JP2005261527A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine in which a game is suppressed from becoming monotonous and interest is remarkably improved. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 10 is provided with an outer frame 11 and an inner frame 12, and a front surface frame set 14 is provided so as to be freely opened and closed on the front surface side of the inner frame 12. A game board is mounted on the rear side of the front surface frame set 14 and a display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification images is provided on the game board. Then, in the case that a prescribed condition is established, a big winning state advantageous to a player is generated on condition that the identification images are established, stopped and displayed in a specified form at the display device. Also, the front surface frame set 14 is provided with a cross button 125 for scroll-displaying display images displayed at the display device. Then, when the player scrolls the display image by operating the cross button 125, a specified character latently set out of a display range on the basis of the establishmend of a specified latency condition is searched. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

  As a kind of gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine provided with a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols is known.

  In the pachinko machine, for example, in response to the game ball entering the start opening, the jackpot lottery is performed, the symbols are displayed in a variable display on the variable display device, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the symbols are displayed in a stop mode based on the lottery results. Is confirmed and stopped. Here, if the lottery result is a big hit, the symbol that has been variably displayed is fixed and stopped in a specific combination such as “777”, and a big hit state advantageous to the player occurs. When the big hit state occurs, the variable winning device is opened, and the player can acquire a large number of gaming balls as winning balls by putting the gaming balls into the variable winning device.

Further, in recent years, various display effects have been performed in variable display devices from the start of symbol variation until the symbol is stopped. Therefore, the player enjoys various display effects while expecting that a big hit state may be derived. For example, at a stage before the fixed stop with the specific combination, a so-called reach state is established, and various effects are performed during this period. Here, the reach state means that, for example, when there are three symbols, upper, middle, and lower, the symbols in the upper and lower symbols are stopped at “7” and “7”, respectively, and the middle symbol Is a state that still fluctuates. Under this state, when the symbol of the middle symbol row stops at “7”, the big hit state occurs. Therefore, during the reach state, the player plays the game while expecting the symbols to stop in a specific combination (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-111930 A

  However, the display effect performed in association with the variable display is performed once for each variable display. For this reason, the expectation that the player can hold often breaks at the end of each variation display. As a result, it is difficult for the player to enjoy the performance continuously for a longer time, and the interest for the player may be hindered. In this sense, further improvement of interest has been desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to suppress monotonization of the game in a gaming machine equipped with a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of identification images, and is further exciting. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be improved.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-mentioned purpose will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect etc. peculiar to the means to respond | correspond as needed are added.

Means 1. Display means capable of generating a display image in which at least a plurality of identification images vary, and capable of displaying the display image on a predetermined display unit;
A game state control means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that when the specific generation condition is satisfied, the identification image is confirmed and stopped in a specific manner on the display unit; A gaming machine,
An operation means electrically connected to the display means and provided so as to be operable by a player;
The display means includes
When the operation means is in an initial state, a display range to be displayed on the display unit is set to a predetermined initial reference position of the display image,
When the operation means is operated, the display image is scrolled and displayed on the display unit by displacing the display range according to the operation amount of the operation means.
When the specific latent condition is satisfied, the specific image is set to be latent outside the display range set at the initial reference position,
The player can scroll the display image by operating the operation means, and can determine the latent setting of the specific image,
Further, the display means is configured to continuously set the latent image of the specific image over a period in which the variation display of the identification image is performed a plurality of times,
A gaming machine that is configured to be able to change a display mode of a specific image to be latently set based on establishment of a specific change condition.

  According to the means 1, the player himself can scroll the display image by operating the operating means according to his / her own intention, and can determine the latent setting of a specific image (for example, a specific character image). . That is, a game such as searching for a specific image can be performed, and the player strengthens the consciousness that he is actively participating in the game. As a result, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and to further improve the interest.

  Furthermore, since it is configured so that the specific image can be set to be continuously hidden over a period in which the variation display of the identification image is performed a plurality of times, the problem that the production is interrupted at the end of each variation display is reduced. In addition, it is possible to perform an effect that the player is interested in for a longer period of time, and to dramatically improve the interest for the player. In addition, by changing the display mode of the specific image to be set latent, the monotony of the game can be suppressed, and further improvement of interest can be achieved.

  In recent years, in order to expect the arrival of a special gaming state, there is a gaming machine that performs a display effect so-called a continuous effect that gives relevance to the plurality of variable displays when the variable display is performed a plurality of times. However, if the continuous performance is performed with a predetermined probability regardless of the player's intention, the variation display when the continuous performance is not performed is less likely to reach the reach state and thus the special game state. There is a risk of giving such an impression to the player. As a result, there is a risk that the interest of the player may be reduced.

  In order to eliminate such problems, the player decides whether or not to perform the continuous performance, for example, by switching the execution mode and non-execution mode of the continuous performance to the player, and the execution mode is set. It can be considered that the player can see the continuous production only when the player is present. However, in such a configuration, when the execution mode is set, the above-described defects are always attached. Furthermore, when the player tries to watch the continuous effect only during a predetermined variation display, and the mode is switched in the middle of the variation, the display effect mode changes suddenly, and the continuous effect is unnatural. There is a risk of becoming.

  On the other hand, in this means, the specific image is not displayed on the display unit regardless of the player's intention, and only when the player wants to know whether or not the specific image is set. be able to. In other words, when the player does not want to know, it is not notified that the specific image is set. Therefore, even if the specific image is set, for example, even if it is an effect that suggests that the special gaming machine state (or reach state) will be entered before the special game state (or reach state) is reached. When the specific image is not set (displayed), the possibility of giving the player an impression that the degree of expectation of the subsequent production, for example, the degree of expectation reaching the reach state and thus the special game state is low is reduced. Can do.

  In addition, the display image mode is switched by mode switching or the like, and the identification image changes compared to a gaming machine in which the player can know only whether or not the specific image is set (displayed). There is no sudden switching of the display effect mode in the middle or the like, and the risk that the continuous effect becomes unnatural can be suppressed. That is, in this means, it is possible to confirm whether or not the specific image is set by scrolling the display screen, so that the variation display is interrupted while maintaining the variation display continuity of the identification image. A variety of display effects can be realized without making the player feel. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the display means to perform a sudden image switching process such as mode switching during the change of the identification image, and the processing burden on the display means can be reduced.

  In the above-mentioned means, the fact that “the specific image can be set to the latent state continuously over a period in which the variation display of the identification image is performed a plurality of times” means that after the identification image is confirmed and stopped, This also includes the meaning that the specific image can be latently set continuously until the change display is started (for example, while the demonstration screen is displayed on the display unit). In this case, the latent image of the specific image can be displayed by scrolling the display image by the player operating the operation means after the identification image is confirmed and stopped and before the next variable display is started. The setting can be determined.

  Further, the specific change condition may be satisfied for each variable display (for example, at the start timing of the variable display) or for each predetermined time, or the display mode of the specific image may be set for each variable display or for each predetermined time. A lottery to determine whether or not to change may be performed, and a specific change condition may be established based on the lottery result (the same applies to the following means).

  Next, in order to make it easier to understand the words and phrases in this means, a supplementary explanation will be given below. In addition, the following description content is the same also with the following means.

  The image is recognized visually and includes numbers, characters, symbols, designs, figures, background images, and the like.

  The display image is composed of various images and refers to an image (including an identification image) for one screen displayed on the entire display area (one screen) of the display unit. However, in a gaming machine in which a background image is displayed, the image displayed on the front side of the background image is displayed as usual, for example, the identification image is variably displayed as usual, on the back side thereof. The case where only the background image is scroll-displayed is also included in the display image being scroll-displayed. Therefore, “when the operation means is in the initial state, the display means sets a display range to be displayed on the display unit to a predetermined initial reference position of at least a part of the display image (background image), and When the operation means is operated, the display range is scrolled according to the operation amount of the operation means, and the background image is scrolled and displayed on the display unit. The specific image is set to be hidden at a position corresponding to the outside of the display range set as the initial reference position, and the player scrolls the background image by operating the operation means, It may be possible to determine the latent setting. The background image includes a meaning such as an image displayed behind the identification image, and is configured by one or a plurality of images. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display unit, a dot matrix (LED) display unit, and the like.

  The “display range” includes a meaning such as a display range corresponding to the display area of the display unit, and a display range having substantially the same shape as the display area (for example, a substantially rectangular display area) is conceivable.

  In addition, “the operation means is in the initial state” means, for example, “the operation means is in a non-operation state”, that is, “the operation means is not touched by the player” or “operation Meaning that "the means is located at a predetermined reference position" is included.

  The “latent” refers to a state in which the specific image is not displayed on the display unit and is hidden. That is, even if the “latency setting” is performed and the specific image is set outside the display range, the specific image is not displayed on the display unit when the display range is set at the initial reference position.

  In addition, as an example of the “specific mode”, a mode in which a plurality of identification images are arranged in a straight line in a specific combination can be given. Here, the specific combination includes a combination of identification images of the same type.

Mean 2. Display means capable of generating a display image in which at least a plurality of identification images vary, and capable of displaying the display image on a predetermined display unit;
A game state control means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that when the specific generation condition is satisfied, the identification image is confirmed and stopped in a specific manner on the display unit; A gaming machine,
An operation means electrically connected to the display means and provided so as to be operable by a player;
The display means includes
Image configuration information generating means for generating image configuration information defining at least the positions of various images;
Display range setting means for setting a display range to be displayed on the display unit in the image configuration information;
A display range displacing means for displacing a set position of the display range in accordance with an operation amount of the operating means when the operating means is operated;
Image data storage means for storing various image data;
Image generating means for generating a display image based on the image configuration information and the image data,
The display range setting means is configured to set the display range to an initial reference position when the operation means is in an initial state.
When the specific latent condition is satisfied, the image configuration information generating means sets the specific image latency by setting the arrangement position of the specific image outside the display range set as the initial reference position. Configured to do and
By operating the operation means by the player, at least a part of the display image can be scroll-displayed on the display unit to determine the latent setting of the specific image,
Further, the image configuration information generating means is configured to be able to set the latent image continuously over a period in which the variation display of the identification image is performed a plurality of times,
A gaming machine that is configured to be able to change a display mode of a specific image to be latently set based on establishment of a specific change condition.

  According to the means 2, the same effect as the means 1 can be obtained. Further, according to the present means, the range for generating the display image is limited by generating the image configuration information, setting the display range in the image configuration information, and generating the display image based on the display range. Thus, the burden of display processing can be reduced. The “at least part of the display image” includes an image displayed behind the identification image, that is, a so-called background image.

Means 3. Display means capable of generating a display image in which at least a plurality of identification images vary by superimposing a plurality of layers, and displaying the display image on a predetermined display unit;
A game state control means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that when the specific generation condition is satisfied, the identification image is confirmed and stopped in a specific manner on the display unit; A gaming machine,
An operation means electrically connected to the display means and provided so as to be operable by a player;
The display means includes
Image configuration information generating means for generating image configuration information defining at least arrangement positions of various images corresponding to the respective layers;
Display range setting means for setting the display range to be displayed on the display unit in the image configuration information corresponding to each layer;
A display range displacing unit capable of displacing a set position of the display range in the image configuration information corresponding to at least a specific layer according to an operation amount of the operating unit when the operating unit is operated;
Image data storage means for storing various image data;
Image generating means for generating a display image based on the image configuration information corresponding to each layer and the image data,
The display range setting unit is configured to set a display range in the image configuration information corresponding to the specific layer as an initial reference position when the operation unit is in an initial state.
When the specific latent condition is satisfied, the image configuration information generating means sets the position of the specific image outside the display range set as the initial reference position in the image configuration information corresponding to the specific layer. It is configured to set the latency of the specific image by setting,
By operating the operation means by the player, at least a part of the display image can be scroll-displayed on the display unit to determine the latent setting of the specific image,
Further, the image configuration information generating means is configured to be able to set the latent image continuously over a period in which the variation display of the identification image is performed a plurality of times,
A gaming machine that is configured to be able to change a display mode of a specific image to be latently set based on establishment of a specific change condition.

  According to the means 3, the same effects as those of the means 1 can be obtained. Furthermore, according to this means, by generating a display image with a plurality of layers, more complicated display processing can be realized, and more various display effects can be performed. The specific layer is a layer corresponding to the specific image. The “at least part of the display image” includes an image displayed behind the identification image, that is, a so-called background image.

  Means 4. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the display means is configured to be able to execute a series of controls in which the display mode of the specific image changes stepwise.

  According to the means 4, the display mode of the specific image changes stepwise, for example, the display mode of the specific image changes from the first mode to the second mode and from the second mode to the third mode. A series of control can be performed. Thereby, the effect of what is called a continuous production arises and the improvement of the further interest can be aimed at. In addition, the display mode of the specific image may be changed step by step when the specific change condition is satisfied for each variable display (for example, at the start timing of the variable display) or every predetermined time. Good. Also, a configuration is adopted in which a lottery is performed for determining whether or not to change the display mode of the specific image every variable display or every predetermined time, and the display mode of the specific image changes stepwise based on the lottery result It is good. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which determines by lottery for every fluctuation | variation display or for every predetermined time whether to perform said series of control. Note that “the display mode of the specific image changes stepwise” includes that the display mode change interval is short and changes almost continuously. In addition, the display unit may include an effect control unit capable of executing a series of controls in which the display mode of the specific image changes stepwise.

  Means 5. The game machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the change in the display mode of the specific image includes a change in the quantity of the specific image.

  According to the means 5 described above, it is possible to suppress the effect by changing the quantity of the specific images, and to further improve the interest. Examples of the plurality of specific images include so-called “school images” such as a school of fish. By adopting the swarm image, power is generated in the display effect (latent effect), and further enhancement of interest is achieved. Further, by changing the quantity, it is possible to make the player recognize the change in the display mode more clearly.

  Means 6. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the change in the display mode of the specific image includes a change in the type of the specific image.

  According to the means 6 described above, it is possible to enhance the effect by enhancing the effect by changing the type of the specific image. Further, by changing the type of the specific image, it is possible to make the player more clearly recognize the change in the display mode.

  Mean 7 The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the change in the display mode of the specific image includes a change in the operation mode of the specific image.

  According to the above-mentioned means 7, it is possible to enhance the effect by changing the operation mode of the specific image, and to further enhance the interest. Furthermore, by displaying the specific image in action, it is possible to make the player quickly notice the change in the display mode of the specific image.

  Means 8. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein the change in the display mode of the specific image includes a change in the color of the specific image.

  According to the means 8 described above, it is possible to enhance the effect by enhancing the effect by changing the color of the specific image. Further, by changing the color of the specific image, it is possible to make the player more clearly recognize the change in the display mode.

  Means 9. If the specific appearance condition is satisfied, the specific image is displayed on the display unit after the display mode of the identification image in the display image becomes a reach mode. 8. The gaming machine according to any one of 8.

  According to the means 9, when the specific appearance condition is established, after reaching the reach mode, the specific image that can be set to appear appears on the display unit. In other words, “if the specific appearance condition is satisfied, after the display mode of the identification image in the display image becomes a reach mode, the specific range is within the range of the display range set at the initial reference position. The image is set. " That is, when the specific appearance condition is satisfied, the specific image is displayed on the display unit even if the display range is at the initial reference position. Therefore, a specific image is set to be hidden, and a player who has visually recognized the specific image will be more interested in a game in which the specific image is scrolled to search for the specific image in order to play the game with the expectation that it will be in a reach mode. As a result, the interest will be further improved. In particular, when the specific appearance condition is satisfied, the specific latent condition is always satisfied, that is, when the specific image is displayed in the reach mode, the specific image is always set in the latent stage. If comprised in this way, it will correspond to the suggestion effect which suggests that the latent setting of a specific image will become a reach mode, and the said effect is improved more. For the purpose, when the specific appearance condition is satisfied, the latent image is set in the reach state after the latent condition is satisfied and the specific image is set to the latent state. The meaning is included. Of course, even when the specific image is set to be hidden, the specific image will not appear unless the specific appearance condition is satisfied or reach mode is reached. For example, “the display mode of the identification image in the display image is the reach mode” means, for example, that “the identification image that is stopped and displayed at a time when at least one of the identification images is variably displayed is the predetermined stop mode. As an example. Therefore, in the gaming machine in which a plurality of identification image sequences composed of a plurality of types of identification images are displayed in the display image and displayed in a variable manner for each identification image sequence, “one identification image sequence is displayed in a variable manner, The identification image stopped and displayed in the identification image sequence is in a predetermined stop mode ”. Here, as a predetermined stop mode, for example, a mode in which identification images of the same type are stopped and displayed in a straight line can be cited as an example. Further, the predetermined stop mode includes a stage before the identification image is confirmed and stopped in the specific mode, but the identification image is not necessarily determined and stopped in the specific mode thereafter.

Means 10. The gaming state control means includes
Gaming state lottery means for performing lottery as to whether or not to generate the special gaming state, triggered by the input of a detection signal from a specific detection means;
Variation pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of variation patterns with different degrees of expectation leading to the special gaming state as variation patterns to be executed at the time of variation display of the identification image;
A variation pattern determining means for determining the variation pattern to be executed in the variation display of the identification image according to the result of the lottery;
Each time the lottery is performed, an information group including at least the lottery result and the variation pattern is stored in each storage area, and the information group for a plurality of times is stored in a predetermined order. Reservation storage means that can be stored in,
The information group stored in the reservation storage means is sequentially read according to the predetermined order, and includes a change instruction means for instructing the display means based on the information group,
The display means includes
Configured to generate a display image in which the identification image varies based on the information group;
Latent pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of latent patterns with different degrees of expectation leading to the special gaming state as latent patterns to be executed when setting the latent of the specific image;
Variation pattern determination means for determining the type of the variation pattern received from the gaming state control means;
A latent pattern discriminating means capable of discriminating the type of latent pattern to be executed when setting the latency of the identification image,
In the case where the latent pattern of the specific image that is set to be latent is a latent pattern that is greater than or equal to a predetermined expectation level, in the case that the variation pattern in the reach mode is a variation pattern that is greater than or equal to a predetermined expectation level, The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the specific appearance condition is satisfied.

  According to the means 10, when the latent pattern of the specific image that is set to be latent is a latent pattern that is equal to or greater than a predetermined expectation, the variation pattern when reaching the reach mode is a variation pattern that is equal to or greater than the predetermined expectation. Otherwise, the specific appearance condition is not satisfied. That is, the specific image does not appear. The latent pattern means pattern information that specifies a difference in display mode of the specific image. Therefore, the latent pattern can be rephrased as a display mode pattern. In addition, the above “difference in expectation of reaching a special gaming state” means “different possibility of reaching a special gaming state”, “different probability of reaching a special gaming state”, “different ratio of reaching a special gaming state” This means that, for example, when a variation display of a predetermined variation pattern or a latent setting of a predetermined latent pattern is performed, the degree of expectation to reach a special gaming state is different. In other words, a high expectation level for reaching a special gaming state means that a ratio (probability, possibility) of reaching a special gaming state when a variation display of a predetermined variation pattern or a latent setting of a predetermined latent pattern is performed is high. Means. Of course, these expectations differ depending on differences in the appearance rate of a predetermined variation pattern and the appearance rate of a predetermined latent pattern set in advance.

  As an example of the above-described means 10, for example, the first latent pattern, the second latent pattern, and the third latent pattern are stored in the descending order of expectation as the latent pattern of the specific image. In the configuration in which the first variation pattern, the second variation pattern, and the third variation pattern are stored in descending order of expectation, when the latent pattern of the specific image that is set to be latent is the second latent pattern, the reach mode In the case where the variation pattern at the time is the first variation pattern or the second variation pattern, the specific appearance condition is satisfied. That is, after the display mode of the identification image becomes the reach mode, the specific image set with the second latent pattern is displayed on the display unit. On the other hand, when the variation pattern in the reach mode is the third variation pattern, the specific appearance condition is not satisfied. That is, the specific image does not appear. Further, instead of or in addition to the above-described aspect example, when the latent pattern of the specific image that is set to be latent is the first latent pattern, in the case where the variation pattern in the reach mode is the first variation pattern , The specific appearance condition is satisfied. That is, after the display mode of the identification image becomes the reach mode, the specific image set with the first latent pattern is displayed on the display unit. On the other hand, the specific appearance condition is not satisfied when the variation pattern in the reach mode is the second variation pattern or the third variation pattern. That is, the specific image does not appear.

  Therefore, since the latent setting of a specific image with a different display mode (latent pattern) can be a suggestive display of various variation patterns with different expectations, the relationship between the latent setting of the specific image and the variation display of the identification image is deepened. And, the improvement of interest can be further improved by the synergistic effect of both.

  In addition, “when triggered by the input of a detection signal from a specific detection means” means that, for example, in a ball game machine (such as a pachinko machine), the game ball is a predetermined entry means (such as a start opening). Triggered by entering the ball or operating a starting operation means (such as an operating lever) for starting variable display means such as a reel in a spinning-reel game machine (slot machine, etc.) It is mentioned as an example of an aspect. As a more detailed example of a ball game machine, a variable winning device is provided, and the entry of a game ball is detected in a predetermined ball entry means (such as a start opening) (a detection signal is input from a specific ball detection means) The identification image displayed on the display means is variably displayed on the display means, and is stopped and displayed after a predetermined time, and the special gaming state is generated when the stopped and displayed identification image is in a specific mode, Examples thereof include a ball game machine configured to open the variable winning device in a predetermined manner. Of course, when the lottery result indicating that the special game state is generated is obtained by the game state lottery means, the specific generation condition is satisfied.

  Means 11. 11. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein the operation means is configured so that a display image can be scroll-displayed in a plurality of directions.

  Examples of the operation means include a cross button (including a plurality of buttons arranged in a predetermined arrangement configuration), an operation lever, a slide bar that can be slid, A touch panel that can be operated by a player touching a predetermined member (panel member) provided corresponding to the display unit is conceivable.

  The basic configuration of various gaming machines to which the above means are applied is shown below.

  A. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine. As a more detailed mode example, “a launching operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, and a ball launching means (such as a launching motor) for playing and launching a game ball based on the operation of the launching operation means” And a ball path (ball guide path of the rail unit) for guiding the launched game ball to a predetermined game area, and each game component (general winning port, variable winning device, operating port) arranged in the game area, And a ball game machine equipped with a variable display unit or the like ”.

  B. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a bullet ball gaming machine having a gaming area extending in a substantially vertical direction. As a more detailed mode example, “a launching operation means (game ball launching handle) operated by a player, and a ball launching means (such as a launching motor) for playing and launching a game ball based on the operation of the launching operation means” A ball path (rail guide path of the rail unit) for guiding the fired game ball to a predetermined game area (for example, the game area is constituted by a game board surface) extending in a substantially vertical direction, and the game area A bullet ball game machine comprising each game component (general winning opening, variable winning device, operation opening, variable display unit, etc.) arranged so that the behavior of a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area can be visually recognized. ".

  C. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a ball game machine in which a game area is expanded. As a more detailed mode example, “a ball game machine including at least one of technical configurations for expanding a game area as compared with the prior art described in the embodiments of the invention to be described later” may be cited. .

  D. The gaming machine in each of the above means or each of the above ball game machines is a pachinko machine or a gaming machine equivalent to a pachinko machine.

  E. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a swivel type gaming machine. As a more detailed mode example, “an identification information string (specifically a reel, identification information is a symbol attached to the reel) composed of a plurality of identification information is displayed in a variable manner (specifically, a rotation of the reel). And a rotation type variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after the change, and the change of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the stop operation means (for example, the stop) A game that generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player when the change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the button) or when a predetermined time elapses and the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information It becomes a spinning cylinder type game machine provided with a state control means. It should be noted that in the spinning-type game machine, an identification image corresponding to the identification information (which may be a pseudo correspondence) is provided separately from the spinning-type variable display means including the reels and the like. As a display means that can be displayed, a configuration including the above-described “display means that can generate a display image in which at least a plurality of identification images fluctuate and can display the display image on a predetermined display unit” is given as an example.

  F. The gaming machine in each of the above means is a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a revolving type gaming machine are fused. As a more detailed mode example, “an identification information string (specifically a reel and identification information is a symbol attached to the reel) consisting of a plurality of identification information is displayed in a variable manner (specifically, a rotation of the reel). And a rotation type variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after the start, and the fluctuation of the identification information is started due to the operation of the start operation means (for example, the operation lever). The change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the button) or when a predetermined time elapses, and a special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated when the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information A game state control means, using a game ball as a game medium, requiring a predetermined number of game balls at the start of variation of the identification information, and generating a lot of games when a special game state occurs The gaming machine "in which a is configured such that are paid out. In addition, in such a gaming machine, it is provided separately from the rotary variable display means having the reels and the like, and an identification image corresponding to the identification information (may be a pseudo correspondence) can be displayed. As an example of the display means, a configuration including the above-described “display means capable of generating a display image in which at least a plurality of identification images fluctuate and displaying the display image on a predetermined display unit” is given as an example.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a “pachinko machine”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a front frame set 14 is opened and a lower plate unit 13 is removed with respect to an outer frame 11 and an inner frame 12 described later. It is. However, in FIG. 2, for the sake of convenience, a configuration in a game area on the surface of the game board 30 to be described later is shown in blank.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pachinko machine 10 as a gaming machine includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 is formed on one side of the outer frame 11. It is supported so that it can be opened and closed. The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. Therefore, the structure can be easily reused as compared with the conventional structure in which the plate members are assembled using nails and rivets. In this embodiment, the outer dimension of the outer frame 11 is 809 mm (inner dimension 771 mm), and the outer dimension in the left-right direction is 518 mm (inner dimension 480 mm).

  The inner frame 12 and the front frame set 14 are made of a synthetic resin, specifically, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By using a synthetic resin for molding both, it is possible to cope with a more complicated shape as compared with the case of using a metal material, and it is also possible to suppress an increase in production cost. Advantages of using ABS include a low production cost, strong viscosity, and high impact resistance compared to resin materials such as polycarbonate. In addition, for example, when a coating process such as plating is performed on a design surface such as the front side of the front frame set 14, the process is relatively easy to perform, and there is an advantage that a product with higher appearance quality can be manufactured.

  The opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically to the left side (opposite to the installation position of the handle 18 described later) when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and the inner frame is centered on the opening / closing axis. 12 can be opened to the front side. The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum.

  A lower tray unit 13 is attached to the inner frame 12 at the lowermost portion, and a front frame set 14 is attached to correspond to a range excluding the lower tray unit 13. The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 with a fastener such as a screw. The front frame set 14 is attached to the inner frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. Like the inner frame 12, the front frame set 14 is located on the front side with an open / close axis extending vertically to the left when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. It can be opened. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the front frame set 14 is removed from the pachinko machine 10 (however, in FIG. 3, the structure in the game area on the surface of the game board 30 is shown blank for convenience). Note that a rib R1 projects from the front side of the inner frame 12 at a periphery thereof (a portion corresponding to the front frame set 14). When the front frame set 14 is closed, the front frame set 14 is fitted into the rib R1. With this configuration, it becomes difficult to allow a wire or the like to enter from the gap between the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 and plays a role in preventing fraud.

  The lower tray unit 13 is provided with a lower tray 15 as a ball receiving tray at a substantially central portion, and the game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. Most of the lower dish unit 13 is formed of ABS resin like the inner frame 12, but the surface layer forming the lower dish 15 and the front panel 23 at the back of the lower dish are particularly flame retardant. Molded with ABS resin. For this reason, this part is difficult to burn. Reference numeral 24 denotes a sound output port from the speaker 249 (see FIG. 2), and reference numeral 25 denotes a ball release lever for discharging the game ball from the lower plate 15 downward.

  A game ball launching handle (hereinafter simply referred to as “handle”) 18 is disposed on the right side of the lower plate 15 so as to protrude to the front side. The handle 18 constitutes a firing operation means in this embodiment. That is, the handle 18 is positioned on the right side when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 on the side opposite to the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12, and a predetermined opening amount when the inner frame 12 is opened regardless of the protrusion of the handle 18. It can be secured. An ashtray 26 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The ashtray 26 has a so-called cantilever structure that is rotatably supported by a shaft rod (not shown) protruding leftward from the left side of the lower tray 15.

  On the other hand, an upper plate 19 serving as a ball receiving plate is provided above the lower plate 15. Here, the upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to the game ball launching device while aligning them in a line. The upper plate 19 is integrally formed with the glass frame portion that supports the glass in the front frame set 14. In the conventional pachinko machine, a front decorative frame that can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame below the glass frame is provided, and an upper plate is provided on the front decorative frame. Since the upper plate 19 is provided directly and integrally, even if the width of the frame portion of the front frame set 14 is relatively narrow as compared with the prior art, as will be described later, the front frame set 14 (glass frame portion) ) Can be ensured. Similar to the lower plate 15, the upper plate 19 has a structure in which the surface layer is formed of flame-retardant ABS resin.

  In FIG. 3, the inner frame 12 is mainly composed of a resin base 20 having a rectangular outer shape, and a substantially circular window hole 21 is formed at the center of the resin base 20. A game board 30 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the resin base 20. The game board 30 is made of a rectangular plywood and is attached in a state in which the peripheral edge thereof is in contact with the back side of the resin base 20 (inner frame 12). Accordingly, the substantially central portion of the front surface portion of the game board 30 is exposed to the front surface side of the inner frame 12 through the window hole 21 of the resin base 20. The game board 30 has a vertical length of 476 mm and a horizontal length of 452 mm (same size as before). The resin base 20 is provided with an opening detection sensor 22 that detects opening of the front frame set 14. Although not shown, an open detection switch for detecting the opening of the inner frame 12 is also provided.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 30 includes a general winning port 31, a variable winning device 32, a first opportunity corresponding port (starting port) 33, a second opportunity corresponding port (through gate) 34, a variable display unit 35, etc. It is disposed in a through hole formed by router processing, and is attached from the front side of the game board 30 with a wood screw or the like. As is well known, a game ball enters the general winning opening 31, the variable winning apparatus 32, and the first opportunity corresponding opening 33, and a predetermined number of prizes are given to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15) by the output of a detection switch described later. The ball is paid out. In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered the various winning units (winning device, winning port, first opportunity corresponding port 33, etc.) pass through the out port 36. Then, it is guided toward a ball discharge path (not shown). A number of nails are planted on the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (functions) such as the windmill 27 are arranged.

  The variable display device unit 35 is identified with a second symbol display device 41 that variably displays the second symbol triggered by the passage of the second trigger corresponding port 34 and a winning at the first trigger corresponding port 33 as a predetermined trigger. A first symbol display device 42 (special symbol display device) for variably displaying the first symbol (special symbol) as an image is provided. The second symbol display device 41 (ordinary symbol display device) includes a display portion 43 for a second symbol (ordinary symbol) and a holding lamp 44, and each time a game ball passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, for example, When the display symbol (second symbol) by the display unit 43 fluctuates and the variation display stops at a predetermined symbol, the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is configured to be in an activated state (opened) for a predetermined time. . When a game ball newly passes through the second opportunity corresponding port 34 during the second symbol variation display on the display unit 43 of the second symbol display device 41, the variation variation display of the second symbol is It is configured to be performed after the end of the variable display performed at the time. That is, the variable display is on standby (held). The maximum number of the variable display to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, but in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the hold number is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 44. Yes. However, the maximum number of holding times is not limited to this. For example, the maximum hold count may be set to 8 in order to wait for the second symbol variation display for 8 times. The display unit 43 may be configured to be variably displayed by a part of the first symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) in addition to the configuration to be variably displayed by switching lighting of a plurality of lamps. . Similarly, the hold lamp 44 may be configured to be variably displayed on a part of the first symbol display device 42.

  The first symbol display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 45 described later. Accordingly, the first symbol display device 42 and the display control device 45 constitute display means in the present embodiment. On the display unit 42a of the first symbol display device 42, for example, three symbol rows (identification image rows) of upper, middle and lower are displayed. Each symbol row is composed of a plurality of types of symbols (identification images), and these symbols are variably displayed on the display unit 42a of the first symbol display device 42 for each symbol row. That is, the display control device 45 generates a display image in which a plurality of identification images fluctuate, and displays the display image on the display unit 42 a of the first symbol display device 42. In the present embodiment, the first symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) includes a large liquid crystal display of 8 inches. The variable display device unit 35 is provided with a center frame 47 so as to surround the first symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is in an open state in which a game ball is likely to win in a big hit (occurrence of a special game state) and a normal closed state. It is designed to be operated repeatedly. More specifically, when a game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33, the symbols are displayed in a variable manner on the first symbol display device 42, and the confirmed symbol after the stop is a combination of specific symbols set in advance. As a necessary condition, a special gaming state (a big hit state) advantageous to the player occurs. The large winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is in a predetermined open state, and the game ball is configured to be in a state where it is easy to win a prize (a big hit state). Specifically, the passage of a predetermined time or a predetermined number of winnings is defined as one round, and the big winning opening of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times. When a new game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33 during the symbol variation display of the first symbol display device 42, the symbol variation display for that time is the end of the symbol variation display being performed at that time. The configuration is performed later. That is, the symbol variation display is on standby (reserved, suspended, stored). Although the maximum number of symbol variation displays to be held is determined for each model of the pachinko machine, in this embodiment, it is held up to 4 times, and the number of times of holding is lit and displayed by the hold lamp 46. ing. However, the maximum number of holding times is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of suspensions may be set to 8 in order to wait for 8 symbol fluctuation displays. Note that the hold lamp 46 may be configured so as to be variably displayed on a part of the first symbol display device 42.

  Further, the game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game balls launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30, and the game balls launched by the turning operation of the handle 18. Are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is formed of a ring-shaped resin molded product, and includes an inner rail constituent part (inner rail part) 51 and an outer rail constituent part (outer rail mounting part) 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. Have. The inner rail constituting portion 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 of the upper portion. Further, the outer rail constituting portion 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side portion) faces the inner rail constituting portion 51. In such a case, the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 mainly constitute a guide rail, and each of the rail constituting portions 51 and 52 is guided by a ball by a portion (left portion toward the left) that is parallel with a predetermined interval. A passage is formed. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 (the upper left portion in FIG. 4). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide passage between the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 to the upper portion of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide passage again. It is like that. Further, a return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail constituting portion 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (upper right portion in FIG. 4: a portion corresponding to the tip portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52). . Therefore, the game ball launched at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is returned to, for example, the substantially central portion side of the game board 30. On the inner side surface of the outer rail constituting portion 52, a sliding plate 55 is attached as a long metal strip made of stainless steel so that the flight of the game ball is smoother. In the present embodiment, the outer rail constituting portion 52 and the sliding plate 55 constitute a so-called conventional outer rail. Then, by making the inner and outer rail components 51 and 52 and the sliding plate 55 into a unit as the rail unit 50, the mounting operation becomes easier and the workability is improved as compared with the conventional configuration in which the inner and outer rails are separately provided.

  An arc-shaped flange 56 projecting outward is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30. When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, the flange 56 is brought into contact with the game board 30, and in this state, fixing means such as screws NJ are inserted into the plurality of through holes formed in the flange 56. Thus, the rail unit 50 can be fastened to the game board 30. Further, in the present embodiment, the top, bottom, left, and right ends of the rail unit 50 are formed substantially linearly (flatly) when viewed from the front. That is, the flange 56 is cut off at each of the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the rail unit 50, so that the rail diameter can be expanded in a limited area in the pachinko machine 10, that is, the game area on the game board 30 can be expanded. ing. The lower left flange 56 uses more fixing means than the other parts (upper left, upper right and lower right flanges 56). This is for fixing the positions of the guide rail and the ball guide passage to more appropriate positions, whereby the game ball launched from the game ball launching device is more stably guided to the upper part of the game board 30. In addition, the rail unit 50 can be more firmly fixed by increasing the number of fixing means, and even if distortion occurs when the rail unit 50 is molded, there is an effect of absorbing the distortion.

  A convex portion 57 is formed at the entrance of the spherical guide passage between the inner rail constituting portion 51 and the outer rail constituting portion 52 so as to close a part of the spherical guide passage. This convex portion 57 is provided in a substantially vertical direction from the inner rail constituting portion 51 to the lower end portion of the rail unit 50, and a foul ball that does not reach the game area and flows backward in the ball guide passage is used as a foul ball passage 63 (see FIG. 3). ). Note that the lower right corner and the lower left corner of the game board 30 are spaces for attaching seals and plates (S1, S2 in the figure) such as certificate stamps, in order to secure this attachment space. Notches 58 and 59 are formed in the flange 56.

  Next, the game area will be described. The game area is partitioned and formed in a substantially circular shape by the inner periphery (inner and outer rail components 51 and 52) of the rail unit 50. In particular, in this embodiment, the game area partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30 is It is much larger than before. In the present embodiment, the distance between the uppermost point of the outer rail component 52 and the lower part of the game board 30 is 445 mm (58 mm longer than the conventional product), and the inner rail component 51 has a distance from the extreme left position of the outer rail component 52. The distance to the extreme right position is 435 mm (50 mm longer than the conventional product). The distance from the extreme left position of the inner rail component 51 to the extreme right position of the inner rail component 51 is 418 mm.

  In the present embodiment, when the game area is viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, a guide rail that is a parallel part of the inner and outer rail constituting parts 51 and 52 in the area surrounded by the inner rail constituting part 51 and the outer rail constituting part 52. This area is excluded from the above area. Therefore, since the game area does not include the guide rail portion, the left limit position toward the game area is specified not by the outer rail component 52 but by the inner rail component 51. Similarly, the right limit position toward the game area is specified by the inner rail constituting unit 51. The lower limit position of the game area is specified by the lower end position of the game board 30. Further, the upper limit position of the game area is specified by the outer rail component 52.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the width of the game area (maximum width in the left-right direction) is 418 mm, and the height of the game area (maximum width in the vertical direction) is 445 mm.

  Here, the width of the gaming area is preferably at least 380 mm. More preferably, it is 390 mm or more, 400 mm or more, 410 mm or more, 420 mm or more, 430 mm or more, 440 mm or more, 450 mm or more, and further 460 mm or more. Of course, it may be 470 mm or more. That is, the width of the game area is preferably as large as possible from the viewpoint of expanding the game area. The height of the game area is preferably at least 400 mm. More preferably, it is 410 mm or more, 420 mm or more, 430 mm or more, 440 mm or more, 450 mm or more, and more preferably 460 mm or more. Of course, it is good also as 470 mm or more, 480 mm or more, and 490 mm or more. That is, the width of the game area is preferably as large as possible from the viewpoint of expanding the game area. In addition, about the combination of the said width | variety and height, it is good also as what combined the said numerical value arbitrarily.

  In the present embodiment, the ratio of the area of the game area to the surface of the game board 30 is about 70%, which is a much larger area ratio than before. Note that the area ratio of the game area to the surface of the game board 30 is only about 50% in the past, so it can be said that the game area is considerably expanded on the premise that the game board 30 is shared. It should be noted that the external shape of the pachinko machine 10 is almost uniform among manufacturers for the convenience of installation in the game hall, and in the situation where the size of the game board 30 must be the same, the surface of the game board 30 as described above. Increasing the ratio of the area of the gaming area to about 20% is very significant from the viewpoint of expanding the gaming area. Here, the ratio is preferably at least 60% or more. More preferably, it is 65% or more, More preferably, it is 70% or more. Further, if it is 75% or more exceeding the case of this embodiment, it is more desirable. Furthermore, it may be 80% or more.

  Moreover, the ratio of the area of the game area to the area of the front side of the entire pachinko machine 10 is about 40%, which is a much larger area ratio than before. The area ratio of the game area to the area on the front side of the entire pachinko machine 10 is desirably 35% or more. Of course, it may be 40% or more, 45% or more, or 50% or more.

  In addition, the 2nd opportunity corresponding | compatible opening 34 located in the both sides of the variable display apparatus unit 35 has a guide mechanism in which the game ball which passed this 2nd opportunity corresponding | compatible opening 34 is approached toward the center. As a result, even when the game area is expanded in the left-right direction, the game ball can be guided toward the first first opportunity corresponding port 33 and the variable winning device 32. By expanding, it is possible to suppress a decrease in interest due to difficulty in winning a game ball. Furthermore, the game area is expanded in the left-right direction, so that the second opportunity corresponding port 34, the windmill 27, a plurality of nails (guide nails for guiding the game ball to the center), and various other objects are arranged. The behavior of the game ball in the game areas on the left and right sides of the variable display device unit 35 can be made more interesting. In addition, since the gaming area is also expanded in the vertical direction, the second opportunity corresponding port 34, the windmill 27, a plurality of nails, and other accessories can be arranged in various ways. The behavior of the game ball can be made even more interesting.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 3, in the resin base 20, below the window hole 21 (game board 30), a launch rail 61 for guiding the game ball immediately after being launched from the game ball launcher is attached. Yes. The firing rail 61 is fixedly attached to the resin base 20 integrally with the metal plate 62 behind the firing rail 61, and is configured to extend linearly at a predetermined firing angle (launch angle). Accordingly, the game ball that is launched in accordance with the turning operation of the handle 18 is first launched obliquely upward along the launch rail 61 and then guided to a predetermined game area through the ball guide passage of the rail unit 50 as described above. It is like that.

  In the case of this pachinko machine 10, it has already been described that the game area is greatly expanded compared to the conventional case, but under such a configuration, the curvature of the guide rail must be reduced, so that the launch ball is stabilized. Need some ingenuity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the launch position of the game ball is lowered, the inclination angle (launch angle) of the launch rail 61 is made somewhat larger than the existing one (that is, the launch rail 61 is raised), and the launch rail is further increased. The length of 61 is made longer than the existing one so as to ensure a sufficiently long ball guiding distance. Thereby, the game ball launched from the game ball launching device can be guided to the guide rail in a more stable state. In this case, in particular, the launch rail 61 is formed so as to extend from the launch position of the game ball launcher to a position beyond the center position (out port 36) in the left-right direction of the game area. In addition, since the launch rail 61 has the above-described configuration, in this embodiment, the metal plate 62 is also relatively larger than the conventional one, and the number of fixing means for fixing the metal plate 62 is larger than the conventional one.

  In addition, there is a predetermined gap between the firing rail 61 and the rail unit 50 (guide rail), and a foul ball passage 63 is formed below the gap. Therefore, if the game ball fired from the game ball launching device does not reach the return ball prevention member 53 and returns to the inside of the guide rail as a foul ball, the foul ball passes through the foul ball path 63 to the lower plate 15. To be discharged. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the length of the firing rail 61 is about 240 mm, and the length of the gap at the tip of the firing rail (the length on the extension line of the firing rail 61) is about 40 mm.

  When the foul sphere flows backward in the guide rail, most of the foul sphere flows along the outer rail constituting portion 52 and drops downward when reaching the lower end portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52. May be ramped in the guide rail and jump to the inner rail component 51 side. At this time, the splashed foul ball hits the convex portion 57 at the entrance of the ball guide passage and is guided to the foul ball passage 63. Thereby, all of the foul balls are surely guided to the foul ball passage 63. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

  Although detailed disclosure of the drawings is omitted, one game ball is supplied to the game ball launching device one by one from the ball outlet on the front frame set 14 side (ball outlet leading from the most downstream portion of the upper plate 19). At this time, since the launch position of the game ball is lowered in this embodiment, a drop from the exit of the ball on the front frame set 14 side to the launch position becomes large, but the right side and the near side of the launch rail 61 are near the base end portion. Guide members 65 and 66 are provided on the sides. Thereby, the game ball supplied from the ball exit on the front frame set 14 side is always set at a predetermined launch position, and a stable launch operation can be realized. Further, the game ball launching device is provided with a hitting ball, and the game ball is shot with the rotation of the hitting ball around the shaft portion. However, the weight reduction of the hitting ball is desired. Therefore, while aiming to reduce the weight of the hitting ball by changing the material to light metal such as aluminum and reducing the size of the shaft, the head of the hitting ball (on the opposite side of the shaft) is secured to ensure sufficient firing force. A weight is provided at the end. Thereby, sufficient and stable launch of the game ball can be realized. By providing the weight portion of the hitting ball projecting upward, the hitting ball can be easily picked up or caught, and it is easy to adjust the hitting ball strength of the tip.

  In addition, the code | symbol 67 in FIG. 3 is the discharge port connected to the upper plate 19, and a game ball is discharged to the upper plate 19 through this discharge port 67. FIG. An open / close shutter 68 is attached to the discharge port 67. Although detailed disclosure of the drawings is omitted, the shutter 68 is rotatable about the shaft portion provided along the lower side portion thereof, and is in a state where the front frame set 14 is opened (state of FIG. 3). The shutter 68 substantially closes the discharge port 67 by a biasing force such as a spring. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the shutter 68 is pushed open by a ball passage rod 69 (see FIG. 2) provided on the back surface of the front frame set 14. Note that the game ball is discharged to the lower plate 15 in the opened state of the front frame set 14. Therefore, as described above, in the pachinko machine 10 configured such that the upper plate 19 is directly provided with respect to the front frame set 14, the game balls in the payout passage and the like are spilled off when the front frame set 14 is opened. Can be prevented.

  The resin base 20 is provided with a substantially rectangular small window 71 at the lower right portion of the window hole 21. Accordingly, a seal or the like (S1 in FIG. 4) stretched at the lower right corner of the game board 30 can be viewed through the small window 71. It is also possible to affix the above-mentioned sticker or the like from this small window 71.

  Further, the resin base 20 is provided with a substantially rectangular small window 72 at the upper left of the window hole 21, and a substantially rectangular hole 73 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the small window 72 is also formed in the upper left part of the game board 30. Reference) is provided. Various electrical wirings (not shown) connected to the electric decorations 102 and 103 of the front frame set 14 to be described later are led from the back side of the pachinko machine 10 through the small window 72 and the hole 73.

  Further, support brackets 81 and 82 are attached to the left end portion of the inner frame 12 in FIG. 3 as a support mechanism for the front frame set 14. The upper support fitting 81 is provided with a support hole 83 having a notch on the front side of the figure, and the lower support fitting 82 is provided with a protruding shaft 84 protruding in the vertical direction.

  The inner frame 12 is provided with grounding metal fittings E1 and E2 (see FIG. 3). The grounding metal fittings E1 and E2 are connected to predetermined metal parts on the back side of the inner frame 12. Then, in a state where the front frame set 14 is closed, the grounding metal fittings E1 and E2 are short-circuited by coming into contact with reinforcing plates 131 and 132 described later.

  Next, the front frame set 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the front frame set 14. The front frame set 14 is formed with a substantially elliptical window 101 so that most of the game area can be viewed from the outside. Specifically, the window portion 101 has a shape in which a substantially central portion on the left and right sides is curved relatively gently as compared with the upper and lower sides. The substantially central portion may be linear. In the present embodiment, the distance between the upper end of the window portion 101 (the uppermost portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52 and the upper end of the game area) and the upper end of the front frame set 14 (so-called upper and lower width of the upper frame portion) is 61 mm. It is significantly shorter than the prior art having an upper frame width of about 85 mm to 95 mm. As a result, the upper area of the game area can be easily secured, and the large-sized variable display device unit 35 can be arranged relatively upward. The distance between the upper end of the front frame set 14 is desirably 80 mm or less, more desirably 70 mm or less, and further desirably 60 mm or less. Of course, as long as a predetermined strength can be ensured, it may be 50 mm or less.

  Further, the shortest distance between the left end of the window portion 101 and the left end of the front frame set 14 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (the left-right width of the so-called left side frame portion: shown on the right side in FIG. 5), The frame width on the opening / closing axis side is set to be relatively large in order to increase the strength and support strength of the front frame set 14 itself. In this case, as apparent from comparison between FIGS. 1 and 3, in the state where the front frame set 14 is closed, not only the left end portion of the outer rail constituting portion 52 but also the left end portion of the inner rail constituting portion 51 is Covered by the left frame. That is, at least a part of the guide rail overlaps and is covered with the left frame portion of the front frame set 14 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. Even if it becomes difficult to visually recognize the game ball in this way, it is only a passing point where the game ball is guided to the game area, and it is difficult to see the game ball in the game area where the player mainly enjoys the game. It doesn't mean. Therefore, there is no trouble in actual game. Moreover, while such a trouble does not arise, sufficient intensity | strength and support strength of the front frame set 14 are securable. Incidentally, the distance in the left-right direction between the left end position of the outer rail component 52 and the left end position of the outer frame 11 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 is 21 mm, and the right end position of the game area (the right end position of the inner rail component 51). The distance in the left-right direction from the right end position of the outer frame 11 is 44 mm.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around the front frame set 14 (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state at the time of big hit or predetermined reach. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and at the center of the annular illumination portion 102 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, Similarly, a central illumination unit 103 having a built-in light emitting means such as an LED is provided. In the pachinko machine 10, the central illumination unit 103 functions as a jackpot lamp, and lights and blinks when the jackpot is informed that the jackpot is being hit. Further, an upper plate illumination part 104 that also includes a light emitting means such as an LED is provided around the upper plate 19. In addition, on the left and right sides of the central illumination unit 103, there are provided a prize ball lamp 105 that is lit during the payout of a prize ball and an error display lamp 106 that is lit when a predetermined error occurs. Further, a small window 107 to which a transparent resin is attached is provided so as to be able to visually recognize a part of the inner frame 12 surface, the game board 30 surface, and the like so as to be adjacent to the lower end portion of the annular illumination portion 102.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. If the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated in a state where a bill or a card is inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. . The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. It should be noted that the ball rental operation unit 120 is not necessary for a pachinko machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine is achieved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a cross button 125 as an operation means is provided on the left side of the upper plate 19. Then, by operating the cross button 125, the display image of the first symbol display device 42 can be scrolled as will be described later.

  Various reinforcing members made of metal are provided on the back side of the front frame set 14 so as to surround the window portion 101. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, reinforcing plates 131, 132, 133, and 134 are respectively attached to the back side of the front frame set 14 and on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the window portion 101. These reinforcing plates 131 to 134 are connected in contact with each other, but resin parts 135 for avoiding direct contact are interposed at the connecting portions of the left and upper reinforcing plates 132 and 133 in the drawing. That is, in the reinforcing plates 131 to 134, electricity is prevented from passing in an annular shape due to the insulating effect of the resin part 135. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the magnetic field by the loop of a noise in the reinforcement boards 131-134 and cyclic | annular electricity supply can be suppressed.

  The right reinforcing plate 131 in FIG. 5 is provided with an engaging claw 131a having a hook shape at an intermediate position thereof. The engaging claw 131a is a hole portion of the inner frame 12 with the front frame set 14 closed. 12a (refer FIG. 3 etc.) is comprised. With this configuration, the front frame set 14 is configured to include the upper plate 19, and even if the upper and lower pivot support positions are extended, the front frame set 14 can be prevented from being lifted at the intermediate position. Therefore, an illegal act or the like floating the front frame set 14 is suppressed.

  The lower reinforcing plate 134 is provided with a resin rail side wall member 136 at a position facing the firing rail 61 (see FIG. 3). The rail side wall member 136 becomes the side wall of the firing rail 61 when the front frame set 14 is closed. Therefore, the game ball is prevented from spilling from the launch rail 61.

  The reinforcing plates 131 to 134 described above also have a function as a metal frame for supporting the glass, and a part of the reinforcing plates 131 to 134 is folded back to form a glass holding groove. The glass holding grooves are formed in two rows on the front and rear sides, and a pair of front and rear glasses 137 having a rectangular shape are held in each glass holding groove. Thereby, the two glass 137 is attached to the front and back at a predetermined interval.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment is designed to expand the game area. Therefore, when the front frame set 14 is closed, the guide rail formed by the inner and outer rail components 51 and 52 is used. A part is covered with the front frame set 14. Therefore, in the guide rail, a portion where the open side on the front side cannot be covered with the glass 137 is formed. In such a case, for example, when the game ball launched from the game ball launching device returns without reaching the return ball prevention member 53, the game ball spills out (jumps out) from the guide rail, and the outer rail component 52 There is a risk of being caught between the glass 137 and the like. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rail cover 140 for covering the front side open portion of the guide rail is attached to the front frame set 14.

  The rail cover 140 is a substantially flat plate having a substantially arc shape, and is formed of a transparent resin. The rail cover 140 has an arc shape corresponding to the shape of the guide rail, and covers the section from the base end portion of the guide rail to the vicinity of the tip end portion along the peripheral edge of the window portion 101. It is attached to the back side of the set 14. In particular, the dimensions and shape of the rail cover 140 on the inner diameter side substantially match those of the inner rail constituting portion 51. When the rail cover 140 is attached, the surface side of the rail cover 140 is in contact with the glass 137. When the front frame set 14 is closed, the back surface of the rail cover 140 covers almost the entire area of the guide rail. Thereby, the collision of the game ball with the glass 137 can be prevented in most sections of the guide rail. Therefore, adverse effects such as breakage due to contact with the glass 137 can be suppressed.

  Further, a portion where the guide rail protrudes from the side edge portion of the glass 137 is provided at the right end portion of the rail cover 140 (that is, the portion which becomes the right end in the state of FIG. 5 where the rail cover 140 is attached to the front frame set 14). A covering portion 141 for covering is provided. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such that the game ball spills out of the guide rail (jumps out) or gets caught between the outer rail component 52 and the glass 137.

  Further, on the back side of the rail cover 140, a ridge 142 is formed that extends in an arc along the inner edge of the rail cover 140 and protrudes toward the front side of FIG. The ridge 142 is configured to substantially overlap the inner rail constituting portion 51 in a state of entering the guide rail in a state where the front frame set 14 is closed. Therefore, for example, even if a wire or the like is invaded from the gap between the front frame set 14 and the inner frame 12 to perform a fraud, it is very difficult to infiltrate the wire or the like into the game area inside the guide rail. Become. As a result, fraudulent acts performed using a wire or the like can be prevented. In addition, it is good also as a structure which forms the protrusion 142 in a wider range, for example along the whole region of the inner edge of the rail cover 140. According to this structure, it becomes difficult to infiltrate a wire etc. in a wider range, a wire etc. It is possible to more reliably prevent fraud performed using

  Further, support metal fittings 151 and 152 are attached to the right end portion of the front frame set 14 in FIG. 5 (left end portion when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10) as a support mechanism for the inner frame 12. Therefore, the front frame set 14 can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 by assembling the support brackets 151 and 152 on the front frame set 14 side to the support brackets 81 and 82 (see FIG. 3) on the inner frame 12 side. It comes to be installed. Here, the support mechanism will be described in more detail based on the relationship between the support fittings 81 and 82 and the support fittings 151 and 152. The support fitting 151 has a substantially rod shape, and the upper diameter is larger than the lower diameter. The width of the cutout of the support hole 83 is narrower than the thickness of the upper portion of the support fitting 151 and wider than the thickness of the lower portion. As a mounting procedure for the front frame set 14, first, the lower portion of the support fitting 151 is inserted into the support hole 83 through the notch, and then the support fitting 152 is inserted into the protruding shaft 84 of the support fitting 82. Then, by positioning the upper portion of the support fitting 151 corresponding to the notch position, the support fitting 151 is not detached from the support hole 83, and the mounting of the front frame set 14 is completed.

  The locking mechanism of the front frame set 14 is integrated with the locking mechanism of the inner frame 12, and the main body of the integrated locking mechanism G1 (see FIG. 6) is provided on the back side of the inner frame 12. It has been. Therefore, in FIG. 3, only the locking claws T1 and T2 protruding from the locking mechanism G1 to the front side of the inner frame 12 are shown. Then, the locking claws T1 and T2 are locked to the back side of the front frame set 14, whereby the front frame set 14 is locked.

  Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

  First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10, various control boards are arranged on the back side (actually the back side of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30) so as to be arranged vertically or horizontally, or to be stacked in front and back, A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back of the game board 30. Yes. In this case, the main board and the sound lamp control board are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board, launch control board, and power supply board are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”, and the latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”.

  Further, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203” here. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be detachable without using any tools or the like in units of units. It is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check a hidden configuration or the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one behind the other.

  Actually, the units 201 to 203 are arranged and attached as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. In FIG. 7, the first control board unit 201 having a substantially L-shape is arranged at substantially the center of the pachinko machine 10, and the second control board unit 202 is arranged therebelow. Further, the back pack unit 203 is arranged in a region partially overlapping the first control board unit 201.

  Specifically, the first control board unit 201 is provided with a support shaft part M1 at the left end portion when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the first control board unit 201 is centered on the axis A by the support shaft part M1. It can be opened and closed. Further, the first control board unit 201 is provided with a fastening portion M2 made of a ny latch or the like at the right end portion thereof (that is, the side opposite to the support shaft portion, more specifically, the open end side), and the locking claw portion M3 at the upper end portion. The first control board unit 201 is fixedly held with respect to the machine body by the fastening part M2 and the locking claw part M3.

  Further, the second control board unit 202 is provided with a support shaft part M4 at the right end when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the second control board unit 202 opens and closes around the axis B by the support shaft part M4. It is possible. Further, the second control board unit 202 is provided with a fastening portion M5 made of a ny latch or the like at the left end portion thereof (that is, the side opposite to the support shaft portion, more specifically, the open end side). 2 The control board unit 202 is fixedly held with respect to the machine body.

  Further, the back pack unit 203 is provided with a support shaft portion M6 at the right end when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the back pack unit 203 can be opened and closed around the axis C by the support shaft portion M6. Yes. Further, the back pack unit 203 is provided with a fastening portion M7 made of a ny latch or the like at the left end portion thereof (that is, the side opposite to the support shaft portion, more specifically, the open end side), and corresponds to the upper end portion and the lower end portion, respectively. Rotating locking parts M8 and M9 are provided (on the machine body side), and the back pack unit 203 is fixedly held to the machine body by these fastening parts M7 and locking parts M8 and M9. Yes.

  In this case, the development directions of the units 201 to 203 are not the same, and the first control board unit 201 opens to the left when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, whereas the second control board unit 202 and the back pack unit. 203 is configured to open to the right.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the configuration of the game board 30 assembled to the inner frame 12. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner frame 12 as viewed from the rear. Here, the back side structure of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

  The game board 30 is installed in a rectangular frame-shaped installation area surrounded by the resin base 20 so as not to drop off by a plurality of (four in this embodiment) locking fixtures 211 and 212 provided on the inner frame 12. It is fixed to. The locking fixtures 211 and 212 can be manually rotated to switch between a fixed position (lock position) and a fixed release position (unlock position). FIG. 8 shows a locked state. The locking fixtures 211 at the three left and right sides of the game board 30 are L-shaped metal fittings formed by bending metal pieces, and are configured not to protrude outwardly from the inner frame 12 when the game board 30 is fixed. Note that the locking fixture 212 at one lower portion of the game board 30 is an I-shaped fastener made of resin.

  A variable display device unit 35 is disposed in the center of the game board 30. In the variable display device unit 35, a frame cover 213 made of resin (for example, made of ABS) that covers the center frame 47 (see FIG. 3) from behind is provided to protrude rearward, and at the rear end of the frame cover 213, The 1st symbol display apparatus 42 and the display control apparatus 45 which are liquid crystal display devices are attached so that attachment or detachment is possible in the state piled up back and forth. In the frame cover 213, an LED control board for driving LEDs and the like built in the center frame 47 are disposed.

  A back frame set 215 is attached to the back surface of the game board 30 so as to surround the variable display device unit 35. The back frame set 215 is a thin resin-molded product (for example, made of ABS) provided so as to stick to the back surface of the game board 30, and a game ball collecting mechanism for collecting game balls won in various winning openings. Is formed. Specifically, below the back frame set 215, corresponding to the game board opening of the above-described general winning opening 31, variable winning apparatus 32, first opportunity corresponding opening 33 (see FIG. 3 respectively) and 1 on the downstream side. A collection passage 216 that collects at a place is formed. In addition, a discharge passage board 217 made of resin (for example, made of polycarbonate resin) is also attached to the inner frame 12 below the game board 30, and discharge balls are sent to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 in the discharge passage board 217. A discharge passage 218 for guiding is formed. Therefore, as illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 8, all the game balls won in the general winning opening 31 etc. gather through the collection passage 216 of the back frame set 215, and further the discharge passage 218 of the discharge passage board 217. Through the pachinko machine 10. In addition, the out port 36 (see FIG. 3) similarly communicates with the discharge passage 218, and the game balls that have not won any prize opening are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 through the discharge passage 218.

  In the above configuration, with the lower end surface of the game board 30 as a boundary, a back frame set 215 (collection passage 216) is provided above, and a discharge passage board 217 (discharge passage 218) is provided below. The game board 30 is provided without overlapping (overlapping) in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when removing the game board 30 from the inner frame 12, there is no inconvenience that the discharge passage board 17 prevents the game board from being removed.

  The discharge passage board 217 is provided just behind the upper plate 19 on the front surface of the pachinko machine. A wire or the like is inserted from a ball discharge port (ball passage rod 69 in FIG. 2) leading to the upper plate 19, An illegal act of causing a wire or the like to enter the game area side through a gap between the inner frame 12 and the discharge passage board 217 can be considered. Accordingly, in the pachinko machine 10, a plate 219 extending in front of the pachinko machine so as to overlap the inner frame 12 almost integrally is provided just behind the upper plate 19 of the discharge passage board 217. Therefore, even if a wire or the like tries to enter from the gap between the inner frame 12 and the discharge passage board 217, the wire or the like is obstructed by the plate 219, and it becomes very difficult to make the wire or the like enter the game area. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal act such as forcibly opening the variable winning device 32 (large winning opening) using a wire or the like.

  Further, on the back surface of the game board 30, a winning detection mechanism as a winning detection means for detecting the passage of gaming balls such as various winning openings is provided. Specifically, a prize opening switch 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the general prize opening 31 on the front side of the game board 30, and a specific area switch 222 and a count switch 223 are provided in the variable prize winning device 32. The specific area switch 222 is a switch for determining that a game ball won in the variable winning device 32 in the big hit state has entered a specific area (an area for determining whether or not to continue the big hit state), and the count switch 223 displays the winning ball. It is a switch to count. In addition, a first opportunity corresponding port (starting port) switch 224 is provided at a position corresponding to the first opportunity corresponding port 33 as a specific entry detecting means (specific detecting means), and corresponds to the second opportunity corresponding port 34. A second opportunity corresponding port (gate) switch 225 is provided at the position to be operated. Each of these switches 221 to 225 can function as a ball entry detecting means.

  The prize opening switch 221 and the second opportunity corresponding gate (gate) switch 225 are connected to the board relay board 226 via electric wiring (cable connector) described later, and the board relay board 226 is further connected to a main board (main control) described later. Connected to the device 261) via electrical wiring. In addition, the specific area switch 222 and the count switch 223 are connected to the big prize opening relay board 227 via electric wiring, and this big winning opening relay board 227 is also connected to the main board via electric wiring. On the other hand, the first opportunity corresponding port (starting port) switch 224 is directly connected to the main board via the electric wiring without passing through the relay board. Details of these will be described later.

  Although not shown in the drawings, the variable winning device 32 is provided with a large winning opening solenoid for opening the large winning opening and a winning ball distribution plate solenoid for guiding the winning ball to a specific area. The corresponding port 33 is provided with a first opportunity corresponding port (starting port) solenoid for opening the electric accessory. In FIGS. 8 and 9, reference numeral 228 denotes a set handle including a hitting ball and the like, and reference numeral 229 denotes a firing motor.

  The detection results detected by the winning detection mechanism are taken into the main board, which will be described later, and a payout command (the number of game balls to be paid out) corresponding to the winning situation is sent from the main board to the payout control board. The Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by the output of the payout control board. In such a case, a conventional method (so-called evidence ball method) in which game balls won in various winning openings are once collected in a winning ball processing device and paid out after the winning ball processing device confirms the presence of winning balls one by one in order. In the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the game ball winning is electrically detected for each winning opening and the payout is immediately made (that is, the pachinko machine 10 eliminates the winning ball processing device). ing). Therefore, even if there are a lot of game balls to be paid out, the payout can be carried out quickly.

  The back frame set 215 is provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching the first control board unit 201. Specifically, as this attachment mechanism, a support bracket 231 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the lower left corner when viewed from the back of the game board 30, and the support bracket 231 has a pair of upper and lower support holes on the same axis. Is formed. In addition, in the lower right part of the game board 30, reference numeral 232 is a pair of upper and lower fastening holes (ny latch holes), and in the upper left part, reference numeral 233 is a locking claw piece.

  An attachment mechanism for attaching the second control board unit 202 and the back pack unit 203 is provided on the back surface of the inner frame 12. Specifically, a long support fitting 235 is attached to the inner frame 12 at its right end, and its configuration is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the support metal fitting 235 has a long plate-like metal fitting main body 236, and the support hole 237 for the second control board unit is formed at two lower positions so as to stand up from the metal fitting main body 236. At the same time, support hole portions 238 for the back pack unit are formed at two upper positions. Coaxial support holes are formed in the support hole portions 237 and 238, respectively. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, as an attachment mechanism for the second control board unit, the inner frame 12 has a pair of upper and lower fastening holes (nai latch holes) 239 at the lower left end portion from the game board installation area. Is provided. As a mounting mechanism for the back pack unit, the inner frame 12 is provided with a pair of upper and lower fastening holes (nylatching holes) 240 at the left end of the game board installation area. However, the support bracket for the second control board unit and the support bracket for the back pack unit can be provided as separate members. Reference numerals 241, 242, and 243 denote rotational fixtures for sandwiching and supporting the back pack unit 203 with the game board 30.

  In addition, in the rear configuration of the inner frame 12, a game ball for distributing a game ball paid out from a payout mechanism described later to any of the upper plate 19, the lower plate 15, or the discharge passage 218 is provided at the lower right portion of the game board 30. A distribution unit 245 is provided. That is, the opening 245a of the game ball distributing unit 245 communicates with the upper plate 19, the opening 245b communicates with the lower plate 15, and the opening 245c communicates with the discharge passage 218 (see FIG. 9). Conventionally, since a portion corresponding to the game ball distributing unit 245 is provided on the back pack unit 203 side, the back pack unit 203 is pushed through the ball discharge port (ball passage wall 69 in FIG. 2) reaching the upper plate 19. As a result, a gap is formed between the inner frame 12 and a portion corresponding to the game ball distributing unit 245, and an illegal act of inserting a wire or the like through the gap and operating the internal device has been considered. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10, such illegal acts are prevented by providing the game ball distribution unit 245 on the inner frame 12 side and fixing the game ball distribution unit 245 by a fixing means. Further, the upper end surface of the game ball distributing unit 245 is formed in accordance with the height position where the lower end surface of the game board 30 is installed, and is devised so as not to prevent the game board 30 from being removed.

  In addition, a resin speaker box 246 is attached to the lower end of the inner frame 12 so as to surround the back of the speaker 249 installed toward the lower plate 15. Improvements are being made.

  Next, the first control board unit 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 is a front view of the first control board unit 201, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the unit 201, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 201, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 201 viewed from the back. .

  The first control board unit 201 includes a mounting base 251 having a substantially L shape, and the main control device 261 and the sound lamp control device 262 are mounted on the mounting base 251. Here, the main control device 261 includes a CPU that controls the main control, a ROM that stores a game program, a RAM that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port that communicates with various devices, and various lotteries. It has a main board including a random number generator used, a clock pulse generation circuit used for time counting and synchronization, and the main board is accommodated in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. It is configured. The substrate box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit 264 (sealing means) so that the box box 263 is sealed.

  As the sealing unit 264 as the sealing means, any configuration can be applied as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, but here, as shown in FIG. 11 and the like, five sealing members are connected. The box base and the box cover are connected so that they cannot be opened by inserting a locking claw into the long hole of the sealing member. The sealing process by the sealing unit 264 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. It is possible to perform the opening / sealing process again even after the operation. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting the locking claw into the long hole of at least one sealing member among the five sealing members constituting the sealing unit 264. And when opening the board | substrate box 263 by the malfunction of the accommodated main board | substrate etc., the connection of the sealing member in which the latching claw was inserted, and another sealing member is cut | disconnected. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, the locking claws are inserted into the long holes of the other sealing members. If the history of opening the board box 263 is left in the board box 263, it can be easily found that the illegal opening has been performed by looking at the board box 263.

  However, the main board is provided with terminal portions for connecting the connectors of the cable connectors, and the terminal portions are exposed from the board box 263. The exposure of the terminal portion is the same for other substrates and substrate boxes.

  The voice lamp control device 262 is a voice lamp including, for example, a CPU that controls voice and lamp display in accordance with instructions from the main control device 261 (main board) or the display control device 45, and other ROM, RAM, various ports, and the like. The audio lamp control board is housed in a board box 265 made of a transparent resin material or the like. A power relay board 266 is mounted on the sound lamp control device 262, and power supplied from a power board described later is output to the display control device 45 and the sound lamp control device 262 via the power relay board 266. It is like that.

  The mounting base 251 is formed of a colored (for example, green, blue, etc.) resin material (for example, made of polycarbonate resin), and has two substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253 that are flat on the surface. These substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253 extend in a direction orthogonal to each other, and are formed with a step in the front-rear direction. However, the mounting base 251 may be a colorless transparent or translucent resin molded product.

  The main control device 261 (main substrate) is arranged in a landscape orientation on one board mounting surface 252 and the audio lamp control device 262 (audio lamp control board) is arranged in a portrait orientation on the other substrate mounting surface 253. It is arranged in the direction. In particular, the main control device 261 is disposed on the near side as viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the sound lamp control device 262 is disposed on the back side. In this case, since the substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253 are formed with steps in the front-rear direction, the control devices 261 and 262 are mounted with the main controller 261 and the sound lamp controller 262 mounted on the substrate mounting surfaces 252 and 253. Are arranged with a part of them stacked one after another. That is, as can be seen in FIG. 12 and the like, the main controller 261 is arranged in a state where a part thereof (about 1/3 in this embodiment) is floated. Therefore, the sound lamp control device 262 can be expanded to an area overlapping with the main control device 261, and the enlargement of the control board can be dealt with satisfactorily. Also, each control device can be installed efficiently. Further, when the first control board unit 201 is mounted on the game board 30, a space is secured behind the board mounting surface 252 so that the variable winning device 32 and its electric wiring can be installed without difficulty.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a horizontally long through hole 254 is formed in two places on the left and right of the board mounting surface 252 for the main board. Correspondingly, the substrate box 263 of the main control device 261 is provided with rotational fixing tools 267 at two places on the left and right sides of the back surface thereof. When the main controller 261 is mounted on the board mounting surface 252, the fixing tool 267 is passed through the through hole 254 of the board mounting surface 252, and the fixing tool 267 is rotated in this state to lock the main control apparatus 261. The Therefore, even if the main control device 261 is arranged in a state where it floats as described above, inconveniences such as dropping off of the main control device 261 can be avoided. In addition, since the main control device 261 cannot be removed unless the fixture 267 is unlocked from the back side of the first control board unit 201 (board mounting surface 252), it is expected to have a deterrent effect against illegal acts such as board removal. it can. A grid-like rib 255 is provided on the back surface of the substrate mounting surface 252 for the main substrate.

  The mounting base 251 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 256 on the left end surface in FIG. 11 and the like. By attaching the support shafts 256 to the support fitting 231 shown in FIG. The game board 30 is supported to be openable and closable. Further, the mounting base 251 is provided with a pair of upper and lower nai latches 257 as fasteners at the right end portion and a long hole 258 at the upper end portion, and the nai latch 257 is fitted into the fastening hole 232 shown in FIG. The first control board unit 201 is fixed to the game board 30 by locking the locking claw pieces 233 shown in FIG. The support fitting 231 and the support shaft 256 are in the support shaft portion M1 of FIG. 7, the fastening hole 232 and the ny latch 257 are in the fastening portion M2, the locking claw piece 233 and the long hole 258 are in the locking claw portion M3, Each corresponds.

  Next, the second control board unit 202 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 is a front view of the second control board unit 202, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the unit 202, and FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the unit 202.

  The second control board unit 202 has a horizontally long mounting base 301 on which a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a power supply device 313 and a card unit connection board 314 are mounted. The payout control device 311, the launch control device 312, and the power supply device 313 are equipped with a control board including a central control CPU, ROM, RAM, various ports and the like as is well known. The payout of prize balls and rental balls is controlled by the substrate. The launch control board of the launch control apparatus 312 controls the launch motor 229 in accordance with the player's operation of the handle 18, and the power supply board of the power supply apparatus 313 generates a predetermined power supply voltage required by various control apparatuses. Is output. The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit 120 on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and receives a ball lending operation command by the player and outputs it to the payout control device 311. is there. Note that the card unit connection board 314 can be omitted in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313, and the card unit connection substrate 314 are respectively configured to be accommodated in substrate boxes 315, 316, 317, and 318 made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the dispensing control device 311, similarly to the main control device 261 described above, the box base and the box cover constituting the substrate box 315 are connected to each other by the sealing unit 319 (sealing means) so that the substrate box 315 is not opened. Sealed.

  The payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball jam in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is rotated forward and reverse so that the ball jam is eliminated (return to the normal state). It has become.

  Further, the power supply device 313 is provided with a RAM erase switch 323. This pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that even if a power failure occurs, it maintains the state at the time of a power failure, and can be restored to the state at the time of a power failure when returning from a power failure (power recovery) It has become. Therefore, if the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the hall is closed), the state before the power is turned off is stored. If you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, turn on the power while holding down the RAM erase switch 323. We are going to throw it in.

  The mounting base 301 is made of, for example, a colorless and transparent resin molded product, and a flat substrate mounting surface 302 is provided on the surface thereof. In this case, the launch control device 312, the power supply device 313 and the card unit connection board 314 are directly mounted side by side on the board mounting surface 302 of the mounting base 301, and the payout control apparatus 311 is mounted on the board box 317 of the power supply apparatus 313. It is mounted via a table 303.

  Further, the mounting base 301 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 305 at the right end in FIG. 15 and the like. By inserting these support shafts 305 into the support hole 237 shown in FIG. 2 The control board unit 202 is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame 12. Further, the mounting base 301 is provided with a pair of upper and lower nai latches 306 as fasteners at the left end portion. By fitting the nai latch 306 into the fastening hole 239 shown in FIG. It is fixed to the frame 12 so that it cannot be opened and closed. The support hole portion 237 and the support shaft 305 correspond to the support shaft portion M4 in FIG. 7, and the fastened hole 239 and the ny latch 306 correspond to the fastening portion M5, respectively.

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is formed by integrating a back pack 351 made of resin and a payout mechanism portion 352 for a game ball. FIG. 18 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10 viewed from the back, and FIG. It shows in FIG.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a substantially flat base portion 353 and a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward from the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display device unit 35 (however, in the present embodiment, the sound lamp described above is used). The control device 262 is also enclosed. A large number of ventilation holes 354 a are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 354. Each of the air holes 354a has a long hole shape, and the air holes 354a are adjacent to each other at a relatively close position. Therefore, the back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes 354a. That is, a predetermined test or the like can be easily performed by cutting the resin portion between the vent holes 354a to expose the display control device 45 and the like inside.

  In addition, a payout mechanism 352 is disposed on the base 353 so as to bypass the protective cover 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 351, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows (two rows) of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, the tank rail 356 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A case rail 357 is connected. The payout device 358 is provided in the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through the payout passage 359 and the like shown in FIG.

  A vibrator 360 for attaching vibration to the tank rail 356 is attached to the tank rail 356. Therefore, if a clogged ball occurs near the tank rail 356, the clogged ball is eliminated by driving the vibrator 360. The vibrator 360 is configured as a vibrator unit in which a vibrating body such as a motor is accommodated in a case which is a main body part so that a position change due to a design change or the like of a pachinko machine can be easily replaced in the case of a failure. The unit is attached to the tank rail 356 so as to be detachable. In addition, the vibrator unit is attached to the side surface of the tank rail 356 via a foot portion (vibration transmitter) protruding from the main body portion without the main body portion (case surface) being in close contact with the tank rail 356, The vibration is transmitted to the tank rail 356 more effectively.

  The configuration of the tank rail 356 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 20, the tank rail 356 has a rail body 361 having a long bowl shape opened upward, and a spherical ball is formed at the start end of the rail body 361. A receiving part 362 is provided. By this ball receiving portion 362, the game ball dropped from the tank 355 is smoothly taken into the rail body 361. Further, the rail body 361 is provided with a partition wall 363 extending in the longitudinal direction, and the game balls are divided into two hands by the partition wall 363. The two ball passages partitioned by the partition wall 363 are slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball. One or two ridges 364 are provided on the bottom surface of each spherical passage partitioned by the partition wall 363, and an opening 365 is provided on the side of the ridge 364.

  In addition, a rectifying plate 367 is disposed on the rail body 361 so as to cover the ceiling portion of the downstream half. The rectifying plate 367 has a bowed shape so as to limit the height of the ball passage in the tank rail 356 toward the downstream side, and a convex portion 368 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the lower surface thereof. . Thereby, each game ball flowing in the tank rail 356 finally flows out downstream without being stacked up and down. Therefore, even if a large group of game balls flow into the tank rail 356, the game balls are prevented from being bitten and the ball clogging in the tank rail 356 is eliminated. The rail body 361 is formed of black conductive polycarbonate resin, whereas the rectifying plate 367 is formed of transparent polycarbonate resin. The rectifying plate 367 is detachably provided. By removing the rectifying plate 367, maintenance in the tank rail 356 can be easily performed.

  Returning to the description of FIGS. 18 and 19, the payout mechanism unit 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 that relays a payout command signal from the payout control device 311 to the payout device 358, and takes in the main power from outside. The power switch board 382 is installed. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, AC 24V main power via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by switching the power switch 382a.

  The discharge mechanism 352 from the tank 355 to the discharge passage 359 is formed of a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polycarbonate resin) and grounded at a part thereof. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the noise by charging of a game ball is suppressed.

  Further, the back pack 351 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 385 at the right end in FIG. 18 and the like, and the support shaft 385 is inserted into the support hole 238 shown in FIG. The pack unit 203 is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame 12. Further, the back pack 351 is provided with a pair of upper and lower nai latches 386 as fasteners at the left end portion, and a locking hole 387 is provided at the upper end portion. The nai latch 386 is inserted into the tightened hole 240 shown in FIG. The back pack unit 203 is fixed to the inner frame 12 so that it cannot be opened and closed by engaging the fixing hole 387 shown in FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, a rotating I-type fastener is employed as the locking portion M8 in the vicinity of the tank 355 that stores a lot of game balls and is relatively loaded. For this reason, the back pack unit 203 (tank 355) can be more reliably locked as compared with the case where a fixture such as a ny latch is used. At this time, the back pack unit 203 is also fixed to the inner frame 12 by the fixtures 241 and 243 shown in FIG. The support hole 238 and the support shaft 385 are in the support shaft portion M6 of FIG. 7, the fastening hole 240 and the ny latch 386 are in the fastening portion M7, and the fixture 242 and the locking hole 387 are in the locking portion M8, respectively. Equivalent to. Further, the fixture 243 corresponds to the locking portion M9 (see FIG. 7).

  Further, the base 353 of the back pack unit 203 is provided with an opening 391 for the external relay terminal plate 230, so that the external relay terminal plate 230 can be removed and operated even when the back pack unit 203 is fixed. It is possible.

  When the main controller 261 (substrate box 263) is to be removed with the above-described configuration, the back pack unit 203 is first opened (or removed), and then the first control substrate unit 201 is opened ( Or removal), and a complicated process of releasing the fixture 267 can be performed at last. For this reason, a deterrent effect can be expected against illegal acts such as removal of the main controller 261 (board box 263).

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the pachinko machine 10. The main control device 261 of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic device. The CPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 501 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A RAM 503 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. The main controller 261 constitutes a game state control means, a game state lottery means, a fluctuation pattern storage means, a fluctuation pattern determination means, a reservation storage means, and a fluctuation instruction means in this embodiment.

  The RAM 503 has a configuration in which data can be retained (backed up) by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. In addition to the memory and area for this purpose, a backup area 503a is provided.

  In the backup area 503a, when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned on again. (Similar) is an area for storing stack pointers, values of registers, I / O, and the like. Writing to the backup area 503a is executed when the power is turned off by NMI interrupt processing (see FIG. 30). Conversely, returning of each value written to the backup area 503a includes turning on the power (including turning on the power due to power failure cancellation). The same applies to the following power recovery process (see FIG. 23). Note that a power failure signal SK1 output from a power failure monitoring circuit 542, which will be described later, is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 when a power failure occurs due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. Due to the occurrence, the power failure process (NMI interrupt process) of FIG. 30 is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the CPU 501 incorporating the ROM 502 and RAM 503 via a bus line 504 including an address path and a data path. The input / output port 505 is connected to a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, and other switches not shown.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The CPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the CPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 described above. The RAM 513 is provided with a backup area 513a in addition to a memory and an area for temporarily storing various data.

  The backup area 513a has a stack pointer, each register at the time of power off, each register, so that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is restored to the state before the power is turned off when the power is turned off. This is an area for storing values such as I / O. The writing to the backup area 513a is executed when the power is turned off by the NMI interrupt process (see FIG. 35). Conversely, the restoration of each value written in the backup area 513a is the power recovery process at the time of turning on the power (see FIG. 31). ) Is executed.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the CPU 511 incorporating the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 through a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A RAM erase switch circuit 543, a main control device 261, a firing control device 312, a payout motor 358a, and the like are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the gaming machine by the launch motor 229, and the launch motor 229 is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, it is detected by a sensor signal that a firing permission signal is output from the payout control device 311, the player is touching the handle 18, and a firing stop switch for stopping the firing. On the condition that is not operated, the launch motor 229 is driven, and a game ball is launched with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the handle 18 (see FIG. 9).

  The display control device 45 controls the first symbol variation display on the first symbol display device 42 and the second symbol variation display on the second symbol display device 41. As will be described in detail below, the display control device 45 includes the image configuration information generation means, display range setting means, display range displacement means, image data storage means, image generation means, variation pattern determination means, latent pattern, and the like in this embodiment. Storage means and latent pattern discrimination means are configured. The display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input / output port 527, two output ports 528 and 529, Bus lines 530 and 531 are provided. The main controller 261 and the cross button 125 are connected to the input / output port 527. Further, the CPU 521, ROM 522, work RAM 523, and image controller 526 are connected to the input / output port 527 and one output port 528 is connected via the bus line 530. The output of the output port 528 is connected to the second symbol display device 41 (display unit 43) and the sound lamp control device 262. Further, an output port 529 is connected to the image controller 526 via a bus line 531, and a first symbol display device 42 which is a liquid crystal display device is connected to an output of the output port 529.

  The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the first symbol display device 42 and the second symbol display device 41 based on a display command (such as a variation pattern command described later) transmitted from the main control device 261. For example, the CPU 521 configures the image configuration of the display image displayed on the first symbol display device 42 in various gaming states (normal fluctuation, reach production, jackpot notification, etc.) based on the control program and various information stored in the ROM 522. Generate information. More specifically, the CPU 521 stores the received command in a command buffer area set in the work RAM 523, and stores a task generated according to the command in a task buffer area set in the work RAM 64. Then, by executing the task, the image configuration information is generated, and the image configuration information is written in the video RAM 524. The image configuration information is generated for each vertical operation signal (VSYNC) of the display unit (liquid crystal display) 42a.

  The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and fixed value data.

  The work RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs. More specifically, the work RAM 523 includes a command buffer area for storing commands, a task buffer area for storing generated tasks, and image configuration information (designated image images at normal fluctuation or reach state). In addition, a sprite chain area or the like in which various types of information are stored is set in order to collectively write the arrangement position, display priority order, and the like into the video RAM 524.

  The task buffer area is an area in which a child task for controlling the variation of each symbol image displayed on the display unit 42a, the background image, the character image, and the like is generated. For example, various addresses are set in the task buffer area, and a parent task for performing a series of display controls is generated at a predetermined address among them. By executing the parent task, for example, a background task for designating / arranging a background image BG, which will be described later, a symbol task for changing the symbols Z1 to Z9, a character task for operating a character image such as a fish character GC1 to GC3, etc. A plurality of child tasks are generated at predetermined addresses.

  The sprite chain region is for determining the priority order of images displayed on the display unit 42a. The sprite chain area is divided into a plurality of task address areas in order from the lowest priority displayed on the display unit 42a so as to correspond to layers L1 to L4 described later. For example, the character image of the character task based on the task address area of the second layer L2 (fish school characters GC1 to GC3, etc.) has priority over the background image BG based on the task address area of the first layer L1, that is, the display unit 42a. Displayed on the front side. Further, the symbol images (such as symbols Z1 to Z9) changed by the symbol task based on the task address area of the fourth layer L4 are character images of the character tasks (fish group characters GC1 to GC3) based on the task address area of the second layer L2. Etc.) is displayed on the front side. In each task address area, a head address and an end address of a child task to be displayed in the priority order are written. The sprite chain area is executed in order from a task address area having a lower priority in sprite transfer described later.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data (image configuration information generated by the CPU 521) displayed on the first symbol display device 42. By rewriting the contents of the video RAM 524, the first symbol is displayed. The display content of the display device 42 is changed. More specifically, the video RAM 524 is provided with a first frame memory and a second frame memory, which are storage areas for storing display data for one screen displayed on the display unit 42a. It can be stored alternately in the frame memory.

  The character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data (image data) such as symbols and background images displayed on the first symbol display device 42. The character data includes various types of information necessary for generating, for example, a design, a background image, etc., such as a design, a background image, etc. that define a shape, size, pattern, color scheme, color tone, etc.

  The image controller 526 adjusts the timings of the CPU 521, the video RAM 524, and the output port 529 to intervene in reading and writing data, and also reads display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing. It is displayed on the symbol display device 42. More specifically, the image controller 526 generates display images in various gaming states by extracting character data from the character ROM 525 based on the image configuration information stored in the video RAM 524 and writing the data in the image configuration information. The displayed image is output to the display unit (liquid crystal display) 42a. At this time, the image controller 526 reads out data stored in the first frame memory or the second frame memory to which image configuration information has not been written, and outputs the data to the display unit 42a. On the other hand, new image configuration information is written in the first frame memory or the second frame memory in which data is output and nothing is stored.

  As shown in FIG. 36, the first symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 42 displays a background image BG, and three symbol rows of upper, middle, and lower are set so as to be positioned in front of the background image BG. Has been. A plurality of types of symbols (first symbols) are variably displayed for each symbol row. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, symbols Z1 to Z9 are set as the first symbol (identification image). The symbols Z1 to Z9 are configured to be given numbers “1” to “9”, respectively. The symbols Z1 to Z9 are scrolled from right to left with a periodicity in ascending or descending numerical order, thereby forming a series of symbol strings. Note that the symbol variation mode is not limited to scroll variation, and may be switching variation or the like.

  In such a case, in the upper symbol row, symbols Z1 to Z9 are displayed in descending order (the order in which the attached numbers decrease), and in the middle symbol row and lower symbol row, the symbols Z1 to Z9 are also in ascending order (numbers attached). (In order of increasing)). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the variable display stops in the order of the upper symbol row → the lower symbol row → the middle symbol row, and at the time of the stop, the symbols Z1 to Z9 are combined with the jackpot symbol on the predetermined jackpot line (in this embodiment) , A special game video is displayed as a jackpot (a big hit state is started). In addition, immediately before the combination of jackpot symbols described above is displayed, a so-called reach state (a state where the reach mode is established) is obtained. However, even if it reaches a reach state, it may not reach a big hit state. A mode in which the symbols Z1 to Z9 are arranged in a combination of jackpot symbols on a predetermined jackpot line corresponds to a specific mode in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the jackpot line is composed of left, middle and right vertical lines and two diagonal lines (referred to as five lines). Therefore, in the upper, middle, and lower symbol rows, when the same type of symbols Z1 to Z9 is displayed on the fixed stop side by side on any of the five lines (for example, in a diagonal line rising to the right) When three symbols “1” Z1 are aligned and stopped and displayed, a big hit state occurs.

  In addition, the reach state in the present embodiment includes a state in which the symbol variation of the lower symbol row stops at the same type of symbols as the stop symbol of the upper symbol row on the jackpot line. Such a mode corresponds to the reach mode and the predetermined stop mode in the present embodiment. For example, in FIG. 38, in each of the upper and lower symbol rows, the symbol Z1 of “1” is stopped and displayed on the diagonally descending right hit line, and “9” is displayed on the diagonally descending leftly hitting line. The case where symbol Z9 is stopped and displayed and the middle symbol row is still changing is illustrated. In this case, if the symbol Z1 or the symbol Z9 is stopped and displayed on the jackpot line in the middle symbol row, a jackpot state occurs. In addition, in the reach state, the symbols in the middle symbol row are not the same as the symbols in the upper and lower symbol rows that eventually stop at the same symbol type (big hit symbol) and become a big hit state. Stopping at a symbol (this is called “outgoing reach design”) and not being a big hit state (this is called “outgoing reach state”) are included.

  During the reach state, various reach effects are performed. As the reach effect pattern, various reach effect patterns are set in addition to “normal reach” in which the symbols Z1 to Z9 in the middle symbol row are simply scrolled in the same manner as in the normal variation. Among these reach effect patterns, reach effect patterns other than “normal reach” are so-called “super reach”. When the operation of “super reach” is started, an expected value (expected value for jackpot) at which a big hit state occurs is set to be higher than that in the case of “normal reach”.

  In the present embodiment, as “super reach”, for example, reach effect patterns such as “ripple reach” in which ripples appear (see FIG. 39) and “ocean reach” in which seamen appear (see FIG. 40) are set. Yes. In addition, there are a plurality of types of each reach production pattern. In the present embodiment, a single reach (hereinafter referred to as S reach) in which the same kind of symbols Z1 to Z9 are arranged only on one jackpot line, and two diagonal jackpots. Double reach (hereinafter referred to as W reach) is set on the line so that the same kind of symbols Z1 to Z9 cross. That is, the reach effect patterns shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 are “ripple W reach” and “marine W reach”, respectively. 39 and 40, for the sake of convenience, symbols Z1 to Z9 displayed in the middle symbol row are omitted, but the variation mode of the middle symbol row is the same as the variation mode at the time of “normal reach”. In the present embodiment, the “big hit reach” is set to have a higher jackpot expectation value (expected degree) than the “ripple reach”. In other words, “Ripple Reach” has higher expectation than “Normal Reach”, and “Uminjin Reach” has higher expectation than “Ripple Reach”. Note that the high expectation level to the big hit state means that the ratio (probability, possibility) to the big hit state is high when the variation display of the predetermined fluctuation pattern is performed. The degree of expectation of each reach is determined by a plurality of types of tables that determine the appearance rate of each reach. For example, reach that has a very high degree of expectation is not selected at all when a table for off-time is referenced, or at a relatively high rate when a table for jackpot time is referenced It is like that. Alternatively, a reach effect called “special reach” or “premium reach”, which has a higher expected value of jackpot than “super reach”, may be used. As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of variation patterns having different degrees of expectation leading to the big hit state are stored. That is, as the variation pattern of the identification image, the first variation pattern “Umijin Reach”, the second variation pattern “Ripple Reach”, and the third variation pattern “Normal Reach” are stored in descending order of expectation. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, a general display effect and an additional display effect are selected and executed on the display control device 45 side separately from the above-described variable display effect (reach effect or the like).

  As a general display effect, as described later, a latent system effect in which a predetermined character as a specific image can be visually recognized by the player operating the cross button 125 is performed. In this latent system effect, a predetermined character may be set to be latent continuously over a period in which the variable display of the symbols Z1 to Z9 is performed a plurality of times. Therefore, the period until the symbols Z1 to Z9 are stopped in the first symbol row (the upper symbol row in this embodiment) from the start of the fluctuation of the symbols Z1 to Z9, that is, the symbols Z1 to Z9 are not stopped in all the symbol rows. The period during which the fluctuation is displayed (this period is hereinafter referred to as the initial fluctuation time) and the period until the next fluctuation is started after the symbols Z1 to Z9 are confirmed and stopped (this period is referred to as the following, This latent system effect can also be performed during the reach stop time period and the reach period. However, in the present embodiment, when the appearance type effect described later is performed and the appearance-type effect described later is performed, the latent-type effect is interrupted because the latent-set character appears.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 41 to 44, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the seaman character DC are lurking outside the display area (display range) of the display unit 42a when the cross button 125 is not operated. A school of fish latencies and a sea occult production are performed.

  Further, as an additional display effect selected and executed on the display control device 45 side, an appearance effect in which various characters appear is performed after reaching the reach state in the same manner as the reach effect.

  As the appearance system effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 45, a fish school appearance effect in which the fish characters GC1 to GC3 cross the display unit 42a is performed. In the present embodiment, small fish school characters GC1, medium fish school characters GC2, and large fish school characters GC3 are appropriately hidden and appear as fish school characters. Each of the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 differs in the number of fish constituting the fish school. In other words, it can be said that the display mode (latent pattern or the like) of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 set to be hidden is changed when a specific change condition is satisfied. In this case, if one fish image is captured as a specific image, the change in the number of fish images (change in the scale of the school of fish) corresponds to the change in the display mode. The latent pattern refers to pattern information that identifies the difference in display mode of the fish school character. In the present embodiment, three patterns of the small fish school character GC1, the middle fish school character GC2, and the large fish school character GC3 are stored. .

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the degree of expectation to reach the big hit state is set differently depending on the fish characters GC1 to GC3 that are set or displayed. For example, when the large fish group character GC3 is set to be latent rather than the small fish group character GC1 and the large fish group character GC3 is set to be latent rather than the medium fish group character GC2, the ratio of reaching the big hit state is higher. As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of latent patterns having different degrees of expectation leading to the big hit state are stored as the latent patterns to be executed when setting the latents of the fish school characters GC1 to GC3. That is, as the latent patterns of the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 (specific image), the large school fish character GC3 which is the first latent pattern in the descending order of expectation, the medium fish school character GC2 which is the second latent pattern, and the third latent pattern which are small. A fish school character GC1 is stored. Note that the high expectation level to the big hit state means that the ratio (probability, possibility) to the big hit state is high when the latent setting of a predetermined latent pattern is performed. The degree of expectation of each fish school character GC1 to GC3 is determined by a plurality of types of tables or the like that define the appearance rate of each fish school character GC1 to GC3. For example, the fish group character GC3 with a very high degree of expectation is selected at a relatively high rate when the table for jackpot time is referred to.

  In addition, the reach production in which the seaman character DC set to be hidden appears in the seaman reach is also a kind of appearance type production.

  Note that the display image (display data) displayed on the display unit 42a is divided into a plurality of layers according to the display priority order. In the present embodiment, layers L1, L2, L3, and L4 (see FIG. 43) are set. FIG. 43 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the layers L1 to L4. As will be described later, various images are arranged in these layers L1 to L4, a display range corresponding to the display area of the display unit 42a is set for each layer L1 to L4, and the display range of the layers L1 to L4 is set. Image configuration information for one screen is generated by superimposing these portions, and is displayed as a one-screen display image. And the 1st symbol display apparatus 42 implement | achieves display modes, such as a change display of a symbol image, by displaying a display image on the display part 42a sequentially for every vertical scanning signal (for example, every 1/60 second).

  Specifically, an image such as the background image BG is arranged in the first layer L1 having the lowest priority. In the second layer L2 having the second lowest priority order, a character image such as a fish school character GC is arranged. In the third layer L3 having the second highest priority, a character image such as a seaman character DC is arranged. In the fourth layer L4 having the highest priority, symbol images such as symbols Z1 to Z9 are arranged. Then, by displaying the layers L1 to L4 in order from the lowest priority, a display image as shown in FIG. 36 or the like is displayed on the display unit 42a. The second layer L2 or the third layer L3 corresponds to a specific layer in the present embodiment.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, when performing the fish hide-in effect, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are not displayed on the second layer L2 so that the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are not displayed on the display unit 42a when the cross button 125 is not operated. Characters GC1 to GC3 are arranged. Similarly, at the time of the seaman latent effect, the seaman character DC is arranged outside the display range in the third layer L3 so that the seaman character DC is not displayed on the display unit 42a when the cross button 125 is not operated. Is done. That is, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the seaman character DC as specific images are set to be hidden. The fish school characters GC1 to GC3 are school images composed of a plurality of images.

  When the cross button 125 is operated, the display range in each of the layers L1 to L4 moves in a direction corresponding to the operation of the cross button 125. Then, on the display unit 42a, the display image is scroll-displayed, and when the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are hidden, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are displayed and can be visually recognized by the player. That is, by operating the cross button 125, the display image can be scrolled and displayed, and the player can determine the latent setting of the plurality of types of characters, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the seaman character DC, which are latently set at a plurality of positions. Become.

  The power supply unit 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine 10, a power failure monitoring circuit 542 for monitoring power interruption due to a power failure, and a RAM erase switch connected to the RAM erase switch 323. A circuit 543. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operation power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through a power supply path (not shown). As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in an AC 24 volt power supply supplied from the outside, and generates a + 12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a + 5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, and the like. Then, these + 12V power supply, + 5V power supply and backup power supply are supplied to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like. Note that operation power (+12 V power, +5 V power, etc.) is supplied to the launch control device 312 via the payout control device 311.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SK1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SK1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. Based on the output of the power failure signal SK1, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the power failure processing (NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 30).

  The power supply unit 541 normally outputs an output of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the process at the time of a power failure even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain the value. Therefore, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 can normally execute and complete the power failure process.

  The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit for taking in the switch signal of the RAM erase switch 323 and clearing backup data in the RAM 503 of the main controller 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout controller 311 in accordance with the state of the switch 323. When the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed, the RAM erase switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM erase signal SK2 to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. When the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on with the RAM erase switch 323 pressed (including power-on due to power failure cancellation), the data in the respective RAMs 503 and 513 are cleared in the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. The

  Next, the basic operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 performs lottery (big hit lottery) of the first symbol display device 42, setting of symbol display, and the like using various counter information in the game. Specifically, 22, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery of the first symbol display device 42, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for the selection of the jackpot symbol of the first symbol display device 42, and the first symbol Reach random number counter C3 used for reach lottery when the display device 42 fluctuates and changes, random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of the jackpot random number counter C1, and variation pattern selection (selection) of the first symbol display device 42 ) Fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 used for the above, and each of the upper, middle and lower outers used to set the upper row, middle row and lower row symbols. Symbol counter CL, CM, has decided to use a CR.

  Among these, the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS1, and CS2 are loop counters that each add 1 to the previous value and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Further, the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are configured such that register values are added using an R register (refresh register) in the CPU 501, and as a result, numerical values change randomly. Each counter is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. In addition, the RAM 503 is provided with a reserved ball storage area as a storage area composed of one execution area as a storage area and four reserved areas (holding first to fourth holding areas) as storage areas, In each of these areas, the values (information group) of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 are time-sequentially matched to the winning history of the game balls to the first opportunity corresponding port 33. It is to be stored. The reserved ball storage area constitutes reserved storage means in the present embodiment.

  In detail, each of the counters is configured such that the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented one by one within a range of, for example, 0 to 676, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 676). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 676), and is updated once for each timer interruption and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of normal processing. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33. There are two types of random number values that are jackpots, low probability (normal mode) and high probability (probability mode). In this embodiment, the number of random numbers that are jackpots at low probability. Is 2 and its value is “337, 673”, the number of random numbers that are jackpots at high probability is 10, and its value is “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523 601, 661 ". The high probability means a state where the jackpot is won by a predetermined probability fluctuation pattern and the subsequent jackpot probability is increased as added value, that is, a so-called probabilistic state, and the normal time (low probability) is like that When not in a certain state.

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines a symbol when the fluctuation of the first symbol display device 42 is stopped at the time of a jackpot. In this embodiment, nine symbols of the first symbol are set in the first symbol display device 42. Therefore, nine (0 to 8) counter values are prepared. That is, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is configured so that one by one is added in order within the range of 0 to 8, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 8), it returns to 0. The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33.

  Further, the reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment one by one within a range of 0 to 238, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In the present embodiment, the reach random number counter C3 causes the final stop symbol after the occurrence of reach to stop by shifting by one by one before and after the reach symbol. “Reach other than front / rear off” that stops other than front and back and “complete out” that does not occur reach are selected by lottery. For example, C3 = 0, 1 corresponds to front / rear reach, and C3 = 2-21 is front / back It corresponds to reach other than detachment, and C3 = 22 to 238 corresponds to complete detachment. Reach lottery may be set individually according to the state of the lottery probability of the first symbol display device 42, the number of starting and holding balls at the start of change, and the like. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the first opportunity corresponding port 33.

  Further, one of the two variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is incremented by one within a range of 0 to 198, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 198) and then returns to 0. For example, the other variation type counter CS2 is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 240, for example, and reaches the maximum value (that is, 240) and then returns to 0. In the following description, CS1 is also referred to as “first variation type counter”, and CS2 is also referred to as “second variation type counter”. The first variation type counter CS1 determines the reach type (reach production pattern, reach production mode) of the first symbol, such as so-called normal reach, super reach, and other rough variation patterns (variation pattern) of the second symbol. The counter CS2 determines a finer symbol variation mode such as an elapsed time until the final stop symbol stops after the occurrence of reach, that is, a variation time. Therefore, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 and CS2. It is also possible to determine the symbol variation mode only by the first variation type counter CS1, or to determine the symbol variation mode similarly by combining the first variation type counter CS1 and the stop symbol.

  The variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of CS1 and CS2 are acquired when the first symbol display device 42 determines the variation pattern at the start of variation of the first symbol.

  The upper, middle, and lower off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are displayed when the first symbol display device 42 loses the jackpot lottery, the first symbol row 1 symbol, the middle symbol row 1 symbol, the lower symbol row number 1 This is for determining the stop symbol (displacement symbol) of one symbol, and any one of nine first symbols is displayed in each of the upper, middle and lower symbol columns. ) Counter values are prepared. The stop symbol of the upper symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CL, the stop symbol of the middle symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CM, and the stop symbol of the lower symbol row is determined by the off symbol counter CR.

  In the present embodiment, the value of each counter CL, CM, CR is updated at random by using the value of the R register built in the CPU 501. Each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR is updated within the normal process so that the update times do not overlap, and the combination of these outlier symbol counters CL, CM, CR is the reach of the RAM 503 front / rear reach symbol buffer, reach other than front / rear out It is stored in either the symbol buffer or the completely off symbol buffer. Then, when determining the variation pattern at the time of starting the variation of the first symbol, the buffer value of any one of the front and rear outreach symbol buffer, the reach symbol buffer other than front and rear outlier, and the completely out symbol symbol buffer is acquired according to the value of the reach random number counter C3. The

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, it is desirable that the big hit random number counter C1, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case.

  Although not shown, the second symbol random number counter C4 is used for the lottery of the second symbol display device 41. The second symbol random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented one by one within a range of 0 to 250, for example, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The second symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in the present embodiment), and is acquired when the game ball passes through the left or right second opportunity corresponding port 34. The number of random number values to be won is 149, and the range is “5 to 153”.

  Next, each control process executed by the CPU 501 in the main controller 261 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The processing of the CPU 501 is broadly divided into a main process that is started when the power is turned on, a timer interrupt process that is started periodically (in this embodiment, at a cycle of 2 msec), and a stop signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For convenience of explanation, the timer interrupt process and the NMI interrupt process will be described first, and then the main process will be described.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main controller 261 every 2 msec, for example.

  In FIG. 28, first, in step S601, read processing of the various switches 221 to 225 and the like is executed. That is, the state of various switches 221 to 225 and the like (excluding the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main controller 261 is read, and the state of the switches 221 to 225 and the like is determined to detect detection information (winning detection) To save the information.

  Thereafter, in step S602, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. In subsequent step S603, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit symbol counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 are each incremented by 1 and when the counter values reach the maximum values (in the present embodiment, 676, 49 and 238, respectively). Clear to 0 each. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Thereafter, in step S604, a start winning process associated with winning in the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is executed. This start winning process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29. In step S701, the first trigger corresponding port (start port) switch 224 detects whether or not the game ball has won the first trigger corresponding port 33 (start port). The determination is made based on information (whether or not a detection signal is input from the first opportunity corresponding port switch 224). If it is determined that the game ball has won the first opportunity corresponding port 33, in the subsequent step S702, whether or not the number N of starting reserved balls of the first symbol display device 42 is less than the upper limit value (4 in the present embodiment). Is determined. The process proceeds to step S703 on the condition that there is a winning at the first opportunity corresponding port 33 and the number N of starting reserved balls is smaller than 4, and the number N of starting reserved balls is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S704, a random number related to the winning of the first symbol is acquired. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S603 are stored in the first area of the free storage area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503. Then, after the start winning process, the CPU 501 once ends the timer interruption process.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt processing. This processing is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. By this NMI interruption, the state of the main controller 261 at the time of power-off is stored in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503.

  That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main controller 261. Then, the CPU 501 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process of FIG. The NMI interrupt processing in FIG. 30 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main controller 261. For a predetermined time after the power failure signal SK1 is output, current is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the main control device 261 can be executed, and the NMI interrupt processing is executed within the predetermined time.

  In the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 30, first, in step S801, the used register is saved in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503, and in the subsequent step S802, the value of the stack pointer is stored in the backup area 503a. Further, in step S803, the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a, and in step S804, a power interruption notification command indicating that the power has been interrupted is transmitted to another control device.

  In step S805, a RAM determination value is calculated and stored in the backup area 503a. The RAM determination value is, for example, a checksum value at the work area address of the RAM 503. In step S806, RAM access is prohibited. Thereafter, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the power supply being completely shut down and the processing being impossible.

  The NMI interrupt process is also executed in the payout control device 311 in the same manner, and the state of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like is stored in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Similarly, the power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the processing of the payout control device 311 can be executed for a predetermined time after the power failure signal SK1 is output. That is, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, the power failure signal SK1 is output from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed. The NMI interrupt process in FIG. 30 is started. The contents are as described with reference to FIG. 30 (however, the transmission of the power-off notification command in step S804 is excluded).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S101, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, in order to set a predetermined value in the stack pointer and wait for the sub-side control device (sound lamp control device 262, payout control device 311 etc.) to become operable, for example, Wait processing is performed for about 1 second. In step S102, a payout permission command is transmitted to the payout control device 311. In subsequent step S103, RAM access is permitted.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON). In subsequent step S105, the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. It is determined whether or not. In step S106, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S107, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address of the RAM 503, for example. Note that it is possible to determine the effectiveness of backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 503 are correctly stored.

  As described above, the pachinko machine 10 is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 323 when it is desired to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, for example, when the hall starts business. Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S114, etc.). Similarly, when the information on occurrence of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by a RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 503 (step S114 or the like). That is, in step S114, the use area of the RAM 503 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S115, initialization processing of the RAM 503 is executed. In step S116, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to normal processing described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, the power-off occurrence information is set, and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Execute the process (process when power is restored). That is, in step S108, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S109, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S110, a command for returning the sub-side control device to the gaming state at the time of power-off is transmitted, and in step S111, the used register is returned from the backup area 503a of the RAM 503. Further, in steps S112 and S113, the interrupt permission / non-permission is returned to the state before power-off, and then the address before power-off is returned.

  Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this normal process, the main process of the game is executed. As an outline, the processing of steps S201 to S207 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S209 and S210 is executed with the remaining time.

  In FIG. 24, first, in step S201, output data such as a command updated in the previous process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence / absence of winning detection information is determined, and if there is winning detection information, a winning ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls is transmitted to the payout control device 311. When the first symbol display device 42 displays the variation of the first symbol (symbols Z1 to Z9), the display control device 45 displays a start command as a start signal, a stop symbol command, a variation pattern command, a confirmation command as a confirmation signal, and the like. Send to. More specifically, first, a start command for starting the variation display of the first symbol is sent, and after the first symbol variation starts, the variation pattern command → the upper symbol sequence stop symbol command → the lower symbol sequence stop symbol A command is sent one by one for each normal process (that is, one every 4 msec) in the order of a command to a stop symbol command in the middle symbol sequence, and a fixed command is sent at the timing of the change time. Yes. In addition, the display control device 45 that has input a start command, a stop symbol command, a variation pattern command, a confirmation command, etc. determines the display mode of the first symbol display device 42 and the second symbol display device 41 based on such various commands. The display mode is displayed on the first symbol display device 42 and the second symbol display device 41. Note that the start command may be omitted, and the variation pattern command may serve as the start command. That is, the display control device 45 may be configured to start the variation display of the first symbol when the variation pattern command is received.

  Next, in step S202, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are updated. Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the update values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503. In subsequent step S203, updating of each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR of the upper symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the lower symbol row is executed.

  The update process of each outlier symbol counter CL, CM, CR will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 25, in step S301, it is determined whether or not it is time to update the outlier symbol counter CL in the upper symbol row. In step S302, It is determined whether or not it is time to update the middle symbol row out of symbol counter CM. If it is time to update the upper symbol sequence (YES in step S301), the process proceeds to step S303, and the out symbol symbol CL of the upper symbol sequence is updated. On the other hand, if it is time to update the middle symbol sequence (YES in step S302), the process proceeds to step S304 to update the out-of-middle symbol counter CM. Further, if the lower symbol sequence is updated (NO in both steps S301 and S302), the process proceeds to step S305, and the out symbol counter CR of the lower symbol sequence is updated. When the outlier symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are updated in steps S303 to S305, random updating is performed as described above.

  According to the above-described CL, CM, and CR update processing, the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR of the upper symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the lower symbol row are sequentially updated one by one in one normal process. The update times of the values do not overlap. As a result, every time the normal process is executed three times, one set of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR is updated.

  Thereafter, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the combination of the updated out symbol counters CL, CM, and CR is a reach symbol combination. If it is a reach symbol combination, then in step S307, it is changed back and forth. It is determined whether or not it is a missed reach. If the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are combinations of front and rear out of reach, the process proceeds to step S308, and the combination of out symbol symbols CL, CM, and CR at that time is stored in the front and rear out of reach symbol buffer of the RAM 503. If the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR are a combination of reach other than front / back off, the process proceeds to step S309, and the combination of the out symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / back out of RAM 503. To do.

  In the case of a combination other than the reach symbol, in step S310, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbol symbols CL, CM, CR is a symbol combination, and if it is a symbol combination, Proceeding to step S311, the combination of the off symbol counters CL, CM, CR at that time is stored in the off symbol buffer of the RAM 503. Note that when both steps S306 and S310 are NO, the symbols are aligned at the top, middle, and bottom, that is, the jackpot state, but in this case, the off symbol counters CL, CM, and CR are stored in the buffer. The process is terminated without any processing.

  After the off symbol counter update process, in step S204 in FIG. 24, the winning ball counting signal and the payout abnormality signal received from the payout control device 311 are read. Thereafter, in step S205, a first symbol variation process for performing variation display of the first symbol by the first symbol display device 42 is executed. By this first symbol variation process, jackpot determination, setting of the variation pattern (variation pattern) of the first symbol, and the like are performed. The details of the first symbol variation process will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S206, a big prize opening / closing process for opening or closing the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device 32 is executed in the case of a big win state. That is, it is determined whether the big winning opening is opened for each round in the big win state, and whether the maximum opening time of the big winning opening has passed or whether a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening. When either of these conditions is satisfied, the special winning opening is closed. At this time, the continuous winning opening is allowed on condition that the game ball has passed the specific area, and this is repeatedly executed for a predetermined number of rounds.

  In step S207, display control of the second symbol by the second symbol display device 41 is executed. Briefly, the second symbol random number counter C4 is acquired each time on the condition that the game ball has passed through the second opportunity corresponding port 34, and the second symbol display device 41 of the second symbol display device 41 receives the second symbol. When a symbol lottery is performed and the second symbol hits, the first opportunity corresponding port 33 is opened for a predetermined time. Although the explanation is omitted, the second symbol random number counter C4 is also updated by the timer interruption process shown in FIG. 28, like the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the reach random number counter C3. Yes.

  Thereafter, in step S208, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are repeatedly updated within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing (steps S209 and S210). That is, in step S209, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value (676 in this embodiment). Then, the update value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  In step S210, update of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 is executed (same as step S202). Specifically, the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to 0 when the counter values reach the maximum values (198 and 240 in this embodiment). Then, the change values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 503.

  Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S201 to S207 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant and varies. Therefore, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the big hit random number counter C1) can be updated at random by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time. .

  Next, the first symbol variation process of step S205 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 26, in step S401, it is determined whether or not it is a big hit now. The jackpot includes a special game displayed on the first symbol display device 42 and a predetermined time after the special game is ended. In a succeeding step S402, it is determined whether or not the first symbol display device 42 is displaying the variation of the first symbol. Then, if it is not a big hit and is not displaying the variation of the first symbol, the process proceeds to step S403, and it is determined whether or not the number N of starting reserved balls of the first symbol display device 42 is larger than zero. At this time, if it is a big hit or if the number N of starting reserved balls is 0, this processing is terminated as it is.

  Further, if it is neither a big hit nor a change display of the first symbol and if the number of starting reserved balls N> 0, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, 1 is subtracted from the number N of starting reserved balls. In step S405, a process for shifting the data stored in the reserved ball storage area is executed. This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting the data stored in the reserved first to fourth areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side. The reserved first area → the execution area, the reserved second area → The data in each area is shifted such as the first hold area, the third hold area → the second hold area, the fourth hold area → the third hold area.

  Thereafter, in step S406, a change start process is executed. Here, the details of the variation start processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 27. In step S501, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. To do. Specifically, whether or not the jackpot is determined based on the relationship between the jackpot random number counter value and the mode at that time, as described above, among the numerical values 0 to 676 of the jackpot random number counter C1 at the normal low probability, "337, “673” is the winning value, and “67, 131, 199, 269, 337, 401, 463, 523, 601, 661” is the winning value when the probability is high. That is, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot (special game state) with the winning of a game ball to the first opportunity corresponding port 33, and when the jackpot result is obtained, the specific generation condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined that the game is a jackpot, in step S502, a table corresponding to the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area, that is, a table not showing the jackpot symbol (value of the jackpot symbol counter C2). And a symbol representing the corresponding relationship between the symbol and the symbol, and the symbol is set as a stop symbol command. At this time, one of nine jackpot symbols corresponding to the numerical values 0 to 8 of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is set in the stop symbol command. When the jackpot symbols are arranged with a predetermined specific symbol, the mode is changed to the probability variation mode. However, when the symbols are not specific symbols (non-specific symbols), the probability variation mode is not performed.

  Next, in step S503, the variation pattern at the time of the big hit is determined, and the variation pattern is set in the variation pattern command. At this time, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 are confirmed, and as described above, based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1, normal reach, super reach, etc. The reach type and other rough symbol variation modes are determined, and the elapsed time until the final stop symbol (in this embodiment, the middle symbol) stops after the occurrence of reach based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, that is, the variation time (In other words, the number of variation symbols) and the like, a more detailed symbol variation mode is determined. The relationship between the numerical value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the reach effect pattern, and the relationship between the numerical value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the stop symbol time are respectively defined in advance by a table or the like. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, when the value of the first variation type counter CS1 is CS1 = 0 to 49, “normal reach” is selected, and when CS1 = 50 to 179, “normal reach” is selected. “Ripple reach” is selected, and when CS1 = 180 to 198, “marine reach” is selected. Further, when the value of the second variation type counter CS2 is CS2 = 0 to 149, “S (single) reach” is selected, and when CS2 = 150 to 240, “W (double) reach” is selected. Is set to Therefore, when CS1 = 0 to 49 and CS2 = 150 to 240, “normal W reach” is selected. As can be seen from FIG. 47, the total variation time for each reach is different. However, the initial fluctuation time is the same “8 seconds” for each reach.

  The variation pattern (reach effect pattern) defined in advance by the table and the variation pattern command set based on the variation pattern change the variation mode (variation pattern) of the variation display of the first symbol (designs Z1 to Z9). This is specified and corresponds to the variation pattern information in the present embodiment.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that it is not a big hit, it is determined in step S504 whether or not a reach has occurred based on the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. If the reach has occurred, it is further determined in step S505 whether the reach is out of front or back based on the value of the reach random number counter C3. In this embodiment, the value of the reach random number counter C3 is any one of 0 to 238, of which “0, 1” corresponds to the front / rear out of reach, “2-21” corresponds to the reach other than the front / rear out, “22-238” corresponds to no reach (complete detachment).

  If the front / rear outreach has occurred, the process proceeds to step S506, and the values of the upper, middle, and lower outreach symbol counters CL, CM, and CR stored in the front / rear outreach symbol buffer of the RAM 503 are set as stop symbol commands. In step S507, a variation pattern at the time of front / rear out of reach is determined, and the variation pattern is set as a variation pattern command. At this time, as in step S503, the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 are checked, and the normal reach, super reach, etc. are determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. The reach type of one symbol and other rough symbol variation modes are determined, and the elapsed time until the final stop symbol (the middle symbol in this embodiment) stops after the occurrence of reach based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. That is, a more detailed symbol variation mode such as a variation time (in other words, the number of variation symbols) is determined. The same applies to step S508 described below, but the variation pattern (reach effect pattern or the like) is determined in consideration of a predetermined table. However, the configuration content is different from the configuration content of the table that is considered at the time of the jackpot (not shown). In other words, the rate at which various variation patterns are selected is different from that at the time of jackpot. For example, “Uminjin Reach” is extremely difficult to be selected so as to increase its expectation level, and “Normal Reach” is easily selected.

  If a reach other than front / rear out is generated, the process proceeds to step S508, and the values of the upper, middle and lower outreach counters CL, CM, CR stored in the reach symbol buffer other than front / rear out of RAM 503 are stopped. Set to. Also, in step S509, a fluctuation pattern at the time of reach other than front / rear deviation is determined, and the fluctuation pattern is set as a fluctuation pattern command. At this time, the variation pattern is determined based on the values of the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503, as in step S503 and the like.

  If it is neither a big hit nor a reach, the process proceeds to step S510, and the values of the upper, middle, and lower off symbol counters CL, CM, CR stored in the complete off symbol buffer of the RAM 503 are set in the stop symbol command. In step S511, the fluctuation pattern at the time of complete deviation is determined, and the fluctuation pattern is set in the fluctuation pattern command. At this time, since the reach does not occur, the player's interest is reduced, and various symbol variation modes are not required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in step S511, the symbol variation mode is determined using only the first variation type counter CS1 (that is, without using the second variation type counter CS2). As described above, when the setting of the symbol stop command and the variation pattern command is completed at the time of jackpot, when the reach occurs, and when the reach does not occur, this processing ends. Note that, in the case of complete deviation that does not result in a big hit and no reach occurs, the total change time from the start of change to the fixed stop display is “10 seconds”, but the initial change time is “8” as in the case of the reach occurrence. Seconds ".

  Returning to the description of FIG. 26, if YES in step S402, that is, if the first symbol variation display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S407, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined variation time (predetermined time) has elapsed. . At this time, the variation time of the first symbol (see FIG. 44) is determined according to the variation pattern of the first symbol. When this variation time has elapsed, an affirmative determination is made in step S407. (Return to step S402) Then, in step S408, a command for instructing to stop the confirmation of symbol variation is set as a confirmation command, and then this process is terminated.

  Next, payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311 will be described. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the main process of the payout control device 311. This main process is started upon reset when the power is turned on.

  First, in step S901, an initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, a predetermined value determined in advance is set in the stack pointer, and an interrupt mode is set. In step S902, the process waits until a payout permission command transmitted from main controller 261 is received. When the payout permission command is received, the process advances to step S903 to permit RAM access, and in step S904, an external interrupt vector is set.

  Thereafter, data backup processing is executed for the RAM 513 in the CPU 511. That is, in step S905, it is determined whether or not the RAM erase switch 323 provided in the power supply device 313 is pressed (ON). In subsequent step S906, the information on occurrence of power interruption is set in the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. It is determined whether or not. In step S907, a RAM determination value is calculated. In subsequent step S908, it is determined whether or not the RAM determination value matches the RAM determination value stored when the power is turned off, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM determination value is a checksum value at a work area address in the RAM 513, for example. Note that it is possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not the keywords written in a predetermined area of the RAM 513 are correctly stored.

  If the RAM erase switch 323 is ON, the process proceeds to a RAM initialization process (step S915, etc.). Similarly, when the occurrence information of power interruption is not set, or when a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM determination value (checksum value or the like), the process proceeds to initialization processing of the RAM 513 (step S915 or the like). That is, in step S915, the entire area of the RAM 513 is cleared to 0, and in the subsequent step S916, initialization processing of the RAM 513 is executed. In step S917, CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and in step S918, interrupt permission is set, and the process proceeds to a payout control process described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, the power-off occurrence information is set, and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. Execute the process (process when power is restored). That is, in step S909, the stack pointer before the power interruption is restored, and in step S910, the information on the occurrence of the power interruption is cleared. In step S911, CPU peripheral devices are initialized, and in step S912, the used registers are restored from the backup area 513a of the RAM 513. Further, in steps S913 and S914, the interruption permission / non-permission is returned to the state before the power interruption, and then the address before the power interruption is returned.

  Next, the flow of the payout control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 32, in step S1001, a command from the main controller 261 is acquired, and the total number of winning balls is stored. In step S1002, the launch control apparatus 312 is set for launch permission. In step S1003, the state return switch 321 is checked, and if it is determined that the state return operation has started, the state return operation is executed.

  Thereafter, in step S1004, setting of the lower pan full tank state or the lower pan full tank release state is executed in accordance with the change in the state of the lower pan 15. That is, when the lower pan 15 is detected based on the detection signal of the lower pan full switch, when the lower pan is full, the lower pan full state is set, and when the lower pan full is not reached , Set the lower pan full release state. In step S1005, setting of a tank ball absence state or a tank ball absence release state is executed according to a change in the state of the tank ball. In other words, the tank ball no switch state is determined based on the detection signal of the tank ball no switch, and the special setting for the absence of the tank ball and the setting for the no tank ball state are executed. Perform configuration.

  Thereafter, in step S1006, the presence / absence of the state to be notified is determined. If there is a state to be notified, the 7-segment LED provided in the payout control device 311 is notified.

  In steps S1007 to S1009, prize ball payout processing is executed. In this case, if the prize ball is not paid out and the total number of prize balls stored in step S1001 is not 0 (both NO in steps S1007 and S1008), the process proceeds to step S1009 and a prize ball control process (described later). FIG. 33) is started. Further, if the prize ball cannot be paid out or the total number of prize balls is 0 (YES in any one of steps S1007 and S1008), the process proceeds to a lending payout process.

  Thereafter, in steps S1010 to S1012, a rental ball payout process is executed. In this case, if it is not possible to pay out the rent and if a rent-out request from the card unit has been received (NO in step S1010, YES in S1011), the process proceeds to step S1012 and a renting control process (described later) FIG. 34) is started. Further, if a rental ball cannot be paid out or a rental ball payout request has not been received (YES in step S1010 or NO in S1011), the subsequent ball removal process is executed.

  In step S1013, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the ball removal process on the condition that the state return switch 321 is checked and the ball removal disabled state is not set and the ball removal operation is not started. In subsequent step S1014, control of vibrator 360 (vibration motor control) is executed on the condition that the ball is clogged. Thereafter, the process returns to the top of the payout control process.

  Here, in the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 33, in step S1101, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute the prize ball payout. In subsequent step S1102, whether the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal is determined based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1103, the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process, and a stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed. Thereafter, the process returns to the payout control process in FIG.

  If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1104, and whether or not the game ball is normally counted is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process advances to step S1105 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  If the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S1106, where it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached the total number of prize balls and the payout has been completed. If the payout has been completed, the stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1107, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  In the ball lending control process shown in FIG. 34, in step S1201, the payout motor 358a is driven to pay out a lending ball. In the subsequent step S1202, it is determined from the detection result of the dispensing rotation sensor whether the rotation of the dispensing motor 358a is normal. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1203, where the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and a stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then the process returns to the payout control process of FIG.

  If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process advances to step S1204 to determine whether or not the game ball is normally counted based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game ball count is not normal, the process advances to step S1205 to drive the payout motor 358a to execute a retry process and execute a stop process of the payout motor 358a, and then return to the payout control process of FIG.

  Further, if the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S1206, where it is determined whether or not the game ball count by the payout count switch has reached a predetermined number of rented balls (25) and the payout is completed. If the payout has been completed, a stop process of the payout motor 358a is executed in step S1207, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG.

  Next, display control processing in the first symbol display device 42 by the display control device 45 will be described. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the display control process, and this display control process is a process periodically performed at predetermined intervals.

  First, in step S1301, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines whether or not the big hit display process is being executed, that is, whether or not the big hit. If it is a big hit, the process moves to step S1304. If it is not a big hit, the process proceeds to step S1302.

  In step S1302, the CPU 521 performs processing for confirming whether a command has been received from the main control device 261. If a command is received, the type of the received command is determined in step S1303, the command is stored in a command buffer provided in the work RAM 523 together with the determination result, and the process proceeds to step S1304. The received command includes a variation pattern command, a definite stop command, a command related to jackpot, etc., but in the process of determining the type of the command, a variation pattern such as a reach effect pattern as well as determination of these differences. The type is determined.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1302 that no command has been received, it is determined in step S1307 whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the symbols Z1 to Z9 were displayed in a fixed stop state. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1304. If the predetermined time has elapsed, a demo screen setting process is executed in step S1308, and the process proceeds to step S1304. That is, a setting process for executing the demonstration screen display is performed.

  Next, a general display effect setting process is performed in step S1304. That is, whether or not to execute the latent system effect is determined, and a latent pattern (display mode) to be executed is determined, and a setting process for executing this display is performed.

  More specifically, the CPU 521 includes a general display effect counter HC and various general display effect tables (see FIG. 48 and the like), and determines whether or not to execute the general display effect by referring to the counter HC and the table. To do. The table to be considered is selected with reference to the command type stored in step S1303. The ratio at which the fish latencies and the like are selected differs depending on whether it corresponds to a big hit, corresponds to a miss reach, or corresponds to a complete miss. Then, the various tables are configured so that the ratio of performing the fish latencies and the like is increased when the variation pattern corresponds to the big hitting time than when the variation pattern includes the outreach effect pattern. For example, when the stored variation pattern command is for the big hit, the big hit table is selected. Of course, although not shown in the figure, a table that is referred to when a variation pattern command is not received (during demonstration screen display or during variation stop time) is also prepared.

  The general display effect counter HC is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value every time it is updated, for example, one by one in the range of 0 to 250, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250), the loop counter returns to 0. It has become. The general display effect counter HC is periodically updated, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 523 at a predetermined timing based on a timer included in the CPU 521. For example, it is stored every predetermined time when it is completely off, and is stored in the work RAM 523 at the timing when a display command is received from the main controller 261 when a specific reach mode is established. That is, the specific change condition that triggers the change of the display mode pattern (latent pattern) of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 is established every predetermined time or every variable display. The size and range of the counter are merely examples, and can be arbitrarily changed.

  The CPU 521 includes, for example, a plurality of types of fish latent display tables as the general display effect table, and refers to the fish latent display table in synchronization with the counter value of the general display effect counter HC being stored. Based on the stored counter value, it is determined whether or not to execute a fish school latent effect and its latent pattern. And the setting process for performing fish school latent production is performed. As described above, the latent pattern is a display mode pattern (pattern information) for specifying a difference in display mode between the fish characters GC1 to GC3 set to be latent, and in this embodiment, a small fish school. Three latent patterns of character GC1, medium fish school character GC2, and large fish school character GC3 are stored.

  More detailed description will be given by taking as an example a table (table for off-running / fish-latency production) that is referred to at the time of full-off as shown in FIG. When the value of the general display effect counter HC is HC = 0 to 150, “no latent” is selected, and the fish latent effect is not performed. Further, in the case of HC = 151 to 200, “small fish group latency effect” is selected, and the small fish group character GC1 is set to be latent as shown in FIG. In the case of HC = 201 to 240, the “medium fish schooling effect” is selected, and the medium fish school character GC2 is set to live as shown in FIG. In the case of HC = 241 to 250, the “large fish school latent effect” is selected, and the large fish school character GC3 is set to be latent as shown in FIG.

  Further, description will be made by taking as an example a table (a table for jackpot / fish latencies production) referred to at the time of jackpot as shown in FIG. When the value of the general display effect counter HC is HC = 0 to 10, “no hiding” is selected, and the fish hiding effect is not performed. Further, when HC = 11 to 100, “small fish group latency effect” is selected, and the small fish group character GC1 is set to be latent as shown in FIG. In the case of HC = 101 to 190, “medium fish school latent effect” is selected, and the medium fish school character GC2 is set to be latent as shown in FIG. In the case of HC = 191 to 250, the “large fish school latent effect” is selected, and the large fish school character GC3 is set to be latent as shown in FIG.

  Note that even if the fish-latency effect is performed, the player cannot view the fish characters GC1 to GC3 unless the cross button 125 is operated. In addition, while the demonstration screen is displayed, the processing related to the general display effect is executed, but the demonstration screen is preferentially displayed on the display unit 42a. However, if the player operates the cross button 125 while the demo screen is displayed, the display screen is switched to the one during the variable stop time of symbols Z1 to Z9 and the above scroll display is possible. Become. Accordingly, if the fish school latent effect is performed, the player can view the fish characters GC1 to GC3 by operating the cross button 125.

  Similarly, the CPU 521 refers to the general display effect selection counter HC and the seaman latent effect table and determines whether or not to execute the seaman latent effect and its latent pattern. And the setting process for performing this display is performed.

  The case where execution of the fish school latency effect or the seaman latency effect is selected corresponds to the establishment of the specific latency condition in the present embodiment. Further, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the fish characters GC1 to GC3 having different latent patterns are set to be latent after the state where any one of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 is set to latent. This corresponds to the establishment of a specific change condition.

  Next, an additional display effect setting process is performed in step S1305. That is, it is determined whether or not an additional display effect such as the above-mentioned appearance effect is executed, and a setting process for executing this display is performed.

  The CPU 521 includes an additional display effect counter FC and various additional display effect tables, and determines whether or not to perform an additional display effect in consideration of the counter FC and the table. However, the process for determining the additional display effect is performed only when the variation pattern command is received, that is, when the variation display of the symbols Z1 to Z9 is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the additional display effect counter FC has the same configuration as the general display effect counter HC. The updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 523 at the timing when the variation pattern command is received from the main controller 261.

  The CPU 521 includes, for example, a fish appearance appearance table as an additional display effect table, refers to the fish appearance appearance table in synchronization with the counter value of the additional display effect counter FC being stored, and stores the stored counter. Based on the value, it is determined whether or not to execute the fish school appearance effect. And the setting process for performing this display is performed.

  In addition, the CPU 521 includes a plurality of types of tables corresponding to the above various variation pattern commands as the fish appearance appearance table, and when receiving a predetermined variation pattern command, the CPU 521 refers to the table corresponding to the variation pattern command. Based on the stored counter value, it is determined whether or not to execute the fish appearance effect. In addition, when the variation pattern includes a reach production pattern, it is also referred to depending on whether the reach production pattern corresponds to a big hit or a reach reach (reach out of front and back and reach other than back and forth). Different tables are used. In this case, by determining whether or not the command includes information indicating that this time is a big hit, or determining whether or not this command includes information indicating that this time is out of reach Determine the table to be referenced. However, in this embodiment, when the variation pattern is “completely off”, the fish school appearance effect is not performed.

  For example, when the fluctuation pattern is “ripple reach”, the ripple reach table is referred to. In this case, when the value of the additional display effect counter FC is FC = 0 to 230, “no appearance” is selected, and the fish appearance effect is not performed. In the case of FC = 231 to 250, “appears” is selected. However, even when “with appearance” is selected as described later, the fish appearance appearance is not performed if the specific appearance condition is not satisfied.

  When “appearing” is selected, the CPU 521 determines whether or not the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 are set to be latent. If the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are not set to be latent, the specific appearance condition is not satisfied. Therefore, the fish school latent effect is not performed.

  Further, if the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 are set to be latent, the latent pattern is determined. That is, it is determined whether the fish group characters GC1 to GC3 set to be hidden are the small fish group character GC1, the middle fish group character GC2, and the large fish group character GC3. If the latent pattern of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 set to be latent is a latent pattern of a predetermined expected level or higher, the variation pattern in the reach mode is not a variable pattern of a predetermined expected level or higher. The specific appearance condition is not satisfied. That is, the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 do not appear.

  For example, in the present embodiment, when the small fish group character GC1 is set to be hidden, a reach pattern having a higher degree of expectation than “normal reach”, ie, “normal reach”, “ripple reach”, “marine reach”. If not, the small fish group character GC1 does not appear.

  If the medium fish group character GC2 is set to be hidden, the medium fish group is not a reach pattern having a level of expectation higher than the “ripple reach”, ie, “ripple reach” or “marine reach”. The character GC2 does not appear.

  In addition, when the large fish group character GC3 is set to be hidden, the large fish group character GC3 appears unless the reach pattern has a higher degree of expectation than the “ocean reach”, that is, the “ocean reach”. do not do.

  Accordingly, when the fish characters GC1 to GC3 appear in the reach mode, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are always set to be latent in the previous stage. Of course, even when the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 are set to be hidden, the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 do not appear unless they reach the reach mode.

  Similarly, the CPU 521 refers to the general display effect selection counter HC and the seaman latent effect table, and determines whether to execute the fish latent effect and its latent pattern. And the setting process for performing this display is performed.

  In addition, when the seaman latent effect is executed, the seaman character DC appears with the specific appearance condition being satisfied that the seaman reach is executed. However, the seaman character DC appears only when the reach production pattern is the seaman reach.

  Next, the flow of the image generation process in step S1306 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1401, the CPU 521 executes image configuration information generation processing. The image configuration information generation process includes a process for generating a task based on the command (including an instruction set in a setting process such as a general display effect), and a process for executing the task. That is, the CPU 521 sequentially calls commands stored in the command buffer, selects a display program such as a variation pattern corresponding to the command from the ROM 522, executes the display program, and generates a task. In addition, when executing the general display effect or the like, those tasks are generated. Then, by executing these tasks, image configuration information corresponding to each of the layers L1 to L4 is generated in the image configuration information generation region allocated corresponding to each of the layers L1 to L4.

  More specifically, the CPU 521 sets a task buffer area and a sprite chain area in the work RAM 523 according to a control program in the ROM 522 according to the received command or the like. Further, the CPU 521 generates a parent task corresponding to the command or the like in the task buffer area, and generates a plurality of child tasks for executing various individual processing programs in the ROM 522 by executing the parent task. . The task buffer area and the sprite chain area can be set in advance.

  Here, the parent task writes the start address of the processing program stored in the ROM 522 in the child task. Furthermore, each child task is connected in a task chain in the order of execution. The task chain refers to associating a plurality of child tasks in a chain by writing the address of the next task to be executed at the end of the task to be executed. Thereby, a plurality of programs stored in the ROM 522 can be executed in a necessary order.

  Next, the execution of child tasks (background task, each symbol task, character task, etc.) will be described. First, the CPU 521 reads the address in the ROM 522 written in the first child task to be executed first in the task buffer, and executes the first program stored in the address. The execution result by the execution of the first program is written into the first child task in the task buffer area. Further, when the same first child task is executed next, in order to execute a different second program, the start address of the first program in the first child task is rewritten to the start address of the second program. . Thereby, when the first task is executed next, the second program is executed, and the execution result is written in the first task. Then, the start address and end address of the child task are written in the sprite chain area.

  Specifically, by executing the background task as the child task, the program in the ROM 522 is executed. In the background task, together with the address in the character ROM 525 in which the background image BG is stored, image configuration information generation is performed. The arrangement position of the background image BG in the area is written. Then, the start address and end address of the background task in the task buffer area are written in the task address area of the sprite chain area corresponding to the priority order. Although the same applies to the following, the description that the arrangement position of the background image BG or the like is written in the image configuration information generation area and the display range FS described later is set in the image configuration information in the present embodiment. This means that the arrangement position of the background image BG or the like is written, and a display range FS to be described later is set.

  Similarly, when the symbol task is executed, the address of the character ROM 525 storing the symbol images such as symbols Z1 to Z9, the arrangement position of the symbol image in the image configuration information generation area, and the like are determined. Written in. Then, the head address and the last address of the symbol task in the task buffer area are written in the task address area of the sprite chain area corresponding to the priority order.

  When the character task is executed, the program in the ROM 522 is executed. In the character task, image configuration information generation is performed together with the address in the character ROM 525 in which the character images (fish school characters GC1 to GC3, etc.) are stored. The arrangement position of the character image in the area is written. Then, the start address and the end address of the character task in the task buffer area are written in the task address area of the sprite chain area corresponding to the priority order.

  Next, when the writing of the addresses of all tasks is completed, the CPU 521 performs a display range FS setting process in step S1402.

  More specifically, the CPU 521 first sets a display range FS (see FIG. 46) corresponding to the substantially rectangular display area of the display unit 42a to a predetermined basic in each image configuration information generation area corresponding to each layer L1 to L4. Set to the setting position. The basic setting position corresponds to the initial reference position in the present embodiment, and the stop positions of the symbols Z1 to Z9 are set within the display range FS set to the basic setting position.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not an operation signal is input from the cross button 125. If no operation signal is input, the set position of the display range FS is determined as the basic set position. That is, the case where the operation signal is not input from the cross button 125 (when the cross button 125 is in the non-operation state) corresponds to the case where the operation means in the present embodiment is in the initial state. The cross button 125 is configured to return to a predetermined reference position (reference posture), that is, to return to an initial state when not touched by the player (non-operating state).

  Further, when an operation signal is input, a displacement amount (movement amount) of the set position of the display range FS is calculated based on the operation signal, and the set position of the display range FS is calculated from the basic set position by the amount of the displacement. It is displaced and the set position is determined (see FIG. 50). In the present embodiment, all display ranges FS set in all image configuration information generation areas are displaced in synchronization. That is, the display range FS is displayed in each image configuration information generation region corresponding to the layers L2 to L4 as the set position of the display range FS is displaced in a predetermined direction by a predetermined amount in each image configuration information generation region corresponding to the layer L1. Is displaced by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction.

  Further, when the reach mode is established, the CPU 521, when the set position of the display range FS is displaced from the basic set position, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the change of the symbols Z1 to Z9 (7 seconds in the present embodiment), A process of returning the display range FS to the basic setting position is executed. That is, the set position of the display range FS returns to the basic set position one second before the first symbols Z1 to Z9 stop. Also, when the player stops operating the cross button 125, the setting position of the display range FS is similarly returned to the basic setting position. Of course, it may be configured to return immediately after the end of the initial fluctuation time. In the present embodiment, the display range FS is scrolled to return to the basic setting position. That is, the display screen is scrolled and returned to the original position.

  When it is determined in the general display effect setting process that, for example, a fish school latent effect is performed, the CPU 521 sets the arrangement position of the fish character GC so that it is outside the display range FS at the basic setting position.

  Next, when the display range setting is completed, the CPU 521 performs a sprite transfer process in step S1403. Specifically, the video RAM 524 sequentially stores the image configuration information in the display range FS written in the order from the lowest priority of the sprite chain area to the last address written in each task address area. Send to. The video RAM 524 stores the sent image configuration information in order. For example, when a plurality of images are generated on the same area plane, an image sent later is overwritten on an image sent earlier and stored as image configuration information for one screen. . Then, the information executed for each child task is sent to the video RAM 65 at a time, so that one frame of image configuration information to be displayed on the display unit 42 a is generated in the video RAM 65. Various processes of each child task are performed for each vertical scanning signal in the display unit 42a.

  In step S1404, output processing is performed. The image controller 526 extracts character data from the character ROM 525 based on the image configuration information for one screen stored in the video RAM 524, and generates display images in various gaming states by writing the data in the image configuration information. The displayed image is output to the display unit 42a.

  Next, the fish incubation effect etc. in the display part 42a are demonstrated in detail. The player can scroll the display screen both vertically and horizontally by operating the cross button 125 within the initial variation time (see FIG. 50). For example, when the right side of the cross button 125 is pressed, the display image (background image BG, etc.) scrolls to the left on the display unit 42a, and the display is as if the player moved his gaze to the right. Similarly, when the left side of the cross button 125 is pressed, the display is moved to the left, the upper side is pressed to move up, and the lower side is pressed to move the line of sight downward.

  When the fish hide-in effect is performed, as shown in FIGS. 41 to 43, when the player presses the right side of the cross button 125 and scrolls the display screen, the fish characters GC <b> 1 to GC <b> 3 appear in the shadow of the rock. The player can visually recognize the lurking. In addition, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the like are continuously set in the latent state over a period in which the symbols Z1 to Z9 are displayed multiple times, for example, during the demonstration screen display or during the symbols Z1 to Z9. Is done. Then, based on the establishment of the specific change condition, the display mode (latent pattern) of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 set to be hidden is changed from a small fish group character GC1 as shown in FIG. 41 to a medium fish school as shown in FIG. The character changes to the character GC2 or from the medium fish school character GC2 to the large fish school character GC3 as shown in FIG. In addition, when the variable display is not performed or when the reach mode is not established, the display mode of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the like changes every predetermined time regardless of the variable display.

  Further, when the fish school appearance effect is performed, after the display image returns to the normal position (position corresponding to the basic setting position) and reach is established, the hidden fish school characters GC1 to GC3 are displayed on the display unit. 42a is displayed so as to cross the display portion 42a from the outside of the display area on the right side through the back of the symbols Z1 to Z9 to the left.

  Also, in the case where the seaman latent effect is performed, as shown in FIG. 44, when the player presses the lower side of the cross button 125, the display screen (the symbols Z1 to Z9, etc.) is scrolled upward, and the symbols Z1 to Z1 are scrolled upward. The player can visually recognize that the seaman character DC is lurking below the variation range of Z9.

  As described above in detail, the player himself / herself operates the cross button 125 by his / her own intention to scroll the display image and determine the latent setting of the fish character GC or the like. That is, a game such as searching for a fish school character GC can be performed, and the player is conscious of being actively participating in the game. As a result, it is possible to suppress the monotonization of the game and to further improve the interest.

  Furthermore, since the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the like can be set to be continuously hidden over a period in which the variation display of the symbols Z1 to Z9 is performed a plurality of times, the production is interrupted at the end of each variation display. It is possible to reduce the inconvenience, and to produce an effect that the player is interested in for a longer period of time, and to dramatically improve the interest for the player. In addition, by changing the display mode of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the like that are set to be hidden, the monotonousness of the game can be suppressed, and further improvement of interest can be achieved.

  In the present embodiment, the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 and the like are characters that appear in the reach effect, and the suggestion effect that suggests that the latent setting of the fish character characters GC1 to GC3 and the like becomes a reach mode. The player who visually recognizes the set fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the like is more interested in the game in which the fish characters GC and the like are scroll-displayed in order to perform the game while having a sense of expectation that the fish will be in the reach state thereafter. It will be intriguing and further improvement of interest will be achieved.

  In addition, except for the appearance effects, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are not displayed on the display unit regardless of the player's intention, and whether or not the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are set. It can be known only when the player wants to know. Therefore, when the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 and the like are not displayed, it is possible to reduce the possibility of giving the player an impression that the expectation degree of the subsequent production, that is, the reach state and thus the expectation leading to the big hit state is low. Can do.

  Furthermore, the display effect mode is switched by mode switching or the like, and compared with a gaming machine that can know whether or not the fish characters GC1 to GC3 etc. are set (displayed) only when the player wants to know, There is no sudden switching of the display effect mode in the middle of the fluctuation of the symbols Z1 to Z9, and the possibility that the display effect becomes unnatural can be suppressed. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm whether or not the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are set by scrolling the display screen, so that the continuity of the variable display of the symbols Z1 to Z9 is maintained. Various display effects can be realized without causing the player to feel uncomfortable that the variable display is interrupted. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the display device to perform sudden image switching processing such as mode switching in the middle of changes in the symbols Z1 to Z9, and the processing burden on the display device can be reduced.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, when the small fish group character GC1 is set to be hidden, the small fish group character GC1 does not appear unless the reach pattern has a higher degree of expectation than “normal reach”. If the medium fish school character GC2 is set to be hidden, the medium fish school character GC2 does not appear unless the reach pattern has a higher expectation level than “ripple reach”. When the large fish group character GC3 is set to be hidden, the large fish group character GC3 does not appear unless the reach pattern has a high expectation level equal to or higher than the “ocean reach”. In other words, if the latent pattern of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 that are set to be latent is a latent pattern that is greater than or equal to a predetermined expectation level, the variation pattern in the reach mode is not a variation pattern that is greater than or equal to the predetermined expectation level. The specific appearance condition is not satisfied, that is, the fish characters GC1 to GC3 do not appear. For this reason, since the latent setting of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 having different display modes (latent patterns) can be suggested display of various variation patterns having different expectations, the latent setting of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the symbols Z1 to Z9 are displayed. The relevance with the fluctuation display of the deepening, deepening the interest can be further improved by the synergistic effect of both.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows.

  (A) In the above embodiment, image configuration information corresponding to each of the layers L1 to L4 is generated, a display range FS is set in each of the image configuration information (each image configuration information generation region), and all the image configuration information The display image is scrolled by synchronously displacing all the display ranges FS set in the above. Not limited to this, after generating image configuration information in which image configuration information corresponding to a plurality of layers is integrated (superimposed), a display range is set in the image configuration information, and the display range is displaced, thereby displaying The image may be scroll-displayed. Further, once the display image is generated, the display unit 42a is configured to display the predetermined display range of the display image, and the display image is scrolled by displacing the display range. Good. Needless to say, the entire display image is not scroll-displayed, and at least a part of the display image may be scroll-displayed. For example, the symbols Z1 to Z9 may be displayed variably as they are, and only other images (mainly background images) may be scroll-displayed. In this case, for example, the scroll display can be realized by displacing the display range FS set in the image configuration information corresponding to a predetermined layer among the layers L1 to L4.

  Further, instead of generating a display image based on a two-dimensional image stored in advance, for example, a display image may be generated in real time by setting an object constituted by polygons in a virtual three-dimensional space. . In this case, the arrangement position information that defines the arrangement positions of objects corresponding to various images in the virtual three-dimensional space corresponds to the image configuration information.

  (B) The configuration of the operation means for performing the scroll display is not limited to the cross button 125 in the above-described embodiment, but is arranged in a substantially cross shape so that it can be operated in a plurality of directions such as up, down, left, and right, for example. It may be a plurality of buttons, an operation lever, a slide bar capable of sliding operation, a touch panel provided corresponding to the display unit, or the like. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can be operated not only to an up-down and left-right direction but to another direction (for example, diagonal direction), and it is good also as a structure which can be operated only in the left-right direction and an up-down direction. Of course, in this case, the displacement direction of the display range FS also conforms to this.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the displacement amount of the display range FS is not particularly mentioned, but the display control device 45 may be configured to restrict the displacement amount of the display range FS. In this case, the display control device 45 constitutes a displacement regulating means. By restricting the amount of displacement of the display range FS, the display range FS can be returned to the basic setting position relatively quickly. Further, the latent set position of the fish character GC or the like is set near the limit at which the display range FS can be displaced, and only a part of the fish character GC or the like can be visually recognized even if the player scrolls the display image. By doing so, it is possible to connect the latent effects of the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 and the like to the subsequent effects without allowing the player to grasp the whole image of the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 and the like. For example, after the player visually recognizes a part of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the like that are set to be hidden, the player then plays the game with the expectation of which of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 will appear. Improvement is achieved.

  (D) It is good also as a structure provided with the alerting | reporting means to alert | report that the fish character GC1-GC3 grade | etc., Was set to be latent. As a result, the player actively performs the scroll display, and the effect of setting the fish characters GC1 to GC3 and the like to be hidden is further enhanced. As a result, further improvement of interest is achieved.

  Examples of the notification means include notification in the first symbol display device 42 and the second symbol display device 41 (in this case, the notification means is constituted by the first symbol display device 42 and the display control device 45), Information to be notified on second display means different from the first symbol display device 42 or the like (for example, information to be displayed as in a fish detector), information to be notified by sound generation means such as a speaker 249, light emission from various lamps, etc. What is notified by means is given as an example. In addition, “indication” may be used instead of “informing”. Of course, for a player who does not want to know whether the fish character GC or the like is set to be hidden, a notification invalidating means (for example, a notification canceling means such as a cancel button) for preventing the notification by the notification means is not provided. It is good also as a structure provided.

  (E) In the above embodiment, when the reach mode is established, scroll display of the display image is prohibited. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the reach mode is established, the symbols Z1 to Z9 are fixed and stopped. Within a period, it is good also as a structure which permits the scroll display of a display image in connection with reach production.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the specific change condition that triggers the change of the display pattern (latent pattern) of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 is established every predetermined time or every variable display, and the fish characters GC1 to GC3 are appropriately selected. The display mode is changed. Not only this but the display control apparatus 45 is good also as a structure provided with the production | presentation control means which can perform a series of control which changes the display mode of fish character GC1-GC3 in steps. As a result, the fish characters GC1 to GC1 are moved over a period in which the symbols Z1 to Z9 are displayed multiple times, such as from the small fish group character GC1 to the middle fish group character GC2 and from the middle fish group character GC2 to the large fish group character GC3. A series of controls in which the display mode of the GC 3 changes stepwise can be performed. Therefore, a so-called continuous production effect is produced, and further enhancement of interest can be achieved. Of course, when the specific change condition is satisfied for each variable display (for example, at the start of the variable display) or for each predetermined time, the display mode of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 changes stepwise. Also good. In addition, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to change the display mode of the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 for each variable display or every predetermined time, and the display mode of the fish school characters GC1 to GC3 changes stepwise based on the lottery result. It is good also as composition which goes. Further, the main control device 261 may determine whether or not to perform the series of controls and how many times the change display is performed according to the number of holds stored in the hold area. Good.

  (G) In the said embodiment, it is comprised so that the quantity of the fish which comprises each fish school character GC1-GC3 may be changed as a change of the display mode of fish character GC1-GC3 set as a latency. Alternatively or in addition, the display mode of the fish characters GC1 to GC3 can be changed by changing the type of the fish characters GC1 to GC3, changing the mode of operation of the fish characters GC1 to GC3, and changing the colors of the fish characters GC1 to GC3. Changes may be included. Similarly, the display mode of the seaman character DC may be changed. For example, as one example, when the expectation level is low, the latent character DC is set to be hidden in the action mode in which the seaman character DC is dozing, and when the expectation level is higher than this, the latent character DC is set to be hidden. It is good also as a structure which is set in the state with the highest expectation degree, and is set in the operation mode in which the seaman character DC is performing the preparatory movement.

  (H) As the 1st symbol display apparatus 42, you may use CRT, a dot matrix, LED, electroluminescence (EL) etc. besides the liquid crystal display of the said embodiment.

  (I) You may implement as a pachinko machine etc. of a different type from the said embodiment. For example, once a big hit, a pachinko machine that raises the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, two times or three times) including that (for example, a two-time right item, a three-time right item) May also be implemented. Further, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that is in a big hit state on the condition that a game ball is won in a predetermined area after the big hit symbol is displayed. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine called a blade. In addition to pachinko machines, the present invention can also be implemented as various game machines such as an arrangement ball machine and a similar sparrow ball. Further, it can be implemented as various gaming machines such as a spinning machine (slot machine), a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a spinning machine are fused.

  As a basic configuration of a spinning machine (slot machine), “a reel as a rotating type variable display means for confirming and displaying an identification symbol after variably displaying an identification symbol sequence composed of a plurality of identification symbols (identification information)” And the player taps the start lever as the starting operation means, and the reel rotates to change the identification pattern, and the player presses the stop button as the stopping operation means, or a predetermined time elapses. As a necessary condition, the reel is stopped and the identification symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific stop mode (combination). Thus, a special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  In addition, the basic configuration of a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a revolving type gaming machine (slot machine) is “the identification symbol is confirmed after the identification symbol string consisting of a plurality of identification symbols (identification information) is variably displayed. It has a reel as a swivel type variable display means to display, the player hits a start lever as a starting operation means, and the reel rotates to change the identification pattern, and the player stops as an operating means for stopping A special gaming state advantageous to the player is required on the condition that the reel is stopped by pressing a button or when a predetermined time elapses and the identification symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific stop mode (combination). It is configured to generate and uses a game ball as a game medium and requires a predetermined number of game balls at the start of variation of the identification symbol. The gaming machine comprising been configured such that the number of gaming balls are paid out. "

  Further, in the above-mentioned spinning-type game machine, a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a spinning-type gaming machine are fused, etc., in addition to the spinning-type variable display means having a reel, etc. A display unit capable of displaying an identification image is provided, the display unit generates a display image in which a plurality of identification images fluctuate, and the display image is displayed on a predetermined display unit. It is good also as a structure.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine in one Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine of the state which open | released the inner frame and the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the inner frame etc. in the state which open | released the front frame set. It is a front view which shows the structure of a game board. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a front frame set. It is a rear view which shows the structure of a pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows arrangement | positioning of the 1st control board unit in the back surface of a pachinko machine, a 2nd control board unit, and a back pack unit. It is a rear view which shows the structure of an inner frame and a game board. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface structure of an inner frame. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a support metal fitting. It is a front view which shows the structure of a 1st control board unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a 1st control board unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a 1st control board unit. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the back surface structure of a 1st control board unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a 2nd control board unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a 2nd control board unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a 2nd control board unit. It is a front view which shows the structure of a back pack unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a back pack unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a tank rail. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of a pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the various counters used for game control. It is a flowchart which shows the main process by the main controller. It is a flowchart which shows a normal process. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of an off symbol counter. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st symbol fluctuation | variation process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation | variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows a start winning process. It is a flowchart which shows a NMI interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of the payout control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows payout control processing. It is a flowchart which shows prize ball control. It is a flowchart which shows ball rental control. It is a flowchart which shows the display control process of a 1st symbol display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an image generation process. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation display mode of the symbol in the display part of a 1st symbol display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the symbol which comprises each symbol row | line | column. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display mode of ripple reach production. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display mode of a marine reach effect. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display mode of the small fish school character to which the latency setting was carried out. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display mode of the medium fish school character to which the latency setting was carried out. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display mode of the large fish school character by which the latency setting was carried out. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display mode of the seaman character to which the latent setting was carried out. It is a schematic diagram which shows the display mode of the fish school character in an appearance effect. It is a schematic diagram which shows a layer structure. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure for a fluctuation pattern selection. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure for the time of detachment and fish latencies. It is a figure which shows an example of the table structure for jackpot time and fish latencies production. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the displacement of the setting position of a display range.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 30 ... Game board which comprises a game area, 33 ... 1st opportunity corresponding port, 42 ... 1st symbol display apparatus which comprises a display means, 42a ... Display part, 45 ... Display means, Image control information generation means, display range setting means, display range displacement means, image data storage means, image generation means, variation pattern discrimination means, latent pattern storage means, display control device constituting latent pattern discrimination means, 125... Operation means Cross button, 261... Gaming state control means, gaming state lottery means, variation pattern storage means, variation pattern determination means, reservation storage means, variation instruction means main board (main control device), L1-L4. BG ... background image, GC1-GC3 ... fish character as specific image, DC ... marine character, FS ... display range, Z1-Z9 ... identification image Symbol of Te (first symbol).

Claims (1)

Display means capable of generating a display image in which at least a plurality of identification images vary, and capable of displaying the display image on a predetermined display unit;
A game state control means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that when the specific generation condition is satisfied, the identification image is confirmed and stopped in a specific manner on the display unit; A gaming machine,
An operation means electrically connected to the display means and provided so as to be operable by a player;
The display means includes
When the operation means is in an initial state, a display range to be displayed on the display unit is set to a predetermined initial reference position of the display image,
When the operation means is operated, the display image is scrolled and displayed on the display unit by displacing the display range according to the operation amount of the operation means.
When the specific latent condition is satisfied, the specific image is set to be latent outside the display range set at the initial reference position,
The player can scroll the display image by operating the operation means, and can determine the latent setting of the specific image,
Further, the display means is configured to continuously set the latent image of the specific image over a period in which the variation display of the identification image is performed a plurality of times,
A gaming machine that is configured to be able to change a display mode of a specific image to be latently set based on establishment of a specific change condition.

Images