JP2005278954A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with excellent playing potentialities which achieves the visual recognizability and novel visual effects in getting the players informed by dynamically utilizing the board plane of the game machine widely as a whole and also achieve an excellent efficiency in the progress of the games by carrying out the performance corresponding to the number of reserved balls at any moment of the games. <P>SOLUTION: The internal lottery is carried out responding to the entry of the game balls into the specified prize winning slot provided on a transparent game board 14 as flowing down thereon and the groups of identifying information are variably displayed in the central display region B on a liquid crystal display 32 disposed behind the transparent game board 14. When the number of reserved balls as the prize game balls with the given number as the upper limit reaches the given prescribed value, the groups of identifying information are displayed in the performances simultaneously over the peripheral display area C. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a bullet ball gaming machine provided with a display means that displays a plurality of identification information groups in a variably displayed and stopped manner and can display effects according to the game.

  Conventionally, there is a ball game machine as one of the game machines, and a pachinko game machine is known as a representative of this ball game machine. A pachinko gaming machine is a game for the purpose of launching a game ball on a game board to enter a predetermined winning opening and acquiring more winning balls to be paid out in accordance with the winning. On the transparent game board, game members such as obstacle nails and windmills for changing the flow direction of the game ball, and an electric opening / closing member provided at the winning opening are appropriately provided.

  In such a pachinko gaming machine, a liquid crystal display device is arranged in the approximate center of the game board, and a plurality of identification information consisting of symbols and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display device in a variable manner, like a slot machine that is one of the gaming machines. In addition, there is a game form in which a so-called “variable display game” is executed in which a game state is switched to a game state advantageous to the player when stopped and displayed in a specific combination (hereinafter referred to as “specific combination”).

  In the “variable display game”, when a game ball launched by the player on the transparent game board wins one of the winning openings called the start opening, an internal lottery is performed based on the winning combination. According to the lottery result, the plurality of identification information is displayed in a variable manner and stopped in the display area of the display device, and the lottery result is won and the plurality of identification information is stopped and displayed in a predetermined specific combination. If it is made, it shifts to a so-called “hit game state” which is a state advantageous to the player. In this jackpot gaming state, a special gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “round”), in which a shutter provided at the grand prize winning port, which is also one of the winning prizes, is opened for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls are opened and then closed. In order to continue this round game, it is usually within a predetermined pitch zone (hereinafter also referred to as “V zone”) provided in the big prize opening. It is a condition that at least one game ball enters.

If a game ball wins the starting gate during the execution of such a variable display game, the winning ball is held to hold the variable display game corresponding to the winning ball up to a predetermined number of winnings. I remember it as a sphere. Then, after the currently executed variable display game is finished, the variable display game corresponding to the reserved ball is executed. In such a gaming machine, when there is a holding ball, the number of the holding balls is displayed with a number so that the player is informed of the existence and number of the holding balls (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .) As another method for informing the player of the presence and number of balls on hold, the same number of LEDs as the number of balls on hold can be provided, and the same number of LEDs as the number of balls on hold are lit and displayed. A method of informing the existence and number of the holding balls is also conceivable.
JP 2003-33497 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine represented by the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when there is a holding ball, only the number of the holding balls is displayed by the LED lamp, and the number of the holding balls that fluctuate as the game progresses. Therefore, when the number of reserved balls reaches the maximum number that can be held, the player stops the operation of the launch handle to improve the efficiency of the game machine. There was a problem of causing a decrease.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can produce an effect corresponding to the number of reserved balls at that time, which is excellent in the efficiency of game progress, and the entire board surface of the gaming machine is widely and dynamically developed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine with excellent visibility that can be utilized for the purpose of providing notification to a player and a novel visual effect.

(1) The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a transparent gaming board in which a part or all of the launched gaming ball is guided to flow down on the board by a transparent member, and a gaming ball flowing down the transparent gaming board. Internal lottery means for lottery whether or not to win when the player enters a specific winning opening provided on the board, and is arranged on the back side of the transparent game board so that it can be seen through the transparent game board The identification information group which is variablely displayed and stopped based on the lottery result of the internal lottery means is variable based on the lottery result of the internal lottery means in the center display area arranged corresponding to the substantially center position of the transparent game board. If a game ball wins the specific winning opening when a predetermined display means for displaying and a predetermined variable display hold condition are satisfied, the winning game ball is stored as a hold ball up to a predetermined number, and a predetermined fluctuation Display start conditions are met Variable display holding means for holding execution of variable display and stop display of the identification information group corresponding to the winning game balls until the number of held balls reaches a predetermined specified value around the central display area Display area control means for newly setting a peripheral display area and displaying the identification information group in the peripheral display area simultaneously.
(2) In the gaming machine of the present invention, in (1), when the number of reserved balls increases when the number of reserved balls exceeds the specified value, the display area control means displays the number of peripheral display areas corresponding to the increased number. The setting was displayed.
(3) In the gaming machine of the present invention, in the above (1) or (2), the display means includes a drum display section having a rotating drum in the central display area, and is controlled by mechanical rotation stop control of the rotating drum. The identification information arranged on the drum surface is variably displayed.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a transparent gaming board in which a part or all of the fired game ball is guided to flow down on the board is formed of a transparent member, and an effect displayable area on the back side of the transparent gaming board Display means for forming a variable display game corresponding to the reserved ball in the increased variable display area by increasing the peripheral display area which is the variable display area when the number of the reserved balls exceeds the prescribed number And performing the variable display game corresponding to the holding ball in parallel with the currently running variable display game, the digestion of the holding ball can be accelerated. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a state in which a large number of held balls are held, and it is possible to prevent a gaming ball won at the start port from being stored as a held ball and invalidated. Also, other players can easily see that the variable display game is displayed in a plurality of variable display areas, and other players can visually evaluate that the table is well around. In addition, there is an effect that a player who is playing can appeal to the outside that his / her arm for winning a game ball to the starting port is good. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a display having a novel visual effect that uses the entire board surface of the gaming machine widely and dynamically, and can give an impact to the player.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a transparent gaming board partly or entirely formed of a transparent member, and internal lottery means for lottery when a game ball enters a specific winning opening on the transparent gaming board. A display means for forming an effect displayable area behind the transparent game board and variably displaying the identification information group in the central display area; and storing the number of reserved game balls held up to a predetermined number and storing the predetermined variation Variable display holding means for holding execution of variable display and stop display of the identification information group corresponding to the winning game ball until a display start condition is satisfied; and when the number of held balls reaches a predetermined specified value, Display area control means for newly setting a peripheral display area around the central display area and displaying the identification information group in the peripheral display area simultaneously. In other words, an internal lottery is performed when a game ball flowing down a transparent game board enters a specific winning opening provided on the board, and the display means arranged in the central display area behind the transparent game board The gist is that the identification information group is variably displayed, and the identification information group is simultaneously displayed in the peripheral display area when the number of reserved game balls having a predetermined number as an upper limit reaches a predetermined specified value. It is a thing. This display area control means can produce an effect corresponding to the number of reserved balls at that time, is excellent in the progress of the game, and widely and dynamically utilizes the entire board surface of the gaming machine to notify the player. It is possible to provide a gaming machine excellent in gaming property that can provide visibility and a novel visual effect. In addition, since the variable display game is simultaneously displayed in a plurality of display areas, it is possible to obtain an effect of visually appealing to the outside that the player is excellent in the winning skill of the game ball.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the number of reserved balls increases beyond the specified value, the display area control means sets and displays the peripheral display areas corresponding to the increased number. You can also. By increasing the number of areas, a variable display game corresponding to the holding ball is played in the increased display area, and a variable display game corresponding to the holding ball is played in parallel with the variable display game currently being played. It is possible to accelerate the digestion of the holding ball. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a state in which a large number of held balls are held, and to prevent the game balls won at the starting port from being stored and held invalid.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a drum display unit having a rotating drum is arranged at the opening of the transparent game board corresponding to the central display region, and this is configured as a part of the display unit means for rotation. The identification information arranged on the drum surface can be variably displayed by the rotation stop control of the drum. By combining such a drum display unit with a liquid crystal display device or the like, or arranging it alone in the central display area, it is possible to further add game diversity due to the retro effect of the effect.

  The transparent game board is a game board in which obstacle nails and windmills for changing the flow direction of the game ball, a game ball winning opening, a winning gate, and the like are erected. A game ball flow path is formed between the front surface of the game board and a glass plate arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval. The game ball flows down the game ball flow path while colliding with an obstacle nail or the like. The main part of the transparent game board is made of various synthetic resin plates such as transparent acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, methacrylic resin, and glass plate, and almost all areas of the transparent game board can be displayed and displayed behind the game board. Display means such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electronic Luminescent) is provided. In the present embodiment, the display area of the effect displayable area is set wide so that at least about ¼ or more of the total area on the front side of the gaming machine is a transparent portion.

  The display means includes various liquid crystal display devices, plasma display devices, rotating drum devices and the like disposed on the back side of the transparent game board, and the operation thereof is controlled by display area control means to be described later. The display area control means is controlled via a control unit such as a computer that executes a game program in the gaming machine, and a plurality of display areas can be set at predetermined positions of all the effect displayable areas in the display means. . The display means is, for example, a single liquid crystal panel that is a liquid crystal display device, and can be disposed so as to substantially cover the entire back surface area including the game ball movable area and the game ball non-movable area formed on the transparent game board. it can. In addition, a plurality of liquid crystal panels whose sizes and shapes are different or the same shape are arranged at predetermined positions behind the transparent game board so that they can be seen from the front side of the transparent game board, and each liquid crystal panel Can correspond to individual display areas. Note that a plurality of display areas arranged in the effect displayable area on the display means can be set for each display position, shape, and size by the display area control means described later.

  The internal lottery means is driven by a game program and functions as a controller that manages the entire gaming machine. The internal lottery means performs an internal lottery process when a game ball wins a winning opening on the transparent game board. The jackpot game execution means for driving the jackpot game when this is won is driven. In this way, through a reach state in which a plurality of identification information images variably displayed in a predetermined display area of the display means are in a predetermined specific combination, a round game or the like can be made a jackpot game state that can be continued a predetermined number of times. It is supposed to be migrated.

  The effect displayable area is formed over substantially the entire display unit disposed on the back side of the transparent game board. The center display area is arranged in an effectable area corresponding to the approximate center position of the transparent game board, that is, the center of the game ball movable range, and the effect information including a plurality of identification information groups and other effect images at the time of the game is provided. An effect is displayed. A plurality of peripheral display areas are arranged on the concentric circles in the non-movable game ball area around the central display area, and the display of the effect information can be sequentially moved. As a result, game performance information such as pachinko to be executed is displayed on the display means without a sense of incongruity in a natural flow, and a new story property in a variable display game is added to further increase the diversity and interest of the game. Enhanced. In addition, the number of peripheral display areas developed and displayed around the central display area is increased in correspondence with the number of reserved variable display games held, so that the player can be accurately informed of the hold status in the game. You can also.

  The variable display holding means is configured to display the variable display game until a condition for starting execution of the variable display game is satisfied when the game ball passes through the specific winning opening on the transparent game board and the corresponding variable display game cannot be executed. While holding the execution, it has a function of storing the number of winning game balls held up to a predetermined number. Note that such variable display holding means is carried out by the control unit, and the holding process of the variable display game is executed by determining information on the game balls entering the specific winning opening and the number of the holding balls. Accordingly, there is a condition that the variable display game can be executed when the game ball passes through the start area but the variable display game corresponding to the passage of the game ball to the start area cannot be executed due to execution of the variable display game. Can be held until established.

  The display area control means is provided with a function of simultaneously displaying the identification information group in the newly set peripheral display area when the number of reserved balls reaches a predetermined specified value, and the control section that controls the entire game program. This function is carried out. The display area control means is controlled by a game program loaded on a control unit that manages the entire game. The control unit controls the entire pachinko game by including a CPU, a memory storing game programs for the entire pachinko game, and other rewritable memories, and also has a function as a jackpot execution means. When the display means is controlled by this display area control means and the number of reserved balls reaches the specified value, a new peripheral display area is set, and the variation display and stop display of the identification information group are performed in the same manner as the central display area. Let it continue. Thus, the display area control means has a function of effect-displaying a plurality of display areas (a center display area, a peripheral display area, etc.) in the effect displayable area on the display unit.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the embodiment has an internal lottery means for lottery when a game ball has entered a specific winning slot on the transparent game board, and the identification information group is variable in the central display area. Display means for displaying, variable display holding means for holding execution of variable display and stop display of the identification information group corresponding to the winning game ball, and the identification information group when the number of held balls reaches a predetermined specified value. Since it has display area control means for effect display at the same time as the central display area in the peripheral display area of the display means, it is possible to effectively perform effects corresponding to the variable display game held at that time in each display area. Providing gaming machines with excellent game playability and efficiency that can give a player visual and innovative visual effects by making full use of the entire board surface of the gaming machine widely and dynamically. This Can. Furthermore, since the display of the game state is always secured in the central display area in front of the player, the player can surely grasp the fluctuation status after this reach and is continuously displayed in the peripheral display area. You can enjoy the game while looking around.

  Furthermore, the variable display game corresponding to the holding ball is played in each display area, and the variable display game corresponding to the holding ball is played in parallel with the currently displayed variable display game, so that the reservation of the holding ball can be accelerated. . Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a large number of held balls are held, and to prevent a game ball that has won a winning opening from being stored as a held ball and invalidated. Also, other players can easily see that the variable display game is displayed in a plurality of variable display areas, and other players can visually evaluate that the table is well around. In addition, there is an effect that the player who is playing can appeal to the outside that his / her arm for winning the game ball to the starting port is good. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a display having a novel visual effect that uses the entire board surface of the gaming machine widely and dynamically, and can give an impact to the player.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically based on the drawings.

(Configuration of pachinko machines)
1 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of each part constituting the pachinko gaming machine, FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIG. 4 is a view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows a control circuit.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a gaming machine installation base (game island) (not shown) provided in the game hall, A main body frame 12 disposed in the frame 11, a transparent game board 14 and other various parts (not shown) which are detachably attached to the main body frame 12, and one side pivotally attached to the main body frame 12 for opening and closing. Liquid crystal as a display means that is positioned on the back side of the transparent game board 14 and is detachably attached to the back side of the main body frame 12 so as to be visible through the transparent game board 14 and the free front frame 16. And a display device 32.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 may be disposed so as to overlap all or a part of the transparent game board 14 from the back side, and the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed so as to overlap substantially the entire transparent game board 14. doing. In other words, the game ball movable area 15a and the game ball non-movable area 15b formed on the transparent game board 14 are arranged so as to overlap each other.

  In this way, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed so as to overlap substantially the entire transparent game board 14 and can be seen through from the transparent game board 14, so that the game ball movable range 15 a on the transparent game board 14 and the game can be viewed. The effect displayable area A is formed so as to include a substantially rectangular display area so as to include the sphere non-movable area 15b.

  Then, the display area control means sets the central display area B at a substantially central position corresponding to the game ball movable area 15a in the effect displayable area A, and the lower left corresponding to the game ball non-movable area 15b around it. A single or a plurality of peripheral display areas C are arranged at the corners, etc., and the identification information can be displayed in a variable manner in each area, or an effect image can be displayed. The peripheral display area C can also be displayed in an effect while moving in a predetermined number, for example, the game ball non-movable area 15b around the game ball movable area 15a. In addition, the individual displayable areas displayed in each part on the effect displayable area A can arbitrarily set the arrangement configuration such as the shape, arrangement, and size according to the form of the game. The number of peripheral display areas C may be divided on the game ball non-movable area 15b so as to be equal to a predetermined number of rounds, for example, the total number of rounds of 15, or may be arbitrary in the effect displayable area A Alternatively, it may be set in a state of being distributed in the partitioned area.

  Moreover, as a display means arrange | positioned in the center display area | region B, an opening part may be provided in the center of the transparent game board 14, and you may make it arrange | position the drum display part which has a rotating drum here. In this way, by rotating and controlling the rotation of a rotating drum driven by a hardware configuration such as a motor, the identification information arranged on the drum surface is variably displayed in the central display area B and combined with a liquid crystal display device or the like serving as the peripheral display area C. Diversity can be added to the production.

  Thus, a plurality of identification information groups in a variable display game, which will be described later, are variably displayed in the central display area B located at the center of the transparent game board 14. Then, the variable display of the identification information group is shifted to the peripheral display area C when the number of reserved balls reaches the specified value, and a still image including a round indicator for each game and its game information is displayed in the peripheral display area C. Or a moving image may be displayed sequentially. The effect image and the background image related to the variable display game can be displayed at any position in the effect displayable area A. In the effect displayable area A, a normal symbol 94 in a normal symbol game, which will be described later, can also be displayed without being limited to the divided display state of each individual display region.

  Speakers 46R and 46L are attached to the upper portion of the main body frame 12, and a firing handle 26 is attached to the lower right side. That is, a player who plays a game on the pachinko gaming machine 10 is positioned on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to operate the launch handle 26 and the like, and is in a state of facing the transparent gaming board 14. . Further, on the back side of the firing handle 26, a launching device 130 (see FIG. 4) having a bullet ball device made of a solenoid or the like is provided. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the launching handle 26. ) Is provided, and when the touch sensor is touched, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the shooting handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the shooting device 130 according to the rotation angle, and the game balls are sequentially supplied to the transparent game board 14. Fired. Note that the touch sensor provided on the firing handle 26 may be any sensor that can determine that the player has gripped the firing handle 26. The type of sensor, such as an optical detection sensor or a thermal detection sensor, may be used. It doesn't matter.

  In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes a tray unit attached to the lower front portion of the main body frame 12 so that an upper plate 20 and a lower plate 22 are formed and positioned below the front frame 16. It is arranged. The game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are supplied to the launching device 130, and the game balls exceeding the capacity of the upper plate 20 are supplied to the lower plate 22. Reference numeral 19 denotes a transparent protective plate made of glass or the like, and is attached to the opening of the front frame 16. Reference numeral 46 ′ denotes a cover for the speakers 46 R and 46 L, which is formed on the front frame 16. Reference numeral 132 denotes various lamps used for effect display and notification.

  The transparent game board 14 is formed of a transparent member using acrylic resin and is entirely transmissive. Arc guide rails 30a and 30b are provided on the front surface of the transparent game board 14 and surrounded by the guide rails 30a and 30b. The inner side is set as a game ball movable area 15a, and the game ball non-movable area 15b is set on the outer side thereof. The game ball launched by the operation of the launch handle 26 is guided by the guide rail 30a and flows down in the game ball movable range 15a. Also, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 are driven on the transparent game board 14 as shown in FIG. 2, and the flow direction when the game ball flows down the game ball movable range 15a from the upper part to the lower part is changed in a complicated manner. I am doing so. In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not set it as the structure which drives the obstruction nail | claw 13, but protrudes in the front direction of the transparent game board 14 with the resin-made or metal rod-shaped body (what is called a pachikon machine). Note that the obstacle nail 13 is omitted in FIGS. 1 and 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4 that greatly change the flow direction of the game ball are vertically opposed to each other at a substantially central position of the transparent game board 14. It is arranged. In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the area between the first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4 is an effect displayable area (variable display game display area). The first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4 can also be formed of a transparent member.

  Further, the transparent game board 14 includes a plurality of general winning ports 5 that are awarded when a game ball enters, a starting port 6 as a specific winning port that triggers the start of the variable display game, and a variable display game. In the round game executed when winning, the winning prize opening 8 that can be opened for a predetermined time, and further, the general winning prize opening 5, the starting opening 6 that triggers the start of the variable display game, and the winning prize opening 8 are not entered. Out holes 7 through which the game balls are discharged to the game ball movable range 15a are disposed, and the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed on the back surface of the transparent game board 14 has openings not shown corresponding to these winning holes, respectively. Is formed. The game balls that have entered through the opening are collected through the back side of the liquid crystal display device 32 and are subjected to a payout process.

  The big winning opening 8 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed. In the round game, the shutter 40 is in an open state in which a game ball can be easily received. Further, in this special winning opening 8, a specific area (not shown) called a V zone having a V count sensor 102 (see FIG. 4) and a general area (see FIG. 4) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 4). The shutter 40 is driven in an open state until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through these areas or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. The In other words, when either of the conditions for winning a predetermined number of game balls at the grand prize winning opening 8 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the big winning opening 8 is put into a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. Subsequently, the shutter 40, which has been changed from the open state to the closed state, is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 8 in the open state has passed through the V count sensor 102. In other words, the game ball received when the grand prize winning opening 8 is in the open state is closed on the condition that the game ball passed through the V zone provided in the big winning prize opening 8 and then opened again, and the round game Can be continued.

  Further, the start opening 6 provided above the big winning opening 8 serves as a trigger for starting the variable display game as described above. When a game ball wins the start opening 6, a variable display game is provided. Is started, and a plurality of columns of identification information groups are variably displayed in a predetermined area on the effect displayable area A. It should be noted that the symbols as identification information used in the variable display game in this embodiment are arithmetic numbers 0 to 9, and an identification information group in which a plurality of identification information is gathered is represented as a display area A having a predetermined size. Can be displayed in three horizontal rows in the central display area B and the peripheral display area C.

  The starting condition of the variable display game is that a game ball is won at the start port 6, and the variable display of the identification information group is performed every time the variable display start condition of the predetermined identification information group is satisfied. Become. In the present embodiment, the winning of the game ball at the start port 6 is set as the variable display start condition of the variable display game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used.

  In addition, when the game ball enters the start port 6, the variable display game is being executed, and the variable display game is put on hold on condition that the upper limit hold number has not been reached. That is, when a game ball wins the start opening 6 during the variable display of the identification information group in the variable display game, the game ball wins the start opening 6 until the identification information group in the variable display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the variation display of the identification information group based is suspended. Then, when the identification information of each identification information group is stopped and displayed in a state where execution of variable display of the identification information group is suspended, execution of variable display of the suspended identification information group is started. .

  Here, when the identification information is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the identification information group is executed once. For example, when the identification information group is suspended for three times and the identification information is stopped and displayed, one of the variable display of the identification information held is executed once, The two doses will be held thereafter.

  In addition, when winning in the general winning opening 5 and the big winning opening 8, for example, 10 game balls are paid out as winning balls for each winning entry and enter the start opening 6. For example, 5 game balls are paid out as winning balls for each winning.

  Ball passage detection gates 55, 55 are provided on the left and right sides of the starting port 6, and when the ball passage detection gate 55 detects the passage of a game ball, as shown in FIG. When the normal symbol 94 fluctuates at a predetermined position 32 and is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol such as a circle as shown, for example, a movable piece attached to the start port 6 by a solenoid 118 (see FIG. 4). 58 (so-called tulip, an electric accessory) is driven in the opening direction from the initial closed state so that the game ball can easily enter the start port 6. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the movable piece 58 is closed again, and the game ball returns to a state where it is difficult to enter the starting port 6. In this embodiment, such change display and stop display of the normal symbol 94 are referred to as a normal symbol game.

  Furthermore, a path 9 for winning game balls is provided on the back surface of the transparent game board 14, and the game balls that have entered the general winning opening 5, the start opening 6 and the big winning opening 8 pass through the passage 9. Collected. The game ball passing through the passage 9 can be visually recognized by the player through the transparent game board 14. Since the liquid crystal display device 32 is separated from the transparent gaming board 14 and attached to the main body frame 12, the weight of the liquid crystal display device 32 is not applied to the transparent gaming board 14, and the operator maintains the pachinko gaming machine 10. It is possible to reduce labor when playing the game, and to replace the transparent game board 14 freely.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the transparent gaming board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32 arranged so as to be seen through from the transparent gaming board 14 form an almost entire area of the transparent gaming board 14 as an effect displayable area. As a result, while playing a pachinko game aiming at winning a prize ball by launching a game ball as usual, various presentation displays corresponding to the game correspond to the game ball non-movable range 15b of the transparent game board 14 It is possible to display the game everywhere, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game by the effect of displaying the game information and the like sequentially.

Conventionally, when the size of the liquid crystal display device 32 is increased, the sizes of the game ball movable area 15a and the game ball non-movable area 15b are relatively reduced, and the change in the behavior of the game ball is poor, so that the pachinko game is interesting. However, according to the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the display area A can be secured sufficiently wide while the various display areas can be enlarged and varied to execute various effects. In particular, in the present embodiment, when the number of reserved balls reaches a predetermined value, the display area of the fluctuation state such as a plurality of identification information groups is simultaneously displayed in the central display area B and the peripheral display area C. As a result, it is possible to efficiently perform an effect display accompanied by a novel change using substantially the entire transparent game board 14, and to give a large impact that the player can further enjoy the game. The display area control means for executing such control will be described in detail later.
(Electric configuration of pachinko machines)
A block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

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

  A program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored in the main ROM 68. In addition, a jackpot determination table and an effect to be referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery are selected. Various tables such as an effect condition selection table to be referred to when performing are stored.

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

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

  The main RAM 70 includes a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a high probability flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a missed symbol determination random number counter, an effect condition selection random number counter, and a number of winning prize opening times. A counter Rc, a special prize winning prize counter Vc, a waiting time timer, a special winning prize opening time timer, a variable display game, a variable relating to an output including data indicating the number of holdings in a normal symbol game, etc. Data, variables, etc. for supplying

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the variable display game. The specific area passing flag is for determining whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area. The high probability flag indicates whether or not to relatively increase the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state.

  The jackpot determining random number counter is for determining the jackpot of the variable display game. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining a symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol”) as identification information related to the jackpot that is stopped and displayed when the jackpot is determined in the variable display game. The off-set symbol determination random number counter is for determining identification information to be stopped and displayed when it is not a big hit. The effect condition selection random number counter is for determining a variation display pattern of the identification information. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing.

  In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided. Further, although it is out of place, a reach determination counter or the like for determining whether or not to reach may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The big prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the big prize opening 8. Note that the timer in the present embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

  The big prize opening number counter Rc (see FIG. 18) indicates the number of times the big prize opening 8 is opened in the big hit gaming state, that is, the number of round games (so-called round number). Further, the grand prize winning prize counter Vc (see FIG. 18) indicates the number of game balls that won the big prize winning opening 8 during one round and passed the V count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104. In addition, the data indicating the number of holdings in the variable display game holds the variation display when the game ball wins the starting port 6 but the variation display of the identification information cannot be executed. This indicates the number of times the information has changed. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved games in the normal symbol game holds the fluctuation display when the game ball passes through the ball passage detection gate 55 but the normal symbol 94 cannot be displayed. The number of fluctuations of the normal symbol 94 is shown. In addition, a special symbol storage area and a normal symbol storage area are positioned and stored in the main RAM 70.

  The special symbol storage area stores data such as a big hit determination random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and clear data corresponding to one variable display in the variable display game. The special symbol storage area is special from the special symbol storage area (0). There is a symbol storage area (4). In the special symbol storage area (0), data corresponding to the variable display currently being executed is stored. The special symbol storage area (1) to the special symbol storage area (4) store data (starting storage information) corresponding to the variable display executed after the currently executed variable display is completed. . That is, when all the data in the special symbol storage area (0) to the special symbol storage area (4) is clear data, the current variable display is not executed, and the hold for executing the variable display is also performed. It will not be.

  When the variable display of the current identification information is finished, each data of the special symbol storage area (1) to the special symbol storage area (4) is transferred from the special symbol storage area (0) to the special symbol storage area ( 3), and clear data is stored in the special symbol storage area (4). As a result, the special symbol storage area is updated. On the other hand, the normal symbol storage area also includes the normal symbol storage area (0) to the normal symbol storage area (4), as in the special symbol storage area. Further, as in the special symbol storage area, update control of the normal symbol storage area is performed. The main RAM 70 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a start storage unit.

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

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66.

  The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub control circuit 200).

  Also, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a V count sensor 102, a count sensor 104, a general winning ball sensor 106, a passing ball sensor 114, a starting winning ball A sensor 116, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a special prize opening solenoid 120, a seesaw solenoid 122, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  Here, the V count sensor 102 is provided in the V zone in the special winning opening 8. The V count sensor 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the V zone at the special winning opening 8.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general pitching zone different from the V zone in the special winning opening 8. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the general entry zone at the special winning opening 8.

  The general winning ball sensor 106 is provided in the general winning opening 5. The general winning ball sensor 106 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through each of the general winning ports 5.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in each of the ball passing detection gates 55. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the ball passing detection gate 55.

  The start winning ball sensor 116 is provided at the start port 6. The start winning ball sensor 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the start opening 6.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to a movable piece 58 attached to the start port 6 via a link member (not shown), and is movable according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. Is in an open state or a closed state.

  The special prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to a shutter 40 (see FIG. 3) that opens and closes the special prize opening 8, and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. Is in an open state or a closed state.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 has a plate shape and is connected to a seesaw (not shown) provided inside the shutter 40. The seesaw solenoid 122 is displaced in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to change the inclination of the seesaw. . As a result of the tilting of the seesaw, the game ball is switched so that the game ball can easily pass through the V zone or the general entrance zone.

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

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / firing control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out a game ball as a prize ball, a launch device 130 that fires a game ball, and a card unit 150.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  In addition, the launching device 130 is provided with a device for launching a game ball such as the launching solenoid (or launching motor) or the touch sensor described above.

  Furthermore, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of various lamps 132, and the like in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. Also, it functions as display area control means for switching and controlling the positions of the central display area B and the peripheral display area C in the effect displayable area A.

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 200 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 60.

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

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. In particular, the sub CPU 206 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32 and functions as various means described later, including display area control means.

  In the program ROM 208, a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the sub CPU 206 is stored, and various table data defining setting conditions for making a determination regarding the effect display are also stored.

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns that define conditions related to the progress of effect display. The effect display by the sub-control circuit 200 controlled by this effect pattern is executed according to the progress of the variable display game including the change display and the stop display of the identification information. In the present embodiment, various images that are displayed in the effect displayable area A so as to display a round indicator for each executed round game are related to the progress order of the round game or are randomly selected. A program for setting and executing the display pattern is stored in the program ROM 208, and a predetermined effect display is executed in accordance with this program. An effect pattern for changing the effect image in the effect displayable area A0 for each round game is also stored in the program ROM 208 and can be executed along the effect determination table.

  In the sub-control circuit 200 according to the present embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage unit that stores programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a computer-readable storage medium including the control unit is used. As long as it is different, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as the storage means. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 is provided. In this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 described above may be stored in the main ROM 68 and executed by the main CPU 66. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 68 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables and the like such as an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern are positioned. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The display control circuit 250 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212 as display control means, an image data ROM 216 that stores various image data, a D / A converter 218 that converts image data as an image signal, and a power source. It comprises an initial reset circuit 220 that generates a reset signal when it is turned on. The VDP 212 described above is connected to the sub CPU 206, the image data ROM 216 storing the image data, the D / A converter 218 that converts the image data into an image signal, and the initial reset circuit 220.

  The VDP 212 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying an image in the effect displayable area A of the liquid crystal display device 32. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, an image is displayed in the effect displayable areas A0 to A8 divided and set in the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

  In the image data ROM 216, various image data such as identification information image data indicating identification information, background image data, effect image data, and normal symbol image data indicating a normal symbol 94 are separately stored. Of course, related image data indicating a related image is also stored.

  The VDP 212 also receives identification information image data indicating identification information, normal symbol image data indicating normal symbol 94, background image data, effect image data, and the like from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206. Various image data are read out, and image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is generated.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, for example, there is provided an effect display area distribution table for defining the arrangement location of each display area in the effect displayable area A that is relatively associated one-to-one with the progression order of round games, for example. During a round game, an effect display such as a round sign in a round game may be performed at a predetermined position in accordance with an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206 while referring to the effect display area distribution table.

  Further, the VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores it in the buffer, and supplies it to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal, and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32, thereby displaying an image on each display area of the liquid crystal display device 32.

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

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

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

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

(Description of display area control routine)
The pachinko gaming machine configured as described above is entirely managed and driven by a game program that controls the liquid crystal display device 32, the payout device 128, and the like. A display area control routine that is called and executed from this game program will be described below with reference to a flowchart (FIG. 5) and an explanatory diagram (FIG. 6) showing an execution form thereof.

  The display area control routine newly sets the peripheral display area C when the reserved number of winning game balls stored with the predetermined number as an upper limit reaches a predetermined specified value, and sets a plurality of identification information groups in the central display area. This is a routine for effect display on B and the peripheral display area C simultaneously. That is, the display area control routine sets each display area (the central display area B and the peripheral display area C) in the effect displayable area A of the liquid crystal display device 32 when the predetermined number of reserved balls is reached. A plurality of identification information groups that are variably displayed in the display area B are displayed in the peripheral display area C at a position corresponding to the game ball non-movable area 15b around the game ball movable area 15a. They are displayed at the same time. The program for the display area control routine is stored in the program ROM 208 of the sub-control circuit 200, and the data portion of the display pattern such as the order and display position for setting each display area on the effect displayable area A as required. Can be rewritten and executed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the first step S1 in the display area control routine, the number N of reserved balls at that time stored in advance by the variable display holding means is acquired. Here, the display holding means causes the identification information to be variably displayed in the central display area B of the liquid crystal display device 32 through the passage of the game ball to a specific winning opening such as the start opening 6 provided on the transparent game board 14. The variable display game is executed, the execution of the variable display game corresponding to the game ball entered during the execution of the variable display game is suspended, and the number N of retained balls is stored.

In step S2, the obtained number of reserved balls N is compared with a predetermined value _Nk, and if N = _Nk , the process goes to the next step S3, and if N < _Nk , the parent routine. Return to

  In step S <b> 3, display area effect processing is performed for displaying the variation display of the plurality of identification information groups that has been executed in the central display area B also in the peripheral display area C. It should be noted that the peripheral display area C on the effect displayable area A is data of effect patterns set in advance at respective positions such as the left, right, top, and bottom corners on the substantially circumference corresponding to the game ball movable area 15a of the transparent game board 14. One or more can be set based on the game, and it is also possible to select a predetermined pattern according to game information such as a game history and a game time zone at that time. In this case, for example, the game information such as the number of winning balls and the number of winning balls acquired in the game is acquired via a ball sensor connected to each interface of the gaming machine, a timer of the main control circuit 60, etc. The game information may be stored in the memory portion of the main control circuit 60 which is a control unit.

  In this way, when the game ball has entered the specific winning opening on the transparent game board 14, a variation display of a plurality of identification information groups is displayed in the central display area B, and the number of reserved balls N is displayed as a parameter. The effect process in the effect displayable area A that changes the area is performed. Then, the variation state of the identification information group in the variable display game is displayed on the peripheral display area C around the central display area B. Further, if necessary, an effect display such as flashing around the peripheral display area C according to the story development of the variable display game, etc., or causing the peripheral display area C to move around on the non-movable game ball 15b An effect process such as effect display of game information in each display area is added, and the process returns to the main program.

(Description of display screen)
The effect screen displayed through the display area control routine in the effect displayable area A of the liquid crystal display device 32 arranged on the back of the transparent game board 14 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. 6 (a) to 6 (d) are schematic diagrams showing each effect screen seen through the transparent game board in each display area on the effect displayable area A in the liquid crystal display device 32 of the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG.

  First, a pachinko game is started, and an internal lottery process is performed when a game ball enters a specific winning opening. In response to the result of the lottery, a plurality of identification information groups are variably displayed in the central display area B, and a variable display game is started. Then, the number of game balls won in succession during the execution of the variable display game is counted, and a predetermined number, for example, up to four, is stored as the number of reserved balls that are not executed for the winning game balls, and a predetermined variable display is started. Until the condition is satisfied, a process of suspending execution of change display and stop display of the identification information group corresponding to the winning game ball is performed. In this way, as shown in FIG. 6A, the number of reserved balls at the time of the game is displayed in the reserved ball number display area D arranged above the central display area B, and a plurality of identification information groups are displayed on the central display area B. Is displayed fluctuating. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, an example is shown in which the reserved ball number display area D is provided above the central display area B in the effect displayable area A. It is also possible to omit the region D, or to arrange a display device having a hardware configuration different from the liquid crystal display such as a plurality of LED rows and display lamp rows on the transparent game board 14.

When the game is continuously executed, a large number of game balls are awarded to the specific winning opening, the number N of retained balls increases, and the number N of retained balls reaches a predetermined prescribed number N _k (in this case, N _k = 2), FIG. As shown in (b), a plurality of columns of identification information groups that have been variably displayed or stopped on the central display area B are simultaneously displayed on the peripheral display area C. In this way, the performance corresponding to the number of reserved balls at that time can be performed to make the progress of the game more efficient, and the entire display surface of the gaming machine can be used widely and dynamically for effect display.

FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a modification example in which when the reserved ball number N increases beyond the specified value N _k , two peripheral display areas C corresponding to the increased number are set and displayed respectively. is there. Here, when the number of reserved balls is two more than the prescribed number N _{k, the} peripheral display areas C at the lower left corner and the upper right corner on the effect displayable area A are dynamically arranged and set so as to sequentially draw a locus. In addition to the central display area B, variable display games are developed and displayed at three locations. Thus, by moving the display area on the display means, the player's line of sight is invited to further enhance the impact by this visual effect.

  FIG. 6D shows an example in which symbols and the like related to the jackpot game are displayed in each of the four display areas on the effect displayable area A when the jackpot game state is established in any variable display game. Accordingly, it is possible to visually appeal to other players that the variable display game is displayed in the plurality of variable display areas, and to show off the superiority of the game amount. In addition, since the visual effect is large in this way, it is possible to prevent a state in which a large number of held balls are held, and to prevent a game ball that has won a specific winning opening from being stored and invalidated as a held ball. . In the present embodiment, the identification information groups in the peripheral display area have the same display contents, but there is no problem even if the identification information groups are different from each other.

  It should be noted that the effect image by the character image may be appropriately displayed in each of the plurality of display areas in accordance with the variable display in the central display area B. And when winning by the internal lottery by the random lottery, the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific combination such as “777”. Thus, the effect display of the image displayed in the effect displayable area A is performed through the display area control routine.

  In this way, the player can witness the effect image dynamically developed and displayed in the effect displayable area A using the substantially entire area of the transparent game board 14 and enjoy the effect contents according to the progress of the game. be able to. Furthermore, in addition to the satisfaction that has been shifted to the jackpot gaming state, it will come into contact with a production display accompanied by an unprecedented change. Further, the game state can be easily grasped visually and intuitively by the display state of the effect displayable area A, and the game can be smoothly advanced. In addition, even in-game personnel on the game hall side can easily grasp the progress of the game of the player, and can immediately prepare so-called dollar boxes for receiving winning balls, etc., leading to improved services. Can do.

(Machine machine operation)
The processing executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIGS. 11 to 17 below. Moreover, the state transition of the special symbol control process (FIG. 9) performed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Main process)
First, as shown in FIG. 7, initial setting processing such as RAM access permission, backup restoration processing, and work area initialization is executed (step S11). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7, a special symbol control process relating to the progress of the variable display game and the identification information displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is executed (step S15). As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the process in step S15 is repeatedly executed.

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

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process so that the count values of the jackpot determination random number counter, the jackpot symbol determination random number counter, and the like are incremented by “1” (step S42). Then, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 12, an input detection process for detecting the winning or passing of game balls such as the starting port 6, the ball passing detection gate 55, and the general winning port 5 is executed (step S43). In this process, the main CPU 66 stores, in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70, data indicating that the game ball is paid out as a prize ball on the condition that the game ball has been won at various winning ports. A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big prize opening time timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 8 that is opened when a big hit occurs, Various timer update processes are executed (step S44). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S46). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S47.

  In step S47, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. Specifically, these various commands include a demo display command, a derived symbol designation command indicating the type of identification information derived and displayed in the left column, middle column, and right column, and a variation indicating a variation display pattern of the identification information. Includes pattern specification commands. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S49.

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

(Special symbol control processing)
The subroutine executed in step S15 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the numerical values drawn on the sides of step S72 to step S80 indicate the control state flags corresponding to those steps, and one step corresponding to the numerical value according to the numerical value of the control state flag. Is executed, and the variable display game proceeds.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, a process for loading a control state flag is executed (step S71). In this process, the main CPU 66 reads the control state flag. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S72.

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

  In step S72, a special symbol memory check process is executed. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 11, the main CPU 66 checks the number of holdings when the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check, and determines the big hit if there is a holding number. The derivation identification information that is stopped and displayed, the variation pattern of the identification information, and the like are determined. Further, the main CPU 66 sets a value (01) indicating special symbol variation time management in the control state flag, and sets the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the current process in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S73 is executed after the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern determined this time has elapsed. On the other hand, when there is no pending number, a demonstration screen is displayed. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S73.

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

  In step S74, a special symbol display time management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not it is a big hit when the control state flag is a value (02) indicating special symbol display time management and the waiting time after determination has elapsed. In the case of a big hit, the main CPU 66 sets a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management in the control state flag, and sets a time (for example, 10 seconds) corresponding to the big hit start interval in the waiting time timer. That is, after the time corresponding to the big hit start interval elapses, the setting of step S75 is performed. Accordingly, the main CPU 66 executing step S74 performs control to the big hit gaming state advantageous to the player on the condition that the result of variable display of the identification information on the liquid crystal display device 32 is a combination of specific identification information. It will be. The main CPU 66 executing step S74 corresponds to an example of a gaming state control unit. On the other hand, the main CPU 66 sets a value (08) indicating the end of the variable display game when it is not a big hit. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S75.

  In step S75, a big hit start interval management process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 sets the main status in order to open the big winning opening 8 when the control state flag is a value (03) indicating the big hit start interval management and the time corresponding to the big hit start interval has elapsed. Based on the data read from the ROM 68, the variables positioned in the main RAM 70 are updated. The main CPU 66 sets a value (04) indicating that the special winning opening is being opened to the control state flag, and sets an open upper limit time (for example, 30 seconds) to the special winning opening open timer. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S77. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S76.

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

  In step S77, a special winning opening opening process is executed. In this process, when the control status flag is a value (04) indicating that the big prize opening is being opened, the main CPU 66 has passed the condition that the big prize opening prize counter is “10” or more, and the opening upper limit time ( It is determined whether or not any of the conditions that the big prize opening time timer is “0” is satisfied. The main CPU 66 updates a variable positioned in the main RAM 70 in order to close the special winning opening 8 when any of the conditions is satisfied. The main CPU 66 sets a value (05) indicating monitoring of the winning ball remaining ball in the control state flag. The main CPU 66 sets the special ball remaining ball monitoring time (for example, 1 second) in the waiting time timer. That is, it is set so that the process of step S78 is executed after the winning ball residual ball monitoring time has elapsed. Note that the main CPU 66 does not execute the above-described processing when none of the conditions is satisfied. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S78.

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

  In step S79, a big hit end interval process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 controls the value (08) indicating the end of the variable display game when the control state flag is a value (07) indicating the jackpot end interval and the time corresponding to the jackpot end interval has elapsed. Set the status flag. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S80. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S80.

  In step S80, variable display game end processing is executed. In this process, when the control state flag is a value (08) indicating the end of the variable display game, the main CPU 66 stores and updates the data indicating the number of holdings so as to decrease “1”. Then, the main CPU 66 stores data indicating the start memory number designation command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the start memory number designation command stored in this way is supplied as a start memory number designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. . As will be described in detail later, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect corresponding to the received start memory number display command. Further, the main CPU 66 updates the special symbol storage area in order to perform the next fluctuation display. The main CPU 66 sets a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check. That is, it is set to execute the process of step S72. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  As described above, the variable display game is executed by setting the control state flag. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 66 sets the control status flag to “00”, “01”, “02”, when the result of the big hit determination is out of the game in the big hit gaming state. By setting “08” in order, the processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S80 shown in FIG. 9 is executed at a predetermined timing. Further, when the main CPU 66 is not in the big hit gaming state and the result of the big hit determination is a big hit, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flags in order of “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, The processing of step S72, step S73, step S74, and step S75 shown in FIG. Furthermore, when the control to the big hit gaming state is executed, the main CPU 66 sets the control state flag in order of “04”, “05”, “06”, thereby performing step S77 shown in FIG. The process of step S78 and step S76 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the specific game is executed.

  In the case where a specific game is being executed, if the end condition of the jackpot game state (the jackpot game end condition) is satisfied, “04”, “05”, “07”, “08” are set in order. Thus, the processing from step S77 to step S80 shown in FIG. 9 is executed at a predetermined timing, and the big hit gaming state is ended. It should be noted that the specific game end condition is that the game ball has not passed through the specific area until the predetermined time has elapsed (so-called “puncture”), or the maximum number of round games to be continued (in this embodiment, The big hit gaming state will be terminated on the condition that 15 rounds) have been completed.

(Special symbol memory check process)
The subroutine executed in step S72 in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the control state flag is a value (00) indicating a special symbol storage check (step S101), and the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check. If it is determined that there is, the process proceeds to step S102. If it is not determined that the control state flag is a value indicating a special symbol storage check, this subroutine is terminated. In step S102, it is determined whether or not the reserved number is “0”. If it is determined that the data indicating the reserved number is “0”, the process proceeds to step S103, and the reserved number is stored. If it is not determined that the data indicating “0” is “0”, the process proceeds to step S104.

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

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

  In step S105, a jackpot determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 refers to the jackpot determination random number extracted at the time of starting winning and the jackpot determination table stored in a predetermined area of the main ROM 68. That is, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not to enter a big hit gaming state advantageous to the player. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S106.

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

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

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

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

  Note that the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the variable display of the identification information is reached in order to determine the identification information to be stopped and displayed by executing step S107 or step S108. That is, the main CPU 66 that executes step S107 or step S108 in the present embodiment corresponds to reach determination means for determining whether or not the variable display of the identification information becomes reach.

  In step S109, a variation pattern determination process is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 extracts a rendering condition selection random value. The main CPU 66 selects a variation pattern distribution table for determining a variation pattern based on the identification information of the left column, the middle column, and the right column determined in steps S107 and S108. The main CPU 66 determines a variation pattern based on the rendering condition selection random number extracted from the rendering condition selection random number counter and the selected variation pattern distribution table, and stores the variation pattern in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the variation pattern stored in this way is supplied as a variation pattern designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. The sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect display according to the received variation pattern designation command. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S110.

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

(Input detection processing)
The subroutine executed in step S43 in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the main CPU 66 executes prize ball related switch check processing (step S231). In this process, the main CPU 66 is supplied with predetermined detection signals from various sensors such as the V count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, the general winning ball sensor 106, and the starting winning ball sensor 116 which are switches related to the winning ball. Detect whether or not Then, the main CPU 66 that has performed the detection processing of these predetermined signals determines the number of prize balls according to the sensor that has supplied the signal, and stores it in the main RAM 70. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S232.

  In step S232, special symbol related switch input processing is executed. Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 13, it is detected whether a predetermined signal is supplied from the V count sensor 102, the count sensor 104, and the start winning ball sensor 116 related to the identification information as a special symbol. The main CPU 66 that has performed the detection processing of these predetermined signals executes processing as described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S233.

In step S233, normal symbol related switch input processing is executed. In this process, the passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main CPU 66. The main CPU 66 that has received these predetermined signals performs processing such as starting and storing the normal symbol 94. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished. (Special symbol related switch input processing)
The subroutine executed in step S232 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether there is a count switch input (step S261). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a count switch input in accordance with a predetermined signal supplied from the count sensor 104, the main CPU 66 updates the memory so as to increase the big prize winning prize counter Vc by "1". A process at the time of detecting the count switch to be executed is executed (step S262). On the other hand, when the main CPU 66 does not determine that there is a count switch input, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S263.

  In step S263, it is determined whether there is a V count switch input. In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that there is a V count switch input in accordance with a predetermined signal supplied from the V count sensor 102, the main CPU 66 establishes a flag indicating that the specific area has been passed and wins a big prize. A process at the time of detecting the V count switch for updating the memory so as to increase the entrance prize counter Vc by “1” is executed (step S264). On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 does not determine that there is a V count switch input, the process proceeds to step S265.

  In step S265, it is determined whether or not there is a start port switch input. In this process, the main CPU 66 receives the predetermined signal supplied from the start winning ball sensor 116 and determines whether or not there is a start port switch input. If the main CPU 66 determines that there is a start port switch input, it moves the process to step S266. If it does not determine that there is a start port switch input, the main CPU 66 ends this subroutine. That is, the CPU 66 that executes step S265 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a start area detecting unit that detects a game ball that has passed through the start port 6 provided in the game ball movable area 15a in the transparent game board 14.

  In step S266, a start port detection time process is executed, and when this process ends, this subroutine ends. As will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13, if the main CPU 66 determines that the data indicating the number of holds is smaller than “4”, the main CPU 66 extracts a jackpot determination random number value and a jackpot symbol random number value, and the main RAM 70 Is stored in a predetermined area. The main CPU 66 performs a notice execution lottery and sets various commands in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Process when starting port is detected)
The subroutine executed in step S266 in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14, the main CPU 66 reads the starting memory number (so-called “data indicating the holding number” described above) from the starting memory number counter, and whether or not the starting memory number is “4” or more. Is determined (step S501). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that the start memory number is “4” or more, the main CPU 66 ends the present subroutine. In other words, when the number of reserves reaches the upper limit number, the game ball is won at the start port 6, but this subroutine is ended without storing the start memory information. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 determines that the starting memory number is smaller than “4”, the main CPU 66 increments the starting memory number counter by “1” (step S502), and moves the process to step S503.

  In step S503, the main CPU 66 extracts a jackpot determination random number from the jackpot determination random number counter, and extracts a jackpot symbol random number from the jackpot determination random number counter. Then, the main CPU 66 stores the extracted jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value as start-up storage information in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70 (step S504). The data indicating the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value stored in this manner is read out by the main CPU 66 in the processing such as step S105 in FIG. The type of identification information to be determined is determined. As described above, the main CPU 66 satisfies a predetermined variable display start condition that allows variable display of the identification information when a predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied when a game ball enters the start port 6. Until this time, the starting storage information for determining the result of variable display of the identification information is stored with a predetermined number as an upper limit. The main CPU 66 that executes steps S503 and S504 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a start storage unit. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S505.

  In step S505, the main CPU 66 executes processing for comparing the extracted jackpot determination random number value with the jackpot determination value. Then, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the jackpot determination random number value is the same as the jackpot determination value (step S506). In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that the jackpot determination random number value is the same as the jackpot determination value, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to step S508. In this process, when the main CPU 66 determines that the jackpot determination random number value is not the same as the jackpot determination value, the main CPU 66 shifts the process to step S507. As described above, the main CPU 66 that executes steps S505 and S506 stores the start memory information stored in step S504 as specific start memory information indicating that the result of variable display of the identification information is a combination of specific identification information. It will be determined whether or not. The main CPU 66 that executes steps S505 and S506 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a prior determination unit.

  In step S507, the main CPU 66 extracts the notice random number value from the notice random number counter, and determines whether or not the notice execution lottery is won. When the extracted random number for preliminary announcement is “0” or less, the main CPU 66 determines that the preliminary execution lottery has been won. On the other hand, when the extracted random number for preliminary announcement is “1” or more, the main CPU 66 determines that the preliminary execution lottery has not been won. This notice random number counter is updated as an integer from “0” to “199”. For this reason, the probability of winning the notice execution lottery in step S507 is “1/200”. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S509.

  On the other hand, in step S508, the main CPU 66 extracts the random number for notice from the random number for notice and determines whether or not the notice execution lottery has been won. When the extracted random number for preliminary announcement is “99” or less, the main CPU 66 determines that the preliminary execution lottery has been won. On the other hand, if the extracted random number for preliminary announcement is “100” or more, the main CPU 66 determines that the preliminary execution lottery has not been won. Note that, as described above, since the random number counter for notice is updated as an integer from “0” to “199”, the probability of winning the notice lottery in step S508 is “1/2”. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S509.

  In step S509, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not a notice execution lottery has been won. In this process, the main CPU 66 determines whether or not the advance notice lottery is won based on the result of the advance notice lottery in step S507 or step S508. When the main CPU 66 determines that the advance notice lottery has been won, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S511. On the other hand, if the main CPU 66 determines that the advance notice lottery has not been won, the process moves to step S510.

  In step S <b> 510, the main CPU 66 reads data indicating the starting memory number, and sets data indicating a starting memory number designation command based on the data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the start memory number designation command set in this way is supplied as a start memory number designation command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. . As will be described later, the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 executes an effect and a notification regarding the start memory number in accordance with the received start memory number designation command. In addition, the start memory number designation command includes data based on the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number extracted in step S503 (for example, whether or not the random number value is shifted to the jackpot gaming state, identification information) Or the like, whether or not the result of the variable display is reached), and the sub-control circuit 200 (sub CPU 206) supplies the start memory number designation command from the main control circuit 60 to the sub-control circuit 200. For example, it is possible to recognize whether or not the random value is shifted to the big hit gaming state, whether or not the result of variable display of the identification information is reach. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S511, as in step S510, the main CPU 66 reads data indicating the start memory number, and sets data indicating a start memory number designation command based on the data in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. As a result, as described later, in accordance with the received start memory number designation command, effects and notifications regarding the start memory number are executed. Further, the main CPU 66 sets data indicating a notice command in a predetermined area of the main RAM 70. The data indicating the notice command set in this way is supplied as a notice command from the main CPU 66 of the main control circuit 60 to the sub CPU 206 of the sub control circuit 200 by the process of step S47 of FIG. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Operation of sub control circuit)
On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 receives various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 60 and executes a command reception process as shown in FIG.

(Command reception processing)
First, as shown in FIG. 15, it is determined whether or not a start memory number designation command has been received (step S341). In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has received the start memory number designation command from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S342. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has not received the start memory number designation command from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S343.

  In step S342, the sub CPU 206 executes a pending number update process. In this process, the sub CPU 206 sets start memory information, data indicating the start memory number before the update, and data indicating the start memory number after the update in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. Then, the sub CPU 206 determines the start memory number based on the start memory number designation command received from the main control circuit 60, and updates the data indicating the start memory number positioned in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. In this process, the update is performed regardless of the increase / decrease of the reserved number. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, in step S343, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command has been received. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S344. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has not received the variation pattern designation command from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S346.

  In step S344, the sub CPU 206 executes reach determination processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the variation pattern is a reach based on the variation pattern. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S345.

  In step S345, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern with reference to the variation pattern, the reach determination result, and the effect determination table. In this process, the sub CPU 206 refers to the variation pattern included in the variation pattern designation command supplied from the main control circuit 60, the determination result that determines whether or not the reach is reached in step S344, and the effect determination table. . When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

  In step S346, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a notice command has been received. In this process, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the advance command has been received, in step S347 the advance command data indicating that the advance command has been received is set in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210, and this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the notice command has not been received, it moves the process to step S348.

  In step S348, the sub CPU 206 executes control corresponding to the other received command. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Hold display effect processing)
In the sub-control circuit 200, a hold display effect process different from the command reception process is executed at a predetermined timing. This hold display effect process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not a predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied (step S361). As described above, the predetermined variable display hold condition is that when the game ball enters the start port 6, the number of hold does not reach the upper limit and the identification information changes. In the sub control circuit 200, the sub CPU 206 satisfies a predetermined variable display hold condition depending on whether or not the start memory number has been received without increasing the start memory number. It will be judged whether or not. If the sub CPU 206 determines that the predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step 362. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the predetermined variable display hold condition is not satisfied, the sub CPU 206 ends the present subroutine.

  In step S362, the sub CPU 206 executes a process of extracting a random number value for determining the hold display effect pattern. In this process, the sub CPU 206 extracts a random number for determining the hold display effect pattern from the random display counter for determining the hold display effect pattern. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S363.

  In step S363, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a notice command has been received. The sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a notice command has been received depending on whether or not notice command data is set in step S347. If the sub CPU 206 determines that a notice command has been received from the main control circuit 60, it moves the process to step S364. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that it has not received the notice command, it moves the process to step S365.

  In step S364, the sub CPU 206 executes a process of determining a hold display effect pattern based on a notice effect determination table with a notice. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the start storage information is the specific start storage information, whether or not the identification information is the reach start storage information, and whether or not the hold display effect pattern determination disorder extracted in step S362. Based on the numerical value, the hold display effect pattern is selected. Subsequently, the sub CPU 206 sets data indicating the hold display effect pattern thus selected in a predetermined area of the work RAM 210. As a result, the sub CPU 206 performs a hold display effect based on the data indicating the set hold display effect pattern in step 366 described later. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S366.

  In step S365, the sub CPU 206 executes a process for determining a hold display effect pattern based on a notice effect determination table without a notice. In this process, as in step S364, the sub CPU 206 extracts whether or not the start storage information is the specific start storage information and whether or not the identification information is the start storage information that reaches, in step S362. A hold display effect pattern is selected based on the random number value for determining the hold display effect pattern. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S366.

  In step S366, the sub CPU 206 executes a hold display process at a predetermined timing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 supplies the data set in step S364 or step S365 to the VDP 212. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Variation start processing)
Further, the sub control circuit 200 executes a variation start process different from the command reception process, the hold display effect process, and the like at a predetermined timing. This variation start process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 17, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the startup storage information remains (step S381). In this process, the sub CPU 206 reads data indicating the number of starting memories, and determines whether or not the starting memory information remains depending on whether or not the data is “0”. If the sub CPU 206 determines that the start memory information remains, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S382. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the starting storage information does not remain, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S383.

  In step S382, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied. As described above, the predetermined variable display hold condition is a condition in which the identification information fluctuates without reaching the upper limit when the game ball enters the start port 6. If the sub CPU 206 determines that a predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied, the sub CPU 206 ends the present subroutine. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the predetermined variable display hold condition is not satisfied, it moves the process to step S384.

  On the other hand, in step S383, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the game ball has won the start opening 6. In this process, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the game ball has won the start opening 6 depending on whether or not the start memory number has changed from “0” to “1”. If the sub CPU 206 determines that the game ball has won the start opening 6, the process proceeds to step S384. On the other hand, if the sub CPU 206 determines that the game ball has not won the start opening 6, the sub CPU 206 ends the present subroutine.

  In step S384, the sub CPU 206 executes variation start processing. In this process, the sub CPU 206 sets data indicating the variation pattern of the identification information in the work RAM 210. The variation pattern of this identification information is based on a variation pattern designation command. Then, the sub CPU 206 supplies data indicating the variation pattern to the VDP 212 at a predetermined timing. When this process is finished, this subroutine is finished.

(Big hit effect display processing)
Further, the sub control circuit 200 executes a big hit effect display process when the big hit gaming state is generated. This jackpot effect display process will be described with reference to FIG. When the big hit gaming state occurs, as shown in FIG. 18, the main CPU 66 assigns 1 to the big winning opening opening number counter Rc in order to display the effect of the first round game (step S401). That is, it is 1 if the number of rounds is the first. Next, in order to clear the number of balls entered into the big winning opening 8, the big winning opening winning counter Vc is cleared (step S402).

  Next, the sub CPU 206 moves the effect displayable area to a designated position corresponding to the numerical value of the special winning opening opening number counter Rc (step S403). At this time, the sub CPU 206 refers to the effect display area arrangement determination table. That is, the effect displayable area is moved to a predetermined position at a position corresponding to the number of rounds. Then, at each position, the effect display in the round game is executed in the effect displayable area A (step S404). Here, the character is displayed in various ways.

  When this process ends, the main CPU 66 next determines whether or not there is a ball in the V zone (step S405). If there is a winning in the V zone among the winnings at the winning prize opening 8, the winning prize winning counter Vc is incremented (step S406). In step S405, if there is no entry into the V zone, the process proceeds to step S407, and a predetermined time (here, 30 seconds) elapses after the shutter 40 is opened as a condition for closing the shutter 40 of the special winning opening 8. It is determined whether or not a predetermined number (10) of balls have been entered in the special winning opening 8. If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed and there is no predetermined number of balls, the process returns to step S404. If the predetermined time has elapsed or if a predetermined number of balls have been entered, the process proceeds to step S408, and in step S408, of the balls entered to the big winning opening 8, is there a ball entering the V zone? The main CPU 66 ends the big hit gaming state without proceeding to the next round game.

  If there is a ball entering the V zone in step S408, the main CPU 66 shifts the processing to step S409 and increments the big winning opening opening number counter Rc. In step S409, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening opening number counter Rc has reached 16. If less than 16, the process returns to step S402 to continue the round game and output a command signal to the sub CPU 206. Receiving the command signal, the sub CPU 206 moves the effect displayable area to a position corresponding to the number of continued round games and performs a predetermined effect display. In step S409, the main CPU 66 determines that the final round game has ended when the incremented winning prize opening number counter Rc has reached 16, and ends the big hit gaming state.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention performs an internal lottery when the game ball flowing down the transparent gaming board 14 enters the specific winning opening provided on the board, A variable display game is executed by variably displaying the identification information group in the central display area B of the liquid crystal display device 32 arranged behind the transparent game board, and the number of reserved game balls held up to a predetermined number is predetermined. The gist is that the identification information group is simultaneously displayed in the peripheral display area C when the specified value is reached. As a result, an effect corresponding to the number of reserved balls in the variable display game can be provided, and the entire board surface of the gaming machine can be widely and dynamically used to provide visibility and a novel visual effect to notify the player. Excellent playability. In addition, since the variable display game is displayed in a lively manner in a plurality of display areas, it is possible to effectively appeal to the outside that the player is excellent in the winning skill of the game ball.

The embodiments of the present invention are merely specific examples, and the present invention is not limited thereby. In other words, specific configurations such as transparent game board, internal lottery means, display means, variable display holding means, display area control means, etc., each pattern of identification information, etc., depending on the display game to be applied and the form of the gaming machine It can be changed as appropriate. For example, although the reserved ball number display area D is provided in the present embodiment, it can be omitted or replaced with a display unit such as an LED as necessary. Furthermore, the prescribed number N _{k with} respect to the number of reserved balls N can be changed as appropriate to a number other than 2, for example, 3, 4, 5 or the like, depending on conditions such as a game time zone, thereby various in the game. More sex can be added.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the principal part of the same pachinko gaming machine. 1 is a front view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit and a sub control circuit of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the display area control routine called from the game program of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the execution form of the display area control routine performed with the game program of the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing which concerns on the summary performed in the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

6 Start port 8 Grand prize port 10 Pachinko machine (game machine)
14 Transparent game board 15a Game ball movable range 15b Game ball non-movable range 32 Liquid crystal display device (display means)
60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU
A Production displayable area B Central display area C Peripheral display area D Reserved ball count display area

Claims (3)

A transparent game board in which a part or all of the fired game ball is guided to flow down on the board by a transparent member;
An internal lottery means for lottery whether or not the game ball flowing down the transparent game board has entered a specific winning opening provided on the board,
It is arranged on the back side of the transparent gaming board so as to be visually recognized through the transparent gaming board, forms an effect displayable area, and has a central display area arranged corresponding to a substantially central position of the transparent gaming board. Display means for variably displaying the identification information group displayed in a variable manner and stopped based on the lottery result of the internal lottery means;
If a game ball wins the specific winning opening when a predetermined variable display hold condition is satisfied, the number of held game balls is stored up to a predetermined number, and a predetermined variable display start condition is satisfied. Variable display holding means for holding the execution of the change display and stop display of the identification information group corresponding to the winning game ball until,
Display area control means for newly setting a peripheral display area around the central display area and displaying the identification information group simultaneously on the peripheral display area when the number of reserved balls reaches a predetermined specified value; A gaming machine characterized by having.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display area control means sets and displays a peripheral display area having a number of areas corresponding to the increased number when the number of reserved balls exceeds the specified value.   2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display means includes a drum display section having a rotating drum in the central display area, and the identification information arranged on the drum surface is variably displayed by mechanical rotation stop control of the rotating drum. Or the gaming machine of 2.

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