JP2000300764A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game control means facilitating the change of a program. SOLUTION: In this game machine, the numerical values of oblique line parts differ with respect to a table with 0-9 repeated three times, and the probability of a big hit with pattern numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 which are probability change patterns, is 10/30, that is, a probability change entry ratio is 1/3. In the case of using a table with 0-9 repeated three times, on the other hand, the probability change entry ratio is 1/2. With the table size thus made large with respect to the pattern number '10', the change of the probability change entry ratio can be coped with only by changing data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine or a coin game machine, and more particularly to a game machine including a variable display device whose display state can be changed, wherein a display result on the variable display device is predetermined. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a predetermined game value can be given when the display mode is changed to the display mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, a variable display device having a variable display portion whose display state can be changed is provided, and when a display result of the variable display portion becomes a predetermined specific display mode, the player is provided with a variable display device. Some are configured to shift to an advantageous jackpot game state. The variable display device includes a plurality of variable display units, and is generally configured to display the display results of the plurality of variable display units at different times.
On the variable display section, for example, a plurality of identification information such as symbols are variably displayed. Usually, that the display result of the variable display unit is a combination of predetermined specific display modes,
It is called "big hit." In addition, the game value is a right to make the state of the variable prize ball device provided in the game area of the gaming machine advantageous for a player who is easy to win a hit ball, or a right for the player to be in an advantageous state. Or to generate.

[0003] When a big hit occurs, for example, a big winning opening is opened a predetermined number of times, and the state shifts to a big hit game state in which a hit ball is easy to win. Then, in each open period, when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning prizes is won, the winning prize opening is closed. The number of opening of the special winning opening is fixed to a predetermined number (for example, 16 rounds). An opening time (for example, 29.5 seconds) is determined for each opening, and if the opening time elapses even if the number of winnings does not reach a predetermined number, the winning opening is closed. Further, if a predetermined condition (for example, winning in a V zone provided in the special winning opening) is not satisfied at the time when the special winning opening is closed, the big hit game is performed even if the predetermined number of times is not reached. The state ends.

[0004] In addition, among the combinations of the display modes of "outside" other than the combination of "big hit", at the stage where a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display portions has not been derived and displayed yet, the display results are already displayed. The state in which the display mode of the variable display unit that is derived and displayed satisfies the display condition that is a combination of the specific display modes is referred to as “reach”. A player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a big hit.

Some gaming machines improve the probability of generating a big hit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the combination of the stop symbols of the special symbol is a combination of the predetermined symbol (probable change symbol). A state in which the probability of generating a big hit is improved is referred to as a probability change (probable change) state. In a gaming machine having a function of shifting to the probable change state, a player plays a game while enjoying how to generate a combination of special symbols that is a condition for transition to the probable change state. There is also a gaming machine configured such that when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a variable display period of a symbol displayed on the variable display section is shortened.

[0006] Each of the above-described game controls is executed by game control means, and since the game control means generally includes a microcomputer, each game control is realized by a program executed by the microcomputer.

[0007]

The period of game machine development is preferably short, but if the program can be easily used, the game machine development period can be shortened as a result. However, if an attempt is made to achieve an effect with a higher gaming effect, the program structure becomes complicated, and it becomes difficult to divert the program to other models. Therefore, it is a major challenge in a gaming machine to realize a program capable of realizing a more complicated game effect with a small capacity and to be able to easily change the program.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a game control means for easily changing a program.

[0009]

A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A variable display unit having a plurality of display areas whose display states can be changed, wherein the change of the identification information displayed in the display area is started in accordance with the satisfaction of the condition for starting the change, and the display result of the identification information is predetermined. A gaming machine that can give a predetermined game value to a player on condition that the specific display mode is set, and a game control means for controlling the progress of the game, and a display for performing display control of a variable display section Control means, the game control means, a jackpot determining means for determining whether or not a big hit, identification information determining means for determining identification information as a display result of the variable display unit when the big hit is determined The identification information determining means determines identification information to be a display result from a table in which a relationship between the symbol determination random number and data indicating the identification information is set based on the generated symbol determination random number value. The number of components of the table are characterized by more than the number of combinations of the identification information as a jackpot. Here, the number of combinations of the identification information to be the big hit is the total number of combinations of the big hit identification information that can be displayed. For example, the number of kinds of big hits (may be the same as the number of symbols) in one line is n (n: positive N) when the number of lines that cause a big hit is m (m: a positive integer)
It is. However, the simultaneous hit of double reach may be one combination.

[0010] The game control means is configured to make a determination to set a special game state in which a state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player is likely to occur based on predetermined identification information of all identification information. It may be configured.
The special game state is, for example, a probability variation state in which the probability of occurrence of a big hit is high, or a time reduction state in which the variable display period of the identification information is reduced.

[0011] The game control means may be configured so that the probability of being displayed in the special game state and the probability of being determined internally can be made different from each other.

[0012] The acquisition range of the numerical value of the symbol determining random number may be fixed, and data corresponding to each numerical value of the symbol determining random number in the table may be changed.

The content of the table may be fixed, and the range of obtaining the numerical value of the symbol determining random number may be changed.

The table is an area where addresses are continuous, and the identification information determining means indicates the identification information from the table using an address value obtained by adding an offset corresponding to the symbol determining random number to the head address of the table. It may be configured to read data.

[0015]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described. 1 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the front, FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the back. Here, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 comprises:
It has a glass door frame 2 formed in a frame shape. On the lower surface of the glass door frame 2, there is a hit ball supply tray 3. Below the hitting ball supply tray 3, a surplus ball receiving tray 4 for storing prize balls overflowing from the hitting ball supply tray 3 and a hitting operation handle (operation knob) 5 for firing a hitting ball are provided. Behind the glass door frame 2,
The game board 6 is detachably attached. A game area 7 is provided on the front of the game board 6.

In the vicinity of the center of the game area 7, a variable display section 9 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a 7-segment L
A variable display device 8 including a variable display 10 using an ED is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display section 9 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. On the side of the variable display device 8, a passing gate 11 for guiding a hit ball is provided. The hit ball that has passed through the passing gate 11 is guided to the starting winning opening 14 via the ball exit 13. In a passage between the passage gate 11 and the ball outlet 13, there is a gate switch 12 for detecting a hit ball that has passed through the passage gate 11. In addition, the winning ball that entered the starting winning port 14 is
It is guided to the back of the game board 6 and is detected by the starting port switch 17. In addition, a variable winning ball device 15 that performs opening and closing operations is provided below the starting winning port 14. The variable winning ball device 15 is opened by the solenoid 16.

Below the variable winning ball device 15, there is provided an opening / closing plate 20 which is opened by a solenoid 21 in a specific game state (big hit state). In this embodiment, the opening and closing plate 20 serves as a means for opening and closing the special winning opening. The winning ball that enters one (V zone) of the winning balls guided from the opening / closing plate 20 to the back of the game board 6 is detected by the V count switch 22. The winning ball from the opening / closing plate 20 is detected by the count switch 23. Variable display device 8
A start winning prize storage display 18 having four display sections for displaying the number of winning balls entering the starting winning prize port 14 is provided below. In this example, the start winning prize storage display 18 increases the number of lit display units by one each time there is a starting prize, with the upper limit being four. Then, each time the variable display of the variable display unit 9 is started, the number of the lit display units is reduced by one.

The game board 6 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 19 and 24. Decorative lamps 25 are provided around the left and right sides of the game area 7 so as to blink during the game.
There is an out port 26 for absorbing a hit ball that does not win. In addition, two speakers 27 that emit sound effects are provided at upper left and right sides outside the game area 7. A game effect LED 28a and a game effect lamp 2
8b and 28c are provided. And in this example,
A prize ball lamp 51 that lights up when a premium ball is paid out is provided near one of the speakers 27, and a ball out lamp 52 that lights up when a supply ball runs out is provided near the other speaker 27. Further, FIG. 1 shows a pachinko gaming table 1
Also shown is a card unit 50, which is installed adjacent to and allows lending of balls by inserting a prepaid card.

The hit ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 7 through the hitting rail, and thereafter, the game area 7
Come down. When a hit ball is detected by the gate switch 12 through the passage gate 11, the display number of the variable display 10 is changed continuously. Further, when a hit ball enters the starting winning opening 14 and is detected by the starting opening switch 17, the symbol in the variable display section 9 starts rotating if the symbol can be changed. If it is not possible to start changing the symbol, the start winning memory is increased by one. The start winning memory will be described later in detail.

The rotation of the image in the variable display section 9 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of images at the time of stop is a combination of big hit symbols, the game shifts to a big hit game state. That is, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the specific winning area while the opening and closing plate 20 is opened and is detected by the V count switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the opening and closing plate 20 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).

If the combination of images in the variable display section 9 at the time of stoppage is a combination of big hit symbols accompanied by a probability change, the probability of the next big hit increases. That is, a high probability state, which is more advantageous for the player, is obtained. Also, when the stop symbol on the variable display 10 is a predetermined symbol (hit symbol), the variable winning ball device 15 is opened for a predetermined time. Further, in the high probability state, the probability that the stop symbol on the variable display 10 hits the symbol is increased, and the opening time and the number of times the variable winning ball device 15 is opened are increased.

Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. On the back of the variable display device 8, as shown in FIG. 2, a prize ball tank 38 is provided above the mechanism plate 36, and when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed on the gaming machine installation island, a prize ball is provided from above. Premium ball tank 3
8 is supplied. The prize ball in the prize ball tank 38 reaches the ball payout device through the guide gutter 39.

On the mechanism plate 36, a variable display control unit 29 for controlling the variable display section 9 via the relay board 30, and a game control board (main board) covered with a board case 32 and mounted with a game control microcomputer and the like. ) 31, a relay board 33 for relaying a signal between the variable display control unit 29 and the game control board 31, and a prize ball board 37 on which a payout control microcomputer for performing payout control of a prize ball is mounted. is set up. Further, the mechanism plate 36 includes
A hitting ball launching device 34 for shooting a hitting ball into the game area 7 using the rotational force of a motor, and a lamp control board 35 for sending signals to the speaker 27 and the game effect lamps / LEDs 28a, 28b, 28c are provided.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine 1 as viewed from the rear. On the back of the game board 6, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the winning ball set cover 4 for guiding the winning ball winning each winning port and the winning ball device along a predetermined winning path.
0 is provided. Of the prize balls guided to the prize ball collection cover 40, those that have won through the opening and closing plate 20 are controlled so that the ball payout device 97 pays out a relatively large number of prize balls (for example, 15). The winnings through the starting winning opening 14 are controlled so that a ball payout device (not shown in FIG. 3) pays out a relatively small number of prize balls (for example, six). Then, the winnings through the other winning ports 24 and the winning ball device are controlled so that the ball payout device pays out a relatively medium number of prize balls (for example, 10). Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the relay board 33 as an example.

Signals from the winning ball detection switch 99, the starting port switch 17 and the V count switch 22 are sent to the main board 31 in order to control the winning ball payout. When the ON signal of the winning ball detection switch 99 is sent to the main board 31, a winning ball number signal is sent from the main board 31 to the winning ball board 37. The winning is detected by the winning ball detection switch 99. In this case, the main board 31 sends the winning ball board 3
7 is provided with a prize ball number signal. For example, when the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on in response to the turning on of the starting port switch 17, "6" is output as the winning ball number signal, and the winning ball detection is performed in response to the turning on of the count switch 23 or the V count switch 22. When the switch 99 is turned on, “15” is output as the prize ball number signal. When the winning ball detection switch 99 is turned on when these switches are not turned on, "10" is output as the winning ball number signal.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the main board 31. FIG. 4 also shows the prize ball control board 37, the lamp control board 35, the sound control board 70, the emission control board 91, and the display control board 80. On the main board 31, a basic circuit 53 for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program, a gate switch 12,
A switch circuit 58 that supplies signals from the starting port switch 17, the V count switch 22, the count switch 23, and the winning ball detection switch 99 to the basic circuit 53, a solenoid 16 that opens and closes the variable winning ball device 15, and the opening and closing plate 2.
A solenoid circuit 59 for driving the solenoid 21 for opening and closing the 0 according to a command from the basic circuit 53;
It includes a lamp / LED circuit 60 for driving the variable display 10 by ED and the decorative lamp 25.

In accordance with the data supplied from the basic circuit 53, jackpot information indicating occurrence of a jackpot, effective start information indicating the number of start winning balls used to start image display on the variable display section 9, and probability fluctuation have occurred. And an information output circuit 64 that outputs probability change information or the like indicating the fact to a host computer such as a hall management computer.

The basic circuit 53 includes a ROM 54 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 55 used as a work memory, a CPU 56 for performing a control operation in accordance with the control program, and an I / O port unit 57. The ROM 54 and the RAM 55 may be built in the CPU 56 in some cases.

Further, the main board 31 has an initial reset circuit 65 for resetting the basic circuit 53 when the power is turned on.
A periodic reset circuit 66 for periodically (eg, every 2 ms) giving a reset pulse to the basic circuit 53 to re-execute the game control program from the beginning, and decode an address signal given from the basic circuit 53. I
Address decode circuit 67 for outputting a signal for selecting any I / O port in I / O port unit 57
Are provided. In addition, there is also switch information input to the main board 31 from the ball dispensing device 97, but these are omitted in FIG.

A hit ball firing device that hits and fires a game ball is driven by a drive motor 94 controlled by a circuit on a firing control board 91. Then, the driving force of the driving motor 94 is adjusted according to the operation amount of the operation knob 5. That is, the circuit on the firing control board 91 is controlled so that the hit ball is fired at a speed corresponding to the operation amount of the operation knob 5.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the basic circuit 53 on the main board 31. As described above, this process is started, for example, every 2 ms by the reset pulse generated by the periodic reset circuit 66. When the basic circuit 53 is started, the basic circuit 53 first sets a clock monitor register incorporated in the CPU 56 to a clock monitor enable state in order to make the clock monitor control operable (step S1). Note that the clock monitor control is a control in which a reset is automatically generated inside the CPU 56 when a decrease or stop of an input clock signal is detected.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a stack setting process for setting the designated address of the stack pointer (step S2). In this example, 00FFH is set in the stack pointer. Then, a system check process is performed (step S3). In the system check process, the CPU 56 determines whether or not the RAM 55 contains an error.
Processing such as initializing 5 is performed.

Next, after processing for setting command data sent to the display control board 80 in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 is performed (display control data setting processing: step S
4), a process of outputting command data as display control command data is performed (display control data output process: step S5).

Next, processing for outputting the contents of the storage area for various output data to each output port is performed (data output processing: step S6). Further, the lamp timer is decremented by one, and when the lamp timer times out (when it becomes 0), the lamp data pointer is updated and a new value is set in the lamp timer (lamp timer processing: step S7).

Further, an output data setting process for setting output data such as data at the address indicated by the lamp data pointer, jackpot information, start information, and probability variation information output to the hole management computer in the storage area is performed (step S8). ). Further, various abnormality diagnosis processes are performed by a self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error process: step S9).

Next, a process of updating each counter indicating a random number for determination such as a random number for big hit determination used in game control is performed (step S10). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number. Each random number is used as follows. (1) Random 1: Determine whether or not to generate a big hit (for big hit determination = for special symbol determination) (2) Random 2-1 to 2-3: For left and right middle missing symbol determination (3) Random 3: Determine the combination of symbols at the time of the big hit (for big hit symbol determination = for special symbol determination) (4) Random 4: Determine whether or not to reach at the loss (for reach determination) (5) Random 5: Change at the time of reach Determine the time (for determining the reach type)

In order to enhance the gaming effect, random numbers other than the random numbers (1) to (5) are used. In step S10, the CPU 56 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the jackpot determination random number (1) and the jackpot symbol determination random number (3).
That is, they are the random numbers for determination.

Next, the CPU 56 performs a special symbol process (step S11). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Further, a normal symbol process is performed (step S12). In normal symbol processing, 7 segments L
A corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the variable display 10 by the ED in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the gaming state.

The CPU 56 further includes a switch circuit 58
, And performs necessary processing according to the switch state (switch processing: step S1).
3). In addition, a process of transmitting audio data in the process data described later to the audio control board 70 is performed (audio processing: step S14).

The basic circuit 53 further performs a process for updating the display random number (step S15). That is, the counter for generating random numbers 2, 4, and 5 is counted up (added by 1).

The basic circuit 53 includes a prize ball control board 37.
Is performed (step S16). That is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a winning ball control command indicating the number of winning balls is output to the winning ball control board 37. Award ball control board 3
The CPU for controlling a prize ball mounted on 7 drives the ball payout device 97 according to the received number of prize balls. After that, the basic circuit 53 repeats the display random number updating process in step S17 until the next reset pulse is given from the periodic reset circuit 66.

Next, a method of determining a symbol variably displayed on the variable display section 9 based on a winning in the starting winning port 14 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a process for determining that the hit ball has won the start winning opening 14, and FIG. 8 shows a process for determining the stop symbol of the variable display of the variable display unit 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not to make a big hit.

When the hit ball wins the starting winning port 14 provided in the game board 6, the starting port sensor 17 is turned on. In the special symbol process process of step S8 of the main process, as shown in FIG.
If it is determined that the starting port sensor 17 has been turned on via Step 8 (Step S41), it is checked whether or not the starting winning storage number has reached the maximum value of 4 (Step S42).
If the start winning prize storage number has not reached 4, the starting prize storage number is increased by 1 (step S43), and the value of the random number for jackpot determination is extracted. Then, it is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of stored winning prizes (step S4).
4). If the number of stored start winnings has reached 4, the process of increasing the number of stored start winnings is not performed. That is, in this embodiment, the number of hit balls that have won the maximum of four starting winning openings 17 can be stored.

As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 56 checks the value of the number of the winning prize stored in the special symbol process in step S8 (step S50). If the start winning prize memory number is not 0, the value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the start prize storing number = 1 is read (step S51), the value of the start prize storing number is reduced by 1, and
The value of each random value storage area is shifted (step S5).
2). That is, the number of starting winning memories = n (n = 2, 3,
The value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to 4) is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storage = n−1.

Then, the CPU 56 determines a winning / losing based on the value read in step S51, that is, the value of the extracted random number for big hit determination (step S53). Here, the random number for the jackpot determination is 0 to 299.
Values within the range. As shown in FIG. 9, when the probability is low, for example, when the value is “3”, “big hit”
Is determined, and if the value is any other value, it is determined as “outside”. When the probability is high, for example, the values are “3”, “7”,
If it is one of "79", "103", and "107", it is determined as "big hit", and if it is any other value, it is determined as "out".

When it is determined that a big hit is determined, a big hit symbol determining random number (random 3) is extracted, and a big hit symbol is determined according to the value (step S54). The reach type determining random number (random 5) is extracted, and the reach type is determined based on the value (step S57).

If it is determined that there is a loss, the CPU 56
Determines whether to reach (step S58).
For example, when the value of random number 4 as a random number for reach determination is any one of “105” to “1530”,
Decide not to reach. Then, when the value of the reach determination random number is any of “0” to “104”, it is determined to be reach. When determining to reach, the CPU 56 determines a reach symbol.

In this embodiment, the left and right symbols are determined according to the value of random 2-1 (step S59). Also, the middle symbol is determined according to the value of the random 2-2 (step S60). That is, one of the symbols corresponding to the values 0 to 15 of the values of the random 2-1 and the random 2-2 is determined as the stop symbol. Here, when the determined middle symbol matches the left and right symbols, the symbol corresponding to the value obtained by adding 1 to the value of the random number corresponding to the middle symbol is set as the fixed symbol of the middle symbol so that it does not match the big hit symbol. I do.

Further, the CPU 56 extracts a reach type determining random number (random 5) and determines a reach type based on the value (step S57). If it is determined in step S58 not to reach, the left and right middle symbols are determined according to the values of random 2-1 to 2-3 (step S61).

As described above, it is determined whether the display mode of the symbol variation based on the winning start is a jackpot, a reach mode, or a loss mode, and the combination of the respective stopped symbols is determined.

In the high probability state, the probability of the next big hit increases, the time until the variable display of the variable display 10 is determined by the 7-segment LED is shortened, and the variable display of the variable display 10 is changed. The pachinko gaming machine 1 may be configured to increase the number of times and the opening time of the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the result, or the probability of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 is high. It may be constituted so that it may become.
Further, the present invention is also applicable to the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which only one or a plurality of these states occur.

For example, when the combination of symbols stopped on the variable display section 9 becomes a specific symbol, the probability of a big hit does not increase, but the variable winning ball device 15 at the time of hitting based on the variable display result of the variable display 10 does not increase. Even in a gaming machine in which the number of times of opening and the opening time are increased, if it is determined that the reach is to be made, it is determined whether or not the left and right stopped symbols match the display mode of the specific symbol, that is, which symbol is used to generate the reach state. The present invention is also applicable to gaming machines determined by means such as a predetermined random number. Further, the range of the random numbers and the random number values used in this embodiment is an example, and any random numbers may be used, and the range setting is arbitrary.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 56. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 10 is a specific process of step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process processing, the CPU 56 determines in step S3 shown in FIG.
One of the processes from 00 to S309 is performed. In each process, the following processes are performed.

Special symbol change waiting process (step S30)
0): The start winning port 14 (in this embodiment, the winning port of the variable winning ball device 15) is hit and the start port sensor 17 is turned on. When the starting port sensor 17 is turned on, the starting winning memory number is increased by + if the starting winning memory number is not full.
1 and a big hit determination random number is extracted. That is, the processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed. Special symbol determination processing (step S301): When a state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of start winning prizes is confirmed. If the starting prize storage number is not 0, it is determined whether to make a jackpot or a losing according to the value of the extracted jackpot determination random number. That is, the first half of the processing shown in FIG. 8 is executed. Stop symbol setting process (step S302): A stop symbol for the left and right middle symbols is determined. That is, the middle half of the processing shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

Reach operation setting processing (step S30)
3): Whether or not to perform the reach operation is determined according to the value of the reach determination random number, and the fluctuation period at the time of reach is determined according to the value of the reach type determination random number. That is, the latter half of the process shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

All symbol variation start processing (step S30)
4): In the variable display section 9, control is performed so that all symbols start to change. At this time, with respect to the display control board 80,
The left and right middle final stop symbols and information instructing the variation mode are transmitted. When a background or a character is also displayed on the variable display unit 9, control is performed so that a display control command corresponding to the background or character is transmitted to the display control board 80.

All symbols stop waiting processing (step S30)
5): Control is performed so that all symbols displayed on the variable display section 9 are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, control is performed so that the left and right symbols are stopped at a predetermined timing until the timing of stopping all symbols. Further, control is appropriately performed such that a display control command corresponding to the background or character displayed on the variable display unit 9 is transmitted to the display control board 80.

Big hit display processing (step S306):
If the stop symbol is a combination of jackpot symbols,
The internal state (process flag) is updated so as to proceed to step S307. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309. The combination of the big hit symbols is a combination in which the right and left middle symbols are aligned. Also, when the left and right symbols are aligned, it reaches reach.

Grand opening opening process (step S30)
7): Control for opening the special winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the solenoid 21 is driven to open the special winning opening.

Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S30)
8): Control for transmitting display control command data of the special winning opening round display to the display control board 80, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. If the closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S307 unless the end condition of the big hit gaming state is satisfied. If the jackpot gaming state end condition is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.

Big hit end processing (step S309):
A display for notifying the player that the jackpot gaming state has ended is performed. When the display is completed, the internal flags and the like are returned to the initial state, and the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S300.

As described above, when a hit ball is won in the starting winning opening 14, the basic circuit 53 determines whether to make a big hit or a loose hit, a stop symbol and a variable in the special symbol process process of step S11 (see FIG. 5). The display period is determined, and a display control command corresponding to the determination is given to the display control CPU 101 of the display control board 80. The display control CPU 101 controls the display of the variable display unit 9 according to a display control command from the main board 31.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the left and right middle symbols. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the respective symbols displayed as the left and right middle symbols are the same 10 symbols in the left and right. The variable display is performed from the symbol number 0 to the symbol number 9 and the symbol number 9 is displayed, and then the symbol number 0 is displayed. And when the stop symbol matches the left and right middle symbol, it is a big hit. Also,
In this embodiment, the middle left and right symbols are "one", "three",
"Five", "Seven" or "Nine" (symbol numbers 1, 3, 5, 7
Or, if the operation stops at 9), a high probability state is set. That is, they become probable symbols.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each value of the big hit symbol determining random number (random 3) and the big hit symbol. In FIG. 12, the left column is a random number value (the value of random 3).
, And each numerical value in the right column indicates a symbol number of the symbol corresponding to the random number value. A big hit symbol table composed of each numerical value in the right column of FIG. 12 is stored in the ROM 54 of the basic circuit 53. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment,
A big hit symbol table of a larger size is used for the number of combinations of the big hit symbols. In this embodiment, the number of left and right middle symbols is 10
If the left and right middle stop symbols are aligned, the jackpot is won, and the number of lines is one. Therefore, the aforementioned n
(The number of combinations of symbols to be a big hit) is 10 and m (the number of lines) is 1, so the combination of symbols to be a big hit is also 10
It is on the street. And the number of components of the big hit symbol table is 30, which is larger than the number of combinations of symbols to be big hits.

The big hit symbol table is referred to in step S54 in FIG. 8. However, in the process of step S54, the ROM 54 may be directly referred to. For example, when the power is turned on, the table in the ROM 54 is stored in the RAM 55.
May be referred to the big hit symbol table formed in the RAM 55.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a specific process of step S54. In step S54, the CP
U56 first extracts the value of the counter for generating random 3. That is, random 3 is extracted (step S541). Next, after setting the top address of the big hit symbol table to the pointer (step S54).
2) The value of random 3 is added to the pointer (step S543).

Then, in the big hit symbol table, the numerical value at the position pointed by the pointer after the addition processing is read (step S544). Then, the symbol of the symbol number indicated by the read numerical value is set as the big hit symbol (step S545).

As shown in FIG. 12, when a big hit symbol table having a size larger than the number of symbols is provided, it becomes easy to divert the game control program to another model. In this embodiment, the number of symbols is 10, and among them, five symbols with symbol numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 are probable symbols. In the big hit symbol table shown in the right column of FIG. 12, the same numerical values (three each) of 0 to 9 exist. Thus, the probability of entering the high probability state (probable inrush rate) is １ ／.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the structure of the big hit symbol table for reducing the probability of inrush rate to 1/3. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the numerical values in the hatched portions are different from the numerical values shown in FIG. Then, in the big hit symbol table shown in FIG. 14, symbol numbers 1, 3, 5, 7,
The probability of a big hit at 9 is 10/30. That is, the certainty inrush rate is 1/3.

When a gaming machine having a jackpot symbol table such as that shown in FIG. 12 is used to design a gaming machine having a probability of inrush rate of 1/3, the jackpot symbol in the ROM 54 is simply used. All you have to do is change the values in the table. Then, the game control program itself, in particular, the acquisition range of the random number 3 need not be changed. This is because even if the numerical value in the big hit symbol table is changed, the processing shown in FIG. 13 can be used as it is. Therefore, it is extremely easy to design a gaming machine having a probability variation entry rate of 1/3 based on a game control program having a probability variation entry rate of 1/2.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the probability of occurrence of probability change on the software (inside the apparatus) is 1/3, but the number of probability change symbols is "5" for the number of symbols "10". Therefore, the probability of appearance of the variable symbol on the display is 1/2. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of intrusion can be changed by making the display probability different from the internally determined probability.

The example shown in FIG. 14 is an example of a jackpot symbol table of a gaming machine having a probability of inrush rate of 1/3. The numerical value of a portion different from the hatched portion in FIG. You can change it,
If the probability variable symbol appears at a rate of 1/3, an arbitrary numerical value can be used. In addition, the probable inrush rate 1/2
And 1/3 are merely examples, and other probable inrush rates can be realized in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, random 3
Is determined based on the symbol determined by comparing the value of the symbol with the big hit symbol table. That is, the determined big hit symbols are symbol numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7.
Or if it is 9, it will enter the probable change state. Therefore,
There is no need to judge again whether or not to make a probability change after it is determined to be a big hit.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ROM
Although the contents of the big hit symbol table stored in 54 are the same, when changing the probability of change entry rate, the change range of the random number (random 3) for big hit symbol determination is changed. FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 15A, the change range of the random 3 is 0 to 9, and in the example shown in FIG.

Also in this embodiment, symbol numbers 1, 3,
Assuming that five symbols 5, 7, and 9 are positively variable symbols, FIG.
In the example shown in (A), the certainty inrush rate is 1/2. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 15B, it is 1/3 as in the case shown in FIG.

The counter for generating random 3 is:
It is updated in steps S15 and S17 in the main processing shown in FIG. In this process, when the probability of change inrush rate is to be reduced to １ ／, when the counter value reaches 10, it is returned to 0. Further, when it is desired to reduce the certainty inrush rate to 1/3, the value is returned to 0 when the counter value reaches 30.

The determination as to whether the counter value has reached 10 or 30 is a process of comparing the counter value with a numerical value of "10" or "30". Therefore, the probability of inrush rate is 1 /
Based on the game control program of the gaming machine having the random number range and the big hit symbol table shown in FIG. 15A, the game control of the gaming machine having the probability of inrush rate of 1/3 is performed. When creating a program, it is only necessary to change the determination value “10” for determining whether to return the value to “0” in step S15 and S17 to “30”. In this embodiment, the big hit symbol table stored in the ROM 54 does not need to be changed.

Therefore, even in such an embodiment, it is extremely easy to divert a game control program of a gaming machine for which a certain probability of entry ratio is determined to a game machine of another probability of entry ratio.

In each of the above embodiments, a case has been described in which a game control program for a certain game machine is used for a game machine having a different probability of inrush rate. However, it is easy to use other parameters used for game control. You can also. For example, for a parameter having a different value between the high probability state (probable change state) and the normal state, the contents of the state variable table in which such a parameter is set are changed when the state changes. Further, when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, a parameter whose value does not change even if the state changes is set in the state variable table.

Using such a state variable table,
In the game control program, the value set in the state variable table can be used regardless of the state, and it is not necessary to determine whether or not each state is a high probability state. Therefore, the game control program can be simplified, and can be easily applied to other models. When diverted to another model, it is only necessary to change the data in the ROM indicated by the address set in the state variable table as described later.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main operation of the basic circuit 53 using the state variable table. In the processing shown in FIG. 16, steps S21 and S22 are added to the processing shown in FIG. That is, after the system check processing, whether or not the power is turned on is checked (step S21). If the power has been turned on, a state variable table setting process A is executed (step S22).

FIG. 17 shows a normal state (when not in a probable change state).
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a table in which various parameters in which different values are used between the time of the probability change and the time of the probability change; The table is provided in the ROM 54. In the power-on data table shown in FIG. 17A, data handled in the state variable table setting process A described above is set. In the normal time table shown in FIG. 17B, parameter (state variable) values used in normal time are set. In FIG. 17C, parameter values used at the time of the probability change are set.

As shown in FIGS. 17 (B) and 17 (C), in this example, the normal symbol change time, the normal electric accessory opening time (open time of the variable winning prize ball device), the loss change shortening condition, the frame lamp lighting The pattern and the address of the reach distribution table pointer are illustrated. However, each set value shown in FIG. 17 is an example, and other parameters for which different values are used between the normal time and the certainty change are also set.

Note that the out-of-position fluctuation shortening condition is a condition for performing such a shortened fluctuation in a case where a function to reduce the fluctuation time of the out-of-position symbol in the probable change state is provided. The reach distribution ratio in each state is set in the corresponding reach distribution table, and the address of the reach distribution table pointer is:
This is the address where the pointer for specifying such a reach distribution table is stored.

In FIGS. 17 (A), (B) and (C),
The hexadecimal number on the left indicates the address where the set value and the transfer address are stored. However, the address is shown not as an absolute value but as a relative value from the head address. In addition, some parameters are represented by one byte and some are represented by a plurality of bytes. However, in FIG. 17, for ease of understanding, the number of bytes of the parameter is assumed to be uniform. ing.

A characteristic of the data structure shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C is that the set value of each parameter and the transfer destination address are set in pairs.
Also, the data structure shown in FIG.
Comparing with the data configuration shown in (C), the set parameter value is different, but the position of the corresponding data (relative address from the head address) is the same. In the normal data table shown in FIG. 17B, parameter values used in the normal state are set as set values. Further, in the probable change data table shown in FIG. 17C, each parameter value used in the probable change state is set as a set value.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a state variable table formed on the RAM 55. The contents of the state variable table are set in the state variable table setting processing A described above and the state variable table setting processing B or the state variable table setting processing C described later. In each of the processes A, B, and C, the set value in each data table is transferred to the transfer address set immediately after the setting. Here, the transfer address is each address of the state variable table.

When the CPU 56 shifts from the normal state to the probable change state, the CPU 56 sets each set value set in the probabilistic change data table shown in FIG. . When returning from the probable change state to the normal state, the setting values set in the normal data table shown in FIG. 17B are set in the state variable table by the state variable table setting process B. If the parameter values in the normal state and the probable change state are the same, each set value set in the power-on data table by the state variable table setting process A executed only at power-on is set in the state variable table. I do.

The state variable table contains a random number for jackpot determination for determining whether or not to make a jackpot (see FIG. 6).
6 and a random number for normal symbol determination (FIG. 6)
Is not included) is not included.

FIG. 19 shows a state variable table setting process A (step S22) in the main process shown in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing the processing of FIG. In the state variable table setting process A, the CPU 56 first sets a pointer to the head address of the power-on data table (step S31). Then, the data at the address indicated by the pointer is read (step S32). If the read data is an end code (step S33), the process ends.

If it is not the end code, the read data is transferred to the transfer address stored at the address next to the address pointed by the pointer (step S34). Then, the value of the pointer is incremented by 2 (step S35). +
As a result, the pointer points to the address where the next set value in the power-on data table is stored.

However, in this example, since all the parameter values in the normal data table are different from the corresponding parameter values in the corresponding variable data table, no set values are set in the power-on data table. . That is, in this example, only the end code is set in the power-on data table.

However, when the power is turned on, the head address of the above-mentioned big hit symbol table may be set in the state variable table. In that case, the power-on data table is configured as shown in FIG. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 20, when the power is turned on, the top address of the big hit symbol table is set in the area of the address ffff in the state variable table. In the case of such a configuration, the value set in the address ffff is set in the pointer in the process of step S542 in FIG.

In this example, the top address of the big hit symbol table formed in the ROM 54 is set in the state variable table. However, the contents of the big hit symbol table (FIGS. 12, 14 and 15A) , (B), the right column itself may be set in the state variable table.

Although not shown in FIG. 19, the processed flag may be set in the last part of the state variable table setting processing A. In this case, in the process of step S21 shown in FIG. 16, if the processed flag is not set, it can be determined that the power is turned on.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not to make a big hit when using the state variable table. As shown in FIG. 21, in this case, regardless of whether it is a normal time or a high probability time, a reach type determination random number (random 5) is extracted, and further, an address eee (FIG. 17), the address of the reach distribution table pointer set in (1) is obtained, the value of the pointer stored in the address is read, and the reach distribution table indicated by the pointer is referred to. Then, the reach type is determined from the extracted random 6 value and the distribution ratio set in the reach distribution table (step S57A).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a main process of step S309 (big hit end process) in the special symbol process process. The CPU 56 determines in step S3
At 09, it is determined whether or not a big hit (probably big hit) has occurred in the probable variable symbol (step S309a). If it is a probability change jackpot, the probability change flag is turned on (step S30).
9b), a state variable table setting process C is executed (step S309c).

If it is not a probability change jackpot, the probability change flag is turned off (step S309d), and a state variable table setting process B is executed (step S309e). In this example, the next time a big hit occurs, the probable change state ends.

FIG. 23 shows a state variable table setting process B.
It is a flowchart which shows the process of (step S309e). In the state variable table setting process B, the CPU 5
No. 6 first sets the pointer to the head address of the normal data table (step S551). Then, the data at the address indicated by the pointer is read (step S5).
52). If the read data is an end code (step S553), the process ends.

If it is not the end code, the read data is transferred to the transfer address stored at the address next to the address pointed by the pointer (step S554).
Then, the value of the pointer is incremented by 2 (step S55).
5). Therefore, the pointer indicates the address where the next set value in the normal data table is stored.
By the above processing, each set value in the normal data table shown in FIG. 17B is set in the state variable table.

FIG. 24 shows a state variable table setting process C.
It is a flowchart which shows the process of (step S309c). In the state variable table setting process C, the CPU 5
No. 6 first sets the pointer to the leading address of the probable change data table (step S391). Then, the data at the address indicated by the pointer is read (step S3).
92). If the read data is an end code (step S393), the process ends.

If it is not the end code, the read data is transferred to the transfer address stored at the address next to the address pointed by the pointer (step S394).
Then, the value of the pointer is incremented by 2 (step S39).
5). Therefore, the pointer points to the address where the next set value in the probability-variation-time data table is stored.
By the above processing, each set value in the data table at the time of the probability change shown in FIG. 17C is set in the state variable table.

FIG. 25 (A) is a flowchart showing the processing of a part in the game control program which handles each parameter set in the state variable table as shown in FIG. In the example described above, for example, in the processing of step S57A shown in FIG. 21, the parameters set in the state variable table are handled.

As shown in FIG. 25A, the CPU 56
Sets the start address of the state variable table in a register when handling the parameters set in the state variable table (step S91). Then, the offset from the start address to the parameter storage position to be handled at that time is added to the start address (step S9).
2). For example, when the loss symbol shortening condition is handled, if the area of the addresses aaa and bbbb is composed of 2 bytes, the start address +4 remains as an addition result in the register by the operation of step S92 (in the case of 1 byte / 1 address) ).

Next, the CPU 56 uses the value of the register in which the addition result is set as an address, and reads out the data set at that address (step S9).
3). The read data is generally loaded into a register different from the register where the address is set. Then, a process based on the data loaded into the register is performed (step S94).

In the state variable table, parameter values according to the state at that time are set by the state variable table setting processings A, B, and C, so that each processing module is in a certain state before execution of the processing. There is no need to confirm whether or not. Since a large number of such processing modules exist in the game control program, the size of the game control program is reduced since the determination process is not required.

FIG. 25B shows a configuration example of a conventional processing module. As shown in FIG. 25 (B), in the conventional case, first, it is checked whether or not the state is the probable change state (step S95). (Step S96)
If it is not in the probable change state, the address at which the data to be used in normal operation is stored is specified (step S98). Only after the processing in steps S95 to S97 can the processing in step S94 be started.

As described above, when each parameter having a different value between the probability change time and the normal time is handled, if an offset for the corresponding parameter is given, the normal time and the probability change time are not particularly required. In some cases, parameters for normal times can be handled, and for probable changes, parameters for probable change can be used. Since it is not necessary to judge whether it is a normal time or a probable change when dealing with each parameter, that is, since a step of making such a determination becomes unnecessary,
The capacity of the game control program can be reduced.
When the above configuration is used for another model, the data in the ROM 54 only needs to be changed.

[0110]

According to the present invention, the identification information determining means for determining the identification information which is the display result of the variable display section when the gaming machine is determined to be a big hit is added to the value of the generated symbol determination random number. Based on the table in which the relationship between the symbol determining random number and the data indicating the identification information is set, the identification information to be the display result is determined, and the number of elements constituting the table is larger than the number of combinations of the identification information to be the big hit. Since it is configured so that the random number for symbol determination and the data indicating the identification information are arbitrarily related, various probable inrush rates can be realized. In addition, there is an effect that a program change regarding the probability of change inrush rate becomes easy.

In the case where it is configured to make a determination to set a special game state in which a state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player is likely to occur, based on predetermined identification information of all identification information. In this case, it is possible to immediately determine whether or not to enter the special game state based on the determined identification information, and it is not necessary to determine again whether or not to enter the special game state after it is determined to be a big hit.

If the probability of entry in the special game state is configured to be different from the probability on display and the internally determined probability, the rate of entry into the special game state is set to Can be set arbitrarily. Further, it is not necessary to adjust the number of symbols to change the rush rate.

When the range of acquiring the numerical values of the symbol determining random numbers is fixed and the data corresponding to each numerical value of the symbol determining random numbers in the table can be changed, only the contents of the table are changed. Thus, the entry rate to the special game state can be changed.

If the contents of the table are fixed and the acquisition range of the numerical value of the symbol determining random number can be changed, the entry rate to the special game state can be reduced while the table configuration remains the same. Can be changed.

The table is an area in which addresses are continuous, and the identification information determining means indicates the identification information from the table using an address value obtained by adding an offset corresponding to the symbol determining random number to the head address of the table. When the system is configured to read data, a corresponding part of the table can be designated by one pointer, and the program configuration can be made more efficient.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.

FIG. 2 is an overall rear view showing the internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration on a main board.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing of a basic circuit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing each random number.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for determining that a hit ball has won a winning opening.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a stop symbol for variable display and a process of determining a reach type.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a jackpot determination process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a middle left and right symbol displayed on the variable display section.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between each value of a big hit symbol determining random number and a big hit symbol.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a specific process of step S54.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a big hit symbol table for reducing the probability of change entry rate to 1/3.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a main operation of a basic circuit using a state variable table.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a table in which various parameters for which different values are used between normal time and probable change time;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a state variable table.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a state variable table setting process A.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the power-on data table.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process of determining whether or not to make a big hit when using a state variable table.

FIG. 22: Step S in special symbol process processing
309 is a flowchart illustrating main processing of the embodiment 309.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a state variable table setting process B.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a state variable table setting process C;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a program that uses parameters in a state variable table.

[Explanation of symbols]

 9 Variable display unit 31 Game control board (main board) 53 Basic circuit 54 ROM 55 RAM 56 CPU 80 Display control board

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A variable display unit having a plurality of display areas whose display states are changeable, wherein a change of identification information displayed in the display area is started in accordance with satisfaction of a change start condition,
A game machine which can provide a predetermined game value to a player on the condition that the display result of the identification information becomes a predetermined specific display mode, wherein a game control means for controlling a progress of the game, Display control means for performing a display control of the variable display unit, the game control means, a big hit determination means to determine whether or not a big hit, and a display result of the variable display unit when it is determined that a big hit Identification information determining means for determining the following identification information, wherein the identification information determining means is configured to set a relationship between the symbol determination random number and data indicating the identification information based on the generated symbol determination random number value. A game machine, wherein the number of constituent elements of the table is greater than the number of combinations of identification information that will result in a big hit. 2. The game control means performs a determination to set a special game state in which a state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player is likely to occur, based on predetermined identification information of all identification information. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control means is capable of making the display probability different from the internally determined probability with respect to the entry rate of the special game state. . 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an acquisition range of the numerical value of the symbol determining random number is fixed, and data corresponding to each numerical value of the symbol determining random number in the table can be changed. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the contents of the table are fixed, and the acquisition range of the numerical value of the symbol determination random number can be changed. 6. The table is an area in which addresses are continuous, and the identification information determining means identifies from the table using an address value obtained by adding an offset corresponding to a symbol determining random number to the head address of the table. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein data indicating information is read.