JP2004089501A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a smooth progress in the games without discarding the establishment of the first conditions for the variable display of the identifying information in vain by dispersing the processing load for the variable display of the identifying information. <P>SOLUTION: The control means is divided and constituted of a game control means for controlling the proceeding of the games and a display control means for controlling the variable display of the special figures. The variable display of the special figures is started by the command for the display of the special figures from the game control board and the special figures are variably displayed at the variable display time to display the defined figures by the defining command from the game control board. When the new start winning occurs with the reserved memory reaching the limit number, even before a specified time passes, the defining command is transmitted and the variable display of the special figures is forcibly stopped to display the defined figures. If the remaining time of the special pattern games is within a specified time or when the ready for winning state is presented, no defining command is transmitted even if the new start winning occurs with the reserved memory reaching the limit number and the defining command is transmitted after the variable display time passes. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a variable display function of variably displaying predetermined identification information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a variable display is performed by updating and displaying predetermined identification information (hereinafter, a display symbol) on a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display device (hereinafter, LCD: Liquid Crystal Display). There have been provided a large number of games in which a so-called variable display game that enhances the interest in the game is determined by determining whether or not to give a predetermined game value based on the display result.
[0003]
The variable display game includes a special figure game and a general-purpose game in which the above-described display device is shared or another display device is exclusively used. A special winning combination called a special winning opening or an attacker is set in an open state, and a state in which winning of a game ball becomes extremely easy is provided intermittently to a player for a certain period. Therefore, the attention of the player is focused on the special figure game.
[0004]
In general, a special figure game is started when two conditions are satisfied, that is, a game ball wins in a starting port provided in the game board and the previous special figure game is completed (or the jackpot control is completed). Is done. Since a certain period of time is required from the start of the special figure game to the determination, even if the first condition of winning the game ball to the starting port is satisfied, the second state that the previous special figure game has not been completed. There are cases where the conditions are not satisfied. For this reason, normally, the number of items for which the first condition is satisfied and the second condition is not satisfied can be reserved and stored.
[0005]
However, there is a limit to the number of items that can be reserved and stored due to various restrictions. Therefore, even if a game ball newly wins in the starting port when the number stored and stored has reached the limit number, the ball is not stored beyond the limit number and the winning in the starting port is completely completed. Would be wasted. For this reason, when the limit number is held and stored, many players stop launching the game balls on the game board.
[0006]
In a pachinko gaming machine, a game is established for the first time by launching a game ball on a gaming board. Therefore, stopping the launch of the game ball is not preferable from the viewpoint of smooth progress of the game. Therefore, if a new winning opening is won when the reserved memory has reached a predetermined number, if the result of the special figure game is lost, the variation display of the symbol is forcibly stopped. It has been proposed (for example, JP-A-2002-159662 and JP-A-2002-119682). This is because the stop of the variable display immediately starts the next special figure game and reduces the number of held memories, so that it is not necessary to stop the launch of the game ball.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in each of the above publications, the control of the pachinko gaming machine is such that the control relating to the progress of the game itself and the control of the variable display in the special figure game are performed by the same one control means. Complicated display control of special figure games that are not directly related to the actual progress of the game may significantly increase the overall processing load, which may affect the processing related to the original game progress. It has become high. If the processing related to the original progress of the game is affected, the smooth progress of the game is rather hindered.
[0008]
The present invention disperses the processing load for the variable display of the identification information, and allows the game to proceed smoothly without wasting the establishment of the first condition for the variable display of the identification information. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes:
Variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information when a second condition for starting the variance display of the identification information is satisfied after the first condition allowing the variably displaying of the identification information is satisfied; A gaming machine comprising: a game value providing means for providing a game value advantageous to a player when a display result of the variable display derived and displayed on the variable display means becomes a specific display mode.
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command according to the progress of the game,
Display control means for receiving a command transmitted from the game control means, and controlling a variable display of the identification information in the variable display means based on the received command,
The game control means,
Condition satisfaction number storage means for storing the number of satisfactions of the first condition in a state where the second condition is not satisfied;
Before the variable display of the identification information is started due to the establishment of the second condition, a variable display time determining means for previously determining a variable display time for performing the variable display of the identification information;
A variable time command transmitting unit that transmits a variable time command capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the variable display time determining unit to the display control unit;
When the first condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the satisfied number of the first condition stored in the condition satisfied number storage means has reached a predetermined number until the first condition is satisfied. Condition satisfaction number determination means,
A derivation display command for transmitting, to the display control means, a derivation display command indicating that the display result of the variable display is to be derived and displayed when the condition satisfaction number determination means determines that the predetermined number has been reached; Transmission means,
The display control means,
A variable display control for, when receiving the variable time command transmitted from the variable time command transmitting means, variably displaying the identification information on the variable display means in accordance with the variable display time specified by the received variable time command; Means,
When the derived display command transmitted from the derived display command transmitting means is received, based on the derived display command, even before the variable display time specified by the received variable time command has elapsed, the And a fluctuation stop control unit for stopping the fluctuation display of the identification information.
It is characterized by the following.
[0010]
In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention,
Variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information when a second condition for starting the variance display of the identification information is satisfied after the first condition allowing the variably displaying of the identification information is satisfied; A gaming machine comprising: a game value providing means for providing a game value advantageous to a player when a display result of the variable display derived and displayed on the variable display means becomes a specific display mode.
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command according to the progress of the game,
Display control means for receiving a command transmitted from the game control means, and controlling a variable display of the identification information in the variable display means based on the received command,
The game control means,
Condition satisfaction number storage means for storing the number of satisfactions of the first condition in a state where the second condition is not satisfied;
Before the variable display of the identification information is started due to the establishment of the second condition, a variable display time determining means for previously determining a variable display time for performing the variable display of the identification information;
A variable time command transmitting unit that transmits a variable time command capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the variable display time determining unit to the display control unit;
When the first condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the satisfied number of the first condition stored in the condition satisfied number storage means has reached a predetermined number because the first condition has been satisfied. Means for determining the number of satisfied conditions,
A derivation display command for transmitting, to the display control means, a derivation display command indicating that the display result of the variable display is to be derived and displayed when the condition satisfaction number determination means determines that the predetermined number has been reached; Transmission means,
The display control means,
A variable display control for, when receiving the variable time command transmitted from the variable time command transmitting means, variably displaying the identification information on the variable display means in accordance with the variable display time specified by the received variable time command; Means,
When the derived display command transmitted from the derived display command transmitting means is received, based on the derived display command, even before the variable display time specified by the received variable time command has elapsed, the And a fluctuation stop control unit for stopping the fluctuation display of the identification information.
It is characterized by the following.
[0011]
In the gaming machine according to the first and second aspects, the processing load for changing and displaying the identification information is distributed to display control means provided separately from the game control means. The progress of the game can be controlled without being affected by the processing load for the variable display of information. In addition, the number of first conditions that do not satisfy the second condition is equal to (the number of satisfied first conditions in the case of the first viewpoint, and the number of second conditions in the case of the second viewpoint is not satisfied). When the predetermined number has been reached (by establishment), the transmission of the derived display command can be stopped by the transmission of the derived display command before the original variable display time elapses. As a result, the second condition can be established earlier, so that the game can be smoothly advanced without wasting the establishment of the first condition for the variable display of the identification information.
[0012]
Note that the variation stop control means stops the variation display of the identification information before the variation display time specified by the variation time command elapses. Any of the following cases may be adopted: the variable display is stopped by the time-saving control in response to the reception of the display command.
[0013]
In the gaming machine according to the first and second aspects,
The condition satisfaction number storage means may be capable of storing the number of satisfactions of the first condition in a state where the second condition is not satisfied up to a preset limit number. here,
In the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the predetermined number may be a number immediately before the limit number at which the condition satisfaction storage unit can store the number of satisfactions of the first condition.
In the gaming machine according to the second aspect, the predetermined number may be the limit number that allows the condition satisfaction storage unit to store the number of satisfactions of the first condition.
[0014]
When the number of satisfied first conditions in a state where the second condition is not satisfied is the number immediately before the limit number and the first condition is further satisfied, that is, the number of times the first condition is satisfied is satisfied. The first condition after the number of cases has reached the limit number immediately before the limit number (first viewpoint) or when the number of cases has reached the limit number due to the first condition being satisfied (second viewpoint) Is wasteful, the player himself stops the progress of the game. By transmitting the derived display command and stopping the fluctuation display being executed before the original fluctuation display time has elapsed, the second condition is satisfied earlier, so that the satisfaction of the first condition is not wasted. The player can smoothly proceed with the game without interrupting the progress of the game by himself.
[0015]
In the gaming machine according to the first and second aspects,
The derivation display command transmission means may transmit the derivation display command to the display control means on condition that a display result of the variable display does not have the specific display mode.
[0016]
Even if the variable display of the identification information that does not become a specific display mode is continued, the display result does not give a valuable value to the player, and the longer the variable display of such identification information is, the longer the display is continued. It is disadvantageous for the player. By stopping the variable display early by the derived display command, the progress of the game is advantageous to the player.
[0017]
The derivation display command transmission means can transmit the derivation display command to the display control means even when the display result of the variable display becomes the specific display mode. Even if the variable display is stopped earlier by the derivation display command when the display mode is set to a specific display mode, an advantageous game value that is advantageous to the player can be quickly provided, which may be advantageous to the player.
[0018]
In the gaming machine according to the first and second aspects,
The derivation display command transmission means, even if it is determined by the condition satisfaction number determination means that the predetermined number has been reached, when the variable display of the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, the derivation display command transmission means A command transmission suppressing unit that does not cause the display control unit to transmit a display command may be provided.
[0019]
In the gaming machine according to the first and second aspects,
The fluctuation stop control means, even when the derived display command is received, when the fluctuation display of the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, the fluctuation display non-stop means that does not stop the fluctuation display of the identification information. It can also be provided.
[0020]
As described above, when the change display of the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, the derived display command is not transmitted to the display control unit, or the display control unit receives and ignores the command. A fluctuation display that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a fluctuation display of identification information that is interesting to the player or a fluctuation display of identification information that is meaningless to stop before the fluctuation display time elapses) is displayed to the player to the end. It can be shown and the effect can be enhanced.
[0021]
When the derived display command is not transmitted when it satisfies the predetermined condition, or when the fluctuation display is not stopped even when the derived display command is received,
The predetermined condition may be, for example, that a reach display mode is derived as a variable display of the identification information.
[0022]
When there are multiple types of reach display modes,
The predetermined condition is such that a probability that a specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display after the reach display mode is derived from among the plurality of reach display modes is equal to or higher than a predetermined probability. The reach display mode can be derived.
[0023]
Further, in the case where there is a plurality of types of variable display of the identification information with different appearance probabilities,
The predetermined condition may be that the variable display of the type whose appearance probability is the lowest probability (or lower than or equal to the predetermined probability) is being performed by the variable display control means.
[0024]
Deriving the reach display mode as the variable display of the identification information is a premise that a specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result, and thus it can be said that the variable display is an interesting variable display for the player. A variable display including a reach display mode in which a specific display mode is highly likely to be derived and displayed, and a type of variable display having a low appearance probability are particularly interesting variable displays for a player. In this manner, by continuing the variable display that is interesting to the player without stopping until the variable display time elapses, the effect of displaying the variable identification information is enhanced, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0025]
Further, the predetermined condition may be that the remaining time of the variable display time specified by the received variable time command is within a predetermined time.
[0026]
Further, in the case where the variable display time determined by the variable display time determining means includes a plurality of types,
The predetermined condition may be that the variable display time is within a predetermined time by the variable display control unit.
[0027]
When the remaining time of the variable display time is short, or when the variable display time is originally short, it is advantageous for the player even if the variable display of the identification information is stopped by the derived display command before the variable display time elapses. The degree is low and its meaning is small. Stopping the variable display before the variable display time elapses is performed only when the meaning is sufficient, so that the effect of the variable display of the identification information is enhanced, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0028]
When the derived display command is not transmitted when it satisfies the predetermined condition, or when the fluctuation display is not stopped even when the derived display command is received,
As the variable display of the identification information that does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a first variable display condition and a second variable display condition may be satisfied. here,
The derived display command includes a first derived display command transmitted to the display control means when the first variable display condition is satisfied, and a display control when the second variable display condition is satisfied. And a second derived display command sent to the means.
The fluctuation stop control means stops the fluctuation display of the identification information immediately when the first derivation display command is received, and temporarily stops the fluctuation display of the identification information when the second derivation display command is received. It can be shortened and stopped.
[0029]
In this case, due to the difference in the degree of interest to the player regarding the variable display of the identification information and the difference in the magnitude of the meaning of stopping before the variable display time elapses, the stop of the variable display of the identification information is determined. Stepwise control is performed. As a result, it is possible to perform a control that allows the player to favorably proceed with the game and enhances the effect of the effect to enhance the interest of the game so that the balance between the two becomes the best. In the case where the display control means determines whether to stop the change display of the identification information immediately or to stop the display after reducing the time, the first derived display command and the second derived display command are used as the contents of the command. May be the same.
[0030]
In the gaming machine according to the first and second aspects,
The fluctuation display control means further includes a fluctuation stop notification means for notifying when the fluctuation display of the identification information is stopped before the predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed by the fluctuation stop control means. It can be.
[0031]
By providing such a change stop notification means, it is possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity felt by the player due to the forced stop of the change display of the identification information before the elapse of the original change display time.
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure on the back side of the glass door (front door) of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (glass door frame) 20 for supporting and fixing the gaming board 2. The game board 2 forms a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails.
[0034]
A variable display unit 3 is arranged at a substantially central position of a game area of the game board 2. The variable display unit 3 is provided with a variable display device 4 composed of an LCD. The variable display device 4 has a special symbol holding storage display section 4a for displaying a special figure game on-hold memory as a front image and a special symbol display section 4b for performing a special figure game as a rear image. These images are superimposed and displayed. The special symbol display unit 4b displays a background image, a character, a special symbol, and the like in association with the special symbol game.
[0035]
In the upper center of the variable display device 4 of the variable display unit 3, an accessory 11 driven during a reach effect or a jackpot effect in a special figure game, and an accessory decoration lamp that emits light when the accessory 11 is driven. 12a and 12b are provided. Left and right sensors 16L, 16R, which are reflection-type sensors and are used by a player to select a character image displayed in a special figure game, for example, on the left and right of the accessory 11 and the accessory decoration lamps 12a, 12b. Is provided. On the lower side of the variable display device 4 of the variable display unit 3, there is provided a normal symbol hold storage display section 10 for displaying hold memory of a general-purpose game.
[0036]
Decorative lamps 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are provided on the upper left, upper right, left side, and right side of the variable display device 4 of the variable display unit 3, respectively. Decorative lamps 13e and 13f are provided on the left and right sides of the game area of the game board 2 apart from the variable display unit 3, respectively. The decorative lamps 13a to 13f emit light at the time of a reach effect or a big hit effect, for example, in accordance with a change in an image displayed on the special symbol display unit 4b, and enhance the game entertainment by the effect of light in addition to the image. Things.
[0037]
At the lower position of the variable display unit 3, a special symbol starting port (start chucker) 5 which is also used as an electric tulip type accessory (ordinary electric accessory) 6 is provided. The special game is started when a game ball passes through the special symbol starting port 5. On both sides of the special symbol starting port 5, pass gates 7a and 7b are provided for starting a general-purpose game by passing game balls. The special symbol starting port 5 and the passing of the game balls through the passage gates 7a and 7b are respectively held and stored up to a maximum of four, and the number of the held balls is stored in the special symbol holding storage display part 4a and the normal symbol holding memory display. Section (gate passage memory display) 10.
[0038]
Below the special symbol opening 5, a large winning opening (first-class special electric accessory: attacker) 8 that performs an opening operation by driving a solenoid or the like when a big hit occurs is arranged. The special winning opening 8 performs an opening operation when a special figure game is played based on winning in the special symbol starting opening 5 and a jackpot is won. This opening operation is performed intermittently up to 15 times on condition that the game ball passes through a specific area (not shown) inside the special winning opening 8. Winning ports 9a to 9d are provided on the left and lower sides of the passing gate 7a, and on the lower and right sides of the passing gate 7b, so that prize balls are paid out when game balls pass.
[0039]
A plurality of gaming effect LEDs 14a to 14h are provided on the glass door frame 20 so as to surround the gaming area. Speakers 15a and 15b are provided on the upper left and right sides of the glass door frame 20 (inside the gaming effect LEDs 14a and 14b). With the change of the image displayed on the special symbol display section 4b or independently of this image, the game effect LEDs 14a to 14h emit light, and the sound is output from the speakers 15a and 15b. The entertainment by games with light and sound is also enhanced.
[0040]
Below the game area of the glass door frame 20, there is provided a hit ball supply tray 21 for supplying game balls to hit into the game area. A surplus ball tray 22 for paying out prize balls that cannot be paid out to the hit ball supply tray 21 is provided below the ball. On its right side, a hit ball operation handle 23 for driving a firing motor (not shown) for hitting a game ball into the game area is provided.
[0041]
On the left side of the game area of the glass door frame 20, there is a prize ball lamp 17 indicating that there is a prize ball that has not been paid out, and on the upper side of the game area, that the prize ball to be paid out has run out. A ball out lamp 18 for informing is provided. On the left side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there is provided a prepaid card unit 200 for inserting a prepaid card and renting a game ball.
[0042]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the glass door frame 20, a ball payout device 105 for paying out a prize ball, and to detect that there is no longer a prize ball that the ball payout device 105 can pay out. Ball switch 52 is provided. In addition, there is provided a full switch 53 (not shown in FIG. 2; see FIG. 3) for detecting that the storage of the game balls overflowing from the ball payout device 105 is full.
[0043]
A game control board 101, a production control board 102, an input / output driver board 103, and a payout control board 104 are also provided on the rear side of the glass door frame 20 as control boards for controlling the above-described units. A power supply board 100 for supplying power to each unit is also provided on the back side of the glass door frame 20. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1 including the boards 100 to 104.
[0044]
The game control board 101 is a main control board for controlling the overall flow of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, and a ROM (Read Only). A basic circuit 110 comprising a one-chip microcomputer including a memory 113 and an I / O (input / output) port 114 is mounted. The game control board 101 has a switch circuit 120, a solenoid circuit 130, an information output circuit 140, and an address decode circuit 150 mounted thereon.
[0045]
The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function, a timer interrupt function, and a random number generation function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113, controls the progress of the game, and controls each part of the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Control directly or indirectly. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the basic circuit 110.
[0046]
The switch circuit 120 passes through the gate switch 37 for detecting a game ball passing through the passing gates 7a and 7b, a starting port switch 35 for detecting a game ball passing through the special symbol starting port 5, and passing through the special winning opening 8. Switch 38 for detecting a game ball that has passed through, a V count switch 30 for detecting a game ball that has passed through a specific area of the special winning opening 8, and a game switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the winning holes 9a to 9d. It is connected to the winning opening switch 39. Further, it is also connected to a full tank switch 53, a ball out switch 52, and a prize ball count switch 51 for counting prize balls paid out by the ball payout device 105.
[0047]
The switch circuit 120 shapes the input signal output from each of the switches 37, 35, 38, 30, 39, 53, 52, and 51 as a pulse wave through a low-pass filter or the like, and amplifies the input signal with a buffer gate or the like. It is output to the / O port 114 and input to the CPU 111.
[0048]
The solenoid circuit 130 is provided in the solenoid 45 for driving the electric tulip-type accessory 6, the solenoid 48 for driving the opening and closing of the special winning opening 8, and the inside of the special winning opening 8, and the game ball is located in a specific area. It is connected to a solenoid 40 for driving a seesaw (not shown) for shifting. The solenoid circuit 130 outputs a drive control signal (excitation signal) to the solenoids 40, 45, and 48 based on a control signal output from the I / O port 114.
[0049]
The information output circuit 140 is, based on the control signal output from the I / O port 114, jackpot information indicating that a jackpot is occurring, probability change information indicating that the game is in a probability variation state, and information relating to the start of the special figure game. It outputs various information such as start information and prize ball information which is information on paid prize balls to a management computer of a pachinko hall (game store).
[0050]
The address decode circuit 150 receives and decodes the address signal output from the CPU 111. As a result of the decoding, a signal for selecting which of the RAM 112, the ROM 113, and the I / O port 114 is controlled by the CPU 111 is output to the CPU 111.
[0051]
The effect control board 102 has a control unit including a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and controls various effects including a special figure game and a general figure game based on a command sent from the game control board 101. The effect control board 102 is connected to the variable display device 4, displays an image in the special figure game on the special symbol display section 4b, and displays a hold on the special symbol hold storage display section 4a. The effect control board 102 is connected to the input / output driver board 103 and outputs a control signal to the input / output driver board 103 for controlling other effects. It should be noted that the special figure game is started by receiving a special symbol display command to be described later, and is ended and determined by receiving a determination command to be described later.
[0052]
The input / output driver board 103 is connected to the left and right sensors 16L and 16R, and includes a driver circuit for inputting the detection signal and outputting the detection signal to the effect control board 102. The driver circuit of the input / output driver board 103 also includes a speaker 15, a prize ball lamp 17, a ball cut lamp 18, a decorative lamp 13 (13a to 13f), a decorative accessory lamp 12 (12a, 12b), a game effect LED 14, and a gate. It is connected to the passage memory display 10 and controls these according to control signals from the effect control board 102. The input / output driver board 103 is connected to the accessory solenoid 41, and outputs a drive control signal to the accessory solenoid 41 in accordance with a control signal from the effect control board 102 to drive the accessory 11. It has.
[0053]
The payout control board 104 is connected to the ball payout device 105 and the prepaid card unit 200, and exchanges information necessary for lending game balls with the prepaid card unit 200. And a control circuit for paying out the game balls lent out to the player or the game balls paid out as prize balls by winning.
[0054]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes the output of sound from the speaker 15, the emission of the accessory decoration lamp 12, or the emission of the gaming effect LED 14, the driving of the accessory 11, and the like. Since it does not matter, the description is omitted.
[0055]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 111 in the basic circuit 110 of the game control board 101. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the main processing shown in FIG. 4A is executed.
[0056]
In the main process, first, an initial setting process is performed (step S11). In the initial setting process, a process of setting a timer interrupt time (for example, 2 msec) that defines a timing at which an interrupt process described later is executed is set in the CPU 111. Thus, after resetting by turning on the power or the like, time measurement for defining the timing at which the first interrupt processing is executed is started. Further, in the initial setting process, a process for setting various timers is also performed.
[0057]
When the initial setting process is completed, it is determined whether or not the state at the time of power shutdown due to a power error occurring before the power is turned on is not backed up (step S12). If the state at the time of the power shutdown has been backed up, the state that was backed up is restored, and the state before the power failure is restored (step S13). Then, the processing from the state before the restored power supply error is continued.
[0058]
If the state at the time of power-off has not been backed up, processing such as initializing the RAM 112 and initializing various flags is performed (step S14). Next, an initialization command is transmitted to the sub-boards such as the effect control board 102 and the payout control board 104, and the states of these sub-boards are initialized (step S15).
[0059]
When the sub-board is initialized, a process of updating a display symbol random number for determining a fixed symbol (scheduled stop symbol) and a variation pattern determination random number for determining a variation display pattern of a special figure game is performed. (Step S16). Further, a process of updating an initial value determination random number for determining an initial value to be set as a jackpot random number for determining whether to make a jackpot in the special figure game is performed (step S17). After the initialization of the sub-board is completed in step S15, the processes of steps S16 and S17 are repeatedly executed in an infinite loop. If a timer interrupt occurs during this time, the timer interrupt process of FIG. 4B is executed, and when the timer interrupt process ends, the processes of the infinite loop of steps S16 and S17 are executed again.
[0060]
In the timer interrupt processing, first, the states of the gate switch 37, the starting port switch 35, the count switch 38, the V count switch 30, and the like are input, and a switch processing is performed to determine whether or not there is a winning in each of the winning ports and the passing gate ( Step S21). When a start winning is detected by the start port switch 35, a start storage process is executed in this switch process. Specifically, when a start winning is detected by the starting port switch 35, a random number value for jackpot determination is extracted at that timing, and the extracted value is stored in a special symbol determination bank for start storage. Thus, the starting memory is stored. The special symbol determination bank for starting storage is composed of ten locations of banks 0 to 9, and up to ten starting locations can be stored by these ten banks. Therefore, when there is a memory in all the banks when the start winning is detected, the extracted random numbers for jackpot determination are invalidated.
[0061]
Next, various abnormalities are diagnosed by the self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and error processing including processing such as generating an alarm if necessary is performed according to the result (step S22). .
[0062]
Further, a process of updating the jackpot random number is performed (Step S23), a process of updating the initial value determining random number is performed (Step S24), and a process of updating the display symbol random number and the variation pattern determining random number is performed (Step S24). Step S25). Here, in order to avoid the value of the jackpot random number being periodically updated, the initial value determination random number is, for example, a timer interrupt process performed first after the value of the jackpot random number reaches the maximum value. Is a random number for determining an initial value to be set as the value of.
[0063]
When the updating of the various random numbers in steps S23 to S25 is completed, a special symbol process is performed (step S26). In this special symbol process, after the winning confirmation process is performed, the above-described various random numbers are extracted, and the result of the special figure game is set to the big hit display mode, Or a process of performing a lottery such as determining which pattern is a variable display pattern of a special symbol in the special figure game. Here, based on these lottery results, a process of generating a special symbol display command to be transmitted to the effect control board 102 in step S28 described later is also performed. The details of the special symbol processing will be described later.
[0064]
Next, a normal symbol process is performed (step S27). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the normal symbols in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state.
[0065]
Next, special symbol command processing is performed (step S28). This special symbol command process is a process of transmitting a command from the basic circuit 110 to the effect control board 102 if a command has been generated in step S26. The command transmitted here includes a command for displaying a special symbol capable of specifying a variable display time and a final stop symbol (fixed symbol), and a determination command for stopping the variable display and determining the special figure game. Contains. Next, a normal symbol command process is performed (step S29). The normal symbol command process is a process of transmitting a command for controlling display of a normal symbol from the basic circuit 110 to the effect control board 102.
[0066]
Next, an information output process of outputting information such as probability change information, jackpot information, start information, and prize ball information to the outside via the information output circuit 140 is performed (step S30). Next, a solenoid output process for outputting a control signal for exciting and controlling the solenoids 45, 48, and 40 to the solenoid circuit 130 is performed (step S31). Next, a prize ball number signal and a prize ball possible signal are transmitted from the basic circuit 110 to the payout control board 104 to perform a prize ball process for issuing a prize ball payout command (step S32).
[0067]
Next, a hold storage process is performed (step S33). In the hold storage processing, for example, the number of hold memories changes when a special game start port 5 has a game ball winning and the hold memory increases, or when the change of the special symbol starts and the hold memory decreases. In this case, the processing is a process of transmitting a command of the number of reserved storages for instructing the display change of the number of reserved storages from the basic circuit 110 to the effect control board 102. The details of the hold storage process (particularly for special symbols) will be described later. When the process in step S33 ends, the process returns to the infinite loop process in steps S16 and S17 described above.
[0068]
Next, the special symbol processing in step S27 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the details of the special symbol process in step S27.
[0069]
In the special symbol process process, a special symbol process waiting process (step S101) and a special symbol determination process (step S101) are performed in accordance with the special symbol game and a special symbol process flag (set in the RAM 112) indicating a control state in a case where a big hit has occurred in the special symbol game. Step S102), stop symbol setting process (Step S103), reach operation setting process (Step S104), all symbol variation start process (Step S105), all symbol stop waiting process (Step S106), big hit display process (Step S107), One of the special winning opening opening process (step S108), the special winning opening process (step S109), and the big hit ending process (step S110) is performed.
[0070]
Among these processes, the process relating to the present invention will be described in detail. In the special symbol determination process of step S102, the value of the jackpot random number is extracted, and the result of the special figure game is determined according to the extracted value of the jackpot random number. Is determined. In the stop symbol setting process of step S103, the value of the random number for display symbol determination is extracted, and the final symbol of the special figure game is determined according to the extracted value of the random number for display symbol determination. In the reach operation setting process in step S104, the value of the variation pattern determination random number is extracted, and whether or not to reach in accordance with the extracted variation pattern determination random value is determined, and the variation display pattern (including the case where the reach is not included). ). Note that the special symbol determination process, the stop symbol setting process, and the reach operation setting process are performed by sequentially updating the value of the special symbol process flag on condition that a game ball has won the special symbol starting port 5. Become.
[0071]
In the all symbol variation start process of step S105, a special symbol display command is set so that the special symbol game is started in the special symbol display unit 4b, and transmitted when the next special symbol command process is executed. So that The special symbol display command includes information capable of specifying the fixed symbol determined in step S103 and the variation pattern determined in step S104. By specifying the fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation display time is also naturally specified. The whole symbol change start process is performed by updating the value of the special symbol process flag on condition that the previous special figure game ends or the big hit control ends.
[0072]
In the all symbol stop waiting process of step S106, a set command is set so that the fixed symbol of the special figure game is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section 4b, and the next time the special symbol command process is executed. To be sent. The fixed command transmitted here is a command for displaying a fixed symbol after a variable display time which can be specified by a command for special symbol display has elapsed and a variable display of a series of patterns has been completed, as will be described later. In order to distinguish this from a fixed command for displaying a fixed symbol before the end of the variation display of a series of patterns, it is called a fixed command (A). Note that the all symbol stop waiting process is performed by updating the value of the special symbol process flag by transmitting a command for displaying a special symbol, but measures the time from the transmission of the command, When the variable display time has elapsed, the setting of the confirmation command is performed.
[0073]
Next, the hold storage process in step S33 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the hold storage process in step S33 in detail. Since the storage of the ordinary symbols is not related to the present invention, only the processing related to the storage of the special symbols related to the present invention is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0074]
In the hold storage process, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been won in the special symbol starting port 5 based on the detection signal of the starting port switch 35 (step S201). If there is no winning of a game ball to the special symbol starting port 5, a command for displaying a special symbol is transmitted in the immediately preceding special symbol command processing, and it is determined whether or not the special symbol game has newly started ( Step S202). If the special map game has not been newly started, the hold storage process is ended as it is.
[0075]
If the special figure game is newly started, the number of reserved special symbols is subtracted by 1 (step S203), and the special symbol reserved storage display section 4a is displayed to indicate that the number of reserved special symbols has been reduced. Is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S204). Thereafter, the hold storage process ends.
[0076]
When it is determined in step S201 that there is a prize in the special symbol starting port 5, it is determined whether or not the number of stored special symbols has reached the maximum of ten by the time of the prize (step S205). If the number of stored special symbols has already reached 10 at the time of winning, the pending storage processing is terminated.
[0077]
If the number of reserved special symbols has not yet reached the maximum of 10 by the time of winning, the number of reserved special symbols by the time of winning is reduced to 9 which is one less than the maximum of 10. It is determined whether or not it has reached (step S206). If the number of stored special symbols has not reached 9 by the time of winning, the number of stored special symbols is incremented by 1 (step S207), and the number of stored special symbols is displayed in the special symbol reserved storage display section 4a. A hold storage command for displaying the increase is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S208). Thereafter, the hold storage process ends.
[0078]
On the other hand, even when the number of reserved symbols of the special symbol has reached nine by the time of winning, first, the number of reserved symbols of the special symbol is added by 1 (step S209), and the special symbol symbol is displayed on the special symbol reserved memory display section 4a. A storage command for displaying that the number of symbols to be stored is increased is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S210). Next, based on the special symbol display command transmitted immediately before, without ending the hold storage process, whether the special figure game currently being executed in the special symbol display unit 4b is determined as a big hit. It is determined whether or not (Step S211). If the special figure game that is currently being executed is determined to be a big hit, the hold storage process is terminated.
[0079]
If the currently executed special figure game is determined to be lost, subtract the time from the transmission of the command to the current time from the variable display time specified from the special symbol display command transmitted immediately before. Then, the remaining time of the currently executed special figure game is calculated (step S212). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated remaining time of the currently executed special figure game is within a predetermined time (step S213). If the remaining time of the currently running special figure game is within the predetermined time, the hold storage processing is ended as it is.
[0080]
If the remaining time of the currently executed special figure game is not within the predetermined time, according to the special symbol display command transmitted immediately before, whether or not the currently executed special figure game includes a fluctuation pattern that reaches the reach. Is determined (step S214). If the currently executed special figure game includes a fluctuation pattern that reaches the reach, the hold storage processing is ended as it is.
[0081]
If the currently executed special figure game does not include the fluctuation pattern that reaches the reach, the finalizing command is transmitted so that the finalizing pattern of the special figure game is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section 4b (step S215). The confirmation command sent here is to forcibly stop the special symbol display before the end of the series of variable display before the variable display time that can be specified by the special symbol display command elapses. The finalized symbol is displayed on the screen, and the finalized command (A) is called a finalized command (B).
[0082]
When the confirmation command (B) is transmitted, it becomes unnecessary to transmit the confirmation command (A). Therefore, the value of the special symbol process flag, which has been in the state of transmitting the finalization command (A) in the special symbol process process (the state in which the process of step S106 is performed), is changed to the state in which the next special figure game can be started (step It is set to a value that is the state in which the processing of S105 is performed (step S216). Then, the hold storage process ends.
[0083]
As described above, when the result of the special figure game is lost, the remaining time is longer than a predetermined time, and the condition that the reach is not reached as the variation pattern is satisfied, the special symbol is transmitted by transmitting the confirmation command (B). Is forcibly stopped and the fixed symbol is displayed, and the next special symbol game is started immediately by setting the value of the special symbol process flag. For this reason, the maximum number of reserved storages, which has been 10, is immediately reduced to 9, which is a maximum.
[0084]
By the processing described above, on the side of the game control board 101, a lottery is performed by passing the game ball to the special symbol starting port 5, and when the result is a big hit, the special winning port 8 is intermittently set for a certain period. Let open. In addition, an operation of paying out a game ball by winning or changing the next lottery probability depending on a lottery result is performed. On the other hand, the control unit in the effect control board 102 performs various effect operations including a special symbol change display process in the variable display device 4 in accordance with a command sent from the game control board 101. In addition, the timing of the game operation controlled on the game control board 101 side and the effect operation controlled on the effect control board 102 side in accordance with the transmitted command is achieved.
[0085]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a command reception standby process executed by the control unit of the effect control board 102. The effect control board 102 determines whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S301). Until the command is received, the process of step S301 is repeated, and the process is in a state of waiting for the reception of the command. When any command is received from the game control board 101, the type of the received command is determined (step S302).
[0086]
If the type of the received command is a special symbol display command, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 4b by a special symbol variation process described in detail later (step S303). Then, the process returns to step S301. When the type of the received command is the determination command (A) or (B), the special symbol which is variably displayed on the special symbol display section 4b is determined by a special symbol determination process described in detail later (step S1). S304). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0087]
If the type of the received command is another command, a process corresponding to the type of each command (the details are omitted because it is not related to the present invention) is executed (step S305). After that, the process returns to step S301.
[0088]
Next, the special symbol changing process in step S303 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the special symbol changing process in detail. In the special symbol display process, first, the variable display time of the special figure game that can be specified from the received special symbol display command is stored in the RAM of the control unit (step S401). In addition, the determined symbol of the special figure game which can be specified from the same command is stored in the RAM of the control unit (step S402).
[0089]
After that, the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 4b in accordance with the content of the received special symbol display command until the fixed command (A) or (B) is received within the variable display time stored in step S401. Run the special map game. During the execution of the special figure game, a special symbol is temporarily stopped, or an effect display by displaying a character is performed depending on a variation pattern according to the command (step S403). Then, the special symbol display processing ends.
[0090]
Next, the special symbol determination processing in step S304 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the special symbol determination process in detail. In the special symbol determination process, regardless of whether the received finalization command is the finalization command (A) or (B), the finalization symbol stored in the RAM in step S402 is immediately displayed on the special symbol display unit 4b (step S402). S501).
[0091]
Next, it is determined whether or not the received confirmed command is the confirmed command (B), that is, whether the variable display is forcibly stopped halfway and the confirmed symbol is displayed (step S502). When the finalized command (A) is received and the finalized symbol is displayed after a series of the variation patterns is ended, the special symbol finalizing process is ended as it is.
[0092]
When the fixed command (B) is received and the variable display is forcibly stopped and the fixed symbol is displayed, the variable display of the special symbol is displayed before the variable display time stored in the RAM in step S401 elapses. The fact that the fixed symbol has been forcibly stopped and the fixed symbol has been displayed is displayed as a message or the like on the special symbol display section 4b to notify the player (step S503). In addition, the lighting of the decorative lamp 13 is controlled in a predetermined manner, thereby also forcing the variation display of the special symbol to stop and notifying the player that the final symbol is displayed (step S504). Then, the special symbol determination processing ends.
[0093]
Hereinafter, a case where the result of the special figure game is determined in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described based on a specific example. FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the start and determination of the special figure game. In any of the cases (a) to (d), a command for displaying a special symbol is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 at timing t0 due to the end of the last special figure game (or the end of the big hit). , Until the timing t4 is the variable display time based on the command. A period from timing t2 to t4 is a predetermined time T0.
[0094]
In the example shown in FIG. 10 (a), from the timing t0 at which the variable display is started to the timing t4 at which the variable display time elapses, the winning of the game ball to the special symbol start-up port 5 with the special symbol holding memory 10 (hereinafter, referred to as “below”) , The 10th start winning prize). In this case, regardless of the variation pattern (whether or not to reach) and the finalized symbol (whether or not a big hit), at timing t4 when the variable display time has elapsed, the game control board 101 sends the finalization command to the effect control board 102. (A) is transmitted, and the fixed symbol (losing) is displayed on the special symbol display section 4b.
[0095]
In the example shown in FIG. 10B, it is assumed that a tenth start winning prize has been obtained at a timing t1 between a timing t0 when the variable display is started and a timing t4 when the variable display time elapses. The variation pattern is a loss pattern without a reach. Since the period T1 from the timing t1 to the timing t4 is longer than the predetermined time T0, at the timing t1 at which the start winning is made, the determination command (B) is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102, and the special symbol display section A confirmed symbol (loss) is displayed in 4b.
[0096]
In the example shown in FIG. 10C, it is assumed that a tenth start winning prize is obtained at a timing t3 between a timing t0 when the variable display is started and a timing t4 when the variable display time elapses. The variation pattern is a loss pattern without a reach. Since the period T2 from the timing t3 to the timing t4 is shorter than the predetermined time T0, the confirmation command (B) is not transmitted at the timing t1 when the start winning is achieved. At the timing t4 when the variable display time has elapsed, the determination command (A) is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102, and the determined symbol (losing) is displayed on the special symbol display section 4b.
[0097]
In the example shown in FIG. 10D, it is assumed that a tenth start winning prize is obtained at a timing t1 between a timing t0 when the variable display is started and a timing t4 when the variable display time elapses. The fluctuation pattern is at least a reach. The period T1 from the timing t1 to the timing t4 is longer than the predetermined time T0, but reaches during the variable display, so that the finalization command (B) is not transmitted at the timing t1 when the start winning is achieved. At the timing t4 when the variable display time has elapsed, the determination command (A) is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102, and the special symbol (big hit or loss) is displayed on the special symbol display section 4b.
[0098]
As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the control circuit is divided into the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102. Regarding the control of the display of the special figure game, the game control board 101 performs only the setting and transmission of the command, and the display control is performed by the effect control board 102. Therefore, the game control board 101 is hardly affected by the processing load for the display control of the special figure game, and the game can proceed smoothly.
[0099]
Further, when the number of stored special symbols is 9 and there is a new start prize, a fixation command for immediately stopping the special symbol variation display in the currently executed special symbol game and displaying a fixed symbol ( B) is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. As a result, the game is less likely to be played in the state where the number of reserved special symbols reaches the maximum of 10, and the game can proceed smoothly without stopping the launch of the game ball by the player.
[0100]
However, even if the number of special symbols held is 9 and a new starting prize is won, the result of the currently running special figure game will be a big hit, a reach, or a predetermined time remaining. If it is within the time, it is assumed that the determination command (B) is not transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 at the timing of the start winning prize, but the determination command (A) is transmitted at the timing when the variable display time has elapsed. I have.
[0101]
When the result of the special figure game is lost, the result does not become advantageous to the player, and by stopping this early, the progress of the game can be made advantageous to the player. In addition, the fluctuation pattern that becomes a reach is a fluctuation pattern that increases the apparent possibility of a big hit and is interesting for the player, and by increasing the staging effect by continuing the fluctuation display until the elapse of the fluctuation display time It is because the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, when the remaining time is a predetermined time, the meaning of immediately stopping the variable display in the special figure game is small. Therefore, the variable display is continued until the variable display time elapses, thereby enhancing the effect of the game and improving the interest of the game. Because they are made to do so.
[0102]
Further, when the change of the special symbol in the special figure game is forcibly stopped by the confirmation command (B), the display is displayed on the variable display device 4 and the lighting of the decorative lamp 13 is controlled in a predetermined manner. The effect is notified to the player. If the fluctuation display of the special symbol is forcibly stopped halfway, the player may feel uncomfortable, but by performing the above-described notification, the uncomfortable feeling can be eliminated.
[0103]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0104]
In the above-described embodiment, even if a new game ball wins in the special symbol start-up port 5 with the number of reserved memories reaching 9, and the number of retained memories reaches 10, the determination command (B) As a condition for not forcibly stopping the fluctuation display of the special symbol without transmitting the special symbol, the result of the special figure game is a big hit, the remaining time of the special figure game is within a predetermined time, Reaching was applied. However, applicable conditions are not limited to these.
[0105]
Any of these three conditions may not be the condition for not forcibly stopping the change display of the special symbol. For example, even if the result of the special figure game is a big hit, when the number of stored memories reaches 10 due to a new start winning, the change display of the special symbol may be forcibly stopped by transmitting the confirmation command (B). Even when the result of the special map game is a big hit, the result is displayed earlier by forcibly stopping the fluctuation display, so that the time of the big hit control that enables the large amount of prize balls to be obtained is earlier. , Which is advantageous for the player.
[0106]
A special symbol may be forcibly stopped after a certain time has elapsed from the start of the special figure game, regardless of the difference in the variable display time of the special figure game, that is, regardless of the remaining time of the special figure game. In addition, when the fluctuation display time itself is originally short as the fluctuation pattern, the special symbol may not be forcibly stopped regardless of the remaining time of the special figure game or the elapsed time from the start.
[0107]
Even when a certain time has been started from the start of the special figure game regardless of the difference in the variable display time, or when the variable display time is originally short, the remaining time of the special figure game shown in the above embodiment is within a predetermined time. When the remaining time is the predetermined time, the meaning of immediately stopping the variable display in the special figure game becomes smaller. In such a case, by continuing the variable display of the special symbols until the elapse of the variable display time, it is possible to enhance the effect of the effect and improve the interest of the game.
[0108]
Furthermore, instead of merely forcibly stopping the fluctuation display of the special symbol if a reach is reached in the middle of the fluctuation display, if there are a plurality of reach patterns, the fluctuation display is performed with a specific reach pattern. The reach pattern in which the probability of a jackpot is a predetermined value (for example, 50%) or more and the appearance rate is a predetermined probability (for example, 1% ) The following reach patterns can be applied: Only the reach pattern with the lowest appearance rate may be used. Regardless of whether or not the game reaches the reach, even when the special figure game is executed in a fluctuation pattern including a notice in a predetermined mode, the fluctuation display of the special symbol may not be forcibly stopped.
[0109]
Among a plurality of types of reach patterns, a reach pattern with a high probability of a big hit or a reach pattern with a low appearance rate will be a variation display particularly interesting for a player. In addition, if a notice is given in a predetermined manner regardless of whether or not the player reaches the reach, the special figure game at that time is also particularly interesting for the player. As described above, when the special figure game that is particularly interesting to the player is being executed, by continuing the variable display of the special symbol until the lapse of the variable display time, it is possible to enhance the effect of the game and improve the interest of the game. .
[0110]
In the above-described embodiment, when the change display of the special symbol is forcibly stopped by the confirmation command (B), the fact is displayed on the special symbol display section 4b and the lighting of the decorative lamp 13 is controlled, thereby changing the variation. The player was notified that the display was forcibly stopped. However, the notification method is not limited to these, and can be performed by outputting sound from the speaker 15, driving the accessory 11, or emitting the game effect LED 14. Either method can easily indicate to the player that the special symbol change display has been forcibly stopped.
[0111]
In the above embodiment, even if a new game ball wins in the special symbol starting port 5 and the number of retained memories reaches 10, the special figure game results in a big hit. If the condition of “reach” is satisfied within the middle of the fluctuation display, the fluctuation display of the special symbol is not immediately stopped without transmitting the confirmation command (B). On the other hand, when a new game ball wins in the special symbol starting port 5 and the number of retained memories reaches 10, regardless of whether or not the above-mentioned condition is satisfied, the determination command (B) is sent to the game control. The information may be transmitted from the board 101 to the effect control board 102. The control unit of the effect control board 102 that has received the confirmation command (B) may determine whether or not to immediately stop the variable display.
[0112]
Here, in order to determine whether or not to stop the fluctuation display immediately on the condition of the remaining time of the fluctuation display, the control unit of the effect control board 102 measures the time from the reception of the command for the special symbol display, The remaining time of the special figure game is obtained from the difference between the variable display time stored in step S401 and the measured time, and it can be determined whether the obtained time is within a predetermined time.
[0113]
Thus, even in the case of determining whether or not to stop the variable display immediately on the effect control board 102, the progress of the game can be made advantageous to the player, as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, the special figure game that is interesting to the player or the special figure game in which the meaning of stopping the variable display on the way is small can be continued until the variable display time elapses, and the effect of the effect can be enhanced.
[0114]
In the above-described embodiment, the variable display pattern in the special figure game is determined by the basic circuit 110 of the game control board 101 and transmitted to the effect control board 102 so as to be specified by a command for displaying a special symbol. However, in order to synchronize the control of the progress of the game by the game control board 101 with the control of the effect by the effect control board 102, it is not necessary to determine up to the variable display pattern in the basic circuit 110 of the game control board 101, (If there are a plurality of types of jackpots or losing jackpots, and the types of jackpots), and a command for special symbol display may be transmitted to the effect control board 102 so that at least the variable display time can be specified. The control unit of the effect control board 102 can independently determine the variable display pattern and / or the fixed symbol according to the received command.
[0115]
In such a case, the conditions for forcibly stopping the variable display of the special symbol by transmitting the finalization command (B) and displaying the finalized symbol include the fact that the result of the special figure game is lost, and the fluctuation display time. It is applicable that the remaining time is not shorter than a predetermined time, that the variable display time which can be specified by a special symbol display command is not shorter than a predetermined time, and the like. Those related to the fluctuation pattern (reach, appearance rate) cannot be applied because the basic circuit 110 of the game control board 101 cannot know. However, unlike the above-described circuit configuration, if communication is also possible in the direction from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101, the present invention can be applied even to those relating to a fluctuation pattern.
[0116]
In the above embodiment, when the effect control board 102 receives the confirmation command (B), the display of the change of the special symbol is immediately stopped and the confirmation symbol is displayed. However, when the confirmation command (B) is received, the time saving control may be performed such that the fluctuation display is stopped in a shorter time than the remaining time of the fluctuation display and the confirmation symbol is displayed. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the launch of the game ball from being stopped during the execution of the special figure game to some extent, and to prevent the appearance when displaying the fixed symbol from becoming unnatural. it can.
[0117]
In the case where the time reduction control is performed instead of immediately stopping the variable display, the condition for transmitting the finalization command (B) from the game control board 101 is set at the time when the game ball is awarded to the special symbol starting port 5. It is preferable that the number of reserved storages be smaller than the above embodiment (about 7 or 8). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the launch of the game ball from being stopped during the execution of the special figure game to a considerable extent.
[0118]
In addition, immediately stopping the variable display of the special symbol and controlling the time display of the variable display may be performed in combination depending on the condition of the variable display. For example, when the remaining time of the special figure game is within the first predetermined time, the determination command is not transmitted until the variable display time has elapsed, and the remaining time of the special figure game is longer than the first predetermined time. When the time is within the second predetermined time, the variable display is subjected to the time reduction control by the determination command indicating the time reduction control, and then the determined symbol is displayed. When the remaining time of the special figure game is longer than the second predetermined time, the stop is immediately performed. The change display may be stopped immediately by the indicated fixing command to display the fixed symbol.
[0119]
Alternatively, when the probability of the result of the special figure game currently being played is a jackpot of 50% or more, the determination command is not transmitted until the variable display time has elapsed, and the jackpot probability is 10% or more and 50%. When the difference is less than the fixed command indicating the time saving control, the variable display is controlled by the time saving control, and then the fixed symbol is displayed. When the probability of the jackpot is less than 10%, the variable display is immediately stopped by the fixed command indicating the immediate stop. Then, the confirmed symbol may be displayed.
[0120]
In these cases, there is a difference in the degree of interest of the player for the running special figure game, or the magnitude of the meaning of stopping the running special figure game before the elapse of the variable display time. Due to the difference, stepwise control is performed on the stop of the variable display of the special symbol. As a result, it is possible to perform a control that allows the player to favorably proceed with the game and enhances the effect of the effect to enhance the interest of the game so that the balance between the two becomes the best. In the case where it is determined whether to stop the variable display immediately or to reduce the time in the effect control board 102, the confirmation command transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 is the command of the command. The contents may be the same.
[0121]
In the above-described embodiment, whether or not to transmit the confirmation command (B) is determined in accordance with the number of stored special symbols up to the time of the prize when a new game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 5. Had been determined. The increase in the number of pending storages is performed after this determination is made. However, as shown below, the determination may be made in accordance with the number of reserved storages increased by the new winning. The same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained by applying the following modified process.
[0122]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a modification of the hold storage process in this case. First, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been won in the special symbol starting port 5 (step S601). The processing of steps S602 to S604 executed when there is no winning is the same as the processing of S202 to S204 described above.
[0123]
If a game ball has been won in the special symbol start-up port 5, the number of stored special symbols is incremented by 1 (step S605), and the number of stored special symbols is displayed in the special symbol storage display section 4a. Is transmitted to the effect control board 102 for displaying that the number has increased (step S606).
[0124]
Next, it is determined whether or not the number of stored special symbols increased by winning in step S605 reaches 11 which is larger than the maximum number (step S607). If the number of reserved symbols of the special symbol has reached 11, since the number of reserved symbols cannot actually exceed the maximum number, the number of reserved symbols is reduced by 1 and returned to the maximum number of 10 (step S608). Thereafter, the hold storage process ends.
[0125]
If the number of stored special symbols increased by winning in step S605 has not reached 11, it is determined whether or not the maximum number has reached 10 (step S609). If the maximum number of 10 has not been reached, the hold storage process is terminated. The processing of steps S610 to S615 executed when the maximum number has reached 10 is the same as the processing of steps S211 to S216 described above.
[0126]
In the above-described embodiment, the variable display device 4 included in the variable display unit 3 is configured by an LCD, and is configured to variably display symbols by displaying images. On the other hand, as the variable display device 4, a device constituted by three reels (drums) in which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral portion and which are driven to rotate to display the symbols variably is applied. Is also good. In this case, depending on the position of the reel at the time when the confirmation command (B) is received, it is not always possible to immediately stop at the finalized symbol. It is sufficient to perform time-saving control such that the fluctuation display is stopped in a shorter time than the remaining time and the fixed symbol is displayed.
[0127]
In the above embodiment, a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type first-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using a prepaid card has been described as an example. A pachinko gaming machine classified as a type or a third type, a general electric machine, a ball game machine with a probability setting function called a pachicon, and the like may be used. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine (CR machine) for lending a ball with a prepaid card, but also to a pachinko gaming machine (cash machine) for lending a ball with cash.
[0128]
Further, the present invention can be applied to a game machine or the like that simulates the operation of a pachinko gaming machine. In the game machine of the embodiment, which simulates the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1, the CPU of the game machine executes a predetermined program to simulate the movement of the gaming machine, and as a result, a special symbol starting port. When it is determined that the number 5 has passed, a lottery similar to the above is performed, and the symbol can be displayed in a variable manner. The program of the game machine may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM, or may be downloaded from a server device on the Web to the game machine and distributed separately from the game machine. it can.
[0129]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the invention, the game control means can control the progress of the game without being affected by the processing load for displaying the change of the identification information. Further, the satisfaction of the first condition for the variable display of the identification information is not wasted, and the game can be smoothly advanced. Moreover, since the fluctuation time of the identification information can be shortened, the number of fluctuations per time increases, thereby making the progress of the game advantageous to the player, thereby improving the interest of the game.
[0130]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the establishment of the first condition is not wasted, and the player can smoothly proceed with the game without interrupting the progress of the game by himself.
[0131]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the game control means can control the progress of the game without being affected by the processing load for changing and displaying the identification information. Further, the satisfaction of the first condition for the variable display of the identification information is not wasted, and the game can be smoothly advanced. In addition, since the fluctuation time of the identification information can be shortened, the number of times of fluctuation per time increases, thereby enabling the player to advantageously proceed with the game, thereby improving the interest of the game.
[0132]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the establishment of the first condition is not wasted, and the player can smoothly progress the game without interrupting the progress of the game.
[0133]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the change display of the identification information that is disadvantageous to the player is stopped early, so that the progress of the game is advantageous to the player.
[0134]
According to the invention of claim 6, it is possible to show the change display of the identification information satisfying the predetermined condition to the player to the end, and it is possible to enhance the effect.
[0135]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to show the change display of the identification information satisfying the predetermined condition to the player to the end, and it is possible to enhance the effect.
[0136]
According to the invention of claim 8, by continuing the variable display that is interesting to the player until the variable display time elapses, the effect of displaying the identification information with the variable display is enhanced.
[0137]
According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the variable display that is interesting to the player is continued until the variable display time elapses, so that the effect of the variable display of the identification information is enhanced.
[0138]
According to the tenth aspect, by stopping the variable display before the variable display time elapses only when there is a sufficient meaning, the effect of displaying the identification information by the variable display is enhanced. Further, by stopping the variable display before the variable display time elapses only when there is sufficient meaning, the progress of the game can be made advantageous to the player without increasing the control load.
[0139]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the control that allows the player to advantageously proceed with the game and the effect of enhancing the effect of the effect to enhance the interest of the game are controlled such that the balance between the two is best. It can be carried out. In addition, the effect of rendering can be improved by reducing the variation time to a plurality of modes.
[0140]
According to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to eliminate a sense of incongruity that a player feels by forcibly stopping the change display of the identification information before the elapse of the original change display time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the glass door (front door) of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG.
FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU in a basic circuit of the game control board, and FIG. 4B is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of a special symbol process process of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the hold storage process of FIG. 4 in detail.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a command reception standby process executed by a control unit in the effect control board.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of a special symbol changing process of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of a special symbol determination process of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing start and determination of a special figure game in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the hold storage process of FIG. 4;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
4 Variable display device
101 game control board
102 Direction control board

Claims (12)

Variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information when a second condition for starting the variance display of the identification information is satisfied after the first condition allowing the variably displaying of the identification information is satisfied; A gaming machine comprising: a game value providing means for providing a game value advantageous to a player when a display result of the variable display derived and displayed on the variable display means becomes a specific display mode.
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command according to the progress of the game,
Display control means for receiving a command transmitted from the game control means, and controlling a variable display of the identification information in the variable display means based on the received command,
The game control means,
Condition satisfaction number storage means for storing the number of satisfactions of the first condition in a state where the second condition is not satisfied;
Before the variable display of the identification information is started due to the establishment of the second condition, a variable display time determining means for previously determining a variable display time for performing the variable display of the identification information;
A variable time command transmitting unit that transmits a variable time command capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the variable display time determining unit to the display control unit;
When the first condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the satisfied number of the first condition stored in the condition satisfied number storage means has reached a predetermined number until the first condition is satisfied. Condition satisfaction number determination means,
A derivation display command for transmitting, to the display control means, a derivation display command indicating that the display result of the variable display is to be derived and displayed when the condition satisfaction number determination means determines that the predetermined number has been reached; Transmission means,
The display control means,
A variable display control for, when receiving the variable time command transmitted from the variable time command transmitting means, variably displaying the identification information on the variable display means in accordance with the variable display time specified by the received variable time command; Means,
When receiving the derived display command transmitted from the derived display command transmitting means, based on the derived display command, even before the variable display time specified by the received variable time command has elapsed, A gaming machine comprising: a fluctuation stop control means for stopping a fluctuation display of identification information. The condition satisfaction number storage means can store the number of satisfactions of the first condition in a state where the second condition is not satisfied up to a preset limit number,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number is a number immediately before the limit number at which the condition satisfaction storage unit can store the number of satisfactions of the first condition. Variable display means capable of variably displaying the identification information when a second condition for starting the variance display of the identification information is satisfied after the first condition allowing the variably displaying of the identification information is satisfied; A gaming machine comprising: a game value providing means for providing a game value advantageous to a player when a display result of the variable display derived and displayed on the variable display means becomes a specific display mode.
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game and transmitting a command according to the progress of the game,
Display control means for receiving a command transmitted from the game control means, and controlling a variable display of the identification information in the variable display means based on the received command,
The game control means,
Condition satisfaction number storage means for storing the number of satisfactions of the first condition in a state where the second condition is not satisfied;
Before the variable display of the identification information is started due to the establishment of the second condition, a variable display time determining means for previously determining a variable display time for performing the variable display of the identification information;
A variable time command transmitting unit that transmits a variable time command capable of specifying the variable display time determined by the variable display time determining unit to the display control unit;
When the first condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the satisfied number of the first condition stored in the condition satisfied number storage means has reached a predetermined number because the first condition has been satisfied. Means for determining the number of satisfied conditions,
A derivation display command for transmitting, to the display control means, a derivation display command indicating that the display result of the variable display is to be derived and displayed when the condition satisfaction number determination means determines that the predetermined number has been reached; Transmission means,
The display control means,
A variable display control for, when receiving the variable time command transmitted from the variable time command transmitting means, variably displaying the identification information on the variable display means in accordance with the variable display time specified by the received variable time command; Means,
When receiving the derived display command transmitted from the derived display command transmitting means, based on the derived display command, even before the variable display time specified by the received variable time command has elapsed, A gaming machine comprising: a fluctuation stop control means for stopping a fluctuation display of identification information. The condition satisfaction number storage means can store the number of satisfactions of the first condition in a state where the second condition is not satisfied up to a preset limit number,
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined number is the limit number that allows the condition satisfaction storage unit to store the number of satisfactions of the first condition. The said derived display command transmission means transmits the said derived display command to the said display control means on condition that the display result of the said variable display does not become the said specific display mode, The Claims 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. A gaming machine according to any one of the preceding claims. The derivation display command transmission means, even if the condition satisfaction number determination means determines that the predetermined number has been reached, when the variable display of the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, the derivation display command transmission means The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a command transmission suppressing unit that prevents the display control unit from transmitting a display command. The fluctuation stop control means, even after receiving the derived display command, when the fluctuation display of the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, the fluctuation display non-stop means for not stopping the fluctuation display of the identification information. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined condition is that a reach display mode is derived as a variable display of the identification information. The reach display mode includes a plurality of types,
The predetermined condition is such that a probability that a specific display mode is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display after the reach display mode is derived from among the plurality of reach display modes is equal to or higher than a predetermined probability. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the reach display mode is derived. The said predetermined condition is that the remaining time of the fluctuation | variation display time specified by the said fluctuation | variation time command received was less than predetermined time, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The described gaming machine. As a variable display of the identification information that does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a first variable display condition and a second variable display condition may be satisfied,
The derived display command includes a first derived display command transmitted to the display control means when the first variable display condition is satisfied, and the display control when the second variable display condition is satisfied. A second derived display command sent to the means,
The fluctuation stop control means stops the fluctuation display of the identification information immediately when the first derivation display command is received, and stops the fluctuation display of the identification information when the second derivation display command is received. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the gaming machine is shortened and stopped. The fluctuation display control means may further include a fluctuation stop notification means for notifying when the fluctuation display of the identification information is stopped before the predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed by the fluctuation stop control means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that:

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