JP4527095B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a game frame that can be opened and closed with respect to an outer frame, and a game board that is attached to the game frame and includes a predetermined plate-like body and various parts that are attached to the plate-like body. It relates to exchangeable gaming machines.

  As a gaming machine, a game medium such as a game ball is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game medium wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. There is something to be done. Further, a variable display device capable of variably displaying the identification information (also referred to as “variation”) is provided on the game board, and the player when the display result of the variable display of the identification information in the variable display device becomes the specific display result. Some are configured to be controllable to a specific gaming state advantageous to the user.

  The specific game state means a state advantageous for a player who is given a predetermined game value. Specifically, the specific gaming state is, for example, a state in which a special variable winning device is advantageous for a player who is likely to win a ball (a big hit gaming state), or a state in which a right to become advantageous for a player has occurred. In this state, a predetermined game value such as a state where conditions for paying out premium game media are easily established is given.

  In such a gaming machine, the fact that the display result of the variable display device that displays the symbol as identification information is a combination of specific display modes (specific display result) determined in advance is generally referred to as “big hit”. When a big hit occurs, for example, the big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the game shifts to a big hit gaming state in which a hit ball is easy to win. And in each open period, if there is a prize for a predetermined number (for example, 10) of the big prize opening, the big prize opening is closed. And the number of times the special winning opening is opened is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 15 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the big winning opening is closed when the opening time elapses. Further, when a predetermined condition (for example, winning in the V zone provided in the big prize opening) is not established at the time when the big prize opening is closed, the big hit gaming state is ended. Some are also available.

  In addition, in such a gaming machine, a game frame including a game frame installed to be openable and closable with respect to an outer frame of the gaming machine, a predetermined plate-like body, and various components attached to the plate-like body. There is a board that is detachable. In such a gaming machine, when changing the model of the gaming machine (for example, changing to a new model), the entire gaming machine is not replaced, but the gaming frame is left as it is, and only the gaming board is replaced. That is, by changing only the game board, the model of the gaming machine is changed, and the content of the effect in the game effect is changed.

  Further, Patent Document 1 describes a gaming machine configured to connect a CPU and a multi-color LED used for gaming effects via an IC circuit that converts serial data into parallel data. Patent Document 1 is configured to adjust the brightness of the multi-color LED by changing the number of pulses to be output within a predetermined control unit time when controlling the light emission state of the multi-color LED. It is described.

  In Patent Document 2, individual addresses are set for the CPUs of the control boards for controlling various displays, speakers, etc., and the CPU of the sub-control board and the CPU of each control board are serially connected to each other. It is described that it is configured to reduce the number of wires between the housing of the gaming machine and the door by connecting via bus wires.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-190416 (paragraphs 0043-0046, FIGS. 13-15) JP 2003-164560 A (paragraphs 0029-0030, FIG. 1)

  In a gaming machine in which the game frame and the game board are detachable, when the game board is exchanged for changing the model of the game machine, there are many wirings connecting the game board and the game frame. The wiring work between the game board and the game frame is troublesome and cumbersome. In the gaming machines described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the number of wires between the CPU and the display is reduced by using an IC circuit for serial-parallel conversion, or by using a bi-directional serial bus wire. The number of wirings between the control boards can be reduced. However, in a gaming machine in which a game frame and a game board are detachable, the number of wires between the game board and the game frame cannot be reduced, and the game frame and the game board can be easily attached and detached. I can't do it.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily attach and detach a game frame and a game board in a game machine in which a game frame and a game board are detachable.

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a game frame (for example, a game frame 11) installed so as to be openable and closable with respect to an outer frame, a predetermined plate-like body, and various parts attached to the plate-like body. A game machine including a game board (for example, game board 6) including the game board, wherein the game board can be exchanged, and controls the progress of the game and transmits an effect control command for controlling electric parts for the effect. The control means (for example, the game control microcomputer 560) and the electric parts for the effect (for example, the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a of the respective lamps) according to the effect control command transmitted by the game control means. ~ 282f, 283a ~ 283f, motors 151a, 152a, 153a) effect control means (for example, the effect control microcomputer 10) ) And provided with, and the game control means and effect control means, mounted on the game board, the game control means, steps in the command transmitting means (e.g., a game control microcomputer 560 to transmit the effect control command to effect control means The effect control means includes an output means (for example, a serial signal system) for outputting a control signal for controlling the electric parts for the effect based on the effect control command received from the game control means. , Including a part for executing step S708 in the production control microcomputer 100), a board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit (for example, serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619) provided in the game board and a plurality provided in the game frame. frame side serial - parallel converter circuit (for example, a serial - parallel converter IC6 1 to 615), and the board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit converts the control signal input from the output means of the effect control means from the serial signal method to the parallel signal method, so that the game among the electric parts for the effect A plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits are input from the output means of the effect control means and output to electrical components (for example, lamp LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, motors 151a, 152a, and 153a) provided on the panel. The converted control signal is converted from a serial signal system to a parallel signal system, and electrical components provided in the game frame among the electrical components for production (for example, lamp LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, 82a To 82d, 83), a panel side serial-parallel conversion circuit and a plurality of frame side systems. The real-parallel conversion circuit or the production control means and the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits are connected via one system wiring (for example, one system is formed by connecting the relay boards 606 and 607 in a bus type). Connected through the wiring. Each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 619 is connected to one system by being connected in a bus form or a daisy chain type), and at least a part of the panel side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit Are connected in series with the same system wiring (for example, as shown in FIG. 27, serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 in which the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 are connected in series with the same system wiring. Are connected in series with wiring of the same system), the output means outputs unit data of fixed length data including information on control signals of all the electrical components for production connected to the wiring of the same system. A serial signal method is used for output at predetermined intervals (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 or the sound / lamp control manager In step S972A, the black computer 100b uses the serial output circuit 375 to output the control signal sequence including the lamp control signal shown in FIG. 74 and the control signal sequence including the motor control signal shown in FIG. The board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuit connected to the wiring of the board is the board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuit connected to the lower side of the same system wiring. In addition, the control signal of the unit data output every predetermined cycle is sequentially transferred as it is (for example, as shown in FIG. 73, in each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 and 616 to 619, the last bit of the shift register 682 is As it is input to the lower data latch unit 681) and at a predetermined timing. A control signal is output based on the data (for example, as shown in FIG. 73, in each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 and 616 to 619, the data buffer 683 is used for the production control microcomputer 100 or the sound / lamp control. The data stored in the shift register 682 is latched and output at the timing when the latch signal from the microcomputer 100b is input), and the game frame side relays the connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means A relay board (for example, the relay board 607) is provided in the game frame, and signal lines of control signals to the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits output by the output means in a serial signal system are connected to the game frame side relay board. The connector is detachably connected using one connector .

Another aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention is a game frame (for example, a game frame 11) installed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, and a predetermined plate-like body and a plate-like body attached to the game frame. A game machine including a game board (for example, game board 6) including various parts that can be exchanged, an effect control command for controlling the progress of the game and controlling the electrical parts for the effect Game control means (for example, a game control microcomputer 560), and electrical components for effects (for example, the variable display device 9, LEDs 125a to 125f of each lamp, in accordance with the effect control command transmitted by the game control means) 126a-126f, 281a-281l, 282a-282f, 283a-283f, motors 151a, 152a, 153a) effect control means (for example, symbol control) Comprises a microcomputer 100a, the microcomputer 100b) and a sound / lamp control, the game control means and effect control means, mounted on the game board, presentation control means includes at least one electrical of electrical components for directing Other than the first effect control means (for example, the symbol control microcomputer 100a) for controlling the parts (for example, the variable display device 9) and the electric parts controlled by the first effect control means among the electric parts for effects. Second effect control means (for example, sound / lamp) for controlling electric components (for example, LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, motors 151a, 152a, 153a) of each lamp And the game control means includes a first production system. Including first command transmission means for transmitting the command to the first effect control means (for example, a part for executing step S29 in the game control microcomputer 560). The first effect control means includes the first effect control command. 2nd command transmission means (for example, symbol control microcomputer 100a) which transmits the 2nd effect control command which can specify the contents of the 1st effect control command to the 2nd effect control means based on having received. The second production control means includes a control signal for controlling the electrical parts for production based on the second production control command received from the first production control means. Output means (for example, step S in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b) 888), a board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit (for example, serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619) provided in the game board and a plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits provided in the game frame ( For example, the board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit further converts the control signal input from the output means of the second effect control means from the serial signal system to the parallel signal system. , Among the electrical parts for production, are output to the electrical parts (for example, lamp LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, motors 151a, 152a, and 153a) provided on the game board, and the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits are The control signal input from the output means of the second effect control means is converted from the serial signal system to the parallel signal. This is converted into a signal system and output to electrical components provided in the game frame among the electrical components for production (for example, lamp LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, 82a to 82d, 83). Yes, the board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit and the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits, or the production control means and the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits are connected via one system wiring (for example, a relay board) When 606 and 607 are connected in a bus shape, they are connected via one system of wiring. Each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 619 is connected to one system by being connected in a bus form or a daisy chain type), and at least a part of the panel side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit Are connected in series with the same system wiring (for example, as shown in FIG. 27, serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 in which the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 are connected in series with the same system wiring. Are connected in series with wiring of the same system), the output means outputs unit data of fixed length data including information on control signals of all the electrical components for production connected to the wiring of the same system. A serial signal method is used for output at predetermined intervals (for example, the production control microcomputer 100 or the sound / lamp control manager In step S972A, the black computer 100b uses the serial output circuit 375 to output the control signal sequence including the lamp control signal shown in FIG. 74 and the control signal sequence including the motor control signal shown in FIG. The board side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit connected to the wiring of the board side is the board side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit connected to the lower side of the wiring of the same system In addition, the control signal of the unit data output every predetermined cycle is sequentially transferred as it is (for example, as shown in FIG. 73, in each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 and 616 to 619, the last bit of the shift register 682 is As it is input to the lower data latch unit 681) and at a predetermined timing. A control signal is output based on the data (for example, as shown in FIG. 73, in each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 and 616 to 619, the data buffer 683 is used for the production control microcomputer 100 or the sound / lamp control. The data stored in the shift register 682 is latched and output at the timing when the latch signal from the microcomputer 100b is input), and the game frame side relays the connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means A relay board (for example, the relay board 607) is provided in the game frame, and signal lines of control signals to the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits output by the output means in a serial signal system are connected to the game frame side relay board. The connector is detachably connected using one connector .

A game board side relay board that includes a plurality of board side serial-parallel conversion circuits and relays the connection between the plurality of board side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is provided in the game board, The connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is relayed via the game board side relay board, and the game board side relay board and the game frame side relay board are attached and detached using one connector. You may be comprised so that connection is possible.

Operation means that can be operated by a player, light emitting parts for operation means that are light emitting parts provided in the operation means, and parallel-serial conversion that converts an input signal from an electric component for input into a serial signal system and outputs the signal Circuit, clock signal output means for outputting a clock signal used in common for the board side serial-parallel conversion circuit, the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit and the parallel-serial conversion circuit, and the operation means from among the parallel-serial conversion circuits Along with the parallel-serial conversion circuit for operation means that converts the detection signal into a serial signal system and outputs it, the control signal for the light-emitting component for operation means in the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit is converted into a parallel signal system for the operation means. operating means for serially outputting the light-emitting component - and a parallel conversion circuit may be mounted on the same substrate

Gaming machine, at least one of the game board or game frame, as an electrical component for directing the light emitting component which does not adjust the light emitting component and the luminance adjusting the brightness (e.g., of each lamp LED281a~281l, 282a~282f, 283a comprising a ～283F), output means, a control signal for controlling the light emission state of the light-emitting part for adjusting a brightness, according to the luminance at which to emit the light emitting component for adjusting a brightness, a signal obtained by changing the pulse amount outputs (e.g., effect control microcomputer 100, the signal outputs of which varying the number of pulses in accordance with the luminance shown in FIG. 71), the board-side serial outputs a control signal to the light-emitting component for adjusting brightness - parallel Conversion circuit or frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuit, and board-side serial-parallel conversion that outputs control signals to light-emitting components that do not adjust brightness The circuit or the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit may be different .

The gaming machine can play a predetermined game using a game ball, and variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, special symbols and decorative symbols) that can identify each of them, and displays and displays a display result. A variable display device (for example, a special symbol display 8 or a variable display device 9), and a specific game state (for example, advantageous for a player when a specific display result (for example, a big hit symbol) is derived and displayed on the variable display device ( For example, a gaming machine that is shifted to a big hit gaming state), which can be changed to an open state in a specific gaming state (for example, a special variable winning ball device 20), and a gaming ball that has won the variable winning ball device detecting means for outputting a detection signal by detecting (for example, count switch 23) and includes a gaming control means, based on the value of the game progress data is updated according to the progress of the game, the game Run the control process, pre-determining means for determining the derivation display the previous display results whether or not to shift to the specific game state (e.g., in the gaming control microcomputer 560, portions for performing the process of step S62, S63) And variable display command transmission means for transmitting a variable display command (for example, a variation pattern command) capable of specifying the variable display start and variable display time of the identification information based on the determination of the prior determination means ( For example, in the game control microcomputer 560, a portion for executing the processing of step S103) and a winning determination means for determining whether or not a detection signal from the detection means has been input (for example, in the game control microcomputer 560, Steps S341 to S348, S361 to S366, and S361 are executed. That portion. In particular, by using the count switch input bit decision values step S365, a portion) that performs the process of S361, the winning determination device detects when a game progress data is a value indicating the gaming state other than the specific game state Based on the input of the signal, abnormality notification command transmission means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification (for example, the processing of steps S585, S587 to S589 is executed in the game control microcomputer 560). The effect control means starts variable display of identification information in the variable display device based on the variable display command transmitted by the variable display command transmission means, and the variable display device when the variable display time has elapsed. Variable display control means for deriving and displaying the display result (for example, an effect control microcomputer Part 100 for executing the processes of steps S800 to S803, a part for executing the same processes as steps S800 to S803 for the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a), and the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmitting means. Based on the abnormality notification means (for example, the part for executing the processing of steps S1924 to S1929, S1977 to S1983 in the production control microcomputer 100, the microcomputer for sound / lamp control). 100b, a portion that executes the same processing as steps S1924-S1929 and S1977-S1983), and the abnormality notification means is when the variable display control means is executing variable display of identification information in the variable display device. Also abnormal (For example, the production control microcomputer 100 executes step S835D when Y is determined in step S835A, and executes step S845D when Y is determined in step S845A. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes When Y is the same process as in step S835A, the same process as step S835D is executed, and when the same process as step S845A is Y, the same process as step S845D is executed), and the output means is an abnormality notification means When the abnormality notification is executed, based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means, a control signal for controlling the electrical parts for presentation is output in a serial signal system (for example, in the microcomputer 100 for presentation control). , Steps S1928 and S1983 The part that executes step S708 based on the fixed result, or the part that executes step S888 based on the setting result of the process similar to steps S1928 and S1983 in the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b). Good.
In addition, a plurality of signal pattern data for outputting a control signal to a plurality of electrical parts for production in an output pattern corresponding to the type of error is provided, and the production control means is configured to output an error from among the plurality of signal pattern data. Including signal pattern selection means for selecting signal pattern data corresponding to the type, and the output means is configured to output a control signal in a serial signal system in accordance with an output pattern indicated by the signal pattern data selected by the signal pattern selection means. It may be.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game control means and the effect control means are mounted on the game board, and the effect control means selects the electric parts for effect based on the effect control command received from the game control means. Including an output means for outputting a control signal for control in a serial signal system, and a board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit and a plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits, or an effect control means and a plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits Are connected to each other through one line of wiring, and a game frame side relay board for relaying the connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is provided in the game frame, and the output means The signal line of the control signal to the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits output by the serial signal system can be attached and detached using a single connector on the game frame side relay board Because it is continued, it is possible to reduce the number of wirings between the game board and the game frame. Therefore, in the gaming machine in which the game frame and the game board are detachable, it is possible to easily attach and detach the game frame and the game board. In addition, since the game frame side relay board for relaying the connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is provided in the game frame , the game can be performed simply by performing the connection work to the relay board or the removal work. It is possible to easily remove and attach the frame and the game board. In addition, the output means outputs the fixed length data including the control signal information of all the electrical components for production connected to the same system wiring by the serial signal method for each predetermined period. Since it is configured, it is possible to eliminate the need to assign different address information to the board side serial-parallel conversion circuit and the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit in advance.

According to the invention described in claim 2, the game control means and the effect control means are mounted on the game board, and the second effect control means receives the second effect control command received from the first effect control means. First, it includes an output means for outputting a control signal for controlling electric parts for production in a serial signal system, and includes a board side serial-parallel conversion circuit and a plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits, or an effect control means, Since the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits are configured to be connected via one line of wiring, the number of wirings between the game board and the game frame can be reduced. Therefore, in the gaming machine in which the game frame and the game board are detachable, it is possible to easily attach and detach the game frame and the game board. In addition, since the game frame side relay board for relaying the connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is provided in the game frame , the game can be performed simply by performing the connection work to the relay board or the removal work. It is possible to easily remove and attach the frame and the game board. In addition, the output means outputs the fixed length data including the control signal information of all the electrical components for production connected to the same system wiring by the serial signal method for each predetermined period. Since it is configured, it is possible to eliminate the need to assign different address information to the board side serial-parallel conversion circuit and the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit in advance.

According to the invention of claim 5 wherein the output means as a control signal for controlling the light emission state of the light-emitting part for adjusting a brightness, according to the luminance at which to emit the light emitting component for adjusting the brightness, changing the pulse amount Therefore, it is possible to perform gradation control for adjusting the luminance of the light-emitting component.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the game control means is configured to notify the abnormality notification based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs the detection signal when the game progress data is a value indicating a game state other than the specific game state. An abnormality notification command transmitting means for transmitting an abnormality notification command for instructing execution is provided, and the effect control means executes abnormality notification by using the electrical parts for effects based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmitting means. An abnormality notification means, and the abnormality notification means can execute abnormality notification even when the variable display control means is executing variable display of identification information in the variable display device, so that an abnormal winning has occurred. In addition to being able to notify, the game can be continued and the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the front of the game frame 11. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the front of the game board. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine. FIG. 2 also shows an enlarged view of the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3 portion of the front surface of the game frame 11.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame (not shown) formed in a vertically long rectangular shape, and a game frame 11 attached to the inside of the outer frame so as to be opened and closed. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape that is provided in the game frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. The game frame 11 is a front frame (not shown) installed to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame, a mechanism plate to which mechanism parts and the like are attached, and various parts attached to them (excluding game boards to be described later). ).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko gaming machine 1 has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2 is a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. Under the hitting ball supply tray 3, an extra ball receiving tray 4 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for launching the game balls are provided. On the back surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a plastic frame constituting a part of the game frame 11 as shown in FIG. 3. The plastic frame includes a mechanism plate, and components such as a power supply circuit (not shown) and a speaker 27 are attached to the mechanism plate. In addition, the plastic frame of the game frame 11 is provided with a relay board 607 that relays the wiring between the game frame 11 and the game board 6. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the game board 6 is attached to the front frame of the game frame 11 so that attachment or detachment is possible. The game board 6 is a structure including a plate-like body constituting the game board 6 and various components attached to the plate-like body. A game area 7 is formed on the front surface of the game board 6.

  Near the center of the game area 7, there is provided a variable display device (image display device) 9 including a plurality of variable display portions each variably displaying a decorative pattern for performance. The variable display device 9 has, for example, three variable display portions (symbol display areas) of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. The variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (production) during the variable symbol display period of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8. The variable display device 9 that performs variable display of decorative symbols is controlled by an effect control microcomputer mounted on the effect control board.

  Below the variable display device 9, there is provided a special symbol display (special symbol display device) 8 for variably displaying a special symbol as identification information. In this embodiment, the special symbol display 8 is realized by a simple and small display (for example, 7 segment LED) capable of variably displaying a number of, for example, 00 to 99. Note that the special symbol display 8 is not limited to displaying a two-digit number, and may be configured to variably display a number of other digits such as 0 to 9. In addition, the variable display device 9 performs variable display of a decorative symbol as a symbol for decoration (for production) during the variable symbol display period of the special symbol by the special symbol indicator 8.

  On the right side of the special symbol display 8 is a special symbol hold composed of four indicators for displaying the number of effective winning balls that have entered the start winning openings 13, 14, that is, the number of hold memories (also referred to as start memory or start prize memory). A storage indicator 18 is provided. Every time there is an effective start prize, the display color of one display is changed. Each time the variable display on the special symbol display 8 is started, the display color of one display is restored. In the display area of the variable display device 9, a special symbol reserved storage display area including four display areas for displaying the number of reserved memories may be provided. Further, in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of reserved memories is 4, but the upper limit value may be a larger value. Further, the upper limit value may be changed according to the gaming state.

  A first start winning opening 13 is provided below the variable display device 9. The game ball won in the first start winning opening 13 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the first start opening switch 13a. In addition, on the left side of the variable display device 9, a variable winning device 15 that forms a second start winning port 14 is provided. The winning ball that has entered the second start winning opening 14 is guided to the back of the game board 6 and detected by the start opening switch 14a. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by a solenoid 16.

  On the right side of the variable display device 9, a trolley 151 as a movable member used for a game effect is provided. In the game effect, the truck 151 can produce an effect of jumping from the right side of the variable display device 9 to the left side as shown in FIG. 4 according to the control of the effect control means.

  Further, on the upper and right sides of the variable display device 9, a beam 152 is provided as a movable member used for a game effect. As shown in FIG. 5, the beam 152 can perform an effect that collapses from the upper part and the right side of the variable display device 9 according to the control of the effect control means in the game effect.

  Furthermore, a skeleton 153 as a movable member used for a game effect is provided below the variable display device 9. In the game effect, the skeleton 153 can perform an effect such that the mouth part opens and closes as shown in FIG. 6 according to the control of the effect control means. Further, the skeleton 153 includes a special variable winning ball apparatus 20 and forms a big winning opening. In this embodiment, in the skeleton 153, in the specific game state (big hit state), the special variable winning ball device 20 is controlled to be opened by the solenoid 21, so that the big winning opening serving as a winning area is opened. The winning ball that has won the big winning opening is detected by the count switch 23.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 also includes operation buttons 81a to 81e that can be operated by the player while the game is in progress. For example, when the operation buttons 81a to 81e are operated (pressed), the trolley 151, the beam 152, and the skeleton 153 as movable members are operated.

  When a game ball wins the gate 32 and is detected by the gate switch 32a, the variable display of the normal symbol display 10 is started. In this embodiment, variable display is performed by alternately lighting left and right lamps (designs can be visually recognized when lit). For example, if the right lamp is lit at the end of variable display, it is a win. And when the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball apparatus 15 is opened for a predetermined number of times. Below the normal symbol display 10 is provided a normal symbol start memory display 41 having a display unit with four LEDs for displaying the number of winning balls that have entered the gate 32. Each time there is a prize at the gate 32, the normal symbol start memory display 41 increases the number of LEDs to be turned on by one. Each time variable display on the normal symbol display 10 is started, the number of LEDs to be lit is reduced by one.

  The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports (ordinary winning ports) 29, 30, 33, and 39. The winning holes 29, 30, 33, and 39 for the game balls are awarded to the winning port switches 29a and 30a, respectively. , 33a, 39a. Each winning opening 29, 30, 33, 39 constitutes a winning area provided in the game board 6 as an area for accepting game media and allowing winning. The start winning openings 13, 14 and the big winning opening also constitute a winning area that accepts game media and allows winning. In addition, the game balls won in the respective winning openings 29, 30, 33, 39 may be detected by one switch.

  A decoration member 154 is attached to the center of the game area 7 so as to surround the variable display device 9, and a decoration lamp (center decoration) that is lit up or flashed during the game is placed above the decoration member 154. Lamp). In this embodiment, six LEDs 125a to 125f are provided as center decoration lamps. In addition, the decoration member 154 is provided with a decoration lamp (stage lamp) that is lit or flashed during the game so as to surround the variable display device 9. In this embodiment, six LEDs 126a to 126f are provided as stage lamps.

  Further, at the lower part of the game area 7, there is an out port 26 for absorbing game balls that have not won a prize. Two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions outside the game area 7. A top frame lamp, a left frame lamp, and a right frame lamp are provided on the outer periphery of the game area 7. Further, a decoration LED is installed around each structure in the game area 7. The top frame lamp, the left frame lamp, the right frame lamp, and the decoration LED are examples of a decorative light emitter provided in the gaming machine. In this embodiment, twelve LEDs 281a to 281l are provided as ceiling lamps. In addition, six LEDs 282a to 282f are provided as left frame lamps. In addition, six LEDs 283a to 283f are provided as right frame lamps. As decoration LEDs around the structure, one LED 127a is provided for the skeleton 153, two LEDs 127b and 127c are provided for the special variable winning ball apparatus 20, and one LED 83 is provided for the operation buttons 81a to 81e. 3 includes four LEDs 82a to 82d.

  The game balls launched from the hit ball launching device enter the game area 7 through the hit ball rail, and then descend the game area 7. When a game ball enters the first start winning opening 13 and is detected by the first start opening switch 13a, or when a game ball enters the second start winning opening 14 and is detected by the second start winning opening switch 14a, If the variable display can be started, the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 8 starts variable display (variation), and the variable display device 9 starts variable display (variation). If it is not in a state where the variable display of symbols can be started, the start winning memory number is increased by one.

  The variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 and the variable display of the decorative symbol on the variable display device 9 are stopped when a certain time has passed. If the special symbol (stop symbol) at the time of stoppage is a jackpot symbol (specific display result), the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state. That is, the special winning opening is opened until a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins.

  When the game ball wins the gate 32, the normal symbol display unit 10 is in a state where the normal symbol is variably displayed. When the stop symbol on the normal symbol display 10 is a predetermined symbol (winning symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the probability variation state, the probability that the stop symbol in the normal symbol display 10 becomes a winning symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 15 are increased. Further, in the short time state (the game state in which the variable symbol display time for special symbols is shortened), the opening time and the number of opening times of the variable winning ball device 15 may be increased.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with lamps and LEDs as light emitters in various places. Further, a prepaid card unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as a “card unit”) that enables ball lending by inserting a prepaid card is installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 (not shown).

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the game frame 11 is opened. As shown in FIG. 7, four substrates (frame side IC substrates) 602 to 605 for mounting ICs and the like are attached to the back surface on the game frame 11 side. The frame side IC substrate 602 attached to the upper part of the game frame 11 is mounted with serial-parallel conversion ICs 611, 612 for converting serial data into parallel data. From each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611, 612, a top frame lamp is mounted. A control signal is supplied to each of the LEDs 281a to 281l. Also, the frame side IC substrate 603 attached to the right side (left side as viewed from the back side) of the game frame 11 is mounted with a serial-parallel conversion IC 613, and each LED 283 a of the right frame lamp from the serial-parallel conversion IC 613. A control signal is supplied to 283f. Further, the frame side IC substrate 604 attached to the left side (right side as viewed from the back side) of the game frame 11 is mounted with a serial-parallel conversion IC 614. From the serial-parallel conversion IC 614, each LED 282a of the left frame lamp. A control signal is supplied to 282f.

  The frame side IC substrate 605 attached to the lower part of the game frame 11 is equipped with a serial-parallel conversion IC 615 and an input IC 620 for converting parallel data into serial data. From the serial-parallel conversion IC 615, operation buttons Control signals are supplied to LEDs 83 a to 81 d of operation button lamps provided on 81 a to 81 e and LEDs 82 a to 82 d of dish lamps provided to the hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 3. In addition, detection signals from the operation buttons 81a to 81e are input to the input IC 620 in parallel. In addition, the figure which looked at the frame side IC board | substrate 605 from the side is also shown by FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the frame side IC substrate 602 attached to the upper part of the game frame 11 among the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 is equipped with two serial-parallel conversion ICs. Configured as a collective substrate. With such a configuration, it is possible to consolidate boards on which serial-parallel conversion ICs are mounted, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts in the gaming machine.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 7, a relay board 607 is attached to the game frame 11 side, and wiring from the relay board 607 is connected to the frame side IC board 604, and from the frame side IC board 604 to the frame side IC. The frame side IC substrate 602 is connected to the frame side IC substrate 603. Further, the wiring from the relay substrate 607 is connected to the frame side substrate 605. Further, the wiring between the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604 and the wiring between the frame side IC substrates 604 and 605 and the relay substrate 607 are performed using connectors 156a to 156h on each substrate as shown in FIG. Connected. FIG. 7 shows a case where wiring connection is performed using a connector of a type that is connected to the board in the vertical direction. For example, wiring connection is performed using a connector that is connected to the board in the horizontal direction. You may make it perform.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the wiring from the connector 156 a of the relay board 607 is connected to the connector 156 b of the frame side IC board 604. The wiring pattern of the frame side IC substrate 604 is further branched from the connector 156b, one is connected to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614, and the other is connected to the connector 156c. Further, in the frame side IC substrate 604, the connector 156c is arranged at an end portion on the frame side IC substrate 602 side. The wiring from the connector 156c of the frame side IC substrate 604 is connected to the connector 156d of the frame side IC substrate 602. The wiring pattern of the frame side IC substrate 602 is further branched into three from the connector 156d and connected to the serial-parallel conversion IC 611, the serial-parallel conversion IC 612, and the connector 156e. Further, in the frame side IC substrate 602, the connector 156e is disposed at an end portion on the frame side IC substrate 603 side. The wiring from the connector 156e of the frame side IC substrate 602 is connected to the connector 156f of the frame side IC substrate 603. The wiring pattern of the frame side IC substrate 603 is connected to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613.

  Further, the wiring from the connector 156g of the relay substrate 607 is connected to the connector 156h of the frame side IC substrate 605. The wiring pattern of the frame side IC substrate 605 is further branched from the connector 156h, one is connected to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615, and the other is connected to the input IC 620.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a door opening sensor 155 for detecting the opening of the game frame 11 is attached.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the back surface of the game board 6. As shown in FIG. 8, a base (board side IC substrate) 601 for mounting an IC or the like is attached to the back surface of the game board 6. The board side IC substrate 601 is equipped with four serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 for converting serial data into parallel data, and a motor for driving the movable members 151 to 153 from the serial-parallel conversion IC 616. Control signals are supplied to 151a, 152a, and 153a. Further, a control signal is supplied from the serial-parallel conversion IC 617 to the LEDs 125a to 125f of the center decoration lamp. Further, a control signal is supplied from the serial-parallel conversion IC 618 to each LED 126a to 126f of the stage lamp. In addition, a control signal is supplied from the serial-parallel conversion IC 619 to the skeleton 153 that is a movable member and the LEDs 127 a to 127 b of each lamp provided in the special variable winning ball apparatus 20.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the board side IC substrate 601 is configured as a collective substrate on which four serial-parallel conversion ICs are mounted. With such a configuration, it is possible to consolidate boards on which serial-parallel conversion ICs are mounted, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts in the gaming machine.

  The board side IC substrate 601 is equipped with an input IC 621 for converting parallel data into serial data, and detection signals from the position sensors 151b, 152b, and 153b for detecting the positions of the movable members 151 to 153 are received. The signals are input to the input IC 621 in parallel.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a relay board 606 is attached to the game board 6 side, and a relay board 607 is provided on the game frame 11 side. The wiring from the effect control means is first connected to the relay board 606 and further connected to the relay board 607. The wiring from the relay board 606 is connected to the board side IC board 601. Also, the wiring between the board side IC substrate 601 and the relay substrate 606, the wiring between the relay substrates 606 and 607, and the wiring between the relay substrate 606 and the effect control means are shown in FIG. Are connected using connectors 157a to 157e. The connection method of the connectors 157a to 157e is the same as the connection method of the connectors 156a to 156h shown in FIG.

  Further, a relay board is provided to relay the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC boards 602 to 605 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the panel side IC board 601. Also good. In this case, the relay board may be arranged on either the game frame 11 side or the game board 6 side.

  Further, a relay board may be provided to relay the effect control board 80 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC boards 602 to 605. In this case, the relay board may be arranged on either the game frame 11 side or the game board 6 side.

  An opening is formed in the upper plate of the plastic frame above the hole for paying out the game ball, and a relay board 607 is provided in the opening. The relay board 607 is a board that relays through the front and back connectors. The connector 157b is disposed on the front side of the plastic frame, and the connectors 156a and 156g are disposed on the back side. Further, the relay board 607 is disposed at the end of the opening to which the game board 6 is attached. As shown in FIG. 7, the relay board 607 is formed in a shape that follows the shape of the end of the opening to which the game board 6 is attached. The relay board 607 is in a state of being shifted so that the positions of the connector 157b arranged on the front side and the connectors 156a and 156g arranged on the back side do not overlap.

  A relay board 606 is provided on the back side of the game board 6. As shown in FIG. 8, the relay board 606 is provided at the end of the game board 6 so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the relay board 607 of the plastic frame. The relay board 606 is a board that relays via a connector, and connectors 157b to 157d are arranged. The connector 157b is connected to the production control microcomputer 100 mounted on the game board 6.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration in the main board (game control board) 31. FIG. 9 also shows the payout control board 37, the effect control board 80, and the like. A game control microcomputer (corresponding to game control means) 560 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main board 31. The game control microcomputer 560 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control (game progress control) program and the like, a RAM 55 as storage means used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing control operations in accordance with the program, and an I / O port unit 57. And a serial output circuit for converting parallel data into serial data and outputting the serial data. In this embodiment, the ROM 54 and the RAM 55 are built in the game control microcomputer 560. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is a one-chip microcomputer. The one-chip microcomputer only needs to incorporate at least the CPU 56 and the RAM 55, and the ROM 54 may be external or built-in. The I / O port unit 57 may be externally attached.

  The game control microcomputer 560 further includes a random number circuit for generating hardware random numbers.

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

  Also, an input driver circuit for supplying detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a and 39a to the game control microcomputer 560. 58 is also mounted on the main board 31. The main board also includes an output circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 16 for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 15 and the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the special variable winning ball device 20 that forms a big winning opening in accordance with a command from the game control microcomputer 560. 31.

  In addition, the game control microcomputer 560 includes a special symbol display 8 that variably displays special symbols, a normal symbol display 10 that variably displays normal symbols, a special symbol hold memory display 18, and a normal symbol hold memory display 41. Perform display control.

  The serial output circuit 78 mounted on the game control microcomputer 560 is constituted by a shift register or the like. The serial control circuit 78 converts the presentation control command output from the CPU 56 into serial data, and sends it to the presentation control board 80 via the relay board 77. Send. The serial output circuit 78 converts the control signal output from the CPU 56 into serial data, and via the relay board 77, the special symbol display 8, the special symbol hold storage display 18, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol. Output to the on-hold storage display 41. The special symbol display 8, the special symbol hold storage display 18, the normal symbol display 10 and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 are provided with serial-parallel conversion ICs for converting serial data into parallel data, respectively. The control signal from the relay board 77 is converted into parallel data and supplied to the special symbol display 8, the special symbol hold storage display 18, the normal symbol display 10, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41.

  An information output circuit (not shown) that outputs an information output signal such as jackpot information indicating the occurrence of a jackpot gaming state to an external device such as a hall computer is also mounted on the main board 31.

  In this embodiment, the effect control means (configured by the effect control microcomputer) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 via the relay board 77. It receives as a serial data system, and performs display control of the variable display device 9 for variably displaying decorative symbols.

  Further, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 80 controls the display of the center decoration lamps 125a to 125f and the stage lamps 126a to 126f provided on the game board 6, and is provided on the frame side. The display control of the top frame lamps 281a to 281l, the left frame lamps 282a to 282f, and the right frame lamps 283a to 283f is performed, and the sound output from the speaker 27 is controlled.

  Further, the effect control microcomputer 100 of the effect control board 80 has a control for display control of the lamps 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f output by the effect control means. A serial output circuit 353 for converting a signal from parallel data to serial data is mounted. In addition, the effect control microcomputer 100 of the effect control board 80 is equipped with a serial input circuit 354 that converts the input serial data into parallel data and outputs the parallel data to the effect control means. Therefore, the effect control means outputs the control signal as a serial data system via the serial output circuit 353, thereby controlling the display of each of the lamps 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f. I do.

  On the game board side, a board-side IC board 601 on which a serial-parallel conversion IC for converting serial data into parallel data is mounted. The board side IC substrate 601 is connected to the effect control substrate 80 via the relay substrate 606. On the game frame 11 side, frame-side IC substrates 602, 603, 604, and 605 on which serial-parallel conversion ICs for converting serial data into parallel data are provided. Each frame side IC substrate 602, 603, 604, 605 is connected to the effect control substrate 80 via the relay substrate 606, 607.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the effect control board 80, the relay board 606, and the relay board 607 are connected to each other by a single wiring route in a bus shape.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77 and the effect control board 80. In addition, although the example shown in FIG. 10 shows the case where only the effect control board 80 is provided regarding the effect control, a lamp driver board and an audio output board may be provided. In this case, the lamp driver board and the sound output board are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer.

  The effect control board 80 includes an effect control microcomputer 100 including an effect control CPU 101, a RAM (not shown), a serial output circuit 353, a serial input circuit 354, a clock signal output unit 356 and an input capture signal output unit 357. It is installed. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives an effect control command via the serial input circuit 102 and the input port 103. In this case, the serial input circuit 102 converts the effect control command received as the serial data method into parallel data and outputs the parallel data. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 based on the effect control command.

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

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for reading out necessary data from a CGROM (not shown) in accordance with the received effect control command. The CGROM stores character image data and moving image data displayed on the variable display device 9, specifically, a person, characters, figures, symbols, etc. (including decorative designs), and background image data in advance. ROM. The VDP 109 reads image data from the CGROM in response to the instruction from the effect control CPU 101. The VDP 109 executes display control based on the read image data.

  As a signal direction regulating means, the signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in the direction toward the effect control board 80 (the signal is not passed in the direction from the effect control board 80 to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit 74 is mounted. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 10 illustrates a diode.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp via the serial output circuit 353. The serial output circuit converts the input signal (parallel data) for driving the LED of the lamp into serial data and outputs the serial data to the relay board 606. Further, the production control CPU 101 outputs the sound number data to the speech synthesis IC 173.

  Further, the clock signal output unit 356 outputs a clock signal to the relay board 606. The clock signal from the clock signal output unit 356 is supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 and the input IC 620 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 via the relay substrates 606 and 607. The clock signal from the clock signal output unit 356 is supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 and the input IC 621 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 via the relay substrate 606. Therefore, in this embodiment, a common clock signal is supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 and the input ICs 620 and 621.

  Further, the input capture signal output unit 357 inputs the input capture signal (latch signal) to the board side IC board 601 or the frame side IC boards 602 to 605 via the relay boards 606 and 607 in accordance with the instruction of the effect control CPU 101. Is output. The input IC 620 mounted on the frame side IC board 605 latches the detection signals of the operation buttons 81a to 81e when the input capture signal from the production control microcomputer 100 is input, and relays boards 606 and 607 as a serial data system. To the production control microcomputer 100. The input IC 621 mounted on the board-side IC board 601 latches the detection signals of the position sensors 151b, 152b, 153b when the input capture signal from the production control microcomputer 100 is input, and the serial data system is used. This is output to the production control microcomputer 100 via the relay board 606.

  When the sound number IC 173 receives the sound number data, the sound synthesizing IC 173 generates a sound or a sound effect corresponding to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 175. The amplifier circuit 175 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 173 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 176 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 174 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the effect control board 80, the relay boards 606 and 607, the board-side IC board 601, and the frame-side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605. The effect control microcomputer 100 of the effect control board 80 outputs a clock signal to the relay board 607 together with serial data as a control signal. In addition, an input capture signal for causing the input ICs 620 and 621 to latch the input signal is output to the relay board 606.

  The relay board 606 supplies the serial data and the clock signal input from the effect control microcomputer 100 to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC board 601. And each serial-parallel conversion IC616-619 converts the input serial data into parallel data, LED125a-125f of each lamp provided in the game board 6, 126a-126f, 127a-127c, and each movable member To the motors 151a to 151c.

  Further, the relay board 607 is connected to the relay board 606 through a single wiring route in a bus type, and the serial data line 300 and the clock signal line 301 connected to each serial-parallel conversion IC 616 to 619 are connected to the board side. It is connected to the bus form on the IC substrate 601. The connection to the bus type means that a plurality of serial-parallel conversion ICs or relay boards are connected to one wiring route.

  Each serial-parallel conversion IC 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 has a unique ID. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the ID of IC 616 is 06, the ID of IC 617 is 07, the ID of IC 618 is 08, and the ID of IC 619 is 09.

  In addition, an input IC 621 for inputting a detection signal of a position sensor of each movable member provided on the game board 6 is mounted on the board side IC board 601. In this embodiment, the input IC 621 and the production control microcomputer 100 mounted on the board-side IC board 601 include an input signal line 302, a clock signal line 301, and an input capture signal line 303 via a relay board 606. The presentation control microcomputer 100 is connected and outputs an input capture signal to the input IC 621 via the relay board 606 at a predetermined timing. Then, the input IC 621 latches the detection signal of each position sensor based on the input fetch signal (latch signal) and outputs it to the effect control microcomputer 100 via the relay board 606. In this case, the input IC 621 converts the detection signal input in parallel from each position sensor into serial data and outputs it. In this embodiment, the unique ID of the input IC 621 is 11, as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the serial data and the clock signal input to the relay board 607 are supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC boards 602 to 605, respectively. And each serial-parallel conversion IC611-615 converts the input serial data into parallel data, LED281a-281l of each lamp provided in the game frame 11, 282a-282f, 283a-283f, 82a-82d, 83.

  The serial data lines and clock signal lines connected to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 are connected in a bus format on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, first, the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 of the frame side IC substrate 604 is input, and the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 and the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 of the frame side IC substrate 602 are serially converted. The signals are input in the order of the parallel conversion IC 612, and further input from the serial-parallel conversion IC 612 to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613 of the frame side IC substrate 603. The serial data line and the clock signal line connected to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 are directly connected from the relay board 607.

  Each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 615 mounted on each frame side IC substrate 602 to 605 has a unique ID. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the ID of IC 611 is 01, the ID of IC 612 is 02, the ID of IC 613 is 03, the ID of IC 614 is 04, and the ID of IC 615 is 05 It is.

  In addition, an input IC 620 for inputting detection signals of the operation buttons 81 a to 81 e provided on the game frame 11 is mounted on the frame side IC board 605. In this embodiment, an input signal line, a clock signal line, and an input capture signal line are connected to the input IC 620 mounted on the frame side IC board 605 and the production control microcomputer 100 via the relay boards 606 and 607. Thus, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs an input capture signal to the input IC 620 via the relay boards 606 and 607 at a predetermined timing. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs the input capture signal to the input IC 620 at a timing different from the timing of outputting the input capture signal to the input IC 621. Then, the input IC 620 latches the detection signals from the operation buttons 81a to 81e based on the input capture signal (latch signal), and outputs it to the effect control microcomputer 100 via the relay boards 606 and 607. In this case, the input IC 620 converts detection signals input in parallel from the operation buttons 81a to 81e into serial data and outputs the serial data. In this embodiment, the unique ID of the input IC 620 is 10 as shown in FIG.

  The serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the panel-side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame-side IC substrates 602 to 605 are connected via one line of wiring. . Specifically, the connection through one system of wiring means that the relay boards 606 and 607 are connected in a bus type, and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 are connected in a bus type or a daisy chain type. It is that. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 are connected in a bus type. As described above, in this embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are provided. The connectors 156a to 156h and 157a to 157e are connected via the relay boards 606 and 607 via one line of wiring. Therefore, the wiring work between the game frame 11 and the game board 6 can be performed simply by attaching and detaching the connector, and the game frame 11 and the game board 6 can be attached and detached more easily.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605, and the input ICs 620 and 621. The common clock signal is input from the production control microcomputer 100. Therefore, the wiring of the clock signal to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 and the wiring of the clock signal to the input ICs 620 and 621 can be shared, and communication between the effect control means and the board-side IC 601 board, Communication between the effect control means and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 can be realized using one channel, respectively, and the number of wirings can be reduced. Also, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605, and the input ICs 620 and 621 can be easily synchronized. The number of clock signal wirings can also be reduced.

  In this embodiment, each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 619 is assigned an address in advance, and when the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a control signal converted into serial data, the serial data is addressed to serial data. Is added and output. When each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-619 inputs serial data, it checks whether the address added to the input serial data matches its own address, and if it matches, converts it to parallel data. Are supplied (ie, output) to the LEDs of each lamp. If the addresses do not match, the LED of each lamp is not supplied.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the production control microcomputer 100 performs bidirectional communication with the board-side IC board 601 and the frame-side IC boards 602 to 605 (specifically, serial data is converted into each serial-parallel converter). IC 611 to 619 and input signals are input from the input ICs 620 and 621). Therefore, the data input terminal and the data output terminal are provided, and data input and data output can be performed in one channel. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a data input terminal and a data output terminal of one channel are respectively connected to different output target devices (in this example, serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619) and input target devices ( In this example, the input ICs 620 and 621) are connected. With such a configuration, when the output target device and the input target device are originally different devices, the communication should be performed using different channels in both directions. Communication is possible, and the number of channels between the production control microcomputer 100, the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 is reduced.

  In this embodiment, the channel is a terminal for a data line (output data line), a clock signal line, an input signal line (input data line), and an input take-in signal line (signal line for input data read request). Is a set. One channel may include a ground wire or a terminal dedicated to the power source. Further, in this embodiment, a case where both data input and data output are performed using one channel is shown, but an output-dedicated channel in which only a terminal for a data line (output data line) and a clock signal line is set. May be used. Alternatively, an input-only channel in which only terminals for input signal lines (input data lines) and input take-in signal lines (input data read request signal lines) are set may be used.

  12 and 13 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of addresses given to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619. FIG. In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 stores the addresses of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 in a predetermined address storage area previously provided in the RAM.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605, an address 01 is assigned to the IC 611, and an address is assigned to the IC 612. 02 is given, address 03 is given to IC613, address 04 is given to IC614, and address 05 is given to IC615. Further, in the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601, the address 006 is assigned to the IC 616, the address 07 is given to the IC 617, the address 08 is given to the IC 618, and the IC 619 is given to the IC 619. Address 09 is given.

  The serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 may be given the same ID as the unique ID of the IC as an address, or may be given an address including numbers, characters, and symbols different from the unique ID of the IC. Good.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 whose address is 01 converts serial data into parallel data, and the LED of the top frame lamp of the game frame 11 (the top frame lamp 281a in this example). To 6 LEDs (281a to 281f) of .about.281l. The serial-parallel conversion IC 612 whose address is 02 converts the serial data into parallel data, and the LED of the ceiling frame lamp of the game frame 11 (in this example, the other six LEDs (281g to 281g to 280g). 281 l)). The serial-parallel conversion IC 613 whose address is 03 converts the serial data into parallel data and supplies the parallel data to the LEDs of the right frame lamp of the game frame 11 (in this example, 6 LEDs (283a to 283f)). Further, the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 whose address is 04 converts the serial data into parallel data, and supplies it to the LED of the left frame lamp of the game frame 11 (in this example, 6 LEDs (282a to 282f)).

  Further, the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 whose address is 05 converts the serial data into parallel data, and turns it into a plate lamp (four LEDs (82a to 82d) in this example) provided on the hitting ball supply tray 3 of the game frame 11. At the same time, it is supplied to an operation button lamp 83 (one lamp in this example) provided on the operation buttons 81a to 81e.

  Further, the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is 06 converts serial data into parallel data, and each movable member provided in the game board 6 (in this example, an accessory imitating the shape of a beam, a truck, and a skeleton) ) For driving the motor (in this example, three motors (151a, 152a, 153a) are respectively forward and reverse directions). The serial-parallel conversion IC 617 whose address is 07 converts serial data into parallel data, and each lamp of the decorative structure (center decoration) provided in the center of the game board 6 (in this example, six LEDs (125a To 125 f)). Further, the serial-parallel conversion IC 618 whose address is 08 converts serial data into parallel data, and supplies it to each stage lamp (in this example, six LEDs (126a to 126f)) provided around the variable display device 9. To do. The serial-parallel conversion IC 619 whose address is 09 converts serial data into parallel data, and the lamp LED (three LEDs (127a to 127c in this example) provided around the movable member (skeleton 153 in this example) is provided. )).

  In this embodiment, each input IC 620, 621 is also given an address in advance. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of addresses given to the input ICs 620 and 621. The production control microcomputer 100 stores the addresses of the input ICs 620 and 621 in a predetermined address storage area provided in advance in the RAM. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the address 10 is assigned to the input IC 620 mounted on the frame side IC board 605, and the address 11 is assigned to the input IC 621 mounted on the board side IC board 601. ing.

  Each input IC 620, 621 may be given the same ID as the unique ID of the IC as an address, or may be given an address including numbers, characters, and symbols different from the unique ID of the IC.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the input IC 620 whose address is 10, the detection signal of the operation buttons 81a to 81e provided in the game frame 11 (whether or not the operation buttons 81a to 81e themselves are turned on, the operation button 81a ˜81e) is inputted in parallel, converted into serial data, and outputted. Further, the input IC 621 whose address is 11 inputs the detection signals of the position sensors 151b, 152b, 153b (three in this example) provided on each movable member of the game board 6 in parallel and converts them into serial data. Output.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-619. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 include a data latch unit 651, a shift register 652, a header / address detection unit 653, a data buffer 655, and a sync driver 656.

  The data latch unit 651 includes, for example, a latch circuit. When serial data is input, the data latch unit 651 latches the input data bit by bit at the rising timing of the clock signal pulse and outputs the latched data to the shift register 652. The shift register 652 sequentially stores data input bit by bit from the data latch unit 651. The shift register 652 shifts stored data bit by bit at the rising timing of the pulse of the clock signal. By repeatedly shifting the stored data bit by bit as described above, the data finally input as serial data (that is, in a serial manner) is stored in the shift register 652.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the format of serial data output from the production control microcomputer 100. FIG. 16A shows a data format of serial data output as lamp lighting data for individually lighting or extinguishing the LEDs of each lamp provided in the game board 6 or the game frame 11. FIG. 16B shows a serial data format that is output as a reset command for resetting the LEDs of the respective lamps provided on the game board 6 and the game frame 11 to turn them all off.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the lamp lighting data is composed of 28 bits, and includes 9-bit header data, mark bits (M), 8-bit addresses, 8-bit data, and end bits (E). .

  The header data represents the head of the data, and is 1FF (h) in this example. The mark bit (M) is a bit (logical value 0 in this example) representing a data delimiter, and is inserted between the header data and the address and between the address and the data. The address is the address of the data-output destination serial-parallel conversion IC. An ID that is a unique serial number of each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 619 may be used as the address.

  The data (8 bits) is for controlling the lighting state of the LED of each lamp, and includes, for example, a logical value 1 as a bit corresponding to the LED of the lamp to be lit, Corresponding bits contain the logical value 0. The end bit (E) indicates the end of data, and has a logical value of 0 in this example.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, the reset command is composed of 19 bits and includes 9-bit header data, mark bits (M), 8-bit reset data, and end bits (E).

  The header data represents the head of the data, and is 1FF (h) in this example. The mark bit (M) is a bit (logical value 0 in this example) representing a data delimiter, and is inserted between the header data and the reset data. The reset data is for resetting the lighting states of the LEDs of the respective lamps so that all the lamps are extinguished. For example, the reset data is all data including the logical value 1. The end bit (E) indicates the end of data, and has a logical value of 0 in this example.

  In this embodiment, the lamp lighting data shown in FIG. 16A or the reset command shown in FIG. 16B is input, and the shift register 652 is repeatedly shifted bit by bit at the rising timing of the pulse of the clock signal. Will be stored.

  The header / address detector 653 detects the header and address from the data stored in the shift register 652. First, the header / address detection unit 653 constantly detects data from the shift register 652, and confirms whether or not the content of the detected data matches 1FF (h) corresponding to the header data. If it matches the header data (1FF (h)), it is determined that the position that matches the header data is the head of the data, and it is determined that one set of lamp lighting data or reset command is stored in the shift register 652. Next, the header / address detection unit 653 detects the 11th to 18th bits of data from the head corresponding to the address from the shift register 652, and whether or not it matches the address previously given to the serial-parallel conversion IC. To check. The board-side IC board 601 and the frame-side IC boards 602 to 605 are provided with, for example, an address storage register 654 that stores the address of the serial-parallel conversion IC to be mounted, and the header / address detector 653 What is necessary is just to confirm whether or not the address detected from the shift register 652 matches the address stored in the address storage register 654 in advance. If the addresses match, the header / address detection 653 determines that data destined for the serial-parallel conversion IC has been input, and outputs an input capture signal (latch signal) to the data buffer 655. If the addresses do not match, the header / address detection 653 does not output the input capture signal to the data buffer 655. That is, in this case, since the data is not destined for the serial-parallel conversion IC, the data stored in the shift register 652 is discarded without being output to the data buffer 655.

  15 shows a case where the address storage register 654 is provided in advance on the board side IC substrate 601 and each of the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605. However, instead of the address storage register 654, serial-parallel conversion is shown. An address is input from an external hardware circuit (for example, a circuit mounted on the production control board 80) via an address terminal (8 terminals (corresponding to each bit of an 8-bit address)) provided in the IC. You may make it do. Then, an address may be input to the serial-parallel conversion IC by controlling the input of each address terminal to high or low from the external hardware circuit side. In this case, for example, the external hardware circuit sets the input to the terminal to high by applying a voltage to the terminal corresponding to any bit of the address, or sets the input to the terminal to low by switching to the ground. Control to do.

  The data buffer 655 is constituted by, for example, a latch register. When an input capture signal is input from the header / address detector 653, the data of the 20th to 27th bits from the head corresponding to the data portion is captured from the shift register 652. Latch with. The data buffer 655 supplies (that is, outputs) the fetched data to the LEDs of each lamp as parallel data (Q0 to Q7).

  If the data stored in the shift register 652 is a reset command, the 11th to 18th bits from the beginning all store data having a logical value of 1. In this case, the data buffer 655 determines that a reset command has been input when all data having a logical value of 1 is fetched, and the LEDs of all the lamps are reset and turned off.

  The sync driver 656 inverts and outputs the logical value of the parallel data output from the data buffer 655 based on a predetermined logic inversion setting signal, or outputs it as it is. For example, when the predetermined logic inversion setting signal is High, the signal is turned on when the bit value of the parallel data output from the data buffer 655 is 1 (that is, the corresponding bit value of the lamp lighting data is 1), An ON signal is output to the LED of each lamp. In this embodiment, the set value of the logic inversion setting signal is set in advance in a register or the like provided on the panel side IC substrate 601 and each frame side IC substrate 602 to 605, and each lamp is set according to the set value set in advance. It is assumed that an ON signal is output to each of the LEDs and the LEDs of each lamp are lit.

  FIG. 17 is a timing diagram showing an example of the input timing of serial data and clock signals to the serial-parallel conversion IC and the output timing of parallel data. In FIG. 17, a case where lamp lighting data is input as a serial data method will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the serial data is input to the shift register 652 of the serial-parallel conversion IC in units of 1 bit in the order of header data, mark bits, addresses, mark bits, data, and end bits. The series of data is set as one set. The header / address detection unit 653 does not detect header data until one set of serial data (in this example, lamp lighting data) is completely input, so the output of the data buffer 655 does not change. Therefore, the lighting pattern based on the previously received serial data is output as it is as a parallel data system from the serial-parallel conversion IC.

  When all sets of serial data have been input, the data portion from the data stored in the shift register 652 is latched in the data buffer 655, and a lighting pattern based on the newly received serial data is output as a parallel data system. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, among the parallel data output from the serial-parallel conversion IC, Q0 and Q4 are the rising timing of the pulse of the next clock signal after completion of the serial data input. Immediately, the data is switched to new lighting pattern data. Q1 and Q5 are switched to new lighting pattern data with a delay of one clock from Q0 and Q4. Q2 and Q6 are switched to new lighting pattern data with a delay of two clocks from Q0 and Q4. Further, Q3 and Q7 are switched to new lighting pattern data with a delay of three clocks from Q0 and Q4.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of each of the input ICs 620 and 621. As shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, each input IC 620, 621 is composed of a plurality (eight in this example) of D flip-flops 661-668. In this embodiment, detection signals from the operation buttons 81a to 81e or the position sensors 151b, 152b, and 153b are input in parallel to the input ICs 620 and 621, and are input to one of the D flip-flops 661 to 668 for each detection signal. Entered. A clock signal is input to each of the D flip-flops 661 to 668, and each D flip-flop 661 to 668 sequentially performs a shift operation at the rising edge of the clock. The detection signals input in parallel are converted into serial data and output.

  An input capture signal (latch signal) is input to each of the D flip-flops 661 to 668 from the effect control microcomputer 100 at a predetermined timing. When an input capture signal is input, detection signals from the operation buttons 81a to 81e or the position sensors 151b, 152b, and 153b are latched by the D flip-flops 661 to 668, respectively. The latched detection signal is sequentially shifted at the rising edge of the clock and output as a serial data system.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 560 on the main board 31. When power is supplied to the gaming machine and power supply is started, the input level of the reset terminal to which the reset signal is input becomes high level, and the gaming control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) After executing a security check process, which is a process for confirming whether the contents of the program are valid, the main process after step S1 is started. In the main process, the CPU 56 first performs necessary initial settings.

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 transmits a power failure recovery designation command as an initialization command at the time of power supply recovery (step S43). Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

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

  In the initialization process, the CPU 56 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). The RAM clear process initializes predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) to 0, but is initialized to an arbitrary value or a predetermined value. You may make it do. Alternatively, the entire area of the RAM 55 may not be initialized, and predetermined data (for example, count value data of a counter for generating a big hit determination random number) may be left as it is. Further, the start address of the initialization setting table stored in the ROM 54 is set as a pointer (step S11), and the contents of the initialization setting table are sequentially set in the work area (step S12).

  By the processing in steps S11 and S12, for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol buffer, a total prize ball number storage buffer, a special symbol process flag, an award ball flag, a ball out flag, and a payout stop An initial value is set in a flag such as a flag for selectively performing processing according to the control state.

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

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

  Further, the CPU 56 executes random number circuit setting processing for initial setting of the random number circuit (step S14). For example, the CPU 56 performs setting according to the random number circuit setting program so as to cause the random number circuit to update the value of the random R. In the random number circuit setting process, the CPU 56 also executes a random number circuit confirmation process for confirming the state of the random number circuit. In the random number circuit confirmation process, the CPU 56 monitors a random number confirmation signal output from the random number circuit for a predetermined time. The random number confirmation signal is ON when the clock signal generation circuit built in the random number circuit normally outputs the internal clock signal, and otherwise (for example, when the level of the internal clock signal decreases) Will be off). If the CPU 56 detects the OFF state of the random number confirmation signal continuously for a predetermined time, the CPU 56 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit built in the game control microcomputer 560 and notifies the random circuit error of the main board 31. A process of transmitting a random number circuit error designation command for designating to the sub-board is executed. If the OFF state of the random number confirmation signal is not detected continuously for a predetermined time, the CPU 56 determines that the random number circuit is operating normally, and proceeds to step S15 as it is.

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

  When the execution of the initialization process (steps S10 to S15) is completed, the CPU 56 repeatedly executes the display random number update process (step S17) and the initial value random number update process (step S18) in the main process. When executing the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process, the interrupt disabled state is set (step S16). When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are finished, the interrupt enabled state is set. Set (step S19). In this embodiment, the display random number is a random number for determining the variation pattern, and the display random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number. The initial value random number update process is a process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is an initial count value such as a counter for generating a random number for determining whether or not to win a normal symbol (ordinary random number generation counter for normal symbol determination). It is a random number for determining the value. A game control process for controlling the progress of the game, which will be described later (the game control microcomputer 560 controls game devices such as a variable display device, a variable winning ball device, a ball payout device, etc. provided in the game machine itself. In the process of transmitting a command signal to be controlled by another microcomputer, or a game machine control process), the count value of the random number for determination per normal symbol is one round (the random number for determination per normal symbol is taken). When the value is incremented by the number of values between the minimum value and the maximum value of the possible values), an initial value is set in the counter.

  When the timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 56 executes the timer interrupt process in steps S20 to S36 shown in FIG. In the timer interrupt process, first, a power-off detection process for detecting whether or not a power-off signal is output (whether or not an on-state is turned on) is executed (step S20). The power-off signal is output when, for example, a voltage drop monitoring circuit mounted on the power supply board detects a drop in the voltage of the power supplied to the gaming machine. In the power-off detection process, when detecting that the power-off signal has been output, the CPU 56 executes a power supply stop process for saving necessary data in the backup RAM area. Next, detection signals from the gate switch 32a, the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, and 39a are input via the input driver circuit 58, These state determinations are performed (switch processing: step S21).

  Next, the CPU 56 executes display control processing for performing display control of the special symbol display 8, the normal symbol display 10, the special symbol hold storage display 18, and the normal symbol hold storage display 41 (step S22). For the special symbol display 8 and the normal symbol display 10, control for outputting a drive signal to each display is executed according to the contents of the output buffer set in steps S34 and S35.

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

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

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows.
(1) Random 1: Decide a special symbol's off symbol (stop symbol) (for determining off symbol)
(2) Random 2: Determines the special symbol stop symbol when generating a big hit (for big hit symbol determination)
(3) Random 3: Determine the variation pattern (variation time) of special symbols (for variation pattern determination)
(4) Random 4: Determines whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol (for normal symbol hit determination)
(5) Random 5: Random 4 initial value is determined (for determining random 4 initial value)

  In step S24 in the game control process shown in FIG. 20, the game control microcomputer 560 uses a counter for generating the jackpot symbol determination random number (2) and the random number for determination per regular symbol (4). Count up (add 1). That is, they are determination random numbers, and other random numbers are display random numbers or initial value random numbers. In addition, in order to improve a game effect, you may make it use random numbers other than the random number of said (1)-(5). In this embodiment, the big hit determination random number is a random number generated by the hardware (random number circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 560. The big hit determination random number is generated by the game control microcomputer 560 as the big hit determination random number. Software random numbers generated based on a program may be used.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol process processing (step S27). In the special symbol process, the corresponding symbol is executed in accordance with a special symbol process flag for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning award in a predetermined order. The CPU 56 updates the value of the special symbol process flag according to the gaming state.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a process of sending an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 (effect control command control process: step S29). In this embodiment, in step S29, the game control microcomputer 560 causes the MODE data or EXT data (MODE data to which the addresses of the transmission destination serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 are added) to form the effect control command. Alternatively, transmission control is performed by adding header data, mark bits, and end bits to (EXT data). The effect control command is converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 78 and transmitted to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77.

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

  Further, the CPU 56 performs prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on detection signals from the first start port switch 13a, the second start port switch 14a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a. Execute (Step S31). Specifically, the payout control is performed in accordance with winning detection based on any one of the first starting port switch 13a, the second starting port switch 14a, the count switch 23 and the winning port switches 29a, 30a, 33a, 39a being turned on. A payout control command (award ball number signal) indicating the number of winning balls is output to a payout control microcomputer mounted on the substrate 37. The payout control microcomputer drives the ball payout device 97 in accordance with a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls. In the prize ball process, a process for determining whether or not a prize ball error has occurred is also performed. For example, when there is a discrepancy between the set value of the number of prize balls and the actual number of payouts, the CPU 56 determines that a prize ball error has occurred, and causes the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 to Control is performed to transmit a prize ball error notification designation command designating notification of occurrence of a prize ball error.

  Further, the CPU 56 executes an error detection process based on the detection signal from the full switch, the ball break switch, and the door opening sensor 155 (step S32). Specifically, a full tank error notification designation command for designating notification to the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 that a full tank error has occurred in response to the detection signal of the full tank switch. Send. In addition, in response to a detection signal from the ball-out switch, a ball-out error notification designation command for designating notification to the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80 that a ball-out error has occurred. Send. In response to the detection signal of the door opening sensor 155, a door opening error notification designation command for designating that the door opening error has occurred is transmitted to the effect control microcomputer 100 mounted on the effect control board 80. To do.

  In this embodiment, a RAM area (output port buffer) corresponding to the output state of the output port is provided. However, the CPU 56 relates to on / off of the solenoid in the RAM area corresponding to the output state of the output port. The contents are output to the output port (step S33: output process).

  Further, the CPU 56 performs special symbol display control processing for setting special symbol display control data for effect display of the special symbol in the output buffer for setting the special symbol display control data according to the value of the special symbol process flag ( Step S34). For example, if the variation speed is 1 frame / 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set when the start flag set in the special symbol process is set, the CPU 56, for example, every 0.2 seconds passes. Then, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer is incremented by one. Further, the CPU 56 performs variable display of the special symbol on the special symbol display 8 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Further, the CPU 56 performs a normal symbol display control process for setting normal symbol display control data for effect display of the normal symbol in an output buffer for setting the normal symbol display control data according to the value of the normal symbol process flag ( Step S35). For example, when the start flag related to the variation of the normal symbol is set, the CPU 56 switches the display state (“◯” and “×”) for the variation rate of the normal symbol every 0.2 seconds until the end flag is set. With such a speed, the value of the display control data set in the output buffer (for example, 1 indicating “◯” and 0 indicating “x”) is switched every 0.2 seconds. Further, the CPU 56 outputs a normal signal on the normal symbol display 10 by outputting a drive signal in step S22 according to the display control data set in the output buffer.

  Thereafter, the interrupt permission state is set (step S36), and the process ends.

  With the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. The game control process corresponds to the processes in steps S21 to S35 (excluding step S30) in the timer interrupt process. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed by the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is performed by the main process. May be executed.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is a table in which a jackpot determination value to be compared with the random R is set. The jackpot determination determination table includes a normal jackpot determination table (see FIG. 22A) used in a normal state (a gaming state that is not a probability change state) and a probability change jackpot determination table (FIG. 22B) used in a probability change state. See). The numerical values described in the left column of FIGS. 22A and 22B are jackpot determination values. When the value of the random R matches any one of the jackpot determination values, the CPU 56 determines that the jackpot is to be made. The CPU 56 extracts the count value of the random number circuit at a predetermined time and uses the extracted value as the jackpot determination random value. If the jackpot determination random value matches the jackpot determination value shown in FIG. Is determined to be a big hit (probable big hit or normal big hit).

  The probability variation jackpot is a jackpot that shifts the gaming state after the jackpot game to a probability variation state in which there is a high probability of being determined to be a jackpot compared to the normal state. Usually, the big hit is a big hit that shifts the gaming state after the big hit game to a state that is not a probable change state. Note that the number of rounds in the case of a probable big hit and the normal big hit is larger than that in the case of a small hit and a sudden probable big hit, for example, 15 rounds.

  The small hit is a big hit in which the number of times of opening of the big winning opening is allowed up to two in the big hit gaming state. Note that when the small hit game ends, the gaming state does not shift to the probable change state. Suddenly probable jackpot is a jackpot where the number of times the big prize opening is allowed is 2 in the big hit gaming state, but the opening time of the big prize opening is extremely short, and the gaming state after the big hit game is shifted to the probable state It ’s a big hit. That is, in this embodiment, the number of rounds is the same between the sudden probability big hit and the small hit.

  In addition, in the big hit game of sudden probability change big hit, the number of rounds is smaller than that in the case of normal big hit and probability variable big hit, and the allowance opening allowance time of each round (for example, 29 seconds in the case of normal big hit and probability variable big hit) On the other hand, 0.5 seconds) is shorter than the case of the normal big hit and the probability variation big hit, but only the number of rounds may be reduced, or only the allowance opening allowance time may be shortened.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation pattern used in this embodiment. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the presentation control command has a 2-byte structure, the first byte represents MODE (command classification), and the second byte represents EXT (command type). In FIG. 23, “EXT” indicates EXT data of the second byte in the effect control command having a two-byte structure. “Variation time” indicates the variation time of the special symbol (variable display period of identification information).

  “Normal fluctuation” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode. “Normal fluctuation / shortening” is a fluctuation pattern without a reach mode and a fluctuation time shorter than “normal fluctuation”. “Normal reach” is a variation pattern that is accompanied by a reach mode but whose display result (stop symbol) does not become a big hit symbol. “Reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”. A different reach mode means that a different mode of change mode (speed, direction of rotation, etc.), a character image, or the like appears in the variable display device 9 in the reach change time (a period in which the reach effect is performed). The background design is different. For example, in “normal reach”, a reach mode is realized by only one type of change mode, whereas in “reach A”, a reach mode including a plurality of change modes having different speeds and directions of change is realized. Further, “reach A / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach A”, but reach variation time is shorter than “reach A”. “Reach A / Extension” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “Reach A”, but the reach variation time is longer than “Reach A”.

  “Reach B” is a fluctuation pattern having a reach mode different from “Normal reach” and “Reach A”. Further, “reach B / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach B”, but the reach variation time is shorter than “reach B”. “Reach B / extension” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach B”, but reach variation time is longer than “reach B”. “Reach C” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, and “reach B”. “Reach C / shortening” is a variation pattern having a reach manner similar to “reach C”, but reach variation time is shorter than “reach C”.

  “Super reach A” is a variation pattern having a reach mode different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C”. is there. “Super reach B” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “normal reach”, “reach A”, “reach B”, “reach C” and “super reach A”. This is a variation pattern. “Reach A / Accuracy” is a variation pattern having a reach form different from “Normal reach”, “Reach A”, “Reach B”, “Reach C”, “Super reach A” and “Super reach B”. It should be noted that the reach form of “reach A / accuracy” is a reach form similar to “reach A”.

  In this embodiment, in the case of a big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 is “reach A / shortening”, “reach A”, “reach B / shortening”, “reach B”, “reach C / shortening”. ", Reach C", "Super Reach A" or "Super Reach B". Further, in the case of a probable big hit, the game control microcomputer 560 is “reach A / extension”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C / shortening”, “reach C”, “super reach A” or “ Select "Super Reach B". In case of sudden big odds, select “Reach A / Random”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, the fluctuation pattern selected only in the case of the normal big hit, the fluctuation pattern selected only in the case of the probability big hit, and the normal big hit and the probability variable big hit can be selected. There are fluctuation patterns.

  In the short-time state, the fluctuation patterns of “normal fluctuation / shortening”, “reach A / shortening”, “reach B / shortening”, and “reach C / shortening” are selected. In the non-time-short state, other variation patterns are selected. However, the variation pattern of “reach A / accuracy” is used in both the short-time state and the non-short-time state.

  In this embodiment, when a big hit occurs and the big hit game ends, the gaming state becomes a short-time state thereafter until the execution of 100 special symbol changes (variable display) is completed. In addition, when variable display of a special symbol is started when variable display is finished, when it is decided to change to a probable change state when the special symbol variable display is started, the game state is changed into a probable change state when the big hit game is ended. To be migrated. If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation state is continued.

  After the transition to the probability changing state, the state of the probability changing state is short and the state is short until the execution of the variation (variable display) of 100 special symbols is completed. In addition, in the non-probability change state after the big hit game is over, the game state is changed to the normal state (the game state that is not the probability change state and not the short-time state) when the execution of 100 special symbol changes (variable display) is completed. Transition.

  Next, a method for sending a control command from the game control microcomputer 560 to the effect control microcomputer 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the effect control command is converted from parallel data to serial data by the serial output circuit 78 and transmitted from the main board 31 to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77.

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

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the format of the effect control command transmitted as the serial data method. As shown in FIG. 24, when transmitting the effect control command, the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) first adds header data and mark bits to MODE data (MODE data to which an address is added), Transmission control is performed by adding an end bit. Then, the serial output circuit 78 converts the MODE data to which the header data, the address, the mark bit, and the end bit are added into serial data, and transmits the serial data to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77. Next, the game control microcomputer 560 performs transmission control by adding header data, mark bits, and end bits to EXT data (EXT data with an address added). Then, the serial output circuit 78 converts the EXT data to which the header data, the address, the mark bit, and the end bit are added into serial data, and transmits the serial data to the effect control board 80 via the relay board 77.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560. In the example shown in FIG. 25, commands 8001 (H) to 800E (H) are effect control commands (variation) for designating a variation pattern of decorative symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to variable display of special symbols. Pattern command). The effect control command for designating the variation pattern is also a command for designating the start of variation. Therefore, when the production control microcomputer 100 receives any of the commands 8001 (H) to 800E (H), the variable display device 9 controls the variable display device 9 to start variable display of decorative symbols. In this embodiment, since the variable display of the special symbol and the variable display of the decorative symbol are synchronized (the variable display start time and the variable display end time are the same), the decorative pattern variation pattern (variation time) Determining also means determining the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol.

  The commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are effect control commands indicating whether or not to make a big hit and the type of the big hit game. The effect control microcomputer 100 determines the display result of the decorative symbols in response to the reception of the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H). Therefore, the commands 8C01 (H) to 8C05 (H) are referred to as display result specifying commands.

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

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

  Command 9F00 (H) is an effect control command (customer waiting demonstration designation command) for designating a customer waiting demonstration. The command 9F55 (H) is an effect control command (random number circuit error designation) for designating notification of a random number circuit error of the main board 31 when the occurrence of an abnormality in the random number circuit is detected in the random number circuit check process in the main process. Command).

  The commands A001 to A004 (H) are effect control commands for displaying the fanfare screen, that is, designating the start of the big hit game (big hit start designation command: fanfare designation command). The jackpot start designation commands include jackpot start 1 designation to jackpot start designation 4 designation commands depending on the type of jackpot. The command A1XX (H) is an effect control command (special command during opening of the big winning opening) indicating a display during the opening of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX. A2XX (H) is an effect control command (designation command after opening the big winning opening) indicating the closing of the big winning opening for the number of times (round) indicated by XX.

  Command A301 (H) displays a jackpot end screen, that is, specifies the end of the jackpot game and an effect control command (special jackpot end 1 designation command: ending) that specifies that the jackpot game is a non-probable big hit (usually a big hit) 1 designation command). Command A302 (H) is an effect control command for displaying the jackpot end screen, that is, the end of the jackpot game and specifying that it is a probable big hit (big hit end 2 designation command: ending 2 designation command). is there.

  Command D001 (H) is an effect control command (abnormal winning notification designation command) for instructing notification of abnormal winning.

  The command FF02 (H) notifies that a full tank error has occurred when the lower pan (the surplus ball receiving tray 4) is full (that is, when the full tank switch is turned on). This is an effect control command to be designated (full error notification designation command). The command FF01 (H) is an effect control command for designating cancellation of the full-tan error notification when the full-plate state of the lower pan is released (that is, when the full-tan switch is turned off). (Full tank error release specification command).

  The command FF04 (H) designates that when the game frame 11 is in an open state (that is, when a detection signal from the door open sensor 155 is detected), notification that a door open error has occurred is notified. This is a command (door opening error notification designation command). The command FF03 (H) is an effect control command (door opening error release specifying command) that specifies that the notification of the door opening error is released when the open state of the game frame 11 is released.

  Command FF06 (H) is an effect control command (out of ball) that specifies that a ball out error has occurred when the ball is out of state (that is, when the ball out switch is turned on). Error notification designation command). The command FF05 (H) is an effect control command (ball-out error cancel designation command) that designates releasing the notification of the ball-out error when the ball-out state is released.

  Command FF08 (H) is an effect control command (prize ball error notification designation command) for designating that a prize ball error has occurred when a prize ball error has occurred. The command FF07 (H) is an effect control command (prize ball error cancel designation command) that designates canceling the notification of the prize ball error when the prize ball error is canceled.

  The effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80 receives the above-described effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 mounted on the main board 31. Then, the display state of the variable display device 9 is changed according to the contents shown in FIG. 25, the display state of the lamp is changed, and the sound number data is output to the audio output board 70.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the transmission timing of the effect control command. As shown in FIG. 26, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits a change pattern command and a display result specifying command at the start of change. When the variable display time has elapsed, a symbol confirmation designation command is transmitted.

  Before transmitting the variation pattern command, a background designation command for designating a background image in the variable display device 9 according to the gaming state (for example, normal state / short time state / probability variation state) may be transmitted. Further, an effect control command indicating the number of reserved memories may be transmitted following the display result specifying command.

  FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 are flowcharts showing an example of a program of special symbol process (step S27) executed by the game control microcomputer 560 (specifically, the CPU 56) mounted on the main board 31. As described above, in the special symbol process, a process for controlling the special symbol display 8 and the special winning opening is executed. In the special symbol process, if the first start port switch 13a or the second start port switch 14a for detecting that a game ball has won the start winning port 13 is turned on, that is, a start winning is generated. If so, start port switch passage processing is executed (steps S311 and S312). Then, any one of steps S300 to S310 is performed.

  The processes in steps S300 to S310 are as follows.

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

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

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

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

  Special symbol stop process (step S304): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 4. The variable display on the special symbol display 8 is stopped and the stop symbol is derived and displayed. In addition, control for transmitting a symbol confirmation designation command to the effect control microcomputer 100 is performed. When the big hit flag is set and the small hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. If the small hit flag is set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (8 in this example) corresponding to step S308. If the big hit flag is not set, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300. The effect control microcomputer 100 controls the variable display device 9 to stop the decorative symbols when it receives the symbol confirmation designation command transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560.

  Preliminary winning opening opening process (step S305): This is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 5. In the pre-opening process for the big prize opening, control for opening the big prize opening is performed. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S306 (6 in this example). Note that the pre-opening process for the big winning opening is executed for each round, but when the first round is started, the pre-opening process for opening the big winning opening is also a process for starting the big hit game.

  Large winning opening opening process (step S306): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 6. A control for transmitting an effect control command for round display during the big hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the special prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (5 in this example) corresponding to step S305. When all the rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S307 (7 in this example).

  Big hit end process (step S307): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 7. Control for causing the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is performed. Also, a process for setting a flag (for example, a probability change flag) indicating the gaming state is performed. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  Small hit release pre-processing (step S308): This process is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 8. In the pre-opening process for small hits, control is performed to open the big prize opening. Specifically, a counter (for example, a counter that counts the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening) is initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the big prize opening. Also, the execution time of the special prize opening opening process is set by the timer, and the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S309 (9 in this example). It should be noted that although the pre-opening process for small hits is executed for each round, the pre-opening process for small hits is also a process for starting a small hit game when starting the first round.

  Small hit release processing (step S309): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 9. A control for transmitting an effect control command for a round display during the small hit gaming state to the effect control microcomputer 100, a process for confirming the completion of the closing condition of the big prize opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition for the big prize opening is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S308 (8 in this example). When all rounds are completed, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value corresponding to step S310 (in this example, 10 (decimal number)).

  Small hit end process (step S310): executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is 10. Control is performed to cause the microcomputer 100 for effect control to perform display control for notifying the player that the small hit gaming state has ended. Then, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to a value (0 in this example) corresponding to step S300.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the start port switch passing process in step S312. In the start port switch passing process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the reserved storage number is 4 which is the upper limit value (step S211). If the number of reserved memories is 4, the process is terminated.

  If the number of reserved memories is not 4, the value of the reserved memory number counter indicating the number of reserved memories is incremented by 1 (step S212). Further, the CPU 56 extracts software random numbers (counter value for generating a big hit symbol determination random number, etc.) and random R (big hit determination random number), and uses them as an extracted random number value of the reserved memory number counter. A process of storing in the storage area in the storage buffer corresponding to the value is executed (step S213). In step S213, the CPU 56 extracts random values 1 to 3 (see FIG. 21) as software random numbers, and extracts the random R by reading the count value of the random number circuit. In the reserved storage buffer, the same number of storage areas as the upper limit value of the number of reserved memories is secured. Further, a counter for generating a jackpot symbol determination random number and the like and a reserved storage buffer are formed in the RAM 55. “Formed in RAM” means an area in the RAM.

  30 and 31 are flowcharts showing the special symbol normal process (step S300) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol normal process, the CPU 56 confirms the value of the reserved storage number (step S51). Specifically, the count value of the pending storage number counter is confirmed. If the number of reserved memories is 0, the process is terminated.

  If the reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 56 reads out each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved memory number = 1 in the reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 55 and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 55 (step S52). Then, the value of the reserved memory number is decreased by 1 (the count value of the reserved memory number counter is decremented by 1), and the contents of each storage area are shifted (step S53). That is, each random number value stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the reserved storage number buffer of the RAM 55 is stored in the storage area corresponding to the reserved storage number = n−1. To store. Therefore, the order in which the random number values stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to the number of reserved memories is extracted always matches the order of the number of reserved memories = 1, 2, 3 and 4. Yes.

  Then, the CPU 56 reads a random R (a jackpot determination random number) from the random number buffer area (step S61), and executes a jackpot determination module (step S62). The big hit judgment module compares the big hit judgment value (see Fig. 22) determined in advance with the big hit judgment random number, and if they match, the big hit (normal big hit, probability variation big hit or sudden probability variation big hit) or small hit This is a program for executing the process to be determined.

  Note that, when the gaming state is in the probability variation state, the CPU 56 uses the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 22B is set, and the gaming state is in the normal state (non-probability variation state). Is, the jackpot determination value in the table in which the jackpot determination value as shown in FIG. 22A is set is used. If it is determined to be a big hit (step S63), the process proceeds to step S81. Note that deciding whether or not to make a big hit means deciding whether or not to shift to the big win gaming state, but deciding whether or not to make the stop symbol in the special symbol display 8 a big hit symbol. It is also a thing.

  If it is decided not to win, the CPU 56 reads out the design symbol random number from the random number buffer area (step S64), and determines the stop symbol based on the design symbol random number (step S65). In this case, an off symbol (for example, any of even symbols) is determined.

  Further, when the time reduction flag indicating the time reduction state is set (step S66), the value of the time reduction counter indicating the number of times the special symbol can be changed in the time reduction state is decremented by 1 (step S67). When the value of the time reduction counter becomes 0, a time reduction end flag is set in order to shift the gaming state to the non-time reduction state when the variable display ends (steps S68 and S69). Then, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S81, the CPU 56 sets a big hit flag. Then, the big hit symbol determining random number is read from the random number buffer area (step S82), and the big hit symbol (for example, one of the odd symbols) as the stop symbol is determined based on the big hit symbol determining random number (step S83). Here, the stop symbol is determined without distinguishing between the probable big hit and the normal big hit.

  Next, the CPU 56 sets a probability variation jackpot flag if it is determined to be a probability variation jackpot (steps S84 and S85). If it is determined that the sudden probability change big hit is suddenly set, the sudden probability change big hit flag is set (steps S86 and S87). If it is determined to be a small hit, a small hit flag is set (steps S88 and S89). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern setting process (step S301) (step S90). When the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big hit flag is set, the gaming state is shifted to the probability changing state when the big hit game is finished.

  In this embodiment, whether or not to make a big hit and the type of jackpot are determined based on the big hit determination random number (see FIG. 22), but the big hit is determined based on the big hit determination random number. When a predetermined jackpot symbol (predetermined probability variation jackpot symbol or sudden probability variation jackpot symbol) is determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol when it is determined to be a jackpot You may make it control to a probability change state.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the variation pattern setting process (step S301) in the special symbol process. In the variation pattern setting process, the CPU 56 reads the variation pattern determination random number from the random number buffer area (step S100). Then, the variation pattern is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number (step S101).

  Here, when the gaming state is the non-time saving state and it is determined to be out of play, “normal variation” or “normal reach” is selected (see FIG. 23). If the gaming state is a non-time-saving state and it is determined to be a big hit, “reach A”, “reach A / extension”, “reach B”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C” ”,“ Super Reach A ”,“ Super Reach B ”or“ Reach A · Accuracy ”(see FIG. 23). When it is determined to be a promising big hit out of the big hits, “reach A / extension”, “reach B / extension”, “reach C”, “super reach A” or “super reach B” is selected. In addition, when it is determined that the sudden probability change is a big hit, “reach A / accuracy” is selected. If it is determined to be a big hit (including the case where it is determined to be a small hit) among the big hits (including the case where it is determined to be a small hit), “ Select Reach A, Reach B, Reach C, or Super Reach A.

  When the game state is the short time state and it is determined to be out of play, “normal variation / shortening” is selected (see FIG. 23). If the gaming state is a short-time state and it has been decided to win the game, select “Reach A / Shorten”, “Reach B / Short”, “Reach C / Short” or “Reach A / Success” Select (see FIG. 23). When it is determined to be a promising big hit out of the big hits, “reach C / shortening” is selected. When it is decided to suddenly change the probability big hit, select “reach A / accuracy”. When it is determined that the big hit is usually a big hit (including the case where it is decided to be a small hit), “reach A / shortening”, “reach B / shortening” or “reach C”・ Select “Short”.

  In order to facilitate the selection as described above, a variation pattern table is used according to the game state (whether or not it is a short-time state) and the determination result of whether or not to make a big hit (rejected and big hit types, respectively) . The variation pattern table is stored in the ROM 54, but is prepared according to the gaming state and the determination result as to whether or not to win. In each variation pattern table, data indicating a variation pattern that can be selected and a numerical value corresponding to the data are set. Then, the CPU 56 selects a variation pattern table according to the gaming state and the determination result as to whether or not to win, and corresponds to a numerical value that matches the value of the variation pattern determination random number in the selected variation pattern table. Select a variation pattern. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 560 selects the variation pattern depending on whether or not the jackpot has already been determined and whether or not the probability variation jackpot is set.

  Then, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a variation pattern command (see FIG. 23) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in step S101 to the effect control microcomputer 100 (step S103). Specifically, when the CPU 56 transmits an effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100, the address of the command transmission table (preliminarily set for each command in the ROM) corresponding to the effect control command is used as a pointer. set. And the address of the command transmission table according to an effect control command is set to a pointer, and an effect control command is transmitted in an effect control command control process (step S29).

  Moreover, the variation of the special symbol is started (step S104). For example, a start flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S34 is set. Further, a value corresponding to the variation time (see FIG. 23) corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the variation time timer formed in the RAM 55 (step S105). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302) (step S106).

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the display result specifying command transmission process (step S302). In the display result specifying command transmission processing, the CPU 56 performs any one of the display control 1 designation to the display result 5 designation according to the determined big hit type (including the small win) (see FIG. 25). Control to send. Specifically, the CPU 56 first checks whether or not the big hit flag (which is also set when the small hit is determined) is set (step S110). If not set, control is performed to transmit a display result 1 designation command (step S111). When the big hit flag is set, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, control for transmitting the display result 4 designation command is performed (steps S112 and S113). When the sudden probability big hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 5 designation command is performed (steps S114 and S115). When the small hit flag is set, control for transmitting a display result 3 designation command is performed (steps S116 and S117). When none of the probability variation big hit flag, sudden probability variation big hit flag, and small hit flag is set, control is performed to transmit a display result 2 designation command (step S118). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol changing process (step S303) (step S119).

  FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process (step S303) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol changing process, the CPU 56 decrements the variable time timer by 1 (step S121), and when the variable time timer times out (step S122), the value of the special symbol process flag corresponds to the special symbol stop process (step S304). The updated value is updated (step S123). If the variable time timer has not timed out, the process ends.

  FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the special symbol stop process (step S304) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 56 sets an end flag referred to in the special symbol display control process in step S34 to end the variation of the special symbol, and performs control for deriving and displaying the stop symbol on the special symbol display 8. (Step S131). Moreover, control which transmits the symbol determination designation | designated command to the microcomputer 100 for production control is performed (step S132). When the big hit flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S146 (step S133).

  When the jackpot flag is set, the CPU 56 performs control to transmit a jackpot start designation command (step S135). Specifically, when the probability variation big hit flag is set, a big hit start 3 designation command is transmitted, and when the probability variation big hit flag is suddenly set, a big hit start 4 designation command is transmitted. If it is set, a jackpot start 2 designation command is transmitted. Otherwise, a jackpot start 1 designation command is transmitted.

  Further, a value corresponding to the big hit display time (time for notifying the occurrence of the big hit in the variable display device 9, for example) is set in the big hit display time timer (step S136). If the small hit flag is set, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308) (steps S137 and S138). If the small hit flag is not set, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the big prize opening (step S305) (step S139). The case where the small hit flag is not set is a case where the normal big hit, the probability variation big hit or the sudden probability variation big hit is determined.

  In step S146, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the time reduction end flag is set. If the time saving end flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S149. If the time reduction end flag is set, the time reduction end flag is reset (step S147), and the time reduction flag indicating that the gaming state is the time reduction state is reset (step S148). Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S149).

  The time reduction end flag is set in step S69 in the special symbol normal process. In addition, the gaming state shifts to a non-time saving state by resetting the time saving flag. At this stage, if the gaming state is a probability variation state, the gaming state becomes a probability variation state of a non-short-time state. On the other hand, if it is in the non-probable change state, it shifts to a normal state (a state that is not in the probabilistic change state and is not in the time-short state).

  In the big winning opening opening pre-processing, when the big hit display time timer is set, the CPU 56 controls to open the big winning opening when the big hit display time timer times out, and sets the big winning opening opening time timer. Set a value corresponding to the opening time (for example, 29 seconds for normal big hits and probable big hits, and 0.5 seconds for sudden big odds), and the special symbol process flag value is processed while the big prize opening is open The value is updated to a value corresponding to (Step S306). The case where the big hit display time timer is set is the case before the start of the first round. When the interval timer (timer for determining the interval time between rounds) is set, when the interval timer times out, control is performed to open the big prize opening and the opening time ( For example, a value corresponding to 29 seconds is set for a normal big hit and a probable big hit, and a value corresponding to 0.5 seconds is set for a sudden probable big hit, and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a process for opening a big winning opening (step S306). ) To a value corresponding to.

  In the process during opening of the big prize opening, the CPU 56 does not finish the final round when the big prize opening time timer times out or the number of winning balls to the big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10). In this case, control for closing the special winning opening is performed, a value corresponding to the interval time is set in the interval timer, and the value of the special symbol process flag is set to a value corresponding to the pre-opening process for the special winning opening (step S305). Update. When the final round is completed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end process (step S307).

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the jackpot end process (step S307) in the special symbol process. In the jackpot end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the jackpot end display timer is set (step S150). If the jackpot end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S154. If the jackpot end display timer is not set, the jackpot flag is reset (step S151), and control for transmitting a jackpot end designation command is performed (step S152). Here, if the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation bonus flag is set, a jackpot end 2 designation command is transmitted, and if the probability variation jackpot flag or the sudden probability variation bonus flag is not set, the jackpot end 1 designation is specified. Send a command. Then, a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the jackpot end display is performed on the variable display device 9 (the jackpot end display time) is set in the jackpot end display timer (step S153), and the processing is ended.

  In step S154, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end display time has elapsed (step S155). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the time reduction flag is set to shift the gaming state to the time reduction state (step S156), and 100 is set in the time reduction counter (step S157).

  Then, it is confirmed whether or not the probability variation big hit flag or the sudden probability variation big flag is set (step S158). If the probability variation big hit flag or sudden probability variation big win flag is set, the set flag (probability big hit flag or sudden probability variation big flag) is reset (step S159), the probability variation flag is set and the gaming state is set. The state is changed to a certain change state (step S161). If the gaming state at that time is a probability variation state, the probability variation flag has already been set. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S162).

  In the pre-opening process for small hits in step S308, the same process as the pre-opening process for the big prize opening (step S305) is performed. However, instead of updating the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the large winning opening opening process, the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit opening process. Further, in the small hit opening process in step S309, the same process as the big prize opening opening process (step S306) is performed. However, if it is not the final round, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit release pre-processing (step S308), and if it is the final round (second round), the value of the special symbol process flag Is updated to a value corresponding to the small hit end process (step S310).

  FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the small hit end process (step S310) in the special symbol process. In the small hit end process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the small hit end display timer is set (step S170). If the small hit end display timer is set, the process proceeds to step S174. When the big hit end display timer is not set, the big hit flag and the small hit flag are reset (steps S171A and S171B), and control for transmitting the big hit end 1 designation command is performed (step S172). Then, the small hit end display timer sets a value corresponding to the display time corresponding to the time during which the small hit end display is performed on the variable display device 9 (small hit end display time) in the small hit end display timer ( Step S173), the process is terminated.

  In step S174, 1 is subtracted from the value of the small hit end display timer. Then, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the value of the small hit end display timer is 0, that is, whether or not the small hit end display time has elapsed (step S175). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the special symbol normal process (step S300) (step S176).

  FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the abnormal winning notification process in step S23. In the abnormal winning notification process, the CPU 56 checks whether or not the abnormal notification prohibition flag is set (step S581). The abnormality notification prohibition flag is set in the main process that is executed when power supply to the gaming machine is started (see step S44 in FIG. 19). When the abnormality notification prohibition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S585. If the abnormality notification prohibition flag is set, the value of the prohibition period timer set in step S45 is decremented by 1 (step S582). When the value of the prohibition period timer becomes 0, that is, when the prohibition period timer times out, the abnormality notification prohibition flag is reset (steps S583 and S584).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more (step S585). The state where the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more is a state where a big hit game or a small hit game is being played. In such a state, there is a possibility that a game ball will win the big winning opening, so it is not confirmed that an abnormal winning has occurred in the big winning opening. That is, if the value of the special symbol process flag is 5 or more, the abnormal winning notification process is terminated.

  If the value of the special symbol process flag is less than 5 (a state where neither big hit game nor small hit game is played), the CPU 56 loads the contents of the switch-on buffer into the register (step S586). Then, the logical product of the content of the loaded switch-on buffer and the count switch input bit determination value (for example, 02 (H)) is calculated (step S587). When the content of the switch-on buffer is 02 (H), that is, when the count switch 23 is on, the logical product operation result is 02 (H). When the count switch 23 is not turned on, the operation result of the logical product is 0 (00 (H)).

  If the result of the logical product is not 0, it is determined that an abnormal winning at the special winning opening has occurred, and control is performed to transmit an abnormal winning notification designation command to the effect control board 80 (steps S588 and S589).

  When the count switch 23 is turned on in a state where neither a big hit game nor a small hit game is performed by the above processing, an abnormal winning notification designation command is transmitted. In addition, the process of steps S581 to S583 prohibits the start of abnormality notification when the effect control microcomputer 100 is performing initialization notification. The production control microcomputer 100 continues to execute the initialization notification until the period corresponding to the prohibition period has elapsed since the start of the initialization notification.

Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described.
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the effect control CPU 101) mounted on the effect control board 80. The effect control CPU 101 starts executing the main process when the power is turned on. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (step S701). .

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

  In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 first analyzes the received effect control command and executes a process of setting a flag according to the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes effect control process processing (step S705). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the variable display device 9 is executed. In addition, a random number update process for updating a counter value of a counter for generating a predetermined random number (for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol) is executed (step S706). Moreover, the notification control process process which performs notification using an effect device such as the variable display device 9 is executed (step S707). Furthermore, the serial input / output process which outputs the data set by the command analysis process, the effect control process process, and the notification control process process to the serial output circuit 353, and reads the data received from the input ICs 620 and 621 from the serial input circuit 354. Is executed (step S708). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command reception buffer for storing the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 of the main board 31. In this example, a command reception buffer in the form of a ring buffer capable of storing six 2-byte effect control commands is used. Therefore, the command reception buffer is configured by a 12-byte area of reception command buffers 1 to 12. A command reception number counter indicating in which area the received command is stored is used. The command reception number counter takes a value from 0 to 11. The ring buffer format is not necessarily required.

  The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 560 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal, and is stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 25) the effect control command stored in the buffer area is.

  41 to 43 are flowcharts showing specific examples of command analysis processing (step S704). The effect control command received from the main board 31 is stored in the reception command buffer, but in the command analysis process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms the content of the command stored in the command reception buffer.

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

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

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

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

  If the received effect control command is one of the jackpot start 1-4 designation commands (step S623), the effect control CPU 101 sets the jackpot start 1-4 designation command reception flag (step S624).

  If the received presentation control command is a power-on designation command (initialization designation command) (step S631), the presentation control CPU 101 displays an initial screen on the variable display device 9 indicating that the initialization process has been executed. Control is performed (step S632A). The initial screen includes an initial display of predetermined production symbols. Also, an initial notification flag is set (step S632B), and a RAM clear flag is set (step S632C).

  If the received effect control command is a power failure recovery designation command (step S633), a predetermined power failure recovery screen (screen for displaying information notifying the player that the gaming state is continuing) is displayed. Display control is performed (step S634), and an initial notification flag is set (step S635).

  If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 1 designation command (step S641), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag (step S642). If the received effect control command is a jackpot end 2 designation command (step S643), the effect control CPU 101 sets a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag (step S644).

  If the received effect control command is an abnormal prize notification designation command (step S645), the effect control CPU 101 sets an abnormal prize notification designation command reception flag (step S646).

  If the received effect control command is a random number circuit error designation command (step S647), the effect control CPU 101 sets a random number circuit error flag (step S648).

  If the received production control command is a full tank error release designation command (step S649), the production control CPU 101 resets the full tank error notification flag set in step S652 described later and sets an error notification release flag ( Step S650).

  If the received production control command is a full tank error notification designation command (step S651), the production control CPU 101 sets a full tank error notification flag (step S652).

  If the received effect control command is a door opening error release designation command (step S653), the effect control CPU 101 resets the door opening error notification flag set in step S656, which will be described later, and sets the error notification cancellation flag. (Step S654).

  If the received effect control command is a door opening error notification designation command (step S655), the effect control CPU 101 sets a door opening error notification flag (step S656).

  If the received effect control command is a ball break error release designation command (step S657), the effect control CPU 101 resets the ball break error notification flag set in step S660, which will be described later, and sets the error notification cancel flag. (Step S658).

  If the received effect control command is a ball-out error notification designation command (step S659), the effect control CPU 101 sets a ball-out error notification flag (step S660).

  If the received effect control command is a prize ball error release designation command (step S661), the effect control CPU 101 resets the prize ball error notification flag set in step S664 described later and sets the error notification release flag. (Step S662).

  If the received effect control command is a prize ball error notification designation command (step S663), the effect control CPU 101 sets a prize ball error notification flag (step S664).

  If the received effect control command is another command, the effect control CPU 101 sets a flag corresponding to the received effect control command (step S665). Then, control goes to a step S611.

  FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S800 to S806 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

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

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

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

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

  Big hit display processing (step S804): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the variable display device 9 of the occurrence of the big hit. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805).

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

  Big hit end processing (step S806): In the variable display device 9, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800).

  FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the variation pattern command reception waiting process, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the variation pattern command reception flag is set (step S811). If the variation pattern command reception flag is set, the variation pattern command reception flag is reset (step S812). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) (step S813).

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation start process (step S801) in the effect control process shown in FIG. In the decorative symbol variation start process, the effect control CPU 101 reads data indicating the variation pattern command from the variation pattern command storage area (step S816).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the display result specifying command reception flag is set (step S817). If the display result specifying command reception flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S830. When the display result specifying command reception flag is set, the display result (stop symbol) of the decorative symbol is displayed according to the data stored in the display result specifying command storage area (that is, the received display result specifying command). Determination is made (step S818).

  FIG. 47 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a decorative symbol stop symbol in the variable display device 9. In the example shown in FIG. 47, when the received display result specifying command indicates a normal jackpot (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 2 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the stop design as a stop symbol. A combination of decorative symbols in which the left middle right symbol is an even symbol (usually a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a big hit) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 4 designation command), the effect control CPU 101 uses the left middle right symbol as an odd symbol as an odd symbol. A combination of decorative symbols arranged in accordance with (a stop symbol reminiscent of occurrence of a probable big hit) is determined. When the received display result specifying command indicates a small hit or suddenly probable big hit (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 3 specifying command or a display result 5 specifying command), the presentation control CPU 101 A combination of “135” (a stop symbol reminiscent of the occurrence of a small hit or suddenly probable big hit) is determined as the left middle right decorative symbol as the stop symbol. In the case of a loss (when the received display result specifying command is a display result 1 designation command), a combination of decorative symbols other than the above is determined. However, when a reach effect is involved, a combination of decorative symbols with left and right aligned is determined. The combination of the left, middle and right decorative symbols derived and displayed on the variable display device 9 is the “stop symbol” of the decorative symbol.

  The effect control CPU 101 extracts, for example, a random number for determining a stop symbol, and uses a stop symbol determination table in which data indicating a combination of decorative symbols and a numerical value are associated with each other to generate a stop symbol for the decorative symbol. decide. That is, the stop symbol is determined by selecting data indicating a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to a numerical value that matches the extracted random number.

  As for the decorative symbol, a stop symbol that recalls a big hit is called a big hit symbol. In addition, a stop symbol reminiscent of a probable big hit is called a probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol reminiscent of a normal big hit is called a normal big hit symbol. A stop symbol that suddenly recalls a probable big hit is called a sudden probable big hit symbol, and a stop symbol that recalls a small hit is called a small hit symbol. And a stop symbol that reminds of a loss is called a loss symbol.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 resets the display result specifying command reception flag (step S819). Next, a process table corresponding to the variation pattern is selected (step S833). Then, the process timer in the process data 1 of the selected process table is started (step S834).

  FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of the process table. The process table is a table in which process data referred to when the effect control CPU 101 executes control of the effect device is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 controls effect devices (effect components) such as the variable display device 9 in accordance with the data set in the process table. In this embodiment, a process table for error notification (error notification process table) used when various types of error notification are performed is prepared separately from the process table used for normal game effects shown in FIG. ing. Details of the error notification process table will be described later.

  The process table includes data in which a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, display control execution data, lamp control execution data, and sound number data are collected. The display control execution data includes data indicating each variation mode constituting the variation mode during the variable display time (variation time) of the variable display of the decorative symbols. Specifically, data relating to the change of the display screen of the variable display device 9 is described. The process timer set value is set with a change time in the form of the change. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process table and performs control to display the decorative pattern in the variation mode set in the display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value.

  The process table shown in FIG. 48 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. A process table is prepared for each variation pattern.

  FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of lamp control contents executed in response to process data (including error notification process data) when each production control command is received. As shown in FIG. 49, for example, the effect control CPU 101 receives the jackpot end 1 designation command and sets the game state to the normal state, and the LEDs 125a to 125f of the center decoration lamps on the game board 6 and the stage Control is performed so that only the LEDs 126a to 126f of the lamp are lit. Then, while the gaming state is the normal state, an effect is made such that only the LED 125a to 125f of the center decoration lamp and the LEDs 126a to 126f of the stage lamp on the gaming board 6 are lit.

  In addition, for example, when the game control CPU 101 receives a jackpot end 2 designation command and changes the gaming state to a probable change state, the center decoration lamp LEDs 125 a to 125 f and the stage lamp LEDs 126 a to 126 f on the gaming board 6. In addition to the lighting, the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of each lamp (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side are controlled to blink at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1 second). While the game state is in the probable state, in addition to the lighting of the center decoration LEDs 125a to 125f and the stage lamps LEDs 126a to 126f on the game board 6, each lamp on the game frame 11 side (excluding the dish lamp) The LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f are flashed at predetermined time intervals (for example, 1 second).

  Further, for example, when the big hit start designation command is received and the big hit is made, the effect control CPU 101 blinks the center decoration lamps 125a to 125f and the stage lamps LEDs 126a to 126f on the game board 6, An effect is made such that the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of each lamp (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side are blinked at a time interval (for example, 0.5 seconds) faster than the probability variation state. By performing such an effect, compared to when the gaming state is in the probable state, by flashing more lamps at a faster time interval than in the probable state, compared to when in the promising state when the big hit occurs Can produce a more flashy impression.

  Further, for example, when the CPU 101 for effect control receives an initialization designation command and performs initialization notification and RAM clear notification, the LEDs 281a to 281l of the respective lamps (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side. , 282a to 282f and 283a to 283f are performed. In addition, when the CPU 101 for effect control receives, for example, a random number circuit error designation command and notifies the random number circuit error, the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 280a of each lamp (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side. An effect is made to light up the lights 282f and 283a to 283f. In addition, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 receives an abnormal winning notification designation command and performs abnormal winning notification, the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f of the respective lamps (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side are provided. An effect of blinking 283a to 283f is performed. In addition, for example, the production control CPU 101 receives a full tank error notification designation command and performs an effect of blinking the pan lamps 82a to 82d when performing full tank error notification. For example, when the CPU 101 for effect control receives a door opening error designation command and issues a door opening error notification, the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 282f of the respective lamps (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side. , 283a to 283f are flashed. In addition, for example, the effect control CPU 101 receives an out-of-ball error designation command and performs an effect of blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l of the top frame lamps on the game frame 11 side when notifying the out-of-ball error. In addition, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 receives a prize ball error designation command and issues a prize ball error notification, the effect control CPU 101 performs an effect of blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l of the top frame lamps on the game frame 11 side.

  Then, the CPU 101 for effect control indicates an abnormality notification flag indicating that an abnormal winning notification is being made and other error flags (RAM clear flag, random number circuit error flag, full tank error notification flag, door opening error notification flag, ball Production device (variable display device as production component) according to the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1 and sound number data 1) on condition that the cut error notification flag and the prize ball error notification flag) are not set 9 and the control of the speaker 27 as a production component (steps S835A, S835B). For example, in order to display an image corresponding to the variation pattern on the variable display device 9, a command is output to the VDP 109. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the voice synthesizing IC 173 in order to perform voice output from the speaker 27.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing to control various lamps as effect components in accordance with the lamp control execution data 1 (step S835C). For example, when the gaming state is the normal state, the effect control CPU 101 supplies lamp control signals for lighting only the center decoration lamps 125a to 125f and the stage lamps LEDs 126a to 126f to a predetermined data storage area. set. When the gaming state is a probable change state, the LED 125a to 125f of the center decoration lamp and the LEDs 126a to 126f of the stage lamp are turned on, and all the lamps provided on the gaming frame 11 side (excluding the dish lamp) Lamp control signals for lighting the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f are set in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S835C is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

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

  When the abnormality notification flag or the other error flag is set, the rendering device is controlled in accordance with the contents of the process data 1 excluding the sound number data 1 and the lamp control execution data 1 (steps S835A and S835D). That is, when the abnormality notification flag or other error flag is set, when a new variable display of a decorative design is started, a sound effect and a display effect by a lamp corresponding to the variable display are executed. Rather than an abnormal winning notification and various error notifications (RAM clear notification, random number circuit error notification, full tank error notification, door open error notification, ball runout error notification, winning ball error notification) and sound display and lamp display The production continues.

  In addition, when performing the process of step S835D, the CPU 101 for effect control does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data 1 to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. That is, the display at that time on the variable display device 9 (notification of abnormal winning, notification of full tank error, notification of random circuit error) and the image of the display effect of variable display of the decorative symbols are variable at the same time. Control is performed so that the image is displayed on the display device 9. That is, when the abnormality notification flag and other error flags are set, when a new variable display of a decorative design is started, only the display effect according to the variable display is not executed. Notifications according to abnormal winning notifications and various error notifications are also continued.

  Then, a value corresponding to the variation time specified by the variation pattern command is set in the variation time timer (step S836), and the value of the effect control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation process (step S802). (Step S837).

  In step S830, it is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal big hit and a probable big hit is received. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, the fluctuation pattern commands of “reach C / shortening”, “reach C”, and “super reach A” are used both in the normal big hit and the probable big hit. This is a variable pattern command. Therefore, the CPU 101 for effect control receives the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit when the data indicating those fluctuation pattern commands is stored in the fluctuation pattern command storage area. It is determined that When it is determined that the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received, the effect control CPU 101 determines the stop symbol as the normal big hit symbol (step S832). Also, if it is determined that a variation pattern command other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal big hit and a probable big hit is received, the stop symbol is combined with a decorative symbol corresponding to the received variation pattern. (Step S831). In this embodiment, a variation pattern command other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both a normal jackpot and a probable variation jackpot is used at the time of losing or is used according to the type of jackpot ( (See FIG. 23). Therefore, when the variation control command 101 other than the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received, the effect control CPU 101 determines the deviation based on the received variation pattern command. Whether or not a big hit (including a small hit) is determined, and if it is determined to be a big hit, the type of the big hit can be specified.

  In this way, the effect control microcomputer 100 receives the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit, and when the display result specifying command cannot be received, Since the display result (stop symbol) is determined to be a normal jackpot symbol, it is possible to make the player recognize whether or not a specific gaming state occurs even if the display result specifying command cannot be received. In addition, by including information that can specify the decorative pattern display result in the variation pattern command, the effect control microcomputer 100 can display the display result identification command without using a command other than the variation pattern command and the display result identification command. Since the display result of the decorative design can be determined even if it cannot be received, the types of commands transmitted by the game control microcomputer 560 do not increase, and as a result, the control burden on the game control microcomputer 560 does not increase.

  FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing the decorative symbol variation process (step S802) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation process, the effect control CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the process timer (step S841) and subtracts 1 from the value of the variation time timer (step S842). When the process timer times out (step S843), the process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the process table is set in the process timer (step S844).

  Also, the abnormality notification flag and other error flags (RAM clear flag, random number circuit error flag, full tank error notification flag, door opening error notification flag, ball out error notification flag, prize ball error notification flag) are not set. As a condition, the control state for the rendering device is changed based on the display control execution data and sound number data set next (steps S845A and S845B).

  In step S845B, the effect control CPU 101 outputs a command to the VDP 109 in order to display an image corresponding to the variation pattern on the variable display device 9, for example. In addition, a control signal (sound number data) is output to the voice synthesizing IC 173 in order to perform voice output from the speaker 27.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing in order to control various lamps as effect components in accordance with the lamp control execution data (step S845C). For example, when the gaming state is the normal state, the effect control CPU 101 supplies lamp control signals for lighting only the center decoration lamps 125a to 125f and the stage lamps LEDs 126a to 126f to a predetermined data storage area. set. When the gaming state is a probable change state, the LED 125a to 125f of the center decoration lamp and the LEDs 126a to 126f of the stage lamp are turned on, and all the lamps provided on the gaming frame 11 side (excluding the dish lamp) Lamp control signals for lighting the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f are set in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S845C is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  When the abnormality notification flag or other error flag is set, the process data i (i is any one of 2 to n) (except for the sound number data i and the lamp control execution data i). Control of the rendering device is executed (steps S845A and S845D). Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag or other error flag is set, the sound effect and the display effect by the lamp according to the variable display of the decorative design are not executed, but the abnormal winning notification and various error notifications are performed. Sound output corresponding to (RAM clear notification, random number circuit error notification, full tank error notification, door opening error notification, ball outage error notification, prize ball error notification) and the display effect by the lamp are continued.

  In addition, when the process of step S845D is performed, the CPU 101 for effect control does not simply output a command based on the display control execution data i to the VDP 109, but also outputs a command for performing “superimposed display” to the VDP 109. . Therefore, when the abnormality notification flag or other error flag is set, not only the display effect according to the variable display of the decorative design is executed, but the notification according to the abnormal winning notification or various error notifications is performed. Will continue.

  If the variation time timer has timed out (step S846), the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) (step S848). Even if the variable time timer has not timed out, if the confirmation command reception flag indicating that the symbol confirmation designation command has been received is set (step S847), the process proceeds to step S848. Even if the fluctuation time timer has not timed out, if the design confirmation designation command is received, the process shifts to control to stop fluctuation.For example, a fluctuation pattern command indicating a long fluctuation time due to noise between boards is received Even in such a case, the variation of the decorative symbol can be terminated when the regular variation time has elapsed (when the variation of the special symbol has ended).

  FIG. 51 is a flowchart showing a decorative symbol variation stop process (step S803) in the effect control process. In the decorative symbol variation stop process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the confirmed command reception flag is set (step S851). If the confirmed command reception flag is set, the confirmed command reception flag is reset. Then, control is performed to derive and display the determined stop symbol (step S853). Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not it is determined to be a big hit (step S854). Whether or not it is determined to be a big hit is confirmed by, for example, a display result specifying command stored in the display result specifying command storage area. In this embodiment, it can be confirmed whether or not it is determined to be a big hit based on the determined stop symbol.

  When it is determined to be a big hit, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit display process (step S804) (step S855).

  If it is determined not to win, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the time-short state flag is set (step S856). The short time state flag is set when the gaming state is the short time state (see step S886 described later). If the time reduction state flag is set, the value of the time reduction variation counter is incremented by 1 (step S857).

  Then, the production control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the value of the time-varying variation number counter is 100 (step S858). If the value of the hourly fluctuation count counter is 100, the hourly state flag is reset (step S859). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S860).

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

  FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the jackpot display process (step S804) in the effect control process. In the jackpot display process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot start 1-4 designation command reception flag indicating that any of the jackpot start 1-4 designation commands has been received is set (step S871). If any one of the big hit start 1 to 4 designation command reception flags is set, control is performed to display a game start screen corresponding to the set flag on the variable display device 9 (step S872). Further, the set flag (one of the big hit start 1-4 designation command reception flags) is reset (step S873). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (step S805) (step S874).

  In step S872, when receiving the big hit start 2 designation command, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display a screen for informing the start of the big hit game on the variable display device 9. Further, when the big hit start 4 designation command is received, the variable display device 9 is controlled to display a screen for informing the start of the sudden probability change big hit game. When a jackpot start 1 designation command or a jackpot start 3 designation command is received, a screen for informing the start of the jackpot game (a screen for informing the start of the jackpot game and a notice of the start of the sudden probability change jackpot game) Is controlled on the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the big hit end process (step S806) in the effect control process. In the jackpot end process, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the jackpot end effect timer is set (step S880). If the big hit end effect timer is set, the process proceeds to step S885. If the jackpot end effect timer is not set, a jackpot end designation command reception flag (a jackpot end 1 designation command reception flag or a jackpot end 2 designation command reception flag) indicating that the jackpot termination designation command has been received is set. It is confirmed whether or not there is (step S881). If the jackpot end designation command reception flag is set, the jackpot end designation command reception flag is reset (step S882), and a value corresponding to the jackpot end display time is set in the jackpot end presentation timer (step S883). Then, the variable display device 9 is controlled to display a jackpot end screen (screen for notifying the end of the jackpot game) (step S884). Specifically, an instruction to display the big hit end screen is given to the VDP 109.

  In this embodiment, even if the type of jackpot is different, the same jackpot end screen is displayed on the variable display device 9. For example, the big hit end display and the small hit end display are the same. However, the big hit end display (including the small hit end display) may be divided according to the type of the big hit.

  In step S885, 1 is subtracted from the value of the big hit end effect timer. Then, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the jackpot end effect timer is 0, that is, whether or not the jackpot end effect time has elapsed (step S886). If not, the process ends. If it has elapsed, the time reduction state flag is set (step S887), and the time reduction number counter is set to 0 (step S888). If the jackpot end 1 designation command is received, the probability variation state flag is reset (steps S889 and S891). When the jackpot end 1 designation command has not been received (when the jackpot end 2 designation command has been received), the probability variation state flag is set (steps S889, S890). Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800) (step S892).

  The probability change state flag and the time reduction state flag are used, for example, when the effect control CPU 101 notifies the probability change state and the time reduction state by a background or a decorative light emitting body (lamp / LED) in the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9. FIG. 54A shows an example of an initial screen displayed on the variable display device 9 by the presentation control CPU 101 in response to reception of the initialization designation command. FIG. 54B shows an example of a power failure recovery screen displayed on the variable display device 9 by the production control CPU 101 in response to reception of a power failure recovery designation command. FIG. 54C shows an example of an abnormality notification screen displayed on the variable display device 9 in response to the reception of the abnormal winning notification designation command by the effect control CPU 101, and the variation of the decorative design is started. Also, it is shown that the display of the abnormality notification screen is continued (see the right side of FIG. 54C).

  Next, the notification control process process in step S707 will be described. First, various error notification modes executed in the notification control process will be described. FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of various error notification modes executed in the notification control process. As shown in FIG. 55, the RAM clear notification is executed for a predetermined period (for example, 31 seconds) after the gaming machine is turned on. When performing the RAM clear notification, the effect control CPU 101 lights the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side, and causes a predetermined error sound to the speaker 27. Control (for example, beep sound) is output.

  Further, the door opening error notification is executed while the game frame 11 is opened (for example, while the detection signal of the door opening sensor 155 is input). When performing the door opening error notification, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to blink the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side. In addition, control is performed so that a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound) is output to the speaker 27 together with a sound “the door is open”.

  Further, the ball break error notification is executed from the occurrence of a ball break until the ball break state is canceled (for example, while a detection signal of a ball break switch is input). The effect control CPU 101 performs control of blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l of the top frame lamp on the game frame 11 side when notifying a ball break error. The full tank error notification is executed from the occurrence of the full tank state to the release of the full tank state (for example, while the full tank switch detection signal is input). When performing the full tank error notification, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to blink the LEDs 82a to 82d of the lower pan lamps on the game frame 11 side and to output a sound “the lower pan is full”. In addition, control is performed to display “the bottom plate is full” on the variable display device 9. In this case, when display by a game effect (for example, variable display of decorative symbols) is performed on the variable display device 9, a character string “bottom plate is full” is superimposed on the variable display device 9. .

  The prize ball error notification is executed from the occurrence of the prize ball abnormality until the prize ball abnormality state is canceled. When performing the prize ball error notification, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to blink the LEDs 281a to 281l of the top frame lamp on the game frame 11 side. Further, the random number circuit error notification is executed until the power is turned off after the random number circuit error is detected when the gaming machine is turned on. When performing the random number circuit error notification, the effect control CPU 101 lights up the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side, and a predetermined error sound (for example, (Beep sound) is output. Further, control is performed to display “error” on the variable display device 9. In this case, when display by a game effect (for example, variable display of decorative symbols) is performed on the variable display device 9, a character string “error” is superimposed on the variable display device 9.

  The abnormal winning error notification is executed for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) from the occurrence of the abnormal winning. When performing the abnormal winning notification, the effect control CPU 101 blinks the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) on the game frame 11 side, and a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep). Sound) is output.

  FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the notification control process (step S707) in the main process shown in FIG. In the notification control process, the effect control CPU 101 performs one of steps S1900 and S1901 according to the value of the notification control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed.

  The notification start processing (step S1900) includes error flags (initial notification flag, random number circuit error flag, abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag, RAM clear flag, full tank error notification flag, prize ball error notification set in the command analysis processing. This is a process for starting notification of an error based on the flag and the ball break error notification flag. When the error notification is started, the value of the notification control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notification processing (step S1901).

  The in-notification process (step S1901) is based on each error flag (initial notification flag, random number circuit error flag, abnormality notification flag, RAM clear flag, full tank error notification flag, winning ball error notification flag, out of ball error notification flag). Thus, the error notification processing is continued. Further, the error notification is terminated based on the fact that the error notification period (initial notification period, RAM clear notification period) has elapsed, or the error notification cancellation flag set in the command analysis process. When the error notification is finished, the value of the notification control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the notification start process (step S1901).

  57 and 58 are flowcharts showing the notification start process (step S1900) in the notification control process shown in FIG. In the notification start process, the production control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S1911). If set, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the initial notification period value in the period timer 1 (step S1912). The initial notification period is a period in which initialization notification is performed in response to reception of the initialization designation command. The effect control CPU 101 ends the initialization notification when the initial notification period elapses. The initial notification period is the same as the prohibition period set by the game control microcomputer 560 in step S45. Therefore, the abnormality notification designation command is not received when the initialization notification is performed.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 resets the initial notification flag and sets an initial notification flag indicating that the initial notification is being performed (step S1912A). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  If the initial notification flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the door opening error notification flag is set (step S1913). If set, the effect control CPU 101 selects error process data corresponding to the door opening error (step S1914). In this embodiment, error process data (error process data) for controlling the speaker 27 and the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d when various errors are notified. Prepared in advance. Details of the error process data will be described later.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 starts an error process timer (step S1915) and controls the speaker 27 according to the content of the error process data 1 (step S1916). For example, the production control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 so as to output a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound) together with a sound such as “the door is open”.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 controls the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d to set a lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area (see FIG. 66). ) Is executed (step S1917). For example, the effect control CPU 101 uses a predetermined data storage area for lamp control signals for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided in the game frame 11. Set to. The lamp control signal set in step S1917 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606 and 607. Is output to each of the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 resets the door opening error notification flag and sets a door opening error notification flag indicating that the door opening error notification is being performed (step S1917A). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  If the door opening error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether the random number circuit error flag is set (step S1918). If set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display a random number circuit error display screen indicating that it is a random number circuit error on the variable display device 9 (step S1919). Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects error process data corresponding to the random circuit error (step S1920). Next, the production control CPU 101 starts an error process timer (step S1921) and controls the speaker 27 according to the contents of the error process data 1 (step S1922). For example, the effect control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 to output a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing for setting the lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area in order to control the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d ( Step S1923). For example, the effect control CPU 101 uses a predetermined data storage area for lamp control signals for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided in the game frame 11. Set to. The lamp control signal set in step S1923 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Is output to each of the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 resets the random number circuit error flag and sets a random number circuit error notification flag indicating that the random number circuit error notification is being performed (step S1923A). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  If the door opening error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is set (step S1924). If set, the production control CPU 101 selects error process data corresponding to the abnormal winning notification (step S1925). Next, the effect control CPU 101 starts an error process timer (step S1926) and controls the speaker 27 according to the content of the error process data 1 (step S1927). For example, the effect control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 to output a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing for setting the lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area in order to control the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d ( Step S1928). For example, the effect control CPU 101 sends lamp control signals for lighting the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided in the game frame 11 in a predetermined data storage area. Set to. The lamp control signal set in step S1928 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606 and 607. Is output to each of the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  Therefore, thereafter, sound output (output of abnormal notification sound) and lamp display (abnormal notification flashing) in accordance with the notification of abnormal winning are performed. Then, the production control CPU 101 resets the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag and sets an abnormal notification flag indicating that the abnormal notification is being performed (step S1929). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  If the abnormal winning notification designation command reception flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the RAM clear flag is set (step S1930). If set, the production control CPU 101 selects error process data corresponding to the RAM clear notification (step S1931). The RAM clear notification is processing for notifying that the initialization process has been executed and the RAM has been cleared.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 starts an error process timer (step S1932) and controls the speaker 27 according to the contents of the error process data 1 (step S1933). For example, the effect control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 to output a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound). Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing for setting the lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area in order to control the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d ( Step S1934). For example, the effect control CPU 101 sends lamp control signals for lighting the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided in the game frame 11 in a predetermined data storage area. Set to. The lamp control signal set in step S1934 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Is output to each of the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604. Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a value corresponding to the RAM clear notification period value in the period timer 2 (step S1935). The RAM clear notification period is a period during which the RAM clear notification is being notified. When the RAM clear notification period elapses, the effect control CPU 101 ends the RAM clear notification. The initial notification period and the RAM clear notification period may be the same period.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 resets the RAM clear flag and sets a RAM clear notification flag indicating that the RAM clear notification is being performed (step S1935A). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  If the RAM clear flag is not set, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not the full tank error notification flag is set (step S1936). If set, the effect control CPU 101 performs control to display a full-tank error display screen on the variable display device 9 indicating that it is a full-fill error (step S1937). Next, the effect control CPU 101 selects error process data corresponding to a full tank error (step S1938). Next, the production control CPU 101 starts an error process timer (step S1939) and controls the speaker 27 according to the content of the error process data 1 (step S1940). For example, the production control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 so as to output a sound such as “the bottom plate is full”.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing for setting the lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area in order to control each of the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d ( Step S1941). For example, the effect control CPU 101 sets lamp control signals for blinking the LED lamps 82 a to 82 d of the dish lamps provided in the game frame 11 in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1941 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606 and 607. Is output to the frame side IC substrate 605.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 resets the full tank error notification flag and sets a full tank error notification flag indicating that the full tank error notification is being performed (step S1941A). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  If the full tank error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the prize ball error notification flag is set (step S1942). If set, the production control CPU 101 selects error process data corresponding to the prize ball error (step S1943) and starts an error process timer (step S1944).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing for setting the lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area in order to control the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d ( Step S1945). For example, the effect control CPU 101 sets a lamp control signal for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided in the game frame 11 in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1945 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Is output to each frame side IC substrate 602.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 resets the prize ball error notification flag and sets a prize ball error notification flag indicating that the prize ball error notification is being performed (step S1945A). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  In this embodiment, a case where only a notification process using a lamp is performed and a notification process using sound using a speaker 27 is not performed when a prize ball error is notified will be described. The used notification may be performed.

  If the prize ball error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not the ball break error notification flag is set (step S1946). If set, the production control CPU 101 selects error process data corresponding to the ball-out error (step S1947) and starts an error process timer (step S1948).

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing for setting the lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area in order to control the lamps 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d ( Step S1949). For example, the effect control CPU 101 sets a lamp control signal for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided in the game frame 11 in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1949 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Is output to each frame side IC substrate 602.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 resets the ball-out error notification flag and sets a ball-out error notification flag indicating that the ball-out error notification is being performed (step S1949A). Then, control goes to a step S1950.

  In this embodiment, a case where only a notification process using a lamp is performed and a notification process using a sound using the speaker 27 is not performed when a ball break error is notified will be described. The used notification may be performed.

  In step S1950, the effect control CPU 101 changes the value of the notification control process flag to a value corresponding to the processing during notification (step S1901), and ends the processing.

  59 to 61 are flowcharts showing the in-notification processing (step S1901) in the notification control process shown in FIG. In the notification process, the production control CPU 101 first checks whether or not the initial notification flag is set (step S1960). If the initial notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1965. When the initial notification flag is set, the value of the timer 1 set in step S1912 is decremented by 1 (step S1961). When the value of the period timer 1 becomes 0, that is, when the initial notification period has elapsed, the initial notification flag is reset (steps S1962, S1963). If the value of the period timer 1 is not 0, the processing is terminated as it is.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 outputs to the VDP 109 a command for deleting the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen in the variable display device 9 (step S1964). The VDP 109 erases the initial screen or the power failure recovery screen from the variable display device 9 in response to the command. Then, the process proceeds to step S2010.

  If the initial notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the door opening error notification flag is set (step S1965). If not set, the process proceeds to step S1971. If set, the effect control CPU 101 decrements the error process timer by 1 (step S1966), and when the error process timer times out (step S1967), switches the error notification process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the error process table is set in the error process timer (step S1968).

  FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example of an error notification process table. The error notification process table is a table in which process data to be referred to when the effect control CPU 101 performs control of the effect device and performs various error notifications is set. That is, the effect control CPU 101 performs error notification by controlling the speaker 27 and each lamp in accordance with data set in the error notification process table. The error notification process table includes data obtained by collecting a plurality of combinations of process timer set values, error lamp control execution data, and error sound number data. In the process timer set value, the duration in the sound output state and the lamp display state is set. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the error notification process table and controls the lighting / non-lighting state of each lamp in a manner set in the lamp display control execution data for the time set in the process timer set value. The sound output using the speaker 27 is controlled.

  The error notification process table shown in FIG. 62 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 80. The error notification process table is prepared according to the error type (RAM clear notification, random number circuit error, full tank error, door opening error, out of ball error, prize ball error). Further, in this embodiment, every time the error process timer times out, the lighting of the pattern A and the lighting of the pattern B are switched, and the lighting or blinking is controlled.

  Next, the production control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 based on the error sound number data (step S1969). In step S1969, the effect control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output corresponding to the corresponding error notification to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesis IC 173 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 174, and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. For example, the production control CPU 101 causes the speaker 27 to output a sound “door is open” and a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing to control each lamp according to the corresponding error notification in accordance with the error lamp control execution data (step S1970). For example, in step S1970, the effect control CPU 101 generates lamp control signals for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. Set in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1970 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  If the door opening error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the random number circuit error notification flag is set (step S1971). If set, the production control CPU 101 decrements the error process timer by 1 (step S1972), and when the error process timer times out (step S1973), switches the error notification process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the error process table is set in the error process timer (step S1974).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 based on the error sound number data (step S1975). In step S1975, the effect control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output corresponding to the corresponding error notification to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesis IC 173 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 174, and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. For example, the effect control CPU 101 causes the speaker 27 to output a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing in order to control each lamp according to the corresponding error notification in accordance with the error lamp control execution data (step S1976). For example, in step S1976, the effect control CPU 101 outputs lamp control signals for lighting the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. Set to a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1976 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  If the random circuit error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the abnormality notification flag is set (step S1977). If not set, the process proceeds to step S1984. If set, the variable display device 9 outputs to the VDP 109 a command to superimpose and display the abnormality notification screen on the screen displayed at that time (step S1978). The VDP 109 superimposes and displays the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 according to the command (see FIG. 54C).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 decrements the error process timer by 1 (step S1979) and switches the error notification process data when the error process timer times out (step S1980). That is, the process timer setting value set next in the error process table is set in the error process timer (step S1981).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 based on the error sound number data (step S1982). In step S1982, the effect control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output in response to the abnormal winning notification to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesis IC 173 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 174, and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. For example, the effect control CPU 101 causes the speaker 27 to output a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound).

  Further, the production control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing in order to control each lamp in response to the abnormal winning notification in accordance with the error lamp control execution data (step S1983). In step S1983, the CPU 101 for effect control gives predetermined lamp control signals for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. Set in the data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1983 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  If the abnormality notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the RAM clear notification flag is set (step S1984). If the RAM clear notification flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1993. If the RAM clear notification flag is set, the process timer is decremented by -1 (step S1985) and the value of the timer 2 set in step S1935 is decremented by 1 (step S1986). When the process timer times out (step S1987), the error notification process data is switched. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the error process table is set in the process timer (step S1988).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 based on the error sound number data (step S1989). In step S1989, the production control CPU 101 outputs a control signal (sound number data) to the speech synthesis IC 173 in order to cause the speaker 27 to output a sound. For example, the effect control CPU 101 causes the speaker 27 to output a predetermined error sound (for example, a beep sound).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing to control various lamps as effect parts in accordance with the error lamp control execution data (step S1990). In step S1990, the CPU 101 for effect control provides predetermined lamp control signals for lighting the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. Set in the data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1990 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Is output to each frame side IC substrate 602 to 604.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the period timer 2 has become 0 (step S1991). When the value of the period timer 2 becomes 0, that is, when the RAM clear notification period has elapsed, the RAM clear notification flag is reset (step S1992), and the process proceeds to step S2010. If the value of the period timer 2 has not timed out, the processing is terminated as it is.

  If the RAM clear notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the full tank error notification flag is set (step S1993). If not set, the process proceeds to step S1999. If set, the production control CPU 101 decrements the error process timer by 1 (step S1994), and when the error process timer times out (step S1995), switches the error notification process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the error process table is set in the error process timer (step S1996).

  Next, the production control CPU 101 controls the speaker 27 based on the error sound number data (step S1997). In step S1997, the production control CPU 101 outputs sound data indicating sound output corresponding to the corresponding error notification to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesis IC 173 reads data corresponding to the input sound data from the voice data ROM 174, and outputs a voice signal to the speaker 27 side according to the read data. For example, the production control CPU 101 causes the speaker 27 to output a sound “the bottom plate is full”.

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing to control each lamp according to the corresponding error notification in accordance with the error lamp control execution data (step S1998). For example, in step S1998, the effect control CPU 101 sets a lamp control signal for blinking the lamps 82a to 82d of the pan lamp in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S1998 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  If the full tank error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the prize ball error notification flag is set (step S1999). If not set, the process proceeds to step S2005. If set, the production control CPU 101 decrements the error process timer by 1 (step S2000), and when the error process timer times out (step S2001), switches the error notification process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the error process table is set in the error process timer (step S2002).

  In addition, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing to control each lamp according to the corresponding error notification in accordance with the error lamp control execution data (step S2003). For example, in step S2003, the effect control CPU 101 sets a lamp control signal for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S2003 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  If the award ball error notification flag is not set, the effect control CPU 101 checks whether or not the ball out error notification flag is set (step S2004). If not set, the process proceeds to step S2010. If set, the production control CPU 101 decrements the error process timer by 1 (step S2005), and when the error process timer times out (step S2006), switches the error notification process data. That is, the process timer setting value set next in the error process table is set in the error process timer (step S2007).

  Further, the effect control CPU 101 executes serial setting processing to control each lamp according to the corresponding error notification in accordance with the error lamp control execution data (step S2008). For example, in step S2008, the effect control CPU 101 sets a lamp control signal for blinking the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side in a predetermined data storage area. The lamp control signal set in step S2008 is output to the serial output circuit 353 in the serial input / output process (step S708) in the main process, converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and relay boards 606, 607. Are output to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 66, when a ball break error or a prize ball error is notified, sound output from the speaker 27 is not performed, but a ball break error or a prize ball error is notified. In this case, sound output control using the speaker 27 may be performed.

  In step S2009, the production control CPU 101 checks whether or not an error notification release flag is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to step S2010. If it is not set, the process is terminated as it is. In step S2010, the production control CPU 101 changes the value of the notification control process flag to a value corresponding to the notification start process (step S1900), and ends the process.

  By executing the processing as described above, notification of various errors is executed. Also, error notification is executed in the order of initial notification, door opening error notification, random number circuit error notification, abnormal winning notification, RAM clear notification, full tank error notification, winning ball error notification, and out of ball error notification.

  The production control CPU 101 determines Y in steps S1960, S1965, S1971, S1977, S1984, S1993, S1999, and S2004, and then designates an initial notification flag, a door opening error notification flag, a random number circuit error flag, and an abnormal winning notification specification. It may be determined whether any one or more of a command reception flag, a RAM clear flag, a full tank error notification flag, a winning ball error notification flag, and a ball shortage error notification flag are set. If it is set, the value of the notification control process flag may be changed to a value corresponding to the notification start process (step S1900), and the notification start process may be repeated.

  Next, a lamp control signal set in a predetermined data storage area according to the error lamp control execution data will be described. FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a lamp control signal output as a serial data method in the notification control process. As shown in FIG. 63, in this embodiment, two patterns of error lamp control execution data (pattern A and pattern B) are used for each error type. In this embodiment, the blinking display of the lamp is controlled by switching and using the error lamp control execution data for the pattern A and the pattern B. Also, the effect control microcomputer 100 stores the lamp control signal shown in FIG. 63 in a predetermined lamp control signal storage area provided in advance in the ROM in association with the error lamp control execution data. Then, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a lamp control signal from a predetermined lamp control signal storage area based on the error lamp control execution data, and outputs it to the serial output circuit 353.

  As shown in FIG. 63, each lamp control signal is stored in a predetermined lamp control signal storage area with the address of the output destination serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 added thereto. For example, since the address of the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 that supplies a control signal to some of the LEDs 281a to 281f among the ceiling lamps is “01”, the address “0001” is stored in the 8-digit data body for controlling the lamp. "Is added and stored. Further, since the address of the serial-parallel conversion IC 612 that supplies the control signal to the other part of the top frame lamps 281g to 281l is “02”, the address of the 8-digit data body for controlling the lamp is addressed. Stored with “0010” added. Further, since the address of the serial-parallel conversion IC 613 that supplies the control signal to the LEDs 283a to 283f of the right frame lamp is “03”, the address “0011” is added to the 8-digit data body for controlling the lamp. Stored in state. Since the address of the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 that supplies the control signal to the LEDs 282a to 282f of the left frame lamp is “04”, the address “0100” is added to the 8-digit data body for controlling the lamp. Stored in state.

  In the case of RAM clear notification, as shown in FIG. 63, a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00111111” is transmitted to each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 having addresses “01” to “04”. Is done. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 282f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. , 283a to 283f are turned on. In addition, when the RAM clear notification is made, the same lamp control signal is output when the error lamp control execution data is pattern A and pattern B, so that the game frame 11 side during error notification is being executed. The LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding dish lamps) provided in are continuously lit.

  In the ramp control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 611, the first bit is an input signal to the LED 281a, the second bit is an input signal to the LED 281b, the third bit is an input signal to the LED 281c, and the fourth bit is The input signal to the LED 281d corresponds to the input signal to the LED 281e, the fifth bit corresponds to the input signal to the LED 281f. In the ramp control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 612, the first bit is an input signal to the LED 281g, the second bit is an input signal to the LED 281h, the third bit is an input signal to the LED 281i, and the fourth bit is The input signal to the LED 281j, the fifth bit corresponds to the input signal to the LED 281k, and the sixth bit corresponds to the input signal to the LED 281l. In the ramp control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613, the first bit is an input signal to the LED 283a, the second bit is an input signal to the LED 283b, the third bit is an input signal to the LED 283c, and the fourth bit is The input signal to the LED 283d corresponds to the input signal to the LED 283e, the fifth bit corresponds to the input signal to the LED 283f. In the ramp control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614, the first bit is an input signal to the LED 282a, the second bit is an input signal to the LED 282b, the third bit is an input signal to the LED 282c, and the fourth bit is The input signal to the LED 282d corresponds to the input signal to the LED 282e, the fifth bit corresponds to the input signal to the LED 282f.

  When notifying the door opening error, as shown in FIG. 63, first, based on the error lamp control execution data of the pattern A, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 611 having addresses from “01” to “04”. In 614, a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00111111” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 282f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. , 283a to 283f are turned on. Further, when the process data is switched, the control data body is “00000000” in each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 having addresses “01” to “04” based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern B. A lamp control signal is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 0 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are turned off. Is done. By repeating such control, when notifying the door opening error, the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are blinked at predetermined time intervals. Control is performed.

  When notifying a ball break error, as shown in FIG. 63, first, serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 and 612 having addresses “01” and “02” based on the error lamp control execution data for pattern A, respectively. In addition, a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00111111” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of the ceiling lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are turned on. In addition, when the process data is switched, the serial data to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 and 612 having the addresses “01” and “02” based on the error lamp control execution data for pattern B and the lamp whose control data body is “00000000” are used. A control signal is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of the ceiling lamp are all 0 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are turned off. When such a control is repeatedly performed and a ball-out error is notified, control is performed such that only the LEDs 281a to 281l of the top frame lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are blinked at predetermined time intervals.

  In the case of notifying a full tank error, as shown in FIG. 63, first, based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A, the control data body is “00001111”. Lamp control signal is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of all the bits corresponding to the dish lamp LEDs 82a to 82d are 1, and the dish lamp LEDs 82a to 82d are turned on. At the time of process data switching, based on the error lamp control execution data for pattern B, a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 whose address is “05”. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LED of the dish lamp are all 0 is output, and the LEDs 82a to 82d of the dish lamp are turned off. When such a control is repeatedly performed to notify a full tank error, control is performed so that only the LED lamps 82a to 82d of the pan lamp blink at a predetermined time interval.

  In the ramp control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615, the first bit is an input signal to the LED 82a, the second bit is an input signal to the LED 82b, the third bit is an input signal to the LED 82c, and the fourth bit is The input signal to the LED 82d and the fifth bit correspond to the input signal to the LED 83.

  When notifying the prize ball error, as shown in FIG. 63, first, based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A, the control data body is “00111111” in the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 whose address is “01”. Is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 612 whose address is “02”, and the lamp control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to some of the LEDs of the ceiling lamp are all 1 is output, and only some of the LEDs 281a to 281f of the ceiling lamp provided on the game frame 11 side are lit. Is done. At the time of process data switching, a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 whose address is “01” based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern B, and the address is A lamp control signal whose control data body is “00111111” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 612 of “02”. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to some other LEDs of the top frame lamp are all 1 is output, and the other partial LEDs 281g˜ of the top frame lamp provided on the game frame 11 side. Only 281l is lit. When such a control is repeatedly performed and a prize ball error is notified, the LED 281a to 281f and the LEDs 281g to 281l of the top frame lamp provided on the game frame 11 side are alternately blinked at predetermined time intervals. Is done.

  When notifying the random circuit error, as shown in FIG. 63, the lamp control signal whose control data body is “00111111” is sent to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 whose addresses are “01” to “04”. Is sent. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 282f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. , 283a to 283f are turned on. Further, when a random number circuit error is notified, the same lamp control signal is output when the error lamp control execution data is pattern A and pattern B. The LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the 11 side are continuously turned on.

  When notifying an abnormal winning error, as shown in FIG. 63, first, serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 having addresses from “01” to “04” based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A, as shown in FIG. A lamp control signal whose control data body is “00101010” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of all the bits corresponding to some of the LEDs of the lamp provided on the game frame 11 side are 1 is output, and some of the LEDs 281b of each lamp provided on the game frame 11 side. , D, f, h, j, l, 282b, d, f, 283b, d, f only are lit. As described above, in the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 611, 1 in the second bit is an input signal to the LED 281b, 1 in the fourth bit is an input signal to the LED 281d, and 1 in the sixth bit is This corresponds to an input signal to the LED 281f. In the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 612, the second bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 281h, the fourth bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 281j, and the sixth bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 281l. It corresponds to. In the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613, the second bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 283b, the fourth bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 283d, and the sixth bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 283f. It corresponds to. In the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614, the 1st bit is the input signal to the LED 282b, the 1st bit is the input signal to the LED 282d, and the 1st bit is the input signal to the LED 282f. It corresponds to.

  Further, when the process data is switched, based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern B, the lamp control whose control data body is “00010101” in the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 with addresses “01” to “04”. A signal is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of all the bits corresponding to some other LEDs of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are all 1 is output, and each lamp provided on the game frame 11 side. Only some of the other LEDs 281a, c, e, g, i, k, 282a, c, e, 283a, c, e are lit. As described above, in the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 611, 1 in the first bit is an input signal to the LED 281a, 1 in the third bit is an input signal to the LED 281c, and 1 in the fifth bit is It corresponds to the input signal to the LED 281e. In the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 612, the first bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 281g, the third bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 281i, and the fifth bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 281k. It corresponds to. In the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613, the first bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 283a, the third bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 283c, and the fifth bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 283e. It corresponds to. In the control signal output to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614, the first bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 282a, the third bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 282c, and the fifth bit 1 is an input signal to the LED 282e. It corresponds to.

  When a prize ball error is notified by repeatedly performing the above control, the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are alternately staggered at a predetermined time interval. Control is performed so as to blink.

  In the example shown in FIG. 63, when performing error notification, the lamp control signal is also supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 of lamps that are not subject to display control. For example, when the RAM clear notification is given, it is not necessary to control the lighting or blinking of the pan lamp. However, in the example shown in FIG. A lamp control signal whose bit logical values are all 0 is output. By doing so, it is possible to make sure that the LED that is not the control target in the error notification is turned off.

  When performing error notification, lamp control signals may not be output (transmitted) to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 of lamps that are not subject to display control. FIG. 64 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the lamp control signal output as the serial data method in the notification control process.

  When performing RAM clear notification, door opening error notification, random number error notification, or abnormal winning error notification, the dish lamp is not subject to display control, and as shown in FIG. 64, the serial whose address is “05”. -A ramp control signal is not output to the parallel conversion IC 615. In addition, in the case of notifying a ball break error or a prize ball error, since the left frame lamp and the right frame lamp are not subject to display control in addition to the dish lamp, the address is “03” as shown in FIG. The lamp control signal is not output to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 613 to 615 that are "to" 05 ". Further, when performing full tank error notification, only the dish lamp is subject to display control, so as shown in FIG. 64, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 whose addresses are “01” to “04” are displayed. Does not output the lamp control signal. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the lamp control signals output from the production control microcomputer 100 to the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 63 and 64, the case where various error notifications are performed using only the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f, and 82a to 82d of the lamps provided on the game frame 11 side has been described. However, in addition to these, various error notifications may be performed using center decoration lamps or stage lamp LEDs 125a to 125f and 126a to 126f provided on the game board 6 side.

  Next, a motor control signal output when the movable members 151 to 153 are operated in the game effect will be described. FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a motor control signal output as a serial data method in a game effect. The motor control signal shown in FIG. 65 is, for example, in the serial setting process in step S845C when variable display including a notice effect using the movable members 151 to 153 is executed in the decorative symbol changing process shown in FIG. It is set in a predetermined data storage area. The effect control microcomputer 100 stores the motor control signal shown in FIG. 65 in a predetermined motor control signal storage area provided in advance in the ROM in association with, for example, display control execution data. Then, the production control CPU 101 extracts a motor control signal from a predetermined motor control signal storage area based on the display control execution data, and outputs the motor control signal to the serial output circuit 353.

  As shown in FIG. 65, each motor control signal is stored in a predetermined lamp control signal storage area with the address of the output destination serial-parallel conversion IC 616 added thereto. In this embodiment, since the address of the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 that supplies a control signal to each of the motors 151a, 152a, 153a is “06”, the address “0110” is stored in the 8-digit data body for controlling the motor. Is stored in a state where is added.

  When the trolley 151 is operated in the forward direction as a movable member, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000001” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal in which the logical value of the bit (first bit of the control data) corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 151a for driving the truck 151 is 1 is output, and the truck 151 is driven by driving the motor 151a. Is operated. When the operation of the truck 151 is stopped, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal whose logical value of the bit corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 151a (the first bit of the control data) is 0 is output, and the operation of the truck 151 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 151a. Is done. In this embodiment, when the trolley 151 is moved in the forward direction, the trolley 151 is detected by the position sensor 151b, and the driving time of the motor 151a has elapsed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). Then, the driving of the motor 151a is stopped.

  When the trolley 151 is operated in the reverse direction as a movable member, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000010” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 151a for driving the truck 151 (the second bit of the control data) is output, and the truck 151 is driven by driving the motor 151a. Is operated. When the operation of the truck 151 is stopped, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 151a (the second bit of the control data) is output, and the operation of the truck 151 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 151a. Is done. In this embodiment, when the trolley 151 is operated in the reverse direction, the trolley 151 is not detected by the position sensor 151b, and the driving time of the motor 151a has passed on a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). As a result, the driving of the motor 151a is stopped.

  When the beam 152 is moved in the forward direction as a movable member, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000100” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal in which the logical value of the bit (the third bit of the control data) corresponding to the forward direction operation of the motor 152a for driving the beam 152 is 1 is output, and the beam 152 is driven by driving the motor 152a. Is operated. When the operation of the beam 152 is stopped, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the positive direction operation of the motor 152a (the third bit of the control data) is output, and the operation of the beam 152 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 152a. Is done. In this embodiment, when the beam 152 is moved in the forward direction, the beam 152 is detected by the position sensor 152b, and the driving time of the motor 152a has elapsed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). The driving of the motor 152a is stopped.

  When the beam 152 is operated in the reverse direction as the movable member, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00001000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 152a for driving the beam 152 (the fourth bit of the control data) is output, and the motor 152a is driven to drive the beam 152. Is operated. When the operation of the beam 152 is stopped, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 152a (the fourth bit of the control data) is output, and the operation of the beam 152 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 152a. Is done. In this embodiment, when the beam 152 is moved in the reverse direction, the beam 152 is not detected by the position sensor 152b, and the driving time of the motor 152a has elapsed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). As a result, the driving of the motor 152a is stopped.

  When the skeleton 153 is moved in the forward direction as a movable member, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00010000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 153a for driving the skeleton 153 (the fifth bit of the control data) is output, and the skeleton 153 is driven by driving the motor 153a. Is operated. When the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 153a (the fifth bit of the control data) is output, and the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 153a. Is done. In this embodiment, when the skeleton 153 is moved in the forward direction, the skeleton 153 is detected by the position sensor 153b, and the driving time of the motor 153a has elapsed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). Then, the driving of the motor 153a is stopped.

  When the skeleton 153 is moved in the reverse direction as the movable member, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00100000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 153a for driving the skeleton 153 (the sixth bit of the control data) is output, and the skeleton 153 is driven by driving the motor 153a. Is operated. When the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped, a motor control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 whose address is “06”. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 153a (the sixth bit of the control data) is output, and the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 153a. Is done. In this embodiment, when the skeleton 153 is operated in the reverse direction, the position sensor 153b no longer detects the skeleton 153, and the driving time of the motor 153a has elapsed for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). As a result, the driving of the motor 153a is stopped.

  Next, the serial setting process will be described. FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the serial setting process. In the serial setting process, for example, when decorative display of a decorative design is performed in the effect control process process (see steps S835C and 845C) or various error notifications are performed (steps S1970, S1976, S1983, S1990, S1998, S2003, S2008). ) Is executed.

  In the serial setting process, the production control CPU 101 first reads out lamp control execution data (such as lamp lighting pattern data accompanying the variation pattern, motor control data (step S835C only), etc.) from the ROM (step S950). In this case, for example, when performing serial setting processing during execution of variable display of decorative symbols, the effect control CPU 101 reads out lamp control execution data in the process table shown in FIG. When serial setting processing is performed in the notification control process, error lamp control execution data in the error notification process table shown in FIG. 62 is read.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not there is a change in the display state of each lamp based on the read lamp control execution data (step S951). If there is a change in the display state of each lamp, the effect control CPU 101 extracts the lamp control signal to which the address of the serial-parallel conversion IC of the lamp to be displayed is added from a predetermined lamp control signal storage area ( Step S952). Next, header data (1FFh), a mark bit, and an end bit shown in FIG. 16 are added to the extracted ramp control signal and set in a predetermined data storage area provided in the RAM (step S953). Then, a lamp control signal output request flag is set (step S954).

  For example, when the serial setting process is executed in steps S907, S922, and S929 in the notification control process, one of the lamp control signals with an address shown in FIG. 63 is read in step S952, and the data is read in step S953. It will be set in the storage area.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 reads display control execution data from the ROM (step S955). In this case, for example, when performing serial setting processing during execution of variable display of decorative symbols, the effect control CPU 101 reads display control execution data in the process table shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the serial setting process is performed in the notification control process, the error notification process table shown in FIG. 62 does not include display control execution data, so that it is determined as N in the next step S956. become.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 confirms whether or not any of the movable members 151 to 153 is included in the game effect based on the read display control execution data (step S956). When the movable members 151 to 153 are movable, the production control CPU 101 adds a motor control signal to which the address (“06” in this example) of the serial-parallel conversion IC of the movable members 151 to 153 to be moved is added. Are extracted from a predetermined motor control signal storage area (step S957). Next, header data (1FFh), a mark bit, and an end bit shown in FIG. 16 are added to the extracted motor control signal and set in a predetermined data storage area provided in the RAM (step S958). Then, a motor control signal output request flag is set (step S959).

  For example, if the decorative design variable display includes a notice effect or the like, and any of the movable members 151 to 153 is movable, when the serial setting process is executed in steps S835C and S845C, the diagram is displayed in step S952. One of the motor control signals with an address shown in 65 is read out and set in the data storage area in step S953.

  FIG. 67 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a data storage area in which a lamp control signal and a motor control signal to be output are set. In this example, nine data storage areas for storing the lamp control signal or the motor control signal are prepared, and the lamp control signal and the motor are sequentially output to the panel side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605. Control signals are sequentially stored in step S953.

  FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the serial input / output process (step S708). In the serial input / output process, the production control CPU 101 first checks whether the lamp control signal output request flag or the motor control signal output request flag is set (step S970). If set, the lamp control signal output request flag or the motor control signal output request flag is reset (step S971), and the lamp control signal and motor control signal stored in the data storage area are transferred to the serial output circuit 353. Output (step S972). In this case, when a plurality of lamp control signals are set in the data storage area, the effect control CPU 101 sequentially reads each lamp control signal and outputs it to the serial output circuit 353 in step S972. The output lamp control signal and motor control signal are converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353 and serially transmitted to the board side IC board 601 and the frame side IC boards 602 to 605 via the relay boards 606 and 607. It will be output as a data method.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 causes the input capture signal output unit 357 to output an input capture signal (latch signal) to the board side IC substrate 601 via the relay substrates 606 and 607 (step S973). The input IC 621 mounted on the panel-side IC board 601 latches the detection signals of the position sensors 151b, 152b, and 153b based on the input input signal being input, and relays boards 606 and 607 as a serial data system. Is output to the effect control board 80. Then, the effect control CPU 101 reads the input data from the serial input circuit 354 and stores it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM (step S974). In step S974, the effect control CPU 101 controls the serial input circuit 354 to read the input data from the serial input circuit 354 after delaying the input data from the input IC 621 by a time.

  Next, the effect control CPU 101 causes the input capture signal output unit 357 to output an input capture signal (latch signal) to the frame side IC substrate 605 via the relay substrate 607 (step S975). The input IC 620 mounted on the board side IC substrate 605 latches the detection signals of the operation buttons 81a to 81e based on the input input signal being input, and produces the serial data system via the relay substrate 607. The data is output to the control board 80. Then, the effect control CPU 101 reads the input data from the serial input circuit 354 and stores it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM (step S976). In step S976, the effect control CPU 101 controls the serial input circuit 354 to read the input data from the serial input circuit 354 after delaying the time by which the serial input circuit 354 receives the input data from the input IC 620.

  FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the status of the display effect in the variable display device 9, the sound effect by the speaker 27, and the display effect by each lamp. FIG. 69 (A) shows an example when the decorative display is variably displayed on the variable display device 9.

  FIG. 69 (B) shows an example in which initialization notification is performed in the variable display device 9. As shown in FIG. 69 (B), when the initialization designation command is received and initialization notification is performed in the variable display device 9, a predetermined period (for example, 31 seconds) after the initialization designation command is received, The LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided in the game frame 11 are turned on, and a predetermined error sound is output from the speaker 27, and the RAM is cleared. Inform you.

  In FIG. 69 (C), abnormality notification is performed in the variable display device 9, abnormality notification sound is output by the speaker 27, and abnormality notification display (for example, the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f of each lamp) An example in the case of blinking) is shown. When receiving the abnormal prize notification designation command from the game control microcomputer 560, the production control microcomputer 100 performs control to display an abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9, and outputs an abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27. Control is performed to display abnormality notification on the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of each lamp. Further, even if the decorative pattern variable display is started in response to the reception of the variation pattern command, the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9, the output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27, and the LEDs 281a to 281l of the lamps, The abnormality notification display of 282a to 282f and 283a to 283f is continued. Even after the variable display of the decorative symbols is completed, the abnormality notification screen is displayed on the variable display device 9, the abnormality notification sound is output from the speaker 27, and the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of each lamp are displayed. The abnormality notification display is continued.

  The production control microcomputer 100 does not execute the control for deleting the abnormality notification screen, the control for stopping the output of the abnormality notification sound, and the control for stopping the abnormality notification display, so that the display of the abnormality notification screen on the variable display device 9 is not performed. The output of the abnormality notification sound from the speaker 27 and the abnormality notification display of the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of each lamp continue until the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped. However, when the predetermined time has elapsed after the display of the abnormality notification screen, the output of the abnormality notification sound, and the abnormality notification display is started, the production control microcomputer 100 displays the abnormality notification screen, the output of the abnormality notification sound, and the abnormality notification. You may control to stop a display.

  Further, in this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 does not detect an abnormal prize and does not detect an abnormal prize for a predetermined period after the power supply to the game machine is started (a period during which the initialization notification is executed). The abnormal winning notification designating command is not transmitted from the microcomputer 560. However, the game control microcomputer 560 always detects an abnormal winning when the value of the special symbol process flag is less than a predetermined value (5 in this embodiment), so that the effect control microcomputer 100 performs the game control. If an abnormal winning notification designation command is received during a predetermined period after the power supply to the machine is started, the abnormal winning notification may not be performed.

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

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 is configured to use the LED 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, and 281a of each lamp based on the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560. Control signals for controlling ˜281 l, 282 a to 282 f and 283 a to 283 f are output in a serial signal system. Further, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are connected through one system wiring. At the same time, different address information is assigned in advance, and only the control signal with its own address information added is converted into a parallel signal system and output. In addition, when the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a control signal for controlling the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 provided in the game board 6, address information that can identify the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 is provided. The added control signal is output by the serial signal system. In addition, when the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a control signal for controlling the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 provided in the game frame 11, address information that can identify the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 is provided. The added control signal is output by the serial signal system. Therefore, the number of wirings between the game board 6 and the game frame 11 can be reduced. Therefore, in a gaming machine in which the game frame 11 and the game board 6 are configured to be detachable, it is possible to easily attach and detach the game frame 11 and the game board 6.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board-side IC board 601 and the serial-parallel mounted on the frame-side IC boards 602 to 604 by the relay boards 606 and 607 are used. The connection with the conversion ICs 611 to 615 is relayed. The relay board 607 relays the connection between the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC boards 602 to 604 and the effect control microcomputer 100. Therefore, the attachment / detachment work between the game frame 11 and the game board 6 can be easily performed only by performing the connection work and the removal work to the relay boards 606 and 607.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the frame side IC substrate 602 as a collective substrate on which two serial-parallel conversions 611 and 612 are mounted is provided on the game frame 11 side. A board-side IC board 601 as a collective board on which four serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 are mounted is provided on the game board 6 side. Therefore, the boards on which the serial-parallel conversion ICs are mounted can be integrated, and the number of parts in the gaming machine can be reduced.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are connected to each other by the connector. Are connected through one line of wiring. Therefore, the wiring work between the game frame 11 and the game board 6 can be performed simply by attaching and detaching the connector, and the game frame 11 and the game board 6 can be attached and detached more easily.

  Further, according to this embodiment, the game control microcomputer 560 transmits the effect control command to the effect control microcomputer 100 in the serial signal system using the serial output circuit 78. Therefore, the number of wires between the game control microcomputer 560 and the effect control microcomputer 100 can also be reduced.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 includes the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605. A clock signal used in common for the ICs 611 to 615 and the input ICs 620 and 621 is output. Therefore, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605, and the input ICs 620 and 621 can be easily synchronized. The number of clock signal wirings can also be reduced.

  In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 may store the device IDs of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 as addresses in a predetermined address storage area of the RAM in advance. If comprised in that way, each lamp | ramp 125a-125f, 126a-126f, 281a-281l, 282a-282f, 283a-283f will be controlled using ID information intrinsic | native to serial-parallel conversion IC611-619 as address information. be able to.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the initialization notification is given priority over the abnormality notification, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the initialization notification is difficult to recognize. That is, the initialization notification is performed prominently. The game control microcomputer 560 transmits an initialization designation command when a user reset that causes the program to start executing from the top address (for example, address 0000) occurs even when power supply to the game machine is started. As a cause of the occurrence of the user reset, for example, in the case where the watchdog timer is configured to be used, there is a case where the watchdog timer has timed out due to an illegal act that prevents the smooth progress of the program. Such fraudulent acts are configured to be controlled in a probabilistic state, particularly when a predetermined jackpot symbol (predetermined probability variation jackpot symbol or sudden probability variation jackpot symbol) is determined based on a random number for determining the jackpot symbol. It is likely to occur when it is. That is, the game control microcomputer 560 is initialized, and a counter for generating a jackpot symbol determining random number is initialized, and it is easy to receive an illegal act that makes it easy to grasp the count value of the counter. By making the initialization notice conspicuous as in this embodiment, it is possible to easily grasp from the outside of the gaming machine that the gaming control microcomputer 560 has been initialized. Is easily recognized.

  In this embodiment, the production control board 80, the relay board 606, and the relay board are connected as the production control board 80, the board side IC board 601, the frame side IC boards 602-605, and the relay boards 606 and 607. 607 is connected to the bus type by one wiring route, and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604 are connected to the bus type by one system wiring route. As described above, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the panel side IC substrate 601 are connected in series (hereinafter also referred to as daisy chain type connection), or the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are connected. The serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the PC are connected in series (daisy chain type connection), so that It may be to reduce the number.

  FIG. 70 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the effect control board 80, the relay boards 606 and 607, the board-side IC board 601, and the frame-side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605. In the example shown in FIG. 70, the effect control microcomputer 100 of the effect control board 80 outputs a clock signal to the relay board 607 together with serial data as a control signal. The relay board 607 further supplies serial data and a clock signal input from the production control microcomputer 100 to the board-side IC board 601 via the relay board 606.

  The serial data input to the board side IC substrate 601 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 619. As shown in FIG. 70, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 have serial data signal lines connected in a daisy chain type. Therefore, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 619 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 616, 618, and 617 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601. For example, the configuration is such that the output of the last bit of the shift register 652 shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to forward. The serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 convert the input serial data into parallel data, and supply the parallel data to the LEDs of the lamps provided on the game board 6. The clock signal inputted to the board side IC board 601 is branched on the board side IC board 601 and inputted to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 and the input IC 621.

  The relay board 607 supplies the serial data and the clock signal input from the production control microcomputer 100 to the frame side IC board 604 and the frame side IC board 605. The serial data input to the frame side IC substrate 604 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614. As shown in FIG. 70, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604 have serial data signal lines connected in a daisy chain type. Accordingly, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 613 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 and 603. For example, the configuration is such that the output of the last bit of the shift register 652 shown in FIG. 15 is input to the data latch unit 651 of the next serial-parallel conversion IC, whereby serial data is sequentially sent to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-614. What is necessary is just to forward. And each serial-parallel conversion IC611-614 converts the input serial data into parallel data, and supplies it to LED of each lamp provided in the game frame 11. FIG.

  The clock signal input to the frame side IC board 602 is branched on the frame side IC board 604 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 and also input to the frame side IC board 602. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 602 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 602, input to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611, 612, and input to the frame side IC substrate 603. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 603 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 603 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 605 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 and the input IC 620.

  Further, as the LED of the lamp provided in the game frame 11 or the game board 6, an LED that performs gradation control (for example, a multi-color LED) may be used so that the brightness can be controlled. FIG. 71 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a pulse train supplied to an LED when gradation control of the LED is performed. FIG. 71 shows a pulse train when the gradation control of the LED is performed in eight stages. That is, as shown in FIG. 71, the production control microcomputer 100 performs tone control of the LED by outputting a signal in which the number of pulses is changed according to the luminance. In this case, for example, the period of the clock signal is set as one time element, and one control unit time is constituted by seven time elements. Then, the brightness of the LED may be controlled depending on how many time elements for supplying the pulse current in one control unit time are included. For example, as shown in FIG. 71 (a), when a pulse current is passed through the LED in all time elements among seven time elements in one control unit time, the brightness of the LED is the brightest. In addition, as shown in FIG. 71 (g), the brightness of the LED is the darkest when a pulse current is passed through the LED for only one time element among the seven time elements in one control time. Further, as the number of time elements for applying a pulse current to the LED decreases to 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2, the brightness of the LED gradually decreases (FIGS. 71B to 71F). . As shown in FIG. 71 (h), when the pulse current is not allowed to flow through the LED in all seven time elements included in one control unit time, the LED is turned off.

  When the gradation control of the LED is performed, the effect control microcomputer 100 uses the serial output circuit 353 to transmit a control signal including information on the number of pulses corresponding to the luminance (for example, logical value 0 or 1). Output as serial data. The production control microcomputer 100 is not limited to the number of pulses, and may output a control signal including information on a pulse width corresponding to the luminance as a serial data system using the serial output circuit 353. .

  In addition, when controlling the brightness using the LED of the lamp that performs gradation control, a serial-parallel conversion IC that outputs a control signal to the LED of the lamp that adjusts the brightness, and a control signal to the LED of the lamp that does not adjust the brightness You may make it differ from the serial-parallel conversion IC to output. FIG. 72 shows an effect control board 80, relay boards 606 and 607, board-side IC board 601, frame-side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605 in the case of controlling the brightness by using the LED of the lamp that performs gradation control. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure.

  In the example shown in FIG. 72, serial-parallel conversion ICs 611a, 612a, 613a, and 614a that output a control signal to the LED of the lamp that does not adjust the brightness, and serial-parallel conversion that outputs a control signal to the LED of the lamp that adjusts the brightness. ICs 611b, 612b, 613b, and 614b are separately mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602, 603, and 604, respectively. Each serial-parallel conversion IC 611a, 612a, 613a, 614a converts serial data input from the production control microcomputer 100 via the relay boards 606, 607 into parallel data, and does not adjust the brightness. To the LED. The serial-parallel conversion ICs 611b, 612b, 613b, 614b convert serial data input from the production control microcomputer 100 via the relay boards 606, 607 into parallel data, and adjust the brightness of each lamp. Supply to LED.

  In the example shown in FIG. 72, the case where tone control is performed by the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the respective lamps mounted on the game frame 11 side is shown, but the lamps mounted on the game board 6 side. You may make it perform gradation control with LED125a-125f of each lamp | ramp, 126a-126f. In this case, the panel-side IC board 601 also has a serial-parallel conversion IC that outputs a control signal to the LED of the lamp that does not adjust the brightness, and a serial-parallel conversion IC that outputs a control signal to the LED of the lamp that adjusts the brightness. Will be installed separately.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 71 and FIG. 72, the production control microcomputer 100 uses a pulse according to the luminance when the LED of the lamp emits light as the control signal for controlling the light emission state of the LED of the lamp. Output a signal with the number changed. Therefore, it is possible to perform gradation control for adjusting the brightness of the LED of the lamp. In this embodiment, the gradation control is performed by outputting a signal with the number of pulses changed. However, other methods may be used as long as a signal with a changed pulse amount is output. Gradation control may be performed. For example, the production control microcomputer 100 may perform gradation control of the LED of the lamp by outputting a signal with a changed pulse width.

  Since the LED of the lamp that does not adjust the brightness has only the ON or OFF state during one control unit time, in the example shown in FIG. 72, a serial-parallel signal that outputs a control signal to the LED of the lamp that adjusts the brightness. By making the conversion IC different from the serial-parallel conversion IC that outputs a control signal to the LED of the lamp that does not adjust the brightness, the number of times of data transfer to the LED of the lamp that does not adjust the brightness can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 ends the initialization notification when a predetermined period has elapsed (see steps S901 to S905), but ends the initialization notification at another timing. May be. For example, the initialization notification is ended when the decorative symbol variable display is started for the first time after the initialization notification is started, or the abnormal winning notification designation command is received before the decorative symbol variable display is started. Sometimes the initialization notification may be terminated. Alternatively, the initialization notification may be terminated when the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received or when the first effect control command other than the customer waiting demonstration designation command is received after the initialization notification is started. That is, it is preferable that the initialization notification is continued only for a period sufficient for the game store clerk or the like to recognize the initialization notification.

  Further, in this embodiment, the effect control means receives the variation pattern command but cannot display the display result specifying command, and the variation pattern command that can be used for both the normal big hit and the probable big hit. When it is determined that a change pattern command other than the change pattern command that can be used at both the normal big hit and the probable big hit is received is determined. Since the stop symbol is determined to be a combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the received variation pattern, the variable display device 9 can notify that a big hit will occur even if the display result specifying command cannot be received due to noise or the like. Furthermore, immediately after receiving the variation pattern command, when it is determined that an effect control command other than the display result specifying command has been received, the above control based on the received variation pattern command may be performed. In other words, the effect control means determines that the regular command has not been received (for example, the display result specifying command cannot be received) or determines that the non-normal command has been received (for example, the display result subsequent to the variation pattern command). When an effect control command other than the specific command is received), it is preferable to execute effect control (for example, determine a stop symbol of a decorative symbol) based on the received regular command. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a player from being disadvantaged due to non-reception of a regular command or reception of a non-regular command.

  The same control may be performed for other effect control commands. For example, when a jackpot start specifying command that can specify the start of a specific gaming state is received, if it does not match the display result specifying command that has already been received (for example, the display result 2 specifying command indicating a normal jackpot is the display result specifying When it is stored in the command storage area, when the jackpot start 3 designation command indicating the probability variation jackpot is received, the production control based on the jackpot start designation command (for example, the effect device notifies the probability variation jackpot) ) Or when a jackpot end designation command that can identify the end of a specific gaming state is received, if it does not match the jackpot start designation command that has already been received (for example, a jackpot start 1 designation command indicating a normal jackpot) After receiving a jackpot end designation 2 command indicating a probabilistic jackpot) Effect control (e.g., the background of the variable display device 9 on the background corresponding to the probability variation state) based on the de to run. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the control of the effect control means from being confused as much as possible with the control of the game control means.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the lamp control signals with addresses are output to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619, whereby the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the respective lamps. However, a plurality of serial-parallel conversion ICs are connected in series with the same system wiring, and a fixed signal including a lamp control signal for controlling all the lamps connected with the same system wiring is used. You may make it output the data of length. Hereinafter, by outputting data of a fixed length including a lamp control signal for controlling all the lamps connected by the same system wiring, the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a of each lamp are output. A second embodiment for controlling ˜282f and 283a˜283f will be described.

  In the present embodiment, detailed description of the parts having the same configuration and processing as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 73 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77 and the effect control board 80 according to the second embodiment. In addition, although the example shown in FIG. 73 shows the case where only the effect control board 80 is provided regarding effect control, a lamp driver board and an audio output board may be provided. In this case, the lamp driver board and the sound output board are not equipped with a microcomputer, but may be equipped with a microcomputer.

  The effect control board 80 includes an effect control CPU 101, a RAM (not shown), a serial output circuit 353, a serial input circuit 354, a latch signal output unit 355, a clock signal output unit 356, and an input capture signal output unit 357. A control microcomputer 100 is mounted. The RAM may be externally attached. In the effect control board 80, the effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown), and receives an effect control command via the serial input circuit 102 and the input port 103. In this case, the serial input circuit 102 converts the effect control command received as the serial data method into parallel data and outputs the parallel data. Further, the effect control CPU 101 causes the VDP (video display processor) 109 to perform display control of the variable display device 9 based on the effect control command.

  The effect control CPU 101 outputs a signal for driving the lamp via the serial output circuit 353. The serial output circuit converts the input signal (parallel data) for driving the LED of the lamp into serial data and outputs the serial data to the relay board 606.

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, four ICs 611 to 614 out of serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 provided on the game frame 11 side are connected in series by the same system wiring. When controlling the top frame lamp, the left frame lamp, and the right frame lamp, the effect control CPU 101 includes a lamp control signal for all the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 connected by the same system wiring. The length data (control signal string) is output via the serial output circuit 353 as a serial data system. Then, when the production control CPU 101 finishes outputting the fixed-length control signal sequence, it causes the latch signal output unit 355 to output a latch signal for causing the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 to capture the lamp control signal. .

  In this embodiment, as will be described later, serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 provided on the game board 6 side are connected in series by wires of the same system. When controlling the center decoration lamp, the stage lamp, and the lamp provided around the skeleton 153 which is a movable member, the effect control CPU 101 includes all the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 616 connected by the same system wiring. Data of a fixed length including a lamp control signal for 619 (control signal string) is output via the serial output circuit 353 as a serial data system. Then, when the production control CPU 101 finishes outputting the fixed-length control signal sequence, it causes the latch signal output unit 355 to output a latch signal for causing the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 to capture the lamp control signal. .

  Of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 provided on the game frame 11 side, four ICs 615 are connected by a single wiring. When controlling the pan lamp or the operation button lamp, the effect control CPU 101 converts the lamp control signal for the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 connected by the single wiring into a serial data system via the serial output circuit 353. Output. Then, when the effect control CPU 101 finishes outputting the lamp control signal, it causes the latch signal output unit 355 to output a latch signal for causing the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 to capture the lamp control signal.

  FIG. 74 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the effect control board 80, the relay boards 606 and 607, the board side IC board 601, and the frame side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605 according to the second embodiment. The effect control microcomputer 100 of the effect control board 80 outputs a clock signal to the relay board 606 together with serial data as a control signal. In addition, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a latch signal to the relay board 606 at the timing when the serial data has been output. The relay board 606 supplies serial data, a clock signal and a latch signal input from the production control microcomputer 100 to the board side IC board 601. Further, the relay board 606 supplies serial data, a clock signal, and a latch signal to the frame side IC boards 602 to 605 via the relay board 607.

  The serial data input to the board side IC substrate 601 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 619. As shown in FIG. 74, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board-side IC substrate 601 are connected in series with the same system wiring. The connection by the same system wiring means that a plurality of serial-parallel conversion ICs are connected in series by a so-called bead connecting wiring. For example, each serial-parallel conversion IC 616 to 619 has a serial data signal line connected in a daisy chain type. Therefore, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 619 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 616, 618, and 617 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the output of the last bit of the shift register 682 mounted in each serial-parallel conversion IC is input to the data latch unit 681 of the next serial-parallel conversion IC (see FIG. 75), serial data may be transferred to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 in order. Each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 latches the serial data at the timing when the latch signal is input, converts the latched serial data into parallel data, and supplies the parallel data to the LEDs of the lamps provided on the game board 6. To do. The clock signal inputted to the board side IC board 601 is branched on the board side IC board 601 and inputted to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 and the input IC 621.

  The relay board 607 supplies the serial data, the clock signal, and the latch signal input from the production control microcomputer 100 to the frame side IC board 604 and the frame side IC board 605. The serial data input to the frame side IC substrate 604 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614. As shown in FIG. 74, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604 are connected in series with the same system wiring. For example, in each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614, serial data signal lines are connected in a daisy chain type (connected by so-called daisy-chain wiring). Accordingly, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 613 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 and 603. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the output of the last bit of the shift register 682 mounted in each serial-parallel conversion IC is input to the data latch unit 681 of the next serial-parallel conversion IC (see FIG. 75), serial data may be transferred to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 in order. And each serial-parallel conversion IC611-614 latches serial data at the timing which inputted the latch signal, converts the inputted serial data latched into parallel data, LED of each lamp provided in the game frame 11 To supply.

  The clock signal input to the frame side IC board 602 is branched on the frame side IC board 604 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 and also input to the frame side IC board 602. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 602 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 602, input to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611, 612, and input to the frame side IC substrate 603. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 603 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 603 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 605 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 and the input IC 620.

  The serial data input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615. Each serial-parallel conversion IC 615 latches the serial data at the timing when the latch signal is input, converts the latched input serial data into parallel data, and provides a dish lamp and an operation button lamp provided in the game frame 11. LEDs 82a to 82d and 83 are supplied. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 605 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 and the input IC 620.

  Next, the configuration of the serial-parallel conversion IC in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 75 is a block diagram showing a configuration of each serial-parallel conversion IC in the second embodiment. 75 shows, as an example, the configuration of each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-614 provided on the game frame 11 side, but each serial-parallel conversion IC 616-619 provided on the game board 6 side, The configuration of another serial-parallel conversion IC 5615 provided on the game frame 11 side is also the same.

  As illustrated in FIG. 75, each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 includes a data latch unit 681, a shift register 682, and a data buffer 683. As shown in FIG. 75, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 are connected in series by the same system wiring in the order of IC614, IC611, IC612, and IC613.

  The data latch unit 681 is configured by, for example, a latch circuit. When serial data is input, the data latch unit 681 latches the input data bit by bit at a predetermined cycle, for example, the rising timing of the clock signal pulse, and outputs the latched data to the shift register 682. . The shift register 682 sequentially stores unit data, for example, data input bit by bit from the data latch unit 681. The shift register 682 shifts the stored data bit by bit at the rising timing of the clock signal pulse. By shifting the stored data one bit at a time, the shift register 682 enters a state where data is stored in all 8 bits. Further, when input data and a clock signal are input, the data of the last bit of the shift register 682 is changed to a subsequent stage of the serial-parallel conversion IC (hereinafter referred to as the lower side (the input side of the serial-parallel conversion IC is referred to as the upper side). In this case, the data is input to the data latch unit 681 of the serial-parallel conversion IC. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 75, the last bit data of the shift register 682 of the IC 614 is input to the data latch unit 681 of the lower-order IC 611, and the last bit data of the shift register 682 of the IC 611 is changed to the lower-order IC 612. The data of the last bit of the shift register 682 of the IC 612 is input to the data latch unit 681 of the lower-order IC 613. By doing so, the serial data output from the production control microcomputer 100 is transferred in the order of IC614, IC611, IC612, and IC613.

  In this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 outputs a control signal sequence including all lamp control signals for the four serial-parallel ICs 611 to 614 as a serial data system. In this case, the production control microcomputer 100 starts with the lamp control signal for the IC on the lower side (that is, the lamp control signal for the IC 613, the lamp control signal for the IC 612, the lamp control signal for the IC 611, and the lamp for the IC 614). A control signal sequence including (in order of control signals) is output. As described above, when data is transferred in the order of IC614, IC611, IC612, and IC613, and the output of a series of control signal sequences is completed by the production control microcomputer 100, the shift register of the IC613 The lamp control signal for IC613 is stored in 682, the lamp control signal for IC612 is stored in the shift register 682 of IC612, the lamp control signal for IC611 is stored in the shift register 682 of IC611, and the shift register 682 of IC614 is stored. The lamp control signal for the IC 614 is stored. Then, the data is taken in by the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 at the timing when the latch signal is output by the production control microcomputer 100.

  The data buffer 683 is constituted by, for example, a latch register. When a latch signal from the effect control microcomputer 100 is input, the data buffer 683 takes in and latches data stored in the shift register 682. The data buffer 683 supplies the fetched data to the LEDs of the respective lamps as parallel data (Q0 to Q7). Note that the timing (predetermined timing) at which the latch signal is input is a timing at which the latch signal is shifted over a longer span than the time required to send data to the lower-level IC.

  Next, a control signal sequence including a lamp control signal set in a predetermined data storage area according to error lamp control execution data will be described. FIG. 76 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a control signal sequence including a lamp control signal output as a serial data method in the notification control process according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 76, in this embodiment, two patterns of error lamp control execution data (pattern A and pattern B) are used for each error type. In this embodiment, the blinking display of the lamp is controlled by switching and using the error lamp control execution data for the pattern A and the pattern B. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 associates a control signal sequence (or lamp control signal) including the lamp control signal shown in FIG. 76 with the error lamp control execution data, and a predetermined lamp provided in advance in the ROM. It is stored in the control signal storage area. Then, the production control CPU 101 extracts a control signal sequence (or lamp control signal) including a lamp control signal from a predetermined lamp control signal storage area based on the error lamp control execution data, and outputs it to the serial output circuit 353. To do.

  In the case of RAM clear notification, as shown in FIG. 76, a control signal including a lamp control signal whose control data body corresponding to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 provided on the game frame 11 side is “00111111”. A column is sent. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 282f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. , 283a to 283f are turned on. Further, when the RAM clear notification is performed, a control signal sequence including a lamp control signal having the same content is output when the error lamp control execution data is pattern A and pattern B. The LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side are continuously turned on.

  When notifying the door opening error, as shown in FIG. 76, first, it corresponds to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-614 provided on the game frame 11 side based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A. A control signal sequence including a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00111111” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 282f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. , 283a to 283f are turned on. In addition, when the process data is switched, based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern B, the lamp control whose control data body corresponding to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 provided on the game frame 11 side is “00000000” A control signal sequence including the signal is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 0 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are turned off. Is done. By repeating such control, when notifying the door opening error, the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are blinked at predetermined time intervals. Control is performed.

  When notifying a ball break error, as shown in FIG. 76, first, based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A, the control data body corresponding to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611, 612 is “00111111”. A control signal sequence including the lamp control signal is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of the ceiling lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are turned on. At the time of process data switching, a control signal sequence including a lamp control signal whose control data body corresponding to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611, 612 is “00000000” is transmitted based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern B. Is done. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of the ceiling lamp are all 0 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are turned off. When such a control is repeatedly performed and a ball-out error is notified, control is performed such that only the LEDs 281a to 281l of the top frame lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are blinked at predetermined time intervals.

  When notifying of a full tank error, as shown in FIG. 76, first, based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A, the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 sends a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00001111”. Is sent. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of all the bits corresponding to the dish lamp LEDs 82a to 82d are 1, and the dish lamp LEDs 82a to 82d are turned on. At the time of process data switching, a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00000000” is transmitted to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern B. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LED of the dish lamp are all 0 is output, and the LEDs 82a to 82d of the dish lamp are turned off. When such a control is repeatedly performed to notify a full tank error, control is performed so that only the LED lamps 82a to 82d of the pan lamp blink at a predetermined time interval.

  When notifying the prize ball error, as shown in FIG. 76, first, based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A, the control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 is “00111111”. A control signal sequence including a lamp control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 612 is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to some of the LEDs of the ceiling lamp are all 1 is output, and only some of the LEDs 281a to 281f of the ceiling lamp provided on the game frame 11 side are lit. Is done. At the time of process data switching, the control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 is “00000000” and the control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 612 is based on the error lamp control execution data for pattern B. A control signal sequence including a lamp control signal “00111111” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to some other LEDs of the top frame lamp are all 1 is output, and the other partial LEDs 281g˜ of the top frame lamp provided on the game frame 11 side. Only 281l is lit. When such a control is repeatedly performed and a prize ball error is notified, the LED 281a to 281f and the LEDs 281g to 281l of the top frame lamp provided on the game frame 11 side are alternately blinked at predetermined time intervals. Is done.

  When notifying the random number circuit error, as shown in FIG. 76, the control data body corresponding to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 provided on the game frame 11 side includes a lamp control signal “00111111”. A control signal sequence is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of the bits corresponding to the LEDs of each lamp are all 1 is output, and the LEDs 281a to 281l and 282a to 282f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the game frame 11 side. , 283a to 283f are turned on. Further, when a random number circuit error is notified, the same lamp control signal is output when the error lamp control execution data is pattern A and pattern B. The LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of all the lamps (excluding the dish lamp) provided on the 11 side are continuously turned on.

  When notifying an abnormal winning error, as shown in FIG. 76, first, it corresponds to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-614 provided on the game frame 11 side based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern A. A control signal sequence including a lamp control signal whose control data body is “00101010” is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of all the bits corresponding to some of the LEDs of the lamp provided on the game frame 11 side are 1 is output, and some of the LEDs 281b of each lamp provided on the game frame 11 side. , D, f, h, j, l, 282b, d, f, 283b, d, f only are lit. In addition, when the process data is switched, the lamp control whose control data body corresponding to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 provided on the game frame 11 side is “00010101” based on the error lamp control execution data of pattern B A control signal sequence including the signal is transmitted. That is, a lamp control signal in which the logical values of all the bits corresponding to some other LEDs of the ceiling lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are all 1 is output, and each lamp provided on the game frame 11 side. Only some of the other LEDs 281a, c, e, g, i, k, 282a, c, e, 283a, c, e are lit.

  When a prize ball error is notified by repeatedly performing the above control, the LEDs 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the lamps provided on the game frame 11 side are alternately staggered at a predetermined time interval. Control is performed so as to blink.

  Next, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal output when the movable members 151 to 153 are operated in the game effect will be described. FIG. 77 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a control signal sequence including a motor control signal output as a serial data method in the game effect according to the second embodiment. The control signal sequence including the motor control signal shown in FIG. 77 is executed when, for example, variable display including a notice effect using the movable members 151 to 153 is executed in the decorative symbol variation processing shown in FIG. In the serial setting process, it is set in a predetermined data storage area. Further, the production control microcomputer 100 stores a control signal sequence including the motor control signal shown in FIG. 77 in a predetermined control signal storage area provided in advance in the ROM in association with, for example, display control execution data. ing. Then, the production control CPU 101 extracts a control signal sequence including a motor control signal from a predetermined motor control signal storage area based on the display control execution data, and outputs the control signal sequence to the serial output circuit 353.

  As shown in FIG. 77, each lamp control for controlling a center decoration lamp, a stage lamp, and a lamp around the skeleton 153, which is a movable member, is included in the control signal string including the motor control signal according to the game effect. Includes signals.

  When the trolley 151 is operated in the positive direction as a movable member, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000001” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 151a for driving the trolley 151 is output, and the trolley 151 is operated by driving the motor 151a. Further, when the operation of the truck 151 is stopped, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 151a is output, and the operation of the truck 151 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 151a.

  When the trolley 151 is operated in the reverse direction as a movable member, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000010” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal whose bit logical value is 1 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 151a for driving the trolley 151 is output, and the trolley 151 is operated by driving the motor 151a. Further, when the operation of the truck 151 is stopped, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 151a is output, and the operation of the truck 151 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 151a.

  When the beam 152 is moved in the positive direction as the movable member, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000100” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 152a for driving the beam 152 is output, and the beam 152 is operated by driving the motor 152a. When the operation of the beam 152 is stopped, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the forward movement of the motor 152a is output, and the operation of the beam 152 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 152a.

  When the beam 152 is operated in the reverse direction as the movable member, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00001000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal whose bit logical value is 1 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 152a for driving the beam 152 is output, and the beam 152 is operated by driving the motor 152a. When the operation of the beam 152 is stopped, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the reverse operation of the motor 152a is output, and the operation of the beam 152 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 152a.

  When the skeleton 153 is moved in the forward direction as the movable member, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00010000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 153a for driving the skeleton 153 is output, and the skeleton 153 is operated by driving the motor 153a. When the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 0 corresponding to the forward operation of the motor 153a is output, and the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 153a.

  When the skeleton 153 is operated in the reverse direction as the movable member, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00100000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal having a logical value of 1 corresponding to the backward operation of the motor 153a for driving the skeleton 153 is output, and the skeleton 153 is operated by driving the motor 153a. When the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped, a control signal sequence including a motor control signal whose control data body corresponding to the serial-parallel conversion IC 616 is “00000000” is transmitted. That is, a motor control signal whose bit logical value corresponding to the backward operation of the motor 153a is 0 is output, and the operation of the skeleton 153 is stopped by stopping the driving of the motor 153a.

  Next, the serial setting process will be described. FIG. 78 is a flowchart illustrating an example of serial setting processing according to the second embodiment. The serial setting process is performed, for example, when a decorative design is variably displayed in the effect control process (see steps S835C and 845C) or when various errors are notified (steps S632G, S645E, S647E, 651E, 655E, S659E, S663E). , S907, S922, S929).

  In FIG. 78, the processes in steps S950 and S951 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. If there is a change in the display state of each lamp in step S951, the CPU 101 for effect control converts a control signal sequence including a lamp control signal for the serial-parallel conversion IC of the lamp to be displayed into a predetermined lamp control signal storage area. (Step S952A). Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a control signal sequence including the extracted lamp control signal in a predetermined data storage area provided in the RAM (step S953A). Then, a lamp control signal output request flag is set (step S954).

In FIG. 78, the processes in steps S955 and S956 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. When the movable members 151 to 153 are movable in step S956, the effect control CPU 101 generates a control signal sequence including a motor control signal for the serial-parallel conversion IC of the movable members 151 to 153 to be moved.
Extraction is performed from a predetermined control signal storage area (step S957A). Next, the effect control CPU 101 sets a control signal sequence including the extracted motor control signal in a predetermined data storage area provided in the RAM (step S958A). Then, a motor control signal output request flag is set (step S959).

  FIG. 79 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a data storage area in which a control signal string including a lamp control signal and a motor control signal to be output is set in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, three data storage areas each storing a control signal sequence including a lamp control signal and a motor control signal are prepared. In other words, the board side output data storage area for storing the control signal sequence output to each serial-parallel conversion IC 616 to 619 provided on the game board 6 side connected by the same system wiring is connected by the same system wiring. A frame-side output data storage area for storing control signal sequences output to the respective serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 provided on the game frame 11 side, and a serial-parallel conversion IC 615 provided on the game frame 11 side. A dish-side output data storage area for storing the output control signal sequence is provided.

  For example, when the CPU 101 for effect control notifies the RAM clear notification, the door opening error, the ball break error, the winning ball error, the random number circuit error, or the abnormal winning error, the RAM shown in FIG. 76 in step S952A of the serial setting process. A control signal sequence including a lamp control signal corresponding to a clear notification, a door opening error, a ball break error, a winning ball error, a random number circuit error or an abnormal winning error is extracted and stored in the frame side output data storage area shown in FIG. . Further, for example, when the full control error is notified, the production control CPU 101 extracts the lamp control signal corresponding to the full tank error shown in FIG. 76 in step S952A of the serial setting process, and outputs the dish side output data shown in FIG. Store in the storage area. Further, for example, when the movable members 151 to 153 are moved in the game effect, the effect control CPU 101 extracts a control signal sequence including any of the motor control signals shown in FIG. 77 in step S957A of the serial setting process. , And stored in the board output data storage area shown in FIG.

  FIG. 80 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the serial input / output process (step S708) according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 80, the processes in steps S970 and S971 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. When the lamp control signal output request flag or the motor control signal output request flag is reset, the presentation control CPU 101 outputs a control signal sequence including the lamp control signal and the motor control signal stored in the data storage area to the serial output circuit 353. (Step S972A). Then, the output control signal sequence including the lamp control signal and the motor control signal is converted into serial data by the serial output circuit 353, and the board side IC board 601 and each frame side IC board are connected via the relay boards 606 and 607. From 602 to 605, the data is output as a serial data system. Next, the production control CPU 101 requires a predetermined time (from the time when the control signal sequence is output to the serial output circuit 353 to the time when it is output as a serial data system to the board side IC substrate 601 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605. After the elapse of time, the latch signal output unit 355 is caused to output a latch signal to each frame side IC substrate 602 to 605 (step S972B).

  When the control signal sequence is stored in any one of the three data storage areas shown in FIG. 79, the effect control CPU 101 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S972A and S972B a plurality of times. For example, when the control signal sequence is stored in all three data storage areas shown in FIG. 79, the presentation control CPU 101 first extracts the control signal sequence from the board-side output data storage area and outputs the serial output signal. The data is output to the circuit 353 (see step S972A). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the latch signal output unit 355 is caused to output a latch signal to the board side IC substrate 601 (see step S972B). Next, the production control CPU 101 extracts a control signal sequence from the frame-side output data storage area and outputs it to the serial output circuit 353 (see step S972A). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the latch signal output unit 355 is caused to output a latch signal to the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604 (see step S972B). Next, the effect control CPU 101 extracts the lamp control signal from the dish-side output data storage area and outputs it to the serial output circuit 353 (see step S972A). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the latch signal output unit 355 is caused to output a latch signal to the frame side IC substrate 605 (see step S972B).

  Note that the processes in steps S973 to S976 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the effect control microcomputer 100 is based on the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560, and the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l of the respective lamps. , 282a to 282f and 283a to 283f, a control signal is output in a serial signal system. Further, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the panel side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are connected through one system wiring. The Therefore, the number of wirings between the game board 6 and the game frame 11 can be reduced. Therefore, in a gaming machine in which the game frame 11 and the game board 6 are configured to be detachable, it is possible to easily attach and detach the game frame 11 and the game board 6.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the production control microcomputer 100 has a fixed length including control signal information of all production electrical parts (lamps and motors) connected in series to the same system wiring. This data is output in units of unit data by a serial signal method at predetermined intervals. Therefore, it is not necessary to assign different addresses to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 in advance. Can do.

  In this embodiment, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 are connected by the same system wiring, and the serial-parallel ICs 602 to 604 mounted on the frame side IC substrate 602 to 604 are connected. Although the case where the parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 are connected by the same system wiring has been described, the serial conversion ICs 616 to 619 and the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 are mounted. All of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 may be connected by wiring of the same system.

  FIG. 81 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the effect control board 80, the relay boards 606 and 607, the board-side IC board 601, and the frame-side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605 according to the second embodiment. . In FIG. 81, all the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are all of the same system wiring. Connected.

  In the example shown in FIG. 81, the serial data output from the production control microcomputer 100 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 619 mounted on the board-side IC board 601 via the relay board 606. The input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 619 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 616, 618, and 617 mounted on the board-side IC substrate 601.

  Further, the lowest-order serial-parallel conversion IC 617 mounted on the board-side IC board 601 further outputs serial data to the relay board 606. The serial data is input from the relay board 606 to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 mounted on the frame side IC board 604 via the relay board 607. The input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 611, 612, 613, 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first embodiment, all effect means (variable display device 9, sound output device (speaker) 27 and LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f) has been described, but each rendering means may be controlled using separate control boards. Hereinafter, a sound / lamp control board for controlling the sound output device 27 and the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the lamps, and a symbol control board for controlling the variable display device 9 A third embodiment including the above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, detailed description of the parts having the same configuration and processing as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 82 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the sound / lamp control board 80b, and the symbol control board 80a according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the sound / lamp control board 80b performs sound output control of the sound output device 27 and display control of the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of each lamp. . The symbol control board 80a performs display control of the variable display device 9. In this embodiment, “effect control” includes display control of the variable display device 9, sound output control of the speaker 27, LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f of each lamp, By performing display control of 283a to 283f, it means performing an effect such as a game effect. In this embodiment, the effect control means includes a symbol control microcomputer 100a that performs display control of the variable display device 9, sound output control of the speaker 27, and LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, and 281a of each lamp. ˜281 l, 282 a to 282 f and 283 a to 283 f are realized by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b which performs display control.

  The sound / lamp control board 80b includes a sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b including a sound / lamp control CPU 101b, a RAM, a serial output circuit 353, a serial input circuit 354, a clock signal output unit 356, and an input capture signal output unit 357. It is equipped with. The RAM may be externally attached. In the sound / lamp control board 80b, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown).

  Further, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b outputs a signal for driving the lamp via the serial output circuit 353. The serial output circuit converts the input signal (parallel data) for driving the LED of the lamp into serial data and outputs the serial data to the relay board 606.

  Further, the clock signal output unit 356 outputs a clock signal to the relay board 606. The clock signal from the clock signal output unit 356 is supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 and the input IC 620 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 via the relay substrate 606. The clock signal from the clock signal output unit 356 is supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 and the input IC 621 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 via the relay substrate 606. Therefore, in this embodiment, a common clock signal is supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619 and the input ICs 620 and 621.

  Further, the input capture signal output unit 357 inputs the input capture signal (latch signal) to the board side IC board 601 or the frame side IC boards 602 to 605 via the relay boards 606 and 607 in accordance with the instruction of the effect control CPU 101. Is output. The input IC 620 mounted on the frame side IC substrate 605 latches the detection signals of the operation buttons 81a to 81e when an input capture signal from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b is input, and relays the relay substrate 606 as a serial data system. , 607 to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. The input IC 621 mounted on the board-side IC board 601 latches the detection signals of the position sensors 151b, 152b, and 153b when serial input data is input from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. As a method, the signal is output to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b via the relay substrate 606.

  The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs the sound number data to the speech synthesis IC 173. The voice synthesizing IC 173 generates a voice or a sound effect corresponding to the sound number data and outputs it to the amplifier circuit 175. The amplifier circuit 175 outputs an audio signal obtained by amplifying the output level of the speech synthesis IC 173 to a level corresponding to the volume set by the volume 176 to the speaker 27. The voice data ROM 174 stores control data corresponding to the sound number data. The control data corresponding to the sound number data is a collection of data indicating the sound effect or sound output mode in a time series in a predetermined period (for example, a decorative symbol variation period).

  The signal for driving the lamp and the sound number data are communicated between the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b, the lamp driver 352, and the speech synthesis IC 173 (a response signal is transmitted from the signal receiving side to the transmitting side). Communication).

  The symbol control board 80a is equipped with a symbol control microcomputer 100a including a symbol control CPU 101a and a RAM. The RAM may be externally attached. In the symbol control board 80a, the symbol control microcomputer 100a operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown). Further, the symbol control microcomputer 100a performs display control of the variable display device 9 using the LCD on the VDP (video display processor) 109 based on the effect control command received from the main board 31 via the relay board 77. Let it be done.

  The symbol control microcomputer 100a reads necessary data from a character ROM (not shown) in accordance with the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560. The character ROM stores character image data frequently used among images displayed on the variable display device 9, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, a symbol, or the like (including decorative designs) in advance. Is. The symbol control microcomputer 100 a outputs the data read from the character ROM to the VDP 109. The VDP 109 executes display control of the variable display device 9 based on data input from the symbol control microcomputer 100a.

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

  As a signal direction regulating means, a signal inputted from the main board 31 is allowed to pass through the relay board 77 only in a direction toward the symbol control board 80a (a signal is not passed in the direction from the symbol control board 80a to the relay board 77). The unidirectional circuit is installed. For example, a diode or a transistor is used as the unidirectional circuit. FIG. 82 illustrates a diode.

  Further, the symbol control microcomputer 100 a transmits (transfers) an effect control command (a variation pattern command or a display result designation command) from the main board 31 to the sound / lamp control board 80 b via the input / output port 104.

  FIG. 83 shows a configuration example of the symbol control board 80a, the sound / lamp control board 80b, the relay boards 606 and 607, the board side IC board 601, and the frame side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605 in the third embodiment. FIG. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b of the sound / lamp control board 80b (specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b) outputs a clock signal to the relay board 607 together with serial data as a control signal. In addition, an input capture signal for causing the input ICs 620 and 621 to latch the input signal is output to the relay board 606.

  The relay board 606 supplies the serial data and the clock signal input from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC board 601. And each serial-parallel conversion IC616-619 converts the input serial data into parallel data, LEDLED125a-125f of each lamp provided in the game board 6, 126a-126f, 127a-127c, and each movable member The motors 151a to 151c are supplied.

  Further, the relay board 607 is connected to the relay board 606 through a single wiring route in a bus type, and the serial data line 300 and the clock signal line 301 connected to each serial-parallel conversion IC 616 to 619 are connected to the board side. It is connected to the bus form on the IC substrate 601.

  In addition, an input IC 621 for inputting a detection signal of a position sensor of each movable member provided on the game board 6 is mounted on the board side IC board 601. In this embodiment, the input IC 621 and the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b mounted on the board-side IC board 601 are connected to the input signal line, the clock signal line 301, and the input capture signal line 303 via the relay board 606. Are connected, and the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs an input capture signal to the input IC 621 via the relay board 606 at a predetermined timing. Then, the input IC 621 latches the detection signal of each position sensor based on the input capture signal (latch signal) and outputs it to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b via the relay board 606. In this case, the input IC 621 converts the detection signal input in parallel from each position sensor into serial data and outputs it.

  As shown in FIG. 83, the serial data and clock signal input to the relay board 607 are supplied to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC boards 602 to 605, respectively. And each serial-parallel conversion IC611-615 converts the input serial data into parallel data, LED281a-281l of each lamp provided in the game frame 11, 282a-282f, 283a-283f, 82a-82d, 83.

The serial data lines and clock signal lines connected to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 are connected in a bus format on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 83, first, the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 of the frame-side IC board 604 is input, and the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 and the serial-parallel conversion IC 611 and the serial-parallel of the frame-side IC board 602 are input. The signals are input in the order of the parallel conversion IC 612, and further input from the serial-parallel conversion IC 612 to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613 of the frame side IC substrate 603. The serial data line 300 and the clock signal line 301 connected to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 are directly connected from the relay substrate 607.

  In addition, an input IC 620 for inputting detection signals of the operation buttons 81 a to 81 e provided on the game frame 11 is mounted on the frame side IC board 605. In this embodiment, the input IC 620 and the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b mounted on the frame side IC board 605 are connected to the input signal line 302, the clock signal line 301, and the input capture signal line via the relay board 607. 303 is connected, and the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs an input capture signal to the input IC 620 via the relay boards 606 and 607 at a predetermined timing. In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs the input capture signal to the input IC 620 at a timing different from the timing of outputting the input capture signal to the input IC 621. Then, the input IC 620 latches the detection signals from the operation buttons 81a to 81e based on the input capture signal (latch signal), and outputs it to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b via the relay boards 606 and 607. In this case, the input IC 620 converts detection signals input in parallel from the operation buttons 81a to 81e into serial data and outputs the serial data.

  In this embodiment, addresses are assigned in advance to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619, and when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs a control signal converted into serial data, the addresses are assigned. The added serial data is output. When each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-619 inputs serial data, it checks whether the address added to the input serial data matches its own address, and if it matches, converts it to parallel data. Supply to the LED of each lamp. If the addresses do not match, the LED of each lamp is not supplied.

  Next, the operation of the symbol control microcomputer 100a will be described. FIG. 84 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a according to the third embodiment. When power supply to the gaming machine is started and the reset signal becomes high level, the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a starts main processing. In the main process, the symbol control microcomputer 100a first performs an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, initializing a timer for determining the start interval of the production control, and the like ( Step S781). Thereafter, the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a shifts to a loop process for checking the timer interrupt flag (step S782). When a timer interrupt occurs, the symbol control microcomputer 100a sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the symbol control microcomputer 100a clears the flag (step S783) and executes the following symbol control process.

  A timer interrupt takes every 33 ms, for example. That is, the symbol control process is activated every 33 ms, for example. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific symbol control process is executed in the main process. However, the symbol control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.

  In the symbol control process, the symbol control microcomputer 100a first analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis process: step S784). In this case, the symbol control microcomputer 100a is similar to the command analysis processing (command analysis processing executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 shown in FIGS. 41 to 43) shown in the first embodiment. The effect control command is analyzed according to

  Next, the symbol control microcomputer 100a performs symbol control process processing (step S785). In this case, the symbol control microcomputer 100a performs processing according to the same processing as the effect control process shown in the first embodiment (the effect control process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 44) ( However, only the part related to the control of the variable display device 9 is executed.

  Then, the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a executes a process of updating the random number counter (step S786). Further, notification control process processing for performing notification using the variable display device 9 is executed (step S787). In this case, the symbol controlling microcomputer 100a executes the same processing as the notification processing using the variable display device 9 among the notification control process shown in the first embodiment.

  Further, the symbol control microcomputer 100a performs a process of sending (transferring) the effect control command received from the main board 31 to the sound / lamp control board 80b (command control process: step S788). Thereafter, the process returns to the process of checking the timer interrupt flag in step S782.

  In the command control process of step S788, the symbol control microcomputer 100a may transmit the effect control command received from the game control microcomputer 560 as it is to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b, or the received effect. The control command may be processed and transmitted to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. For example, the symbol control microcomputer 100a may recreate the variation pattern command and the display result command into one effect control command, and transmit it to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. In this case, the symbol control microcomputer 100a newly adds an effect control command that can specify only the type and effect time of the effect to be executed during the change of the decorative symbol, based on the change pattern command and the display result command, for example. It is generated and transmitted to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b. With this configuration, the number of commands transmitted from the symbol control microcomputer 100a to the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b can be reduced.

  Next, the operation of the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b will be described. FIG. 85 is a flowchart showing main processing executed by the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b according to the third embodiment. When power supply to the gaming machine is started and the reset signal becomes high level, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b starts main processing. In the main process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b first performs an initialization process for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval, and the like. This is performed (step S881). Thereafter, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (step S882). When a timer interrupt occurs, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b sets a timer interrupt flag in the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set in the main process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b clears the flag (step S883) and executes the following sound / lamp control process.

  A timer interrupt takes every 33 ms, for example. That is, the sound / lamp control process is started every 33 ms, for example. In this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific sound / lamp control process is executed in the main process, but the sound / lamp control process is executed in the timer interrupt process. Also good.

  In the sound / lamp control process, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b first analyzes the effect control command received from the symbol control microcomputer 100a (command analysis process: step S884). In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b is the same as the command analysis process (command analysis process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 shown in FIGS. 41 to 43) shown in the first embodiment. The effect control command is analyzed in accordance with the process.

  Next, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b performs a sound / lamp control process (step S885). In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b follows the same process as the effect control process shown in the first embodiment (the effect control process executed by the effect control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 44). The processing (however, only the part relating to the control of the LED 27a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the speaker 27 and each lamp) is executed.

  Then, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b executes a process of updating the random number counter (step S886). Further, a notification control process for performing notification using the speaker 27 and the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the lamps is executed (step S887). In this case, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b includes the speaker 27 and the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f of the lamps in the notification control process shown in the first embodiment. Processing similar to the notification processing using 283a to 283f is executed. Further, the data set in the command analysis process, the sound / lamp control process process, and the notification control process process is output to the serial output circuit 353, and the data received from the input ICs 620 and 621 is read from the serial input circuit 354. Output processing is executed (step S888). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S882.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b uses the LED 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 126a to 126f of each lamp based on the effect control command transferred from the symbol control microcomputer 100a. Control signals for controlling 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f are output in a serial signal system. Further, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are connected through one system wiring. At the same time, different address information is assigned in advance, and only the control signal with its own address information added is converted into a parallel signal system and output. Further, when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs a control signal for controlling the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 provided in the game board 6, an address that can specify the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 is specified. A control signal with information added is output in a serial signal system. Further, when the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs a control signal for controlling the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 provided in the game frame 11, an address that can identify the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615. A control signal with information added is output in a serial signal system. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the number of wirings between the game board 6 and the game frame 11 can be reduced. Therefore, in a gaming machine in which the game frame 11 and the game board 6 are configured to be detachable, it is possible to easily attach and detach the game frame 11 and the game board 6.

  In this embodiment, the pattern / control board 80a, the sound / lamp control board 80b, the board-side IC board 601, the frame-side IC boards 602-605, and the relay boards 606, 607 are connected as sound / lamp control. Although the case where the board 80b, the relay board 606, and the relay board 607 are connected to each other by a single wiring route in the bus type has been described, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board side IC board 601 are connected in series ( Even if the number of wires is reduced by connecting the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 in series (daisy chain connection). Good.

  FIG. 86 shows another configuration of the symbol control board 80a, sound / lamp control board 80b, relay boards 606 and 607, board-side IC board 601, frame-side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605 according to the third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example. In the example shown in FIG. 86, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b (specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b) of the sound / lamp control board 80b transmits the clock signal together with the serial data as the control signal to the relay board. The data is output to 606, respectively. The relay board 606 supplies the serial data and the clock signal input from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b to the relay board 607 and the board-side IC board 601.

  The serial data input to the board side IC substrate 601 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 619. As shown in FIG. 86, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board-side IC substrate 601 have serial data signal lines connected in a daisy chain type. Therefore, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 619 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 616, 618, and 617 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601. For example, the configuration is such that the output of the last bit of the shift register 652 shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to forward. The serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 convert the input serial data into parallel data, and supply the parallel data to the LEDs of the lamps provided on the game board 6. The clock signal inputted to the board side IC board 601 is branched on the board side IC board 601 and inputted to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 and the input IC 621.

  The relay board 607 supplies the serial data and the clock signal input from the production control microcomputer 100 to the frame side IC board 604 and the frame side IC board 605. The serial data input to the frame side IC substrate 604 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614. As shown in FIG. 86, serial data signal lines are connected to each serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604 in a daisy chain type. Accordingly, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 613 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 and 603. For example, the configuration is such that the output of the last bit of the shift register 652 shown in FIG. 15 is input to the data latch unit 651 of the next serial-parallel conversion IC, whereby serial data is sequentially sent to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611-614. What is necessary is just to forward. And each serial-parallel conversion IC611-614 converts the input serial data into parallel data, and supplies it to LED of each lamp provided in the game frame 11. FIG.

  The clock signal input to the frame side IC board 602 is branched on the frame side IC board 604 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 and also input to the frame side IC board 602. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 602 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 602, input to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 and 612, and input to the frame side IC substrate 603. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 603 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 603 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 605 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 and the input IC 620.

  Similarly to the example shown in FIG. 71 and FIG. 72, an LED that performs gradation control (for example, a multi-color LED) is used as the LED of the lamp provided in the game frame 11 or the game board 6 to control the brightness. You may be able to do it.

  In this embodiment, the lamp control signals with addresses are output to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 619, whereby the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the respective lamps. In the same way as in the second embodiment, a plurality of serial-parallel conversion ICs are connected in series with the same system wiring, and all lamps connected with the same system wiring are connected. You may make it output the data of fixed length containing the lamp control signal for controlling.

  FIG. 87 is a block diagram illustrating another circuit configuration example of the relay board 77, the sound / lamp control board 80b, and the symbol control board 80a according to the third embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 87, the sound / lamp control board 80b includes a sound / lamp control CPU 101b, RAM, a serial output circuit 353, a serial input circuit 354, a latch signal output unit 355, a clock signal output unit 356, and an input capture signal. A sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b including an output unit 357 is mounted. The RAM may be externally attached. In the sound / lamp control board 80b, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b operates in accordance with a program stored in a built-in or external ROM (not shown).

  The sound / lamp control CPU 101b outputs a signal for driving the lamp via the serial output circuit 353. The serial output circuit 353 converts the input signal (parallel data) for driving the LED of the lamp into serial data and outputs the serial data to the relay board 606.

  In the example shown in FIG. 87, as in the second embodiment, four ICs 611 to 614 out of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 provided on the game frame 11 side are connected in series with the same system wiring. Yes. When controlling the top frame lamp, the left frame lamp, and the right frame lamp, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b outputs lamp control signals for all the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 connected by the same system wiring. The fixed length data (control signal sequence) is output as a serial data system via the serial output circuit 353. When the sound / lamp control CPU 101b finishes outputting the fixed-length control signal sequence, the latch signal output unit 355 provides a latch signal for causing the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 to capture the lamp control signal. Output.

  In the example shown in FIG. 87, as in the second embodiment, serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 provided on the game board 6 side are connected in series by wires of the same system. When controlling the center decoration lamp, the stage lamp, and the lamp provided around the skeleton 153 which is a movable member, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b performs all serial-parallel conversions connected by the same system wiring. Fixed-length data (control signal sequence) including lamp control signals for the ICs 616 to 619 is output via the serial output circuit 353 as a serial data system. When the sound / lamp control CPU 101b finishes outputting the fixed-length control signal sequence, the latch signal output unit 355 provides a latch signal for causing the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 to capture the lamp control signal. Output.

  As in the second embodiment, four ICs 615 among the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 provided on the game frame 11 side are connected by a single wiring. When controlling the pan lamp or the operation button lamp, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b sends the lamp control signal for the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 connected by the single wiring to the serial data via the serial output circuit 353. Output as method. When the sound / lamp control CPU 101b finishes outputting the lamp control signal, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b causes the latch signal output unit 355 to output a latch signal for causing the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 to capture the lamp control signal.

  FIG. 88 shows still another example of the symbol control board 80a, the sound / lamp control board 80b, the relay boards 606 and 607, the board side IC board 601, and the frame side IC boards 602, 603, 604, and 605 according to the third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a structure. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b of the sound / lamp control board 80 outputs a clock signal to the relay board 606 together with serial data as a control signal. The sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b outputs a latch signal to the relay board 607 at the timing when the serial data has been output. The relay board 606 supplies serial data, a clock signal, and a latch signal input from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b to the board side IC board 601. Further, the relay board 606 supplies serial data, a clock signal, and a latch signal to the frame side IC boards 602 to 605 via the relay board 607.

  The serial data input to the board side IC substrate 601 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 619. As shown in FIG. 88, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the board-side IC substrate 601 are connected in series with the same system wiring. For example, each serial-parallel conversion IC 616 to 619 has a serial data signal line connected in a daisy chain type. Therefore, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 619 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 616, 618, and 617 mounted on the board side IC substrate 601. In the example shown in FIG. 88, the output of the last bit of the shift register 682 mounted in each serial-parallel conversion IC is input to the data latch unit 681 of the next serial-parallel conversion IC, as in the second embodiment. With this configuration (see FIG. 75), serial data may be sequentially transferred to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619. Each of the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 latches the serial data at the timing when the latch signal is input, converts the latched serial data into parallel data, and supplies the parallel data to the LEDs of the lamps provided on the game board 6. To do. The clock signal inputted to the board side IC board 601 is branched on the board side IC board 601 and inputted to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 and the input IC 621.

  The relay board 607 supplies the serial data, the clock signal, and the latch signal input from the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100 b to the frame side IC board 604 and the frame side IC board 605. The serial data input to the frame side IC substrate 604 is first input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614. As shown in FIG. 88, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 604 are connected in series by the same system wiring. For example, each serial-parallel conversion IC 611 to 614 has serial data signal lines connected in a daisy chain type. Accordingly, the input serial data is sequentially transferred from the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 to the other serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 613 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 and 603. In the example shown in FIG. 88, the output of the last bit of the shift register 682 mounted in each serial-parallel conversion IC is input to the data latch unit 681 of the next serial-parallel conversion IC, as in the second embodiment. With this configuration (see FIG. 75), serial data may be sequentially transferred to the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 614. And each serial-parallel conversion IC611-614 latches serial data at the timing which inputted the latch signal, converts the inputted serial data latched into parallel data, LED of each lamp provided in the game frame 11 To supply.

  The clock signal input to the frame side IC board 602 is branched on the frame side IC board 604 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 614 and also input to the frame side IC board 602. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 602 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 602, input to each serial-parallel conversion IC 611, 612, and input to the frame side IC substrate 603. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 603 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 603 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 613. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 605 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 and the input IC 620.

  The serial data input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615. Each serial-parallel conversion IC 615 latches the serial data at the timing when the latch signal is input, converts the latched input serial data into parallel data, and provides a dish lamp and an operation button lamp provided in the game frame 11. LEDs 82a to 82d and 83 are supplied. The clock signal input to the frame side IC substrate 605 is branched on the frame side IC substrate 605 and input to the serial-parallel conversion IC 615 and the input IC 620.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 87 and 88, each serial-parallel conversion IC is configured similarly to the configuration shown in the second embodiment (see FIG. 75). In the example shown in FIGS. 87 and 88, the control signal sequence (see FIGS. 76 and 77) including the lamp control signal and the motor control signal shown in the second embodiment is used. In the example shown in FIGS. 87 and 88, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b (specifically, the sound / lamp control CPU 101b) is the production control microcomputer 100 shown in the second embodiment. The serial setting process and the serial input / output process are executed in accordance with the same process (see FIGS. 78 to 80).

  If configured as shown in FIG. 87 and FIG. 88, the sound / lamp control microcomputer 100b is provided with the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 126a to 126f of the lamps based on the effect control commands transferred from the design control microcomputer 100a. Control signals for controlling 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f are output in a serial signal system. Further, the serial-parallel conversion ICs 616 to 619 mounted on the panel side IC substrate 601 and the serial-parallel conversion ICs 611 to 615 mounted on the frame side IC substrates 602 to 605 are connected through one system wiring. The Therefore, similarly to the second embodiment, the number of wirings between the game board 6 and the game frame 11 can be reduced. Therefore, in a gaming machine in which the game frame 11 and the game board 6 are configured to be detachable, it is possible to easily attach and detach the game frame 11 and the game board 6.

  In this embodiment, as an example of controlling each presentation means using separate control boards, a case has been described in which a gaming machine includes a symbol control board 80a and a sound / lamp control board 80b. A plurality of control boards may be provided. For example, the gaming machine has a symbol / sound control board that controls the variable display device 9 and the speaker 27, and lamps that control the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of each lamp. And a control board. In this case, for example, the symbol / sound control microcomputer mounted on the symbol / sound control board first receives an effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 and transfers (transmits) it to the lamp control board. Then, the lamp control microcomputer mounted on the lamp control board outputs the control signal as a serial data system based on the transferred effect control command, thereby allowing the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f are controlled.

  Further, for example, the gaming machine controls the variable display device 9 and the pattern / lamp control board for controlling the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, and 283a to 283f of the lamps, and the speaker 27. And a sound control board. In this case, for example, the sound control microcomputer mounted on the sound control board first receives an effect control command from the game control microcomputer 560 and transfers (transmits) it to the symbol / lamp control board. Then, the symbol / lamp control microcomputer mounted on the symbol / lamp control board outputs a control signal as a serial data system based on the transferred presentation control command, thereby allowing the LEDs 125a to 125f, 126a to 126f, 281a to 281l, 282a to 282f, 283a to 283f are controlled.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine of each of the above embodiments can be given a predetermined game value to a player mainly when the special symbol that is variably displayed on the variable display unit based on the start winning prize becomes the predetermined symbol. A pachinko machine that will be given a predetermined game value when a prize is given to a predetermined area of an electric game that is released based on a start prize, or based on a start prize. The present invention is applied even to a pachinko game machine in which a predetermined right is generated or continued when there is a prize for a predetermined electric combination that is released when the stop symbol of the symbol variably displayed becomes a predetermined symbol combination. it can. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine that inserts game medals and sets a bet number and plays a game, or a game machine that inserts game balls instead of game medals and sets a bet number and plays a game.

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

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko game machine from the front. It is a front view which shows the front of a game frame. It is a front view which shows the front of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the truck as a movable member. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the beam as a movable member. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the skeleton as a movable member. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which opened the game frame. It is explanatory drawing which shows the back surface of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a game control board (main board). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of a relay board | substrate and an effect control board. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an effect control board, a relay board, a board side IC board, and a frame side IC board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the address provided to each serial-parallel conversion IC. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the address provided to each serial-parallel conversion IC. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the address provided to each input IC. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each serial-parallel conversion IC. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the format of the serial data output from the microcomputer for production control. It is a timing diagram which shows the example of the input timing of the serial data and clock signal to serial-parallel conversion IC, and the output timing of parallel data. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each input IC. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which CPU in a main board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows a 2 ms timer interruption process. It is explanatory drawing which shows each random number. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big hit determination value. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the format of the presentation control command transmitted as a serial data system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of an effect control command. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission timing of an effect control command. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows a starting port switch passage process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol normal process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a display result specific command transmission process. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol change process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows a small hit end process. It is a flowchart which shows an abnormal winning notification process. It is a flowchart which shows the presentation control main process which CPU for presentation control performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of a command reception buffer. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows a command analysis process. It is a flowchart which shows production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change start process. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the stop symbol of a decoration symbol. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of process data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the control content of the lamp performed according to process data, when each presentation control command is received. It is a flowchart which shows a process during decoration design change. It is a flowchart which shows a decoration design change stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit end process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on a variable display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the aspect of the various error alerting | reporting performed in alerting | reporting control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows alerting | reporting control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows a notification start process. It is a flowchart which shows a notification start process. It is a flowchart which shows the process during alerting | reporting. It is a flowchart which shows the process during alerting | reporting. It is a flowchart which shows the process during alerting | reporting. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the process table for error alerting | reporting. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the lamp control signal output as a serial data system in alerting | reporting control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the lamp control signal output as a serial data system in alerting | reporting control process processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the motor control signal output as a serial data system in a game production. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a serial setting process. It is explanatory drawing which shows one structural example of the data storage area | region where the lamp control signal and motor control signal of an output object are set. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of a serial input / output process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the condition of the display effect in a variable display apparatus, the sound effect by a speaker, and the display effect by each lamp | ramp. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of an effect control board, a relay board | substrate, a board | substrate side IC board, and a frame side IC board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the pulse train supplied to LED when performing gradation control of LED. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the effect control board in the case of controlling brightness using LED of the lamp | ramp which performs gradation control, a relay board | substrate, a board | substrate side IC board, and a frame side IC board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the relay board | substrate and effect control board in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the presentation control board in a 2nd Embodiment, a relay board | substrate, a board | substrate side IC board, and a frame side IC board. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each serial-parallel conversion IC in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the control signal row | line | column containing the lamp | ramp control signal output as a serial data system in the alerting | reporting control process in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the control signal sequence containing the motor control signal output as a serial data system in the game effect in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the serial setting process in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of 1 structure of the data storage area | region where the control signal sequence containing the lamp control signal and motor control signal of the output object in 2nd Embodiment is set. It is a flowchart which shows the specific example of the serial input / output process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the production | presentation control board in a 2nd embodiment, a relay board, a board side IC board, and a frame side IC board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the relay board | substrate in 3rd Embodiment, a sound / lamp control board, and a symbol control board. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the symbol control board in a 3rd embodiment, a sound / lamp control board, a relay board, a board side IC board, and a frame side IC board. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for symbol control in 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a flowchart which shows the main process which the microcomputer for sound / lamp control in 3rd Embodiment performs. It is a block diagram which shows the other structural example of the symbol control board in a 3rd embodiment, a sound / lamp control board, a relay board, a board side IC board, and a frame side IC board. It is a block diagram which shows the other circuit structure example of the relay board | substrate in 3rd Embodiment, a sound / lamp control board, and a symbol control board. It is a block diagram which shows the further another structural example of the symbol control board in a 3rd embodiment, a sound / lamp control board, a relay board, a board side IC board, and a frame side IC board.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 8 Special symbol display 9 Variable display device 13 1st start winning opening 14 2nd starting winning opening 20 Special variable winning ball apparatus 31 Game control board (main board)
56 CPU
560 Microcomputer for game control 78 Serial output circuit 80 Production control board 81 Operation buttons 82a to 82d Dish lamp (LED)
83 Operation button lamp (LED)
100 effect control microcomputer 101 effect control CPU
109 VDP
125a-125f Center decoration lamp (LED)
126a-126f Stage lamp (LED)
151, 152, 153 Movable members (carts, beams, skeletons)
151a, 152a, 153a Movable motor 151b, 152b, 153b Position sensor 281a-281l Top frame lamp (LED)
282a-282f Left frame lamp (LED)
283a-283f Right frame lamp (LED)
353 Serial output circuit 354 Serial input circuit 601 Board side IC board 602 to 605 Frame side IC board 606,607 Relay board 611 to 619 Serial-parallel conversion IC
620,621 Input IC

Claims (7)

A game frame installed to be openable and closable with respect to an outer frame, and a game board that is attached to the game frame and includes a predetermined plate-like body and various components attached to the plate-like body. A possible gaming machine,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting an effect control command for controlling the electric parts for the effect,
And a presentation control means for said game control means controls the electrical components for directing in response to the presentation control command transmitted,
The game control means and the effect control means are mounted on the game board,
The game control means includes command transmission means for transmitting the effect control command to the effect control means,
The effect control means includes an output means for outputting a control signal for controlling the electric parts for the effect in a serial signal system based on the effect control command received from the game control means,
A board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit provided in the game board and a plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits provided in the game frame;
The board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit converts the control signal input from the output means of the performance control means from a serial signal system to a parallel signal system, and is provided in the game board among the electrical components for the performance. Output to the electrical component
The plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits convert the control signal input from the output means of the effect control means from a serial signal method to a parallel signal method, and the game frame of the effect electric parts. Output to the electrical components provided in
The board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit and the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits, or the effect control means and the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits are connected via one system wiring,
Furthermore, at least a part of the panel side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits are connected in series with the same system wiring,
The output means outputs data of a fixed length including information on control signals of all the production electrical components connected to the same system wiring in a serial signal system for each predetermined period of unit data,
The panel-side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits connected to the same system wiring is connected to the panel-side serial-parallel connected to the lower side of the same system wiring. The control signal of the unit data output at every predetermined cycle is sequentially transferred as it is to either the conversion circuit or the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits, and the control signal based on the unit data at a predetermined timing Output
A game frame side relay board for relaying connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is provided in the game frame ,
The signal line of the control signal to the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits output by the output means in a serial signal system is detachably connected to the game frame side relay board using one connector. gaming machine, characterized in that there. A game frame installed to be openable and closable with respect to an outer frame, and a game board that is attached to the game frame and includes a predetermined plate-like body and various components attached to the plate-like body. A possible gaming machine,
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting an effect control command for controlling the electric parts for the effect,
And a presentation control means for said game control means controls the electrical components for directing in response to the presentation control command transmitted,
The game control means and the effect control means are mounted on the game board,
The production control means includes
First production control means for controlling at least one of the electrical components for production;
Including second effect control means for controlling electric components other than the electric parts controlled by the first effect control means among the electric parts for the effect,
The game control means includes first command transmission means for transmitting a first effect control command to the first effect control means,
The first effect control means sends a second effect control command that can specify a content of the first effect control command based on the reception of the first effect control command to the second effect control command. Second command transmission means for transmitting to the means,
The second effect control means outputs a control signal for controlling the electric parts for the effect in a serial signal system based on the second effect control command received from the first effect control means. Including output means,
A board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit provided in the game board and a plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits provided in the game frame;
The board side serial-parallel conversion circuit converts the control signal input from the output means of the second effect control means from a serial signal method to a parallel signal method, and among the electric parts for effect, the game Output to the electrical components on the panel,
The plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits convert the control signal input from the output means of the second effect control means from a serial signal method to a parallel signal method, and among the electric parts for the effect Output to the electrical components provided in the game frame,
The board-side serial-parallel conversion circuit and the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits, or the effect control means and the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits are connected via one system wiring,
Furthermore, at least a part of the panel side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits are connected in series with the same system wiring,
The output means outputs data of a fixed length including information on control signals of all the production electrical components connected to the same system wiring in a serial signal system for each predetermined period of unit data,
The panel-side serial-parallel conversion circuit or the plurality of frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuits connected to the same system wiring is connected to the panel-side serial-parallel connected to the lower side of the same system wiring. The control signal of the unit data output at every predetermined cycle is sequentially transferred as it is to either the conversion circuit or the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits, and the control signal based on the unit data at a predetermined timing Output
A game frame side relay board for relaying connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is provided in the game frame ,
The signal line of the control signal to the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits output by the output means in a serial signal system is detachably connected to the game frame side relay board using one connector. gaming machine, characterized in that there. Equipped with multiple board side serial-parallel conversion circuits,
A game board side relay board for relaying connection between the plurality of board side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means is provided in the game board,
The game frame side relay board relays the connection between the plurality of frame side serial-parallel conversion circuits and the effect control means via the game board side relay board,
The game board side relay board and the game frame side relay board are detachably connected using a single connector.
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2. Operation means that can be operated by the player;
A light-emitting component for operation means which is a light-emitting component provided in the operation means;
A parallel-serial conversion circuit that converts an input signal from an electrical component for input into a serial signal system and outputs the signal;
A clock signal output means for outputting a clock signal used in common for the panel side serial-parallel conversion circuit, the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit, and the parallel-serial conversion circuit;
In addition to the parallel-serial conversion circuit for operation means for converting the detection signal from the operation means into the serial signal system in the parallel-serial conversion circuit and outputting it, the light emission for the operation means in the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit A serial-parallel conversion circuit for operation means for converting a control signal for the parts into a parallel signal system and outputting the converted signal to the light-emitting part for operation means is mounted on the same substrate.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. At least one of the game board or game frame, as an electrical component for directing, and a light emitting component which does not adjust the light emitting component and the luminance for adjusting brightness,
Output means, a control signal for controlling the light emission state of the light-emitting components for adjusting the brightness, depending on the luminance when causing the light emitting part for adjusting the brightness, and outputs a signal obtained by changing the pulse amount,
A panel-side serial-parallel conversion circuit or a frame-side serial-parallel conversion circuit that outputs a control signal to the light-emitting component that adjusts the brightness, and a panel-side serial-parallel conversion circuit that outputs a control signal to the light-emitting component that does not adjust the brightness 5. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the frame side serial-parallel conversion circuit is different . It is possible to perform a predetermined game using a game ball, and a variable display device is provided that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified, and displays and displays a display result, and a specific display is provided on the variable display device A gaming machine that shifts to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the result is derived and displayed,
A variable winning ball apparatus that can change to an open state in the specific gaming state;
Detecting means for detecting a game ball won in the variable winning ball device and outputting a detection signal;
The game control means
Based on the value of the game progress data updated according to the game progress state, the game control process is executed,
Prior determination means for determining whether to shift to the specific gaming state before derivation display of the display result;
Variable display command transmission means for transmitting a variable display command capable of specifying a variable display start and variable display time of identification information in the variable display device based on the determination of the prior determination means;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the detection signal from the detection means is input;
When the game progress data is a value indicating a gaming state other than the specific gaming state, an abnormality notification command for instructing execution of abnormality notification is transmitted based on the fact that the winning determination means inputs the detection signal. An abnormality notification command transmitting means for
The production control means
Variable display that starts variable display of identification information in the variable display device based on the variable display command transmitted by the variable display command transmission means, and derives and displays the display result on the variable display device when the variable display time has elapsed. Control means;
An abnormality notification means for performing abnormality notification by an electrical component for production based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means;
The abnormality notification means can execute abnormality notification even when the variable display control means is executing variable display of identification information in the variable display device,
The output means, when executing the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification means, based on the abnormality notification command transmitted by the abnormality notification command transmission means, a control signal for controlling the electrical parts for production in a serial signal system The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . Equipped with a plurality of signal pattern data for outputting control signals to a plurality of electrical parts for production with an output pattern according to the type of error,
The effect control means includes signal pattern selection means for selecting signal pattern data corresponding to the type of error from the plurality of signal pattern data,
The output means outputs a control signal in a serial signal system according to an output pattern indicated by the signal pattern data selected by the signal pattern selection means.
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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