later.

Further, in the present embodiment, the effect display device 60 uses a liquid crystal display, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of display bodies such as a mechanical drum body and an LED display body are used. It may be a thing. Further, the effect display device 60 is not limited to the one provided with only one display body, and may be composed of a combination of a plurality of display bodies by adding, for example, an additional display body.

Further, it is also possible to provide such an additional display body as a movable effect member and to form a gimmick by the additional display body. Then, usually, an additional display body is arranged avoiding the outside of the display area 194 so as not to obstruct the visual recognition of the display area 194 of the effect display device 60, and a predetermined effect pattern is executed. In some cases, it is conceivable that an additional display body appears in front of the display area 194.
<Electrical configuration of pachinko game machines>

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described, but here, the main electrical configuration will be extracted and described. First, as shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a power supply board 251, a payout control board 103, a main board 102, a sub-main board 301, and the like. Of these, the above-mentioned payout control board 103 and the like are connected to the power supply board 251, and the main board 102, the launching device 43, and the game ball rental device connection terminal board (not shown) are connected to the payout control board 103. ) Etc. are connected. Further, the main control display device 53 and the sub-main board 301 are connected to the main board 102, and the sub-sub board 302 is connected to the sub-main board 301.

The power supply board 251 of the various configurations described above is provided in the power supply unit 32 (see FIG. 2) described above. Further, although not shown, the payout control board 103 is also connected to a status display unit used for displaying an error type and a card unit for executing monetary processing and ball lending processing related to ball lending. .. Further, a ball coin operation board or the like used for ball coin operation is connected to the above-mentioned game ball rental device connection terminal board (not shown). Further, a touch switch (not shown), a launch stop switch (not shown), and the like provided on the launch handle 20 (see FIG. 1) are connected to the launch device 43 described above.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main board 102 is provided with a main control display device 53, a passage detection device 69, a normal electric accessory solenoid 76, and a first start winning prize detection via various game board connection boards (not shown). A device 74, a second start prize detection device 75, a general prize detection device 73, a large prize detection device 78, a large prize opening solenoid 80, a magnetic sensor, a radio wave sensor (not shown), and the like are connected. Further, the out port sensor 82 is connected to the main board 102.

Each device for production is connected to the sub-main board 301 via various relay boards (not shown). As each device for production, LED boards for various lighting in the center decoration 64, various movable motors of movable production members (601 to 603, etc.), LED boards for lighting in the gaming machine frame 11, and gaming machines. An example of a frame motor for production provided in the frame 11 can be exemplified. Here, examples of the illumination in the gaming machine frame 11 include those performed by the glass door 15 described above, those performed by the plate unit 16, and those performed by a button device provided with an operation button 22. .. Further, the above-mentioned frame motor is used for driving a movable effect member (not shown) provided in the gaming machine frame 11.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-sub board 302 is connected to the liquid crystal unit 42 provided in the above-mentioned effect display device 60, various speakers 21, and the like. The various speakers 21 may be connected to the above-mentioned sub-main board 301.

Subsequently, the configurations of the main board 102 and the payout control board 103 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, a CPU (main CPU) 501, a ROM (main ROM) 502, and an RWM 503 are mounted on the main board 102. Among these, as the CPU 501, for example, a central processing unit in a resin-packaged CPU device (CPU device) can be used. The "ROM" and "RWM" described in this embodiment are comprehensive concepts including both those built in the CPU device and those externally attached to the CPU device.

Further, although not shown, in the CPU device mounted on the main board 102, in addition to the CPU 501, a control clock generation circuit, a random clock generation circuit, a 16-bit random number circuit, and an 8-bit random number are included. A random number circuit for the purpose is provided. Of these, the random number circuit for 16-bit random numbers and the random number circuit for 8-bit random numbers are for generating hardware random numbers which are built-in random numbers.

Further, the main board 102 is equipped with an input / output port 505 for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device of the main board 102. Further, although not shown, various circuit parts such as an interrupt circuit and a timer circuit are formed on the main board 102.

The ROM 502 described above stores a game program for the CPU 501 to perform processing related to the game, predetermined control data, and the like. Further, the above-mentioned RWM 503 rewritably stores data required for various processes, data generated during the process, and the like when the game program is executed by the CPU 501.

Subsequently, a CPU (payout CPU) 511, a ROM (payout ROM) 512, and an RWM 513 are mounted on the payout control board 103. Of these, as the CPU 511, for example, a central processing unit in a resin-packaged CPU device (CPU device) can be used. Further, the ROM 512 stores a payout program for the CPU 511 to perform a process related to the payout, predetermined control data, and the like. Further, the above-mentioned RWM 513 rewritably stores data required for various processes, data generated during the process, and the like when the payout program is executed by the CPU 501.

The above-mentioned sub-main board 301 includes a CPU (sub-main CPU) 521, a ROM (sub-main ROM) 522, a work RWM 523, an input port 527, an output port 528, a bus line (not shown), and the like. .. The output side of the main board 102 is connected to the input side of the input port 527, and the CPU 521, ROM 522, work RWM 523, output port 528, and the like are connected to the output side of the input port 527.

The CPU 521 of the sub-main board 301 controls the display of the effect display device 60 based on the effect control command (command) for displaying the symbol transmitted from the main board 102. The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RWM523 temporarily stores the work data and flags used when executing various programs by the CPU 521. Memory.

Data transmission / reception between the main board 102 and the sub-main board 301 described above is performed in the form of one-way communication (one-way communication) from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301. Therefore, the information held by the main board 102 cannot be referred to by the sub-main board 301 unless the main board 102 transmits the information to the sub-main board 301.

The sub-sub board 302 described above includes a CPU 531, a work RWM 532, a program ROM 533, a sound ROM 534, a character ROM 535, an image controller (VDP) 536, a sound control circuit 537, an input port 538, an output port 539, a bus line (not shown), and the like. It has. Further, the image controller (VDP) 536 includes a video memory 540. The output side of the sub-main board 301 is connected to the input side of the input port 538, and each device such as the CPU 531, the work RWM 532, and the program ROM 533 is connected to the output side of the input port 538.

The above-mentioned video memory 540 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the effect display device 60, and by rewriting the content of the image data in the video memory 540, the display content (frame image) of the effect display device 60 is used. ) Is changed. The character ROM 535 is a memory for storing character data such as a symbol displayed on the effect display device 60. The image controller 536 adjusts the operation timings of the CPU 531, the video memory 540, and the output port 539 to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video memory 540 from the character ROM 535 at a predetermined timing. Further, the symbols are superimposed in the order of the layers in which the priority is determined in advance and displayed on the effect display device 60.
<Power supply and data backup>

The power supply board 251 described above includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and an initialization switch circuit unit 543 having an initialization switch 544. The power supply unit 541 applies a predetermined amount of voltage to the main board 102, the payout control board 103, etc. for driving various switches, motors, logic circuits, etc. through a power supply path (not shown) to the main board 102, the payout control board 103, and the like. It supplies 103 and other predetermined devices.

The initialization switch circuit unit 543 includes a circuit that outputs an initialization signal for clearing backup data to the main board 102 and the payout control board 103 when the initialization switch 544 is pressed when the power is turned on. ..

As described above, the RWM 503 on the main board 102 is capable of holding (backing up) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply board 251 even after the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off. That is, the RWM 503 is provided with a backup area 503a in addition to a memory and an area (not shown) for temporarily storing various data and the like. This backup area 503a can be used as a stack pointer when the power is cut off (when a power failure occurs) when the power is cut off due to a power failure (including a so-called momentary power failure due to a momentary voltage drop). , Each register, an area for storing the values of I / O and the like. Then, the state of the main board 102 and the like is returned to the state before the power is cut off based on the information of the backup area 503a when the normal power supply is started up and the power failure is resolved.

Further, with respect to the RWM 513 on the payout control board 103, similarly to the RWM 503 on the main board 102, after the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off, a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply board 251 so that data can be retained (backed up). It has become.

The main board 102 described above is provided with a power failure monitoring circuit unit 506 for monitoring power failure due to a power failure or the like as described above. The power failure monitoring circuit unit 506 monitors the DC stable (for example, 30 volt) voltage, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541 of the power supply board 251. When this voltage becomes less than a predetermined voltage, a power failure (power supply) occurs. The occurrence of cutoff) is detected and the above-mentioned power failure signal is output. Based on the input of such a power cut signal, the CPU 501 of the main board 102 and the CPU 511 of the payout control board 103 execute a predetermined power cut process.

Next, the basic functions of the main board 102 will be described. The main board 102 of this embodiment fulfills various functions such as ball entry determination, lottery, and command transmission by the functions of the above-described configurations (see FIG. 4).

FIG. 5 shows typical functional means in each of the main board 102, the sub-main board 301, and the sub-sub board 302. Of these, the main board 102 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a first lottery means 111, a second lottery means 112, a general drawing lottery means 113, a hold control means 114, a main display control means 115, and a special game control means 116. It includes specific game control means 117, open / close control means 118, advance information notification means 119, main command transmission means 120, and the like. Then, the main board 102 uses these functional means to draw a lottery for a special symbol, a lottery for a normal symbol, hold control, a main control display, a special game, a specific game, an open / close control, and prior information, as described in order below. Execute notification etc.

The above-mentioned winning ball determination means 110 is a sensor provided at each winning opening for entering a game ball into each winning opening (operating opening, various starting winning openings, large winning opening, general winning opening, out opening, etc.). Judgment is made based on the signal output from.
<< Win / Loss Lottery Function for Special Designs >>

The first lottery means 111 described above executes the first lottery based on the ball entering the first starting winning opening 62. The first lottery means 111 has the functions of the first lottery value acquisition means 121, the first hit / fail determination means 122, the first symbol determination means 123, and the first pattern determination means 124. The result of the first lottery is represented by the first special symbol that has been stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 70 of the main control display device 53 (see FIG. 6) described above.

Similarly, the above-mentioned second lottery means 112 executes the second lottery based on the ball entering the second starting winning opening 63. The second lottery means 112 has the functions of the second lottery value acquisition means 125, the second winning / failing determination means 126, the second symbol determination means 127, and the second pattern determination means 128. The result of the second lottery is represented by the second special symbol that has been stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 71 of the main control display device 53 described above.

The first lottery value acquisition means 121 provided in the first lottery means 111 described above sets the value of the big hit random number related to the first lottery as the first winning / failing lottery value when the ball enters the first starting winning opening 62. Get as. Further, the second lottery value acquisition means 125 provided in the above-mentioned second lottery means 112 sets the value of the jackpot random number related to the second lottery to the second winning or failing when the ball enters the second starting winning opening 63. Obtained as a lottery value.

In this embodiment, the jackpot random number acquired as the first winning / failing lottery value and the jackpot random number acquired as the second winning / failing lottery value are a hardware random number (hard random number) and a software random number (soft random number). It is generated by the calculation (addition) used. As the hardware random number, for example, the built-in random number generated by the random number circuit for 16 bits is used, and as the software random number, the value updated for each interrupt by the random number generation program in the software is used. In addition, either one of the hardware random number and the software random number may be used.

The first winning / failing determination means 122 in the first lottery means 111 makes a winning / failing determination based on the first winning / failing lottery value, and whether or not the first winning / failing lottery value corresponds to a predetermined value (winning value) to be a hit. To judge. Similarly, the second winning / failing determination means 126 in the second lottery means 112 makes a winning / failing determination based on the above-mentioned second winning / failing lottery value, and the second winning / failing lottery value becomes a predetermined value (winning value) to be a hit. Judge whether it is applicable or not. In the winning / failing determination by the first winning / failing determination means 122 and the second winning / failing determination means 126, the winning / failing determination table (FIG. 8 (a)) that defines the correspondence between the first winning / failing lottery value and the second winning / failing lottery value and the lottery result of the big hit lottery. ) Is used. Here, the big hit at the time of normal probability change shown in FIG. 8A indicates a random number value range that is always a big hit, and the big hit at the time of probability change is a random value range that becomes a big hit only at the time of probability change. It is shown that.

When the first symbol determining means 123 in the first lottery means 111 and the second symbol determining means 127 in the second lottery means 112 win either the jackpot in the jackpot lottery relating to the first special symbol or the second special symbol. , The type of special symbol is determined based on the jackpot symbol determination table (see FIG. 9). The jackpot symbol determination table for the first lottery defines the relationship between the symbol lottery value, which is a random number value (symbol random number) related to symbol determination, and the type of special symbol.

Here, the symbol lottery value may also be referred to as a "symbol random number per special symbol" or a "symbol random number" related to the special symbol. Further, in the present embodiment, the type of hit includes a small hit, and the first symbol determining means 123 and the second symbol determining means 127 are special in the case where the small hit is won in the big hit lottery related to the special symbol. The type of symbol is determined based on the small hit symbol determination table (see FIG. 9C).

The symbol lottery value is acquired when the ball enters the starting winning opening, as in the case of the winning / failing lottery value described above. In addition, the type of special symbol is associated with the type of hit, and the type of big hit and the presence or absence of a small hit are determined in association with the acquired symbol lottery value.

The first pattern determining means 124 in the first lottery means 111 and the second pattern determining means 128 in the second lottery means 112 determine the variation pattern of the special symbol in the corresponding special symbol display unit based on the special symbol variation pattern table. decide. The special figure fluctuation pattern table defines the relationship between a large number of special figure fluctuation patterns and a pattern lottery value which is a random number value (variation pattern random number) related to the determination of the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol.

The pattern lottery value is acquired when the ball enters the starting winning opening, as in the case of the winning / failing lottery value described above. Further, the fluctuation patterns related to the first special symbol and the second special symbol correspond to various game situations such as, for example, at the time of big hit, at the time of loss, presence / absence of reach, presence / absence of time reduction, number of holdings, number of fluctuations after big hit, and the like. A plurality of different special figure fluctuation pattern tables are provided.

The fluctuation pattern related to the special symbol (special symbol fluctuation pattern) defines the time (variation time) from the start to the stop of the fluctuation in the fluctuation display of the special symbol. The special figure fluctuation pattern defines various long and short fluctuation times, for example, from 1 second or less to several tens of seconds, depending on the type. That is, each special symbol variation pattern has a variation time defined as an end condition of the variation display, and the above-mentioned first special symbol display unit 70 or second special symbol display unit 71 (see FIG. 6) is special. When the fluctuation display of the symbol is started and the specified fluctuation time elapses, the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

For most of the special figure fluctuation patterns to be selected when the time is shortened, the fluctuation time is set shorter than the special figure fluctuation pattern to be selected when the time is not shortened. However, the special figure fluctuation patterns that can be selected in the case of non-time saving and when the number of holdings is 4, include those having a shorter fluctuation time than the specific special figure fluctuation pattern in the time saving. There is.

Further, in this embodiment, most of the fluctuation patterns selected in a predetermined situation such as a probability change have an extremely short fluctuation time (for example, about 0.6 seconds). Then, in such a situation, the fluctuation display of the special symbol and the effect associated therewith are executed based on the fluctuation pattern of the extremely short time. The effect based on the fluctuation pattern of such an extremely short fluctuation time will be described later.
<< Various lottery functions related to ordinary symbols >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned general drawing lottery means 113 will be described. The general map lottery means 113 includes a general map lottery value acquisition unit 129, a general map winning / failing determination means 130, a general map symbol determination means 131, and a general map pattern determination means 132. Then, when the passage of the game ball in the operating port 68 is detected by the above-mentioned entry determination means 110, the general drawing lottery means 113 executes a lottery (general drawing lottery) related to the normal symbol based on the detection result. To do.

In this general drawing lottery, the general symbol lottery value acquisition means 129 acquires the general symbol lottery value which is a random number related to the normal symbol (the general symbol random number), and the general symbol determination means 131 causes the general symbol determination table. Referenced. In this normal figure determination table, the correspondence relationship between the normal figure lottery value and the type of the normal symbol is defined. Then, the normal figure winning / failing determination means 130 determines whether or not the normal symbol associated with the normal figure lottery value corresponds to a hit, and if it corresponds to a hit, the type of hit is determined. Will be done.

Further, the normal figure pattern lottery value is acquired when the ball enters the operating port 68, and the obtained normal figure pattern lottery value is used by the normal figure pattern determining means 132 to obtain a fluctuation pattern related to the normal symbol (normal figure fluctuation pattern). ) Is determined. Each normal figure fluctuation pattern corresponds to the normal figure pattern lottery value which is a random number related to the normal figure fluctuation pattern (random number of the normal figure fluctuation pattern), and is linked to the acquired normal figure pattern lottery value, and the situation of the game. The pattern of fluctuations in the normal map is determined according to the situation.

Further, in this embodiment, the normal figure lottery value, which is a random number related to the ordinary symbol, and the normal figure pattern lottery value are created by using only software random numbers.
<< Functions related to holding special symbols >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned hold control means 114 will be described. The hold control means 114 includes a first hold means 133, a second hold means 134, and a normal figure hold means 135. Of these, the first holding means 133 is acquired by entering the ball when the first starting winning opening 62 is newly entered and the predetermined fluctuation start condition related to the first special symbol is not satisfied. Information (first special figure hold storage information) related to various random numbers (first winning / failing lottery value, first symbol lottery value, etc.) is temporarily held and stored. In this embodiment, the upper limit value of the hold related to the first special symbol is set to 4, and the hold related to the first special symbol is possible within the range not exceeding this upper limit value.

The variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol that was executed when the above-mentioned ball was entered is completed, and the first special symbol or the second special symbol that occurred before the above-mentioned entry is further completed. If there is no hold related to, the change start condition for the first special symbol is satisfied, and a new symbol change for the first special symbol is permitted.

The above-mentioned second holding means 134 is also acquired by entering the ball if the predetermined fluctuation start condition related to the second special symbol is not satisfied when the ball is newly entered into the second starting winning opening 63. Information related to various random numbers (second winning / failing lottery value, second symbol lottery value, etc.) is temporarily held and stored.

When the change display of the second special symbol, which was executed when the ball was entered, is completed, the change start condition for the second special symbol is satisfied, and the new symbol change for the second special symbol is satisfied. Will be allowed. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the hold related to the second special symbol is set to four as in the case of the first special symbol.

In the above-mentioned first special symbol and the second special symbol, when the symbol for starting the special game is stopped and controlled by the special game, the fluctuation start condition is determined after the special game is completed.
<< Functions related to holding ordinary symbols >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned general drawing holding means 135 will be described. The normal figure holding means 135 is a random number (common figure lottery) acquired by entering a ball if a predetermined fluctuation start condition related to a normal symbol is not satisfied when a ball is entered at the operating port 68 (see FIG. 1). Information related to (value, etc.) (Public map hold storage information) is temporarily held and stored. Then, until the fluctuation start condition is satisfied, the fluctuation display of the normal symbol related to the above-mentioned entry is not permitted. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the hold related to the normal symbol is set to 4, and the hold related to the normal symbol is possible within the range not exceeding this upper limit value.

When the fluctuation display of the normal symbol, which was executed when the ball was entered, is completed and the normal electric accessory is not operating, the fluctuation start condition related to the normal symbol is satisfied, and the new normal symbol is related. It will be allowed to change the design.
<< Functions related to main control display >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned main display control means 115 will be described. The main display control means 115 includes a first special figure control means 136, a second special figure control means 137, a normal figure control means 138, a hold display control means 139, and other display control means 140. Of these, the first special symbol control means 136 causes the first special symbol display unit 70 (see FIG. 6) to change the first special symbol according to the fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol determined by the first lottery means 111. Display (for example, blinking display in which a predetermined part of LED indicator lights blink every 100 msec) is performed. Then, when the fluctuation time determined by the fluctuation pattern elapses, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed at the determined symbol on the first special symbol display unit 70.

Further, if the fluctuation start condition related to the above-mentioned second special symbol is satisfied, the second special symbol control means 137 follows the fluctuation pattern determined by the second lottery means 112, and the second special symbol display unit 71 ( (See FIG. 6), the variation display of the second special symbol is performed. Then, when the fluctuation time determined by the fluctuation pattern elapses, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at the determined symbol on the second special symbol display unit 71.

Further, if the fluctuation start condition related to the above-mentioned ordinary symbol is satisfied, the ordinary symbol control means 138 follows the fluctuation pattern of the ordinary symbol determined by the ordinary symbol lottery means 113, and the ordinary symbol display unit 59 (see FIG. 6). ), The variable display of the normal symbol is performed. Further, when the fluctuation time determined by the fluctuation pattern elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at the determined symbol on the normal symbol display unit 59.

Further, the hold display control means 139 displays the number of holds related to the above-mentioned first special symbol, second special symbol, and ordinary symbol. Then, the display of these reserved numbers is performed by the first special symbol storage display unit 83, the second special symbol storage display unit 84, and the normal symbol storage display unit 85 of the main control display device 53 shown in FIG. Be struck. In addition, the above-mentioned other display control means 140 controls the display on the main control display device 53 other than the above-mentioned first special symbol, second special symbol, ordinary symbol, and various hold displays.
<< Functions related to special games >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned special game control means 116 will be described. When the special game control means 116 hits a big hit and the special symbol is stopped in a predetermined big hit mode, it determines that the special game operating condition is satisfied, and as described above, the special game control means 116 determines a predetermined value according to the type of the big hit. A special game to be opened is executed in a mode (a predetermined number of unit games or an opening pattern of a large winning opening during a unit game).
<< Functions related to specific games >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned specific game control means 117 will be described. The specific game control means 117 performs control related to the above-mentioned probability change, time reduction, and the like. The specific game control means 117 shifts the game state after the end of the special game to a probability change state, a time saving state, or the like according to the type of big hit. The probabilistic state is associated with some types of jackpots, not all types of jackpots. Furthermore, for some jackpots, the probability change state continues until the next jackpot, and for other jackpots with probability changes, it continues until the total number of variable displays after the special game reaches a predetermined number (for example, 100 times). .. During the probability change state, the jackpot winning probability by the first lottery means 111 and the second lottery means 112 is maintained at a higher value than in the normal time, which is the non-probability change time.

Further, the time saving state is continued until the total number of variable display times of the first special symbol and the second special symbol reaches a predetermined number of end condition times (for example, 100 times) counting from the end time of the special game. Further, during the time reduction, the first pattern determining means 124 and the second pattern determining means 128 use the variation pattern for shortening the time so that the variation display time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is substantially shorter than that in the normal state. Select.

Further, as described above, the ball entry facilitation game is executed in accordance with the time reduction as the specific game, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is facilitated, and the ball is placed at the entrance of the second start winning opening. The opening / closing blades can be easily opened. The opening / closing control of the opening / closing blade is controlled by the opening / closing control means 118 described later.
<< Functions related to open / close control >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned opening / closing control means 118 will be described. The opening / closing control means 118 controls the opening / closing operation of the ordinary electric accessory (opening / closing blade) of the second starting winning opening 63 and the large winning opening device 90. When the normal symbol is stopped in a specific mode, the open / close control means 118 sends an opening instruction to the normal electric accessory solenoid 76 to open the ordinary electric accessory of the second start winning opening 63. Further, the opening / closing control means 118 controls to send an opening instruction to the large winning opening solenoid 80 in the special game, and opens the large winning opening device 90.
<< Functions related to advance information notification >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned advance information notification means 119 will be described. The advance information notification means 119 is acquired when a ball is entered in the first start winning opening 62 or the second starting winning opening 63, regardless of whether or not the symbol variation display corresponding to the entry is suspended. The processing for transmitting the information related to the various random value values to the sub-board (here, the sub-main board 301) as advance notification information is performed.

As the above-mentioned advance notification information, each of the above-mentioned winning / failing lottery values (first winning / failing lottery value or second winning / failing lottery value), each symbol lottery value (first symbol lottery value or second symbol lottery value), and each pattern Information such as what kind of winning / failing range, symbol range, and pattern range the lottery value (first pattern lottery value or second pattern lottery value) belongs to can be exemplified.

By transmitting such advance notification information, various pre-reading effects can be performed on the sub-board 104 side. As the look-ahead effect, a hold notice, a continuous notice, and the like can be exemplified, and details of these will be described later.
<< Functions related to command transmission >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned main command transmitting means 120 will be described. The main command transmitting means 120 transmits a command (main command) from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301. The command transmission from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301 includes various information at various timings such as when the start prize is won, when the special symbol changes start, when the special symbol changes stop, and when a big hit occurs. ..
<Basic functions of sub-board>

Next, the basic functions of the above-mentioned sub-board 104 will be described. In this embodiment, the sub-board 104 is composed of a sub-main board 301 and a sub-sub-board 302, and fulfills various functions such as command reception from the main board 102, effect pattern determination, effect display control, and effect execution.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-main board 301 includes a main command receiving means 141, an effect pattern determining means 142, a sub-main command transmitting means 143, and the like. Further, the sub-main board 301 is provided with functional means such as a sound control means 144 for controlling the speaker output and the like, and an optical control means 145 for controlling the game effect lamp output and the like.

The effect pattern determined by the effect pattern determining means 142 includes information for designating the display effect displayed on the effect display device 60, and the sound effect and the light effect to be performed together with the display effect as needed. During the variable display of the symbol 190, an effect suggesting a high degree of expectation of a big hit is executed. Here, the "expectation level" in this embodiment can be rephrased as the "reliability level". In the following, "expectation level" describes the production stage (normal pattern, chance-up pattern, fixed pattern) that raises the expectation that it will be a big hit due to fluctuations when it appears among the same type of advance notice production patterns, and 1 production. About the probability that the hit fluctuation pattern is included in the fluctuation pattern corresponding to 1 effect when the hit fluctuation pattern (variation pattern in hit fluctuation) information and the deviation fluctuation pattern information (variation pattern in loss fluctuation) are confirmed. It may be used for each of the descriptions of what is described, and in general, "highly expected production" refers to a production that is often a big hit when the production occurs.

When the effect pattern is determined by the effect pattern determining means 142, the effect pattern information indicating the determined effect pattern is transmitted to the sub-sub board 302 as a sub-main command via the sub-main command transmission means 143. Further, the command transmitted from the sub-main board 301 to the sub-sub board 302 includes sound information and the like in order to read sound data, lamp data, and the like from the ROM of the sub-sub board.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-sub board 302 is provided with sub-main command receiving means 146, effect execution control means 147, and the like. Then, in the sub-sub board 302, the effect execution control means 147 sequentially outputs necessary image data to the liquid crystal unit 42 (see FIG. 4) based on the sub-main command from the sub-main board 301 to form an animation image. Then, the effect display device 60 displays the moving image for the effect.
<Example of a specific mode relating to a specific game>

Next, a specific mode of the above-mentioned specific game will be described. As described above, as specific games, a special symbol probability variation function (probability variation), a special symbol variation time shortening function (time reduction), and a ball entry facilitation game (ordinary symbol probability variation function, normal symbol variation time reduction) Function, combination of open extension function of ordinary electric accessory) is provided. Then, at least one of these various specific games is executed according to the result of the big hit lottery (stop display symbol of the special symbol) or the game result during the big hit. In this embodiment, instead of the so-called ST machine described above, a specification is adopted in which the probability variation period continues until the next big hit in some big hits, but a specific embodiment thereof will be described later.
<< Probability fluctuation game >>

The above-mentioned probability change changes the probability state of the game related to the special symbol after the big hit so that the probability of occurrence of the big hit is higher than that of the normal probability state. In pachinko gaming machines that employ ST, the duration of the probabilistic state (probability change period) is determined based on the number of changes in the special symbol.

The number of fluctuations of the special symbol is determined as one from the variation display of the special symbol to the stop display. Then, in the ST, in the probability variation period, the total number of fluctuations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the end of the special game is set to a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). Such a function that allows the probability variation period to end before the next big hit occurs can be referred to as ST or the number-cut probability variation.
<< Game for shortening fluctuation time >>

The above-mentioned time reduction generally shortens the fluctuation time of the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) in the main control display device 53 as compared with the case of the normal game. Here, "generally shortening" does not mean that the game is shortened in all cases, and in some cases, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is equivalent to that of the normal game or longer than that of the normal game. It means that it can include. Then, according to this time reduction, since the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened, even if a prize is continuously generated in the start winning opening (first starting winning opening 62 and second starting winning opening 63), it is special. It is possible to smoothly advance the variable display and the stop display of the symbol at short intervals, and it is possible to secure many opportunities for the big hit lottery.

Further, the duration of the time saving state (time saving period) is determined based on the number of fluctuations of the special symbol, as in the probabilistic state. Then, in this embodiment, the time saving state is continued until the total number of fluctuations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol after the end of the special game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times).

In the above example, the probability variation period and the time reduction period are set to the same period, but the probability variation period and the time reduction period may be different from each other. For example, the probability variation period can be set to 104 times, and the time saving period can be set to 100 times. Moreover, the probability change period and the time reduction period are not limited to being constant. For example, the probability variation period can be set to any of 4, 25, 100, and the like depending on the type of jackpot that has occurred. Further, the time saving period can be set to any one of 25 times, 50 times, 75 times, 100 times, etc., depending on the type of jackpot that has occurred.

Further, it is possible to provide a so-called fall lottery function. The following can be exemplified as this fall lottery. For example, after the probability variation or time reduction reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times) less than the above-mentioned maximum number of fluctuations (here, 100 times), each change of the special symbol is performed until the maximum number of fluctuations is reached. A lottery (lottery to end a specific game) is executed to determine whether or not to end the probability change and time reduction. Then, when the specific game end lottery is won, the probability change and the time reduction are ended, and the game state from the next fluctuation returns to the normal state without the probability change and the time reduction.

Further, it is possible not only to execute both the probability change and the time saving, but also to execute only one of them in the specific game. For example, depending on the type of jackpot that was won, it is possible to give only the time reduction and not the probability change, or to not give the time reduction and give only the probability change.
<< Game for facilitating ball entry >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned ball entry facilitation game will be described. In this ball entry facilitation game, the function related to the ordinary electric accessory is set in the player's favor, and the opening mode of the second start winning opening 63 can be easier to accept the game ball than usual. is there. When the ball entry facilitation game is executed, the second is determined by the control mode such as the time reduction related to the normal symbol, the probability fluctuation related to the normal symbol, the opening extension related to the normal electric accessory, and the combination of these control modes. The ease of entering the ball into the starting winning opening 63 is enhanced, and a state in which the ball is easily entered is formed.

Among the various control modes described above in the normal symbol, the time reduction related to the normal symbol is a control mode in which the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than that in the normal state, and the probability fluctuation related to the normal symbol is the winning probability of the normal symbol. It is a control mode (probability change related to a normal symbol) that improves the above state from the normal state. Further, the opening extension related to the ordinary electric accessory is a control mode in which the opening time of the second start winning opening 63 is opened (long opening) longer than the opening (short opening) in the normal time (during a non-specific game). is there.

As described above, the ball entry facilitation game during the specific game uses the three functions of shortening the time of the normal symbol, fluctuating the probability of the open lottery, and extending the opening of the normal electric accessory to enter the second start winning opening 63. Increase ball ease. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one or two of these three functions may be used to enhance the ease of entering the second starting winning opening 63. Further, at least one of the three functions may be switched between the period in which the function is performed and the period in which the function is not performed, depending on the game state.

The duration of such a ball-enhancing game can be determined based on a short period of time related to the special symbol. For example, it is possible to adopt a control mode in which the ball entry facilitation game is continued during the time reduction related to the special symbol, and the ball entry facilitation game ends when the time reduction related to the special symbol is completed. Then, in this case, the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol (normal symbol fluctuation pattern) in which the symbol variation is started after the time reduction of the special symbol is completed is provided for the normal time (during non-specific game). It is possible to be determined from the fluctuation patterns.
<Main production of pachinko machines>
<< Basic display mode of production design >>

Next, various effects executed by the sub-main board 301 and the sub-sub-board 302 based on the command from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301 will be described. Then, first, the basic display mode of the said effect symbol 190 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) will be described here.

The effect symbol 190 is variablely displayed on the effect display device 60 as the special symbol is variablely displayed on the main control display device 53 (see FIG. 7A). Further, the effect symbol 190 is stopped and displayed on the effect display device 60 (see FIG. 7B) as the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the main control display device 53.

The stop symbol displayed when the effect symbol 190 is stopped is composed of a combination of three symbols, the left effect symbol 190a, the middle effect symbol 190b, and the right effect symbol 190c. Then, when the result of the big hit lottery on the main board 102 is a big hit, a combination of three doublets, such as "777" and "555", is used as a stop symbol representing the big hit. Is displayed. If the result of the big hit lottery is wrong, one or all of the production symbols may be different from the other production symbols, such as "767", "928", and "331". The symbol 190 is stopped and displayed.

Here, the "stop symbol" and the "stop symbol" in the present embodiment mean that the three effect symbols 190 are "fixed stop". That is, even if the three effect symbols 190a to 190c are displayed in the display area 194 of the effect display device 60 while maintaining a combination of, for example, "767" and "928", that alone is "fixed stop". It does not correspond to what you did. Then, the state in which the effect symbol 190 has not reached the "fixed stop" while maintaining the combination can be referred to as the "temporary stop" state.

As a display mode of such "temporary stop", for example, a state in which the effect symbol 190 vibrates (sways) in small steps can be exemplified. Then, a mode of temporary stop in which the effect symbol 190 is swaying in small steps while maintaining the combination can be referred to as a mode of "sway fluctuation" or the like. Examples of the shaking mode of the effect symbol 190 in this "temporary stop" include vertical or horizontal linear movement and horizontal rotational movement, and the movement range can be exemplified by about several millimeters.

Further, as the display mode of the above-mentioned "fixed stop", a state in which all the effect symbols 190a to 190c are stopped while maintaining the combination can be exemplified after the temporary stop state. Further, at the time of this "fixed stop", it is possible to perform an effect indicating that the fixed stop has been performed. Then, as an effect indicating that the confirmation is displayed, the state of the fixed stop is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, about 1 second), and the fixed effects 190a to 190c are added with special effects. It can be illustrated that it is displayed with (design effect).

Here, as a symbol effect, each effect symbol 190a to 190c is illuminated only momentarily (for example, about 0.5 seconds), and a bright spot is made to circulate around each effect symbol 190a to 190c once or a plurality of times. It is possible to adopt various modes such as enlarging or reducing the symbols 190a to 190c, moving the effect symbols 190a to 190c by about several millimeters, and returning them to their original positions.

Further, in the above-mentioned "reach" display mode, the effect symbol maintaining the combination of reach may be displayed in the above-mentioned "temporary stop" mode. Then, after the reach display by this "temporary stop", the symbol (here, the middle effect symbol 190b) that has been variablely displayed constitutes an out-of-order combination (out-of-reach combination) and "temporarily stops" to perform the combination. It is possible to exemplify an effect such that "fixed stop" is performed and the variable display ends while maintaining the effect. Further, from the state in which the three effect symbols 190a to 190c are "temporarily stopped" by the combination of the detached reach, the middle effect symbol 190b resumes the fluctuation and the reach effect is highly reliable (reliability related to the jackpot). It can also be illustrated as a production (second half reach) that develops into something with a relatively high degree.

The scroll display mode of the effect symbol 190 is not limited to the above-mentioned vertical scrolling, and various display modes can be adopted. Then, as another display mode, for example, a side-scrolling mode in the horizontal direction (right to left, etc.) or a left effect symbol 190a to a right effect symbol 190c are individually rotated (rotated) around the vertical axis. , An example of a rotation mode in which a variable display is performed. Further, for example, the left effect symbol 190a to the right effect symbol 190c are enlarged in the display area 194 from the rear to the front, that is, from the back to the front of the screen along a straight or curved (turning) trajectory. A display mode such as sequential feeding can also be exemplified. Further, it is also possible to adopt a scroll display mode in which the effect symbol from the rear to the front descends from the upper side to the lower front side.

Further, the scrolling mode is not limited to adopting any one of the various modes as described above, and for example, when a predetermined effect is executed, the predetermined scrolling mode is switched to another scrolling mode. It is also possible. Further, for a plurality of effect modes, it is possible to make the scroll mode different for each effect mode.

Further, in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a display mode in which the combination of the effect symbols 190 is stopped and displayed only in the middle stage in the vertical direction of the display area 194 is exemplified, and the effective line is in the horizontal direction. There is only one line. However, the number of effective lines is not limited to this, and for example, the number of effective lines can be set to 2 or 5.

Further, in FIG. 7B, the left effect symbol 190a to the right effect symbol 190c are simplified and shown only by the numbers in the predetermined font, but the effect symbol 190 means a predetermined symbol such as a number. It can be configured by a combination of a part (an element symbol which is the above-mentioned symbol element effect symbol) and a portion (an element symbol which is a non-symbol element effect symbol) representing a symbol other than a predetermined symbol. As a part consisting of a pattern representing a symbol other than a predetermined symbol, various design images and portraits, and combinations thereof can be exemplified, and various design images and portraits combined with the symbol can be shown as a moving image. It is also possible to.
<< Example of production pattern >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned production pattern will be described. A large number of effect patterns are provided in a state associated with the variation pattern determined by the main board 102. Further, the effect pattern defines the mode of the effect including the effect symbol 190. More specifically, the effect pattern defines an effect process such as a change process from the start of change to the stop of the change for the selected effect symbol 190, a background displayed in combination with the effect symbol 190, and story development. There is. And, there are some production patterns corresponding to the above-mentioned "with reach" and "without reach".

Of these, when the effect pattern of "with reach" is executed, the effect display device 60 performs a reach effect that becomes a big hit if one more effect symbol (here, the middle effect symbol 190b) is prepared. Then, when the result of the winning / failing lottery relating to the special symbol is a big hit, the doublet display such as "777" or "333" according to the type of the big hit is performed by the effect symbol 190 whose confirmation has been stopped. Further, when the result of the winning / failing lottery relating to the special symbol is out of order, for example, a combination indicating the out of place such as "767" or "515" is performed by the effect symbol 190 which has been confirmed and stopped.

Further, when the "no reach" effect pattern is executed, a non-reach combination in which the left effect symbol 190a and the right effect symbol 190c are not a reach combination, such as "928" and "331", is used. It is performed by the effect symbol 190 that has been fixed and stopped.

Some of these production patterns have various long and short fluctuation times, and in particular, the fluctuation pattern of "with reach" includes a fluctuation time of several minutes. In this embodiment, "no reach (about 3 to 10 seconds)" and "normal reach (10 to 20 seconds)" in the fluctuation pattern related to the above-mentioned special symbol (see FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c)). Degree) ”and“ Super reach (reach with high reliability of big hits) (about 30 seconds to 2 minutes) ”are provided with a non-reach effect pattern, a normal reach effect pattern, and a super reach effect pattern. Then, for example, a plurality of effect patterns are associated with one variation pattern in these effect patterns, and the number of effect patterns is wider than that of the above-mentioned variation pattern. Further, "super reach" can be paraphrased as "SP (special) reach".
<< Hold effect display related to special symbols >>

Next, the hold display (hold effect display) related to the special symbol performed in the effect display device 60 will be described. At the bottom of the display area 194 of the effect display device 60, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), a first hold number display unit 196 showing the number of hold of the winning / failing lottery value in the first game, and a first The second hold number display unit 197 indicating the hold number of the winning / failing lottery value in the two games is displayed. In addition, although each hold display is represented by a perfect circle here for simplification of explanation and illustration, the hold display may be performed by other combinations of shapes and colors, character images, animations, and the like.

In this embodiment, when a hold related to the first game occurs, a predetermined hold display is performed on the first hold number display unit 196 described above. Furthermore, as the number of holds increases, a hold display is added. Then, when the number of holds reaches the upper limit, as shown in FIG. 7A, four hold displays are performed in the first hold number display unit 196.

Further, the hold display on the first hold number display unit 196 can be performed from the first display position to the fourth display position. That is, the first hold number display unit 196 includes the first display position to the fourth display position, and the rightmost portion of the first hold number display unit 196 as viewed from the player is the first display position. It has become. Then, a second display position, a third display position, and a fourth display position are provided in order toward the left end. Further, in the following, the hold display performed from the first display position to the fourth display position will be referred to as "ho 1", "ho 2", "ho 3", and "ho 4", respectively.

For example, in the effect display device 60, a hold occurs in a situation where the effect symbol 190 related to the first game is being performed and one hold display is not performed on the first hold number display unit 196. Then, the hold display is performed at the first display position at the right end (the position of "holding 1" described above). Then, at this time, it is assumed that no other hold display has been performed yet, and that "Ho 2" to "Ho 4" have not occurred. If a hold is further generated in the situation where the "hold 1" is generated in this way, the display related to the held hold is performed at the position of the "hold 2" to the left of the "hold 1". Then, in a situation where "Ho 1" and "Ho 2" are displayed and "Ho 3" and "Ho 4" are not displayed, if a further hold occurs, "Ho 3" is displayed according to the number of holds that have occurred. And "Ho 4" are displayed.

Then, if the variation display executed when the "protection 1" occurs is completed and the other variation start conditions related to the first game are also satisfied, the above-mentioned reserved storage information related to the "protection 1" is stored. At the stage of being digested, the hold display of "Take 1" moves to the right side of the first hold number display unit 196. The fluctuation information display unit 195 is provided on the right side portion of the first reserved number display unit 196. The fluctuation information display unit 195 is an area for displaying information (the fluctuation information) related to the fluctuation display being executed at that time. That is, the hold display of "Holding 1" moves to the change information display unit 195 and changes to the change information display 198 when the change display related to the corresponding hold storage information is executed.

Here, when moving the hold display of "Ho 1" to the fluctuation information display unit 195, the display elements such as the size, color, and form of the item may be changed. In the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the size is increased when the hold display of "Maintenance 1" is changed to the fluctuation information display 198.

When the hold display in the “hold 1” is moved to the fluctuation information display unit 195 as described above, the standby order of the subsequent hold display is moved up, and the “hold 2” is shifted to the position of the “hold 1”. Further, when "ho 3" or "ho 4" exists, "ho 3" shifts to the position of "ho 2" and "ho 4" shifts to the position of "ho 3". Then, if a further hold occurs in such a situation, a new "hold 4" is generated, and the number of holds reaches the upper limit. Further, if a new hold does not occur, the hold display is shifted with the start of the next variable display, and the waiting order of each hold is raised.

In a broad sense, it can be regarded as a hold effect, including a state in which the hold display in "Ho 1" to "Ho 4" is changed to the change information display 198 in the change information display unit 195. Not limited to this, the hold display in "Ho 1" to "Ho 4" is set as the hold display, and the state changed to the change information display 198 in the change information display unit 195 is not included in the hold display. It is also possible.

In addition, if the variation display related to the effect symbol 190 is not performed and the number of holdings is 0 and there is a ball in the first start winning opening 62, the display of "ho 1" is not performed and the variation information. The fluctuation information display 198 is directly performed on the display unit 195. Then, only in such a case, it is possible to handle such that the fluctuation information display 198 in the fluctuation information display unit 195 is not included in the hold display.

Subsequently, the above-described second hold number display unit 197 will be described, but the same points as the first hold number display unit 196 will be omitted. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the second reserved number display unit 197 is located on the opposite side of the first reserved number display unit 196 (on the right side when viewed from the player) with the above-mentioned fluctuation information display unit 195 interposed therebetween. ), The relationships of "Ho 1" to "Ho 4" are arranged symmetrically in a color different from that of the first reserved image.

In addition, the hold display can be performed in various modes according to the gaming state. For example, when the probability of the big hit lottery is a normal probability and a high probability, and when the different production modes are controlled, the mode of holding display may be different from each other.

Further, the positional relationship between the first hold number display unit 196, the second hold number display unit 197, and the fluctuation information display unit 195 is not limited to the above, and the second game is performed as in the present embodiment. For pachinko gaming machines of the type that display fluctuations of special symbols and effect symbols 190 in the order of occurrence of starting prizes related to the first game and the second game, instead of executing the game with priority given to one game, the fluctuation information display unit is used. Eight hold displays may be arranged on the left side of 195.
<< Hold look-ahead effect related to special symbols >>

Next, a hold look-ahead effect, which is one of the advance notice effects (look-ahead effects) related to the special symbol, will be described. This hold look-ahead effect is an effect executed based on the above-mentioned hold storage information (first special figure hold storage information or second hold storage information). Further, in the hold look-ahead effect, a reach or a big hit occurs for a hold that is digested after the effect performed by using the effect symbol 190 or the like at that time by using the above-mentioned advance information notification function. It is executed as a production that suggests the expectation of doing.

For example, the hold display generated at the position of "hold 3" in the first hold number display unit 196 described above is different from the display (for example, blue) which is the basic display mode described above, and the hold display is performed in green. , It is shown that the degree of expectation such as the occurrence of reach is higher than that in the case of the normal blue mode. Then, in addition to the coloring of blue and green, display modes such as yellow, red, gold, rainbow, and predetermined pattern are provided, and the expectation of a big hit in the order of yellow, red, gold, rainbow, and predetermined pattern rather than green. The production is such that it shows that the degree is high.

Here, as the display mode of the above-mentioned "predetermined pattern", an animal pattern such as a giraffe, a display mode including a predetermined character image, and the like can be exemplified. In addition to the coloring and pattern of the hold display, it is also possible to adopt items other than a perfect circle, a person image, and the like. Further, it is also possible to perform a look-ahead effect by combining the above-mentioned various display modes with a mode in which blinking or light emission is performed. Further, the hold that hits the look-ahead effect including the hold look-ahead effect can be referred to as, for example, "trigger hold".

The look-ahead effect related to the hold as described above may also be performed in the second game. Then, with respect to the second game, in addition to the basic color (orange), it is possible to provide display modes such as red, gold, rainbow, and a predetermined pattern. Further, as the hold display related to the second game, it is also possible to adopt an item other than a perfect circle shape, a person image, or the like.

Further, the look-ahead effect using the hold display in the first game and the second game as described above can be referred to as "hold change" or the like. Then, such "hold change" includes a display mode different from the basic display mode as described above from the beginning of the hold occurrence, a display mode change at the timing after the hold occurrence, and the like. is there.

Among these, as those indicating the change in the display mode at the timing after the occurrence of the hold, for example, the hold occurs, the hold display is started, the hold is digested, and the hold display is, for example, "Holding 2". It is possible to exemplify such a thing that the hold display changes while proceeding to "Ho 1". Then, for example, when the hold occurs, the hold is displayed in blue (orange in the case of the second game) at the position of "hold 3", and when the hold is moved to the position of "hold 1", another color such as green is displayed. And so on.

Further, in both the first game and the second game, when the fluctuation information display 198 is displayed, the hold display is changed from the basic color to a display mode such as red, gold, rainbow color, a predetermined pattern, or true. It may change to a display mode such as an item other than a circular shape or a person image to indicate the degree of expectation of a big hit.

Further, as the control mode related to the pending change as described above, the following can be exemplified. For example, when a hold occurs, a lottery (hold change pattern lottery) is performed to determine an effect pattern (hold change pattern) of the hold change. A hold change pattern table is used for this hold change pattern lottery, and in this hold change pattern table, there is a hold change, and when the hold change is executed (when there is a hold change), what kind of timing is used? Matters related to the determination of the effect pattern, such as what kind of display mode is to be executed in the above, are stipulated. Further, as the pending change pattern, one for the first game and one for the second game are defined.

Further, when there are a plurality of holds that have hit the hold change in "Ho 1" to "Ho 4", it is possible to cancel one of the hold look-ahead effects. More specifically, for example, when "Ho 4" occurs, the hold related to "Ho 4" hits the hold change pattern that changes to green, and any of the holds that have occurred earlier is As long as the hold change pattern that changes to rainbow color is applied, the hold related to the above-mentioned "ho 4" can be exemplified by canceling the hold change and not executing it.

Further, for example, when "Ho 4" occurs as in the above example, the hold related to "Ho 4" hits the hold change pattern that changes to rainbow color, and all the holds that have occurred earlier are held. However, if the hold does not change up to the rainbow color and only changes to green, etc., the hold change that has occurred earlier can be canceled and not executed.
<< Continuous notice of special symbols >>

Next, as another pattern of the look-ahead effect, continuous notice (continuous effect) related to the special symbol will be described. There are genuine and pseudo continuous notices, and among these, the genuine continuous notice means that a continuous notice effect is performed over multiple variable displays related to the special symbol. ing. Further, the pseudo continuous notice means that an intermittent notice effect (pseudo continuous notice) is performed such that there are a plurality of changes in the special symbol for one variation display related to the special symbol.

As the above-mentioned "continuous notice", for example, the character who is the main character in the story of the production moves to a different room in sequence aiming at the room to be finally reached for each change related to the special symbol. Such things can be exemplified. In addition, as another aspect of "continuous notice", the character who is the main character fights against a different enemy and wins for each change related to the special symbol, aiming for the final goal enemy. Can also be exemplified.

Further, the above-mentioned genuine continuous notice (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "continuous notice") can be performed based on the advance notification information transmitted from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301. More specifically, for example, based on the advance notification information received when the hold of "Ho 3" occurs, the sub-main board 301 is used as an effect pattern corresponding to the variation display related to the next and subsequent special symbols. It is possible to select the content including the continuous notice over the three variable displays.

Then, when the hold for one time is exhausted and the hold of the above-mentioned "ho 3" is shifted to the position of "ho 2", the first one of the selected continuous notice-related production patterns The effect pattern related to the notice is executed. Furthermore, when the hold is sequentially digested and the hold display moves from "ho 2" to "ho 1", the second notice of the three times is executed, and the change information is displayed from "ho 1". When moving to section 195, the final third notice is executed.

In addition, in the sub-main board 301, the fluctuation pattern related to the fluctuation display executed at the time when the above-mentioned "holding 3" is held, and the "holding 2" or "holding 1" occurring before that. It is also possible to confirm the pending storage information. That is, when the above-mentioned "ho 3" is held, information indicating that a predetermined reach effect with high jackpot reliability is executed or a jackpot is generated among various information already stored. If there is information indicating that the item is to be performed, it is possible to cancel the effect pattern related to the continuous advance notice selected when the hold of "Ho 3" occurs. In addition, depending on the degree of expectation of the hold for "Ho 3", continuous notice is not given immediately from the next fluctuation, but 1 change is waited for the change of "Ho 1" and the trigger hold at the time of digestion, which is a look-ahead mode. In some cases, it may be a continuous notice that spans fluctuations.

Further, as the above-mentioned pseudo continuous notice (hereinafter, may be referred to as "pseudo continuous notice"), the reach display is intermittently performed a plurality of times in the effect pattern related to the one-time variable display of the special symbol. Such things, things in which the characters repeat actions multiple times, things in which the effect symbol 190 is temporarily stopped and re-variated, and the like can be exemplified.

The contents of the continuous notice as described above are merely examples, and various kinds of contents other than those described above can be adopted as the contents of the continuous notice.
<< Directed design related to normal design >>

Next, the production related to the above-mentioned ordinary symbol will be described. In this embodiment, the effect display related to the normal symbol is not performed. However, it is possible to perform the effect related to the ordinary symbol as a part of the effect on the effect display device 60. Then, in the case of displaying the effect of the ordinary symbol in this way, it is conceivable that the effect symbol is displayed to such an extent that, for example, the off-off and the hit type can be distinguished.

Further, as described above, when the effect display device 60 is configured by a combination of a plurality of display bodies, it is provided with a relatively large display body and a display body smaller than this (may be a plurality of display bodies). It is possible. Then, a large display body can be referred to as, for example, a "main display body" or a "main liquid crystal", and a small display body can be referred to as, for example, a "sub display body" or a "sub liquid crystal". Further, when a relatively small display body as described above is provided, the effect symbol (199) related to the normal symbol may be displayed on, for example, a small display body. Further, for example, an LED indicator lamp in which two sets may be provided at a predetermined portion of the center decoration 64 described above, and this may be used as an effect display device related to a normal symbol.

Further, when performing an effect using the effect symbol related to the normal symbol, the hold effect display related to the normal symbol can be performed as a part of the effect in the effect display device 60. Further, as described above, when the effect display device 60 is composed of a plurality of display bodies such as a large display body and a small display body, the effect hold display related to a normal symbol is displayed, for example, a small display. It may be displayed on the body. In addition, for example, an LED indicator lamp in which two sets are provided at a predetermined portion of the center decoration 64 described above, thereby displaying the number of pending effects related to the ordinary symbols "1" to "4". May be good.
<< Production related to limited frequency pattern >>

Next, the effect related to the limited frequency pattern (hereinafter referred to as "limited frequency pattern effect") will be described. The limited frequency pattern effect is provided as a part of the above-mentioned effect pattern. Further, the limited frequency effect pattern effect is an effect set so as to easily appear in a predetermined gaming state in response to a variation pattern determined in a specific period by the pattern determining means of the main board. The content of this limited frequency pattern effect is an effect content that shows a specific tendency, and as the content of the limited frequency pattern effect, for example, in a specific variation during a time-saving game, a predetermined variation pattern is used on the main board. It is possible to exemplify something that is determined and that always generates a highly reliable reach as a production.

In addition, as a game situation in which a limited frequency pattern effect is likely to appear, at the start of the game, immediately after a predetermined effect pattern is executed (for example, immediately after a small hit or a large hit without a ball), during a predetermined effect mode (probability change, (During the time saving game mode), immediately after the end of the special game, etc. can be exemplified. In addition to these, as a game situation in which the limited frequency pattern effect is likely to appear, the number of holds related to the first game (or the second game) has reached a predetermined number (for example, four), or the hold is An example can be given when it does not exist. Further, in the situation where the limited frequency pattern effect is executed, the limited frequency table provided in advance according to the situation at that time is used, and the effect pattern to be executed is selected from the limited frequency pattern defined in the limited frequency table. It is supposed to be selected.
<< Production using operation buttons >>

Next, an effect using the above-mentioned operation button 22 (see FIG. 1) (hereinafter referred to as “button effect”) will be described. The operation button 22 is pressed and operated by the player when the button effect is executed, and exerts a function of giving the player the feeling that he / she is participating in the effect of the game or the winning / losing lottery. is there. As the button effect, for example, in the variable display process of the effect symbol 190 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), in the display area 194 of the effect display device 60, together with the symbol of the operation button 22, "Push" and "continuous hitting" are performed. It is possible to exemplify the display of a guide prompting an operation, such as characters such as "seyo" and "hold down", or a moving image of an indicator indicating the remaining time.

Further, as the button effect, when the player operates the operation button 22 according to the above-mentioned guide display, an effect in which the character makes a comment or an effect in which the ally character attacks the enemy character can be exemplified. Further, when the operation button 22 is operated, the above-mentioned movable effect member (601 to 603, etc.) is activated to notify that the reach is reached. Further, a button effect may be performed during the reach effect. In that case, when the operation button 22 is operated, the above-mentioned movable effect member (601 to 603, etc.) is activated to arouse expectations for a big hit. Can also be exemplified.

Further, regarding the above-mentioned operation button 22, the operation of the operation button 22 is normally invalid, but the operation of the operation button 22 is valid during the button production. The button operation valid period is a preset fixed time.

As the operation input device such as the operation button 22, various other forms can be adopted. For example, an automobile operation handle, an aircraft operation lever, and a model of a character related to the production content. It is also possible to use a (figure) with a touch sensor added. It is also possible to install operation buttons and those having the form of an operation lever, etc., and use them properly according to the situation such as the content of the production.

Further, as described above, a cross key 96 (FIG. 19A) is provided in the vicinity of the operation button 22, and the operation button 22 may be used as a decision key or the like in a situation where an environment setting or the like is performed. Then, in the present embodiment, the effect operation using the operation button 22 and the cross key is performed in the situation where the effect display device 60 is performing the variable display such as the effect symbol 190 or is not performing the variable display. May be A specific example of environment setting using the cross key 96 will be described later.
<< Production when a big hit occurs >>

Next, the effect when a big hit occurs will be described. When a big hit occurs, the production at the start of the special game (big hit start demo), the production during the special game (round production), the production at the end of the final round (win end demo), and the production at the end of the special game There is a production (demonstration of the end of the big hit).

When the above-mentioned effect symbol 190 is confirmed and stopped, a display indicating that a big hit is started is displayed along with a sound such as a fanfare. Further, it is possible to exemplify a content in which a right-handed guidance effect is executed as a striking instruction during a special game, and the player is instructed to increase the amount of rotation of the firing handle 20 to perform a right-handed striking.

As the production during the above-mentioned special game, a moving image having contents that cannot be seen unless the player wins a big hit can be exemplified. Further, at this time, a predetermined music is output from the speaker 21 (see FIG. 1) described above. Furthermore, as a video during the special game, for example, a picture of a predetermined character in a graphic novel adopted for the production of the pachinko game machine 10 fighting against a rival enemy, or a state of enjoying a jerk is drawn. Can be illustrated.

It should be noted that the switching of the round during the special game is, for example, "1R", "2R", ... In the corner portion (for example, the upper right corner portion) of the display area 194 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). , "15R" can be displayed for notification. Further, as a part of the effect during the special game, for example, it is possible to display the number of times the big hit occurs when the big hit occurs during the specific game and the big hits are continuous.

Subsequently, as the above-mentioned production after the special game, those related to the result of the production content during the special game can be exemplified. More specifically, it is possible to exemplify the content in which the winner expresses emotions according to the result of the battle between the characters. The production after such a special game can also be referred to as an ending production.

Further, as the effect after the special game, the one that additionally displays the number of consecutive big hits, the one that displays the number of prize balls acquired by the player by the special game at that time, and the like can be exemplified. It is also possible to add and display the number of times a big hit occurs when a big hit occurs during a specific game and the big hits are continuous. Further, regarding the succession of big hits, when the number of times of big hits reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 20 times), it is possible to execute an effect pattern that has not been selected before that.
<Various concrete production examples>
<< Production by superimposing multiple production members >>

Next, various specific effects that can be carried out in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described with examples. First, it is possible to perform an effect by superimposing the display of the effect display device 60, the display of the light guide plate 88 described above, and the movable effect members (601 to 603, etc.). This type of effect is a complex effect by locating the movable effect member in front of the effect display device 60 and combining the display content of the effect display device 60 with the light decoration and movement of the movable effect member.

For example, in a state where one of the movable effect members protrudes in front of the display area 194 of the effect display device 60, at least a part of the display area 194 of the effect display device 60 can be seen outside the movable effect member. For example, when an image of a flame burning is displayed on the effect display device 60, a combination effect in which the movable effect member performs light decoration or operation is executed in front of the flame. Further, in the light guide plate 88, for example, by performing an effect of blinking a flame pattern or an effect of blinking a ripple-like pattern, the difference in perspective between the light guide plate 88 and the effect display device 60 can be obtained. It can exert a visual effect.

Further, in this state, by executing the effect by the movable effect member between the light guide plate 88 and the effect display device 60, the state of the movable effect member and the image of the effect display device 60 can be displayed on the light guide plate 88. It can be visually recognized by the player while being partially obstructed. Furthermore, by synthesizing changes in the pattern display before and after the movable effect member, a complicated situation display can be superimposed on the movable effect member, and the environment in which the movable effect member is placed can be expressed in a complicated manner. ..

As a result, a more complicated effect can be performed and the effect can be diversified by a limited configuration such as a light guide plate 88, a movable effect member (601 to 603, etc.), and an effect display device 60. It becomes. Even when the light guide plate 88 is changed to, for example, a transmissive liquid crystal display body, a part of the transmissive liquid crystal display body can be visually recognized by a movable effect member behind or a part of the display content of the effect display device 60. By setting the transmission state to the extent possible, it is possible to perform an effect by superimposing as in the case of the light guide plate 88.

Further, as a mode of using the light guide plate 88, the transmissive liquid crystal display body or the like (referred to as the light guide plate 88 or the like here), a mode of emphasizing the light guide plate 88 or the like and a mode of combining with the effect display device 60 are adopted. It is possible. In the above-mentioned "mode for emphasizing the light guide plate 88 or the like", a color display is performed by using most of the display surface of the light guide plate 88 or the like to make a predetermined image stand out, and the display content of the effect display device 60 behind the light guide plate 88 or the like is displayed. This is a display mode that prevents the player's consciousness from facing as much as possible.

On the other hand, in the above-mentioned "mode in combination with the effect display device 60", the ratio of the area of the portion of the light guide plate 88 or the like where the color display is performed is suppressed to a predetermined degree, and the display of the effect display device 60 behind is suppressed. This is a display mode in which the player is directed to the content, and the display of the light guide plate 88 or the like and the display of the effect display device 60 are combined to show the player an effect. Then, in a predetermined case, the effect in the "mode of emphasizing the light guide plate 88 or the like" is executed, and in other predetermined cases, the effect in the "mode in combination with the effect display device 60" is executed. , Etc. are possible.
<< Production using hold display >>

Subsequently, various productions using the above-mentioned hold display can be exemplified. For example, the fluctuation information display 198 of the fluctuation information display unit 195 shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) is temporarily erased, and the fluctuation information display unit 195 is expected to have, for example, "color change?" Character information (character state transition suggestion information) that suggests that the degree is increased is displayed. Then, after displaying such state transition suggestion information, the fluctuation information display 198 in the fluctuation information display unit 195 may change to something that means a high degree of expectation, such as red or rainbow color. To do.

It is also possible to display the above-mentioned display such as "color change?" As one of the roulette eyes or one of the rotating drums (reels). For example, information displays such as "no change", "color change?", "Red", and "rainbow" are adopted as the roulette eyes and the design of the rotating drum, and the roulette and rotation are displayed on the fluctuation information display unit 195. Display the drum object. Then, in the fluctuation information display unit 195, the display of "no change", "color change?", "Red", and "rainbow" is sequentially changed, and the subsequent fluctuation information display is performed in a manner corresponding to the stopped information. It is conceivable that 198 will be done. It is also possible to display an object of a roulette wheel or a rotating drum without erasing the fluctuation information display 198.

Further, as another aspect of the effect using the hold display, when the hold change is performed in the first hold number display unit 196 and the second hold number display unit 197 in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the hold is held. It is conceivable to proactively notify that a change has occurred or that a pending change will occur immediately afterwards, for example, by displaying pending change information such as "pending change", "red holding", or "rainbow hold". Be done. Here, such display of the hold change information may be performed at the center of the display area 194 in the effect display device 60, or the hold change is displayed in the first hold number display unit 196 and the second hold change display unit 197. It may be done in the vicinity of the hold display.
<Various commands sent from the main board to the sub-main board>

Next, the main commands of various commands transmitted from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301 will be described. First, the command transmission timing is as follows: during the initial screen display, during the customer waiting demo (standby demo), when the special symbol symbol changes, when the special symbol symbol is confirmed, when the special symbol symbol is confirmed, when the jackpot start demo There are times when the big hit medium and large prize openings are opened, when the big hit medium and large prize openings are closed, when the hit end demonstration is performed, and when the big hit end demo is completed. Of these, the initial screen display is the period from when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on until the customer waiting demonstration is started and the steady state is entered. In addition, a command is transmitted in any case when the start prize is won, when the power is restored, and when an error is detected. Further, the command transmission is executed even when the RWM is cleared.

Among these, as commands for clearing the RWM, there are commands for initializing the effect display, initializing the effect LED, and various error commands. The effect display initialization command is for displaying a predetermined effect symbol on the effect display device 60. The effect LED initialization command is to light a part of the game effect lamp when the communication is normal. The various error commands are for displaying an effect according to the error state.

As a command for the customer waiting demo, there is a customer waiting demo command. This customer waiting demo command is for setting the effect display device 60 and the game effect lamp for the customer waiting demo and erasing the sound.

The commands at the start of the symbol change of the special symbol are the number of stored symbols 1 and the number of stored symbols 2, the communication inspection 1, the communication inspection 2, the number of effects A to Z, the effect selection states 0 to 2, the variation additional information, and the symbol 1 effect. There are commands for pattern, symbol 2 effect pattern, symbol 1 character effect, and symbol 2 character effect. The symbol 1 storage number command indicates the number of reserved storages of the first special symbol, and the symbol 2 storage number command indicates the number of reserved storages of the second special symbol. The communication inspection 1 command and the communication inspection 2 command are for confirming whether or not normal communication is performed. The various commands of the number of effects A to Z indicate the number of times related to the effect according to the above-mentioned limited frequency table, and the various commands of the effect selection states 0 to 2 indicate the type of effect according to the limited frequency table. It is a thing. The variable addition information command indicates information for adding an element (effect component) that suggests, for example, a jackpot expectation degree, to the effect pattern. The symbol 1 effect pattern command is for transmitting a command corresponding to the variation pattern of the first special symbol, and the symbol 2 effect pattern command is for transmitting a command corresponding to the variation pattern of the second special symbol. It is a thing. The symbol 1 character effect command is for transmitting a command corresponding to the symbol of the first special symbol, and the symbol 2 character effect command is for transmitting a command corresponding to the symbol of the second special symbol. is there.

As a command for confirming the symbol of the special symbol, there are a command for stopping the symbol 1 effect pattern and a command for stopping the symbol 2 effect pattern. The symbol 1 effect pattern stop command and the symbol 2 effect pattern stop command are for stopping the first special symbol and the effect symbol 190 based on the second special symbol, respectively.

The commands during which the symbol of the special symbol is being confirmed include the number of times the fluctuation time is shortened 0 (at low probability), the number of times the fluctuation time is shortened AZ (at low probability), the number of times the fluctuation time is shortened 0 (at high probability), and the probability is changing (at high probability). There is a command (up to the specified number of fluctuations). These are for transmitting commands related to the game state at that time, and are used for the effect mode display, the time reduction number display, and the like.

The commands at the time of the jackpot start demo include the symbol 1 jackpot start demo, the symbol 2 jackpot start demo, and the command for specifying the launch position. The symbol 1 jackpot start demo command and the symbol 2 jackpot start demo command are for displaying a start demo based on the jackpot symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The launch position designation command is for notifying the player of the launch position when the player is made to strike the game ball by so-called left-handed or right-handed.

As commands when the big hit medium big winning opening is opened, there are commands for symbol 1 big hit medium demos 1 to 16 and symbol 2 big hit medium demos 1 to 16. These are for displaying the effect based on the jackpot symbol and the number of rounds of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

As a command when the big hit medium big prize opening is closed, there is a big winning opening closing production command. This is for displaying the big winning opening closing effect.

As commands at the time of the jackpot end demo, there are commands for the end per symbol and the end demo for 2 symbols. These are for displaying the winning end demo effect based on the winning symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

The commands at the time of starting winning include commands for hit notice (hit notice effect), symbol notice (hit symbol notice effect), fluctuation notice (pattern notice effect), symbol 1 memory number, and symbol 2 memory number. The hit notice, symbol notice, and change notice commands are commands (look-ahead commands) related to the above-mentioned look-ahead effect by the advance information notification means 157. The winning notice command is for transmitting a random number range of winning / failing random numbers, and includes information on winning / failing according to the lottery probability. The symbol advance notice command is for transmitting a random number range of symbol random numbers, and includes information related to the type of hit. Further, the fluctuation warning command is for transmitting a random number range of the fluctuation pattern, and can be used to specify the type of the fluctuation pattern group (no reach, normal reach, super reach, etc.). The commands for the number of stored symbols 1 and the number of stored symbols 2 are for transmitting the reserved number of stored numbers of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. Then, in this embodiment, as a result of the winning / failing lottery, information such as the presence / absence of the look-ahead effect and the period is transmitted to the sub-main board 301 by each command of the hit notice, the symbol notice, and the change notice.

The commands at the time of power failure recovery include communication inspection 1, communication inspection 2, game states A to E for power failure recovery, number of effects A to Z, effect selection states 0 to 2, symbol 1 character effect, and symbol 2 character effect. There are commands such as a power failure recovery hit state, a special symbol 1 state at the time of power failure recovery, a special symbol 2 state at the time of power failure recovery, firing position designation, errors a to d, a symbol 1 storage number, and a symbol 2 storage number.

The commands of communication inspection 1 and communication inspection 2 are for confirming whether or not normal communication is being performed. The commands of the game states A to E for recovering from the power failure are for transmitting different commands depending on the game state at the time of the power failure. The commands of the number of effects A to Z indicate the number of times related to the effect according to the above-mentioned limited frequency table, and the commands of the effect selection states 0 to 2 indicate the type of effect according to the limited frequency table. is there. The symbol 1-character effect and the symbol 2-character effect command are for transmitting commands corresponding to the symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

The power failure recovery hit state command is for transmitting different commands depending on whether or not the command is hit. The command of the special symbol 1 state when the power is restored and the special symbol 2 state when the power is restored sends a command according to the state of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, such as waiting, changing, or hitting. Is for. As described above, the launch position designation command is for designating an appropriate launch position according to the situation. The errors a to d are for transmitting the presence / absence and type of the error. The commands for the number of stored symbols 1 and the number of stored symbols 2 are for transmitting the reserved number of stored numbers of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.
<Main control processing of the main board>

Next, the main control processing on the main board 102 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14 and the like. Prior to the explanation, the terms "special electric accessory", "conditional device", and "continuous operation device for accessory" used below will be described. All of these represent conceptual devices in the control processing of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and among these, the "special electric accessory" operates (opens) the large winning opening of the large winning opening device 90. It is a thing. In addition, the "condition device" operates when a specific symbol combination is stopped and displayed as a special symbol, and the "accessory continuous operation device" operates the special electric accessory continuously a plurality of times. Can be done.

The main control processes of the pachinko gaming machine 10 described here are the control start process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the game progress interrupt process shown in FIG. 13, and the power cutoff process shown in FIG. Is executed on the main board 102.
<Control start processing>

The control start process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is a control process that is started after a security check using the manufacturing code of the CPU 501 is performed by turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and the control start process will be described later. After executing the settings (S1 to S4) required when the power is turned on, the power cut information flag (power cut confirmation information) in the operation state (S5) of the initialization switch 544 and the power cut status confirmation process (S6 to S8) Corresponding to the value and the addition result (checksum data) of the RWM area, the processing at the time of power failure / recovery (S9 to S17), the processing at the time of RWM initialization (S24 to S26), and the timing setting for the game progress interrupt. (S27), circulation processing (S32 (S28 to S31)), and the like are executed.
<< Settings required when turning on the power >>

As the settings required when the power is turned on, the stack pointer is set (S1), the interrupt mode is set (S2), and the access permission to the RWM503 is set (S3), and then the internal register is initially set (the internal register is initially set). S4).

Of these, in the process of setting the stack pointer (S1), in order to secure the stack area, the stack pointer is set as the initial value of the stack pointer, and the stack pointer is set to a specific address. Next, in the interrupt mode setting (S2), the mode of the predetermined number is set, and in the RWM access permission setting (S3), the access permission data is set in the predetermined register in order to permit access to the RWM. To do. As a result, the masqueradable interrupt is set to a specific interrupt mode, and the CPU built-in RWM is granted access permission. Further, in the built-in register setting (S4), various corresponding setting values such as the game progress interrupt use setting value and the clock source selection value are set by using the built-in register initial setting table. The interrupt on the main board 102 will be described later.
<< Checking the operating status of the RWM clear switch >>

In the process of confirming the operation state of the initialization switch 544 (S5), the state of the output signal of the initialization switch 544 input via the input port is confirmed. Whether or not the RWM clear switch is pressed (turned on) is determined, and if it is not pressed (S5: NO), the value of the power off information flag during the power failure status determination process (S6 to S8) described later. Proceed to the determination process (S6) of. On the other hand, if the initialization switch 544 is pressed (S5: YES), the processing at the time of initializing the RWM (S24 to S26) is performed.

Here, the initialization switch 544 is determined to have been operated when the RWM clear switch bit of the corresponding input port is determined to be ON five times in a row. Further, the determination of the information as to whether or not the initialization switch 544 is pressed is performed only once at this time, and the determination is not performed thereafter.
<< Situation confirmation process at the time of power failure >>

In the power failure status confirmation process (S6 to S8) when the initialization switch 544 is not operated, the value of the power failure information flag is read, and whether the read value matches the predetermined power failure normal data. Whether or not it is determined (S6). The power-off normal data is saved when the power-off process is normally performed when the power-off (power-off) occurs.

If the value of the power off information flag matches the power off normal data (S6: YES), the checksum data is calculated (S7). In the process of calculating the checksum data, although not shown, the initial value is set as the checksum data, a predetermined operation is performed on the checksum data, and then the checksum data after the calculation is 0. The determination of whether or not it is different from is executed.

If the checksum data is not 0 (S8: NO), that is, if the restart preparation process execution condition is not satisfied, the RWM head and top are set higher than the reference value of the relative address, and in this case as well, the RWM is set. Shifts to the process at the time of initialization (S24 or later). On the other hand, when the checksum data is 0 (S8: YES), the process proceeds to the process (S9 to S17) at the time of power failure / recovery, which will be described later.
<< Processing when power is turned off and restored >>

In the process when the power is turned off and restored, the value of the stack pointer buffer is set in the stack pointer, and the stack pointer is returned to the value saved when the power is turned off (S9). Further, in order to inspect the communication line between the main board 102 and the sub board 104, a request is made to transmit an effect control command to the sub board 104 (S10, S11), and a decorative lamp (game effect lamp) and a sound effect (sound effect) are requested. In order to return the effect of the effect) to the state before the power failure occurred, a request is made to transmit the effect control command to the sub-board 104 (S10, S11). Further, in order to request a command corresponding to the number of balls on hold for operation of the special symbol display device, a symbol storage number command request process is executed (S12).

Further, the solenoid is returned to the output state before the power failure occurred (S13). Specifically, the open / closed state of the second start winning opening 63 and the large winning opening device 90 is returned to the state before the power is turned off.

After that, the process proceeds to the subsequent processing of setting the special symbol (S14), and the information on the operating state of the probability variation function of the special symbol display device (70, 71) is set. Next, the power recovery setting (S15), the data storage process (S16), and the detection setting (S17) of the communication line abnormality with the payout control board are executed.

Subsequently, in the process of activating the game progress interrupt process, the address of the PTC0 counter setting register is set in order to activate the game progress interrupt, and the count value of a predetermined size (corresponding to about 4 ms here) is set to the PTC0 counter. It is set in the register (S18). As a result, the game progress interrupt is generated every 4 ms.

Then, the process of restoring various registers other than the flag register is executed (S19), and the process of determining whether or not the state when the power supply is cut off is interrupt enabled (S20) is executed. Then, when the power is turned off when the interrupt is disabled (S20: NO), the flag register is restored (S21), and the control process is turned off based on the restart index information set in the stack pointer. Return to the processing of the address to be returned before the occurrence. On the other hand, if the interrupt is enabled when the power is turned off (S20: YES), the flag register is restored (S22), the interrupt enable is set (S23), and then the stack pointer is set. Based on the restart index information, the control process is returned to the process to be returned before the power failure occurred.

Here, the reason why the flag register is restored separately from the other registers is that the flag register stores information on the game state such as probability change, and the control process is turned off as much as possible to restore this information. This is because it is performed immediately before returning to before the occurrence of.
<< Processing at RWM initialization >>

In the processing at the time of initializing the RWM (S24 to S28), after clearing the RWM area (S24), the initial setting of the RWM (S25), the initialization of the effect display (effect display device 60) (S26), and The timekeeping setting (S27) for interrupting the game progress is performed. Of these, in the processing from clearing the RWM area (S24) to initial setting of the RWM (S25), clear data (00H) is set in the entire RWM area, and the clear data is stored as a reference value of the relative address, and this reference value is stored. Is +1. Further, bit 7 of this reference value is inspected, and the determination of the inspection result is executed. If the inspection result is 0 in the inspection result determination process, the process returns to the process of storing the clear data described above in the reference value, and the address of the initialization data setting table is set. As a result, the initial value of RWM is set. It should be noted that the clearing of the RWM area is not limited to the one performed for all areas, and for example, only a part of the area in which specific information is stored or the area excluding the unused area is cleared. May be good.

In addition, like "00H" which is the value of the above-mentioned clear data, "H" described at the end of a numerical value indicates that the numerical value is expressed in hexadecimal. Further, in this embodiment, a numerical value representing a hexadecimal number is given a symbol "H", a numerical value representing a binary number is given a symbol "B", and a symbol indicating such a notation is attached. Numerical values that are not specified shall be expressed in decimal notation.

In the initialization of the effect display (S26), in order to initialize the effect display device 60 and request the command transmission of the error status and the illegal prize ball monitoring information, the command request data is set by using the address of the effect initial command setting table as an argument. Execute the process.
<< Processing of timekeeping setting for game progress interrupt >>

In the timekeeping setting process (S27) for the game progress interrupt, in order to activate the game progress interrupt, a count value of a predetermined size is set in the corresponding counter setting register, and the game progress interrupt is generated every 4 ms, for example. ..
<< Circulation processing >>

After the timekeeping setting (S27) for the game progress interrupt, the recursive (restart) preparation of a predetermined timer, which is the interrupt processing time monitoring means, and the random number-related values used for generating the initial values of various random numbers are updated. Circulation processing (S32 (S28 to S31)) is executed. In this circulation process (S32 (S28 to S31)), interrupts are first disabled (S28) in order to manage the gaming machine. Further, in preparation for recurring the interrupt processing time monitoring means, a predetermined value to be the first recursive information is set in the interrupt processing time monitoring means clear register (S29). This first recursive information is a predetermined value such as 55H.

Then, the initial value random number update process is executed (S30), and the initial value random number per normal symbol, the symbol initial value random number per special symbol, and the soft initial value random number per special symbol are updated. After that, after the interrupt is permitted (S31), the process returns to the interrupt disabled (S28) process, and the subsequent processes (S28 to S31) are sequentially repeated to circulate the control process.

Each time the interrupt enable (S28) is executed, the above-mentioned game progress interrupt is enabled, and the game progress interrupt process is repeated every predetermined cycle (here, 4 ms cycle) based on the cycle information set in S27. ..
<< Initial value random number update processing >>

In the above-mentioned initial value random number update process (S30), in order to update the initial value random number per normal symbol, the initial value random number per special symbol, and the soft initial value random number per special symbol, the random numbers are updated from the initial value random number update table. The number of times is acquired, and the initial value random number is updated by the number of updates.
<Game progress interrupt processing>

Next, the game progress interrupt process that is repeated at a cycle of 4 ms based on the cycle information set in the process of the timekeeping setting (S27) for the game progress interrupt will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, in the game progress interrupt processing, interrupt operation condition setting (S41, S42), recursion of interrupt processing time monitoring means (S43), game machine management (S45 to S70), interrupt permission (S45 to S70) S71) is performed in order to return to the processing before the game progress interrupt occurs.

Specifically, in the interrupt operation condition setting process (S41, S42), the interrupt operation condition setting value is stored in the game progress interrupt control register (S41) in order to clear the interrupt flag, and the interrupt operation condition setting. The value is set in the control register corresponding to the predetermined input terminal (S42). After that, the second recursive information is set (S43), and the second recursive information is further set in the interrupt processing time monitoring means register (S44).

In the management of the gaming machines (S45 to S70), in order to manage the gaming machines, the following processes are executed in order.

First, an input process (S45) is executed in order to monitor the input of a specific signal. Here, the objects to be monitored are various switches mounted on the game board surface, a saucer full switch, an open signal, a magnetic detection signal, a radio wave detection signal, a glass undetected signal, and a disconnection short-circuit power supply abnormality detection signal. Is.

Subsequently, various random number update processes (S46) are executed to update the normal symbol variation pattern random number and the variation pattern random number. Further, the initial value update type random number update process (S47) is executed to update the normal symbol per random number, the special symbol per symbol random number, and the special symbol per soft random number. Next, the initial value random number update process (S48) is executed to update the initial value random number per normal symbol, the symbol initial value random number per special symbol, and the soft initial value random number per special symbol. Further, in order to update the 2-byte timer, the timer subtraction process (S49) is executed, and in order to set the validity period of the second start winning opening 63, the validity period setting process (S50) of the second start opening is executed. ..

Further, the prize monitoring process (S51) is executed, the number of times the prize balls are paid out is stored, the output request of the external information for the board is created, and the transmission request of the command to be transmitted to the sub board 104 is performed. Subsequently, in order to control the payout control board 103, the prize ball control process (S52) is executed.

Next, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate (operating port 68), the normal symbol operating gate monitoring process (S53) is executed in order to store the random numbers related to the normal symbol, and the normal symbol display device or the normal symbol is executed. The normal symbol control process (S54) is executed in order to perform the process related to the electric accessory. Further, in order to monitor the start of fluctuation of the normal symbol, the normal symbol fluctuation start monitoring process (S55) is executed. Further, in order to monitor the winning of the first starting winning opening 62 and the second starting winning opening 63 of the game ball, the starting opening monitoring control process (S56) is executed, and the first special symbol display unit 70 or the second special symbol is executed. In order to perform the process related to the display unit 71, the special symbol control process (S57) is executed. Subsequently, in order to perform the processing related to the special electric accessory, the special electric accessory control process (S58) is executed, and the processing related to the valid period of the large winning opening device 90 is performed, so that the large winning opening valid period setting process ( S59) is executed, and the special symbol fluctuation start monitoring control process (S60) is executed in order to monitor the fluctuation start of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

Next, anomaly detection processing (S61) is executed to monitor magnetism, disconnection / short circuit / power supply, radio wave monitoring, glass frame set / game board frame open / closed state, and pair glass monitoring. Then, in order to detect the ball entry passage time abnormality, the ball entry passage time abnormality detection process (S62) is executed. Further, in order to request display of the number of times the special electric accessory is continuously operated, the error state, the number of balls on hold for operation of the normal symbol display device, and the number of balls on hold for operation of the special symbol display device, the game state display process (S63). ) Is executed, and the handle state signal inspection process (S64) is executed in order to monitor the touch state (including the state of the operation amount) of the firing handle 20. In addition, a special symbol display, a normal symbol display, an operation holding ball number display of the special symbol display device (70, 71), an operation hold ball number display of the normal symbol display device, a game state display, a special electric accessory The LED output process (S65) is executed in order to display the number of times that the is continuously operated and the error is displayed.

Subsequently, in order to output a signal for prohibiting / permitting the launch of the game ball, the launch control signal output process (S66) is executed, and in order to create and output a signal to be output to the test device, the test signal output process (S67) is performed. To execute. Further, the solenoid output process (S68) is executed to output the output data of the normal electric accessory solenoid and the large winning opening opening solenoid, and the effect control command transmission process (S69) is executed to transmit the effect control command. Then, in order to output a signal to an external terminal (various external output terminals of the external relay terminal board 46 (see FIG. 2)), the external information output process (S70) is executed.

After that, the interrupt enable (S71) is executed, and the control process exits to the return (RET). Then, the above-mentioned circular processing (S32 (S28 to S31)) of the control start processing is executed by utilizing the remaining time until the next game interrupt is executed.
<< Production control command transmission processing >>

In the effect control command transmission process (S69), the transmission request of the command to be transmitted to the effect control board is inspected, and if it is determined that there is a transmission request, the requested command data is acquired and the used command buffer is cleared. , Acquisition of MODE data corresponding to the acquired command data, output of MODE data, retention of MODE data, acquisition of EVENT data corresponding to the acquired command data, and output of EVENT data are sequentially performed. The command data transmission timing is defined by the effect data strobe, and the effect data holding time is a predetermined time (here, 46 μs or more) after the on-time (here, 2 μs or more) of the effect data strobe signal.

In the command transmission request inspection, the value of the command request write position (area) and the value of the command request read position (area) are compared, and if the values do not match, it is determined that there is a command transmission request. When acquiring the command data to be requested, the calculated address stored in the command request reading position, the double value of the logical product of the position correction bit data, and the address of the command buffer are added, and the content of the acquired address is added as a result of the addition. Is the command data. After acquiring the calculated address value stored in the command request reading position, the command request reading position is incremented by 1 in order to update the contents of the command data reading position. When clearing the command buffer, in order to clear the command buffer, the command buffer in which the acquired command data is stored is cleared with 0.

In the acquisition of MODE data corresponding to the acquired command data, the higher level of the acquired command data is defined as MODE data. In the output of MODE data, after the acquired MODE data is output to the effect command output port, the strobe output process is executed in order to output the effect data strobe. In the retention of MODE data, in order to retain the MODE data, a predetermined time (here, 46 μs or more) is waited. In the acquisition of EVENT data corresponding to the acquired command data, the lower level of the acquired command data is defined as EVENT data. In the output of the EVENT data, after the acquired EVENT data is output to the same effect command output port as described above, the effect data strobe is output, so that the strobe output process is executed.
<< Control mode related to command transmission timing >>

In this embodiment, the effect control command output from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301 is temporarily stored in the command buffer by a command request before transmission. The command buffer has a plurality of buffers functioning as ring buffers, and is used once in the order of accumulation in the command buffer in the control process for command transmission (here, the effect control command transmission process (S69)). In the game progress interrupt process, each command is taken out from the command buffer and transmitted. It is also possible to adopt a method in which the command with the highest priority is sent first. Further, in various control processes, when a command that needs to be transmitted occurs, it is possible to transmit the command at any time. When such a method is adopted, the effect command is intensively transmitted in one control processing module such as the effect control command transmission process (S69) during one game progress interrupt process. Instead, each time a command transmission is required, the command transmission is sequentially performed in each control processing module. Therefore, it is unlikely that the command transmission will be carried over to the game progress interrupt processing from the next time onward. Then, for example, there is no delay in the command transmission at the start winning or the command transmission at the start of the fluctuation of the special symbol, and the command processing can be performed quickly.
<< Power off processing >>

Next, the power off processing executed when the power is cut off will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, in the power off processing, the data of all used registers is saved in the RWM (S81), and the interrupt enable / disable state before the power off is saved (S82). Further, it is determined whether or not the power-on normal information is saved in the RWM (S83), and if it is not saved (S83: NO), the power-off abnormality information is saved in the RWM (S84). The process proceeds to the RWM access prohibition process (S88). On the other hand, if it is saved (S83: YES), the stack pointer value is saved in the stack pointer buffer (S85), the power off / normal information is saved in the RWM (S86), and the RWM checksum is calculated. Then, the checksum data is saved (S87). Then, the RWM is prohibited from accessing (S88), and the reset of the CPU 501 is waited while looping the control process.
<< Control mode related to lottery of fluctuation pattern >>

Subsequently, various aspects related to the lottery of the variable pattern will be described. Any of the modes of determining the variation pattern described here may be selected and applied in one pachinko gaming machine 10, or may be used in combination as appropriate. When a plurality of modes are used in combination, it is possible to use the modes properly based on factors such as the result of success or failure.

In this embodiment, as described above, the winning / failing result, the number of reserved balls, the special symbol (which may be a symbol group), and the variation pattern selection state (status information of the special symbol) are determined for determining the variation pattern. Although it is used as an element, a variation pattern corresponding to the combination of these determinants is selected. Then, as the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time associated with the fluctuation pattern and paired with the fluctuation pattern is determined. Further, in the present embodiment, regarding the determination of the fluctuation pattern, the elements of the determination are different depending on whether the result of the winning or losing lottery is a big hit or a miss. That is, in the case of a big hit, a variation pattern is selected from among those associated with the effect state (status information of the special symbol, etc.), the special symbol group, and the winning / failing random number. On the other hand, in the case of a loss, a fluctuation pattern is selected from among those associated with the effect state, the number of reserved balls, and the winning / failing random number. Of these, regarding the fluctuation pattern in which the re-lottery time is given for the production in the case of a big hit, the re-lottery time is given based on the production state (presence or absence of a specific production, etc.) and the special symbol group. The presence or absence is determined, and the determined result is transmitted from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301.

Further, when determining the fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation time, it is possible to determine the subsequent fluctuation time according to the determined effect pattern number (in other words, the content of the effect pattern). For example, when the selected fluctuation pattern corresponds to the limited frequency pattern production, it is conceivable that the extension of the fluctuation time corresponding to the variation pattern is determined ex post facto.

In addition, as described above, by setting the command of the fluctuation additional information as the command at the start of the symbol fluctuation of the special symbol, the command is later determined during the fluctuation time determined in advance in relation to the elements such as the game state and the winning symbol. It is possible to add an effect such as a notice. Then, in the case of determining the total fluctuation time in such an embodiment, it is possible to create various fluctuation patterns while suppressing the number of fluctuation patterns provided in advance as small as follows. That is, considering the case of performing the above-mentioned pseudo-continuous notice (so-called "pseudo-ream"), when the fluctuation patterns of the pseudo-ream are simply set individually, the same number of fluctuation patterns as the number of types of effects are provided in advance. Need to keep. When all the effect patterns are individually prepared in this way, the total number of fluctuation patterns may become large, reaching, for example, more than 256. Therefore, in order to give an identifiable code to a large number of fluctuation patterns, it is necessary to increase the number of bits and the number of bytes for expressing the code as compared with the conventional case.

However, by using the fluctuation addition information (variation addition pattern), it is possible to form a fluctuation pattern ex post facto by connecting, for example, random number lottery fluctuation addition information to a relatively small number of basic fluctuation patterns. Is. As a result, a new fluctuation pattern can be formed by combining the fluctuation patterns, so that various fluctuation patterns can be created without increasing the number of fluctuation patterns provided in advance. It should be noted that the random number value related to the variable addition information can also be transmitted from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301 when the start winning prize is generated as a command for the look-ahead effect. It is also possible to set the appearance probability of the variable addition pattern so that the variable addition information can be easily added when the limited frequency pattern effect is executed. To further give an example of using the variable additional information, when the probability variation symbol "777" is displayed from the beginning as the combination of the effect symbols 190, the variable additional information is not set and the combination of the effect symbols 190 is used. Once the non-probability variation symbol "666" is displayed, the effect until the result of whether or not to promote to "777" is displayed (for example, the effect of shaking fluctuation and the development of the variation mode). (Representation, etc.) may be performed by setting variable additional information.

Further, in this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern is determined with the number of reserved balls as an element, and the reference fluctuation pattern table differs depending on the number of reserved balls. The fluctuation pattern table is provided corresponding to the number of reserved balls 0 to 4. The reason why the fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the hold 4 is provided in addition to the four hold 0 to 3 is as follows. For example, consider a case where a new variable display is started from a situation where the number of reserved balls is four and the number of reserved balls becomes three. A state in which the number of reserved balls is 3 at a stage in which the control process during the game progress interrupt process being executed at that time does not reach the determination of the fluctuation pattern, which is the process during the later game progress interrupt process. When a new start prize is generated from, the number of reserved balls is added to 4 when the fluctuation pattern is determined. Therefore, the fluctuation pattern table is provided corresponding to the number of reserved balls 0 to 4 so that such a situation can also be a factor for determining the fluctuation pattern.

Further, the acquisition timing of the variable pattern random number can be set to the time of the variable pattern lottery. That is, since the fluctuation pattern random number is not a random number related to the operation of a special electric accessory or the like, as an element for performing an appropriate game, for example, in aiming for a fair game as compared with a random number of success or failure. The need for constraints is reduced. Therefore, it is conceivable that the variable pattern random number is not intentionally acquired at the time of starting winning, and for example, the variable pattern random number is acquired and stored at the time of the variable pattern lottery as a separately provided timing. By doing so, the number of information to be stored at the time of winning the start can be reduced, and the capacity of the program and the memory can be reduced.
<< Control mode related to symbol designation >>

In the symbol lottery, the symbol determination table to be used is determined based on the value of the upper byte of the code indicating the symbol random number, and then the symbol is determined from the determined symbol determination table based on the value of the lower byte of the symbol random number. Is also possible. In this embodiment, since the numerical range of the symbol random number is set to "0 to 999", the binary code code of these numerical values can be used. By doing so, the capacity of the memory and the program can be reduced. In addition, the number of rounds, the number of time reductions, and the like are distributed to the winning symbols (which may be a symbol group), and the number of subsequent rounds and the number of time reductions are determined according to the winning symbols. You may. By doing so, it is not necessary to store or control the data unique to the game state, and the capacity of the memory and the program can be reduced. Further, information for transmitting the game state (game state designation information) to a command for transmitting a symbol or the like from the main board 102 to the sub-main board 301 (for example, each command of the symbol 1 effect pattern and the symbol 2 effect pattern in this embodiment). ) Can be added. This command is not transmitted to the sub-main board 301 immediately after being created, but is created, temporarily stored, and then transmitted to the sub-main board 301 after waiting for a predetermined timing.
<Main control processing of sub-board>

Next, the main control processing of the above-mentioned sub-board 104 will be described. Here, as the main control processing, various interrupt processing which is exception processing and processing related to these will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18.
<< Interrupt factor and priority level >>

First, in this embodiment, in the sub-main board 301 constituting the sub-board 104, a predetermined signal (reset signal) to the reset terminal provided on the CPU 521 is used as an interrupt factor (factor generation source) that the CPU 521 gives the highest priority. Input and various abnormalities occur. Of these, the reset signal is input when the power is turned on, when an external reset is performed, when the watchdog timer times out, etc., and the sub-main initial setting process described later is performed along with the reset signal input. (See FIG. 15) is executed.

On the other hand, the interrupt when various abnormalities occur is executed depending on whether or not the watchdog timer function (watchdog function) is enabled. That is, if the watchdog function is enabled, the processing of the CPU 521 shifts to, for example, a predetermined infinite loop so that the processing time exceeds the set time of the watchdog timer when a predetermined abnormality occurs. To do. Then, when the runaway is detected due to the timeout in the watchdog function, the sub-main initial setting process (see FIG. 15) described later is executed. When the above-mentioned various abnormalities and the input of the reset signal occur at the same time, the reset by the input of the reset signal (sub-main initial setting process) is prioritized.

Another cause of interrupt generation in the sub-main board 301 is the reception of a command (main command) from the main board 102. The fact that the command is being received from the main board 102 is determined by detecting the rise of the above-mentioned strobe signal (effect data strobe signal) from the main board 102. When this main command reception interrupt occurs, the main command reception process (see FIG. 17) described later is executed. In the main command reception process, in the case of normal reception in which the command can be received without any problem, the content of the received command is saved in the command buffer (command ring buffer), and the command analysis process is the main process described later (FIG. 16). It is performed in the main loop process (circular process of S124 to S132) in (see). The priority level of the main command reception interrupt is set to the next highest level 7 after the above-mentioned highest priority.

Further, when the above-mentioned watchdog function is enabled, an interrupt is generated when a runaway detection of the CPU 521 is performed without going through a process of intentionally timing out as in the case of the above-mentioned various abnormalities. (Runaway detection interrupt) occurs, and the sub-main initial setting process (see FIG. 15) described later is executed. The priority level of such an interrupt by the normal watchdog timer is level 3, which is four steps lower than the above-mentioned level 7. In this embodiment, the level 4 to 6 interrupts between the level 3 and the above-mentioned level 7 are not executed.

Further, another interrupt generation factor is transmission / reception with / from the sub-sub board 302. The interrupt related to transmission / reception with the sub-sub board 302 (sub-sub command reception interrupt) is generated when a reception command (sub-sub command) from the sub-sub board 302 is input. The reception command from the sub-sub board 302 conveys to the sub-main board 301 that the command has been normally received when the sub-sub board 302 receives a command (sub-main command) from the sub-main board 301. Then, when an interrupt related to transmission / reception with the sub-sub board 302 occurs, command transmission / reception management processing is executed. The command transmission from the sub-main board 301 to the sub-sub board 302 is performed when the monitoring toggle signal from the sub-sub board 302 is normally transmitted, as will be described later. The priority of interrupts related to transmission / reception with the sub-sub board 302 is level 2.

Further, as another interrupt generation factor, there is communication with the sub-sub board 302. The interrupt related to the communication with the sub-sub board 302 (sub-sub communication interrupt) is generated every predetermined cycle (500 μs in this embodiment) as described later. Then, when an interrupt related to communication with the sub-sub board 302 occurs, communication processing with the sub-sub board is executed. The priority of the interrupt related to communication with the sub-sub board 302 is the same level 2 as the interrupt related to transmission / reception with the sub-sub board 302 described above.

Furthermore, other interrupt generation factors include communication with the RTC clock (real-time clock), generation of timer interrupts (sub-main timer interrupts), interrupt requests for various lamps, etc., and these have the lowest priority. It is set to 1. Of these, at the time of an interrupt related to communication with the RTC clock, communication processing with the RTC clock is executed. Further, the above-mentioned timer interrupt is intended to be used in general game production such as solenoid output processing, motor output processing, and game timer management processing. The timer interrupt is immediately activated by the setting at the time of initialization (initial setting), and the timer interrupt is repeated every predetermined cycle (about 1 ms in this embodiment). Then, when a timer interrupt occurs, a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 18), which will be described later, is executed.
<< Sub-main initial setting process >>

When the power of the sub-main board 301 is turned on, as in the case where the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the sub-main initial setting process shown in FIG. 15 is executed. In this sub-main initial setting process, first, a predetermined address is set as a stack pointer (S101), and then all interrupts are prohibited until various initial settings are completed (S102). Further, in the hardware initialization process (S103), basic settings related to the hardware (register setting, port initialization, etc.) are performed, and in the RWM initialization process (S104), the RWM initialization is performed according to a predetermined condition. Is done. Then, in this RWM initialization, the initial value is prepared for the variable with the initial value, and 0 is cleared for the variable without the initial value. Further, in the RWM initialization process (S104), ROM data (control program, etc.) is expanded to the RWM.

Further, in S105, interrupts other than reception of the main command are prohibited, and subsequently, a power failure recovery error detection process (S106) for setting various error information is executed. In this power failure recovery error detection process (S106), processing is performed according to circumstances such as game characteristics. That is, the sub-main board 301 is provided with a function of dealing with various errors including vibration errors and radio wave errors. However, the functions for dealing with these various errors are selected in advance, and the error detection function is exhibited only for the valid errors. For example, whether or not a predetermined hit occurs when a game ball passes through a specific area, such as a type 1 type 2 type that combines so-called type 1 and type 2 game characteristics, or a so-called ball accuracy spec. The vibration error detection function is effective for models that determine. However, in a model such as the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, in which the winning / failing lottery is performed only by the random number lottery, even if the vibration error detection function is provided, the function is selectively invalidated in advance. Therefore, no special measures are taken for vibration errors.

Subsequently, in the all lamp extinguishing process (S107), an extinguishing request is made to extinguish all the lamps, and in the watchdog timer operation start process (S108), based on the setting of using the watchdog timer as the watchdog timer. The watchdog timer is activated. In FIG. 15, the main process (S109) is connected to the processes S101 to S108, but the processes S101 to S108 are the sub-main initial setting processes, and the main process (S109). Is performed after the sub-main initial setting process (S101 to S108). Further, in the main process (S109), the main process of the game is managed, and the details of the main process (S109) will be described later.

After the main process (S109), a sleep process (S110) is arranged. Normally, this sleep process (S110) is not executed because the main process (S109) does not return to the reset operation that performs the sub-main initial setting process, but as shown by the dashed arrow in the figure, When this sleep process (S110) is executed for some reason, the mode shifts to the low power consumption mode.
<< Main processing on the sub-main board >>

In the above-mentioned main process (S109), as shown in FIG. 16, the RWM placement address acquisition process (S121) is executed, and in this RWM placement address acquisition process (S121), the program area expanded in the RWM is checked. The start address of the expanded program area is acquired so that it can be performed.

Next, all interrupts are permitted in order to enable interrupts in subsequent processing (S122). Further, in the device initialization process (S123), initialization operations of various devices such as motors, solenoids, and lamps are performed. In the subsequent watchdog clear process (S124), if the watchdog timer is set to be used, the watchdog timer is cleared. Further, in the symbol update process (S125), the out-of-order symbols related to the effect symbols 190a to 190c are determined by the counter.

As the counter used here, a three-digit counter of "111" to "999" can be exemplified. For example, when the acquired counter value is "757", the effect symbols 190a to stop display are displayed. It is possible to make 190 "757". When the acquired counter value is a combination of stitches such as "111", it is possible to offset the numerical value of a predetermined digit such as "121" to make a combination of deviations.

This symbol update process (S125) may not be executed depending on the adopted method for determining the outlier symbol. For example, when the missing symbol is determined by lottery, it is not executed. Specifically, it has the data of a lottery sheet (lottery table) incorporating all the symbol combinations, and uses the lottery sheet to draw the missing symbol. A control mode as determined can be exemplified.

In the subsequent error effect management process (S126), the error state is monitored, and various error notifications are executed according to the monitoring result.

Next, in the advance notice lottery management process (S128), a lottery for determining the advance notice effect is executed, and the lottery for this advance notice effect is the efficiency of the loop processing (main loop process) described later in the main process (S109). In order to improve efficiency), it is divided into several times. That is, when multiple advance notice effects are executed during one fluctuation, the lottery process for the multiple advance notice effects is not all performed in one main loop, but multiple main loops. It is executed after multiple lottery divided into. In addition, the timing of the lottery is related to the timing of the appearance of the advance notice effect during the fluctuation. For example, for a notice effect that appears at a relatively early timing, such as immediately after the start of fluctuation, the priority of the lottery time is set high, and by performing the lottery at the timing according to the priority, image control is performed as soon as possible. Commands can be sent to the sub-sub board 302 on the side. The various processes performed in the advance notice lottery management process (S128) will be described later.

Next, in the device management process (S129), when there is a device operation request for a real-time clock (RTC), a lamp, a speaker, or the like, a process for operating the corresponding device is executed.

Further, in the command analysis process (S130), when it is necessary to start the process for responding to the command (main command) received from the main board 102 or when the command data exists in the above-mentioned command buffer, the command analysis is performed. Do. Then, when the command is analyzed (S131: YES), the process returns to the watchdog clear process (S124), and the main loop is executed. Immediately after receiving the command from the main board 102, since there is command data in the command buffer, the main loop is executed and the process returns to the watchdog clear process (S124) and thereafter. However, if the command buffer becomes empty before the main loop is repeated and the next timer interrupt described later is executed, it is not necessary to perform command analysis, and command analysis is not performed. In such a case, the random number update process (S132), which has a lower priority than the command analysis, is executed by utilizing the generated time without proceeding to the main loop (S131: NO). This random number update process (S132) is a soft random number update process. Further, in this command analysis process (S130), the fluctuation pattern (sub-variation pattern) in the sub-main board 301 is determined. Further, when the data of the lottery sheet (lottery table) incorporating all the symbol combinations is possessed and the control mode for determining the out-of-order symbols is adopted by using the lottery sheet, the command analysis process (S130) is performed. Determine the design.

Regarding the processes (S130, S131) related to these command analysis, in other words, for a certain command, immediately after receiving the command, the main process does not proceed to the subsequent processes (here, the random number update process (S132)). The other processes (S124 to S131) in the loop process (S124 to S132) are repeated, and if there are no more commands in the command buffer, the process proceeds to the subsequent processes, and as a result, the command analysis process is performed for a certain main command. Immediately after the start of (S130), command analysis is executed, so the program module placed later does not proceed, and when command analysis is no longer performed in the command analysis process (S130), the program module placed later is reached. It can be said that it is something to move forward. If, for example, a checksum calculation is performed after the command analysis determination process (S131), this process is also executed immediately after the command is received, as in the random number update process (S132). It can be said that this is a process that is not performed.

In the random number update process (S132), the lottery random number (software random number) related to the production is updated, and each time the random number update process (S132) is executed, the software random number related to the sub-main board 301 is a new value. Will be updated to. Then, the value sequentially updated in the random number update process (S132) is used as a random number for lottery in various production modes in the above-mentioned advance notice lottery management process (S128) and the like. Further, the value generated by the random number update process (S132) is for lottery after being calculated with the hardware random number for lottery of various production modes in the same manner as the generation of the predetermined random number on the main board 102 described above. It may also be used as a random number.
<< Main command reception processing >>

Next, the main command reception process from the main board 102 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not to confirm the command input value (S141). Regarding command input, since there is a risk of reading failure due to noise or the like, the input value is not fixed until the same value is read two times in a row. Specifically, the command data is read up to 5 times, and when the same value is read two times in a row, the process of confirming the input value is executed. If the command input value is not fixed (S141: NO), the main command reception process is exited and the process returns to the original process before the interrupt occurred.

When the command input value is confirmed (S141: YES), it is determined whether or not the received command is the first command (S142), and it depends on the determination result of whether it is the first command or the second command. Processing branches. The main board 102 transmits a 1-byte command with one command transmission, but since the command from the main board 102 has a 2-byte configuration of MODE data and EVENT data, the command transmission is performed twice as described above. is necessary. Therefore, from the main board 102, the upper byte command (MODE command) is transmitted for the first time, and the lower byte command (EVENT command) is transmitted for the second time. Then, in the sub-main board 301 that has received the command, if the most significant bit of the command data is "1", it is determined as the first command (MODE command), and if the most significant bit is "0", the second command is determined. Judge as (EVENT command).

If the received command is the first command (S142: YES), the first command is temporarily saved (S148) and stored. Here, the temporary is a storage area for temporarily saving the value.

Further, the value of the hard random number 1 which is a predetermined hardware random number at that time is latched and held in the buffer on the software (S149), and then the process exits this main command reception process and returns to the state before the interrupt is generated. .. Here, the reason why the hard random number 1 is latched every time the command (first command) of the main board 102 is received as in S149 is to prevent the random number cycle from being formed. That is, a random number excluding periodicity is created by creating a numerical value using the reception of the first command generated at a random timing and using the numerical value at that time at a predetermined lottery or the like for the production. Can be obtained.

Hardware random numbers are generated using a high-speed counter, but if the acquisition timing is not random, some periodicity may occur. However, since the first command from the main board 102 is received by the sub-main board 301 at irregular timings caused by winning a game ball or the like, there is little possibility that a cycle will occur. Therefore, in the sub-main board 301, the hardware random numbers are generated by utilizing the reception of commands as described above, and the periodicity as is performed in the main board 102 is eliminated.

On the other hand, in S142, when it is determined that the received command is not the first command (S142: NO), it means that the second command has been received. Then, when the second command is received, it is confirmed whether or not the first command has been received (S143). If the first command has not been received (S143: NO), the process exits the main command reception process and returns to the original process.

When the first command has been received (S143: YES), the command write pointer is acquired (S144). Here, the command light pointer indicates a reading position in the command ring buffer, and acquisition of the command light pointer acquires data from the reading position indicated by the command light pointer.

Further, the first command and the second command normally received at this point are stored in the command ring buffer for analysis processing (S145). The saved data is analyzed by the command analysis process (S130) of the above-mentioned main process (see FIG. 16). Then, the command light pointer is updated (S146), and the above-mentioned temporary first command is cleared (S147). Here, updating the command write pointer is a process of updating the read position of the command ring buffer by one. Further, the process of clearing the temporary first command is to clear the first command stored in S148.

In this embodiment, the set of two element commands (first command and second command) is set as one set (one set), and the hard random number 1 is latched in response to the reception of the first command. Latch processing can be performed in a processing system (systems S148 and S149) different from the system of the processing after receiving the second command (S143 to S147), and the processing after receiving the second command can be completed quickly.
<< Sub-main timer interrupt processing >>

Next, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to FIG. The timer interrupt process occurs every 1 ms, which is a predetermined cycle. Since this timer interrupt processing is level 1 interrupt processing having the lowest priority, first, as shown in the figure, interrupts of priority level 2 or higher are permitted (S161). Further, the port input process (S162) is executed, and the port data input process and output process are performed. In this port input process (S162), a process for confirming a port connected to various sensors (magnetic sensor, vibration sensor, position sensor of movable effect member, push button input detection sensor, etc.) and a process (input process), and Information output (output processing) is performed from ports connected to various devices (motors, solenoids, lamps, etc.).

Further, in the port input process (S162), in addition to these ports, a process related to a power supply voltage monitoring port to which a signal indicating a power failure (power failure signal) is input at the time of power failure is also performed. .. Then, when this power failure signal is input, the processing of the CPU 521 prohibits all interrupt processing and shifts to a transfer processing for backing up the stored information. The backup function of the sub-main board 301 will be described later.

Subsequently, the device control data output process (S163) is executed, and device control data output for driving various motors, solenoids, lamps, and the like is performed. For example, in the device management process (S129) of the main process shown in FIG. 16, when a drive control pattern in which a predetermined motor is excited for 100 ms and then degaussed for 100 ms is determined, this device is used. In the control data output process (S163), a time count process of 100 ms is performed.

Further, the effect timer update process (S164) is executed, and the timer value update process (S165) for measuring a predetermined timing in various effects is performed. Then, the button control timer update is executed, and the effective time management timer for managing the period during which the operation of the push button (operation button 22) is valid is updated.

Further, the push button monitoring control process (S166) is executed. This push button monitoring control process (S166) is for controlling the operation button 22 described above, which is a sub-button (push button) for effect, and is a process according to the input state (operation state) of the operation button 22. To execute.

Next, the update of the task control counter (S167) is executed, and the control counter (multitask counter) used for a plurality of predetermined tasks is updated. This control counter updates the count value once every 1 ms, which is the timer interrupt cycle, with 16 times as one unit. Then, in this embodiment, the task control counter counts the values from 0 to 15 in order every 1 ms, and loops the count of the values from 0 to 15.

Moreover, as one of the predetermined tasks, the one related to the game effect lamp can be exemplified. Many of the driving modes of the game effect lamp are performed in synchronization with the image in the effect display device 60, and the display switching of one frame (one unit image frame) of the moving image is about 16 ms or about 32 ms (about 33 ms). It is often performed in a cycle such as (sometimes) (16 ms cycle in this embodiment). Therefore, the control counter is designed so that the generation cycle of the control counter related to the game effect lamp forms a relationship such as an integral multiple or an integer 1/1 with the control unit time (16 ms or 32 ms) in the moving image display. ing. As a result, it becomes easy to design a lamp effect that matches the timing with the image.

Further, regarding the control counter, for example, if a certain process related to the game effect lamp is performed at 16 ms intervals, the process is performed at the timing when the value of the control counter becomes one predetermined value such as 3. .. Further, for the processing performed at 8ms intervals such as the image CPU runaway monitoring processing described later, the processing is performed at two timings where the difference is 8 as in the case where the control counter becomes 1 and 9. Will be done.

Further, when the cycle generated by the control counter is adjusted to a relatively short cycle such as one cycle (1 ms) of a timer interrupt (sub-main timer interrupt), it is about 30 seconds as in the control of error notification or the like. If the control for counting a relatively long time is performed, the data length to be secured for counting 30 seconds becomes long, and the number of required memories also becomes large. Therefore, the cycle of the control counter is set longer than one cycle (1 ms) of the timer interrupt, and the relationship between the control cycle related to the other superposed effects (image effects) and an integral multiple or a fraction of an integer. Therefore, the cycle in which the control counter goes around is set to a predetermined cycle (16 ms in this case). Another use of the control counter updated in the task control counter update process (S167) is runaway monitoring (described later) for the sub-sub board 302.

Next, the image CPU runaway monitoring process (S168) is executed, and the runaway monitoring process for the image CPU of the sub-sub board 302 is performed. Here, in this embodiment, the CPU of the sub-sub board 302 is integrated with the image controller 526 in FIG. As described above, the sub-sub board 302 outputs a predetermined signal (monitoring toggle signal) that repeats on and off for each frame display of the moving image control. When the toggle signal from the sub-sub board 302 does not change continuously for a predetermined period (for example, 1600 ms corresponding to about 50 to 100 frames), it is determined that an abnormality such as a runaway of the image CPU has occurred, and the sub A reset signal (external reset signal) is transmitted from the main board 301 to the sub-sub board 302. After receiving this reset signal, the sub-sub board 302 executes a reset process (sub-main initial setting process) for initializing the state of the sub-sub board 302.

The monitoring of the toggle signal as described above is performed once for every eight timer interrupts (8 ms), as will be described later. Further, the above-mentioned control counter is used to determine that the monitoring cycle has arrived. Here, the monitoring cycle is set to 8 ms because the monitoring is performed at a cycle shorter than the display cycle (16 ms or 32 ms) related to one frame of the image, so that the monitoring is always performed once during the display cycle of one frame. This is to be done. Further, another reason that the monitoring cycle is set to 8 ms is that the update timing of the control counter can be used by setting the monitoring cycle to an integral fraction of the cycle generated by the control counter described above. is there.

Following this image CPU runaway monitoring process (S168), an error management timer process (S169) is executed. In this error management timer processing (S169), the error management timer is subtracted, and when a timeout occurs, a predetermined processing is executed. Examples of the process at the time of timeout include the process of terminating the above-mentioned error notification. Note that this error management timer counts once for every 16 timer interrupts, and the processing related to error management using the error management timer is also one of the predetermined tasks using the control counter described above. It is one. When this error management timer processing is completed, the process returns to the original processing before the timer interrupt of the sub-main main processing (see FIG. 16). Here, since the target of interrupt permission is restricted in S161 described above, the illustration is omitted, but after all interrupts are permitted, the process returns to the main process of the sub-main.
<< Communication processing with sub-sub board >>

Next, the communication process with the above-mentioned sub-sub board 302 will be described. In the command transmission (transmission of the sub-main command) from the sub-main board 301 to the sub-sub board 302, an interrupt (sub-communication interrupt) related to communication with the sub-sub board 302 is generated at regular intervals (here, 500 μs), and the interrupt is interrupted. This is performed by executing communication processing with the sub-sub board 302 each time. In the communication process with the sub-sub board 302, a buffer check is performed in order to confirm the existence of data to be transmitted, and if there is data, this data is read. Then, the read data is set in the transmission buffer, the settings related to command transmission are updated, and the communication process with the sub-sub is completed.
<< Command transmission / reception management processing >>

Further, when the sub-main board 301 transmits a command to the sub-sub board 302, the above-mentioned reception command (sub-sub command) indicating that the command (sub-main command) can be normally received from the sub-sub board 302 side is sub-main. It is transmitted to the board 301 side. In this command transmission / reception management process, the command is read, the command analysis is executed, and then the command is saved. When receiving a sub-sub command, command reception interrupt processing is executed on the sub-sub board 302. For this command reception interrupt processing, set a flag for executing command reception interrupt processing in the above-mentioned sub communication interrupt. Is executed by. That is, since the input of the sub-sub command from the sub-sub board 302 occurs after the transmission of the sub-main command from the sub-main board 301, the command reception interrupt processing is performed incidentally to the processing related to the sub-communication interrupt. It has become something to be said.
<< Control processing on the sub-sub board >>

In the sub-sub board 302, similarly to the sub-main board 301, the sub-sub initial setting process started after the power is turned on, the main process executed after the sub-sub initial setting process, and the sub-sub timer interrupt generated in a predetermined cycle with respect to the main process. The timer interrupt process executed in connection with the above, the sub-main command reception process which is the interrupt process generated in connection with the reception of the sub-main command, and the like are executed. Of these, in the sub-main command reception process, when the sub-main command from the sub-main board 301 is received, the above-mentioned reception command (sub-sub command) indicating that the sub-main command has been normally received is transmitted. Will be executed.
<Each movable effect member in this embodiment>

Next, the above-mentioned movable effect member (lower left sign 601, upper sign 602, lower right sign 603 shown in FIG. 21) and other movable effect members (in FIG. 33) used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment. The left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605) will be described. First, among these movable effect members, the lower left sign 601, the upper sign 602, and the lower right sign 603 can perform a plurality of types of light guide plate effects using the light guide plate. Further, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the lower left sign 601 has a perfect circular shape, and the upper sign 602 has an isosceles triangular shape. Further, the lower right sign 603 has a square shape.

Further, each of the signs 601 to 603 is housed in the upper part of the center decoration 64 at the normal time when it is not operating (FIG. 1), and as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 at the time of operating (non-normal time). It appears in front of the effect display device 60. Here, FIGS. 21 and 22 show a state in which all three signs (601 to 603) are operated at the same time, but the type and number of the signs to be operated, or the combination when a plurality of signs are operated, are shown. It depends on the production pattern.
<Structure of upper sign unit>

23 and 24 show the upper marker unit 611 with the upper indicator 602 described above. FIG. 23 shows the state when the upper sign unit 611 is not operating (normal time), and FIG. 24 shows the state when the upper sign unit 611 is operating. As shown in FIG. 23, in the upper marker unit 611, a power transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the movable body motor 613, which is a drive source, and the movable body motor 613 to the upper marker 602 to the synthetic resin base portion 612. The part 614 is attached. As the movable body motor 613 described above, for example, a stepping motor can be adopted.

A first gear 615, which is an output gear, is mounted on the output shaft (not shown) of the movable motor 613, and the second gear 616 mounted on the base portion 612 is meshed with the first gear 615. ing. Further, the second gear 616 is meshed with the third gear 617 mounted on the base portion 612. The diameters (reference circle diameters) of the first gear 615 to the third gear 617 increase in the order of the first gear 615, the second gear 616, and the third gear 617, and the third gear 617 is the movable body motor 613. As it rotates, it is decelerated at a predetermined ratio and rotates.

A protrusion 618, which is a crank pin, is eccentrically formed on the surface of the third gear 617 facing the opposite side with respect to the base portion 612. The protrusion 618 is inserted into the elongated hole 620 of the crank member 619. The crank member 619 is attached to a support shaft portion 621 provided so as to project from the base portion 612. The crank member 619 can rotate around the support shaft portion 621 with the protrusion 618 of the third gear 608 inserted into the elongated hole 620.

The crank member 619 is connected to the parallel crank portion 622. The parallel crank portion 622 has a first parallel member 623 and a second parallel member 624, and is located on one end side (base end side) of the first parallel member 623 and the second parallel member 624 in the longitudinal direction. The portion is rotatably connected to the base portion 612. Of these, the base end portion of the first parallel member 623 is inserted inside the crank member 619 described above, and is connected to the support shaft portion 621 in the same manner as the crank member 619.

The other end side (tip side) of the first parallel member 623 and the second parallel member 624 is rotatably connected to the plate surface on the back surface side of the above-mentioned upper sign 602. The first parallel member 623 and the second parallel member 624 can rotate around the base end side connected to the base portion 612 while maintaining a substantially parallel relationship with each other.

When the upper sign unit 611 shown in FIG. 23 is not operating (normal time), the first parallel member 623 and the second parallel member 624 are in a state of being extended in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of the pachinko gaming machine 10). It is held. The posture of the upper sign 602 at this time is a posture in which the apex angle of the isosceles triangle is directed directly downward.

In such a situation, when the movable body motor 613 is driven, the third gear 617 rotates via the first gear 615 and the second gear 616. At this time, the rotation direction of the third gear 617 is counterclockwise (counterclockwise) when viewed from the side of the base portion 612 where the upper sign 602 and the third gear 617 are arranged. As the third gear 617 rotates, the protrusion 618 is integrally displaced. When the rotation angle of the third gear 617 reaches about 180 °, the upper marker unit 611 changes from the state shown in FIG. 23 to the state shown in FIG. 24.

That is, as the third gear 617 rotates, the crank member 619 is lifted upward about the support shaft portion 621 via the protrusion 618. At this time, the rotation of the crank member 619 is elastically transmitted to the first parallel member 623 via the torsion coil spring 625 mounted on the support shaft portion 621. Then, the first parallel member 623 rotates so that the tip side faces downward.

As shown in FIG. 24, the first parallel member 623 and the second parallel member 624 maintain a parallel relationship with each other and the tip end side is directed downward, so that the tip end side of the first parallel member 623 and the second parallel member 624 The upper sign 602 connected to is displaced downward. Since the upper sign 602 is rotatably connected to the first parallel member 623 and the second parallel member 624, the upper sign 602 is displaced with the apex angle facing straight down.

Then, the form of the upper sign 602 changes from a state of being hidden by the center decoration 64 (FIG. 1) to a state of appearing in front of the display area 194 of the effect display device 60 (FIG. 21). In addition, in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the illustration is performed leaving a part of the virtual line used in the drawing.
<Structure of upper sign>

Subsequently, the configuration of the above-mentioned upper marker 602 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. As shown in FIG. 25, the upper sign 602 includes a base portion 631, an inner lens 632, a diffusion sheet 633, a peripheral lens 634, a middle lens 635, a light guide cover 636, and an exterior cover 637.
<< Base >>

Of these, the base portion 631 is formed by incorporating a light emitting body substrate 642 having an substantially isosceles triangular outer shape into a synthetic resin base body 641 having an isosceles triangular outer shape.

A predetermined number of first full-color LEDs 643A, second full-color LEDs 643B, and red LEDs 644 are mounted on one plate surface of the light emitter substrate 642. Of these, three first full-color LEDs 643A are arranged at predetermined intervals on each side of the isosceles triangle so as to follow the shape of the outer edge portion of the light emitting body substrate 642. The total number of the first full-color LEDs 643A in this embodiment is nine.

Further, the second full-color LED 643B is arranged in an isosceles triangle shape at a portion inside the first full-color LED 643A. The arrangement of these second full-color LEDs 643B is performed so as to be parallel to the arrangement of the first full-color LEDs 643A, and the distance between the row of the second full-color LEDs 643B and the corresponding row of the first full-color LEDs 643A is all three sides. It is almost equal. The number of the second full-color LEDs 643B in this embodiment is 12 in total, 4 on each side.

The above-mentioned red LED 644 is arranged in an isosceles triangle shape between each row of the first full-color LED 643A and the second full-color LED 643B. The red LEDs 644 are arranged so that the distance between the two red LEDs 644 and the two second full-color LEDs 643B that are adjacent to each other in the oblique direction is about the same. The number of the second full-color LEDs 643B in this embodiment is a total of 11 such as 4 for each of the same two sides and 3 for the remaining one side. The central portion 645 of the light emitting body substrate 642 located inside the second full-color LED 643B is a flat plate portion.
<< Inner lens >>

The inner lens 632 described above has a function of being superimposed on the central portion 645 of the light emitting body substrate 642 and guiding the light of the second full-color LED 643B described above to the front of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The inner lens 632 is formed by molding a transparent synthetic resin material into an isosceles triangle shape, and has an outer shape having a size that matches the arrangement of the second full-color LED 643B.

Further, in the plate-shaped main body portion 646 of the inner lens 632, the surface facing the side of the light emitting body substrate 642 is an uneven surface 647 (FIG. 26), and the other surface faces the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The flat surface is 648 (FIG. 25). Of these, the uneven surface 647 is formed in substantially the entire area of the main body portion 646. As shown in FIGS. 27 (b) and 29 (a), the concave-convex surface 647 is regularly provided with a large number of fine irregularities (knurls) having a saw-toothed cross section. Further, as shown in FIG. 26, the uneven surface 647 is divided into three triangular regions 650a to 650c by straight lines 649a to 649c extending from each of the three vertices of the inner lens 632 toward the center side.

A peripheral wall portion 651 extending from the main body portion 646 toward the light emitting body substrate 642 is formed on the outer edge portion of the inner lens 632. Twelve concave portions 652 (FIG. 26) formed in a rectangular shape are provided on the tip surface of the peripheral wall portion 651, and each concave portion 652 has a position as shown in FIG. 29 (d). 2 It is an escape part that prevents interference with the full-color LED 643B. Each recess 652 faces the second full-color LED 643B, and the light emitted from the second full-color LED 643B is incident on the peripheral wall portion 651 of the inner lens 632.

As shown enlarged in FIG. 29 (a), an inclined portion 653 is formed between the peripheral wall portion 651 of the inner lens 632 and the main body portion 646, and the inclined portion 653 is guided by the peripheral wall portion 651. The course of the light is changed, and the light is reflected into the main body 646 as shown by the arrow J. Here, FIG. 29A shows a cross section at a position where the second full-color LED 643 is not arranged, and the second full-color LED 643B emitting the light indicated by the arrow B and the recess 652 around the second full-color LED 643B. The illustration is omitted.

The light in the main body 646 is reflected, diffused, diffracted, etc. on the uneven surface 647, and the light from the second full-color LED 643B causes the flat surface 648 of the inner lens 632 (FIGS. 25 and 29 (d)). ) Is illuminated. Further, the inner lens 632 faces only the second full-color LED 643B arranged on the innermost side of the first full-color LED 643A, the second full-color LED 643B, and the red LED 644, which are light sources, and the first full-color LED 643A and red. The light source related to the LED 644 is not guided.
<< Diffusion sheet >>

The light that illuminates the flat surface 648 of the inner lens 632 reaches the above-mentioned diffusion sheet 633 (FIGS. 25 and 26). The diffusion sheet 633 is formed by molding a dark gray (or light black) synthetic resin material into an isosceles triangular thin plate. The diffusion sheet 633 has the same external dimensions as the main body portion 646 of the inner lens 632. Further, the diffusion sheet 633 is sandwiched between the flat surface 648 of the inner lens 632 and the above-mentioned middle lens 635 (FIG. 29 (a)).

Then, the diffusion sheet 633 diffuses the light emitted from the inner lens 632 into diffused light, and prevents the light from linearly heading toward the middle lens 635. Further, the diffusion sheet 633 has a function of preventing fine irregularities on the uneven surface 647 of the inner lens 632 from being visually recognized as a pattern by the player. The middle lens 635 will be described later.
<< Configuration of peripheral lenses >>

The peripheral lens 634 (FIGS. 25 and 26) described above is formed by molding a transparent synthetic resin material into an isosceles right triangular frame, and is a middle lens 635 described later and a light guide cover covering the outside thereof. It has an external dimension that can accommodate 636 in the frame. The peripheral lens 634 has a function of performing a light emission effect using the light of the first full-color LED 643A in the peripheral region of the inner lens 632, the middle lens 635, and the light guide cover 636.

The peripheral lens 634 is formed with a peripheral wall portion 656 extending toward the light emitting body substrate 642. Nine concave portions 657 (FIG. 26) formed in a rectangular shape are provided on the tip surface of the peripheral wall portion 656, and each concave portion 657 has a position as shown in FIG. 29 (b). 1 It is an escape part that prevents interference with the full-color LED 643A. Each recess 657 faces the first full-color LED 643A, and the light emitted from the first full-color LED 643A is incident on the peripheral wall portion 656 of the peripheral lens 634.

On the surface of the peripheral lens 634 opposite to the side on which the peripheral wall portion 656 is provided, an uneven portion 658 is formed so as to face the front side of the pachinko machine 10. The peripheral lens 634 is capable of reflecting, diffusing, diffracting, and the like reflecting, diffusing, and diffracting the light of the first full-color LED 643A by the uneven portion 658 to produce light emission.
<< Middle lens >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned middle lens 635 is formed by molding a transparent synthetic resin material into an isosceles right triangle shape, and is covered with the inner lens 632 and the diffusion sheet 633 to cover the inner lens 632 and the diffusion sheet 633. It has an outer shape that is large enough to hide. Further, the main body portion 661 of the middle lens 635 is molded flat on both the front and back surfaces, and a peripheral wall portion 662 extending toward the light emitting body substrate 642 is formed on the outer edge portion of the main body portion 661.

Eleven rectangular recesses 663 (FIG. 26) are provided on the tip surface of the peripheral wall portion 662, and each recess 663 is red as shown in FIG. 29 (c). It is an escape part that prevents interference with the LED 644. Each recess 663 faces the red LED 644, and the light emitted from the red LED 644 is incident on the peripheral wall portion 662 of the middle lens 635.

As shown enlarged in FIG. 29 (a), an R portion 664 is formed between the peripheral wall portion 662 of the middle lens 635 and the main body portion 661, and the R portion 664 is guided by the peripheral wall portion 662. The course of the light is changed, and as shown by the arrow K, the light of the red LED 644 is guided toward the inside of the main body 661.

A diffusion portion 665 having a predetermined shape is formed on the main body portion 661 of the middle lens 635. In this embodiment, the form of the diffuser 665 is the character "curiosity", and the red character "curiosity" is displayed by being directed toward the player by reflecting or diffusing the light of the red LED 644. It has come to emerge. Further, the characters "curiosity" are formed so that the characters "curiosity" and the characters "curiosity" are lined up from top to bottom in the central portion of the main body portion 661. The surroundings of the "good" and "odd" characters are transparent so that the rear (side of the diffusion sheet 633) can be seen through, and due to the presence of the diffusion sheet 633, the "good" and "odd" characters and "odd" are present. The diffused portion 665 of the characters "" is made inconspicuous (the characters "good" and "odd" are conspicuous only when the red LED 644 emits light).
<< Light guide cover >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned light guide cover 636 (FIGS. 25 and 26) has a transparent main body portion 671 formed by molding a transparent synthetic resin into an isosceles triangle shape, and the same isosceles right portion combined with the main body portion 671. It has a triangular red portion 672. Of these, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), the main body portion 671 has an outer shape that is large enough to cover the middle lens 635 and cover the middle lens 635. Further, the main body portion 671 of the light guide cover 636 is molded flat on both the front and back surfaces, and a peripheral wall portion 674 extending toward the light emitting body substrate 642 is formed on the outer edge portion of the main body portion 671.

Further, the red portion 672 is joined to the main body portion 671 of the light guide cover 636 and is integrated with the light guide cover 636. Further, the red portion 672 is formed in a red transparent manner and has light transmission. Further, a transparent portion 675 having a predetermined shape is formed on the upper side portion of the red portion 672.

The form of the transparent portion 675 is a character that can be read as "stop male" from right to left, and the portion that becomes the character "stop male" is removed from the red portion 672 to expose the main body portion 671. It is formed by. Since the main body 671 is transparent, the surroundings of the "stop male" are not conspicuous, and only the characters of the "stop male" are visible.

Here, in order to form the red portion 672, a red transparent film is attached to the transparent portion 675, or a red transparent sheet or plate material is joined to the transparent portion 675 by various general joining methods. Is possible. Further, when molding the light guide cover 636 with resin, it is conceivable to use two kinds of materials having different colors and integrally mold the light guide cover so that the transparent "stop male" characters appear.
<< Exterior cover >>

Subsequently, the above-mentioned exterior cover 637 (FIGS. 25 and 26) is formed by molding, for example, a red and opaque synthetic resin material into an isosceles triangle-shaped frame, and the above-mentioned light guide cover 636 is framed. It has an external dimension that can be accommodated inside. Further, the exterior cover 637 has a width of about 10 mm on the outside of the light guide cover 636, and houses the above-mentioned peripheral lens 634 inside the outer cover 637.

Then, as shown in FIG. 27A, the exterior cover 637 has an opening 676 formed over the entire circumference, and from this opening 676, uneven portions 658 on each side of the peripheral lens 634. Etc. are being looked into. Therefore, when the first full-color LED 643A is driven and the peripheral lens 634 shines, the shining peripheral lens 634 can be recognized by the player through the opening 676 of the exterior cover 637.

Further, the exterior cover 637 is formed with a peripheral wall portion 677 extending toward the light emitting body substrate 642, and with the tip of the peripheral wall portion 677 abutting against the light emitting body substrate 642, a fixture such as a screw (not shown) is attached. It is fixed to the base body 641 described above together with the light emitting body substrate 642. Further, the exterior cover 637 is fixed by pressing the light guide cover 636 against the light emitting body substrate 642, and the light guide cover 636 has the middle lens 635, the diffusion sheet 633, and the inner lens 632 displaced from each other inside. It is restrained and regulated so that it does not occur.
<Light guide mode of the upper sign>

Subsequently, the light guide mode in the upper sign 602 configured in this way will be described. First, the light guide cover 636 described above is used in combination with the inner lens 632, the diffusion sheet 633, and the middle lens 635. For example, when the second full-color LED 643B is driven, the light of the second full-color LED 643B is reflected by the uneven surface 647 of the inner lens 632 and is transmitted through the diffusion sheet 633. Further, the light transmitted through the diffusion sheet 633 passes through the middle lens 635 and illuminates the light guide cover 636 from behind.

As described above, in the light guide cover 636, since the red portion 672 is provided so that the transparent “stop male” character appears, the light of the second full-color LED 643B passing through the diffusion sheet 633 is the light thereof. The light guide cover 636 is backlit with a color corresponding to the emission color. Then, if the emission color of the second full-color LED 643B is, for example, white, the light guide cover 636 shines in red through the red portion 672 so that the player can recognize the characters "stop male". Further, even if the light diffused by the inner lens 632 is reflected by the diffuser 665 of the "curiosity" of the middle lens 635, the characters "curiosity" are not conspicuous and can be visually recognized because the surroundings also emit light in the same color. The state of being unable to do so is maintained.

On the other hand, when the red LED 644 is driven and the middle lens 635 is illuminated in red, the middle lens 635 is arranged in front of the uneven surface 647 of the inner lens 632 and the diffusion sheet 633 (on the player side). Light is reflected by the diffuser 665 of the lens, and the word "curiosity", which is the form of the diffuser 665, appears in red. At this time, the second full-color LED 643B is not driven, and the light guide cover 636 is not backlit. Therefore, the characters "curiosity" that glow in red can be recognized by the player without being hindered by the action of diffusion or the like in the red portion 672 and the transparent portion 675 of the light guide cover 636.

In this way, the inner lens 632, the middle lens 635, and the light guide cover 636 are provided in a nested structure, and the second full-color LED 643B and the red LED 644 are selectively driven to form the light guide cover 636 and the middle lens 635. The pattern (characters here) will stand out. Then, using one upper sign 602, a plurality of light guide plate effects of different modes are executed. Since the peripheral lens 634 described above is provided inside the exterior cover 637, the periphery of the middle lens 635 and the light guide cover 636 is lightly decorated with the peripheral lens 634.

Although the upper label 602 has been described here as having an inner lens 632, a middle lens 635, a light guide cover 636, and the like, these names can be changed as appropriate. For example, the inner lens 632 may be referred to as a "first lens", the middle lens 635 may be referred to as a "second lens", and the light guide cover 636 may be referred to as an "outer plate". Further, for example, the inner lens 632 and the diffusion sheet 633, and the middle lens 635 and the light guide cover 636 can be referred to as a set of light guide plate units, respectively. Further, when the LED for the middle lens 635 is changed to, for example, green or blue instead of red, the color of the LED can be visually recognized in the transparent portion 675 in the light guide cover 636, but the color in the red portion 672 (color-added region). Therefore, it is preferable to change the color of the color-added region around the transparent portion 675 of the light guide cover 636 according to the color of the LED with respect to the middle lens 635.
<Structure of lower left sign unit>

Next, the lower left sign unit 701 provided with the above-mentioned lower left sign 601 will be described. 30 and 31 show the lower left marker unit 701. Then, FIG. 30 shows the state when the lower left sign unit 701 is not operating (normal time), and FIGS. 31 (a) and 31 (b) show the state when the lower left sign unit 701 is operating. As shown in FIG. 30, in the lower left sign unit 701, a power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the movable body motor 703, which is a drive source, and the movable body motor 703 to the lower left sign 601 to the synthetic resin base portion 702. The part 704 is attached. As the movable body motor 703 described above, for example, a stepping motor can be adopted.

A first gear 705, which is an output gear, is mounted on the output shaft (not shown) of the movable motor 703, and the second gear 706 mounted on the base portion 702 is meshed with the first gear 705. ing. The diameter of the second gear 706 (reference circle diameter) is larger than that of the first gear 705, and the second gear 706 is decelerated and rotated at a predetermined ratio as the movable motor 703 rotates. It has become.

A protrusion 707, which serves as a crank pin, is eccentrically formed on the surface of the second gear 706 facing the base portion 702. The protrusion 707 is inserted into a recess 709 of the telescopic member 708 provided with a slide guide mechanism. When the second gear 706 is rotated to the angle shown in FIG. 31 (b) from the non-operating state shown in FIG. 30, the movable side of the telescopic member 708 is lifted via the protrusion 707, and the telescopic member 708 is extended.

The telescopic member 708 constitutes a cross link together with the link member indicated by reference numeral 710, and the base end side (fixed side base end side) of the telescopic member 708 can be directly or indirectly rotated to the base portion 702. It is connected. Further, a perfect circular lower left sign 601 is rotatably connected to the tip side (tip side on the movable side) of the telescopic member 708, and the lower left sign 601 rises as the second gear 706 rotates. It has become like.

The lower left sign 601 is locked so that the tip end side of the above-mentioned link member 710 can be displaced within a predetermined range. The base end side of the link member 710 is rotatably connected to the base portion 702, and when the lower left sign 601 rises, the link member 710 functions as a detent for the lower left sign 601. Then, the lower left sign 601 rises while maintaining the posture, and the form of the lower left sign 601 changes from the state hidden in the center decoration 64 as shown in FIG. 1 to the display area of the effect display device 60 as shown in FIG. It changes to the state that appears in front of 194.

Here, FIG. 30A shows a front view of the state after the operation of the lower left sign unit 701, and FIG. 30B shows the state after the operation of the lower left sign unit 701 diagonally backward. It shows the state seen from. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 30B, the movable body motor 711 is also provided on the back surface of the lower left sign 601, and a part of the lower left sign 601 (for example, the frontmost member) is raised by the lower left sign 601. After that, a predetermined operation (for example, a rotation operation) can be performed. Further, as the lower left sign 601, it is possible to use a sign having a plurality of modes of display effect by the light guide plate as in the case of the upper sign 602. In addition, in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, the illustration is performed leaving a part of the virtual line used in the drawing.
<Structure of lower right sign unit>

Next, the lower right sign unit 801 provided with the above-mentioned lower right sign 603 will be described. 32 and 33 show the lower right marker unit 801. FIG. 32 shows a state in which the lower right sign unit 801 is viewed from the front, and FIG. 33A shows a state in which the lower right sign unit 801 is viewed from diagonally above the front side. Further, FIG. 33B shows a state in which the lower right sign unit 801 is viewed from diagonally above on the back side.

The lower right sign unit 801 is adapted to swing and rotate the square lower right sign 603. The lower right sign 603 shown by the solid line in FIG. 32 is in the non-operating state (normal time), and when the lower right sign 603 is activated, the lower right sign 603 is moved to the lower left position when viewed from the front as shown by the alternate long and short dash line. Displace. Further, although not shown, the lower right sign 603 allows the light guide plate at the front portion to be rotated counterclockwise or clockwise within a predetermined range when viewed from the front.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 (b), the driving force of the swinging movable body motor 803 and the swinging movable body motor 803, which are the drive sources, is indicated on the synthetic resin base portion 802 by the lower right indicator 603. The power transmission mechanism unit 804 that transmits to is mounted. As the swinging movable body motor 803, for example, a stepping motor can be adopted.

The rotational force of the swinging movable body motor 803 is transmitted to the third gear 806 via the first gear (not shown) and the second gear 805, which are output gears. A protrusion 807, which serves as a crank pin, is eccentrically formed on the surface of the third gear 806 facing the base portion 802. The protrusion 807 is inserted into the elongated hole 809 of the crank member 808. The upper end 810 of the crank member 808 is connected to the lower right sign 603 so that force can be transmitted.

A swing shaft 811 is provided on the base portion 802, and a lower right marker 603 is connected to the swing shaft 811. The swing shaft 811 is the center of the swing displacement of the lower right sign 603. When the swinging movable body motor 803 is driven, the third gear 806 rotates by a predetermined amount, and the lower right indicator 603 is attached to the base portion 802 via the crank member 808 as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. Displacement (swing displacement) with respect to it. As a result, as shown in FIG. 21, the lower right sign 603 appears in front of the display area 194 of the effect display device 60.

Here, reference numeral 812 in FIG. 33B indicates a first arm, and reference numeral 813 indicates a second arm. The first arm 812 and the second arm 813 form a parallel crank so that the posture can be kept constant when the lower right sign 603 swings.

Further, reference numeral 816 in FIG. 33 (b) is a rotary movable motor. The rotary movable body motor 816 is mounted on the base portion 802, and the rotational force of the rotary movable body motor 816 is applied to the lower right indicator 603 via various gears 817 to 819 of the power transmission mechanism portion 804. The light guide plate as the front design portion provided inside can be rotated counterclockwise or clockwise when viewed from the front where the player is located. A design rear gear 820 is mounted on the back side of the lower right sign 603, and the design rear gear 820 is used to rotate the frontmost light guide plate of the lower right sign 603.

As with the upper sign 602, the lower right sign 603 can perform a plurality of modes of display effect by a plurality of light guide plates. Further, in FIGS. 32 and 33, some of the virtual lines used in the drawing are left for illustration.
<Configuration for stable operation of the lower right sign>

Next, a configuration and a control mode for stably operating the above-mentioned lower right sign 603 will be described. As described above, the lower right indicator unit 801 provided with the lower right indicator 603 is provided with the lower right indicator 603 at the tip of the movable portion, and by driving the swinging movable body motor 803, the parallel arm A (first arm). ) 813 and the parallel arm B (second arm) 812 are swung, and the lower right sign 603 is swung while maintaining the horizontal state so as to appear in front of the display area 194 of the effect display device 60. It has become.

Therefore, if the rotary movable body motor 816, which is the power source of the lower right sign 603 (rotation effect body), is provided on the tip side of the swing, the weight on the tip side of the swing increases by that amount, and the lower right sign 603 The vibration generated in the swinging motion of is likely to increase. Therefore, the rotary movable body motor 816 is arranged close to the portion on the base end side of the lower right sign unit 801 and is connected to the lower right sign 603 by a gear train (gears 817 to 819, etc.) for power. By transmitting the power from the source, the weight on the swing tip side is reduced so that the lower right sign 603 operates smoothly.

However, since gear trains (gears 817 to 819, etc.) are used, when the lower right sign 603 operates (swings), each gear 817 to 819, etc. rotates somewhat, so that the lower right sign indicates. When the 603 is returned to the position before the swing operation (retracted position) or moved to the position after the operation (operation position), the position of the stop angle of the symbol display of the lower right sign 603 during the swing operation. The effect of the deviation appears, and the light guide plate of the lower right sign 603 (and the design (designs, letters, etc.) on the light guide plate) does not return to the appropriate angle (sensor monitoring position that aligns the vertical position of the design). Will happen.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the rotary movable body motor is returned to the retracted position after the rocking operation, the rotary movable body motor is driven again to set the light guide plate of the lower right sign 603 to the base angle before the rocking operation. I'm trying to bring it back. As a result, when the design applied to the light guide plate returns to the center decoration 64 and returns to the initial position, the light guide plate can also be returned to the initial position (initial angle).
<Specific aspects of environment settings>

Next, as a specific mode of environment setting in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, light amount adjustment, volume adjustment, and the like will be described. First, the environment can be set by using the cross key 96 described above in a situation where the environment can be set. As a situation where the environment can be set, the start prize has not occurred in the game, and the change display of the special symbol or the effect symbol is not performed (if enabled immediately after the end of the change, the visibility of the game result will be affected. Since there is a risk of it appearing, it is preferable that a predetermined time elapses after the end of the fluctuation without holding).

Furthermore, the environment can be set even in situations where game explanations and other demo displays (displays during standby demos) are being performed. In addition, certain predetermined types of environment settings such as volume adjustment can be performed even during a game such as a variable display of a special symbol or an effect symbol. However, during the fluctuation, the visibility of the production symbol is hindered immediately after the start of the fluctuation (before the transition to the high-speed fluctuation (transmission state) of the production symbol), the fluctuation stop related to the pseudo continuous notice and the final result notification, and immediately before the temporary stop. It is desirable to control so as to exclude possible situations, or to perform simple display in an area that does not overlap with the effect design so that the environment can be set. In addition, when the environment setting is enabled while the effect symbol is changing, the environment setting is set during the effective period of the operation means of the effect using the operation means such as the button effect (particularly the operation means used for the environment setting) as the variation effect. It is preferable to control it so that it is not possible. Such a situation where the environment setting (especially the light amount adjustment) can be performed can be referred to as, for example, "adjustable time", and a situation where the environment setting (especially the light amount adjustment) cannot be performed can be referred to as, for example, "non-adjustable time". is there. Furthermore, when the environment can be set (when it can be adjusted), especially when it is non-gaming (non-variable) such as during a standby demonstration, for example, various service information provided by the gaming machine manufacturer (mobile terminal interlocking). Services, music reproduction, production demo play, etc.) can be viewed on the production display device 60.

When setting the environment, the operation button 22 or the cross key 96 shown in FIG. 19A is pressed in a situation where the environment can be set as described above. In this embodiment, when any of the direction keys 96a to 96d of the cross keys 96 is operated, the environment setting main menu as shown in FIG. 19B is displayed on the effect display device 60. There is. In addition, this environment setting main menu may be automatically displayed to notify the player that the environment can be set. The condition for automatically displaying the environment setting main menu is, for example, that the game ball flowing down the game board 50 is not detected for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) while the variable display of a special symbol or the like is not displayed. Can be exemplified.

The display of the environment setting main menu is superimposed and displayed only on the display area 194 of the effect display device 60, for example, the central portion, and is the same as the case where the environment setting main menu is not displayed around the environment setting main menu. The display is in progress. Here, it is possible to set the transparency of the background color of the environment setting main menu to a value such that the display contents behind it can be seen through.

Further, when the operation button 22 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (so-called "long press" is executed) in a situation where the environment can be set, the automatic operation setting screen of the operation button 22 is displayed, although not shown. It is supposed to be displayed. The automatic operation setting screen of the operation button 22 is for selecting an effect mode (automatic operation mode) in which the effect proceeds in the same manner as when the player operates the operation button 22 without operating the operation button 22. .. In the automatic operation mode, the automatic operation mode may be terminated when the button effect is selected in the variable effect and the player operates the effect before the effect associated with the automatic operation is executed. Further, when the button is pressed and held during the period during which the environment can be set during fluctuation, the automatic operation mode may be switched on / off. When the operation button 22 is pressed for a shorter time than a predetermined time, the menu screens for various service information described above are displayed.

In this environment setting main menu, the volume adjustment selection area 861a and the light amount adjustment selection area 871a are displayed side by side. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 19B, the automatic operation setting selection area 881 related to the operation button 22 is also displayed at the left end. Of these, in the volume adjustment selection area 861a, in addition to the characters "volume setting", a mark 862a indicating a cross key, a mark 863a indicating a speaker, and a mark 864a indicating a volume level are displayed.

The mark 862a representing the cross key in the volume adjustment selection area 861 is drawn in bright colors in the portion corresponding to the left and right direction keys 96c and 96d. In FIG. 19B, the outline of the brightly drawn portion is represented by a thick line, and the darkly drawn portion is represented by a thin line. The mark 862a representing the cross key of the volume adjustment selection area 861 indicates that the operation of the left direction key 96c or the right direction key 96d is required to adjust the volume.

The mark 864a representing the volume level has a plurality of arc marks expressing sound propagation, and in the example of FIG. 19B, the number of arc marks is five. Further, the length of each arc in the mark 864a representing the volume level becomes larger as the distance from the mark 863a representing the speaker increases. Further, in the example of FIG. 19B, only the arc closest to the mark 863a representing the speaker is drawn in bright coloring. This indicates that the current volume level is set to the lowest level (level 1).

Subsequently, in the above-mentioned light amount adjustment selection area 871a, in addition to the characters "light amount setting", a mark 872a indicating a cross key and a mark 873a indicating a light amount level are displayed. The mark 872a representing the cross key in the light amount adjustment selection area 871a is drawn in bright colors in the portion corresponding to the up and down direction keys 96a and 96b. In FIG. 19B, the outline of the brightly drawn portion is represented by a thick line, and the darkly drawn portion is represented by a thin line. The mark 872a representing the cross key of the light amount adjustment selection area 871a indicates that the operation of the up arrow key 96a or the down arrow key 96b is required to adjust the volume.

The mark 864a representing the light intensity level has a design representing the emission of light from the light source. Further, in the example of FIG. 19B, the character "weak" is added to the lower right of the mark 864a. Then, in the example of FIG. 19B, it is shown that the amount of light is set to the weakest level (level 1).

Subsequently, in the above-mentioned automatic operation setting selection area 881, in addition to the characters of "automatic operation setting", a mark 881a indicating an operation button is displayed. Further, in the automatic operation setting selection area 881, a character indicating the current status of the automatic operation setting (here, the character "OFF") is displayed.
<Composition of volume adjustment menu and operation of volume adjustment>

FIG. 20A shows a state in which the environment setting main menu shown in FIG. 19B has been changed to the volume adjustment menu. The volume adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20A is displayed when the left arrow key 96c or the right arrow key 96d is operated in the situation where the environment setting main menu shown in FIG. 19B is displayed. It has become like.

In the volume adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20A, in addition to the characters “volume setting”, a mark 863b indicating a speaker and a mark 864b indicating a volume level are displayed. Further, the character "MIN" meaning the minimum is displayed on the left side of the mark 863b representing the speaker, and the character "MAX" meaning the maximum is displayed on the right side of the mark 864b indicating the volume level. ..

Further, a mark 862b representing the cross key is displayed below the mark 863b representing the speaker, and the characters "volume setting" are displayed below the mark 862b representing the cross key. Further, a mark 865 indicating an operation button is displayed below the mark 864b indicating the volume level, and a character "end" indicating the end of the volume setting is displayed below the mark 865 indicating the operation button. Has been done.

In the volume adjustment display example in FIG. 20A, the volume level is the minimum (MIN) level 1, and of the plurality of arcs of the mark 864b indicating the volume level, only the leftmost arc is a bright color. It is highlighted with. In this state, when the right arrow key 96d is pressed once, the volume level becomes level 2, the mark on the right side is also highlighted (not shown), and the number of marks highlighted is two. At this time, music is output from the speaker 21 of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and the volume of the music output from the speaker 21 increases according to the change in the volume level. Further, when the right arrow key 96d is pressed once, the volume level becomes level 3 and the number of highlighted marks becomes three.

On the contrary, even if the left arrow key 96c is pressed once from the state of the volume level (level 1) shown in FIG. 20A, the volume level does not change and remains at level 1. Further, for example, when the left arrow key 96c is pressed in a situation where the volume level is level 2 or higher, the volume level is reduced to level 1 at the maximum according to the number of times the key is pressed. Further, in this embodiment, the maximum value (MAX) of the volume level is 5, and the volume can be adjusted in 5 steps.

Further, even if the right direction key 96d is pressed in the situation where the volume level is 5, the volume level does not change. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the right arrow key 96d is pressed in a situation where the light intensity level is level 5, the light intensity level may be lowered to the minimum level 1 at once.

In this embodiment, the volume level is set in the initial stage such as the situation where the environment setting main menu shown in FIG. 19B is displayed and the situation where the volume adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20A is started to be displayed. Is always the same value (level 1 which is the lowest level here). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the previously set volume level may be stored so that the adjustment can be started from the previously set volume level at the initial stage.

Further, the function of adjusting the volume by the left arrow key 96c and the right arrow key 96d is effective in this embodiment while the volume adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20A is displayed. Then, when the operation button 22 is pressed while the volume adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20A is displayed, the volume adjustment is completed and the process returns to the environment setting main menu (FIG. 19B). Further, even if the operation for adjusting the volume is not input and the predetermined time elapses while the volume adjustment menu is displayed, the environment setting main menu (FIG. 19B) is returned. Further, the environment setting main menu (FIG. 19B) is deleted from the screen of the effect display device 60 when the game is started and the game ball flowing down the game board 50 is detected.
<Structure of light intensity adjustment menu and light intensity adjustment operation>

Subsequently, FIG. 20B shows a state in which the environment setting main menu shown in FIG. 19B has been changed to the light intensity adjustment menu. The light intensity adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20 (b) is displayed when the up arrow key 96a or the down arrow key 96b is operated in the situation where the environment setting main menu shown in FIG. 19 (b) is displayed. It has become like.

In the light amount adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20B, in addition to the characters "light amount setting", marks 873b to 873d indicating light amount levels of three sizes, large, medium and small, are displayed vertically side by side. Among the marks 873b to 873d representing these light intensity levels, the outer dimension of the mark 873b of the light intensity level arranged at the bottom is the smallest, and the outer dimension of the mark increases in order as it goes up. Further, among the marks 873b to 873d indicating the light intensity level, the character "MIN" indicating the minimum is displayed below the minimum mark 873b, and the character "MIN" indicating the maximum is displayed above the maximum mark 873db. The characters "MAX" are displayed.

Further, in the light amount adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20B, a mark 872b representing the cross key is displayed at the lower left of the character "MIN", and a mark 872b representing the cross key is displayed below the mark 872b representing the cross key. The text "Volume setting" is displayed. Further, a mark 875 indicating an operation button is displayed on the right side of the mark 872b indicating the volume level, and a character "end" indicating the end of the light amount setting is displayed below the mark 875 indicating the operation button. Has been done.

In the display example of the light amount adjustment in FIG. 20B, the light amount level is the minimum (MIN) level 1, and among the marks 873b to 873d indicating the light amount level, only the smallest lower mark is inverted with a bright color. It is displayed. If the upward key 96a is pressed once in this state, the light intensity level becomes level 2 and only the mark in the middle row is highlighted, although not shown.

At this time, various LEDs provided on the game board 50 and the game machine frame 11 are driven by a predetermined light emission pattern (also referred to as “LED drive pattern” or “lamp pattern”), and the light intensity level is increased. Depending on the change, the amount of light from various LEDs also increases. Further, when the upward key 96a is pressed again, the light amount level becomes the maximum level 3, and among the marks 873b to 873d indicating the light amount level, only the upper mark is brightly highlighted.

On the contrary, even if the downward key 96d is pressed from the state of the light amount level (level 1) shown in FIG. 20B, the light amount level does not change and remains at level 1. Further, for example, when the downward key 96b is pressed in a situation where the volume level is level 2 or level 3, the volume level is reduced to level 1 at the maximum according to the number of times the key is pressed. Then, in this embodiment, the maximum value (MAX) of the light amount level is 3, and the light amount can be adjusted in 3 steps. Further, the function of adjusting the amount of light by the upward key 96a and the downward key 96b is effective in this embodiment while the light amount adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20B is displayed.

Further, even if the upward key 96a is pressed in the situation where the light amount level is 3, the light amount level does not change. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the upward key 96a is pressed in a situation where the light amount level is 3, the light amount level may be lowered to the minimum level 1 at once.

In this embodiment, the light intensity level is set in the initial stage such as the situation where the environment setting main menu shown in FIG. 19 (b) is displayed and the situation where the display of the light intensity adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20 (b) is started. Is always the same value (level 1 which is the lowest level here). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the previously set light intensity level may be stored so that the adjustment can be started from the previously set light intensity level at the initial stage.

Further, the function of adjusting the amount of light by the upward key 96a and the downward key 96b is effective in this embodiment while the light amount adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20B is displayed. Then, when the operation button 22 is pressed while the light amount adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20B is displayed, the light amount adjustment is completed and the process returns to the environment setting main menu (FIG. 19B). Further, even if the operation for adjusting the light amount is not input and the predetermined time elapses while the light amount adjustment menu is displayed, the environment setting main menu (FIG. 19B) is returned.
<Relationship between light intensity adjustment and LED drive pattern>

Next, the relationship between the light amount adjustment as described above and the LED light emission pattern (LED drive pattern) at the time of light amount adjustment will be described. First, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, as described above, the starting prize has not occurred in the game, the special symbol and the effect symbol have not been variablely displayed, and the display during the standby demonstration. It is possible to set the environment in the situation where is being performed. Even in a situation where such an environment setting is possible, the speaker output (sound production) of a predetermined music and the light decoration (light) in a predetermined light emission pattern (drive pattern) on the game board 50 or the game machine frame 11 are used. (Direction) is being performed.

Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, in a situation where the light amount adjustment menu as shown in FIG. 20B is displayed and the environment is set, various LEDs emit light for adjusting the amount of light (drive pattern). It is designed to be driven by. Various types of light emission patterns can be adopted at this time, and FIG. 35A shows an example of a light emission pattern for adjusting the amount of light.

In FIG. 35 (a), the horizontal axis represents time (T), and the vertical axis represents the brightness (L) of the LED driven when the amount of light is adjusted. Further, the solid line M in the figure represents the change in brightness in the light emission pattern for adjusting the amount of light. Here, the term "brightness" is used to mean the direct brightness of light emitted from an LED, which is a light emitting component mounted on a substrate. For example, when an LED is driven by a certain light emitting pattern, It indicates the ratio (duty ratio) of the LED lighting time to the unit time. On the other hand, the term "light intensity" is used as a general term for the brightness of light directly emitted from an LED or the brightness of light visually recognized by a player or the like via an optical element such as a lens or a reflecting mirror.

Then, in this embodiment, what indicates the brightness of the light that is changed and visually recognized by the player in the environment setting is referred to as "light amount", and the data as the brightness of the light emission pattern is referred to as "luminance". In other words, the "light intensity" can be said to be obtained by multiplying the "luminance" by a coefficient corresponding to the set value of the light intensity level set by the player. The relationship between such terms is not limited to this, and for example, a term that reverses the correspondence between terms and is changed by the player in the environment setting is called "brightness", and is used as the brightness of the light emission pattern. The data can also be referred to as "light intensity".

As shown on the left side of the figure, the light emission pattern illustrated in FIG. 35 (a) starts with light emission at high brightness (luminance 5 = duty ratio 100% at maximum light intensity level), gradually decreases the brightness, and turns off. After the state (or low brightness that cannot be visually recognized) (brightness 1 = duty ratio 30% at maximum light intensity level), the brightness is gradually increased to a predetermined brightness (here, brightness about 2). ing. Further, the brightness is lowered again so that the light is turned off (or the brightness is low enough to be invisible) (brightness 1). Here, assuming that the minimum light intensity level is 0.25 (= 25%) as a coefficient corresponding to the above-mentioned light intensity level setting value, the duty ratio at high brightness (luminance 5) shown in FIG. 35 is 25% (brightness 5). = 100 × 0.25), and the duty ratio at low luminance (luminance 1) is 8% (= 30 × 0.25 * rounded up after the decimal point).

Then, with such a light emission pattern as one set, the LED drive is looped while the light amount adjustment is being performed (here, while the light amount adjustment menu shown in FIG. 20B is being displayed). It can be illustrated as repeating. Further, the time required to execute one set of light emission patterns can be set to, for example, about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds.

Not limited to such a light emission pattern, various light emission patterns can be adopted. For example, as described above, the change is not limited to the order of brightness 5 to brightness 1, and for example, it is possible to adopt a light emission pattern in which the change in order of brightness 1 to brightness 5 is set as one set. Further, it is also possible to continue the change from the brightness 1 to the brightness 5 as one set instead of immediately returning to the brightness 5 following the light emission pattern in which the change from the brightness 5 to the brightness 1 is set as one set. is there.

Here, as the light emission pattern for adjusting the amount of light in this embodiment, all the LEDs provided in the game board 50 are controlled to emit light at the same time, and the full-color LED is driven to emit light with the brightest white light. Things have been adopted.

Further, in this embodiment, each of the above-mentioned signs (601 to 603) and other movable effect members are also made to emit light in a predetermined pattern as illustrated in FIG. 35 (a) in a situation where the amount of light can be adjusted. It has become like.

That is, the various signs (601 to 603) emit only full-color LEDs (for example, the first full-color LED 643A and the second full-color LED 643B in the upper sign) except when a specific effect is executed, and the monochromatic LEDs (for example, the first full-color LED 643B). For example, the red LED 644) in the upper sign does not emit light. In the "normal" state in which such a specific effect is not being executed, the monochromatic LEDs provided on the various signs (601 to 603) and the like are not driven, and when the specific effect is executed. The decoration that can be seen only (for example, the character string display of "curiosity" in the upper sign 602, which indicates that the jackpot expectation is high) is concealed.

However, as described above, when the light amount adjustment menu (FIG. 20 (b)) is displayed and the light amount can be adjusted, all the LEDs such as the various signs (601 to 603) are displayed and the light amount is adjusted. It is driven by the pattern of. At this time, various signs (601 to 603) and the like are housed in the center decoration 64 and do not appear in front of the player, but most of the center decoration 64 is made of transparent synthetic resin, and the center decoration Various signs (601 to 603) and the like can be partially visually recognized through the transparent portions of the constituent members of 64.

Therefore, even if various signs (601 to 603) and the like are illuminated while being housed in the center decoration 64, at least a part of the light emission can be presented to the player. Further, even if there is a colored part in the center decoration 64, it can be seen from the uncolored part except for various signs (601 to 603) and the like behind it.

The light amount level at the time of this light amount adjustment is the light amount level set at that time. For example, in this embodiment, since the light intensity level is the lowest level 1 in the initial stage, each label (601 to 603) and other parts have the above-mentioned light emission pattern at the light intensity level 1 (FIG. 35 (a). )) Is repeated.

Here, taking the above-mentioned upper sign 602 as an example, the red LED 644 (FIG. 25, etc.) that does not emit light during "normal time" in order to conceal the effect when adjusting the amount of light is combined with the first full-color LED 643A and the second full-color LED 643B. , It is driven by a pattern for adjusting the amount of light. The red LED 644 is not driven during the above-mentioned normal operation, but is driven at the time of adjusting the amount of light, so that the middle lens 635 is illuminated with a pattern for adjusting the amount of light. It is possible to make adjustments while visually observing the actual amount of light even for a light emitting unit that is used only. Further, when the upward key 96a is pressed in this light amount adjustable situation, the light amount of the red LED 644 increases from level 1 to level 2, and the light amount is increased as compared with that before the pressing operation, and a predetermined pattern is obtained. (Fig. 35 (a)) emits light.

As a modification, the light intensity adjustment is not limited to the mode in which all the LEDs including the red LED 644 are emitted. For example, in the upper sign 602, all the LEDs of the upper sign 602 are simultaneously lit as an actual game effect. Since there is almost no situation in which this happens, one of the first full-color LED 643A, the second full-color LED 643B, and the red LED 644 may be driven by a light emission pattern for adjusting the amount of light. Further, the light emission pattern of the first full-color LED 643A and the second full-color LED 643B at the time of adjusting the light amount is not synchronized with the light emission pattern of the red LED 644 at the time of adjusting the light amount. The timing may be different, such as turning off the light and causing the red LED 644 to emit light. Further, not only the upper sign 602 but also other signs (601 and 603) can perform the same control as the upper sign 602 for the LEDs related to a plurality of types of light guide plates.

In this way, by causing each of the signs (601 to 603) to emit light as in the above-mentioned modification at the time of adjusting the amount of light, it is possible to adjust the amount of light in a state close to the effect that can actually occur. If the lighting control of the monochromatic LED (red LED 644) for a specific effect of each sign (601 to 603) is not performed at the time of adjusting the light amount during the normal operation as described above, the player who adjusts the light amount may perform the light amount adjustment. Without having the opportunity to confirm the amount of light of each sign (601 to 603), the amount of light is adjusted with reference to the state of a limited specific part.

Then, if the light amount is set to the low level (level 1) or the medium level (level 2) at the initial stage without confirming the light amount related to each sign (601 to 603), the player finishes the environment setting and finishes the environment setting. After the state of the gaming machine shifts to the state during the game, when at least one of the signs (601 to 603) appears and the LED for a specific effect is driven, the amount of light is not sufficient. , It is assumed that the player feels the production unsatisfactory. As a result, the taste of the game is not exhibited as planned by the developer, and the player does not have a positive impression (good impression) on the pachinko machine 10. Is also possible.

It is also possible to consider a case where the amount of light is set to a high level (level 3) by referring to the amount of light of other parts without confirming the actual amount of light related to each sign (601 to 603). For example, after the player finishes setting the environment and the state of the gaming machine shifts to the state during the game, at least one of the signs (601 to 603) appears and the LED drive for a specific effect is performed. On the contrary to the above case, it is assumed that the amount of light becomes excessive and the player feels the effect excessively. As a result, it is possible that the player does not have a positive impression (good impression) on the pachinko gaming machine 10.

In particular, for example, each sign (601 to 603) is used as a sign having a relatively high expectation of a big hit (so-called deciding factor) that operates only in the case of a big hit or when developing into a high expectation reach effect. In this case, the amount of light emitted from the LED at the time of production is often larger than that of other movable production members or LEDs provided in other parts of the game board 50. Therefore, when adjusting the amount of light, the amount of light of each sign (601 to 603) cannot be directly referred to, and if the amount of light must be adjusted based on the expectation from the amount of light of other parts, the amount of light can be adjusted according to the player's preference. It is not easy to do, and it becomes difficult to effectively utilize the function of adjusting the amount of light.

However, as in this embodiment, the light emission during the light amount adjustment is also performed for each of the signs (601 to 603) housed in the transparent center decoration 64, so that the light amount is adjusted and during the game. It is possible to suppress the discrepancy with the displacement operation as much as possible, and it is possible to perform an effect that suits the player's taste. Then, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the function of adjusting the amount of light.
<< Cueing the light emission pattern >>

The LED drive control at the time of adjusting the amount of light can be performed in various modes. For example, every time the operation of the cross key 96 for adjusting the amount of light (here, the up arrow key 96a or the down arrow key 96b) is executed, the LED is driven by returning to the beginning of the light emission pattern (cueing the light emission pattern). To do) is also possible.

In FIG. 35 (a), an example of cueing such a light emission pattern is shown by the alternate long and short dash line N. At the timing T1 shown as “start” on the horizontal axis of FIG. 35 (a), as shown by the solid line M, the light emission of the LED at the time of adjusting the amount of light is started. In the middle of this light emission pattern, the up arrow key 96a or the down arrow key 96b is operated at the timing (timing of the first operation) T2 shown as "first time" in the figure.

Then, the light emission pattern is cueed at the timing T2 of this "first time", and as shown by the alternate long and short dash line N, the light emission of the LED is newly started. Although not shown, the light emission pattern is similarly cueed each time there is an input operation, and the LED light emission drive is performed from the beginning of the light emission pattern.

By controlling the LED drive so as to return to the beginning of the light emission pattern each time the level is changed in the light intensity adjustment in this way, the operation of the cross key 96 can be performed during one (1 set) light emission pattern (for example, 3). Even if it is repeated at short intervals such as a plurality of times (about seconds), the maximum light amount at each light amount level is shown first, so that the player can easily compare the light amounts.

That is, in a situation where the brightness changes according to the light emission pattern during the light amount adjustment, if the player does not return the light emission pattern first when adjusting the light amount, the change in the brightness in the light emission pattern and the change in the light amount due to the player's operation Combines (polymerizes) with. Then, some problems may occur as shown below. For example, in a situation where the light emission pattern during light intensity adjustment is increasing the brightness (in the middle of the change from brightness 1 to brightness 5), when the player increases the light intensity, it is more than the player actually adjusted. There is a risk of giving the illusion that the brightness has increased. For this reason, it is conceivable that the player does not increase the amount of light as much as he or she originally desires, and suppresses the amount of light more than he or she likes.

Further, for example, when the light emission pattern during the light amount adjustment lowers the brightness and the player lowers the light amount, the brightness becomes lower than that adjusted by the player. For this reason, it is conceivable that the player does not reduce the amount of light as much as he or she originally desires, but increases the amount of light more than he or she likes.

Further, for example, when the light emission pattern during the light amount adjustment increases the brightness and the player reduces the light amount, the brightness does not decrease as expected by the player. Further, when the light emission pattern during the light amount adjustment lowers the brightness and the player increases the light amount, the brightness does not increase as expected by the player. Then, in these cases, the player makes an excessive adjustment, and the effect becomes too bright or too dark during the game.

Further, even if the player tries to perform the light amount adjustment operation when, for example, the light emission pattern for adjusting the light amount reaches the lowest brightness or reaches the highest brightness, it takes time to reach the desired brightness. You have to wait for it to elapse, and the time required to adjust the amount of light will increase accordingly.

In this way, when the cueing of the light emission pattern accompanying the change in the light amount level of the light amount adjustment is not executed, the change in the brightness in the light emission pattern and the change in the light amount due to the operation of the player are combined (polymerized) and the light amount is superimposed. The absolute brightness cannot be determined only by the adjustment operation, and the light intensity adjustment may not be easy. However, as described above, by returning the drive pattern to the beginning (cueing) each time the light amount change operation is performed, even if the light amount adjustment operation is performed a plurality of times at short intervals, the player can obtain the brightness. The amount of light can be adjusted under the condition that the mode of change is constant. Then, each time the light amount adjustment operation is performed, the brightness can be confirmed while adjusting the mode of change in brightness to the same conditions, and as a result, the player can easily adjust the amount of light to his / her taste even when the brightness in the light emission pattern changes. ..

It should be noted that the light emission pattern is not always cueed each time the light amount level change operation is performed. For example, the light amount can be adjusted by combining the case where the cueing is performed and the case where the cueing is not performed. You may. Specifically, during the first light intensity change operation (first operation) or the operation during the period from the start of the light emission pattern to T2, the light emission pattern is returned to the beginning and cueed (FIG. 35 (a)). The two-dot chain line N in the middle) can be exemplified such that the operation of changing the amount of light after the second time or the cueing is not performed at the timing after T2.

When the light emission pattern is not cueed, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 35 (a), the head is set with the light amount set by the player in the first light amount adjustment operation (timing T2). The brightness of the effect is confirmed from the beginning of the emitted light emission pattern (dashed-dotted line N), and then, for example, when the brightness drops to between brightness 4 and brightness 3 (brightness about 3.5) (timing T3). Perform an operation for further adjustment (second operation). Then, at this time, the light emission pattern is not cueed, and the light emission in the pattern cueed at the first operation is continued.

By doing so, for example, when the player wants to confirm the brightness of the effect at the brightness (for example, brightness 2) that reaches the middle of the light emission pattern, the first of the light emission patterns cueed out. It is not necessary to wait for the passage of time until the brightness 2 is reached. Then, it is possible to quickly reach the desired brightness, and it is possible to adjust the amount of light in a mode desired by the player in a short time.

Regarding the light emission pattern at the time of adjusting the amount of light, it is conceivable that the brightness does not change sequentially, but the light emission of a constant brightness is continued (not shown). By doing so, it is possible to prevent the light amount adjustment from becoming difficult depending on the strength of the light emission pattern and the timing of switching the light amount.
<Movable production members other than each sign>

Further, not only the LED drive for each sign (601 to 603), but also the LED (not shown) provided in the other movable effect member has a predetermined light emission pattern (FIG. 35 (a), etc.) at the time of adjusting the light amount. It is possible to emit light or apply the control mode of light intensity adjustment described above. FIG. 34 shows a state in which the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 described above are operated as an example of the movable effect member other than the signs (601 to 603). These left movable effect members 604 and right movable effect members 605 are housed in the left and right parts of the center decoration 64 in the normal state when they are not operating, and the light emitting portion cannot be visually recognized from the front. There is.

As an effect using such a left movable effect member 604 and a right movable effect member 605, the following can be exemplified. For example, when the operation button 22 is pressed and operated by the player in the situation where the above-mentioned button effect is being executed, either one of the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 is displayed as a center decoration 64. It may appear at a predetermined position on the front surface of the effect display device 60. The left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 have larger external dimensions than the above-mentioned signs (601 to 603).

Therefore, if the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 appear at the same timing, the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 may interfere with each other on the front surface of the effect display device 60. is there. Further, even when the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 appear in order with a time difference, the size and positional relationship such that interference occurs depending on the order and timing. It has become. Here, FIG. 34 shows a state in which the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 are introduced in an order and timing so as not to cause interference.

Although not shown, the left movable effect member unit supporting the left movable effect member 604 and the left movable effect member unit supporting the right movable effect member 605 do not operate the movable effect members 604 and 605. It is equipped with a position sensor for detecting whether or not it exists in the standby position (initial position) at the time, and a position sensor for detecting whether or not it appears in a predetermined appearance position (operating position) at the time of production. Has been done.

Further, a large number of LEDs are mounted on the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605, and the LEDs are driven in a predetermined pattern at the time of effect. Further, the LED is driven by a predetermined light emission pattern for adjusting the amount of light not only at the time of production but also at the time of adjusting the amount of light during the game standby demonstration. Then, at the time of adjusting the amount of light, the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 operate and appear in front of the effect display device 60 as shown in FIG. 34. By doing so, the player can adjust the amount of light assuming the light emission of the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 during the effect.

Here, the appearance position (stop position) of the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 at the time of adjusting the amount of light may be any position as long as the player can visually recognize the LED drive pattern. If there is no movable effect member that has an interference relationship during operation, the appearance position during light intensity adjustment can be set to the same as the appearance position during effect, so that the same position control as during effect can be performed. There is no need to separately provide a position sensor for adjusting the amount of light, an operation pattern, or the like. When the position control of the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 for adjusting the amount of light is performed only by the drive pattern that operates to the visible position, it is not necessary to separately provide an intermediate position sensor or the like. It can be done at low cost.

Further, a movable effect member may be provided in addition to the left movable effect member 604, the right movable effect member 605, and each of the signs (601 to 603). Further, when adjusting the amount of light, only the one provided with the LED or the one related to the light effect may be visible to the player. Among these, examples of "things related to light effect" include those having a function of reflecting light emitted by another movable effect member equipped with an LED, although they do not emit light by themselves. .. Further, as described above, even when the vehicle is in the standby position housed in the center decoration 64, for example, if it can be visually confirmed that the light is emitted through the transparent portion of the center decoration 64, it does not necessarily appear at the time of adjusting the amount of light. You don't have to let it.

Further, when a plurality of movable effect members interfere with each other, such as the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 described above, it is conceivable to make only one (part) appear, for example. .. In this case, for example, a movable production member with a high priority (so-called deciding role, etc.) used in a production with a relatively high expectation for a big hit or a special reach (development reach, etc.) is introduced, and relatively It is conceivable that movable production members with low expectations and low priority will not appear. As the "movable effect member having a low priority", for example, a member appearing only in the above-mentioned pseudo continuous notice, or when the expectation of a big hit is relatively high, it operates unless it is combined with other movable effect members. Examples of things that do not occur can be given.

Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it is possible to switch and appear a plurality of movable effect members at predetermined time intervals. In this case, for example, first, one predetermined movable effect member is operated to the effect position, and the LED of the movable effect member that has appeared is made to emit light to continue the light emission for a predetermined time (for example, about 6 seconds). After that, it is conceivable that the movable effect member is returned to the original standby position, another movable effect member is introduced, and the same light emission control is performed.
<Selection of light intensity adjustment target>

Further, as another example, the player may be able to select a movable effect member whose light intensity can be adjusted. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 20B, the light amount adjustment menu is displayed, and with the light amount adjustment confirmed, the left and right direction keys 96c and 96d are operated to move the movable effect member. Allows you to select sequentially. Then, it is conceivable to operate the up and down direction keys 96a and 96b to adjust the amount of light for the selected movable effect member.

Further, the amount of light may be adjusted for each effect device. The "directing device" referred to here can perform a directing using LEDs, such as a game board 50, a center decoration 64, a large winning opening device 90, etc., in addition to each movable directing member (601 to 605). It means a game device or the like. Furthermore, these production devices are used for production at a relatively high frequency, such as simply fueling expectations for the development of production, or operating at the time of pseudo continuous notice, or in the case of a big hit. There are things with relatively high expectations for big hits (so-called deciding factors) that only work.

A player who wants to suppress the amount of light for a production device that produces light at a relatively high frequency, but wants to illuminate with a sufficient amount of light for a production device that produces light at a relatively low frequency. In order to meet the needs, it is conceivable that the amount of light can be changed for each effect device as described above. Further, in this case, it is conceivable that the player can select the effect device capable of adjusting the amount of light by using the cross key 96 or the like. When changing the light amount adjustment for each effect device in this way, it is necessary to provide a storage area for storing the light amount level for each effect device. Further, when the light amount level is adjusted for each effect device, the coefficient value according to the light amount level described above is not common to all the effect devices, and the coefficient value data is held for each effect device. By setting it, it is possible to correct the difference in the attenuation rate of the amount of light due to the configuration of the diffusion member or the like provided on the effect member.

Further, for example, as shown by drawing two alternate long and short dash lines orthogonal to FIG. 35 (b), the game area 52 is divided into a plurality of divided areas P1 to P4 so that the amount of light can be adjusted for each divided area. It is also possible that. In this case, it is conceivable to illuminate each divided area with a predetermined emission pattern (for example, a common emission pattern). Further, in order to do so, the signal for driving light emission (light emission signal) from the sub-main CPU 521 (FIG. 4) is transferred to each divided area by switching the output port (528) corresponding to each divided area. It is conceivable to output to the target.

When the light amount can be adjusted for each of the divided areas P1 to P4 in this way, or when the light amount can be adjusted for each effect device as described above, a plurality of types of light emission patterns for adjusting the light amount are provided and divided. The light emission pattern may be different depending on the area, the type of the effect device, or the type of the movable effect member. In FIG. 35 (b), the upper sign 602 is arranged across all of the divided areas P1 to P4, but for example, the upper sign 602 is assumed to belong to one specific divided area (for example, P1). It is possible to control the light emission.

In addition, the parts other than the divided area and the effect device during the light amount adjustment are made to emit light in parallel in the mode during the transitionable period such as during the standby demonstration, and the light amount adjustment is performed while referring to the light emission of the other divided areas and the effect device. The amount of light may be adjusted. Then, in this case, the player can adjust the amount of light of the target portion while observing how the other divided areas and the effect devices are shining.

Further, when the light amount can be adjusted for each of the divided areas P1 to P4, or when the light amount can be adjusted for each effect device as described above, the light amount for all the effect devices can be changed at once. It is also possible. In that case, for example, the following light intensity adjustment modes can be considered. First, as the first light amount adjustment mode, the light amount level of each divided area and the effect device is relatively increased or decreased from the current setting, and when the maximum level (MAX) and the minimum level (MIN) are reached, the same direction is obtained. Even if the operation (increase operation or decrease operation) is performed, the light intensity level does not change and is fixed.

Subsequently, as the second light amount adjusting mode, in the first operation, the light amount levels of all the divided areas and the effect devices are changed to predetermined values. Then, in the second and subsequent operations, the light amount level according to the operation is set for all the divided areas and the effect devices. Further, the "predetermined value" at the time of the first operation may be always set to a constant amount of light. The "always constant amount of light" related to this first operation includes the maximum (MAX) set value, the minimum (MIN) set value, and the MAX of the current settings (settings at that time) of all the divided areas or effect devices. Examples include a set value of (or MIN or intermediate), a current set value of a reference effect device, a set value (standard value) determined in advance on the playground side, and the like.

Further, when the amount of light can be changed for each divided area or for each effect device, it is possible to easily change the required operation mode depending on the number of operations. For example, in the first operation (first operation), the amount of light is changed by continuously pressing (long-pressing) for a predetermined time or longer, and after the second operation, the amount of light is changed without long-pressing. By doing so, for example, the set values of the divided area and the effect device that the player does not aim at may be changed at the time of the first operation, or the individually set values may be changed to a uniform amount of light. It is possible to prevent problems caused by erroneous operations such as. Instead of the long press at the time of the first operation, it is also possible to change the amount of light by, for example, two operations for a short time.
<Emission color when adjusting the amount of light>

It is also possible to unify the emission color at the time of adjusting the amount of light to a predetermined color (single color or single color). Examples of the predetermined color include white and red. When it is white, it is considered that the light that the player feels brightest can be used for adjustment. In addition, the red emission color that is also used in automobile brake lights is generally said to have a long visible distance, and if it is red, the surrounding environment in the amusement park, etc. It is considered that the influence is small and the player can easily see it.

Further, in examining the light emission mode such as the light emission color and the light emission pattern at the time of adjusting the amount of light, it is desirable to consider the relationship with the light emission mode of the LED in the error notification. That is, if the light emitting mode at the time of adjusting the light amount and the light emitting mode of the error notification are the same or similar, if the error notification is performed during the light amount adjustment, the player, the clerk of the amusement park, etc. will make an error. There is a risk that it will be difficult to recognize that the light is being generated, or that the light emission for adjusting the amount of light will be mistaken for an error.

Therefore, it is conceivable that the emission color and emission pattern at the time of adjusting the amount of light by emitting light in the red system are different from the emission color and emission pattern related to the error notification. For example, it is conceivable to set the emission color at the time of adjusting the amount of light to red, which is close to orange, or to use an emission pattern for adjusting the amount of light that does not include the brightness 0 so as not to be mistaken for blinking as used for error notification. Further, regarding the error notification, for example, the light emitting mode in the game board 50 and the light emitting mode in the gaming machine frame 11 are considered separately, and the light emitting mode related to the light amount adjustment is made different from the light emitting mode in the game board 50. It is conceivable that the light emitting mode of the machine frame 11 does not have to be different from that of the light emitting mode. In this way, by making the light emitting mode related to the light amount adjustment different from the light emitting mode related to the error notification of other parts, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the light emitting mode of the error notification is confused with the light emitting mode of the light amount adjustment. it can.
<Change of return order of movable production members>

Next, in operating the movable effect member, an interference prevention measure for smoothly operating the plurality of movable effect members will be described. When the movable effect members are initialized when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the order of operations is determined for the plurality of movable effect members. For example, when the power is turned on, first, the operation of returning each movable effect member to the initial position is executed in a predetermined order, and then the target in the sub-main CPU 521 within the maximum movable range determined for each movable effect member. The outputs of all the position sensors are confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the movable effect member has normally performed the initialization operation. If an error is detected during the game or during the initialization operation, the initialization operation will be executed from the beginning, but predetermined processing will be performed in order according to the content of the error, resulting in an error. Control is performed to return from the state to the normal state.

For example, it is assumed that the procedure for initializing the lower left sign 601, the upper sign 602, the left movable effect member 604, the right movable effect member 605, and the lower right movable effect member is defined in this order. Then, it is assumed that the upper sign 602 and the left movable effect member 604, and the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 may interfere with each other when they are operated at the same time.

In such a situation, the operation control of returning to the initial position in the order of the lower left sign 601, the upper sign 602, the left movable effect member 604, and the other movable effect member is performed. If an error is detected for the upper sign 602, the upper sign 602 and the left movable effect member 604 may interfere with each other. Therefore, the left movable effect member 604 interferes as a factor that the upper sign cannot return to the initial position. Therefore, the operation control for returning the upper sign 602 to the initial position is not performed, and the operation control for returning the left movable effect member 604 to the initial position is performed first. That is, basically, the operation is controlled in the order of the upper sign 602 and the left movable effect member 604, but depending on the situation, the order is changed so that the operation control of the left movable effect member 604 is performed first. It has become. Further, since the left movable effect member 604 and the right movable effect member 605 may also interfere with each other here, the operation control of the right movable effect member 605 may be performed before the left movable effect member 604.

When a plurality of movable effect members are provided as in the present embodiment, the error related to the movable effect member does not always occur in a certain mode, and there is a general mode of operation for returning from the error state to the normal state. Then, it may take a lot of time to resolve the error, or the error cannot be resolved automatically, and the clerk at the amusement park may have to manually accommodate the movable production member in the center decoration. Be done. Therefore, as described above, by changing the order of operation control according to the situation, it is possible to quickly perform the initialization operation.
<Various aspects related to the time when the amount of light can be adjusted>

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the starting prize is not generated in the game, the special symbol and the effect symbol are not displayed in a variable manner, and the display during the standby demonstration is displayed. It is possible to set the environment for the situation. Then, when such an environment setting is possible, it is possible to adjust the volume and the amount of light, but for a specific type of environment setting such as the volume adjustment, the special symbol or the effect symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. It can be done even during the game.

However, not only the volume adjustment but also the light amount adjustment can be adjusted during the game such as during the variable display of the special symbol or the effect symbol. Then, in such a case, it is useful to examine the relationship between the light amount adjustment menu (FIG. 20 (b)) and the effect symbol 190 (FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b)). That is, it is necessary to prevent the effect symbol 190 from becoming difficult to see by superimposing the light amount adjustment menu, and some measures can be considered for that purpose.

First, it is conceivable to adjust the amount of light only for a predetermined period from the start of fluctuation of the effect symbol 190. The "predetermined period" here refers to the period from the start of fluctuation of the effect symbol 190 to the start of medium-speed fluctuation or low-speed fluctuation of the effect symbol that first stops (including temporary stop) after high-speed fluctuation. Can include. Further, during such a "predetermined period", it is possible to superimpose the light amount adjustment menu on the entire display area of the effect symbol 190 so that the effect symbol 190 is hidden behind the light amount adjustment menu. Further, it is conceivable to determine the transparency (transmittance) and arrangement of at least a part of the images in the light amount adjustment menu so that the effect symbol 190 can be visually recognized as being changed.

It is also possible to set the time when the amount of light can be adjusted to a time other than this. For example, at the time of the big hit start demonstration related to the occurrence of the big hit, at the time of opening the big winning opening, at the time of closing the big winning opening, at the time of the winning end demonstration, at the end of the big hit end demonstration, and the like. Then, in order for the sub-main board 301 to recognize that these periods are applicable, it is possible to use various commands transmitted from the main board 102 at various timings as described above. Further, not limited to this, it is also conceivable to enable the amount of light to be adjusted while a minor error is occurring (such as when the glass door is open).
<< Production using other types of movable production members >>

It is also possible to use a movable effect member other than the movable effect member (601 to 605) described above. As a member other than the movable effect member (601 to 603, etc.), for example, a movable effect member (drum unit) in which a plurality of rotating drums (reels) are arranged in a predetermined arrangement (2 rows, 2 columns, etc.) is one of the movable effect members. Can be used as. Then, each rotating drum is individually rotated and controlled, and when stopped (including temporary stop), the effect develops when the characters and symbols arranged on the drum form a predetermined combination. Can be exemplified. As a place where such a drum unit is arranged, an upper portion of the effect display device 60 and the like can be exemplified. Further, it is also possible to perform an effect such that the drum unit descends from the upper part of the effect display device 60 to the central portion in a predetermined case.

In addition, different types of movable effect members are arranged in the front and rear, and the movable effect member formed of a light-transmitting material is arranged in the front (the side closer to the player), and the movable effect member in the front is transparent to the back. It is possible to make the operation of the movable effect member visible.

Further, as another aspect of the effect using the movable effect member, a plurality of (for example, two) small display bodies as described above are provided, and the plurality of display bodies are provided at least in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the diagonal direction. It is possible to combine them so that they are adjacent in one direction. More specifically, for example, two rectangular display bodies are supported so as to be swingable to the left and right about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. Then, each display body is arranged above and below the display area 194 of the effect display device 60 (may be left or right).

Further, when a predetermined effect is executed, the upper display body is lowered and the lower display body is raised so that each display body approaches in front of the display area 194. Then, the lower side of the upper display body and the upper side of the lower display body are opposed to each other horizontally and in parallel, and both display bodies are vertically adjacent to each other. Then, a predetermined effect display is performed on each display body, and an effect by combining the two display bodies is executed.

In addition, when another predetermined effect is executed, the angles of the upper and lower display bodies are changed, and the posture of each display body is changed from a horizontal state to an oblique direction, for example, upward to the left, with the screen facing the front. Change to the state of. That is, the upper side and the lower side of each rectangular display body are in an oblique state of rising to the left, and accordingly, the left side and the right side of each display body are in a diagonal state of rising to the right. Then, both display bodies are moved so as to approach each other in front of the display area 194, and the lower side of the upper display body and the upper side of the lower display body are opposed to each other diagonally and in parallel, and both display bodies are moved up and down. Adjacent.
<Basic effects of the invention according to this embodiment>

As described above, according to the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, each indicator is displayed during the transitionable period (such as the period during which the environment setting main menu is displayed) during which the transition to the state in which the amount of light can be adjusted is possible. When the LED is not emitted in (601 to 603) or the like and the transition is possible from the transitionable period to the changeable period (such as the period in which the light amount adjustment menu is displayed), the LED is emitted. Then, with respect to the effect device provided with the light emitting effect unit that becomes visible only when a specific effect is executed, the light emitting mode of the light emitting effect unit used for the specific effect is visually displayed. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the amount of light of the light emitting portion of the movable effect member, which is normally hidden, while checking the light emitting mode.

When the light amount is adjusted without presenting the light amount of the movable effect member, which is normally invisible, to the player, the player's preference and the amount of light in the effect when the effect during the game is performed. Although it is possible that a discrepancy may occur, according to the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent such a discrepancy from occurring, and it is possible to properly set the environment related to the light emission effect.
<Non-light emission control when adjusting the amount of light>

In the above-described embodiment, the normally hidden signs (601 to 603) are made to illuminate when the light amount is adjusted, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, when the light amount is adjusted by the player during the operation of the amusement park. , It is possible to prevent these movable effect members from shining. In this case, the amount of light is adjusted while the predetermined movable effect member is in the extinguished state. Then, it is possible to prevent the light effect, which is presented to the player only in a limited case, such as the light guide plate effect, from being known to the player when adjusting the amount of light.

In addition, in the case where the movable effect member (various light guide plates for the light guide plate effect of each sign 601 to 603) is not made to emit light in the light amount adjustment based on the player operation, the game table manager such as a game hall clerk However, it may be difficult to confirm whether or not each effect device can operate normally (light emission effect). That is, unless the game machine manager keeps changing the game machine until a specific effect is actually produced, the issuing operation of each effect device cannot be confirmed. Therefore, for example, a game store side game table that can be transferred only by a predetermined special operation such as an operation of pressing the operation button 22 with the glass door 15 (FIG. 1) open. It is conceivable to separately provide a management state (effect member operation confirmation mode) and the like. Then, it is preferable to design so that the light amount can be adjusted in the game store side game table management state, and the movable effect member that does not emit light at the time of adjusting the light amount of the above-mentioned player can be made to emit light at the time of adjusting the light amount.

<Control of color reduction by adjusting the amount of light>

Further, it is conceivable to reduce not only the amount of light but also the number of types of emission colors by adjusting the amount of light. For example, LEDs arranged in a predetermined range (entire game board, predetermined effect device, predetermined area, etc.) are driven by the same light emission pattern used in a predetermined effect, but are adjusted by the player. When the light amount level becomes a predetermined value (level 2, etc.) or less, the number of light emitting color patterns can be considered to be smaller than that at the time of production.

Then, during normal production (when the light amount level is larger than the predetermined value), light emission control using various colors such as red, blue, and green is performed, but when the light amount is adjusted to the predetermined value or less, blue is performed. (And green) is omitted without being emitted, and only red and green (or red) are emitted in the same manner as red emission at the time of production. By doing so, it is possible for a player who is not good at producing a large number of colors to perform a light emitting effect in a light emitting mode suitable for his / her taste. Then, it is possible to suppress the visual stimulus to the player at the time of adjusting the amount of light, and to cut the blue light which has a great influence on eyestrain when the blue light is not emitted.

Further, not limited to this, for example, among the light emission patterns different for each production device or part used at the time of production, when the light amount is adjusted (when the light amount level is set to a predetermined value or less), some light emission patterns are used. It is also possible to reduce the number of light emission patterns without driving the LED (for example, do not use a pattern that blinks at high speed in a short time). Further, both the type of color and the type of light emission pattern may be reduced at the time of adjusting the amount of light. In addition to turning off one of the three primary colors of the full-color LED, when the light intensity level falls below a predetermined value, the brightness level in the emission pattern of each red, blue, and green light source is made uniform, and only white is used. There is also a method of reducing the number of emitted colors by making it emit light.

Further, in the above example, the number of color types and the number of light emission pattern types can be changed by setting the light amount level to a predetermined value or less, but the number of color types and the number of types of light emission patterns are different from the light amount level. It may be possible to set each of the number of types of light emission patterns. By doing so, it is possible to meet the needs of the player, such as the fact that the brightness remains the same, although the color flicker is not good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mode of emitting a single color such as white light or reddish color at the time of adjusting the amount of light has been illustrated, but when the number of colors is changed according to the adjustment of the amount of light. Constructs a light emission pattern for light intensity adjustment in a manner capable of emitting light in multiple colors even during light intensity adjustment, and changes to single color emission based on the light intensity level becoming equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the number of colors decreases. It may be designed so that it can be visually recognized as described above.
<Other Embodiments>

The present invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above, and can be variously modified. For example, the present invention is a pachinko gaming machine in which a gaming ball as a gaming medium acquired by a player is paid out directly to the player as described above so that the player can touch the prize ball. It is also applicable to, for example, an enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine (managed gaming machine) in which a gaming ball is circulated and used inside the gaming machine. Further, as the enclosed circulation type pachinko gaming machine, an example capable of electromagnetically recording the entry and exit of the gaming medium can be exemplified.

Further, the present invention includes a plurality of reels in which a predetermined number of symbols are arranged, controls the rotation start and rotation stop of the reels based on the operation of the player, and plays a game such as a game medal according to the winning winning combination. It can also be applied to a slot machine (reel type gaming machine) that dispenses a medium (including storage in a storage device). Further, the present invention can be applied to, for example, a casino machine installed in a casino facility.

10 Pachinko game machine, 50 game board, 52 game area, 53 main control display device,
62 1st start winning opening, 63 2nd starting winning opening, 70 1st special symbol display section,
71 2nd special symbol display, 90 big prize opening device, 102 main board,
104 sub-board, 301 sub-main board, 302 sub-sub board, 601 lower left sign,
602 upper sign, 603 lower right sign, 632 inner lens, 635 middle lens,
636 Light guide cover.

Claims (1)

The main control means to control the progress of the game,
An effect control means that receives effect control information from the main control means and performs control processing according to the effect control information.
A light emitting effect means having a light emitting effect unit for enabling the visual recognition of the light emitting effect only when a specific effect is executed, and
It is equipped with an operation means that can be operated by the player to change the setting of the amount of light of the light emission effect.
It is possible to make the light emitting effect unit emit light with a plurality of light emitting colors during the game.
In the light amount setting period in which the setting of the light amount of the light emission effect can be changed , the effect control means means that when the light amount setting is set to a predetermined value in accordance with the operation of the operation means by the player, the light emission effect means. A gaming machine characterized in that the number of light emitting colors of a light emitting pattern related to a predetermined light emitting effect in the above is reduced , and the light emitting effect generated thereafter can be executed in a mode in which the number of light emitting colors of the light emitting pattern is reduced.

Images