JP2000167154A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To hold consistency between a display control content and a reach (li-zhi) production display motion to prevent a player from inexpediency of misunderstanding by equipping a continuation control means to limit continuation of a further probability variable condition when the number of probability variation times reached the maximum continuation number in a probability variation condition. SOLUTION: When a game ball got prize winning into a starting port 9, a variable display device 4 starts to variable-display and then a control to guide and display a display result is carried out. When a reach (li-zhi) condition is displayed on the variable display device 4 by a reach (li-zhi) display control means at this time, reach (li-zhi) production display motion is displayed on the variable display device 4. When the display result on the variable display device 4 came into a prescribed special display mode out of specified display modes, a variable prize winning device 10 is actuated to generation a special game condition advantageous for a player. When a specified game condition was generated continuously up to a prescribed upper limit number during a special game condition, the condition of the specified game condition is terminated and the reach (li-zhi) display production motion is prohibited.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by, for example, a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine or a slot machine. Specifically, the variable display device has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and is advantageous to the player when the display result of the variable display device is any one of a plurality of predetermined display modes. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a game machine of this type, a generally known game machine has, for example, a variable display device whose display state can be changed, and a display result of the variable display device is predetermined. In a specific display mode (for example, when three same numeric symbols are arranged), there is a configuration in which a specific game means (big hit state) advantageous to the player can be controlled.

Further, in such a gaming machine, the display result of the variable display device, which triggered the control of the gaming machine to a specific gaming state, is displayed in a special display mode (for example, 3).
In the case where the number pattern is 777, a special game state (probability change state, etc.) that is advantageous to a player different from the specific game state can be controlled. there were. In such a gaming machine that can be controlled to the special game state, in order to prevent the special game state from continuing for too long, when the specific game state occurs a predetermined upper limit number of times in the special game state, the special game state The control is performed to end the continuation and set the continuation restriction state in which the continuation is not further continued.

[0004]

In the conventional gaming machine, the continuation restriction state during the special game state may be controlled, for example, such that the special display mode is not displayed by the variable display device. Thus, the inconvenience that the special game state occurs continuously and the specific game state exceeds the predetermined upper limit number of times is prevented.
However, in this conventional gaming machine, even in the case of the above-described continuation restriction state, when the reach that satisfies the display condition of the special display mode is displayed on the variable display device, the reach effect that directs the reach state. The display operation has been performed. As a result, even if it is impossible that the special display mode is derived and displayed as the display result, the reach effect display operation for the reach that satisfies the display condition to be the special display mode is performed,
The consistency between the actual display control contents and the reach effect display operation is not ensured, which causes inconvenience for the player.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to achieve consistency between display control contents and a reach effect operation.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable display device capable of changing a display state, and a plurality of specific display modes in which display results of the variable display device are predetermined. A gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when any of
Variable display control means for performing control to derive and display a display result after variably starting the variable display device, and a reach effect display operation for producing a reach state when a reach state is displayed on the variable display device Display control means capable of controlling the display of the variable display device on the variable display device, and the display result of the variable display device is a predetermined special display mode among the plurality of specific display modes. Under the condition, the special game state control means capable of controlling to a special game state advantageous to a player different from the specific game state, and the specific game state continuously occurs a predetermined upper limit number of times during the special game state And a number limiting means for terminating the continuation of the special game state in the case, wherein the reach display control means controls the continuation of the special game state by the number limiting means. In continuation regulating state control that is performed, characterized in that it does not perform the special display state to become display satisfies reach reach effect display operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the reach display control means includes:
In the continuation regulation state, when it is determined that the specific display mode other than the special display mode is to be derived and displayed, the reach effect display operation is performed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the reach display control means is provided in the continuation restricting state in a state other than the specific display mode. When the display mode is determined to be derived and displayed, the reach effect display operation is not performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the variable display control means controls the variable display control in the case of the continuation restriction state. It is characterized in that control for shortening the variable display period of the display device is performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of any of the first to fourth aspects, the variable display control means sets the specific game state in the continuation restriction state. When generating, the control is performed to derive and display the specific display mode other than the special display mode.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, control of deriving and displaying a display result after the variable display device is variably started is performed by the function of the variable display control means. By the function of the reach display control means, when the reach state is displayed on the variable display device, it is possible to perform control for displaying the reach effect display operation for producing the reach state on the variable display device. By the function of the special game state control means, a game different from the specific game state is provided on the condition that the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined special display mode among the plurality of specific display modes. Can be controlled to a special game state advantageous to the player. By the operation of the number-of-times limiting means, when the specific game state continuously occurs a predetermined upper limit number in the special game state, the continuation of the specific game state is ended. Then, the reach display control means is in a continuation restriction state in which control for restricting continuation of the special game state is performed by the number-of-times restriction means,
The reach effect display operation of the reach that satisfies the display condition of the special display mode is not performed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first aspect, the reach display control means may be configured to control the specific display mode other than the special display mode in the continuation restriction state. When the display mode is determined to be derived and displayed, the reach effect display operation is performed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the reach display control means may operate in the continuation restricted state except for the specific display mode. When the display mode is determined to be derived and displayed, the reach effect display operation is not performed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to third aspects,
In the case of the continuation restriction state, control for shortening the variable display period of the variable display device is performed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the functions of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention,
When the specific game state is generated in the continuation restriction state, control for deriving and displaying the specific display mode other than the special display mode is performed.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine, a slot machine, or the like. A game machine having a variable display device that can be changed, if the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode, if it is a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific game state advantageous to the player, It is possible to apply to all game machines.

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a hit ball operation handle 82 for a player to operate hitting of a hit ball. When the player operates the hit ball operation handle 82, the hit balls are fired one by one. The shot ball shot is guided to the game area 3 by a guide path formed between the outer rail and the inner rail.

At the center of the game area 3, a variable display device 4 for variably displaying a plurality of types of images is provided.
The variable display device 4 is configured by a CRT in the case of the present embodiment, and includes an image display unit 5 capable of displaying a symbol image and an image of a character or the like of three variable display units of left, middle, and right. Have. Here, the character refers to an image displayed on the variable display device 4 representing a human, an animal, an object, or the like. The variable display device 4 is not limited to a CRT display device, but may be another image display device such as an LCD display device (liquid crystal display device), a plasma display device, or a matrix LED display device. In addition, the variable display device 4 is not limited to such an image display device, and includes a rotating drum type, a so-called belt type, a leaf type, and a plurality of designs in which a display state changes when a belt provided with a plurality of designs circulates. The display may be configured by a mechanical display device such as a so-called disk display device in which a display state changes by rotating a rotating disk provided with.

Below the variable display device 4, a starting port 9 having a pair of left and right movable pieces 20, 20 and a variable winning ball device 10 having an opening / closing plate 61 are provided.

The variable winning ball device 10 is mounted by fixing the base plate 60 to the game area 3. The variable prize ball device 10 has an opening / closing plate 61 that can be tilted in a predetermined range in the front-rear direction of the game area 3 and is opened by tilting the opening / closing plate 61 when a solenoid 74 described later is excited. The first state, which is advantageous for a player who can win a ball, and the disadvantage that it is not possible for a player to be unable to win a ball by closing the opening / closing plate 61 by setting the solenoid 74 to a non-excited state. The second state is changeable. The variable winning prize ball device 10 is provided with six LEDs 62 that are lit or blinked according to the game state.

A warp entrance 21 is provided in each of the left and right portions of the variable display device 4.
The hit ball that has entered the warp entrance 21 is
The water flows downward through the back side of the warp, and is discharged from the warp outlet 8 to the game area 3 again. For this reason, the ball discharged from the warp exit 8 is in a state where it is relatively easy to win the starting opening 9. A normal symbol starting gate 23 is provided on the passage of the ball hitting the warp entrance 21 provided on the left side portion of the variable display device 4. The ordinary symbol starting gate 23 has a passing ball detector 3 for detecting the passing of a ball.
0 is provided.

When a hit ball passes through the ordinary symbol starting gate 23, the fact is detected by the passing ball detector 30, and a symbol (hereinafter, ordinary symbol) on the ordinary symbol variable display 17 provided above the image display section 5 is provided. The variable display of the symbol displayed on the symbol variable display 17 is usually started. Then, when the variable stop result becomes a predetermined symbol, the movable pieces 20 on the left and right sides of the starting port 9 are opened, so that a shot can easily enter the starting port 9. If a hit ball passes through the ordinary symbol start gate 23 during the variable display of the ordinary symbol variable display 17, the number of passed balls is displayed on the passage memory display 18. The upper limit of the storage of the passing balls is set to four. In addition, the hit ball is usually a symbol start gate 2
Passing through No. 3 is called the starting pass of an ordinary symbol,
The storage of the passing balls displayed on the passing memory display 18 is particularly referred to as a starting passing memory of a normal symbol.

When a starting winning ball that has won the starting opening 9 is detected by a starting ball detector 29 described later, the variable display device 4 is variably started based on the detected output.

A hit ball is awarded in the starting port 9 and the starting ball detector 29 (described later) detects the hit ball, whereby the variable display device 4 is activated.
In the three variable display units displayed on the image display unit 5, a variable display (variable display) of a symbol is performed (hereinafter, referred to as a variable display)
Each design is called "special design"). When the special symbol change display is stopped and the special symbol combination of the three variable display units becomes a predetermined specific combination and a big hit occurs, the variable winning prize ball device 10 shifts from the second state to the hitting state. As a first state that is advantageous for a player who can win a ball, the open / close plate 61 is in an open state. The game state in which the big hit has occurred is particularly called a specific game state. In the following description, a special symbol displayed on the left variable display section is called a left symbol, a special symbol displayed on the middle variable display section is called a middle symbol, and a special symbol displayed on the right variable display section is called a right symbol.

The first state of the variable winning ball device 10 is as follows.
After the opening and closing plate 61 is in the opened state, 30 seconds have elapsed, or one ball has been hit in the big winning opening of the variable winning ball device 10.
The process ends when the earlier condition of the winning of zero is satisfied. That is, when the above condition is satisfied, the opening / closing plate 61 is in the closed state, and the variable winning ball device 10
Is in a second state disadvantageous to the player. The hit ball that has won the large winning opening is detected by a winning ball detector 28 described later provided inside the large winning opening of the variable winning ball device 10.

[0027] Usually, "V
A specific area called a "pocket" is provided. When the hit ball entering the special winning opening wins the specific area, the specific winning ball is detected by a specific ball detector 27 described later provided in the V pocket. When a specific winning ball is detected,
After the first state advantageous to the player of the variable prize ball device 10 at that time ends, the repetition continuation control for driving and controlling the variable prize ball device 10 to the first state is performed again. By the repetition continuation control, the variable winning ball device 10 is in the first state continuously for a maximum of 16 times. In addition, the number of hit balls entering the special winning opening is sequentially displayed on the number display 24. After the end of the repetition continuation control, the state changes from the first state advantageous to the player to the second state disadvantageous to the player.

The variable display of the variable display device 4 is started in response to the occurrence of a so-called starting prize when a ball is hit in the starting opening 9 and the starting display that occurs during the variable display is performed. The winning is stored, and the number of the starting memories is notified to the player by turning on the starting memory display 6. If there is such a start winning memory, after the variable display is stopped, the variable display based on the starting winning memory is started again. The upper limit of the starting prize memory is set to four.

If the number of stored start winnings displayed on the start memory display 6 has reached the upper limit, even if a start winning is generated any more, the winning is invalidated without being stored. Similarly, the starting pass of the ordinary symbol, which occurs when the number of passing balls stored on the passing memory display 18 (the number of ordinary passing starting memories) reaches the upper limit, is invalidated without being stored. Therefore, the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is not variably displayed based on the start winning or passing. A start winning which occurs when the number of stored start winnings reaches the upper limit value is particularly referred to as an invalid starting winning, and a hit ball which has won the starting is referred to as an invalid starting winning ball. On the other hand, a start winning that occurs when the number of stored start winnings has not reached the upper limit value is particularly called an effective start winning, and a hit ball that has won the start is particularly called an effective starting winning ball.

During the variable display of the variable display device 4 of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a reach display may be executed. Here, the term “reach” means that the variable display device has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, the variable display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results is a predetermined identification. In the gaming machine in which the gaming state becomes a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the combination of the display modes is displayed, at the stage where a part of the plurality of display results has not been derived and displayed yet, it is already derived and displayed. Means a display state in which the displayed result satisfies the condition for the combination of the specific display modes. In other words, the reach is a game state when the display result of the variable display device having a plurality of variable display units whose display states can be changed becomes a predetermined combination of specific display modes. In a gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, when the display result of the variable display device has not yet been derived and displayed, it is determined that the variable display mode has become a variable display mode in which the combination of the specific display modes is easily displayed. Means a display mode that makes the user think. Then, for example, a state in which a variable display is performed by the plurality of variable display units while maintaining a state in which the combination of the specific display modes is aligned is also included in the reach display state. In other words, the reach is the display state at the time when the display control of the variable display device has progressed to the stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and the display result is the derived display. It means a display state in which at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display units determined before the display satisfies the condition for the specific display mode. Some reach, when it appears, is more likely to cause big hits than regular reach. Such a specific reach is called a super reach.

When such a reach display is performed, as a symbol display operation in the reach display (hereinafter, also referred to as a reach operation), the medium symbol is displayed over a longer time than the normal variable display time of the medium symbol. There is a case where a reach effect display for performing a display effect such as variably displaying a special variable display mode different from a normal variable display mode is performed.
In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1, it is possible to selectively display a plurality of types of reach states having different variable display modes at the time of reach. For each reach state, a variable display mode such as the presence / absence of the reach effect display and the reach effect display mode is predetermined.

On the left and right sides of the game area 3, side lamps 22, 22 each composed of an LED are provided. Further, a winning opening 7 is provided above the variable display device 4. Winning openings 15 are provided at lower left and lower right positions of the game area 3 called “sleeve”, respectively. Further, a winning opening 11 is provided on the left and right of the variable winning ball device 10. In addition, a windmill 19 is provided in the game area 3.

If the shot ball does not win any of the winning ports, the ball enters the out port 16 and the hit ball is collected.

The card unit 35 is provided with a card available indicator lamp 47, and the card unit 35 can be used only when the card available indicator lamp 47 is lit or blinking. I have. The card unit 35 is installed in a state where it is inserted between a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 1 installed on the gaming machine installation island, and a connection stand direction is displayed to indicate which of the left and right gaming machines is connected. Is displayed by the container 49. Then, the player inserts the common card from the card insertion slot 50. Then, the card balance recorded on the common card is read. When the player performs a ball lending operation, the lending unit amount set in advance and set is reduced from the balance, and lending balls for the lending unit amount are lent to the upper plate 39. You. Note that the common card is a prepaid card dedicated to gaming machines that can be used in common at any game hall in the nation as long as it is a game arcade affiliated with the common card system.

The card unit 35 has a fraction switch 48
By pressing the fraction display switch 48, information such as a card balance, a balance before card insertion, and an error code when an error occurs is displayed on an information display (not shown) of the gaming machine. Can be displayed. In the figure, reference numeral 51 denotes a card unit lock, which is configured so that the front side of the card unit 35 can be opened by inserting a predetermined key into the card unit lock 51 and performing an unlocking operation. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with a glass frame 37 that can be freely opened and closed, and the game area 3 is visible from a glass plate provided on the glass frame 37. When the player rotates the hit ball operation handle 82, the hit balls stored in the upper plate 87 are hit into the game area 3 one by one.

Left and right speakers 811 for generating a stereo sound effect are provided on the left and right of the upper part of the game area 3.
And a speaker 812 for the right channel.

Below the upper plate 87, an upper plate ball ejection lever 84 is provided.
The lower plate 86 is provided for storing hit balls discharged from the upper plate 87 by operating the lower plate 86.
Can be discharged by operating the lower tray ball ejection lever 85. Reference numeral 83 in the figure is a key for preventing the front frame from being opened and closed. A frame lamp 45 is provided so as to surround the game area 3. 46 is L
It is a lamp configured by an ED, and is used to blink or light when a big hit occurs or the like to enhance a gaming effect.

Next, game features of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described in more detail. When the special symbols variably displayed on the variable display unit of the variable display device 4 are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination, a big hit occurs. Among the special symbol combinations that result in big hits, special combinations that generate a high probability (probability variation) state as a special game state are included. This combination is particularly called a combination of probability variation symbols.
When the game is in the high-probability state, the probability of a big hit occurring is higher than in the normal state. In addition, the probability that the variable display result of the ordinary symbol on the ordinary symbol variable display 17 is a hit is increased. Hereinafter, the probability variation symbol is also called a probable variation symbol or a special symbol.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a jackpot is generated based on a combination of the probability variation symbols, and the probability variation occurs after all the predetermined number of repetitive continuous control operations are completed, resulting in a high probability state. . If the jackpot generated at the time of the probability change is due to a combination of the probability change symbols, the probability change occurs again after the big hit.
In other words, when a big hit occurs due to the combination of the probability variation symbols, a high probability is set in the second state which is disadvantageous to the player who has not been repeatedly subjected to the continuous control until the big hit occurs once after the big hit. State. If the symbol combination that has become the jackpot when the probability variation occurs is not the combination of the probability variation symbols, the state returns to the state where the probability variation does not occur after the end of the repetitive continuous control accompanying the jackpot.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a large hit occurs during the high probability state and the predetermined repetition continuation control is completed and the state returns to the state where the probability does not fluctuate, the normal symbol display 17 Symbol fluctuation time (variable display time)
(Hereinafter, fluctuation time reduction control) is performed. The fluctuation time reduction control is continued until the variable display device performs variable display 60 times after the end of the above-described big hit state. When such variation time reduction control is performed, the movable piece 20 is frequently opened, so that a large hit is easily generated in a short time even if the probability of a big hit is not improved,
It is in an advantageous state for the player. In this way, a gaming state adjusted so that a big hit is likely to occur in a short period of time without directly increasing the probability of a big hit occurring is particularly called an ordinary power opening improved state. Furthermore, a state that is neither the ordinary power open improvement state nor the high probability state nor the big hit state (specific game state) is particularly called a normal state.

The fluctuation time (variable display time) of a normal symbol is 30 seconds in a normal state, and 5 seconds in a normal power open improvement state in which fluctuation time reduction control is performed.

Note that the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not directly increase the probability of a big hit, but instead has a fluctuating state in which the general power opening improved state is adjusted so that a big hit is easily generated in a short period of time. Although the time reduction control is configured to be performed, other means may be used. For example, in order to facilitate the start prize winning in the variable starting opening device 14, the opening time extension control for controlling the opening time of the movable piece 20 to be opened based on the result of the variable stop of the normal symbol to be long is performed. Alternatively, the number of times of opening of the movable piece 20 is controlled to be large (for example, the normal state is one time in the normal state and the normal power release improvement state is two times). It is conceivable that such a configuration is adopted. Alternatively, the ordinary power opening improvement state may be configured by combining the fluctuation time reduction control, the opening time extension control, and the opening number increase control.

Further, a specific symbol called a "lucky number" is included in the symbols constituting the special symbol combination which is a big hit in the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in the present embodiment. Normally, prize balls acquired by the occurrence of a big hit must be exchanged for prizes once,
Therefore, the prize ball cannot be used directly for the game. However, when a big hit occurs with a lucky number, the acquired prize ball can be directly used for a game. A transition to a specific game state due to occurrence of a big hit with such a lucky number is particularly called a lucky start.

Next, a control circuit used for game control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 and FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control circuit for game control.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the control circuit includes:
Basic circuit 66, input circuit 67, LED circuit 68, solenoid circuit 69, address decode circuit 70, periodic reset circuit 71, initial reset circuit 72, information output circuit 7
3. Illumination signal circuit 74, CRT circuit 75, lamp circuit 7
6, a power supply circuit 77, a probability setting switch 78, a winning ball number signal output circuit 79, and a winning ball signal circuit 80.

The basic circuit 66 controls various devices of the pachinko gaming machine according to a control program. Basic circuit 66
ROM 662 storing a game control program and the like, a CPU 661 for performing a control operation according to the game control program, a RAM 663 functioning as a work memory of the CPU 661, and an I / O
A port and a clock generation circuit are included. In addition,
Illustration of the internal configuration of the basic circuit 66 is omitted here.

The input circuit 67 has a specific ball detector 27 for detecting a hit ball in a specific area of the special winning opening, and a specific ball detector 27 for detecting a hit ball in the special winning opening of the variable winning ball device 10. A winning ball detector 28, a starting ball detector 29 for detecting a hit ball that has won the starting opening 9, and a passing ball detector 30 for detecting a hit ball that has passed through the normal symbol starting gate 23.
And are connected respectively. The input circuit 67 transmits a detection signal output from each detector to the basic circuit 66. LED
The circuit 68 includes a number display LED of the number display 24, an LED of the start storage display 6, an LED for displaying a normal symbol of the ordinary symbol variable display 17, and an L of the passage memory display 18.
Connected to ED. The LED circuit 68 controls the lighting state of each LED in accordance with a control signal output from the basic circuit 66.

The solenoid circuit 69 includes the variable winning ball device 1
And a solenoid 7 for driving the movable piece 20 of the starting port 9.
5 is a circuit for controlling. Solenoid circuit 69
Is, in response to a control signal output from the basic circuit 66,
At a predetermined timing, the solenoid 74 and the solenoid 7
Activate 5 The LED provided in the LED circuit 68 is synchronized with the operation timing of the solenoid 74.
62 lights up. The side lamp 22 provided in the LED circuit 68 is operated in accordance with the operation of the solenoid 75.
Flashes.

The address decode circuit 70 is composed of the basic circuit 6
6 is decoded, and the ROM 662, the RAM 663,
This circuit outputs a signal for selecting one of the I / O ports and the like.

The periodic reset circuit 71 is a circuit for periodically giving a reset pulse (for example, every 2 msec) to the basic circuit 66 to repeatedly execute a predetermined game control program from the beginning.

The initial reset circuit 72 is a circuit for resetting the basic circuit 66 when power is turned on. In response to the initial reset pulse sent from the initial reset circuit 72, the basic circuit 66 initializes the pachinko gaming machine.

The information output circuit 73 outputs various game information to a hall management computer or the like, which is a host computer, based on a data signal given from the basic circuit 66. The game information includes effective start information, big hit information, and probability change information. Here, the effective start information is information for indicating the number actually used for starting the variable display of the symbol on the variable display device 4 among the winning numbers of the hit balls that have won the starting opening 9 or 15. The jackpot information is information for indicating occurrence of a jackpot.
The probability variation information is information relating to the occurrence of a high probability state (probability improvement state).

The probability setting switch 78 is a switch for selectively setting the probability of occurrence of a big hit to one of the settings 1 to 3 described later. This probability setting switch 78
Is configured to be operable by a staff member of the game arcade. The setting information of the jackpot occurrence probability set by the probability setting switch 78 is given from the probability setting switch 78 to the basic circuit 66. The basic circuit 66 defines the probability of occurrence of a big hit according to the setting information given from the probability setting switch 78.

The prize ball signal circuit 80 collects the prize balls after the prize balls which have won various prize areas are detected by the prize ball detectors such as the starting ball detector 29 and the prize ball detector 28. When guided to a device (not shown),
Each time a prize ball is processed by the prize ball processing device, the prize ball is detected, and a prize ball signal is sent to the basic circuit 6 in accordance with the detection.
6 is provided.

The winning ball number signal output circuit 79 is provided with a winning ball signal provided from the winning ball signal circuit 80 and the starting ball detector 2.
9 and a signal indicating the number of prize balls (prize balls) that need to be paid out in accordance with the prize ball, based on a detection signal from a prize ball detector such as the prize ball detector 28 or the like. For outputting to a prize ball control circuit (not shown). The basic circuit 66 supplies the winning ball signal circuit 80 with a command signal for outputting a signal indicating the number of such prize balls (prize balls).

The illumination signal circuit 74 transmits lamp control data D0 to D3 to an illumination board (not shown) for controlling the lighting state of a plurality of types of illumination (not shown) provided in the gaming machine. The lamp control data D0 to D3 are data for controlling the lighting state of the decoration, and specify the lighting state of the decoration at the time of a big hit or a high probability state. Note that the lamp control data common is a common line signal.

The CRT circuit 75 is a circuit for driving and controlling the CRT display 55 which is an image display device included in the variable display device 4 according to a control signal output from the basic circuit 66. The signals transmitted from the CRT circuit 75 to the CRT display 55 include CD0 as a command signal.
To CD7 and an initialization signal INT. Further, the signal lines connecting the CRT circuit 75 and the CRT display 55 include a +5 V line for supplying power, a +12 V line, and a GND line which is a ground signal line.

The lamp circuit 76 includes a frame lamp 45, an LED,
46. The lamp circuit 76 controls the lighting state of each lamp according to a control signal output from the basic circuit 66.

The power supply circuit 77 is connected to an AC power supply of 24 V AC, and supplies +30 V, +12 V, +5 V, +12.5 V
Is a circuit for supplying a plurality of types of DC voltages to each circuit. The DC voltage of +30 V generated from the power supply circuit 77 is output to the image display device (CRT display) 55. Further, a DC voltage of +12.5 V generated from the power supply circuit 77 is output to a program writing circuit 103 described later for writing a game control program.

The above-described CRT display 55 includes a display control board (not shown). The display control board includes an image display control circuit for controlling display of an image displayed on the image display unit 5 and control of sound such as sound effects output from the left channel speaker 811 and the right channel speaker 812. And a sound control circuit for performing the control. Next, a control circuit formed on the display control substrate will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit formed on the display control board. The image display control circuit and the sound control circuit formed on the display control board include a connector 100 and a CPU 101 as common components. Further, the sound control circuit includes a sound ROM 102,
Voice synthesis circuit 103, amplifier 106, connector 109,
110, 115, a right channel amplifier 113, a left channel amplifier 114, a left channel speaker 811 and a right channel speaker 812. The image display control circuit includes a W (work) RAM 104, a mask ROM 105, a video color encoder (VCE) 1
07, video display controller (VDC) 10
8, V (video) RAM 112 and connector 11
1 is included. In these control circuits, the CPU 1
01 is connected to the basic circuit 66 via the connector 100, the VCE 107 is connected to the CRT display circuit (not shown) in the CRT display 55 via the connector 89, and the image display unit 5 is connected by the CRT display circuit. The image is displayed on.

CPU 101 receives a command for image display control (display control command) and a command for voice control (voice control command) from basic circuit 66 via connector 100, and performs image display control and voice control. . The image display control is performed as follows. C
When the PU 101 receives the command for image display,
Based on an image display program and data stored in the mask ROM 105, an image is displayed using the WRAM 104 as a work area. The procedure is as follows.

CPU 101 reads display data from mask ROM 105 in accordance with the received command, and
Give to DC108. At this time, the CPU 101 stores not only image data but also data for VRAM control such as coordinates for display and scrolling.
Give 8 The VDC 108 receives the data for image display, allocates them to the VRAM 112, and
Performs processing such as brightness. The VDC 108 stores the image display data created in this way as VCE1.
07. The VCE 107 converts the data provided from the WRAM 104 into a composite synchronization signal to be displayed on the image display unit 5 and supplies the composite synchronization signal to the CRT display 55 via the connector 111.

The sound control is performed as follows.
The command for voice control sent from the basic circuit 66 via the connector 100 is given to the voice synthesis circuit 103 via the CPU 101. The voice synthesis circuit 81
A from the voice ROM 102 according to a given command
DPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulat)
ion) data and reproduction control data are read out, the data of the right channel and the left channel are read out in accordance with the given command and in accordance with the read out reproduction control data, and then the voice is synthesized. The left and right analog audio signals are supplied to the amplifier 106.

The amplifier 106 amplifies the left and right analog audio signals, and supplies the amplified analog audio signals to the right channel amplifier 113 and the left channel amplifier 114 via the connectors 109 and 110.
Right channel amplifier 113 and left channel amplifier 114
Then, the supplied analog audio signals are sequentially amplified, and the amplified analog audio signals are supplied to the right channel speaker 812 and the left channel speaker 811 via the connector 115, respectively. Thereby, the right channel speaker 812 and the left channel speaker 8
Stereo sound based on various sounds including natural sounds is reproduced from 11, and a predetermined sound effect is generated during variable display by the variable display device 4 or when a big hit occurs.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the types and contents of random counters used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The random counter is a counter that counts random numbers used for control such as variable display control of special symbols of the variable display device 4. In the present embodiment, WC RND1, WC RND L, WC RND
C, WC RND R, and WC RND RCH
Are used. The values of these random counters are read at a predetermined timing during the pachinko game, and the variable display operation of the variable display device 4 is controlled based on the values. The process of extracting the count value of the random counter is performed by a CPU provided inside the basic circuit 66.
661 is executed in accordance with the control program in the ROM 662.

The WC RND 1 is a big hit determining random counter for determining in advance whether or not a big hit will be generated as a result of the special symbol change display on the variable display device 4. The WC RND1 has three types of counter value ranges of setting 1 to setting 3, which are determined by the setting operation of the probability setting switch described above. In setting 1, 0 to 293
, The counter value is incremented by one every 0.002 seconds. Then, when counting up to the upper limit, the counting is restarted from 0. Note that 0.002 seconds is an interval at which the control program is repeatedly executed in the basic circuit 66 in response to the periodic reset signal output from the periodic reset circuit 71. In the case of the setting 2, the counter value is counted up in the range of 0 to 377 as in the case of the setting 1. In setting 3, the counter value is counted up in the range of 0 to 407 in the same manner as in setting 1.

WC RND L, WC RND C, W
C RND R is the left, center, left, middle, and right variable display units that are stopped and displayed on the left, middle, and right variable display units, respectively, when it is determined in advance that it is not a big hit as a result of the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 4. This is a random counter for determining the type of the right symbol (scheduled stop symbol). WC RNDL,
The count range of R is 0-12. WC RND
The count range of C is from 0 to 15. WC RND
The counter value of L is incremented by one every 0.002 seconds. The counter value of WC RND C is 0.0
While counting up one by one every 02 seconds,
The remaining time of the interrupt processing operation of the basic circuit 66 is used to count up. The counter value of WC RND R is W
When the C RND C is carried, it is counted up one by one. The WC RND L is also used for determining a big hit symbol when a big hit is generated.

The WC RND RCH is a random counter for determining an operation designation number for designating a type of reach display operation to be selectively executed from a plurality of types of predetermined reach. WC RND R
The count range of CH is 0-9. WC RND
The counter value of the RCH is counted up one by one every 0.002 seconds, and is counted up one by one using the remaining time of the interrupt processing operation of the basic circuit 66.

In the reach operation, it is discriminated that the WC RND1 determines in advance that a big hit is to be generated, and that the reach symbol is formed by the scheduled stop symbol of the left symbol and the right symbol when the release is determined in advance. It is executed when it is done.

When the reach state occurs as described above, the type of the reach operation is selected and determined according to the extracted value of the WC RND RCH, and the reach operation of the determined type is executed.

The values of the various random counters described above are extracted at the timing determined for each random counter and used for various controls.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a random counter WC.
It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure for determining beforehand whether to generate a big hit by the value of RND1. Referring to the figure, it is determined whether the result of the variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 4 is a big hit or a non-big hit, and further, the left symbol and the middle symbol stopped and displayed on the image display unit 5. The procedure for determining the type of the right symbol will be described.

FIG. 6 shows that the above-mentioned jackpot occurrence probability is set 1
It is a flowchart at the time of being set to. Each of WC RND1 and WC RND L is extracted according to the start winning. WC RND1 extracted
Is a big hit if the value is "7" which is the big hit determination value, and if it is other than "7", it is other than the big hit. In the high probability state, the WC RND1 is a jackpot if any of the jackpot determination values “7”, “11”, and “79” in that case is a jackpot. Becomes Such a jackpot determination value is called a jackpot determination value.

If it is determined that a big hit will be made,
By continuously determining the value of the extracted WC RND L, the type of a special symbol (big hit symbol) for generating a big hit is determined.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the hit is not a big hit, then WC RNDL and WC RND
By extracting and determining the values of C and WC RND R, the types of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol to be stopped and displayed are determined. In addition, when it is not a big hit,
If the determined combination of stop symbols happens to be a winning combination, "1" is added to the value of WC RND C, and adjustment is performed so as to forcibly stop and display the combination of symbols.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart when the big hit occurrence probability is set to setting 2. In the case of the setting 2, similarly to the setting 1, it is determined in advance that if the value of the WC RND1 is "7", it is determined to be a big hit, and if it is other than "7", it is not a big hit. In the high probability state, unlike the setting 1, “7”, “11”, “79”, “30”
7, 311, 331, and 373, it is determined in advance that a jackpot is determined if any of the values is other than these values. After determining whether to make a big hit or a non-big hit, the display selection control method of the stop symbol is the same as the content described in the setting 1 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart in the case where the big hit occurrence probability is set to setting 3. In the setting 3, similarly to the setting 1, it is determined in advance that if the value of the WC RND1 is “7”, it is determined to be a big hit, and if the value is other than “7”, it is not a big hit. In the probability fluctuation state, unlike the case of setting 1, the value of WC RND1 is
“7”, “11”, “79”, “307”, “31”
It is determined in advance that any one of the values “1”, “331”, “373”, and “401” is a big hit, and any other value is other than the big hit. After it is determined in advance whether to be a big hit or a non-big hit,
For the display selection control method of the stop symbol, see setting 1 in FIG.
The description is omitted because it is the same as that described above.

From the above, the probability that a big hit will occur is set to 1/294 in setting 1 in the normal state.
In setting 2, 1/378 is set, and in setting 3, 1
/ 408 is set. On the other hand, the probability of a big hit occurring in the high probability state is set to 3/294 in setting 1, to 7/378 in setting 2, and
In setting 3, it is set to 8/408.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, as described above, when the big hit symbol is a probability variation symbol, a high probability state occurs due to the probability variation. Such a high probability state occurs again when the next big hit symbol becomes a probability variation symbol. Therefore, the high probability state may occur repeatedly and continuously. However, in the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the continuation of the high-probability state is terminated if a large-capacity hit occurs in the high-probability state for a predetermined upper limit so that the jackpot in the high-probability state does not occur more than a predetermined number of times. Control is performed. In the case of this embodiment, when a jackpot occurs at the probability variation symbol first, and thereafter, when the state is controlled to the high probability state four times continuously, the next (fifth) jackpot becomes the probability. It is controlled so that it does not become a big hit with a variable symbol. Hereinafter, such control is referred to as frequency limit control.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the timing of the number limiting control for limiting the number of consecutive high probability states. In FIG. 9, whether a specific game state (big hit state) has occurred (ON, OFF), a special game state (high probability state) has occurred (ON, OFF), and the number-of-times control state has occurred The presence / absence (ON, OFF) is shown over time.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the combination of the special symbols stopped and displayed becomes a random pattern, a specific game state (big hit state) occurs. And the combination of special symbols when the big hit occurs is “1”, “3”, “5”,
A special game state (high-probability state) occurs if the symbol is a probable variable design that is any one of “7”, “9”, and “11”.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, when a special game state is set, the occurrence of a big hit with a more probable symbol may be continuously repeated. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the jackpot in the probability variation symbol occurs four times in a row. As described above, when the jackpot in the probability-changing symbol occurs four times in succession, the number-of-times limiting control state occurs. In other words, if the jackpot in the probable design occurs four times in a row,
By executing the number-of-times limiting control, a limitation is imposed to prohibit a big hit with a probable symbol. Executing such number-of-times limiting control (this is referred to as a continuation regulation state) is generally called an operation of a limiter.

As described above, by executing the number-of-times limiting control,
When a big hit occurs in the case where the jackpot with the variable probability symbol is restricted, a normal large hit symbol other than the variable probability symbol (special symbol combination is “0”, “2”, “4”,
A big hit occurs due to any one of “6”, “8”, “10”, and “12”. Therefore, when the number-of-times limiting control is executed, the big hit with the probable symbol is temporarily prohibited. By entering the number-of-times limiting state, until the next big hit occurs, after the big hit is prohibited with the positive change symbol, the big hit with the positive change symbol is allowed again as usual.

Next, the arrangement of special symbols displayed on the variable display device 4 will be described. Each special symbol of the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol is composed of a plurality of types of symbols indicating numbers. Each special symbol is a basic circuit 66 as symbol data in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order.
Is stored in the ROM 662. As such symbol data, two types of symbol data, that is, special symbol data for normal operation and special symbol data for limiter operation, are stored. At the time of the limiter operation in which the big hit with the probable change symbol is prohibited by the number-of-times limiting control, the special symbol data at the time of the limiter operation is used for variable display, and at other normal times, the normal special symbol data is used for variable display.

The specific structure of the normal special symbol data is data stored in a symbol table shown in FIG. 16A, which will be described later, and is as follows. Each of the left, middle and right symbols is constituted by a numeral symbol which is a symbol indicating a numeral.
The arrangement of the left and right symbols is 0, 1, ..., 11, 12
The numbers are determined in the order of the symbols. And, in each of the left and right symbols, corresponding to each of the numeric symbols,
Symbol position numbers 0, 1,..., 11 and 12 are assigned. The arrangement of the middle pattern is 0, 1, ..., 14, 15
The numbers are determined in the order of the symbols. The symbol position numbers 0, 1,..., 14, and 15 are assigned to the respective numeric symbols. Such symbol position numbers correspond to the extracted values of WC RND L, C, R.

If the outlier is determined in advance, WC
A symbol at a location where each of the extracted values of RND L, C, and R matches the symbol position number is selected and determined as a scheduled stop symbol of each symbol. On the other hand, when the jackpot is determined in advance, the symbol at the place where the extracted value of WC RND L matches the symbol position number is selected and determined as the left symbol, and each of the middle and right scheduled stop symbols is set as the symbol. It is selected and determined so as to be aligned with the same symbol as the left symbol.

The specific structure of the special symbol data when the limiter is activated is as follows. . The special symbol data at the time of the limiter operation is data stored in a symbol table of FIG. 16B described later, and is usually “0” to “12”.
And among the symbols “0” to “15”, “1”,
It is composed of numeric symbols excluding the symbols corresponding to the probable symbols “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, and “11”. Therefore, the symbol position number of 0, 1 is "0"
Symbol, symbol number of 2, 3 symbol number is "2",
The symbol position numbers of 4, 5 are "4", the symbol position numbers of 6, 7 are "6", the symbol position numbers of 8, 9 are "8", the symbol position numbers of 10, 11 are It corresponds to the symbol of "10". The selection of the scheduled stop symbol is determined in the same procedure as in the case of the normal special symbol data. As a result, when the special symbol data is used at the time of the limiter operation, the big hit symbol in the surely changing symbol is not displayed.

Next, the contents of the control processing of the number-of-times limiting control in the special game state will be described with reference to a flowchart. The frequency limit control is performed by executing various subroutines executed according to the execution of the control program in the basic circuit 66.

First, the probability variation flag setting process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the probability variation flag setting process.

First, step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S)
1, a special symbol check process is executed. In this special symbol check processing, a scheduled stop symbol of the special symbol is confirmed. In S2, it is determined whether or not the scheduled stop symbol confirmed in S1 is a specific symbol (probably variable symbol).

If it is determined in S2 that the symbol is not a specific symbol (probably variable symbol), the process proceeds to S5 described later. On the other hand, S2
If it is determined that the symbol is a specific symbol (probably variable symbol), the process proceeds to S3, and a process of setting data indicating a high probability time to the probability variation flag is performed. Here, the probability variation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the state is a high probability state (probability variation state). In other cases, the probability variation flag is set to data indicating a low probability state (a normal jackpot probability time). ing. When the data indicating the high probability state is set in S3, it indicates that the state is the high probability state. After S3, the process proceeds to S4, in which a process of adding and updating the probability variation counter by "1" is performed. Here, the probability variation number counter is a counter that indicates the number of times a large hit has occurred continuously in the probability variation symbol. After S3, the probability variation flag setting process ends.

A specific symbol (probably variable symbol) by S2 described above.
In S5, which is followed when it is determined that the probability variation has not occurred, a process of clearing the probability variation frequency counter and the probability variation flag is performed. As a result, the value of the probability variation counter becomes “0”.
And the probability variation flag is set at the time of normal probability.

As described above, in the probability variation flag setting process, when a big hit occurs in the probability variation symbol, the probability variation flag is set to the data at the time of high probability, and the probability variation counter is added. By the update, the number of consecutive big hits in the probable symbol is counted. On the other hand, when a big hit occurs in a symbol other than the probability variable symbol, the count value of the number of consecutive big hits in the probability variable symbol is initialized by clearing the probability variation counter.

Next, the special symbol determination processing will be described. FIG.
1 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol determination processing.

First, in step SA (hereinafter simply referred to as SA) 1, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set in the data at the time of high probability. If it is determined by SA1 that the data is not set to the data at the time of high probability, the process proceeds to SA2, and the special symbol judgment value data at the time of low probability, which is the data of the big hit judgment value at times other than the time of high probability (at the time of low probability). Is set, and then the process proceeds to SA4. On the other hand, when it is determined by SA1 that the data is set to the data at the time of high probability, the process proceeds to SA3, and processing for setting the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability, which is the data of the jackpot determination value at the time of high probability, is performed. Then, the process proceeds to SA4. As described above, the data of the jackpot determination value is selectively set according to whether or not the state is in the high probability state. In the case of this embodiment, the special symbol judgment value data at low probability is constituted by one special symbol judgment value, and the special symbol judgment value data at high probability is constituted by a plurality of special symbol judgment values. The data of these special symbol determination values is changed according to the setting of the above-mentioned big hit probability.

At SA4, the big hit flag is cleared. Here, the big hit flag is a flag set when a big hit occurs. After SA4, S
Proceeding to A5, it is determined whether or not the extracted value data of the random counter WC RND1 stored in the special symbol determination bank 0 matches the special symbol determination value. Thereby, it is determined whether or not a big hit is to be generated. SA
In 5, when the determination is made based on the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability, one determination is performed using one selected special symbol determination value data among the plurality of special symbol determination values. The order of the plurality of special symbol determination values constituting the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability is determined in advance in the order used for determination, and is used for the determination in SA5 in order from the special symbol determination value in the first order. . The special symbol determination value used for the determination in SA5 is SA1 described later.
4 and SA15, the determination is made for all of the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability.

Here, the special symbol determination bank is a storage area for temporarily storing data of the extracted value of the WC RND1 extracted according to the start winning, and a work area of the RAM 663 of the basic circuit 66. It is provided in. Since up to four start winning prizes are stored, the special symbol determination bank is constituted by a shift register having four storage areas of special symbol determination bank 0 to special symbol determination bank 3. In the special symbol determination bank, the data of the extracted value of the WC RND1 corresponding to the starting winning is stored in the order of the special symbol determination banks 0, 1, 2, and 3.

More specifically, WC RND according to the start winning prize
A maximum of four extracted values of 1 are stored, but the extracted value at the oldest timing is stored in the special symbol determination bank 0,
The extracted values are stored in the order of banks 1, 2, and 3 in accordance with the start winning. The extracted value stored in the bank 0 among the special symbol determination banks 0 to 3 is used for determining whether or not to generate a big hit. When the determination of the bank 0 is completed, the storage data of the bank 0 is cleared, and the storage data of each of the banks 1, 2, and 3 is shifted toward the bank 0 one by one. By repeatedly executing such a jackpot determination and data shift, the jackpot determination according to the start winning memory is performed.

According to SA5, W of special symbol judgment bank 0
When it is determined that the stored data of C RND1 matches the special symbol determination value, a big hit is generated,
The process proceeds to SA6 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined in SA5 that the stored data in the WC RND1 of the special symbol determination bank 0 is not the special symbol determination value, the process proceeds to SA14,
The process of setting the data of the special symbol determination value in the next order as the special symbol determination value used for the determination in SA5 is performed. Here, each of the low probability special symbol determination value data and the high probability special symbol determination value data includes data called a determination end code in addition to the special symbol determination value. When the low probability special symbol determination value data is set for the determination in SA5, a determination end code is set in SA14. On the other hand, when the special symbol determination value data at the time of high probability is set for the determination in SA5, after the determination using the special symbol determination value in the last order is performed in SA5, the determination end code is generated in SA14. Is set.

After SA14, the process proceeds to SA15, where SA14
It is determined whether or not the data of the special symbol determination value set in the above is a determination end code. If it is determined by SA15 that the code is not the determination end code, the process returns to SA5 to determine the jackpot using the next special symbol determination value set by SA14. Thereby, in the case of the high probability, the determination of the big hit based on the plurality of special symbol determination values is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, when it is determined by SA15 that the code is the determination end code, the determination of the big hit using the special symbol determination value has been completed, and it has been determined that the code should be lost, so the process proceeds to SA20 described later.

At SA5, it is determined that the data stored in the WC RND1 of the special symbol determination bank 0 matches the special symbol determination value. When the process proceeds to SA6, it is determined that a big hit is to be generated. The setting process is performed. After SA6, the process proceeds to SA7, where processing for setting a reach flag is performed. Here, the reach flag is a flag set when the reach state is displayed. By setting the reach flag, a reach state is displayed before a big hit occurs.

Then, the flow advances to SA8 to perform processing for extracting data of an extracted value of the random counter WC RND L stored in the specific symbol determination bank 0 for symbol determination. Here, the specific symbol determination bank refers to a storage area for temporarily storing data of an extracted value of WC RND L extracted according to the start winning, and a basic circuit 66.
Is provided in a work area of the RAM 663. Since up to four start winnings are stored, the specific symbol determination bank is a specific symbol determination bank 0 to a special symbol determination bank 3
And a shift register having four storage areas. In the specific symbol determination bank, the data of the extracted value of WC RND L corresponding to the starting winning is stored in the order of the specific symbol determination banks 0, 1, 2, and 3.

More specifically, WC RND according to the start winning prize
A maximum of four extracted values of L are stored, but the extracted value at the oldest timing is stored in the special symbol determination bank 0, and the extracted values are stored in the order of banks 1, 2, 3 in accordance with the starting winning. Go being. The extracted value stored in the bank 0 of the special symbol determination banks 0 to 3 is used for determining all symbols when a big hit is generated or for determining a left symbol when a big hit is not generated, and has a high probability. Used to determine whether to generate a state. When the determination of the bank 0 is completed, the storage data of the bank 0 is cleared, and the storage data of each of the banks 1, 2, and 3 is shifted toward the bank 0 one by one. Then, such a jackpot determination and data shift are repeatedly executed.

Next, the process proceeds to SA9, where it is determined whether or not the value of the above-mentioned probability variation counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum number of continuations (four in this embodiment). If it is determined in SA9 that the number is not equal to or greater than the maximum number of continuations, the process proceeds to SA10. After the above-described process of setting the special symbol data at the normal time, the process proceeds to SA23. As a result, when determining the big hit symbol, the normal special symbol data is used. On the other hand, if it is determined by SA9 that the number of times is equal to or greater than the maximum continuation number, the process proceeds to SA11. After the process of setting the special symbol data at the time of the limiter operation described above is performed, the process proceeds to SA23. Thereby, the special symbol data at the time of the limiter operation is used in determining the big hit symbol.

If the determination in SA15 is YES, the process proceeds to SA20, where WC RND L and WC RN are set.
It is determined whether or not the left scheduled stop symbol and the right scheduled stop symbol according to the extracted value of DR match. If they match, the reach flag is set by SA21 to reach, otherwise the process proceeds to SA22. In SA22, similarly to SA10, a process of setting special symbol data at normal time is performed, and the process proceeds to SA23. In SA23, a reach effect setting process is performed. This process is for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect display operation.
Will be described later. Next, the control proceeds to SA12.

At SA12, WC RND L is set using the symbol data set at SA10 or SA11.
Based on the extracted value, the processing of extracting the data of each special symbol constituting the big hit symbol is performed. And SA13
The process proceeds to SA16 after a process of setting a stop symbol of each special symbol is performed based on the data of each special symbol extracted by SA12.

In SA16, the RAM 66 of the basic circuit 66
In the work area No. 3, a work area transfer process for shifting data is executed in each of the special symbol determination bank and the specific symbol determination bank. This allows
In each of the special symbol determination bank and the specific symbol determination bank, the data of bank 0 is discarded, and
3 is shifted to the next bank. As a result, the next data is used for the processing such as the big hit determination and the symbol determination.

Next, the flow proceeds to SA17, where processing for clearing the stored data of the special symbol determination bank 3 is performed. This is because the shift of the data by the SA 16 eliminates the necessity of holding the storage data of the special symbol determination bank 3 before the shift of the data, whereby the extracted value of the WC RND1 according to the new start winning is reduced. This can be stored in the special symbol determination bank 3.

Next, the process proceeds to SA18, where processing for clearing the stored data of the specific symbol determination bank 3 is performed. This is because the shift of the data by the SA 16 eliminates the necessity of holding the storage data of the specific symbol determination bank 3 before the shift of the data. As a result, the extracted value of the WC RND L according to the new start winning is obtained. Can be stored in the special symbol determination bank 3.

Next, the process proceeds to SA19, where the data of the special symbol process flag is incremented by "1" and updated, so that the special symbol stop symbol setting process is executed. Here, the special symbol process flag is a flag that designates a process to be executed when executing variable display of each special symbol. The special symbol variable display operation is divided into a plurality of processes, and is controlled to a state corresponding to the process specified by the data of the special symbol process flag. As a result of the process of SA19, execution of the special symbol stop symbol setting process is designated as the next process, and the process proceeds to the next process. S
After A19, the special symbol determination processing ends.

In the special symbol determination processing as described above, when the occurrence of the high probability state, which is the special game state, is restricted by the number-of-times limiting control, the special symbol data at the time of the limiter operation that does not include the positively-variable symbol is used. By determining the big hit symbol, control is performed so as not to display the big hit symbol in the probable change symbol. As described above, when the occurrence of the special game state is restricted, the display control that does not display the display result that triggers the occurrence of the special game state on the variable display device 4 is performed. Even if the occurrence of the game state is restricted, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the contradiction that the display control indicates the occurrence of the special game state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling offended by such inconsistency. Further, when the occurrence of the special game state is limited by the number-of-times limiting control, the display result is determined by using the special symbol data when the limiter is operated, which does not include the probability variation symbol. The types of the big hit symbols can be displayed uniformly.

That is, when the occurrence of the special game state is limited by the number-of-times limiting control, the method of displaying only the big hit symbol by the combination of the symbols other than the positive hit symbol as the big hit symbol basically includes the positive hit symbol and the positive hit symbol. When a display result is selected using special symbol data including a symbol other than the variable symbol, and the selected display result becomes a variable symbol (for example, 777), the variable symbol is used instead of the variable symbol. Other symbols (for example, 8
88) may be determined as a display result. However, when such a method is used, the probability that an alternative symbol (for example, 888) when the probable symbol is selected is determined as a display result is higher than other symbols. That is, in addition to the direct design, the substitute design may be determined instead of the probable design,
The probability of being determined as a display result is higher than other symbols. For this reason, when an alternative symbol is used, symbols other than the probable symbol are not evenly displayed. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, the display result is determined by using the special symbol data at the time of the limiter operation that does not include the probability variation symbol, so that the type of the big hit symbol by the combination of the symbols other than the probability variation symbol is stochastically determined. Can be evenly displayed.

Next, the special symbol all symbol changing process will be described. The special symbol all symbol changing process is a process for executing a special symbol all symbol changing process process which constitutes a part of the special symbol variable display operation process. This is the process of the process in which all symbols are variably displayed at the same time. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol change during symbol change process.

First, in step SB (hereinafter simply referred to as SB) 1, processing for setting the process data 1 during all symbol fluctuations is performed. Here, the all-design changing process data is data for executing the special-design all-design changing process. The process data during the entire symbol change includes data such as the symbol change speed and the symbol change time. The process data during all symbol fluctuations includes process data 1 during symbol fluctuation, which is normal data for performing normal variable display of all symbols in a relatively long time, and variable data during symbol fluctuation time. There is an all-symbol changing process data 2 which is data for performing variable display of all symbols in a shorter time than the case of the middle process data 1, and these data are selectively used. First, in SB1, the process data 1 during all symbol fluctuations, which is data normally selected, is basically set.

Next, the process proceeds to SB2, and it is determined whether or not the data of the probability variation flag is data indicating a low probability. If it is determined by SB2 that the data indicates low probability, the process proceeds to SB4 described later. On the other hand, if SB2 determines that the data indicates low probability,
Proceeding to SB3, a process of setting the all-symbol changing process data 2 instead of the all-symbol changing process data 1 is performed. Thereafter, the flow advances to SB4. The variable display process of all the symbols is executed based on the process data of all the symbols being changed thus set.

As described above, when the probability is low, that is, when the probability of occurrence of a big hit is a normal probability, the process of variably displaying all symbols is executed for a relatively long time.
On the other hand, in the case of a high probability, the process of variably displaying all symbols is executed in a shorter time than in a normal case. Thus, at the time of high probability, the fluctuation time reduction control is performed.

At SB4, process data / timer processing is executed. In this process data / timer process, a process is performed in which a timer is used to manage the control time allocated to the execution of the special symbol all symbol variation process based on the all symbol variation process data set in SB1 or SB3. It is.

Next, the process proceeds to SB5, where it is determined based on the management information in SB4 whether or not the process of changing all the special symbols is continuing. If it is determined by SB5 that the special symbol all symbol changing process is continuing, the special symbol all symbol changing process ends. on the other hand,
If it is determined by SB5 that the special symbol changing process is not being continued, the process proceeds to SB6, where a special symbol process flag setting process 1 is executed. By executing the special symbol process flag setting process 1, a process to be executed next is selected and determined. After that, the special symbol all symbol variation processing ends.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the reach effect setting processing shown in SA23. SP1 determines whether the reach flag is set. If the reach flag has been set, a determination of YES is made. Otherwise, a determination of NO is made and the process proceeds to SP6, where processing for setting no reach effect is performed. On the other hand, YES due to SP1
When the determination is made, the process proceeds to SP2, and it is determined whether or not a certain change is being performed. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the probability variation flag is set when the probability is high. NO if not set at high probability
Is determined, the process proceeds to SP4, and the presence of reach effect is set. If it is set at the time of high probability, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to SP3.

At SP3, it is determined whether or not the limiter is operating. Specifically, this is determined based on whether or not the probability variation counter has reached the maximum number of continuations. If the maximum number of continuations has been reached, a determination of YES is made and the process proceeds to SP5, but not yet. SP4 in case
Proceed to. At SP5, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set, and if it is determined in advance that the big hit has been set, the process proceeds to SP6. When the big hit is determined in advance, the slots other than the probable pattern are aligned according to SA11 described above, and the reach effect display operation accompanying the establishment of the reach other than the probabilistic pattern is performed according to the processing of SP4.

Next, a description will be given of the reach time variation setting process. The reach time variation time setting process is a process for setting a variable display time at the time of reach. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing the details of a reach time variation setting process.

First, in step SC (hereinafter simply referred to as SC) 1, it is determined whether or not a reach effect is present. If the SC1 determines that there is no reach effect,
The process proceeds to SC4 described later. On the other hand, if it is determined by SC1 that there is a reach effect, the process proceeds to SC2 and the number of laps of the medium symbol during the reach (the number of times the symbol circulates by scrolling)
Is determined by the designated data of the number of revolutions. The designation of the number of laps is predetermined for each type of reach.

If it is determined by SC2 that the number of rotations has not been specified, the reach-time fluctuation time setting process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined by SC2 that the number of laps has been specified, the process proceeds to SC3, and a middle symbol variation time setting process is executed. In the medium symbol fluctuation time setting process, the fluctuation time of the medium symbol (time for performing variable display) is set according to the type of the reach. This allows
When the reach state is displayed, the medium symbol is variably displayed for a variable time according to the type of the reach. SC3
After that, the reach time variation setting process ends.

When it is determined in SC1 that there is no reach effect and the process proceeds to SC4, a process of setting data indicating the special symbol process start process in the special symbol process flag is performed by SC4. Here, the special symbol middle stop start process is a process of starting the stop of the middle symbol of the special symbols. The details of the special symbol stop start process will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to SC5, in which processing of storing the data of the special symbol process flag set by SC4 in the RAM 663 of the basic circuit 66 is performed. With this SC5, data designating execution of the special symbol stop start process is stored as data of the special symbol process flag,
In accordance with the specification of the stored special symbol process flag data, control for executing the process of starting the stop display of the medium symbol is performed. After SC5, the reach-time fluctuation time setting process ends.

When the high-probability state continues more than a predetermined number of times by performing the above-described reach-time fluctuation time setting processing, the reach effect display is not performed even when the reach symbol is displayed. For this reason, if the high-probability state occurs continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, the reach effect display is omitted even when the reach symbol is displayed, so that the variable display time of the reach display is shorter than the variable display time in the normal case. Is done. In other words, in a state where the occurrence of the high probability state, which is a special game state, is restricted, by promptly deriving the display result by omitting the reach effect display, the digestion time until such a state is released is reduced. Can be shortened. Therefore, in a state where the occurrence of the high probability state, which is the special game state, is restricted, the digestion time until such a state is released can be shortened. As a result, in a state where the occurrence of the high probability state advantageous to the player is limited, it is possible to suppress the discomfort of the player who feels the digestion time until the state is released.

Next, the special symbol stop start processing will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol stop start processing.

First, in step SD (hereinafter simply referred to as SD) 1, processing for setting the middle symbol stop start process data 1 is performed. Here, the middle symbol stop start process data 1 is data for executing the middle symbol stop start process in the case of the normal variable display in which the reach effect display is not performed. Next, the process proceeds to SD2, and it is determined whether or not the data of the reach operation flag is data indicating that there is no reach operation (data indicating that the reach effect display is not executed). Here, the reach operation flag is a flag indicating whether or not a reach effect display is performed.When the reach effect display is performed, the reach operation flag is set to data indicating that the reach operation is performed, and when the reach effect display is not performed, The data indicates no reach operation.

If it is determined in SD2 that the data of the reach operation flag is data indicating no reach operation, the process proceeds to SD4 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined by SD2 that the data of the reach operation flag is data indicating that the reach operation is performed, the process proceeds to SD3, and the middle symbol stop start process data setting process is executed. In the middle symbol stop start process data setting process, in order to perform a reach effect display according to the type of the reach state, instead of the middle symbol stop start process data 1,
Processing for setting data for display at the start of the middle symbol stop according to the type of the reach state is performed. After SD3, S
Proceed to D4.

As described above, when the reach effect display is not performed, the middle symbol can be changed in a relatively short time as in the case of the right symbol and the left symbol based on the middle symbol stop start process data 1. A stop display is performed. On the other hand, when the reach effect display is performed, by performing the reach effect display based on the middle symbol stop start process data corresponding to the type of the reach state, the reach effect display is performed for a longer time than when the reach effect display is not performed. The variable stop display of the middle symbol is performed.

At SD4, process data / timer processing is executed. In this process data / timer process, a process of managing the control time allocated to the execution of the middle symbol stop start process by the timer is performed based on the middle symbol stop start process data set by SD1 or SD3. It is. Next, the process proceeds to SD5, and it is determined whether or not the middle symbol stop start process is continuing based on the management information in SD4. S
If it is determined by D5 that the middle symbol stop start process is continuing, the special symbol stop start process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined by SD5 that the middle symbol stop start process is not being continued, the process proceeds to SD6, and the special symbol process flag setting process 2 is executed.
By executing the special symbol process flag setting process 2,
The process to be executed next is selected and determined. Thereafter, the special symbol stop start process ends.

By performing the above-mentioned special symbol stop start processing, if the probability fluctuation state continues more than a predetermined number of times, even when the reach symbol is displayed, the variable stop display by the reach effect display is performed. Not. For this reason, if the probability fluctuation state continuously occurs for a predetermined number of times or more, the variable stop display by the reach effect display is omitted even when the reach symbol is displayed, so that the reach display is more variable than the normal variable display time. The display time is reduced. That is, by omitting the variable stop display by the reach effect display and quickly deriving the display result,
It is possible to shorten the digestion time until the state in which the occurrence of the high probability state that is the special game state is restricted is released. Therefore, in a state where the occurrence of the high probability state, which is the special game state, is restricted, the digestion time until such a state is released can be shortened. As a result, in a state where the occurrence of the high probability state advantageous to the player is limited, it is possible to suppress the discomfort of the player who feels the digestion time until the state is released.

FIG. 16 shows the above-described random counter WC.
With the count value of RND L as a subscript, the left symbol NO. That is, the big hit symbol NO. Shows a symbol table in which is stored, (a) is a normal time big hit symbol table,
(B) is a big hit symbol table when the probability limiter is operated.

These tables are stored in the ROM 662 of the basic circuit described above. The big hit symbol table in the normal case is looked up in the above-described step SA10 to read the big hit symbol data, and (b)
The jackpot symbol data that has been looked up in step SA10 is read out from the jackpot symbol table when the probability change limiter is operated. Specifically, the extracted value (count value) of the WC RNDL extracted in SA8 is used as a subscript, and in the case of SA10, the normal time jackpot symbol table of FIG. The stored big hit symbol number is read. On the other hand, in the case of SA11, similarly, the extracted value (count value) of WC RND L extracted by SA8 is used as a subscript to look up the big hit symbol table at the time of the probability limiter operation of FIG. The stored big hit symbol number is read.

(A) The normal time jackpot symbol table is 0
Big hit symbol numbers of 0 to 12 are stored corresponding to the counter values of to. On the other hand, the big hit symbol table at the time of the probability change limiter operation of (b) corresponds to the counter values of 0 to 12, and 0, 0, 2, 2, 4, 4, 6.6, 8,
The symbol numbers of 8, 10, 10, and 12 are stored. As a result, the symbol numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 are missing. Each of these symbol numbers corresponds to a probability variation symbol (probable variation symbol). As a result, if the table of (b) is looked up in accordance with the step of SA11, the probability variation symbol data cannot be set, and the display result when the variable display device 4 stops is other than the probability variation symbol. It becomes a big hit design.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the special game state is controlled to the high probability state is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Variation time reduction control of a special symbol, which is shorter than time, may be performed. Further, as the special game state, a normal symbol variable time reduction control for shortening the variable display time of the normal symbol from the normal time may be performed. In addition, the special game state may be a combination of control to a high probability state, control for reducing the fluctuation time of a special symbol, and control for reducing the fluctuation time of a normal symbol.

Also, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a big hit occurs due to a combination of the probability variation symbols, the state becomes a high probability state from the big hit until one big hit occurs. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and in the present invention, when a big hit occurs due to a combination of the probability variation symbols, the state becomes a high probability state until the big hit occurs a plurality of times (for example, twice) after the big hit. The present invention is also applicable when performing control.

Further, when the determination of NO is made by SP5, a determination step of "reach with a probable change symbol?" Is inserted, and if YES, the process proceeds to SP6, and if NO, the process proceeds to SP4. Good.

[0140]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems (1) The variable display device 4 shown in FIG. 1 and the like constitutes a variable display device whose display state can be changed. The pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like has the variable display device, and the display result of the variable display device is one of a plurality of predetermined display modes (for example, 777). In this case, a gaming machine that can be controlled to a specific game state (big hit state) that is advantageous to the player is configured. The CPU 661 of the basic circuit 66 shown in FIG. 2 and the CPU shown in FIG.
101, after the variable display device is variably started,
Variable display control means for performing control for deriving and displaying the display result is configured. When the reach state is displayed on the variable display device by each subroutine shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, it is possible to perform control for displaying the reach effect display operation for producing the reach state on the variable display device. Possible reach display control means are provided. The basic circuit 66 shown in FIG. 2 differs from the specific game state on the condition that the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined special display mode among the specific display modes. Special game state control means that can be controlled to a special game state (high probability state) advantageous to the player is configured. The special symbol determination process shown in FIG.
According to SA11), when the specific game state continuously occurs a predetermined upper limit number of times during the special game state,
Number limiting means for terminating the continuation of the specific game state is configured. As shown in SA11, SP3, SP5, and SP6, the reach display control means sets the special display state in the continuation restriction state in which the number-of-times limiting means controls the continuation of the special game state. A control is performed so that the reach effect display operation of reach satisfying the following display condition is not displayed on the variable display device.

(2) When the reach display control means determines to derive and display the specific display mode other than the special display mode in the continuation restriction state (the step of SA11 is executed). ), The reach effect display operation is performed (YES is determined in both SP3 and SP5, and the step of SP4 is executed).

(3) The reach display control means does not perform the reach effect display operation when it is determined in the continuation restriction state that a display mode other than the specific display mode is derived (SP3). Makes a determination of YES, makes a determination of NO by SP5, and executes the step of SP6).

(4) As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the variable display control means performs control to shorten the variable display period of the variable display device in the case of the continuation restriction state.

(5) When the variable display control means generates the specific game state in the continuation restriction state (YES in SA5 and Y in SA9)
If the ES is determined), control is performed to derive and display the specific display mode other than the special display mode (according to the step of SA11, the big hit symbol table at the time of actuation of the variable probability limiter in FIG. Up).

[0145]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
With regard to, because the reach effect operation of reach that satisfies the display condition that is a special display mode in the case of the continuous regulation state is not performed, consistency between the display control content and the reach effect display operation is maintained, and the player On the other hand, inconveniences that cause misunderstanding can be prevented.

According to the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, in the continuous regulation state, when it is determined to derive and display a specific display mode other than the special display mode, the reach effect display operation is performed. Is performed, an effect that effectively excites the player's expectation at the time of the reach can be achieved as compared to the case where the reach effect display operation is not performed at all in the continuous regulation state.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the first or second aspect, when it is determined that the display mode other than the specific display mode is to be derived and displayed in the continuous regulation state, the reach effect display is performed. Since the operation is not performed, the variable display period can be shortened by omitting the reach effect display operation in which the relatively long variable display operation is performed, and the time required to complete the continuous regulation state can be shortened.

Regarding claim 4, claims 1 to 3
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, in the case of the continuation restriction state, the control for shortening the variable display period of the variable display device is performed, so that the time for which the continuation restriction state is consumed can be reduced.

Regarding claim 5, claims 1 to 4
In addition to the effect of any one of the above, when a specific game state is generated in the continuation restricted state, control is performed to derive and display a specific display mode other than the special display mode. Nevertheless, it is possible to prevent a contradiction that a special display mode for controlling to the special game state is derived and displayed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall front view showing a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit used in the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image display control circuit and a sound control circuit used in a pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating various random counters used for variable display control of the variable display device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a variable display control operation of the variable display device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a variable display control operation of the variable display device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a variable display control operation of the variable display device.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the timing of control for limiting the number of consecutive high-probability states.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing content of a probability variation flag setting process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of a special symbol determination process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a special symbol all symbol changing process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a reach effect setting processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the details of a reach fluctuation time setting process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of special symbol stop start processing.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a big hit symbol table.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a pachinko gaming machine as an example of a gaming machine, 4 is a variable display device, 66 is a basic circuit, and 661 and 101 are CPUs.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device whose display state is changeable, wherein when a display result of the variable display device becomes one of a plurality of predetermined display modes, the player can change the display state. A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous specific gaming state, wherein after a variable start of the variable display device, variable display control means for performing control to derive and display a display result, and a reach state of the variable display device. When displayed, reach display control means capable of performing control to display a reach effect display operation for effecting the reach state on the variable display device, and a display result of the variable display device is the plurality of specific display devices. Special game state control means capable of controlling to a special game state advantageous to a player different from the specific game state, provided that the display mode becomes a predetermined special display mode among the display modes; A number limiter for terminating the continuation of the special game state when the specific game state continuously occurs a predetermined upper limit number during the special game state, and the reach display control means includes the number limiter. In a continuation regulation state in which the control for restricting the continuation of the special game state is performed, a reach effect display operation of reach satisfying the display condition for the special display state is not performed. 2. The reach display control means performs the reach effect display operation when it is determined in the continuation regulation state that the specific display mode other than the special display mode is to be derived and displayed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 3. The reach display control means does not perform the reach effect display operation when it is determined in the continuation regulation state that a display mode other than the specific display mode is to be derived and displayed. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is characterized in that: 4. The variable display control means according to claim 1, wherein said variable display control means performs control for shortening a variable display period of said variable display device in said continuous restriction state. A gaming machine according to claim 1. 5. The variable display control means performs a control to derive and display the specific display mode other than the special display mode when the specific game mode is generated in the continuation restriction mode. Claim 1 to Claim 4
A gaming machine according to any one of the above.