JP2005073757A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko game machine which can contribute to an improvement in the performance of a game ball guiding path. <P>SOLUTION: This pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a game panel base 14a which is formed of a translucent member, a game panel 14 which is formed of at least the game panel base 14a, a launching device 130 which launches game balls by the operation of a game player, and a pair of rails 30 which are provided on the game panel base 14a, and guide game balls launched by the launching device 30 to a game region 15 on the game panel 14. The pachinko game machine 10 is also equipped with the game ball guiding path 33 which is provided on the game panel base 14a and divided by a pair of the rails 30, a liquid crystal display 32 which is provided behind the game panel base 14a and performs a performance display in a manner to be visible through the game panel base 14a, and a subsidiary control circuit 200 which performs the control of the performance display to the liquid crystal display 32. The subsidiary control circuit 200 performs the control of the performance display to the liquid crystal display 32 in a manner to be visible through the game ball guiding path 33. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine capable of displaying various effects.

  Conventionally, as this type of ball game machine, for example, there is a pachinko machine 301 shown in FIG. The game of the pachinko machine 301 is performed by driving a launching device (not shown) at a predetermined interval to launch a game ball based on the player's operation of the launch handle 302. Then, the game ball launched from the launching device at the lower part of the pachinko machine 301 reaches the game area 306 via a portion sandwiched between a pair of rails 303 and 304, a so-called game ball guide path 305.

As described above, the conventional game ball guide path 305 merely guides the game ball and lacks the effect. In view of this, there has been proposed one in which a light emitting means such as an LED is arranged in the game ball guide path 305 to produce an effect corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle 302 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-78862 A

  However, in the above-described bullet ball game machine, even if the effect of the game ball guide path 305 is performed, the effect is performed only by light emission. Therefore, in order to perform various effects, it is necessary to arrange a plurality of LEDs and the like. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can contribute to an improvement in the effect of the game ball guide path.

  In order to achieve the above object, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A game board base formed of a translucent member, a game board formed of at least the game board base, a launching means for launching a game ball by a player's operation, and provided on the game board base, A pair of rails for guiding the game balls launched by the launching means to a game area on the game board, a game ball guide path provided on the game board base and partitioned by the pair of rails, and the game board base A ball ball game provided with an effect display means that is provided behind the game board so as to be visually recognizable via the game board base, and an effect display control means that controls the effect display with respect to the effect display means. The effect display control means performs control of effect display on the effect display means so as to be visible through the game ball guide path.

  According to the invention described in (1), since it is possible to display various effects in the game ball guide path, it is possible to improve the interest of the player. In addition, it is possible to display various effects with one effect display means, and it is possible to reduce costs because manufacturing man-hours can be saved as compared with the case where the effect display means is divided into a plurality of parts as in the past. It becomes.

  (2) In the bullet ball game machine described in (1), the launch control means for driving and controlling the launch means, and the launch control means have a function of supplying a signal for firing the game ball to the launch means. The effect display control means controls the effect display on the effect display means in accordance with a signal generated by the firing control means.

  According to the invention described in (2), an effect display integrated with the launch of the game ball is performed, and it is possible to easily grasp that the game ball has been launched. It becomes possible to plan. In addition, since the effect display integrated with the launch of the game ball increases the variation of the effect, it is possible to further improve the interest of the player.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display various effects on the game ball guide path, so that it is possible to improve the interest of the player. In addition, it is possible to perform a variety of effect display by a single effect display means, and it is possible to reduce the cost because manufacturing man-hours can be saved compared to the case where the effect display is divided into a plurality of parts as in the past. Become.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the present invention is also referred to as a digital pachinko gaming machine (a digital pachinko gaming machine or a first type pachinko gaming machine) among the ball ball gaming machines as a preferred embodiment for the gaming machine according to the present invention. .) Is applied.

[Composition of gaming machine]
First, an overview of the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a ball game machine 10 in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the ball game machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ball game machine 10 includes a main body frame 12 having an opening 12a formed on the front surface, various components disposed inside the opening 12a in the main body frame 12, and a main body. It is comprised from the door 11 pivotally attached to the front of the frame 12 so that opening and closing is possible. As shown in FIG. 1, this door 11 is for closing the opening 12a from the front, and a game is normally performed in the closed state.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an upper plate 20, a lower plate 22, a firing handle 26 and the like are disposed on the front surface of the main body frame 12. In general, a player who plays a game is located on the front side of the bullet ball game machine 10 in which the operation of the firing handle 26 and the like is possible. That is, the ball game machine 10 can be played from the front.

  Further, inside the opening 12a of the main body frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32 as an effect display means, a game board 14 and the like are arranged as various components described above. Note that description of various components (not shown) other than the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32 is omitted for easy understanding.

  The game board 14 includes a game board base 14a formed of a translucent member and various game members related to the game. These various game members are composed of a plurality of obstacle nails 13, a blade member (so-called ordinary electric accessory) 48, general winning ports 56a to 56d, rolling induction members 59a and 59b (see FIG. 3 above), and the like. Yes. Since these game members are also formed of a light-transmitting member in the same manner as the game board base 14a, the image displayed in the display area 32a (see FIG. 3 above) in the liquid crystal display device 32 is played as described later. Can be visually recognized.

  The game board base 14a is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin having transparency. Examples of the resin having transparency include various materials such as an acrylic resin, a polycarbonate resin, and a methacrylic resin. The game board base 14a has a game area 15 on the front surface of which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area excluding a game ball guide path 33 (the game ball guide path 33 will be described later) surrounded by rails 30 (specifically, an outer rail 30a shown in FIG. 3 described later). Yes, it is an area where game balls can roll. Further, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 in the game board base 14a.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 described above is disposed behind (on the back side) the game board base 14a. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a for displaying an image relating to a game. The display area 32a is arranged so as to cover all or part of the game board base 14a from the back side. As will be described later in detail, various images such as identification information in a special symbol game, a normal symbol in a normal symbol game, a background image related to a game, and a production effect image are displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Is done. The liquid crystal display device 32 and images displayed on the liquid crystal display 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 will be described in detail later.

  In addition, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, a moving image related to the game is also displayed. This moving image is an image in which shape, color, and the like are dynamically displayed. The image includes a moving image and a still image. Examples of the moving image include a character image that moves around the display area, a wave image to be described later, a hermit crab image 95, and the like (see FIG. 8). An example of a still image is a background image.

  The door 11 is provided with a protective plate 19 having transparency. The protection plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board base 14a with the door 11 closed. In particular, the protective plate 19 may be disposed so as to face at least the entire game area 15, but the front area 16 (hereinafter referred to as the game area outer area 16) of the game board base 14 a not corresponding to the game area 15. May be arranged so as to face each other.

  As described above, when a game is played by the player from the front of the ball game machine 10, that is, when the door 11 is in a closed state, a liquid crystal is formed on the back side of the game board base 14a having transparency. Since the display device 32 is provided and the protective plate 19 having transparency is provided on the front side of the game board base 14a, the image displayed on the display area 32a in the liquid crystal display device 32 is made transparent. The player can visually recognize the game board base 14a and the protection plate 19 through the game board base 14a. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, it is possible to provide a novel display effect that was not found in conventional gaming machines, and to improve the interest.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board base 14a, and the image displayed in the display area 32a is displayed so as to be visible through the game board base 14a. For example, in order to cover a part of the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32 between the game board base 14 a and the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. A decorative panel or the like having no permeability may be provided. Further, for example, an image (design) may be applied to the decorative panel.

  The launch handle 26 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body frame 12, and the game can be advanced by operating the launch handle 26 by the player. Further, on the back side of the firing handle 26, a launching device 130 (see FIG. 4) is provided.

  Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral edge of the firing handle 26. When the shooting handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player while the touch sensor is touched, power is supplied to a shooting motor (not shown) provided in the shooting device 130, When the firing motor is operated, the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired.

  Note that the touch sensor provided on the firing handle 26 may be any sensor that can determine that the firing handle 26 has been gripped by the player. For example, an optical sensor or a sensor that detects heat may be used. Any type.

  An overview of the ball game machine 10 configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an overview of the ball game machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of rails 30 (30a and 30b) are provided on the front surface of the game board base 14a to guide the game balls launched by the launching device 130 (see FIG. 4) to the game area 15. The pair of rails 30 includes an outer rail 30a and an inner rail 30b disposed inside the outer rail 30b. Between the outer rail 30a and the inner rail 30b, there is a game ball guide path 33 partitioned by the pair of rails 30. The launched game ball moves to the upper part of the game board 14 via the game ball guide path 33 (the hatched portion in FIG. 3), and then changes its traveling direction by the collision with the plurality of obstacle nails 13 described above. However, it falls toward the lower side of the game board 14. The dropped game ball wins various prize holes provided in the game area 15 or enters the discharge port 38 provided below the game area 15 and is discharged.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 described above is disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board base 14a. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a, and various images are displayed on the display area 32a.

  For example, identification information in a special symbol game is variably displayed. This identification information is mainly composed of the special symbol 92 in the special symbol game. Details of the special symbol game will be described later. This identification information is a pattern made up of numbers, symbols, and the like. In this embodiment, numbers from “0” to “9” are used.

  “Variable display” is a concept that can be displayed in a variable manner. For example, a “variable display” that is actually displayed in a variable state, a “stop display” that is displayed in a stopped state, etc. It is. In addition, “variable display” can be “derivation display” in which identification information is displayed as a result of a special symbol game. Further, the period from the start of the variable display to the derivation display is referred to as one variable display.

  On the liquid crystal display device 32, identification information corresponding to a plurality of symbol rows (three rows in the present embodiment) is variably displayed. Identification information is derived and displayed in the plurality of symbol sequences, and the combination of the plurality of identification information derived and displayed is a predetermined display mode (for example, any one of “0” to “9” in each of the plurality of symbol sequences). The game state is shifted to a specific game state (so-called jackpot) that is advantageous to the player based on the fact that the game is derived and displayed in a state where all of them are arranged, so-called “hit display mode”). In addition, the combination of the plurality of identification information derived and displayed is a special display mode (for example, “1”, “3”, “5”, “7” for each of the plurality of symbol columns) among the predetermined display modes. , Based on the fact that all of “9” are derived and displayed in a state in which all of them are aligned, so-called “specific jackpot display mode”), the gaming state is determined to be a specific gaming state (so-called jackpot) that is advantageous to the player. ), And when the specific gaming state is completed, the high-probability gaming state is entered. This high-probability gaming state is a gaming state that shifts to the specific gaming state with a higher probability than the normal gaming state. In the present embodiment, the identification information is composed of a plurality of symbol strings. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the identification information may be composed of one symbol string.

  In addition, above the special symbol 92 described above, four reserved images 34a to 34d are displayed in order to display the number of reserved symbols in the special symbol game. These four hold images 34a to 34d are displayed so as to change to a predetermined display mode as the number of hold in the special symbol game increases or decreases.

  In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, for example, a normal symbol 94 in a normal symbol game is variably displayed. The normal symbol 94 is information including numbers, symbols, and the like, for example, symbols such as “◯” and “x”. When the normal symbol 94 is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, it becomes easier for a game ball to enter the starting port 44 described later.

  Also, above the reserved images 34a to 34d, normal symbol reserved images 50a to 50d are displayed in order to display the number of reserved symbols in the normal symbol game. These four normal symbol hold images 50a to 50d are displayed so as to change to a predetermined display mode as the number of hold in the normal symbol game increases or decreases.

  In addition, a background image related to the game, a production effect image, and the like are displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 composed of a liquid crystal display panel is used as a portion for displaying an image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is used. It may be composed of a cathode ray tube, a dot LED, a segment LED, an EL (Electronic Luminescent), plasma, or the like.

  In the game area 15 of the game board base 14a described above, various types of accessories are formed. An example of various types of accessory will be described below with reference to FIG. 3, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, rolling guide members 59a and 59b for guiding the path of the game ball in a predetermined direction are provided on both sides of the game area 15 of the game board base 14a. In addition, game ball general winning openings 56a to 56d are provided in the lower part of the game area 15 of the game board base 14a.

  In the vicinity of the general winning ports 56a to 56d, a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed with respect to a large winning port (not shown) is provided. As described above, when the combination of identification information derived and displayed is in a predetermined display mode, the gaming state is shifted to the big hit gaming state, which is the specific gaming state, and the shutter 40 is in an open state in which it is easy to accept the gaming ball. Driven to be in the (first state). Further, the special winning opening has a specific area (not shown) having a V / count sensor 102 (see FIG. 4) and a general area (not shown) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 4). The shutter 40 is driven to the open state until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through these areas or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. In other words, when either of the conditions for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening or the elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the big prize opening is closed so that it is difficult to accept the game balls. Subsequently, the shutter 40, which has been changed from the open state to the closed state (second state), is once again on condition that the game ball received in the big winning opening in the open state has passed through the V-count sensor 102. Driven to the open state. That is, the game ball received when the grand prize winning opening is in the open state passes the specific area provided in the big winning prize opening, and then is opened again after being closed.

  A start opening 44 having a start winning ball sensor 116 (see FIG. 4) is provided above the shutter 40. When a game ball wins at the starting port 44, a special symbol game, which will be described later, is started, and the state shifts to a variable display state in which a plurality of columns of identification information are displayed in a variable manner. As a variable display start condition of the identification information, in this embodiment, a main condition is that a game ball is won at the start port 44. That is, the variable display of the identification information is performed every time the variable display start condition for the predetermined identification information is satisfied. In the embodiment, the predetermined display information variable display start condition is that a game ball has been won at the start port 44, but the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, a game ball passing accessory 47 is provided above the start port 44, and the game ball passes from above to below.

  Further, when a game ball is won at the start opening 44 during the variation display of the identification information in the special symbol game, the game ball is won at the start opening 44 until the identification information during the variation display is derived and displayed. Execution (start) of variable display of the identification information based is suspended. If the identification information is derived and displayed in a state where execution of variable display of the identification information is suspended, execution of variable display of the identification information held is started. In addition, when the identification information is derived and displayed, the variable display of the identification information is executed once. For example, when the identification information is derived and displayed in a state where execution of variable display of the identification information is held three times, one of the variable display of the held identification information is executed, and the remaining 2 The batch is held.

  An upper limit is set for the number of executions of the variable display of the identification information to be held. For example, the variable display of the identification information is held up to 4 times. For example, in the state where execution of variable display of identification information is held three times, when a game ball wins the start opening 44, execution of the fourth time is held, but execution of variable display of identification information is executed. If the game ball wins the start port 44 in a state where it is held for four times, the fifth execution is not held, and the state where the variable display of the identification information is held for four times is maintained. It becomes.

  In addition, ball passage detectors 54a and 54b are provided on the inner side of the general winning ports 56b and 56c and on the side of the game board base 14a. When these ball passage detectors 54a, 54b detect that a game ball has passed in the vicinity thereof, the normal symbol 94 starts to be displayed on the display area 32a. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol 94 is displayed. Stops the fluctuation display of. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called normal electric accessories) 48 provided on the left and right sides of the starting port 44 described later are in the open state from the closed state. Thus, it becomes easier for a game ball to enter the start port 44. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 48 is in the open state, the blade member 48 is closed so that it is difficult for the game ball to enter the start port 44.

  Similarly, in the normal symbol game, when a game ball passes in the vicinity of the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b during the normal symbol variation display, until the normal symbol in the variation display is derived and displayed, Execution (start) of variable symbol display based on the passage of the game ball to the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b is suspended. If the normal symbol is derived and displayed in the state where the execution of variable display of the normal symbol is suspended, the variable symbol of the held regular symbol is started after a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, the execution of variable display of the normal symbol executed when the normal symbol is derived and displayed is one time. The number of executions of the variable display of the held normal symbols (so-called “the number of holds in the normal symbol game”) is represented by the display mode of the normal symbol holding images 50a to 50d. In addition, an upper limit is also set for the number of times that execution of variable symbol display is suspended, for example, variable symbol variable display is suspended up to four times.

  In the present embodiment, the variable information display is suspended with the upper limit being four times. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or more times may be set as the upper limit. As such, the variable display of the identification information may be suspended, and further, the identification information may be suspended without setting an upper limit. Of course, you may comprise so that the variable display of identification information may not be suspended. In the present embodiment, the variable symbol display is suspended with the upper limit being four times. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper limit may be one or more times. As such, it may be configured to hold the variable display of the normal symbol, or may be configured to hold without setting an upper limit. Of course, you may comprise so that the variable display of a normal symbol may not be suspended.

  When a game ball wins or passes through the specific area and the general area in the start opening 44, the general winning openings 56a to 56d, and the large winning opening, the number of game balls set in advance according to the type of each winning opening. Is dispensed to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22. In addition, speakers 46 </ b> L and 46 </ b> R are disposed on the front surface of the door 11.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A control circuit of the ball game machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the ball game machine 10 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66, main ROM (read only memory) 68, and main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. Thus, the main CPU 66 functions as various means described later.

  In the main ROM 68, a program for controlling the operation of the ball game machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored. In addition, a jackpot determination table and an effect that are referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. Various tables such as an effect condition selection table to be referred to when selecting are also stored. Specific programs and tables will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 68 is used as a medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded and recorded in the main RAM 70 after the power is turned on. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium. In this embodiment, the main CPU 66, the main ROM 68, and the main RAM 70 are provided separately. However, a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. Specific examples of data stored in the main RAM 70 include the following.

  The main RAM 70 includes a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a high probability flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a missed symbol determination random number counter, an effect condition selection random number counter, and a number of winning prize opening times. A command is supplied to a sub-control circuit 200, which will be described later, and a variable relating to an output including data indicating the number of holdings in a special symbol game, a normal symbol game, a waiting time timer, a special symbol game opening time timer, a waiting time timer Data, variables, etc. for doing so are positioned.

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the special symbol game. The specific area passing flag is for determining whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area. The high probability flag indicates whether or not to relatively increase the probability of shifting to the big hit gaming state that is the specific gaming state.

  The jackpot determination random number counter is for determining the jackpot of a special symbol. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining identification information derived and displayed when a jackpot of a special symbol is determined. The off-set symbol determination random number counter is used to determine identification information to be derived and displayed when it is not a big hit. The effect condition selection random number counter is for determining a variation display pattern of the identification information. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided. Further, although it is out of place, a reach determination random number counter for determining whether or not to reach may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The big prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the big prize opening. Note that the timer in the present embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

  The big prize opening number-of-times counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening is opened in a specific gaming state (so-called round number). The grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that have won the big winning prize during one round and have passed the V / count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved games in the special symbol game is that the game ball is won at the start port 44, but when the variation display of the identification information cannot be executed, the variation display is suspended. This indicates the number of times the information has changed. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of holdings in the normal symbol game holds the variation display when the game ball passes through the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b but the normal symbol 94 cannot be displayed. It shows the number of fluctuations of the normal symbol 94 that is being held.

  In addition, a special symbol storage area and a normal symbol storage area are positioned and stored in the main RAM 70.

  In the present embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process described later. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub-control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub-control circuit 200).

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the V / count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, and the passage A ball sensor 114, a start winning ball sensor 116, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a big prize opening solenoid 120, a seesaw solenoid 122, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The V / count sensor 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening. The V / count sensor 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through a specific area in the special winning opening.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game balls pass through the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the ball passing detectors 54a and 54b.

  The start winning ball sensor 116 is provided at the start port 44. The start winning ball sensor 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the start opening 44.

  The normal electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 48 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 48 open or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 3 and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening state open or closed.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 is connected to a seesaw provided in the shutter 40 in the shape of a plate, and displaces the seesaw according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to change the inclination of the seesaw. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through the specific region or to pass through the general region.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the ball game machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / launch control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out game balls, a launch device 130 that fires game balls, a card unit 150, and a sub-control circuit 200.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130. The payout device 128 is employed as an example of payout means for paying out game media when the launched (injected) game media passes through a predetermined area.

  In addition, the launching device 130 is provided with a device for launching a game ball such as the launching motor and the touch sensor described above. The firing device 130 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the back side of the firing handle 26.

  Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the peripheral edge of the firing handle 26. When the touch sensor is touched, the touch sensor generates a driving signal and supplies the driving signal to the dispensing / firing control circuit 126 (see FIG. 4), assuming that the shooting handle 26 is gripped by the player. . When a touch signal is supplied from the touch sensor to the dispensing / firing control circuit 126, the dispensing / firing control circuit 126 generates a pulse signal having a predetermined cycle by a built-in pulse generator (not shown), and a sub-control to be described later. A drive signal and a pulse signal are supplied to the circuit (see FIG. 4) and the launcher 130. Note that a quartz oscillator that oscillates at a constant frequency by using the piezoelectric effect of quartz is generally used for the pulse generator.

  When the firing handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player in a state where the pulse signal is supplied from the dispensing / firing control circuit 126 to the firing device 130, the firing motor (see FIG. (Not shown) is supplied with electric power and the launch motor is operated, so that the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sequentially fired according to the supplied pulse signal.

  Note that such a launching device 130 is employed as an example of a launching unit that launches (injects) a game medium in accordance with a player's operation. The payout / firing control circuit 126 is employed as an example of a firing control means for driving and controlling the firing means.

  Further, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the lamp 132 including various lamps, and the like in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Do.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 is configured not to supply commands to the sub control circuit 200 and to prevent signals from being supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. The present invention is not limited to this, and there is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub-control circuit 200 as an effect control means includes a sub CPU 206 as an effect display control means for performing display control on the effect display means, a program ROM 208 as a storage means, a work RAM 210, and a display for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32. The control circuit 250 includes a sound control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, and a lamp control circuit 240 that controls the lamp 132. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. The sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. In particular, the sub CPU 206 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32. As will be described in detail later, the sub CPU 206 displays a wave image on the liquid crystal display device 32 when receiving the pulse signal supplied from the above-described payout / launch control circuit 126. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means described later.

  The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling the game effect of the ball game machine 10 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. . A specific program will be described later.

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display. The effect display is executed according to the variable display of the identification information.

  In the present embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage means for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as the storage means. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 are not limited thereto. In this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the main ROM 68 and executed by the main CPU 66. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 68 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables and the like such as an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern are positioned.

  In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The display control circuit 250 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212 as an effect display control means, an image data ROM 216 that stores various image data, a D / A converter 218 that converts image data as an image signal, It comprises an initial reset circuit 220 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on.

  The VDP 212 described above is connected to the sub CPU 206, the image data ROM 216 storing the image data, the D / A converter 218 that converts the image data into an image signal, and the initial reset circuit 220.

  The VDP 212 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying an image on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, an image is displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

  In the image data ROM 216, various image data such as identification information image data indicating identification information, background image data, effect image data, and normal symbol image data indicating a normal symbol are separately stored. Of course, image data indicating a dynamic display object and image data indicating a static display object are also stored in the image data ROM 216.

  In response to the image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206, the VDP 212 receives identification information image data indicating identification information, background image data, effect image data, normal symbol image data indicating normal symbols, and decorative image data from the image data ROM 216. Various image data are read out and image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is generated. The VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores the image data in a buffer, and supplies the data to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32, thereby causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that controls audio, an audio data ROM 234 that stores various audio data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals.

  The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the initial reset circuit 220, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound source IC 232 controls sound generated from the speaker 46.

  The sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern and selects one piece of audio data from a plurality of pieces of audio data stored in the audio data ROM 234. Thereafter, the sub CPU 206 reads the selected audio data from the audio data ROM 234 and supplies it to the sound source IC 232. The sound source IC 232 that has received the sound data converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 236. The AMP 236 amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speaker 46 (46L and 46R).

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit 242 for supplying a lamp control signal and a decoration data ROM 244 in which a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns are stored.

  An image displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 to 10. FIG. 5 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the concept of the storage area for image data. 5 to 7 show storage areas corresponding to the display area 32a and the game board base 14a, and those related to the game board base 14a are represented by dotted lines. 8 to 9 are explanatory diagrams showing display screens.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the displayable storage area 100 is set in the buffer of the VDP 212. The displayable storage area 100 is an area for storing image data displayed in the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Various image data are stored in the displayable storage area 100, and an image based on the stored image data is displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

  The displayable storage area 100 includes a game storage area 82 (left oblique line) and a game ball guide path storage area 84.

  The game storage area 82 stores image data displayed in a display area located behind the game area 15. The game storage area 82 stores at least image data for special symbols as identification information in special symbol games, image data for normal symbols in normal symbol games, effect image data for effects, and the like.

  On the other hand, the game ball guide path storage area 84 is a storage area different from the game storage area 82, and stores image data displayed in a display area located behind the game ball guide path 33. For example, the game ball guide path storage area 84 stores moving image having various colors, patterns, characters, and still image effect image data, as will be described later.

  An example of a still image or a moving image stored in the above-described game ball guide path storage area 84 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a hermit crab image 95 is stored in the game ball guide path storage area 84. In addition, a wave animation 96 (right oblique line), which will be described later, is stored in a part below the game ball guide path storage area 84 after being not stored in the game ball guide path storage area 84. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the wave animation 96 is stored so as to gradually extend toward the upper side of the game ball guide path storage area 84. As shown in FIG. 7, when the game ball guide path storage area 84 has been stored up to the upper end, the moving image of the wave is erased from the memory, and after a state that is not stored in the game ball guide path storage area 84 again. The process is repeated from the point stored in a part below the game ball guide path storage area 84. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hermit crab image 95 is stored in the game ball guide path storage area 84 as a result of the wave animation 96 being stored preferentially. Become.

  The image data stored in this way is displayed on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

  The description of the image data stored in a buffer such as a video RAM provided in the VDP 212 is ended, and a specific mode of display control will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32 includes a game display area 86 and a game ball guide path display area 88. The game display area 86 is an area displayed in the game area 15. The game ball guide path display area 88 is an area displayed on the game ball guide path 33.

  The game ball guide path display area 88 displays still images having various colors, patterns, and characters, as well as moving images having various colors, patterns, and characters. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a hermit crab image 95 facing upward in the game ball guide path 33 is displayed as an example of a moving image having characters.

  As described above, the game ball guide path display area 88 can display still images / moving images having various colors, patterns, and characters, and can display various effects on the game ball guide path 33. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the player. In addition, it is possible to perform various effects display by the liquid crystal display device 32 which is one effect display means, and the manufacturing man-hours can be saved as compared with the case where the effect display means is divided into a plurality of parts as in the prior art. It is possible to go down.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, a moving video of waves is displayed in the game ball guide path display area 88. The moving images of the waves are displayed step by step from below the game ball guide path display area 88, as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the wave animation 96 is displayed so as to gradually extend toward the upper side of the game ball guide path storage area 84. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the game ball guide path display area 88 is displayed up to the upper end, the wave animation disappears and is displayed again from the bottom of the game ball guide path display area 88 again. . The moving image of the wave has a predetermined period generated by a pulse generator (not shown) of the payout / firing control circuit 126 while the aforementioned firing handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player. It is displayed so that a wave strikes from the lower side to the upper side of the game ball guide path display area 88 at every pulse (for example, every 0.6 seconds). The wave animation 96 starts to be displayed from below the game ball guide path display area 88 at a predetermined timing, for example, at the rising edge or falling edge of the pulse.

  In this manner, the display of the wave animation 96 is performed at a predetermined cycle generated by the pulse generator of the payout / firing control circuit 126 while the aforementioned firing handle 26 is rotated clockwise by the player. It repeats for every pulse (for example, 0.6 second interval). Therefore, an effect display integrated with the launch of the game ball is performed, and it is possible to easily grasp that the game ball has been launched, so that it is possible to improve the convenience of the player. In addition, since the effect display integrated with the launch of the game ball increases the variation of the effect, it is possible to further improve the interest of the player.

  In the present invention, a gaming machine may be used as long as the gaming ball guide path 33 has at least transparency. In other words, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 provided behind the gaming machine may be configured to be visible from the front through the vicinity of the location where the liquid crystal display device 32 is provided. .

[Game machine operation]
Below, the operation | movement performed with the ball game machine 10 is demonstrated using FIGS. 11-15. FIGS. 11 to 13 and 15 are flowcharts showing control processing executed in the ball game machine 10. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing state transition of control processing executed in the ball game machine 10.

[Main processing]
First, as shown in FIG. 11, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is executed (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 13, a special symbol control process relating to the progress of the special symbol game and the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is executed (step S15). Then, the normal symbol control process for the normal symbol game is executed and the normal symbol displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is executed (step S16). As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the processes in step S15 and step S16 are repeatedly executed.

[System timer interrupt processing]
Further, the main CPU 66 may interrupt the main process and execute the system timer interrupt process even when the main process is being executed. The following system timer interrupt process is executed in response to a clock pulse generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds). This system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process so as to increase the count values of the big hit determination random number counter, the big hit symbol determination random number counter, etc. by “1” (step S42). And the input detection process which detects the winning or passing of game balls, such as the starting port 44, the ball passage detectors 54a and 54b, and the general winning ports 56a to 56d, is executed (step S43). A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big prize opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening that is opened when a big hit occurs, and the like. The timer update process is executed (step S44). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S46). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

  In step S47, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, these various commands include a demo display command, a derived symbol designation command indicating the type of identification information derived and displayed in the left column, middle column, and right column, and a variation indicating a variation display pattern of the identification information. Includes pattern specification commands. That is, as will be described later, the variable display command information of the identification information and the information indicating the specific gaming state are transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub-control circuit 200). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49.

  In the process of step S49, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a command for causing the payout device 128 to play a prize ball to the payout / launch control circuit 126 (step S49). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished, the address is returned to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt, and the main process is executed.

[Special symbol control processing]
The subroutine executed in step S15 in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 13, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S80 indicate the control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Will be executed and the special symbol game will proceed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

  In steps S72 to S80, which will be described later, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to execute various processes in each step based on the value of the control state flag, as will be described later. This control state flag indicates the state of the special symbol game, and enables one of the processes from step S72 to step S80 to be executed. In addition, the main CPU 66 executes processing in each step at a predetermined timing determined according to a waiting time timer or the like set for each step. Before reaching the predetermined timing, the process ends without executing the process in each step, and another subroutine is executed. Of course, the system timer interrupt process is also executed at a predetermined cycle.

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 14, the main CPU 66 checks the number of reserved pieces when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, and determines the big hit if there is a reserved number. The derivation identification information, the variation pattern of the identification information, etc. are determined. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S73 is executed after the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined this time has elapsed. On the other hand, when there is no pending number, a demonstration screen is displayed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S73.

  In step S73, a special symbol variation time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag to a value (01) indicating special symbol change time management, and when the change time has elapsed, sets the value (02) indicating special symbol display time management to the control state flag. And a waiting time after confirmation (for example, 1 second) is set in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the processing of step S74 is executed after the waiting time after determination has elapsed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S74.

  In step S74, a special symbol display time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. In the case of a big hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval elapses, the setting of step S75 is performed. On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when it is not a big hit. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S75.

  In step S75, a big hit start interval management process is executed. In this processing, the main CPU 66 has a value (03) indicating that the control status flag indicates the jackpot start interval management, and when the time corresponding to the jackpot start interval has elapsed, Based on the data read from the ROM 68, the variables positioned in the main RAM 70 are updated. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is being opened to the control state flag, and sets an open upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special winning opening open timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

  In step S76, a waiting time management process before reopening the big winning opening is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the special prize opening number counter when the control status flag is a value (06) indicating the big prize opening reopening waiting time management and the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed. The memory is updated so that “1” is increased. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is open in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets an opening upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) in the big prize opening time timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S77.

  In step S77, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is open, the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “10” or more and the upper limit opening time have elapsed. It is determined whether or not any of the conditions (the big prize opening time timer is “0”) is satisfied. The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening when any of the conditions is satisfied. The main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets the special ball remaining ball monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S78 is executed after the winning ball residual ball monitoring time has elapsed. Note that the main CPU 66 does not execute the above-described processing when none of the conditions is satisfied. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S78.

  In step S78, a special winning opening residual ball monitoring process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 has a value (05) indicating that the control state flag indicates the monitoring of the winning ball residual ball and when the monitoring time of the winning ball residual ball elapses, the main CPU 66 sets the game ball in the specific area at the winning game mouth. It is determined whether or not the condition that the winning prize opening number counter is “15” or more (the final round) is satisfied. When any of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval in the control state flag, and sets a time corresponding to the jackpot end interval in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the big hit end interval has elapsed, the setting of step S79 is executed. On the other hand, when neither of the conditions is satisfied, the main CPU 66 sets a value (06) indicating management of the special winning opening reopening waiting time in the control state flag. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a time corresponding to the interval between rounds in the waiting time timer. In other words, after the time corresponding to the interval between rounds has elapsed, the setting of step S76 is executed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S79.

  In step S79, a big hit end interval process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 controls the value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set the status flag. The main CPU 66 sets a high probability flag in order to change the jackpot probability when a predetermined probability change condition is satisfied. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

  In step S80, a special symbol game end process is executed. In this processing, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the special symbol game, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the data indicating the number of holdings so as to decrease by “1”. The main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S72. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the special symbol game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the result of the big hit determination is out of place in the specific gaming state. By setting “08” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S80 shown in FIG. 13 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in the order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03” when the result of the big hit determination is a big hit when it is not the specific gaming state, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. 13 is executed at a predetermined timing, and control to the specific gaming state is executed. Furthermore, when the control to the specific gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby performing step S77 shown in FIG. The processing of step S78 and step S76 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the specific game is executed. When the specific game is being executed and the end condition (specific game end condition) for the specific game state is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, and “08” are set in this order. Thus, the processing from step S77 to step S80 shown in FIG. 13 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the specific gaming state is ended. It should be noted that the specific game end condition is that the game ball has not passed through the specific area until the predetermined time has elapsed (so-called “punk”), or the maximum number of consecutive big hit rounds (in this embodiment, The specific gaming state will be terminated on the condition that (15 rounds) has been completed.

[Special symbol memory check processing]
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101), and the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is not determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check, this subroutine is terminated. In step S102, it is determined whether or not the reserved number is “0”. If it is determined that the data indicating the reserved number is “0”, the process proceeds to step S103, and the reserved number is stored. If it is not determined that the data indicating “0” is “0”, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S103, a demonstration display process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a variable for supplying a demonstration display command to the sub control circuit 200 in the main RAM 70 in order to perform a demonstration display. As a result, the display of the demonstration screen is executed in the sub-control circuit 200. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S104, a process of setting a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management as a control state flag is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 stores a value indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S105.

  In step S105, a jackpot determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the high probability flag, and selects one jackpot determination table from a plurality of jackpot determination tables having different numbers of jackpot determination values (hit determination values) based on the read high probability flag. . For example, in the jackpot determination table at normal time, two jackpot determination values are set, but in the jackpot determination table at high probability, ten jackpot determination values are set, and based on the high probability flag By selecting the jackpot determination table, the probability of shifting to the specific gaming state is different. As described above, when the high probability flag is a predetermined value (for example, “77”), that is, when the gaming state is the high probability gaming state, the probability of shifting to the specific gaming state (result of variable display of identification information) Is a higher probability than normal. Then, the main CPU 66 refers to the jackpot determination random number value extracted at the time of starting winning and the selected jackpot determination table. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S106.

  In step S106, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit based on the result of the reference in step S105. If the main CPU 66 determines that it is a big hit, it moves the process to step S107, and if it does not determine that it is a big hit, moves the process to step S108.

  In step S107, a jackpot symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts the jackpot symbol random value extracted at the time of starting winning, and determines identification information corresponding to the left column, the middle column, and the right column based on the jackpot symbol random value, Data indicating the identification information is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the identification information corresponding to the left column, the middle column, and the right column stored in this manner is derived from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. Supplied as a symbol designating command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  In step S108, a missing symbol determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a random symbol value for determining an out symbol from the random symbol counter for determining an out symbol, and determines identification information corresponding to the left column, the middle column, and the right column based on the random symbol value for determining the out symbol. Then, data indicating the identification information is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the identification information corresponding to the left column, the middle column, and the right column stored in this manner is derived from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 in FIG. Supplied as a symbol designating command. By executing such processing, the result of variable display of the identification information is determined.

  When the left column and the right column have the same identification information, and the left column and the middle column have the same identification information, the main CPU 66 sets the middle column identification information as a predetermined number of frames (for example, (3 frames) is determined to be corrected, and control is performed so as not to be a big hit. That is, by this step, the result of variable display of identification information is determined before the result of variable display of identification information is derived and displayed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S109.

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 66 selects a variation pattern distribution table for determining a variation pattern based on the identification information of the left column, the middle column, and the right column determined in steps S107 and S108. The main CPU 66 determines a variation pattern based on the rendering condition selection random number extracted from the rendering condition selection random number counter and the selected variation pattern distribution table, and stores the variation pattern in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command. In addition, as will be described later, in the variation pattern designation command, in addition to variable display command information as a command for executing variable display of identification information, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 determines whether to win or not. Information (information indicating that a specific gaming state is set) is also included. In the present embodiment, the variable display command information and the information indicating the specific gaming state are configured to be included in the same variation pattern designation command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes may be used. For example, the variable display command information and the information indicating the specific gaming state may be included in other different commands. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S110.

  In step S110, a process of setting a variation time corresponding to the determined variation pattern in the waiting time timer is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 calculates the fluctuation effect time based on the fluctuation pattern determined by the process of step S109 and the fluctuation effect time table indicating the fluctuation effect time of the fluctuation pattern, and the fluctuation effect time. Is stored in the waiting time timer. Then, a process of clearing the storage area used for the current variation display is executed (step S111). When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

[Operation of sub-control circuit]
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 receives various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 60 and a pulse signal transmitted from the payout / launch control circuit 126, and executes processing to be described later.

  If the sub CPU 206 determines that a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main control circuit 60, the sub CPU 206 determines a variation pattern based on the received command and sets data indicating the determined variation pattern in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. . If the sub CPU 206 determines that a symbol designating command has been received, the sub CPU 206 determines a stop symbol based on the received command, and sets data indicating the determined stop symbol in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Further, when the sub CPU 206 determines that a symbol determination command has been received, the sub CPU 206 executes stop symbol determination processing. Furthermore, when the sub CPU 206 receives another command, the sub CPU 206 executes processing corresponding to the other received command. The other received commands correspond to various commands such as a derived normal symbol designation command and a normal symbol variation pattern designation command. For other processing corresponding to the received command, for example, when a derived normal symbol designation command is received, the sub CPU 206 sets data indicating a symbol to be derived and displayed based on the derived normal symbol designation command in the work RAM 210. When a normal symbol variation pattern designation command is received, various processing such as processing for setting data indicating a variation pattern of a normal symbol to be variably displayed in the work RAM 210 based on the normal symbol variation pattern designation command is performed. included. When the sub CPU 206 determines that the pulse signal transmitted from the payout / launch control circuit 126 has been received, the sub CPU 206 starts displaying the wave image so that the wave image is displayed at the timing of the received pulse signal. Data to be used is set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210.

  The sub control circuit 200 may set data for displaying a character image, a background image, or the like in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 at a predetermined timing. In particular, the sub CPU 206 sets data for displaying a character image such as a hermit crab in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 at a predetermined timing regardless of the timing of variable display of the identification information.

[Image display command processing]
Further, the sub control circuit 200 supplies the data set in the work RAM 210 to the VDP 212 at a predetermined timing. For example, the sub CPU 206 determines the identification information images corresponding to the left column, the middle column, and the right column in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 based on the derived symbol designation command, the variation pattern designation command, etc. Data for deriving and displaying the identification information image to be used and data for displaying the production pattern are supplied to the VDP 212. Further, data for deriving and displaying a normal symbol image in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 and data for displaying an effect pattern in the normal symbol based on a derived normal symbol designation command, a normal symbol variation pattern designation command, etc. Is supplied to the VDP 212.

  Further, the sub CPU 206 sets data for displaying the wave image set in the predetermined area of the work RAM 210 in the predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Further, the sub CPU 206 supplies data for displaying a character image such as a hermit crab set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210 to the VDP 212.

  As described above, the sub CPU 206 supplies various data to the VDP 212 to variably display the identification information in the special symbol game, and at the same time, the liquid crystal display device 32 positioned behind the game ball guide path 33. The display of the wave image and the hermit crab image is executed in the display area 32a.

  In particular, when receiving data for displaying a character image such as a hermit crab supplied from the sub CPU 206, the VDP 212 reads out image data such as effect image data from the image data ROM 216 based on the data. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 described above, the VDP 212 sets the image data in the video RAM. The VDP 212 reads out image data stored in the displayable storage area 100 corresponding to a display area such as a video RAM, supplies the image data to the D / A converter 218, and displays an image on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Become.

  As described above, still images / moving images having various colors, patterns, and characters can be displayed on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32 located behind the game ball guide path 33. Since it is possible to display various effects in the game, it is possible to improve the interest of the player. In addition, it is possible to perform various effects display by the liquid crystal display device 32 which is one effect display means, and the manufacturing man-hours can be saved as compared with the case where the effect display means is divided into a plurality of parts as in the prior art. It is possible to go down.

  When the VDP 212 receives data for displaying a wave image supplied from the sub CPU 206, the VDP 212 reads out image data such as effect image data from the image data ROM 216 based on the data. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 described above, the VDP 212 sets the image data in the video RAM. The VDP 212 reads image data stored in the displayable storage area 100 corresponding to a display area such as a video RAM, supplies the image data to the D / A converter 218, and displays an image on the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Become. Here, the wave image is repeatedly displayed for each pulse of a predetermined cycle (for example, an interval of 0.6 seconds) generated by the pulse generator of the payout / launch control circuit 126.

  In this way, the display of the moving image of the wave is repeated for each pulse of a predetermined period (for example, an interval of 0.6 seconds) generated by the pulse generator of the payout / launch control circuit 126. The effect display integrated with the launch is performed, and it is possible to easily grasp that the game ball has been launched, so that it is possible to improve the convenience of the player. In addition, since the effect display integrated with the launch of the game ball increases the variation of the effect, it is possible to further improve the interest of the player.

[Composition of game board]
In the above-described embodiment, the entire game board base 14a is configured by a permeable member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used. An example of a specific configuration of the game board will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 16, the plurality of obstacle nails 13 and the like are omitted for easy understanding.

  For example, a part of the game board may be configured with a member that does not have permeability. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16A, the game board 314 is configured by combining a member 314a having permeability and a member 314b (for example, wood) having no flat permeability. May be. Of course, as shown in FIG. 16A, not only the member 314a having permeability and the member 314b having no permeability are simply combined, but also as shown in FIG. It is good also as a structure which couple | bonds the member 315a which has transparency so that it may surround with the member 315b which does not have permeability.

  For example, you may comprise so that the process which shields a part of game board which has permeability | transmittance may be performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 16C, a part 316b of the game board 316 having transparency may be painted with a color having light shielding properties. As a result, as shown by reference numeral 316a, it is possible to configure a game board 316 that is partially transparent. Of course, instead of coating, a blasting process or a light scattering process for forming a fine rough surface by sandpaper may be performed to make it appear as if visible light is scattered and light is emitted.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of control circuits including a main control circuit 60 as a game control means and a sub control circuit 200 as an effect control means are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the sub control circuit 200 and the main control circuit 60 may be configured on one board. That is, the game control means and the effect control means may be configured integrally.

  In the above-described embodiment, a digital pachinko gaming machine (first type pachinko gaming machine) has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second type pachinko gaming machine referred to as a wing or airplane type, right It may be a third type pachinko gaming machine called a thing, or another aspect.

  Furthermore, the effects described in the present specification are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the present specification. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. That is, the present invention provides a game board base formed of a translucent member, a game board formed of at least a game board base, a launching means for launching a game ball by a player's operation, and the game board base. A pair of rails for guiding the game balls launched by the launching means to a game area on the game board, a game ball guide path provided on the game board base and partitioned by the pair of rails, Provided behind the game board base, an effect display means for performing an effect display so as to be visible through the game board base, and an effect display control means for controlling the effect display with respect to the effect display means In the bullet ball game machine, the effect display control means controls the effect display to the effect display means so as to be visible through the game ball guide path. , The game board, firing means, a pair of rails, the effect display means, the effect display control means is, the specific configuration such as the unit such as fire control unit, which can be designed and changed.

It is a perspective view which shows the general view in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general view in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit which are comprised in the ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of the method of displaying an image in the ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of the method of displaying an image in the ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of the method of displaying an image in the ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display screen displayed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state transition of the control process performed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the game board in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit comprised in the bullet ball game machine of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the general view in the conventional bullet ball game machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ball game machine 11 Door 12 Main body frame 13 Obstacle nail 14 Game board 14a Game board base 15 Game area 26 Launching handle 32 Liquid crystal display device 32a Display area 33 Game ball guide path 40 Shutter 44 Start opening 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
68 Main ROM
70 Main RAM
86 Game display area 88 Game ball guideway display area 92 Special symbol 94 Normal symbol 95 Hermit crab image 96 Wave animation 116 Start winning ball sensor 120 Grand prize opening solenoid 200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
210 Work RAM
212 Image data processor 216 Image data ROM
250 Display control circuit

Claims (2)

A game board base formed of a translucent member;
A game board formed by at least a game board base; and
A launching means for launching a game ball by a player's operation;
A pair of rails provided on the game board base and guiding the game balls launched by the launching means to a game area on the game board;
A game ball guide path provided on the game board base and defined by the pair of rails;
Effect display means provided behind the game board base and performing an effect display so as to be visible through the game board base;
An effect display control means for controlling effect display with respect to the effect display means,
The said effect display control means controls the effect display with respect to the said effect display means so that visual recognition is possible via the said game ball guide path, The ball game machine characterized by the above-mentioned. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
Firing control means for driving and controlling the firing means;
The launch control means has a function of supplying a signal for launching a game ball to the launch means,
The effect display control means performs effect display control on the effect display means in accordance with a signal generated by the firing control means.

Images