JP2002204867A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine where a display game with surprise is developed through the appearance of a hidden pattern. SOLUTION: The hidden pattern for hiding identifying information appears in the process of the display game which is likened to a slot machine. The hidden pattern is varied to be large so as to simultaneously hide two or more pieces of identifying information or to be small so as not to hide only one piece of identifying information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information, and a display control means for controlling display of the variable display device. After the display information is variably displayed on the device, the variable display is stopped and a display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped and executed is executed, and the display mode of the execution result of the display game is a combination of predetermined identification information. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that generates a special gaming state in which a predetermined gaming value can be given to a player when a stop result mode is set.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko machine called a fever machine has been generally known as a game machine of this kind. In the fever machine, when a ball hitting the game area formed on the game board wins the starting port, identification information such as various symbols is variably displayed on a variable display device such as a liquid crystal screen by scrolling or the like for a predetermined time. A display game in which the variable display is stopped after the elapse is executed. Then, when the display result when the variable display is stopped is a special stop result mode composed of a combination of specific identification information such as “333” or “555”, a special prize (so-called fever) is generated, and the special winning opening is set to a predetermined number of times. Is repeatedly opened and closed to the limit, and a state in which a game value can be given to the player is formed.

[0003] In such a gaming machine, various ideas have been devised on the display contents of the displayed game in order to enhance the interest of the game and excite the player's expectation. For example, JP
In the gaming machines disclosed in JP-A-244777, JP-A-11-262564, and JP-A-11-47372, a concealed symbol appears in front of the symbol to hide the symbol and make it invisible to the player, The symbol is moved behind the concealment symbol to hide it, or the symbol is made to appear and disappear from the concealment symbol. Thus, the player is provided with a fresh feeling of expectation as to what kind of symbol appears from behind the concealing symbol.

[0004]

In a conventional gaming machine, a concealed symbol is made to appear, or a symbol is made to appear and disappear from behind the concealed symbol, so as to give the player a fresh feeling of expectation. However, since the concealment pattern itself did not change, it lacked freshness and unexpectedness in appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which a highly unexpected display game is developed through the appearance of concealed symbols. It is an object.

[0006]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object lies in the following inventions. [1] A variable display device (310) capable of variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information, and display control means (100, 300) for controlling display of the variable display device (310), based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition After variably displaying the identification information on the variable display device (310), the variable display is stopped, and a display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped and displayed is executed. In a gaming machine that generates a special game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player when a special stop result mode that is a combination of information is displayed, the display control means (100, 300) includes the display game A predetermined concealment symbol (1610, 1620) for concealing the identification information in the execution process of, and changing the size of the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) during appearance Gaming machine, characterized in that.

[2] The concealed symbols (1610, 162)
The gaming machine according to [1], wherein the size of the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) is stopped at any of the sizes after the size of (0) is changed over a predetermined period.

[3] The display control means (100, 30)
0) sets the maximum value of the range in which the size of the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) fluctuates to a size that can simultaneously cover a plurality of pieces of identification information, [1] or [2]. Gaming machine.

[4] The concealment symbols (1610, 162)
The gaming machine according to [1], [2] or [3], wherein the minimum value of the range in which the size of 0) is changed is set smaller than a size that can cover one piece of identification information.

[5] The concealment symbol (1610, 162)
The gaming machine according to [4], wherein the size at which 0) disappears is set to the minimum value of the range.

[6] The concealment symbols (1610, 162)
The gaming machine according to [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5], wherein the size of 0) changes regularly.

[7] The concealment symbols (1610, 162)
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5] or [6], wherein the size of 0) varies irregularly.
A gaming machine according to claim 1.

[8] The concealed symbols (1610, 162)
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6] characterized by changing the speed at which the magnitude of 0) varies.
Or the gaming machine according to [7].

[9] The concealment symbols (1610, 162)
0) instead of the size of the concealment symbol (1610, 162).
[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6],
The gaming machine according to [7] or [8].

[10] The display control means (100, 30)
0) is a condition that the reach display mode, which is a display mode having a possibility of becoming the special stop result mode during the execution of the display game, is displayed on the variable display device (310), on the condition that the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) [1], [2], [3], [4],
The gaming machine according to [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9].

[11] The display control means (100, 30)
0) causes a plurality of the concealment symbols (1610, 1620) to appear [1], [2], [3],
The gaming machine according to [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9] or [10].

[12] The concealment symbols (1610, 162)
0) conceals the stopped and displayed identification information, [1], [2], [3], [4], [5],
[6], [7], [8], [9], [10] or [1]
A gaming machine according to [1].

[13] The concealment symbol (1610, 162)
0) is characterized by hiding the identification information at the stage of variable display [1], [2], [3], [4],
[5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10],
The gaming machine according to [11] or [12].

The present invention operates as follows. The display control means (100, 300) displays a display game such as a symbol matching game as a slot machine based on the establishment of a predetermined condition such as a ball winning a starting port, and the like.
0) Run on. Then, the result of the display game is "77
When a predetermined special stop result mode such as "7" is reached, an operation such as repeating the opening and closing of the special winning opening up to a predetermined number of times is performed, and a special game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to the player is formed. You.

The display control means (100, 300) causes a concealment symbol (1610, 1620) for concealing the identification information to appear in the course of executing the display game as described above, and the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) Is varied during appearance. For example, concealment symbols (1610, 1620)
The maximum value of the range in which the size of the variable is varied is set to a size that can simultaneously cover a plurality of identification information, and the minimum value of the variable range is
One identification information is set smaller than a size that can be covered, or set so that it disappears completely, and the size is repeatedly changed in the range. Then, finally, the change of the size of the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) at any size is stopped.

As described above, since the size of the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) for concealing the identification information changes during appearance, how many pieces of identification information are concealed by the concealment symbol (1610, 1620) is determined. It can change and give the player fresh surprises and interest. Further, if the size and shape of the concealing symbols (1610, 1620) are changed regularly or irregularly, the visual appeal can be increased.

The display control means (100, 300)
The concealed symbols (1610, 1620) are caused to appear on the condition that a so-called reach state is reached. As a result, the player who is excited by the appearance of the reach state,
Gives more thrill and excitement. Concealment design (1610,
1616), it is possible to make the development of the display game more complicated and changeable.

The concealment symbols (1610, 1620)
May appear to conceal the stopped and displayed identification information, or may appear to conceal the identification information at the stage of variable display. In addition, concealment symbols (1610, 16
By changing both the size and the shape as well as the size in 20), it is possible to develop a game that is rich in visual changes.

[0024]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 to 17 show a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine body 1 for executing a game of hitting a ball on a gaming board 2 and a card unit attached to the gaming machine and lending a ball by inserting a prepaid card (CR ball lending machine).
b.

First, the general outline of the gaming machine main body 1 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine main body 1 and a card unit b. The gaming machine main body 1 includes a gaming machine status lamp 422 for notifying a specific gaming state of the gaming machine by lighting, a glass frame 11 formed in a frame shape and fixing a front glass, and a glass frame 11 behind the glass frame. A glass frame opening detection switch 132 for detecting opening, and a game board 2 on which a ball fired by a player moves and to which a part for proceeding a game is attached are detachably attached.

On the lower surface of the glass frame 11, an upper receiving tray 3 for storing borrowed balls and dispensing balls, a lower receiving tray 4 for storing balls overflowing from the upper receiving tray 3, and a ball stored in the upper receiving tray 3 are provided. An upper tray ball pulling lever 7 for pulling out, a lower tray ball pulling lever 8 for pulling out the balls stored in the lower tray 4, and a hit ball operation handle 5 for a player to perform a hitting operation are provided. In addition, hitting operation handle 5
Has a firing stop switch 65 for stopping the firing of the ball.
2 are provided. In addition, beside the lower tray 4, an ashtray 6 for smokers is also provided.

Further, as a device for the player to operate the card unit b, a frequency display unit 12 for displaying and confirming the remaining frequency of the value card, and a lending button 9 for issuing a ball lending instruction. A return button 10 for instructing the return of a value card is provided in the vicinity of the upper tray 3, and their output terminals are connected to an operation panel board a on the back of the gaming machine.
Connected to each other.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine body 1 and the card unit b. On the back of the gaming machine main body 1, a control board for various functions and components are provided. Here, as a control board, a main board 100 that manages and controls the operation of the entire game,
The instruction information from the main board 100 is received by parallel communication, and the prize ball payout operation and the card unit connection board 90 are performed.
0, a payout control board 200 for controlling the ball lending operation by communicating with the card unit, a launch control board 600 for controlling the launch of the ball, a launch motor 653 controlled by the launch control board 600, A power supply board 700 for supplying predetermined power to the power supply, a frame external terminal plate 800 for connecting to an external device and outputting frame external information (prize ball signal, ball lending signal, ball out signal), and a card unit b And a card unit connection board 900 for connection with the card unit.

In the protective cover 93, a display control board 300, a lamp control board 400, and a voice control board 50 are provided.
0 and the like are provided on the game board 2. Each control board is housed in a special case to protect it from dust from outside, spilling balls from other equipment, static electricity and electrical noise. Above all, the case of the main substrate 100 has a structure that can be opened and closed a predetermined number of times using a special screw.

Next, the flow path of the ball received from the pachinko ball supply device will be described. In FIG. 2, the balls replenished from a pachinko ball replenishing device (not shown) are stored in a tank unit 90 at the upper part of the gaming machine, and every time a prize ball is paid out and a ball-lending operation is performed, the ball is shot into a shoot unit 91. , And is delivered to the upper tray 3 through the payout unit 92.

The tank unit 90 stores the balls supplied from the pachinko ball supply device, and a prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 80 is provided on the bottom surface of the tank unit 90.
1 and a ball leveling 94 are provided. The prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 801 is a switch for detecting the presence / absence of a ball stored in the tank unit 90. A switch is input according to the weight of the stored ball, and the detection signal is transmitted via the frame external terminal plate 800. Output to the outside.

The ball leveling 94 is for leveling the spheres flowing in the lane of the chute unit 91 so as not to be raised by the ball pressure. The bottom surface of the tank unit 90 is inclined, so that the spheres collect and drop at a portion joined to the chute unit 91.

The chute unit 91 divides the balls flowing down from the tank unit 90 into two lanes and arranges them. While the ball is moving toward the payout unit 95, the bulge due to the ball pressure is suppressed by the ball leveling 94, but the ball is leveled more effectively by the ball leveling 95, and the ball is sent to the payout unit 92. is there.

On the ball path of the chute unit 91, a chute ball cutout switch 131 is provided.
The shot ball out switch 131 is a switch for detecting the presence or absence of a ball up to the payout unit 92, and the detection signal is input to the main board 100 to monitor the presence or absence of the ball. The switch 131 is connected to the prize ball tank ball presence / absence switch 80.
Although the application is similar to 1, the presence or absence of connection with the main substrate 100 is a significant difference.

The dispensing unit 92 forms a ball passage to the upper receiving tray 3, and on the ball passage, a dispensing motor 222 for sending out the ball, a dispensing stop solenoid 223 for suppressing the flow (fall) of the ball, and , A path switching solenoid 224 for switching the path between the lent ball and the payout ball, a prize ball detection switch 130 for detecting the payout ball, a ball lending detection switch 220 for detecting the lent ball, and the like.

The dispensing motor 222 and the dispensing stop solenoid 223 are connected to and controlled by the dispensing control board 200. When there is a request for paying out a predetermined ball from the main board 100 to the payout control board 200, the payout control board 200 operates the path switching solenoid 224 to shift the path of the ball to the payout ball side, and stops the payout motor 222 and the payout. Solenoid 223
Sends the ball to the upper receiving tray 3.

When a lending request signal for a predetermined ball is input from the card unit b to the payout control board 200 via the card unit connection board 900 by the operation of the player, the payout control board 200 switches the path. Solenoid 22
4 is operated, the path of the ball is set to the lending ball side, and the ball is sent out to the upper tray 3 by the payout motor 222 and the payout stop solenoid 223.

The reason why the ball path is made variable depending on the content of the request is to ensure that the predetermined number of balls is counted separately by the prize ball detection switch 130 and the ball lending detection switch 220. . Further, the prize ball detection switch 130 is connected to the main board 100, counts a predetermined number of balls similarly to the payout control board 200, and can confirm that the payout has been performed more accurately.

The overflow ball from the upper tray 3 is
An overflow switch 133 is provided on the ball passage formed so as to flow downward. When the balls stored in the lower tray 4 become full, the overflow switch 13
When the ball reaches the installation position of the ball 3, the switch is input by the ball pressure of the stored ball, and the detection signal is sent to the main board 1
00 is input. When the main board 100 detects the input of the overflow switch 133, the payout control board 200
And outputs instruction information to stop the launch of the ball.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 2. Gaming board 2
On the front of the vehicle, a guide rail 16 for guiding the shot ball to the game area 17, a nail (not shown) and a windmill 15 for changing the flow of the game ball guided to the game area 17,
A special symbol display device (variable display) that variably displays a plurality of types of special symbols (identification information) in accordance with a detection signal of the start port switch 121 caused by winning at each of the winning ports and the starting port 21 which is one of the winning ports. An apparatus) 310 and an ordinary symbol display device 140 for variably displaying a plurality of types of ordinary symbols based on a detection signal of the ordinary symbol display device operation gate switch 126 are provided.

At the bottom of the game board 2, there is provided an out port 29 for discharging a ball that has fallen without entering any of the winning ports in the game area 17 to the outside of the gaming machine. ing. When a ball enters the out port 29, no privilege is given to the player, and no prize ball is paid out.

Further, as a decorative lamp, a special symbol holding LED 420 for informing the player of the number of balls to be held for operating the special symbol display device 310 (the maximum number of balls winning the starting port 21 is four), A normal symbol holding LED 421 and a side case lamp for notifying the player of the number of reserved balls for operating the ordinary symbol display device 140 (the maximum number of balls detected by the ordinary symbol display device operation gate switch 126 is four). 423, a game frame state lamp 424, a center LED 425, a gate LED 426, an attacker LED 427, a side LED 428, and the like are provided.

The winning opening includes a starting opening 21, a right sleeve winning opening 22a, a left sleeve winning opening 22b, a right down winning opening 23a, a left down winning opening 23b, and a large winning opening 24. When a game ball wins each winning opening, a winning ball is detected by a switch attached to each winning opening, and a predetermined prize ball allocated to each winning opening is paid out every time a winning ball is detected.

The start opening 21 is a winning opening for securing the right to execute a display game executed on the special symbol display device 310 as described above.
This is to generate a special game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player. The details of the special symbol display device 310 will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the game board 2. Gaming board 2
Various control boards and their related components are assembled on the rear surface of the control board in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. The control board includes a display control board 300 for controlling the special symbol display device 310, a lamp control board 400 for controlling the decorative lamp, and a voice control board 50 for controlling voice.
0, connect to external equipment and connect external information for panel (1 signal for jackpot,
A board external terminal plate 850 for outputting two jackpot signals and a symbol determination number signal is provided.

As switches for detecting a winning ball in each winning opening, a starting opening switch 121, a right sleeve winning opening switch 122a, a left sleeve winning opening switch 122b, a right down winning opening switch 123a, a left down winning opening switch 123b, and the like. Is installed near each winning opening. In the vicinity of the special winning opening 24, an accessory continuous operation device switch 124 and a count switch 125 are provided. The switch of each winning opening is provided near each winning opening, but may be arranged on a passage until the winning ball is discharged out of the gaming machine.

When a ball is won in each winning opening, it is detected by each winning opening switch, and every time it is detected, the next predetermined prize ball assigned to each winning opening is paid out. The starting opening 21 has five shots, a right sleeve winning opening 22a, and a left sleeve winning opening 22.
b, rightward winning opening 23a, leftward winning opening 23b have 8
Departure, large winning opening 24 (for detecting the winning ball by the continuous actuating device switch 124 and the count switch 125)
Is assigned 15 shots. The allocation of the number of prize balls is fixed for each winning opening, but can be arbitrarily changed.

As a switch for detecting a ball for operating the normal symbol display device 140, a normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2, and moves within the game area 17. Detects the passage of a sphere.

A related device for variably operating the accessory includes a special winning opening solenoid 1 for opening and closing the door of the special winning opening 24.
34, a direction switching solenoid 135 for switching the direction of the ball flow to one of the accessory continuous operation device switch 124 and the count switch 125 for the flow of the ball winning the big winning opening 24; A normal electric accessory solenoid 136 for operation is provided.

Next, main components on the game board 2 will be described in more detail. The starting port 21 is generally referred to as a starting chucker. The starting port 21 is provided with a condition device including a pair of movable pieces at both left and right ends of the winning port. The driving source includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 136 (see FIG. 4). Is used to open and close each movable piece. The starting port 21 is configured as a so-called electric tulip accessory, which changes to a normal second state (closed state) where the ball is hard to win and a first state (open state) where the ball is easy to win by opening and closing operations of the movable pieces. ing.

The winning of a ball in the starting port 21 is set as a starting condition for executing a display game on the special symbol display device 310 described below. As shown in FIG.
The starting port 21 is a starting port switch 12 for detecting a winning of a ball.
1 is provided inside. When the starting port switch 121 is turned ON upon detecting a winning ball, the starting port switch 121 outputs a starting winning signal to the main board (game control board) 100. The starting port switch 121 may be constituted by various sensors such as an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

The special symbol display device 310 has a display area in which various symbols as identification information can be variably displayed on the screen, and is constituted by a liquid crystal unit. It is also possible to employ a segment display or the like.

A ball is won in the starting port 21 and the starting port switch 1
When a winning ball is detected by the special symbol display device 21,
The right of the display game (special symbol game) by 10 is acquired, and the display game is executed. Display games are a plurality of types of special symbols (identification information) displayed on the special symbol display device 310.
Fluctuates for a predetermined time and a predetermined symbol (for example, “777”)
, Etc.), the display is changed to a specific display mode (big hit).

When a ball wins in the starting port 21 during the variable display of the special symbol, the right to the display game is acquired but held, and after the currently displayed game is consumed, the game is held. Rights are sequentially digested. Display game can be held up to 4
And is notified by the special symbol holding LED 420.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the display game according to the present embodiment, three display portions are displayed side by side in the display area of the special symbol display device 310, and various symbols are displayed from top to bottom for each display portion. A variable display scrolling to is started, and an arbitrary symbol is set to stop one by one for each display unit after a predetermined time has elapsed, and each display unit serves as one reel in a slot machine. I have. In the display area of the special symbol display device 310, concealed symbols 1610 and 1620 appear at a predetermined timing,
In addition, a state where the size fluctuates is displayed.

As a result of the display game, a case where the symbols stopped on the respective display units are in a predetermined combination (for example, a case where all three symbols are the same as "777" or the like) is defined as a specific display mode. ing. Before the specific display mode is determined, the state in which the stopped symbols match the other two display units except for the last display unit corresponds to the reach display mode.

When the result of the display game is finally determined in the specific display mode, a special game state in which the special winning opening 24 described below is repeatedly opened and closed up to a predetermined number of times can be formed. Further, when the result of the display game is not finally determined to the specific display mode, it corresponds to the off display mode. The identification information used for the display game is 0
The design is not limited to simple designs such as numbers to 9 and symbols. For example, a design imitating a specific character may be used.

The special winning opening 24 is generally called an attacker, and it is difficult for the winning opening to receive a ball due to the operation of a drive source such as a solenoid (a special winning opening solenoid 134 or a direction switching solenoid 135). It is configured to be able to change between a normal second state (closed state) and a first state (open state) where winning is easy.

The special winning opening solenoid 134 operates to open and close the door of the special winning opening 24 a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) when the specific game state is established. When the door of the special winning opening 24 is opened, the direction switching solenoid 135 is connected to the accessory continuous operation device switch 12.
The passage member is operated to guide the winning ball to the fourth side, and when a winning ball is detected by the accessory continuous operation device switch 124, the operation is performed so as to guide the winning ball to the count switch 125 side.

That is, the special winning opening 24 is controlled to be opened and closed so as to produce a special game state when the display game enters a specific display mode. Here, the special game state is the first state.
This is a state in which the opening / closing operation of returning to the second state for a short time after being maintained in the state for a predetermined time is repeatedly performed up to a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 16 times).

A predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) is a special winning opening 2
4 or when a predetermined time (about 30 seconds) elapses, the door of the special winning opening 24 is closed. When the series of operations is completed for the predetermined number of times, the specific game state ends.

The ordinary symbol display device 140 performs variable display by turning on two left and right LEDs. This L
In a method other than the ED2 lamp, a 7-segment display may be used. The left and right LEDs are respectively assigned “hit” and “out”, and when the passage of a ball is detected by the normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126, the right of the ordinary symbol game by the ordinary symbol display device 140 is acquired. Play a regular symbol game.

In the ordinary symbol game, the ordinary symbol display device 14
In the case of 0, the variable display is started by alternately blinking the left and right LEDs. When the variable display is performed for a predetermined time and stopped, the left or right display is turned on, and the player can visually confirm the result of the determination. When the result of the determination is "hit", the ordinary electric accessory (not shown) operates.

While the normal symbol display device 140 is variably displaying,
When a passing ball is detected by the ordinary symbol display device operation gate switch 126, the right of the ordinary symbol game is acquired but held, and after the ordinary symbol game currently in progress is consumed, the right held is retained. Digested sequentially. The maximum number of ordinary symbol games to be held is four, and the ordinary symbol holding L
Notified by ED421.

Next, various control boards used for controlling the gaming machine body 1 will be described. FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams showing various control boards used for controlling the gaming machine main body 1 and components related thereto. 5 and 6,
As a control board, a main board (also called a game control board) 10
0, payout control board 200, display control board 300, lamp control board 400, voice control board 500, emission control board 6
00, a power supply board 700 is shown.

First, the main substrate 100 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The main board 100 operates based on a clock generated by the clock circuit 108 inside the main board. Further, the clock generated by the clock circuit 108 is output to the internal timer 10.
The interrupt signal at a fixed time interval obtained by dividing the frequency by
02, the CPU 102
Reset. The CPU 102 performs a series of operations by executing, at each reset, a process divided so as to end in a time shorter than the reset interval.

The starting port switch 121, the right normal symbol display device operating gate switch 126a, the left normal symbol display device operating gate switch 126b, the right sleeve winning opening switch 122.
a, a left sleeve winning opening switch 122b, a right down winning opening switch 123a, and a left down winning opening switch 123b are switches for detecting a winning of a ball, and an input signal from these switches is sent to the gate circuit 110. Supplied.

The continuous action device switch 124, the count switch 125, the left prize ball detection switch 130a, the right prize ball detection switch 130b, and the shot ball out switch 13
1. Each input signal from the glass frame open detection switch 132 and the overflow switch 133 is supplied to the gate circuit 111.

The addresses of the gate circuits 110 and 111 are
It is set in the address space of the CPU 102 by a memory mapped I / O method. An address signal output from the CPU 102 and a write / read control signal are decoded by an address decode circuit 113 in accordance with a system clock output from the CPU 102 to generate a chip select signal.

The gate circuit 1 is controlled by the chip select signal.
When 10, 111 are selected, the starting port switch 12
Each input signal from 1 etc. is output to the data bus through the gate circuit. Each input signal on the data bus is detected a plurality of times by an interrupt signal generated at fixed time intervals until the next reset, and chattering prevention processing is performed. Stored in the area.

The input signal from the starting port switch 121 is 5
As the prize ball signal of the individual prize ball, the right sleeve winning port switch 12
The input signals from the 2a, the left sleeve winning opening switch 122b, the right down winning opening switch 123a, and the left down winning opening switch 123b are each a prize ball signal of 8 prize balls, and further, the accessory continuous operation device switch 124 and the count switch 12
The input signal from 5 is treated as a winning ball signal of 15 winning balls, and the winning number detected by each switch is stored in a designated RAM area. At the same time, the CPU 102 calculates the total number of award balls and stores the total in the specified RAM area.

In addition, random numbers are set for input signals from the starting port switch 121, the right normal symbol display device operating gate switch 126a, and the left normal symbol display device operating gate switch 126b, respectively, and these values are stored in the RAM.
Stored in the area. Based on this data, the gaming state of the gaming machine body 1 is set, and the data is output to each control board.

Output data to each control board passes through a buffer 114 provided in the middle of a data bus, and is further output to latch circuits 112a to 112g through an output data bus. By arranging the buffer 114 in the middle of the data bus connecting the output latch circuit and the CPU 102, the bus signal flows in one direction, which is a measure for preventing fraud.

5 starting port switch prize ball RAM area, left and right sleeve winning port switch, right and left drop winning port switch 8 prize ball R
Since there are data in the RAM area, the AM area, the continuous actuating device switch, and the 15 count switches,
The PU 102 sequentially outputs the 8-bit winning ball data set for each winning ball number to the latch circuit 112a through the data bus and the output data bus. In synchronism with this, an interrupt signal to the payout control board 200 and a control signal of a strobe signal are output to the latch circuit 112e through a data bus and an output data bus.

When the chip select signal obtained by decoding by the address decode circuit 113 controlled by the memory mapped I / O is sequentially output to the latch circuits 112a and 112e, the 8-bit award sphere data is latched.
2a, an interrupt signal and a strobe signal control signal are latched by a latch circuit 112e, respectively, and an output signal composed of an 8-bit parallel prize ball output signal, an interrupt signal, and a 2-bit control signal of a strobe signal is output to a payout control board. Is output as prize ball data.

The payout control board 200 shown in FIG. 7 controls the ball discharging mechanism to discharge a number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball data. The discharged prize ball is detected by the left prize ball detection switch 130a and the right prize ball detection switch 130b,
The detection signal is output to the gate circuit 211. When the chip select signal is output from the address decode circuit 213 to the gate circuit 211, the detection signals output from the left prize ball detection switch 130a and the right prize ball detection switch 130b are output on the data bus and taken in by the CPU 102.

Based on these detection signals, the total number of awarded balls actually paid out is calculated by the CPU 102, the value is subtracted from the data stored in the RAM area, and the data of the total number of awarded balls is updated in real time. An output signal is output to the latch circuit 112f for each set number of ejected prize balls, and is output to the outside in synchronization with the chip select signal of the address decode circuit 113.

A random value is obtained for each of the input signals of the prize start switch 121, the right normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126a, and the left normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126b. The type (control pattern) is determined, and game state effect data is generated and stored in the RAM area.

Further, to the display control board 300, left symbol data, middle symbol data, right symbol data, concealed symbol data, etc., which determine a stop symbol corresponding to the gaming state effect data, are output in time series as display effect data. You. That is, the 8-bit recognition code and the display state effect 8-bit data are sent from the CPU 102 to the latch circuit 1 through the data bus.
When sequentially output to 12b, an interrupt signal to the display control board 300 and a 2-bit control signal of each strobe signal are output to the latch circuit 112e so as to synchronize with them.

These signals are sequentially latched by the latch circuit at the timing based on the chip select signal decoded and output from the address decode circuit 113 controlled by the memory mapped I / O, and are output in parallel.
The left symbol data, middle symbol data, right symbol data,
The concealed symbol data and the fluctuation stop data are sequentially output to the display control board 300 as display effect data.

In synchronization with the display effect data, 8-bit parallel lamp display output data and a control signal are output to the lamp control display board 400 through the latch circuit 112c. The 8-bit parallel sound source output data and the control signal are output to the audio control board 500 through the latch circuit 112d in synchronization with the display effect data. That is, the chip select signal is output from the address decode circuit in synchronization with the timing at which each data is output to the data bus, and the data on the data bus is latched by the latch circuits 112c and 112d. Is output.

When the gaming state is the special gaming state (big hit), the control data of the special winning opening solenoid 134 is output to the latch circuit 112g in synchronization with the gaming state effect data,
Further, the chip select signal from the address decode circuit 113 is input to the latch circuit 112g. As a result, the control data of the special winning opening solenoid 134 is output from the latch circuit 112g, the special winning opening solenoid 134 is driven, the large winning opening 24 is opened and closed, and the ball is moved to the special winning opening 24.
Can be guided to

When the accessory continuous operation device switch 124 arranged in a specific area inside the special winning opening 24 detects a ball, a ball detection signal is output, and this signal is output to the data bus via the gate circuit 111 and sent to the CPU 102. It is captured.
As a result of the detection processing based on the ball detection signal output from the accessory continuous operation device switch 124, the direction switching solenoid 13
5 is output to the latch circuit 112g, and the direction switching solenoid 135 is braked. At the same time, round continuation data indicating whether or not to continue the big hit state in the next round is stored in the RAM area based on the ball detection signal output from the accessory continuous operation device switch 124.

When the direction switching solenoid 135 is braked, the number of balls is counted by the count switch 125 disposed in the special winning opening 24. When the total count of the data counted by the count switch 125 reaches a predetermined number, the output data of the latch circuit 112g is changed, the special winning opening solenoid 134 and the direction switching solenoid 135 are deactivated, and one big hit round is performed. Ends. After a predetermined time, if the round continuation data indicates continuation of the round, the jackpot state round continues further by the above-described control method.

[0086] Right normal symbol display device operation gate switch 1
26a, left normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126
A random value is obtained for each of the input signals from b. On the basis of this random number, the ordinary symbol display device 140
The display control data of the (normal symbol LED1, the ordinary symbol LED2) is generated, and is output from the CPU 102 to the latch circuit 112g via the data bus. Then, each time a chip select signal is output from the address decode circuit 113, a normal symbol LED display is performed for a fixed time.

If the result of obtaining the random number value is a hit, the braking data of the
2 is output to the latch circuit 112g, and is output from the latch circuit 112g for a certain period of time in response to the chip select signal from the address decode circuit 113 to control the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 136. For this reason, a state in which the ball easily enters the starting port 21 in the game board 2 occurs.

When power is supplied to the main board 100, a reset signal is supplied from the power board 700, and each device on the main board 100 is reset. Thereafter, the system reset signal becomes inactive, and each device transits to the active state. When the system reset signal changes to the inactive state, the reset signal to the one-chip microcomputer 101 becomes inactive after a certain period of time due to clock synchronization and delay processing by the delay circuit 109. As a result, the one-chip microcomputer 101 enters the operating state, and the operating state of the main board 100 is maintained. After that, the initialization of the one-chip microcomputer 101 is performed.

When the power supply externally supplied to the gaming machine is unstable, the power failure detection signal from the power supply board 700 is output from the one-chip microcomputer 101 to the NMI (non-maskable interrupt).
The one-chip microcomputer 101 performs a save operation of each storage area.

More specifically, after detecting the prize ball detection data for a certain period of time, the data of the power failure processing determination is stored in the RAM area to protect the RAM 104. That is, when the power supply voltage decreases, the power supply
A backup power supply DC5VBB is supplied to M104,
The storage state of the RAM 104 is maintained.

When power is next supplied, the one-chip microcomputer 101 performs a power failure recovery process upon recognizing that the power failure process has been performed based on the presence or absence of the power failure process determination data. At the time of initialization, if the RAM initialization signal is active, the CPU 102 detects data of the I / O port 106 and initializes the RAM area.

The signal that the ball has been cut by the shot ball cut switch 131 and the signal that the prize ball has been clogged by the overflow switch 133 on the lower plate of the game board are sent to the one-chip microcomputer 101 through the gate circuit 111 and the data bus. It is captured. After the data conversion, these signals are output from the latch circuit 112a to the payout control board 200 in the same configuration as the prize ball output data. The latch circuit 1
The outputs 12a to 112g are unidirectional and take an irreversible output form.

The main board 100 operates based on a clock generated by the clock circuit 108 inside the main board. Further, the internal timer 107 generates an interrupt signal to the CPU 102 at regular time intervals by the frequency dividing operation. The CPU 102
Various processes are performed at regular intervals when the interrupt signal is input.

Next, the payout control base 200 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The payout control board 200 performs one-way communication only for reception from the main board 100, and performs 8-bit parallel prize ball data, a prize ball data control signal 1, and a prize ball data control signal 2
Receiving the communication data composed of.

When the award ball data control signal 1 is input to the counter circuit 202 of the one-chip microcomputer 201, the counter circuit 202 outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 203. As a result, the award ball data control signal 1 becomes C
The fetch of prize ball data to the PU 203 is used as a trigger.

The CPU 203 has an address decode circuit 2
13, a gate select signal is supplied to the gate circuit 212,
Output to the gate circuit 211, and the gate circuits 212 and 211
The prize ball data and various signals input to the RAM 205 are fetched via a gate circuit and a data bus, and stored in the RAM 205. Then, the payout operation is sequentially performed with the number of award balls corresponding to the captured award ball data.

The CPU 203 outputs a winning ball path switching signal to the latch circuit 215 through the data bus, and at the same time, causes the address decode circuit 213 to output a chip select signal. As a result, the prize ball path switching signal is output to the solenoid 224, and the prize ball path is secured in the payout operation. Thereafter, a stop release signal of the payout stop solenoid signal is output to the latch circuit 214, and the payout motor control signals 1, 2, 3, and 4 are sequentially output to the payout motor 222, and the rotation of the motor is controlled by the output timing of the chip select signal. While performing the prize ball payout operation.

With reference to the clock of the clock circuit 209,
Interrupt signal at fixed time intervals by internal timer 208
Generated for U203, the detection signal of the winning ball payout ball is taken into the data bus at this interrupt timing, and when the predetermined number of winning balls is detected, the drive of the payout stop solenoid 223 and the payout motor 222 is stopped. The prize ball payout ball is detected by the right prize ball detection switch 130 installed on the ball lending route.
b, performed by the left prize ball detection switch 130a. These detection signals are taken into the data bus by outputting a chip select signal to the gate circuit 211.

The ball lending operation is performed by transmitting and receiving a ball lending signal to and from the card unit (CR ball lending machine) b through the gate circuit 211 and the latch circuit 215.
During the ball lending operation, the CPU 203 outputs a ball lending path switching signal to the path switching solenoid 224 through the latch circuit 215 to secure the ball lending path, and the right lending ball detection switch 220a installed on the ball lending path and the left lending ball detection. Switch 2
At 20b, a lending ball is detected and a payout operation is performed.

In the ball lending operation, information is output from latch circuit 215 to the outside at regular intervals. In a state where the transmission and reception of the ball lending signal is normal, a firing permission signal is output from the latch circuit 215 to the firing control board 600 in an active state. Further, when an abnormality occurs in transmission and reception of the ball lending signal, the firing permission signal changes to an inactive state, and the ball cannot be fired. However, when the transmission and reception of the ball lending signal returns to a normal state, the ball can be fired.

In addition, in the payout operation, the main board 10
From 0, when the shot ball cut signal of the shoot ball cut switch 131 and the overflow signal of the overflow switch 133 installed on the lower tray 4 of the gaming machine main body 1 are transmitted to the prize ball data, the payout control board 200 performs the payout operation. To stop. The payout operation is restarted by transmitting each release signal to the prize ball data.

When power is supplied to the dispensing control board 200, a system reset signal is supplied from the power supply board 700, and each device of the dispensing control board 200 is reset. Thereafter, the reset signal is in an inactive state, and each device transits to an active state.

Due to the delay processing of the clock synchronization / delay circuit 210, the reset signal to the one-chip microcomputer 201 becomes inactive after a lapse of a predetermined time since the original reset signal changes to the inactive state. After a certain period of time from when the original reset signal became inactive,
The one-chip microcomputer 201 enters the operating state, and the operating state of the payout control board 200 is maintained. After that, the initial setting of the one-chip microcomputer 201 is performed.

If the power supply externally supplied to the gaming machine is unstable, the power supply
A power failure detection signal is supplied to an MI (non-maskable interrupt) 206, and the one-chip microcomputer 201 performs a save operation of each storage area. Specifically, after detecting prize ball detection data for a certain period of time, the RAM
The power failure processing determination data is stored in the area, and the RAM 205 is protected.

When the power supply voltage drops, the power supply board 70
0V DC5V as backup power supply to RAM205
BB is supplied, and the storage state of the RAM 205 is held. When the power is supplied again, the one-chip microcomputer 201 recognizes the existence of the data of the power failure processing determination, and performs the power failure recovery processing. At the time of initialization, if the RAM initialization signal is in the active state, the CPU 203 sets the I / O port 10
6, the RAM area is initialized.

Next, the display control board 300 shown in FIG. 8 will be described. Display control board (display control means) 300
Mainly controls the special symbol display device (variable display device) 310 installed on the game board 2. Display control board 300
Are a display control ROM 302 that stores a predetermined image processing procedure (program) and image control data, and a display control CPU 301 that reads and executes a predetermined image processing procedure.
have.

The display control board 300 has a display control RAM 303 for storing information obtained by executing the image processing procedure by the display control CPU 301.
And an input / output interface 306 for inputting / outputting instruction information from the main board 100, each control IC in the display control board, and the like, and control instruction information obtained by the display control CPU 301 via the input / output interface 306. Further, it has an image control IC 304 for generating a specific image.

Further, the display control board 300 controls the image control I
An image data ROM 305 which is managed by the C 304 and stores various images as data, and a display control CPU
A test test terminal 3 for outputting a signal to the outside for confirming that the image 301 is operating normally and an image is displayed
07 etc.

The instruction information is input to the display control CPU 301 from the main board 100 via the input / output interface 306 by parallel communication. Display control CP
U301 executes the contents of the input instruction information in accordance with the image processing procedure stored in the display control ROM 302, and organizes and stores the information in the display control RAM 303 while giving specific instructions to the image control IC 304. I do.

An image control IC 304 is a display control CPU.
In accordance with the instruction of 301, a specific video signal is generated with reference to the image data ROM 305 and output to the display device.
In the block diagram of FIG. 8, a VRAM which is an area for temporarily storing image data, pallet (color) information, and the like generated by the image control IC 304 is not shown, but the image control IC 304 has a built-in VRAM. A one-chip microcomputer may be used.

The reset signal from the power supply board 700 is input from the power supply board 700 to the display control CPU 301 when the game machine body 1 is powered on. Thereafter, the display control CPU 301 initializes each control circuit in the display control board 300 according to the image control procedure stored in the display control ROM 302.

Next, the lamp control board 400 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The lamp control board 400 includes a gaming machine status lamp 4 installed on the front of the gaming machine main body 1 or on the gaming board 2.
22, side case lamp 423, various LEDs 424 ~
Lighting control of 428, 420, 421, etc. is performed.

The lamp control board 400 includes a lamp control ROM 402 that stores predetermined lamp control processing procedures (programs) and control data, a lamp control CPU 401 that reads and executes predetermined lamp control processing procedures, and a lamp control CPU 401. Lamp control RAM 40 for storing information obtained by executing the lamp control procedure
3 and instruction information from the main board 100 and the lamp control board 4
00, an input / output interface 404 for inputting / outputting to / from each control circuit and the like, and a lamp control board 40 via the input / output interface by the lamp control CPU 401.
It is composed of a driver circuit 405 for driving the lighting signal of each lamp / LED connected to 0 and the like.

Instruction information is input to the lamp control CPU 401 from the main board 100 via the input / output interface 404 by parallel communication. Lamp control CPU
Reference numeral 401 denotes a lamp control RO for the content of the input instruction information.
The driver circuit 405 is operated according to the lamp control processing procedure stored in the M402, and the information is organized and stored in the lamp control RAM 403 to turn on / off each connected lamp / LED.

The reset signal from the power supply board 700 is input from the power supply board 700 to the lamp control CPU 401 when the game machine main body 1 is powered on. Then, the lamp control CPU 401 initializes each control circuit in the lamp control board according to the control procedure stored in the lamp control ROM 402.

Next, the sound control board 500 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. The audio control board 500 is used for the gaming machine main body 1.
When the game is in a game state, the sound effect and the sound by the game effect are controlled. When it is not in the gaming state, control such as a warning sound for notifying an abnormal state of the gaming machine body 1 is performed.

The voice control board 500 includes a voice control ROM 502 that stores a predetermined voice processing procedure (program) and control data, a voice control CPU 501 that reads and executes a predetermined voice control procedure, and a voice control CPU 501 that controls the voice processing. A voice control RAM 503 for storing information obtained by executing the procedure, an input / output interface 506 for inputting / outputting instruction information from the main board 100 and each control IC in the voice control board 500, and a voice control CPU 5
01, a voice control IC 504 that obtains control instruction information via an input / output interface and generates a specific voice.
And a voice data ROM 505 that is managed by the voice control IC 504 and stores various kinds of voices as data, and an amplifier circuit 507 that amplifies the voice signal generated from the voice control IC 501.

The voice control CPU 501 receives instruction information from the main board 100 via the input / output interface 506 by parallel communication. Voice control CPU 501
Stores the content of the input instruction information in the voice control ROM 502
, And instructs the voice control IC 504 while organizing and storing information in the voice control RAM 503.

The voice control IC 504 includes a voice control CPU 5
01, refer to the audio data ROM 505,
A specific audio signal is generated and output to the amplifier circuit 507. The reset signal from the power supply board is output from the power supply board 700 when the pachinko machine is powered on.
The voice control CPU 501 inputs the voice control R
According to the voice control procedure stored in the OM 503, each control circuit in the voice control board is initialized.

Next, the emission control board 600 shown in FIG. 11 will be described. The launch control board 600 includes the launch motor 6
Signals from an oscillation circuit 601, a frequency dividing circuit 602, and a touch sensor 651 in a handle portion 650 are circuits that generate pulses for setting the number of rotations of the pulse motor used in the motor 53 to a predetermined number of rotations. , Stop switch 65
2, a reset signal from the power supply board 700, and a firing permission signal from the payout control board 200, and a motor drive signal control circuit 603 that generates a firing motor drive signal; and a pulse motor (the firing motor 653). ) And a driver circuit 604 for exciting each coil.

The handle portion 650 includes a touch sensor 65 for detecting whether or not the player is touching the handle 5.
1. A stop switch 652 that allows the player to arbitrarily stop firing the ball, a pulse motor 653 (fire motor) for firing the ball, and the like.

When the game machine body 1 is powered on, the reset signal from the power supply board 700 is input from the power supply board 700 to the motor drive signal control circuit 603 to initialize each circuit of the firing control board 600.

Touch sensor 651 in handle portion 650
Outputs a signal indicating that firing is possible when the player is touching the steering wheel 5, and outputs a signal indicating that firing is not possible if the player is not touching the steering wheel 5 To the motor drive signal control circuit 603.

The stop switch 652 is a switch provided so that the player can arbitrarily stop shooting the ball. When the stop switch 652 is operated by the player, the motor drive signal control circuit 603 is provided. And outputs a ball firing signal when the stop switch 652 is not input.

The stop switch 652 outputs the same signal as the state input from the stop switch 652 when the player does not operate the stop switch 652 and the steering wheel 5 is not rotated. I do. That is, due to the internal structure of the handle 5, when the handle 5 is not rotating, the signal from the stop switch 652 is input. That is, after the game machine main body 1 is powered on, the reset signal is input to the motor drive signal control circuit 603, each circuit is initialized, and the player touches the handle 5 to rotate the game machine. Only then is the ball fired.

Next, the power supply substrate 700 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. Full-wave rectification of AC 24 V supplied from the outside is performed by a diode bridge rectifier, and a DC power supply DC 24
Generate V. Smoothing is performed by a condenser through a diode through a 24 V DC power supply to generate a 32 V DC power supply.
DC24V and DC32V are unstable power supplies.

Supplying 24 VDC to the power supply circuit 701,
A constant voltage power supply of stable power supply DC18V, DC12V, DC5V is generated, and the main board 100, the payout control board 2
00, the lamp control board 400, the voice control board 5
00, the display control board 300, the emission control board 60
0 is supplied.

The generated DC 5 V constant voltage power supply is connected to the capacitor of the backup circuit 702 through a diode to generate a DC 5 VBB backup power supply, and the DC 5 VBB is connected to the main board 100 and the payout control board 2.
00 is supplied. The AC24V is supplied to the card unit connection board 900, and is used as a power supply for communication between the payout control board 200 and the card unit b and a power supply for the operation panel board a.

The voltage level of the DC 24 V power supply is detected by voltage detection circuit 708 and output to delay circuit 707. The delay circuit 707 has a delay time of an internal time constant of 500 msec, and the continuous output time of the voltage detection circuit 708 is
If the time constant is not larger than 7, the delay circuit 707 does not output an output signal. For this reason, the voltage fluctuation and the stop of the power supply when the voltage level of the DC 24 V power supply is smaller than the time constant of the delay circuit 707 are ignored, and the power failure detection signal is not output from the power supply board to the outside.

When an input signal larger than the time constant is input to the delay circuit 707, the delay circuit 707 outputs the power failure detection signal to the main board 100, the payout control board 200, and the shift register 7.
04 is output to the serial input terminal. To the 8-bit shift register 704, a clock having a period of 20 milliseconds is always input from the clock circuit 706.

Here, the 8-bit data input terminal is fixed to zero. For this reason, when the power failure detection signal is input to the 8-bit shift register 704, a reset signal is sent from the 8-bit shift register 704 after 8 clocks (about 160 msec) to the main board 100, the payout control board 200,
The signals are output to the emission control board 600, the display control board 300, the lamp control board 400, and the audio control board 500.

At the time of power-on and after the recovery from the power failure, the power failure detection signal and the reset signal are output in the active state from the time of the peripheral circuit power-on to the time constant of the delay circuit 707. After the time constant of the delay circuit 707, the power failure detection signal becomes inactive, and the reset signal is output inactive after eight clocks of the 8-bit shift register 704.
The RAM initialization signal is output to the main board 100 and the payout control board 200 in an active state by manually pressing the RAM initialization switch 705.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. When the player operates the handle 5, pachinko balls are driven one by one into a game area formed on the game board 2. The pachinko ball that has won in the starting opening 21 is the starting opening switch 12.
1 and the variable display of various symbols (identification information) is started on the special symbol display device 310 based on the start signal of the start port switch 121.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the flow of a display game developed on the special symbol display device 310. When the display game starts, as shown in FIG. 16A, three display frames (the left display frame 31) displayed on the special symbol display device 310.
1, the middle display frame 312 and the right display frame 313) start to change the identification information (in the figure, the downward arrow indicates the state of change of the symbol). After a while, one identification information is stopped and displayed in order from one of the display frames. FIG.
In this example, the identification information of “7” is stop-displayed in two display frames on the left and right sides of the three display frames to form a reach display mode.

When the reach display mode is formed, FIG.
The concealment symbol 1610 appears as shown in FIG. Concealment pattern 1
610 is a symbol for covering the identification information behind. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 16c, d, and e, the size of the concealment symbol 1610 changes. In FIG. 13C, the two pieces of identification information are enlarged by the concealment symbol 1610 to a size that can be concealed at the same time. Then, as shown in FIG.
One identification information is reduced until it becomes smaller than a size that can be hidden.

[0135] Further, as shown in Fig. 7E, the fluctuation is stopped by expanding again to a size that hides one piece of identification information. Then, the concealed symbol 1610 disappears, and the identification information appears from behind. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16E, “7” appears from behind, and a special stop result mode in which “777” is uniform appears. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the special winning opening 24 is repeated up to 16 times as a special game state.

The speed at which the size of the concealment symbol 1610 fluctuates between large and small may be substantially constant, or may be faster or slower. For example, the size initially moves relatively quickly, the speed of change is gradually reduced to stop the change, or the change in the speed of change is repeated at random.

FIG. 17 shows a case where the size change is stopped in a state where the concealment symbol 1610 conceals two pieces of identification information at the same time. In this way, if the change in the size of the concealment symbol stops in a state where a plurality of pieces of identification information are concealed at the same time,
Regardless of the development of the game up to that point, there is a possibility that a special stop result mode will occur, so that the thrill and expectation of the player can be aroused and maintained to the end. That is, even if the reach display mode is not formed before that, the possibility that the special stop result mode will appear remains.

FIG. 18 shows an example in which the size and shape of the concealment symbol 1610 fluctuate irregularly.
In the example shown in FIG. 18, the shape and size of the concealment design 1610 fluctuate randomly like a gel-like material. Since the size and shape of the concealment symbol 1610 fluctuate irregularly in this way, it becomes difficult to predict which identification information the concealment symbol will conceal in the end, or the concealment symbol 1610
Because part of the identification information is hidden behind the player, the thrill and excitement of the player can be further evoked.

FIG. 19 shows an example in which the concealment symbol 1610 is reduced to a state where it disappears during the period in which the size of the concealment symbol 1610 fluctuates, and then appears again and increases. For example, in the example of FIG. 19, the concealed symbol 1610 has disappeared in FIG. In FIG. 19c, "7
27 "has appeared, and this is not a special stop result mode, so that it will end up as it is. Therefore,
The player expects the concealment symbol 1610 to appear again. As described above, by providing a case where the concealment symbol 1610 once disappears during the change, the player is interested in whether or not the concealment symbol 1610 reappears, thereby increasing the fun.

FIG. 20 shows a case where a plurality of concealed symbols appear at the same time and their sizes fluctuate. In this way, with the appearance of the plurality of concealed symbols 1610 and 1620, a more complicated and varied display game can be developed.

If a plurality of concealing symbols appear, there is a possibility that a special stop result mode will occur irrespective of the progress of the game up to that point. it can. The concealment symbol is 1
Even if only one appears, the same effect can be obtained if the size is enlarged to cover a plurality of pieces of identification information or all the pieces of identification information.

Next, the control of the game machine main body 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main processing of the main substrate 100. When the power of the gaming machine body 1 is turned on,
One-chip microcomputer 10 mounted on main board 100
1, a reset signal is input. One-chip microcomputer 1
When the reset signal is input, the CPU 102 initializes the program counter (PC) and executes the program from the start address (step 001) of the main processing.

When the main processing is started, step 00
1 interrupt initialization is executed. In the interrupt initial setting, setting of an interrupt vector depending on the CPU 102 and setting of interrupt inhibition are performed. Subsequently, in the initialization of the hardware in step 002, the CPU 102
Set various devices and input / output interfaces to be connected. Here, a parallel I / O and a serial I / O are prepared for the input / output interface.

Next, in step 003, the input of the RAM initialization switch is confirmed. The RAM initialization switch is a hardware switch installed on the back of the game board 2. If this switch is pressed when the power is turned on, the input is determined by this processing and the processing branches. If the input has been confirmed, the process proceeds to step 005 to forcibly initialize the game information storage area. If there is no input, the process proceeds to step 004.

The power failure flag confirmation process in step 004 is a flag confirmation process for determining whether a power failure has been detected and the evacuation action of the game information storage area has been performed. In this case, if the power failure flag is ON (1), it is determined that the above-mentioned action has been performed, and the processing branches to shift to the return operation of the game information storage area after step 012. on the other hand,
If the power failure flag is OFF (0), the next step 0
Move to 05.

In the initialization of the stack pointer in step 005, the pointer (address) of the stack area managed by the CPU 102 is initialized. In the initialization of the game information storage area in step 006, the minimum necessary parameters are set in addition to the clear processing, and the game information storage area is set at the time of factory shipment.

Activation of timer interrupt in step 007,
And permitting an interrupt is performed by setting a hardware timer connected to the CPU 102 and operating the timer,
The interrupt setting of the PU 102 is changed from the disabled state to the interrupt enabled (enabled) state, and the timer interrupt processing (steps 101 to 110 in FIG. 14) is operated.

The special symbol game process in step 008 is as follows.
The monitoring of the fluctuation time of the special symbol, the management of the random number for the special symbol, the control shift to the customer waiting demonstration screen, the monitoring of the opening time of the special winning opening 24, the monitoring of the winning number, the confirmation of the special symbol holding ball, etc. are performed. Details will be described in a subroutine described later.

The normal symbol game process in step 009 is as follows.
The monitoring of the winning count, the monitoring and operation of the fluctuation time, the confirmation of the ordinary symbol holding ball, the hit judgment, and the like are performed in accordance with the operation of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 136.

The external information editing process of step 010 is a process of editing the signal information output from the external connection terminal board or the trial test signal terminal 116 and storing it in the game information storage area. In the editing process of the signal information, a prize ball signal outputted every time a predetermined number of balls are paid out, a special symbol decision signal outputted every time the special symbol finishes changing and stops, and a normal symbol finishes changing and stops. Normal symbol confirmation signal output every time,
Output monitoring and setting of a special symbol hold signal for signaling and outputting the number of reserved special symbols and a normal symbol hold signal for signaling and outputting the number of reserved ordinary symbols are performed.

In the main random number updating process in step 011, a synchronization preventing random number corresponding to each stop symbol is extracted, and the random number for the stop symbol extracted in a timer interrupt process (FIG. 14) described later corresponds to each symbol random number. By adding the synchronization preventing random numbers, the symbols are prevented from stopping in the same order.

Steps 008 to 011 are repeatedly executed in the main processing. During this time, the timer interrupt operates and the timer interrupt process is executed in parallel, so that the gaming machine main unit 1 is in a playable state, and the game information storage area is updated.

The stack pointer return processing in step 012 is the power failure flag confirmation processing in step 004 described above.
The process moves when the power failure flag is ON (1). The stack pointer, which is part of the game information saved at the time of the power failure, is reset here.

The timer interrupt activation process at step 013 is almost the same as step 007, except that the register return process at step 014 is inserted between the activation process at step 013 and the interrupt permission process at step 015. After the return process is completed, the timer interrupt process can be performed.

When the return processing from step 012 to step 014 is completed, the CPU 102 is operated from the power failure execution address of a part of the game information storage area saved at the time of power failure. The process of setting the power failure flag OFF in step 016 is such that the process is not shifted to the power failure recovery process at the next power-on.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main board 100 for timer interrupt processing. When the timer interrupt processing is enabled and becomes executable in steps 007 and 015 of the above-described main processing (FIG. 13), the timer interrupt processing is executed at set time intervals. During the repetitive processing from step 008 to step 011 of the main processing, a timer interrupt is activated and the processing described below is executed.

First, in the register save processing of the first step 101, C at the time when the timer interrupt processing is started is set.
The registers of the PU 102 are saved to the stack area. The input process of step 102 is performed by using information on various devices connected to the CPU 102 (starting port switch 121, winning port switches 122 and 123, ordinary symbol display device operation gate switch 126, glass door open detection switch 132, overflow switch 133, Shot ball out switch 13
1, a signal of the prize ball detection switch 130, etc.) is read from the input port via the input / output interface and stored in the game information storage area.

In the output process of step 103, the game status information edited by other processes centering on step 010 of the main process is read from the game information storage area, and the output port is output via the input / output interface connected to the CPU 102. And outputs it as a signal to the special winning opening solenoid 134, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 136, the ordinary symbol display device 310, the external terminal for the panel, and the external terminal for the frame.

In the command transmission processing of step 104,
The game control information edited by other processes is read from the game information storage area, and is output to various devices connected to the CPU 102 from the output port via the input / output interface. The output destination is a display control board 300, a lamp control board 400, a payout control board 200, a voice control board 500, and the like.

In the timer interrupt random number updating process of step 105, in addition to the content of step 011 in the main process, the random number for jackpot determination, the symbol random number, the reach execution random number, the control pattern random number, and the like used for the jackpot lottery are updated. I do.

The random number for the hit determination is obtained from the special symbol display device 31.
This is a random number for determining in advance the probability for determining whether to generate a jackpot as a result of the variable display of the symbol at 0. The random number for the hit determination is composed of, for example, a numerical value of 0 to 299. The random number is counted up by one at every random number update process. It is configured to count up again by one. For example, if the lottery result is 5
If it is 9, the count is incremented by 1 from 59 to 58, starting at 59.

The symbol random numbers are used to determine each stop symbol specified as a display result of the special symbol display device 310, and each of the symbols has a value of 0 to 9 and counts up by one at each predetermined timing. When the upper limit value ("9") is reached, the count is restarted from 0.

The reach execution random number determines whether or not to perform a special effect until the last stop symbol is determined when the reach display mode appears. Count up by one for each update process,
When the upper limit (“14”) is reached, the count is restarted from 0.

The effect pattern random number determines various control patterns at the time of execution of variable display, and is composed of, for example, a value of 0 to 5, and is counted up by one every random number update processing, and the upper limit value ("5") ) Is configured to count up from 0 again.

In the timer updating process in step 106, the special symbol display device 310 outputs the time from the start to the stop of variable display of various symbols, the display (lighting) time of the ordinary symbol display device 140, and the payout control signal for a fixed time. Update the software timer (counter) and so on. In these control processes, the signal is turned on while monitoring this timer.
/ OFF is controlled.

The error updating process in step 107 is a process of monitoring payout sensor information, which is one of the information obtained in step 102, for a certain period of time and detecting an error by confirming the movement of the ball. If the movement of the ball cannot be confirmed by the payout sensor, the error information is updated because it is considered that the ball is clogged on the passage before the sensor position. In addition to the error monitoring based on the payout sensor information, the open / close state information of the glass frame on the front of the gaming machine is monitored in the same manner, and when the glass frame is opened, the error information is updated.

In the switch monitoring processing in step 108, the state information of each sensor and switch input in step 102 is read from the game information storage area, and the game state information is updated. The target sensors and switches here are the starting port switch 121, each winning port switch 1
22, 123, an accessory continuous operation operation switch 124, a count switch 125, a prize ball detection switch 130, a normal symbol display device operation gate switch 126, etc. relating to ball detection. It is generated and edited as state information and stored in the game information storage area.

In the register return processing in step 109, the contents of the register saved in step 101 are returned to the CPU 102 from the stack area. The timer interrupt permission process of step 110 permits the next timer interrupt process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main board 100 in the NMI interrupt processing. The NMI interrupt process is started by a power failure detection signal output from a power failure detection circuit 709 in the power supply board 700. CPU1
When a power failure detection signal is input to the 02, NMI interrupt processing is executed, and the following contents are processed.

First, in the register saving process of step 201, the register of the CPU 102 at the time of detecting a power failure is saved in the stack area. At this time, the contents of the register are saved, but before this, the address immediately before the NMI interrupt is automatically saved. The power failure flag ON setting process of step 202 is a process of detecting a power failure and setting the execution of the power failure detection process as a flag in the game information storage area.

The game information storage area access prohibition processing in step 203 is a setting processing for prohibiting access (read / write) to the game information storage area by hardware. Access to the game information storage area becomes impossible in the subsequent processing, and the game information storage area is protected. With this, the evacuation action of the game information storage area at the time of the power failure is completed, and the CPU 102 enters an infinite loop without terminating the NMI interrupt processing itself.
And wait until the power supply is completely cut off.
This is because if the NMI interrupt processing is terminated, there is time until the power supply is completely cut off, so that the timer interrupt is processed and the operation becomes undefined.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are changes and additions without departing from the gist of the present invention. Included in the invention.

Further, in the embodiment, the concealed symbol appears after the display game has progressed to some extent. However, for example, the concealed symbol appears from the beginning of the display game, and the size of the concealed symbol increases with the progress of the game. The change of the length may be started.
It should be noted that in the case where the concealed symbol appears on the condition that the reach state has appeared, the player can be given a fresher surprise than when the concealed symbol appears from the beginning.

Further, in the embodiment, a numeral pattern is used as the identification information. However, various characters and symbols, or a pattern such as an animal or a plant may be used as the identification information. In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described with respect to a pachinko game machine. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a game machine such as a smart ball game machine or an arrange ball game machine which is controlled by a program. In each of these cases, effects similar to those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0175]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a concealing symbol for concealing identification information appears in the course of executing a display game,
And since the size and shape of the concealment symbol fluctuate, how many pieces of identification information are concealed simultaneously by the concealment symbol changes, and when the size becomes smaller, a part of the identification information behind is hidden and hidden, so that the player Gives fresh surprises and expectations, and can attract interest. In addition, when the size or shape of the concealment symbol is changed regularly, irregularly, or at a different speed, a game content that is more unexpected and more varied can be provided.

[0176] Further, in the case where the concealed symbol appears under the condition of the so-called reach display mode, the player who is excited by the appearance of the reach display mode gives further thrill and excitement. In the case where a plurality of concealed symbols appear, for example, it is possible to make a transition from a completely out of state where even the reach display mode is not established to the occurrence of a special prize, thereby expanding a range of display games.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a game board of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an internal structure of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an entire circuit configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main board included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a payout control board included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a display control board included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a lamp control board included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an audio control board included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a launch control board included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a power supply board included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a main process in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a timer interrupt process in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows N in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is a flowchart of MI interrupt processing.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a display game developed by the special symbol display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a display game developed by the special symbol display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of the game when the concealed symbol changes irregularly in a display game developed by the special symbol display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of the game when the concealed symbol disappears temporarily during the change, which is a display game developed by the special symbol display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of the game when a plurality of concealed symbols appear and their sizes are changed, which is a display game developed by the special symbol display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine main body 2 ... Game board 3 ... Top tray 4 ... Bottom tray 5 ... Handle 6 ... Ashtray 7 ... Top tray ball removal lever 8 ... Bottom tray ball removal lever 9 ... Lending button 10 ... Return button 11 ... Glass frame 12 ... frequency display unit 15 ... windmill 16 ... guide rail 21 ... starting opening 22a ... right sleeve winning opening 22b ... left sleeve winning opening 23a ... right down winning opening 23b ... left down winning opening 24 ... large winning opening 29 ... out opening 100 ... Main board 101 One-chip microcomputer 102 CPU 103 ROM 104 RAM 105 NMI 106 I / O port 107 Internal timer 108 Clock circuit 109 Clock synchronization / delay circuit 110, 111 Gate circuits 112a to 112g Latch circuit 113 ... Address decode circuit 114 ... Buffer 115 ... Reset 116 ... Testing test signal end 121 ... Start-up switch 122a ... Right sleeve winning opening switch 122b ... Left sleeve winning opening switch 123a ... Right down winning opening switch 123b ... Left down winning opening switch 124 ... Position continuous operation device switch 125 ... Count switch 126 ... Normal symbol display Device operation gate switch 126a ... Right ordinary symbol display device activation gate switch 126b ... Left ordinary symbol display device activation gate switch 130 ... Prize ball detection switch 130a ... Right prize ball detection switch 130b ... Left prize ball detection switch 131 ... Shoot ball out switch 132 ... Glass frame open detection switch 133 ... Overflow switch 134 ... Big winning opening solenoid 135 ... Direction change solenoid 136 ... Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 140 ... Normal symbol display device 200 ... Payout control board 201 ... One chip microcomputer 202 ... Counter circuit 203 ... CPU 204 ... ROM 205 ... RAM 206 ... NMI 207 ... I / O port 208 ... Internal timer 209 ... Clock circuit 210 ... Clock synchronization / delay circuit 211,212 ... Gate circuit 213 ... Address decode circuit 214, 215 ... Latch circuit 216 ... Reset 220 ... Ball lending detection switch 220a ... Right ball lending detection switch 220b ... Left ball lending detection switch 222 ... Payout motor 223 ... Payout stop solenoid 224 ... Route switching solenoid 300 ... Display control board 301 ... Display Display control ROM 302 Display control RAM 304 Image control IC 305 Image data ROM 306 Input / output interface 307 Test signal terminal 310 Special display 311 Left display Frame 312 ... Medium display frame 313 ... Right display frame 400 ... Lamp control board 401 ... Lamp control CPU 402 ... Lamp control ROM 403 ... Lamp control RAM 404 ... I / O interface 405 ... Driver circuit 420 ... Special symbol reserve LED 421 ... Normal symbol Hold LED 422 ... Game machine status lamp 423 ... Side case lamp 424 ... Game frame status lamp 425 ... Center LED 426 ... Gate LED 427 ... Attacker LED 428 ... Side LED 500 ... Voice control board 501 ... Voice control CPU 502 ... Voice control ROM 503 Voice control RAM 504 Voice control IC 505 Voice data ROM 506 Input / output interface 507 Amplifier circuit 510 Speaker 600 Launch control board 601 Oscillator circuit 602 Frequency divider circuit 603 Motor drive signal control circuit 604 Driver circuit 650 Handle section 651 Touch sensor 652 Fire stop switch 653 Fire motor 700 Power board 701 Constant voltage power supply 702 Backup power supply 703 Voltage detection circuit 704 Shift register 705 ... RAM initialization switch 706 ... clock circuit 707 ... delay circuit 708 ... voltage detection circuit 709 ... power failure detection circuit 800 ... frame external terminal board 801 ... winning ball tank ball presence / absence switch 850 ... board external terminal board 900 ... card unit connection Substrates 1610, 1620: concealed symbol a: Operation panel substrate b: Card unit c: Power supply 24 VAC

Claims (13)

[Claims] A variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information; and display control means for controlling display of the variable display device, wherein the identification information is displayed on the variable display device based on satisfaction of a predetermined condition. After the variable display, the variable display is stopped to execute a display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped and displayed, and the display mode of the execution result of the display game is a special stop result mode which is a combination of predetermined identification information. In a case, in the gaming machine that generates a special game state capable of giving a predetermined game value to a player, the display control means displays a predetermined concealment symbol for concealing the identification information during the execution of the display game. A gaming machine wherein the gaming machine is caused to appear and the size of the concealment symbol is changed during appearance. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein after changing the size of the concealment symbol over a predetermined period, the change in the size of the concealment symbol is stopped at any size. 3. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means sets a maximum value of a range in which the size of the concealment symbol is changed to a size that can simultaneously cover a plurality of pieces of identification information. Gaming machine. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a minimum value of a range in which the size of the concealment symbol fluctuates is set smaller than a size that can cover one piece of identification information.
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein a size at which the concealment symbol disappears is set to a minimum value of the range. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the size of the concealment symbol fluctuates regularly. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the size of the concealment symbol fluctuates irregularly. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein a speed at which the size of the concealment symbol fluctuates is changed.
The gaming machine according to 6 or 7. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein both the size and the shape of the concealment symbol are changed in place of the size of the concealment symbol. Gaming machine. 10. The concealment condition that the display control means displays a reach display mode, which is a display mode having a possibility of becoming the special stop result mode in the process of executing the display game, on the variable display device. The pattern is made to appear, The claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 characterized by the above-mentioned.
A gaming machine according to claim 1. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display control means causes a plurality of said hidden symbols to appear.
The gaming machine according to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. 12. The concealment symbol conceals the stopped and displayed identification information.
The gaming machine according to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein said concealment symbol conceals identification information at a stage of variable display.
The gaming machine according to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.