JP2004065341A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which achieves a higher operating rate thereof by accelerating the progress of the games. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a sub control part handling at least the control of a variable display part, a transmitting means which is provided at the main control part and transmits the signals pertaining to the entry of game balls detected by a starter detection means for detecting the entry of the game balls into the starter slot and the signals for making a variable display means 27 variably display the identifying information to the subcontrol part, a receiving means which is provided at the sub control part and receives the signals transmitted from the transmitting means and a performance means 27 which applies performances to the variable display of the identifying information at the variable display means 27. The subcontrol part makes the performance means 27 start performances when the receiving means receives the signals pertaining to the entry of the game balls transmitted from the transmitting means within the period of the variable display of the identifying information displayed on the variable display means 27. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, a blade, a right object, a ball game machine such as an arrangement ball, and a coin-type game machine such as a slot machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as ball-and-ball game machines, various game contents called so-called seven machines, right goods, or arrangements have been widely used. Among them, the seven machine, when the display state of the variable display device whose design fluctuates due to entering the starting port becomes a specific one, for example, at the time of a big hit, first, the reach display is performed, and is displayed on the three display units. When the combination of symbols is a combination of specific slots such as “7, 7, 7”, the special winning opening of the specific winning opening is opened. The special winning opening is closed once a predetermined number of gaming balls have won or a predetermined time has elapsed, but if the gaming balls have passed through the specific area formed in the special winning opening during the opening, the special winning opening is re-entered. It is configured to open and repeat the opening and closing operations up to 16 times.
[0003]
Next, in a right-of-prize object or an arranged gaming machine, the variable display device is set to a specific double-row display state to open a specific winning opening such as a tulip-type electric accessory for a predetermined time, and a specific area in the opened specific winning opening is opened. When a game ball passes through, a big hit state is established. When the big hit state is reached, a winning port or the like which is normally invalid becomes effective until a predetermined number of game balls have won or a predetermined game has elapsed. Are configured to open.
[0004]
As described above, when the predetermined winning condition is satisfied and the specific winning opening is in a state advantageous to the player, in the first-type pachinko gaming machine such as the Seven machine, the player is placed in the specific winning opening (in this case, an attacker). The game ball is passed (wins) in a specific area of the game, and the game ball is passed within a predetermined time in a specific area in the specific winning opening, which is a big hit state, to generate a big hit state or to continue the big hit state, To win the prize ball.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the reach display means that a symbol other than the display symbol that is the final stop symbol continues for a predetermined time and stops, swings, expands or contracts or deforms in a state in which it matches the specific stop symbol mode that is a big hit. It is performed in a state where the jackpot possibility continues before the final result is displayed, such as a state where a plurality of display symbols fluctuate synchronously with the same symbol or a position where the display symbol is switched Refers to the effect display.
[0006]
For example, when three display symbols arranged in the horizontal direction, such as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, are stopped in the order of the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol, and these display symbols are all aligned with the same symbol. Jackpot. At this time, a state in which the left symbol and the right symbol other than the middle symbol, which is the final stop symbol, are stopped at the same symbol is referred to as a reach state. When the reach state is reached, use a variety of display modes, such as changing the middle symbol's variable display pattern from the normal state, or flashing the screen at the same time, making a sign or character appear, etc. In general, the game is designed to increase the player's expectation of the occurrence of a big hit and to excite the interest in the game.
[0007]
In particular, in recent years, in pachinko gaming machines, a plurality of types of display patterns with variable display patterns are becoming popular. Then, by performing various effect displays using a plurality of types of variable display patterns, it has contributed to the enhancement of gaming interest in the first-class pachinko gaming machines.
[0008]
In such a pachinko gaming machine, for example, when a symbol finally stopped becomes a specific display mode to which a predetermined game value is to be given, for example, a large winning opening is generally opened. . Therefore, the player waits in expectation of the symbol displayed on the variable display device in the specific display mode in the process of the variable display from the start of the symbol change to the final stop. .
[0009]
Then, the closer the symbol form displayed in the process of the variable display is to the specific display form, the higher the expectation of the player. Furthermore, if the pattern displayed in the process of the variable display once becomes the specific display mode, the player's expectation reaches a considerable extent. In other words, in order to improve the player's sense of expectation, it is important not only how to finally display the symbols on the symbol display device, but also how to change the symbols in the process until the final stop. Having.
[0010]
By the way, in a conventional pachinko gaming machine, it is common that up to four balls can be held when a ball is thrown into a starting port during a symbol change. For this reason, there are many players who stop the game when the number of holdings reaches four during the symbol change, that is, perform a so-called hitting. As a result, there is a problem that the progress of the game is slowed down and the operating rate of the gaming machine is reduced.
[0011]
Conventionally, a signal (command) is transmitted from a main control unit which controls a game board to a display control unit which controls a variable display device, and test terminals such as effect display, effect operation, voice output and lamp output which are not related to pass / fail. Those that do not need to be output to the computer are also controlled via the display control unit. In order to diversify the effect that evokes the interest of the player, most processes such as display of characters linked to the fluctuation of symbols and other types of reach modes, reach announcement by lamp display, etc. are performed via the display control unit. Processing, the processing load on the CPU of the display control unit is increased, and as a result, the storage capacity of the ROM for storing the control programs and design data for these effects is insufficient, and the variety of effects is increased. It has become more difficult to stimulate the interest of players. In addition, when performing an effect that makes full use of the functions of each control unit, the data amount of the control signal from the main control unit to another control unit increases, and it is difficult to transmit the control signal quickly. There was a problem. Further, the display control unit has a large number of test terminals, and must send signals to them. Since the display control unit performs a large number of processes such as command distribution and display processing, a large load is imposed on the CPU.
[0012]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of accelerating the progress of a game and improving the operating rate of the gaming machine. is there.
[0013]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a more attractive and novel gaming machine which has a simple structure and has increased entertainment.
[0014]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that reduces the load on the control unit while attracting the interest of a player.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the gaming machine according to claim 1, a main control unit that controls a game board, a start port provided in the game board, and a game ball that has entered the start port. Starting detection means for detecting, hit / fail judgment means for judging whether or not the game ball detected by the starting detection means is hit, and variable display means capable of variably displaying the judgment result by the judgment means as identification information, A game machine provided with variable winning means capable of changing to a state advantageous to a player when the identification information displayed on the variable display means has a predetermined specific symbol, wherein at least the variable display means A sub-control unit that controls the means, a signal provided in the main control unit, and a signal relating to the entry of a game ball detected by the start detecting means, and a signal for causing the variable display means to display variable identification information. Transmitting means for transmitting to the sub-control part, receiving means provided in the sub-control part for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting means, and giving an effect to a variable display of the identification information on the variable display means And a sub-control unit, wherein the sub-control unit receives the signal related to the entry of the game ball transmitted from the transmitting unit within the variable display period of the identification information displayed on the variable display unit. Preferably, the effect is performed by the effect means.
[0016]
In this way, a certain effect is performed while the special symbol is being fluctuated and displayed by entering the ball into the starting opening, thereby increasing the sense of expectation of the player. As a result, this is an incentive for the player to launch the game ball and proceed with the game. In particular, even when the number of holds reaches the upper limit during the reach display, it is possible to prevent the game from being stopped (stopped) by the player. Thereby, the progress of the game can be accelerated, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved. In addition, with a simple configuration, entertainment can be increased, and a more attractive and novel gaming machine can be provided.
[0017]
Also, in the gaming machine according to claim 2, the effect means comprises an informing means for informing a player that an effect is given to the variable display means, and the sub-control unit controls the informing means. It is characterized by being. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player of a point of interest for operating the effect means.
[0018]
Further, as in the gaming machine according to the third aspect, the effecting means includes a movable object provided on the game board, and the sub-control unit controls a driving means capable of driving the movable object. Things. By controlling the driving of the movable object during the reach display, the degree of attention of the player can be increased, and the increased interest can be continued.
[0019]
Further, in the gaming machine according to claim 4, the effect means includes at least one of a sound output means and a lamp output means, and the sub-control unit controls one or both of the sound output means and the lamp output means. It is characterized by having a control means to perform. Thereby, the effect of the effect means can be performed more effectively.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The first embodiment exemplifies a first-type pachinko machine (ball game machine) of a type called a so-called seven machine as a specific example of a gaming machine.
[0021]
First, the structure of the pachinko machine main body will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 1, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front frame is opened. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front portion of the pachinko machine 1 mainly includes an outer frame (main body frame) 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, And a locking device 7.
[0022]
The outer frame 2 is obtained by assembling and fixing a wooden plate-like body into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The middle frame 3 is entirely made of plastic and is pivotally supported on the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable. A locking device 7 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3. The locking device 7 has a substantially rectangular shape with a keyhole when viewed from the front, and is used for locking when the front frame 4 is closed. The middle frame 3 has a frame portion 3a (see FIG. 2) occupying about 上 側 of the upper side and a lower plate portion occupying about 下 of the lower side. A game board 10 to be described later and a front frame 4 are provided on the front side of the frame body portion 3a so as to overlap, and an upper plate portion 5 and a lower plate portion 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate portion.
[0023]
The frame portion 3a is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and the upper end portion corresponds to the substantially triangular frame decoration LED lenses 4c and 4e of the front frame 4, and the prize ball display LED (not shown) on the left side. The award display LED board 4d (see FIG. 6) and a stop display LED (not shown in FIG. 2) and a stop display LED board 4f (see FIG. 6) are provided on the right side.
[0024]
The lower plate portion is provided with a speaker 400a (see FIG. 6) for generating a sound effect and other sounds (voices) according to the game state, corresponding to the speaker surface 5a formed on the upper plate portion 5 at the left end. ing. At a substantially center of the lower plate portion, a supply device (not shown) for supplying game balls stored in the upper plate portion 5 to a firing device unit (not shown) for firing game balls is provided.
[0025]
Below the lower plate portion, a lower plate portion 6 provided with an ashtray, a ball-drawing lever, and the like is provided. A discharge port 6a for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1 is opened substantially at the center of the lower plate portion 6, and a firing handle 9 for operating a firing device unit (not shown) is provided at the right end. . A touch switch 9a for detecting that the player is touching is mounted on the firing handle 9, and a fire stop switch 9b for temporarily instructing a stop of the fire is arranged near the touch switch 9a.
[0026]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front frame 4 is entirely made of plastic, and a game area 11 (FIG. 3) formed on the game board 10 so that the game board 10 (see FIG. 3) can be visually recognized from the front. (See FIG. 2) has an opening 4a formed in a substantially circumferential shape. On the back side of the front frame 4, a substantially rectangular glass frame 4s in which a glass plate 4r is fitted according to the opening 4a is mounted. In the first embodiment, the glass frame 4s is mounted on the back surface of the front frame 4, and the glass frame 4f holds the periphery of the glass plate 4r. On the basis of the player, the game area 11 formed on the game board 10 is formed behind the glass plate 4r. The glass frame 4s may be mounted on the front side of the front frame 4 and the glass plate 4r may be held on the front side of the front frame 4. Further, a transparent plate (for example, a transparent resin plate) other than the glass plate 4r can be held by a transparent plate frame attached to the front frame 4.
[0027]
The front frame 4 occupies about ／ of the entire front surface of the pachinko machine 1 and is pivotally mounted on the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. Further, a frame decoration lamp lens 4b is also provided at the upper end, and inside this lens 4b, a frame decoration lamp substrate 4g (see FIG. 6) and a plurality of games are formed along the arc at the upper end of the opening 4a. An effect lamp (not shown) is provided.
[0028]
The upper plate 5 is pivotally attached to the left end of the middle frame 3 under the front frame 4 so as to be openable and closable. On the outer edge portion 5b of the dish, a ball removal button, a game ball lending / returning button, and the like are provided. The upper plate 5 is provided with a discharge port 5c for discharging game balls from the inside of the pachinko machine 1. A speaker surface 5a having a plurality of long holes is formed on the left end, and a volume switch board 12 (see FIG. 6) is provided on the back surface. On the left end side of the pachinko machine 1, a prepaid card unit 13 is mounted.
[0029]
Next, the surface structure of the game board 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 10. The game board 10 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-shaped body which is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3 and whose back side is covered by a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 6) described later. I have.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially circular game area 11 is formed on the game board 10 by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 provided on the surface of the game board 10. In the game area 11, a central device 26, a first-class starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17, a variable prize device 18, a left prize port 19, a right prize port 20, a lower left prize port 21, a lower right prize port 22, A number of obstacle nails 23, a pair of lamp windmills 24, 25, and the like are provided. Note that the first-type starting port 17 is a specific example of the “starting port” in the present invention.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 3, the central display device 26 is disposed substantially at the center of the game area 11, and includes a main body 700 and a liquid crystal display device 27 disposed on the front of the main body 700.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a specific example of the liquid crystal display device 27. FIG. 4 shows a display example during reach display. As shown in FIG. 4, on the display unit (display surface) 271 of the liquid crystal display device 27, one or more special symbols (identification information) are displayed while being sequentially changed in a predetermined direction, and then stopped and displayed. A symbol display area (identification information display area) is formed. Specifically, a left special symbol display area 271a for displaying a left special symbol, a middle special symbol display area 271b for displaying a middle special symbol, and a right special symbol display area 271c for displaying a right special symbol are arranged substantially horizontally. They are formed in this order in the set arrangement direction. In each of the special symbol display areas 271a to 271c, a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, a symbol change direction is set in a vertical direction, and a plurality of symbols as identification information are changed in that direction. (Special symbols) are sequentially displayed.
[0033]
The liquid crystal display device 27 displays the special symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 271a to 271c of the display unit 271 in a variable manner when the game ball enters the first-type starting port 17, and then stops and displays the symbols. . Then, when the symbols are stopped and displayed (fixed display) in a state where the symbols are arranged in the same three-digit symbol of, for example, "7, 7, 7", a special game state (big hit game state) in which a special game advantageous to the player is executed is performed. Become. In the special game state, a special winning opening 311 of a special winning device 31 described later provided in the variable winning device 18 is opened. That is, in the pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment, each special symbol is changed by the "establishment of the predetermined condition" that "the game ball enters the first-type starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17". That is, when a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed) and the stop condition of the specific condition of "the symbols are aligned with the same three digits" is achieved, a "specific value" of "big hit" is given. The liquid crystal display device 27 is a specific example of the "variable display means" and the "presentation means" in the present invention.
[0034]
Further, in the liquid crystal display device 27, on the front side of the display unit 271, there are provided accessories (movable objects) 272 a, 272 b, 272 c and 272 d so as to cover a part of the display unit 271. The accessories 272a to 272d of the first embodiment are arranged so as to cover portions (four corners in this embodiment) of the display unit 271 excluding the special symbol display areas 271a to 271c. A symbol display area (not shown) is formed in each part of the display unit 271 which is covered with the accessories 272a to 272d. The accessories 272a to 272d are driven by a solenoid (not shown) as driving means, and the solenoid is driven and controlled by a sound / lamp control unit 170 described later.
[0035]
The special effects 272a to 272d are configured to move from above the display unit 271 when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the change of the symbol, so that the symbol display area covered by the special effects 272a to 272d can be visually recognized. I have. Specifically, the first and second roles 272a and 272b slide upward, and the third and fourth roles 272c and 272d slide downward. In addition, the accessory 272a-272d shows a specific example of the "producing means" and the "movable object" in the present invention.
[0036]
Further, the display section 271 of the liquid crystal display device 27 includes a notification information display area 273 (see FIG. 21) for displaying notification information for notifying a player of predetermined conditions under which the above-mentioned accessories 272a to 272d operate. . The notification information display area 273 is formed in an area of the display unit 271 that is not covered with the accessories 272a to 272d. The notification information display area 273 shows a specific example of "notification means" in the present invention.
[0037]
Returning to FIG. 3, a portion on the upper front side of the main body 700 is configured as an eave-shaped portion including a decorating member 720, a left decorating member 730, and a right decorating member 740. In the interior decoration member 720, a pair of left and right ceiling ball openings (not shown) are opened on the upper surface left and right. The game ball that has entered the sky ball entrance falls onto a stage (not shown) provided in the central device 26 via a warp passage (not shown). The game ball that has fallen on the stage falls in front of the stage. Since the first-type starting port 17 is disposed below the stage, a game ball falling from the stage is more likely to win the first-type starting port 17.
[0038]
In addition, the decoration member 720 is provided with a normal symbol display device 32 and a special symbol holding display LED 16a. The normal symbol display device 32 has a 7-segment display 32a and a normal symbol hold display LED 32b. The 7-segment display 32a is for displaying odd numbers of 1 to 9 in a variable manner, and starts to fluctuate when a game ball passes through one of the left and right ordinary symbol operation gates 36 and 37, which will be described later. The odd numbers of the type are stopped and displayed. Then, when the stop display is performed at, for example, “7”, the first-type starting port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).
[0039]
At the lower left and right sides of the central device 26, ordinary symbol operation gates 36 and 37 are provided, respectively. In these ordinary symbol operation gates 36 and 37, left and right ordinary symbol operation gate detection switches 36s and 37s (see FIG. 6) are disposed, respectively. When one of the ordinary symbol operation gate passage detection switches 36s and 37s detects the passage of the game ball, the 7-segment display 32a of the ordinary symbol display device 32 variably displays.
[0040]
The normal symbol holding display LED 32b is composed of four round red LEDs, and is arranged close to the right and left sides of the 7-segment display 32a. This means that the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 can be held up to four, and they are sequentially turned on and shifted for each passage. Each time the next variable display of the 7-segment display 32a starts, the number of unstarts (the number of reserves) is exhausted, and the ordinary symbol reserve display LEDs 32b are turned off one by one.
[0041]
The special symbol holding display LEDs 16a are arranged in parallel on the upper side of the central device 26 and are divided into two each on the left and right sides of the normal symbol display device 32, and are constituted by four red LEDs. In this configuration, the number of game balls that have entered the first-type starting port 17 can be held up to four, and each ball is sequentially lit and shifted for each entry. Each time the next special symbol change of the liquid crystal display device 27 starts, the number of unstarted times (number of reservations) is exhausted, and the special symbol reservation display LED 16a is turned off one by one.
[0042]
The first-type starting port 17 is integrated with a variable winning device 18 to be described later, and is disposed at a distance below a central position of the central device 26 in the special symbol display device 16. The first-type starting port 17 is a so-called tulip type, which is formed so that a pair of wing pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right, and is provided with a decoration on the front surface and attached to a substrate 34 described later. Inside the first-type starting port 17, a first-type starting port (ordinary electric accessory) winning detection switch 17 s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of a game ball, and a first for operating the wing piece portion. A seed starting port (ordinary electric accessory) solenoid 17c (see FIG. 6) is provided. When the pair of wing pieces open left and right, the game ball enters an open state in which the possibility of entering the ball is increased, and the pair of wing pieces are erected, and a normal state in which the possibility of entering the game ball is reduced. . Note that the first-type start-up winning detection switch 17s is a specific example of “start-up detection means” in the present invention.
[0043]
The variable winning device 18 is disposed below the first-type starting port 17. A large winning device 31, a lower left winning opening 21 and a lower right winning device 31 are provided on a substrate 34 having a substantially inverted trapezoidal front surface. A mouth 22 is provided. Here, the special winning device 31 is formed substantially in the center, and has a special winning opening 311 opened in a belt shape, an opening and closing plate 312 for opening and closing the special winning opening 311, and an opening and closing plate for opening and closing the opening and closing plate 312. A special winning opening solenoid 313 (see FIG. 6), a special winning ball detection switch 318 (see FIG. 6) for detecting a special winning ball, and a specific area (not shown) through which a game ball passes after winning the special winning opening 311 And a general winning opening), an interlocking rod (not shown), a back box (not shown), and a large winning opening relay board (not shown). Note that the "variable winning means" of the first embodiment generates a "favorable state for the player" by opening the special winning opening 311. The main control unit 140, the open / close plate 312, and the special winning The mouth solenoid 313 is included.
[0044]
Further, the lower left winning opening 21 is disposed on the left side of the first type starting opening 17, and a lower left winning opening passage detection switch 21s (see FIG. 6) is provided therein. A plurality of lower left winning opening LEDs 223 to 225 are attached to the lower left winning opening LED board 21f (see FIG. 6) below the lower left winning opening 21 and are covered with a decorative lens. Further, the lower right winning opening 22 is disposed on the right side of the first type starting opening 17 and has a lower right winning opening passage detection switch 22s (see FIG. 6) provided therein.
[0045]
A left winning opening 19 and a right winning opening 20 are disposed diagonally above and below the variable winning device 18, respectively. Inside each of them, a left winning opening passage detection switch 19s (see FIG. 6) and a right winning opening passage detection switch 20s (see FIG. 6) are provided. In addition, a pair of lamp windmills 24 and 25 are respectively disposed diagonally above and below the special symbol display device 16. Further, a pair of side lamps 38 and 39 are disposed at both left and right end portions of the game area 11 symmetrically in a vertical arc shape.
[0046]
An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48, so that the game balls that have returned without reaching the game area 11 return to the firing position. Prevents returning. Further, a foul ball prevention member 59 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 15, and the return rubber 60 is attached to the outer rail 14 at a position on the right half side of the game board 10 that is substantially opposite to the position of the foul ball prevention member 59. Along the fitting.
[0047]
In addition, a large number of obstacle nails 23 are provided in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for the pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each of the gaming machines described above.
[0048]
Next, the back surface structure of the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the gaming machine. The front frame 4 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is supported by the middle frame 3 so as to be openable and closable by a pair of hinges 101 provided at upper and lower positions.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 5, the back mechanism board 102 is supported by a pair of hinges 103 provided in the middle frame 3 at the upper and lower ends of the back mechanism board 102 so as to be openable and closable. On the left side when viewed from the position of the hinge 101 at the upper end, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball out detection switch 104 at the bottom of the tank, and a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 are attached. ing. Further, a ball release lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, and a supply ball out detection switch (not shown) is provided on the downstream side thereof. A prize ball payout device 109 is provided.
[0050]
Subsequently, a game ball distribution unit (not shown) is provided on the downstream side of the prize ball payout device 109. A lower case 111 with a lid that houses the liquid crystal display device 27 is provided below the tank rail 106, and a main control unit 140 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, is provided below the lower case 111 as a back side. A main control board case 112 is provided as a storage container in which a main control board 340 (see FIG. 6A) as a gaming device is stored. On the lower rear side of the main control board case 112, a launching apparatus control board case 113 storing a launching apparatus control board as a launch control unit 193 (see FIG. 6) and a launch control collective relay board (not shown) are provided. I have. The above-described firing device unit (not shown) is provided in a lower left portion of the back mechanism panel 102. At the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102, a payout control board case 118 as a storage container storing a payout control board 350 (see FIG. 6B) is provided as a payout control section 150 (see FIG. 6). I have.
[0051]
On the upper right side of the main control board case 112, a relay board 190 as a back side gaming machine is mounted. In the first embodiment, the main control board case 112, the relay board 190, and the payout control board case 118 are detachably mounted on a metal plate (not shown). It is rotatably suspended.
[0052]
A fuse box 119, a power switch 120, a power terminal board 121 and external connections for a gaming machine frame such as a jackpot, launcher control, ball out, door opening, award ball, ball lending, etc. are provided at the upper right end of the back mechanism panel 102. A terminal board 122 having terminals is provided. In addition, a power cable 123 for receiving power supply from outside is also provided above the terminal board 122. A connection cable 124 extends upward from the payout control board case 118 in which the payout control board 350 (see FIG. 6B) is stored, and is connected to the prepaid card unit 13 having a power cable 125. A ball passage member 126 for a lower plate portion is provided substantially at the lower end of the center of the back mechanism panel 102. The power supply terminal board 121 is connected to a RAM clear switch (not shown) for generating a “RAM clear signal”.
[0053]
Next, the electronic control unit 130 of the pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the electronic control unit 130. 7 to 9 show the configuration of each of the control units 140 to 170. FIG. 7 shows the main control unit 140 and the frame control unit 150, FIG. 8 shows a special symbol control unit 160, and FIG. Is shown.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 6, the electronic control unit 130 includes a main control unit 140, a payout control unit (prize ball payout control unit that mainly performs a prize ball payout control) 150, a special symbol control unit 160, and a voice / lamp control unit 170. It is comprised including. The main control unit 140 includes a main control board (main board) 340, and the sub-control units 150, 160, and 170 include sub-control boards (sub-boards) 350, 360, and 370, respectively. The main control unit 140, the payout control unit 150, and the special symbol control unit 160 are connected by a signal transmission path 500a, and the special symbol control unit 160 and the sound / lamp control unit 170 are connected by a signal transmission path 500b. The special symbol control section 160 and the voice / lamp control section 170 show a specific example of the “sub-control section” in the present invention.
[0055]
Command data, which is a command signal for instructing processing contents, is transmitted from the main control unit 140 to the sub-control units 150 to 170 via the signal transmission paths 500a and 500b. Data is transmitted from the main control unit 140 to each of the sub-control units 150 to 170 in a one-way format. Power is supplied to each of the control units 140 to 170 from the power receiving board 410 via the power supply unit 420 and further via the power distribution board 430. Sent to.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the main control unit 140 includes a main control board 340. The main control board 340 includes a main circuit section 400 including a CPU 401 and an input / output circuit section 500. Main control board 340 is usually housed in a case (ie, main control board case 112) that is difficult to open and close for a wrongdoer. Therefore, it is difficult for the wrongdoer to gain unauthorized access (attach the hanging board).
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 7A, an external terminal unit 145 is connected to the input / output circuit unit 500. The external terminal unit 145 is connected to a “hole computer” of a pachinko hall. Then, the main control board 340 turns on the RAM clear signal after the execution of the RAM clear processing, and turns off after a certain period of time. However, the main control board 340 outputs this RAM clear signal to the outside of the pachinko machine 1, and the pachinko hall system or the like. Can inform. Therefore, the manager of the pachinko hall can know the wrongdoing while the wrongdoer is unknown.
[0058]
The output terminal of the relay board 190 shown in FIG. 6 is connected to the input / output circuit unit 500 of the main control unit 140. The relay board 190 is a board for relaying the winning ball detection switches 318, 19s to 22s and the like to the main control unit 140 as shown in FIG. Further, the input / output circuit unit 500 of the main control unit 140 includes a first-type start-up winning detection switch 17s, a normal symbol display device board 32f, various solenoids 17c and 313, a right normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 37s, and a left normal. The symbol operation gate passage detection switch 36s is connected.
[0059]
FIG. 10 shows a configuration of the main circuit section 400 and the input / output circuit section 500 of the main control board 340. As shown in FIG. 10, the main circuit section 400 includes a CPU 401, an oscillation section 410, a data bus stabilization section 411, an I / O decode circuit section 420, a first external input circuit section 430, and a reset circuit section 450. I have. The input / output circuit section 500 includes a prize ball command output circuit section 510, a lamp command output circuit section 520, a display command output circuit section 530, a voice command output circuit section 540, a solenoid drive circuit section 550, an LED drive / information output circuit section 560. , A second external input circuit section 570. Note that the input / output circuit section 500 shows a specific example of “transmitting means” in the present invention.
[0060]
FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the CPU 401 of the main circuit section 400, and FIG. 12 shows a typical one of the memories stored in the built-in RAM. As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 401 includes a CPU core 480, a built-in RAM 481, a built-in ROM 482, a memory control circuit 483, a clock generator 484, an address decoder 485, a watchdog timer 486, a counter / timer 487, a parallel input / output port 488, A reset / interrupt controller 489, an external bus interface 490, and an output control circuit 491 are provided. .. 481w shown in FIG. 12 are stored in the built-in RAM 481.
[0061]
The CPU 401 controls the operation of the entire pachinko machine 1 (that is, the basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 481 as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM 482. In addition, the CPU 401 performs the determination control based on the determination program stored in the ROM 482 (a determination unit).
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 7B, the payout control unit 150 includes a payout control board 350. The payout control board 350 includes the same main circuit section 600 and input / output circuit section 700 as the main control board 340, and is connected to the signal transmission path 500a shown in FIG. The input / output circuit unit 700 is connected to the prize ball payout device 109, the launch device control unit 193, and the like shown in FIG. The output terminal of the payout terminal board 191 is connected to the input / output circuit unit 700. The payout terminal board 191 is connected to the touch switch 9a, the firing stop switch 9b, the volume switch 192, the tank ball out detection switch 104, the supply ball out detection switch 108, and the like.
[0063]
As shown in FIG. 8, the special symbol control unit 160 includes a special symbol control board 360. The special symbol control board 360 includes a CPU 161, a RAM 162, a ROM 163, an input / output port 164, and a VDP (video display processor) 166 as arithmetic circuit components. These arithmetic circuit components are mutually connected by a bus 165, and are connected to a signal transmission path 500a at an input / output port 164. The liquid crystal display device 27 and the player detection sensors 40 and 41 are connected to the input / output port 164. The CPU 161 controls the operation of the central device 16 (such as the liquid crystal display device 27) using the RAM 162 as a work area according to a control program stored in the ROM 163. The input / output port 164 forms a specific example of the “receiving unit” in the present invention.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 9, the sound / lamp control section 170 includes a lamp control board 370 and a sound control board 380. The lamp control board 370 and the sound control board 380 show a specific example of “control means for controlling one or both of the sound output and the lamp output” of the present invention.
[0065]
The lamp control board 370 includes a CPU 171, a RAM 172, a ROM 173, and an input / output port 174 as arithmetic circuit components. These components 171 to 174 are connected to each other by a bus 175, and are connected to a signal transmission path 500b at an input / output port 174. The input / output port 174 is connected to a frame decoration lamp substrate 4g, various lamp substrates 261f and 262f, and various LED substrates 4d, 4f, 21f and 22f shown in FIG. One or more lamps or LEDs are connected to each of these boards. These lamps and the like are turned on / off or flashed in accordance with the progress of the game. Further, the lamp control board 370 performs drive control of a solenoid, a motor, and the like that constitute a movable portion and the like. Note that the various lamp substrates, the lamps and the LEDs connected to the various LED substrates constitute one specific example of the “lamp output unit” of the present invention.
[0066]
The sound control board 380 includes the same arithmetic circuit components 181 to 185 and a sound generator 188 as the lamp control board 370, and is connected to the signal transmission path 500b at the input / output port 184. The sound generator 188 outputs various sounds corresponding to the progress of the game from the speaker 400a connected via the volume switch board 12 based on the stored sound data and the sound output module. The volume switch board 12 connected to the input / output port 184 sets an output volume in response to operation of a volume switch (not shown). Note that the speaker 400a constitutes a specific example of the "sound output means" of the present invention.
[0067]
Also, various lamps such as the frame decoration lamp substrate 4g and the sound generator 188 are controlled by the special symbol control unit 160 to change / stop the special symbol display, whether or not reach occurs, reach display mode to be described later, special game mode , And a game mode (probability fluctuation, time saving, etc.). The command signal of the control command is transmitted via the signal transmission path 500b as a command signal for the sound / lamp control unit 170 as an operation command target.
[0068]
The special symbol control unit 160 and the sound / lamp control unit 170 described above may be configured by the same circuit units as the main control unit 140 and the payout control unit 150. That is, a CPU having a main circuit section and an input / output circuit section and having a ROM and a RAM built therein can also be used.
[0069]
Next, the prize ball operation is executed in the following order.
[0070]
The main control unit 140 transmits a predetermined number of prize ball number data to the payout control unit 150 via the signal transmission path 500a in the order of detection, as a command signal targeting the payout control unit 150 as an operation command object. The number of unique prize balls is 5, 10, or 15 in the first embodiment. Specifically, when the game ball has passed the winning ball detection switch 318, 15 balls have passed, when the game ball has passed the first kind opening mouth winning detection switch 17s, 5 balls, otherwise (for example, left and right bottom winning) In the case where the passage detection switches 21 s and 22 s of the mouths 21 and 22 are detected to pass, the number is ten. The payout control unit 150 receives the winning ball number data from the main control unit 140, and operates the winning ball payout device 109 by transmitting a winning ball payout signal.
[0071]
Further, the main control unit 140 determines the gaming state based on the outputs of the various detection switches described above. Further, the main control unit 140 determines whether or not the game is successful based on the game state, and reads data for performing image display control in a symbol display mode according to the content of the determination. For example, the main control unit 140 uses the detection results of the first-type start-up winning detection switch 17s, the winning ball detection switch 318, and the like, the acquired value of the special symbol success / failure determination random number, and the like, for a customer who is not playing a game. It also determines a waiting state, a state in which a game is played but no start winning (variable preparation state), a state in which a start winning is achieved, a special game state, and the like. Further, when the start winning is detected, a win / fail determination is performed based on a random number value described later, and based on the determination result, a special symbol change (including a reach display mode) or a display mode control such as confirmation is performed. The data is read. This data is transmitted via the above-described signal transmission path 500a as a command signal for setting the special symbol control unit 160 as an operation command target.
[0072]
Next, a job executed by the main control unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 401 of the main control unit 140 based on a program stored in the ROM 482.
[0073]
First, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address of the RAM 481 (S10), and it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 144 is operated (pressed) (S12). As a result, when the RAM clear switch 144 is operated, the RAM 481 is initialized (S800). On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 144 is not operated, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is set (S15). As a result, when the backup flag is set, the “power recovery processing for power interruption” shown in FIG. 15 is performed.
[0074]
Note that the pachinko machine 1 of the first embodiment performs the processing at the time of power failure occurrence shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 when the power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like. First, the used register is saved in the RAM 481 (S630), and the value of the stack pointer is saved in the RAM 481 (S632). Then, the special winning opening solenoid 313 and the first type starting opening solenoid 17c are turned off (S634), the polling processing time (for example, about 85 ms) of the prize ball sensor is set (S636), and the prize ball pre-count sensor and the prize ball are set. After the counting, the passage of the game ball is monitored by the sensor (S638). Next, when the polling processing time has elapsed (S640), a checksum (excluding the checksum, the backup flag, and the stack area) of the RAM 481 used is created (S642), saved, and the backup flag is set in the RAM 481 (S640). S646). Then, access to the RAM 481 is prohibited (S648), and preparation for power-down is performed in an infinite loop process. Note that it is also possible to execute a HALT process or a STOP process instead of the unlimited loop process.
[0075]
In the "power restoration process" shown in FIG. 15, a checksum is calculated (S664), and it is determined whether or not the checksum matches the checksum stored when the power was turned off (S666). If the checksums do not match, the RAM 481 is initialized (S800). On the other hand, if the checksums match, the stack pointer before power-off is restored (S668), the backup flag is cleared (S670), and a command for returning the sub-board to the state before power-off is transmitted. (S672). Then, each register is restored to the state before the power-off (S674), the permission / non-permission of the interrupt is returned to the state before the power-off (S676, S678), and the address returns to the address before the power-off (S680). In the first embodiment, since a backup power supply for power cut-off measures is added to the pachinko machine 1, even when the pachinko hall has a power failure or the like, "information advantageous to the player" that occurred before the power failure was generated. Can be saved.
[0076]
Returning to FIG. 13, when it is determined in step S15 that the backup flag is not set, it is determined that the initialization is completed (S20). As a result, if the initialization has not been completed, the initialization job (S190) is executed, and then the initialization completion determination in S20 is performed again. The initialization of the RAM 481 is performed when the pachinko machine 1 is turned on for the first time from the shipping state, when the RAM clear switch is operated (pressed), when the backup flag is abnormal, and when the checksums match. It is performed when there is no.
[0077]
On the other hand, when the initialization has been completed, each job from the LED job (S30) to the switch job (S70) is executed. In the LED job (S30), the display mode data of the normal symbol and the normal symbol unstarted count, the display mode data of the special symbol unstarted count, and the like are output. In the constant speed random number job (S40), a special symbol hit / failure random number memory and a general-purpose count memory of the RAM 481 described later are updated. In the non-constant-speed random number job (S50), the initial value counter and the out-of-place normal symbol random number memory (not shown) are updated. Note that a general-purpose count memory (not shown) is used for creating values of “0” to “255” for each interruption, executing a command job, a decoration job, and the like.
[0078]
In the audio job (S60), data relating to music and audio is read, and in the switch job (S70), various detection switches are read. That is, various signals such as a left and right winning opening passage detection signal are taken into the main control unit 140 via the relay board 190, and various signals such as a firing stop detection signal, a touch detection signal, and a volume detection signal are transmitted to the payout terminal board 191. The data is taken in by the frame control unit 150 via the interface. The main control unit 140 also receives a first-class start-up winning detection signal from the first-class start-up winning detection switch 17s, and receives a prize-ball detection signal and a normal symbol operation gate passage detection signal from the special winning device 31. It is captured.
[0079]
Next, it is determined whether or not various switches such as a count detection switch, a count detection and a specific area passage detection switch are abnormal (S80). As a result, when there is an abnormality (ball clogging, disconnection, etc.), an error job (S130) is executed.
[0080]
On the other hand, when there is no abnormality, a special symbol main job (S90) and a normal symbol job (S100) are executed. In the special symbol main job (S90), a job relating to data necessary for the main control unit 140 and the special symbol control unit 160 to operate in cooperation is executed. In the normal symbol main job (S100), the display mode data of the normal symbol and the normal symbol unstarted count is read.
[0081]
Thereafter, the state of each flag is set in the backup memory (S140), and the award ball signal job (S150), the information signal job (S160), the command job (S170), and the remaining time job (S180) are executed. In the prize ball signal job (S150), data related to prize ball payout is read and output, and in the information signal job (S160), data necessary for information output to another control unit is read. Further, in the command job (S170), a command for special symbol management or the like is output, and in the remaining time job (S180), non-constant random numbers are called. Note that the initial random number is also updated in the remaining time job in S180.
[0082]
Next, a success / failure determination job executed in a series of flows of the main job will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. 16 is a flowchart of the hit / fail judgment job, FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the jackpot process, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the departure process. The success / failure determination job is executed at the time of starting winning, that is, at the time of winning the first-type starting opening 17. For these jobs, various memories and the like stored in the built-in RAM 481 of the main control unit 140 shown in FIG. 12 are used.
[0083]
First, as shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not there is a winning start (S200). As a result, if there is no start winning, the process skips to S250 and confirms whether or not there is a hold (S250). As a result, when there is no hold (when the number of holds is zero), the process returns to S200, and when there is a hold (when the number of holds is 1 to 4), the process proceeds to S255.
[0084]
On the other hand, if there is a winning start, it is determined whether or not the number of suspensions (the number of unstarted times) exceeds a certain value ("4" in the first embodiment) (S210). If the number of suspensions (number of unstarted times) exceeds a certain value, the winning start is invalidated and the process skips to S255. If the number of reservations (the number of unstarted times) does not exceed the predetermined value, the number of reservations stored in the special symbol reservation number memory 481b is increased by 1 (S220).
[0085]
Next, a special symbol success / failure determination random number (hereinafter also referred to as a success / failure random number or a judgment random number) is generated (a success / failure random number generation means), and reading is performed (S230). As the random number generating means for acceptance / rejection, software or hardware may be used. Then, the read judgment random number value is stored in a special symbol hit / fail judgment random number memory 481a (hereinafter, also referred to as judgment random number memory) (S240). This memory stores the read random judgment values in a shift memory format in chronological order of the start winning.
[0086]
Next, the oldest top judgment random number stored in the judgment random number memory 481a is read (S255), and the big hit number (hit judgment value) is read from the big hit number memory 482a in the ROM 482 (S260). Then, it is determined whether or not the determination random number and the jackpot number match (S265). As a result, if they match, a big hit determination is made and a big hit process is performed (S270). If they do not match, a miss determination is made and a miss process is performed (S310).
[0087]
Next, the jackpot process (S270) will be described with reference to FIG. First, a jackpot symbol determining random number (identification information determining random number) is generated and read (S280). Then, the read determined random number value is stored in the big hit symbol determined random number memory 481d (S290). In this embodiment, the big hit symbol determination random number is read at the same time as the winning random number at the time of the start winning, but may be read at the same time as the hit determination or after a predetermined time after the hit determination.
[0088]
Next, a reach mode determining random number is generated at the same time as the jackpot symbol determining random number, is read, and the determined random number value is stored in the reach mode determining random number memory 481k (S295). Also, the determination result of "big hit"("1" in the first embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory 481j (S300).
[0089]
The special symbol designated by the jackpot symbol determination random number value is displayed in a variable arrangement state on the liquid crystal display device 27 based on the special symbol image data stored in the ROM 163 of the special symbol control unit 160, and then has a predetermined arrangement. It is displayed in a manner (for example, a three-digit arrangement of the same symbol of “7, 7, 7”). The special symbol image data is stored in the RAM 481 of the main control unit 140 as an identification information determining value in association with the jackpot symbol determining random value, and the read jackpot symbol determining random value and the identification information determining value are stored. The symbols to be stopped and displayed may be determined by comparing.
[0090]
Further, the reach display mode specified by the reach mode determination random value is determined on the liquid crystal display device 27 based on the reach display mode image data stored in the ROM 163 of the special symbol control unit 160, after passing through the variable display state. Is displayed in the designated reach mode. Also in this case, the reach display mode image data is stored in the reach mode determination value memory 481l of the RAM 481 of the main control unit 140 and read as a reach mode determination value in association with the reach mode determination random value. The reach mode to be displayed may be determined by comparing the reach mode determination random value and the reach mode determination value.
[0091]
Next, the detachment process (S310) will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not to perform the off-reach job by using a random number. Specifically, a reach mode determination random number is generated, read (S315), and the reach number stored in the reach number memory 481i is read (S320). If the reach mode determination random number and the reach number match, the job is a missed reach job, and if they do not match, the job is a normal missed job (S330).
[0092]
In the case of the off-reach job, at least two special symbols to be aligned (for example, a left symbol and a right symbol among the three types of special symbols) are determined using the off-reach symbol determination random number (S340). Alternatively, the right symbol may be matched with the random number of the left symbol. The determined symbol is stored in the off-reach symbol number memory 481m (S350). In addition, the symbol during the loss is determined in the same manner by using a random number (S360), and the determined random number value is stored in the symbol number memory 481g during the loss (S370). Then, the determination result of “missing reach” (“2” in the first embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory 481j (S380).
[0093]
On the other hand, in the case of a normal out-of-order job, each special symbol (for example, the left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol) is determined by a random number, and the determined random number value is stored in the corresponding out-of-number symbol number memory 481e, 481f, 481g. (S390 to S440). Also, the determination result of “normal departure” (“3” in the first embodiment) is stored in the determination result memory 481j (S450).
[0094]
Next, a schematic flow of the special symbol main job, which is executed in a series of flows of the main job, will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
[0095]
First, based on the winning of a game ball in the first type opening 17, the variable display of each special symbol is started on the liquid crystal display device 27 of the special symbol display device 16 (S 500). For example, the left and right and middle symbols are scrolled from top to bottom and from bottom to top.
[0096]
Next, the judgment result for each winning obtained in the hit / fail judgment job shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 is read from the judgment result memory 481j (S510), and it is judged whether the judgment result is a big hit judgment (S520).
[0097]
As a result, in the case of the jackpot determination ("1"), the reach mode determination value stored in the reach mode determination value memory 481l corresponding to the above-described reach mode determination random number is read (S580), and the big hit number ( The identification information determination value) is read from the jackpot number memory (determination value storage means) 482a (S600). Next, proceeding to S610, for example, after aligning the left symbol and the right symbol with the same symbol and passing through a predetermined reach display mode, the middle symbol is aligned with the same symbol as the left symbol and the right symbol, stopped and displayed (S610). ).
[0098]
On the other hand, if it is not a big hit determination, it is determined whether or not a miss reach determination ("2") (S530). As a result, in the case of the off-reach determination ("2"), the off-reach symbol number is read from the off-reach symbol number memory 481m, and the off-rear symbol number is read from the off-rear symbol number memory 481g (S570). Then, a difference (for example, a difference between the left symbol and the middle symbol) between the unreachable symbol number and the uninterrupted symbol number is calculated (S571), and based on these differences, the unreachable reach mode is stored from the unreachable reach mode memory 481n. It is determined (S572). For example, when the middle symbol is the symbol immediately before the left symbol and the difference is “−1”, one type is selected from a plurality of types (for example, three types) of outreach (for example, a predetermined random number). Can be selected by acquisition) and read. After that, for example, the left symbol and the right symbol are arranged in the same symbol, and after a predetermined reach display mode, the middle symbol is stopped and displayed in a symbol different from other symbols, and is determined (S610).
[0099]
On the other hand, when the reach reach determination is not made, it is a normal come-off determination ("3") (S540), and each of the out-of-design symbols is read from the out-of-number memories 481e, 481f, and 481g (S550), and each special symbol is read (for example, , The left symbol, the right symbol, and the middle symbol) are stopped and displayed at timings shifted from each other (S560). It should be noted that, also in the case of the normal deviation determination, the display mode can be changed to various modes by “slip display” or the like. In this case, the display mode image data is associated with the reach mode determining random number value and stored as a normal mode display mode determining value memory (not shown) in the RAM 481 of the main control unit 140. Alternatively, the normal out-of-order mode to be displayed may be determined by comparing the read reach mode determining random number value with the normal out-of-usage display mode determining value.
[0100]
If a big hit is determined, a special symbol is fixedly displayed on the liquid crystal display device 27 in a predetermined arrangement mode (for example, an arrangement mode of the same three-digit symbol of “7, 7, 7”). The special game state to be executed (big hit game state). In the special game state, first, the opening and closing plate 312 of the special winning device 31 is in an open state, and the winning of game balls to the special winning opening 311 is a game ball receiving state in which the player is superior.
[0101]
In this special game state, the special winning device 31 continues the game ball receiving state until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. For example, when the open state is the predetermined time ₁ (For example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number n is set to the winning ball detection switch 318. ₁ When the winning (for example, 10) is detected, the termination condition is satisfied, the game ball receiving state is temporarily terminated, the open / close plate 312 is closed, and one round is completed. The opening and closing plate 312 is closed for a predetermined time t. ₂ After a lapse of (for example, 0.5 seconds), if a predetermined continuation condition (passing to a specific area (not shown)) is satisfied, the opening / closing plate 312 is again opened, and the special winning device 31 is switched to the game ball receiving state. Become. Note that such a game ball receiving state in which the end condition is one round is repeatedly continued up to a predetermined maximum continuous round number (16 rounds in the first embodiment). When the continuation condition is not satisfied when the end condition is satisfied, the special game state ends (so-called puncture) in the round.
[0102]
In the pachinko machine 1, based on the type of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 27 of the central device 16 by the hit determination, after the end of the special game state, the probability of the hit determination until the next big hit (big hit probability) ) Is changed (improved). Specifically, the jackpot symbol determination random number value stored in advance is composed of a probability change random number value and a non-probability change random value, and the probability change symbol or the non-probability The change symbol is stopped and displayed. If the symbol stopped and displayed is a symbol for changing probability, the probability of the success / failure determination (big hit probability) after the end of the special game state is increased to about 4 to 5 times the normal hit.
[0103]
Next, a description will be given of a winning effect process executed in a sequence of the special symbol main job with reference to FIGS. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a schematic flow of the winning effect processing, and FIGS. 21 and 22 are front views showing display examples of the liquid crystal display device 27. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the notification information is displayed on the notification information display section 273 during the reach display, and FIG. 22 shows a state in which the effect means is further operated.
[0104]
First, it is determined whether or not reach display is being performed (S620). As a result, when the reach display is not being performed, the process returns. On the other hand, when reach display is being performed, it is determined whether or not the number of holdings stored in the special symbol holding number memory 481b has reached a certain value (four in this example) (S622).
[0105]
As a result, if the number of reservations has not reached four, the process returns. On the other hand, when the number of holdings has reached four, the notification information display unit 273 displays predetermined conditions for the operation of the attributable materials 272a to 272d (production means) (S624). The “predetermined condition for the operation of the effect means” in the present embodiment is a winning in the first-type starting port 17.
[0106]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the notification information display section 273 displays "Put a ball in the starting port to increase the reach line !!" At the same time, “IN ↓” is displayed above the first-type starting port 17 on the display unit 271 so as to indicate the direction of the first-type starting port 17. Thereby, the player can be guided to shoot the game ball aiming at the first type starting port 17.
[0107]
Next, it is determined whether or not the first-type starting port 17 has been won (S626). As a result, if the first-type starting opening 17 has been won, a ball entry effect is started (S628), and thereafter, the process returns to S620. In the first embodiment, as the entry effect, the accessory 272a to 272d is operated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the first accessory 272a is moved upward and the fourth accessory 272d is moved downward. As a result, the special symbol display areas 271d and 271e hidden by the first and second special effects 272a and 272d are displayed.
[0108]
The upper left special symbol and the lower right special symbol displayed in the special symbol display areas 271d and 271e are special symbols (“7” in FIG. 22) different from the special symbols (“7” in FIG. 22) displayed on the right special symbol and the left special symbol. In FIG. 22, “6” is displayed. By this, the reach line "6, *, 6" which is lined from upper left to lower right is added to the reach line which initially was only "7, *, 7" (* is fluctuating) arranged in a horizontal line Thus, the number of reach lines can be reduced to two.
[0109]
Further, in a state where the number of reach lines shown in FIG. 22 is two, when the first-type starting opening 17 is further won, the second character 272b is moved upward, and the third character 272c is moved. Move it down. With this, it is possible to add reach lines (for example, “8, *, 8”) lined up from the upper right to the lower left by the upper right special symbol and the lower left special symbol hidden by the second and third characters 272b and 272c. it can.
[0110]
As described above, in addition to the case where the middle special symbol is stopped and displayed at “7”, the case where the stop display is performed at “6” or the case where the stop display is performed at “8” is also a big hit. Will increase. When the middle symbol is stopped and displayed at “6” or “8” other than “7” and a big hit is made, the player himself wins the first-class start-up port 17 and wins. You can feel it. As a result, it is possible to give a feeling as if the player himself increased the probability of occurrence of a big hit. As a result, it is possible to increase the player's expectation of the symbol when the special symbol during the variable display is stopped, and to continue the interest that has been increased during the reach display.
[0111]
The above is an incentive for the player to launch the game ball and proceed with the game. In particular, even when the number of holds reaches four during the reach display as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the game from being stopped (stopped) by the player. Thereby, the progress of the game can be accelerated, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved. In addition, with a simple configuration, entertainment can be increased, and a more attractive and novel gaming machine can be provided.
[0112]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described.
[0113]
FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an electronic control unit 130 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, in the electronic control unit 130 of the second embodiment, the main control unit 140 and the payout control unit 150 are connected by the signal transmission path 500a, and the main control unit 140 and the sound / lamp control unit 170 The voice / lamp control unit 170 and the special symbol control unit 160 are connected by a transmission path 500b, and are connected by a signal transmission path 500c.
[0114]
Data is transmitted from the main control unit 140 to the payout control unit 150 and the audio / lamp control unit 170 in a one-way format. A signal can be bidirectionally transmitted between the voice / lamp control unit 170 and the special symbol control unit 160 via the signal transmission path 500c. For this reason, it is easy to achieve synchronization between these sub-control units 160 and 170, and it is possible to generate sound, turn on a lamp, display a symbol, and the like at a precise timing in accordance with the determination of the symbol and the reach mode. Can be controlled.
[0115]
FIGS. 24 to 26 are front views showing display examples of the liquid crystal display device 27 of the second embodiment. 24 shows a state in which reach display is being performed, FIG. 25 shows a state in which notification information is further displayed on the notification information display section 273, and FIG. 26 shows a state in which the effect means is further activated.
[0116]
As shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the display section 271 of the liquid crystal display device 27 is provided with three circular special symbol display areas 271 a to 271 c. A second special symbol display area 271b is provided outside the first special symbol display area 271a, and a third special symbol display area 271c is provided outside the second special symbol display area 271b. One special symbol is displayed in the first special symbol display area 271a, and a plurality of special symbols are displayed in the second and third special symbol display areas 271b and 271c.
[0117]
During the reach display, the special symbols in the first and third special symbol display areas 271a and 271c are stopped and the special symbols in the second special symbol display area 271b are rotatably displayed in a roulette manner. Then, when the special symbols displayed in the second special symbol display area 271b are stopped and displayed, the symbols displayed in the three special symbol display areas 271a to 271c are, for example, the same three-digit symbols of "7, 7, 7". When a stop display (confirmation display) is made in a state where the game is completed, a special game state (big hit game state) in which a special game advantageous to the player is executed is achieved.
[0118]
The second special symbol display area 271b of the second embodiment is configured to change the displayed special symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied during symbol fluctuation. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, the special symbol is changed and displayed so as to increase the number of symbols ("7" in the example of FIG. 26) during the reach display. The liquid crystal display device 27 according to the second embodiment is a specific example of the "producing means" in the present invention.
[0119]
Next, the winning effect processing in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
[0120]
First, when the reach is displayed and the number of reservations has reached a certain value (four in this example), a predetermined condition for operating the effect means is displayed on the notification information display unit 273 (S620, S622, S624). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the message information display unit 273 displays "Put a ball in the starting port and increase the number of symbols!". Thereby, the player can be guided to shoot the game ball aiming at the first type starting port 17.
[0121]
Next, if the first-type starting port 17 has been won, a ball entry effect is started (S626, S628). In the second embodiment, as a ball entry effect, as shown in FIG. 26, the number of hit symbols of the special symbol displayed in the second special symbol display area 271b is increased. Specifically, the special symbol in the second special symbol display area 271b is changed from “2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7” to “7, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 7,” The hit symbol ("7" in this example), which was one of the symbols, is increased to three. As a result, the probability that the line "7, 7, 7" is established in the three special symbol display areas 271a to 272c is increased apparently from 1/6 to 3/6. In addition, the increase number of this winning symbol can be set arbitrarily.
[0122]
As described above, the probability of the appearance of the jackpot increases. As a result, it is possible to give a feeling as if the player himself increased the probability of occurrence of a big hit. As a result, it is possible to increase the player's expectation of the symbol when the special symbol during the variable display is stopped, and to continue the interest that has been increased during the reach display.
[0123]
Further, as in the electronic control unit 130 of the second embodiment, a signal is transmitted from the main control unit 140 to the special symbol control unit 160 via the sound / lamp control unit 170, so that the test terminal can be connected to the test terminal. It is possible to perform high-speed processing without imposing a load on the ROM capacity or the CPU of the special symbol control unit 160 having a large number of processes such as the output of a signal.
[0124]
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different parts will be described.
[0125]
FIG. 27 is a block diagram of an electronic control unit 130 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27, in the electronic control unit 130 of the third embodiment, the main control unit 140, the payout control unit 150, and the special symbol control unit 160 are connected by the signal transmission path 500a, and the main control unit 140 and the voice / audio The lamp control unit 170 is connected by the signal transmission path 500b. Data is independently transmitted in one-way format from the main control unit 140 to the special symbol control unit 160 and from the main control unit 140 to the voice / lamp control unit 170.
[0126]
28 to 30 are front views showing display examples of the liquid crystal display device 27 of the second embodiment. 28 shows a state in which reach information is being displayed, FIG. 29 shows a state in which notification information is further displayed on the notification information display section 273, and FIG. 30 shows a state in which the effect means is further activated.
[0127]
As shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, the display section 271 of the liquid crystal display device 27 is provided with three circular special symbol display areas 271a to 271c. A first special symbol display area 271a, a second special symbol display area 271b, and a third special symbol display area 271c are provided in order from the top. Each of the special symbol display areas 271a to 271c is formed so as to be movable in the horizontal direction on the display unit 271. As the special symbol display areas 271a to 271c move, the special symbols displayed in the special symbol display areas 271a to 271c are changed and displayed, for example, numbers from 1 to 7. In the third embodiment, as each of the special symbol display areas 271a to 271c moves between the right end and the left end, the special symbol is configured to fluctuate between "1" and "7". .
[0128]
In the third embodiment, a character 274 for moving the second special symbol display area 271b is provided. The character 274 is configured to carry the second special symbol display area 271b toward a reach line connecting the first special symbol display area 271a and the third special symbol display area 271c during the reach display. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the special symbol displayed in the second special symbol display area 271b gradually approaches “7” as the second special symbol display area 271b carried by the character 274 approaches the reach line.
[0129]
Then, when the special symbol in the second special symbol display area 271b is stopped and displayed, the symbols displayed in the three special symbol display areas 271a to 271c are arranged in the same three-digit symbol of "7, 7, 7", for example. When the stop display (confirmation display) is performed in the state, the special game state (big hit game state) in which the special game advantageous to the player is executed is performed.
[0130]
In the third embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a symbol change, the number of characters 274 that carry the second special symbol display area 271b toward the reach line is increased. The liquid crystal display device 27 according to the third embodiment shows a specific example of “producing means”.
[0131]
Next, a winning effect process in the third embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
[0132]
First, when the reach is displayed and the number of reservations has reached a certain value (four in this example), a predetermined condition for operating the effect means is displayed on the notification information display unit 273 (S620, S622, S624). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, a message “Add a ball to the starting port to increase the number of characters!” Is displayed on the notification information display section 273. Thereby, the player can be guided to shoot the game ball aiming at the first type starting port 17.
[0133]
Next, if the first-type starting port 17 has been won, a ball entry effect is started (S626, S628). In the third embodiment, the number of characters 274 is increased as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 30, the number of characters 274 is increased from one to three. As a result, the force for carrying the second special symbol display area 271b is tripled, and the probability that the “7, 7, 7” line is established in the special symbol display areas 271a to 272c is increased by a factor of three. It becomes. The increase number of the character 274 can be set arbitrarily.
[0134]
As described above, the probability that a jackpot appears will increase. As a result, it is possible to give a feeling as if the player himself increased the probability of occurrence of a big hit. As a result, it is possible to increase the player's expectation of the symbol when the special symbol during the variable display is stopped, and to continue the interest that has been increased during the reach display.
[0135]
In addition, as in the electronic control unit 130 of the third embodiment, the main control unit 140 transmits signals to the special symbol control unit 160 and the sound / lamp control unit 170 separately from each other. As in the embodiment, high-speed processing can be performed without imposing a load on the ROM capacity or the CPU of the special symbol control unit 160 having many processes such as outputting a signal to a test terminal.
[0136]
(Other embodiments)
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the language described in each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope described in each claim. Can easily be replaced therefrom, and improvements based on the knowledge usually possessed by those skilled in the art can be appropriately added.
[0137]
For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the winning effect in step S628 is performed when the number of reservations reaches a certain number. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a winning effect may be performed regardless of the number of reservations.
[0138]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the first-type starting port 17 is applied as the “starting port”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other winning ports and gates arranged in the game board 10 are applied as the “starting port”. Then, it may be configured such that the production means is operated by entering or passing the game balls into these.
[0139]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the liquid crystal display device 27 and the accessories 272a to 272d are applied as the "directing means". However, in combination with these, at least one of the sound output means and the lamp output means is appropriately operated. You may. Thereby, the effect of the effect of the effect means can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front frame is opened in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing a game board of a gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electronic control device provided in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of a main control unit included in an electronic control device provided in a gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification, and FIG. 7B is a game according to each embodiment and each modification. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a frame control unit included in an electronic control device provided in the machine.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a special symbol control unit included in the electronic control device provided in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a sound / lamp control unit included in the electronic control device provided in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a main control unit in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a CPU constituting a main control unit in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a typical example of various memories and the like stored in a built-in RAM of a main control unit in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a main job performed by a main control unit of the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing when a power interruption (power failure or the like) occurs in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a power restoration process when a power interruption (power failure or the like) occurs in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a success / failure determination job in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a jackpot process in a gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a disconnection process in the gaming machine according to each of the embodiments and the modifications.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a special symbol main job in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a winning effect process in the gaming machine according to each embodiment and each modification.
FIG. 21 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the first example.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic control device provided in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an electronic control device provided in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 29 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a front view showing a display example of the liquid crystal display device according to the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine (gaming machine), 10 ... Game board, 11 ... Game area, 17 ... Type 1 starting port (starting port), 17s ... Type 1 starting port winning detection switch (start detecting means), 27 ... Liquid crystal Display devices (variable display means, effect means), 271a to 271c ... special symbol display sections, 272a to 272c ... Actors (effect means), 273 ... notification information display section, 274 ... characters, 140 ... main control section, 160 ... Special symbol control section (sub-control section), 170: voice / lamp control section (sub-control section), 164: input / output port (receiving means), 500: input / output circuit section (transmitting means).

Claims (4)

A main control unit that controls the game board,
A starting port provided on the game board,
Starting detection means for detecting a game ball entering the starting port,
Hit / fail judgment means for judging whether or not the game ball detected by the start detection means is hit;
A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a determination result by the corresponding determination unit as identification information;
When the identification information displayed on the variable display means becomes a predetermined specific symbol, a gaming machine comprising variable winning means capable of changing to a state advantageous to the player,
A sub-control unit that controls at least the variable display unit;
A transmission unit that is provided in the main control unit and transmits to the sub-control unit a signal related to the entry of a game ball detected by the start detection unit, and a signal for causing the variable display unit to variably display identification information; ,
A receiving unit that is provided in the sub control unit and receives a signal transmitted from the transmitting unit;
Effect means for giving an effect to the variable display of the identification information in the variable display means,
The sub-control unit, when the receiving means has received a signal related to the entry of a game ball transmitted from the transmitting means within the variable display period of the identification information displayed on the variable display means, A gaming machine wherein the effect is performed. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the effecting means includes an informing means for informing a player that an effect is given to the variable display means, and the sub-control unit controls the informing means. Gaming machine. The said production | presentation means contains the movable object provided on the said game board, The said sub-control part is responsible for the control of the drive means which can drive the said movable object, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Gaming machine. The said production | presentation means contains at least one of an audio | voice output means or a lamp output means, The said sub control part has a control means which controls one or both of the said audio | voice output means or the said lamp output means, The Claims characterized by the above-mentioned. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 3.

Images