JP2002239129A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of presenting interesting variable display including much ideas in a display game in a variable display device. SOLUTION: In this game machine, the display game is executed by scrolling various patterns to prescribed directions in respective display parts 312 of a special pattern display device 310. A probability change means changes probability of a read-to-win previous notice rate, a ready-to-win generation rate and a ready-to-win reliability rate on the basis of satisfaction of respective prescribed conditions, and a display control means changes size of a display area 311 of the special pattern display device 310 in an execution process of the display game according to largeness of the changed probability.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and display control means for controlling display of the variable display device. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a special gaming state in which a predetermined gaming value can be given to a player occurs when a display result is a specific display mode which is a combination of the predetermined identification information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a pachinko machine called a fever machine is generally known as this type of game machine. In such a fever machine, when a ball hitting a game area formed on a game board wins a starting port, identification information such as various symbols is always displayed only in a certain direction in a display area of a variable display device such as a liquid crystal screen. A display game in which the variable display is performed so as to scroll and the variable display stops after a predetermined time has elapsed is executed.

When the display result of this display game is a specific display mode composed of a specific combination of identification information, a special game state (so-called fever) is established, and a special winning opening is repeatedly opened and closed up to a predetermined number of times. A state is established in which a player can be provided with a game value corresponding to a chance to obtain a large amount of prize balls.

Further, in the process of executing the display game, when there is a possibility of the specific display mode, a reach display mode that can be the specific display mode when one more piece of predetermined identification information is collected appears. Thus, the player is given a sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special game state, and the thrill and excitement of the player are aroused.

[0005]

However, in the general fever described above, the display on the variable display device is a display content in which identification information such as numbers is always scrolled only in a fixed direction for each display area. However, the game was monotonous and lacked in interest and novelty, and the entire game tended to be rut.

In some cases, a display for giving a notice of the reach display mode is produced during the display game. However, such a notice rarely appears in the same manner as the reach display mode, and these displays may appear. The player did not know any gender.

Further, even when the reach display mode appears,
Since the player cannot know how likely it is to transition to the special stop result mode, the magnitude of the thrill and expectation that can be given to the player by the appearance of the reach display mode is always the same. There was a problem of lack of sharpness.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. In the process of deciding whether or not a special game state apparently occurs with respect to display on a variable display device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can make a player more visually entertain and can increase the thrill and excitement in the game.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object lies in the following inventions. [1] A variable display device (310) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and display control means (100, 300) for controlling display of the variable display device (310). When the display result of the variable display in 310) is a specific display mode that is a combination of the predetermined identification information, a special gaming state in which a predetermined gaming value can be given to the player occurs, The variable display device (310) includes a display area (311) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, and the display control means (100, 300) stores identification information in the display area (311). Is variably displayed to execute a display game. In the course of execution of the display game, when the possibility of the specific display mode occurs, a reach display mode can appear and the reach table can be displayed. Performing a display control in which a reach announcement display mode for notifying the appearance of the mode in advance can appear, and in a process of executing the display game, a reach announcement rate which is a probability that the reach announcement display mode appears, and the reach display. Probability changing means for changing at least one of the reach occurrence rate, which is the probability of appearance of the mode, and the reach reliability rate, which is the probability of transition from the reach display mode to the specific display mode, based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. (100, 30
0), and the display control means (100, 300) comprises:
In the game, a display control for changing the size of the display area (311) is performed in the course of executing the display game in accordance with the level of the probability changed by the probability changing means (100, 300). Machine.

[2] The display control means (100, 30)
(0) The gaming machine according to [1], wherein the size of the identification information displayed in the display area (311) is changed in conjunction with the size of the display area (311).

[3] The display control means (100, 30)
0) changes the size of the identification information displayed in the display area (311) in conjunction with the size of the display area (311), and places the changed identification information in a frame (311).
The gaming machine according to [1] or [2], wherein the gaming machine is surrounded by a).

[4] The display control means (100, 30)
0) changes the size of the display area (311) in the course of execution of the display game as the probability of the change by the probability change means (100, 300) increases [1]. , [2] or [3].

[5] The display control means (100, 30)
0) changing the size of the display area (311) in a plurality of stages in the execution process of the display game, [1], [2], [3] or [4]. Gaming machine.

[6] The probability changing means (100, 30)
0), when the reach notification rate is changed, the display control means (100, 300) displays the reach notification display mode from the start of the display game according to the level of the change probability. [1], [2], [3], [4], or [5], wherein the size of the display area (311) is changed in a process before it is determined whether or not to perform display. The gaming machine described.

[7] The probability changing means (100, 30)
0), when the reach occurrence rate is changed, the display control means (100, 300) determines whether the reach notice display mode appears in the display game according to the level of the changed probability. After confirming whether or not it is displayed,
[1], [2], [3], [3], wherein the size of the display area (311) is changed in a process before it is determined whether or not the reach display mode appears on the display. 4],
The gaming machine according to [5] or [6].

[8] The probability changing means (100, 30)
0), the display control means (100, 300) determines whether or not the reach display mode appears in the display game according to the degree of the change probability. The size of the display area (311) is changed in a process before the display is determined whether or not the specific display mode appears after the display is determined. 2], [3], [4],
The gaming machine according to [5], [6] or [7].

[9] The display control means (100, 30)
0), if the reach reliability is changed by the probability changing means (100, 300), the reach selection rate for deriving a predetermined reach display mode from a plurality of types of reach display modes is also changed. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6],
The gaming machine according to [7] or [8].

[10] The display control means (100, 30)
0) indicates the relative size of the display area (311) along with the size of the display area (311) in the course of execution of the display game in accordance with the level of the probability changed by the probability changing means (100, 300). [1], [2], [3], and [3], wherein display control for changing a dynamic position is performed.
[4], [5], [6], [7], [8] or [9]
The gaming machine described.

Next, the operation based on the above-mentioned solution will be described. According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the display control means (100, 300) variably displays a plurality of types of identification information in the display area (311) of the variable display device (310) based on the establishment of the starting condition. When a display game is executed and the display result becomes a specific display mode, a special game state advantageous to the player is generated.

In the process of executing the display game, a reach display mode may appear when the possibility of the specific display mode occurs, and a reach notice display mode for notifying the appearance of the reach display mode in advance will appear. I can do it.

Here, a reach notice rate which is a probability that the reach notice display mode appears, a reach occurrence rate which is a probability that the reach display mode appears, and a probability of transition from the reach display mode to a specific display mode. At least one of the reach reliability ratios is determined by the probability changing means (1
00, 300) based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition.

The display control means (100, 300) comprises:
In accordance with the level of the probability changed by the probability changing means (100, 300), display control for changing the size of the display area (311) of the variable display device (310) in the process of executing the display game is executed. I do. Here, the display area (31) in the screen of the variable display device (310)
The relative position of 1) may be changed together with the size.

[0023] Thereby, the expectation of the appearance of the reach notice display mode, the reach display mode, and the appearance of the specific display mode, which the player has with the execution of the display game, can be variously changed. The monotony in the case of immutability is eliminated, and a thrilling and exciting game can be realized. Further, since the magnitude of the probability is represented by the size of the display area (311) or the like, the player can easily recognize the change in the probability.

It is also preferable that the size of the identification information displayed in the display area (311) is changed in conjunction with the size of the display area (311). This makes it easier to recognize the magnitude of the probability, and allows the display area (311) and the identification information displayed therein to be displayed in a visually balanced size.

Further, the size of the identification information displayed in the display area (311) is changed in conjunction with the size of the display area (311), and the changed identification information is indicated by a frame (311a). By surrounding the display area, the size of the display area (311) changed more clearly can be confirmed.

The probability changing means (100, 30)
0), the larger the size of the display area (311), the more easily the difference in probability can be displayed. In addition, if the size of the display area (311) is changed in a plurality of steps, it can be displayed in multiple steps according to what probability has been changed.

For example, the probability changing means (100, 30)
0), if the reach notification rate is changed, it is determined whether or not the reach notification display mode appears from the start of the display game before the display is determined according to the level of the changed probability. In the process, the size of the display area (311) may be changed.

When the reach occurrence rate is changed, it is determined on the display whether or not the reach notice display mode appears in the display game according to the level of the changed probability. In a process before it is determined on the display whether or not the reach display mode appears, the display area (31)
The size of 1) may be changed.

Further, when the reach reliability is changed, the display control means (100, 300) displays the reach display mode in the display game according to the level of the change probability. It is preferable that the size of the display area (311) is changed in a process after it is determined on the display whether or not the specific display mode appears before the display is determined. As described above, display interest can be enhanced at each stage when the size of the display area (311) changes.

Further, when the reach reliability rate is changed, a reach selection rate for deriving a predetermined reach display mode from a plurality of types of reach display modes is also changed, so that the display game , It is possible to prevent the tendency to derive the identification information from becoming rut, and the player's expectation can be maintained for a long time. In addition, it is possible to prevent a fixed correlation between a certain reach display mode and the reach reliability rate from occurring, and to give a sense of expectation to a jackpot in any reach display mode.

[0031]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. 1 to 23 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 section 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 a 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.
A payout control board 200 is provided for controlling the ball lending operation by communicating with the card unit 0.

Further, as a control board, a launch control board 600 for controlling the launch of a sphere, a launch motor 653 controlled by the launch control board 600, a power supply board 700 for supplying a predetermined power to each board, and an external device. A frame external terminal plate 800 for connecting and outputting frame external information (prize ball signal, ball lending signal, ball out signal) and a card unit connection board 900 for connecting to the card unit b are also provided. .

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, 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 passage 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 a 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 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 are provided.

The payout motor 222 and the payout stop solenoid 223 are connected to and controlled by the payout 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 divide the predetermined number of balls by the prize ball detection switch 130 and the ball lending detection switch 220 so as to reliably count them. 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 identification information (various symbols) based on each winning port and a detection signal of a starting port switch 121 caused by winning at 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 notifying 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 at each winning opening, a winning ball is detected by a switch attached to each winning opening, and a predetermined prize ball assigned to each winning opening is paid out each time a winning ball is detected.

The start opening 21 is a winning opening for securing the execution right of the 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.

The switches for detecting a winning ball in each winning opening include 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 the ball 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 2
2b, 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. This ordinary symbol display device operation gate switch 126
Is provided as a passing winning opening.

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 that has won the special winning opening 24; A normal electric accessory solenoid 136 is provided for the operation.

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.

As shown in FIG. 16, the special symbol display device 3
Reference numeral 10 includes a display area 311 which can variably display various symbols (identification information) on the screen. Although the special symbol display device 310 according to the present embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal unit, a CRT display, a drum unit, a 7-segment display, or the like may be employed.

In the display game executed by the special symbol display device 310, the display area 311 has three display units 31 in three horizontal rows.
2 is used, and a variable display in which various symbols are scrolled in the vertical direction for each display unit 312 is started. Then, an arbitrary symbol is set to stop one by one for each display unit 312 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, each display unit 312 plays a role as one reel in the slot machine.

As a result of the display game, the display area 31
For example, the symbol stopped on each display unit 312 in the “1” is “77”.
A specific display mode (see FIG. 19C) is a case where a predetermined combination such as a case where all three are the same as “7” and the like. Before such a specific display mode is determined,
Finally, a state in which the stopped symbols match the left and right two display portions 312 while leaving one central display portion 312 where various symbols stop corresponds to the reach display mode (see FIG. 18C).

Furthermore, before the reach display mode appears, the left display section 312 where various symbols are stopped first,
Next, in any of the display portions 312 on the right side where various symbols stop, for example, "*" as a preview symbol is scroll-displayed mixed with the normal symbols "0" to "9". Corresponds to a reach announcement display mode in which the appearance of the reach display mode is notified in advance (see FIG. 17C).

In the course of execution of the display game, a reach notice rate which is a probability that the reach notice display mode appears, a reach occurrence rate which is a probability that the reach display mode appears, and a specific display based on the reach display form At least one of the reach reliability ratios, which is the probability of transition to the mode
The two probabilities are changed based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. Here, the size of the display area 311 during the display game is changed according to the level of the changed probability. Details of such display control will be described later.

When a ball wins in the starting port 21 during a display game or during a special game state to be described later, the right to the display game is acquired but is suspended, and the display game currently in progress is ended. Later, the reserved rights are sequentially consumed. The maximum number of games to be displayed is set to four,
The number is notified by the special symbol holding LED 420.

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 is set. On the other hand, when the result of the display game is not finally determined to the specific display mode, it corresponds to the off display mode.

It should be noted that a combination of a predetermined variable pattern "7" in the specific display mode causes a large variable jackpot. In such a case, the probability that a big hit occurs will be improved as compared to the normal state, and the probability that the variable display result of the normal symbol on the ordinary symbol display device 140 will be high will also be higher. The gaming state in which the probability of a big hit occurring as compared to the normal state is thus called a probability fluctuation state.

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. If the result of the judgment is "hit",
Each movable piece of the starting port 21 is temporarily operated from a normal first state (closed state) where the ball is hard to win, to a second state (open state) where the ball is easy to win.

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. Here, the main substrate 1
00 and the display control board 300 constitute display control means and probability changing means as a whole.

The display control means executes a display game by variably displaying various symbols in the display area 311 of the special symbol display device 310. In the process of executing the display game, a specific display mode is set. When the possibility arises, the display control is executed so that the reach display mode can appear and the reach notice display mode for notifying the appearance of the reach display mode in advance can appear.

[0077] The probability changing means includes: a reach notification rate which is a probability that the reach notice display mode appears; a reach occurrence rate which is a probability that the reach display mode appears; and a transition from the reach display mode to a specific display mode. The control is performed to change at least one of the reach reliability ratios based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

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 10
Reset 2 The CPU 102 performs a series of operations by executing a process divided so as to end in a time shorter than the reset interval for each reset.

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.

[0093] The accessory continuous operation device switch 124, the count switch 125, the left prize ball detection switch 130 a, the right prize ball detection switch 130 b, 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 a fixed time interval 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 125.
Is treated as a prize ball signal of 15 prize balls,
The winning numbers detected by the respective switches are stored in the 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 in response to 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, 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 start port switches prize ball RAM area, left and right sleeve prize port switches, left and right drop prize port switches 8 prize balls 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 prize ball 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 number value is obtained for each of the input signals of the prize start switch 121, the right ordinary symbol display device operation gate switch 126a, and the left ordinary 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, data relating to each stop symbol that determines a stop symbol corresponding to the gaming state effect data is output in time series as display effect data. That is, when the 8-bit recognition code and the display state effecting 8-bit data are sequentially output from the CPU 102 to the latch circuit 112b through the data bus, the interrupt signal to the display control board 300 and the two strobe signals are synchronized so as to be synchronized with these. The bit control signal is supplied to the latch circuit 112
e.

These signals are sequentially latched by the latch circuit and output in parallel 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.
Data relating to each stop symbol, fluctuation stop data, and the like are sequentially output to the display control board 300 as display effect data in a time series.

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 game state is the special game state (big hit), control data of the special winning opening solenoid 134 is output to the latch circuit 112g in synchronization with the game 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 the continuation of the round, the jackpot state round continues further by the control method described above.

[0097] 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 the random number acquisition is a hit, the braking data of the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 136 for operating each movable piece of the starting port 21 is output from the CPU 102 to the latch circuit 112g, and the address decoding is performed. In response to the chip select signal from the circuit 113, the signal is output from the latch circuit 112g for a certain period of time to control the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 136. As a result, 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, a power failure detection signal is sent from the power supply board 700 to the NMI (non-maskable interrupt) of the one-chip microcomputer 101.
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 process 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 recognizes that a power failure has occurred based on the presence / absence of data for the power failure processing determination, and performs the power failure recovery process. 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 clogged ball has been detected 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 prize 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 the 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 the award 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 substrate 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 after 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.

When the power supplied from the outside of 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 is provided with an image control IC.
An image data ROM 305 which is managed by the CPU 304 and stores various kinds of images as data;
The U301 has a test shooting test terminal 307 and the like for outputting a signal for confirming that the U301 operates normally and an image is displayed.

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.

The 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.

A 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 main 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 storing predetermined lamp control processing procedures (programs) and control data, a lamp control CPU 401 for reading and executing predetermined lamp control processing procedures, and a lamp control CPU 401. Lamp control RAM 40 for storing information obtained by executing the lamp control processing 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.

A 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 processing 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 firing 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 is provided with 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.

[0133] 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 when the game machine body 1 is powered on, and initializes each circuit of the firing control board 600.

Touch sensor 651 in handle 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.

[0135] The stop switch 652 is a switch provided so that the player can arbitrarily stop firing 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.

When the stop switch 652 is not operated by the player and the steering wheel 5 is not rotated, the stop switch 652 outputs the same signal as that input from the stop switch 652. 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.

24 VDC is supplied 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 the voltage detection circuit 708 and output to the 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 the delay circuit 707 receives an input signal larger than the time constant, 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 time constant of the delay circuit 707, the power failure detection signal, and the reset signal are output in an active state from the time of the peripheral circuit power-on. 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 body 1 will be described. In FIG. 1, when the player operates the handle 5, pachinko balls are driven one by one into the game area formed on the game board 2. The pachinko ball that has won the inside of the starting port 21 is detected by the starting port switch 121, and a display game is started on the special symbol display device 310 based on a starting signal of the starting port switch 121.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show the special symbol display device 31.
The example of the flow of the display game performed on the screen of No. 0 is shown. When the display game is executed as shown in FIG.
On the screen of the special symbol display device 310, a display area 311 having a size serving as an initial reference appears. This display area 31
The display unit 312 arranged in three horizontal rows is divided in 1, and scroll display of various symbols is started for each display unit 312.

In the course of executing the display game, a reach display mode may appear when there is a possibility that the display mode will be changed to a specific display mode, and a reach notice display mode for notifying the appearance of the reach display mode in advance will appear. However, the reach notification rate, the reach occurrence rate, and the reach reliability rate described above are respectively changed by the probability changing means based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example where three probabilities are changed: the reach notice rate, the reach occurrence rate, and the reach reliability rate. However, it is not necessary to change all of these probabilities. Two or at least one may be set to be changed. The predetermined condition may be, for example, that the result of the previous display game deviates from the previous display game and the display mode is determined. However, in addition, a certain period of time elapses, or a ball wins in the starting port 21 during the display game. May be set.

In the process of executing the display game shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the display control means performs display control for changing the size of the display area 311 in accordance with the level of the probability changed by the probability changing means. Execute. This makes it possible to variously change the reach notice display mode, the reach display mode, and the degree of expectation for the appearance of the specific display mode that the player has with the execution of the display game.

That is, the monotony when the expectation for the appearance of the specific display mode or the like is unchanged is eliminated, and the player can enjoy a sharp and exciting game. Further, since the magnitude of the probability is represented by a change in the size of the display area 311 during the display game, anyone can easily recognize the magnitude of the probability. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given step by step.

First, in the initial stage of the display game shown in FIG. 17A, the display area 3 on the screen of the special symbol display device 310 is displayed.
Reference numeral 11 denotes an initially set size.
Scroll display of various symbols is started for each of the display sections 312 divided into one. The display unit 31 in each figure
“↓” shown in FIG. 2 simulates a state in which various symbols are scrolled up and down (undetermined state).

Here, if the reach notification rate is changed in advance by the probability changing means, as shown in FIG. 17 (b), according to the level of the changed probability, the display game is actually started from the start of the display game. The size of the display area 311 is changed in a process before it is determined on the display whether or not the reach notice display mode appears on the screen.

If the reach notification rate changed by the probability changing means is higher than the previous one, the size of the display area 311 is greatly changed as shown in FIG. When the height is lowered, the size of the display area 311 is changed to be smaller than that shown in FIG. Thereby, the magnitude of the reach notice rate can be displayed in a visually easy-to-understand manner. The same applies to the correlation between the magnitude of the reach occurrence rate and the reach reliability rate described later and the size of the display area 311.

Further, the size of various symbols displayed in the display area 311 may be changed in conjunction with the size of the display area 311. Thereby, the magnitude of the probability can be more easily recognized, and the display area 311 and various symbols displayed therein can be displayed in a visually balanced size.

Further, in conjunction with the size of the display area 311, the sizes of various symbols displayed in the display area 311 are changed, and the changed various symbols are displayed in a frame 311 a.
17 (see FIG. 17B), the size of the display area 311 that has been more clearly changed can be confirmed. The same applies to the display related to the reach occurrence rate and the reach reliability rate described later.

FIG. 17C shows a display state in which the reach announcement display mode actually appears in accordance with the enlargement of the display area 311. The reach announcement display mode is such that the announcement symbol “☆” is scrolled and displayed on the display unit 312 on either the left side or the right side in combination with the normal symbols “0” to “9”. The aspect is applicable,
As another example, an effect may be made so that a predetermined character or the like appears. It should be noted that the reliability of the actual reach announcement display mode due to the enlargement of the display area 311 is 1
It need not be 00%.

More specifically, ten kinds of reach notification random numbers 1 to 10 are prepared on the main substrate 101, and two random numbers for deriving the reach notification display mode are set as two random numbers for the reach notification. Are random numbers that do not derive the reach announcement display mode. In this case, the reach notification rate in the display game is basically 2/10, but is controlled so as to be appropriately changed to, for example, 1/10 to 3/10 by the probability selecting means as described above.

Next, FIG. 18 shows a process from when it is determined on the display that the reach announcement display mode appears in the display game to when the display mode actually appears on the display game. Is shown. Here, if the reach occurrence rate is also changed in advance by the probability changing means, the reach probability is changed according to the level of the changed probability as shown in FIGS.
As shown in (b), the size of the display area 311 is changed again.

If the reach occurrence rate changed by the probability changing means is higher than the previous one, the size of the display area 311 is further changed as shown in FIG. 17 (a).
As shown in (5), the size of the display area 311 is changed to a smaller size again.

FIG. 18C shows a display state in which the reach display mode has actually appeared in accordance with the enlargement of the display area 311. This reach display mode is a state in which the stopped symbols coincide with the left and right two display portions 312, except for one central display portion 312 where various symbols stop at the end.
However, the reliability of the actual occurrence of the reach display mode due to the enlargement of the display area 311 need not be 100%.

[0160] To be more specific about the reach generation rate, fifteen kinds of random numbers for reach generation, for example, 1 to 15 are prepared on the main board 101, and one random number for deriving the reach display mode is set to one, and Let 14 be random numbers from which the reach display mode is not derived. In this case, the reach occurrence rate in the display game is basically 1/15, but as described above, for example, 2/1 by the probability selecting means.
It is controlled so as to be appropriately changed from 5 to 3/15.

Further, FIG. 19 shows that after the display game determines whether or not the reach display mode appears in the display game,
It shows a process until it is determined on the display whether or not a specific display mode actually appears. Here, if the reach reliability is also changed in advance by the probability changing means, the display area 311 is again displayed as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B according to the level of the changed probability. The size is changed.

If the reach reliability changed by the probability changing means is higher than the previous one, the graph shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 18A, the display area 311 is further greatly changed so as to extend to the entire screen. On the contrary, when the display area 311 becomes lower, as shown in FIG.
The size of 1 will again be reduced to a smaller value.

FIG. 19 (c) shows a display state in which the reach display mode has actually shifted to the specific display mode in accordance with the enlargement of the display area 311. Such a specific display mode is a state in which symbols stopped on the respective display units 312 in the display area 311 are all the same. However, the reliability of the actual occurrence of the specific display mode due to the enlargement of the display area 311 does not need to be 100%. As described above, if the size of the display area 311 is changed in a plurality of steps, the display area 311 can be displayed in multiple steps according to the probability changed.

Further, when the reach reliability rate is changed, a reach selection rate for deriving a predetermined reach display mode from a plurality of types of reach display modes is also changed, so that a display game Can be prevented from deriving tendencies of various symbol patterns in, and the expectation of the player can be maintained for a long time.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, for example, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, three types of patterns are set as the reach display mode, and the reach pattern is determined by a reach pattern determining random number, for example, 0 to 0. Prepare 99 random numbers. Here, for example, three types of reach distribution patterns 1 to 3 are set as reach distribution patterns, and the contents of these patterns are determined according to the value of the reach pattern determination random number, as shown in FIGS. Reach A to Reach C.

First, in the reach distribution pattern 1, in the case of a jackpot (specific display mode), as shown in FIG. 21A, if the reach pattern determining random numbers are 0 to 9, the reach A and reach pattern determining random numbers are set. When the random number for reach pattern determination is 50 to 99 when reach random number is 10 to 49, the reach C is reached.

In the case of the deviation in the reach distribution pattern 1 (including the deviation of the reach, the same applies hereinafter), FIG.
As shown in (b), the reach pattern determining random number is 0 to 0.
If 49, reach A, reach pattern determination random number is 5
If the random number for reach pattern determination is from 0 to 79, then reach C is reached if the random number for reach pattern determination is 80 to 99. Therefore, in the reach distribution pattern 1, the effect of the reach display mode in which the jackpot reliability increases in the order of A <B <C is performed.

Next, in the reach distribution pattern 2, in the case of a big hit, as shown in FIG. 22A, if the reach pattern determining random number is 0 to 32, the reach A and the reach pattern determining random number are 33 to 65. If it is, reach B, and if the reach pattern determining random number is 66 to 99, it is sorted to reach C.

On the other hand, if the reach distribution pattern 2 is out of order, as shown in FIG. 22B, if the reach pattern determining random number is 0 to 32, the reach A and reach pattern determining random numbers are 33 to 65. If it is, reach B, and if the reach pattern determining random number is 66 to 99, it is sorted to reach C. Therefore, the reach distribution pattern 2 has a jackpot reliability of A = B = C, and the effect of the reach display mode is performed such that all the reach patterns have the same occurrence rate.

In the reach distribution pattern 3, in the case of a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 23A, if the reach pattern determining random number is 0 to 49, the reach A is reached, and the reach pattern determining random number is 50 to 89. If there is a reach B, if the reach pattern determining random number is 90 to 99, the reach B is assigned.

On the other hand, when the reach distribution pattern 3 is out of order, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), if the reach pattern determining random number is 0-19, the reach A and the reach pattern determining random number are 20-49. If the reach random number for reach pattern determination is 50 to 99, then reach C is reached. Therefore, in the reach distribution pattern 3, the effect of the reach display mode in which the jackpot reliability decreases in the order of A>B> C is performed.

Here, the reach pattern is not limited to a combination in which two identical various symbols are lined up in the middle of a display game, but includes the appearance timing of various symbols, a change in background color, and identification information. Means a combination of display contents produced in various display forms, such as production by the appearance of a character.

When the random number value that determines the result of the display game corresponds to the jackpot (specific display mode), for example, if the reach distribution pattern 1 is selected, the reach pattern is set according to the reach distribution pattern 1. Reach patterns are distributed based on the random number for determination.

In FIG. 21, if the reach pattern determining random number is 0 to 9, reach A is reached, and the distribution rate to reach A is 10%. Random number for reach pattern determination is 1
If it is 0 to 49, reach B is reached, and the distribution rate to reach B is 40%. If the reach pattern determination random number is 50 to 99, reach C is reached, and the distribution rate to reach C is 50%.

As described above, for example, if the reach distribution pattern 1 is selected, selection of each reach display mode at the time of occurrence of a jackpot is performed with a high probability to reach C, a slightly high probability to reach B, and a low probability. Reached to reach A. If another reach distribution pattern 2 or reach distribution pattern 3 is selected, the reach A to reach C are respectively distributed at other selectivities corresponding to the respective reach distribution patterns.

In the case where the random number value that determines the result of the display game corresponds to an outlier, similarly to the case of the jackpot, the reach distribution pattern 1 to the reach distribution pattern 3 described above are selected according to the respective selection rates. Reach A ~
It will be assigned to any of the three patterns of reach C. Which of the three reach distribution patterns 1 to 3 is the reach distribution pattern is set so as to be appropriately changed by the probability selecting means.

Next, the control of the gaming machine 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 before. 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.

In the special symbol game process of step 008, the monitoring of the fluctuation time of the special symbol, the management of the random number for the special symbol, the control transition to the customer waiting demonstration screen, the monitoring of the opening time of the special winning opening 24, and the counting of the winning count. Surveillance and confirmation of special symbol holding balls are performed.

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

When the return process 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 processing of step 103, the game state information edited by other processing centering on step 010 of the main processing is read from the game information storage area, and the output port is output through 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 contents of step 011 in the main process, the random number for winning determination, the symbol random number, the reach random number, the control pattern random number, and the like used for the jackpot lottery are updated. I do.

[0196] The random number for the hit determination is determined by 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 every random number updating process, and after one round (0 to 299), the next start position is selected and the lottery result is set as the start position. It is configured to count up again by one. For example, when the lottery result is 59, 59 to 58
Count up one by one.

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

The reach random number determines whether or not to perform a special effect until the last stop symbol is determined when the reach display mode appears. The reach random number is, for example, a value of 0 to 15, and is a random number. The count is incremented by one for each update process, and when the count reaches the upper limit ("15"), the count is restarted from zero.

The control 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. The control pattern random number is incremented by one every random number update processing, and the upper limit value (“5”) is set. ) Is configured to count up from 0 again.

In the timer updating process of 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.

The switch monitoring process in step 108 reads the state information of each sensor and switch input in step 102 from the game information storage area, and updates the game state information. 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 NMI interrupt processing of the main board 100. 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.

The display control means changes the size of the display area 311 in the course of execution of the display game in accordance with the level of the probability changed by the probability changing means. As another embodiment, 20, FIG. 20 (a)-(d), FIG. 20 (e)-(g), FIG.
As shown in (i), if the relative position of the display area 311 in the screen of the special symbol display device 310 is changed together with the size, various display variations can be produced.

Further, in the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example where three probabilities are changed: a reach announcement rate, a reach occurrence rate, and a reach reliability rate. However, it is not necessary to change all of these probabilities. , May be set to change any two or at least one. Further, the predetermined condition is
For example, it is conceivable that the result of the previous display game is deviated and the display mode is fixed, but in addition, it is set that a certain period of time elapses or that a ball wins in the starting port 21 during the display game. Is also good.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and there may be changes and additions without departing from the gist of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention. For example, the division of the plurality of display units 312 in the display area 311 of the special symbol display device 310 is not limited to a rectangular shape arranged in three horizontal rows, but may be arranged in a plurality of rows vertically or diagonally across the screen. Various forms such as dividing by a line are conceivable.

[0210] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described. However, the gaming machine is not limited to a pachinko machine, and a smart ball game machine controlled by a program, an arrangement ball The present invention can be similarly applied to other game machines such as game machines. Further, the special symbol display device 310 can be applied to a slot machine.

[0211]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, at least one of the reach announcement rate, the reach occurrence rate, and the reach reliability rate in the display game on the variable display device is determined by the probability changing means. Since the size of the display area of the variable display device is changed in the course of execution of the display game by the display control means according to the level of the probability changed at this time based on the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, Along with the execution of the game, the magnitude of the sense of expectation for the appearance of the various display modes held by the player can be changed in various ways, and a sharp and thrilling and exciting game can be realized. Moreover, since the magnitude of the probability is represented by the size of the display area, anyone can easily recognize the magnitude of the probability.

Further, if the size of the identification information displayed in the display area is changed in conjunction with the size of the display area, the magnitude of the probability can be more easily recognized, and the display area and the display area in the display area can be displayed. Can be displayed in a visually balanced size.

Further, the size of the identification information displayed in the display area is changed in conjunction with the size of the display area, and the changed identification information is surrounded by a frame. The size of the display area that has been sharply changed can be confirmed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is an enlarged rear view showing the back side of the game board of the gaming machine according to the 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 enlarged front view showing a special symbol display device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example 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 an example of 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 an example of 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 variations related to changes in the size and position of the display area in a display game developed by the special symbol display device for a gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a table illustrating an example of a reach distribution pattern 1 in the display game.

FIG. 22 is a chart illustrating an example of a reach distribution pattern 2 in the display game.

FIG. 23 is a table illustrating an example of a reach distribution pattern 3 in the display game.

[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 section 15 ... windmill 16 ... guide rail 21 ... starting opening 22a ... right sleeve winning opening 22b ... left sleeve winning opening 23a ... right falling winning opening 23b ... left falling winning opening 24 ... large winning opening 29 ... out opening 100 ... Main board (display control means, probability changing means) 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 112 a to 112 g, latch circuits 113, address decode circuits 114, buffers 115,. Set 116 ... Testing test signal terminal 121 ... Start port switch 122a ... Right sleeve winning port switch 122b ... Left sleeve winning port switch 123a ... Right drop winning port switch 123b ... Left drop winning port switch 124 ... Position continuous operation device switch 125 ... Count switch 126 ... Normal symbol display device operating gate switch 126a ... Right ordinary symbol display device operating gate switch 126b ... Left ordinary symbol display device operating gate switch 130 ... Award ball detection switch 130a ... Right award ball detection switch 130b ... Left award ball detection Switch 131: Shooting ball cutout switch 132: Glass frame open detection switch 133: Overflow switch 134: Large winning opening solenoid 135: Direction switching solenoid 136: Normal electric accessory solenoid 140: Normal symbol display device 200: Dispensing control Plate 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 ... Path switching solenoid 300 ... Display Display control board (display control means, probability change means) 301 display control CPU 302 display control ROM 303 display control RAM 304 image control IC 305 image data ROM 306 input / output interface 3 7 ... Testing test signal terminal 310 ... Special symbol display device (variable display device) 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 Hold LED 421: Normal symbol hold LED 422: Gaming 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 Oscillation circuit Road 602: Frequency dividing circuit 603: Motor drive signal control circuit 604: Driver circuit 650: Handle part 651: Touch sensor 652: Fire stop switch 653: Fire motor 700 ... Power supply 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 External terminal board for frame 801 Prize ball ball presence / absence switch 850 Board External terminal board 900: Card unit connection board a: Operation panel board b: Card unit c: Power supply 24 VAC

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Naohisa Kurosawa 3-12-9 Higashiueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo F-term in Ace Denken Co., Ltd. (reference) 2C088 AA35 BC02

Claims (10)

[Claims] A variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information; and display control means for controlling display of the variable display device, wherein a display result of the variable display on the variable display device is determined in advance. In a gaming machine in which a special game state in which a predetermined game value can be given to a player occurs when a specific display mode that is a combination of the identification information is obtained, the variable display device displays a plurality of types of identification information. The display control means executes a display game by variably displaying identification information in the display area. In the process of executing the display game, the display control means displays the specific display. Performing a display control in which a reach display mode in which a reach display mode may appear when a possibility of the mode has occurred and a reach notice display mode for notifying the appearance of the reach display mode in advance is generated, In the execution process of the technique, the reach notice rate that is the probability that the reach notice display mode appears, the reach occurrence rate that is the probability that the reach display mode appears, and the probability of transition from the reach display mode to the specific display mode Among certain reach reliability ratios, the display control unit includes a probability changing unit that changes at least one of the probabilities based on the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. A gaming machine that executes display control for changing the size of the display area in the process of executing the display game. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display control means changes the size of the identification information displayed in the display area in conjunction with the size of the display area. 3. The display control means changes the size of the identification information displayed in the display area in conjunction with the size of the display area, and surrounds the changed identification information with a frame. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The display control means according to claim 1, wherein the higher the probability changed by said probability changing means, the larger the size of said display area is changed during the execution of said display game. The gaming machine according to 2 or 3. 5. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein said display control means changes the size of said display area in a plurality of stages during the execution of said display game.
The gaming machine described. 6. When the reach notification rate is changed by the probability changing means, the display control means sets the reach notification display mode from the start of the display game in accordance with the level of the changed probability. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the size of the display area is changed in a process before it is determined on the display whether or not a character appears. 7. When the reach occurrence rate is changed by the probability changing means, the display control means displays the reach notice display mode in the display game in accordance with the level of the changed probability. The size of the display area is changed in a process after it is determined on the display whether or not to perform the display before the reach display mode is determined on the display. , 3, 4, 5, or 6. 8. When the reach reliability is changed by the probability changing means, the display control means displays the reach display mode in the display game in accordance with the level of the changed probability. After confirming on the display whether or not
The size of the display area is changed in a process before it is determined whether or not the specific display mode appears on the display. Gaming machine. 9. The display control means, when the reach reliability is changed by the probability changing means, also adjusts a reach selection rate for deriving a predetermined reach display mode from a plurality of types of reach display modes. The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. 10. The display control means according to the level of the probability changed by the probability changing means, the size of the display area and the relative position of the display area in the process of executing the display game. The display control for changing is executed.
Or the gaming machine according to 9.